Variability and magnitude of brain glutamate levels in schizophrenia: a meta and mega-analysis.

Glutamatergic dysfunction is implicated in schizophrenia pathoaetiology, but this may vary in extent between patients. It is unclear whether inter-individual variability in glutamate is greater in schizophrenia than the general population. We conducted meta-analyses to assess (1) variability of glutamate measures in patients relative to controls (log coefficient of variation ratio: CVR); (2) standardised mean differences (SMD) using Hedges g; (3) modal distribution of individual-level glutamate data (Hartigan's unimodality dip test). MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to September 2022 for proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies reporting glutamate, glutamine or Glx in schizophrenia. 123 studies reporting on 8256 patients and 7532 controls were included. Compared with controls, patients demonstrated greater variability in glutamatergic metabolites in the medial frontal cortex (MFC, glutamate: CVR = 0.15, p < 0.001; glutamine: CVR = 0.15, p = 0.003; Glx: CVR = 0.11, p = 0.002), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (glutamine: CVR = 0.14, p = 0.05; Glx: CVR = 0.25, p < 0.001) and thalamus (glutamate: CVR = 0.16, p = 0.008; Glx: CVR = 0.19, p = 0.008). Studies in younger, more symptomatic patients were associated with greater variability in the basal ganglia (BG glutamate with age: z = -0.03, p = 0.003, symptoms: z = 0.007, p = 0.02) and temporal lobe (glutamate with age: z = -0.03, p = 0.02), while studies with older, more symptomatic patients associated with greater variability in MFC (glutamate with age: z = 0.01, p = 0.02, glutamine with symptoms: z = 0.01, p = 0.02). For individual patient data, most studies showed a unimodal distribution of glutamatergic metabolites. Meta-analysis of mean differences found lower MFC glutamate (g = -0.15, p = 0.03), higher thalamic glutamine (g = 0.53, p < 0.001) and higher BG Glx in patients relative to controls (g = 0.28, p < 0.001). Proportion of males was negatively associated with MFC glutamate (z = -0.02, p < 0.001) and frontal white matter Glx (z = -0.03, p = 0.02) in patients relative to controls. Patient PANSS total score was positively associated with glutamate SMD in BG (z = 0.01, p = 0.01) and temporal lobe (z = 0.05, p = 0.008). Further research into the mechanisms underlying greater glutamatergic metabolite variability in schizophrenia and their clinical consequences may inform the identification of patient subgroups for future treatment strategies.

Cardiac-induced cerebral pulsatility, brain structure, and cognition in middle and older-aged adults.

Changes of cardiac-induced regional pulsatility can be associated with specific regions of brain volumetric changes, and these are related with cognitive alterations. Thus, mapping of cardiac pulsatility over the entire brain can be helpful to assess these relationships. A total of 108 subjects (age: 66.5 ± 8.4 years, 68 females, 52 healthy controls, 11 subjective cognitive decline, 17 impaired without complaints, 19 MCI and 9 AD) participated. The pulsatility map was obtained directly from resting-state functional MRI time-series data at 3T. Regional brain volumes were segmented from anatomical MRI. Multidomain neuropsychological battery was performed to test memory, language, attention and visuospatial construction. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was also administered. The sparse partial least square (SPLS) method, which is desirable for better interpreting high-dimensional variables, was applied for the relationship between the entire brain voxels of pulsatility and 45 segmented brain volumes. A multiple holdout SPLS framework was used to optimize sparsity for assessing the pulsatility-volume relationship model and to test the reliability by fitting the models to 9 different splits of the data. We found statistically significant associations between subsets of pulsatility voxels and subsets of segmented brain volumes by rejecting the omnibus null hypothesis (any of 9 splits has p < 0.0056 (=0.05/9) with the Bonferroni correction). The pulsatility was positively associated with the lateral ventricle, choroid plexus, inferior lateral ventricle, and 3rd ventricle and negatively associated with hippocampus, ventral DC, and thalamus volumes for the first pulsatility-volume relationship. The pulsatility had an additional negative relationship with the amygdala and brain stem volumes for the second pulsatility-volume relationship. The spatial distribution of correlated pulsatility was observed in major feeding arteries to the brain regions, ventricles, and sagittal sinus. The indirect mediating pathways through the volumetric changes were statistically significant between the pulsatility and multiple cognitive measures (p < 0.01). Thus, the cerebral pulsatility, along with volumetric measurements, could be a potential marker for better understanding of pathophysiology and monitoring disease progression in age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Voxel-wise partial volume correction method for accurate estimation of tissue sodium concentration in 23 Na-MRI at 7 T.

Sodium is crucial for the maintenance of cell physiology, and its regulation of the sodium-potassium pump has implications for various neurological conditions. The distribution of sodium concentrations in tissue can be quantitatively evaluated by means of sodium MRI (23 Na-MRI). Despite its usefulness in diagnosing particular disease conditions, tissue sodium concentration (TSC) estimated from 23 Na-MRI can be strongly biased by partial volume effects (PVEs) that are induced by broad point spread functions (PSFs) as well as tissue fraction effects. In this work, we aimed to propose a robust voxel-wise partial volume correction (PVC) method for 23 Na-MRI. The method is based on a linear regression (LR) approach to correct for tissue fraction effects, but it utilizes a 3D kernel combined with a modified least trimmed square (3D-mLTS) method in order to minimize regression-induced inherent smoothing effects. We acquired 23 Na-MRI data with conventional Cartesian sampling at 7 T, and spill-over effects due to the PSF were considered prior to correcting for tissue fraction effects using 3D-mLTS. In the simulation, we found that the TSCs of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) were underestimated by 20% and 11% respectively without correcting tissue fraction effects, but the differences between ground truth and PVE-corrected data after the PVC using the 3D-mLTS method were only approximately 0.6% and 0.4% for GM and WM, respectively. The capability of the 3D-mLTS method was further demonstrated with in vivo 23 Na-MRI data, showing significantly lower regression errors (ie root mean squared error) as compared with conventional LR methods (p < 0.001). The results of simulation and in vivo experiments revealed that 3D-mLTS is superior for determining under- or overestimated TSCs while preserving anatomical details. This suggests that the 3D-mLTS method is well suited for the accurate determination of TSC, especially in small focal lesions associated with pathological conditions.

Twenty-year trends in vegetable consumption by preparation method and eating location for Korean population from 1998 to 2017.

Vegetables are an important source for the essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal health. This research investigated changes in vegetable intake over time in the Korean population from 1998 to 2017, focusing on preparation methods of vegetables and location of consumption. This cross-sectional study is based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) that was established in 1998 to assess the health and nutritional status of the South Korean population. This research utilised information from 1998 to 2017 which is the extent of all available KNHANES data. Vegetable consumption was grouped, according to preparation methods and common eating locations. Both crude and age-standardised means of vegetable intake were derived via a 24-h dietary recall. All participants who completed a 24-h dietary recall survey were selected for the analyses. This included 109 220 individuals (49 069 men and 60 151 women) over the course of 20 years of the KNHANES. Total vegetable intake decreased over time (Pfor trends < 0·001), specifically, steamed and salted vegetables (Pfor trends < 0·001). In contrast, Koreans consumed noticeably more raw vegetables from 1998 to 2017 (Pfor trends < 0·001). Vegetable intake at home significantly declined (Pfor trends < 0·001), while that eaten at restaurants or outside the home increased greatly (Pfor trends < 0·001). Over 20 years, Koreans have ingested decreasing amounts of vegetables, but the intake of raw vegetables has escalated. However, the location of vegetable consumption has changed, with an increase at both restaurants and outside the home (approximately 70·0 %).

Nineteen-year trends in fermented food consumption and sodium intake from fermented foods for Korean adults from 1998 to 2016.

OBJECTIVE: Fermented foods such as kimchi are traditional foods in Korea and could provide beneficial health effects. However, fermented foods also contribute to increased Na intake since salt is added during the fermentation process. The present research aimed to examine trends in the consumption of fermented foods and Na intake over time by Korean adults, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). DESIGN: KNHANES is a cross-sectional survey; data from 1998 to 2016 were divided into seven groups from KNHANES I to VII. SETTING: Demographic information on sex, age, education and income were collected. Assessment of fermented food and Na consumption was conducted via analysis of 24 h dietary recall data. Multivariate linear regressions and logistic regressions were performed to calculate the P for trends by applying strata, cluster and sampling weights by SAS PROC SURVEY. PARTICIPANTS: The target population was Korean adults, aged ≥19 years, who participated in a 24 h dietary recall. The total number was 76 199, with 32 324 men and 43 875 women. RESULTS: A significant decline in fermented food consumption was observed from 1998 to 2016 in both men and women (P < 0·0001). Among fermented foods, kimchi consumption was greatly reduced while pickled vegetables consumption showed a marked increase. Similarly, Na intake from fermented foods declined significantly over time in both men and women (P < 0·0001). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of fermented foods and Na intake from fermented foods by Korean adults decreased significantly over time from 1998 to 2016.

Rapid and simultaneous measurement of phosphorus metabolite pool size ratio and reaction kinetics of enzymes in vivo.

PURPOSE: The metabolites phosphocreatine (PCr), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and in-organic phosphate (Pi) are biochemically coupled. Their pool sizes, assessed by their magnetization ratios, have been extensively studied and reflect bioenergetics status in vivo. However, most such studies have ignored chemical exchange and T1 relaxation effects. In this work, we aimed to extend the T1nom method to simultaneously quantify the reaction rate constants as well as phosphorus metabolite pool size ratios under partially relaxed conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified Bloch-McConnell equations were used to simulate the effects of chemical exchanges on T1 relaxation times and magnetization ratios among PCr, γ-ATP, and Pi. The T1nom method with iteration approach was used to measure both reaction constants and metabolite pool size ratios. To validate our method, in vivo data from rat brains (N = 8) at 9.4 Tesla were acquired under two conditions, i.e., approximately full relaxation (TR = 9 s) and partial relaxation (TR = 3 s). We compared metabolite pool size ratios and reaction constants before and after correcting the chemical exchange and T1 relaxation effects. RESULTS: There were significant errors in underestimation of PCr/γATP by 12 % (P = 0.03) and overestimation of ATP/Pi ratios by 14 % (P = 0.04) when not considering chemical exchange effects. These errors were minimized using our iteration approach, resulting in no significant differences (PCr/γATP, P = 0.47; ATP/Pi, P = 0.81) in metabolite pool size ratios and reaction constants between the two measurements (i.e., short versus long TR conditions). CONCLUSION: Our method can facilitate broad biomedical applications of 31 P magnetization saturation transfer spectroscopy, requiring high temporal and/or spatial resolution for assessment of altered bioenergetics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:210-221.

Polaromonas ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from ginseng field soil.

A Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, milky-white and rod-shaped bacterium (designated Gsoil 115T) isolated from ginseng field soil was characterized by a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain Gsoil 115T grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 7.0 on Reasoner's 2A agar medium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain Gsoil 115T belongs to the genus Polaromonas and was most closely related to Polaromonaseurypsychrophila B717-2T (98.6 %), Polaromonasvacuolata 34-PT (98.3 %), Polaromonasjejuensis NBRC 106434T (98.1 %), Polaromonas aquatic CCUG 39402T (97.7 %) and Polaromonascryoconiti Cr4-35T (97.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 60.9 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness between strain Gsoil 115T and P. eurypsychrophila B717-2T, P. vacuolata 34-PT, P. jejuensis NBRC 106434T, P. aquatic CCUG 39402T and P. cryoconiti Cr4-35T were 31.2, 21.6, 16.9, 8.7 and 10.1 %, respectively. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The sole respiratory quinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), which supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 115T to the genus Polaromonas. Moreover, the physiological, biochemical and low level of DNA-DNA relatedness value allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain Gsoil 115T from the recognized species of the genus Polaromonas. Therefore, strain Gsoil 115T represents a novel species of the genus Polaromonas, for which the name Polaromonas ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 115T (LMG 23393T=KCTC 12577T).

Mesorhizobium hankyongi sp. nov. Isolated from Soil of Ginseng Cultivating Field.

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped, bacterium (designated Gsoil 531T) was isolated from soil of a ginseng field. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain Gsoil 531T clustered with species of the genus Mesorhizobium and was closely related to M. camelthorni CCNWXJ 40-4T (98.9%) and M. alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T (98.7%). The DNA G + C content was 62.9 mol% and the predominant quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c). The DNA-DNA hybridization values were less than 35.0% between novel isolate and its closest reference strains M. camelthorni HAMBI 3020T, M. alhagi HAMBI 3019T and M tamadayense LMG 26736T. Physiological, biochemical and low values of DNA-DNA hybridization results enabled strain Gsoil 531T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from all known species of the genus Mesorhizobium. Therefore, strain Gsoil 531T signifies a novel species of the genus Mesorhizobium, for which the name Mesorhizobium hankyongi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain Gsoil 531T (= KACC 19443T = LMG 30463T).

Alterations of Structural Network Efficiency in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD and LOAD, respectively) share the same neuropathological hallmarks of amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles but have distinct cognitive features. We compared structural brain connectivity between the EOAD and LOAD groups using structural network efficiency and evaluated the association of structural network efficiency with the cognitive profile and pathological markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: The structural brain connectivity networks of 80 AD patients (47 with EOAD and 33 with LOAD) and 57 healthy controls were reconstructed using diffusion-tensor imaging. Graph-theoretic indices were calculated and intergroup differences were evaluated. Correlations between network parameters and neuropsychological test results were analyzed. The correlations of the amyloid and tau burdens with network parameters were evaluated for the patients and controls. RESULTS: Compared with the age-matched control group, the EOAD patients had increased global path length and decreased global efficiency, averaged local efficiency, and averaged clustering coefficient. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the LOAD patients. Locally, the EOAD patients showed decreases in local efficiency and the clustering coefficient over a wide area compared with the control group, whereas LOAD patients showed such decreases only within a limited area. Changes in network parameters were significantly correlated with multiple cognitive domains in EOAD patients, but only with Clinical Dementia Rating Sum-of-Boxes scores in LOAD patients. Finally, the tau burden was correlated with changes in network parameters in AD signature areas in both patient groups, while there was no correlation with the amyloid burden. CONCLUSIONS: The impairment of structural network efficiency and its effects on cognition may differ between EOAD and LOAD.

Choroid Plexus Volume, Amyloid Burden, and Cognition in the Alzheimer's Disease Continuum.

As a part of the glymphatic system, the choroid plexus (CP) is involved in the clearance of harmful metabolites from the brain. We investigated the association between CP volume (CPV), amyloid-ß (Aß) burden, and cognition in patients on the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 203 patients on the AD continuum and 82 healthy controls who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-florbetaben positron emission tomography. Automatic segmentation was performed, and the CPV was calculated. Cognitive function was assessed using detailed neuropsychological tests, and patients on the AD continuum were categorized into the non-dementia and dementia groups. The relationships between CPV, Aß burden, and cognitive function were assessed using multivariate linear regression and linear mixed model. CPV was greater in the AD group than in the healthy control group (1.50 vs. 1.30, P < 0.001), but was comparable between the AD non-dementia and dementia groups (1.50 vs. 1.48, P = 0.585). After adjusting for age and sex, a larger CPV was significantly associated with greater global Aß deposition (ß = 0.20, P = 0.002). Larger CPV was also associated with worse general cognitive function assessed using the sum of boxes of the clinical dementia rating scale (ß = 0.85, P = 0.034) and lower composite scores for memory (ß = -0.68, P = 0.002) and frontal/executive function domains (ß = -0.65, P < 0.001). In addition, a larger CPV was associated with a more rapid decline in Mini-Mental State Examination scores in the AD dementia group (ß = -0.58, P = 0.004). The present study demonstrated that CP enlargement was associated with increased Aß deposition and impaired memory and frontal/executive function in patients on the AD continuum.

PG-2, a Potent AMP against Pathogenic Microbial Strains, from Potato (Solanum tuberosum L cv. Gogu Valley) Tubers Not Cytotoxic against Human Cells.

In an earlier study, we isolated potamin-1 (PT-1), a 5.6-kDa trypsin-chymotrypsin protease inhibitor, from the tubers of a potato strain (Solanum tuberosum L cv. Gogu Valley). We established that PT-1 strongly inhibits pathogenic microbial strains, but not human bacterial strains, and that its sequence shows 62% homology with a serine protease inhibitor. In the present study, we isolated an antifungal and antibacterial peptide with no cytotoxicity from tubers of the same potato strain. The peptide (peptide-G2, PG-2) was isolated using salt-extraction, ultrafiltration and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) showed the protein to have a molecular mass of 3228.5 Da, while automated Edman degradation showed the N-terminal sequence of PG-2 to be LVKDNPLDISPKQVQALCTDLVIRCMCCC-. PG-2 exhibited antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, a human pathogenic yeast strain, and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, a plant late blight strain. PG-2 also showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, but did not lyse human red blood cells and was thermostable. Overall, these results suggest PG-2 may be a good candidate to serve as a natural antimicrobial agent, agricultural pesticide and/or food additive.

Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and FAS rs6586161 Polymorphism in Relation to Gastric Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study in Korea.

Many dietary and genetic factors have been confirmed to be associated with gastric cancer risk. This research investigated gastric cancer risk with regard to the glycemic index, glycemic load, and FAS rs6586161 polymorphism. A total of 232 matched pairs were included in this case-control study. Data collection was conducted at two hospitals in Korea from 2002 to 2006. Dietary information was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire, and genotypes of FAS rs6586161 polymorphism were TT, TA, and AA type. Gastric cancer risk was increased for the highest tertile of glycemic index (vs. lowest tertile, OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.07-3.18), the highest tertile of glycemic load (vs. lowest tertile, OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.23-3.75), and the AA type of FAS rs6586161 polymorphism (vs. TT types, OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.13-3.39). Furthermore, gastric cancer risk was significantly elevated for the participants with the highest glycemic load and AA type of FAS rs6586161 polymorphism (vs. the lowest glycemic load and TT type, OR = 5.53, 95% CI = 2.01-15.21). Both the high glycemic load and AA type of FAS rs6586161 polymorphism increased gastric cancer risk; however, the interactions between these two elevated the risk of gastric cancer even more.

Evaluation of glymphatic system activity using diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space and amyloid PET in older adults with objectively normal cognition: a preliminary study.

Objectives: Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) is a recently introduced method for the assessment of the glymphatic system without the need for contrast injection. The purpose of our study was to assess the glymphatic system in cognitively normal older adults with or without subjective cognitive decline (SCD) using DTI-ALPS, and correlating with amyloid PET. Design and participants: To evaluate the glymphatic system in cognitively normal older adults using DTI-ALPS, we built a prospective cohort including a total of 123 objectively cognitively normal older adults with or without SCD. The ALPS index was calculated from DTI MRI and was assessed by correlating it with standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) from amyloid PET and clinically relevant variables. The study subjects were also divided into amyloid "positive" and "negative" groups based on the result of amyloid PET, and the ALPS indices between those two groups were compared. Results: The ALPS index was not significantly different between the normal and SCD groups (P = 0.897). The mean ALPS index from the amyloid positive and amyloid negative group was 1.31 and 1.35, respectively, which showed no significant difference (P = 0.308). Among the SUVRs from variable cortices, that of the paracentral cortex was negatively correlated with the ALPS index (r = -0.218, P = 0.016). Multivariate linear regression revealed that older age (coefficient, -0.007) and higher SUVR from the paracentral cortex (coefficient, -0.101) were two independent variables with a significant association with a lower ALPS index (P = 0.015 and 0.045, respectively). Conclusion: DTI-ALPS may not be useful for evaluation of the glymphatic system in subjects with SCD. Older age was significantly associated with lower ALPS index. Greater amyloid deposition in the paracentral cortex was significantly associated with lower glymphatic activity in cognitively normal older adults. These results should be validated in future studies on the relationships between ALPS index and other fundamental compartments in glymphatic system, such as perivenous space and the meningeal lymphatic vessels.

Acute restraint-mediated increases in glutamate levels in the rat brain: an in vivo ¹H-MRS study at 4.7 T.

It is well known that a variety of stressors induces a significant alteration in various putative neurotransmitters in the mammalian CNS. However, relatively little attention has been paid on the alteration of central glutamate neurotransmission, which is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The present study aimed to determine whether acute restraint stress induces the changes in neurotransmitter level, especially glutamate, in rat brain and to examine whether 1-h recovery time after the termination of stress can revert to its pre-stress state. In vivo ¹H-NMR spectra were acquired from the cerebral cortex and hippocampus (control: N = 10, stress: N = 10, stress + 1 h rest: N = 10) immediately or after 1 h rest from restraint stress. All in vivo proton spectra were automatically analyzed using LCModel. We found that acute restraint stress induced significant increase in glutamate concentrations in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus of rat. However, the level could not revert to its pre-stress state by the end of 1-h recovery period in cerebral cortex of rats. In addition, glutamine/glutamate ratio, which may function as an index of the glutamatergic neurotransmission, was significantly lower in the cerebral cortex of both stress and 1 h stress + 1 h recovery groups, as compared to control. Our finding may provide important evidence for altered glutamatergic activity after the stress and suggest a potential biochemical marker for eventual diagnosis and/or therapy monitoring in mood disorder.

Diagnosis of Concomitant Myocarditis in a 13-Year-Old Patient with Crohn's Disease.

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are diverse; however, cardiac manifestations are rare. Herein, we report a case of myocarditis associated with Crohn's disease (CD) in a 13-year-old boy. The patient was hospitalized for an evaluation of IBD due to recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea for several months. On the second day of hospitalization, the patient complained of shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Chest radiography revealed cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema with sinus tachycardia on electrocardiogram (ECG). Echocardiography revealed slight right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and mild left ventricular (LV) dilatation. Laboratory results revealed elevated levels of cardiac markers and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2), both of which indicated fulminant myocarditis. The patient was diagnosed with acute myocarditis and treated in the intensive care unit, where he had massive and intermittent episodes of bloody stools. Several studies for the diagnosis of IBD were continued after the patient improved. Additional capsule endoscopy revealed multiple ulcers with active bleeding in the small intestine. Therefore, CD with small intestine involvement was diagnosed. This is the first reported case of myocarditis co-occurring as an EIM in pediatric CD. The occurrence of myocarditis in IBD and gastrointestinal bleeding are considered to be related to vasculitis.

Alcohol consumption according to socioeconomic and hypertensive status among Korean adults.

This research investigated variations in alcohol consumption by socioeconomic factors and hypertensive status in South Korean adults, aged ≥19 years. This is a secondary data analysis using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Alcohol intake by socioeconomic and hypertensive status was examined using data from the 2013 to 2016 KNHANES. Total participants were 19,641 adults, with 8,123 men and 11,518 women. Consumption of alcohol in the Korean population was estimated from a single 24-hour dietary recall. Alcohol intake differed, according to socioeconomic status, and, particularly, by occupation among Korean adults. Women with lower education consumed more alcohol daily than those with a higher education (p = 0.018). Furthermore, adult men with hypertension consumed a greater amount of alcohol daily, 30.9 g, than those with pre-hypertension, 23.7 g, followed by those without hypertension, 15.9 g (p < 0.001). In women, adults with pre-hypertension and hypertension consumed more alcohol daily, 9.4 g and 9.0 g, respectively, than those without, 6.6 g (p < 0.001). In addition, men with hypertension who were unaware of their disease and those who were cognizant consumed a higher amount of alcohol daily, 32.4 g and 28.6 g, respectively, than individuals without hypertension, 19.7 g (p < 0.001). Moreover, men with hypertension who had not been treated for hypertension and those in treatment consumed a greater amount of alcohol daily, 32.6 g and 28.0 g, respectively, than those without hypertension, 19.7 g (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Korean adults consume alcohol differently by socioeconomic status, and alcohol intake was more prevalent among people with hypertension.

Comparison of surgical outcomes between single versus dual K-wire fixation for unstable distal phalanx fractures.

Distal phalanx fractures are the most common injuries of the hand, and K-wire fixation is commonly performed for unstable fractures. However, there is no consensus regarding the number of K-wires to use in bone fixation. We aimed to compare the results between single and dual K-wire pinning. This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent K-wire pinning for unstable distal phalanx fractures, including the shaft and tuft, from June 2016 through April 2020. We divided patients into two groups based on the number of K-wires used for bone fixation (single vs. dual). Clinical and radiographic data were measured and compared between the two groups. Additionally, multivariable logistic analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for nonunion. A total of 80 patients were enrolled. Among them, 27 were managed with a single K-wire and 53 with a dual K-wire. There was no significant difference in the union rate between the single and dual K-wire groups (77.7% vs. 84.9%, respectively), but time to union was significantly longer in the single K-wire group (11.3 vs. 8.4 weeks; p = .003). The presence of a bone gap after fixation was a risk factor for nonunion. Our study showed that the union rate was comparable between single and dual K-wire pinning in distal phalanx fractures. However, dual K-wire pinning shortened the union time.

A high glycemic index and glycemic load increased the risk of gastric cancer: A case-control study in Korea.

Diet is a critical risk factor for gastric cancer, and Koreans consume significantly high amounts of carbohydrates. This study examined the association between carbohydrate intake, glycemic index, and glycemic load and the risk of gastric cancer and whether the association varied based on the general risk factors for gastric cancer. We hypothesized that carbohydrate intake, glycemic index, and glycemic load elevated gastric cancer risk and the relationship differed by the gastric cancer risk factors. This was a case-control study with a total of 307 matched pairs aged 20 to 79 years. Data collection was completed at two hospitals from December 2002 to September 2006. A food frequency questionnaire was applied for dietary assessment. Carbohydrate intake was not related to gastric cancer risk. However, a high glycemic index (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.18-2.97) and glycemic load (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.53-4.12) were significantly associated with the elevated risk of gastric cancer. When the relationship between glycemic load and gastric cancer risk was stratified by risk factors for gastric cancer, the gastric cancer risk especially increased among men, ≥65 years, smokers, drinkers, and people with Helicobacter pylori infection. Although there was no association between carbohydrate consumption and gastric cancer, high glycemic index and glycemic load were associated with the increased gastric cancer risk.

Cardiac biomarkers and detection methods for myocardial infarction.

Background: A significant heart attack known as a myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly interrupted, harming the heart muscles due to a lack of oxygen. The incidence of myocardial infarction is increasing worldwide. A relationship between COVID-19 and myocardial infarction due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic has also been revealed. Objective: We propose a biomarker and a method that can be used for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, and an aptamer-based approach. Results: For the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, an algorithm-based diagnosis method was developed using electrocardiogram data. A diagnosis method through biomarker detection was then developed. Conclusion: Myocardial infarction is a disease that is difficult to diagnose based on the aspect of a single factor. For this reason, it is necessary to use a combination of various methods to diagnose myocardial infarction quickly and accurately. In addition, new materials such as aptamers must be grafted and integrated into new ways. Purpose of Review: The incidence of myocardial infarction is increasing worldwide, and some studies are being conducted on the association between COVID-19 and myocardial infarction. The key to properly treating myocardial infarction is early detection, thus we aim to do this by offering both tools and techniques as well as the most recent diagnostic techniques. Recent Findings: Myocardial infarction is diagnosed using an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, which utilize cardiac signals. It is required to identify biomarkers of myocardial infarction and use biomarker-based ELISA, SPR, gold nanoparticle, and aptamer technologies in order to correctly diagnose myocardial infarction.

Gastric Cancer Risk Was Associated with Dietary Factors Irritating the Stomach Wall: A Case-Control Study in Korea.

The incidence of gastric cancer is high in Korea, and dietary factors are important risk factors for gastric cancer. This study examined whether gastric cancer risk was related to dietary factors that directly irritate the stomach wall. This case−control study consisted of 308 matched pairs of gastric cancer cases and controls recruited from 2002 to 2006 at two hospitals in Korea. Dietary assessments were completed using a food frequency questionnaire and a dietary habit questionnaire. Gastric cancer risk was increased for high meal frequency of >3 vs. low meal frequency of ≤3 times per day, overeating vs. not overeating, and preferred vs. not preferred spicy or salty foods. Furthermore, participants with dietary factors of high meal frequency, overeating, and preference for spicy or salty foods elevated the risk of gastric cancer compared to those with low meal frequency, not overeating, and not preferring spicy or salty foods, simultaneously. In conclusion, gastric cancer risk was significantly increased in people with dietary factors that irritate the stomach wall, such as high meal frequency, overeating, and preference for spicy or salty foods.