Psychosocial Factors Associated With Thoughts Regarding Life-Sustaining Treatment for Oneself and Family Members.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the thoughts of the general population regarding life-sustaining treatment for both oneself and family members and to assess the factors associated with those thoughts. METHODS: A total of 1,500 individuals participated in this study by completing a questionnaire consisting of self-reporting items with some instructions, basic demographic information, thoughts on life-sustaining treatment, and psychosocial scales. The disease status was calculated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. The psychosocial scales included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. RESULTS: The majority of participants did not want to receive life-sustaining treatment for both themselves and their families. However, more people wanted life-sustaining treatment for their family members (35.9%) than for themselves (21.6%). Among the basic demographic characteristics, there were significant differences in age, sex, marital status, living arrangements, occupational status, religion, and disease status. Regarding the psychosocial scales, there were significant differences in the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores between the group that preferred life-sustaining treatment for family members and the group that did not. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that life-sustaining treatment decisions for oneself and for one's family members can be different. We recommend a more clear expression of one's preferences regarding the last moments of one's life, including advance directives.

Lactococcus lactis KF140 Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by Nε-Carboxymethyl-Lysine and High-Fat Diet.

SCOPE: Long-term consumption of excessive dietary advanced glycation end-products such as Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), which are produced by the Maillard reaction during food thermal processing, leads to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) along with high fat consumption. The study previously finds that administration of Lactococcus lactis KF140 (LL-KF140) detoxifies CML by decreasing CML absorption both in a rat model and clinical trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present study evaluates the ameliorative effect of LL-KF140 on NAFLD and fatty liver-related biomarkers in a mouse model induced by CML and high fat. LL-KF140 is orally administered to mice at a concentration of 1 × 107 or 1 × 108 colony-forming unit (CFU) per mouse for 8 weeks. LL-KF140 administration ameliorates the NAFLD-related symptoms by reducing body weight and fat mass gain along with levels of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transferase, and lipids as well as glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in CML-treated mice. In addition, histological analysis including staining and western blotting shows that LL-KF140 suppresses the lipogenesis pathway and CML absorption, thereby suppressing CML-induced NAFLD. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that LL-KF140 attenuates dietary CML-induced NAFLD by suppressing the de novo lipogenesis pathway, and it may be used as a probiotic strain.

Socioeconomic status and cardiovascular mortality in over 170,000 cancer survivors.

AIMS: Cardiovascular health is acknowledged as a crucial concern among cancer survivors. Socioeconomic status (SES) is an essential but often neglected risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted this study to identify the relationship between SES and CVD mortality in cancer survivors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Examinee database, we identified cancer survivors diagnosed and surviving beyond 5 years post-diagnosis. SES was assessed based on insurance premiums and classified into 5 groups. The primary outcome was overall CVD mortality. This study analyzed 170 555 individuals (mean age 60.7 ± 11.9 years, 57.8% female). A gradual increase in risk was observed across SES groups: adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for overall CVD mortality were 1.15 (1.04-1.26), 1.28 (1.15-1.44), 1.31 (1.18-1.46), and 2.13 (1.30-3.49) for the second, third, and fourth quartile, and medical aid group (the lowest SES group) compared to the highest SES group, respectively (p for trend < 0.001). The lowest SES group with hypertension exhibited a 3.4-fold higher risk of CVD mortality compared to the highest SES group without hypertension. Interaction analyses revealed that low SES synergistically interacts with hypertension, heightening the risk of CVD mortality (synergy index 1.62). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant correlation between low SES and increased CVD mortality among cancer survivors. Particularly, the lowest SES group, when combined with hypertension, significantly escalates CVD mortality. Our findings underscore the critical importance of recognizing SES as a significant risk factor for CVD mortality in this population of cancer survivors.

Our population-based cohort study, involving over 170 000 cancer survivors, demonstrates a significant association between socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

The Mental Health Outcomes and Cost Estimates of Korean Medicine for Anxiety Disorder Patients.

Korean medicine (KM) is used to treat anxiety disorders, but there is limited research on its effects. This study aimed to examine the associations between improved QoL and reduced clinical symptoms and KM in patients with anxiety disorders. The medical records of patients with anxiety who were treated with KM (acupuncture, psychotherapy, Chuna therapy, aromatherapy, or herbal medicine) for at least 4 weeks were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, QoL, and cost outcomes were measured at baseline and at weeks 4 and 12 (Anxiety: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI X-1 (state), X-2 (trait)], Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]; anger: State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory State [STAXI-S (state), T (trait)], Anger Expression Inventory [AXI-K-I (anger-in), AXI-K-O (anger-out), AXI-K-C (anger-control); depression: Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI II], QoL: QoL-related instruments Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions utility score [EQ-5D], Euro QoL Visual Analog Scale [EQ-VAS]). The total costs for each item were calculated in terms of NHIS-covered costs and patients' out-of-pocket costs from the perspective of the healthcare system. The medical records of 67 patients were evaluated. The KM treatments were found to be associated with decreased anxiety (STAI X-1; STAI X-2; BAI, p < 0.0001), depression (BDI-II, p < 0.0001), and anger (AKI-K-I; AKI-K-O, p < 0.05) and increased QoL (EQ-5D; EQ-VAS, p < 0.0001). An average of USD 1360 was paid for the KM treatments for 4 weeks. The study findings suggested that KM may improve clinical symptoms and QoL outcomes in patients with anxiety disorders.

Pediococcus pentosaceus KF159 alleviates house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis by promoting IL10 production and regulatory T cell induction.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic immune disease that requires long-term management owing to its relative ease of recurrence. However, steroid treatment is limited owing to the side effects. Therefore, research on therapeutics with proven safety is required. Here, we evaluated the anti-allergic activity of the probiotic strain Pediococcus pentosaceus KF159 (PPKF159) with an ex vivo mouse model sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and a mouse model of AD induced by house dust mites. Changes in pathological symptoms were confirmed based on the clinical status of the AD-induced lesion site and the levels of T helper type 2 (Th2)-derived cytokines and immunoglobulin E (IgE). In addition, cell-mediated responses and related mechanisms were elucidated using various kinds of primary cells including splenocytes, mesenteric lymph nodes, Peyer's patch, and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in vitro and ex vivo. Oral administration of PPKF159 alleviated AD-like clinical symptoms such as erythema, edema, hemorrhage, and increased tissue thickness, and suppressed the production of Th2-associated cytokines and serum IgE while increasing T helper type 1 (Th1)-mediated cytokine production. PPKF159 induced tolerogenic dendritic cells (tol-DCs) by increasing the expression of ICOS-L, PD-L1, and IDO which were closely related to Treg induction in PPKF159-treated BMDCs. In addition, BMDCs and naive T cells co-cultured in the presence of PPKF159 had elevated IL10 production and increased proportions of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs compared to the absence of PPKF159. This study showed that PPKF159 relieved AD-like clinical symptoms, modulated the Th1/Th2 immune balance, and inhibited IgE production in a mouse AD model. PPKF159 induced the transformation of dendritic cells into tolerogenic versions. These induced tol-DCs directly enhanced the production of IL10 or improved the secretion of IL10 through the induction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, thereby improving AD. These results suggest that PPKF159 can be applied as a functional food material for the treatment and prevention of AD.

Hippocampal subfield volume in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment: Effects of worry and cognitive reappraisal.

Studies have confirmed that anxiety, especially worry and rumination, are associated with increased risk for cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Hippocampal atrophy is a hallmark of ADRD. We investigated the association between hippocampus and its subfield volumes and late-life global anxiety, worry, and rumination, and emotion regulation strategies. We recruited 110 participants with varying worry severity who underwent magnetic resonance imaging and clinical interviews. We conducted cross-sectional regression analysis between each subfield and anxiety, worry, rumination, reappraisal, and suppression while adjusting for age, sex, race, education, cumulative illness burden, stress, neuroticism, and intracranial volume. We imputed missing data and corrected for multiple comparisons across regions. Greater worry was associated with smaller subiculum volume, whereas greater use of reappraisal was associated with larger subiculum and CA1 volume. Greater worry may be detrimental to the hippocampus and to subfields involved in early ADRD pathology. Use of reappraisal appears protective of hippocampal structure. Worry and reappraisal may be modifiable targets for ADRD prevention.

Phosphate level predicts mortality in acute kidney injury patients undergoing continuous kidney replacement therapy and has a U-shaped association with mortality in patients with high disease severity: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association between serum phosphate level and mortality in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients undergoing continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) and evaluated whether this association differed according to disease severity. METHODS: Data from eight tertiary hospitals in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified into four groups (low, normal, high, and very high) based on their serum phosphate level at baseline. The association between serum phosphate level and mortality was then analyzed, with further subgroup analysis being conducted according to disease severity. RESULTS: Among the 3,290 patients identified, 166, 955, 1,307, and 862 were in the low, normal, high, and very high phosphate groups, respectively. The 90-day mortality rate was 63.9% and was highest in the very high group (76.3%). Both the high and very high groups showed a significantly higher 90-day mortality rate than did the normal phosphate group (high: hazard ratio [HR], 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.51, p < 0.001; very high: HR, 2.01, 95% CI, 1.78-2.27, p < 0.001). The low group also exhibited a higher 90-day mortality rate than did the normal group among those with high disease severity (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09-1.99; p = 0.01) but not among those with low disease severity. CONCLUSION: High serum phosphate level predicted increased mortality in AKI patients undergoing CKRT, and low phosphate level was associated with increased mortality in patients with high disease severity. Therefore, serum phosphate levels should be carefully considered in critically ill patients with AKI.

Analysis of particulate matter-induced alteration of genes and related signaling pathways in the respiratory system.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a global environmental risk factor threatening human health and is a major cause of cardiovascular and respiratory disease-associated death. Current studies on PM exposure have been limited to large-scale cohort and epidemiological investigations, emphasizing the need for detailed individual-level studies to uncover specific differentially expressed genes and their associated signaling mechanisms. Herein, we revealed that PM exposure significantly upregulated inflammatory and immune responses, such as cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, complement system, and the activation and migration of immune cells in gene set enrichment analysis of our RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data. Remarkably, we discovered that the broad gene expression and signaling pathways mediated by macrophages were predominantly expressed in the respiratory system following PM exposure. Consistent with these observations, individual PMs, classified by aerodynamic size and origin, significantly promoted macrophage recruitment to the lungs in the mouse lung inflammation model. Additionally, we confirmed that RNAseq observations from the respiratory system were reproduced in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages and the alveolar macrophage cell line MH-S after individual PM exposure. Our findings demonstrated that PM exposure augmented broad inflammatory and immune responses in the respiratory system and suggested the reinforcement of global strategies for reducing particulate air pollution to prevent respiratory diseases and their exacerbation.

Monotropein mitigates atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation through JAK/STAT signaling pathway inhibition.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a globally increasing chronic inflammatory skin disease with limited and potentially side-effect-prone treatment options. Monotropein is the predominant iridoid glycoside in Morinda officinalis How roots, which has previously shown promise in alleviating AD symptoms. This study aimed to systematically investigate the pharmacological effects of monotropein on AD using a 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)/Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)-induced AD mice and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated keratinocytes. Oral administration of monotropein demonstrated a significant reduction in AD phenotypes, including scaling, erythema, and increased skin thickness in AD-induced mice. Histological analysis revealed a marked decrease in immune cell infiltration in skin lesions. Additionally, monotropein effectively downregulated inflammatory markers, encompassing pro-inflammatory cytokines, T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines, and pro-inflammatory chemokines in skin tissues. Notably, monotropein also led to a considerable decrease in serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG2a levels. At a mechanistic level, monotropein exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the phosphorylation of Janus kinase / signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins in both skin tissues of AD-induced mice and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated keratinocytes. In conclusion, monotropein exhibited a pronounced alleviation of AD symptoms in the experimental models used. These findings underscore the potential application of monotropein as a therapeutic agent in the context of AD, providing a scientific basis for further exploration and development.

Development of a prediction model for cognitive impairment of sarcopenia using multimodal neuroimaging in non-demented older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Despite prior research on the association between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment in the elderly, a comprehensive model that integrates various brain pathologies is still lacking. METHODS: We used data from 528 non-demented older adults with or without sarcopenia in the Catholic Aging Brain Imaging (CABI) database, containing magnetic resonance imaging scans, positron emission tomography scans, and clinical data. We also measured three key components of sarcopenia: skeletal muscle index (SMI), hand grip strength (HGS), and the five times sit-to-stand test (5STS). RESULTS: All components of sarcopenia were significantly correlated with global cognitive function, but cortical thickness and amyloid-beta (Aß) retention had distinctive relationships with each measure. In the path model, brain atrophy resulting in cognitive impairment was mediated by Aß retention for SMI and periventricular white matter hyperintensity for HGS, but directly affected by the 5STS. DISCUSSION: Treatments targeting each sub-domain of sarcopenia should be considered to prevent cognitive decline. HIGHLIGHTS: We identified distinct impacts of three sarcopenia measures on brain structure and Aß. Muscle mass is mainly associated with Aß and has an influence on the brain atrophy. Muscle strength linked with periventricular WMH and brain atrophy. Muscle function associated with cortical thinning in specific brain regions. Interventions on sarcopenia may be important to ease cognitive decline in the elderly.

Effect of Heat-Treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum nF1 on the Immune System Including Natural Killer Cell Activity: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study.

Heat-treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum nF1 (HT-nF1) increases immune cell activation and the production of various immunomodulators (e.g., interleukin (IL)-12) as well as immunoglobulin (Ig) G, which plays an important role in humoral immunity, and IgA, which activates mucosal immunity. To determine the effect of HT-nF1 intake on improving immune function, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 100 subjects with normal white blood cell counts. The HT-nF1 group was administered capsules containing 5 × 1011 cells of HT-nF1 once a day for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of HT-nF1 intake, significant changes in IL-12 were observed in the HT-nF1 group (p = 0.045). In particular, the change in natural killer (NK) cell activity significantly increased in subjects with low secretory (s) IgA (≤49.61 µg/mL) and low NK activity (E:T = 10:1) (≤3.59%). These results suggest that HT-nF1 has no safety issues and improves the innate immune function by regulating T helper (Th)1-related immune factors. Therefore, we confirmed that HT-nF1 not only has a positive effect on regulating the body's immunity, but it is also a safe material for the human body, which confirms its potential as a functional health food ingredient.

Associations of pain sensitivity and conditioned pain modulation with physical activity: findings from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST).

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis (OA) are insufficiently physically active, and alterations of facilitatory and inhibitory nociceptive signaling are common in this population. Our objective was to examine the association of these alterations in nociceptive signaling with objective accelerometer-based measures of physical activity in a large observational cohort. DESIGN: We used data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study. Measures of peripheral and central pain sensitivity included pressure pain threshold at the knee and mechanical temporal summation at the wrist, respectively. The presence of descending pain inhibition was assessed by conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Physical activity was quantitatively assessed over 7 days using a lower back-worn activity monitor. Summary metrics included steps/day, activity intensity, and sedentary time. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of pain sensitivity and the presence of descending pain inhibition with physical activity measures. RESULTS: Data from 1873 participants was analyzed (55.9% female, age = 62.8 ± 10.0 years). People having greater peripheral and central sensitivity showed lower step counts. CPM was not significantly related to any of the physical activity measures, and none of the exposures were significantly related to sedentary time. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, greater peripheral and central sensitivity were associated with reduced levels of objectively-assessed daily step counts. Further research may investigate ways to modify or treat heightened pain sensitivity as a means to increase physical activity in older adults with knee OA.

Specific Association of Worry With Amyloid-ß But Not Tau in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety disorders and subsyndromal anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent in late life. Recent studies support that anxiety may be a neuropsychiatric symptom during preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that higher anxiety is associated with more rapid cognitive decline and progression to cognitive impairment. However, the associations of specific anxiety symptoms with AD pathologies and with co-occurring subjective and objective cognitive changes have not yet been established. METHODS: Baseline data from the A4 and Longitudinal Evaluation of Amyloid Risk and Neurodegeneration studies were analyzed. Older adult participants (n = 4,486) underwent assessments of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-6 item version [STAI]), and cerebral amyloid-beta (Aß; 18F-florbetapir) PET and a subset underwent tau (18F-flortaucipir) PET. Linear regressions estimated associations of Aß in a cortical composite and tau in the amygdala, entorhinal, and inferior temporal regions with STAI-Total and individual STAI item scores. Models adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, depression, Apolipoprotein ε4 genotype, and subjective and objective cognition (Cognitive Function Index-participant; Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite). RESULTS: Greater Aß deposition was significantly associated with higher STAI-Worry, adjusting for all covariates, but not with other STAI items or STAI-Total scores. In mediation analyses, the association of Aß with STAI-Worry was partially mediated by subjective cognition with a stronger direct effect. No associations were found for regional tau deposition with STAI-Total or STAI-Worry score. CONCLUSION: Greater worry was associated with Aß but not tau deposition, independent of subjective and objective cognition in cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults. These findings implicate worry as an early, specific behavioral marker and a possible therapeutic target in preclinical AD.

Aspalathin, a Primary Rooibos Flavonoid, Alleviates Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Inflammation by the Inhibition of FcεRI Signaling Pathway.

Mast cells are primary cells initiating allergic inflammation by the release of various allergic mediators, such as histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Aspalathin (ASP) is the predominant flavonoid found exclusively in rooibos, an herb that has been traditionally used in allergy relief therapy. In the present study, we investigated the beneficial effects of ASP on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation. For in vivo study, two well-known mast cell-mediated local and systemic allergic inflammation mouse models were used: passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and active systemic anaphylaxis mouse models (ASA). Oral administration of ASP dose-dependently suppressed immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated PCA responses evidenced by Evans blue extravasation, ear thickening, and mast cell degranulation. ASP also significantly mitigated ovalbumin-induced ASA responses, including hypothermia, histamine secretion, and the production of IgE and interleukin-4. Notably, ASP was more effective in suppressing allergic inflammation than nothofagin, another prominent flavonoid known as an anti-allergic component of rooibos. The regulatory mechanism of mast cell activation by ASP was clarified using mast cell line and primary cultured mast cells (RBL-2H3 and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells). ASP reduced IgE-stimulated mast cells degranulation and intracellular calcium influx by the inhibition of FcεRI signaling pathway (Lyn, Fyn, and Syk). Moreover, ASP reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions by inhibiting two major transcription factors, nuclear factor of activated T cells and nuclear factor-κB. Collectively, we proposed that ASP could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of mast cell-mediated allergic inflammatory diseases.

Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Osteosarcopenia in Patients with Acute Stroke: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of osteosarcopenia in patients with acute stroke. DESIGN: Overall, 224 patients within 2 weeks of having a stroke were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), modified Barthel Index (MBI), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and handgrip strength were recorded. Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis and sarcopenia were defined as having osteosarcopenia. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia was 46.9% and 50.9%, respectively. The prevalence of osteoporosis without sarcopenia, sarcopenia without osteoporosis, and osteosarcopenia was 18.3%, 22.3%, and 28.6%, respectively. The proportion of female sex (71.9%), median age, and NIHSS score were significantly higher, and mRS, BBS, MBI, FAC, and grip strength were significantly lower in patients with osteosarcopenia. Older age (≥65-years) (OR, 15.4), female sex (OR, 6.23), and lower BMI (<25 kg/m 2 ) (OR, 43.13) were independently associated with the likelihood of osteosarcopenia. CONCLUSION: Osteosarcopenia may occur in acute stroke survivors. Patients with osteosarcopenia have a significantly higher stroke severity and disability. A comprehensive diagnostic approach is imperative for osteosarcopenia, thereby facilitating implementation of optimal rehabilitative strategies.

Effects of Serious Games in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The rising prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has spurred interest in innovative cognitive rehabilitation approaches, including serious games. This review summarizes randomized clinical trials (RCTs) exploring the impact of serious games on MCI patients. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive data search using key terms such as "gamification," "digital therapy," "cognition," "mild cognitive impairment," and "Alzheimer's disease." We exclusively considered published RCTs, excluding animal studies and basic research. RESULTS: We identified eight RCTs. Four RCTs examined the effects of serious games using cognitive training for MCI patients. Notably, one study found that non-specific training (Nintendo Wii) significantly enhanced cognitive function and quality of life compared to cognition-specific computer training (CoTras). Among the remaining three RCTs, one specifically demonstrated that personalized serious game-based cognitive training yielded superior cognitive outcomes and reduced depressive symptoms. One RCT focused on serious games incorporating physical exercise, highlighting the effectiveness of kinetic-based exergaming in enhancing overall cognition. Three RCT focused on combined cognitive training and physical exercise. A double-blind RCT revealed that progressive resistance training or standalone physical exercise outperformed the combined approach in improving executive function and global cognition. Two additional RCTs reported positive outcomes, including improvements in cognitive function and electroencephalogram patterns associated with game-based interventions. CONCLUSION: Serious games, whether focusing on cognitive training, physical exercise, or a combination of both, have potential to improve cognitive and functional outcomes in individuals with MCI. Further research and standardization of protocols are needed to better understand the full potential of serious games in MCI.

Hispidulin Alleviates Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Airway Inflammation through FcεR1 and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Allergic asthma is a type 2 immune-response-mediated chronic respiratory disease. Mast cell activation influences the pathogenesis and exacerbation of allergic asthma. Therefore, the development of mast cell-targeting pharmacotherapy is important for managing allergic airway inflammation. We investigated the efficacy of hispidulin (HPD), natural flavone, in a mast-cell-mediated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation model. HPD alleviated symptoms of allergic asthma and decreased the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, type 2 inflammation, immune cell infiltration, and mast cell activation in the lung. Furthermore, in vivo analysis confirmed the efficacy of HPD through the evaluation of IgE-mediated allergic responses in a mast cell line. HPD treatment inhibited mast cell degranulation through inhibition of the FcεR1 signaling pathway and suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13) through suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The antioxidant effects of HPD in activated mast cells were identified through modulation of antioxidant enzymes and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, HPD may be a potential therapeutic candidate for allergic airway inflammation of asthma and acts by suppressing mast cell activation and oxidative stress.

Understanding the Korean Dialysis Cohort for Mineral, Vascular Calcification, and Fracture (ORCHESTRA) Study: Design, Method, and Baseline Characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a growing disease worldwide, including Korea. This is an important condition that affects patient outcome. To provide optimal management for mineral disturbance, vascular calcification, and bone disease in ESRD patients, the Korean dialysis cohort for mineral, vascular calcification, and fracture (ORCHESTRA) study was conducted by enrolling Korean dialysis patients. METHODS: Sixteen university-affiliated hospitals and one Veterans' Health Service Medical Center participated in this study. This prospective cohort study enrolled approximately 900 consecutive patients on dialysis between May 2019 and January 2021. Enrolled subjects were evaluated at baseline for demographic information, laboratory tests, radiologic imaging, and bone mineral densitometry (BMD) scans. After enrollment, regular assessments of the patients were performed, and their biospecimens were collected according to the study protocol. The primary outcomes were the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, invasive treatment for peripheral artery disease, and osteoporotic fractures. The secondary outcomes were hospitalization for cerebrovascular disease or progression of abdominal aortic calcification. Participants will be assessed for up to 3 years to determine whether primary or secondary outcomes occur. RESULTS: Between May 2019 and January 2021, all participating centers recruited 900 consecutive dialysis patients, including 786 undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and 114 undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). The mean age of the subjects was 60.4 ± 12.3 years. Males accounted for 57.7% of the total population. The mean dialysis vintage was 6.1 ± 6.0 years. The HD group was significantly older, had a longer dialysis vintage, and more comorbidities. Overall, the severity of vascular calcification was higher and the level of BMD was lower in the HD group than in the PD group. CONCLUSION: This nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort study focused on chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder and aimed to provide clinical evidence to establish optimal treatment guidelines for Asian dialysis patients.

Ethanol Extract of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Rhizomes Suppresses IgE-Mediated Mast Cell Activation and Anaphylaxis.

More than 20% of the world's population suffers from allergic diseases, including allergic asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis that severely reduce the patient's quality of life. The treatment of allergy has been developed, but there are still unmet needs. Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. is a traditional medicinal herb with beneficial bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-hypertension, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, and skin and liver (anti-hepatotoxic) protective actions. However, its anti-allergic effect has not been addressed. This study designed to investigate the pharmacological effect of an ethanol extract of A. brevipedunculata rhizomes (ABE) on mast cell and anaphylaxis models. For in vivo studies, we used ovalbumin-induced active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) and immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) models. In ASA model, oral administration of ABE (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) attenuated the anaphylactic responses, such as hypothermia, serum histamine, and IgE productions. In PCA model, ABE also suppressed the plasma extravasation and swelling. The underlying mechanisms of action were identified in various mast cell types. In vitro, ABE (10, 30, and 60 µg/mL) inhibited the release of essential allergic mediators, such as histamine and ß-hexosaminidase, in a concentration-dependent manner. ABE prevented the rapid increase in intracellular calcium levels induced by the DNP-HSA challenge. In addition, ABE downregulated the tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-4 by suppressing the activation of nuclear factor-κB. Collectively, this study is the first to identify the anti-allergic effect of ABE, suggesting that ABE is a promising candidate for treating allergic diseases.

An experimental and numerical study on adhesion force at the nanoscale.

Adhesion has attracted great interest in science and engineering especially in the field pertaining to nano-science because every form of physical contact is fundamentally a macroscopic observation of interactions between nano-asperities under the adhesion phenomenon. Despite its importance, no practical adhesion prediction model has been developed due to the complexity of examining contact between nano-asperities. Here, we scrutinized the contact phenomenon and developed a contact model, reflecting the physical sequence in which adhesion develops. For the first time ever, our model analyzes the adhesion force and contact properties, such as separation distance, contact location, actual contact area, and the physical deformation of the asperities, between rough surfaces. Through experiments using atomic force microscopy, we demonstrated a low absolute percentage error of 2.8% and 6.55% between the experimental and derived data for Si-Si and Mo-Mo contacts, respectively, and proved the accuracy and practicality of our model in the analysis of the adhesion phenomenon.