Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound derived from black cumin seeds, is renowned for its potent anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. Due to the stability challenges of TQ, it has predominantly been utilized in oil formulations. This study aimed to enhance the stability of TQ and investigated the impact of consuming insoluble fiber from black cumin seeds on restoring antioxidant function compromised by diabetes and improving hyperglycemia management.

Changes of marine environments due to human activities in coastal waters of Korea.

A comprehensive review of scholarly articles was conducted to examine the marine environmental changes in four representative bays in Korea. Cheonsu Bay experienced a reduction in water area to half of its original size due to the completion of dikes and related reclamation projects. Consequently, the flow environment and biota were altered, leading to increased organic pollution.

Profiling Bioactive Components of Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM) for Cartilage Protection and Its Protective Effect on Oxidative Stress in Human Chondrocytes.

The current study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of the natural eggshell membrane (NEM) and its protective effects against HO-induced oxidative stress in human chondrocytes (SW-1353). Bioactive components from NEM related to cartilage were profiled, consisting of 1.1 ± 0.

In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Black Cumin ( L.) Seeds Extract on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Raw264.7 Macrophages.

: This study evaluated the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of black cumin ( L.) seed extract (BCS extract) as a potential candidate for developing herbal formulations targeting metabolic disorders. We evaluated the BCS extract by assessing its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrohydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, levels of prostaglandin E (PGE) and nitric oxide (NO), and mRNA expression levels of key pro-inflammatory mediators.

Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Structural Analysis According to the Multi-Layered Structure of Polyethylene-Based Self-Reinforced Composites.

In this research, a self-reinforced composite material was manufactured using a single polyethylene material, and this self-reinforced composite material has excellent recyclability and is environmentally friendly compared to composite materials composed of other types of material, such as glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP). In this research, the manufactured self-reinforced composite material consists of an outer layer and an inner layer. To manufacture the outer layer, low density polyethylene (LDPE) films were laminated on high density polyethylene (HDPE) fabrics and knitted fabrics, and composite materials were prepared at various temperatures using hot stamping.

Anti-Osteoarthritic Effects of Antarctic Krill Oil in Primary Chondrocytes and a Surgical Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive cartilage destruction and synovitis; however, there are no approved disease-modifying OA drugs. Krill oil (KO) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties and alleviate joint pain in knee OA, indicating its potential to target the inflammatory mechanism of OA. Therefore, the anti-OA effects of KO were investigated in primary chondrocytes and a surgical rat model of knee OA.

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.

Estrogen Effects Differ Between Medium Maintenance and Replacement from Transcriptional and Clinical Perspectives in T47D Breast Cancer Cells.

Background/aim: Our most recent study revealed that the responsiveness of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+ BC) cells to estrogen or endocrine therapy can be altered by certain cell culture or ambient environmental conditions. Nevertheless, we were unable to investigate the relevant molecular mechanism and clinical relevance. Therefore, this study was planned as a follow-up.

Krill Oil's Protective Benefits against Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Photoaging in Hairless Mice and In Vitro Experiments.

Krill oil (KO) shows promise as a natural marine-derived ingredient for improving skin health. This study investigated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-wrinkle, and moisturizing effects on skin cells and UVB-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice. In vitro assays on HDF, HaCaT, and B16/F10 cells, as well as in vivo experiments on 60 hairless mice were conducted.

A New Culture Model for Enhancing Estrogen Responsiveness in HR+ Breast Cancer Cells through Medium Replacement: Presumed Involvement of Autocrine Factors in Estrogen Resistance.

Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+ BC) cells depend on estrogen and its receptor, ER. Due to this dependence, endocrine therapy (ET) such as aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment is now possible. However, ET resistance (ET-R) occurs frequently and is a priority in HR+ BC research.

Efficacy Confirmation Test of Black Cumin ( L.) Seeds Extract Using a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model.

To deal with the adverse effects associated with the use of currently available treatments for metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, there is a need to find an alternative drug compound. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of black cumin ( L.) seeds extract (BCS extract) for type 2 diabetes using a 45% Kcal-fed obese mouse model.

Fatal Brain Herniation in Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Despite its benign nature, chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) can be fatal if surgical intervention is delayed. Here, we report on bilateral chronic SDH in an 84-year-old man who died of duret hemorrhage in the brain stem and ischemia in the occipital and temporal lobes. We discuss the necessity for urgent surgical intervention to treat bilateral chronic SDH, and provide a review of the relevant literature.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Krill Oil on Obesity and Obesity-Induced Metabolic Syndromes in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

Obesity increases the risks of metabolic syndromes including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetic dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease. Dietary krill oil (KO) has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby being a therapeutic potential for obesity-induced metabolic syndromes. Thus, the effects of KO on lipid metabolic alteration were examined in a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice model.

A pilot study on the effect of formulation and individual muscle mass on vitamin C absorption in randomized clinical study.

The current study investigated that the vitamin C absorption in plasma depends on the individual muscle mass and the formulation including drinks (Vita 500), capsules, and tablets by using a randomized and double-blind clinical study. The volunteers were divided into two groups that depended on their muscle mass, including those whose muscle mass was greater than 40% ( 40%) and less than 40% muscle mass (<40%). Levels of vitamin C in blood plasma was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography by ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV).

Exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation for a post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis patient: A case report.

Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is an infamous sequela of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia leading to long-lasting respiratory problems and activity limitations. Pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial to improve the symptoms of lung fibrosis. We experienced a post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis patient who received a structured exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with ulcerative colitis that shows rectal sparing at initial diagnosis.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterised by mucosal inflammation from the rectum to its proximal area in a symmetric and continuous fashion. However, although uncommon, we encounter cases of UC with rectal sparing in the initial stage.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and clinical course for rectal sparing UC compared with typical UC.

Pneumonia-targeted lopinavir/ritonavir-based treatment for patients with COVID-19: an early-period retrospective single center observational study.

Background: Robust evidenced treatment strategy for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not been established yet. Early, targeted, comprehensive management approach can be essential.

Methods: A lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)-based antiviral treatment was administered to the patients with computed tomography (CT)-documented pneumonia.

Neuroprotective Effect and Antioxidant Potency of Fermented Cultured Wild Ginseng Root Extracts of C.A. Meyer in Mice.

Wild ginseng has better pharmacological effects than cultivated ginseng. However, its industrialization is limited by the inability to grow wild ginseng on a large scale. Herein, we demonstrate how to optimize ginseng production through cultivation, and how to enhance the concentrations of specific ginsenosides through fermentation.

Curcumin Attenuates Sarcopenia in Chronic Forced Exercise Executed Aged Mice by Regulating Muscle Degradation and Protein Synthesis with Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects.

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of spray dry powders of containing 40% curcumin (CM-SD), as a new aqueous curcumin formula, on sarcopenia in chronic forced exercise executed 10 month old ICR mice. CM-SD (80 and 40 mg/kg) increased calf thicknesses and strengths, total body and calf protein amounts, and muscle weights in both gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. mRNA expressions regarding muscle growth and protein synthesis were induced, while those of muscle degradation significantly declined in CM-SD treatment.

Curcumin Ameliorated Oxidative Stress and Inflammation-Related Muscle Disorders in C2C12 Myoblast Cells.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of spray dry powder containing 40% curcumin (CM-SD) in C2C12 myoblast cells. CM-SD increased DPPH radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner, and up to 30 μg/mL of CM-SD did not express cytotoxicity in C2C12 cells. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide (HO) drastically decreased the viability of C2C12 cells, but pre-treatment of CM-SD significantly increased the cell viability ( < 0.

Physicochemical properties and bioavailability of naturally formulated fat-soluble vitamins extracted from agricultural products for complementary use for natural vitamin supplements.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties, digestive stability, storage stability, and intestinal absorption of formulated natural vitamins (FNV) by mixing fat-soluble vitamins extracted from agricultural products with their synthetic vitamin (SYNV) counterparts using a 6 to 4 ratio (w:w, dry weight). The FNV A, D, E, and K were evenly dispersed without crystal growth in the dispersion specifications for the functional tablet foods. The FNV A, D, E, and K had 89, 73, 65, and 36% of the digestive recovery, respectively, which was comparable to that of the SYNV.

Effect of Rhizopus nigricans (Rhizopus stolonifera)-based novel starter culture on quality and safety attributes of doenjang, a traditional Korean soybean fermented food product.

We aimed to develop a consortium of starter culture of effective microorganisms to prepare doenjang, a traditional Korean fermented food. Different ratios of Bacillus subtilis TKSP 24 (B), Aspergillus oryzae complex (A), Rhizopus nigricans (also named as Rhizopus stolonifera) (R), and Mucor racemosus 15 (M15) were selected as meju starter cultures to produce doenjang with improved quality. Microbial strain combinations (B: A: R and B: M15: R) were mixed separately at three different ratios [1:1:1 (w/w), 1:0.

Routine low-dose calcium supplementation after thyroidectomy does not reduce the rate of symptomatic hypocalcemia: a prospective randomized trial.

Purpose: Routine supplementation of high-dose calcium significantly decreased the risk of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether the same results can be achieved with low-dose calcium supplementation.

Methods: Patients (n = 138) who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer were 1:1 randomly assigned to receive oral supplements of 1,500 mg/day elemental calcium and 1,000 IU/day cholecalciferol for 2 weeks or no supplementation.