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Objective: The effects of a crude protease extracted from Cordyceps militaris (CM) mushrooms on the postmortem tenderization mechanism and quality improvement in spent hen breast were investigated.Methods: Different percentages of the crude protease extracted from CM mushrooms were introduced to spent hen breast via spray marination, and its effects on tenderness-related indexes and proteolytic enzymes were compared to papain.Results: The results indicated that there was a possible improvement by the protease extracted from CM mushroom through the upregulation of endogenous proteolytic enzymes involved in the calpain system, cathepsin-B, and caspase-3 coupled with its nucleotide-specific impact. However, the effect of the protease extracted from CM mushroom was likely dose-dependent, with significant improvements at a minimum level of 4%. Marination with the protease extracted from CM mushroom at this level led to increased protein solubility and an increased myofibrillar fragmentation index. The sarcoplasmic protein and collagen contents seemed to be less affected by the protease extracted from CM mushroom, indicating that substrate hydrolysis was limited to myofibrillar protein. Furthermore the protease extracted from CM mushroom intensified meat product taste due to increasing the inosinic acid content, a highly effective salt that provides umami taste.Conclusion: The synergistic results of the proteolytic activity and nucleotide-specific effects following treatments suggest that the exogenous protease derived from CM mushroom has the potential for improving the texture of spent hen breast.

The anatomic location and immunologic characteristics of brain tumors result in strong lymphocyte suppression. Consequently, conventional immunotherapies targeting CD8 T cells are ineffective against brain tumors. Tumor cells escape immunosurveillance by various mechanisms and tumor cell metabolism can affect the metabolic states and functions of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Here, we discovered that brain tumor cells had a particularly high demand for oxygen, which affected γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses but not those of conventional T cells. Specifically, tumor hypoxia activated the γδ T cell protein kinase A pathway at a transcriptional level, resulting in repression of the activatory receptor NKG2D. Alleviating tumor hypoxia reinvigorated NKG2D expression and the antitumor function of γδ T cells. These results reveal a hypoxia-mediated mechanism through which brain tumors and γδ T cells interact and emphasize the importance of γδ T cells for antitumor immunity against brain tumors. Glioblastoma is one of the most intractable tumors and presents a hypoxic and immunologically cold microenvironment. Lee and colleagues demonstrate that normalizing oxygen tension unleashes γδ T cell anti-glioblastoma function.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of taste-related compounds and antioxidatve profiles of retorted samgyetang made from fresh and dried Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) mushrooms. A total of 48 carcasses were prepared from commercial broilers (CB; Ross, 4 weeks old) and randomly distributed into eight different treatments. Each treatment group consisted of 6 chicken carcasses made with the addition of broth in different condition and concentration of C. militaris mushrooms. The addition concentration was based on the broth volume (v/w) under either fresh or dried conditions ranging from 0% as a control to 1%, 2%, and 3% of C. militaris mushrooms. C. militaris mushrooms contributed to an improvement of meat tenderness and the antioxidative profile that led to a greater suppression of lipid oxidation. The addition of C. militaris mushrooms at 2% could also enrich the flavor and taste-related compounds, particularly the increase in 5'-AMP and umami-related free amino acid compounds, L-aspartic acid and L-glutamic acid. Different addition forms of C. militaris mushrooms, particularly fresh or dried mushrooms, had only small effects on bioactive compounds, where the dried addition could possibly enrich samgyetang broth with higher cordycepin and adenosine contents than the fresh addition. Besides, the addition of C. militaris mushrooms in the dried form could also contribute to a higher antioxidative profile. Eventually, the addition of C. militaris mushrooms with a minimum addition of 2% contributed to an improvement of meat quality, antioxidative profile and flavor improvement of samgyetang.

The aim of this study was to develop retorted samgyetang marinated with different levels of soy sauce and processed at different F0 (thermal death time at 121°C) values. The tested marinade series comprised different percentages of soy sauce in water (0%, 25%, and 50% [w/w]) containing a fixed concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate (0.3% [w/w]). Following marination, samgyetang was prepared and subjected to retort processing, until an F0 value of either 8 or 29 was achieved. Meat quality analysis of the breast meat, sensory evaluation, and aroma analysis were performed as indicators of acceptability. The meat pH decreased as the soy sauce content increased, regardless of the F0 value. The shear force value significantly decreased as the concentration of soy sauce increased, but increased as the F0 value increased (p < 0.05). Lipid oxidation was not affected by marination, but increased significantly as the F0 value increased (p < 0.05). The proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as the F0 value increased. The total alkane content decreased as the F0 value increased (p < 0.05). Changes in the total volatile sulfur compound and 2-butyl-1-octanol content were affected by soy sauce marination. Marination using 25% soy sauce and retort sterilization, until an F0 value of either 8 or 29 was achieved, improved the acceptability of samgyetang. Therefore, marination using 25% soy sauce and retort sterilization until an F0 value of 8 is the process recommended for developing a soy sauce-flavored, retorted samgyetang product of acceptable quality.

Pathological maternal inflammation and abnormal placentation contribute to several pregnancy-related disorders, including preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia. TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a serine/threonine kinase, has been implicated in the regulation of various physiological processes, including innate immune response, autophagy, and cell growth. However, the relevance of TBK1 in the placental pro-inflammatory environment has not been investigated. In this study, we assessed the effect of TBK1 inhibition on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its underlying mechanisms in human trophoblast cell lines and mouse placenta. TBK1 phosphorylation was upregulated in the trophoblasts and placenta in response to LPS. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of TBK1 in trophoblasts ameliorated LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, placental inflammation, and subsequent interleukin (IL)-1 production. Moreover, maternal administration of amlexanox, a TBK1 inhibitor, reversed LPS-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes. Notably, TBK1 inhibition prevented LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation by targeting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Thus, this study provides evidence for the biological significance of TBK1 in placental inflammation, suggesting that amlexanox may be a potential therapeutic candidate for treating inflammation-associated pregnancy-related complications.

The vaginal microbiota may be important for pregnancy prognosis because vaginal dysbiosis during pregnancy appears to be related to preterm birth (PTB) or pregnancy loss. Previous reports have indicated that a Lactobacillus-poor microbial flora in the vagina and intrauterine infection by diverse anaerobes ascending from the vagina are associated with undesirable delivery outcomes. However, no research has involved the use of pyrosequencing analysis to examine vaginal microbiota profiles or their potential associations with high-risk pregnancy in Korean women. Vaginal swabs were collected from 500 Korean women for the identification of community state types (CSTs). Of these, 137 samples were further analyzed using a Roche/454 GS Junior pyrosequencer. Three distinct CSTs were identified based on the dominant vaginal microbes: CST I (Lactobacillus crispatus dominated), CST III (Lactobacillus iners dominated), and CST IV (with diverse species of anaerobes). Twelve of the 67 pregnant women had undesirable pregnancy outcomes (four miscarriages and eight PTBs). The dominant microbe in the vaginal microbiota of women who gave birth at full-term was L. crispatus. In contrast, L. iners was the dominant vaginal microbe in women who miscarried. Most (n = 6/8) vaginal microbiota profiles of women who experienced PTB could be classified as CST IV, with diverse bacteria, including anaerobic vaginal species. The present study provides valuable information regarding the characteristics of the vaginal microbiota of Korean women related to high-risk pregnancy. Investigation of the vaginal microbiotic structure in pregnant Korean women is necessary to enable better prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases that pose a serious threat to human health. Excessive inflammation can also result in preterm birth or miscarriage in pregnant women. Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne, CMD) is a well-known traditional health food and medicinal herb used in many countries to treat diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, cancer and other diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of hot water extract derived from the tendrils of C. moschata Duchesne (TCMD) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in murine macrophages and human trophoblast cells. The TCMD treatment of LPS-primed bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and human trophoblast cells attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by inflammasome activators such as ATP, nigericin, and monosodium urate (MSU). TCMD treatment suppressed IL-1β secretion in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting IL-6 secretion. In addition, TCMD inhibited NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis in BMDMs. TCMD also suppressed the release of mature IL-1β and activation of cleaved-caspase-1 via limited ASC oligomerization. Furthermore, TCMD significantly inhibited IL-1β secretion and pyroptotic cell death in human trophoblast cells. These results suggest that TCMD exhibits anti-inflammatory effects mediated via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation suggesting therapeutic potential against inflammatory diseases, preterm birth, and miscarriage.

Problem Chorioamnionitis is caused by a bacterial infection that ascends from the vagina and can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a periodontal pathogen associated with the occurrence of APOs. In this study, we evaluated whether receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (Ripk2), an adaptor protein of the cytosolic receptors nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)1 and NOD2, in macrophages and human decidual stromal cells (hDSCs) contributes to immune responses against F. nucleatum. Method of study Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from wild-type (WT) and Ripk2-deficient mice and hDSCs were cultured with F. nucleatum (MOI 1, 10, 100). BMDMs and hDSCs were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis, real-time PCR, and nitrite assay. Results Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced production of IL-6, but not of TNF-α and IL-10, was lower in Ripk2-deficient BMDMs than in WT cells. Western blotting revealed a decrease in F. nucleatum-induced p65 phosphorylation in Ripk2-deficient macrophages, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinases activation was comparable between WT and Ripk2-deficient cells. The production of nitric oxide (NO) in response to F. nucleatum and the gene and protein expression of inducible NO synthase was impaired in Ripk2-deficient BMDMs. In hDSCs, F. nucleatum upregulated the gene and protein expression of NOD1, NOD2, and Ripk2 in a time-dependent manner. F. nucleatum also increased the production of IL-6, CXCL8, and CCL2, whereas this production was decreased by the Ripk2 inhibitors SB203580 and PP2. Conclusions In conclusion, Ripk2 signaling appears to contribute to the F. nucleatum-induced immune response and can be a preventive and therapeutic target against APOs.

Reproductive failure (RF) is the inability to conceive or to carry a pregnancy to term, and its prevalence is not negligible. Pregnancy is a prothrombotic condition, which can be abnormally exaggerated in women with thrombophilia. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a cause of RF and effectively managed with heparin and aspirin. However, there are yet insufficient data in patients with RF and inherited thrombophilia. This review focuses on the significance of inherited thrombophilia and RF and the role of anticoagulants in pregnancy outcomes. A few randomized case-control studies have investigated the effect of anticoagulation in RF with thrombophilia, and the results are yet debatable. Some inherited thrombophilia including mutations of factor V Leiden, prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and protein S deficiency are associated with RF and/or late pregnancy complications. There are several implications which influence the diagnosis and treatment. First, there is a lack of studies revealing appropriate thrombophilia markers and its cutoff values for RF specifically. Second, some thrombophilia markers change with sex and age. Lastly, the study designs of previous studies are heterogeneous in selecting the thrombophilia markers and drugs. Further studies to find adequate thrombophilia markers of RF are warranted and eventually elucidate the subgroups beneficial to anticoagulation treatment.

Background: Preterm birth is a known leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The underlying causes of pregnancy-associated complications are numerous, but infection and inflammation are the essential high-risk factors. However, there are no safe and effective preventive drugs that can be applied to pregnant women. Objective: The objectives of the study were to investigate a natural product, Abeliophyllum distichum leaf (ADL) extract, to examine the possibility of preventing preterm birth caused by inflammation. Methods: We used a mouse preterm birth model by intraperitoneally injecting lipopolysaccharides (LPS). ELISA, Western blot, real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining analyses were performed to confirm the anti-inflammatory efficacy and related mechanisms of the ADL extracts. Cytotoxicity and cell death were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) analysis and flow cytometer. Results: A daily administration of ADL extract significantly reduced preterm birth, fetal loss, and fetal growth restriction after an intraperitoneal injection of LPS in mice. The ADL extract prevented the LPS-induced expression of TNF-&alpha, in maternal serum and amniotic fluid and attenuated the LPS-induced upregulation of placental proinflammatory genes, including IL-1&beta, IL-6, IL-12p40, and TNF-&alpha, and the chemokine gene CXCL-1, CCL-2, CCL3, and CCL-4. LPS-treated THP-1 cell-conditioned medium accelerated trophoblast cell death, and TNF-&alpha, played an essential role in this effect. The ADL extract reduced LPS-treated THP-1 cell-conditioned medium-induced trophoblast cell death by inhibiting MAPKs and the NF-&kappa, B pathway in macrophages. ADL extract prevented exogenous TNF-&alpha, induced increased trophoblast cell death and decreased cell viability. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that the inhibition of LPS-induced inflammation by ADL extract can prevent preterm birth, fetal loss, and fetal growth restriction.

Changes in microbial community and physicochemical traits of chicken summer sausage made from spent layer thigh added with different level (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% w/w) of ground chopi (Zanthoxylum piperitum) during manufacture were analyzed. The microbial community was profiled and analyzed by sequencing 16S rRNA gene using Illumina MiSeq. Samples were taken from raw sausage batter, after 15 h of fermentation, 8 h of cooking including cooling down, and 7 d of drying. The final pH of the sausage was reduced by the addition of ground chopi. However, no clear effect on water activity was observed. Ground chopi inhibited the development of red curing color after fermentation as it exhibited antimicrobial effect. However, the effect on species richness and microbial composition after cooking was unclear. Ground chopi delayed lipid oxidation during manufacture and the effect was dependent on the addition level. Fermentation reduced the species richness with a dominancy of lactic acid bacteria. The profile of microbiota in the raw batter was different from other stages, while the closest relationship was observed after cooking and drying. Proteobacteria was predominant, followed by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in raw samples. Firmicutes became dominating after fermentation and so forth, whereas other predominant phylum decreased. At genus level, unclassified Lactobacillales was the most abundant group found after fermentation and so forth. Therefore, the overall microbial composition aspects were mainly controlled during fermentation by the abundance of lactic acid bacteria, while bacterial counts and lipid oxidation were controlled by cooking and the addition of ground chopi.

We investigated the quality properties and bacteria diversity of pork salami containing homemade kimchi powder (KP). Pork salamis were manufactured with commercial starter culture (control), and 1% KP (KP1), 3% KP (KP3), and 5% KP (KP5). The salami was fermented and aged for 2 days and 56 days, respectively. The pH and AW values of salamis with KP were significantly lower than that of the control (p

Objective Although Hanwoo has been selected as the superior commercial beef cattle breed in Korea, Chikso (Korean brindle cattle) is still recognized as a valuable breed for beef production. The aim of this study was to compare the meat quality, fatty acid composition and aroma volatiles of beef from Chikso and Hanwoo steers maintained under identical feed management, as information regarding these characteristics is still limited. Methods A total of 19 carcasses with a quality grade of 1 were selected, and strip loin (longissimus lumborum) cuts were collected from 11 Hanwoo carcasses and 8 Chikso carcasses. Meat quality and aroma analyses were performed at day four postmortem. Results Though Hanwoo strip loin tended to have higher fat content (15.37%) than Chikso (12.01%), no significant differences were observed. Meat pH, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force value, instrumental surface color (Commission International De L'eclairage L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue angle) and fatty acid composition were not significantly different. Roasted Chikso beef released more intense aroma than roasted Hanwoo beef based on the total area units of identified volatiles. Among identified volatiles, the amounts of toluene, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal were higher in roasted Chikso beef than in roasted Hanwoo beef. In addition, the aroma pattern of the roasted beef from these breeds was well-discriminated by electronic nose. Conclusion No distinct differences were found in terms of meat quality between Hanwoo and Chikso beef in this study. However, the aroma pattern and volatiles of roasted Hanwoo and Chikso beef were different according to instrumental analysis.

Objective This study aimed to observe whether high-pressure processing (HPP) affected aroma development and the degradation rate of umami taste-related ATP breakdown products, specifically inosinic acid in grass-fed beef during vacuum aging. Methods Strip loin (longissimus lumborum) cuts obtained from six grass-fed Friesian Holstein steers (32 months old) on day 4 post slaughter were vacuum-packed and subjected to pressurization at 300 and 500 MPa for 180 s at 15°C±2°C. The samples were then stored for 4 weeks at 5°C±0.5°C under vacuum and compared with the control (0.1 MPa). Results HPP increased the shear force value, promoted moisture loss and lipid oxidation, induced surface paleness, stabilized pH during aging, and reduced bacterial load and growth. The shear force value of 500 MPa-treated samples remained higher than the control after aging, while no significant differences were found between the control and 300 MPa-treated samples. Degradation of inosinic acid and inosine occurred during pressurization, resulting in an increase in hypoxanthine content. However, the degradation rate in HPP-treated samples during aging was slower; therefore, inosinic acid and inosine content remained higher than in control samples. No significant differences were found in hypoxanthine content at the end of aging. HPP intensified the levels of hexanal, octanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, benzaldehyde, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine in cooked-aged beef samples. Conclusion HPP induced aroma development and delayed the degradation of inosinic acid. However, it also reduced the postmortem tenderization rate.

Deep sea water (DSW) has emerged as an alternative source of drinking water, it worth to examine whether the DSW exerts any difference in animal responses upon drinking. This study aims to investigate the effect of drinking DSW in broiler chicken. A total of 400 Ross 308 broilers were allocated into 4 treatments with 5 replications (20 birds per pen per a treatment) during a 28-d feeding periods. Control birds were provided with fresh water for drinking. The DSW was diluted with deionized water (W) in the ratio of 1:80 (1DSW:80W), 1:40 (1DSW:40W) and 1:20 (1DSW:20W). The diets for both control and 1DSW:80W groups were supplemented with 0.18% of food-grade salt to satisfy the minimal salt needs. Water and feed were available for ad libitum consumption for all the groups. Total salt intake of birds drinking 1DSW:80W and 1DSW:20W was higher (p 0.05) between treatments and control group. However, nutrient utilization of 1DSW:40W group was improved (p

Holstein-Friesian steer beef production is renowned globally as a secondary product of the milk industry. Grass feeding is a common practice in raising Holstein steers because of its low cost. Furthermore, grass feeding is an alternative way to produce beef with a balanced n-6 to n-3 fatty acids (FAs) ratio. However, the performance and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian cattle is more likely to depend on a high-quality diet. The aim of this study was to observe whether feeding two mixed diets; a corn-based total mixed ration (TMR) with winter ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets with reed canary grass haylage (n-3 mix) provided benefits on carcass weight, meat quality and FA composition compared with cattle fed with reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) haylage alone. In all, 15 21-month-old Holstein-Friesian steers were randomly assigned to three group pens, were allowed free access to water and were fed different experimental diets for 150 days. Blood samples were taken a week before slaughter. Carcass weight and meat quality were evaluated after slaughter. Plasma lipid levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined. Diet did not affect plasma triglyceride levels and GGT activity. Plasma cholesterol levels, including low-density and high-density lipoproteins, were higher in both mixed-diet groups than in the haylae group. The highest activities of plasma AST, CK and ALP were observed in the haylage group, followed by n-3 mix and TMR groups, respectively. Carcass weight was lower in the haylage group than in the other groups and no differences were found between the TMR and n-3 mix groups. Although the n-3 mix-fed and haylage-fed beef provided lower n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio than TMR-fed beef, the roasted beef obtained from the TMR group was more acceptable with better overall meat physicochemical properties and sensory scores. According to daily cost, carcass weight and n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio, the finishing diet containing flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets and reed canary grass haylage at the as-fed ratio of 40 : 60 could be beneficial for the production of n-3-enriched beef.

BACKGROUND The endolichenic fungus Xylaria grammica KCTC 13121BP showed strong nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita. This study aims to identify the nematicidal metabolites and to evaluate the efficacy of the strain as a biocontrol agent under pot and field conditions. RESULTS Bioassay-guided fractionation and instrumental analyses led to grammicin being identified as the nematicidal metabolite. Because patulin is a mycotoxic isomer of grammicin and is known to have strong antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, several biological activities of the two compounds were compared. Grammicin showed strong second-stage juvenile killing and egg-hatching inhibitory effects, with an EC50/72 h value of 15.9 μg/mL and EC50/14d value of 5.87 μg/mL, respectively, whereas patulin was virtually inactive in both respects. Patulin was strongly active toward various phytopathogenic bacteria in vitro, whereas grammicin was weakly so. Patulin at the concentration range of 0.1–10 μg/mL also showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity toward the human first-trimester trophoblast cell line SW.71, whereas grammicin was not toxic toward this cell line. In pot and field experiments, a wettable powder-type formulation and fermentation broth filtrate of X. grammica KCTC 13121BP effectively suppressed the development of root-knot nematode disease on tomato and melon plants. CONCLUSION The results suggest that X. grammica and grammicin may have potential applications for control of root-knot nematode disease of various crops.

The effects of gaseous ozone exposure on the bacterial counts and oxidative properties were evaluated in duck and chicken breast fillets, which were stored under a continuous flux of gaseous ozone (10×10(-6) kg O3/m(3)/h) at 4±1℃ for 4 d. The ozone generator was set to on for 15 min and off for 105 min, and this cyclic timer was set during storage. Ozone effectively reduced the growth of coliform, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in both chicken and duck breast. However, lipid oxidation occurred faster in duck breast than chicken breast with higher degree of discoloration, TBARS value, and antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase and catalase) activity decline rates. It is concluded that ozone effectively controlled the growth of bacteria in both chicken and duck breast with less effects on oxidative deterioration in chicken breast.

This study was conducted to compare nutritional composition and taste-related compounds of breast and thigh meats from four lines of Korean native chickens (KNC) Yeonsan Ogye, Hyunin Black, Hwangbong, and Hoengseong Yakdak. White Leghorn (WL) was used as a control. Fifteen male chickens (three chickens in each line) were grown under same condition and slaughtered at 53 weeks old. The contents of Fe and K in KNC, especially Hwangbong breast meat and thigh meat of Hyunin Black and Hoengseong Yakdak, were higher than WL. The contents of Na were lower in KNC compared with WL regardless of parts (p contents were lower in Hoengseong Yakdak than other lines. Vitamin were higher in breast meat of four lines of KNC and thigh meat of Hoengseong Yakdak than WL. Total amino acid contents were higher in breast meat of KNC than WL. The level of good-tasting amino acids were significantly higher in breast meat of Hoengseong Yakdak and WL, and thigh meat of Hyunin Black and WL than other lines of chickens (p

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics of retorted Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) made from white semi-broilers (WSB; Ross× Hyline white, 3 weeks old), commercial broilers (CB; Ross, 4 weeks old), Korean native chickens (KNC; Hanhyup-3-ho, 12 weeks old) and old laying hens (OLH; Hyline white, 72 weeks old) and to explore the possibility of using the carcasses of KNCs and OLHs as raw material for product diversification. Methods Raw and cooked meat quality, fatty acid composition and consumer acceptance were analyzed. Results Among the chicken breeds, OLH and KNC showed a higher shear force value than WSB and CB due to high insoluble collagen contents. However, the meat of KNC was more tender than that of OLH. The meat of OLH was characterized by the lowest moisture content and highest crude fat content. The meat of KNC was characterized by a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids, α-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid than that of OLH. The meat of OLH showed the highest content of unsaturated fatty acid, particularly linoleic acid, in its thigh meat. Electronic nose readings revealed that the meat aroma pattern was clearly different across breeds. OLH had the lowest overall acceptance score, while no differences were found in flavor, texture, juiciness and appearance among WSB, CB, and KNC. Conclusion KNC shows potential as raw material for Samgyetang, while additional preprocessing methods, such as tenderization and fat removal, are required for the utilization of OLH as raw material for retorted Samgyetang.

The vaginal bacterial strain AB70, belonging to the species Lactobacillus crispatus, was isolated from a vaginal swab from a healthy pregnant Korean woman. Here, we report the 2.37-Mb complete genome sequence of this strain.

A bacterial strain belonging to the genus Atopobacter was isolated from a vaginal swab from a crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, AH10.

This study was conducted to compare carcass yield and meat quality among four lines of Korean native chickens (Yeonsan Ogye, Hyunin Black, Hoengseong Yakdak and Hwangbong) and White Leghorn as control. Chickens (N

Objective The balance of apoptosis and proliferation is an important part in the embryonic development during pregnancy. It has been reported that the p53 gene plays a significant role in angiogenesis and placental development, namely in reproduction and is suggested as a potential mediator of pregnancy. This study was performed to investigate whether the genetic polymorphism of the p53 gene is associated with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Study design We conducted a case–control study in the Korean population. Study subjects consisted of 294 patients with idiopathic RPL and 300 postmenopausal controls. The genotyping for the p53 codon 72 polymorphism was performed using a Taqman assay. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t test and the χ 2 test was used to evaluate differences in the genotype distributions between the RPL and the controls. Results There were no significant differences in the genotype distributions or allele frequencies of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism between the RPL and control group. There was also no significant association between the p53 codon 72 polymorphism and RPL risk in both recessive (Pro/Pro vs. Arg-carriers, p =0.314) and dominant model (Pro-carriers vs. Arg/Arg, p =0.383: data not shown). Conclusion The codon 72 polymorphism in the p53 gene did not show any correlation with idiopathic RPL in Korean women, implying that it may not be susceptible allelic variants or be insufficient to cause RPL.

Deep sea water (DSW) has health benefits and is widely used as food supplement; however, its effect in fermented products has not been explored. Here, we investigated the effect of DSW-containing yogurt on health-related serum parameters and intestinal microbiota in mice. Animals were assigned to 3 feeding groups, which received water (control), normal yogurt (N-yogurt), or DSW-containing yogurt (DSW-yogurt) with a basal diet. Mice were killed at wk 4 or 8 of feeding and analyzed for serum parameters and microbial population in the small intestine. Both yogurt groups demonstrated increased populations of intestinal lactic acid bacteria compared with the control group. The activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was markedly decreased in the DSW-yogurt and N-yogurt groups, and triglyceride level tended to be lower in the DSW-yogurt group compared with that in the control mice. Furthermore, the DSW-yogurt group showed a more significant decrease in the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol than did the N-yogurt group. These findings suggest that DSW supplementation of yogurt can increase its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism.

Reduced trout haemoglobin (Hb) is a mixture of oxy- and deoxy-Hb at pH 6.3. Addition of oxy/deoxyHb to washed muscle resulted in detectable ferryl Hb while adding bovine oxyHb, trout metHb, or bovine metHb did not. Trout metHb promoted lipid oxidation more rapidly than bovine metHb, attributable to lower haemin affinity in fish Hbs. Protoporphyrin IX degradation was prevalent during trout and bovine Hb-mediated lipid oxidation. Caffeic acid prevented porphyrin degradation and lipid oxidation. Crosslinked myoglobin (Mb) promoted lipid oxidation more effectively than metMb. Fish metMb released haemin more readily than mammalian metMb at pH 5.5. These studies suggest haemin dissociation from metHb causes formation of free radicals that degrade protoporphyrin and cause lipid oxidation, and appreciable quantities of deoxyHb are needed to generate ferryl Hb oxidant. Crosslinking appears to facilitate Mb-mediated lipid oxidation in washed muscle yet haemin release can occur from fish metMb at low pH.

Poultry meats are highly perishable due to bacterial contamination; thus, elimination of bacterial contaminants is a challenge for food safety industry. This study was designed to evaluate the bacterial counts and oxidative properties of chicken breast contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) exposed to gaseous ozone during refrigerated storage. Slices of chicken breast were inoculated with ST by immersing them in peptone water containing 1.0 × 107 cfu of ST per milliliter peptone water. Samples were placed in a container with normal air (no ozone) or in a container equipped with an ozone generator that produce a continuous flux of ozone (10 × 10−6 kg O3/m3/h) and negative ions. Gaseous ozone exposure significantly reduced ST and the total aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts during storage compared with the nontreatment group (P

This study was designed to elucidate the effect of ozone exposure on the bacteria counts and oxidative properties of ground Hanwoo beef contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 at refrigeration temperature. Ground beef was inoculated with 7 Log CFU/g of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from domestic pigs and was then subjected to ozone exposure (10×10(-6) kg O3 h(-1)) at 4℃ for 3 d. E. coli O157:H7, total aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth and oxidative properties including instrumental color changes, TBARS, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were evaluated. Ozone exposure significantly prohibited (p

This study was conducted to observe the effects of crossbreeding and gender on the carcass traits and meat quality of Korean Native Black Pig (KNP) and KNP×Duroc crossbred (KNP×D). A total of 50 pigs comprising seven KNP barrows, eight KNP gilts, twenty KNP×D barrows and fifteen KNP×D gilts were used in this study. Animals were reared in the same housing condition with same feed diet for six months prior to slaughter. After an overnight chilling, the carcasses were graded, and samples of Musculus longissimus dorsi were obtained for meat quality analysis. The slaughter and carcass weights and dressing percentage of KNP×D were higher (p

There are multiple experiments conducted with male Korean native ducks (KND) to evaluate the optimal levels of limiting amino acids (AA). In Exp. 1, a total of 450 one-d-old male KNDs were divided into five groups with six replicates and fed experimental diets with varying levels of lysine, total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) and threonine (T1, 0.90/0.74/0.70%; T2, 1.00/0.82/0.77%; T3, 1.10/0.90/0.85%; T4, 1.20/0.98/0.93%; T5, 1.30/1.07/1.01%) to 21 d of age. In Exp. 2, one-d-old male KND were received and fed commercial starter diet from hatching to 21 d of age, and then divided into five groups with six replicates and fed one of five diets varying levels of lysine, TSAA, and threonine (T1, 0.73/0.62/0.54%; T2, 0.80/0.68/0.60%; T3, 0.87/0.74/0.65%; T4, 0.94/0.80/0.70%; T5, 1.01/0.86/0.75%) during 22 to 56 d of age, respectively. The BW gain was linearly increased as dietary limiting AA levels increased to 1.20% lysine, 0.98% TSAA and 0.93% threonine. There were no significant differences in feed intake, gain:feed and uniformity among groups. In Exp. 2, the BW gain and gain:feed were not affected by dietary limiting AA levels. There were no significant differences in carcass characteristics and meat quality among groups. The growth performance and carcass characteristics did not show the significant response to increasing dietary limiting AA levels in KND during 22 to 56 d of age. In conclusion, the levels of lysine, TSAA and threonine necessary to maximize growth for starter phase were at least 1.20%, 0.98%, and 0.93%, respectively. On the other hands, KND require relatively low levels of limiting AA for late growth and carcass yield. The dietary levels of 0.73% lysine, 0.62% TSAA and 0.54% threonine appear to be adequate during growing phase.

Inflammatory immune response plays a key role in reproductive failures such as multiple implantation failures (MIF), early pregnancy loss, and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). Cellular immune responses particularly mediated by natural killer (NK), and T cells are often dysregulated in these conditions. Excessive or inappropriate recruitment of peripheral blood NK cells to the uterus may lead to cytotoxic environment in utero, in which proliferation and differentiation of trophoblast is hampered. In addition, inadequate angiogenesis by uterine NK cells often leads to abnormal vascular development and blood flow patterns, which, in turn, leads to increased oxidative stress or ischemic changes in the invading trophoblast. T-cell abnormalities with increased Th1 and Th17 immunity, and decreased Th2 and T regulatory immune responses may play important roles in RPL and MIF. A possible role of stress in inflammatory immune response is also reviewed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the meat quality and natural di-peptide (carnosine and anserine) content in the loin and ham cuts of female, Korean Native Black Pigs (KNBP) during cold storage for 10 days. The pH value of the loin and the ham cuts increased with an increase in the number of storage days. The lightness () of the loin cuts did not show any significant difference; however, the lightness of the ham cuts was decreased at storage day 10 (p) of the ham was higher than the redness of the loin (p

The akirin 2 gene, located on chromosome 9 in cattle, was previously reported to be associated with nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), involved in immune reactions and marbling of meat. To determine whether a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in akirin 2 is associated with economically important traits of Korean native cattle, the c.*188GA SNP DNA marker in the 3'-UTR region of akirin 2 was analyzed for its association with carcass weight, longissimus muscle area and marbling. The c.*188GA SNP was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism, and the frequency of the AA, AG, and GG genotypes were 6.82%, 71.29% and 21.88% respectively. This SNP was significantly associated with longissimus muscle area (Bonferroni corrected P 0.05), and marbling score (Bonferroni corrected P 0.01). These results suggest that the c.*188GA SNP of akirin 2 might be useful as a DNA marker for longissimus muscle area and marbling scores in Korean native cattle.

This research was conducted to compare the meat characteristics of Korean native duck and imported commercial duck. The Korean native ducks and imported commercial ducks (broiler duck: Grimaud) were raised under identical rearing and feeding conditions for 8 wk and 6 wk, respectively. At the end of the rearing period, ten ducks from each group were slaughtered, and breast and leg meat were obtained 24 h after slaughtering for analyses of meat characteristics. The results showed that the breast of Korean native ducks contained lower moisture and fat, and higher protein and water holding capacity (WHC) than those of imported commercial ducks (p

Background This study was aim to observe the effects of feeding mixed local hay (MH) consisted of 55% orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), 35% tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and 10% red clover (Trifolium pratense) to Hanwoo steers on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality (longissimus thoracis) compared with feeding imported timothy hay (TH) and local rice straw (RS). Results Although no significant effects were found on animal performance and carcass yield grade, the carcasses of MH group had higher marbling score and quality grade than those of RS and TH group (P

This study was conducted to compare the microbial and physico-chemical quality characteristics in Kimchi-fermented sausages added with sodium nitrite (SN) and green tea extract (GTE). The sausages were fermented at 24 /RH 89% for 17 hr and then dried at 10 /RH 70~80% for 9 days. The total bacteria count, lactic acid bacteria count and pH value ranged from 8.7 Log CFU/g sausage, 8.1~8.3 Log CFU/g sausage and 4.35~4.36, respectively, at 9 d of ripening, but did not show significant differences during ripening among all sausages. The lipid oxidation (TBARS) was inhibited by both GTE and SN, but GTE had lower (p

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Alisma canaliculatum with probiotics (ACP) on the growth performance, meat composition, oxidative stability, and fatty acid composition of broiler meat. Sixteen probiotic strains were tested for their levels of acid, bile, and heat tolerance. Among them, Lactobacillus acidophilus KCTC 3111, Enterococcus faecium KCTC 2022, Bacillus subtilis KCTC 3239, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae KCTC 7928 were selected for use in ACP. Exactly 140 Ross broiler chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments in five replications for 5 wks in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were NC (Negative control; basal diet), PC (Positive control; basal diet with 0.005% Chlortetracycline), ACP-0.5% (basal diet with 0.5% ACP powder), and ACP-1% (basal diet with 1% ACP powder). According to the results, body weight of the broilers increased, and feed conversion ratio improved in the ACP-0.5% group compared to the NC group (p

This study was carried out in order to investigate the relationship of antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid oxidation, and aroma pattern of Hanwoo (Korean cattle) beef for 8 d at 15 o C/RH 100% under 0% O2/20% CO2/80% N2, 25% O2/20% CO2/ 55% N2, 50% O2/20% CO2/30% N2, and 75% O2/20% CO2/5% N2-conditions. The reduction of O2 and the induction of CO2 were shown in the 25-75% O2-groups during storage and total change rates of O2 and CO2 were followed in order: 25%>50%>75%. Catalase activity was not significantly different among all groups. During storage, glutathione peroxidase activity decreased by increasing the O2 concentration and was followed at 8 d in order: 0%>25%>50%>75% (p 25%>50%>75%. The CIE L * value was higher (p

This study was designed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical properties of carrot and spinach treated at 100, 300, and 500 MPa for 20 min. The numbers of Salmonella Typhimurium cells were significantly reduced by more than 5 log CFU/g in carrots and spinaches treated at 500 MPa after 5 min. The color changes were noticeable in the cooked carrots (ΔE>9) and spinaches (ΔE>12). Two distinct phases were observed in the textural changes of carrots and spinaches under high pressure processing. These results provide useful information for understanding microbial inactivation, color changes, and textural properties in high pressure-treated carrot and spinach samples.

Citation Park D-W, Lee S-K, Hong SR, Han A-R, Kwak-Kim J, Yang KM. Expression of kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 in the first trimester trophoblast of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 132–139 Problem Kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 play a major role in trophoblast invasion. The expression of kisspeptin and GPR54 in trophoblast and decidua and their relationship with decidual and peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells are investigated in women with RPL. Method of study Trophoblast and decidual tissues were collected from 38 RPL women who miscarried a genetically normal fetus and 14 women who had elective abortion. Kisspeptin, GPR54, and decidual NK cells were investigated with immunohistochemistry, and peripheral blood NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results Kisspeptin expression in syncytiotrophoblast was significantly decreased in RPL women with normal (

College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, KoreaABSTRACT This study was conducted to compare the quality of Chuncheon Dakgalbi made with meat from three chicken breeds. Ross male broilers, Hy-Line Brown male chicks and White Mini male broilers were raised for 18 d, 49 d and 35 d, respectively, and slaughtered. The thigh meat from carcasses on each breed were used for this experimented. The fat content was higher in White Mini broiler meat than Ross broiler and HY-LINE BROWn chick meat (P ?@A B CDEFGH4IJKLMN

The quality characteristics of M. longissimus from Hanwoo steer with different raising altitudes and slaughter seasons were studied. The experiment used factorial design with raising altitude and slaughter season as treatments. Forty eight steer were raised in two groups of raising altitude, i.e. 100 m of altitude (low) and 700 m of altitude (high), and were slaughtered in two groups of slaughter season, i.e. the end of September (summer) and the end of March (winter). The initial age of cattle was 22 months and they were raised for six months prior to slaughter. At 48 h post-slaughter, the samples were collected for meat quality analyses. Part of samples was stored at 2 ± 0.2 °C for 9 days for lipid and myoglobin stabilities. Meat from high raising altitude had lower ( P P P P P P P P P

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a deep sea water (DSW) supplement on the quality characteristics of chicken meat. One-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to three groups and supplemented with water (control) or DSW diluted with deionized water at 1:40 (DSW1:40) and 1:20 (DSW1:20) ratios, respectively, for 28 d. The control was fed a basal diet containing 0.18% salt. Five birds were slaughtered from each group, and the breast meat was collected and stored at 4 C for 9 d. The DSW supplementation did not affect cholesterol content in the chicken meat. The DSW 1:40 supplement decreased fat content (p

This study was aimed at comparing the pH, color, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), textural properties, and sensory evaluations of chicken meat patties containing lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf powder, and assessing their shelf-life at refrigeration temperature (4±1 C). In the refrigerated storage, the pH, lightness, yellowness, springiness values, and sensory properties scores of the control as well as all the treated samples decreased as the storage increased. The hardness, gumminess, chewiness, TBA, and VBN-values of control and all the samples treated with lotus leaf increased during refrigerated storage. At the end of the storage period (day 28), chicken patties containing lotus leaf powder had lower pH, redness, yellowness, TBA, VBN, hardness, gumminess, and chewiness values than those of control. The results of this study showed that a lotus leaf powder can increase storage stability in chicken meat products.

This study was executed to investigate the effects of drinking deep sea water treated by reverse osmosis process (RO-DSW) on growth performance, nutrient utilizability, relative weight of lymphoid organs and the concentration of serum immunoglobulin G(IgG) in broiler chickens. A total of 200 one day old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were equally and randomly distributed into 10 ground floor pens (20 chicks per pen, 5 pens per treatment) bedded with rice-husks. The broilers were offered either fresh tap water (Control) or RO-DSW for 28 days (from d 6 to d 33) as the drinking water. The same basal phase 1 diet for first 2 weeks and phase 2 diet for last 2 weeks were offered ad libitum to the birds. The RO-DSW was prepared by diluting 1:20 ratio with deionized water before offering to chickens. The diet for control birds was supplemented with 0.21 % of food-grade salt to satisfy salt need of the birds. Broiler feeding study resulted that there were no differences in amount of water consumption, mortality and FCR between RO-DSW and control chickens. However, feed intake and body weight gain were increased (p 0.05) difference in nutrients utilizability between RO-DSW and fresh water drinking. There were no (p>0.05) differences in the immune response between the control and treatment group. The serum IgG levels were 3.01 vs 2.87 mg/ml and the relative weights of spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were 0.23, 0.18 and 0.20 vs. 0.20, 0.17 and 0.14 for RO-DSW vs. control birds, respectively. The immune responses were tended to be improved by RO-DSW drinking. This study showed an improvement in weight gain and feed intake that could be induced by RO-DSW drinking, although it is difficult to explain the reasons of the improvement at this moment. This study implied that RO-DSW could be successfully used as drinking water to broiler chickens.(

This study was conducted to evaluate growth, behavior and carcass traits of fattening Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) steers managed in different group sizes. A total of 48 animals, 6 months of age, were allocated to one of three group sizes and the experiment was conducted from 12 to 30 months of age. Groups were balanced for weight and the group sizes consisted of 4, 8, or 12 steers which were named 4sG, 8sG and 12sG, respectively. When animals were 12 months of age, initial fasted body weight (BW, 304.51 ±12.40 kg) was measured. All animals were housed at a constant space allowance of 8.82 m 2 per animal, and a feeder and drinker were provided per 4 animals. The whole fattening stage was divided into three phases: phase I (from 12 to 18 month of age), phase II (from 19 to 24 month of age), and phase III (from 25 to 30 month of age). Steers managed in 12sG showed low (p 0.05). Steers managed in 4sG had a thick (p

Two experiments were carried out to investigate the relationship of slaughter age and carcass traits of Hanwoo cattle. A total number of 11,284 heads of cattle (4,624 bulls, 6,120 steers, and 540 females) were used in the experiment (Exp.) 1. In the Exp. 2, 3,887 heads of steers slaughtered at age of 24-36 mon were used. After 24 h post-slaughter chilling, the carcasses were weighed and evaluated by an official grader of carcass traits according to the Korean carcass grading standard. Backfat thickness was the main variable in yield index and grade whereas marbling score was the main variable in carcass quality grade. Meat color was an important factor affecting carcass quality grade of bulls; fat color was an important factor affecting those of steers and females; and maturity was an important factor affecting that of females. After 24-mon-old, extension of slaughter age did not automatically increase the quantity and quality of meat. However, 29 mon of age can be regarded as the optimum time to slaughter steers to attain the highest take home money for farmers.