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Comprehensive understanding of gene–diet interactions is necessary to establish proper dietary guidelines to prevent and manage general and abdominal obesity. We investigated the role of genetic variants and their interactions with general and abdominal obesity–associated nutrients using a largescale genome-wide association study of Korean adults. A total of 50,808 participants from a Korean genome and epidemiology study were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Abdominal obesity (AO) was defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm and 80 cm in males and females, respectively. Dietary nutrient intake was classified based on Korean Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated after adjusting for age, sex, exercise, smoking, alcohol drinking, total energy consumption, PC1, and PC2. Among the individuals consuming fat (%) above DRI, carriers of Ca binding protein 39 (CAB39)- rs6722579 minor allele (A) have a higher risk of AO than those not carrying the SNP (odds ration [OR] = 3.73, p-value = 2.05e-07; interaction p-value = 1.80e-07). Among the individuals consuming vitamin C above DRI, carriers of carboxypeptidase Q (CPQ)- rs59465035 minor allele (T) have a lower risk of AO than those without that SNP (OR = 0.89, p-value = 1.44e-08; interaction p-value = 9.50e-06). The genetic association with obesity was stronger among individuals with a genetic variant rs4130113 near GHR gene region in those consume folate above DRI and with a genetic variant rs5760920 near CRYBB2 gene region in those consume vitamin B2 above DRI. Our study results suggested that interactions of specific polymorphisms at loci and certain nutrients may influence obesity and abdominal obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are several publications on the new transoral robotic thyroidectomy technique, few have thoroughly reviewed its associated complications. This study analyzed the causes and prevention of transoral robotic thyroidectomy–specific complications and presented preventive measures. The medical records of patients who underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon between March 1, 2009 and April 30, 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographic, clinical, and operative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. We describe the transoral robotic thyroidectomy–related complications experienced at our institution and how to overcome them. This study included a total of 423 patients who underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomy. The general surgical complications included immediate postoperative bleeding (2 cases) and delayed hematoma (3 cases). Chyle leakage and localized wound infection were found in 1 case each. Transient vocal cord palsy occurred in 4 cases, and 1 case developed transient hypoparathyroidism. The transoral robotic thyroidectomy–specific complications included zygoma bruise (2 cases), flap bruise (3 cases), chin flap perforation (2 cases), and oral commissure tearing (2 cases). The complications occurring when creating the flap included flap burns (4 cases), skin dimpling in the midline of the lower chin (2 cases), and hematomas in the intraoral trocar insertion sites (3 cases). Surgeons familiar with thyroid surgery and experienced in robotic surgery can perform transoral robotic thyroidectomy without causing more complications than those seen with traditional surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic steatosis (PS) may be a risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Whether it is also a risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) has not been evaluated. This study aimed to determine the impact of PS on PEP development. This multicenter prospective trial enrolled 786 consecutive patients who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT and subsequent first-time ERCP. PS was evaluated based on pancreatic attenuation on unenhanced CT images. The risk of PS for the development of PEP was evaluated using a logistic regression model. Of 527 patients included in the study, 157 (29.8%) had PS and 370 (70.2%) did not. At 24 hours after ERCP, there was a significant difference in the PEP identified in 22 patients (14.0%) in the PS group and 23 patients (6.2%) in the "no PS" (NPS) group (P =.017). Diabetes and hypertension were more common in the PS group than in the NPS group; no differences in dyslipidemia were found. Patients with PS had a higher risk for the development of PEP than those with NPS (odds ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.03). No other variables were identified as risk factors for PEP. PS is a significant risk factor for PEP for which preventive measures should be considered. Standardized measurement protocols to assess PS by CT are needed. (Clinical trial registration number: KCT0006068.) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible oleogels are of interest to many researchers in the food industry. However, the applications of oleogels in foods are limited owing to the demand for food-grade and low-cost gelators. In this study, we investigated a facile and reliable route for the formation of oleogels using lecithin and D-sorbitol as gelators, which are food-grade and commercially available. Grapeseed, olive, rice bran, and sesame oils are used as edible oils and all of which gel at a certain molar ratio of lecithin (40 mM) and D-sorbitol (42–54 mM), wherein the samples do not flow downward in the inverted vials and the formed oleogels are analyzed. The rheological properties of the samples, such as zero-shear viscosity (∼20 Pa.s to infinite viscosity), viscous modulus, and elastic modulus (70–110 Pa) under diverse conditions (i.e., shear-stress and temperature), were explored in detail by steady-shear and dynamic rheology. The mechanism of gel formation was also studied using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique, which revealed that the gel was formed by the entanglement of the reverse cylindrical micelles (slop of I vs q: ∼1) induced by the hydrogen bonds between lecithin and D-sorbitol. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonds were confirmed with the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in which the absorbance bands of phosphate (red-shift) and carbonyl groups (blue-shift) of lecithin are shifted upon addition of D-sorbitol. Finally, this method to create oleogels of diverse edible oils using lecithin/D-sorbitol mixtures is simple and reproducible; thus, mass production of oleogels for marketable consumer products is expected to be achieved. [Display omitted] • Oleogels are formed using mixtures of soy lecithin and D-sorbitol in diverse edible oils. • The rheological properties of the oleogels were investigated using a rheometer. • The intermolecular interactions between lecithin and D-sorbitol were studied using FTIR. • Self-assembled nanostructures in oleogels were investigated using SAXS. • Oleogels formed by their mixtures are suitable for human food and are marketable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, highly efficient green-to-red-emitting CsPbBr 3-z I z perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) with high color purity are synthesized and a facile route for the formation of PQD-inorganic SiO 2 composites is proposed. To improve thermal and water stability of the PQDs, perhydropolysilazane (PHPS)-derived SiO 2 composites are prepared. The CsPbBr 3 -SiO 2 composites exhibit highly enhanced thermal stability and water stability. The green-emitting CsPbBr 3 -SiO 2 composites and red-emitting CsPbBr 1·2 I 1.8 PQDs are coated on blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the fabricated green and red LEDs show high color purities of 95.1 and 99.5%, respectively. Finally, the white LED is fabricated by combining a blue LED with CsPbBr 3 -SiO 2 composites and CsPbBr 1·2 I 1.8 PQDs. The fabricated white LED shows bright natural white light (luminous efficacy = 35.4 lmW −1 , correlated color temperature = 5623 K) with excellent color reproducibility due to wide color gamut (127% National Television System Committee color space). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The C-terminal domain of the three-domain-comprising trehalose synthase from Thermus thermophilus was truncated in order to study the effect on the enzyme’s activity and substrate specificity. Compared with the wild-type (WT) enzyme, the two truncated enzymes (DM1 and DM2) showed lower maltose- and trehalose-converting activities and a different transglycosylation reaction mechanism. In the mutants, the glucose moiety cleaved from the maltose substrate was released from the enzyme and intercepted by external glucose oxidase, preventing the production of trehalose. The WT enzyme, however, retained the glucose in the active site to effectively produce trehalose. In addition, DM1 synthesized much higher amounts of mannose-containing disaccharide trehalose analog (Man-TA) than did the WT and DM2. The results suggest that the C-terminal domain in the WT enzyme is important for retaining the glucose moiety within the active site. The mutant enzymes could be used to produce Man-TA, a postulated inhibitor of gut disaccharidases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives It has been reported that young adults' dietary habits and health behaviors have significant effects on obesity and bone health. However, there is a lack of thorough understanding of the prevalence of unhealthy behaviors and potential relationships to obesity and osteoporosis among young females. Methods This cross-sectional study examined dietary habits, health behaviors, anthropometric measurements, and bone mineral density of 160 female nursing students. Results A relatively large number of students had vitamin D ( n = 104, 65%) and calcium ( n = 84, 52.5%) deficiencies but displayed excessive cholesterol ( n = 86, 53.8%) and sodium ( n = 137, 85.6%) intakes. Unhealthy dietary and health habits such as nighttime snacking, coffee drinking, low milk drinking, and lack of exercise were also noted. Conclusions Despite their knowledge on health, a large portion of nursing students displayed unhealthy dietary habits and health. Tailored strategies and education to narrow the gap between health behavioral knowledge and practice are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Lithospermum erythrorhizon has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diseases including skin cancer. In this study, hexane extract from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LEH) was chemically characterized and its anticancer activity was tested against the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Materials and methods: The in vitro anticancer studies viz. cell growth, cell cycle and apoptosis, and the expression of tumor regulating proteins were analyzed against B16F10 melanoma cells. In addition, C57BL/6 mice models were used to evaluate the in vivo anticancer potential of LEH. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LEH at doses of 0.1 and 10mg/kg every 3 days. The tumor inhibition ratio was determined after 21 days of treatment and the histopathological analyses of the tumor tissues were compared. Further, LEH was purified and its active compounds were structurally elucidated and identified by NMR spectra and quantified by HPLC analyses. Results: LEH effectively inhibits the growth of melanoma cells with an IC50 of 2.73μg/ml. Cell cycle analysis revealed that LEH increased the percentage of cells in sub-G1 phase by dose dependent manner. LEH exhibited down regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and up regulation of apoptotic Bax protein expression. Importantly, LEH induced cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activated the caspase cascade (caspase 3) with this cleavage mediating the apoptosis of B16F10 cells. LEH treatment at a dose of 10mg/kg for 21 days in experimental mice implanted with tumors resulted in significant reduction of the tumor growth (43%) and weight (36%). Histopathology analysis of LEH treated tumor tissues showed evidence of increased necrotic cells in a concentration dependent manner. Meanwhile, five naphthoquinone compounds [Shikonin (1); Deoxyshikonin (2); β-Hydroxyisovalerylshikonin (3); Acetylshikonin (4) and Isobutyrylshikonin (5)] were purified from LEH and responsible for its anticancer activity. Conclusion: LEH induced apoptosis in B16F10 cells by activation of caspase 3 and inducing sub-G1 cell cycle arrest. LEH exhibited both in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. Shikonin derivatives in the LEH are responsible for the anticancer activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule that regulates pro-inflammatory mediators. Several studies have indicated that HO-1 expression is induced by a variety of stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cytokines, oxidative stress, and antioxidant phytochemicals. In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of a novel α-iso-cubebenol isolated from dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis in human macrophage THP-1 cells and investigated the involvement of HO-1 signaling. We first observed that α-iso-cubebenol induced HO-1 mRNA and protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner via activation of erythroid-specific nuclear factor-regulated factor 2 (Nrf2). We also found that α-iso-cubebenol induced phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment of THP-1 cells with inhibitors and siRNA specific for PI3K/Akt and ERK decreased the expression of HO-1. These results suggested that α-iso-cubebenol induced HO-1 expression through the activation of PI3K/Akt, ERK, and Nrf2 signaling. Next, α-iso-cubebenol strongly inhibited Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-12). Moreover, we observed that α-iso-cubebenol treatment inhibited nuclear levels and activity of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, treatment with tin-protoporphyrin (SnPP), a selective inhibitor of HO-1, reversed the α-iso-cubebenol-mediated inhibition of P. gingivalis LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence, α-iso-cubebenol might induce anti-inflammatory effects on P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated human THP-1 macrophages by mediating the activation of PI3k/Akt and ERK that leads to over-expression of HO-1 and Nrf-2. These findings suggest that α-iso-cubebenol may be considered as a novel therapeutic agent to ameliorate periodontitis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis is thought to induce periodontitis. In this study, we isolated Schisandrin from the dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis and examined the anti-inflammatory effect of Schisandrin in macrophages stimulated with LPS from P. gingivalis. First, Schisandrin inhibited LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. And Schisandrin suppressed the nuclear translocation and activity of NF-κB and phosphorylation of IκBα in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Next, the presence of a selective inhibitor of HO-1 (SnPP) and a siRNA specific for HO-1 inhibited Schisandrin-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, Schisandrin induced HO-1 expression of RAW 264.7 cells through Nrf-2, PI3K/Akt, and ERK activation. Therefore, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of Schisandrin on P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells may be due to a reduction of NF-κB activity and induction of the expression of HO-1, leading to TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 down-regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Advantages of the baculovirus insect cell expression system for production of recombinant proteins include high capacity, flexibility, and glycosylation capability. In this study, this expression system was exploited to produce anti-cancer monoclonal antibody (mAb) CO17-1A, which recognizes the antigen GA733. The heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) genes of mAb CO17-1A were cloned under the control of P10 and Polyhedrin promoters in the pFastBac™ dual vector, respectively. Gene expression cassettes carrying the HC and LC genes were transposed into a bacmid in Escherichia coli (DH10Bac). The transposed bacmid was transfected to Sf9 insect cells to generate baculovirus expressing mAb CO17-1A. Confocal immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses confirmed expression of mAb CO17-1A in baculovirus-infected insect cells. The optimum conditions for mAb expression were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h after the virus infection at an optimum virus multiplicity of infection of 1. Expression of mAb CO17-1A in insect cells significantly increased at 72 h after infection. HPLC analysis of glycosylation status revealed that the insect-derived mAb (mAbI) CO17-1A had insect specific glycan structures. ELISA showed that the purified mAbI from cell culture supernatant specifically bound to SW948 human colorectal cancer cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed that, although mAbI had insect specific glycan structures that differed from their mammalian counterparts, mAbI similarly interacted with CD64 (FcγRI) and Fc of IgG, compared to the interactions of mammalian-derived mAb. These results suggest that the baculovirus insect cell expression system is able to express, assemble, and secrete biofunctional full size mAb. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly-substituted nitrobenzenes were synthesized from Baylis–Hillman adducts via the [3+3] annulation strategy as the key step. 1,3-Dinitroalkanes served as the 1,3-dinucleophilic component and the Baylis–Hillman acetates as a 1,3-dielectrophilic part. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polysubstituted benzene derivatives were synthesized starting from the Baylis–Hillman adducts via the sequential introduction of primary nitroalkane at the primary position, Michael addition to β-branched Michael acceptor, aldol condensation, elimination of nitrous acid, and the final aromatization process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polysubstituted phenol derivatives were synthesized from the acetates of Baylis–Hillman adducts and dimethyl 1,3-acetonedicarboxylate (DMAD) in a one-pot reaction via the sequential SN2′ reaction, aldol condensation, and 1,3-H shift process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 3-Benzylidenecyclohexene derivatives were prepared starting from the Baylis–Hillman adducts by using DBU-promoted domino process involving Michael, aldol, dehydration, and dealkoxycarbonylation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Facile synthetic method of polysubstituted pyridine derivatives was developed starting from the Baylis–Hillman adducts. The reaction involved sequential introduction of tosylamide, Michael addition, aldol condensation, elimination of p-toluenesulfinic acid, and isomerization process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• An analytical method for detection of 12 anthelmintics in fishery products was developed. • Analysis was carried out using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. • The established method exhibited satisfactory validation parameters. • None of the market samples were tested positive for the monitored analytes. • The reported protocol could be used for xenobiotic quantification in aquaculture. Herein, an analytical method was developed for simultaneous determination of 12 anthelmintics (closantel, niclosamide, nitroxynil, rafoxanide, cymiazole, fluazuron, levamisole, morantel, praziquantel, pyrantel, thiophanate, and trichlorfon) in fishery products (eel, flatfish, and shrimp) using liquid-liquid extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A reversed-phase analytical column was then used to separate the analytes from various matrices. Linear matrix-matched calibration curves were generated with coefficients of determination ≥ 0.9935. Recovery rates at three spiking levels (5, 10, and 20 µg/kg) ranged between 61.58% and 119.37% with relative standard deviations ≤ 19.05%. Limits of detection were in the range of 0.3–1.6 μg/kg, whereas limits of quantification ranged between 1.0 and 5.0 μg/kg. The matrix effect was moderate with values ranging from −99.47% to 51.98%. Matrices procured from large markets tested negative for the 12 anthelmintics. The developed method proved amenable to real sample testing and can be used for simultaneous determination of target analytes in aquatic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background During maximal isometric protraction, it is important to determine the optimal resistance intensity in subjects with a winged scapula, for inducing isolated activity of the serratus anterior against the pectoralis major, which is activated as a synergistic muscle. The aim of the present study was to determine electromyographic activities of the serratus anterior and pectoralis major muscles during isometric shoulder protraction at different levels in subjects with and without a winged scapula. Methods Thirty male subjects performed isometric shoulder protraction in a sitting position at different resistance intensity levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of maximal protraction strength). Surface electromyographic data of the serratus anterior and pectoralis major muscles were gathered simultaneously using fixed instrumentation to measure isometric shoulder protraction. Findings Muscle activity of the serratus anterior in subjects without a winged scapula was significantly greater than that of subjects with a winged scapula across all three conditions, whereas muscle activity of the pectoralis major was lower in subjects without a winged scapula. In addition, winged scapula muscle activity corresponding to maximal protraction was significantly greater than that in the submaximal condition. Interpretation In a clinical setting, submaximal resistance can be more optimal than maximal effort during isometric shoulder protraction in individuals with a winged scapula. Highlights • Individuals with winged scapula showed decreased serratus anterior muscle activity. • Selective activation of the serratus anterior increased at submaximal intensity. • A submaximal effort level is recommended for individuals with a winged scapula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency-dependent impedance spectroscopy was applied to the 2-dimensioanl conduction transport in the LaAlO 3 /Sr x Ca 1− x TiO 3 /SrTiO 3 system. The 2-dimensional conduction modifies the electrical/dielectric responses of the LaAlO 3 /Sr x Ca 1− x TiO 3 /SrTiO 3 depending on the magnitude of the interfacial 2-dimensional resistance. The high conduction of the 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) layer can be described using a metallic resistor in series with two parallel RC circuits. However, the high resistance of the 2-dimensional layer drives the composite system from a finite low resistor in parallel with the surrounding dielectrics composed of LaAlO 3 and SrTiO 3 materials to a dielectric capacitor. This change in the resistance of the 2-dimensional layers modifies the overall impedance enabled by the presence of the interfacial layer due to Sr x Ca 1− x TiO 3 , which alters the charge transport of the 2-dimensional layer from metallic to semiconducting conduction. A noticeable change is observed in the capacitance Bode plots, indicating highly amplified dielectric constants compared with the pristine SrTiO 3 substrates and Sr x Ca 1− x TiO 3 with a greater Ca content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]