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• Hydrothermal process showed efficacy for collagen hydrolysis. • Elevated temperature and pressure are synergistic in hydrothermal hydrolysis. • Hydrothermal process is an environmentally friendly and effective technology. • An ultrafiltration membrane is useful for separation of bioactive peptides. • Collagen peptides exhibited superior antioxidant and anti-aging abilities. Collagen, in a form suitable for human consumption, can be obtained from the large amounts of fish skin via protein hydrolysis to produce low-molecular-weight substances with enhanced bioavailability and function. To optimize this method, we investigated the synergistic effect of elevated temperature (150–250 °C) and pressure (350–3900 kPa) of a hydrothermal process on the hydrolytic ability and characteristics of collagen hydrolysates. Elevated temperature and pressure of the hydrothermal process increased the levels of free amino groups and lower-molecular-weight collagen hydrolysates, particularly at 210 °C and 2100 kPa. The resulting hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration membranes of different molecular weight cutoff and evaluated for their antioxidant (ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power) and anti-aging (tyrosinase and collagenase inhibition) activities. The <1 kDa fraction had the highest antioxidant activities, whereas the 5–10 kDa fraction had the highest anti-aging activities. Therefore, fish skin could be successfully modified into biologically active collagen peptides by a hydrothermal process (hydrolysis) and ultrafiltration (separation), and the resulting bioactive peptides have potential for development as antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients in the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The feasibility of ohmic heating for cooking instant noodles was evaluated using a customized ohmic system. Temperature come-up time, heat transfer ratio (HT nls), system performance coefficient (SPC), and textural qualities were evaluated as a function of different electric fields (10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 V/cm) and temperature holding times (30, 60, 90, and 120 s). Temperature come-up time to 100 °C was 3.9 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.1, 2.1 ± 0.2, and 1.3 ± 0.1 min at electric fields of 10, 12.5, 15 and 17.5 V/cm, respectively. Temperature come-up time decreased significantly with an increase in electric field. The highest HT nls of 0.89 was observed at 15 V/cm. An electric field of 15 V/cm with a 90 s holding time yielded the greatest SPC of 0.63 ± 0.05 and the most preferable textural qualities for hardness. Our study shows the potential of ohmic heating to rapidly cook instant noodles with good textural qualities and energy efficiency. Highlights • Investigate the ohmic cooking for noodles as a function of electric fields (10–17.5 V/cm) and holding times (30–120 s). • Ohmic heating enabled rapid cooking of instant noodles using electric field and internal energy generation. • Energy efficacy of ohmic heating was promising since most of electrical energy was converted to heat. • Heat transfer between noodles and soup was expedited at higher electric field application. • Ohmic heating showed its potential to produce good textural quality of noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The characteristics of kimchi were investigated according to the region of production. • Kimchi from the southern and northern regions showed distinct metabolite profile differences. • A total of 77 factors were correlated with regional characteristics of kimchi. • The terroir effect of kimchi was identified by metabolomics approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in characteristics of the fermented food kimchi based on the regions where it is produced. A total of 108 kimchi samples were collected from five different provinces in Korea to analyze the recipes, metabolites, microbes, and sensory characteristics. Overall, 18 ingredients (including salted anchovy and seaweed), 7 quality indicators (such as salinity and moisture content), 14 genera of microorganisms (mainly Tetragenococcus and Weissella belonging to LAB), and 38 metabolites contributed to the characteristics of kimchi by region. Kimchi from the southern and northern regions showed distinct metabolite profile (collected 108 kimchi) and flavor profile differences (kimchi manufactured using the standard regional recipes). This is the first study to investigate the terroir effect of kimchi by identifying differences in ingredients, metabolites, microbes, and sensory characteristics based on the region of production, and the correlations between these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The axilla is a triangular space that contains mesenchymal tissues such as fat, vessels, nerves and lymph nodes, from which various diseases can develop. This article describes axillary masses and axillary lymphadenopathies using imaging findings from techniques such as ultrasonography, mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Awareness of the characteristic imaging findings of disease entities that cause axillary masses and various axillary lymphadenopathies will help in the accurate diagnosis of axillary lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles have wide application in different scientific fields. The present study reports the simple and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cow milk. The X-ray diffraction peaks (2θ—37.76, 46.12, 67.4, and 76.84) and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy peak, approximately at 3keV, confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron micrograph showed that nanoparticles are mostly circular with an average size of 30–90nm. The proteins present in cow milk could be responsible for Ag+ ions reduction. The synthesized nanoparticles (2mM) can significantly inhibit (87.1%, 86.5%, and 83.5%) the growth of phytopathogens Colletotrichum coccodes, Monilinia sp., and Pyricularia sp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The efficacy of a pressure–ohmic–thermal sterilization (POTS) for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore inactivation was investigated. Spores (2.5×108 cfu/ml) were inoculated in 0.1% NaCl solution (pH5.0 and 7.0), green pea puree (pH6.1), carrot puree (pH5.0) or tomato juice (pH4.1). Samples were ohmically (50V/cm) treated at 600MPa and 105°C for various holding times using a laboratory-scale high-pressure processor. B. amyloliquefaciens and G. stearothermophilus spores suspended in 0.1% NaCl solution (pH7.0) were inactivated by 4.6 and 5.6log, respectively, for a 30-min holding time. B. amyloliquefaciens and G. stearothermophilus spores in tomato juice were reduced by 3.1 and 4.8log, respectively, for a 10-min holding time. Spore germination was highest in the G. stearothermophilus suspended in 0.1% NaCl solution (pH7.0). POTS treatment appears to be a potent method for inactivating pressure–thermal resistant bacterial spores. Industrial Relevance: Food industry is interested in developing superior quality low-acid shelf-stable foods. This study evaluated the pressure–ohmic–thermal sterilization (POTS) for the inactivation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus stearothermophilus endospores. The impact of food matrices and acidity on the spore resistance was also investigated. Knowledge gained from the study will help the food processors for understanding the importance of various POTS treatment parameters for sterilization of low-acid foods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pressure-induced textural changes in selected vegetables (carrot, potato, and red radish) were investigated using in situ electrical conductivity measurement. Electrical conductivity of the vegetables was recorded in situ up to 10min under elevated pressures (200, 400, 600MPa at 25°C) using a custom-fabricated experimental setup. The tissue disintegration index (Z) was determined for raw, processed and freeze–thawed samples. The hardness and stiffness of the samples were evaluated using the instrumental texture analyzer. This information was related to the crunchiness index (CI). Pressure treatment increased electrical conductivity values of all the samples as a function of pressure and holding time. Beyond a certain threshold of pressure holding time, the electrical conductivity did not change further. In situ electrical conductivity measurement is a useful tool to document the extent of textural changes during high pressure processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trypanosomatid parasites possess extremely divergent transcription factors whose identification typically relied on biochemical, structural and functional analyses because they could not be identified by standard sequence analysis. For example, subunits of the Trypanosoma brucei mediator and class I transcription factor A (CITFA) have no sequence resemblance to putative counterparts in higher eukaryotes. Therefore, homologous in vitro transcription systems have been crucial in evaluating the transcriptional roles of T. brucei proteins but so far such systems have been restricted to the insect-stage, procyclic form (PF) of the parasite. Here, we report the development of a homologous system for the mammalian-infective, bloodstream form (BF) of T. brucei which supports accurately initiated transcription from three different RNA polymerase (pol) I promoters as well as from the RNA pol II-recruiting spliced leader RNA gene promoter. The system is based on a small scale extract preparation procedure which accommodates the low cell densities obtainable in BF culture. BF and PF systems behave surprisingly similar and we show that the CITFA complex purified from procyclic extract is fully functional in the BF system indicating that the transcriptional machinery in general is equivalent in both life cycle stages. A notable difference, however, was observed with the RNA pol I-recruiting GPEET procyclin promoter whose reduced promoter strength and increased sensitivity to manganese ions in the BF system suggests the presence of a specific transcriptional activator in the PF system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trypanosoma brucei has a multifunctional RNA polymerase (pol) I that transcribes ribosomal gene units (RRNA) and units encoding its major cell surface proteins variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) and procyclin. Previous analysis of tandem affinity-purified, transcriptionally active RNA pol I identified ten subunits including an apparently trypanosomatid-specific protein termed RPA31. Another ortholog was identified in silico. No orthologs of the yeast subunit doublet RPA43/RPA14 have been identified yet. Instead, a recent report presented evidence that RPB7, the RNA pol II paralog of RPA43, is an RNA pol I subunit and essential for RRNA and VSG transcription in bloodstream form trypanosomes . Revisiting this attractive hypothesis, we were unable to detect a stable interaction between RPB7 and RNA pol I in either reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation or tandem affinity purification. Furthermore, immunodepletion of RPB7 from extract virtually abolished RNA pol II transcription in vitro but had no effect on RRNA or VSG ES promoter transcription in the same reactions. Accordingly, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed cross-linking of RPB7 to known RNA pol II transcription units but not to the VSG ES promoter or to the 18S rRNA coding region. Interestingly, RPB7 did crosslink to the RRNA promoter but so did the RNA pol II-specific subunit RPB9 suggesting that RNA pol II is recruited to this promoter. Overall, our data led to the conclusion that RNA pol I transcription in T. brucei does not require the RNA pol II subunit RPB7. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) are probably associated with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The influence of LDL-C and ox-LDL on metabolic syndrome among healthy, postmenopausal women has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the association between LDL-C, ox-LDL, and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study. A total of 1309 postmenopausal women (355 with metabolic syndrome and 954 without metabolic syndrome) aged 60–79years were included. Lipid profiles, glucose, ox-LDL, adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations were measured. Results: Plasma ox-LDL levels were higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome, when compared without metabolic syndrome subjects. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ox-LDL was significantly associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and adiponectin. After a multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of ox-LDL in metabolic syndrome compared with the lowest quartile were 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.70), 2.45 (95% CI, 1.58–3.79), and 3.98 (95% CI, 2.52–6.28), respectively. LDL levels were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Ox-LDL concentration was associated with metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that high ox-LDL levels are associated with high cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives : We investigated the association of plasma adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in postmenopausal women. Design and m ethods : This was a cross-sectional study of 563 postmenopausal women with and 1029 without low HDL-C. Lipid profile, glucose, adiponectin, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were measured. Results : Plasma adiponectin levels increased with age in elderly women. Plasma adiponectin levels were lower in subjects with low HDL-C (<50mg/dl), when compared with normal HDL-C subjects. In multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, adiponectin was a significant independent predictor of HDL-C concentration with body mass index, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Values in the third and fourth quartile of adiponectin were associated with decreased odds ratio for low HDL-C (0.62; 95% CI, 0.44–0.87, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27–0.58, respectively) when compared with values in the lowest quartile after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions : Adiponectin was significantly associated with HDL-C concentration in postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that high adiponectin levels may have a protective effect on atherosclerosis with increasing HDL-C in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: It is widely recognized that dietary factors play important roles in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated the association between carbohydrate intake and CVD risk factors, using data from the third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III). Methods: A nationally representative sample of Korean adults (1536 men, 2235 women), aged 20 to 69 years, was divided into three groups according to carbohydrate intake (% of energy), based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI, 55–70% of energy) for Koreans. Then, we examined whether excessive carbohydrate intake was related to CVD risk factors. Results: Mean carbohydrate intake (% of energy) was 72.8% (321 g/day), above the DRI for Korean adults (55–70%). A high carbohydrate intake (>70% of energy) was associated with higher BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol levels in women. After adjusting for covariates, such as age, energy intake, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and physical activity, high carbohydrate intakes (>70% of energy) were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in women. In men, however, only total cholesterol was inversely associated with high carbohydrate intake. Conclusion: Higher carbohydrate intakes than the DRI for Koreans were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and low HDL-C levels in women. These results suggest that improvement of dietary patterns may be an important approach to the prevention of CVD in Korean women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Glycosyltransferase (GT), which catalyzes the transfer of nucleotide-activated sugar to aglycone, is the key enzyme for the preparation of a variety of glycosylated natural products. In this study, we report that the substrate specificity of GTs can be altered via domain exchanging accompanied by rationally designed peptide linkers. Comprehensive similarity searches were first conducted based upon the amino acid sequences of antibiotic GTs. The phylogenetic tree displays a distinct separation of 25 antibiotic GTs into three groups according to their aglycone substrates. Two different groups of GTs, KanF (aminoglycoside) and GtfE (glycopeptide) were employed for domain exchanging of GT-B fold enzyme. In order to determine linker peptide sequences, the secondary structures of KanF and GtfE were carefully evaluated via 3D-PSSM. The N-terminal domain of KanF and the C-terminal domain of GtfE were fused with rationally designed linker sequences. The hybrid GT, referred to as KE chimera, showed hybrid activity toward dTDP-d-glucose and 2-deoxystreptamine. Moreover, the key catalytic amino acid residues of KE chimera were investigated via protein modeling and docking simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: Extracellular insulin affects insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells in an autocrine fashion, but the role of glucose in this signaling pathway remains unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the glucose dependency of extracellular insulin-mediated regulation of insulin secretion and the potential underlying mechanism. Main methods: Pancreatic β-cells from male Sprague–Dawley rats and INS-1, a rat insulinoma cell line, were used. The mechanism of extracellular insulin-mediated, glucose-dependent insulin secretion was explored by analyzing the activity of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, changes in cell membrane potential, and cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c), as well as phosphorylation of the insulin signaling pathway and the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Key findings: Treatment of native β-cells with 100 nM insulin under basal glucose conditions (≤5 mM) reduced subsequent high glucose-induced insulin secretory responses, demonstrating less inhibition of KATP channels and decreased elevation of [Ca2+]c. In contrast, insulin treatment under high glucose conditions potentiated the insulin secretory responses of β-cells. While insulin treatment attenuated phosphorylation on the Thr172 of AMPK and the Ser789 of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, which was increased by lowering glucose concentration, it enhanced phosphorylation of AMPK and IRS-1, which was decreased by elevating glucose concentration. This glucose-dependent regulation of insulin even occurred in the presence of LY294002, a phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibitor. Significance: Considering that the phosphorylated AMPK could inhibit KATP currents in β-cells, which triggers glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, extracellular insulin may regulate the phosphorylation status of AMPK through IRS-1 to modulate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent way. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study introduces a facile method to hybridize metal nanoparticles with lipid vesicles, which allows us to control over their membrane micro-fluidity. We have fabricated these hybrid liposomes by directly hybridizing metal nanoparticles with lipid bilayers solely consisting of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). For this, we have used the dehydration and rehydration method. Characterizing their morphology and micro-fluidity, in which we have used electron microscopy and fluorescence anisotropy spectroscopy, enables us to demonstrate that metal nanoparticles with different surface properties create interactions with either phosphorus end groups or hydrophobic tails of DPPC, thereby resulting in decrease in micro-fluidity of the assembled lipid membranes, especially for the hydrophobic layers. Our approach to hybridize metal nanoparticles in between lipid layers offers a flexible means that allows us to obtain a liposome system with more controllable membrane properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) is known to be useful in detecting white matter lesions. In the current study, we report on two hemiparetic patients with risk factors who showed abnormalities of the corticospinal tract (CST) on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) prior to the manifestation of hemiparesis. Two hemiparetic patients with risk factors (preterm, low birth weight) and six age-matched normal control subjects were enrolled to this study. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed at the age of 43 weeks (patient 1) and 33 weeks (patient 2) using 1.5-T with a Synergy-L Sensitivity Encoding (SENSE) head coil. We measured fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and fiber counts of the CST. There were no definite asymmetric findings on physical examination and conventional brain MRI. By contrast, DTT showed a unilateral CST disruption at the periventricular white matter, low FA values, and low CST fiber counts compared with those of the unaffected CST and controls. These patients were diagnosed with hemiparetic cerebral palsy when we re-evaluated these patients at the age of 6 years (patient 1) and 3 years of age (patient 2), respectively. In these two patients, DTT revealed abnormalities of the CST prior to the manifestation of hemiparesis. Therefore, it seems that DTT would be a useful modality in detecting CST abnormalities in advance of clinical manifestation in infants with high risk factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A methodology for the synthesis of 2- and 4-aminoquinoline derivatives, which takes advantage of selective activation of 2- or 4-substituent of 2-methylsulfanyl-3-acyl-1H-quinolin-4-one 1, has been developed. Since a procedure for formation of 3-aminoquinolinones from the 4-quinolinone 1 was described previously, the new methodology comprises a general methodology for the selective syntheses of three isomeric 2-, 3- and 4-aminoquinoline derivatives starting with the common 4-quinolinone 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of hepatic gene expression in a standard model of an alcohol-induced fatty liver using the cDNA microarray analysis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups and were given either an ethanol diet (ED), or a control diet (CD) for eight weeks. The ED rats showed significantly elevated levels of plasma total and HDL cholesterol as well as hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride compared to the pair-fed control rats. Among the 5185 genes on the rat cDNA microarray used in the current study, 74 genes were up-regulated and 108 genes were down-regulated greater than 2.0-fold in the liver of ED rats compared with those in the CD rats. The microarray results were verified by conducting real-time RT-PCR on the fourteen selected genes with varied expression ratios. After clustering the regulated genes based on their biological function, it was found that chronic ethanol consumption regulated mainly the genes implicated in the processes of signal transduction, transcription, immune response, and protein/amino acid metabolism. The microarray results obtained in this study revealed, for the first time, that several genes, including β-glucuronidase, UDP-glycosyltransferase 1, UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, apoC-III, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, were regulated by chronic ethanol exposure in the rat liver. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles were loaded in the bilayer of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes, named as gold-loaded liposomes. Above the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature, membrane fluidities of DPPC liposomes were changed by loading the gold nanoparticles. Compared with liposomes without loading the gold nanoparticles, gold-loaded liposomes showed the lower fluorescence anisotropy values. That is, the membrane fluidities of DPPC bilayer were increased by loading the gold nanoparticles. The membrane fluidities were increased as the amount of gold nanoparticles increased. The existence of gold nanoparticles in the DPPC bilayer was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Through the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, the particles in DPPC bilayer were confirmed to be gold nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the formation and characterization of liposome entrapping the silver nanoparticles in bilayer. Silver nanoparticles were entrapped in the bilayer of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposome, named as silver-loaded liposome. Specifically, above the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature of this lipid (i.e., 41°C), it was observed that membrane fluidities of silver-loaded liposomes were increased, and fluorescence anisotropy values were reduced from 0.114 to 0.097. This might be due to the structural modifications and interactions between DPPC molecules and silver nanoparticles within the bilayer. It was also confirmed that silver nanoparticles were entrapped in hydrophobic region of lipid bilayer with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plasma HDL has been reported to protect against the initial development of inflammatory atherosclerosis. Although cellular and molecular mechanisms of this HDL protection are not fully understood, they may involve prevention of the endothelial trafficking of circulating leukocytes via its down-regulation of inflammatory genes. To test this hypothesis, HDL inhibition of monocyte adherence to the endothelium and of the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and its transcriptional regulatory mechanism were elucidated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by pro-inflammatory TNF-α. Plasma HDL (1 mg/ml apo A1) markedly prevented the monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-activated HUVECs with blunting the increased expression levels of VCAM-1 protein and its mRNA at a maximal TNF-α stimulation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that in the activated HUVECs HDL substantially inhibited DNA binding activities of transcription factors of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) that have binding sites in the promoter region of the VCAM-1 gene. In addition, immunocytochemical staining analysis confirmed that HDL inhibited TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression via reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These results suggest that HDL down-regulates the expression of VCAM-1 gene in TNF-α-activated HUVECs at transcriptional levels via blunted translocation and transactivation of NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors. Plasma HDL may block the initial atherosclerotic process via inhibited monocyte adhesion to the endothelium, which is independent of modulating the cholesterol reverse transport of plasma HDL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The potential of using electrical conductivity measurements to evaluate the freshness of tofu during storage was studied. Changes in the electrical conductivity of tofu were measured using a custom system under refrigerated (5 °C) and room temperature conditions (20 °C). The electrical conductivity of tofu stored at room temperature rapidly increased from 0.46 to 0.81 S/m within 9 days. During refrigerated storage, the conductivity slowly increased from 0.30 to 0.41 S/m over 24 days. The electrical conductivity data were converted into an electrical conductivity freshness index (EF i) to develop an empirical model for physicochemical qualities (pH and texture) and microbial growth. In the pH analysis, EF i could well predicted the pH reduction following spoilage during both refrigerated and room-temperature storage. For example, the EF i empirical model showed ß 2 coefficient and R2 values of − 2.553 and 0.976, respectively, for pH estimation of refrigerated tofu. Microbial growth could be precisely predicted using electrical conductivity measurements since the empirical parameter of EF i showed positive values. The results of this study suggest that in situ electrical conductivity measurements can be used for the rapid estimation of tofu freshness during storage. [Display omitted] • Electrical conductivity successfully evaluated the freshness of tofu. • Electrical conductivity at room temperature storage rapidly increased with spoilage. • Increasing electrical conductivity represented the spoilage of tofu. • Microbial growth showed the positive relation to electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The influence of the kimchi cabbage harvesting period on the fermentation profile of kimchi was investigated. • Weissella dominated the spring, summer, and winter kimchi. • Latilactobacillus became predominant in the fall kimchi. • The metabolic profiles of spring and summer kimchi were similar after fermentation. Kimchi cabbage, the key ingredient in kimchi, is cultivated year-round to meet high production demands. This study aimed to examine the effects of seasonal harvesting (spring, summer, fall, and winter) on the microbial and metabolic profiles of kimchi during 30 days of fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria distribution is notably influenced by seasonal variations, with Latilactobacillus dominant in fall-harvested kimchi group and Weissella prevailing in spring, summer, and winter. The microbial communities of spring and fall group exhibited similar profiles before fermentation, whereas the microbial communities and metabolic profiles of spring and summer group were similar after 30 days of fermentation. Seasonal disparities in metabolite concentrations, including glutamic acid, serine, and cytosine, persist throughout fermentation. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the substantial impact of seasonal harvesting of kimchi cabbage on the microbial and metabolic characteristics of kimchi, providing valuable insights into producing kimchi with diverse qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of an innovative freezing technique by applying combined pulsed electric field (PEF) and static magnetic field (SMF) was successfully tested and validated. 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution was frozen under the PEF (1.78 V cm −1 , duty ratio: 0.5) at the frequencies of 0–20 kHz and different SMF conditions (attractive and repulsive). At −20 °C, an increase in the working frequencies reduced the phase transition time and the shortest phase transition time (1443 ± 2 s) was obtained at 20 kHz. The patterns of ice crystals became uniformly round (roundness: 0.88–0.90) under the PEF. The effects of attractive and repulsive SMFs showed different patterns in ice crystal formation with the shortest phase transition time under the repulsive SMF. The combined PEF (1.78 V cm −1 at 20 kHz) and repulsive SMF resulted in an effective and synergistic freezing process, forming uniformly round and the smallest mean size of ice crystals in the shortest phase transition (1004 ± 3 s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kimchi cabbage is a Korean traditional fermented vegetable that is rich in nutrients and probiotics. Temperature changes caused microbial growth adversely affect the quality of kimchi. Therefore, controlling the preservation temperature is important to prevent over-fermentation of kimchi. Supercooling has emerged as an alternative storage method; however, maintaining the supercooled state of food is challenging. In this study, a stepwise cooling algorithm for supercooling preservation was developed and applied. All samples were maintained in a supercooled state, and no ice nucleation was detected. Assessments of CO 2 content, pH, and titratable acidity revealed that supercooled samples exhibited more delayed fermentation than refrigerated samples. However, moisture content and hardness of the unfrozen (refrigerated and supercooled) samples were not significantly different. Microbial analysis and community composition indicated that the supercooling treatment delayed kimchi fermentation by approximately three months. Conclusively, supercooling is effective for maintaining the freshness of kimchi cabbage during long-term storage. This study contributes to the optimization of kimchi preservation strategies, offering potential benefits for both consumers and producers in terms of product quality, shelf life, and food safety. • Microbial growth deteriorates kimchi quality. • Supercooling using a stepwise cooling algorithm was developed and applied. • Supercooling delayed kimchi fermentation. • Hardness and other physiological parameters were maintained. • Supercooling is an efficient method for long-term preservation of kimchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bioenergetic deficits are considered a common cause of neurodegenerative diseases. Although creatine supplementation has been shown to be effective in certain neurodegenerative disorders, it is less effective in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that primarily affects motor neurons. These neurons are particularly vulnerable to a cellular energy deficit. Using the ATP-depleting drug glucosamine, we evaluated whether the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 protects motor neurons against glucosamine-induced cytotoxicity. Undifferentiated NSC-34 cells were differentiated into glutamate-sensitive motor neurons by a modified serum deprivation technique. Glucosamine inhibited the viability of differentiated NSC-34 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Glucosamine also acutely reduced cellular glucose uptake, glucokinase activity and intracellular ATP levels. As a result, the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase as well as endoplasmic reticulum stress increased. Pretreatment with GLP-1 significantly alleviated glucosamine-mediated neurotoxicity by restoring cellular glucose uptake, glucokinase activity and intracellular ATP levels. The protective effect of GLP-1 was replicated by Exendin-4 but not Exendin-9, and not blocked by inhibitors of phosphoinositide-3 kinase, protein kinase A, cSrc, or epidermal growth factor receptor, but it was blocked by an adenylate cyclase inhibitor. A selective activator for exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac), but not a selective activator for protein kinase A, mimicked the GLP-1 effect. Therefore GLP-1 may exert its effect mainly through cAMP-dependent, Epac-mediated restoration of glucose uptake that is typically impaired by glucosamine. These findings indicate that GLP-1 could be employed therapeutically to protect motor neurons that are susceptible to bioenergetic deficits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial direct current (DC) brain polarization can modulate cortical excitability in the human brain. We investigated the effect of anodal DC brain polarization of right parietal cortex on visuospatial scanning in subacute stroke patients with spatial neglect. The patients underwent two neglect tests – figure cancellation and line bisection – before and immediately after anodal DC or sham in a double-blind protocol. Anodal DC was applied to the scalp over the right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) with an intensity of 2.0mA for 20min. Anodal DC brain polarization, but not sham, led to significant improvement in the both neglect tests. These results document a beneficial effect of DC brain polarization on neglect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sapoviruses (SaVs) within the Caliciviridae family are an important cause of gastroenteritis in both humans and animals. Although the widespread occurrence of divergent human SaV strains has been reported, there have only been a few studies of porcine SaVs examining their genetic diversity. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of porcine SaVs in piglets with diarrhea in South Korea. Two hundred and thirty-seven fecal specimens from piglets with diarrhea were examined from 78 farms over a 2-year period from six provinces in South Korea. Overall, 69 (29.1%) of the samples from five provinces tested positive for porcine SaVs by either RT-PCR or nested PCR with the primer pairs specific to porcine SaVs. An analysis of the partial capsid gene (757bp) of 12 porcine SaVs detected from fecal samples showed genetic divergence, not only among the Korean porcine SaVs (67.7–99.1%), but also between Korean and American porcine SaVs (69.1–90.2%). Interestingly, one strain (Po/SaV/JN-MA113/05/Korea), formed a second porcine SaV/GIII genotype, and is tentatively called GIII/2. This strain had a 0.236–0.405 inter-cluster distance with the other strains in the same genogroup, which is comparable to the distances between the established GI and GII SaVs. Furthermore, two potential recombinant porcine SaVs were identified. In conclusion, porcine SaV infections are common in diarrheic piglets in South Korea. The infecting strains are genetically diverse, and include a newly recognized genotype and recombinant viruses within genogroup III. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Flavones have been classified as anti-atherogenic agents that inhibit monocyte adhesion to stimulated endothelium, possibly by blocking induction of cell adhesion molecules (CAM). This anti-atherogenic feature of these flavonoids appears to be related to their chemical structures. Flavones may interfere with key signaling events involved in endothelial cell activation by inflammatory mediators. This study examined the effects of flavones on the induction of CAM and the translocation and DNA binding of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) in TNF-alpha-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The effects of flavones, luteolin and apigenin, on adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to the TNF-alpha-activated HUVEC, protein expression and mRNA levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin, and nuclear appearance and DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B were determined. Flavanols, flavonols, and flavanones were used for comparison. TNF-alpha significantly induced HUVEC protein expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin with increasing mRNA levels. Luteolin and apigenin inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced upregulation of THP-1 adhesion and VCAM-1 expression; these inhibitory effects were dose-dependent. The flavones at doses of > or =25 micromol/L almost completely abolished the increased CAM protein and mRNA regardless of their anti-oxidative activity. With the exception of the flavonol quercetin, flavonoids had no such effect; quercetin substantially attenuated the CAM induction. The flavones inhibited nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of the NF-kappa B-containing binding site in the promoter region of the CAM genes in TNF-alpha-activated HUVEC. The inhibition of endothelial CAM induction by flavones is mediated by their interference with the NF-kappa B-dependent transcription pathway. Thus, the flavones may hamper initial atherosclerotic events involving endothelial CAM induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long time period for salting kimchi cabbage (KC) is a major hurdle for efficient kimchi production. In this study, the tumbling-assisted dry salting (TADS) method was proposed to improve kimchi salting. The kinetic trends of TADS and conventional salting (CS) were distinctly different. The effective salt diffusion coefficient (D e) during TADS increased by 29.12 times compared to that during CS. The total, water, and salt mass changes in the KC during TADS were suggested by exudate features, and prediction models with high R2 values were developed. The KC salted with TADS exhibited a tissue texture and appearance that were comparable to those produced with CS. In conclusion, this study demonstrates TADS as a rapid and predictable salting technique for KC, which may potentially be used for rapid KC salting and applied to other osmotic agents and products, such as vegetables and fruits. • Tumbling-assisted dry salting enables rapid kimchi cabbage salting. • Tumbling-assisted dry salting matched conventional in texture and appearance. • Models predict mass changes in tumbling-assisted and conventional salting. • The technique and model can be extended to other vegetables and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recent studies have attempted to treat autoimmune diseases using Trichuris suis. whipworm) eggs. Large quantities of eggs can be obtained efficiently by collecting from the feces of the porcine hosts rather than by extracting from the female worm uterus. However, it is difficult to process large amounts of feces using the current methods. In the present study, we propose a method to collect the eggs from bulk feces more efficiently. Collecting the eggs using washing meshes (25 μm sieve) yields 65.7% (56.0–70.7) of eggs (median, min-max) from 100 g feces. Our method, which uses ethyl acetate and simulated gastric fluid, yielded 91.4% (91.4–94.0) of the eggs from 100 g feces into the separated aqueous solution. Egg collection using simulated gastric fluid (SGF) method was also 60 min faster than that using the sieve method. As the SGF used in the experiment is a strongly acidic reagent with a pH of 1–2, embryonation of the eggs was induced by the rapid pH change. As a result, 37.1% (8.0–77.8) of the eggs had embryonated two months after SGF stimulation. Using the developed method, we could process the feces quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, after purification, egg embryonation could be induced without any harmful reagent treatment. This method is expected to be helpful for further research using Trichuris suis eggs. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a biosugar obtained from empty fruit bunch (EFB) of oil palm by hot water treatment and subsequent enzymatic saccharification was used for undecylprodigiosin production, using Streptomyces coelicolor . Furfural is a major inhibitor present in EFB hydrolysate (EFBH), having a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.9 mM, and it reduces utilization of glucose (27%), xylose (59%), inhibits mycelium formation, and affects antibiotic production. Interestingly, furfural was found to be a good activator of undecylprodigiosin production in S . coelicolor , which enhanced undecylprodigiosin production by up to 52%. Optimization by mixture analysis resulted in a synthetic medium containing glucose:furfural:ACN:DMSO (1%, 2 mM, 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively). Finally, S . coelicolor was cultured in a fermenter in minimal medium with EFBH as a carbon source and addition of the components described above. This yielded 4.2 μg/mg dcw undecylprodigiosin, which was 3.2-fold higher compared to that in un-optimized medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the efficacy of in situ electrical conductivity measurement was evaluated to estimate the freshness of cow milk. Accordingly, the same for the refrigerated milk (5 °C) gradually increased from 0.505 to 0.610 S/m during 42 days, whereas that for the milk stored at room temperature (20 °C) promptly increased from 0.708 to 1.195 S/m during 30 days. In the empirical model, the electrical conductivity freshness index (EF i) presented a good correlation between pH and microbial growth with the freshness parameters. In the pH analysis, the EF i could predict the pH decline in spoiled milk with a non-linear curve. Likewise, the growth of total aerobic bacteria (TAB) at 20 °C exhibited a good correlation with EF i (ß 2 coefficient and R2 values of 9.330 and of 0.977, respectively). This study thus demonstrated the practical application of in situ electrical conductivity measurement for rapid prediction of milk freshness during storage. In the cold change system of milk, rapid assessment of freshness has its significance for food safety. Conventional evaluation of milk freshness required the analytical equipment, trained technician, labor, and time. Electrical conductivity measurement could represent the freshness of foods associated with pH changes and microbial growth. This study proposed the potential of electrical conductivity measurement for rapid assessment of milk freshness. • Electrical conductivity of milk enabled rapid evaluation of freshness of plant-based meat analog. • Electrical conductivity of milk increased when milk was spoiled. • pH value showed good correlation with electrical conductive change. • Increased electrical conductive can predict the growth of microorganism in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosoma brucei is a vector borne, lethal protistan parasite of humans and livestock in sub-Saharan Africa. Antigenic variation of its cell surface coat enables the parasite to evade adaptive immune responses and to live freely in the blood of its mammalian hosts. The coat consists of ten million copies of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) that is expressed from a single VSG gene, drawn from a large repertoire and located near the telomere at one of fifteen so-called bloodstream expression sites (BESs). Thus, antigenic variation is achieved by switching to the expression of a different VSG gene. A BES is a tandem array of expression site-associated genes and a terminal VSG gene. It is polycistronically transcribed by a multifunctional RNA polymerase I (RNAPI) from a short promoter that is located 45–60 kb upstream of the VSG gene. The mechanism(s) restricting VSG expression to a single BES are not well understood. There is convincing evidence that epigenetic silencing and transcription attenuation play important roles. Furthermore, recent data indicated that there is regulation at the level of transcription initiation and that, surprisingly, the VSG mRNA appears to have a role in restricting VSG expression to a single gene. Here, we review BES expression regulation and propose a model in which telomere-directed, epigenetic BES silencing is opposed by BES promoter-directed, activated RNAPI transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To identify more effective but less toxic compositions of organic solvent mixtures for biodiesel production from Chlorella vulgaris, 15 different organic solvents were examined and compared for their power of lipid extraction from algal biomass. When solvents were individually examined, methanol showed the best efficiency for the extraction of fatty acids, followed by dichloromethane. Although chloroform resulted in yields which were equal to or greater than those of other solvents, it showed a very low fatty acid content and a high level of unknown impurities when analyzed by gas-chromatography (GC). Furthermore, solvent mixtures were applied in order to determine the optimal composition for a high lipid extraction efficiency, using chloroform, methanol and dichloromethane. Through comparison of compositions using the Bligh and Dyers method, the best composition was to be methanol:dichloromethane (1:1). Our findings resulted in a 25% increase of lipid extraction yield, together with C16, C16:2, C18:2 as major components from C. vulgaris. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the process of evaluating the growth of Streptomyces coelicolor on rich media such as blood agar, we found that S. coelicolor a non-pathogenic, well-known antibiotic producer had the ability to grow and produce a prominent hemolytic zone. By comparing the growth with an agarase gene mutant of S. coelicolor, a similar prominent hemolytic zone was found to develop due to the organism's hemolytic activity. After the confirmation of hemolytic activity from S. coelicolor, the genome was searched for hemolysin-coding genes; consequently, SCO1782, SCO2534, and SCO3882 were identified, whose products were annotated as a putative, membrane, and hypothetical proteins, respectively. Functional characterization of all the recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) revealed that only SCO1782 exhibited hemolytic activity. This S. coelicolor protein, designated as S-hemolysin, showed sequence similarity toward hemolysins from Brachyspira hyodysenteriae (35%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (62%). Recombinant hemolysin exhibited activity against sheep blood erythrocytes and cytolytic activity against human fibroblast cells. Deletion of SCO1782 resulted in complete loss of hemolysin activity in S. coelicolor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Production of deoxy-thymidine-diphosphate (TDP)-sugars as substrates of glycosyltransferases, has been one of main hurdles for combinatorial antibiotic biosynthesis, which combines sugar moiety with aglycon of various antibiotics. Here, we report the one-pot enzymatic synthesis of TDP-2-deoxy-glucose employing high efficient TMP kinase (TMK; E.C. 2.7.2.12), acetate kinase (ACK; E.C. 2.7.1.21), and TDP-glucose synthase (TGS; E.C. 2.7.7.24) with phosphomannomutase (PMM; E.C. 5.4.2.8). In this study, replacing phosphoglucomutase (PGM; E.C. 5.4.2) by PMM from Escherichia coli gave four times higher specific activity on 2-deoxy-6-phosphate glucose, suggesting that the activity on 2-deoxy-glucose-6-phosphate was mainly affected by PMM activity, not PGM activity. Using an in vitro system starting from TMP and 2-deoxy-glucose-6-phosphate glucose, TDP-2-deoxy-glucose (63% yield) was successfully synthesized. Considering low productivity of NDP-sugars from cheap starting materials, this paper showed how production of NDP-sugars could be enhanced by controlling mutase activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since the prevalence of bovine norovirus (BNoV) and their genetic diversity have only been reported in the USA, England, Germany and The Netherlands, this study examined the prevalence and genetic diversity of BNoVs in diarrheic calves in South Korea using 645 diarrheic fecal specimens from calves by RT-PCR and nested PCR assays. Overall, 9.3% of the diarrheic fecal samples tested positive for BNoVs by either RT-PCR or nested PCR, of which 5.9% samples also tested positive for other enteric pathogens including the bovine coronavirus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine torovirus, bovine groups A, B and C rotaviruses, bovine enteric Nebraska-like calicivirus and Escherichia coli. The genetic diversity was determined by direct sequencing of the partial RdRp region of 12 BNoVs detected from the fecal samples by nested PCR. Among the BNoVs examined, one Korean BNoV strain had the highest nucleotide (86.8%) and amino acid (99.1%) identity with the genotype 1 BNoV (GIII-1) strain, while the remaining 11 Korean BNoVs shared a higher nucleotide (88.0–90.5%) and amino acid (93.5–99.1%) identity with the genotype 2 BNoV (GIII-2) strains. The phylogenetic data for the nucleotide and amino acid sequences also demonstrated that one Korean BNoV strain clustered with GIII-1 but the remaining eleven strains clustered with GIII-2. In conclusion, BNoV infections are endemic and there are two distinct genotypes with GIII-2 being the main genotype circulating in the calf population in South Korea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Combined effects of different mixing ratios of starter cultures were investigated. • Volatile and non-volatile compounds were different depending on the ratio of LAB. • Discrimination of properties of kimchi was explained by microbial communities. • PCA showed clear differences in metabolites according to LAB starter culture. This study aimed to establish a mixed starter culture to standardize the flavor of kimchi, a traditional Korean food. Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus sakei were selected for the culture based on their key roles in kimchi fermentation. The effects of various starter culture mixing ratios on the overall fermentation process were investigated. Fermentation was carried out at 15 °C for 72 h. In the microbial community analysis, a similar ratio to the initial mixed inoculated ratio was observed in the microbial environments. Treatment with high-rate L. mesenteroides inoculation, exhibiting hetero-fermentative characteristics, led to the production of mannitol (1393.11 mg/100 g), acetic acid (57.70 mg/kg), and lactic acid (1141.90 mg/kg), in addition to the induction of a rapid increase in the number of viable cells, thereby reducing the pH (pH 3.9). Conversely, treatment with high-rate L. sakei inoculation, exhibiting homo-fermentative characteristics, led to the production of less mannitol and acetic acid, with more lactic acid. Principal component analysis score plots showed a distinct difference in kimchi metabolites depending on the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter culture. Therefore, by using mixed LAB starter strains, this study demonstrated the value of various characteristics and standardized manufacturing of kimchi. LAB types and inoculation ratios greatly affected the types and concentration of metabolites in kimchi fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 4-(N-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)aminobenzopyran analogues, originally designed as KATP openers for ischemic diseases, showed antiangiogenic properties through the inhibition of HUVEC tube formation. Especially one of p-Cl substituted analogues (4c) completely inhibited HUVEC tube formation at 10 μM. The compound 4c significantly inhibited tumor growth by 52% on A549 (human non small cell lung carcinoma) in nude mice xenografts without any significant side effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]