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Establishing a new sports club in the local community is an important factor that can enhance the local image, develop a social infrastructure due to tourist visits, and make residents feel attached to their community. Accordingly, this study examines the relationship between local image, social overhead capital (SOC) recognition, local attachment, and the founding effects of a new women's professional volleyball team. We analyzed 377 questionnaires using frequency analysis, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that establishing a local women's professional volleyball team has a statistically non-significant economic expectation effect on the local image and statistically significant cultural and public relations expectation effects on the local image, SOC perception, and local attachment. This results from an investigation into the effectiveness of the AI Peppers on the expected effects of establishing a local professional sports team. In conclusion, creating a local professional sports team can impact the expected cultural promotion effect, e.g., expanding the local community infrastructure, attracting tourists and spectators, and strengthening attachment to residents. Furthermore, it can be presented as an efficient alternative to solve the problems of the professional sports industry centered in metropolitan regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had devastating effects worldwide, with particularly high morbidity and mortality in outbreaks on residential care facilities. Amantadine, originally licensed as an antiviral agent for therapy and prophylaxis against influenza A virus, has beneficial effects on patients with Parkinson's disease and is used for treatment of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, and various other neurological disorders. Recent observational data suggest an inverse relationship between the use of amantadine and COVID-19. Adamantanes, including amantadine and rimantadine, are reported to have in vitro activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and, more recently, SARS-CoV-2. We hypothesized that adamantanes have antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, including variant strains. To assess the activity of adamantanes against SARS-CoV-2, we used in vitro and in vivo models of infection. We established that amantadine, rimantadine, and tromantadine inhibit the growth of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro in cultured human epithelial cells. While neither rimantadine nor amantadine reduces lung viral titers in mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2, rimantadine significantly reduces viral titers in the lungs in golden Syrian hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. In summary, rimantadine has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in human alveolar epithelial cells and in the hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 lung infection. The evaluation of amantadine or rimantadine in human randomized controlled trials can definitively address applications for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3), DHA] is important for optimal infant central nervous system development, and lead (Pb) exposure during development can produce neurological deficits. Long-Evans strain rats were fed either an (n-3) deficient [(n-3) Def] diet to produce brain DHA deficiency, or an adequate [(n-3) Adq] diet through 2 generations. At the birth of the 2nd generation, the dams were subdivided into 4 groups and supplied drinking water containing either 5.27 mmol/L (Pb) or sodium (Na) acetate until weaning. Rats were killed at 3 wk (weaning) and 11 wk (maturity) for brain Pb and fatty acid analysis. Spatial task and olfactory-cued behavioral assessments were initiated at 9 wk. Rats in the (n-3) Def group had a 79% lower concentration of brain DHA compared with the (n-3) Adq group with no effect of Pb exposure. At weaning, Pb concentrations were 7.17 [+ or -] 0.47 nmol Pb/g of brain (wet weight) in the (n-3) Adq-Pb group and 6.49 [+ or -] 0.63 nmol Pb/g of brain (wet weight) in the (n-3) Def-Pb group. At maturity, the brains contained 1.30 [+ or -] 0.22 and 1.07 [+ or -] 0.12 nmol Pb/g (wet weight), respectively. In behavioral testing, significant effects of both Pb and DHA deficiency were observed in the Morris water maze probe trial and in 2-odor olfactory discrimination acquisition and olfactory-based reversal learning tasks. Both lactational Pb exposure and (n-3) fatty acid deficiency led to behavioral deficits with additive effects observed only in the acquisition of 2-odor discriminations. KEY WORDS: * (n-3) fatty acid deficiency * neonatal development * spatial learning * olfactory discriminations * lead toxicity * Pb

Lead (Pb) exposure has been reported to increase arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. To determine whether Pb effects on fatty acid composition are influenced by dietary (n-3) fatty acid restriction, weanling female rats were fed either an (n-3)-adequate or -deficient diet to maturity and mated. At parturition, dams in each group were subdivided to receive either 0.2% Pb or Na-acetate in their drinking water during lactation only. Pups were analyzed for fatty acid content in liver, plasma, and brain at either 3 or 11 wk. The (n-3)-deficient diets markedly decreased total (n-3) fatty acids, and increased total (n-6) fatty acids including both AA and docosapentaenoic (n-6) in each compartment (P < 0.05). The main effects of Pb were in the livers of weanling rats where there was a 56% loss in total fatty acid concentration concurrent with increased relative percentages of AA and DHA. Thus, because there was a greater percentage of liver nonessential fatty acid lost relative to the essential fatty acids (EFA), there was no net change in AA concentration. There was a diet x Pb interaction for a decrease in liver DHA concentration evident only in the (n-3)-adequate group. There were also diet x Pb interactions in plasma at 11 wk and in brain at 3 wk. These data are consistent with the hypothesis of a Pb-induced increase in fatty acid catabolism, perhaps as a source of energy. KEY WORDS: * arachidonic acid * docosahexaenoic acid * fatty acid composition * lead * (n-3) fatty acid deficiency * Pb

Abstract Background Although it is believed that fish ω-3 fatty acids may decrease breast cancer risk, epidemiological evidence has been inconclusive. This study examined the association between fish and fish ω-3 fatty acids intake with the risk of breast cancer in a case-control study of Korean women. Methods We recruited 358 incident breast cancer patients and 360 controls with no history of malignant neoplasm from the National Cancer Center Hospital between July 2007 and April 2008. The study participants were given a 103-item food intake frequency questionnaire to determine their dietary consumption of fish (fatty and lean fish) and ω-3 fatty acids derived from fish (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)). Results Using a multivariate logistic regression model, high intake of fatty fish was associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women (OR [95% CI] for highest vs. lowest intake quartiles, p for trend: 0.19 [0.08 to 0.45], p < 0.001 for premenopausal women, 0.27 [0.11 to 0.66], p = 0.005 for postmenopausal women). Similarly, reductions in breast cancer risk were observed among postmenopausal subjects who consumed more than 0.101 g of EPA (OR [95% CI]: 0.38 [0.15 to 0.96]) and 0.213 g of DHA (OR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.13 to 0.82]) from fish per day compared to the reference group who consumed less than 0.014 g of EPA and 0.037 g of DHA per day. Among premenopausal women, there was a significant reduction in breast cancer risk for the highest intake quartiles of ω-3 fatty acids (ORs [95% CI]: 0.46 [0.22 to 0.96]), compared to the reference group who consumed the lowest quartile of intake. Conclusion These results suggest that high consumption of fatty fish is associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer, and that the intake of ω-3 fatty acids from fish is inversely associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk.

Abstract Background Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) and n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6, DPAn-6) are highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA, ≥ 20 carbons, ≥ 3 double bonds) that differ by a single carbon-carbon double bond at the Δ19 position. Membrane 22:6n-3 may support skeletal muscle function through optimal ion pump activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum and electron transport in the mitochondria. Typically n-3 fatty acid deficient feeding trials utilize linoleic acid (18:2n-6, LA) as a comparison group, possibly introducing a lower level of HUFA in addition to n-3 fatty acid deficiency. The use of 22:5n-6 as a dietary control is ideal for determining specific requirements for 22:6n-3 in various physiological processes. The incorporation of dietary 22:5n-6 into rat skeletal muscles has not been demonstrated previously. A one generation, artificial rearing model was utilized to supply 22:6n-3 and/or 22:5n-6 to rats from d2 after birth to adulthood. An n-3 fatty acid deficient, artificial milk with 18:2n-6 was supplemented with 22:6n-3 and/or 22:5n-6 resulting in four artificially reared (AR) dietary groups; AR-LA, AR-DHA, AR-DPAn-6, AR-DHA+DPAn-6. A dam reared group (DAM) was included as an additional control. Animals were sacrificed at 15 wks and soleus, white gastrocnemius and red gastrocnemius muscles were collected for fatty acid analyses. Results In all muscles of the DAM group, the concentration of 22:5n-6 was significantly lower than 22:6n-3 concentrations. While 22:5n-6 was elevated in the AR-LA group and the AR-DPAn-6 group, 20:4n-6 tended to be higher in the AR-LA muscles and not in the AR-DPAn-6 muscles. The AR-DHA+DPAn-6 had a slight, but non-significant increase in 22:5n-6 content. In the red gastrocnemius of the AR-DPAn-6 group, 22:5n-6 levels (8.1 ± 2.8 wt. %) did not reciprocally replace the 22:6n-3 levels observed in AR-DHA reared rats (12.2 ± 2.3 wt. %) suggesting a specific preference/requirement for 22:6n-3 in red gastrocnemius. Conclusion Dietary 22:5n-6 is incorporated into skeletal muscles and appears to largely compete with 22:6n-3 for incorporation into lipids. In contrast, 18:2n-6 feeding tends to result in elevations of 20:4n-6 and restrained increases of 22:5n-6. As such, 22:5n-6 dietary comparison groups may be useful in elucidating specific requirements for 22:6n-3 to support optimal health and disease prevention.

Background: The primary aim of this study was to assess the utility of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c to identify diabetes by the 2‐hour plasma glucose (PG) criterion in the Korean population at high risk for diabetes. Methods: A total of 1646 participants with a body mass index of ≥23 kg/m2 without having a history of diabetes were recruited in this study. The cut‐off values of FPG and HbA1c for detecting diabetes were identified using the Youden index using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The gold standard for diabetes prediction was defined by the 2‐hour PG level of ≥200 mg/dL. Results: The participants comprised 54.0% women, and the mean age of all participants was 55.0 ± 8.1 years. At baseline, FPG was 104.1 ± 14.2 mg/dL, the 2‐hour PG value was 162.9 ± 55.3 mg/dL, and HbA1c was 5.9% ± 0.5%. Four hundred and forty‐six subjects (27.1%) were diagnosed with diabetes and 976 subjects (59.3%) were determined to be at prediabetes. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of FPG and HbA1c for diabetes were 0.776 and 0.802, while the AUC of FPG and HbA1c for prediabetes were 0.515 and 0.477. The optimal cut‐off value for diagnosing diabetes of FPG and HbA1c were 104.5 mg/dL (sensitivity 75.8%, specificity 67.5%) and 5.9% (sensitivity 80.6%, specificity 63.8%), respectively. Conclusions: FPG of 104.5 mg/dL and HbA1c value of 5.9% (41 mmol/mol) can be used as an optimal screening value for diabetes by 2‐hour PG criterion in the Korean population at high risk for diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When considering camouflage orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion with skeletal facial asymmetry, it is crucial to preserve the favorable compensated posterior occlusion. Once the inclination of the compensated occlusion is changed during orthodontic treatment, unstable occlusion, such as crossbite or scissor bite may occur. A 23-year-old female patient had anterior spacing with Class III malocclusion and a mandibular asymmetry. A nonsurgical approach was adopted. The treatment objectives were to establish a Class I molar relationship with compensated inclination of the posterior dentition and to correct the midline deviation. To achieve these goals, the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) orthodontic system plus customized brackets was applied, and miniscrews were used to distalize the left mandibular dentition for midline correction. The results suggested that the CAD/CAM-based customized brackets can be efficiently used in camouflage treatment to achieve a correct final occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment focuses on specific user factors and hardware factors that affect to presence and motion sickness in virtual reality. The experimental results show that Motion Sickness Susceptibility, ocular refraction disorder and motor nerve have an influence on presence and motion sickness along with display resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lassa fever virus (LASV) is endemic in West Africa and causes severe hemorrhagic fever and sensorineural hearing loss. We identified a small molecule inhibitor of LASV and used it to analyze the mechanism of entry. Using a photo-reactive analog that retains antiviral activity as a probe, we identified the inhibitor target as lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), a host factor that binds to the LASV glycoprotein (GP) during infection. We found that LAMP1 binding to LASV GP is cholesterol-dependent, and that the inhibitor blocks infection by competing with cholesterol in LAMP1. Mutational analysis of a docking-based model identified a putative inhibitor binding site in the cholesterol-binding pocket within the LAMP1 domain that binds GP. These findings identify a critical role for cholesterol in LASV entry and a potential target for therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to validate a Korean version of the short UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS‐P). Methods: This study included 724 undergraduate students who completed the following questionnaires: the Korean UPPS‐P, Beck Depression Inventory, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Eating Disorder Inventory‐2, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, and Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis supported a 5‐factor interrelated model. The internal consistency coefficients for the 5 factors of the short Korean UPPS‐P were acceptable (.65‐.78 across the subscales), and the subscales of the short Korean UPPS‐P were strongly correlated with the long UPPS‐P subscales. External validity was demonstrated by associations between the subfactors of impulsivity and various psychopathologies, including depression, anxiety, binge eating, alcohol abuse, and gambling. Discussion: The present results indicate that the short Korean version of the UPPS‐P may be a useful and reliable alternative to the original long‐form UPPS‐P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Successful adaptation of refugees to a new society can be hindered by traumatic experiences and psychiatric symptoms. This study aims to examine the relationship between trauma, psychiatric symptoms and life satisfaction of North Korean refugees resettled in South Korea. Methods: A total of 211 North Korean refugees living in South Korea completed a series of questionnaires on the history of their previous traumatic experiences, life satisfaction in South Korea, depression, anxiety, somatization and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Results: North Korean refugees who had experienced more traumatic events were less satisfied with their economic status in South Korea. Severe depression, anxiety, somatization or PTSD symptoms negatively correlated with their overall satisfaction in South Korea. In the stepwise regression model including all psychiatric symptoms and the number of traumatic experiences as dependent variables, only anxiety, but not trauma, predicted lower life satisfaction in South Korea. Conclusions: Traumatic experiences of North Korean refugees negatively affected the life satisfaction, especially the economic satisfaction, in South Korea. Since the negative effect of trauma was mainly mediated by psychiatric symptoms, the strategy of relieving psychiatric symptoms of traumatized refugees may help the adaptation of refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The trend of increasing numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes emphasizes the need for active screening of high-risk individuals and intensive lifestyle modification (LSM).Methods/design: The community-based Korean Diabetes Prevention Study (C-KDPS) is a randomized controlled clinical trial to prevent type 2 diabetes by intensive LSM using a web-based program. The two public healthcare centers in Korea are involved, and 420 subjects are being recruited for 6 months and will be followed up for 22 months. The participants are allocated randomly to intensive LSM (18 individual sessions for 24 weeks) and usual care (control group). The major goals of the C-KDPS lifestyle intervention program are: 1) a minimum of 5-7% loss of initial body weight in 6 months and maintenance of this weight loss, 2) increased physical activity (≥ 150 min/week of moderate intensity activity), 3) balanced healthy eating, and 4) quitting smoking and alcohol with stress management. The web-based program includes education contents, video files, visit schedules, and inter-communicable keeping track sites. Primary outcomes are the diagnoses of newly developed diabetes. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with hemoglobin A1c level determination and cardiovascular risk factor assessment is scheduled at 6, 12, 18, and 22 months.Discussion: Active screening of high-risk individuals and an effective LSM program are an essential prerequisite for successful diabetes prevention. We hope that our C-KDPS program can reduce the incidence of newly developed type 2 diabetes and be implemented throughout the country, merging community-based public healthcare resources and a web-based system.Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea (No. KCT0001981 ). Date of registration; July 28, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Ebola virus (EBOV) infection is characterized by sporadic outbreaks caused by zoonotic transmission. Fixed changes in amino acid sequence, such as A82V in the EBOV glycoprotein (GP) that occurred early in the 2013–16 epidemic, are suspected to confer a selective advantage to the virus. We used biochemical assays of GP function to show that A82V, as well as a polymorphism in residue 544 identified in other outbreaks, enhances infection by decreasing the threshold for activation of membrane fusion activity triggered by the host factors cathepsin B and Niemann-Pick C1. Importantly, the increase in infectivity comes with the cost of decreased virus stability. Thus, emergence of a virus GP with altered properties that can affect transmission and virulence may have contributed to the severity and scope of the 2013–16 EBOV epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether the condylar rotation is affected by asymmetric setback in patients undergoing sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy setback surgery were divided into the two groups, symmetric setback and asymmetric setback, according to the right/left difference of setback amount (<2.0, ≥2.0 mm). Condylar long axis changes were evaluated using the three-dimensional superimposition of before and immediately after surgery cone-beam computed tomography volume images. Evaluations were performed separately in lesser setback and greater setback side in patients undergoing asymmetric setback, whereas both side condyles were evaluated together in patients undergoing symmetric setback. Condylar axis changes on axial view were correlated with setback amount or right/left setback difference using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: In general, the condylar axis change occurred in a pattern of inward rotation. The condyles in patients undergoing symmetric setback showed 3.4° rotation in average. In case of asymmetric setback, the lesser setback side showed larger value (4.3°) than the greater setback side (2.3°) with a statistical significance. In the correlation analysis, setback amount showed no significant correlation with the condylar axis changes in both groups. However, correlation with right/left setback difference showed a positive correlation in lesser setback side of patients undergoing asymmetric setback. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that large amount of setback alone does not contribute to the change in condylar long axis, but asymmetric setback might cause a change in condylar long axis, particularly on the lesser setback side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A system that combines technology and web-based coaching can help treat chronic conditions such as diabetes. However, the effectiveness of apps in mobile health (mHealth) interventions is inconclusive and unclear due to heterogeneous interventions and varying follow-up durations. In addition, randomized controlled trial data are limited, and long-term follow-up is lacking, especially for apps integrated into electronic medical records.Objective: We aimed to assess the effect of an electronic medical record-integrated mobile app for personalized diabetes self-care, focusing on the self-monitoring of blood glucose and lifestyle modifications, on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: In a 26-week, 3-arm, randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel group trial, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of ≥7.5% were recruited. The mHealth intervention consisted of self-monitoring of blood glucose with the automatic transfer of glucose, diet, and physical activity counseling data (iCareD system). Participants were randomly assigned to the following three groups: usual care (UC), mobile diabetes self-care (MC), and MC with personalized, bidirectional feedback from physicians (MPC). The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c levels at 26 weeks. In addition, diabetes-related self-efficacy, self-care activities, and satisfaction with the iCareD system were assessed after the intervention.Results: A total of 269 participants were enrolled, and 234 patients (86.9%) remained in the study at 26 weeks. At 12 weeks after the intervention, the mean decline in HbA1c levels was significantly different among the 3 groups (UC vs MC vs MPC: -0.49% vs -0.86% vs -1.04%; P=.02). The HbA1c level decreased in all groups; however, it did not differ among groups after 26 weeks. In a subgroup analysis, HbA1c levels showed a statistically significant decrease after the intervention in the MPC group compared with the change in the UC or MC group, especially in patients aged <65 years (P=.02), patients with a diabetes duration of ≥10 years (P=.02), patients with a BMI of ≥25.0 kg/m2 (P=.004), patients with a C-peptide level of ≥0.6 ng/mL (P=.008), and patients who did not undergo treatment with insulin (P=.004) at 12 weeks. A total of 87.2% (137/157) of the participants were satisfied with the iCareD system.Conclusions: The mHealth intervention for diabetes self-care showed short-term efficacy in glycemic control, and the effect decreased over time. The participants were comfortable with using the iCareD system and exhibited high adherence.Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service, Republic of Korea KCT0004128; https://tinyurl.com/bdd6pa9m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nurses' management of Nursing Home residents' remaining functional ability is phenomena emphasizing as the main practice focus in long term care and has specific meanings within the context of quality of life for fragile and disabled elderly people in nursing homes. This study was conducted to clarify and to conceptualize the phenomena of nurses' management of nursing home residents' remaining functional ability. Method: The Hybrid Model of concept development was applied to develop a concept of nurses' management of residents' remaining functional ability. Results: This concept of nurse' management emerged as a phenomenon having meanings in two different dimensions, deliberation and enactment for five types of residents: residents with declining function and dementia requiring nursing assistance, bed-ridden residents with moderate dementia, residents with advanced dementia and behavior problems, but good physical health, residents at the end of life stage, and bed-ridden residents with intact mental health. Conclusions: Results indicate that nurses' management of remaining functional ability of residents in nursing homes is a concept having types of needs that should be treated in specified ways. Interventions should have a positive impacts on practical applications in nursing homes and on enhancing residents' remaining function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is a multifunctional protein mainly found on the outer mitochondrial membrane. PBR expression is increased by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in endothelial cells. Adenoviral overexpression of PBR inhibits monocyte adhesion, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 expression in TNF-α-activated endothelial cells. Rotenone, cyclosporine A, and bongkrekic acid suppress TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression. Overexpression of PBR inhibits voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) expression and the silencing of PBR increases VDAC-1 expression in endothelial cells. Moreover, TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression is suppressed by VDAC-1 gene silencing. PBR overexpression significantly decreases TNF-α-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and MnSOD expression. These results suggest that PBR can inhibit endothelial activation and this action is related to the inhibition of mitochondrial ROS and/or VDAC-1 expression in endothelial cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated to compare lipid profiles in ordinary and dark muscles from chub mackerel and to examine antiproliferative and antioxidative properties of lipid classes. The average levels of neutral lipids (NL), glycolipids (GL), and phospholipids (PL) in ordinary muscle were 92.32±0.19%, 5.10±0.48%, and 2.58±0.46%; in dark muscle were 96.88±0.15%, 2.59±0.36%, and 0.54±0.29%, respectively. The fatty acid composition indicated that PL had a higher percentage of PUFA (especially 22:6n−3) with lower percentages of SFA and MUFA compared to NL and GL (p < 0.05). The main ion peaks of GL in ordinary and dark muscles showed that monocharged and bischarged molecular ion were presented at m/z 876.9 and 438.8, respectively. In MTT assay, inhibition of AGS and HT-29 cell proliferation was greatest with the 0.5 and 1.0mgmL−1 GL treatments. The GL of ordinary muscle with 0.05mgmL−1 concentrations markedly decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H2O2 compared to the control (p < 0.05). From our results, GL might have antiproliferative and antioxidant properties based on protective effect against the production of intracellular ROS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We aimed to determine the characteristics affecting insulin resistance in non-obese middle-aged adults in a rural community.Methods: A total of 1,270 non-diabetic adults aged between 40 and 64 years old with body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m(2) were analyzed. Subjects with insulin resistance were defined as those who had the highest quartile value of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in a non-diabetic population.Results: A total of 217 subjects (20.6%) had insulin resistance. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in insulin-resistant subjects in both men (29.3% vs. 10.3%) and women (34.1% vs. 15.6%). Among metabolic syndrome components, elevated waist circumference and elevated triglyceride were higher in insulin-resistant subjects in both genders. After being controlled for socioeconomic status and lifestyle related covariates, the association between insulin resistance and BMI was statistically significant in the category of 23.0-24.9 kg/m(2) in men (adjusted OR, 4.63; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.77-12.15) using the category of 18.5-20.9 kg/m(2) as a reference. In addition, the association between insulin resistance and abdominal obesity was statistically significant only for men (adjusted OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.29-5.11).Conclusion: Insulin resistance appears to be highly associated with high BMI and abdominal obesity, even in non-obese, non-diabetic middle-aged men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveDietary habits, including dietary patterns, have been associated with the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. The objective of the present study was to evaluate Korean dietary patterns as assessed by using an FFQ and associations of dietary patterns with lifestyle risk factors.DesignDietary patterns were analysed by factor analysis using a sixteen-group FFQ. The associations between dietary patterns and lifestyle risk factors were investigated by logistic regression analysis.SettingThe National Cancer Center in South Korea.SubjectsThe study population included 11 440 participants aged ≥30 years who were recruited between 2002 and 2007.ResultsCompared with the lowest quartile intake of each dietary pattern, current smoking was positively associated with the Western pattern (OR = 1·55 for the highest quartile, 95 % CI 1·27, 1·88; P < 0·001) and the traditional pattern (OR = 1·34, 95 % CI 1·11, 1·62; P = 0·002) in men, but was inversely associated with the healthy pattern in both genders (P < 0·001) and the traditional pattern (OR = 0·52, 95 % CI 0·36, 0·75; P = 0·001) in women. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with all patterns in both genders, while no association was observed with the healthy pattern in women. Physical activity and dietary supplement use were positively associated with all patterns in both genders, with the exception of physical activity in women, which showed an inverse association with the traditional pattern.ConclusionsDietary patterns are strongly associated with health behaviours. The possible confounding effect of other risk behaviours should be appropriately considered when conducting nutritional epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many studies have documented the antitumor activities of mushrooms, the association between mushroom intake and breast cancer, defined by hormone receptor status, has received minimal empirical investigation. This study evaluated the association between mushroom intake and the risk of breast cancer according to hormone receptor status among Korean women. Mushroom intake and breast cancer risk were examined among 358 breast cancer patients and 360 cancer-free controls. Intake of mushrooms was assessed using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Greater mushroom intake was related to lower risk of breast cancers among premenopausal women (odds ratio [OR] = 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13-0.91 for the highest vs. the lowest quartile intake). The association was stronger for premenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)+/progesterone receptor (PR) + tumors (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.11-0.79 for the highest vs. the lowest quartile intake) than those with ER-/PR- tumors. Our results suggest that high consumption of mushrooms might be related to lower risks for breast cancers among premenopausal women; this association may be more robust among women with hormone receptor positive tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control of hypertension, and the related risk factors in a Korean population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of South Korea from 2005 to 2006. Subjects (n = 6388) were selected from individuals aged 40 years or older by stratified random cluster sampling. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 43.8 % (43.1 % in men, 44.9 % in women). The awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were 60.1%, 91.7%, and 27.2%, respectively. In men, old age (≥ 60 years old) and low waist circumference (< 90 cm) were positively associated with higher awareness and treatment, whereas body mass index (BMI) was negatively associated with blood pressure (BP) control. Women aged 60 years or older were more aware of their condition, more treated, and more in control of their BP as well. In women, high BMI and a family history of diabetes mellitus were positively associated with higher awareness and treatment, whereas low waist circumference (< 80 cm) was negatively associated with BP control. Our findings indicate that appropriate health care should be given to hypertensive subjects on the basis of these risk factors and according to their sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) and n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6, DPAn-6) are highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA, ≥20 carbons, ≥3 double bonds) that differ by a single carbon-carbon double bond at the Δ19 position. Membrane 22:6n-3 may support skeletal muscle function through optimal ion pump activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum and electron transport in the mitochondria. Typically n-3 fatty acid deficient feeding trials utilize linoleic acid (18:2n-6, LA) as a comparison group, possibly introducing a lower level of HUFA in addition to n-3 fatty acid deficiency. The use of 22:5n-6 as a dietary control is ideal for determining specific requirements for 22:6n-3 in various physiological processes. The incorporation of dietary 22:5n-6 into rat skeletal muscles has not been demonstrated previously. A one generation, artificial rearing model was utilized to supply 22:6n-3 and/or 22:5n-6 to rats from d2 after birth to adulthood. An n-3 fatty acid deficient, artificial milk with 18:2n-6 was supplemented with 22:6n-3 and/or 22:5n-6 resulting in four artificially reared (AR) dietary groups; AR-LA, AR-DHA, AR-DPAn-6, ARDHA+DPAn-6. A dam reared group (DAM) was included as an additional control. Animals were sacrificed at 15 wks and soleus, white gastrocnemius and red gastrocnemius muscles were collected for fatty acid analyses. Results: In all muscles of the DAM group, the concentration of 22:5n-6 was significantly lower than 22:6n-3 concentrations. While 22:5n-6 was elevated in the AR-LA group and the AR-DPAn-6 group, 20:4n-6 tended to be higher in the AR-LA muscles and not in the AR-DPAn-6 muscles. The AR-DHA+DPAn-6 had a slight, but non-significant increase in 22:5n-6 content. In the red gastrocnemius of the AR-DPAn-6 group, 22:5n-6 levels (8.1 ± 2.8 wt. %) did not reciprocally replace the 22:6n-3 levels observed in AR-DHA reared rats (12.2 ± 2.3 wt. %) suggesting a specific preference/requirement for 22:6n-3 in red gastrocnemius. Conclusion: Dietary 22:5n-6 is incorporated into skeletal muscles and appears to largely compete with 22:6n-3 for incorporation into lipids. In contrast, 18:2n-6 feeding tends to result in elevations of 20:4n-6 and restrained increases of 22:5n-6. As such, 22:5n-6 dietary comparison groups may be useful in elucidating specific requirements for 22:6n-3 to support optimal health and disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidans are cell wall polysaccharides found in various species of brown seaweeds. They are fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs) and comprise 5–20% of the algal dry weight. Fucoidans possess multiple bioactivities, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-lipidemic, anti-metastatic, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. Dietary fucoidans provide small but constant amounts of FCSPs to the intestinal tract, which can reorganize the composition of commensal microbiota altered by FCSPs, and consequently control inflammation symptoms in the intestine. Although the bioactivities of fucoidans have been well described, there is limited evidence to implicate their effect on gut microbiota and bowel health. In this review, we summarize the recent studies that introduce the fundamental characteristics of various kinds of fucoidans and discuss their potential in altering commensal microorganisms and influencing intestinal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aim to evaluate the efficacy of personalized intervention based on a mobile phone application in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods/Design: This is a 26-week randomized controlled, open-label, and parallel group trial. A total of 275 patients with T2DM having HbA1c ≥7.5% were recruited from two medical centers. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 and assigned to three groups: 1) usual care, 2) mobile diabetes management, or 3) mobile diabetes management with personalized feedback from health care professionals every two weeks. In groups 2 and 3, a mobile application integrated with the hospital electronic medical record (EMR) system is used to support diabetes management in addition to usual care. The primary outcome is change in HbA1c from baseline to 26 weeks; there are ten additional secondary outcomes, including insulin resistance, and lifestyle changes. Results: Of the 275 initial participants, 20 (7.3%) dropped out. Mean participant age is 52.2±12.4 years, females comprise 56.4%, and the mean duration of diabetes is 11.5±8.6 years. Baseline characteristics including HbA1c are not significantly different between the groups. During the first 12 weeks, significant reduction in % change of HbA1c was observed in both mobile app-based intervention groups relative to the control group (group 1, -6.0±11.1% vs. group 2, -9.2±13.3% vs. group 3, -10.7±12.0%; P value=0.041). Participants in the intervention group measured their blood glucose more frequently, but occurrence of hypoglycemia was not different among the three groups. The majority (87.4%) of app-using participants were satisfied with the app, indicating that it was easy to use and made them adherent to their diabetes care. Discussion: This trial is currently ongoing and will evaluate the clinical efficacy, features promoting clinical efficacy and patient engagement, and cost effectiveness of diabetes management using an EMR-integrated mobile application in patients with T2DM. Disclosure: J. Yun: None. S. Lim: None. S. Cha: None. K. Yoon: None. Y. Ahn: None. E. Lee: None. S. Ko: None. Funding: Korea Health Industry Development Institute (HI19C0784) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]