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1.
BMC Geriatr ; 22(1): 488, 2022 06 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35672657

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have investigated the factors influencing frailty, few studies have confirmed the influence of social factors on the stages of frailty. This study was conducted to identify factors influencing the stages of frailty in Korean older adults, focusing on objective and subjective social isolation. METHODS: This study analyzed the data of 10,041 older adults from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans. Two multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors influencing the frailty stages. Frailty was calculated using the FRAIL scale with the five domains: fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness, and loss of weight. RESULTS: Among Korean older adults, 51.5% were in the robust stage, 42.5% in the pre-frail stage and 6.0% in the frail stage. As a multiple logistic regression analysis, participants with an intimate relationship (Odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% Confidential interval (CI) = 0.91-0.95) or objective social non-isolated participants were more likely to be in the robust group than the pre-frail group. Objective social-isolated participants were more likely to belong to the frail group than the pre-frail group: isolation from family member only (OR 1.57, 95% CI = 1.04-2.39), isolation from non-family member only (OR 1.75, 95% CI = 1.39-2.19), and isolation from both family and non-family member (OR 2.56, 95% CI = 1.67-3.92). CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study showed that social isolation was associated with the stage of frailty. Therefore, researchers need to consider issues of social isolation of older adults in the development of frailty prevention and management intervention.


Subject(s)
Frailty , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Frail Elderly , Frailty/diagnosis , Frailty/epidemiology , Geriatric Assessment , Humans , Independent Living , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Social Isolation
2.
Geriatr Nurs ; 46: 125-131, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35696839

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the influence of combined cognitive impairment and social frailty on physical frailty. METHODS: This study analyzed secondary data from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans, which was collected nationwide from community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65 years. RESULTS: Combined cognitive impairment and social frailty (odds ratio (OR) =4.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)=3.14-6.28), cognitive impairment and social pre-frailty (OR =2.38, 95% CI =1.70-3.34), noncognitive impairment and social frailty (OR =2.16, 95% CI =1.54-3.04), and noncognitive impairment and social pre-frailty (OR =1.40, 95% CI =1.02-1.91) groups were more likely to be physically frail than noncognitive impairment and socially robust groups after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers need to be aware that older adults who suffer from both cognitive impairment and social frailty may be vulnerable to physical frailty.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction , Frailty , Aged , Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology , Frail Elderly/psychology , Frailty/psychology , Geriatric Assessment , Humans , Independent Living/psychology
3.
Nurs Health Sci ; 24(2): 351-359, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35420243

ABSTRACT

Extensive research on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is underway. However, there are not many studies on the use of masks, which are essential for infection prevention. This descriptive study aimed to understand the factors influencing the use of masks by Korean adults during COVID-19. We conducted an online survey with 280 adults in South Korea between August and September 2020, analyzing the data using SPSS version 24.0. Multiple regression analyses were performed to understand the factors that influence individuals' use of masks. The participants' perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, other people's dignity, compliance with public order, reasonable decision making, and subjective norms explained 21.6% of mask use. Mask use is expected to increase further if people perceive a personal need to wear masks, if their peers perceive the importance of mask use, and if they possess civic consciousness that considers society as a whole. This paper makes a significant contribution to the field of public health, with evidence-based recommendations for increasing mask use, going beyond simply attributing mask use to individual preferences.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Humans , Masks , Pandemics/prevention & control , Republic of Korea , SARS-CoV-2
4.
J Women Aging ; 33(1): 84-99, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31635535

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to test a hypothetical model of successful aging based on the selection-optimization-compensation (SOC) model in Korean older women. The obtained results confirm that SOC strategies, subjective health status, and family support exert significant direct effects on the successful aging of older women, while depression and social support have indirect effects. Successful aging can be achieved by improving SOC strategies and social factors for older women. It is necessary to develop social services that replace the support traditionally received from the family in response to recent changes in family values in Korea.


Subject(s)
Aging/psychology , Health Status , Models, Psychological , Activities of Daily Living , Adaptation, Psychological , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cognition , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/epidemiology , Exercise , Female , Humans , Republic of Korea , Self Concept , Social Support
5.
Differentiation ; 88(4-5): 106-16, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25534553

ABSTRACT

Swimming behavior in fish is driven by coordinated contractions of muscle fibers. In zebrafish, slow muscle cell migration is crucial for the formation of the muscle network; slow myoblasts, which arise from medial adaxial cells, migrate radially to the lateral surface of the trunk and tail during embryogenesis. This study found that the zebrafish A-kinase anchoring protein (akap)12 isoforms akap12α and akap12ß are required for muscle morphogenesis and locomotor activity. Embryos deficient in akap12 exhibited reduced spontaneous coiling, touch response, and free swimming. Akap12-depleted slow but not fast muscle cells were misaligned, suggesting that the behavioral abnormalities resulted from specific defects in slow muscle patterning; indeed, slow muscle cells and muscle pioneers in these embryos showed abnormal migration in a cell-autonomous manner. Taken together, these results suggest that akap12 plays a critical role in the development of zebrafish locomotion by regulating the normal morphogenesis of muscles.


Subject(s)
A Kinase Anchor Proteins/metabolism , Morphogenesis , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Swimming , Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism , A Kinase Anchor Proteins/genetics , Animals , Muscle, Skeletal/embryology , Protein Isoforms/genetics , Protein Isoforms/metabolism , Zebrafish , Zebrafish Proteins/genetics
6.
Tohoku J Exp Med ; 233(4): 295-300, 2014 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25152330

ABSTRACT

Fluid overload is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). It is important to monitor the residual urinary volume in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In fact, fluid overload and residual urinary volume have been considered the risk factors of mortality in ESRD patients on PD. However, the relationship between residual urinary volume and fluid overload was still controversial. Therefore, the objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between residual urinary volume and the volume status of PD patients. Body composition was measured using a portable multifrequency whole-body bioimpedance assessment. Relative overhydration was defined when the ratio of overhydration to extracellular water was > 0.15. We examined 75 patients, with a mean age of 50.7 years and mean body mass index of 23.5 kg/m(2). Dialysis vintage was 46.5 months. The patients were divided into the anuric group (n = 30; urine output ≤ 100 mL/day) and the group of urine output > 100 mL/day (n = 45). The anuric group showed higher degree of relative overhydration compared to the patients with the urine output of > 100 mL/day (p = 0.020). In a multivariable linear regression analysis, anuria, diabetes, and serum albumin level were independently associated with relative overhydration. In conclusion, volume status should be closely monitored in anuric patients, and the preservation of residual urinary volume is one of important goals to maintain volume status in PD patients.


Subject(s)
Peritoneal Dialysis/adverse effects , Urine , Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/etiology , Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/urine , Demography , Female , Humans , Linear Models , Male , Middle Aged
7.
Cells ; 13(11)2024 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38891033

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia. This study aimed to compare the anti-H. pylori activity and gastroprotective effects of three typical herbal formulas used for gastrointestinal disorders in Korea: Shihosogan-tang (ST), Yijung-tang (YT), and Pyeongwi-san (PS). Firstly, we assessed the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as the antioxidative capacity. Additionally, we evaluated the antibacterial effect on H. pylori using an ammonia assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and the disk agar diffusion method. Furthermore, we examined alterations in the gene expression of tight junction proteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cellular vacuolation using an AGS cell model infected with H. pylori. While ST exhibited a higher total phenolic content, superior free radical scavenging, and inhibition of H. pylori compared to YT and PS, YT more evidently inhibited gastric cellular morphological changes such as vacuolation. All formulations significantly ameliorated changes in inflammatory and gastric inflammation-related genes and cellular morphological alterations induced by H. pylori infection. Overall, the present in vitro study suggests that all three herbal formulas possess potential for ameliorating gastrointestinal disorders, with ST relatively excelling in inhibiting H. pylori infection and inflammation, while YT potentially shows greater efficacy in directly protecting the gastric mucosa.


Subject(s)
Dyspepsia , Helicobacter pylori , Helicobacter pylori/drug effects , Dyspepsia/drug therapy , Dyspepsia/pathology , Humans , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Gastric Mucosa/drug effects , Gastric Mucosa/pathology , Gastric Mucosa/metabolism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Protective Agents/pharmacology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
8.
NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes ; 10(1): 24, 2024 Mar 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38503759

ABSTRACT

Despite the potential benefits of herbal medicines for therapeutic application in preventing and treating various metabolic disorders, the mechanisms of action were understood incompletely. Ginseng (Panax ginseng), a commonly employed plant as a dietary supplement, has been reported to play its hot property in increasing body temperature and improving gut health. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which ginseng regulates body temperature and gut health is still incomplete. This paper illustrates that intermittent supplementation with ginseng extracts improved body temperature rhythm and suppressed inflammatory responses in peripheral metabolic organs of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothermic rats. These effects were associated with changes in gut hormone secretion and the microbiota profile. The in-vitro studies in ICE-6 cells indicate that ginseng extracts can not only act directly on the cell to regulate the genes related to circadian clock and inflammation, but also may function through the gut microbiota and their byproducts such as lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, administration of PI3K inhibitor blocked ginseng or microbiota-induced gene expression related with circadian clock and inflammation in vitro. These findings demonstrate that the hot property of ginseng may be mediated by improving circadian clock and suppressing inflammation directly or indirectly through the gut microbiota and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways.


Subject(s)
Circadian Clocks , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Panax , Rats , Animals , Circadian Clocks/genetics , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/pharmacology , Inflammation , Signal Transduction , Gene Expression
9.
Front Cell Dev Biol ; 12: 1369634, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38756696

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Prohibitin (PHB) is an essential scaffold protein that modulates signaling pathways controlling cell survival, metabolism, inflammation, and bone formation. However, its specific role in periodontium development remains less understood. This study aims to elucidate the expression pattern and function of PHB in periodontium development and its involvement in alveolar bone formation. Methods: Immunolocalization of PHB in the periodontium of postnatal (PN) mice were examined. Phb morpholino was micro-injected into the right-side mandible at PN5, corresponding to the position where the alveolar bone process forms in relation to the lower first molar. The micro-injection with a scramble control (PF-127) and the left-side mandibles were used as control groups. Five days post-micro-injection, immunohistochemical analysis and micro-CT evaluation were conducted to assess bone mass and morphological changes. Additionally, expression patterns of signaling molecules were examined following Phb downregulation using 24-h in vitro cultivation of developing dental mesenchyme at E14.5. Results: The immunostaining of PHB showed its localization in the periodontium at PN5, PN8, and PN10. The in vitro cultivation of dental mesenchyme resulted in alterations in Bmps, Runx2, and Wnt signalings after Phb knock-down. At 5 days post-micro-injection, Phb knocking down showed weak immunolocalizations of runt-related transcription factor (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN). However, knocking down Phb led to histological alterations characterized by decreased bone mass and stronger localizations of Ki67 and PERIOSTIN in the periodontium compared 1 to control groups. The micro-CT evaluation showed decreased bone volume and increased PDL space in the Phb knock-down specimens, suggesting its regulatory role in bone formation. Discussion: The region-specific localization of PHB in the margin where alveolar bone forms suggests its involvement in alveolar bone formation and the differentiation of the periodontal ligament. Overall, our findings suggest that Phb plays a modulatory role in alveolar bone formation by harmoniously regulating bone-forming-related signaling molecules during periodontium development.

10.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 303: 115959, 2023 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36436716

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PRR), the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., is a traditional Chinese medicine which has the effects of regulating various inflammatory diseases, treating blood stasis, and enhancing blood circulation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study examined whether Paeoniae Radix rubra extract (PRRE) and Paeoniflorin (PF) affect mucin production, gene expression including MUC5AC, and protein expression related to the ERK pathway induced by TNF-α from human airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NCI-H292 cells induced by TNF-α were treated with each agent. MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was used to investigate the cell signaling pathways. RESULTS: PRRE and PF inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein and gene expression in TNF-α-induced H292 cells. In Western blot, PRRE was involved in protein expression related to the ERK pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, PRRE effectively inhibited the MUC5AC, and inflammatory cytokines expression caused by TNF-α, which was closely involved in the ERK pathway. PRRE may have the potential for treating mucus producing respiratory inflammation.


Subject(s)
Paeonia , Humans , Mucins/genetics , Mucins/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Epithelial Cells , Gene Expression
11.
Int J Biol Macromol ; 234: 123657, 2023 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36796553

ABSTRACT

Rapid, efficient and green method of Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) synthesis on TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TCNF) is demonstrated here. The nanohybrid (PdNPs/TCNF) exhibited peroxidase and oxidase-like activities evident by the oxidation of three chromogenic substrates. Enzyme kinetic studies using 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation uncovered the excellent kinetic parameters (low Km and high Vmax) and good specific activities of 215 U/g and 107 U/g for peroxidase and oxidase-like activities, respectively. A colorimetric assay for ascorbic acid (AA) detection is proposed based on its ability to reduce oxidized TMB to its colorless form. However, presence of nanozyme caused re-oxidation of TMB to its blue colored form within few minutes resulting in time limitation and inaccurate detection. Thanks to the film forming nature of TCNF; this limitation was overcome by employing PdNPs/TCNF film strips that can be easily removed before AA addition. The assay allowed AA detection in the linear range of 0.25-10 µM with a detection limit of 0.039 µM. The results of AA detection in commercial beverages and vitamin C tablets are matching with the specified values. Further the nanozyme exhibited high tolerance to pH (2-10) and temperature (up to 80 °C) and good recyclability for five cycles.


Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid , Nanoparticles , Kinetics , Oxidoreductases , Peroxidase/metabolism , Peroxidases , Coloring Agents , Colorimetry/methods , Limit of Detection , Hydrogen Peroxide
12.
NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes ; 9(1): 32, 2023 06 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37270649

ABSTRACT

Currently, considerable attention is focused on exploring the potential relationship between herbal medicine (HM) and the gut microbiome in terms of thermoregulation, which is an important aspect of human health, in modern system biology. However, our knowledge of the mechanisms of HM in thermoregulation is inadequate. Here, we demonstrate that the canonical herbal formula, Yijung-tang (YJT), protects against hypothermia, hyperinflammation, and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in PTU-induced hypothyroid rats. Notably, these properties were associated with alterations in the gut microbiota and signaling crosstalk between the thermoregulatory and inflammatory mediators in the small intestine and brown adipose tissue (BAT). In contrast to the conventional drug L-thyroxine for curing hypothyroidism, YJT has an efficacy for attenuating systematic inflammatory responses, related with depression in intestinal TLR4 and Nod2/Pglyrp1 signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that YJT could promote BAT thermogenesis and prevent systemic inflammation in PTU-induced hypothyroid rats, which was associated with its prebiotic effect on modulating of the gut microbiota and gene expression with relevance in the enteroendocrine function and innate immune systems. These findings may strengthen the rationale of the microbiota-gut-BAT axis for a paradigm shift to enable holobiont-centric medicine.


Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Hypothyroidism , Rats , Humans , Animals , Inflammation/drug therapy , Thermogenesis , Hypothyroidism/drug therapy
13.
Chemistry ; 18(43): 13800-9, 2012 Oct 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22987737

ABSTRACT

Graphene nanosheets are successfully applied as an effective platform for the 2D ordering of metal oxide nanoparticles. Mesoporous 2D aggregates of anatase TiO(2) nanoparticles are synthesized by the heat treatment of the uniformly hybridized nanocomposite of layered titanate-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) at elevated temperatures. The precursor layered titanate-RGO nanocomposite is prepared by self-assembly of anionic RGO nanosheets and cationic TiO(2) nanosols. The calcination of the as-prepared layered titanate-RGO nanocomposite at 500 °C induces a structural and morphological change of layered titanate nanoplates into anatase TiO(2) nanoparticles without significant modification of the RGO nanosheet. Increasing the heating temperature to 600 °C gives rise to elimination of the RGO component, leading to the formation of sheetlike porous aggregates of RGO-free TiO(2) nanoparticles. The nanocomposites calcined at 500-700 °C display promising functionality as negative electrodes for lithium ion batteries. Among the present calcined derivatives, the 2D sheet-shaped aggregate of TiO(2) nanoparticles obtained from calcination at 600 °C delivers the greatest specific discharge capacity with good capacity retention for all current density conditions applied. Such superior electrode performance of the nanocomposite calcined at 600 °C is attributable both to the improved stability of the crystal structure and crystal morphology of titania and to the enhancement of Li(+) ion transport through the enlargement of mesopores. The present findings clearly demonstrate the usefulness of RGO nanosheets as a platform for 2D-ordered superstructures of metal oxide nanoparticles with improved electrode performance.

14.
Front Public Health ; 10: 810475, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35570933

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms in individuals who have experienced self-quarantine because of coronavirus disease exposure or infection using Lazarus and Folkman's stress, coping, and adaptation theory, and George's Social Antecedent Model of Depression. This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey. A complex sample design was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, the Rao-Scott X2 test, and logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms. Approximately 5.3% of the subjects had depressive symptoms. The factors associated with depressive symptoms were age, level of education, household income, changes in daily life due to coronavirus disease, whether someone provided assistance during the self-quarantine, perceived health status, and hospital consultation due to depressive symptoms. The findings of this study will be utilized as basic data for the development of programs to alleviate and prevent depressive symptoms in self-quarantine individuals.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Quarantine , Anxiety , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/epidemiology , Humans , SARS-CoV-2
15.
Front Public Health ; 10: 886137, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36388278

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify factors that affect lifestyle changes and focused on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related anxiety since the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. Data from 213,848 individuals from the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey were analyzed using a complex sampling design. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were performed. Participants reported a high level of COVID-19-related anxiety, with a score of 19.28 out of 25. The score of healthy behavioral change index was -0.51, indicating negative changes in physical activity, dietary habits, and sleep patterns. A slight positive change was reported for addictive behavioral change index, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, at 0.27 scores, indicating a decrease in these behaviors. COVID-19-related anxiety was an important factor that negatively affected health behavior. The high-risk groups that were vulnerable to anxiety included older adults and those who have little social support or few social encounters. Thus, identifying high-risk groups with the potential for worsened health behavior and providing interventions to reduce the anxiety caused by COVID-19 are necessary.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , Life Style , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety Disorders , Health Behavior
16.
J Hazard Mater ; 436: 129165, 2022 08 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35739705

ABSTRACT

Nanozyme-based dye degradation methods are promising for the remediation of water pollution. Though Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) are known to act as nanozymes, their dye degradation capability has not been investigated. Low nanozyme activities, easy aggregation, difficulties in recovery and reuse are the major challenges in achieving this. For the first time, cellulose nanofibrils-supported PdNPs (PdNPs/PCNF) as a novel nanozyme with good peroxidase and oxidase-mimicking activities and easy recyclability is explored for dye degradation. An efficient and rapid method of PdNPs/PCNF preparation was demonstrated by adjusting the pH and microwave irradiation. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed good kinetic parameters and specific activities of 415 and 277 U/g for peroxidase and oxidase, respectively. PdNPs/PCNF offered 99.64% degradation of methylene blue within 12 min (0.468 min-1) with 0.4 M H2O2 at pH 5.0. Mechanistic studies revealed the involvement of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Owing to the network-like structure of PCNF, films and foams were prepared, their dye degradation potentials were compared, and recyclability was tested. Successful degradation of mixed dye solutions and spiked real water samples was achieved and a continuous flow method was demonstrated using a foam-packed column.


Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Peroxidase , Cellulose , Coloring Agents/chemistry , Hydrogen Peroxide , Kinetics , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Peroxidase/metabolism
17.
Allergy Asthma Immunol Res ; 14(5): 549-564, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36174995

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The beneficial effects of a combination therapy using Bifidobacterium longum and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been elucidated. METHODS: Gene expressions of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and fecal abundance of B. longum from 12-month-old infants were evaluated. Human primary epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and hairless mice were treated with B. longum, GOS, B. longum-derived extracellular vesicles (BLEVs), dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), or a synbiotic mixture of B. longum and GOS. Expression of epidermal barrier proteins and cytokines as well as serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were analyzed in HEKs and mice. Dermatitis scores, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), epidermal thickness, and fecal B. longum abundance were evaluated in mice. RESULTS: Fecal abundance of B. longum was negatively correlated with blood IL-13 expression in infants. B. longum or BLEVs increased expression of filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) in HEKs. B. longum increased the efficacy of GOS to upregulate FLG and LOR expressions in HEKs. Oral administration of GOS increased fecal abundance of B. longum in mice. Oral administration of B. longum attenuated DNCB-induced skin inflammation, abnormal TEWL, AD-like skin, and deficiency of epidermal barrier proteins. Moreover, the combination of B. longum and GOS showed greater effects to improve DNCB-induced skin inflammation, abnormal TEWL, AD-like skin, serum IgE levels, IL-4 over-expression, and the deficiency of epidermal barrier proteins than the administration of B. longum alone. CONCLUSIONS: B. longum and GOS improve DNCB-induced skin barrier dysfunction and AD-like skin.

18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33672881

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to identify factors influencing the development of suicidal ideation and the transition from suicidal ideation to attempts by focusing on experiences of age discrimination and neglect among older Korean adults. This study analyzed data from 10,042 older adults from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans using national representative samples. Multiple logistic analyses were used to identify factors influencing the development of suicidal ideation and transition from suicidal ideation to attempts. While younger age, higher educational attainment, living alone, number of chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, social isolation, social support, experience of neglect, and age discrimination influenced the development of suicidal ideation, all of these did not influence the transition from ideation to attempts. Factors influencing this transition included male gender, less educational attainment, and experience of age discrimination. Thus, social efforts to reduce age discrimination are necessary to prevent suicide attempts among Korean older adults.


Subject(s)
Ageism , Suicidal Ideation , Aged , Humans , Male , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Social Support , Suicide, Attempted
19.
EPMA J ; 12(2): 177-197, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34194584

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ginseng, a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases including metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the underlying mechanism(s) of such beneficial actions of ginseng against MS is poorly understood. Emerging evidence indicates a close association of the host gut microbiota with MS. The present study was conducted to examine, whether the beneficial effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) against MS could be influenced by gut microbial population and whether gut microbial profile could be considered a valuable biomarker for targeted treatment strategy for MS in compliance with the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM / 3PM). METHODS: This clinical study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of KRG treatment for 8 weeks on patients with MS. The anthropometric parameters, vital signs, metabolic biomarkers, and gut microbial composition through 16S rRNA gene sequencing were assessed at the baseline and endpoint. The impact of KRG was also evaluated after categorizing the subjects into responders and non-responders, as well as enterotypes 1 and 2 based on their gut microbial profile at the baseline. RESULTS: Fifty out of 60 subjects who meet the MS criteria completed the trial without showing adverse reactions. The KRG treatment caused a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Microbial analysis revealed a decrease in Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and an increase in Bacteroidetes in response to KRG. In patient stratification analysis, the responders showing marked improvement in the serum levels of lipid metabolic biomarkers TC and LDL due to the KRG treatment exhibited higher population of both the family Lachnospiraceae and order Clostridiales compared to the non-responders. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin level were decreased in enterotype 1 (Bacteroides-abundant group) and increased in enterotype 2 (prevotella-abundant group) following the KRG treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, the effects of KRG on the glucose metabolism in MS patients were influenced by the relative abundances of gut microbial population and differed according to the individual enterotype. Therefore, the analysis of enterotype categories is considered to be helpful in predicting the effectiveness of KRG on glucose homeostasis of MS patients individually. This will further help to decide on the appropriate treatment strategy for MS, in compliance with the perspective of PPPM.

20.
Polymers (Basel) ; 13(11)2021 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34073715

ABSTRACT

We aimed to improve the mechanical properties of alginate fibers by reinforcing with various cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). Pure cellulose nanofibril (PCNF), lignocellulose nanofibril (LCNF) obtained via deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment, and TEMPO-oxidized lignocellulose nanofibril (TOLCNF) were employed. Sodium alginate (AL) was mixed with PCNF, LCNF, and TOLCNF with a CNF content of 5-30%. To fabricate microcomposite filaments, the suspensions were wet-spun in calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution through a microfluidic channel. Average diameters of the microcomposite filaments were in the range of 40.2-73.7 µm, which increased with increasing CNF content and spinning rate. The tensile strength and elastic modulus improved as the CNF content increased to 10%, but the addition of 30% CNF deteriorated the tensile properties. The tensile strength and elastic modulus were in the order of LCNF/AL > PCNF/AL > TOLCNF/AL > AL. An increase in the spinning rate improved the tensile properties.

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