bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous Granulomas Associated With Interferon Therapy
Authors: El-Khalawany Mohamed , Mohammad Inass , Aboeldahab Soha , Thabet Aida
Published: February 2016

Treatment with interferon (IFN) could be associated with variable cutaneous adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathological spectrum of cutaneous granulomas associated with IFN therapy and identify the causal relation between IFN therapy and granulomatous reactions. The study included 18 patients (16 males and 2 females) with an average age of 48 years. Clinically, most of the lesions were solitary (83.3%) and located on the face (44.4%) and/or trunk (38.9%). The lesions were commonly presented as nodules (33.3%) or plaques (27.8%) with a common size of 5–10 cm. Granulomatous reactions were localized to the injection site in 4 cases, distributed on other body areas (remote granuloma) in 11 cases, and associated with lung involvement (systemic granuloma) in 3 cases. Histologically, injection site granuloma showed suppurative reaction in 75% and sarcoidal reaction in 25%. Remote granuloma showed tuberculoid reaction in 27.3%, interstitial in 27.3%, and sarcoidal in 45.4%. Systemic granuloma showed sarcoidal reaction in all cases. After withdrawal of IFN, only 3 lesions showed spontaneous complete clearance, whereas most of the lesions (83.3%) showed only partial improvement. Our results suggested that IFN is not a causal agent of all associated cutaneous granulomas but it mostly provokes the appearance of granulomatous reactions in susceptible individuals. Findings that prove this concept include the formation of granuloma in body sites away from the injection site, the heterogeneous pattern of granuloma both clinically and histologically, and incomplete clearance of most of the lesions after withdrawal of IFN.
EZOGABINE (POTIGA) MACULOPATHY
Authors: Zaugg Brian E. , Bell James E. , Taylor Kim Y. , Bernstein Paul S.
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

To present a case of partially reversible retinal toxicity related to a newer epilepsy medication, ezogabine (Potiga).

Methods:

Case report with multimodal imaging.

Patient:

A patient presented 9 months after starting ezogabine for a screening eye examination with new retinal pigment abnormalities in the maculas of both eyes.

Results:

These macular abnormalities are characterized for the first time with multimodal imaging. They were partially reversible after cessation of the drug.

Conclusion:

Ezogabine toxicity presents as pigmentary changes in the macula on fundus examination and has newly described characteristics on imaging that can guide ophthalmologists when they perform the FDA-recommended 6-month screening visits for ocular toxicity.
OBSERVATION: FLUOCINOLONE ACETONIDE (ILUVIEN) IMPLANT MIGRATION INTO THE ANTERIOR CHAMBER
Authors: Papastavrou Vasileios T. , Zambarakji Hadi , Dooley Ian , Eleftheriadis Haralabos , Jackson Timothy L.
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

To describe the anterior chamber migration of a fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien) implant in the context of previous vitrectomy and complicated cataract surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective observational case series. Two patients with a history of vitrectomy and complicated phacoemulsification surgery, one of whom had pseudoexfoliation.

Results:

The implant migrated to the anterior chamber shortly after implantation. One patient had the implant removed after one recurrence; the other used pilocarpine 2% eye drops to reduce the risk of further migration.

Conclusion:

Complicated cataract surgery and vitrectomy can be associated with migration of fluocinolone acetonide implants into the anterior chamber.
Why Do People Work in Public Health? Exploring Recruitment and Retention Among Public Health Workers
Authors: Yeager Valerie A. , Wisniewski Janna M. , Amos Kathleen , Bialek Ron
Published: February 2016

Context:

The public health workforce is critical to the functioning of the public health system and protection of the population's health. Ensuring a sufficient workforce depends on effectively recruiting and retaining workers.

Objective:

This study examines factors influencing decisions to take and remain in jobs within public health, particularly for workers employed in governmental public health.

Design:

This cross-sectional study employed a secondary data set from a 2010 national survey of US public health workers.

Participants:

Survey respondents were included in this study if they responded to at least 1 survey item related to recruitment and retention. A total of 10 859 survey responses fit this criterion.

Main Outcome Measures:

Data examined demographics of public health workers and factors that influenced decisions to take jobs in and remain in public health.

Results:

Job security (β = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.56) and competitive benefits (β = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28-0.70) were significantly and positively associated with governmental employees' decisions to take positions with their current employers compared with public health workers employed by other types of organizations. The same finding held with regard to retention: job security (β = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.23-0.57) and competitive benefits (β = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.24-0.83). Two personal factors, personal commitment to public service (β = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17-0.42) and wanted a job in the public health field (β = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.18-0.69), were significantly and positively related to governmental employees deciding to remain with their current employers.

Conclusions:

It is important to recognize the value of competitive benefits for both current and potential employees. Public health agencies should maintain these if possible and make the value of these benefits known to policy makers or other agencies setting these benefit policies. Job security associated with governmental public health jobs also appears to offer public health an advantage in recruiting and retaining employees.
Decision Processes and Determinants of Hospital Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place During Hurricane Sandy
Authors: McGinty Meghan D. , Burke Thomas A. , Resnick Beth , Barnett Daniel J. , Smith Katherine C. , Rutkow Lainie
Published: February 2016

Context:

Evacuation and shelter-in-place decision making for hospitals is complex, and existing literature contains little information about how these decisions are made in practice.

Objective:

To describe decision-making processes and identify determinants of acute care hospital evacuation and shelter-in-place during Hurricane Sandy.

Design:

Semistructured interviews were conducted from March 2014 to February 2015 with key informants who had authority and responsibility for evacuation and shelter-in-place decisions for hospitals during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.

Setting and Participants:

Interviewees included hospital executives and state and local public health, emergency management, and emergency medical service officials from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Interviewees identified decision processes and determinants of acute care hospital evacuation and shelter-in-place during Hurricane Sandy.

Results:

We interviewed 42 individuals from 32 organizations. Decisions makers reported relying on their instincts rather than employing guides or tools to make evacuation and shelter-in-place decisions during Hurricane Sandy. Risk to patient health from evacuation, prior experience, cost, and ability to maintain continuity of operations were the most influential factors in decision making. Flooding and utility outages, which were predicted to or actually impacted continuity of operations, were the primary determinants of evacuation.

Conclusion:

Evacuation and shelter-in-place decision making for hospitals can be improved by ensuring hospital emergency plans address flooding and include explicit thresholds that, if exceeded, would trigger evacuation. Comparative risk assessments that inform decision making would be enhanced by improved collection, analysis, and communication of data on morbidity and mortality associated with evacuation versus sheltering-in-place of hospitals. In addition, administrators and public officials can improve their preparedness to make evacuation and shelter-in-place decisions by practicing the use of decision-making tools during training and exercises.
Sex Differences in Associations Between Subjective Social Status and C-Reactive Protein in Young Adults
Authors: Freeman Jason A. , Bauldry Shawn , Volpe Vanessa V. , Shanahan Michael J. , Shanahan Lilly
Published: February 2016

Objective

In middle-aged and older samples, perceived subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) is a marker of social rank that is associated with elevated inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk independent of objective indicators of SES (oSES). Whether SSS is uniquely associated with elevated inflammation during young adulthood and whether these linkages differ by sex have not been studied using a nationally representative sample of young adults.

Methods

Data came from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. At Wave IV, young adults aged mostly 24 to 32 years reported their SSS, oSES, and a range of covariates of both SES and elevated inflammation. Trained fieldworkers assessed medication use, body mass index, and waist circumference, and also collected bloodspots from which high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was assayed. The sample size for the present analyses was n = 13,236.

Results

Descriptive and bivariate analyses revealed a graded association between SSS and hs-CRP (b = −0.072, standard error [SE] = 0.011, p < .001): as SSS declined, mean levels of hs-CRP increased. When oSES indicators were taken into account, this association was no longer significant in women (b = −0.013, SE = 0.019, p = .514). In men, a small but significant SSS–hs-CRP association remained after adjusting for oSES indicators and additional potential confounders of this association in the final models (b = −0.034, SE = 0.011 p = .003; p < .001 for the sex by SSS interaction).

Conclusions

SSS is independently associated with elevated inflammation in young adults. The associations were stronger in men than in women. These data suggest that subjective, global assessments of social rank might play a role in developing adverse health outcomes.
Differential Autonomic Nervous System Reactivity in Depression and Anxiety During Stress Depending on Type of Stressor
Authors: Hu Mandy X. , Lamers Femke , de Geus Eco J.C. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

It remains unclear whether depressive and anxiety disorders are associated with hyporeactivity or hyperreactivity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and whether deviant reactivity occurs in all types of stressors. This study compared ANS reactivity in people with current or remitted depression/anxiety with reactivity in healthy controls during two stress conditions.

Methods

From the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, data of 804 individuals with current depression/anxiety, 913 individuals with remitted depression/anxiety, and 466 healthy controls (mean age = 44.1 years; 66.4% female) were available. Two conditions were used to evoke stress: a) an n-back task, a cognitively challenging stressor, and 2) a psychiatric interview, evoking personal-emotional stress related to the occurrence of symptoms of depression/anxiety. Indicators of ANS activity were heart rate (HR), root mean square of differences between successive interbeat intervals (RMSSD), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and preejection period.

Results

As compared with controls, participants with psychopathology had significant hyporeactivity of HR (controls = 4.1 ± 4.2 beats/min; remitted = 3.5 ± 3.5 beats/min; current psychopathology = 3.1 ± 3.4 beats/min), RMSSD (controls = −6.2 ± 14.5 milliseconds; remitted = −5.4 ± 17.8 milliseconds; current psychopathology = −3.5 ± 15.4 milliseconds), and RSA (controls = −9.3 ± 17.0 milliseconds; remitted = −7.4 ± 16.5 milliseconds; current psychopathology = −6.9 ± 15.0 milliseconds) during the n-back task. In contrast, during the psychiatric interview, they showed significant hyperreactivity of HR (controls = 2.7 ± 3.4 beats/min; remitted = 3.5 ± 3.4 beats/min; current psychopathology = 4.0 ± 3.3 beats/min), RMSSD (controls = −3.4 ± 12.2 milliseconds; remitted = −4.1 ± 12.1 milliseconds; current psychopathology = −5.6 ± 11.8 milliseconds), and RSA (controls = −3.8 ± 8.1 milliseconds; remitted = −4.3 ± 7.9 milliseconds; current psychopathology = −5.0 ± 7.9 milliseconds). The lack of group differences in preejection period reactivity suggests that the found effects were driven by altered cardiac vagal reactivity in depression/anxiety.

Conclusions

The direction of altered ANS reactivity in depressed/anxious patients is dependent on the type of stressor, and only the more ecologically valid stressors may evoke hyperreactivity in these patients.
Untangling the Relationship Between Antiretroviral Therapy Use and Incident Pregnancy: A Marginal Structural Model Analysis Using Data From 47,313 HIV-Positive Women in East Africa
Authors: Elul Batya , Wools-Kaloustian Kara K. , Wu Yingfeng , Musick Beverly S. , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha Harriet , Nash Denis , Ayaya Samuel , Bukusi Elizabeth , Okong Pius , Otieno Juliana , Wabwire Deo , Kambugu Andrew , Yiannoutsos Constantin T.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Scale-up of triple-drug antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa has transformed the context of childbearing for HIV-positive women and may impact pregnancy incidence in HIV programs.

Methods:

Using observational data from 47,313 HIV-positive women enrolled at 26 HIV clinics in Kenya and Uganda between 2001 and 2009, we calculated the crude cumulative incidence of pregnancy for the pre-ART and on-ART periods. The causal effect of ART use on incident pregnancy was assessed using inverse probability weighted marginal structural models, and the relationship was further explored in multivariable Cox models.

Results:

Crude cumulative pregnancy incidence at 1 year after enrollment/ART initiation was 4.0% and 3.9% during the pre-ART and on-ART periods, respectively. In marginal structural models, ART use was not significantly associated with incident pregnancy [hazard ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99 to 1.12]. Similarly, in Cox models, there was no significant relationship between ART use and incident pregnancy (cause-specific hazard ratio: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.05), but effect modification was observed. Specifically, women who were pregnant at enrollment and on ART had an increased risk of incident pregnancy compared to those not pregnant at enrollment and not on ART (cause-specific hazard ratio: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.23).

Conclusions:

In this large cohort, ART initiation was not associated with incident pregnancy in the general population of women enrolling in HIV care but rather only among those pregnant at enrollment. This finding further highlights the importance of scaling up access to lifelong treatment for pregnant women.
Pilot Study of Accelerated Low-Frequency Right-Sided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Tor Phern-Chern , Gálvez Verònica , Goldstein James , George Duncan , Loo Colleen K.
Published: February 2016

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective option for treatment-resistant depression but requires prolonged repeated daily treatments for 4 to 6 weeks. Pilot studies have showed the possibility of accelerating rTMS safely and efficaciously but thus far only investigated high-frequency left-sided rTMS. We sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of accelerated low-frequency right-sided rTMS.

Methods

Our study was an open label accelerated rTMS pilot in 7 treatment-resistant patients (4 unipolar, 3 BP). Accelerated rTMS was given over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 120% of resting motor threshold at 1 Hz, and 900 pulses were delivered per session. A single rTMS treatment was administered on the first day to test for tolerability, followed by 5 rTMS sessions a day for 2 days, then 7 days of daily rTMS sessions. The total course consisted of 16,200 pulses across 18 sessions given over 10 consecutive weekdays. The primary outcomes of interest were self- and clinician-rated depression scores (BDI-II and MADRS).

Results

All patients successfully and safely completed the accelerated rTMS treatment. MADRS scores decreased significantly by the third day of treatment and BDI II scores by the end of the 10-day treatment. No patients achieved response or remission.

Conclusions

Accelerated low-frequency right-sided rTMS was a safe and possibly efficacious treatment for treatment-resistant depression. More research is recommended, including a controlled trial with longer duration of exposure, to establish the efficacy of left- and right-sided accelerated rTMS.
A unified theory for the energy cost of legged locomotion
Authors: Pontzer Herman
Published: February 2016

Small animals are remarkably efficient climbers but comparatively poor runners, a well-established phenomenon in locomotor energetics that drives size-related differences in locomotor ecology yet remains poorly understood. Here, I derive the energy cost of legged locomotion from two complementary components of muscle metabolism, Activation–Relaxation and Cross-bridge cycling. A mathematical model incorporating these costs explains observed patterns of locomotor cost both within and between species, across a broad range of animals (insects to ungulates), for a wide range of substrate slopes including level running and vertical climbing. This ARC model unifies work- and force-based models for locomotor cost and integrates whole-organism locomotor cost with cellular muscle physiology, creating a predictive framework for investigating evolutionary and ecological pressures shaping limb design and ranging behaviour.
The couple that sings together stays together: duetting, aggression and extra-pair paternity in a promiscuous bird species
Authors: Baldassarre Daniel T. , Greig Emma I. , Webster Michael S.
Published: February 2016

When individuals mate outside the pair bond, males should employ behaviours such as aggression or vocal displays (e.g. duetting) that help assure paternity of the offspring they care for. We tested whether male paternity was associated with aggression or duetting in the red-backed fairy-wren, a species exhibiting high rates of extra-pair paternity. During simulated territorial intrusions, aggression and duetting were variable among and repeatable within males, suggesting behavioural consistency of individuals. Males with quicker and stronger duet responses were cuckolded less often than males with slower and weaker responses. In contrast, physical aggression was not correlated with male paternity. These results suggest that either acoustic mate guarding or male–female vocal negotiations via duetting lead to increased paternity assurance, whereas physical aggression does not.
The risk of incomplete personal protection coverage in vector-borne disease
Authors: Miller Ezer , Dushoff Jonathan , Huppert Amit
Published: February 2016

Personal protection (PP) techniques, such as insecticide-treated nets, repellents and medications, include some of the most important and commonest ways used today to protect individuals from vector-borne infectious diseases. In this study, we explore the possibility that a PP intervention with partial coverage may have the counterintuitive effect of increasing disease burden at the population level, by increasing the biting intensity on the unprotected portion of the population. To this end, we have developed a dynamic model which incorporates parameters that describe the potential effects of PP on vector searching and biting behaviour and calculated its basic reproductive rate,
R
0
.
R
0
is a well-established threshold of disease risk; the higher
R
0
is above unity, the stronger the disease onset intensity. When
R
0
is below unity, the disease is typically unable to persist. The model analysis revealed that partial coverage with popular PP techniques can realistically lead to a substantial increase in the reproductive number. An increase in
R
0
implies an increase in disease burden and difficulties in eradication efforts within certain parameter regimes. Our findings therefore stress the importance of studying vector behavioural patterns in response to PP interventions for future mitigation of vector-borne diseases.
Parental investment in child health in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-national study of health-seeking behaviour
Authors: Uggla Caroline , Mace Ruth
Published: February 2016

Parents face trade-offs between investing in child health and other fitness enhancing activities. In humans, parental investment theory has mostly been examined through the analysis of differential child outcomes, with less emphasis on the actions parents take to further a particular offspring’s condition. Here, we make use of household data on health-seeking for children in a high mortality context where such behaviours are crucial for offspring survival. Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 17 sub-Saharan African countries, we examine whether maternal factors (age, health, marital status) and child factors (birth order, health, sex, age) independently influence parental investment in health-seeking behaviours: two preventative behaviours (malaria net use and immunization) and two curative ones (treating fever and diarrhoea). Results indicate that children with lower birth order, older mothers and mothers with better health status have higher odds of investment. The effects of a child’s sex and health status and whether the mother is polygynously married vary depending on the type of health-seeking behaviour (preventative versus curative). We discuss how these results square with predictions from parental investment theory pertaining to the state of mothers and children, and reflect on some potential mechanisms and directions for future research.
Comparison of social structures within cities of very different sizes
Authors: Grindrod P. , Lee T. E.
Published: February 2016

People make a city, making each city as unique as the combination of its inhabitants. However, some cities are similar and some cities are inimitable. We examine the social structure of 10 different cities using Twitter data. Each city is decomposed to its communities. We show that in many cases one city can be thought of as an amalgamation of communities from another city. For example, we find the social network of Manchester is very similar to the social network of a virtual city of the same size, where the virtual city is composed of communities from the Bristol network. However, we cannot create Bristol from Manchester since Bristol contains communities with a social structure that are not present in Manchester. Some cities, such as Leeds, are outliers. That is, Leeds contains a particularly wide range of communities, meaning we cannot build a similar city from communities outside of Leeds. Comparing communities from different cities, and building virtual cities that are comparable to real cities, is a novel approach to understand social networks. This has implications when using social media to inform or advise residents of a city.
Short- and long-term consequences of developmental saline stress: impacts on anuran respiration and behaviour
Authors: Kearney Brian D. , Byrne Phillip G. , Reina Richard D.
Published: February 2016

Secondary salinization has been identified as a major stressor to amphibians. Exposure to elevated salinity necessitates physiological adjustments and biochemical changes that may be energetically demanding. As such, exposure to non-lethal levels of salinity during development could potentially alter anuran metabolic rates and individual performance in both pre- and post-metamorphic life stages. We investigated the effects of non-lethal levels of salinity on metamorphic traits (time to reach metamorphosis and metamorphic mass), tadpole oxygen consumption, escape response behaviour (pre- and post-metamorphosis) and foraging ability post-metamorphosis in two native Australian frog species, the southern brown tree frog (
Litoria ewingii
) and the striped marsh frog (
Limnodynastes peronii
). We found that both
Lit. ewingii
and
Lim. peronii
exhibited differences in metamorphic traits in response to elevated salinity. Neither species showed significant change in oxygen consumption during development in response to salinity, relative to freshwater controls. Both species displayed impaired escape response behaviours in response to salinity during larval development, but flow-on effects to adult escape response behaviours and foraging performance were species-specific. Our results show that the influence of stressors during development can have consequences for anuran physiology and behaviour at multiple life stages, and emphasize the need for studies that examine the energetics of anuran responses in order to better understand the responses of biota to stressful environments.
Maternal stress-associated cortisol stimulation may protect embryos from cortisol excess in zebrafish
Authors: Faught Erin , Best Carol , Vijayan Mathilakath M.
Published: February 2016

Abnormal embryo cortisol level causes developmental defects and poor survival in zebrafish (
Danio rerio
). However, no study has demonstrated that maternal stress leads to higher embryo cortisol content in zebrafish. We tested the hypothesis that maternal stress-associated elevation in cortisol levels increases embryo cortisol content in this asynchronous breeder. Zebrafish mothers were fed cortisol-spiked food for 5 days, to mimic maternal stress, followed by daily breeding for 10 days to monitor temporal embryo cortisol content. Cortisol treatment increased mean embryo yield, but the daily fecundity was variable among the groups. Embryo cortisol content was variable in both groups over a 10-day period. A transient elevation in cortisol levels was observed in the embryos from cortisol-fed mothers only on day 3, but not on subsequent days. We tested whether excess cortisol stimulates
11βHSD2
expression in ovarian follicles as a means to regulate embryo cortisol deposition. Cortisol treatment
in vitro
increased
11β
 
HSD2
levels sevenfold, and this expression was regulated by actinomycin D and cycloheximide suggesting tight regulation of cortisol levels in the ovarian follicles. We hypothesize that cortisol-induced upregulation of
11βHSD2
activity in the ovarian follicles is a mechanism restricting excess cortisol incorporation into the eggs during maternal stress.
Quality changes and factors in Valencia oranges during storage under different temperatures
Authors: Jo Yunhee , Chung Namhyeok , Gao Yaping , Kwon Joong-Ho
Published: February 2016

The effect of temperature on the quality and characteristics of Valencia oranges were studied during storage at low (4°C, LT) and room (20°C, RT) temperature. Hardness decreased beginning on the 10th day of storage, regardless of temperature, and showed a more considerable reduction in the peel than the flesh. The total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) decreased from the 30th day at LT and the 10th day at RT, but the TSS/TA ratio did not change during storage. The vitamin C content decreased from the 20th day at LT and the 10th day at RT, and the total phenol content decreased from the 10th day of storage. In a sensory evaluation, the scores changed less for taste than for color and flavor during storage. The quality of Valencia oranges under two different temperatures was similar on the 30th day at LT and on the 10th day at RT. The TSS (r = 0.9453) and vitamin C content (r = 0.9104) were highly related to sensory properties. These results suggested that TSS and vitamin C are potential indicators of quality for the selection of Valencia oranges during storage.
Quality characteristics of Jook prepared with peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) powder
Authors: Park Bock-Hee , Kim Seon-Hee , Park Kyung-Jo , Cho Hee-Sook
Published: February 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) powder on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Jook. The proximate composition of peanut powder was as follows: moisture, 1.8%; crude protein, 24.9%; crude lipid, 48.3%; crude ash, 2.9%; and carbohydrates, 22.1%. Each sample of Jook contained 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of peanut powder when compared to the control, and their physicochemical properties were assessed. As the peanut powder content increased, there was a significant decrease in pH (p<0.05) In addition, Hunter’s color L value decreased, whereas Hunter’s color a and b values increased with increasing addition of peanut powder. The Jook showed lower spreadability and higher viscosity values as the peanut powder content increased. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that the Jook containing 40~60% peanut powder had the highest score. According to the overall preference, addition of 40% peanut powder positively affected the quality characteristics of Jook. These results suggest that peanut powder can be applied to Jook to achieve beneficial effects on the quality and functionality.
Optimization of spray drying condition of Sikhye using response surface methodology
Authors: Kim Gi Chang , Jo In Hee , Kim Gyoung Mi , Choi Song Yi , Kim Jin Sook
Published: February 2016

Response surface methodology (RSM) is a statistical procedure frequently used for optimization studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal spray drying condition for manufacturing Sikhye powder using RSM. Independent variables included the additive contents of maltodextrin (MD), inlet temperature, and velocity of sample feed velocity. The dependent variables were water uptake (g), solubility (%) and particle size (μm). Regression models describing the changes of water uptake (g), solubility (%) and particle size (μm) with respect to the independent variables were statistically significant with coefficients of determination, R2, greater than 0.9. The results indicated that the inlet temperature of the spray dryer was the most important independent variable that affected the water uptake (g), while the additive content of MD and the sample feed velocity had maximum effects on the solubility (%) and particle size (μm) of the Sikhye powder, respectively. The optimum final product was expected to have the lowest possible water uptake (g) and particle size (μm) but the highest possible solubility (%). In conclusion, the best spray drying conditions were as follows: additive MD content, 22%; inlet temperature, 140 °C ; and spray dryer sample feed velocity, 51 mL/min.
α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity and protease characteristics produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
Authors: Lee Rea-Hyun , Yang Su-Jin , Hwang Tae-Young , Chung Shin-Kyo , Hong Joo-Heon
Published: February 2016

In this study, three GRAS (generally recognized as safety) strain was isolated from Doenjang and Cheonggukjang and identified as a protease-producing microorganism, following the appearance of a clear zone around its colony when cultured on a medium containing skim milk. Based on an analysis of the nucleotide sequence of 16S ribosomal RNA, the strains wereas identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and wereas therefore named Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CDD5, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CPD4, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CGD3. Here, we analyzed the protease and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the three B. amyloliquefaciens strains. Among the isolated strains, B. amyloliquefaciens CGD3 exhibited the highest protease activity (9.21 U/mL, 24 hr). The protease activities of B. amyloliquefaciens CDD5 and B. amyloliquefaciens CPD4 reached 1.14 U/mL and 8.02 U/mL, respectively, at 48 hr. The proteases from the three B. amyloliquefaciens strains showed the highest activities within a pH range of 8.0–9.0 at 50°C, and casein was found to be the preferred substrate on evaluating enzyme activity in the substrate specificity assay. The B. amyloliquefaciens strains exhibited maximal growth when the nutrient broth medium had an initial pH within the range of 5.0–10.0, 6–9% sodium chloride (NaCl), and 5% glucose. B. amyloliquefaciens CDD5 exhibited a low α-glucosidase inhibition rate (5.32%), whereas B. amyloliquefaciens CPD4 and B. amyloliquefaciens CGD3 exhibited relatively higher inhibition rates of 96.89% and 97.55%, respectively.
Effect of hot water and ethanol extracts from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner flower on lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Oh Ji-Won , Lee Jin-Ha , Lee Ok-Hwan , Kim Kye-Hoon , Kim Hey-Ran , Lee Hyo-Ku
Published: February 2016

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of hot water and ethanol extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner flower on lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with both hot water and ethanol extracts for up to 8 days following standard induction of differentiation. Regarding anti-adipogenic activity, compared with the control, the hot water and ethanol extracts significantly inhibited lipid accumulation (37.4 and 66.6%, respectively) and ROS production (46.4 and 46.8%, respectively) during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Treatment with hot water and ethanol extracts significantly inhibited mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), thereby reducing the mRNA expression of adipocyte-specific fatty acid binding protein (aP2). Moreover, both the extracts significantly inhibited mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX4). Overall, our research suggests that N. nucifera Gaertner flower extracts might be a valuable source of bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-adipogenic activity and could have applications in the field of medicine and food industry.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria on changes of aflatoxin levels during kimchi fermentation
Authors: Cheon Seon-Hwa , Kim Su-ji , Lee Sang-il , Chung Youngbae , Kim Sung Hyun , Cho Jungeun , Seo Hye-Young
Published: February 2016

Red pepper powder sensitive to aflatoxins contamination is major ingredients of kimchi. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the changes in aflatoxin levels during kimchi fermentation. Baechu kimchi was contaminated with aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) and inoculated with LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides), and the following characteristics were investigated for 8 weeks: pH, titratable acidity, salinity, microbial properties, and aflatoxin levels. The pH decreased rapidly during storage, and the titratable acidity was increased. The salinity of the samples was shown to increase from 2.30 to 2.40%. The total number of aerobic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria in kimchi inoculated with LAB was significantly higher than that of the others. Yeast and molds were detected at approximately 1~3 log CFU/g during storage. Coliforms were detected in the control after 4 weeks, whereas in other samples they were not detected until after 2 weeks. The aflatoxin levels reduced during kimchi fermentation. The average reduction rate of aflatoxin levels during kimchi fermentation was 8.39%, but in kimchi inoculated with Lac. plantarum and Leu. mesenteroides, the rate were 25.16 % and 27.86%, respectively. These results showed that aflatoxins can be removed by LAB during kimchi fermentation.
Fermentation characteristics of persimmon wine by the mixed culture of Pichia anomala JK04 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermivin cells
Authors: Kwon Soo-Jin , Choi Jun-Su , Yeo Soo-Hwan , Park Heui-Dong
Published: February 2016

Persimmon contains high levels of vitamins and phenolic compounds, as well as soluble solids, necessary for the fermentation of persimmon wine. Co-fermentation of persimmon wine was carried out using a mixed culture of Pichia anomala JK04, a Korean indigenous yeast that improves wine quality and flavor, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermivin, an industrial wine yeast, in the following ratios: 9:1 (v/v), 5:5 (v/v), 1:9 (v/v) and 0:10 (v/v). During fermentation, the alcohol contents increased more slowly in samples of mixed culture than in samples of the single culture of S. cerevisiae Fermivin. The alcohol contents of all samples reached 12~13% (v/v) after 15 days. All samples of the mixed culture showed greater variety in flavor and taste than S. cerevisiae Fermivin only. In the sensory evaluation, mixed culture samples had higher scores in terms of flavor and overall preference than the single culture samples. Therefore, P. anomala JK04 is thought to improve the wine flavor of Korean domestic persimmon wine.
Functional component analysis and physical property of Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) powder
Authors: Shin Dong-Sun , Han Gwi-Jung , Oh Se-Gwan , Park Hye-Young
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to perform a functional components analysis and investigate the physical properties of powders made from the stems or fruit of freeze-dried Cheonnyuncho cactus (Opuntia humifusa). The functional components analysis showed that the stem and fruit powders han vitamin C levels of 42.14 mg and 105.21 mg, respectively. The stems powder contained more lutein than the fruit powder. The fruit powder contained more vitamin C than the stem powder. The SDF (soluble dietary fiber) and IDF (insoluble dietary fiber) in the stem powder were 45.24% and 22.15%, respectively, which were higher then the values for the fruit powder. The stem and fruit powders contained 19.30 mg/g and 25.10 mg/g of crude saponin, respectively. The pH of the stem and fruit powders was 5.34 and 5.07, respectively, both indicating low acidity. The L, a and b values of the stem powder color were 78.28, –3.71, and 19.19, respectively. The L, a and b values of the fruit powder color were 55.56, 24.84, and –3.18, respectively. The stems powder had a higher bulk density, water holding capacity, and swelling power than those of the fruit powder, but water-retaining capacity of the stem powder was lower than that of the fruit powder. In addition, the stems powder had a higher viscous material content and water uptake compared to the fruit powder. Based on the above results, we determined that Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) powder had potentially useful functional components and physical properties.
Quality characteristic of Omija (Schizandra chinensis Baillon) seed oils by roasting conditions and extraction methods
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Cho Jeong-Seok , Lee Yeong-Min , Choi Ji-Young , Sung Jun-Hyung , Chung Hun-Sik , Moon Kwang-Deog
Published: February 2016

The influence of different roasting temperatures, times and extraction methods on the quality characteristics of Omija (Schizandra chinensis) seed oils was investigated. Roasted Omija seeds were divided into five groups based on roasting temperature-time conditions: no roasting (Raw) and roasting [R11: 150°C, 10 min, R12: 150°C, 20 min, R21: 250°C, 10 min, R22: 250°C, 20 min (R22)]. Oils from each of the raw and roasted Omija seeds were obtained by solvent (n-hexane) and press (machine) extraction. The L* values decreased, but the a* and b* values increased with increasing the roasting temperature and time. The L* values were lower in the press-extracted oils than in the solvent-extracted oils. The peroxide value (POV) of Omija seed oils decreased with increasing the roasting temperature-time values. The POV value was higher in the press-extracted oils than in the solvent-extracted oils. ABTS (2, 2＇-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical inhibition of Omija seed oils was higher in the solvent-extracted oils than in the press-extracted oils, but there were no significant differences between the two oils. The four major kinds of fatty acid methyl esters detected in Omija seed oils were methyl butyrate, methyl hexanoate, methyl arachidate, and methyl eicosanoate. In conclusion, Omija seed oils obtained by solvent extraction and at higher roasting temperature-time values were more effective antioxidants.
Comparison of quality characteristics of Platycodon grandiflorum according to steaming and fermentation
Authors: Kim So-Young , Lee Ye-Jin , Park Dong-Sik , Kim Haeng-Ran , Cho Yong Sik
Published: February 2016

This study was designed to improve the sensory characteristics and mitigate the bitter taste of Platycodon gradiflorum. It was aimed at investigating the qualitative properties of fermented P. gradiflorum after repeated steaming and drying treatments. P. gradiflorum was heated for 2 hr at 95°C, being the first and third treatments compared afterwards. Lactobacillus plantarum, at a concentration of 10%, was used as starter culture. As a result, the third steaming process and the addition of starter improved the physical and chemical properties of P. gradiflorum i.e., crude saponin and total polyphenol contents increased significantly. Moreover, P. gradiflorum steamed three times and fermented by L. plantarum showed the higher overall preference score. Our results indicated that the three-time steaming and drying was an effective manufacturing process for the production of high-quality fermented P. gradiflorum. Lactic acid-fermented P. gradiflorum also could have a potential use as a valuable resource for the development of functional products.
Mineral extraction from by-products of brown rice using electrodialysis and production of mineral salt containing lower sodium
Authors: No Nam-Doo , Park Eun-Jung , Kim Mi-Lim
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to develop a supplemental healthy food that can help prevent high blood pressure-related diseases caused due to the excessive consumption of sodium in salt. This was achieved by using ion-displacement techniques to produce mineral salt with lower sodium content by using fermented brown rice by-products rich in minerals. Mineral salt containing 2019.2 mg/100 g of potassium, 678.5 mg/100 g of magnesium, 48.7 mg/100 g of calcium, and 19.5 mg/100 g of sodium was obtained by fermenting brown rice by-products to create a culture medium for the mineral salt. Mineral salt containing 1769.7 mg/100 g of potassium, 573.6 mg/100 g of magnesium, 35.3 mg/100 g of calcium, and 19.5 mg/100 g of sodium was obtained by filtering and refining the by-product extract of fermented brown rice. The results showed that when the stream velocity of the instrument used for electrolysis was 200 mL/min and the current and the concentration of the reactive liquid in the purified water chamber were higher, the effect of electrolysis was greater. Ion hot water extraction of the fermented brown rice by-products improved by up to 95% and was collected as purified water within 90 min of the reaction time. Chloride ions with pH 7.4 were produced by mixing sodium hydroxide in a purified saline water chamber with electro-analyzed water. The salt produced in this study contained low sodium, 5.7~30%, as compared to 40% sodium content of the normal salt.
Allergic risk assessment of genetically modified cucumber mosaic virus resistant pepper
Authors: Son Dae-Yeul
Published: February 2016

Genetically modified (GM) pepper H15 containing the gene for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) coat protein (CP) and its control line non-GM pepper P2377 were investigated for their allergic risk. Amino acid sequence of the inserted gene product CMV-CP was compared with those of known allergens. No known allergen had greater than 35% amino acid sequence homology over an 80 amino acid window or more than 8 consecutive identical amino acids. Protein patterns of GM and non-GM pepper extracts were evaluated by SDS-PAGE, which showed similar distribution of protein bands for both GM and non-GM pepper. Antigen-antibody reactions were compared between GM and its non-transgenic parental control. ELISA and immunoblot analysis of sera from allergic patients showed some IgE reactivity; however, no differences were observed between GM pepper H15 and P2377. We therefore conclude that CMV-CP is less likely to be an allergen; the protein composition and allergenicity of the GM pepper H15 is not different from that of P2377 and safe as a commercial host.
Characteristics of yeast with low temperature adaptation for Yakju brewed
Authors: Seo Dong-Jun , Yeo Soo-Hwan , Mun Ji-Young , Jung Woo-Jin , Cho Yong Sik , Baek Seong Yeol
Published: February 2016

The objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize low temperature adaptation yeast and to obtain suitable yeasts strains for manufacturing Yakju. In this study, we isolated 482 wild yeasts from fermented foods. Out of these, 5 yeast strains were selected based on increased growth at low temperature (15°C) and high β-glucosidase activity. To screen the aromatic level of isolates, media containing cerulenin and 5,5,5-trifluor-DL-leucine (TFL) were used. Y297 strain demonstrated tolerance against TFL and produced more than 13% alcohol. Y297 strain was identified a Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on the 26S rDNA gene sequences. Maximum cell growth was observed after 19 hr and 38 hr of incubation at 25°C and 15°C, respectively. The exponential phase was followed by a lengthy stationary phase, at 15°C, when the cells remained high viable. Y297 strain demonstrated tolerance against alcohol (10%), glucose (60%) and salt(NaCl, 8%). β-glucosidase and esterase activity in Y297 were higher than those of controls at 15°C. Overall, these results indicated that using wild yeast strain, isolated from fermented food, affects the chemical characteristics of the brewed Yakju.
Changes of quality characteristics of Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) potato powder by drying methods
Authors: Choi Sun-Il , Lee Jin-Ha , Cho Myoung-Lae , Shin Gi-Hae , Kim Jae-Min , Oh Ji-Won , Jung Tae-Dong , Rhee Seong-Kap , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: February 2016

This study was performed in order to provide basic data for predicting the usefulness of Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) as a food raw material. The changes in the physicochemical properties of freeze-dried and hot air-dried Jicama were investigated and analyzed. The moisture content of raw Jicama was 81.84%. The crude protein, crude fat, crude ash and carbohydrate content of hot air-dried Jicama powder were 2.85, 0.79, 7.93 and 88.44%, while those of freeze-dried Jicama powder were 3.93, 0.83, 7.92 and 87.32%, respectively on dry basis. Regarding the color values, the lightness of freeze-dried Jicama (92.86) was higher than that of the hot air-dried Jicama (88.01), whereas the redness (-0.67) and yellowness (3.21) of freeze-dried Jicama were lower than those of the hot air-dried Jicama (0.43) and (11.96), respectively. The brown index was lower in the freeze-dried Jicama (0.029) than in hot air-dried Jicama (0.107). The total sugar content showed no significant differences between freeze (46.49 mg/g) and hot air-dried Jicama (45.11 mg/g). Finally, the amylose content was higher in freeze-dried Jicama (5.66%) than in hot air-dried Jicama (6.63%).