Effects of High Intensity Plank Exercise on Physical Fitness and Immunocyte Function in a Middle-Aged Man: A Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Although the plank exercise is difficult to perform for untrained people, it does not require money, special equipment, or much space. However, it is not known how plank exercises affect physical fitness and immunocyte function. This study analyzed the changes in physical fitness and immune cells of a middle-aged man after performing 4 weeks of elbow plank exercise. Materials and Methods: Elbow plank exercise was performed for approximately 20 min (resting time, around 10 min) a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The intensity was checked daily with ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). When the participant reached an intensity of RPE 15, RPE 16, and RPE 17 of the RPE 20 scale, 1 min of rest was given before repeating the process. Results: Compared with the pre-values, (1) all the physical fitness factors (muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and cardiopulmonary fitness) were increased after 4 weeks; (2) body weight, skeletal muscle mass, and the basal metabolic rate were increased, whereas body fat mass and fat percentage were decreased; and (3) although the variables of complete blood count were changed positively, some were not. Specifically, CD3, CD8, and CD56 were increased, whereas CD4, CD4/CD8, and cytotoxicity were decreased. These results show that elbow plank exercise can improve all factors of physical fitness and improve some of the immunocyte functions of a middle-aged man. Conclusions: This study confirmed that, although the elbow plank exercise of vigorous intensity for 4 weeks improved physical fitness, it was not effective in improving some immunocyte functions. Therefore, the exercise intensity of plank exercises for improving immunocyte functions should be reconsidered.

Anti-Proliferative Effects of HBX-5 on Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an age-dependent disorder with a prevalence percentage of 60% in the 60s, has been found to involve an androgenic hormone imbalance that causes confusion between cell apoptosis and proliferation. Because general medications for BPH treatment have undesirable side effects, the development of effective alternative medicines has been considered. HBX-5 is a newly developed formula with the aim of improving BPH, and is composed of nine medicinal herbs. BPH was induced in the rats by intramuscular injection of testosterone propionate after castration. Rats were divided into six groups, and the efficacy of HBX-5 on testosterone-induced BPH in rats was estimated. In addition, RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells were used to demonstrate the effect of HBX-5 on BPH in vitro model. Compared with the control group, HBX-5 administration group suppressed BPH manifestations, such as excessive development of prostate, and increase of serum dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase concentrations. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that HBX-5 significantly decreased the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In addition, results of RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells showed that HBX-5 inhibited the over-expression of AR and PSA in DHT-induced prostate hyperplastic microenvironments.

Structural Basis for Carbohydrate Recognition and Anti-inflammatory Modulation by Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasite Toxascaris leonina Galectin.

Toxascaris leonina galectin (Tl-gal) is a galectin-9 homologue protein isolated from an adult worm of the canine gastrointestinal nematode parasite, and Tl-gal-vaccinated challenge can inhibit inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease-induced mice. We determined the first X-ray structures of full-length Tl-gal complexes with carbohydrates (lactose, N-acetyllactosamine, lacto-N-tetraose, sialyllactose, and glucose). Bonds were formed on concave surfaces of both carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) in Tl-gal. All binding sites were found in the HXXXR and WGXEER motifs. Charged Arg61/Arg196 and Glu80/Glu215 on the conserved motif of Tl-gal N-terminal CRD and C-terminal CRD are critical amino acids for recognizing carbohydrate binding, and the residues can affect protein folding and structure. The polar amino acids His, Asn, and Trp are also important residues for the interaction with carbohydrates through hydrogen bonding. Hemagglutination activities of Tl-gal were inhibited by interactions with carbohydrates and mutations. We found that the mutation of Tl-gal (E80A/E215A) at the carbohydrate binding region induced protein aggregation and could be caused in many diseases. The short linker region between the N-terminal and C-terminal CRDs of Tl-gal was very stable against proteolysis and maintained its biological activity. This structural information is expected to elucidate the carbohydrate recognition mechanism of Tl-gal and improve our understanding of anti-inflammatory mediators and modulators of immune response.

Evaluation of allergic sensitivity to Acanthamoeba allergen in patients with chronic cough.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba and their proteins can elicit severe allergic airway inflammation in experimental mice. OBJECTIVE: Although Acanthamoeba can induce severe allergic airway inflammation in mice, there is no allergenicity data for humans. METHODS: We performed a skin-prick test on 65 patients with chronic cough by using 54 previously known allergens and Acanthamoeba excretory-secretory proteins and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on 34 patients to evaluate Acanthamoeba-specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. To detect a novel Acanthamoeba allergen, Western blot analysis was performed on serum from patients who reacted positively to Acanthamoeba or some pollen allergens. RESULTS: After skin-prick testing, 29 patients (44.6%) showed positive reactions to one or more common aeroallergens. Acanthamoeba allergenicity was evaluated in 4 of 65 subjects (6.1%). An Acanthamoeba-positive reaction was closely related to several pollen allergens, especially willow tree, poplar, elm, oak, velvet grass, and cockroach. Average levels of Acanthamoeba-specific IgG subtypes in patient serum did not differ compared with healthy subjects; however, Acanthamoeba-specific IgE titers of patients were significantly higher than in healthy subjects. IgE antibodies of patients who tested positive in the skin-prick test reacted strongly to the 15 kDa excretory-secretory protein. Moreover, these antigens also reacted with those who tested positive in the skin-prick test to pollens. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results indicated that some patients with allergy showed a positive response to the skin-prick test and that they also have high IgE serum levels. However, further experimental investigation is warranted because our preliminary findings indicated that Acanthamoeba might be a new allergen in humans.

Negligible Egg Positive Rate of Enterobius vermicularis and No Detection of Head Lice among Orphanage Children in Busan and Ulsan, Korea (2014).

To determine whether pinworm infections and head lice infestations spread among children in orphanages, 117 children from 4 orphanages in Busan-si and Ulsan-si, Korea, were examined for enterobiasis and head lice infestation between January and February 2014. The overall rate of Enterobius vermicularis egg positivity was 0.85%, whereas none of the children had head lice infestations. The rate of pinworm infection was much lower among the orphanage children compared to the rates observed in previous studies among kindergarten and primary school students. Moreover, the risk factors for enterobiasis were less frequent among these subjects than previously reported. The personal hygiene and health of the orphanage children were supervised by a regular, employed nurse through a health education program. In conclusion, pinworm infection was efficiently controlled among the children in orphanages, and this might be related to good personal hygiene practices in Korea.

Effects of physical inactivity behavior during COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness, body composition, inflammatory cytokine, and immunocytes in older adults: A retrospective and prospective study.

The prolonged period of COVID-19 has ingrained physical inactivity as a habit, leading to a reluctance to move. This has resulted in a decline in physical fitness and the loss of a healthy body composition. While this trend is particularly noticeable among the older adults, its impact on the immune cell defense system, which is crucial for minimizing viral infections, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the physical fitness, body composition, cytokines and immunocytes of older adults who engaged in physical activity (PA) before the COVID-19 pandemic but had to stop it due to the lockdown. A total of 172 older adults aged 61 to 85 years participated in this study: 90 in non-PA group (NPAG, 34 men and 56 women), and 82 in PA group (PAG, 29 men and 53 women). Physical inactivity was 45.13 ± 5.67 weeks in the NPAG and 1.70 ± 0.43 weeks in the PAG. Although there was no significant difference in calorie intake, PA volume showed a significant decrease in NPGA (P < 0.001). VO2max, strength, and sit-ups decreased in NPAG, whereas they maintained or increased in PAG (Ps < 0.001). NPAG experienced an increase in fat mass (∼33.0 %), along with a decrease in muscle mass (∼10.4 %), but PAG showed slight increases (∼1.1 % vs. ∼1.5 %, Ps < 0.001). Interleukin-6 (∼38.9 %), tumor necrosis factor-α (∼38.3 %), and C-reactive protein (∼33.6 %) increased, whereas immunocytes decreased in NPAG (Ps < 0.001). In contrast, those in PAG showed the opposite phenomenon. This study indicates that even during the COVID-19 situation, maintaining active PA in the older adults helps retain beneficial physical fitness and body composition, reduces inflammatory factors, and contributes to preserving or enhancing the function of immunocytes.

Comparison of functional gene annotation of Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara canis using CLC genomics workbench.

The ascarids, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, are probably the most common gastrointestinal helminths encountered in dogs. In order to understand biological differences of 2 ascarids, we analyzed gene expression profiles of female adults of T. canis and T. leonina using CLC Genomics Workbench, and the results were compared with those of free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. A total of 2,880 and 7,949 ESTs were collected from T. leonina and T. canis, respectively. The length of ESTs ranged from 106 to 4,637 bp with an average insert size of 820 bp. Overall, our results showed that most functional gene annotations of 2 ascarids were quite similar to each other in 3 major categories, i.e., cellular component, biological process, and molecular function. Although some different transcript expression categories were found, the distance was short and it was not enough to explain their different lifestyles. However, we found distinguished transcript differences between ascarid parasites and free-living nematodes. Understanding evolutionary genetic changes might be helpful for studies of the lifestyle and evolution of parasites.

Environmental factors related to enterobiasis in a southeast region of Korea.

Pinworm infection can occur through contact with contaminated surfaces followed by ingestion or even through inhalation of infective eggs. We have limited information regarding environmental contamination by eggs of Enterobius vermicularis. In order to determine environmental risk factors associated with the rate of E. vermicularis infection, we investigated possible environmental risk factors using a questionnaire from 46 kindergartens in 3 different cities of the southeast area of Korea. In total, using the cellotape anal swab technique, 3,422 children were examined for E. vermicularis infection. We evaluated E. vermicularis egg of books, educational materials, toys, room door handles, dusts of window edges, desks, chairs, tables, and dusts of classrooms. The overall egg-positive rate for E. vermicularis was 6.0%, and the prevalence of enterobiasis in each kindergarten ranged between 0% and 16.9%. We found that 78.9% of egg positive kindergartens were managed by private foundations, which was significantly higher, compared with kindergartens managed by public foundations or the nation. Compared with public or national kindergartens, most private kindergartens were located in residential areas and the number of children in these areas was significantly higher. In conclusion, numbers of children in kindergartens was found to be an environmental risk factor associated with transmission of enterobiasis in Korea.

Effects of walking training at different speeds on body composition, muscle contractility, and immunocytes in the elderly: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the changes in body composition, muscle contractility and immunocytes of the elderly using three types of walking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-six participants were randomly assigned to control group (CON), slow walking group (SWG), moderate walking group (MWG), or fast walking group (FWG). RESULTS: Muscle mass in CON decreased (-2.55 ± 3.63%; P < 0.05), while it increased in FWG (1.92 ± 4.46%; P < 0.05). Fat mass in CON increased, whereas it decreased in MWG and FWG (-18.71 ± 14.22%; P < 0.001). Tc (contraction time) of biceps femoris (BF) decreased in CON, while a decreasing tendency was seen in SWG. Although Tc of BF increased in MWG, it showed a marked increase in FWG (21.19 ± 24.53%; P < 0.05). A similar tendency was observed in the rectus femoris. Leukocytes did not change in CON, but they showed an increasing tendency in MWG and FWG. Neutrophils decreased in CON, whereas the other groups showed an increasing tendency. Lymphocytes (10.25 ± 19.48%; P < 0.01) and helper T cells (14.32 ± 17.99%; P < 0.05) showed an increase in FWG, and NK cell was improved in SWG, but showed a clear increase in MWG (38.45 ± 96.96%; P < 0.05) and FWG (52.69 ± 58.37%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that fast walking by the elderly improves the muscle contractility, which can also be expected to improve the function of immunocytes by increased or maintained muscle mass and decreased fat mass after 12 weeks.

Moderate- to fast-walking improves immunocytes through a positive change of muscle contractility in old women: a pilot study.

This study aimed to examine whether compared with a program without walking, intervention programs with three types of walking can improve the muscle property and immunocytes in elderly women. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to control group (CON), slow walking group (SWG), moderate walking group (MWG), and fast walking group (FWG). Three types of walking on treadmill were 30 min a day, 5 days/wk for 12 weeks. Muscle contraction time (Tc), maximum displacement (Dm), and immunocytes were tested by tensiomyography and flow cytometry. After the intervention, FWG had an increasing tendency in the muscle mass compared with other three groups. Tc of biceps femoris (BF) decreased in CON and SWG, while Tc of BF in MWG and FWG (30.58%±23.71%) increased. It was similar in the rectus femoris (RF). Although Dm of BF and RF increased in CON and SWG, those decreased in MWG and FWG. Leucocytes of CON and SWG had a decreasing tendency, those of MWG (9.65%±13.01%) and FWG (13.01%± 13.58%) increased. In the neutrophil, only CON decreased, whereas the three groups showed an increasing tendency. Helper T cell was increased only in FWG (19.61%±19.94%), showing significant differences between groups (P=0.009, η 2=0.378). Natural killer cell was improved in SWG and MWG but showed a clear increase in FWG (75.76%±63.57%). It might be confirmed that walking for elderly increases the muscle property of the lower legs as they walk faster, which might be expected to improve the immunocytes function.

Effects of phytoncide on immune cells and psychological stress of gynecological cancer survivors: randomized controlled trials.

This study aimed to identify neuroendocrine substances and natural killer (NK) cells, including their subsets and receptors, to determine whether phytoncides scented in an urban hospital could help improve stress in cancer survivors. Fifty-five gynecological cancer survivors were assigned to either the control group (CG, n=28) or phytoncide group (PTG, n=27). The PTG meditated by lying down in a space scented with phytoncide for 1 hr a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Stress levels in both groups were high prior to the experiment and decreased by 9.31%±45.98% (P=0.003) only in the PTG after the experiment. Although the parasympathetic nerve activity of the PTG increased, the epinephrine and cortisol levels were significantly (P<0.001) decreased by 5.29%±25.5% and by 24.94%±11.62%. Moreover, the PTG showed a significant increase in the levels of NK cell subsets after 8 weeks, whereas there was no improvement in the CG. In conclusion, phytoncide fragrance reduces stress, increases the number of NK cells and their family even in a nonforest environment, and improves innate immunocytes in gynecological cancer survivors; parasympathetic nerve activity and cortisol hormones play critical roles in this process. That is, a phytoncide essential oil helps to stimulate changes in immunocytes' mobility by affecting the human nervous and endocrine systems, thereby providing relief for psychological stress among cancer survivors who previously had cancer cells.

Neural mechanisms of acupuncture for peripheral facial nerve palsy: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral facial nerve palsy (PFNP) is a cranial neuropathy that occurs when the seventh facial nerve is damaged. PFNP seriously affects patients' quality of life, and approximately 30% of patients suffer from sequelae, such as unrecovered palsy, synkinesis, facial muscle contracture, and facial spasm. Many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of PFNP. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear and needs to be further explored. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment for PFNP using neuroimaging methods. METHODS: We will search all published studies from inception to March 2023 using the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, KMBASE, KISS, ScienceON, and OASIS. All clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating PFNP using functional neuroimaging will be selected without language restrictions. Two reviewers will independently conduct the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, according to a predetermined protocol. The outcomes, including the types of functional neuroimaging techniques, brain function alterations, and clinical outcomes, such as the House-Brackmann scale and Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, will also be analyzed. Coordinate-based meta-analysis and subgroup analyses will be performed if possible. RESULTS: This study will analyze the effect of acupuncture on brain activity alterations and clinical improvement in patients with PFNP using functional neuroimaging. CONCLUSION: This study will provide a comprehensive summary and help elucidate the neural mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for PFNP. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022321827.

Effects of Rhythm Step Training on Physical and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Rhythm step training (RST) for sensorimotor dual tasks is in the spotlight as it provides physical activity that is fun and allows participants to express various and creative movements, although it lacks a scientific evidence base. Therefore, this study was to investigate how RST affects the physical and cognitive functions of adolescents. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty-six female middle-schoolers were divided into non-exercise group (control group, CON, n = 22), step training group (STG, n = 22), and rhythm step training group (RSTG, n = 22). To verify the combined effects of music-based rhythm and exercise, the program was conducted for 45 min/session a day, three times a week for 12 weeks. Results: RST scores increased significantly in the STG and RSTG compared to the CON after 12 weeks. Specifically, the Δ% of RST scores in the RSTG (11.44%) was higher than those of STG (9.01%) and CON (3.91%). By the end of the experiment, the power (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), muscle endurance (p < 0.001), dynamic or static balance (p < 0.001), and gait velocity (p < 0.001) of RSTG were significantly improved compared to the others. The Δ% of all variables in RSTG was higher than those of the CON or STG. In addition, the verbal memory (p < 0.001) and attention (p < 0.001) of cognitive function were significantly improved in RSTG. Specifically, there was more of an increase in Δ% of RSTG for verbal memory (7.52%) and attention (10.33%) than in the CON (verbal memory, 3.34%; attention, 5.83%) or STG (verbal memory, 5.85%; attention, 5.43%). Conclusions: This study confirms that RST had a positive effect on the physical and cognitive functions of female middle-schoolers. We propose that rhythmic exercise combined with music is beneficial for adolescents' physical and cognitive health.

Detraining Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Fitness, Cytokines, C-Reactive Protein and Immunocytes in Men of Various Age Groups.

Background and Objectives: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus II, levels of physical inactivity have become more severe and widespread than ever before. Physical inactivity is known to have a negative effect on the human body, but the extent to which reduced physical fitness has effected immune function before and after the current pandemic has not yet been uncovered. The aim of this study was to investigate the detraining effects of the COVID-19 confinement period on physical fitness, immunocytes, inflammatory cytokines, and proteins in various age groups. The participants of this study included sixty-four male adults who did not exercise during the pandemic, although they had exercised regularly before. Materials and Methods: Participants were classified by age group, which included the 20s group (20s'G, n = 14), 30s group (30s'G, n = 12), 40s group (40s'G, n = 12), 50s group (50s'G, n = 12), and 60s group (60s'G, n = 14). Results: Regarding body composition, muscle mass significantly decreased, whereas fat mass, fat percentage, and waist/hip ratio significantly increased in most groups. Cardiopulmonary endurance and strength significantly decreased in all groups, while muscle endurance and flexibility decreased in some groups compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic. This study confirmed the immunocytopenia and enhanced inflammation due to physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a greater detrimental decrease mainly after the age of 50. Conclusion: This study confirmed a decrease in physical fitness after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by an increase in fat mass and a decrease in muscle mass, thereby increasing cytokines and reducing immunocytes in the body. While social distancing is important during the pandemic, maintaining physical fitness should also be a top priority.

Neural mechanisms underlying peripheral facial nerve palsy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral facial nerve palsy is a general term used to describe diseases that cause lower motor neuron lesions in the facial nerve. The most common cause of peripheral facial nerve palsy is idiopathic Bell's palsy (BP), accounting for 60% to 70% of all peripheral facial nerve palsy cases. Idiopathic BP is found in various medical conditions, such as ischemia, viral infection, and neuroinflammation; however, the specific pathophysiology remains unclear. Neuroimaging techniques help understand the neural mechanisms underlying various neurological disorders. In recent years, several studies have applied functional neuroimaging to investigate alterations of brain function in BP patients. However, the results have been inconsistent due to differences in methodology and quality. Moreover, systematic reviews of studies on functional neuroimaging for BP are insufficient. Therefore, the present study aims to verify the neural mechanisms of brain alterations and draw conclusions about the functional reorganization in patients with BP. METHODS: This review includes all suitable studies published on or before October 31, 2022. A thorough search will be conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Korean Medical database (KMBASE), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS). Clinical studies of BP using functional neuroimaging will be selected. We will apply a coordinate-based meta-analysis because most individual neuroimaging studies provide their results as coordinates in the standard space. The primary outcomes will include the types of functional neuroimaging methods and alterations of brain function in BP patients. The secondary outcomes will include the information about clinical measurement of the disease. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be conducted. If possible, heterogeneity tests, data synthesis, and subgroup analyses will be conducted. RESULTS: The study will analyze the alterations in brain activity and worsening of clinical symptoms caused by idiopathic BP. CONCLUSION: The aim of this study is to investigate functional reorganization of brain alterations in patients with BP. This review will improve the understanding of the neural mechanisms of BP based on the most recent publications through extensive data retrieval. If sufficient data are collected, a sensitivity analysis is performed to verify the robustness of the conclusions.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor homologs of anisakis simplex suppress Th2 response in allergic airway inflammation model via CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cell recruitment.

We have cloned the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-like protein (Anisakis simplex (As)-MIF) from larvae of the whale worm (Anisakis simplex third-stage larvae). Asthma was induced in the mice using OVA/alum, with or without various concentrations of rAs-MIF treatment before OVA/alum challenge. Treatment with rAs-MIF coupled with OVA/alum during the challenge period induced a complete inhibition of eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia within the lung and profoundly ameliorated the development of lung hyperreactivity. Also, rAs-MIF was shown to reduce profoundly the quantity of Th2-related cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and allergen-specific IgG2a in sera. IL-10 and TGF-beta levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the rAs-MIF-treated group were significantly higher than in the other groups. Additionally, CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells (regulatory T) were recruited to the spleen and lungs of the rAs-MIF-treated mice, but this recruitment was inhibited by anti-rAs-MIF Ab.

Adoptive transfer of Trichinella spiralis-activated macrophages can ameliorate both Th1- and Th2-activated inflammation in murine models.

Trichinella spiralis is a zoonotic nematode and food borne parasite and infection with T. spiralis leads to suppression of the host immune response and other immunopathologies. Alternative activated macrophages (M2) as well as Treg cells, a target for immunomodulation by the helminth parasite, play a critical role in initiating and modulating the host immune response to parasite. The precise mechanism by which helminths modulate host immune response is not fully understood. To determine the functions of parasite-induced M2 macrophages, we compared the effects of M1 and M2 macrophages obtained from Trichinella spiralis-infected mice with those of T. spiralis excretory/secretory (ES) protein-treated macrophages on experimental intestinal inflammation and allergic airway inflammation. T. spiralis infection induced M2 macrophage polarization by increasing the expression of CD206, ARG1, and Fizz2. In a single application, we introduced macrophages obtained from T. spiralis-infected mice and T. spiralis ES protein-treated macrophages into mice tail veins before the induction of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, ovalbumin (OVA)-alum sensitization, and OVA challenge. Colitis severity was assessed by determining the severity of colitis symptoms, colon length, histopathologic parameters, and Th1-related inflammatory cytokine levels. Compared with the DSS-colitis group, T. spiralis-infected mice and T. spiralis ES protein-treated macrophages showed significantly lower disease activity index (DAI) at sacrifice and smaller reductions of body weight and proinflammatory cytokine level. The severity of allergic airway inflammation was assessed by determining the severity of symptoms of inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), differential cell counts, histopathologic parameters, and levels of Th2-related inflammatory cytokines. Severe allergic airway inflammation was induced after OVA-alum sensitization and OVA challenge, which significantly increased Th2-related cytokine levels, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung. However, these severe allergic symptoms were significantly decreased in T. spiralis-infected mice and T. spiralis ES protein-treated macrophages. Helminth infection and helminth ES proteins induce M2 macrophages. Adoptive transfer of macrophages obtained from helminth-infected mice and helminth ES protein-activated macrophages is an effective treatment for preventing and treating airway allergy in mice and is promising as a therapeutic for treating inflammatory diseases.

Nano Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

A hindrance to the practical use of sodium-ion batteries is the lack of adequate anode materials. By utilizing the co-intercalation reaction, graphite, which is the most common anode material of lithium-ion batteries, was used for storing sodium ion. However, its performance, such as reversible capacity and coulombic efficiency, remains unsatisfactory for practical needs. Therefore, to overcome these drawbacks, a new carbon material was synthesized so that co-intercalation could occur efficiently. This carbon material has the same morphology as carbon black; that is, it has a wide pathway due to a turbostratic structure, and a short pathway due to small primary particles that allows the co-intercalation reaction to occur efficiently. Additionally, due to the numerous voids present in the inner amorphous structure, the sodium storage capacity was greatly increased. Furthermore, owing to the coarse co-intercalation reaction due to the surface pore structure, the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase was greatly suppressed and the first cycle coulombic efficiency reached 80%. This study shows that the carbon material alone can be used to design good electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries without the use of next-generation materials.

An advanced protocol for the purification of whipworm eggs from feces for use as therapeutic agents.

Recent studies have attempted to treat autoimmune diseases using Trichuris suis. whipworm) eggs. Large quantities of eggs can be obtained efficiently by collecting from the feces of the porcine hosts rather than by extracting from the female worm uterus. However, it is difficult to process large amounts of feces using the current methods. In the present study, we propose a method to collect the eggs from bulk feces more efficiently. Collecting the eggs using washing meshes (25 µm sieve) yields 65.7% (56.0-70.7) of eggs (median, min-max) from 100 g feces. Our method, which uses ethyl acetate and simulated gastric fluid, yielded 91.4% (91.4-94.0) of the eggs from 100 g feces into the separated aqueous solution. Egg collection using simulated gastric fluid (SGF) method was also 60 min faster than that using the sieve method. As the SGF used in the experiment is a strongly acidic reagent with a pH of 1-2, embryonation of the eggs was induced by the rapid pH change. As a result, 37.1% (8.0-77.8) of the eggs had embryonated two months after SGF stimulation. Using the developed method, we could process the feces quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, after purification, egg embryonation could be induced without any harmful reagent treatment. This method is expected to be helpful for further research using Trichuris suis eggs.

Titanium dioxide thin films deposited by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition for OLED passivation.

Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of titanium dioxide thin films was conducted using Tetrakis dimethylamino titanium (TDMATi) and an oxygen plasma on a polyethersulfon (PES) substrate at a deposition temperature of 90 degrees C. The effects of the induced plasma power on passivation properties were investigated according to film thickness. The growth rate of the titanium dioxide film was 0.8 A/cycle, and the water vapor transmission rate (WTVR) for a 80 nm titanium dioxide film was 0.023 g/m2 day. The passivation performance of the titanium dioxide film was investigated using an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The coated OLED lifetime was 90 h, 15 times longer than that of an uncoated sample.