β-Delayed One and Two Neutron Emission Probabilities Southeast of ^{132}Sn and the Odd-Even Systematics in r-Process Nuclide Abundances

The β-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities (P_{1n} and P_{2n}) of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with N≥82 have been measured at the RIBF facility of the RIKEN Nishina Center. P_{1n} of ^{130,131}Ag, ^{133,134}Cd, ^{135,136}In, and ^{138,139}Sn were determined for the first time, and stringent upper limits were placed on P_{2n} for nearly all cases. β-delayed two-neutron emission (β2n) was unambiguously identified in ^{133}Cd and ^{135,136}In, and their P_{2n} were measured. Weak β2n was also detected from ^{137,138}Sn. Our results highlight the effect of the N=82 and Z=50 shell closures on β-delayed neutron emission probability and provide stringent benchmarks for newly developed macroscopic-microscopic and self-consistent global models with the inclusion of a statistical treatment of neutron and γ emission. The impact of our measurements on r-process nucleosynthesis was studied in a neutron star merger scenario. Our P_{1n} and P_{2n} have a direct impact on the odd-even staggering of the final abundance, improving the agreement between calculated and observed Solar System abundances. The odd isotope fraction of Ba in r-process-enhanced (r-II) stars is also better reproduced using our new data.

The association between frailty and physical performance in elderly patients with heart failure

Background

Frailty is known to be an important prognostic indicator in heart failure (HF). The Korean version of the frail scale for Koreans (K-FRAIL) has been developed and verified. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the K-FRAIL scale and physical performance, including muscular fitness and aerobic capacity in patients with HF.

Methods

This study included 143 HF patients aged over 65 years from a single tertiary hospital. In these subjects, muscular fitness was assessed using the handgrip test and knee extensor strength measurement, and aerobic capacity was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6-minute walk test. Frailty status was measured using the K-FRAIL questionnaire and was classified as robust (K-FRAIL scale: 0), prefrail (1–2), and frail (3–5).

Results

Mean age of participants with robust (N=37), prefrail (N=75), and frail (N=31) were 72.5, 73.5, and 76.3 years, respectively. There was no difference in sex and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among groups, but the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly lower as frailty status increased (75.6±17.2 vs. 70.0±20.5 vs. 56.1±23.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; P<0.001). Hand-grip strength and knee extensor muscle strength did not differ among groups. However, peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2; 22.8±5.0 vs. 19.3±4.6 vs. 16.9±4.7 mL/kg/min, P<0.001) and 6-min walk distance (458.4±68.2 vs. 404.5±92.3 vs. 311.2±120.5 m; p<0.001) significantly decreased according to frailty severity. In multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, haemoglobin, eGFR and LVEF, peak VO2 (β=−0.311; P=0.002) and 6-min walk distance (β=−0.384; P<0.001) showed a significant inverse association with the K-FRAIL scale. With the cut-off value from receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, peak VO2 (hazard ratio, 5.08; p=0.023) and 6MWT (hazard ratio, 3.99; p=0.020) were independent predictor of frailty according to K-FRAIL scale.

Conclusion

In elderly HF patients, physical performance differs according to frailty status, peak VO2 and 6-min walk distance correlates with the K-FRAIL scale better than muscular fitness.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of follow-up raloxifene therapy after denosumab discontinuation in postmenopausal women

Follow-up raloxifene therapy after denosumab discontinuation resulted in a decrease in bone mass to the pre-denosumab levels and a rebound increase of bone turnover markers. The decrease in lumbar bone mineral density was particularly evident when the body mass index was low, there were previous vertebral fractures, or lumbar bone mineral density before denosumab administration was low.

INTRODUCTION

Selective estrogen receptor modulators may be an alternative to bisphosphonates for treating rebound resorption after discontinuing denosumab. This study aimed to investigate the effects of follow-up raloxifene therapy after denosumab discontinuation in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 61 patients who received 12-month follow-up raloxifene therapy after denosumab discontinuation. The primary endpoint was the bone mineral density change. The secondary endpoints were the changes in bone turnover markers and the incidence of new vertebral fractures.

RESULTS

Raloxifene administration for 12 months after denosumab discontinuation resulted in a significantly lower bone mineral density at all sites compared to the level at 6 months after the last denosumab treatment (lumbar spine, - 5.48%; femoral neck, - 2.95%; total hip, - 3.52%; all, p < 0.001). The decrease in lumbar bone mineral density was particularly evident when the body mass index was low, there were previous vertebral fractures, or lumbar bone mineral density before denosumab administration was low. Marked increases in the bone turnover markers from baseline were noted after switching to raloxifene. However, no new vertebral fractures occurred during raloxifene treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up raloxifene therapy after denosumab discontinuation resulted in a decrease in bone mass to the pre-denosumab levels and a rebound increase of bone turnover markers. Therefore, raloxifene administered sequentially after denosumab discontinuation was not effective in preventing rebound phenomenon.

Comparison of fracture risk between type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a comprehensive real-world data

Population-based cohort study of 6,548,784 Korean subjects demonstrates that the risk of fracture was higher in patients with diabetes than in nondiabetic subjects. Furthermore, patients with type 1 diabetes were associated with a higher risk of fracture than patients with type 2 diabetes for all measurement sites.

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased fracture risk. Although the pathophysiologic effect on bone metabolism differs according to the type of diabetes, a higher risk of fracture in patients with diabetes than in nondiabetic patients has been consistently demonstrated. Considering the ever-increasing number of patients with diabetes, we aimed to provide updated information on whether this phenomenon remains valid in real-world settings by using large-scale population datasets.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service dataset of preventive health check-ups between January 2009 and December 2016. The hazard ratios were calculated for any fracture, vertebral fracture, and hip fracture and were analyzed according to the presence and type of diabetes. Among 10,585,818 subjects, 6,548,784 were eligible for the analysis (2418 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM] and 506,208 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration (in years) was 7.0 ± 1.3 for subjects without diabetes, 6.4 ± 2.0 for those with T1DM, and 6.7 ± 1.7 for T2DM. Patients with T1DM had a higher incidence rate for all types of fractures per 1000 person-years. The fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for any fracture, vertebral fracture, and hip fracture were higher in T1DM than in T2DM (1.37 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-1.52] for any fracture, 1.33 [95% CI: 1.09-1.63] for vertebral fracture, and 1.99 [95% CI: 1.56-2.53] for hip fracture).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large-scale population analysis, diabetes was associated with a higher risk of all types of fractures. Patients with T1DM had a higher risk of fracture than those with T2DM for all measurement sites, and hip fractures had the highest risk. Therefore, fracture prevention training for patients with diabetes is advisable.

Development of postbiotics by whey bioconversion with Enterococcus faecalis M157 KACC81148BP and Lactococcus lactis CAU2013 KACC81152BP for treating periodontal disease and improving gut health

This study developed postbiotics with whey bioconversion product produced by Enterococcus faecalis M157 KACC 81148BP, and mixed whey bioconversion products produced by E. faecalis M157 KACC 81148BP and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis CAU2013 KACC 81152BP to alleviate periodontitis (PD) and to improve gut health. The powdered whey bioconversion product (EF) produced by E. faecalis M157 KACC 81148BP, mixed whey bioconversion products (EF+LL) from E. faecalis M157 KACC 81148BP and L. lactis CAU2013 KACC 81152BP, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; control) were administered orally to PD-induced rats for 8 wk. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and epithelial proliferation in periodontal tissue were found in control, but the lesions were reduced in PD+EF group (administration of EF to PD-induced rats), and no lesions were observed in PD+EF+LL group (administration of EF+LL to PD-induced rats). The bone loss volumes in PD+EF and PD+EF+LL groups were lower than in control. Cytokine production levels related to inflammation were lower and antioxidative stress markers were higher in PD+EF and PD+EF+LL groups than in control for both periodontal tissue and gut. The ratios of Lactobacillus spp. in gut microbiome of PD+EF and PD+EF+LL groups were higher than in control. These results indicate that the whey bioconversion product produced by E. faecalis M157 KACC 81148BP, and mixed whey bioconversion products produced by E. faecalis M157 KACC 81148BP and L. lactis CAU2013 KACC 81152BP are effective on relieving periodontitis and improving the gut health.

Isolation of Bacillus cereus from Soft Soybean Curd and the Kinetic Behavior of B. cereus Isolates at Changing Temperatures

ABSTRACT

In this study, Bacillus cereus was isolated from soft soybean curds, and a dynamic model was developed to describe the kinetic behavior of these isolates during transfer and storage. B. cereus isolates recovered from soft soybean curds were inoculated into soft soybean curd, and the levels were determined during storage at 10 to 30°C. The B. cereus counts were fitted to the Baranyi model to calculate maximum growth rate (μmax) and lag-phase duration (LPD). These kinetic parameters were then analyzed with a polynomial equation to evaluate the effects of temperature on the kinetic parameters. The developed model was validated with observed values, and the differences between predicted and observed values were determined by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE). A dynamic model was then developed with a combination of primary and secondary models to describe B. cereus growth under changing temperature conditions. B. cereus was detected in two soft soybean curd samples (5.1%) at 0.7 log CFU/g. The μmax was -0.04 to 0.47 log CFU/g/h, and the ln(LPD) was 3.94 to 0.04 h, depending on the storage temperature. The model performance was appropriate with a 0.216 RMSE and accurately described the kinetic behavior of B. cereus in soft soybean curd samples. These results suggest that B. cereus can contaminate soft soybean curds and that the models developed with the B. cereus isolates are useful for describing the kinetic behavior of B. cereus in soft soybean curd.

HIGHLIGHTS

Identification of Pathogenic Variations in Seafood Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolates by Comparing Genome Sequences

ABSTRACT

An investigation of the pathogenic characteristics of isolates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus was conducted by identifying the pathogenic tdh gene and then performing adherence and cytotoxicity assays. Genome sequences of the seafood isolates were analyzed using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The isolated strains were then mapped by comparing the genomes to the reference genome, and variations in the nucleotide sequences and amino acids were identified with the CLC Genomics Workbench program. The tdh gene was identified in four isolates of V. parahaemolyticus, of which three-SMFM201809-CPC7-3, SMFM201809-CF8-2, and SMFM201809-CF8-3-showed high cytotoxicity and differences in cell adhesion. These isolates were selected to identify virulence factors and genomic variations. All three isolates had the same virulence factors, such as adherence, secretion system, and toxin. In addition, amino acid variants were identified in the regions of type IV pilus, T3SS1 and T3SS1 secreted effectors, and thermolabile hemolysin. These results indicate that variations in amino acids found in regions related to adherence and cytotoxicity result in differences in adhesion efficiency and cytotoxicity; therefore, the isolates with these variations may cause more serious foodborne illness compared with other strains.

HIGHLIGHTS

Metabolomics Changes of Serum and Tissues in Mice Died of Acute Tetracaine Poisoning

Abstract

Objective To study the changes of metabolites in serum and tissues （kidney, liver and heart） of mice died of acute tetracaine poisoning by metabolomics, to search for potential biomarkers and related metabolic pathways, and to provide new ideas for the identification of cause of death and research on toxicological mechanism of acute tetracaine poisoning. Methods Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into control group and acute tetracaine poisoning death group. The model of death from acute poisoning was established by intraperitoneal injection of tetracaine, and the metabolic profile of serum and tissues of mice was obtained by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-Orbitrap HRMS）. Multivariate statistical principal component analysis （PCA） and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） were used, combined with t-test and fold change to identify the differential metabolites associated with death from acute tetracaine poisoning. Results Compared with the control group, the metabolic profiles of serum and tissues in the mice from acute tetracaine poisoning death group were significantly different. Eleven differential metabolites were identified in serum, including xanthine, spermine, 3-hydroxybutylamine, etc.; twenty-five differential metabolites were identified in liver, including adenylate, adenosine, citric acid, etc.; twelve differential metabolites were identified in heart, including hypoxanthine, guanine, guanosine, etc; four differential metabolites were identified in kidney, including taurochenodeoxycholic acid, 11, 12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, dimethylethanolamine and indole. Acute tetracaine poisoning mainly affected purine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as metabolism of alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Conclusion The differential metabolites in serum and tissues of mice died of acute tetracaine poisoning are expected to be candidate biomarkers for this cause of death. The results can provide research basis for the mechanism and identification of acute tetracaine poisoning.

Fermented milk with Lactobacillus curvatus SMFM2016-NK alleviates periodontal and gut inflammation, and alters oral and gut microbiota

This study aimed to analyze the effect of milk fermented with Lactobacillus curvatus SMFM2016-NK on periodontal diseases and gut health in a rat model. To improve the effect of Lb. curvatus SMFM2016-NK-fermented milk administration for relieving periodontitis, the periodontitis rat models were treated with the following for 4 wk: 10% skim milk (normal), periodontitis + 10% skim milk (negative control), periodontitis + Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-fermented milk (positive control), and periodontitis + Lb. curvatus SMFM2016-NK-fermented milk (PD+LCFM). Transcriptional analysis of inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10] was performed via quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. The changes in the oral and gut microbiomes after administering Lb. curvatus SMFM2016-NK-fermented milk were analyzed with metagenomics sequencing using DNA extracted from the oral gingival tissues and feces from the cecum of the rat models. After treatment with Lb. curvatus SMFM2016-NK-fermented milk, the relative gene expression levels of TNFA and IL1B in the gingiva decreased in the PD+LCFM group compared with those in the negative control group. In the oral microbiome, the proportion of the phylum Proteobacteria in the PD+LCFM group was lower than that in the negative control after treatment with Lb. curvatus SMFM2016-NK-fermented milk. For the effect in the gut, the relative gene expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in the colon between the normal and negative control groups were not different; however, the expression levels of TNFA and IL1B in the PD+LCFM and positive control groups, respectively, were lower than those in the negative control group. The composition and diversity of the gut microbiome differed among normal, periodontitis, and Lb. curvatus SMFM2016-NK-fermented milk treatment groups. These results indicate that Lb. curvatus SMFM2016-NK-fermented milk could alleviate periodontal and gut inflammation and change oral and gut microbiota.

Development of a Selective Agar for Improving Campylobacter jejuni Detection in Food

BACKGROUND

Campylobacter jejuni is a major gastroenteritis-causing foodborne pathogen. However, it is difficult to isolate when competing bacteria or cold-damaged cells are present.

OBJECTIVE

Herein, a medium (Campylobacter selective agar, CSA) was developed and supplemented with catalase, L-serine, L-cysteine, and quercetin for the selective detection of C. jejuni in food.

METHODS

The C. jejuni-detection efficiency in broth media and chicken tenders was evaluated. The pathogen was enumerated on modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar (mCCDA), CSA supplemented with 4 µM catalase (CSA-C4), 8 µM catalase (CSA-C8), 20 mM L-serine (CSA-S20) or 50 mM L-serine (CSA-S50), and mCCDA supplemented with 0.5 mM L-cysteine (mCCDA-LC0.5), 1 mM L-cysteine (mCCDA-LC1), 40 µM quercetin (mCCDA-Q40) or 320 µM quercetin (mCCDA-Q320). The detection efficiency was then evaluated by counting colonies on the selective agar media. Quantitative assessment was also performed using chicken and duck carcasses.

RESULTS

The C. jejuni detection efficiencies were higher (p < 0.05) in the groups CSA-C4 or CSA-C8 and CSA-S20 or CSA-S50 than mCCDA, and the detection efficiencies were maintained even in the presence of Acinetobacter baumannii, a competing bacterium. In the quantitative test, CSA-C8 and CSA-S50 demonstrated higher C. jejuni-detection efficiencies than mCCDA (control).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, CSA-C8 and CSA-S50 improved the detection efficiency of C. jejuni in poultry products by promoting the recovery of cold-damaged cells.

HIGHLIGHTS

When using CSA-C8 or CSA-S50 developed in this study for detection of C. jejuni in food, detection efficiency was higher than mCCDA.

Contamination of Clostridium perfringens in soy sauce, and quantitative microbial risk assessment for C. perfringens through soy sauce consumption

The objective of this study was to conduct QMRA (quantitative microbial risk assessment) of Clostridium perfringens through soy sauce consumption. Four hundred and ninety soy sauce samples from markets were analyzed to detect C. perfringens. Temperature and time were also measured during transportation and display of soy sauce. A primary model was developed by fitting the Weibull model to the C. perfringens cell counts in soy sauce at 7-35°C, and δ (the time needed to decrease 1 log CFU/ml) and ρ (curve shape) were calculated. The parameters were analyzed, using the Exponential model (secondary model) as a function of temperature. The consumption amount and percentage of soy sauce were surveyed, and a dose-response model was searched. Using all collected data, a simulation model was prepared in the @RISK program to estimate the probability of C. perfringens foodborne illness by soy sauce consumption. C. perfringens were negative in 490 samples. Thus, the initial contamination level was estimated to be -2.9 log CFU/ml. The developed predictive models showed that C. perfringens cell counts decreased during transportation and display. The average consumption amounts, and the percentage of soy sauce were 7.81 ml and 81.2%, respectively. The simulation showed that the probability of C. perfringens foodborne illness by consumption of soy sauce was 1.7 × 10-16 per person per day. Therefore, the risk of C. perfringens by consumption of soy sauce is low in Korea.

Antimicrobial activity of fermented Maillard reaction products, novel milk-derived material, made by whey protein and Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus gasseri on Clostridium perfringens

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of fermented Maillard reaction products made by milk proteins (FMRPs) on Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), and to elucidate antimicrobial modes of FMRPs on the bacteria, using physiological and morphological analyses.

METHODS

Antimicrobial effects of FMRPs (whey protein plus galactose fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus [L. rhamnosus] 4B15 [Gal-4B15] or Lactobacillus gasseri 4M13 [Gal-4M13], and whey protein plus glucose fermented by L. rhamnosus 4B15 [Glc-4B15] or L. gasseri 4M13 [Glc-4M13]) on C. perfringens were tested by examining growth responses of the pathogen. Iron chelation activity analysis, propidium iodide uptake assay, and morphological analysis with field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) were conducted to elucidate the modes of antimicrobial activities of FMRPs.

RESULTS

When C. perfringens were exposed to the FMRPs, C. perfringens cell counts were decreased (p<0.05) by the all tested FMRPs; iron chelation activities by FMRPs, except for Glc-4M13. Propidium iodide uptake assay indicate that bacterial cellular damage increased in all FMRPs-treated C. perfringens, and it was observed by FE-SEM.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the FMRPs can destroy C. perfringens by iron chelation and cell membrane damage. Thus, it could be used in dairy products, and controlling intestinal C. perfringens.

High Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in Smoked Duck: Antibiotic and Heat Resistance, Virulence, and Genetics of the Isolates

This study aimed at determining the genetic and virulence characteristics of the Listeria monocytogenes from smoked ducks. L. monocytogenes was isolated by plating, and the isolated colonies were identified by PCR. All the obtained seven L. monocytogenes isolates possessed the virulence genes (inlA, inlB, plcB, and hlyA) and a 385 bp actA amplicon. The L. monocytogenes isolates (SMFM2018 SD 1-1, SMFM 2018 SD 4-1, SMFM 2018 SD 4-2, SMFM 2018 SD 5-2, SMFM 2018 SD 5-3, SMFM 2018 SD 6-2, and SMFM 2018 SD 7-1) were inoculated in tryptic soy broth (TSB) containing 0.6% yeast extract at 60°C, followed by cell counting on tryptic soy agar (TSA) containing 0.6% yeast extract at 0, 2, 5, 8, and 10 min. We identified five heat resistant isolates compared to the standard strain (L. monocytogenes ATCC13932), among which three exhibited the serotype 1/2b and D-values of 5.41, 6.48, and 6.71, respectively at 60°C. The optical densities of the cultures were regulated to a 0.5 McFarland standard to assess resistance against nine antibiotics after an incubation at 30°C for 24 h. All isolates were penicillin G resistant, possessing the virulence genes (inlA, inlB, plcB, and hlyA) and the 385-bp actA amplicon, moreover, three isolates showed clindamycin resistance. In conclusion, this study allowed us to characterize L. monocytogenes isolates from smoked ducks, exhibiting clindamycin and penicillin G resistance, along with the 385-bp actA amplicon, representing higher invasion efficiency than the 268-bp actA, and the higher heat resistance serotype 1/2b.

Synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots to destroy bacteria competing with Campylobacter jejuni in enrichment medium, and development of a monoclonal antibody to detect C. jejuni after enrichment

The objective of this study was to develop a method with improved sensitivity for Campylobacter jejuni detection in foods. Nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (N-CNDs) were synthesized and added to an enrichment medium (Bolton broth) at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. A light-emitting diode (LED) at a wavelength of 425 nm was used to irradiate the N-CNDs-supplemented enrichment medium to induce an exothermic reaction for 1 h. Additionally, a monoclonal antibody specific to C. jejuni NCTC11168 was developed using hybridoma cells to aid detection. The C. jejuni detection capabilities of N-CNDs-supplemented enrichment medium and the conventional Bolton broth enrichment, were compared using duck samples. C. jejuni in the enrichment was detected with the monoclonal antibody based-indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ID-ELISA). The N-CNDs-supplemented enrichment medium showed a better C. jejuni detection capability than the conventional Bolton broth enrichment. Additionally, data from ID-ELISA showed excellent detection efficiency and a shortened detection time in the N-CNDs-supplemented enrichment medium after LED irradiation at 425 nm. These results indicate that 1-h LED irradiation at 425 nm to Bolton broth supplemented with the N-CNDs increased the detection efficiency and shortened the detection time with the monoclonal antibody for C. jejuni in food.

Asymptomatic Clostridium perfringens Inhabitation in Intestine Can Cause Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Disorders in Brain

Clostridium perfringens (CP) is a foodborne pathogen. The bacterium can also inhabit human gut without symptoms of foodborne illness. However, the clinical symptoms of long-term inhabitation have not been known yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between intestinal CP and other internal organs. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and CP were orally injected into 5-week-old (YOUNG) and 12-month-old C57BL6/J (ADULT) mice. Gene expression levels related to inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6) and oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD]1, SOD2, SOD3, glutathione reductase [GSR], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]3, and catalase [CAT]) responses were evaluated in the brain, small intestine, and liver. In addition, apoptosis-related (BCL2-associated X [BAX]1 and high-mobility group box-1 [HMGB1]) and brain disorder-related genes (CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein [C/EBP]-β, C/EBPδ, C/EBP homologous protein [CHOP], and amyloid precursor protein [APP]) as brain damage markers were examined. The protein expressions in the brain were also measured. Gene expression levels of inflammation and oxidative stress responses were higher (p < 0.05) in brains of CP-YOUNG and CP-ADULT mice, compared with PBS-YOUNG and PBS-ADULT, and the gene expression levels were higher (p < 0.05) in brains of CP-ADULT mice than CP-YOUNG mice. Apoptosis-related (BAX1 and HMGB1) and brain disorder-related genes (C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, CHOP, and APP) were higher (p < 0.05) in brains of CP-challenged mice, compared with PBS-challenged mice. Even oxidative stress response (GPx and SOD2), cell damage-related (HMGB1), and β-amyloid proteins were higher (p < 0.05) in brains of CP- than in PBS-challenged mice. C/EBP protein was higher (p < 0.05) in CP-YOUNG, compared with PBS-YOUNG mice. However, these clinical symptoms were not observed in small intestine and liver. These results indicate that although asymptomatic intestinal CP do not cause foodborne illness, their inhabitation may cause brain inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell damage, which may induce disorders, especially for the aged group.

Machine learning for predicting fractional flow reserve based on optical coherence tomography in intermediate coronary stenosis

Background

Machine learning approaches using intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) to predict fractional flow reserve (FFR) have not been previously investigated. The objective of the study was to evaluate a machine learning method to estimate FFR based on intravascular OCT images in intermediate coronary lesions.

Methods

Data from both OCT- and wire-based FFR methods were obtained for lesions of the left anterior descending artery in 125 patients. Based on the total number of lesions, training and testing groups were partitioned at a ratio of 5:1. For the training group, 36 features, including 16 clinical and lesion characteristics, and 21 OCT features, were used to model machine learning-FFR. machine learning-FFR values were then derived for the testing group and compared with wire-based FFR values in terms of a diagnosis of ischemia (FFR &lt;0.8).

Results

Clinical and lesion characteristics and OCT features between the training and testing groups were similar. During the machine learning modeling of the training group, six important features of machine learning-FFR were identified: minimal luminal area, percentage of the stenotic area, lesion length, proximal luminal area, pre-procedural platelet count, and hypertension. machine learning-FFR values showed a good correlation (r=0.853, P&lt;0.001) with wire-based FFR values (Figure 1A). The diagnostic power of an FFR value less than 0.8, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of machine learning-FFR values for the testing group were 85.7%, 100%, 100%, 77.8%, and 90.5%, respectively (Figure 1B). Additionally, OCT-based machine learning-FFR values showed a good diagnostic accuracy compared with other image-based FFR values.

Conclusions

The OCT-based machine learning-FFR method can be used to simultaneously acquire information on both image and functional modalities using one invasive procedure, suggesting that it may be used to optimize treatments for intermediate coronary artery stenosis, as well as save time and cost.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (no. 2017R1A2B2003191)

Description of Kinetic Behavior of Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Cooked Pig Trotters under Dynamic Storage Conditions Using Mathematical Equations

A dynamic model was developed to predict the Escherichia coli cell counts in pig trotters at changing temperatures. Five-strain mixture of pathogenic E. coli at 4 Log CFU/g were inoculated to cooked pig trotter samples. The samples were stored at 10°C, 20°C, and 25°C. The cell count data was analyzed with the Baranyi model to compute the maximum specific growth rate (μ_max) (Log CFU/g/h) and lag phase duration (LPD) (h). The kinetic parameters were analyzed using a polynomial equation, and a dynamic model was developed using the kinetic models. The model performance was evaluated using the accuracy factor (A_f), bias factor (B_f), and root mean square error (RMSE). E. coli cell counts increased (p<0.05) in pig trotter samples at all storage temperatures (10°C–25°C). LPD decreased (p<0.05) and μ_max increased (p<0.05) as storage temperature increased. In addition, the value of h₀ was similar at 10°C and 20°C, implying that the physiological state was similar between 10°C and 20°C. The secondary models used were appropriate to evaluate the effect of storage temperature on LPD and μ_max. The developed kinetic models showed good performance with RMSE of 0.618, B_f of 1.02, and A_f of 1.08. Also, performance of the dynamic model was appropriate. Thus, the developed dynamic model in this study can be applied to describe the kinetic behavior of E. coli in cooked pig trotters during storage.

Influence of milk microbiota on Listeria monocytogenes survival during cheese ripening

This study aimed to compare the three strains of Listeria monocytogenes survival in raw milk cheese and pasteurized milk cheese and to suggest the effect of milk microbiota on survival. L. monocytogenes cell counts decreased in all cheese as ripening time increased, and the survival rate was different for the strains of L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, L. monocytogenes survived longer in raw milk cheese than in pasteurized milk cheese. The difference of bacterial survival in each cheese was independent of Aw or the Lactobacillus spp. populations in cheeses; there was no difference in Aw or Lactobacillus spp. populations in all cheeses. The richness of microbiota in raw milk was little higher than in pasteurized milk, and five phyla (Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Deinococcus-Thermus, Lentisphaerae, and Verrucomicrobia) were present only in raw milk. Also, organic acid-producing bacteria were presented more in pasteurized milk compared with raw milk; thus, the growth of L. monocytogenes was slower in pasteurized milk. In conclusion, differences in the microbial community of milk can affect the growth of L. monocytogenes. Making cheese using raw milk is a risk of L. monocytogenes infection; thus, efforts to prevent growth of L. monocytogenes such as the use of appropriate food additives are required.

The role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa DesB in pathogen-host interaction

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly found in environments, can cause chronic lung disease in immunocompromised patients. In previous study, an aerobic desaturase (DesB) in P. aeruginosa exerted considerable effects on virulence factor production. The objective of this study was to analyze the role of DesB on the virulence traits of P. aeruginosa in the host. For the in vitro experiments, cells and supernatants from wild-type (WT) P. aeruginosa and its desB mutant were collected. The diluted cells were added to the A549 cell monolayer in order to determine cell viability, invasion ability, and/or immune response. For the in vivo experiments, 6-week-old ICR mice were infected with 6-7 log CFU bacterial cells using endotracheal intubation. The ratio of lung weight to body weight and survival rate of each bacterial strain in the lung were measured. The histopathology of lung tissue was also studied. desB mutants exhibited lower cytotoxicity in A549 cells. In addition, more pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were present in desB mutant-treated. In the lungs of mouse model, WT survived longer than desB mutant, and the WT migrated from the lung to the liver and spleen. The results suggest that P. aeruginosa DesB affects the pathogenicity of the organism in the host.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment for Clostridium perfringens foodborne illness following consumption of kimchi in South Korea

The purpose of this study was to conduct a risk assessment for Clostridium perfringens foodborne illness via kimchi consumption in South Korea. Prevalence of C. perfringens in kimchi, kimchi consumption amount and frequency, and distribution conditions (time and temperature) from manufacture to the home were determined. C. perfringens initial contamination level was estimated using Beta distribution [Beta (6, 79)]. Potential C. perfringens cell counts during distribution were predicted using the Weibull model (primary models, R ² = 0.923-0.953) and a polynomial model [(δ = 1/(0.2385 + (- 0.0307 × Temp) + (0.0011 × Temp²)), R ² = 0.719]. Average daily consumption data was assessed using Gamma distribution [1.0444, 91.767, RiskShift (0.16895), RiskTruncate (0, 1078)]. The mean risk of C. perfringens-associated foodborne illness following kimchi consumption was found to be 1.21 × 10^-17. These results suggest that the risk of C. perfringens foodborne illness from kimchi consumption, under current conditions, can be considered to be very low in S. Korea.

Transplant outcomes in kidney recipients with lupus nephritis, and systematic review

Background

Despite improved survival of patients with lupus nephritis (LN), some require kidney transplantation because of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the transplant outcomes of these patients and other recipients have not been thoroughly compared.

Methods

In total, 1848 Korean kidney recipients who underwent transplantation from 1998 to 2017 at two tertiary referral centers were evaluated retrospectively. Among them, 28 recipients with LN, and 50 control recipients matched by age, sex, and donor type, were compared with respect to graft and patient survival. We pooled our data with 17 previous cohort studies in which the graft survival of recipients with LN was described in detail.

Results

During the median follow-up period of 9.5 years (maximum 21 years), graft failure (GF) occurred in 10.7% and 16.0% of LN and control recipients, respectively. No differences were found in the rates of GF and death-censored graft failure or patient survival between the two groups. The risks of acute T cell-mediated and antibody-mediated rejection were also similar between the two groups. The pooled analysis showed similar 1- and 5-year graft survival rates between LN and control recipients.

Conclusions

Kidney transplantation is an acceptable option in patients with concurrent LN and ESRD.

Combined Enrichment and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction to Improve Sensitivity and Reduce Time of Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in Mushrooms

This study evaluated a combined method for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in mushrooms, involving enrichment and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to improve sensitivity and reduce detection time. The growth of L. monocytogenes was evaluated in Listeria enrichment broth (LEB) with modified carbon and nitrogen sources, increasing sodium concentrations, and added micronutrients. Primers targeting the L. monocytogenes iap (iap1 and iap2), hlyA (hlyA1-hlyA6), and prfA (prfA1-prfA4) genes were developed and their sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. The greatest increase in L. monocytogenes cell count was observed after 6-h incubation at 30°C in LEB+2 × FAC (LEB plus 20 mL/L ferric ammonium citrate), where cell count increased by 1.4 log CFU (colony-forming unit)/mL, compared with 0.9 log CFU/mL in LEB (p < 0.05). iap2 primers targeting the iap gene showed high specificity and were the most sensitive among those tested, with a detection limit of 2 log CFU/mL in LEB medium, 3.1 log CFU/g in golden needle mushroom, and 3.5 log CFU/g in large oyster mushroom. When applied to detection in golden needle mushrooms, a combination of 3-h incubation in LEB+2 × FAC medium and qPCR analysis with iap2 primers permitted detection of L. monocytogenes, even at an inoculum of 1 log CFU/g. Similarly, in large oyster mushrooms, 10-h enrichment in LEB+2 × FAC medium resulted in a cell count of 3.7 log CFU/g. These results indicate that a combined detection method, using LEB+2 × FAC medium for enrichment followed by qPCR with iap2 primer pair, can reduce enrichment time and improve the sensitivity and specificity of L. monocytogenes detection in mushrooms.

P5731Optimal blood pressure in diabetic hypertensive patients with overt proteinuria

Background

Evidence for the benefit of intensive blood pressure lowering in diabetic nephropathy is not clear at this time. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether lower mean blood pressure (BP) in treated hypertensive patients with diabetic nephropathy is associated with better prognosis.

Methods

From the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Health Examination Database, diabetic hypertensive subjects with proteinuria between 2009 and 2010 were selected and followed-up until 2015 (N=8,663). Mean of the recorded systolic and diastolic BP during follow-up health examinations were stratified into five categories (SBP: <120, 120 to <130, 130 to <140, 140 to <150, and ≥150 mmHg; DBP: <70, 70 to <80, 80 to <90, 90 to <100, and ≥100 mmHg). All-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and renal outcome (progression to end stage renal disease or doubling of serum creatinine) were examined by Cox proportional hazard models with the propensity scores adjusted method.

Results

Compared to SBP of 130 to <140 mmHg, SBP of 120 to <130 mmHg was associated with lower risk of all-cause death (HR=0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.95), stroke (HR: 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45–0.94), and renal outcome (HR: 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68–0.97). SBP of <120 mmHg was associated with benefit for renal outcomes (HR: 0.69; 95% CI 0.55–0.88) but not with elevated risk of other outcomes. Compared to DBP of 80 to <90 mmHg, DBP of 70 to <80 mmHg were associated with lower risk of all-cause death (HR: 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64–0.88) but with higher risk of MI (HR: 1.52; 95% CI, 1.05–2.21). DBP of <70 mmHg was associated with reduced risk of all-cause death (HR: 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64–0.98).

Conclusion

In diabetic hypertensive subjects with overt proteinuria, deterioration of renal function decreased with decreasing SBP and the lowest risk of all-cause death and stroke were observed in SBP <130 mmHg. Low DBP was associated with low risk of all-cause death but there was a J curve phenomenon for MI in DBP of 70 to <80 mmHg.

P3555Lower native T1, extracellular volume and T2 on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is related to more left ventricular reverse remodeling in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Guideline-directed medical therapy can induce left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). Some predictors for LVRR have been reported but, there were few studies about the relationship between cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) parameters and LVRR in NIDCM on optimal GDMT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed echocardiogram and CMR data of newly diagnosed 142 NIDCM patients (age: 57±16 years old, 71.8% male) in a single center from Jan 2012 to Dec 2017. NIDCM was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% and the ischemic etiology was excluded by CMR, coronary angiography or coronary CT or SPECT scan. LVRR was defined as improvement in LVEF ≥10% during follow-up period (median 403 days).

Results

Baseline LVEF and LV end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) were 27±8% and 64±8 mm. There were 87 patients (61.3%) of LVRR in our cohort. In LVRR group, native T1 value was significantly lower (1326±66 for LVRR vs 1369±72ms, p<0.001), extracellular volume (ECV) was significantly lower (28.3±3.6 for LVRR vs 32.4±4.4%, p<0.001), and T2 value was significantly lower (49.6±4.6 for LVRR vs 52.1±5.4ms, p=0.004) compared with non-LVRR group. ECV was an independent predictor for LVRR after adjusting current LVRR predictors such as age, sex, LVEF, LVEDD, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and QRS duration (Odd ratio 0.706, 95% confidence interval 0.616–0.809, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Lower native T1, ECV and T2 on CMR is related to higher incidence of LVRR in NIDCM. Further larger prospective study should be warranted to confirm the relationship between CMR parameters and LVRR in NIDCM.

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment for Campylobacter jejuni in Ground Meat Products in Korea

This study evaluated Campylobacter jejuni risk in ground meat products. The C. jejuni prevalence in ground meat products was investigated. To develop the predictive model, survival data of C. jejuni were collected at 4°C-30°C during storage, and the data were fitted using the Weibull model. In addition, the storage temperature and time of ground meat products were investigated during distribution. The consumption amount and frequency of ground meat products were investigated by interviewing 1,500 adults. The prevalence, temperature, time, and consumption data were analyzed by @RISK to generate probabilistic distributions. In 224 samples of ground meat products, there were no C. jejuni-contaminated samples. A scenario with a series of probabilistic distributions, a predictive model and a dose-response model was prepared to calculate the probability of illness, and it showed that the probability of foodborne illness caused by C. jejuni per person per day from ground meat products was 5.68×10^-10, which can be considered low risk.

Role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa DesB in Adaptation to Osmotic Stress

Proper membrane fluidity is maintained by adjusting the ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), and the control of membrane fluidity plays an important role in bacterial adaptation to stress. Adaptability to these stresses involves survival and colonization of bacteria, thus contributing to bacterial contamination in food. UFAs are synthesized by FabAB- and Des-mediated pathways in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore, in this study, the roles of UFA-synthesizing proteins of P. aeruginosa in resistance to stresses were examined. The growth and transcription levels of wild-type (WT) P. aeruginosa PAO1 and its mutants were compared. The growth of all strains was inhibited by exposure to 0.5 or 1.0 M sodium chloride, but it was not affected by oxidative or pH stress. In particular, growth was impaired more substantially in the desB mutant than in the WT strain and other mutants, suggesting that DesB has a role in response to salt stress. A comparative transcriptional analysis showed that genes involved in the synthesis of osmoprotectants (trehalose, N-acetylglutaminylglutamine amide, and hydrophilin) were highly expressed in WT P. aeruginosa in response to high salt, but they were rarely expressed in the desB mutant. Furthermore, decreases in osmoprotectant production by the desB mutant were partially complemented by the addition of betaine. These results indicate that P. aeruginosa DesB contributes to adaptation to high salinity by positively regulating the synthesis of osmoprotectants.

Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) consumption influences gut microbiota composition

This study evaluated if vitamin E consumption affects gut microbiota. Mice were grouped into control, low vitamin E (LV), and high vitamin E (HV). LV and HV were fed DL-α-tocopherol at 0.06 mg/20 g and 0.18 mg/20 g of body weight per day, respectively, for 34 days. Body weight of mice was measured before and after vitamin E treatment. Animals were sacrificed, liver, spleen, small intestine and large intestine collected, and weight and length were measured. Composition of gut microbiota was determined by microbiome analysis. Spleen weight index of LV was the highest. However, liver weight indices and intestinal lengths were not different. Body weights of LV group were higher than those of control. Ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was different in LV compared to control and HV. These results indicate that low-level consumption of vitamin E increases spleen and body weight, and changes gut microbiota.

Mathematical Models to Describe the Kinetic Behavior of Staphylococcus aureus in Jerky

The objective of this study was to develop mathematical models for describing the kinetic behavior of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in seasoned beef jerky. Seasoned beef jerky was cut into 10-g pieces. Next, 0.1 mL of S. aureus ATCC13565 was inoculated into the samples to obtain 3 Log CFU/g, and the samples were stored aerobically at 10°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C for 600 h. S. aureus cell counts were enumerated on Baird Parker agar during storage. To develop a primary model, the Weibull model was fitted to the cell count data to calculate Delta (required time for the first decimal reduction) and ρ (shape of curves). For secondary modeling, a polynomial model was fitted to the Delta values as a function of storage temperature. To evaluate the accuracy of the model prediction, the root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated by comparing the predicted data with the observed data. The surviving S. aureus cell counts were decreased at all storage temperatures. The Delta values were longer at 10°C, 20°C, and 25°C than at 30°C and 35°C. The secondary model well-described the temperature effect on Delta with an R² value of 0.920. In validation analysis, RMSE values of 0.325 suggested that the model performance was appropriate. S. aureus in beef jerky survives for a long period at low storage temperatures and that the model developed in this study is useful for describing the kinetic behavior of S. aureus in seasoned beef jerky.

The risk of aerotolerant Campylobacter jejuni strains in poultry meat distribution and storage

Poultry meat is a major vector for Campylobacter jejuni foodborne illness. Since C. jejuni is microaerophillic, the cell counts gradually decreased during distribution and display under aerobic condition. However, if the pathogen can resist to aerobic condition, it may cause serious problem in food safety. This study determined the aerotolerance of C. jejuni isolated from poultry and the risk of the aerotolerant C. jejuni strains. Fourteen C. jejuni strains isolated from poultry were subjected to aerobic condition in a shaking incubator at 500 rpm and 37 °C. The cell counts of C. jejuni strains were enumerated on modified CCDA-Preston at 0, 24, 72 and 120 h, and the strains, having reduction less than 2 Log CFU/mL for 120 h were determined as aerotolerant C. jejuni strain. Non-aerotolerant and aerotolerant C. jejuni strains were then incubated at 4 °C under aerobic condition to compare the growth between aerotolerant and non-aerotolerant strains. In addition, transcriptomes for virulence and stress response genes (cadF, cdtB, ciaB, clpP and htrB) were compared between non-aerotolerant and aerotolerant C. jejuni strains. Among 14 C. jejuni strains, seven strains (50%) showed less than 2-Log CFU/mL reduction at 37 °C after 24 h, and five strains of them still showed less than 2-Log CFU/mL reduction after 48 h. Especially, C. jejuni SMFM2015-Du7 and C. jejuni SMFM2014-Du16 were still survived after 120 h under aerobic condition, which were then determined as aerotolerant C. jejuni. However, at 4 °C under aerobic condition, there were no significant differences in the reduction of C. jejuni cell counts and virulence gene expressions between non-aerotolerant (C. jejuni SMFM2014-Du8) and aerotolerant strains (C. jejuni SMFM2015-Du7 and C. jejuni SMFM2014-Du16) except for stress response gene (htrB). These results indicate that there are aerotolerant C. jejuni strains, but their risk is similar to non-aerotolerant C. jejuni strains at 4 °C under aerobic condition, which is distribution and storage condition for poultry meat. Therefore, additional food safety management for the aerotolerant C. jejuni is not necessary.

Abstract P1-08-24: Conditional survival of breast cancer patients: Korean nationwide registry

Purpose: Conditional relative survival (CRS) could provide more relevant information on the current prognosis of cancer survivors than standard 5-year relative survival (RS). This study aimed to estimate the 5-year CRS of Korean breast cancer patients.

Patients and Methods: We identified 145,083 breast cancer cases with diagnosis between 2002 and 2013 in the Korea Central Cancer Registry. The CRS was estimated for every year after diagnosis, according to sex, age, histologic types, stage, and year of diagnosis.

Results: The 5-year RS at diagnosis was 90.8% and 10-year RS was 85.7%. Five-year CRS was 91.0% and 94.3% at 1-year and 5-year after diagnosis. Women had better 5-year CRS than men after 5 years of survival (94.3% vs. 79.5%), and very young and very old patients had worse 5-year CRS after 5 years of survival than other age groups (92.2% in &lt;40yr, 92.6% in ≥70yr vs. 95.4% in 40-49, 94.3% in 50-59, and 93.7% in 60-69, relatively). In histologic types, CRS of metaplastic carcinoma has improved from 82.0% to 95.2%, compared to CRS of lobular carcinoma (from 93.1% to 92.5%). Hardly any excess mortality (5-year CRS ≥ 95%) was seen since 7 years after diagnosis. There was hardly any excess mortality at 5 years of survival, for the patients with 40-49 years (95.4%), with localized disease (97.8%), and with metaplastic carcinoma (95.2%).

Conclusion: This study showed that CRS of breast cancer survivors in Korea has been improved, which varied by sex, age, stage, and histologic types. These CRS analysis could provide a more detailed information for survival to breast cancer survivors and clinicians.

Citation Format: Jung S-Y, Jung K-W, Won Y-J, Kwon Y, Ha J, Kim YA, Kong S-Y, Lee ES. Conditional survival of breast cancer patients: Korean nationwide registry [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-24.

Development of Hydrogels to Improve the Safety of Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare) by Reducing Psychrotrophic Listeria monocytogenes Cell Counts on Raw Beef Surface

This study developed an antimicrobial hydrogel to control Listeria monocytogenes in Yukhoe (Korean beef tartare). Four hydrogels (hydrogel 1: 5% alginate+1% chitosan+0.2% CaCl₂, hydrogel 2: 1% κ-carrageenan+1% chitosan, hydrogel 3: 2% κ-carrageenan+1% CaCl₂, and hydrogel 4: 2% κ-carrageenan+3% CaCl₂) were prepared. The hydrogels then absorbed 0.1% grapefruit seed extract (GSE) and 0.1% citrus extract (CE) for 30, 60, 120, and 240 min to be antimicrobial hydrogels. To select the most effective antimicrobial hydrogel, their swelling ratio (SR) and antilisterial activities were determined. The selected hydrogel (2×2 cm) was then placed on surface of beef (round; 3×3 cm), where L. monocytogenes (ca. 10⁶ CFU/g) were inoculated, and the cell counts were enumerated on PALCAM agar. Among the hydrogels, the SR of hydrogel 1 increased with absorbing time, but other hydrogels showed no significant changes. Antimicrobial hydrogel 1 showed higher (p<0.05) antilisterial activity than other antimicrobial hydrogels, especially for the one absorbed the antimicrobial for 120 min. Thus, the antimicrobial hydrogel 1 absorbed antimicrobials for 120 min was applied on raw beef at 4℃, and reduced (p<0.05) more than 90% of L. monocytogenes on raw beef. These results indicate that antimicrobial hydrogel 1 formulated with 0.1% GSE or 0.1% CE is appropriate to improve the safety of Yukhoe by reducing psychrotrophic L. monocytogenes cell counts on raw beef.