Coconut oil as an alternative to butter and shortening in bread making

The characteristics of bread prepared with coconut oil were investigated to determine whether it can be used as an alternative to butter and shortening. Loaf height of the bread increased by adding butter and shortening water content of bread containing oils and fats was lower than that without oils and fats, and baking loss increased with decreasing water content. The addition of oils and fats influenced the baking color of bread and hindered the hardening of bread samples over time. Moreover, the addition and type of oils and fats influenced the crust density of bread samples and dough expansion. Furthermore, numerous fine bubbles were present in bread samples without oils and fats, whereas the size and number of bubbles increased and decreased in bread samples containing oils and fats, respectively. The band concentrations of insoluble proteins at approximately 39, 41, and 48 kDa in freeze-dried bread samples without oils and fats were significantly lower than those containing oils and fats. Thirty volatile compounds were detected in all bread samples tested, and the number was high in the following order: bread samples with butter, shortening, and coconut oil, and without oils and fats. However, sensory evaluation showed no significant differences among all bread samples tested. Therefore, it was suggested that bread containing coconut oil had the same characteristics as that containing butter and shortening. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Butter and shortening are usually used in bread making, although bread prepared with coconut oil can possess the same characteristics as that containing them. Therefore, this study evaluated the characteristics of bread prepared with coconut oil and revealed that use of coconut oil enabled a vegan bread with reduced environmental impact because coconut oil is a vegetable-derived oil that does not require the cutting of tropical rainforests.

Efficacy and safety of mesh non-fixation in patients undergoing laparo-endoscopic repair of groin hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To examine updated evidence on the efficacy and safety of mesh non-fixation in patients undergoing laparo-endoscopic repair of groin hernias.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials. gov, and ICTRP databases to identify randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes were recurrence, chronic pain, and return to daily life. The certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed by grading recommendations, assessments, developments, and evaluations. We performed a subgroup analysis based on the surgical type. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42022368929).

RESULTS

We included 25 trials with 3,668 patients (4,038 hernias) were included. Mesh non-fixation resulted in little to no difference in hernia recurrence (relative risk [RR]:1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.59-3.31; I2 = 0%; moderate CoE) and chronic pain (RR:0.48, 95% CI:0.13-1.78; I2 = 77%; moderate CoE), but reduced return to daily life (mean difference [MD]: - 1.79 days, 95% CI: - 2.79 to -0.80; I2 = 96%; low CoE). In subgroup analyses, the transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP) (MD: - 2.97 days, 95% CI: - 4.87 to - 1.08; I2 = 97%) reduced return to daily life than total extraperitoneal inguinal approach (MD: - 0.24 days, 95% CI - 0.71 to 0.24; I2 = 61%) (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Mesh nonfixation improves the return to daily life without increasing the risk of hernia recurrence or chronic pain. Surgeons and patients may discuss mesh nonfixation options to accommodate a patient's desired return to daily life. Further trials focusing on TAPP are required to confirm these findings.

The correlation between denaturation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus cells by pressurised carbon dioxide microbubbles

For the purpose of clarifying the relationship between pasteurization and inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in Saccharomyces pastorianus cells induced by pressurised carbon dioxide microbubbles (CO2MB) treatment, a storage test of S. pastorianus cells after CO2MB treatment was conducted to ascertain their recovery, and the treatment condition in the inactivation of GAPDH in S. pastorianus cells by CO2MB was investigated. Each population of S. pastorianus for 48, 96 and 144 h at 25°C was decreased significantly by CO2MB treatment at 35°C for 3 min (MB35-3, and MB35-5) or at 40 and 45°C for 1 and 3 min (MB40-1, MB40-3 and MB45-1). In the storage test, recovery of treated cells was not observed after storage for 144 h at 25°C. The denaturation of GAPDH in the S. pastorianus cells caused by the same treatment as the storage test was detected by using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. While, the activities at MB35-1, MB35-3, and MB40-1 were significantly higher than those at non-treatment, and those at MB35-5, MB40-3, and MB45-1 were lower. Therefore, GAPDH denaturation, but not the activity, was associated with the inactivation of S. pastorianus cells.

Relationship between intracellular protein denaturation and irreversible inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by low-pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles

To clarify the relationship between irreversible inactivation and intracellular protein denaturation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by low-pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles (CO₂ MB) treatment, a storage test of S. pastorianus cells treated with CO₂ MB was performed, and the effect on the intracellular protein was investigated. In the storage test, the S. pastorianus population, which decreased below the detection limit by CO₂ MB treatment at a temperature of 45 and 50°C (MB45 and MB50), and thermal treatment at a temperature of 80°C (T80), remained undetectable during storage for 3 weeks at 25°C. However, 4.1- and 1.3-logs of the S. pastorianus populations, which survived after CO₂ MB treatment at temperatures of 35 and 40°C (MB35 and MB40), increased gradually during storage for 3 weeks at 25°C. Insolubilization of intracellular proteins in S. pastorianus increased with increasing the temperature of CO₂ MB treatment. Activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) identified as one of the insolubilized proteins increased at MB35 and MB40 than non-treatment but disappeared at MB45 and MB50, and T80. Therefore, it was revealed that S. pastorianus cells inactivated below the detection level by CO₂ MB treatment did not regrow and that the denaturation of intracellular proteins of S. pastorianus was caused by CO₂ MB and thermal treatments. Furthermore, it was suggested that denaturation of intracellular vital enzymes was an important factor for achieving irreversible inactivation of S. pastorianus by CO₂ MB and thermal treatments.

Determination of the Lethal Injury on the Inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus Cells by Low-pressure Carbon Dioxide Microbubbles

To clarify the lethal injury related to the inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus cells by low-pressure carbon dioxide microbubble (CO₂MB) treatment, surviving number, leakage of nucleic acids and proteins, fluorescence polarisation (FP) of the cell membrane, activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP), intracellular pH (pH_in), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and oxidative stress of S. pastorianus treated with CO₂MB at various temperatures were measured. The number of surviving S. pastorianus cells decreased below the detection limit after CO₂MB treatment at temperatures of 40, 45 and 50 ℃, inducing a 2-log reduction at 35 ℃. The S. pastorianus cells treated with CO₂MB at temperatures above 40 ℃ showed an increase in FP and leakage of nucleic acids and proteins. The AP in S. pastorianus cells treated with CO₂MB at a temperature of 35 ℃ was also activated but inactivated at temperatures above 40 ℃. Furthermore, the decrease in pH_in and MMP and the increase in CSH of S. pastorianus were caused by CO₂MB treatment at temperatures above 35 ℃. Oxidative stress in S. pastorianus cells was also increased by CO₂MB treatment without warming but decreased at temperatures above 35 ℃. Our results lead us to infer that the type of cell injury in S. pastorianus induced by CO₂MB treatment differed from that caused by the treatment temperature and that the lethal injury was enzyme inactivation.

Dissolved carbon dioxide stripping while maintaining volatile components by feeding gaseous nitrogen using a microbubble generator

Dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO₂) stripping from a model solution containing sake flavor by feeding gaseous nitrogen (N₂) using a microbubble (MB) generator was investigated. The effect of dCO₂ stripping by N₂MB increased significantly with increasing flow rate of gaseous N₂ from 100 to 200 mL/min. dCO₂ stripping from 3,000 mL of the model solution was achieved by feeding N₂MB at a flow rate of 200 mL/min for 4 min. Volatile components from model solution containing sake flavor were hardly reduced even after feeding N₂MB at a flow rate of 200 mL/min for 15 min by cooling to below 10 °C. On the other hand, non-microbubbled gaseous N₂ at a flow rate of 200 mL/min was not very effective in stripping dCO₂. Therefore, the use of N₂MB with cooling to below 10 °C was effective in stripping dCO₂ while maintaining the volatile components in model solution containing sake flavor.

DNA methylation of GJA1, BMP2 and BMP4 in a human cementoblast cell line induced by lipopolysaccharide

AIM

To examine DNA methylation of GJA1, BMP2 and BMP4 in human cementoblasts (HCEM) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODOLOGY

HCEM were cultured in osteoinduction medium. After 24 h, Escherichia coli LPS (1 μg/mL) was added to the medium, which was changed every 2-3 days. Untreated samples were used as controls. Messenger RNA was extracted after 4 weeks, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for GJA1, BMP2, BMP4 and DNMT1 was performed. Genomic DNA was extracted after 4 weeks, and quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was carried out for GJA1, BMP2 and BMP4. To detect mineralization, alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase staining were performed. The cells were also treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5Aza) and examined. The significance of differences amongst groups was assessed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison test with P < 0.05 being significant.

RESULTS

Decreased expression of mRNA was seen in GJA1, BMP2 and BMP4 after 4 weeks (P < 0.05). DNA hypermethylation was detected in GJA1, BMP2 and BMP4 (P < 0.05). Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase staining revealed decreased mineralization levels in HCEM stimulated with LPS. 5Aza abolished the effects of DNA methylation in HCEM stimulated with LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that long-term LPS stimulation induces DNA methylation of GJA1, BMP2 and BMP4 in HCEM.

Temperature-dependency on the inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by low-pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles

Temperature-dependency on cell membrane injury and inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by low-pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles (MBCO₂) was investigated. The number of surviving S. pastorianus cells after MBCO₂ treatment detected with yeast and mould agar (YMA, an optimum agar) was higher than that with YMA adding 2.5 g/L sodium chloride and yeast nitrogen base agar (a minimum agar). However, the decrease of the surviving number by thermal treatment was not changed among above agars used. The fluorescence polarization (FP), which indicated the phase transition of the membrane of S. pastorianus cells treated with MBCO₂ increased with increasing temperature. The activity of the alkaline phosphatase (AP), a periplasmic enzyme, in S. pastorianus cells after MBCO₂ and thermal treatments increased with the FP but was reduced by further increasing temperature. The FP and AP activities after MBCO₂ treatment increased at a temperature lower than the temperature of the thermal treatment. In addition, intracellular pH of S. pastorianus decreased by the MBCO₂ treatment at lower temperature with increasing pressure. Therefore, it was revealed that phase transition of the cell membrane and inactivation of S. pastorianus was caused by MBCO₂ treatment at lower temperature than thermal treatment and that the effect was induced by the dissolved CO₂ and increased with increasing pressure.

Disinfection by Ozone Microbubbles Can Cause Morphological Change of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis Spores

To investigate the difference in the disinfectant efficiency of ozone microbubbles (O₃MB) and ozone millibubbles (O₃MMB), the morphological change of the treated Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis spores was observed with scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM). The disinfectant efficiency of O₃MB on F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis spores was greater than that of O₃MMB. On observation with SEM, it was revealed that morphological change of F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis spores was caused by O₃MB and O₃MMB, and damage to the spore surfaces by O₃MB occurred sooner than that by O₃MMB. On observation with TEM, it was furthermore confirmed that F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis spores treated with O₃MB induced wavy deformation of cell membrane and the intracellular change different from that with O₃MMB. Therefore, the greater disinfection efficiency of O₃MB was suggested to be caused due to the function of the MB in addition to the oxidative power of O₃.

A New Treatment for Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis with β 2-Microglobulin Adsorbent Column

Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) is characterized by the presence of β 2-microglobulin (β 2-m) in the plasma. In order to eliminate β 2-m from the circulating blood, the β 2-m selective adsorbent for direct hemoperfusion (DHP) was developed. A DHP column (BM-01), containing 350 ml of the adsorbent, was subjected to clinical trials. The column was connected with a PAN (AN69) membrane dialyzer in series and used 3 times a week for 1 week (11 patients), 4 weeks (5 patients), 6 months (1 patient) and 12 months (2 patients). The percent reduction (%) of β 2-m was for 16 patients (for 1 or 4 weeks), more than 65, and for 3 patients (for more than 6 months), 76.5 ± 4.9, 73.5 ± 5.7, 72.2 ± 6.2. At the end of each session, β 2-m plasma levels were found to be below 10 mg/L, with 3.4 mg/L being the lowest. The total amounts of β 2-m removed were 172.5 ± 22.3, 257.0 ± 75.6, 157.6 ± 32.2 and 429.8 mg/session at max. Two out of these three patients had a favorable effect on joint symptoms and ocular fundus. It can be concluded that this selective adsorption therapy may delay the progression of DRA, and is worth considering for wide application.

Ethanol addition on inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by a two-stage system with low-pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles can accelerate the cell membrane injury

The effect of ethanol on the inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by a two-stage system with low-pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles (two-stage MBCO₂ ) was investigated. Zero and >5 log reductions of S. pastorianus populations suspended in physiological saline (PS) containing 0% and 10% ethanol, respectively, occurred by the two-stage MBCO₂ at a mixing vessel pressure of 1 MPa and a heating coil temperature of 40°C. Conversely, the detected number of surviving S. pastorianus cells in PS containing 5% ethanol was higher in yeast and mold agar (YMA, an optimum agar) than YMA with 2.5% sodium chloride, followed by yeast nitrogen base agar (YNBA, a minimum agar). The fluorescence polarization of S. pastorianus in PS containing 5% and 10% ethanol increased similarly with exposure time in the heating coil of two-stage MBCO₂ and was correlated with the surviving cell number measured in YNBA. The intracellular pH (pH_in ) of S. pastorianus in PS containing 5% ethanol decreased linearly with exposure time in the heating coil of two-stage MBCO₂ . Also, the pH_in -lowering of S. pastorianus in PS containing 10% ethanol was drastically caused by two-stage MBCO₂ at 1 min exposure time in the heating coil but then stayed constant until 5 min, agreeing with the inactivation efficiency. Therefore, ethanol in S. pastorianus suspension was suggested to accelerate the cell membrane injury caused by two-stage MBCO₂ . © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:282-286, 2018.

Response of porcine epithelial rests of Malassez to stimulation by interleukin-6

AIM

To investigate the proliferation and migration of epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) after stimulation with IL-6.

METHODOLOGY

Porcine-derived ERM were seeded on Dulbecco's modified Eagle's Medium, and IL-6 (100 pg mL^-1 ) was incorporated into the culture medium. The WST-1 assay was performed to evaluate cell proliferation, and absorption was measured at 450 nm. A wound-healing assay and immunofluorescence assay for integrin α₃ were conducted to investigate migration. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction were used to analyse data of WST-1 and wound-healing assays.

RESULTS

Cell proliferation following the stimulation by IL-6 increased over time, with a significant increase being observed at 6 h (P < 0.05), but not in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell proliferation was significantly greater in IL-6-treated ERM than in nontreated ERM (P < 0.05). The results of the wound-healing assay revealed earlier closure in IL-6-treated ERM (P < 0.05). In the immunofluorescence assay, integrin α₃ was detected at the edge of cell processes adjacent to the wound area. A neutralized antibody abrogated the effects of the IL-6 stimulation in cell proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSION

IL-6 promoted the proliferation and migration of porcine ERM in vitro.

Actin stabilization induces apoptosis in cultured porcine epithelial cell rests of Malassez

AIM

To test whether actin stabilization by jasplakinolide induces inhibition of cell viability and apoptosis in epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM).

METHODOLOGY

ERM derived from porcine were spread in a 96-well dish (5 × 10(4) /well) using Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. The actin-specific stabilization reagent, jasplakinolide, was incorporated into the culture medium and incubated for 24 h. To evaluate cell viability, the WST-1 assay was carried out and absorption (450 nm) was measured. To detect apoptotic cells, monoclonal antibody to single-strand DNA (ssDNA) was used and absorption (405 nm) was measured. Actin stabilization and apoptosis induced by jasplakinolide were morphologically investigated by staining with Alexa Fluor 568 phalloidin and observed under a fluorescent microscope. As a negative control, DMSO was used instead of jasplakinolide. Differences between the jasplakinolide-treated group and the control group were analysed statistically using the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Cell viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and cell viability in the jasplakinolide-treated ERM was lower than that in nontreated ERM (n = 16, P < 0.01). Apoptotic cells in the jasplakinolide-treated ERM were more frequently detected compared to that in nontreated ERM (n = 16, P < 0.01). Morphologically, shrinkage, irregular forms and fragmentation of nuclei suggesting apoptotic bodies were observed in jasplakinolide-treated ERM, whilst actin filaments were extended in non-treated ERM.

CONCLUSION

Actin stabilization by jasplakinolide inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in epithelial cell rests of Malassez.

Quality evaluation of sake treated with a two-stage system of low pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles

To determine optimal temperature of a two-stage system of low pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles (MB-CO2) for inactivating enzymes in unpasteurized sake (UPS), the effect of two-stage MB-CO2 containing a heating coil at various temperatures on the inactivation of the α-glucosidase in UPS was investigated, and the quality of the sake treated by two-stage MB-CO2 was estimated by sensory evaluation and component analysis. α-Glucosidase activity in the UPS was completely inactivated by two-stage MB-CO2 with a heating coil at 45 °C for 50 min, 55 °C for 5 min, 65 °C for 10 s (MB65), and 75 °C for 1 s, respectively. The quality of the MB65's sake was determined to be significantly excellent by the sensory evaluation. The reason was suggested to be due to relatively low contents of free amino acids, change in organic acid balance, and less damage to volatile compounds.

Cell type-dependent effects of corticosteroid on periostin production by primary human tissue cells

Overproduction of periostin, an IL-13-inducible matricellular protein, despite corticosteroid treatment is thought to be involved in the chronicity of allergic inflammation seen in corticosteroid-refractory tissue fibrosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that some tissue cells must produce periostin in a corticosteroid-insensitive manner. Here, we show that IL-4 and IL-13 each induced comparable levels of periostin production by primary normal human fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells derived from lung and skin. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, completely inhibited IL-4/13-induced, but did not affect TGF-β-induced, periostin production by fibroblasts. In contrast, dexamethasone synergistically enhanced IL-4/13-induced periostin production by microvascular endothelial cells. TGF-β did not induce periostin production by microvascular endothelial cells. Our novel findings suggest that IL-4/13-induced microvascular endothelium-derived and/or TGF-β-induced fibroblast-derived periostin might play a pivotal role in corticosteroid-refractory tissue fibrosis, leading to chronic allergic inflammation in the lung and/or skin.

Ozone microbubble treatment at various water temperatures for the removal of residual pesticides with negligible effects on the physical properties of lettuce and cherry tomatoes

In this study, the effects of ozone microbubbles (OMCB) treatment at various water temperatures on the removal of residual fenitrothion (FT) pesticides and on the physical properties of lettuce and cherry tomatoes was examined. The residual FT percentage in lettuce and cherry tomatoes was shown decreased by using higher water temperatures, particularly at 30 °C, resulting in a decrease within the range of 32% to 52%, after the 20-min treatment. In addition, bubbling OMCB treatment did not alter the color and pulling strength of lettuce and cherry tomatoes. These results indicate that bubbling OMCB treatment at 30 °C is a highly effective method for the removal of FT residues in lettuce and cherry tomatoes, with relatively little effect on crop quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The bubbling OMCB has a potential of reducing the FT reduces on vegetables with no adverse effect on the sensory quality of vegetables.

Effects of olmesartan on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes with overt nephropathy: a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The renal and cardiovascular protective effects of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) remain controversial in type 2 diabetic patients treated with a contemporary regimen including an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI).

METHODS

We examined the effects of olmesartan, an ARB, on primary composite outcome of doubling of serum creatinine, endstage renal disease and death in type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy. Secondary outcome included composite cardiovascular outcomes, changes in renal function and proteinuria. Randomisation and allocation to trial group were carried out by a central computer system. Participants, caregivers, the people carrying out examinations and people assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment.

RESULTS

Five hundred and seventy-seven (377 Japanese, 200 Chinese) patients treated with antihypertensive therapy (73.5% [n = 424] received concomitant ACEI), were given either once-daily olmesartan (10-40 mg) (n = 288) or placebo (n = 289) over 3.2 ± 0.6 years (mean±SD). In the olmesartan group, 116 developed the primary outcome (41.1%) compared with 129 (45.4%) in the placebo group (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.75, 1.24; p = 0.791). Olmesartan significantly decreased blood pressure, proteinuria and rate of change of reciprocal serum creatinine. Cardiovascular death was higher in the olmesartan group than the placebo group (ten vs three cases), whereas major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death plus non-fatal stroke and myocardial infarction) and all-cause death were similar between the two groups (major adverse cardiovascular events 18 vs 21 cases, all-cause deaths; 19 vs 20 cases). Hyperkalaemia was more frequent in the olmesartan group than the placebo group (9.2% vs 5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Olmesartan was well tolerated but did not improve renal outcome on top of ACEI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00141453.

Chlorophenoxyacetic acid and chloropyridylphenylurea accelerate translocation of photoassimilates to parthenocarpic and seeded fruits of muskmelon (Cucumis melo)

We compared the effect of p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (p-CPA) and 1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea (CPPU) on parthenocarpic and seeded muskmelon (Cucumis melo) fruits in regards to fruit development and the transport of photoassimilates from leaves exposed to ¹⁴CO₂ to the developing fruits. Ten days after anthesis (DAA), the fresh weight, total ¹⁴C-radioactivity and contents of ¹⁴C-sucrose and ¹⁴C-fructose were higher in the CPPU-induced parthenocarpic fruits than in seeded fruits. However, at 35 DAA, fresh weight and sucrose content in mesocarp, placenta and empty seeds of the parthenocarpic fruits were lower than in seeded fruits. Also, total ¹⁴C-radioactivity and ¹⁴C-sugar content of the parthenocarpic fruits were lower as well as the translocation rate of ¹⁴C-photoassimilates into these fruits. Application of p-CPA to the parthenocarpic fruits at 10 and 25 DAA increased fresh weight and sugar content. Moreover, these treatments elevated the total ¹⁴C-radioactivity, ¹⁴C-sucrose content and the translocation rate of ¹⁴C-photoassimilates. The ¹⁴C-radioactivity along the translocation pathway from leaf to petiole, stem, lateral shoot and peduncle showed a declining pattern but dramatically increased again in the fruits. These results suggest that the fruit's sink strength was regulated by the seed and enhanced by the application of p-CPA.

Removal of residual pesticides in vegetables using ozone microbubbles

The removal of fenitrothion (FT) pesticide residues from vegetables by immersion in ozone-microbubbled solution was demonstrated. FT-treated lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries were immersed in ozone-microbubbled, ozone-millibubbled, and dechlorinated water. After that the percentage of residual FT in the vegetables was determined. Residual FT was efficiently removed from lettuce by immersing it in ozone-microbubbled solution containing more than 1.0 ppm dissolved ozone, or continuously generated ozone-microbubbled solution containing 2.0 ppm dissolved ozone. Similarly, for cherry tomatoes and strawberries, the continuously generated ozone-microbubbled solution containing 2.0 ppm dissolved ozone was highly effective. These results showed that ozone microbubbles effectively removed residual pesticides not only from leafy vegetables but also from fruity vegetables.

Prevention of excessive collagen accumulation by human intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in a murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrotic changes in skin and other organs involving excessive collagen deposition. Here we investigated the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on fibrosis in a murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma. Scleroderma was induced in C3H/He J mice by subcutaneous BLM injections daily for 35 days. The collagen content in skin samples from the BLM-injected group (6·30 ± 0·11 mg/g tissue) was significantly higher than the PBS group (5·80 ± 0·10 mg/g tissue), and corresponded with dermal thickening at the injection site. In contrast, mice treated with IVIG for 5 consecutive days after initiating BLM injection showed lesser collagen content significantly (IVIG group, 5·61 ± 0·09 mg/g tissue; BLM vs. IVIG). In order to investigate the cellular and protein characteristics in the early stage of the model, the skin samples were obtained 7 days after the onset of experiment. Macrophage infiltration to the dermis, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1)-positive cells, and increased TGF-β1 mRNA expression were also observed in the BLM group. IVIG inhibited these early fibrogenic changes; MCP-1 expression was significantly lesser for the IVIG group (1·52 ± 0·19 pg/mg tissue) than for the BLM group (2·49 ± 0·26 pg/mg tissue). In contrast, TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by IVIG. These results suggest that IVIG treatment may inhibit macrophage recruitment to fibrotic sites by down regulating MCP-1 and TGF-β production, and thus could be a potential drug for managing fibrotic disorders such as SSc.

Identification of (E,E)-2,4-undecadienal from coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) as a highly effective deodorant compound against the offensive odor of porcine large intestine

The leaves of coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.) exhibited a strong deodorizing effect against porcine internal organs (large intestine). The effective deodorizing compounds of coriander were identified by separating the volatile component of coriander, testing the effectiveness of each fraction against the offensive odor of porcine large intestine, and then identifying the compounds by GC-MS. The volatile component of coriander was first separated into six fractions (A-F) by preparative gas chromatography, and the deodorizing activity of each of these fractions against the offensive odor was measured. Fraction D, which showed the strongest deodorizing effect, was then separated into 12 subfractions by preparative GC. The deodorant activity of each subfraction was evaluated, and the deodorant compounds were identified by GC-MS. It was discovered that (E,E)-2,4-undecadienal was the most effective deodorizing compound. The deodorizing activity of (E,E)-2,4-undecadienal on the porcine large intestine increased as with concentration, reaching almost complete deodorizing ability at 10 ppb.

Heart rate variability during high-intensity field exercise in female distance runners

The purposes of this study were to demonstrate the transition of heart rate variability (HRV) during trials in the field and to examine the relationship between peak frequency of high-frequency band (HF) and stride frequency. Ten healthy long-distance college female runners (age 19-21 years) performed a 3000 m realistic time trial. The time-series power spectrum analysis by maximum entropy method was used to evaluate cardiac autonomic nervous activity during the race. Cross-correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the degree of linear co-ordination between the central peak frequency of HF and stride frequency. Just after starting, the decrease in HF (0.15-1.00 Hz) and a transient increase of low-frequency band (LF)/HF were found. After that, the HF remained at a low level and LF/HF decreased sharply. These findings suggested that the parasympathetic activity was suppressed and sympathetic activity increased just after starting, and the sympathetic activity reached the saturated level according to continuation of high-intensity exercise. In spite of the significant decrease of HRV during trials, peak frequency of HF could be differentiated clearly. The cross-correlation coefficient of peak frequency of HF and stride frequency was from 0.703 to 0.868. This finding indicated that exercise rhythm reflected HRV during high-intensity running in the field.