• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Purpose: Obesity is associated with alterations in vitamin D metabolism and elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Increased PTH level in obesity is likely one of the factors contributing to the dysregulation of vitamin D metabolism. We investigated the effects of lowering the PTH level in high-fat diet-induced obese mice on vitamin D metabolism. Methods: Five-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were fed either with control (10% energy as fat) or high-fat (60% energy as fat) diets ad libitum for 12 weeks, and vehicle or cinacalcet HCl (30 ㎍/g body weight) was gavaged daily during the final week of the experiment. The following groups were studied: CON (control diet + vehicle), HFD (high-fat diet + vehicle), and HFD-CIN (high-fat diet + cinacalcet HCl). PTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]₂D), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), calcium, and phosphate levels in circulation, and the expression of genes related to vitamin D metabolism in the liver and kidneys were determined. Results: Renal 1α-hydroxylase expression in the HFD group was higher than that in the CON group despite the lack of a difference in the PTH levels between the 2 groups. The plasma PTH level in the HFD-CIN group was 60% lower than that in the HFD group (p < 0.05). In parallel, the HFD-CIN group had lower adipose tissue amount (9% lower), renal 1α-hydroxylase expression (48% lower), and plasma 1,25(OH)₂D concentration (38% lower) than the HFD group. Conclusion: Lowering the PTH levels in high-fat diet-induced obese mice recovered the expression of renal 1α-hydroxylase and might be associated with lower amounts of white adipose tissue.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.389-396
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• 2003

Maternal nutritional status has been shown to influence pregnancy outcomes. And the elevated maternal plasma homocysteine concentrations have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We investigated the effects of maternal serum levels of B vitamins and homocysteine, and the C677T MTHFR (5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) polymorphism on pregnancy outcomes. In 177 pregnant women of 24-28 wks of gestation, the MTHFR gene mutation, serum B vitamins and homocysteine concentrations were measured, and their pregnancy outcomes were investigated from medical records. The birth length, and 1- and 5-min Apgar scores of neonates in the T/T mothers were 45.4 $\pm$ 9.3 cm, 7.6 $\pm$ 3.2 and 8.5 $\pm$ 3.8, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the C/T (48.6 $\pm$ 3.3 cm, 9.0 $\pm$ 0.2, 10.0 $\pm$ 0.2) or the C/C mothers (49.4 $\pm$ 1.9 cm, 9.0 $\pm$ 0.2, 10.0 $\pm$ 0.0). The birth weight, birth length and the gestational age of neonates at delivery from hyperhomocysteinemic mothers whose homocysteine levels higher than 15 $\mu$ mol were 2.5 $\pm$ 1.3 kg, 43.9 $\pm$ 9.0 cm, 35.4 $\pm$ 6.3 wk, respectively, which were significant lower than those from normohomocysteinemic mothers (3.1 $\pm$ 0.6 kg, 48.8 $\pm$ 3.6 cm, 38.5 $\pm$ 2.5 wk). The birth weight and birth length of neonates in mothers whose PLP levels were below the median were significantly lower than those from mothers with the PLP levels above the median. The 1- and 5-min Apgar scores of neonates were lower in mothers with the T/T MTHFR genotype than those with the C/T or C/C only when the serum PLP levels were below the median. The 1-, 5 min Apgar scores and birth length of neonates were lower in mothers with the T/T MTHFR genotype than those with the C/T or C/C only when the serum FMN levels were below the median. In conclusion, maternal B vitamin status, homocysteine and the C677T MTHFR genotype seem to have played an important role on pregnancy outcomes.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2014

This study investigated the influence of different durations of aerobic exercise on fuel utilization, lactate levels and antioxidative status in trained rats. Forty rats underwent physical training (T, n = 20) or non- training (NT, n = 20) for 6 weeks. For physical training, animals exercised on a treadmill for 30 min 5 days per week. At the end of week 6, the animals in each group were subdivided into BE, DE-0.5, DE-1 and DE-2, which were sacrificed at the end of week 6 without having performed exercise or after exercise on a treadmill for 0.5h, 1h and 2h, respectively, immediately before being sacrificed. The plasma glucose level in DE-2 of the NT group was significantly lower than in the other groups. Muscle and liver glycogen levels were significantly lower in DE-1 and DE-2, but there were no significant differences between DE-1 and DE-2 in the T group. Liver protein in DE-2 of the NT group was significantly lower. Muscle TG levels were decreased in DE-0.5 of the T group, while those of the NT group were decreased in DE-1. FFA levels were increased in DE-0.5 of the T group and in DE-1 of the NT group. Lactate levels were increased in DE-0.5 of the NT group, while they were increased in DE-1 of the T group. Catalase activity of the T group was lower in BE but higher in DE-0.5, DE-1 and DE-2. SOD activities were higher in trained rats, while the GSH/GSSG ratios were higher in BE, DE-0.5 and DE-1 in the T group, and there was no difference in that of DE-2. There were no differences in MDA levels in BE and DE-0.5, but they were significantly lower in DE-1 and DE-2 of the T group. Overall, the results of this study, suggest that training may improve exercise performance by facilitating the mobilization and oxidation of fat and conserving limited carbohydrate storage, and that it may delay the onset of fatigue and enhance the antioxidative defense system, but cannot support two hours of vigorous exercise.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.411-419
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• 2012

The present study was to investigate the effects of Lycii Cortex Radicis (LCR), the root bark of lycium (Lycium chenese Miller) and ginger (Gin) on body lipid status and serum levels of cytokines. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats weighing $193.6{\pm}16.8g$ were divided into five groups, including one low fat (LF) and four high fat groups, i.e. HF-Control, HF-LCR, HF-Gin and HF-LCR + Gin groups. Diets for HF-LCR, HF-Gin and HF-LCR + Gin groups contained purified extracts having 0.2 g LCR tyramine, ginerol and 0.1 g tyramine plus 0.02 g gingerol per kg, respectively. Compared with those of the HF-Control total serum cholesterol level decreased, and HDL-cholesterol level increased in the HF-LCR group and serum triglyceride levels decreased in the three experimental groups fed the purified extracts. Liver cholesterol level was lower in the HF-LCR group than the HF-Control group, but triglyceride levels, which were increased by high fat diets were not changed by significantly by LCR or ginger extracts. Fecal lipid excretion was higher in the HF-LCR and HF-Gin groups, but cholesterol excretion was lower in the HF-Gin group than in the HF-Control group. The activities of liver cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme were lower in the HF-LCR + Gin group than in the HF-Control group. Serum adiponectin levels did not differ among the five groups, while leptin level was lower in the HF-Gin group and C-reactive protein levels were lower in the HF-Gin and the HF-LCR + Gin groups than in the HF-Control group. It is concluded that LCR can be utilized as an ingredient for lipid-lowering functional foods in the form of purified extract and addition of small amount of ginger extract would be useful for reducing one of the inflammatory cytokines to help prevent atherosclerosis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.330-339
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• 2002

Fifty one Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes in their last two months of gestation were selected. After parturition, rectal examination of reproductive organs was carried out until the occurrence of the first oestrus (PEI). Milk samples were analyzed for milk progesterone levels (MPL). Ovulation (POI) was confirmed by rectal palpation and MPL. Feed and blood samples were collected fortnightly and analyzed. Body condition score (BCS) was recorded on a scale of 0 to 5. Crude protein (CP) intake varied among different seasons and correlated positively with serum urea levels, POI (p<0.01) and PEI (p<0.05). Excess CPI was lower in the group showing oestrus as compared to those remaining as anoestrus (p<0.05). The dietary ratio of crude protein - metabolizable energy (CP:ME) in the oestrus animals was narrow and constant, while the anoestrus animals had a widely fluctuating one. In normal breeding season (NBS) calvers, mean serum urea level (SUL) was lower than the low breeding season (LBS) calvers. SUL was positively correlated with PEI and POI (p<0.01). Up to six months postpartum, SUL were constantly higher in anoestrus than oestrus buffaloes. Mean metabolizable energy (ME) intake was lower in the NBS calvers than the LBS calvers (p<0.01). BCS and postpartum ovulation interval were correlated with ME intake (p<0.01). Prepartum ME intake was higher in oestrous as compared to anoestrous animals (p<0.05). Higher and lower ME intakes were associated with anoestrus, while a moderate energy intake was associated with a PEI of less than 75 days. Buffaloes with poor BCS belonged to the LBS calving group and most of the NBS calving buffaloes had good BCS. BCS was negatively correlated with PEI (p<0.01) and was higher in oestrous buffaloes than anestrus. It was concluded that excess intake of crude protein, associated with higher serum urea levels and low energy intake, associated with poor body condition, are the key factors for low reproductive efficiency. It may be corrected by adopting a proper feeding strategy.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.244-253
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• 2022

Background: The indiscriminate use of pesticides in Nigeria may have harmful effects on reproductive health of farmers. Objectives: This study assessed the awareness of reproductive health, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and sperm characteristics of male farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides. Methods: Eighty four male farmers were recruited for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic data. Blood and semen samples were collected from the subjects in the morning for hormonal assays and semen analysis using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and SQAV sperm quality analyzer. Data were analyzed using chi square, Student's-t-test, and Regression analysis. Results: Serum FSH (p<0.01), LH (p<0.005) and Estradiol (p<0.001) were significantly higher while prolactin (p<0.02) and testosterone (p<0.001) were significantly lower among pesticides exposed farmers than nonexposed subjects. Some 34/84 (40.5%) of the pesticides exposed farmers had serum testosterone levels below the lower limit of the reference range. Those with low testosterone levels (p<0.001), also had FSH (p<0.05), LH (p<0.001) and Estradiol (p<0.002) significantly lower than those with normal testosterone levels. The sperm count among pesticides exposed farmers; total motility and percentage morphology were significantly lower than non-pesticides exposed subjects. Some 14/84 (16.7%) of the pesticides exposed farmers had sperm count below 15 million/mL (oligozoospermia). More than 70% of the farmers were not aware of the reproductive health risks associated with pesticides and only 23.8% of the farmers were using protective devices. Conclusions: Deliberate efforts to improve awareness, knowledge, personal hygiene, and interventions necessary to lessen both pesticides exposure and health risks by adopting safe practices are suggested.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.376-388
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• 2024

Purpose: Adipocyte dysfunction has been reported in diabetes, and stimulating thermogenesis and suppressing senescence in adipocytes potentially alleviates metabolic dysregulation. This study aimed to investigate thermogenesis and cellular senescence in diabetic adipocytes under basal conditions and in response to stimuli. Methods: White and brown primary adipocytes derived from control (CON) and db/db (DB) mice were treated with β-agonists, such as norepinephrine (NE) and CL316,243, and 18-carbon fatty acids, including stearic acid, oleic acid (OLA), linoleic acid (LNA), and α-linolenic acid, and the expression of the genes related to thermogenesis and cellular senescence was measured. Results: Although no difference in the thermogenic and cellular senescence gene expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) was noted between the CON and DB mice, brown adipose tissue (BAT) from the DB mice exhibited lower uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) expression and higher cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (Cdkn)1a and Cdkn2a expression levels compared to that from the CON mice. Stromal vascular cells isolated from the BAT of the DB mice displayed higher peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (Cebpa), Cdkn1a, and Cdkn2a expression levels. White adipocytes from the DB mice exhibited lower Ucp1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (Pgc1a), and PR domain containing 16 (Prdm16) expression levels regardless of β-agonist treatment. NE upregulated Pgc1a in both white and brown adipocytes from the CON mice, but not in those from the DB mice. Although none of the fatty acids were observed to downregulate the cellular senescence genes in fully differentiated adipocytes, the OLA-treated brown adipocytes derived from DB mice exhibited lower Cdkn1a and Cdkn2b expression levels than the LNA-treated cells. Conclusion: These results indicate that the lower thermogenic capacity of diabetic adipocytes may be related to their cellular senescence, and different fatty acids potentially exert divergent effects on the expression of cellular senescence genes.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.261-271
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for practical HACCP training. A survey was conducted and analysed on 46 contract foodservices: 13 "Appointed" foodservices (appointed by Korean Food & Drug Administration), 17 "Voluntary Applying" foodservices (voluntarily applied HACCP, but not appointed), 16 "Non-applying" foodservices (not applied HACCP). Hygiene knowledge and recognition on job performance levels for HACCP application for 46 dieticians and 361 employees were surveyed. According to the survey, 61.5% of the "Appointed" dieticians took HACCP training from outside the company, 58.8% of "Voluntary Applying" dieticians took in-house HACCP training, and 62.4% of "Non-applying" dieticians have not taken any HACCP training. As for the comparison of hygiene knowledge, total mean of employees (6.38) showed significantly lower average than that of the dieticians (7.82) (p<0.001). From the result for recognition on job performance levels, total mean of dieticians (3.91) indicated generally good performance while employees (3.41) (p<0.001) showed considerably lower recognition. Hygiene knowledge and recognition on job performance levels of both dieticians and employees showed considerably close correlation (p<0.01 or p<0.05).

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.147-151
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• 2002

Purpose: To compare the standard deviation of gray levels on digital subtracted images obtained by different dental subtraction programs. Materials and Methods: Paired periapical films were taken at the lower premolar and molar areas of the phantoms involving human mandible. The bite registration group used Rinn XCP equipment and bite registration material, based on polyvinyl siloxane, for standardization. The no bite registration group used only Rinn XCP equipment. The periapical film images were digitized at 1200 dpi resolution and 256 gray levels by a flat bed scanner with transparency unit. Dental digital subtraction programs used for this study were Subtractor (Biomedisys Co., Korea) and Emago (Oral Diagnostic Systems, The Netherlands). To measure the similarities between the subtracted images, the standard deviations of the gray levels were obtained using a histogram of subtracted images, which were then analyzed statistically. Results: Subtracted images obtained by using the Emago program without manual selection of corresponding points showed the lowest standard deviation of gray levels (p<0.01). And the standard deviation of gray levels was lower in subtracted images in the group of a bite registration than in the group of no use of bite registration (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Digital radiographic subtraction without manual selection of reference points was found to be a convenient and superior method.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.405-415
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• 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study is to comprehensively summarize endotoxin levels reported in operations using metalworking fluids(MWFs). Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted of studies reporting endotoxin levels in processes using metalworking fluids. Keyword search terms included 'metalworking fluids', 'machining fluids', 'metalworking operation', 'machining operation' and 'endotoxin', which were used in combination. Results: A total of ten manuscripts were found to report on airborne endotoxin levels from metalworking operations in the automobile industry. Polycarbonate(PC), polyvinyl chloride(PVC) and mixed cellulose ester(MCE) were used to collect airborne endotoxin. Limulus Amebocyte Lysate was mainly used to quantify endotoxin amount. The levels of airborne endotoxin reviewed varied considerably, ranging from < $4EU/m^3$ to $790EU/m^3$, which was found to be far lower than those from cotton and potato processing plants, sawmills, and poultry farms. Several studies assumed that exposure to endotoxin could be a causative agent of respiratory diseases. Conclusions: Inhalation endotoxin exposure levels reported from metalworking operations were found to be lower than those from industries handling organic materials, even though it could be considered as a possible cause for several respiratory diseases.