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Probiotics are currently considered as one of tools to modulate immune responses under specific clinical conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether oral administration of three different probiotics (

Supplementary Data from Rapamycin-Sensitive Pathway Regulates Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Autophagy, and Survival in Irradiated MCF-7 Cells

Radiation-induced inhibition of rapamycin-sensitive pathway and its effect on the cellular response to radiation were studied in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Both radiation and rapamycin shared molecular targets and induced similar physiologic responses. Each of these treatments increased immunostaining of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the nucleus, and radiation led to decreased phosphorylation of its autophosphorylation site Ser2481. In addition to dephosphorylation of established mTOR downstream effectors 4E-binding protein 1 and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase, both treatments decreased the level of eukaryotic initiation factor 4G. Experiments with the potentiometric dye, JC-1, revealed an oligomycin-dependent increase in mitochondrial membrane potential following radiation or rapamycin treatment, suggesting that both lead to reversal of F0F1ATPase activity. Both radiation and rapamycin induced sequestration of cytoplasmic material in autophagic vacuoles. In both cases, appearance of autophagic vacuoles involved the participation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3). Transient cotransfection of green fluorescent protein-LC3 with either wild-type or dominant-negative mTOR further showed that inactivation of mTOR pathway is sufficient to induce autophagy in these cells. Finally, administration of rapamycin in combination with radiation led to enhanced mitochondria hyperpolarization, p53 phosphorylation, and increased cell death. Taken together, these experiments show that radiation-induced inhibition of rapamycin-sensitive pathway in MCF-7 cells causes changes in mitochondria metabolism, development of autophagy, and an overall decrease in cell survival.

Purpose: To investigate the characteristics of normotensive glaucoma (NTG) in the fellow eye of patients with unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS). Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review. We included 313 patients with NTG. Using the 1:1 matched propensity score, only 94 well-matched patients were selected. A total of 47 NTG patients who had PXS in their contralateral eye (PXS group) and 47 NTG patients who did not (control group) were compared. The propensity score was matched based on age, mean intraocular pressure (IOP), baseline retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and baseline mean deviation (MD) of visual field (VF) score. The diagnosis of NTG was based on the presence of glaucomatous optic nerve head injury with VF defect, intraocular pressure less than 22 mmHg, open angles and no pseudoexfoliation material. Results: The PXS group had a higher ratio of males (34.0%) than the control group (17.0%). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of CCT, axial length, untreated baseline IOP, baseline PSD of VF, systemic blood pressure and follow-up duration. The rate of RNFL thinning was significantly faster in the PXS group (−1.88 ± 2.83 μm/year) compared with the control group (−0.27 ± 5.29 μm/year) (p = 0.02). The progression rate of VF MD was slightly faster in PXS than in the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference (PXS group, −0.33 ± 0.90 dB/year; control group, −0.11 ± 0.84 dB/year; p = 0.236). Conclusions: NTG eyes with PXS showed faster RNFL thinning than did control NTG eyes.

Background: It is unclear whether glycemic variability (GV) is a risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and whether control of GV is beneficial for DPN. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of GV on peripheral nerve damage by inducing glucose fluctuation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: normal (normal glucose group [NOR]), diabetes without treatment (sustained severe hyperglycemia group; diabetes mellitus [DM]), diabetes+once daily insulin glargine (stable hyperglycemia group; DM+LAN), and diabetes+once daily insulin glargine with twice daily insulin glulisine (unstable glucose fluctuation group; DM+Lantus [LAN]+Apidra [API]). We measured anti-oxidant enzyme levels and behavioral responses against tactile, thermal, and pressure stimuli in the plasma of rats. We also performed a quantitative comparison of cutaneous and sciatic nerves according to glucose fluctuation.Results: At week 24, intraepidermal nerve fiber density was less reduced in the insulin-administered groups compared to the DM group (P0.05; 16.2±1.6, 12.4±2.0, 14.3±0.9, and 13.9±0.6 for NOR, DM, DM+LAN, and DM+LAN+API, respectively). The DM group exhibited significantly decreased glutathione levels compared to the insulin-administered groups (2.64±0.10 μmol/mL, DM+LAN; 1.93±0.0 μmol/mL, DM+LAN+API vs. 1.25±0.04 μmol/mL, DM; P

Research and practice alike suggest that checkout charity campaigns are a win–win–win for retailers, customers, and causes. The current investigation offers a complementary perspective on the effects of checkout charity by uncovering evidence of undesirable customer responses triggered by such solicitations. Specifically, across four studies, we find that checkout charity solicitations induce customer anxiety, which in turn reduces their evaluation of the service encounter. In addition, our results reveal that such anxiety decreases during solicitation episodes when customers agree to donate; however, this occurs only when requests are made by frontline employees rather than self-checkout technologies. These results caution managers that checkout charity solicitations may have unintended consequences on customers that result in negative encounter outcomes, particularly in service environments in which the solicitation is technology-mediated.

Chronic liver disease encompasses diseases that have various causes, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Gut microbiota dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD through the gut–liver axis. The gut microbiota consists of various microorganisms that play a role in maintaining the homeostasis of the host and release a wide number of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, and hormones, continually shaping the host’s immunity and metabolism. The integrity of the intestinal mucosal and vascular barriers is crucial to protect liver cells from exposure to harmful metabolites and pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules. Dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability may allow the liver to be exposed to abundant harmful metabolites that promote liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we introduce the metabolites and components derived from the gut microbiota and discuss their pathologic effect in the liver alongside recent advances in molecular-based therapeutics and novel mechanistic findings associated with the gut–liver axis in ALD and NAFLD.

The changes in the quality of squid ‘Sikhae’ prepared with barley flour by high hydrostatic pressure processing (HHP) were investigated. The pH and amino nitrogen content (Amino-N) of the squid ‘Sikhae’ prepared with barley were 6.77 and 0.18%, respectively, and those on the 15 day of storage were 4.79 and 0.31%, respectively. The volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) content of the squid ‘Sikhae’ prepared with barley flour was 60.18 mg% in the untreated sample and 20.53 mg% in the HHP-processed sample on the 10 day of storage. The L* value of the ‘Sikhae’ prepared with barley flour was found to be higher than that with millet. The total number of bacteria in the squid ‘Sikhae’ prepared with barley flour was 8.26 CFU/g in the untreated sample and 5.90 CFU/g in the HHP-processed sample on the 5 day of storage. The change in the number of lactic acid bacteria according to the storage period showed the highest value of 9.36 log CFU/g on the 15 day of storage in the HHP-processed sample of the squid ‘Sikhae’ prepared with barley. Therefore, HHP processing of the low-salt fermented squid ‘Sikhae’ prepared with barley positively affected quality with increasing storage period.

This study aimed to systematically review the literature on randomized controlled trials on weight reduction interventions using digital health for employees with obesity.All relevant articles published until September 2021 were systematically identified from six electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, RISS, and KISS. Data selection and extraction were independently performed by three researchers. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials. The results were narratively synthesized.Eleven studies were included in the systematic review. All studies had a low risk of bias. The settings and sample sizes of the included studies were different. The contents of the interventions included nutrition, physical activity, behavioral change, incentives, and motivation. Four studies were based on social cognitive theory. A total of ten studies delivered web-based intervention, while the other used tele-monitoring device. A wide range of intervention strategies was used including providing online resources, tele-counseling, and patient-tailored advice. As a result of the intervention, a total of seven studies showed a significant weight reduction in both the intervention and comparison groups, with significant differences between groups.Until now, use of digital health in weight reduction interventions for employees with obesity has been conducted on a web-based. Various contents such as nutrition, physical activity and theories were explored. Further study is required using more diverse delivery methods such as mobile application, use of wearable devices.

Background/Aims Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to gut-microbiome. There is a paucity of research on which strains of gut microbiota affect the progression of NAFLD. This study explored the NAFLD-associated microbiome in humans and the role of Lactobacillus in the progression of NAFLD in mice. Methods The gut microbiome was analyzed via next-generation sequencing in healthy people (n=37) and NAFLD patients with elevated liver enzymes (n=57). Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were separated into six groups (n=10 per group; normal, Western, and four Western diet + strains [109 colony-forming units/g for 8 weeks; L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. paracasei, and L. plantarum]). Liver/body weight ratio, liver pathology, serum analysis, and metagenomics in the mice were examined. Results Compared to healthy subjects (1.6±4.3), NAFLD patients showed an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (25.0±29.0) and a reduced composition of Akkermansia and L. murinus (P

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to gut-microbiome. There is a paucity of research on which strains of gut microbiota affect the progression of NAFLD. This study explored the NAFLD-associated microbiome in humans and the role of Lactobacillus in the progression of NAFLD in mice.Methods: The gut microbiome was analyzed via next-generation sequencing in healthy people (n=37) and NAFLD patients with elevated liver enzymes (n=57). Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were separated into six groups (n=10 per group; normal, Western, and four Western diet + strains [109 colony-forming units/g for 8 weeks; L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. paracasei, and L. plantarum]). Liver/body weight ratio, liver pathology, serum analysis, and metagenomics in the mice were examined.Results: Compared to healthy subjects (1.6±4.3), NAFLD patients showed an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (25.0±29.0) and a reduced composition of Akkermansia and L. murinus (PPL. acidophilus (41.0±8.6), L. fermentum (44.3±12.6), and L. plantarum (39.0±7.6) groups showed decreased cholesterol levels compared to the Western group (85.7±8.6) (PL. acidophilus (1.9±0.6), L. plantarum (2.4±0.7), and L. paracasei (2.0±0.9) groups showed significant improvement of steatosis compared to the Western group (2.6±0.5) (PLactobacillus, such as L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, and L. plantarum, ameliorates the progression of nonalcoholic steatosis by lowering cholesterol. The use of Lactobacillus can be considered as a useful strategy for the treatment of NAFLD.

To investigate the contribution of vessel parameters to identify normal tension glaucoma (NTG) suspects at risk of NTG development.Multicenter prospective cohort study.A total of 307 eyes of 307 NTG suspects having intraocular pressure within the normal range; a suspicious optic disc, but without definite localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects; and a normal visual field (VF).To measure laminar vessel density (VD), the VD was measured in the intradisc region from images of the deep vascular layers of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Conversion to NTG was defined either by a new localized RNFL defect in the superotemporal or inferotemporal region, or the presence of a glaucomatous VF defect on 2 consecutive tests according to the pattern deviation plots.Conversion to NTG.In total, 73 (23.8%) of the 307 NTG suspects converted to NTG during the follow-up period of 59.84 ± 12.44 months. Detection rate of microvasculature dropout (MvD) was significantly higher in NTG suspects who progressed to NTG (50.7%) than in those who did not (6.4%; P.001). The macular deep VD (P = .006) and laminar deep VD (P = .004) were significantly lower in NTG suspects who progressed to NTG. The presence of MvD (P.001) and lower laminar deep VD (P = .006) were significantly associated with NTG conversion.NTG suspects with baseline MvD or a lower laminar deep VD on OCT-A had a higher risk of conversion.

The objective of this study was to examine the quality enhancement of puffed products made with partial gelatinized waxy and non-waxy type rice. The partial gelatinization process increased water holding capacity of samples, regardless of the gelatinization time, with the puffed waxy rice exhibiting higher water holding capacities than the puffed non-waxy rice. The hardness of puffed rice using partial gelatinized waxy or non-waxy type rice was lower compared with non-partial gelatinized samples. Partial gelatinization also increased the final viscosity of the samples, which was decreased by the puffing treatment. The setback viscosity was higher in the partially gelatinized rice than in the non-gelatinized rice and was lower for the puffing treatment. The in vitro starch digestibility of waxy and non-waxy type rice was improved by a puffing treatment. These results suggest that puffed rice using partial gelatinization treatment enhances the quality and digestibility of soft-textured foods.

This paper evaluates the dv/dt performances of the motor input terminal fed by a gallium nitride (GaN) field effect transistor (FET) matrix converter for variable frequency drive applications. To limit the high dv/dt caused by the fast switching operation of GaN devices, a dv/dt filter is employed. With the dv/dt filter, the input terminal voltage can meet the standards suggested by National Electrical Manufacturers Association. On the other hand, when a GaN FET matrix converter and an electric motor are connected by a long cable, the parasitic impedance of the cable varies. This impedance mismatch results in voltage reflection (VR), and this VR causes a large surge voltage with severe ringing at the motor input terminal. Even in this case, the dv/dt filter effectively restricts the dv/dt of the voltage applied to the electric motor. Frequency response results are obtained through the transfer functions of the filter according to the applied position. Experiments are carried out using a 220 V/60 Hz induction motor and a GaN FET-based matrix converter prototype. The dv/dt filter performance with two positions and cable lengths of 5 m and 25 m is evaluated by comparing the obtained experimental results with the frequency response.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a gelatinous substance that bees produce to feed bees and queen bees. It’s frequently sold as a dietary supplement to treat a variety of physical ailments and chronic diseases. While it has long been used in traditional medicine, its applications in Western medicine remain controversial. The inhibitory effect of royal jelly on osteoarthritis was investigated in primary cultured rat cartilage cells and monosodium-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced arthritis rat model 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HAD) is the main fatty acid present in RJ. Among the criteria for RJ quality analysis, 10-HAD content has been proposed as a freshness parameter. We investigated the effect of RJ on the improvement of osteoarthritis on SD rats and they were divided into five groups. In this study, we examined the effect of enzymatic royal jelly (ERJ) administration on osteoarthritis. To determine the antiinflammatory effects of RJ, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression were measured after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation in RAW 264.7 cells. In in vivo animal study, osteoarthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of MIA into knee joints of rats. As a results, ERJ showed that TNF-α and IL-6 levels were decreased by ERJ treatment in a dosedependent manner. In conclusion, ERJ extract was able to inhibit articular cartilage degeneration by preventing extracellular matrix degradation and cartilage cell damage. It was considered that ERJ extract may be a potential therapeutic treatment for degenerative osteoarthritis.