The analysis of 2'-fucosyllactose concentration in Korean maternal milk using LC-MS/MS.

Despite health benefits reported recently, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) concentration in maternal milk was not conclusively reported because it varies between countries and mothers. Particularly, its distribution among Korean mothers was not obtained from a reliable sample group yet. Thus, a dynamic range for 2'-FL concentration in Korean mothers' milk was investigated from 102 samples. A quantitative method using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) by triple-quadrupole-mass spectrometry has been evaluated by a standard procedure of method validation. The 2'-FL concentration was in the range of 0.4 to 2.6 g/L overall. While the samples from secretor mothers (n = 80) contained 1.0 to 2.8 g/L of 2'-FL, the maternal milk from non-secretor mothers (n = 22) had 0.01 to 0.06 g/L of 2'-FL only. In addition to the genetic variation of mothers, the lactation period impacted the 2'-FL concentration. The average 2'-FL concentration of the late-stage group (> 60 days) was 78% of that obtained from the first month of postpartum mothers. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01154-4.

Correction: Privacy-preserving parallel kNN classification algorithm using index-based filtering in cloud computing.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267908.].

Privacy-preserving parallel kNN classification algorithm using index-based filtering in cloud computing.

With the development of cloud computing, interest in database outsourcing has recently increased. In cloud computing, it is necessary to protect the sensitive information of data owners and authorized users. For this, data mining techniques over encrypted data have been studied to protect the original database, user queries and data access patterns. The typical data mining technique is kNN classification which is widely used for data analysis and artificial intelligence. However, existing works do not provide a sufficient level of efficiency for a large amount of encrypted data. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose a privacy-preserving parallel kNN classification algorithm. To reduce the computation cost for encryption, we propose an improved secure protocol by using an encrypted random value pool. To reduce the query processing time, we not only design a parallel algorithm, but also adopt a garbled circuit. In addition, the security analysis of the proposed algorithm is performed to prove its data protection, query protection, and access pattern protection. Through our performance evaluation, the proposed algorithm shows about 2∼25 times better performance compared with existing algorithms.

Improved Light Harvesting of Fiber-Shaped Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Using a Bacteriophage Doping Method.

Fiber-shaped solar cells (FSCs) with flexibility, wearability, and wearability have emerged as a topic of intensive interest and development in recent years. Although the development of this material is still in its early stages, bacteriophage-metallic nanostructures, which exhibit prominent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties, are one such material that has been utilized to further improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells. This study confirmed that fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) enhanced by silver nanoparticles-embedded M13 bacteriophage (Ag@M13) can be developed as solar cell devices with better PCE than the solar cells without them. The PCE of FDSSCs was improved by adding the Ag@M13 into an iodine species (I-/I3-) based electrolyte, which is used for redox couple reactions. The optimized Ag@M13 enhanced FDSSC showed a PCE of up to 5.80%, which was improved by 16.7% compared to that of the reference device with 4.97%.

Comprehensive analysis of fatty acids in human milk of four Asian countries.

Human milk lipids provide not only energy but also indispensable bioactive components such as essential fatty acids. To establish the recommended daily intake value and guidelines for infant formula, a reference library of fatty acid composition has been generated from 4 Asian countries (South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan). Regardless of country, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:1), and linolenic acid (C18:2) were the 3 most abundant fatty acids in human milk and account for more than 75% of total fatty acids (total FA). However, there were several considerable differences between fatty acids, particularly n-3 and n-6 (omega-3 and omega-6) groups. Chinese mothers' milk had a high concentration of linoleic acid at 24.38 ± 10.02% of total FA, which may be due to maternal diet. Among the 4 countries, Pakistani mothers' milk contained a high amount of saturated fatty acid (56.83 ± 5.96% of total FA), and consequently, polyunsaturated fatty acids, including n-3 and n-6, were significantly lower than in other countries. It is noteworthy that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in Pakistani mothers' milk was 44.8 ± 33.3 mg/L, which is only 25 to 30% of the levels in the other 3 countries, suggesting the need for DHA supplementation for infants in Pakistan. Moreover, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 was also remarkably high in Pakistani mothers' milk (15.21 ± 4.96), being 1.4- to 1.7-fold higher than in other countries. The average DHA:ARA ratio in Asian human milk was 1.01 ± 0.79. Korean mothers' milk showed a high DHA:ARA ratio, with a value of 1.30 ± 0.98, but Pakistani mothers' milk had a significantly lower value (0.42 ± 0.12). The fatty acid compositions and anthropometric data of mother (body mass index, age) did not show any correlation. The obtained data might provide information about human milk compositions in the Asian region that could benefit from setting up recommended nutrient intake and infant formula for Asian babies.

Magnesium Aminoclay (MgAC) as an Additive in Anti-Icing Mixture of Propylene Glycol Applied to Railway Electrical Wires: A Preliminary Study.

Ice accumulation on the surface of railway electrical wires can cause significant problems in the winter season. Different anti-icing liquids have been used to prevent the formation of ice on different surface substrates. The most common anti-icing liquids are ethylene glycol mixtures. Recently, propylene glycol, due to its lesser toxicity, has been considered as an alternative anti-icing agent. However, propylene glycol mixtures have some limitations, in that their degradation can lead to corrosion of the metal substrate. As detailed in the literature, (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APTES), the precursor of magnesium aminoclay (MgAC), has been used to protect metal substrates from corrosion. In the present study we examined the potential of MgAC as an APTES-alternative additive in propylene glycol mixtures. The results showed that the anti-icing properties of the propylene glycol mixtures were maintained in the presence of MgAC (at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.% concentrations). Furthermore, MgAC's potential as a thickening agent was shown in the increased viscosity of the propylene glycol/MgAC mixtures relative to the propylene glycol mixtures. The addition of MgAC also rendered the propylene glycol mixtures more hydrophilic. However, MgAC addition also led to corrosion due to the excess amounts of amine groups in the anti-icing solution. In this paper, the corrosion mechanism of MgAC is explained in the paper. In the future, the anti-icing and anticorrosion properties of propylene glycol/MgAC mixtures at low concentrations (<0.1 wt.%) should be more fully investigated.

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training Reduces Circulating Apolipoprotein J Levels and Improves Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Diabetic Women.

BACKGROUND: Circulating apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is closely associated with insulin resistance; however, the effect of exercise on circulating ApoJ levels and the association of ApoJ with metabolic indices remain unknown. Here, we investigated whether a combined exercise can alter the circulating ApoJ level, and whether these changes are associated with metabolic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned into either an exercise (EXE, n=30) or control (CON, n=15) group. Participants in the EXE group were enrolled in a 12-week program consisting of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises. At baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, body composition and metabolic parameters including homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and serum ApoJ levels were assessed. RESULTS: In the EXE group, ApoJ levels decreased 26.3% and 19.4%, relative to baseline, at 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Between-group differences were significant at 8 and 12 weeks (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). In the EXE group, 12 weeks of exercise resulted in significant decreases in body weight, percent body fat, and HOMA-IR indices. Concurrently, weight-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM/wt) was increased in the EXE group compared with the CON group. Importantly, changes in the ApoJ level were significantly correlated with changes in ASM/wt. CONCLUSION: Exercise training resulted in a significant decrease in the circulating ApoJ level, with changes in ApoJ associated with an improvement in some insulin resistance indices. These data suggest that circulating ApoJ may be a useful metabolic marker for assessing the effects of exercise on insulin resistance.

Underestimated Risks of Infantile Infectious Disease from the Caregiver's Typical Handling Practices of Infant Formula.

The impact on infant caregiver as a reservoir of pathogens has not been exploited with perspective to powdered infant formula (PIF). Here we reveal novel route of pathogen transfer through hand-spoon-PIF unexpectedly occurred by even typical practices of caregivers, handling of PIF and storage of feeding-spoon in PIF container. Hand-spoon-PIF contamination route was simulated to analyze the transfer and subsequent survival of pathogens. Major pathogens associated with infantile fatal diseases (Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus) were readily transmitted to PIF from skin (3-6 log CFU/hand) via spoons following long-term survival of transferred pathogens (3 weeks; use-by date of PIF) as the excessive level of infectious dose, highlighting direct onset of diseases. Low bacterial load on skin (ca. 1 log CFU/hand) could prevent cross-contamination of PIF, however, at least 72 h survival of transferred pathogen on spoons demonstrated the probability on re-contamination of PIF. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the cross-contamination of utensils in contact with powdered-foods. Bacterial load on hands is the key determinant of pathogen transfer and the extent of risk are species-dependent. These evidential results redefine risk of caregivers' practices and facilitate incorporation of cross-contamination into risk-assessment as underestimated route of infection.

Erratum to: Orally-Administered Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Strain BB12 on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice.

This erratum is being published to correct the author's contribution of above manuscript by Chae et al. that was published in Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (2018, 28:11, 1800-1805). The ninth author (Jin Hyup Lee) should be marked as corresponding author (*) with latest author (Young Jun Kim). The correspondence should appear as: *Corresponding authors Young Jun Kim Phone: +82-44-860-1435; Fax: +82-44-860-1586; E-mail: yk46@korea.ac.kr Jin Hyup Lee Phone: +82-44-860-1437 Fax: +82-44-860-1586; E-mail: jinhyuplee@korea.ac.kr.

Optimization of spray drying parameters and food additives to reduce glycation using response surface methodology in powdered infant formulas.

The heat-based spray drying process generating the highest level of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the infant formula processing was set as a control point from which the levels of AGE markers, N-carboxymethyllysine, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and fluorescence intensity, can be mitigated. We optimized the parameters, including inlet temperature, feeding rate, and aspirator rate during spray drying, and alternatively optimized food additives, including pyridoxine hydrochloride, dl-α-tocopheryl acetate, and l-carnitine. Using response surface methodology, the optimal condition based on our experimental condition for the inlet temperature, pump rate, and aspirator rate were 148.7 °C, 342.4 mL/h and 28.6 m3/h, respectively, and the optimal conditions of pyridoxine hydrochloride, dl-α-tocopheryl acetate and l-carnitine were 0.99 mg/100 g dry mass (DM), 8 mg/100 g DM and 20.4 mg/100 g DM, respectively. These results suggest that AGEs can be mitigated by controlling the parameters and optimizing the addition of food additives during the spray-drying process.

The Relationship between Thyroid Function and Different Obesity Phenotypes in Korean Euthyroid Adults.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid disease and metabolic syndrome are both associated with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between thyroid hormones and obesity sub-phenotypes using nationwide data from Korea, a country known to be iodine replete. METHODS: This study was based on data obtained from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, administered from 2013 to 2015. A total of 13,873 participants aged ≥19 years were included, and classified into four groups: metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) by body fat on the basis of body mass index and metabolic health. RESULTS: At baseline, serum free thyroxine (fT4) values were significantly higher in the MHNO phenotype (MHNO, 1.27±0.01 ng/dL; MHO, 1.25±0.01 ng/dL; MUNO, 1.24±0.01 ng/dL; MUO, 1.24±0.01 ng/dL, P<0.001) in total study population. However, this significant association no longer remained after adjustment for age, urine iodine concentration, and smoking (P=0.085). After adjustment for confounders, statistically significant association was observed between lower thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and MHNO phenotype (P=0.044). In men participants (not women), higher fT4 values were significantly associated with MHNO phenotype (P<0.001). However, no significant association was observed between thyroid function (TSH or fT4) and obesity phenotypes in groups classified by age (cutoff age of 55 years). CONCLUSION: Although there was a difference by age and sex, we found that the decrease of TSH and the increase of fT4 values were associated with MHNO.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Erwinia persicina B64, Which Causes Pink Soft Rot in Onions.

Erwinia persicina B64 was isolated from rotten onions in cold-storage facilities. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of E. persicina B64, which contains 5,070,450 bp with 55.17% GC content. The genome of this isolate is composed of one chromosome and two plasmids.

Surface Characterizations of Railway Electrical Wires Coated with Anti-Icing Mixtures of Ethylene Glycol or Glycerol with Tap Water.

Icing of railway contact wires in the cold climates of the USA, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea can cause significant problems and delays in the operation schedules of electric-powered trains and subway cars. As anti-icing methods, manual de-icing, contact-wire thermal running, resistive-wire-heating de-icing, and chemical de-icing have all been explored and tested. Among them, environmentally friendly chemical de-icing based on the same concept as that of automobileengine antifreezer can be practically effective for application to contact wires at railcar depots. In the present study, the railway contact wires are coated with anti-icing mixtures of ethylene glycol/tap water and glycerol/tap water at various ratios (v/v %) as well as with tap water alone, at temperatures of -30 and -40 °C in a deep freezer. The morphological change on the wire surfaces is observed under optical microscopy. The surface-contact angles are measured to examine the surface difference between uncoated and coated railway contact-wire fragments. Conclusively, the fragments coated with 40/60 and 60/40 (v/v %) ratios of ethylene glycol or glycerol with tap water, as compared with the uncoated fragments, are shown to have been effectively de-iced. The surface-characterizations data thus indicate that mixtures of glycerol or ethylene glycol with tap water can be practical de-icing agents for application to railway contact wires.

Effect of Biostimulator Chlorella fusca on Improving Growth and Qualities of Chinese Chives and Spinach in Organic Farm.

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of freshwater alga, Chlorella fusca on the improvement of growth and qualities in organic spinach and Chinese chives farm. The average height of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was 3.7 cm smaller than that of the untreated. The leaf width and fresh weight of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was 0.5 mm wider and 30.3 g heavier than that of the untreated. The commercialization and yield of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was 11.9% and 18.3%, respectively higher than that of the untreated. Also, the disease severity of gray mold disease of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was reduced by more than 24.2% when compared with the untreated. The thickness and number of spinach leaves treated with chlorella was 27.9% and 41.8%, respectively higher than that of the untreated. The fresh weight and yield of the spinach treated with the chlorella was 63.6% and 31.5%, respectively higher than that of the untreated. Moreover, the mineral content of K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, and Mn were recorded higher in the spinach treated with chlorella compared with that of untreated. The results indicated that the freshwater alga, Chlorella fusca is efficient and economical biostimulant in improving plant growth and quality of Chinese chives and spinach in organic farm.

Spinal Accessory Nerve Injury Induced by Manipulation Therapy: A Case Report.

Spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury mostly occurs during surgical procedures. SAN injury caused by manipulation therapy has been rarely reported. We present a rare case of SAN injury associated with manipulation therapy showing scapular winging and droopy shoulder. A 42-year-old woman visited our outpatient clinic complaining of pain and limited active range of motion (ROM) in right shoulder and scapular winging after manipulation therapy. Needle electromyography and nerve conduction study suggested SAN injury. Physical therapy (PT) three times a week for 2 weeks were prescribed. After a total of 6 sessions of PT and modality, the patient reported that the pain was gradually relieved during shoulder flexion and abduction with improved active ROM of shoulder. Over the course of 2 months follow-up, the patient reported almost recovered shoulder ROM and strength as before. She did not complain of shoulder pain any more.

Effects of Orally-Administered Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Strain BB12 on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronically relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) constitute barrier surfaces and play a critical role in maintaining gut health. Dysregulated immune responses and destruction of IECs disrupt intestinal balance. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) is the most widely used chemical for inducing colitis in animals, and its treatment induces colonic inflammation, acute diarrhea, and shortening of the intestine, with clinical and histological similarity to human UC. Current treatments for this inflammatory disorder have poor tolerability and insufficient therapeutic efficacy, and thus, alternative therapeutic approaches are required. Recently, dietary supplements with probiotics have emerged as promising interventions by alleviating disturbances in the indigenous microflora in UC. Thus, we hypothesized that the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain BB12 could protect against the development of colitis in a DSS-induced mouse model of UC. In the present study, oral administration of BB12 markedly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis, accompanied by reduced tumor necrosis factor-α-mediated IEC apoptosis. These findings indicate that the probiotic strain BB12 can alleviate DSS-induced colitis and suggest a novel mechanism of communication between probiotic microorganisms and intestinal epithelia, which increases intestinal cell survival by modulating pro-apoptotic cytokine expression.

Prevalence of BRAFV600E Mutation in Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Non-Invasive Follicular Tumor with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features (NIFTP) in a BRAFV600E Prevalent Area.

BACKGROUND: BRAFV600E mutation status and prevalence of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) has not yet been reported in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of the BRAFV600E mutation in the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) and to determine the prevalence of NIFTP in BRAFV600E mutation-prevalent Korean patients. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 1,417 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with routine prophylactic central lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). BRAFV600E mutation analysis was performed routinely using multiplex polymerase chain reaction by applying dual priming oligonucleotide. Clinicopathological characteristics and ultrasonographic findings were compared between BRAFV600E mutation-positive and -negative groups for FVPTC. Pathologists reviewed the pathology slides according to consensus diagnostic criteria for the encapsulated FVPTC and NIFTP. RESULTS: The prevalence of the BRAFV600E mutation in all subtypes of PTC was 61.0% (861/1,411). FVPTC presented a BRAFV600E mutation rate of 27.3%. The FVPTC patients with BRAFV600E mutation were older than those with no BRAFV600E mutation (P = 0.021). The prevalence of NIFTP was 0.18% among all PTC patients (2/1,411) and the proportion of NIFTP among FVPTC was 9.1% (2/22). CONCLUSION: The BRAFV600E mutation is prevalent in Korean patients with FVPTC in a region with high frequency of the BRAFV600E mutation and very low prevalence of NIFTP compared with that reported in western studies.

Quantitative Measurement of Muscle Atrophy and Fat Infiltration of the Supraspinatus Muscle Using Ultrasonography After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of ultrasonography to objectively examine morphological changes (i.e., muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration) of the supraspinatus muscle. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. The degrees of muscle atrophy and fat infiltration were measured using ultrasonography 3-4 months after arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair. Shoulder function (i.e., shoulder active range of motion, visual analogue scale, and constant score) was examined. Using the symmetricity of the muscles in the human body, the degrees of morphological changes of the supraspinatus muscle were quantitatively measured. The associations between the morphological changes of the supraspinatus muscle and shoulder function were identified. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the cross-sectional area (CSA) and echogenicity between the surgery and non-surgery sides (p<0.001). The CSA ratio, which represents the degree of muscle atrophy, was associated with shoulder forward flexion, external rotation, and constant score; however, the echogenicity ratio, which represents the degree of fat infiltration, was not associated with shoulder function after surgery. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that shoulder function could be predicted by evaluating the morphological changes of the supraspinatus muscle using ultrasonography and that objective evaluation is possible through quantitative measurement using the symmetricity of the human body.

Reference Value for Infrapatellar Branch of Saphenous Nerve Conduction Study: Cadaveric and Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal stimulation and recording site for infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve (IPBSN) conduction studies by a cadaveric study, and to confirm that obtained location is practically applicable to healthy adults. METHODS: Twelve lower limbs from six cadavers were studied. We defined the optimal stimulation site as the point IPBSN exits the sartorius muscle and the distance or ratio were measured on the X- and Y-axis based on the line connecting the medial and lateral poles of the patella. We defined the optimal recording site as the point where the terminal branch met the line connecting inferior pole of patella and tibial tuberosity, and measured the distance from the inferior pole. Also, nerve conduction studies were performed with obtained location in healthy adults. RESULTS: In optimal stimulation site, the mean value of X-coordinate was 55.50±6.10 mm, and the ratio of the Y-coordinate to the thigh length was 25.53%±5.40%. The optimal recording site was located 15.92±1.83 mm below the inferior pole of patella. In our sensory nerve conduction studies through this location, mean peak latency was 4.11±0.30 ms and mean amplitude was 4.16±1.49 µV. CONCLUSION: The optimal stimulation site was located 5.0-6.0 cm medial to medial pole of the patella and 25% of thigh length proximal to the X-axis. The optimal recording site was located 1.5-2.0 cm below inferior pole of patella. We have also confirmed that this location is clinically applicable.

Addition of nonalbumin proteinuria to albuminuria improves prediction of type 2 diabetic nephropathy progression.

BACKGROUND: Albuminuria is generally accepted as a sensitive marker of diabetic nephropathy but has limitations in predicting its progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of nonalbumin proteinuria in addition to albuminuria for predicting the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and the nonalbumin protein-to-creatinine ratio (NAPCR) were measured in 325 patients with type 2 diabetes and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2. The patients were divided into four groups based on the cutoff points for the urinary ACR (30 mg/g) and NAPCR (120 mg/g). The renal outcomes were chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and accelerated eGFR decline. RESULTS: During the 4.3-year follow-up period, 25 (7.7%) patients showed CKD progression and 69 (21.2%) patients showed accelerated eGFR decline. After adjusting for nine clinical parameters, the group with a NAPCR greater than 120 mg/g exhibited higher cumulative incidences of CKD progression (hazard ratio 6.84; P = 0.001) and accelerated eGFR decline (hazard ratio 1.95; P = 0.011) than the group with a NAPCR < 120 mg/g. In patients with normoalbuminuria, the group with NAPCR levels greater than 120 mg/g also exhibited a higher cumulative incidence than that with NAPCR levels <120 mg/g of CKD progression (hazard ratio 21.82; P = 0.005). The addition of NAPCR to ACR improved the model fit for CKD progression and accelerated eGFR decline. CONCLUSION: Nonalbumin proteinuria showed additional value over and above that of albuminuria for predicting the progression of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes.