Cytotoxic Activities on Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines by Neolignans and Diarylnonanoids from the Seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt

Ovarian cancer is a primary global health concern, often diagnosed at advanced stages with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Natural products have emerged as potential sources of safe and effective therapies. From the seeds of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg), 24 compounds, including neolignans and diarylnonanoid derivatives, were isolated and structurally elucidated. The cytotoxic activities of these isolated metabolites against cisplatin-sensitive and resistant human ovarian cancer cell lines were evaluated. In particular, myrifragranone C (23) exhibited cytotoxicity against all test cancer cell lines A2780, TOV-112D, and SK-OV3 with IC50 values of 14.1, 16.9, and 33.4 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 23 induced the death of A2780 and SK-OV3 cancer cells via apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that compound 23 significantly increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase and promoted apoptosis via the mitogenactivated protein kinase signaling pathway. Our findings may provide a preliminary understanding of the antiovarian cancer effect of the active compound myrifragranone C as a potential treatment using natural products.

Circulating Extracellular-Vesicle-Incorporated MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cancer / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose This study aimed to evaluate whether extracellular-vesicle-incorporated microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for cancer-related stroke. @*Methods@#This cohort study compared patients with active cancer who had embolic stroke of unknown sources (cancer-stroke group) with patients with only cancer, patients with only stroke, and healthy individuals (control groups). The expression profiles of miRNAs encapsulated in plasma exosomes and microvesicles were evaluated using microarray and validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The XENO-QTM miRNA assay technology was used to determine the absolute copy numbers of individual miRNAs in an external validation cohort. @*Results@#This study recruited 220 patients, of which 45 had cancer-stroke, 76 were healthy controls, 39 were cancer controls, and 60 were stroke controls. Three miRNAs (miR-205-5p, miR-645, and miR-646) were specifically incorporated into microvesicles in patients with cancer-related stroke, cancer controls, and stroke controls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of these three miRNAs were 0.7692–0.8510 for the differentiation of patients with cancer-stroke from cancer-controls and 0.8077–0.8846 for the differentiation of patients with cancer-stroke from stroke controls. The levels of several miRNAs were elevated in the plasma exosomes of patients with cancer, but were lower than those in plasma microvesicles. An in vivo study showed that systemic injection of miR-205-5p promoted the development of arterial thrombosis and elevation of D-dimer levels. @*Conclusion@#Stroke due to cancer-related coagulopathy was associated with deregulated expression of miRNAs, particularly microvesicle-incorporated miR-205-5p, miR-645, and miR-646. Further prospective studies of extracellular-vesicle-incorporated miRNAs are required to confirm the diagnostic role of miRNAs in patients with stroke and to screen the roles of miRNAs in patients with cancer.

Investigation of the association between sleep problems and food allergies in preschool children with/ without siblings: a cross-sectional study in Chongqing, China / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#This study investigated the association between sleep problems and food allergies (FAs) in Chinese preschoolers and assessed whether there is a difference in this association among children with/without siblings. @*Methods@#A cluster-stratified sampling approach was employed to select four districts in Chongqing based on demographic considerations. A total of 16 kindergartens (n = 966 parents) participated in this study. Parents completed the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and a standard FAs questionnaire. Analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the associations between sleep problems and FAs after adjusting for relevant confounders. @*Results@#The study found that 16.3% of children had FAs, with eggs, shellfish, and fruit being the most common allergenic foods. The prevalence of FAs was significantly higher in single children (20.63%) than in children with siblings (13.36%). A total of 70.39% of children had CSHQ scores above the clinical cut-off for sleep disorder. Factor analysis revealed five underlying dimensions from the CSHQ. Factor scores, except for the ‘difficulty morning waking’ factor, were not significantly different between the two groups. Remarkably, the factor scores of ‘parasomnias’ and ‘sleep anxiety’ were significantly higher when children had both siblings and FAs. For all subjects, the odds ratios (ORs) of FAs significantly increased with the presence of sleep disorder (OR, 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.50–3.68) and ‘difficulty falling asleep’ (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.22–1.48). The subgroup analysis showed that the probability of FAs significantly increased with the ‘difficulty falling asleep’ (OR, 1.32 vs. 1.38) and sleep disorder (OR, 2.48 vs. 2.14) in children with and without siblings, respectively. The ‘parasomnias’ was positively associated only with children with siblings. @*Conclusion@#This study suggests that children with siblings might be more susceptible to FAs when accompanied by certain sleep problems. Further studies are warranted to address the underlying dimensions and possible mediation effects of having siblings with sleep problems.

Promoter-Specific Variants in NeuroD1 and H3K4me3 Coincident Regions and Clinical Outcomes of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background@#Neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1) is a representative small cell lung cancer (SCLC) transcription regulator involved in the carcinogenesis and behavior of SCLC.Histone modifications play an important role in transcription, and H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is primarily associated with promoter regions. @*Methods@#We investigated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NeuroD1 and H3K4me3 coincident regions, selected using ChIP sequencing (ChIP-seq), and the clinical outcomes of 261 patients with SCLC. @*Results@#Among 230 SNPs, two were significantly associated with both the chemotherapy response and overall survival (OS) of patients with SCLC. RNF145 rs2043268A>G was associated with worse chemotherapy response and OS (under a recessive model, adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.94, P = 0.031, and adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.88, 95% CI, 1.38–2.57, P G was also associated with worse chemotherapy response and OS (under a dominant model, aOR, 0.47, 95% CI, 0.23–0.99, P = 0.046, and aHR, 2.03, 95% CI, 1.47–2.82, P G and CINP rs762105A>G were associated with clinical outcomes in patients with SCLC and also affected the promoter activity of each gene.

A Study on the Oral Health Literacy and Related Factors of Mother’s in Some Areas: A 25% Comparison Study of the Upper and Lower Grades / 치위생과학회지

Background@#This study compares and analyzes the degree of oral health information literacy by 25% for upper and lower grades to assess how differences in mothers’ oral health information literacy affect infants’ oral health behavior. @*Methods@#The study surveyed 201 mothers with infants and children using a 36 question survey tool. Cross-analysis was conducted to determine the difference in oral health information literacy between the upper and the lower 25%. @*Results@#Comparing 25% of the upper and lower grades of verbal oral health information literacy scores, the word with the most significant difference in the correct answer was resin. An item asking about the time to eat after fluoride varnish application showed the most significant difference in the correct answer on the functional oral health information literacy scale. Mothers’ oral and functional oral health information literacy scores showed that verbal literacy was statistically significant for brushing guidance after children’s meals, brushing guidance before children’s bedtime, food intake restrictions before bedtime, and restrictions on consumption of cavity-inducing foods (p＜0.05). Functional literacy was statistically significant in the post-brushing test of children and the correct brushing method map items (p＜0.05). @*Conclusion@#As a result of comparing and analyzing the upper and lower 25% of the mother’s oral health information literacy, it was found that the mother’s oral health information literacy affected the infant’s oral health behavior. Therefore, systematic education is needed to raise literacy by grasping the level of oral health information literacy of mothers, and oral health education by level according to oral health information literacy should be developed.

A Study on the Oral Health Literacy and Related Factors of Mother’s in Some Areas / 치위생과학회지

Background@#This study aims to provide basic data for development of the level-based oral health care program depending on the mother’s oral health literacy by finding out how mother’s oral health literacy can effect on the preschool children’s oral health and behavior. @*Methods@#The survey was conducted on 192 mothers who have preschool children and the data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, multiple regression analysis to identify differences in verbal and functional oral health literacy. @*Results@#The study showed statistical significance (p＜0.05) in educational level depending on differences in verbal and functional oral health literacy by sociodemographic factor. In differences in verbal and functional literacy depending on experience of education for oral health behavior and oral health, statistical significance (p＜0.05) was showed highly on verbal and functional literacy in the case that subjects have an experience of education for oral health and their children have not been experienced of oral illness. And when it comes to the case that subjects have experience of education for oral health within one to two years, statistical significance was showed highly on verbal literacy. It showed that verbal and functional oral health literacy effects to oral health care behavior of children judging from results that the higher level of mother’s verbal oral health literacy, the higher score of children’s oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior. @*Conclusion@#It is necessary to develop the systematic program which is appropriate for characteristics of each oral period in childhood depending on level of primary caregiver’s oral health literacy, and systematic education should be preceded to enhance the literacy of the caregiver. It is considered necessary to improve the oral health care of children by developing a manual for oral health care education to enhance primary caregiver’s oral health literacy.

Relevance between Marketing Route of Social Media and Consumer Age Group for Choosing Dental Clinics / 치위생과학회지

Background@#The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship and route of dental Social Media marketing by age group and support effective dental marketingy by age group. @*Methods@#A study was conducted on 265 people, aged 20 to 64 years, who lived in Seoul, Gyeonggi area and regularly used one or more of the social media platforms, Naver Band, Facebook, Instagram, KakaoStory, Twitter, or YouTube more than once a day. A 27-question questionnaire survey of approximately 10 minutes was conducted, and the collected data was statistically analyzed using the PASW program, with the significane level set to 0.05. @*Results@#“Introduction of acquaintances” was the most common route to visit the dentist. Regarding the use of social media platforms based on age group, ‘Instagram’ had the highest frequency among people belonging to the age groups of 20 to 29 years and 30 to 39 years; ‘YouTube’ had the highest frequency among those aged 40 to 49 years; and ‘Naver Band’ had the highest frequency among those aged 50 to 65 years. @*Conclusion@#The most frequently used social media by consumers according to age included Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. However, social media was found to have no significant impact on the choice of dental institutions, as the number of people who visited the dentist through “Introduction of acquaintances” was the highest, and “Introduction of acquaintances” did not have experience accessing the dentist site after dental marketing. If this study could provide customized marketing information for each age group through social media, it is expected that the marketing effect of dental institutions through social media would be maximized in the future.

Ethnomedicinal Study of Plants in Begumganj, Noakhali, Bangladesh

This study is a record of ethnomedicinal knowledge in Begumganj province focussed on medicinal plants and their local uses for primary health care. The aim was to document and preserve the ethnomedicinal knowledge used by traditional healers of Begumganj upazila, Bangladesh, to treat human diseases and evaluate the relative efficacy of the medicinal plants. The uses of medicinal plants were documented as an ethnomedicinal data sheet using direct observation, field interview, plant interview and group interview techniques from December 2012 to January 2014 in the study area. Data were collected from 98 traditional healers through a questionnaire survey and analyzed through informant consensus factor and fidelity level. This study revealed comprehensive relationship among various diseases and families, forms and parts of plants and modes of preparation. Overall, 75 plant species under 71 genera of 47 families were documented, which are used to treat 41 diseases. Data analysis revealed that 41.33%, 14.67%, 36% and 8% of the medicinal plant species were herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers, respectively. Leaves were the most used parts, followed by stem, root, fruit, bark, latex and rhizome. The most frequently treated diseases were dysentery, rheumatism and skin diseases. This is the first ethnobotanical survey, which recorded the importance of medicinal plants in Begumganj upazila, Bangladesh.This study can contribute to preserving the indigenous knowledge on the traditional use of medicinal plants in this region and new drug development with attracting future generations towards traditional healing practice.

The Correlation between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Prediabetes Patients / 가정의학회지

Background@#Prediabetes is a metabolic state between normoglycemia and diabetes and is known to carry a higher risk of developing overt diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relative and absolute risks of all-cause mortality, CVD, coronary heart disease, and stroke in prediabetes patients, as well as in diabetic patients, is higher than that in patients with normoglycemia. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a method used to stratify CVD risk. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) correlates with cIMT in prediabetes patients. @*Methods@#From January 1, 2016, to February 20, 2021, 581 adults their 30s–70s who underwent carotid ultrasonography as part of a comprehensive medical examination at the Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital were enrolled. Statistical analysis using SPSS presented t-test and chi-square test significance levels into a group with normal cIMT (nIMT; cIMT <1 mm) and a group with thick cIMT (tIMT; cIMT ≥1 mm). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the correlation between NLR and cIMT. @*Results@#In prediabetic adults, age, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, and NLR were significantly higher in the tIMT group than in the nIMT group. In the regression analysis, NLR, age, and HbA1c were significantly correlated with cIMT. @*Conclusion@#NLR was significantly higher in the tIMT group than in the nIMT group; therefore, NLR may be used to assess CVD risk in prediabetes patients.

Short-term Comparison of Refractive Errors between Two Different Age Groups after LASEK for Moderate Myopia

Purpose@#To investigate the safety of laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) by drawing a comparison between two groups divided according to age (18-19 vs. 20-21 years old). @*Methods@#The study was conducted as a retrospective analysis including 339 patients (678 eyes) who underwent LASEK between January 2017 and April 2020. Patients were divided by age group, group I (18-19 years old) and group II (20-21 years old). The objectives of the study included determination of visual acuity and refractive errors before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. @*Results@#The preoperative mean spherical equivalents (SEs) were -4.73 ± 0.88 diopters (D) in group I and -4.58 ± 0.87 D in group II (p = 0.34). At 1 month postoperatively, mean SEs were 0.32 ± 0.46 D in group I and 0.26 ± 0.59 D in group II (p = 0.18). At 3 months postoperatively, the mean SEs were 0.30 ± 0.47 D in group I and 0.28 ± 0.50 D in group II (p = 0.67). At 6 months postoperatively, the mean SEs were 0.15 ± 0.47 D in group I and 0.14 ± 0.50 D in group II (p = 0.89). There were no significant differences in postoperative best corrected visual acuity between group I and group II at 1, 3, or 6 months (p = 0.20, p = 0.13, and p = 0.11, respectively). @*Conclusions@#There were no significant differences in postoperative mean SE or safety of LASEK between moderate myopia patients 18-19 years old and those 20-21 years old.

Clinical Significance of Tear Film Osmolarity in Patients with Mild Dry Eye Syndrome

Purpose@#To seek Pearson correlations of tear film osmolarity measured by the I-PEN® (I-MED Pharma Inc., Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Canada) with Schirmer test result, tear break-up time, and Ocular Surface Disease Index score in patients with mild dry eye syndrome. @*Methods@#Patients with mild dry eye syndrome were divided into two groups according to Ocular Staining Score: group 1 (50 patients; 67 eyes) and group 2 (59 patients; 91 eyes), 90 patients and 158 eyes in total. The above mentioned correlations were derived. @*Results@#No significant correlations were observed between tear film osmolarity and Schirmer test result (r < -0.01, p = 0.97), tear break-up time (r = 0.05, p = 0.54), or Ocular Surface Disease Index score (r = 0.03, p = 0.76). When the two groups were compared, the Ocular Surface Disease Index score significantly differed between groups (p < 0.01), whereas the Schirmer test result (p = 0.31), tear break-up time (p = 0.11), and tear film osmolarity (p = 0.12) did not. @*Conclusions@#No significant correlations were found between tear film osmolarity and other dry eye indicators in patients with mild dry eye syndrome. The diagnostic utility of tear film osmolarity in patients with moderate dry eye syndrome is should be evaluated.

A Study on Bleeding after Shortening the Bed Rest Time of Pediatric Hemato-oncologic Patients after Bone Marrow Examination / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#The purpose of our study was to identify the bleeding risk factors and to validate the safety of shortening the bed rest time after bone marrow examination in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients. @*Methods@#From July 2019 to September 2020, 145 patients were enrolled from a single center. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Descriptive statistics were presented, and the data were analyzed using x2 -test, Fisher’s exact test, and a logistic regression. @*Results@#After two hours of bed rest, most of the patients (91.7%) did not have bleeding complications, and only 8.3% of the patients had a minor bleeding. The rate of major bleeding complications, including hematoma, retroperitoneal hemorrhage rate was zero. The bleeding complications was frequently found on bilateral procedures than unilateral procedures and the difference were statistically significant (p<.05). @*Conclusion@#Two hours of bed rest time after bone marrow examination could be safe and adequate in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients.

Hepatitis B virus X Protein Promotes Liver Cancer Progression through Autophagy Induction in Response to TLR4 Stimulation

Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein has been reported as a key protein regulating the pathogenesis of HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent evidence has shown that HBx is implicated in the activation of autophagy in hepatic cells. Nevertheless, the precise molecular and cellular mechanism by which HBx induces autophagy is still controversial.Herein, we investigated the molecular and cellular mechanism by which HBx is involved in the TRAF6-BECN1-Bcl-2 signaling for the regulation of autophagy in response to TLR4 stimulation, therefore influencing the HCC progression. HBx interacts with BECN1 (Beclin 1) and inhibits the association of the BECN1-Bcl-2 complex, which is known to prevent the assembly of the pre-autophagosomal structure. Furthermore, HBx enhances the interaction between VPS34 and TRAF6-BECN1 complex, increases the ubiquitination of BECN1, and subsequently enhances autophagy induction in response to LPS stimulation. To verify the functional role of HBx in liver cancer progression, we utilized different HCC cell lines, HepG2, SK-Hep-1, and SNU-761. HBx-expressing HepG2 cells exhibited enhanced cell migration, invasion, and cell mobility in response to LPS stimulation compared to those of control HepG2 cells. These results were consistently observed in HBx-expressed SK-Hep-1 and HBx-expressed SNU-761 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that HBx positively regulates the induction of autophagy through the inhibition of the BECN1-Bcl-2 complex and enhancement of the TRAF6-BECN1-VPS34 complex, leading to enhance liver cancer migration and invasion.

Musculocutaneous and Median Neuropathy after MiraDry Ⓡ Procedure for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

MiraDryⓇ , a microwave thermolysis device, is comparably new non-surgical agent in the field of eradication of sweat glands for treating axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis. So far, altered sensation, swelling, and compensatory sweating are widely known as adverse effects of MiraDryⓇ . Of the few reported MiraDryⓇ -induced neuropathy cases, median and ulnar neuropathies are common. Although, one case has described radial nerve and posterior cord damage with maximized stimulation intensity, musculocutaneous nerve damage induced by MiraDryⓇ has not been reported. Here, we report a case of a 30-year-old woman experiencing left hand weakness after receiving MiraDryⓇ at a local dermatology clinic. Left brachial plexopathy, mainly involving the median nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve with partial axonotmesis, was confirmed by electrodiagnostic studies.Ultrasound evaluation showed corresponding results. This is the first case report of the musculocutaneous neuropathy by MiraDry>Ⓡ

Clinical Significance of Tear Film Osmolarity in Patients with Mild Dry Eye Syndrome

Purpose@#To seek Pearson correlations of tear film osmolarity measured by the I-PEN® (I-MED Pharma Inc., Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Canada) with Schirmer test result, tear break-up time, and Ocular Surface Disease Index score in patients with mild dry eye syndrome. @*Methods@#Patients with mild dry eye syndrome were divided into two groups according to Ocular Staining Score: group 1 (50 patients; 67 eyes) and group 2 (59 patients; 91 eyes), 90 patients and 158 eyes in total. The above mentioned correlations were derived. @*Results@#No significant correlations were observed between tear film osmolarity and Schirmer test result (r < -0.01, p = 0.97), tear break-up time (r = 0.05, p = 0.54), or Ocular Surface Disease Index score (r = 0.03, p = 0.76). When the two groups were compared, the Ocular Surface Disease Index score significantly differed between groups (p < 0.01), whereas the Schirmer test result (p = 0.31), tear break-up time (p = 0.11), and tear film osmolarity (p = 0.12) did not. @*Conclusions@#No significant correlations were found between tear film osmolarity and other dry eye indicators in patients with mild dry eye syndrome. The diagnostic utility of tear film osmolarity in patients with moderate dry eye syndrome is should be evaluated.

A Study on Bleeding after Shortening the Bed Rest Time of Pediatric Hemato-oncologic Patients after Bone Marrow Examination / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#The purpose of our study was to identify the bleeding risk factors and to validate the safety of shortening the bed rest time after bone marrow examination in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients. @*Methods@#From July 2019 to September 2020, 145 patients were enrolled from a single center. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Descriptive statistics were presented, and the data were analyzed using x2 -test, Fisher’s exact test, and a logistic regression. @*Results@#After two hours of bed rest, most of the patients (91.7%) did not have bleeding complications, and only 8.3% of the patients had a minor bleeding. The rate of major bleeding complications, including hematoma, retroperitoneal hemorrhage rate was zero. The bleeding complications was frequently found on bilateral procedures than unilateral procedures and the difference were statistically significant (p<.05). @*Conclusion@#Two hours of bed rest time after bone marrow examination could be safe and adequate in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients.

The Usefulness of Flow Cytometry for Measuring Phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 to Diagnose and Manage Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis: A Case Report

Autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (AD-CMC) is a subtype of CMC caused by gain-of-function (GOF) mutation of the signal transducer and the activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) protein. GOF mutation of STAT1 disrupts Th17 cell differentiation and causes susceptibility to candida infection in mucous membranes. Although genetic testing is crucial to diagnose AD-CMC, a simple and fast diagnostic tool is required for the management and reduction of complications associated with infection. Flow cytometry (FCM) is suggested for the measurement of intracellular phosphorylated STAT1 (pSTAT1) in a stimulated status. Here, we report the application of FCM to show the activation status of STAT signaling in a 24-year-old female patient diagnosed with AD-CMC. Compared to the controls, the patient’s T cells showed increased levels of pSTAT1 after stimulation by interferon-γ and lesser extent of inhibition caused by an inhibitor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of the usefulness of FCM as an alternative diagnostic and monitoring tool of GOF STAT1 in Korea.

Effects of Dental Hygienists Job Stress on Somatization in an Area / 치위생과학회지

Background@#This study aims to analyze the job stress of dental hygienists and the factors affecting somatization and to provide basic data for effectively managing job stress and somatization of dental hygienists. @*Methods@#In this study, the data collected from 208 dental hygienists working in Jeollabuk-do Province were analyzed. Job stress was investigated using a questionnaire with 43 questions. In addition, the degree of somatization was evaluated through a simplified psychotherapy examination (Symptom Check List-90-Revision). @*Results@#Age, employment history, position, average monthly income, night duty execution status, and perceived health status were significantly associated with job stress (p＜0.05). The job stress sub-items scores based on general characteristics showed significance in ‘workload’ for those working a five-day workweek and perceived health status (p＜0.05). Age, average monthly income, and perceived health status were noted in ‘role conflict as a professional’. In ‘lack of expertise and skill’, it was noted that age, employment history, position, income, and night clinic were implemented. In ‘improper treatment and interpersonal issues’, level of education and perceived health status were significant (p＜0.05). The higher the job stress, the higher the somatization symptom score (p＜0.05), and the higher the job stress component, the higher the somatization symptom score (p＜0.01). @*Conclusion@#The job stress of dental hygienists should be reduced, and the symptoms of somatization should be mitigated. To improve the quality of medical services and the work efficiency of dental hygienists, proper treatment and compensation systems should be implemented for them to take pride as professional. Further, programs and regulations on mitigating job stress and somatization symptoms should be developed.

Vitamin D regulation of adipogenesis and adipose tissue functions

Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with obesity and its related metabolic diseases. Adipose tissues store and metabolize vitamin D and expression levels of vitamin D metabolizing enzymes are known to be altered in obesity. Sequestration of vitamin D in large amount of adipose tissues and low vitamin D metabolism may contribute to the vitamin D inadequacy in obesity. Vitamin D receptor is expressed in adipose tissues and vitamin D regulates multiple aspects of adipose biology including adipogenesis as well as metabolic and endocrine function of adipose tissues that can contribute to the high risk of metabolic diseases in vitamin D insufficiency. We will review current understanding of vitamin D regulation of adipose biology focusing on vitamin D modulation of adiposity and adipose tissue functions as well as the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin D regulates adipose biology. The effects of supplementation or maintenance of vitamin D on obesity and metabolic diseases are also discussed.

Food consumption frequency of Korean adults based on whether or not having chewing difficulty using 2013–2016 KNHANES by sex-stratified comparative analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#This study examined the associations between food consumption frequency of Korean adults and self-perceived chewing difficulty, using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ, 112 items) from 2013–2016 of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#Subjects were divided into not difficult in chewing (NDC) and difficult in chewing (DC) groups, with 24.17% being classified into DC. Males and females consumed 35 and 37 items less frequently than the other sex, respectively. Due to the remarkable gender difference in food consumption, gender-stratified one-sided survey regression analysis was performed after adjusted for the effect of age, household income, and self-rated health status. @*RESULTS@#Thirty-four items of FFQ were significantly less consumed by the DC group.Females exclusively consumed less beverages and alcohol while males showed the same for fruits and milk·dairy products. Consumption frequency of 8 items such as steamed potatoes·grilled potatoes, stir fried beef, other kimchi·fresh vegetable kimchi, orange, sour pork·pork cutlet, tteokbokki and green tea were significant only in males. In contrast, 17 items including cooked rice with other grains and legumes, boiled egg·steamed egg, Korean cabbage kimchi, banana, and tofu stew·soft tofu stew were significant only for females. Finally, items that showed significance for both were 9 items including loaf bread, readyto-eat cereal, steamed sweet potatoes·grilled sweet potatoes, stir-fried lotus roots·stir-fried burdock, green laver salad·brown seaweed salads, apples, tomato·cherry tomatoes, squid (raw, dried shredded, boiled, stir-fried), and curd type yogurt. @*CONCLUSIONS@#Findings in this study suggest chewing difficulty may be an important nutritional issue that has to be dealt with for healthful food consumption, with distinct interest of gender.