Search

Lemon juice contains numerous biologically active substances that have potential health benefits. In this study, we evaluated the biotransformation characteristics and functional properties of lactic acid bacteria-fermented lemon juices and examined their effects on regulating blood pressure. Fermentation of Pingtung Eureka lemon juice with a mixture of five selected strains of lactic acid bacteria was found to be the most effective in enhancing juice - aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, with an increases in yield of up to 7.37±0.39 g/l. Among the different lemon varieties fermented with Lactobacillus fermentum LF33, Taichung Eureka and Nantou Eureka gave the highest fermentation yields of GABA at 4.19±0.17 and 5.35±0.36 g/l, respectively. In spontaneously hypertensive rats that were administered fermented lemon juice to assess to the effects on blood pressure, we observed that diastolic, systolic, and mean blood pressures, as well as heart rate, were significantly lower than those in control rats (p < 0.1). Fermented lemon juice was also found to contribute to a significant increase in serum IgG concentrations (p < 0.05). Finally, we evaluated the efficacy of Taichung Limon and Pingtung Limon juice fermentation broths on the allergic effect of ovalbumin in sensitized BALB/c mice, and found that these fermented juices significantly reduced ovalbumin-induced IgE antibody levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we speculate that juice-containing substances, such as GABA, have a calming effect on ganglia, which could contribute to stabilizing heart rate, and that consumption of fermented lemon juice may have the effect of reducing levels of IgE antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allium chinense is a medicinal plant and nutritional food commonly used in Eastern Asia. In this study, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity (scavenging of a,a-diphenyl-b-picrylhydrazyl free radical, total phenol content, reducing power, and total antioxidant activity) and constituents of various extracts from A. chinense. Moreover, we also studied the in vivo hypolipidemic effects of extracts on high-fat-diet Wistar rats. Ethanol extracts from A. chinense showed notable antioxidant activity, and its high-dose essential-oil extract both significantly reduced serum and hepatic total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels and increased serum high-density lipoprotein levels in high-fat-diet Wistar rats compared with those observed following treatment with the control drug probucol. Additionally, visceral fat in high-fat-diet Wistar rats was reduced. Furthermore, groups with high doses of essential-oil and residue extracts showed protective effects associated with histopathological liver alteration. These results suggested that A. chinense is a valuable plant worthy of further investigation as a potential dietary supplement or botanical drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwanese college students ( N = 101) participated in the study to examine the effects of the amount of an endowment, the tangibility of an endowment, and the certainty of the recipient on selfishness in a modified dictator game. Results showed that dictators were more selfish when allocating tangible (money) than less tangible (honor credits) endowments. Selfishness was higher when large amounts of money were involved. The certainty of the recipient was manipulated by whether the recipient was chosen and announced before or after the decision. Unexpectedly, participants were more self-interested in the certain-recipient condition than in the uncertain-recipient condition. In the honor condition, the amount of an endowment and the certainty of the recipient did not affect participants' allocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrium esculentum Moench) was used to substitute 15% of wheat flour to make husked and unhusked buckwheat breads. Volatile compounds and taste components in buckwheat breads were analyzed and compared with those in white bread. Both buckwheat breads contained more sugars and had higher sugar contents than white bread. Both buckwheat breads contained more total free amino acids (86.36–87.73 mg/g) than white bread (73.90 mg/g). Contents of flavor 5′ -nucleotides were higher in both buckwheat breads. Both buckwheat breads had higher umami intensities than white bread. Three breads had different profiles of volatile compounds, and total volatile contents in buckwheat breads (3564.36–4951.39 µg/g) were 2- to 3-folds higher than that in white bread (1,706.46 µg/g). In addition, buckwheat breads possessed a more characteristic aroma than white bread. Overall, buckwheat could be incorporated into bread and provide buckwheat bread with more sugars, a stronger umami taste and a more characteristic aroma. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Common buckwheat ( Fagopyrium esculentum Moench) is commonly used as an important functional food and most popularly is ground to make buckwheat noodles. Buckwheat can be added to food as a supplement to provide beneficial health effects and prevent oxidation of food during processing. Bread is consumed all over the world, and many food ingredients have been included in bread formulations to increase the diversity, nutritional value and product appeal of bread. In the present study, buckwheat was used to substitute 15% of wheat flour to make buckwheat breads. Volatile compounds and taste components, including soluble sugars, free amino acids and 5′-nucleotides, in buckwheat bread are valuable information for its practical application. The present work showed that buckwheat could be incorporated into bread and provides buckwheat bread with more sugars, a stronger umami taste and a more characteristic aroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes [Berk.] Pegler) stipe was used to substitute wheat flour to make bread. Bread quality including specific volume, color and sensory evaluation, and taste components including proximate composition, soluble sugars, free amino acids and 5′ -nucleotides in shiitake stipe bread were analyzed and compared with those of white bread. Specific volumes were 4.02, 4.00, 3.89 and 3.75 cm3/g for white bread, 2%, 5% and 7% shiitake stipe breads, respectively. All breads had a comparable profile in proximate composition. Furthermore, 5% shiitake stipe bread contained more total soluble sugars and total free amino acids. Both breads contained considerately low amounts of monosodium glutamate-like and sweet components of free amino acids. Content of flavor 5′ -nucleotides in 5% shiitake stipe bread was much higher than that in white bread. Shiitake stipe flour added into the dough resulted in 5% shiitake stipe bread with lower lightness and whiteness index values. All sensory results exhibited that substituting 5% of wheat flour in the bread formula with shiitake stipe flour did significantly lower bread acceptability. Overall, shiitake stipe could be incorporated into bread to provide its beneficial health effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Shiitake ( Lentinula edodes[Berk.] Pegler) is commonly used as food in Asian countries and also a traditional Chinese medicine. Shiitake can be added to food as a supplement to extend and broaden its consumption and provide the beneficial health effects through various food products. Bread is consumed all over the world and many food ingredients have been included in bread formulation to increase its diversity, nutritional value and product appeal. Accordingly, shiitake stipe, a potential source of fungal chitin, was used to substitute wheat flour to make bread. Bread quality including specific volume, color and sensory evaluation, and taste components including proximate composition, soluble sugars, free amino acids and 5′-nucleotides in shiitake stipe bread were valuable information for its practical application. The present work showed that shiitake stipe could be incorporated into bread to provide its beneficial health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an aim to effectively shorten the ageing period and reduce process cost, a nanogold photocatalyzed process was developed. This process successfully accelerated maturity of young sorghum spirit less than 120 min at ambient temperature. Process parameters relevant to process design were determined to be (1) the amount of acetic acid (≥1.53 g/100 ml); (2) an operation temperature ≤37°C; (3) a degree of mineralization ≤4.87%. Kinetic analysis indicated that to cautiously control dissolved oxygen (DO) to facilitate optimum production of hydroxyl free radical [-OH] could be a crucial step, while the kinetic equations elucidated to indicate production of ethyl acetate and acetic acid could be applicable to reactor scale-up. More importantly, this process provides several benefits including container-saving, spacesaving, labor-saving, and no storage-loss due to evaporation; hence, a huge amount of cost reduction (20-24%) in a 4-year aging period could be attainable for each batch cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To evaluate the contribution of NF-κB and the NF-κB target gene p53 to nigral dopaminergic neuron degeneration in rodent models of Parkinson''s disease, time-course of dopaminergic neuron loss as well as changes in the expression of some NF-κB-regulated proapoptotic proteins were assayed after unilateral infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine into rat medial forebrain bundle. Substantial loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in nigral was observed 24 h after 6-hydroxydopamine treatment. The degenerative processes began 12 h after 6-hydroxydopamine administration as evidenced by a positive silver staining. Apoptotic death of dopaminergic neurons was suggested by the appearance of TUNEL-positive nuclei in substantia nigra and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation as detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. NF-κB activation in dopaminergic neurons as revealed by immunohistochemistry and electrophoresis mobility shift assay, began at 12 h after 6-hydroxydopamine administration. Levels of c-Myc and p53 immunoreactivities increased after 6-hydroxydopamine treatment, mainly in dopaminergic neurons as indicated by co-localization with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Blockade of NF-κB nuclear translocation with recombinant cell-permeable peptide NF-κB SN50 inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation and p53 induction. SN50 and the p53 antagonist pifithrin-α significantly reduced nigral dopaminergic neuron degeneration. These results suggest that NF-κB activation contributes, at least in part, to oxidative stress-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons through a NF-κB-dependent p53-signaling pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

According to the literatures, Flammulina velutipes contains biologically active components such as dietary fiber, polysaccharide, andmycosterol, whose effects in reducing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol have been proven. This study used the active components extracted from Flammulina velutipes powder (FVP) and Flammulina velutipes extract (FVE) to investigate the impact of these active components on lipid metabolism of hamsters. The results show that the total dietary fiber content in FVP and FVE is 29.34mg/100 g and 15.08mg/100 g, respectively. The total mycosterol content is 46.57 ± 0.37mg/100 g and 9.01 ± 0.17mg/100 g, respectively. The male hamsters were subjected to lipid metabolism monitoring by adding 1, 2, and 3% FVP or FVE into their diets for a period of 8 weeks. The animal assay results show that the 3% FVP and FVE groups have the lowest concentration of TC (total cholesterol), TG (triacylglycerol), LDL (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), and LDL/HDL (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) in the serum and liver (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that the addition of 3% FVP or FVE has a significant effect on the lipid metabolism in hamsters whose increased level of HDL in the serum was induced by high fat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile components in single-flowered and double-flowered Chinese narcissus were identified by headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with GC and GC/MS. Changes in aroma during the vase-life (days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) of two samples were also studied. A total of 35 compounds were identified, of which all were present in single-flowered and 26 in double-flowered samples. The main aroma components were (E)-β-ocimene, and benzyl acetate. Single-flowered narcissus have a higher percentage of benzyl acetate, while double-flowered narcissus have a higher percentage of 1,8-cineole. In vase-life, the total volatile component content peaked on day 2 for single-flowered and day 3 for the double-flowered narcissus. For both single-flowered and double-flowered narcissus flowers, the total content of volatile components had decreased significantly by day 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the hydrodistillation of the leaves of Psidium guajava L. was analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. A total of 50 compounds were identified. The major constituents identified in the oil were: β-caryophyllene (27.7%), α-pinene (14.7%) and 1,8-cineole (12.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High frequency oscillations (HFOs) are considered as biomarker for epileptogenicity. Reliable automation of HFOs detection is necessary for rapid and objective analysis, and is determined by accurate computation of the baseline. Although most existing automated detectors measure baseline accurately in channels with rare HFOs, they lose accuracy in channels with frequent HFOs. Here, we proposed a novel algorithm using the maximum distributed peak points method to improve baseline determination accuracy in channels with wide HFOs activity ranges and calculate a dynamic baseline. Interictal ripples (80-200Hz), fast ripples (FRs, 200-500Hz) and baselines in intracerebral EEGs from seven patients with intractable epilepsy were identified by experienced reviewers and by our computer-automated program, and the results were compared. We also compared the performance of our detector to four well-known detectors integrated in RIPPLELAB. The sensitivity and specificity of our detector were, respectively, 71% and 75% for ripples and 66% and 84% for FRs. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient comparing automated and manual detection was for ripples and for FRs (). In comparison to other detectors, our detector had a relatively higher sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, our automated detector is able to accurately calculate a dynamic iEEG baseline in different HFO activity channels using the maximum distributed peak points method, resulting in higher sensitivity and specificity than other available HFO detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phalaenopsis is the most important economic crop in the Orchidaceae family. There are currently numerous beautiful and colorful Phalaenopsis flowers, but only a few species of Phalaenopsis have an aroma. This study reports the analysis volatile components present in P. Nobby's Pacific Sunset by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results show that the optimal extraction conditions were obtained by using a DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber. A total of 31 compounds were identified, with the major compounds being geraniol, linalool and a-farnesene. P. Nobby's Pacific Sunset had the highest odor concentration from 09:00 to 13:00 on the eighth day of storage. It was also found that in P. Nobby's Pacific Sunset orchids the dorsal sepals and petals had the highest odor concentrations, whereas the column had the lowest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ponkan (Citrus poonensis hort.) juice and ponkan pulp were used as raw materials for the production of ponkan wines fermented with six different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that ponkan wines fermented with S. cerevisiae BCRC 22332 and commercial yeast HF-08 had higher alcohol contents (10.70e11.86%), lower contents of residual sugar (0.64e1.14%), lower degrees of browning (OD420 ¼ 0.20e0.34), higher clarity (OD660 ¼ 0.07e0.17), and higher sensory scores (5.15e6.25 points). Flavor analysis revealed that, in addition to the citrus flavor characters of a-pipene, limonene, and a-terpineol, ponkan wine contained the yeast-generated characteristic aromatic components of isoamyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, 2,3-butandiol, ethyl acetate, diethyl succinate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate, ethyl caproate, ethyl 4-hydroxybutanoate, ethyl caprylate, phenethyl acetate, ethyl caprate, and ethyl 3-methylbutyl butanedioate. The aromatic components of isobutyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, diethyl succinate, phenethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and isoamyl acetate in the ponkan wine fermented with HF-08 were higher in amounts than that fermented with BCRC 22332. In summary, S. cerevisiae HF-08 produced more types of aroma and higher aroma contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the expression of PSD-93 mRNA and NR2B mRNA in the brain tissue from the patients with epilepsy so as to explore the possible mechanisms of the pathogenesis of the epilepsy. Methods: Fifty-six patients with epilepsy were divided into intractable epilepsy (IE) and non-intractable epilepsy (NIE) groups. cDNA microarrays prepared from the brain tissues obtained from these two groups were scanned and comparison to those from the non-epileptogenic control (C) was made. Expression level of PSD-93mRNA and NR2BmRNA were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (GAPDH gene, internal control). Expression ratio (target gene/GAPDH) was used to evaluate each gene relative expression level. Results: The cDNA microarray analysis showed that the expression of PSD-93 mRNA related to the function of NMDAR-NO signal transduction pathway was significantly higher in epilepsy patients than those in the controlled group. The results of RT-PCR were consistent with those of the cDNA microarrays. The relative expression ratio of PSD-93 in patients with non-epileptogenic control, NIE, and IE was 0.159, 0.368, and 0.341, respectively. Correspondingly, that of NR2B was 0.198, 0.738, and 0.903, respectively. The expressions of PSD-93 and NR2B in the NIE and IE were significantly higher than those of control, respectively (P <0.05). However, there was no significantly difference the expression of PSD-93 between NIE and IE. (P >0.05), neither do that of NR2B (P >0.05). Conclusions: The upregulated expressions of PSD-93 mRNA and NR2BmRNA may be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: TRAP220 (thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein) functions as a coactivator for nuclear receptors and stimulates transcription by recruiting the TRAP mediator complex to hormone responsive promoter regions. Thus, TRAP220 enhances the function of thyroid/steroid hormone receptors such as thyroid hormone and oestrogen receptors. This study investigated the expression of TRAP220 mRNA and protein level in epileptic brains comparing with human control. Methods: We examined the expression of TRAP220 mRNA and protein levels in temporal lobes from patients with chronic pharmacoresistant epilepsy who have undergone surgery. Results: Expression of TRAP220 mRNA and protein was shown to be decreased significantly in the temporal cortex of the patients with epilepsy. Conclusions: Our work showed that a decrease in TRAP220 mRNA and protein levels may be involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and may be associated with impairment of the brain caused by frequent seizures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]