Introduction: Although collagen is widely used in various forms as a functional ingredient in skin care products, the effect of oral supplementation of collagen tripeptides (CTPs) on human skin is unclear. Moreover, the majority of the positive outcomes of CTP reported so far have not considered the effect of weather conditions. Therefore, we tested the effect of CTP and adjusting for climate change on skin properties in middle-aged women.Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 women between 40 and 60 years of age. Participants were randomized to receive placebo or 1,000 mg CTP daily for 12 weeks. CTP was prepared from the skin of Nile Tilapia by the digestion method using collagenase from non-pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bacillus. Skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks with adjustments for temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet A exposure during the evaluation time using weather data from the regional meteorological office.Results: Of the 82 participants, 74 completed the trial without adverse effects. Compared with the control group, trans-epidermal water loss was reduced more in the CTP group after 12 weeks (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, even after adjustment for humidity, temperature, and UVA in the region, the difference of the two groups in TEWL remained statistically significant (adjusted for humidity and temperature, P = 0.024; adjusted for UVA, P = 0.032; adjusted for temperature, high temperature, and ultraviolet A, P = 0.031). In terms of skin hydration, more improvement was evident in the CTP group than in the control group. In the subgroup analysis, subjects under 50 years of age showed a significant improvement in total score and moisture in the subjective skin improvement questionnaire after taking CTP for 12 weeks. Application of CTP was well-tolerated, and no notable adverse effect was reported from both groups.Discussion: Our findings suggest that oral ingestion of CTP from the Skin of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is well-tolerated and helps reduce water loss in in middle-aged women.Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov/, Identifier: NCT03505684.

IntroductionOysters possess an excellent nutritional profile containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Previous data suggest that GABA is a potent bioactive compound for improving muscle health. Lactic acid fermentation is thought to increase GABA content. However, the effect of oral supplementation of fermented oyster extracts (FO) on human muscle strength and mass is unclear. Therefore, we tested the effects and safety of consumption of FO combined with regular walking for 12 weeks on muscle strength and mass in older adults with relatively low muscle mass.Materials and methodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted on 54 adults between 50 and 78 years of age. Participants were randomized to receive either placebo or 1,200 mg FO daily for 12 weeks. By fermentation with Lactobacillus brevis BJ20, FO was prepared from Crassostrea gigas. At baseline and at 12 weeks after treatment, the following parameters of the participants were examined: knee strengths, handgrip strengths, body composition, blood tests, and 24-h dietary recall. All participants were required to walk for 30–60 min/day for >3 days/week during the trial period. Physical activity was assessed using an exercise log during the study.ResultsOf the 54 participants, 49 completed the trial without reporting adverse effects. FO supplementation over 12 weeks did not cause any increase in knee or grip strength compared to the control group. Also, no differences were observed in the muscle mass, growth hormone, muscle biomarkers, anti-inflammatory markers, and antioxidative markers between the two groups. None of the participants experienced adverse events. Application of FO was well tolerated, and no notable adverse effect was reported in both groups.DiscussionFO supplementation with regular walking did not improve remarkably muscle function compared to regular walking alone in adults with relatively low muscle mass.Clinical Trial Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04109911].

Background: Due to occupational exposure, healthcare workers (HCW) face an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and to estimate the cumulative risk of active TB among HCWs. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCWs in Ajou university medical center. A standard questionnaire was used for data collection, and LTBI was detected using the Interferon gamma-release assay (IGRA). The biographical information was collected from the electronic database. A computerized algorithm was used to evaluate the predicted cumulative risk of active TB in HCWs with LTBI. Results: Of a total of 1,407 HCWs, a positive IGRA result was detected in 138 HCWs. The prevalence of LTBI in HCWs was found to be 9.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.2-11.4]. It was observed that the prevalence of LTBI increased with age (P value<0.001). However, it was also observed that duration of the working periods in a TB-related department was not associated with LTBI (P value=0.369). According to the multivariate analysis, an increased risk of LTBI was observed among participants aged ≥ 50 years [odds ratio (OR) 7.522, 95% CI 3.56-15.89] and nursing assistants (OR 2.912, 95% CI 1.283-6.608). The median cumulative risk of active TB with LTBI was estimated to be 4.31% [interquartile range (IQR) 3.43-5.29], and 4.41% in HCWs with and without work experience in TB-related department, respectively. No significant difference was observed between two groups (P value=0.715). Conclusion:The prevalence of LTBI among HCWs may not be higher than that of individuals in other group facilities. It may be necessary to revise the treatment recommendations, which are classified based on the risk for LTBI associated with departments and locations of work.

IntroductionSarcopenia is a phenomenon in which skeletal muscle mass decreases with age, causing many health problems. Many studies have been conducted to improve sarcopenia nutritionally. Ishige okamura (IO) is a genus of brown algae and plays a role in anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, and myogenesis. However, the effect of IO extract (IOE) on human muscle strength and mass is unclear. Therefore, we will examine the impact and safety of consumption of IOE for 12 weeks on muscle strength and mass in middle-aged and old-aged adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass.Materials and methodsA randomized controlled trial is conducted on 80 adults aged 50–80. A total of 80 participants will be enrolled in this study. Participants assign IOE-taking group (n = 40) and placebo taking group (n = 40). At a baseline and 12 weeks after treatment, the following parameters of the participants are checked: knee extension strength, handgrip strength, body composition, laboratory tests, dietary recall, physical activity, and EQ-5D-5L.DiscussionThe present study will be the first randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial to examine the efficacy and tolerability of IOE supplementation in adults with relatively low muscle mass. The nutritional intake and physical activity that might influence muscle strength and mass will be considered as covariates for transparency of results. The results of this study will provide clinical evidence for sarcopenia patients with nutrient treatment.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.clinicaltrials.gov/, Identifier: NCT04617951.