Bacteriophage Cocktail Comprising Fifi044 and Fifi318 for Biocontrol of Erwinia amylovora.

Erwinia amylovora is a plant pathogen that causes fire blight on apples and pears. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that selectively infect specific species of bacteria and are harmless to animal cells, have been considered as biological control agents for the prevention of bacterial pathogens. In this study, we aimed to use bacteriophages that infect E. amylovora as biocontrol agents against fire blight. We isolated bacteriophages Fifi044 and Fifi318 infecting E. amylovora, and characterized their morphology, plaque form, and genetic diversity to use as cocktails for disease control. The stabilities of the two phages were investigated at various temperatures and pH values and under sunlight, and long-term storage experiment was conducted for a year. To evaluate whether the two phages were suitable for use in cocktail form, growth curves of E. amylovora were prepared after treating the bacterial cells with single phages and a phage cocktail. In addition, a disease control test was conducted using immature apples and in vitro cultured apple plantlets to determine the biocontrol effects of the phage cocktail. The two phages were morphologically and genetically different, and highly stable up to 50°C and pH value from 4 to 10. The phages showed synergistic effect when used as a cocktail in the inhibition of host bacterial growth and the disease control. This study demonstrated that the potential of the phage cocktail as a biocontrol agent for commercial use.

Association of Dietary Resistant Starch Intake with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults.

Research findings on the relationship between dietary resistant starch (RS) intake and metabolic diseases using population-based data are very scarce. This study examined the association of dietary RS intake with obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. A total of 12,491 adults (5292 men and 7199 women) were selected from the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The individual RS intake (g) was calculated by linking the 1-day 24 h recall data with the RS content database for common Korean foods. Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. Metabolic syndrome was defined as having three or more of the following: abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, elevated fasting blood glucose, and elevated blood pressure. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for obesity and metabolic syndrome across quartiles (Qs) of RS intake were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis. In men, the highest quartile of RS intake showed a significantly lower OR for metabolic syndrome compared to the lowest quartile after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.56-0.92, p-trend = 0.0057). Dietary RS intake in men was also inversely associated with obesity (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.67-0.97, p-trend = 0.0329) and elevated triglycerides (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66-0.98, p-trend = 0.0314). In women, RS intake was not associated with metabolic syndrome. Our findings may serve as useful data for developing guidelines for RS intake and conducting further cohort and clinical studies to investigate the health effects of RS.

Dietary patterns derived by reduced rank regression are associated with lipid disorders among Korean adults: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lipid disorders are a potent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the intake of dietary fatty acids has been closely related to blood lipid levels. Therefore, this cross-sectional study examined the associations between dietary patterns related to fatty acid intake and lipid disorders in Korean adults. METHODS: From the 2013-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data, 8399 men and 11404 women (aged ≥ 19 years) were selected. Reduced rank regression was employed to identify dietary patterns from 26 food groups, aiming to explain the maximum variation in the intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-3 fatty acids, and the PUFA/SFA ratio. Associations of quintiles (Q) of dietary pattern scores with lipid disorders were examined using multiple logistic regression stratified by sex. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns were identified: dietary pattern 1 showed positive factor loadings for vegetable oils, seasonings, legumes, nuts, and fish; dietary pattern 2 was high in consumption of red meat, bread and snacks, and milk and dairy products; and dietary pattern 3 was rich in fish and milk and dairy products. In men, dietary pattern 3 was inversely associated with elevated triglycerides (Q5 vs. Q1: odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69-0.97, P-trend = 0.008). In women, dietary pattern 2 was positively associated with elevated total cholesterol (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12-1.52, P-trend < 0.001) but inversely associated with low HDL-cholesterol (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.59-0.83, P-trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, dietary patterns explaining the intake of various types of fatty acids were differentially associated with lipid disorders in Korean adults. Dietary pattern characterized by higher intakes of red meat, bread and snacks and milk and dairy products were positively associated with elevated total cholesterol, whereas dietary pattern rich in fish consumption showed an inverse association with elevated triglycerides. These findings could be instrumental in developing dietary guidelines and strategies for preventing and managing lipid disorders in this population.

Food sources of zinc and nutritional status with usual dietary zinc intake in Korean toddlers and preschool children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the food sources of zinc and the usual intake of dietary zinc among Korean toddlers and preschool children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 2,679 children aged 1-5 years was selected from the 2009-2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. Dietary data collected from a single 24-h recall were used to evaluate the food sources of zinc. To estimate usual zinc intake, the distribution obtained from single 24-h recall data in the total sample was adjusted using the ratio of within-to-between-person variance in zinc intake obtained from 2-day 24-h recall sub-sample data of the 2009 KNHANES. The proportion of children with usual zinc intake below the estimated average requirement (EAR) and above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) was assessed. RESULTS: The main sources of zinc in Korean children were grains, dairy products, and meat. The mean usual intakes of zinc among all individuals, those aged 1-2 yrs, and those aged 3-5 yrs were 5.50, 5.01, and 5.83 mg/d, respectively. In all participants, 1.1% of the children consumed zinc below the EAR, whereas 10.7% exceeded the UL. The proportion of children with excessive zinc intake was 25.6% in the 1-2 yrs age group and 0.6% in the 3-5 yrs age group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the current UL, the risk of excessive zinc intake appears to be high among Korean toddlers. Future studies that monitor the health effects of excessive zinc intake are needed to appropriately guide zinc intake in children.

Trends in dietary intake and food sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids among Korean adults between 2007 and 2018.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined trends in the dietary intake and food sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in Korean adults from 2007 to 2018. METHODS: In total, 46,307 adults (aged 19-64 years) were selected from the 2007-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained using 24-hour dietary recall. Intake levels and food sources of LC-PUFAs, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acid (LA), were evaluated across the survey years and assessed based on compliance with dietary recommendations over the 2007-2018 period. Linear trends in LC-PUFAs intake levels over time were examined through multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2018, ALA and LA consumption increased from 1.1 g (0.5% of energy) to 1.4 g (0.6% of energy) and from 8.6 g (3.9% of energy) to 10.0 g (4.5% of energy), respectively. EPA intake decreased from 0.14 g to 0.12 g, and EPA+DHA intake showed a decreasing trend. The proportion of individuals who did not meet the recommended intake of EPA+DHA (250 mg/day) increased (64.4 to 68.4%). Regarding changes in food sources of ALA and LA, the contributions from mayonnaise, eggs, and bread increased, while those from plant food sources decreased. Among food sources of EPA and DHA, anchovy, saury, and Atka mackerel showed lower contributions over time. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that strategies to encourage the consumption of EPA and DHA from healthy food sources are necessary to improve cardiovascular health in the Korean population.

Precisely Navigated Biobot Swarms of Bacteria Magnetospirillum magneticum for Water Decontamination.

Hybrid biological robots (biobots) prepared from living cells are at the forefront of micro-/nanomotor research due to their biocompatibility and versatility toward multiple applications. However, their precise maneuverability is essential for practical applications. Magnetotactic bacteria are hybrid biobots that produce magnetosome magnetite crystals, which are more stable than synthesized magnetite and can orient along the direction of earth's magnetic field. Herein, we used Magnetospirillum magneticum strain AMB-1 (M. magneticum AMB-1) for the effective removal of chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate pesticide) in various aqueous solutions by naturally binding with organic matter. Precision control of M. magneticum AMB-1 was achieved by applying a magnetic field. Under a programed clockwise magnetic field, M. magneticum AMB-1 exhibit swarm behavior and move in a circular direction. Consequently, we foresee that M. magneticum AMB-1 can be applied in various environments to remove and retrieve pollutants by directional control magnetic actuation.

Vitamin D intake and bone mineral density in Korean adults: analysis of the 2009-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Koreans is quite high; however, until recently, Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) had not analyzed the vitamin D intake among Koreans. Additionally, the Korean Dietary Reference Intake for vitamin D was established based on insufficient evidence. Therefore, we investigated vitamin D intake and its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean adults using the combined data from the 2009-2011 KNHANES. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in 11,949 healthy adults. Vitamin D intake was assessed using a 24-h recall method, and the BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 64% in men and 77% in women. In women aged ≥ 50 yrs and men aged < 50 yrs, there was a significant positive correlation between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level after sun exposure adjustment. The BMD of postmenopausal women aged ≥ 50 yrs with a vitamin D intake of 5 µg/day or more was significantly higher than that of women with intake less than 5 µg/day. After adjusting for age, energy, and calcium intake, the vitamin D intake of the osteoporotic group was significantly lower than that of the osteopenia group in women. CONCLUSIONS: Since the relationship between vitamin D intake and BMD was observed in women aged ≥ 50 yrs, further research is needed to clarify these findings using cohort or randomized controlled trials.

Dietary vitamin D intake in low ultraviolet irradiation seasons is associated with a better nutritional status of vitamin D in Korean adults according to the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Vitamin D deficiency poses a global public health burden; however, there are limited studies on the relationship between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration in Koreans with a special focus on seasonal variables. We hypothesized that the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and vitamin D intake levels in Korean adults would change with the seasons, and that the distribution of food sources for vitamin D would vary according to sex and age. We established a new version of the food vitamin D database, analyzed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2014 data (n = 3257), and calculated the vitamin D intake of Koreans using a complex sample model. We found that the daily vitamin D intakes of men and women were 4.09 ± 0.26 µg and 2.87 ± 0.17 µg and their 25(OH)D levels were 16.98 ± 0.24 ng/mL and 15.62 ± 0.21 ng/mL, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D levels in all participants. Serum 25(OH)D levels in the spring and winter (low ultraviolet irradiation seasons) were significantly higher in the 3rd tertile of vitamin D intake than in the first tertile. Fish and shellfish were the main sources of vitamin D for Koreans, the consumption of which was the least in the 19- to 29-year-old group; additionally, their serum 25(OH)D level was the lowest. In conclusion, insufficient vitamin D intake during low ultraviolet irradiation seasons is associated with lower levels of serum 25(OH)D.

Food behaviors accounting for the recent trends in dietary fatty acid profiles among Korean adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined the changes in food behaviors of dietary fatty acids over 2007-2018 among Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study used data from the 4th (2007-2009), 5th (2010-2012), 6th (2013-2015), and 7th (2016-2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. A total of 46,307 adults aged 19-64 yrs were selected and dietary data were obtained from a single 24-h recall. In the 4th and 7th data, the major food sources for each fatty acid based on the contributing percentage of the food item were compared. The consumption trends in the major food sources were presented as grams per day over 2007-2018 and compared across the survey periods using the multiple regression model. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2018, for total fat, saturated fatty acid (SFA), and monounsaturated fatty acid, the contribution of animal food sources, including beef, chicken, and eggs increased but plant food sources (e.g., tofu, soybean, and plant oil) decreased. As polyunsaturated fatty acid sources, mayonnaise, eggs, and bread showed higher contributions, whereas soybean and tofu showed lower contributions in the 7th data compared to the 4th data. For n-3 fatty acids, the contribution of fish decreased between the 4th and 7th data. Over 12 yrs, the significant increases in the absolute amount of consumption from animal sources were observed. In contrast, decreases in the consumption from plant sources and fish were seen across the survey periods. CONCLUSIONS: In Korean adults, increases in the intake of dietary fatty acids along with changes in the food behaviors during 2007-2018 have evoked great concern for SFA intake, which is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Healthy food sources of dietary fatty acids should be emphasized in this population.

Association of added sugar intake with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality: a systematic review of cohort studies.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The long-term health impacts of dietary sugar have begun to be reported. The committee on the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans for sugar intended to update the scientific evidence on the association of added sugar intake with health outcomes, including mortality. This study evaluated the evidence on the association of dietary sugar with the all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality from cohort studies. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched until July 2021. The search terms were based on multiple combinations of keywords, such as added sugar, beverage, and mortality, included in the title or abstract. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility criteria of study selection and extracted the information from each selected article for this systematic review. RESULTS: The literature search identified 276 articles. Seventeen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. This study extracted information on the cohort and participants, dietary assessment methods, exposure and its comparison groups, health outcomes, and risk measures. Five articles reported added sugar intake, and 15 articles reported the food sources of the added sugar in the association with mortality. Increased mortality was observed in higher added sugar intake and a lower intake of less than 5% of energy, while higher discrepancies between gender, age groups, and countries were noted. In addition, nutritious sugary foods and beverages did not increase mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A 'U' or 'J' shaped relationship between the added sugar intake and mortality was estimated. The observed discrepancy indicated the need for more evidence to establish the dose-response relationship for Koreans.

Isolation of Nine Bacteriophages Shown Effective against Erwinia amylovora in Korea.

Erwinia amylovora is a devastating bacterial plant pathogen that infects Rosaceae including apple and pear and causes fire blight. Bacteriophages have been considered as a biological control agent for preventing bacterial infections of plants. In this study, nine bacteriophages (ΦFifi011, ΦFifi044, ΦFifi051, ΦFifi067, ΦFifi106, ΦFifi287, ΦFifi318, ΦFifi450, and ΦFifi451) were isolated from soil and water samples in seven orchards with fire blight in Korea. The genetic diversity of bacteriophage isolates was confirmed through restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern analysis. Host range of the nine phages was tested against 45 E. amylovora strains and 14 E. pyrifoliae strains and nine other bacterial strains. Among the nine phages, ΦFifi044 and ΦFifi451 infected and lysed E. amylovora only. And the remaining seven phages infected both E. amylovora and E. pyrifoliae. The results suggest that the isolated phages were different from each other and effective to control E. amylovora, providing a basis to develop biological agents and utilizing phage cocktails.

Increasing trends in dietary total fat and fatty acid intake among Korean children: using the 2007-2017 national data.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of obesity has been increasing in Korean children. As an unhealthy diet is known as one of the major determinants of childhood obesity, assessing and monitoring dietary fat intake of children is needed. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This analysis included 9,998 children aged 3-11 yrs from the 2007-2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained from a single 24-h dietary recall. Intakes of total fat and fatty acids, including saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), n-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA), and n-6 fatty acid (n-6 FA) were evaluated as the absolute amount (g) and proportion of energy from each fatty acid (% of energy). The total fat and SFA intake were also assessed according to compliance with dietary guidelines. Linear trends in the dietary fats intake across the survey period were tested using multiple regression models. RESULTS: Total fat intake significantly increased from 38.5 g (20.3% of energy) to 43.4 g (23.3% of energy) from 2007 to 2017. This increase was mainly accounted for the increases in intakes of SFA (7.2% to 8.4% of energy) and MUFA (6.2% to 7.5% of energy). PUFA intake increased from 4.4 to 4.7% of energy during the 11-yrs period: from 0.57 to 0.63% of energy for n-3 FA and from 3.8 to 4.1% of energy for n-6 FA. The proportions of children who consumed amounts exceeding the dietary guidelines for total fat and SFA significantly increased from 2007 to 2017, with increases from 9.8% to 17.4% for total fat and from 36.9% to 50.9% for SFA. CONCLUSIONS: Prominent increasing trends in the consumption of total fat and SFA but tiny change in n-3 FA intake were observed in Korean children. The healthy intake of dietary fats should be emphasized in this population.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Its Association with Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease and Nutrient Intake in Korean Adult Men: The 2013-2014 KNHANES.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has been linked to one of the highest death rates globally. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) may be an important predictor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, superior to the standard atherosclerotic lipid profile. This study investigated the relationship between AIP and obesity indices, blood glucose, lipid profile, and nutrient intake status in Korean adult men. The study included 1292 males aged ≥19 years old who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2014. Participants were divided into four groups according to AIP quartiles, calculated as log (triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)). Body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, TG, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased as AIP levels increased, whereas HDL-C level declined. As the level of AIP increased, intake of saturated fatty acid, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, milk, and dairy product decreased significantly, and the contribution rate of milk and dairy products to fat intake decreased. AIP was linked to obesity indices, blood glucose, and blood lipid profile in Korean men, suggesting that it could predict CAD.

Intravital imaging and single cell transcriptomic analysis for engraftment of mesenchymal stem cells in an animal model of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising treatment for various intractable disorders including interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). However, an analysis of fundamental characteristics driving in vivo behaviors of transplanted cells has not been performed, causing debates about rational use and efficacy of MSC therapy. Here, we implemented two-photon intravital imaging and single cell transcriptome analysis to evaluate the in vivo behaviors of engrafted multipotent MSCs (M-MSCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in an acute IC/BPS animal model. Two-photon imaging analysis was performed to visualize the dynamic association between engrafted M-MSCs and bladder vasculature within live animals until 28 days after transplantation, demonstrating the progressive integration of transplanted M-MSCs into a perivascular-like structure. Single cell transcriptome analysis was performed in highly purified engrafted cells after a dual MACS-FACS sorting procedure and revealed expression changes in various pathways relating to pericyte cell adhesion and cellular stress. Particularly, FOS and cyclin dependent kinase-1 (CDK1) played a key role in modulating the migration, engraftment, and anti-inflammatory functions of M-MSCs, which determined their in vivo therapeutic potency. Collectively, this approach provides an overview of engrafted M-MSC behavior in vivo, which will advance our understanding of MSC therapeutic applications, efficacy, and safety.

Association between Unhealthful Plant-Based Diets and Possible Risk of Dyslipidemia.

The relationship between the various types of diets derived from plants and vulnerability of dyslipidemia has rarely been investigated, and limited data exist in Asians whose dietary pattern is fairly different from that of the Western population. We aim to analyze the relationship between three plant-based diet indices (PDI) and the risk of dyslipidemia. Participants included 173,209 Korean adults who were aged ≥40 years from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study_Health Examination (2004-2013). A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. Three PDI were quantified for the study: overall PDI, healthful PDI (hPDI), and unhealthful PDI (uPDI). Among the 147,945 included, 48,166 (32.6%) of participants had dyslipidemia. Great adherence to uPDI was related with 15% greater odds of having dyslipidemia (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.11-1.20, p-trend < 0.0001). No significant association was observed between PDI, hPDI, and dyslipidemia. The association between uPDI and dyslipidemia was significantly stronger among participants aged ≥55 years when compared to participants aged <55 years (p-value for interaction = 0.001). The quality of plant foods is vital in preventing dyslipidemia among people consuming high plant-based food diets.

Dietary Fiber and Its Source Are Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Korean Adults.

We examined the associations of dietary fiber and its source with cardiovascular risk factors in Korean adults. This cross-sectional study involved 16,792 adults from the 2013-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Dietary data were obtained using a 24 h recall method and used to evaluate intakes of total dietary fiber and its source and fruit consumption. Cardiovascular risk factors included obesity, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the associations of dietary fiber and its source with cardiovascular risk factors by sex. Total fiber and fruit fiber intake in men were inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (Q5 vs. Q1: odds ratios (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.53-0.92 for total fiber; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.61-0.93 for fruit fiber). Among women, a higher intake of fruit fiber was related to a reduced prevalence of obesity (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.85, p trend = 0.029) and abdominal obesity (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.82, p trend = 0.026). Total fruit and whole fruit consumption was inversely associated with obesity, abdominal obesity, and metabolic syndrome in men and hypertension in women. The amount and sources of fiber are associated with metabolic diseases in Korean adults and should be considered in the context of overall dietary quality.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Multipotent Stem/Stromal Cells in Diabetic Detrusor Underactivity: A Preclinical Study.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) therapy is a promising approach for treatment of as yet incurable detrusor underactivity (DUA), which is characterized by decreased detrusor contraction strength and/or duration, leading to prolonged bladder emptying. In the present study, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived multipotent MSCs (M-MSCs) in a diabetic rat model of DUA. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg) into 8-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats. Three weeks later, various doses of M-MSCs (0.25, 0.5, and 1 × 106 cells) or an equivalent volume of PBS were injected into the outer layer of the bladder. Awake cystometry, organ bath, histological, and gene expression analyses were evaluated 1 week (short-term) or 2 and 4 weeks (long-term) after M-MSC transplantation. STZ-induced diabetic rats developed DUA, including phenotypes with significantly longer micturition intervals, increased residual urine amounts and bladder capacity, decreased micturition pressure on awake cystometry, and contractile responses to various stimuli in organ bath studies. Muscle degeneration, mast cell infiltration, fibrosis, and apoptosis were present in the bladders of DM animals. A single local transplantation of M-MSCs ameliorated DUA bladder pathology, including functional changes and histological evaluation, and caused few adverse outcomes. Immunostaining and gene expression analysis revealed that the transplanted M-MSCs supported myogenic restoration primarily by engrafting into bladder tissue via pericytes, and subsequently exerting paracrine effects to prevent apoptotic cell death in bladder tissue. The therapeutic efficacy of M-MSCs was superior to that of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs at the early time point (1 week). However, the difference in efficacy between M-MSCs and human umbilical cord-derived MSCs was statistically insignificant at the later time points (2 and 4 weeks). Collectively, the present study provides the first evidence for improved therapeutic efficacy of a human ESC derivative in a preclinical model of DM-associated DUA.

Glutathione dynamics determine the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for graft-versus-host disease via CREB1-NRF2 pathway.

Glutathione (GSH), the most abundant nonprotein thiol functioning as an antioxidant, plays critical roles in maintaining the core functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are used as a cellular immunotherapy for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, the role of GSH dynamics in MSCs remains elusive. Genome-wide gene expression profiling and high-throughput live-cell imaging assays revealed that CREB1 enforced the GSH-recovering capacity (GRC) of MSCs through NRF2 by directly up-regulating NRF2 target genes responsible for GSH synthesis and redox cycling. MSCs with enhanced GSH levels and GRC mediated by CREB1-NRF2 have improved self-renewal, migratory, anti-inflammatory, and T cell suppression capacities. Administration of MSCs overexpressing CREB1-NRF2 target genes alleviated GVHD in a humanized mouse model, resulting in improved survival, decreased weight loss, and reduced histopathologic damages in GVHD target organs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the molecular and functional importance of the CREB1-NRF2 pathway in maintaining MSC GSH dynamics, determining therapeutic outcomes for GVHD treatment.

Comparison of cytotoxicity of black phosphorus nanosheets in different types of fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) have recently emerged as a successive novel nanomaterial owing to their uniqueness in optical and electrical properties. Although BPNSs have found a wide range of biomedical applications, their biosafety is still a major concern to be addressed. METHODS: In this study, we have prepared layered BPNSs using liquid exfoliation procedure, and evaluated their physicochemical properties using Fourier Transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Zetasizer analyses. We have investigated potential cytotoxicity of BPNSs against three different types of fibroblast cells, i.e. mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH3T3), primary cultured normal human dermal fibroblast (nHDF), and fibrosarcoma (HT1080). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was carried out to assess cellular metabolic activity in cells whereas lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay was helpful to study plasma membrane integrity. RESULTS: Our salient research findings showed that BPNSs were polydispersed in solution due to aggregation. Toxic response of BPNSs against fibroblast cells was in the order, HT1080>nHDF>NIH3T3. The nanosheets reduced the number of cancerous cells with significant difference to normal cells. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that BPNSs can be considered for cancer treatment as they destroy cancerous cells effectively. However, a comprehensive study is required to elucidate other biological effects of BPNSs.

Contribution of foods to absolute nutrient intake and between-person variations of nutrient intake in Korean preschoolers.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze specific foods influencing absolute nutrient intake and between-person variations of nutrient intake among Korean preschoolers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 2,766 participants aged 1-5 years in the 2009-2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained from a 24-h dietary recall method. Major food sources of absolute nutrient intake were evaluated based on percent contribution of each food. To assess the contribution of specific foods to between-person variations in nutrient intake, stepwise multiple regressions were performed and cumulative R2 was used. RESULTS: White rice and milk were main food sources of energy, protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, iron, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The percentage of fat contributed by milk was 21.3% which was the highest, followed by pork, soybean oil, and egg. White rice accounted for 25% and 40% of total variability in total energy and carbohydrate intakes, respectively. About 39% of variation in calcium intake was explained by milk while 40% of variation in phosphorous intake was explained by cheese. The top 10 foods contributing to between-person variations in nutrient intakes were similar with food items that mainly contributed to absolute nutrient intakes. The number of foods explaining 90% of absolute amounts of nutrient intakes varied from 28 for vitamin A to 80 for iron. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified specific foods that contributed to absolute nutrient intakes and between-person variations in nutrient intakes among Korean preschoolers. Our findings can be used to develop dietary assessment tools and establish food-based dietary guidelines for young children.