We have investigated the electronic structure of graphite oxide using X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the carbon and oxygen K-edges. The unoccupied π * and σ * states associated with sp 2 hybridization in graphite, are also apparent in the graphite oxide, which indicates that it has a graphitic structure even though it experiences oxidation and annealing. Additional electronic states of the graphite oxide which are not present in its precursor, graphite, are ascribed to the functional groups such as epoxide, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups.

We studied the prevalence and trend of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults aged at least 20 years using Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey data from 1998 and 2001. The prevalence of body mass index (BMI) > or = 25 kg m(-2) among Korean adults in 2001 was 32.9% in men and 27.4% in women, and the number of Korean men with BMI > or = 25 kg m(-2) has increased markedly since 1998. A significant positive association between obesity and socioeconomic status was found in Korean men, whereas a significant negative association was identified in Korean women. The prevalence rates of waist circumference (WC) > or = 90 cm in men and WC > or = 85 cm in women were 23.4% and 23.1% in 2001 respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults was 15-30% according to various criteria of metabolic syndrome. Future studies are needed to determine the changes in prevalence of obesity and contributing factors for obesity in Koreans.

No abstract

No abstract

Streptococcus gordonii, a Gram-positive bacterium, is a commensal bacterium that is commonly found in the skin, oral cavity, and intestine. It is also known as an opportunistic pathogen that can cause local or systemic diseases, such as apical periodontitis and infective endocarditis. S. gordonii, an early colonizer, easily attaches to host tissues, including tooth surfaces and heart valves, forming biofilms. S. gordonii penetrates into root canals and blood streams, subsequently interacting with various host immune and non-immune cells. The cell wall components of S. gordonii, which include lipoteichoic acids, lipoproteins, serine-rich repeat adhesins, peptidoglycans, and cell wall proteins, are recognizable by individual host receptors. They are involved in virulence and immunoregulatory processes causing host inflammatory responses. Therefore, S.gordonii cell wall components act as virulence factors that often progressively develop diseases through overwhelming host responses. This review provides an overview of S. gordonii, and how its cell wall components could contribute to the pathogenesis and development of therapeutic strategies.