Shelf Life Prediction of Vacuum-Packaged Grilled Mackerel.

The current study aimed to establish the shelf life of vacuum-packaged grilled mackerel stored at 5, -5, and -20°C for 70 days. To this end, physicochemical analyses, which involved determining the pH, volatile basic nitrogen, amino nitrogen, trimethylamine (TMA), and thiobarbituric acid levels; microbiological analyses (aerobic plate count and coliform); and sensory quality determination were performed. Regression analysis on the relationship between physicochemical properties and storage time at various temperatures revealed TMA level was the most suitable parameter (R2=0.9769) for predicting changes in the quality of grilled mackerel during storage, with a quality limit value of 8.74 mg/100 g. The shelf life of vacuum-packaged grilled mackerel according to temperature was 21, 53, 62, and 75 days for 5, -5, -15, and -20°C, respectively, with the use-by date being 23 days at 5°C and 74 days at -5°C. In conclusion, TMA was the most suitable parameter for predicting changes in the quality of grilled mackerel during storage.

The Role of Some Vitamins in Respiratory-related Viral Infections: A Narrative Review.

This study aimed to find out the effect of vitamins on respiratory-related viral infections, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), through the literature reviews. From January 2000 to June 2021, the studies (cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, randomized control trials) related to vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, C, B6, folate, and B12) and COVID-19/severe acute respiratory syndrome/Middle East respiratory syndrome/cold/influenza were selected from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries and analyzed. The relationship between vitamins and virus-related respiratory diseases was identified. Through the review, 39 studies were selected on vitamin D, one study on vitamin E, 11 studies on vitamin C, and 3 studies on folate. Regarding COVID-19, 18 studies on vitamin D, 4 studies on vitamin C, and 2 studies on folate showed significant effects of the intake of these nutrients in preventing COVID-19. Regarding colds and influenza, 3 studies on vitamin D, 1 study on vitamin E, 3 studies on vitamin C, and 1 study on folate demonstrated that the intake of these nutrients significantly prevents these diseases. Therefore, this review suggested the intake of vitamins D, E, C, and folate is important for preventing respiratory diseases related to viruses, such as COVID-19, colds, and influenza. The relationship between these nutrients and virus-related respiratory diseases should be continuously monitored in the future.

Materials and extracellular matrix rigidity highlighted in tissue damages and diseases: Implication for biomaterials design and therapeutic targets.

Rigidity (or stiffness) of materials and extracellular matrix has proven to be one of the most significant extracellular physicochemical cues that can control diverse cell behaviors, such as contractility, motility, and spreading, and the resultant pathophysiological phenomena. Many 2D materials engineered with tunable rigidity have enabled researchers to elucidate the roles of matrix biophysical cues in diverse cellular events, including migration, lineage specification, and mechanical memory. Moreover, the recent findings accumulated under 3D environments with viscoelastic and remodeling properties pointed to the importance of dynamically changing rigidity in cell fate control, tissue repair, and disease progression. Thus, here we aim to highlight the works related with material/matrix-rigidity-mediated cell and tissue behaviors, with a brief outlook into the studies on the effects of material/matrix rigidity on cell behaviors in 2D systems, further discussion of the events and considerations in tissue-mimicking 3D conditions, and then examination of the in vivo findings that concern material/matrix rigidity. The current discussion will help understand the material/matrix-rigidity-mediated biological phenomena and further leverage the concepts to find therapeutic targets and to design implantable materials for the treatment of damaged and diseased tissues.

The Potential Application of Human Gingival Fibroblast-Conditioned Media in Pulp Regeneration: An In Vitro Study.

Regenerative endodontic treatment based on tissue engineering has recently gained interest in contemporary restorative dentistry. However, low survival rates and poor potential differentiation of stem cells could undermine the success rate of pulp regenerative therapy. Human gingival fibroblast-conditioned medium (hGF-CM) has been considered a potential therapy for tissue regeneration due to its stability in maintaining multiple factors essential for tissue regeneration compared to live cell transplantation. This study aimed to investigate the potency of hGF-CM on stem cells from human dental pulp (DPSC) in pulp regeneration. A series of experiments confirmed that hGF-CM contributes to a significant increase in proliferation, migration capability, and cell viability of DPSC after H2O2 exposure. Moreover, it has been proved to facilitate the odontogenic differentiation of DPSC via qRT-PCR, ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and ARS (Alizarin Red S) staining. It has been discovered that such highly upregulated odontogenesis is related to certain types of ECM proteins (collagen and laminin) from hGF-CM via proteomics. In addition, it is found that the ERK pathway is a key mechanism via inhibition assay based on RNA-seq result. These findings demonstrate that hGF-CM could be beneficial biomolecules for pulp regeneration.

Effects of Calcium Fortified Beverage Intake on Insulin Sensitivity and Antioxidant Metabolism in Healthy Elderly.

Calcium, one of the most important nutrients, determines the quality of life of the elderly. It has been reported that 7 out of 10 people over the age of 60 have insufficient calcium intake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium fortified beverage (CFB) intake on insulin sensitivity and antioxidant metabolism in healthy elderly. A crossover clinical trial was performed and antioxidant status of healthy elderly (age above 65 years, n = 8) was analyzed. Subjects did not take CFB for 0-3 weeks. They then took it for 3-6 weeks. CFB supplementation decreased insulin levels (Δ3-6 weeks: 1.19 ± 0.65 µ IU/mL → Δ0-3 weeks: -0.58 ± 0.38 µ IU/mL). Increasing degree of fasting blood glucose level was suppressed by intake of CFB, although the suppression was not statistically significant. Except for insulin, there were no significant differences in results of biochemical analysis between 0-3 weeks and 3-6 weeks. Catalase activity was significantly increased by CFB supplementation (Δ3-6 weeks: 3.50 ± 5.30 K g/Hb) compared to the no CFB supplementation period (Δ0-3 weeks: -12.48 ± 4.37 K g/Hb). However, the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase were not significantly different between 0-3 weeks and 3-6 weeks. H2O2-induced DNA oxidative damage was also decreased significantly by CFB supplementation. Taken together, these results indicate that CFB has beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity and some antioxidant enzymes in healthy elderly.

The Effect of Intraoperative Magnesium Sulphate Infusion on Emergence Agitation after Ambulatory Ophthalmic Surgery in Children.

This study investigated whether intraoperative infusion of magnesium sulphate reduces the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) in paediatric patients who undergo ambulatory ophthalmic surgery using the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Ninety-two paediatric patients who were scheduled for elective ophthalmic surgery were randomly allocated to two groups: control or magnesium. In the magnesium group, patients received an initial intravenous loading dose of 30 mg/kg of 10% solution of magnesium sulphate over 10 min and then a continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg×h during the surgery. In the control group, an equal volume of 0.9% isotonic saline was administered in the same way as in the magnesium group. The PAED scale was assessed at 15-min intervals until the PAED score reached below 10 at the postanaesthetic care unit. EA was defined as a PAED score of 10 or higher. Of the 86 patients recruited, 44 and 42 were allocated to the control and magnesium groups, respectively. The incidence of EA was 77.3% in the control group and 57.1% in the magnesium group (odds ratio, 0.392; 95% confidence interval, 0.154 to 0.997; p = 0.046). The intraoperative infusion of magnesium sulphate significantly reduced the incidence of EA.

Different TERT Expression between Colorectal Adenoma and Serrated Polyp.

Background and Objectives: Telomere regulation have an association with colorectal cancer. Previous studies demonstrated its implication in colorectal carcinogenesis. This study aimed to identify the role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in colorectal carcinogenesis and determine TERT expression and their associated genes in precancerous lesions. Materials and Methods: TERT expression in 93 colorectal precursor lesions was analyzed. This included 61 tubular adenomas (TAs) and 32 serrated polyps (SPs). Furthermore, KRAS and BRAF gene mutations and microsatellite instability were analyzed. Statistical tests were performed to analyze the relationship between variables. Results: TERT expression in TAs, when compared with those observed in paired adjacent nontumor tissues, was 0.92 ± 0.78. TERT expression levels were significantly lower in SPs (0.38 ± 0.14, p < 0.001). KRAS and BRAF mutations were mutually exclusive in TAs and SPs (p < 0.001). TERT expression tended to be associated with KRAS mutations (46.7% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.098) and low-grade tumors (35.0% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.096), but this difference was insignificant. Conclusions: TERT expression has a pivotal role in progression to TAs in colorectal tissue. Considering the association between TERT expression and KRAS mutation, therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway can be developed for cancer prevention.

Clinical and Prognostic Significance of TZAP Expression in Cervical Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Telomeric zinc finger-associated protein (TZAP) is a telomere-associated factor that was previously called ZBTB48. This protein binds preferentially to long telomeres, competing with telomeric repeat factors 1 and 2. Genetic changes in TZAP may be associated with cancer pathogenesis; however, this relationship has not yet been elucidated for any type of cancer. In this study, we aimed to examine the clinicopathologic and prognostic value of TZAP expression in cervical cancer (CC). Materials and Methods: The data were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohorts by OncoLnc (21 cancer types, 7700 cancers). The prognostic value of TZAP for different stages of 264 CCs was examined using survival analysis. Results: The TZAP expression did not differ significantly between CC and normal matched tissues. Age, cancer stage, and viral infection were not associated with TZAP expression. Survival analysis revealed a shorter overall survival in CC patients with a lower TZAP expression (χ2 = 3.62, p = 0.057). The prognostic value of TZAP expression was greater in patients with N1 stage CC (χ2 = 5.64, p = 0.018). Conclusion: TZAP expression is a possible prognostic marker for CC, especially stage N1 CC.

Comparative Analysis of Commercial Chinese Bean Sauce (Chunjang) from Korea and China Based on Antioxidant Activity.

In this study, the antioxidant effects of seven types of commercial Chunjang from China (C1∼3) and Korea (K1∼4) were compared for their ability to protect against H2O2-induced DNA damage. Outputs included total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH RSA), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), total radical trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), and comet assays. TPC was the highest in C3 (1,250.8 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g). C1 exhibited a significantly higher DPPH RSA IC50 (7.5 mg/mL) and ORAC concentration (8.22 µM Trolox equivalent) compared with all other samples, and C1 and K1 exhibited the highest TRAPs. H2O2-induced DNA damage was effectively protected by Chunjang, with a higher observed in C2, C3, and K1 (24.2∼25.3 µg/mL) compared with the other samples (28.3∼30.0 µg/mL). Our results showed that commercial Chunjang contains polyphenol and antioxidant activities. The differences between the samples might be attributed to different origins, materials, and processing methods.

Third head of the biceps brachii muscle originated from the greater tubercle connecting long and short heads: a case report / Tercera cabeza del músculo bíceps braquial originada en la tubrosidad mayor del húmero conectando las cabezas larga y corta: informe de un caso

Variation in the biceps brachii muscle is extremely frequent and has a clinical significance. During an educational dissection, third head of the biceps brachii muscle was found on the left side in a Korean cadaver. The short and long heads showed normal morphology and course: however, additional head originated from the greater tubercle connected to long head of biceps brachii muscle and crossed the musculocutaneous nerve perpendicularly. And then, it was inserted into short head of the biceps brachii muscle. The author describes this previously novel case report and discusses the clinical implications of such a variant.

La variación en el músculo bíceps braquial es extremadamente frecuente y tiene un significado clínico. Durante una disección educativa, se encontró la tercera cabeza del músculo bíceps braquial en el lado izquierdo de un cadáver coreano. Las cabezas cortas y largas mostraron una morfología y curso normales: sin embargo, la cabeza adicional se originó de la tuberosidad mayor conectado a la cabeza larga del músculo bíceps braquial y cruzaba el nervio musculocutáneo perpendicularmente, insertándose en la cabeza corta del músculo bíceps braquial. El autor describe este informe de un caso novedoso y discute las implicaciones clínicas de tal variante.

Postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade after reversal based on a qualitative peripheral nerve stimulator response: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete recovery of neuromuscular blockade is a common postoperative adverse event in the postanaesthesia care unit. OBJECTIVE: We examined and compared the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade when the recommended dose of neostigmine or sugammadex was administered according to a qualitative nerve stimulator response. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary care hospital in South Korea from September 2017 to November 2017. PATIENTS: Eighty patients aged between 18 and 69 years were included in this study. All were patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and who had an American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status of one or two were eligible. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated randomly to receive neostigmine or sugammadex at the end of surgery. The doses of the reversal agents were based on the response to peripheral nerve stimulation, which was discontinued after administration of the reversal agent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade. The secondary outcomes were the incidences of symptoms or signs of residual neuromuscular blockade such as hypoxaemia, inability to maintain head-lift for 5 s and diplopia. RESULTS: The incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade on arrival in the recovery room was 44.4% in the neostigmine group and 0% in the sugammadex group (P < 0.0001, relative risk = 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 2.41). The incidences of adverse events in the recovery room were low and comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: The incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade on arrival in the recovery room was significantly higher in the neostigmine group than that in the sugammadex group. However, the incidence of adverse events was similar in the neostigmine and sugammadex groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03292965.

Development of Latent Fingermarks on Surfaces of Food-A More Realistic Approach.

Latent fingermark developing methods from food (mandarin, egg, banana, apple, potato, carrot, eggplant, onion, bell pepper, and tomato) surface has been studied by 10 methods, including powdering method, small particle reagent method, and cyanoacrylate fuming method. The foods were stored under two conditions (room temperature and refrigerator) before fingermark deposition and aged for 2, 24, 48, and 72 h before fingermark development. In most of the food surfaces used in this study, cyanoacrylate fuming with 80% relative humidity was superior to the powder or small particle reagent methods. The quality of the fingermarks varied depending on the storage conditions before the fingermark deposition (in the refrigerator or at ambient temperature) and the time elapsed since the fingermark deposition. However, the storage conditions before the fingermark deposition and the time elapsed since the fingermark deposition did not show any correlation with the quality of the fingermark.

Developing a Basic Scale for Workers' Psychological Burden from the Perspective of Occupational Safety and Health.

BACKGROUND: Organizations are pursing complex and diverse aims to generate higher profits. Many workers experience high work intensity such as workload and work pressure in this organizational environment. Especially, psychological burden is a commonly used term in workplace of Republic of Korea. This study focused on defining the psychological burden from the perspective of occupational safety and health and tried to develop a scale for psychological burden. METHODS: The 48 preliminary questionnaire items for psychological burden were prepared by a focus group interview with 16 workers through the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II and Mindful Awareness Attention Scale. The preliminary items were surveyed with 572 workers, and exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis were conducted for a new scale. RESULTS: As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, five factors were extracted: organizational activity, human error, safety and health workload, work attitude, and negative self-management. These factors had significant correlations and reliability, and the stability of the model for validity was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. CONCLUSION: The developed scale for psychological burden can measure workers' psychological burden in relation to safety and health. Despite some limitations, this study has applicability in the workplace, given the relatively small-sized questionnaire.

Alveolar Bone Protective Effect of Hiziki Extracts on the Progression of Periodontitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hiziki extract on alveolar bone loss, inflammation, and osteo-biomarker expression in hPDL cells (10, 50, 100 µg/ml final concentrations in culture medium) and on a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model (50, 100, 200 mg/kg with oral administration). Hiziki extract increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation in hPDL cell. In western blot analysis, hiziki extract resulted in increased expression of osteoblast markers, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in hDPL cells. Additionally, expression of osteoclast markers and inflammatory cytokines was inhibited, which were receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), RANK receptor (RANKL) and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). Hiziki extract also prevented alveolar bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model through reducing the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CBJ-ABC) and furcation involvement. These findings suggested that hiziki extract has prophylactic potential for the prevention of periodontitis through anti-inflammation and, anti-bone resorption effects and the inhibition of alveolar bone destruction.

Intraoperative Nefopam Reduces Acute Postoperative Pain after Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: a Prospective, Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether intraoperative nefopam would reduce opioid consumption and relieve postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy. METHODS: The 60 enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the control (n = 32) or nefopam (n = 28) group. All patients were blinded to their group assignment. We administered 100 ml of normal saline only (control group) or 20 mg of nefopam mixed in 100 ml normal saline (nefopam group) after anesthesia induction and at the end of surgery. The cumulative amount of fentanyl via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), incidence of rescue analgesic medication, and numerical rating scale (NRS) for postoperative pain were evaluated along with the total remifentanil consumption. RESULTS: The mean infusion rate of remifentanil was significantly lower in the nefopam group (0.08 ± 0.05 µg/kg/min) than in the control group (0.13 ± 0.06 µg/kg/min) (P < 0.001). Patients in the nefopam group required less fentanyl via intravenous PCA than those in the control group during the first 6 h after surgery (323.8 ± 119.3 µg vs. 421.2 ± 151.6 µg, P = 0.009). Additionally, fewer patients in the nefopam group than in the control group received a rescue analgesic during the initial 6 h postoperatively (78.6 vs. 96.9%, P = 0.028). The NRS measured while patients were in the post-anesthetic care unit was significantly lower in the nefopam group than in the control group (3.8 ± 1.1 vs. 4.8 ± 1.4, P = 0.012). The subsequent NRS obtained after patients had been transferred to the general ward was comparable between the two groups during the following postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative nefopam decreased postoperative pain and opioid consumption in the acute postoperative period after laparoscopic gastrectomy. Hence, nefopam may be considered as a component of multimodal analgesia after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Optimization of Mixing Ratio to Improve Antioxidant Activity of Aged Garlic with Pine Needle Using Response Surface Methodology.

Aged garlic has been reported to possess beneficial pharmacological activities, including anti-stress and anti-fatigue properties, and to exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system and liver. Pine needles are widely used in folk medicine and as food additives owing to their pharmacological properties such as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. It has long been known that combining certain phytochemicals with other phenols or organic acids can produce synergistic effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an optimal formula of aged garlic with added pine needle powder for improved antioxidant activity using the statistical technique of response surface methodology. The antioxidant activities of aged garlic mixed with pine needle powder were confirmed by measuring oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total polyphenol content. An optimized antioxidant formula was identified that contained 5.08 g aged garlic and 1.97 g pine needle powder. The antioxidant activities of the mixture prepared using this optimal formula were significantly higher than the predicted values according to an additive model. Hence, this study confirms that the addition of pine needle powder to aged garlic can improve its antioxidant activity. This study demonstrated an optimal mixing ratio to produce an aged garlic product with improved functionality through the addition of pine needle powder that could be successfully employed by the food industry to prepare functional foods.

Topography of the middle genicular artery is associated with the superior and inferior genicular arteries / La topografía de la arteria genicular media está asociada con las arterias geniculares superiores e inferiores

Total knee arthroplasty has increased substantially, however anatomical studies of the genicular arteries (GAs) in this region are rare. The aim of this study was to identify the pattern and branching points of GAs and their relationship. In 42 lower limbs, the pattern and branching points of GAs were confirmed. The horizontal line which extends between the most prominent point of the lateral and medial margins of patella was defined as a reference line. The distance of branching point of the GAs from the reference line was measured, and the correlations between these points were analyzed. The superior lateral and medial genicular arteries (SLGA and SMGA) were located at + 38.17 ± 3.10 mm and + 32.68 ± 3.83 mm from the reference line, respectively. The middle genicular artery (MGA) was originated from + 7.57 ± 3.98 mm. The inferior lateral and medial genicular arteries (ILGA and IMGA) were located at - 18.46 ± 2.63 mm and - 24.09 ± 3.52 mm, respectively. The branching points of the SLGA changed significantly according to the arterial branching pattern with the MGA. In addition, the branching point of the MGA had positive relationships with that of the IMGA (r = 0.385, p <0.05) and that of the ILGA (r = 0.348, p <0.05), respectively. In this study, topography of the GAs and its anatomical association were demonstrated for the first time in Korean cadavers. Knowledge of the topography about frequent variation would be useful for safe surgery and clinical procedures.

La artroplastía total de rodilla ha aumentado sustancialmente, sin embargo los estudios anatómicos de las arterias geniculares (AGs) en esta región son escasos. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los patrones y puntos de ramificación de las AGs y sus relaciones. En 42 miembros inferiores, se identificaron el patrón y los puntos de ramificación de las AGs. La línea horizontal que se extiende entre el punto más prominente de los márgenes lateral y medial de la patela se definió como una línea de referencia. Se midió la distancia entre el punto de ramificación de las AGs y la línea de referencia, y se analizaron las correlaciones entre estos puntos. Las arterias geniculares superiores lateral y medial (AGSL y AGSM, respectivamente) se situaron a + 38,17 ± 3,10 mm y + 32,68 ± 3,83 mm de la línea de referencia, respectivamente, y la arteria genicular media (AGM) se originó a partir de + 7,57 ± 3,98 mm. Las arterias geniculares inferiores lateral y medial (AGIL e AGIM, respectivamente) se localizaron a - 18,46 ± 2,63 mm y - 24,09 ± 3,52 mm, respectivamente. Los puntos de ramificación de la AGSL cambiaron significativamente de acuerdo con el patrón de ramificación arterial con respecto a la AGSM. Además, el punto de ramificación de la AGSM tuvo relaciones positivas con el de la AGIM (r = 0.385, p <0.05) y el de la AGIL (r = 0.348, p <0.05). En este estudio, la topografía de las AGs y su asociación anatómica se demostraron por primera vez en cadáveres coreanos. El conocimiento de la topografía sobre la variación frecuente sería útil para su aplicación en el desarrollo de cirugías y procedimientos clínicos seguros.

Cellular Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Coffee Extracts with Different Roasting Levels.

During roasting, major changes occur in the composition and physiological effects of coffee beans. In this study, in vitro antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory effects of Coffea arabica green coffee extracts were investigated at different roasting levels corresponding to Light, Medium, City, and French roast. Total caffeine did not show huge difference according to roasting level, but total chlorogenic acid contents were higher in light roasted coffee extract than other roasted groups. In addition, light roasted coffee extract had the highest antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. To determine the in vitro antioxidant property, coffee extracts were used to treat AML-12 cells. Intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentration and mRNA expression levels of genes related to GSH synthesis were negatively related to roasting levels. The anti-inflammatory effects of coffee extracts were investigated in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The cellular antioxidant activity of coffee extracts exhibited similar patterns as the AML-12 cells. The expression of mRNA for tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 was decreased in cells treated with the coffee extracts and the expression decreased with increasing roasting levels. These data suggest that coffee has physiological antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and these effects are negatively correlated with roasting levels in the cell models.

Tracheal compression by aberrant brachiocephalic trunk accompanying variant origin of the vertebral artery / Compresión traqueal por un tronco braquiocefálico aberrante acompañado de una variación en el origen de la arteria vertebral

The aorta is the main arterial trunk in the human body, however, its variation was extremely variable. During an educational dissection, aberrant branching pattern of aortic arch was found in a Korean cadaver. The brachiocephalic trunk (innominate artery) originated from the aortic arch at the left side of the trachea. It crossed the trachea and divided into the right common carotid and subclavian arteries. The left vertebral artery originated from the aortic arch between the origins of the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery, then the left vertebral artery coursed upward to the transverse foramen of the C7. The author describes this previously novel case report with aberrant brachiocephalic trunk and left vertebral arteries and discusses the clinical implications of such a variant.

La aorta es el tronco arterial principal del cuerpo humano, sin embargo, su variación es extremadamente variable. Durante una disección de rutina de un cadáver coreano, se encontró un patrón de ramificación aberrante del arco aórtico. El tronco braquiocefálico se originaba del arco aórtico en el lado izquierdo de la tráquea. Cruzaba la tráquea y se dividía en las arterias carótida común y subclavia derecha. La arteria vertebral izquierda se originó a partir del arco aórtico entre los orígenes de la arteria carótida común izquierda y la arteria subclavia izquierda, luego la arteria vertebral izquierda ascendió hacia el foramen transversal de la séptima vértebra cervical. Se describe un caso de tronco braquiocefálico aberrante y la correspondiente arteria vertebral izquierda y se discuten las implicaciones clínicas de tal variante.

Immunostimulatory Effect of Enzyme-Modified Hizikia fusiformein a Mouse Model In Vitro and Ex Vivo.

Hizikia fusiforme, a brown seaweed, has been utilized as a health food and in traditional medicine. In this study, we investigated whether enzyme-modified H. fusiforme extracts (EH) have immunological effects compared with normal H. fusiforme extracts (NH). The effects of NH and EH on immune responses were investigated by assessing nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and mice. Also, fucosterol was evaluated to find the active component of NH and EH by addressing cytotoxicity test and NO production. Both of NH and EH significantly increased cell viability and NO synthesis. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression was more induced by EH with LPS treatment. Phagocytic activity, as the primary function of macrophages, was markedly induced by EH treatment. Additionally, EH encouraged splenocyte proliferation and recovered the levels of cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in mice. Finally, fucosterol increased NO production with no cytotoxicity, which means that fucosterol is an active component of EH. In conclusion, EH has the potential to modulate immune function and could offer positive therapeutic effect for immune system diseases.