Interaction between blood cadmium and lead concentration and physical activity on hypertension from the Korean national health and nutrition examination survey in 2008-2013.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that blood Cd, Pb exposure, and physical activity levels may influence the development of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood Cd, Pb levels, and hypertension by the level of physical activity in Korean adults using The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

Methods: We used data from the KNHANES (2008-2013), a nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based study.

The in vitro and in vivo efficacy of CT-P59 against Gamma, Delta and its associated variants of SARS-CoV-2.

The SARS-CoV-2 variant is rapidly spreading across the world and causes to resurge infections. We previously reported that CT-P59 presented its in vivo potency against Beta variants, despite its reduced activity in cell experiments. Yet, it remains uncertain to exert the antiviral effect of CT-P59 on Gamma, Delta and its associated variants (L452R).

Therapeutic effect of CT-P59 against SARS-CoV-2 South African variant.

The global circulation of newly emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 is a new threat to public health due to their increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Moreover, currently available vaccines and therapeutic antibodies were shown to be less effective against new variants, in particular, the South African (SA) variant, termed 501Y.V2 or B.

A therapeutic neutralizing antibody targeting receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Vaccines and therapeutics are urgently needed for the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we screen human monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein via antibody library constructed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a convalescent patient. The CT-P59 mAb potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 isolates including the D614G variant without antibody-dependent enhancement effect.

The complete chloroplast genome of (Ranunculaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of , a species of the family, was characterized from the assembly of HiSeq (Illumina Co.) paired-end sequencing data. The chloroplast genome of was 155,292 bp in length, with a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,120 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,342 bp, and a pair of identical inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26,415 bp.

Improvement of a GC-MS analytical method for the simultaneous detection of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP in food.

Chloropropanols such as 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol (1,3-DCP) are produced by heat treatment in the presence of fat and hydrochloric acid during the manufacture of food stuffs such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein and soy sauce. 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP have been detected in several foods. An efficient, highly selective GC-MS method was developed to determine the concentration of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP in food.

Monitoring of the amphetamine-like substances in dietary supplements by LC-PDA and LC-MS/MS.

Recently, amphetamine-like substances derived from the β-phenylethylamine core structure have been detected in dietary supplements. Especially, β-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA), an amphetamine isomer, has been found in dietary supplements labeled as containing . The U.

The complete chloroplast genome of (Campanulaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of was determined by next generation sequencing. The total length of chloroplast genome of was 169,447 bp long, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 85,253 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 8060 bp, and a pair of identical inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 38,067 bp. A total of 110 genes was annotated, resulting in 79 protein-coding genes, 27 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes.

A 43 MHz Low-Field Benchtop H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Method to Discriminate Perilla Oil Authenticity.

The aim of this study was to discriminate the authenticity of perilla oils distributed in Korea using their H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra acquired by a 43 MHz low-field benchtop NMR spectrometer. Significant differences existed in the integration values of all 6 peaks found in the spectrum between authentic and adulterated perilla oil samples. The integration values of 4 peaks that signify the methylene protons present in all fatty acids (FA) and allylic or olefinic protons present in all unsaturated FA were the best variables for establishing perilla oil authenticity.

A rapid real-time PCR method to differentiate between mottled skate (Beringraja pulchra) and other skate and ray species.

Skates and rays are commercially important fish in South Korea, and among them, Beringraja pulchra has the highest economic value. However, the similar morphological traits among skates and rays are often exploited for seafood fraud. Here, we designed both Beringraja pulchra-specific and skate-universal primer sets, capable of detecting short sequences in the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene, and developed highly sensitive and reliable quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays to differentiate between Beringraja pulchra and other skate and ray species.

Identification and structural elucidation of a new sildenafil analogue, dithiopropylcarbodenafil, from a premixed powder intended as a dietary supplement.

A new sildenafil analogue was detected during the monitoring of a premixed powder intended as a dietary supplement. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of the unknown compound was similar to that of dithiodesmethylcarbodenafil and dithiodesethylcarbodenafil, although their corresponding HPLC peaks were observed at different retention times. The chemical structure of the unknown compound was characterized by liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS), followed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy.

Modern analytical methods for the detection of food fraud and adulteration by food category.

This review provides current information on the analytical methods used to identify food adulteration in the six most adulterated food categories: animal origin and seafood, oils and fats, beverages, spices and sweet foods (e.g. honey), grain-based food, and others (organic food and dietary supplements).

Recapitulation of Candidate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Associated Variants in Koreans.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Although the etiology of SLE remains unclear, it is widely accepted that genetic factors could be involved in its pathogenesis. A number of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of SLE in diverse populations.

Specific PCR assays to determine bovine, porcine, fish and plant origin of gelatin capsules of dietary supplements.

Gelatin, a purified protein derived mostly from pig skin and bovine tissue, is used widely in both food and pharmaceutical industries. Here, to determine the species of origin of capsule gelatin, we developed a sensitive and reliable test using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, which included 1) species-specific or universal primer sets, designed to detect short 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences from cow, pig, and fish (tilapia) as well as genes encoding the large subunit of plant ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase and 2) species-specific PCR coupled with whole-genome amplification. This method was used to verify manufacturing label claims of 28 gelatin capsule samples sold as dietary supplements.

A triple-isotope approach for discriminating the geographic origin of Asian sesame oils.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the geographic location and climatic characteristics of the sesame-producing sites on the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen stable isotope ratios of Korean sesame oil. In addition, the study aimed to differentiate Korean sesame oil from Chinese and Indian sesame oils using isotopic data in combination with canonical discriminant analysis. The isotopic data were obtained from 84 roasted oil samples that were prepared from 51 Korean, 19 Chinese, and 14 Indian sesame seeds harvested during 2010-2011 and distributed in Korea during the same period.

Factors associated with organized and opportunistic cancer screening: Results of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2007-2011.

Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Korea. To reduce cancer incidence, the Korean National Cancer Center (KNCC) has been expanding its organized cancer screening program. In addition, there are opportunistic screening programs that can be chosen by individuals or their healthcare providers.

Determination of Oxyclozanide in Beef and Milk using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography System with UV Detector.

This study was developed and validated for the determination of oxyclozanide residue concentrations in beef and commercial milk, using high-performance liquid chromatography system. Oxyclozanide was successfully separated on a reverse phase column (Xbridge-C(18), 4.6×250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.

Disinfection of iceberg lettuce by titanium dioxide-UV photocatalytic reaction.

Securing the physical quality and microbial safety of fresh foods has been a major focus in the food industry. To improve quality and increase the shelf life of fresh produce, disinfection methods have been developed. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic reactions under UV radiation produce hydroxyl radicals that can be used for disinfection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on stored iceberg lettuce by aqueous chlorine dioxide treatment.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes in iceberg lettuce by aqueous chlorine dioxide (ClO(2)) treatment was evaluated. Iceberg lettuce samples were inoculated with approximately 7 log CFU/g of E. coli O157:H7, S.

Detection of hepatitis a virus from oyster by nested PCR using efficient extraction and concentration method.

The molecular methods using polymerase chain reaction have been proposed as useful tools for the identification of viral pathogens in food and water. However, the PCR-based methods are highly dependent on the methods of virus concentration and nucleic acid purification due to the low sensitivity of PCR in the presence of PCR inhibitors. We developed TPTT [tris elution buffer-PEG-TRIzol-poly(dT) magnetic bead] protocol in order to detect hepatitis A virus (HAV) inoculated in oyster digestive glands.