• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 2024

To increase industrial applicability of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) as immunostimulating materials, hot-water extract (AME) was prepared from AM and fermented with Kimchi-lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus sakei & Leuconostoc mesenteroides) to prepare fermented AM-postbiotics (FAME). Although FAME prepared from AM-postbiotics did not show a significant enhancement in macrophage stimulating activity compared to non-fermented AME, crude polysaccharide (FAME-CP) fractionated by EtOH precipitation from FAME showed significantly higher macrophage stimulating activity than AME-CP. Compared to AME-CP, FAME-CP showed dramatic changes in component sugar and molecular weight distribution. FAME-CP was a polysaccharide with a major molecular weight distribution of 113.4 kDa containing Man (44.2%), Glc (19.3%), Gal (10.2%), GalA (10.2%), and Ara (7.4%) as sugar components. FAME-CP with enhanced macrophage stimulatory activity not only increased expression levels of mRNA genes encoding macrophage-activated factors (iNOS, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, and COX-2), but also led the nuclear translocation of activated p65 and c-Jun. In conclusion, crude polysaccharide from AM-postbiotics fermented with lactic acid bacteria could increase industrial applicability as a functional material with enhanced immunostimulating activity than AME-CP.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.256-261
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• 2024

In the context of aging, the susceptibility to infectious diseases increases, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality. This phenomenon, termed immunosenescence, is characterized by dysregulation in the aging immune system, including abnormal alterations in lymphocyte composition, elevated basal inflammation, and the accumulation of senescent T cells. Such changes contribute to increased autoimmune diseases, enhanced infection severity, and reduced responsiveness to vaccines. Utilizing aging animal models becomes imperative for a comprehensive understanding of immunosenescence, given the complexity of aging as a physiological process in living organisms. Our investigation focuses on Cisd2, a causative gene for Wolfram syndrome, to elucidate on immunosenescence. Cisd2 knockout (KO) mice, serving as a model for premature aging, exhibit a shortened lifespan with early onset of aging-related features, such as decreased bone density, hair loss, depigmentation, and optic nerve degeneration. Intriguingly, we found that the Cisd2 KO mice present a higher number of neutrophils in the blood; however, isolated neutrophils from these mice display functional defects. Through mass spectrometry analysis, we identified an interaction between Cisd2 and Calnexin, a protein known for its role in protein quality control. Beyond this function, Calnexin also regulates calcium homeostasis through interaction with sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA). Our study proposes that Cisd2 modulates calcium homeostasis via its interaction with Calnexin and SERCA, consequently influencing neutrophil functions.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.9.1-9.21
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• 2024

The cytokine IL-7 plays critical and nonredundant roles in T cell immunity so that the abundance and availability of IL-7 act as key regulatory mechanisms in T cell immunity. Importantly, IL-7 is not produced by T cells themselves but primarily by non-lymphoid lineage stromal cells and epithelial cells that are limited in their numbers. Thus, T cells depend on cell extrinsic IL-7, and the amount of in vivo IL-7 is considered a major factor in maximizing and maintaining the number of T cells in peripheral tissues. Moreover, IL-7 provides metabolic cues and promotes the survival of both naïve and memory T cells. Thus, IL-7 is also essential for the functional fitness of T cells. In this regard, there has been an extensive effort trying to increase the protein abundance of IL-7 in vivo, with the aim to augment T cell immunity and harness T cell functions in anti-tumor responses. Such approaches started under experimental animal models, but they recently culminated into clinical studies, with striking effects in re-establishing T cell immunity in immunocompromised patients, as well as boosting anti-tumor effects. Depending on the design, glycosylation, and the structure of recombinantly engineered IL-7 proteins and their mimetics, recombinant IL-7 molecules have shown dramatic differences in their stability, efficacy, cellular effects, and overall immune functions. The current review is aimed to summarize the past and present efforts in the field that led to clinical trials, and to highlight the therapeutical significance of IL-7 biology as a master regulator of T cell immunity.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of side walking training combined with squats on the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to provide fundamental data regarding the use of side walking training combined with squats among stroke patients. Methods: Thirty patients with stroke were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=15) that underwent side walking training combined with squats and a control group (n=15) that performed general rehabilitation exercises. Both groups performed their respective exercises for 30 minutes, five times a week for six weeks. Balance was assessed using the functional reach test and timed up and go test, while gait ability was evaluated using the 10-meter walk test. A paired t-test was performed to compare within-group changes before and after the intervention. Differences between the experimental and control groups were analyzed using an independent t-test. For all tests, the level of statistical significance was set at α=0.05. Results: After the exercise, significant within-group improvements in balance and gait ability were observed in both the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). There was also a significant between-group difference in balance and gait ability following the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: While general rehabilitation is commonly employed in treating stroke patients and is relatively effective, the application of side walking training combined with squats may offer additional benefits in terms of improving balance and gait ability in these patients.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.25-36
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• 2024

Purpose: Mucogingival defects (MGDs), such as dental root recessions, decreased vestibular depth, and absence of keratinized tissues, are commonly seen in dental clinics. MGDs may result in functional, aesthetic, and hygienic concerns. In these situations, autogenous soft tissue grafts are considered the gold-standard treatment. This study compares the healing process of free gingival grafts (FGGs) to bacterial cellulose matrix (BCM) and human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) seeded with fibroblasts from culture supplemented with platelet-rich plasma in a rat model. Methods: Surgical defects were made in rats, which received the following treatments in a randomized manner: group I, negative control (defect creation only); group II, positive control (FGG); group III, BCM; group IV, BCM + fibroblasts; group V, ADM; and group VI, ADM + fibroblasts. Clinical, histological, and immunological analyses were performed 15 days after grafting. Clinical examinations recorded epithelium regularity and the presence of ulcers, erythema, and/or edema. Results: The histological analysis revealed the degree of reepithelization, width, regularity, and presence of keratin. The Fisher exact statistical test was applied to the results (P<0.05). No groups showed ulcers except for group I. All groups had regular epithelium without erythema and without edema. Histologically, all groups exhibited regular epithelium with keratinization, and myofibroblasts were present in the connective tissue. The groups that received engineered grafts showed similar clinical and histological results to the FGG group. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that BCM and ADM can be used as cell scaffolds, with ADM yielding the best results. This study supports the use of this technical protocol in humans.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.133-140
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• 2024

Background: The medial canthal region features a complex three-dimensional and internal anatomical structure. When reconstructing a defect in this area, it is crucial to consider both functional and aesthetic aspects, which presents significant challenges. Generally, local flaps are preferred for reconstruction; however, skin grafts can be used when local flaps are not feasible. Therefore, we conducted a comparative analysis of surgical outcomes skin grafts when local flaps were not feasible, to determine which surgical method is more effective for medial canthal region reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent medial canthal region reconstruction using skin grafts or local flaps from 2002 to 2021 were enrolled. Patient information was obtained from medical records. Five plastic surgeons evaluated the surgical outcomes based on general appearance, color, contour, and symmetry. Results: Skin grafts were used in eight patients and local flaps were used in 13. Combined reconstructions were employed in four cases. Minor complications arose in four cases but improved with conservative treatment. No major complications were reported. Recurrence of the skin cancer was noted in two cases. All categories showed higher scores for the local flap compared to both skin graft and combined reconstruction; however, the differences were not statistically significant respectively. Conclusion: The choice of appropriate surgical methods for reconstructing defects in the medial canthal region depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the size and depth of the defect, and the degree of involvement of surrounding structures. When a local flap is not feasible, a skin graft may provide favorable surgical outcomes. Therefore, a skin graft can serve as a viable alternative for reconstructing the medial canthal region.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.247-261
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• 2023

Kimchi cabbage is widely consumed in Korea, with the popularity of this pickled vegetable dish growing internationally due to its health benefits. In this study, the physical (size, color), functional (antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, and flavonoid content), and nutritional (water- and fat-soluble vitamins) characteristics of two new kimchi cabbage varieties, namely red and gold kimchi cabbages (RKC and GKC, respectively), were analyzed and compared with those of the common kimchi cabbage (CKC). There were no significant differences in the thickness or length of the three kimchi cabbages, although RKC had the narrowest outer leaves among the three varieties (11.94 cm). Regarding chromaticity, yellowness was highest in GKC (29.86), whereas redness was highest in RKC (9.31). Furthermore, RKC had the highest recorded vitamin B₆ and B₉ (1,288.5 ㎍/100 g and 776.7 ㎍ dietary folate equivalent/100 g, respectively). On the other hand, the fat-soluble vitamins vitamin A (β-carotene) and K (Phylloquinone) were both highest in GKC (907.1 ㎍/100 g and 712.2 ㎍/100 g, respectively). Generally, all kimchi cabbage samples contained high levels of vitamin E (1.8-4.9 mg α-tocopherol equivalent/100 g). RKC attained the highest antioxidant activity and total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents among the three kimchi cabbages. These results show that gold and red kimchi cabbage can be used as raw materials in the food-processing industry.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.186-195
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• 2024

Purpose: Infantile colic diagnostic criteria were established by Rome IV. A universally accepted management remains to be established. We aimed to evaluate diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and perceived regional prevalence of infantile colic in Pakistan, as well as its effect on physicians and parents. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed amongst 1,256 physicians. Results: We received 800 replies. Wessel and Rome IV criteria were used by most physicians for diagnosis; however, the response "any infant who cries a lot" was selected by older physicians (48% of those over 60 years), physicians in rural areas (32%), physicians practicing in private clinics (27%), and general physicians (30%). Estimated prevalence of infantile colic ranges from 21-40%. Reassurance was the most widely recommended management strategy followed by herbal teas (51%), switching to a different formula (49%), probiotics (28%) and antibiotics (26%), discontinuation of breastfeeding (14%), elimination of dairy products from the breastfeeding mothers' diet (6%), and the administration of colic drops (1%). Most physicians considered the negative impact of colic on their personal lives and the parents as mild-to-moderate. Notably, 38% of percent of physicians routinely screened for maternal depression, and 45% of physicians were aware of the association between infantile colic and shaken baby syndrome. Conclusion: Most physicians in Pakistan diagnose and manage infantile colic according to the established guidelines. However, the guidelines pertaining to treatment planning are not followed. Educational efforts directed toward general physicians and doctors practicing in rural areas and clinics must be implemented to avoid unnecessary testing and treatment burden.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2024

The value of silkworms as functional health food materials has increased, as has the interest in its disease control for stable production, and in the economic value of entomopathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we isolated and identified disease-causing fungi from white muscardine silkworms, and confirmed whether this strain could produce white muscardine silkworms. For the analysis of the cause of white muscardine disease in the infected silkworms, the fungi and prokaryotes causing the disease were identified, isolated, and identified using metagenome analysis. Metagenomic analysis detected a large amount of the fungus Metarhizium rileyi in silkworms, and a large amount of the bacterium Enterococcus mundtii, which was presumed to be the causative agent of the disease. For accurate identification of the fungi, these were purified by culture medium, and sequencing and phylogenetic tree analyses were performed using an internal transcribed spacer. As a result, M. rileyi, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and C. tenuissimum were identified. In general, M. rileyi is known to form green conidia, but in this study, white-yellow conidia were formed, indicating that the exact causative agent of the fungal disease cannot be estimated by diagnosing the symptoms. Thus, a diagnostic method is necessary for the continuously collection of required pathogens, and identifying their morphological and genetic characteristics.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.98-116
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• 2024

Epigenetic writers including DNA and histone lysine methyltransferases (DNMT and HKMT, respectively) play an initiative role in the differentiation and development of eukaryotic organisms through the spatiotemporal regulation of functional gene expressions. However, the epigenetic mechanisms have long been suspected in helminth parasites lacking the major DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3a/3b. Very little information on the evolutionary status of the epigenetic tools and their role in regulating chromosomal genes is currently available in the parasitic trematodes. We previously suggested the probable role of a DNMT2-like protein (CsDNMT2) as a genuine epigenetic writer in a trematode parasite Clonorchis sinensis. Here, we analyzed the phylogeny of HKMT subfamily members in the liver fluke and other platyhelminth species. The platyhelminth genomes examined conserved genes for the most of SET domain-containing HKMT and Disruptor of Telomeric Silencing 1 subfamilies, while some genes were expanded specifically in certain platyhelminth genomes. Related to the high gene dosages for HKMT activities covering differential but somewhat overlapping substrate specificities, variously methylated histones were recognized throughout the tissues/organs of C. sinensis adults. The temporal expressions of genes involved in eggshell formation were gradually decreased to their lowest levels proportionally to aging, whereas those of some epigenetic tool genes were re-boosted in the later adult stages of the parasite. Furthermore, these expression levels were significantly affected by treatment with DNMT and HKMT inhibitors. Our data strongly suggest that methylated histones are potent epigenetic markers that modulate the spatiotemporal expressions of C. sinensis genes, especially those involved in sexual reproduction.