Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Feature in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is usually established using characteristic clinical features such as sudden, severe, and unilateral facial pain. Studies about diverse clinical features and epidemiologic data of TN have been reported previously; however, most of the previous studies have evaluated in and focused on Caucasian and Western populations. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate diverse clinical features, currently applied types of treatment, and brain imaging studies in patients with TN in a Korean population. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: An interventional pain management practice in South Korea. METHODS: Patients with a primary diagnosis of TN were identified using Clinical Data Warehouse v 2.5 (CDW, Planit Healthcare, Seoul, Korea) using the key words "trigeminal neuralgia and G50.0 (International classification of disease 10 code)." RESULTS: TN occurred predominantly between the fifth and seventh decades of life, with female predominance. The V3 division and unilateral right-side involvement were the most common affected region. An electric shock like sensation and the intraoral side (teeth and gingiva) were the most common pain description and location, respectively. Normal brain imaging studies and vascular compression on the trigeminal nerve were observed in 92 (64.7%) and 36 (25%) patients, respectively. The superior cerebellar artery was the most common offending vessel (19;13.3%). Monotherapy with carbamazepine alone was the most common (91;37.7%), whereas radiofrequency thermoablation was the most common invasive treatment. LIMITATIONS: The results of this study were based on data on TN patients from a single center. The generalizability of the findings to the Korean population is thus limited. CONCLUSION: There is little difference between Korean and other Asian patients with TN in their demographic and clinical characteristics.

Development of ratiometric fluorescent probes based on peptides for sensing Pb2+ in aquatic environments and human serum.

The detection of Pb2+ ions in aquatic environments and biofluid samples is crucial for assessment of human health. Herein, we synthesized two fluorescent probes (1 and 2) consisting of the peptide receptor for Pb2+ and a benzothiazolyl-cyanovinylene fluorophore that exhibited excimer-like emission when it aggregated. The peptide-based probes sensitively detected Pb2+ in purely aqueous solution (1% DMF) through ratiometric fluorescent response with a decrease in monomer emission at 520 nm and an increase in excimer emission at 570 nm. Specially, probe 2 showed remarkable detection features such as high selectivity for Pb2+over 15 metal ions, high binding affinity (Kd = 5.83 × 10-7 M) for Pb2+, significant emission intensity changes, low detection limit (3.8 nM) of Pb2+, high water solubility, and visible light excitation (450 nm). Probe 2 was successfully used to quantify nanomolar concentration (0 âˆ¼ 800 nM) of Pb2+ in real water samples (ground water and tap water). Specially, 2 was successfully applied for the quantification of Pb2+ in human serum by combination of microwave-assisted human serum digestion and filtration of digested serum by anion exchange cartridge. We clearly investigated the binding mode of 2 with Pb2+ using 1H NMR, IR spectroscopy, pH titration, confocal microscopy, and size analysis. The peptide-based fluorescent probe might have great application potential for sensing Pb2+ in aquatic environments and biofluid samples.

The association between occupational stress level and health-related productivity loss among Korean employees.

OBJECTIVES: Occupational stress management is particularly important for successful business operations, since occupational stress adversely affects workers' health, eventually lowering their productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between occupational stress and health-related productivity loss (HRPL) among Korean workers. METHODS: In 2021, 1,078 workers participated in a web-based questionnaire survey. HRPL was measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, and occupational stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form. The occupational stress level was divided into tertiles (low, intermediate, and high), and the low occupational stress group was used as the reference group. Using a generalised linear model, differences in labour productivity loss according to the level of occupational stress were tested after adjusting for demographic characteristics such as age, gender, education level, household income, occupation, and underlying medical conditions. RESULTS: Non-parametric regression analysis of HRPL according to occupational stress showed a direct association between occupational stress and HRPL. A statistically significant difference was observed in HRPL between participants with intermediate and high occupational stress and those with low occupational stress. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that high occupational stress is associated with decreased labour productivity.

Comparison of Intravascular Uptake and Technical Ease Between Anteroposterior and Oblique Views During Lumbar Medial Branch Block.

BACKGROUND: Inadvertent intravascular injection of local anesthetics can lead to false-negative results following lumbar medial branch block (MBB) performed to diagnose facet joint origin pain. A previous study demonstrated that the type of approach method could affect the incidence of intravascular injections and technical ease of the procedure. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of our study was to compare the incidence of inadvertent intravascular injection and technical ease of the MBB between anteroposterior (AP) and oblique (OB) views. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. SETTING: An interventional pain management practice in South Korea. METHODS: The incidence of intravascular uptake of contrast medium was compared using AP and OB fluoroscopic views during lumbar MBB. Injection time, radiation dose, and patient discomfort during lumbar MBB were also compared. Risk factors associated with a longer procedure time and a higher radiation dose were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of intravascular injection was 22.5% (23/102) in the AP group and 17.6% (18/102) in the OB group (P = 0.382). A significantly longer injection time and a higher dose of radiation were required to complete 3 levels of MBB in the OB group than in the AP group (45.9 seconds vs 61.9 seconds, P = 0.001; 27.4 centigray [cGy]/cm2 vs 42.2 cGy/cm2, I = 0.004). The OB approach and left side injection were the risk factors associated with a longer total procedure time (odds ratio [OR] = 6.64, 95% CI, 1.99-22.17, P = 0.002; OR = 0.20, 95% CI, 0.06-0.67, P = 0.009, OB and AP, respectively). LIMITATIONS: The physician performing the MBB could recognize the AP or OB fluoroscopic view during procedure. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence rate of intravascular injection during lumbar MBB showed nearly 20% in both approach methods groups. The OB approach and left side MBBs were associated with a longer total procedure time and a higher radiation dose.

Analysis of the Hemodynamic Response During Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of the trigeminal ganglion is an excellent treatment option for medically intractable trigeminal neuralgia. However, this procedure can manifest abrupt changes in cardiovascular responses. With abrupt cardiovascular changes, a sudden trigeminocardiac reflex can occur during RFT of the trigeminal ganglion. OBJECTIVES: The primary endpoint of this study was to identify the critical point at which  RFT causes abrupt hemodynamic response changes. The secondary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of the trigeminocardiac reflex. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective design. SETTING: An interventional pain management practice in The Republic of Korea (South Korea). METHODS: Forty patients who received trigeminal ganglion RFT under C-arm guidance due to intractable facial pain were included. We checked and recorded the blood pressure and heart rate at baseline (before RFT), immediately before and after entering the foramen ovale (FO), during electrical stimulation, during thermal heating, and 30 minutes post-RFT. Also, we recorded the presence or absence of the trigeminocardiac reflex during RFT. RESULTS: Heart rate during thermal heating increased more than 20% compared to baseline (87.6 beats/min vs 69 beats/min, P < 0.001). The mean arterial pressure showed an increase of more than 15% compared to baseline when the cannula entered the FO (106.4 mmHg vs 90.9 mmHg, P < 0.001) and during thermal heating (106.3 mmHg vs 90.9 mmHg, P < 0.001). Sudden bradycardia was observed in 25% (10/40) of the patients. Among 10 patients who showed sudden bradycardia, it was observed when the cannula entered the FO (15%, 6/40), during electrical stimulation (5%, 2/40), and during heating (5%, 2/40). LIMITATIONS: This study included 40 patients who received trigeminal ganglion RFT, which is a low number to clarify the real incidence of the trigeminocardiac reflex during RFT. CONCLUSION: FO puncturing, electrical stimulation, and thermal heating demonstrated an abrupt increase in heart rate and mean arterial pressure. The incidence of sudden bradycardia during RFT of the trigeminal ganglion was 25%. Most cases of bradycardia were observed during FO puncturing.

Observation of H2 Evolution and Electrolyte Diffusion on MoS2 Monolayer by In Situ Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Unit-cell-thick MoS2 is a promising electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to its tunable catalytic activity, which is determined based on the energetics and molecular interactions of different types of HER active sites. Kinetic responses of MoS2 active sites, including the reaction onset, diffusion of the electrolyte and H2 bubbles, and continuation of these processes, are important factors affecting the catalytic activity of MoS2 . Investigating these factors requires a direct real-time analysis of the HER occurring on spatially independent active sites. Herein, the H2 evolution and electrolyte diffusion on the surface of MoS2 are observed in real time by in situ electrochemical liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM). Time-dependent LPTEM observations reveal that different types of active sites are sequentially activated under the same conditions. Furthermore, the electrolyte flow to these sites is influenced by the reduction potential and site geometry, which affects the bubble detachment and overall HER activity of MoS2 .

Grain Boundaries Boost Oxygen Evolution Reaction in NiFe Electrocatalysts.

In a polycrystalline material, the grain boundaries (GBs) can be effective active sites for catalytic reactions by providing an electrodynamically favorable surface. Previous studies have shown that grain boundary density is related to the catalytic activity of the carbon dioxide reduction reaction, but there is still no convincing evidence that the GBs provide surfaces with enhanced activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Combination of various electrochemical measurements and chemical analysis reveals the GB density at surface of NiFe electrocatalysts directly affects the overall OER. In situ electrochemical microscopy vividly shows that the OER occurs mainly at the GB during overall reaction. It is observed that the reaction determining steps are altered by grain boundary densities and the meaningful work function difference between the inside of grain and GBs exists. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows that extremely high index planes are exposed at the GBs, enhancing the oxygen evolution activity. The specific nature of GBs and its effects on the OER demonstrated in this study can be applied to the various polycrystalline electrocatalysts.

Copper Hexacyanoferrate Thin Film Deposition and Its Application to a New Method for Diffusion Coefficient Measurement.

The use of Prussian blue analogues (PBA) materials in electrochemical energy storage and harvesting has gained much interest, necessitating the further clarification of their electrochemical characteristics. However, there is no well-defined technique for manufacturing PBA-based microelectrochemical devices because the PBA film deposition method has not been well studied. In this study, we developed the following deposition method for growing copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCFe) thin film: copper thin film is immersed into a potassium hexacyanoferrate solution, following which the redox reaction induces the spontaneous deposition of CuHCFe thin film on the copper thin film. The film grown via this method showed compatibility with conventional photolithography processes, and the micropattern of the CuHCFe thin film was successfully defined by a lift-off process. A microelectrochemical device based on the CuHCFe thin film was fabricated via micropatterning, and the sodium ion diffusivity in CuHCFe was measured. The presented thin film deposition method can deposit PBAs on any surface, including insulating substrates, and it can extend the utilization of PBA thin films to various applications.

Melt Rheology and Mechanical Characteristics of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Alkylated Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites were synthesized by a solution blending and coagulation method using alkylated graphene oxide (AGO) as a reinforcing agent. Turbiscan confirmed that the alkylation of GO led to enhanced compatibility between the matrix and the filler. The improved dispersity of the filler resulted in superior interfacial adhesion between the PLA chains and AGO basal plane, leading to enhanced mechanical and rheological properties compared to neat PLA. The tensile strength and elongation at break, i.e., ductility, increased by 38% and 42%, respectively, at the same filler content nanocomposite (PLA/AGO 1 wt %) compared to nonfiller PLA. Rheological analysis of the nanocomposites in the molten state of the samples was performed to understand the filler network formed inside the matrix. The storage modulus increased significantly from PLA/AGO 0.5 wt % (9.6 Pa) to PLA/AGO 1.0 wt % (908 Pa). This indicates a percolation threshold between the two filler contents. A steady shear test was performed to examine the melt flow characteristics of PLA/AGO nanocomposites at 170 °C, and the viscosity was predicted using the Carreau-Yasuda model.

Multioperation-Mode Light-Emitting Field-Effect Transistors Based on van der Waals Heterostructure.

2D semiconductors have shown great potential for application to electrically tunable optoelectronics. Despite the strong excitonic photoluminescence (PL) of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), their efficient electroluminescence (EL) has not been achieved due to the low efficiency of charge injection and electron-hole recombination. Here, multioperation-mode light-emitting field-effect transistors (LEFETs) consisting of a monolayer WSe2 channel and graphene contacts coupled with two top gates for selective and balanced injection of charge carriers are demonstrated. Visibly observable EL is achieved with the high external quantum efficiency of ≈6% at room temperature due to efficient recombination of injected electrons and holes in a confined 2D channel. Further, electrical tunability of both the channel and contacts enables multioperation modes, such as antiambipolar, depletion,and unipolar regions, which can be utilized for polarity-tunable field-effect transistors and photodetectors. The work exhibits great potential for use in 2D semiconductor LEFETs for novel optoelectronics capable of high efficiency, multifunctions, and heterointegration.

All-2D ReS2 transistors with split gates for logic circuitry.

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and black phosphorus, are the most promising channel materials for future electronics because of their unique electrical properties. Even though a number of 2D-materials-based logic devices have been demonstrated to date, most of them are a combination of more than two unit devices. If logic devices can be realized in a single channel, it would be advantageous for higher integration and functionality. In this study we report high-performance van der Waals heterostructure (vdW) ReS2 transistors with graphene electrodes on atomically flat hBN, and demonstrate a NAND gate comprising a single ReS2 transistor with split gates. Highly sensitive electrostatic doping of ReS2 enables fabrication of gate-tunable NAND logic gates, which cannot be achieved in bulk semiconductor materials because of the absence of gate tunability. The vdW heterostructure NAND gate comprising a single transistor paves a novel way to realize "all-2D" circuitry for flexible and transparent electronic applications.

Design and Characterization of Semi-Floating-Gate Synaptic Transistor.

In this work, a study on a semi-floating-gate synaptic transistor (SFGST) is performed to verify its feasibility in the more energy-efficient hardware-driven neuromorphic system. To realize short- and long-term potentiation (STP/LTP) in the SFGST, a poly-Si semi-floating gate (SFG) and a SiN charge-trap layer are utilized, respectively. When an adequate number of holes are accumulated in the SFG, they are injected into the nitride charge-trap layer by the Fowler⁻Nordheim tunneling mechanism. Moreover, since the SFG is charged by an embedded tunneling field-effect transistor existing between the channel and the drain junction when the post-synaptic spike occurs after the pre-synaptic spike, and vice versa, the SFG is discharged by the diode when the post-synaptic spike takes place before the pre-synaptic spike. This indicates that the SFGST can attain STP/LTP and spike-timing-dependent plasticity behaviors. These characteristics of the SFGST in the highly miniaturized transistor structure can contribute to the neuromorphic chip such that the total system may operate as fast as the human brain with low power consumption and high integration density.

Self-Powered Chemical Sensing Driven by Graphene-Based Photovoltaic Heterojunctions with Chemically Tunable Built-In Potentials.

Ultralow power chemical sensing is essential toward realizing the Internet of Things. However, electrically driven sensors must consume power to generate an electrical readout. Here, a different class of self-powered chemical sensing platform based on unconventional photovoltaic heterojunctions consisting of a top graphene (Gr) layer in contact with underlying photoactive semiconductors including bulk silicon and layered transition metal dichalcogenides is proposed. Owing to the chemically tunable electrochemical potential of Gr, the built-in potential at the junction is effectively modulated by absorbed gas molecules in a predictable manner depending on their redox characteristics. Such ability distinctive from bulk photovoltaic counterparts enables photovoltaic-driven chemical sensing without electric power consumption. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the hydrogen (H2 ) sensing properties are independent of the light intensity, but sensitive to the gas concentration down to the 1 ppm level at room temperature. These results present an innovative strategy to realize extremely energy-efficient sensors, providing an important advancement for future ubiquitous sensing.

Skin-Like, Dynamically Stretchable, Planar Supercapacitors with Buckled Carbon Nanotube/Mn-Mo Mixed Oxide Electrodes and Air-Stable Organic Electrolyte.

For practical applications of high-performance supercapacitors as wearable energy storage devices attached to skin or clothes, the supercapacitors are recommended to have stable mechanical and electrochemical performances during dynamic deformations, including stretching, due to real-time movements of the human body. In this work, we demonstrate a skin-like, dynamically stretchable, planar supercapacitor (SPS). The SPS consists of buckled manganese/molybdenum (Mn/Mo) mixed oxide@multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes; organic gel polymer electrolyte of adiponitrile, succinonitrile, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, and poly(methyl methacrylate); and a porous, elastomeric substrate. The addition of an Mn/Mo mixed oxide to the MWCNT film produces an 8-fold increase in the areal capacitance. The use of an organic solvent-based electrolyte enhances the operation cell voltage to 2 V and air stability to one month under ambient air conditions. The fabricated planar supercapacitors are biaxially stretchable up to 50% strain and maintain ∼90% of their initial capacitance after 1000 repetitive stretching/releasing cycles. Furthermore, the SPS exhibits stable electrochemical performance under dynamic stretching in real time regardless of the strain rate and performs reliably during repetitive bending/spreading motions of an index finger while attached to skin.

Photovoltaic Field-Effect Transistors Using a MoS2 and Organic Rubrene van der Waals Hybrid.

A several-layer n-type MoS2 was partially hybridized with an organic crystalline p-type rubrene nanosheet through van der Waals interactions to fabricate a two-dimensional (2-D) lateral-type n-p heterojunction optoelectronic device. The field-effect transistors (FETs) using lateral-type MoS2/rubrene hybrids exhibited both gate-tunable diode and anti-ambipolar transistor characteristics. The FET devices show the coexistence of n-type states, p-type states, and off-states controlled by the gate bias. From the photocurrent mapping experiments, the gate-bias-dependent photovoltaic effect was observed from the heterojunction regions of the MoS2/rubrene FETs. Furthermore, the photovoltaic FETs were successfully operated by light irradiation without applying source-drain bias and controlled using gate bias. These devices represent new solar-energy-driven 2-D multifunctional electronic devices.

Synaptic Barristor Based on Phase-Engineered 2D Heterostructures.

The development of energy-efficient artificial synapses capable of manifoldly tuning synaptic activities can provide a significant breakthrough toward novel neuromorphic computing technology. Here, a new class of artificial synaptic architecture, a three-terminal device consisting of a vertically integrated monolithic tungsten oxide memristor, and a variable-barrier tungsten selenide/graphene Schottky diode, termed as a 'synaptic barrister,' are reported. The device can implement essential synaptic characteristics, such as short-term plasticity, long-term plasticity, and paired-pulse facilitation. Owing to the electrostatically controlled barrier height in the ultrathin van der Waals heterostructure, the device exhibits gate-controlled memristive switching characteristics with tunable programming voltages of 0.2-0.5 V. Notably, by electrostatic tuning with a gate terminal, it can additionally regulate the degree and tuning rate of the synaptic weight independent of the programming impulses from source and drain terminals. Such gate tunability cannot be accomplished by previously reported synaptic devices such as memristors and synaptic transistors only mimicking the two-neuronal-based synapse. These capabilities eventually enable the accelerated consolidation and conversion of synaptic plasticity, functionally analogous to the synapse with an additional neuromodulator in biological neural networks.

Innovative Cryopreservation Process Using a Modified Core/Shell Cell-Printing with a Microfluidic System for Cell-Laden Scaffolds.

This work investigated the printability and applicability of a core/shell cell-printed scaffold for medium-term (for up to 20 days) cryopreservation and subsequent cultivation with acceptable cellular activities including cell viability. We developed an innovative cell-printing process supplemented with a microfluidic channel, a core/shell nozzle, and a low-temperature working stage to obtain a cell-laden 3D porous collagen scaffold for cryopreservation. The 3D porous biomedical scaffold consisted of core/shell struts with a cell-laden collagen-based bioink/dimethyl sulfoxide mixture in the core region and an alginate/poly(ethylene oxide) mixture in the shell region. Following 2 weeks of cryopreservation, the cells (osteoblast-like cells or human adipose stem cells) in the scaffold showed good viability (over 90%), steady growth, and mineralization similar to those of a control scaffold fabricated using a conventional cell-printing process without cryopreservation. We believe that these results are attributable to the optimized fabrication processes the cells underwent, including safe freezing/thawing processes. On the basis of these results, this fabrication process has great potential for obtaining core/shell cell-laden collagen scaffolds for cryopreservation, which have various tissue engineering applications.

Stylet angulation of 70 degrees reduces the time to intubation with the GlideScope®: A prospective randomised trial.

Objective The GlideScope® videolaryngoscope provides a good view of the glottis. However, directing and inserting an endotracheal tube is sometimes difficult during intubation with the GlideScope®. In this study, we compared two GlideScope® stylet angulations (90° vs. 70°) in terms of the time to intubation. Methods In total, 162 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the 90 group ( n = 79), a 90° stylet was used. In the 70 group ( n = 78), a 70° stylet was used. The time to intubation was recorded. The number of intubation attempts was assessed. Results The time to intubation was significantly shorter in the 70 than 90 group [26.0 (23.0-32.0) vs. 37.0 (30.0-43.0) s, respectively]. The first-time intubation success rate was significantly higher and the number of failed intubations was significantly lower in the 70 than 90 group (100% vs. 87% and 0% vs. 6%, respectively). Conclusions This investigation suggests that a 70° angle stylet is superior to a 90° angle stylet for GlideScope® intubation. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02547064.

The effect of lidocaine jelly on a taper-shaped cuff of an endotracheal tube on the postoperative sore throat: a prospective randomized study: A CONSORT compliant article.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat (POST) following general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation is a common complication. We hypothesized that lidocaine jelly applied to the tapered cuff of the endotracheal tube (ETT) might decrease the incidence of POST most commonly arising from endotracheal intubation. METHODS: A total of 208 patients under general anesthesia were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups. In the lidocaine group (n = 104), the distal part of ETTs with tapered-shaped cuff was lubricated with lidocaine jelly. In the control group (n = 104), the distal part of ETTs with tapered-shaped cuff was lubricated with normal saline. The incidence of POST, hoarseness, and cough in the postanesthesia patients was compared. RESULTS: The overall incidence of POST was higher in the lidocaine group than in the normal saline group [60 (58%) vs 40 (39%), P = .006]. The incidence of POST at 1 hour postoperatively was higher in the lidocaine group than in the normal saline group [53 (51%) vs 32 (31%), P = .003]. The overall incidence of hoarseness for 24 hours postoperatively was comparable (P = .487). The overall incidence of cough for 24 hours postoperatively is higher in the lidocaine group (P = .045). CONCLUSION: The lidocaine jelly applied at the distal part of ETT with tapered-shaped cuff increased the overall incidence of POST in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

The effect of heritability and host genetics on the gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) arises from complex interactions between host genetic and environmental factors. Although it is now widely accepted that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host metabolism, current knowledge on the effect of host genetics on specific gut microbes related to MetS status remains limited. Here, we investigated the links among host genetic factors, gut microbiota and MetS in humans. DESIGN: We characterised the gut microbial community composition of 655 monozygotic (n=306) and dizygotic (n=74) twins and their families (n=275), of which approximately 18% (121 individuals) had MetS. We evaluated the association of MetS status with the gut microbiota and estimated the heritability of each taxon. For the MetS-related and heritable taxa, we further investigated their associations with the apolipoprotein A-V gene (APOA5) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs651821, which is known to be associated with triglyceride levels and MetS. RESULTS: Individuals with MetS had a lower gut microbiota diversity than healthy individuals. The abundances of several taxa were associated with MetS status; Sutterella, Methanobrevibacter and Lactobacillus were enriched in the MetS group, whereas Akkermansia, Odoribacter and Bifidobacterium were enriched in the healthy group. Among the taxa associated with MetS status, the phylum Actinobacteria, to which Bifidobacterium belongs, had the highest heritability (45.7%). Even after adjustment for MetS status, reduced abundances of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium were significantly linked to the minor allele at the APOA5 SNP rs651821. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that an altered microbiota composition mediated by a specific host genotype can contribute to the development of MetS.