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ABSTRACT: This study investigated the potential of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) combinations as a novel and cost-effective substitute for human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) in promoting gut health and reducing inflammation. In vitro studies using caco-2 cells showed that 2′-FL and GOS combinations (H1 = GOS:2′-FL ratio of 1.8:1; H2 = GOS:2′-FL ratio of 3.6:1) reduced LPS-induced inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory markers, whereas individual treatments had no significant effects. In a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, combined 2′-FL and GOS supplementation alleviated symptoms, improved gut permeability, and enhanced intestinal structure, with the GH1 group (H1 combo with DSS) being the most effective. 2′-Fucosyllactose and GOS combinations also enhanced short-chain fatty acid production in infant fecal batch fermentation and mouse fecal analysis, with GH1 showing the most promising results. The GH1 supplementation altered gut microbiota in mice with DSS-induced colitis, promoting microbial diversity and a more balanced Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio. Infant formula products (IFP) containing 2′-FL and GOS combinations (IFP2 = 174 mg of GOS and 95 mg of 2′-FL per 14 g serving, 1.8:1 ratio; IFP3 = 174 mg of GOS and 48 mg of 2′-FL per 14 g serving, 3.6:1 ratio) demonstrated gastrointestinal protective and anti-inflammatory properties in a co-culture model of caco-2 and THP-1 cells. These findings suggest that 2′-FL and GOS combinations have potential applications in advanced infant formulas and supplements to promote gut health and reduce inflammation.

BackgroundTrans fatty acids (TFAs) are unsaturated fatty acids, with vaccenic acid (VA) and elaidic acid (EA) being the major constituents. While VA has been associated with beneficial effects on health and anti-cancer properties, EA is found in hardened vegetable oils and is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel method for the quantitative measurement of VA and EA, aiming to accurately analyze individual TFA and apply it for the assessment of products containing TFAs.MethodsThe ratio of VA to EA (V/E ratio) was evaluated using a silver ion cartridge (SIC) solid phase extraction method removing cis-fatty acids (cis-FAs). Additionally, comparative analysis of the V/E ratio was conducted by the two methods (SIC treatment and untreated) using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS).ResultsThe removal efficiency of cis-FAs was greater than 97.8%. However, the total TFA contents were not so different from SIC treatment. Moreover, this approach not only allowed for a more precise determination of the V/E ratio but also revealed a significant distinction between natural trans fatty acids (N-TFAs) and hydrogenated trans fatty acids (H-TFAs).ConclusionTherefore, the SIC coupled to the GC × GC-TOFMS presented in this study could be applied to discriminate N-TFA and H-TFA contents in dairy and fatty foods.

Purpose: This study evaluated the dentin bonding strength and biomineralization effect off a recently developed premixed calcium aluminate-based endodontic sealer (Dia-Root Bio Sealer) in comparison with existing calcium silicate-based sealers. Methods: The root canals off 80 mandibular premolars were filled with Dia-Root Bio Sealer, Endoseal MTA, EndoSequence BC Sealer, and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer. Medial and apical specimens were then obtained by sectioning. The push-out bond strength was measured using the medial specimens, and the failure mode was recorded. Intratubular biomineralization in the apical specimens was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test (P < 0.05). Results: The push-out bond strength of Dia-Root Bio Sealer was signif- cantly higher than that of the other tested materials, and a cohesive failure pattern was observed in all groups. Dia-Root Bio Sealer also exhibited a signifcantly higher degree of biomineralization than the other groups, and EDS analysis indicated that the biomineralized precipitates were amorphous calcium phosphate. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Dia-Root Bio Sealer has the potential to be used as an adequate root canal sealer due to its favorable bonding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the degree of phase transformation, surface roughness, and bond strength of zirconia immersed for various times in a 40% hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution. Non-etched sintered zirconia specimens were used as the control, while experimental groups were etched with a 40% HF solution for 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 min. In each of the control and experimental groups, five specimens for X-ray diffraction analysis, four for surface morphology and surface roughness analysis, and ten for bonding strength measurement were used. As a result, the surface roughness of zirconia increased as the application time increased during the 40% HF etching, but the bond strength between zirconia and resin cement did not increase proportionally. The phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic also gradually increased with application time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyse the amendment process of the resident participatory budgeting ordinance of the Suwon City Government by applying Kingdon's Policy Stream Framework, and to explore ways to activate the participatory budgeting system. This study examines the three streams in the Kingdon’s Policy Stream Framework influenced by the revision of the participatory budgeting ordinance and identifies who played a leading role. In particular, this study analyses to resolve the structural limitation of the system and suggests ways to revitalize the system. As a result, it is necessary to audit the political stream of Kingdon’s 3 policy stream in order to legislate a new system such as the participatory budgeting system. The political stream is the most influential in deciding whether to introduce participatory budgeting. It is also important to make a cooperative network among local government, local council and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) in order to solve the structural limitations of the participatory budgeting system, such as the lack of professionalism and representatives of the residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]