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There have been mixed results regarding the relationship among short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), microbiota, and obesity in human studies. We selected studies that provided data on SCFA levels or fecal microbiota abundance in obese and nonobese individuals and then combined the published estimates using a random-effects meta-analysis. Obese individuals had significantly higher fecal concentrations of acetate (SMD (standardized mean differences) = 0.87, 95% CI (confidence interva) = 0.24–1.50, I2 (I–squared) = 88.5), propionate (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.35–1.36, I2 = 82.3%), and butyrate (SMD = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.29–1.27, I2 = 81.7%) than nonobese controls. The subgroup analyses showed no evidence of heterogeneity among obese individuals with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (I2 = 0.0%). At the phylum level, the abundance of fecal microbiota was reduced in obese compared to nonobese individuals, but the difference was not statistically significant (Bacteroidetes phylum, SMD = −0.36, 95% CI = −0.73–0.01; Firmicutes phylum, SMD = −0.10, 95% CI = −0.31–0.10). The currently available human case-control studies show that obesity is associated with high levels of SCFA but not gut microbiota richness at the phylum level. Additional well-designed studies with a considerable sample size are needed to clarify whether this association is causal, but it is also necessary to identify additional contributors to SCFA production, absorption, and excretion in humans.

The prevalence of the feeling of cold hands and feet (FCHF) is high in the general population but the etiology of FCHF is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore whether the FCHF is heritable. Eight hundred and ninety-four pairs of twins completed a question about FCHF. Tetrachoric correlations for FCHF were .58, .29, .67, .52, and .04 for monozygotic male, dizygotic male, monozygotic female, and dizygotic female twins, respectively. Model-fitting analyses suggested that in the best fitting model, additive genetic and nonshared environmental variance including measurement error were 64% (95% CI: 55%-72%) and 36% (28%-45%), respectively. Sex differences in genetic and environmental influences were not significant.

Serum 25(OH)D levels have a positive correlation with pulmonary function. This relationship appears prominent in subjects with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Taeeumjowi-tang (TJ001) as well as to estimate obesity-related factors. Methods. This was a 12-week trial with 5 visits. A total of 102 participants of both genders were randomized to either TJ001 (n = 57) group or the placebo group (n = 55). Subjects were administered 7 g of either TJ001 or placebo 3 times a day. The primary outcome was a rate of subjects who lost 5% or more of initial weight. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric parameters, lipid profiles, and body fat composition. Results. The subject response rate of ≥5% weight loss compared to baseline was similar in both groups, and no statistically significant difference was observed (P = 0.87). Changes in anthropometric parameters were greater during the first 4 weeks in the treatment group (P < 0.0001). There were no significant changes in both within groups and between groups for lipid profile and body fat composition. No adverse event was reported in either group. Conclusion. Although the difference between the groups regarding a rate of subjects who lost 5% or more of initial weight did not show statistical significance, TJ001 appears to be beneficial in safely controlling weight.

In lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed as clinical N0 by chest computed tomography and positron emission tomography scanning, the possibility of occult lymph node metastasis increases with SUVmax greater than 5 and when lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and a micropapillary component are present.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in the United States. This study examined the cardiovascular disease risk factors and health beliefs of workers for the purpose of developing a social network service (SNS)-based (e.g., Facebook and KakaoTalk) lifestyle-modification program for workers. Participants included 68 hospital workers (aged 25-60 years), with more than two metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular disease risk factors. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: SNS intervention group ( n = 23), education-only intervention group ( n = 19), or nonintervention group ( n = 26). Data were collected to compare changes in risk indicators according to the intervention method and time and analyzed using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Compared to the education and nonintervention groups, the SNS intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in waist circumference, body mass index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, health promotion behaviors, and self-efficacy. This type of program has potential for allowing occupational health professionals to work with workers to improve lifestyle behaviors that promote health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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