BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Quercetin (QT) is a plant flavonoid that offers health benefits owing to its various bioactive properties; however, as a hydrophobic substance, it has considerably low bioavailability. We previously demonstrated that QT nanoemulsion (QT+NE) formulated via oil-in-water nanoemulsification exhibited more effective cholesterollowering activity than ordinary QT in high cholesterol-fed rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of QT+NE on the regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in high-fat diet (HD)-fed mice.MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet (ND), HD (45% of calories from fat), or HD with 0.05% QT+NE or QT for 11 weeks. We analyzed sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation, mitochondrial changes, and the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Body weight and body weight gain decreased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the HD group (P < 0.05), but not in the QT group. Epididymal adipose tissue weight decreased in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). Plasma lipid levels also improved in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). QT+NE intake upregulated the messenger RNA levels of SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A in skeletal muscle compared with HD intake alone (P < 0.05), whereas QT did not. In particular, SIRT1 activity was significantly increased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the QT group (P < 0.05).HD intake reduced mitochondrial DNA content compared with ND intake; nevertheless, QT+NE intake retained it (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggest that QT+NE may be beneficial in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle of HD-fed mice, which may be associated with SIRT1 activation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Quercetin (QT) is a plant flavonoid that offers health benefits owing to its various bioactive properties; however, as a hydrophobic substance, it has considerably low bioavailability. We previously demonstrated that QT nanoemulsion (QT+NE) formulated via oil-in-water nanoemulsification exhibited more effective cholesterollowering activity than ordinary QT in high cholesterol-fed rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of QT+NE on the regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in high-fat diet (HD)-fed mice.MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet (ND), HD (45% of calories from fat), or HD with 0.05% QT+NE or QT for 11 weeks. We analyzed sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation, mitochondrial changes, and the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Body weight and body weight gain decreased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the HD group (P < 0.05), but not in the QT group. Epididymal adipose tissue weight decreased in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). Plasma lipid levels also improved in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). QT+NE intake upregulated the messenger RNA levels of SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A in skeletal muscle compared with HD intake alone (P < 0.05), whereas QT did not. In particular, SIRT1 activity was significantly increased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the QT group (P < 0.05).HD intake reduced mitochondrial DNA content compared with ND intake; nevertheless, QT+NE intake retained it (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggest that QT+NE may be beneficial in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle of HD-fed mice, which may be associated with SIRT1 activation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Quercetin (QT) is a plant flavonoid that offers health benefits owing to its various bioactive properties; however, as a hydrophobic substance, it has considerably low bioavailability. We previously demonstrated that QT nanoemulsion (QT+NE) formulated via oil-in-water nanoemulsification exhibited more effective cholesterollowering activity than ordinary QT in high cholesterol-fed rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of QT+NE on the regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in high-fat diet (HD)-fed mice.MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet (ND), HD (45% of calories from fat), or HD with 0.05% QT+NE or QT for 11 weeks. We analyzed sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation, mitochondrial changes, and the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Body weight and body weight gain decreased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the HD group (P < 0.05), but not in the QT group. Epididymal adipose tissue weight decreased in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). Plasma lipid levels also improved in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). QT+NE intake upregulated the messenger RNA levels of SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A in skeletal muscle compared with HD intake alone (P < 0.05), whereas QT did not. In particular, SIRT1 activity was significantly increased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the QT group (P < 0.05).HD intake reduced mitochondrial DNA content compared with ND intake; nevertheless, QT+NE intake retained it (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggest that QT+NE may be beneficial in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle of HD-fed mice, which may be associated with SIRT1 activation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Quercetin (QT) is a plant flavonoid that offers health benefits owing to its various bioactive properties; however, as a hydrophobic substance, it has considerably low bioavailability. We previously demonstrated that QT nanoemulsion (QT+NE) formulated via oil-in-water nanoemulsification exhibited more effective cholesterollowering activity than ordinary QT in high cholesterol-fed rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of QT+NE on the regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in high-fat diet (HD)-fed mice.MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet (ND), HD (45% of calories from fat), or HD with 0.05% QT+NE or QT for 11 weeks. We analyzed sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation, mitochondrial changes, and the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Body weight and body weight gain decreased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the HD group (P < 0.05), but not in the QT group. Epididymal adipose tissue weight decreased in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). Plasma lipid levels also improved in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). QT+NE intake upregulated the messenger RNA levels of SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A in skeletal muscle compared with HD intake alone (P < 0.05), whereas QT did not. In particular, SIRT1 activity was significantly increased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the QT group (P < 0.05).HD intake reduced mitochondrial DNA content compared with ND intake; nevertheless, QT+NE intake retained it (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggest that QT+NE may be beneficial in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle of HD-fed mice, which may be associated with SIRT1 activation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Quercetin (QT) is a plant flavonoid that offers health benefits owing to its various bioactive properties; however, as a hydrophobic substance, it has considerably low bioavailability. We previously demonstrated that QT nanoemulsion (QT+NE) formulated via oil-in-water nanoemulsification exhibited more effective cholesterollowering activity than ordinary QT in high cholesterol-fed rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of QT+NE on the regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in high-fat diet (HD)-fed mice.MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet (ND), HD (45% of calories from fat), or HD with 0.05% QT+NE or QT for 11 weeks. We analyzed sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation, mitochondrial changes, and the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Body weight and body weight gain decreased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the HD group (P < 0.05), but not in the QT group. Epididymal adipose tissue weight decreased in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). Plasma lipid levels also improved in both the QT and QT+NE groups (P < 0.05). QT+NE intake upregulated the messenger RNA levels of SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A in skeletal muscle compared with HD intake alone (P < 0.05), whereas QT did not. In particular, SIRT1 activity was significantly increased in the QT+NE group compared with that in the QT group (P < 0.05).HD intake reduced mitochondrial DNA content compared with ND intake; nevertheless, QT+NE intake retained it (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggest that QT+NE may be beneficial in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle of HD-fed mice, which may be associated with SIRT1 activation.

Background: Numerous studies have examined the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and clarithromycin (CLA) resistance rate of H. pylori. However, in South Korea, there is a lack of research analyzing specimens from local clinics and hospitals using molecular methods. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of H. pylori infection and CLA resistance across sex and age groups, as well as to explore regional variations in CLA resistance and its characteristics. Methods: Data from a laboratory information system from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and CLA resistance rate. The 23S ribosomal RNA genes of H. pylori were analyzed using a dual priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction method. Results: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 50.5%(12,000/23,773), with a significantly higher prevalence among males (53.5%) than females (47.0%). The CLA resistance rate was 28.3%, with a significantly higher rate among females (34.9%) than males (23.8%). Age group analysis revealed that the highest prevalence of H. pylori infection was among individuals in their 40s, whereas the highest CLA resistance rate was observed among those in their 60s. The CLA resistance rate exhibited an upward trend and varied among patients based on their place of residence, and A2143G mutation was the most prevalent across all regions. Conclusion The prevalence of H. pylori infection and CLA resistance rate in Korea remain high and vary according to sex, age, and region. To effectively eradicate H. pylori, it is crucial to periodically monitor regional CLA resistance patterns and conduct CLA susceptibility testing before prescription.

Pain accompanied by depressive symptoms is a common reason for seeking medical assistance, and many chronic pain patients experience comorbid depression. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a well-known neurotrophin expressed throughout the nervous system, playing a crucial role in neuronal growth and neuroplasticity. This study aimed to examine the effects of exercise on BDNF expression in the nervous system and reserpine (RSP)-induced pain-depression dyad. RSP (1 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered once daily for three days in mice.The exercise was performed using a rota-rod tester for seven consecutive days following RSP administration. Pain responses were evaluated using von Frey filaments, and depression-like behaviors were assessed through forced swimming and open field tests. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to examine the changes in BDNF expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord, and hippocampus. Administration of RSP reduced mechanical paw withdrawal threshold, increased immobility time in the forced swimming test, and decreased movement in the open field test. The immunoreactivity of BDNF was increased in the DRG and spinal dorsal regions, and decreased in the hippocampus after RSP administration. Physical exercise significantly reduced the RSP-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and depression-like behaviors. In addition, exercise suppressed not only the increased expression of BDNF in the DRG and spinal dorsal regions but also the decreased expression of BDNF in the hippocampus induced by RSP administration. These findings suggest that repetitive exercise could serve as an effective and non-invasive treatment option for individuals experiencing both pain and depression by modulating BDNF expression.

Objectives: The Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Panbio COVID-19 Ag, Abbott Rapid Diagnostics) is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay targeting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleoprotein in nasopharyngeal specimens for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to verify the performance of the Panbio COVID-19 Ag for implementation in clinical laboratories. Methods: Sixty nasopharyngeal swab specimens (30 positive and 30 negative) dipped in transport medium, and COVID-19 was confirmed using real-time RT-PCR using Allplex SARS-CoV-2 assay (Seegene), were tested using the Panbio COVID-19 Ag. Reproducibility was evaluated using positive and negative control materials. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on the results of realtime RT-PCR as the standard test method. Results: Reproducibility was confirmed by the consistent results of repeated tests of the quality control materials. The overall sensitivity and specificity of Panbio COVID-19 Ag were 50.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Panbio COVID-19 Ag demonstrated high sensitivity (88.2%) in analyzing the detection limit cycle threshold (Ct) value of 26.67 provided by the manufacturer as a positive criterion, and the sensitivity was 100.0% for the positive criterion of Ct values <25, although it was less sensitive for Ct ≥ 25. Conclusion Considering the high sensitivity for positive samples with Ct values <25 and the rapid turnaround of results, Panbio COVID-19 Ag can be used in clinical laboratories to diagnose COVID-19 in limited settings.

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) inhibits the catalysis of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and the degradation of substance P (SP) and bradykinin (BK). While the possible relationship between ACEi and SP in nociceptive mice was recently suggested, the effect of ACEi on signal transduction in astrocytes remains unclear. Objectives: This study examined whether ACE inhibition with captopril or enalapril modulates the levels of SP and BK in primary cultured astrocytes and whether this change modulates PKC isoforms (PKCα, PKCβI, and PKCε) expression in cultured astrocytes. Methods: Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed to examine the changes in the levels of SP and BK and the expression of the PKC isoforms in primary cultured astrocytes, respectively. Results: The treatment of captopril or enalapril increased the immunoreactivity of SP and BK significantly in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cultured astrocytes. These increases were suppressed by a pretreatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme.In addition, treatment with captopril increased the expression of the PKCβI isoform in cultured astrocytes, while there were no changes in the expression of the PKCα and PKCε isoforms after the captopril treatment. The captopril-induced increased expression of the PKCβI isoform was inhibited by a pretreatment with the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, L-733,060, the BK B 1 receptor antagonist, R 715, or the BK B 2 receptor antagonist, HOE 140. Conclusions These results suggest that ACE inhibition with captopril or enalapril increases the levels of SP and BK in cultured astrocytes and that the activation of SP and BK receptors mediates the captopril-induced increase in the expression of the PKCβI isoform.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important cause of healthcare-associated infections and is resistant to almost all antimicrobial agents, with strains recently reported to be resistant to colsitin. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors associated with colistin-resistant A. baumanniiinfections by comparing colistin-resistant and -susceptible A. baumannii isolates. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 51 and 100 cases in which colistinresistant and -susceptible A. baumannii were isolated, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that compared with patients with colistin-sensitive infections, patients with colistinresistant A. baumanni infections had a combined pulmonary disease (P = 0.017), were admitted to intensive care unit (P = 0.020), and had prior mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003), tracheostomy (P = 0.043), percutaneous drainage (P= 0.070), hemodialysis (P = 0.002); use of colistin (P = 0.000), carbapenem (P = 0.000), and teicoplanin (P = 0.004); and co-infection (P = 0.035). Multivariate analysis indicated that eight variables were related to the likelihood of colistin-resistant A. baumanni infections: use of teicoplanin (Odds ratio [OR]: 3.140, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.529–18.650), prior hemodialysis (OR: 2.722, 95% CI: 0.851–8.709), combined pulmonary disease (OR: 2.286, 95% CI: 0.998–5.283), prior use of carbapenem (OR: 0.199, 95% CI: 0.863–5.603), co-infection (OR: 1.706, 95% CI: 0.746–3.898), prior mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.614, 95% CI, 0.684–3.809), intensive care unit admission (OR: 1.387, 95% CI: 0.560–3.435), and prior tracheostomy (OR: 1.102, 95% CI: 0.344–3.527); however, no statistical differences were observed. Although colistin use could not be proven in multivariate analysis, the possibility of being a risk factor cannot be ruled out.