Surgical outcomes and prognosis of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy after laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a propensity score-matching study.

This study compared the surgical outcomes and long-term prognosis of intracorporeal and extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy after laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for gastric cancer patients. In total 228 clinical stage I gastric cancer patients undergoing LTG were enrolled from January 2012 and December 2022. Each case in the totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) group was 1:1 propensity score-matched to control cases in the laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) group. In total, 95 and 93 LATG and TLTG patients were included after propensity score matching (PSM). Clinicopathological features, surgical outcomes, and survival variables were compared, and risk factors for postoperative complications were analyzed. Patient characteristics were well balanced between the LATG and TLTG groups after PSM. The TLTG group showed less blood loss, decreased frequency of analgesic use, and shorter duration of analgesic use. The TLTG group had significantly lower rates of intestinal obstruction and surgical site infection. Larger tumor size and advanced pTNM stage were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS). Compared with LATG, TLTG was associated with better surgical outcomes and fewer postoperative surgical complications in gastric cancer patients although there was no significant difference in OS.

Effect of mixed protein supplementation on golf performance and muscle function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: As a relatively novel approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health, mixed protein supplementation has shown similar responses to whey protein. However, no previous studies have examined its impact on golf swing performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of mixed protein supplementation on the swing performance and muscle strength of casual golfers. METHODS: Sixty participants with a handicap of less than 20 were recruited and randomly assigned to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study design. The participants were divided into two groups: a mixed protein group (MG, n = 30), and a placebo control group (CG, n = 30). They were instructed to ingest either a supplement containing casein calcium, whey protein, and isolated pea protein, or a placebo, once daily for 8 weeks. Pre- and posttests consisted of anthropometric measurements, muscle strength (isokinetic knee and trunk strength, and handgrip strength), 2-minute push-ups, balance, and golf swing performance using a driver and 7-iron. RESULTS: After the 8-week supplementation period, ANCOVA, using baseline values as covariates, revealed significant differences for driver distance (p = .004) and driver ball speed (p < .001). MG significantly increased driver distance by 5.17 ± 12.8 m (p = .046), driver ball speed by 1.36 ± 2.87 m/s (p = .021). Additionally, significantly improvements were observed in hand grip strength (+2.12 ± 3.47 kg, p = .004), two-minute push-ups (+4.89 ± 8.14 reps, p = .004), and balance score (-0.37 ± 0.69 min, p = .009). No significant differences were observed in body composition parameters (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The intake of a mixed protein containing both animal and plant proteins had positive effects on golf performance and muscle function. Therefore, mixed proteins may represent a safe and effective approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health in golf players.

Effective Coupling Model to Treat the Odd-Even Effect on the Current-Voltage Response of Saturated Linear Carbon Chains Single-Molecule Junctions.

The calculation of the electrical charge transport properties of alkanes C n H 2n S 2 with (n = 4-11) was performed to understand the odd-even effect on its current-voltage response. The extended molecule and broadband limit models were used to describe the molecular junction and covalent coupling with the electrodes. It was shown that among the participating molecular orbitals, HOMO and HOMO-1 are the ones with the most charge transport contribution. Moreover, the odd-even effect is caused by the alternation of the eigenvalues of some frontier orbitals as a function of the number of carbons, especially the HOMO that dominates the electrical transport. It could also be noted that when the current is analyzed outside the resonance, the relationship with the number of carbons exponentially decays, confirming the reports in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, a first principle study of the odd-even effect in symmetric systems composed by linear saturated carbon chains covalently coupled to electrodes has not been reported yet.

Impact of Taekwondo training on cognitive and physical function in elderly individuals: A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Researchers have investigated the physical and psychosocial advantages of Taekwondo for older adults. However, prior studies of Taekwondo's impact on physical function and psychological well-being in this demographic have produced inconsistent findings. Thus, this systematic review aimed to assess how Taekwondo practice affects the physical function and psychological well-being of older adults. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Korea Education and Research Information Service, Korean Studies Information Service System, Korean National Assembly Library, Research Information Sharing Service, National Digital Science Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their inception to December 2023. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data from each study. We calculated effect sizes using a random-effects model with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) and evaluated study quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. RESULTS: This review included ten studies with 227 participants aged 66.1-73.6 years. The meta-analysis revealed significant enhancements in cognitive function [Korean Version of Mini-Mental State Examination, standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.700, 95 % CI (0.364-1.037), I2 = 0 %, p < .001], blood indicators [ß-amyloid, SMD = 0.613, 95 % CI (0.103-1.123), I2 = 34.920 %, p < .05; brain-derived neurotrophic factor, SMD = 0.566, 95 % CI (0.166-0.966), I2 = 0 %, p < .01; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SMD = 0.677, 95 % CI (0.357-0.966), I2 = 0 %, p < .001; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SMD = 0.809, 95 % CI (0.376-1.242), I2 = 42.621 %, p < .001; and total cholesterol, SMD = 0.979, 95 % CI (0.603-1.356), I2 = 22.221 %, p < .001], and physical function [lean body mass, SMD = 0.465, 95 % CI (0.109-0.821), I2 = 0 %, p < .05, and handgrip strength, SMD = 0.929, 95 % CI (0.194-1.663), I2 = 48.217 %, p < .05]. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicates that Taekwondo training is a beneficial therapy with protective effects on cognitive function, physical function, and body composition in older adults. These findings highlight its potential significance in cognitive rehabilitation and physiological health promotion among this demographic population.

Machine Learning for Movement Pattern Changes during Kinect-Based Mixed Reality Exercise Programs in Women with Possible Sarcopenia: Pilot Study.

Background: Sarcopenia is a muscle wasting condition that affects elderly individuals. It can lead to changes in movement patterns, which can increase the risk of falls and other injuries. Methods: Elderly women participants aged ≥65 years who could walk independently were recruited and classified into two groups based on knee extension strength (KES). Participants with low KES scores were assigned to the possible sarcopenia group (PSG, n=7) and an 8-week exercise intervention was implemented. Healthy seniors with high KES scores were classified as the reference group (RG, n=4), and a 3-week exercise intervention was conducted. Kinematic movement data were recorded during the intervention period. All participants' exercise repetitions were used in the data analysis (number of data points =1,128). Results: The PSG showed significantly larger movement patterns in knee rotation during wide squats compared to the RG, attributed to weakened lower limb strength. The voting classifier, trained on the movement patterns from wide squats, determined that significant differences in overall movement patterns between the two groups persisted until the end of the exercise intervention. However, after the exercise intervention, significant improvements in lower limb strength in the PSG resulted in reduced knee rotation ROM and Max, thereby stabilizing movements and eliminating significant differences with the RG. Conclusions: This study suggests that exercise interventions can modify the movement patterns in elderly individuals with possible sarcopenia. These findings provide fundamental data for developing an exercise management system that remotely tracks and monitors the movement patterns of older adults during exercise activities.

Lifestyle Behaviors in Patients With Gastric Cancer: Continuous Need for Alcohol Abstinence and Muscle Strength Training Education.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the lifestyle-related behaviors of patients with gastric cancer (GC) and to investigate the associations between the time since GC diagnosis and these behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 29,478 adults (including 338 patients with GC) aged ≥ 40 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2021. Multiple logistic regression analysis explored the associations between the time since GC diagnosis (patients diagnosed with GC less than 5 years ago [<5 years group] and those diagnosed with GC 5 or more than years ago [≥5 years group]) and lifestyle factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age and sex. RESULTS: The current smoking rate was not lower in the GC group than in the healthy group, regardless of time since diagnosis. Compared to the healthy controls, monthly alcohol intake was lower in the <5 years group (odds ratio [OR], 0.450; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.275-0.736). The ≥5 years group showed a lower rate of strength training (OR, 0.548; CI, 0.359-0.838), compared with the healthy control group. Subgroup analysis focusing on the ≥5 years group revealed a significantly lower rate of strength training, particularly in patients aged ≥65 years and male patients (OR, 0.519 and 0.553; CI, 0.302-0.890 and 0.340-0.901, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should continue educating patients on lifestyle behavior modifications, particularly alcohol abstinence, even beyond 5 years after GC diagnosis. Education on strength training is especially important for patients ≥65 years or male patients.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Korean Soybean Sauce (Ganjang) on Mice with Induced Colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation of the gut, is caused by several factors. Among these factors, microbial factors are correlated with the gut microbiota, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) via anaerobic fermentation. Fermented foods are known to regulate the gut microbiota composition. Ganjang (GJ), a traditional fermented Korean soy sauce consumed worldwide, has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-colitis, and antihypertensive activities. However, its effects on the gut microbiota remain unknown. In the present study, we aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of GJ manufactured using different methods and investigate its effect on SCFA production in the gut. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of GJ in the gut, we performed animal experiments using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. All GJ samples attenuated DSS-induced colitis symptoms, including reduced colonic length, by suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, GJ administration modulated SCFA production in the DSS-induced colitis model. Overall, GJ exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing DSS-induced symptoms via regulation of inflammation and modulation of SCFA levels in a DSS-induced colitis model. Thus, GJ is a promising fermented food with the potential to prevent IBD.

Comparison of face mask effects on cardiorespiratory responses between physically active and sedentary individuals.

BACKGROUND: Alterations caused by face masks on physiological responses vary among different population groups. This study aimed to investigate whether physically active and sedentary individuals respond differently to face mask use during exercise. METHODS: Sixteen healthy college students were divided into two groups: Physically active group (N.=10; 26.50±2.80 years) and Sedentary group (N.=6; 26.33±2.81 years). They performed three maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)s following the Bruce protocol: one without a face mask (NON), one with a surgical mask (SUR) and one with a cloth mask (CLO). Cardiorespiratory parameters and heart rate were monitored continuously during the test. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation and lactate level were measured immediately before and after exertion. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the Physically active and the Sedentary group in peak VO2 (VO2peak) in NON (P=0.030). However, this difference disappeared when the face masks were used. Furthermore, VO2/kg (P=0.002) and METs (P=0.002) decreased significantly at the respiratory compensation point (RCP) only in the Physically active group with face masks. No significant differences were found between the two groups for exercise time, lactate level and dyspnea (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory responses, particularly VO2peak, due to face mask use was greater in physically active individuals compared to sedentary individuals. Population group characteristics should be considered when adapting face masks to daily life.

Neural network model for prediction of possible sarcopenic obesity using Korean national fitness award data (2010-2023).

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by concomitant sarcopenia and obesity and presents a high risk of disability, morbidity, and mortality among older adults. However, predictions based on sequential neural network SO studies and the relationship between physical fitness factors and SO are lacking. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for SO in older adults by focusing on physical fitness factors. A comprehensive dataset of older Korean adults participating in national fitness programs was analyzed using sequential neural networks. Appendicular skeletal muscle/body weight was defined as SO using an anthropometric equation. Independent variables included body fat (BF, %), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and various physical fitness factors. The dependent variable was a binary outcome (possible SO vs normal). We analyzed hyperparameter tuning and stratified K-fold validation to optimize a predictive model. The prevalence of SO was significantly higher in women (13.81%) than in men, highlighting sex-specific differences. The optimized neural network model and Shapley Additive Explanations analysis demonstrated a high validation accuracy of 93.1%, with BF% and absolute grip strength emerging as the most influential predictors of SO. This study presents a highly accurate predictive model for SO in older adults, emphasizing the critical roles of BF% and absolute grip strength. We identified BF, absolute grip strength, and sit-and-reach as key SO predictors. Our findings underscore the sex-specific nature of SO and the importance of physical fitness factors in its prediction.

White matter tract density index is associated with disability in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The association between common neuroradiological markers of multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinical disability is weak. Given that the disability in patients with MS may depend on the underlying structural connectivity of the brain, our study aimed to examine the association between white matter tracts affected by MS and the patients' disability using a new tract density index (TDI). METHOD: This study included 53 patients diagnosed with MS, examined between 2019 and 2020. Manual lesion segmentation was performed on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, and the density of white matter tracts encompassing the lesion (i.e., TDI) was calculated. Correlation analysis was employed to assess the association between TDI and disability. Additionally, the relationship between disability, TDI, and lesion-derived network metrics was examined by computing a partial correlation network. RESULTS: The TDI significantly correlated with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) (r = 0.30, p = 0.03). Furthermore, the patient's disability is linked solely through TDI to lesion-derived network metrics -a key metric that 'bridges' the gap between the brain lesion and disability. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, MS lesions encompassing regions with high white matter tract density were associated and linked with severe physical disability. These findings indicate that TDI may be an outcome predictor that may connect radiologic findings to clinical practice.

Evaluation of left ventricular filling pressure by echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiography is widely used to evaluate left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients suspected of heart failure. For patients in sinus rhythm, a combination of several echocardiographic parameters can differentiate between normal and elevated LV filling pressure with good accuracy. However, there is no established echocardiographic approach for the evaluation of LV filling pressure in patients with atrial fibrillation. The objective of the present study was to determine if a combination of several echocardiographic and clinical parameters may be used to evaluate LV filling pressure in patients with atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: In a multicentre study of 148 atrial fibrillation patients, several echocardiographic parameters were tested against invasively measured LV filling pressure as the reference method. No single parameter had sufficiently strong association with LV filling pressure to be recommended for clinical use. Based on univariate regression analysis in the present study, and evidence from existing literature, we developed a two-step algorithm for differentiation between normal and elevated LV filling pressure, defining values ≥ 15 mmHg as elevated. The parameters in the first step included the ratio between mitral early flow velocity and septal mitral annular velocity (septal E/e'), mitral E velocity, deceleration time of E, and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity. Patients who could not be classified in the first step were tested in a second step by applying supplementary parameters, which included left atrial reservoir strain, pulmonary venous systolic/diastolic velocity ratio, and body mass index. This two-step algorithm classified patients as having either normal or elevated LV filling pressure with 75% accuracy and with 85% feasibility. Accuracy in EF ≥ 50% and EF < 50% was similar (75% and 76%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation, no single echocardiographic parameter was sufficiently reliable to be used clinically to identify elevated LV filling pressure. An algorithm that combined several echocardiographic parameters and body mass index, however, was able to classify patients as having normal or elevated LV filling pressure with moderate accuracy and high feasibility.

Gochujang, a traditional Korean fermented food, protects through suppressed inflammatory pathways and histological structure disruption in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice.

The mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory diseases remain unclear. Therefore, researchers have explored the mechanisms underlying colitis using diverse materials. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in fermented products and bioconversion materials, their potential efficacy is being actively studied. Gochujang, a traditional Korean fermented product, is crafted by blending fermented Meju powder, gochu (Korean chili) powder, glutinous rice, and salt. In our study, we explored the effectiveness of Gochujang (500 mg/kg; Cheongju and Hongcheon, Korea) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Gochujang was orally administered for 2 weeks, followed by the induction of colitis using 3% DSS in the previous week. During our investigation, Gochujang variants (TCG22-25, Cheongju and TCG22-48, Hongcheon) did not exhibit significant inhibition of weight reduction (p = 0.061) but notably (p = 0.001) suppressed the reduction in large intestine length in DSS-induced colitis mice. In the serum from colitis mice, TCG22-48 demonstrated reduced levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.001). Additionally, it inhibited the phosphorylation of Erk (p = 0.028), p38, and NF-κB (p = 0.001) the inflammatory mechanism. In our study, TCG22-25 demonstrated a reduction in the IL-6 level (p = 0.001) in serum and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and NF-κB (p = 0.001). Histological analysis revealed a significant (p = 0.001) reduction in the pathological score of the large intestine from TCG22-25 and TCG22-48. In conclusion, the intake of Gochujang demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects, mitigating colitis by preventing the large intestine length reduction of animals with colitis, lowering serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and inhibiting histological disruption and inflammatory mechanism phosphorylation.

Optimizing Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis　- Clinical Significance of Changes in Mitral Valve Area.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) is a standard treatment for severe rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS). However, the prognostic significance of the change in mitral valve area (∆MVA) during PMV is not fully understood.Methods and Results: This study analyzed data from the Multicenter mitrAl STEnosis with Rheumatic etiology (MASTER) registry, which included 3,140 patients with severe RMS. We focused on patients with severe RMS undergoing their first PMV. Changes in echocardiographic parameters, including MVA quantified before and after PMV, and composite outcomes, including mitral valve reintervention, heart failure admission, stroke, and all-cause death, were evaluated. An optimal result was defined as a postprocedural MVA ≥1.5 cm2without mitral regurgitation greater than Grade II. Of the 308 patients included in the study, those with optimal results and ∆MVA >0.5 cm² had a better prognosis (log-rank P<0.001). Patients who achieved optimal results but with ∆MVA ≤0.5 cm² had a greater risk of composite outcomes than those with optimal outcomes and ∆MVA >0.5 cm² (nested Cox regression analysis, hazard ratio 2.27; 95% confidence interval 1.09-4.73; P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Achieving an increase in ∆MVA of >0.5 cm2was found to be correlated with improved outcomes. This suggests that, in addition to achieving traditional optimal results, targeting an increase in ∆MVA of >0.5 cm2could be a beneficial objective in PMV treatment for RMS.

Clinical characteristics of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness and its visual subtype in Korean patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional vestibular disorder for which the Bárány Society has established diagnostic criteria. This nationwide multicenter study aims to investigate the clinical features of individuals with definite PPPD and clinical variant PPPD who do not fully meet the diagnostic criteria, with a particular focus on visual exaggeration. METHODS: Between September 2020 and September 2021, a total of 76 individuals with definite PPPD and 109 individuals with clinical variant PPPD who did not meet all three exacerbating factors outlined in Criterion B were recruited from 18 medical centers in South Korea. The study gathered information on demographic factors, clinical manifestations, balance scales, and personality assessments. RESULTS: Comparative analysis between groups with definite PPPD and clinical variant with visual exacerbation revealed no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics, clinical course, dizziness impact, and specific precipitants. Only disease duration was significantly longer in definite PPPD compared with variant with visual exacerbation. However, the variant without visual exacerbation displayed significantly reduced rates of panic disorder, diminished space-motion discomfort, lesser impact of dizziness, and decreased prevalence of depression when compared with the definitive PPPD. CONCLUSION: This is the first comprehensive nationwide study examining clinical features of both definite PPPD patients and its clinical variants, considering visual exacerbating factors. Differences in dizziness and personality traits emerged between definite PPPD and its potential variant without visual issues. Our results highlight the possibility of a distinct clinical variant of PPPD influenced by visual dependency.

Disseminating Necrotizing Leukoencephalopathy Associated With Intra-CSF Methotrexate Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Leptomeningeal metastases (LMs) are neoplasms that proliferate to membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. Intra-CSF methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy is a prevalent treatment option. However, resultant long-term neurotoxicity can lead to irreversible disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy (DNL). This study aims to determine the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of DNL following intra-CSF MTX chemotherapy for LM. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with LM who received intra-CSF MTX between 2001 and 2021 at the National Cancer Center of Korea. Patients with a follow-up duration of <3 months and those without follow-up MRI after MTX administration were excluded. The primary outcome was the development of DNL, evaluated based on the clinical and radiologic definitions of DNL. Logistic and Cox proportional regression models were used to assess the risk of DNL in patients with LM receiving intra-CSF MTX chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 577 patients included in the DNL investigation, 13 (2.3%) were identified to have irreversible DNL. The MRI features of DNL typically include necrotic changes in the bilateral anterior temporal region, extensive white matter, and/or brainstem lesions. All patients with DNL experienced fatal clinical course despite MTX cessation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a cumulative dose of MTX significantly affected DNL occurrence. Multivariable analysis showed that the factor of ≥10 MTX rounds was significant for DNL development after adjusting for route of MTX administration and prior brain radiotherapy (odds ratio 7.32, 95% CI 1.42-37.77 at MTX rounds ≥10 vs < 10). In the Cox proportional hazards model considering time to occurrence of DNL, ≥10 rounds of MTX were identified as an independent predictor of DNL (hazard ratio 12.57, 95% CI 1.62-97.28, p = 0.015), even after adjusting for the synergistic effect of brain radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: DNL is a rare but fatal complication of intra-CSF MTX chemotherapy, and its progression cannot be prevented despite early recognition. The cumulative dose of intra-CSF MTX was an independent risk factor for DNL occurrence. Thus, intra-CSF MTX treatment for patients with LM should be administered with caution considering the possibility of the cumulative irreversible neurotoxicity.

The effect of different LED wavelengths on the components and biosynthesis of isoflavonoid in sprout Astragalus membranaceus.

An artificial light source is the optimal element for studying the usability of the medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus as a sprout vegetable. Based on artificial light source conditions, formononetin (FO) level was the highest (2.6 mg/L) in A. membranaceus exposed to white light emitting diode (LED) light, and calycosin (CA) level was the highest (3.09 mg/L) in the plant exposed to red LED light. According to the publicly available transcriptome data of LED-exposed sprout A. membranaceus LED, reference genes related to the content enhancement of FO, an isoflavone compound, and those related to the content enhancement of CA were selected. The expression patterns of these genes were assayed using qPCR. Among the genes related to FO enhancement, Gene-225190T showed the highest mRNA levels in cells of LED-white light-exposed sprout A. membranaceus; among the genes related to CA enhancement, Gene_042770T showed the highest expression under red LED light. Most genes related to the overall biosynthesis regulation of flavonoids of the upper concept of isoflavone were highly expressed in response to red LED light, and the transcriptional level of 4CL in response to red LED light was the highest. Based on these results, the artificial light sources that regulated the FO and CA contents in sprouts A. membranaceus were white and red LED lights, and the selected reference genes were capable of regulating isoflavone biosynthesis.

Krill oil inhibited adipogenic differentiation by inducing the nuclear Nrf2 expression and the AMPK activity.

The current study investigated the antiadipogenic mechanism of krill oil from the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The krill oil adhered to the criteria as a food standard by showing 50.8% of the total phospholipid, 5.27% myristic acid, and 1.63% linoleic acid. The lipid accumulation that was measured in the 3T3-L1 cells using oil red O staining was reduced up to 54% by the krill oil. The krill oil treatment reduced the adipogenic transcription factors by downregulating the sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), phospho-ACC, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. The current study confirmed that the krill oil inhibited adipogenesis by downregulating SREBP1 and ACC via the upregulation of the AMPK and nuclear factors E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These findings suggest that krill oil is a good source of phospholipid and phosphatidylcholine, which could be a potential natural antiobesity ingredient by inhibiting adipogenesis.

Bidirectional connectivity alterations in schizophrenia: a multivariate, machine-learning approach.

Objective: It is well known that altered functional connectivity is a robust neuroimaging marker of schizophrenia. However, there is inconsistency in the direction of alterations, i.e., increased or decreased connectivity. In this study, we aimed to determine the direction of the connectivity alteration associated with schizophrenia using a multivariate, data-driven approach. Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 109 individuals with schizophrenia and 120 controls across two openly available datasets. A whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) matrix was computed for each individual. A modified connectome-based predictive model (CPM) with a support vector machine (SVM) was used to classify patients and controls. We conducted a series of multivariate classification analyses using three different feature sets, increased, decreased, and both increased and decreased rsFC. Results: For both datasets, combining information from both increased and decreased rsFC substantially improved prediction accuracy (Dataset 1: accuracy = 70.2%, permutation p = 0.001; Dataset 2: accuracy = 64.4%, permutation p = 0.003). When tested across datasets, the prediction model using decreased rsFC performed best. The identified predictive features of decreased rsFC were distributed mostly in the motor network for both datasets. Conclusion: These findings suggest that bidirectional alterations in rsFC are distributed in schizophrenia patients, with the pattern of decreased rsFC being more similar across different populations.

Deep-learning model for predicting physical fitness in possible sarcopenia: analysis of the Korean physical fitness award from 2010 to 2023.

Introduction: Physical fitness is regarded as a significant indicator of sarcopenia. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep-learning model for predicting the decline in physical fitness due to sarcopenia in individuals with potential sarcopenia. Methods: This study used the 2010-2023 Korean National Physical Fitness Award data. The data comprised exercise- and health-related measurements in Koreans aged >65 years and included body composition and physical fitness variables. Appendicular muscle mass (ASM) was calculated as ASM/height2 to define normal and possible sarcopenia. The deep-learning model was created with EarlyStopping and ModelCheckpoint to prevent overfitting and was evaluated using stratified k-fold cross-validation (k = 5). The model was trained and tested using training data and validation data from each fold. The model's performance was assessed using a confusion matrix, receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve. The average performance metrics obtained from each cross-validation were determined. For the analysis of feature importance, SHAP, permutation feature importance, and LIME were employed as model-agnostic explanation methods. Results: The deep-learning model proved effective in distinguishing from sarcopenia, with an accuracy of 87.55%, precision of 85.57%, recall of 90.34%, and F1 score of 87.89%. Waist circumference (WC, cm), absolute grip strength (kg), and body fat (BF, %) had an influence on the model output. SHAP, LIME, and permutation feature importance analyses revealed that WC and absolute grip strength were the most important variables. WC, figure-of-8 walk, BF, timed up-and-go, and sit-and-reach emerged as key factors for predicting possible sarcopenia. Conclusion: The deep-learning model showed high accuracy and recall with respect to possible sarcopenia prediction. Considering the need for the development of a more detailed and accurate sarcopenia prediction model, the study findings hold promise for enhancing sarcopenia prediction using deep learning.