Profiling of phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroid derivatives in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) haustorium

Coconut haustorium (CH) is formed inside coconut shell during coconut germination. This study aimed to investigate the compositions and contents of CH phytochemicals. Phytochemical compositions and contents in CH were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and spectrophotometrical method. Five phenolic acids and four flavonoids were identified in CH. Ferulic acid and myricetin were the most abundant among phenolic acids and flavonoids identified in CH, respectively. Nepetariaside and 1-methylene-5α-androstan-3α-ol-17-one glucuronide were the most abundant terpenoids and steroid derivatives identified in CH, respectively. To our knowledge, this study screened several classes of phytochemicals in CH for the first. Terpenoids and steroid derivatives were likely to be more major phytochemicals than phenolic acids and flavonoids in CH. The functionality of CH itself and the compounds found in CH might be utilized in functional foods or cosmetics.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01300-6.

Effects of roasting and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic treatment of Nigella sativa L. seeds on thymoquinone in the oil and antioxidant activity of defatted seed meal

BACKGROUND

Black cumin seeds (black seed; BS) contain various bioactive compounds, such as thymoquinone (TQ). Roasting and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic treatment (UAET) as pre-treatments can increase the phytochemical content in the BS oil. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pre-treatments on the TQ content and the yield of the BS oil and to profile the composition of defatted BS meal (DBSM), followed by evaluating antioxidant properties of the DBSM.

RESULTS

The extraction yield of crude oil from BS was not affected by the roasting time. The highest extraction yield (47.8 ± 0.4%) was obtained with UAET cellulase-pH 5 (enzyme concentration of 100%). Roasting decreased the TQ content of the oil, while the UAET cellulase-pH 5 treatment with an enzyme concentration of 100% yielded the highest TQ (125.1 ± 2.7 μg mL-1 ). Additionally, the UAET cellulase-pH 5 treatment increased total phenolics and flavonoids of DBSM by approximately two-fold, compared to roasting or ultrasound treatment (UT) alone. Principal component analysis revealed that the UAET method might be more suitable for extracting BS oil with higher TQ content than roasting and UT.

CONCLUSION

Compared to roasting or UT, using ultrasound along with cellulase could improve the oil yield and TQ in the oil from BS and obtain the DBSM with higher phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anti-inflammatory activities of black raspberry seed ellagitannins and their structural effects on the stimulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion and intestinal bitter taste receptors

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ellagitannins from black raspberry seeds (BS) in vivo and the structural effects of ellagitannins on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and intestinal bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) stimulation. For animal study, BS ellagitannin fraction (BSEF) was orally administered to mice with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The BSEF supplementation alleviated colonic inflammation, regulated inflammation-related cytokine levels in the mice with colitis, and increased the total GLP-1 secretion and GLP-1 receptor mRNA level in the inflamed gut. It also augmented the colonic gene expressions of mouse TAS2R (mTAS2R) 108, 119, 126, 131, 138, and 140; meanwhile, only mTAS2R108 expression was downregulated by DSS treatment. Six BS ellagitannins (sanguiin H-6, casuarictin, pedunculagin, acutissimin A, castalagin, and vescalagin) induced GLP-1 secretion in STC-1 cells and upregulated mTAS2R108, 119, 126, and 138 gene expressions. The major ellagitannins in BS (sanguiin H-6, casuarictin, pedunculagin, and acutissimin A) upregulated the gene expressions of mTAS2R131 and/or 140 known to be specifically distributed in mouse colon. Through molecular docking with mTAS2R108, the hexahydroxydiphenoyl, flavan-3-ol, glucose, and nonahydroxytriphenoyl moieties of the six BS ellagitannins were predicted to be involved in interacting with the receptor. BS ellagitannins could be promising candidates for preventing colon inflammation, likely via GLP-1 secretion induced by intestine-specific TAS2Rs.

Effects of black raspberry extract on gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and expressions of the genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid metabolisms in rats fed excessive choline with a high-fat diet

In our previous study, black raspberry (BR) reduced the serum levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide and cholesterol in rats fed excessive choline with a high-fat diet (HFC). We hypothesized that gut microbiota could play a crucial role in the production of trimethylamine and microbial metabolites, and BR could influence gut microbial composition. This study aimed to elucidate the role of BR on changes in gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in the rats. The phylogenetic diversity of gut microbiota was reduced in the rats fed HFC, while that in the BR-fed group was restored. The BR supplementation enriched Bifidobacterium and reduced Clostridium cluster XIVa. In the BR-fed group, most cecal bile acids and hippuric acid increased, while serum lithocholic acid was reduced. The BR supplementation upregulated Cyp7a1 and downregulated Srebf2. These results suggest that BR extract may change gut bacterial community, modulate bile acids, and regulate gene expression toward reducing cholesterol.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01267-4.

Phenolics in buckwheat hull extracts and their antioxidant activities on bulk oil and emulsions

Buckwheat hulls are discarded as waste, although they have more phenolic compounds than buckwheat groats. The antioxidant activities of buckwheat hull extracts prepared with water, 50% ethanol, and 100% ethanol were investigated in bulk oil, oil-in-water (O/W), and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. The relationship between the phenolic compositions of the extracts and their antioxidant activities in the three different lipid systems was also evaluated. Fifty percent ethanol extract had the highest total phenolic content (327 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g extract) followed by water and 100% ethanol extracts (211 and 163 mg GAE/g extract, respectively). The total oxidation rate (k) was not significantly different among the bulk oils added with the buckwheat hull extracts. However, in the O/W emulsion, the k was more reduced by the 50% and 100% ethanol extracts than by the water extract at the concentration of 100 µg GAE/g (2.9, 2.8, and 3.7 Totox/day, respectively). The k of the W/O emulsion was more reduced by the 100% ethanol extract than by the water and 50% ethanol extract at the concentration of 100 µg GAE/g (3.8, 4.7, and 4.5 Totox/day, respectively). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the contents of phenolic acids and their derivatives were the highest in the water extract among the extracts, while the contents of flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols were the highest in the 50% and 100% ethanol extracts, respectively. The results suggest that flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols could be potential candidates for retarding the oxidation of the emulsion system. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Buckwheat hull extracts could retard lipid oxidation. Flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols in buckwheat hull extracts may have an antioxidative effect on lipids. Thus, buckwheat hulls could be used as an antioxidant in lipid systems, as flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols are properly extracted from buckwheat hulls.

Black raspberry extract can lower serum LDL cholesterol via modulation of gut microbial composition and serum bile acid profile in rats fed trimethylamine-N-oxide with a high-fat diet

Blood trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been associated with cardiovascular disease. Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis, BR) has been regarded to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate how BR extract affects serum lipid profile, gut microbial composition, metabolites in rats fed TMAO with a high-fat diet. Dietary TMAO increased serum LDL cholesterol, while BR extract decreased its level. α-Diversity of gut microbiota was not changed; however, in the rats fed TMAO, Macellibacteroides and Mucispirillum were enriched, while Ruminococcaceae was reduced. The BR supplementation could restore Macellibacteroides, Clostridium, and Ruminococcaceae. The BR supplementation increased cecal hippuric acid and serum farnesoid X receptor-antagonistic bile acids, including ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), tauro-α-muricholic acid, and tauro-UDCA. The BR supplementation tended to upregulate Cyp7a1 and Abcg5 expressions while downregulating Srebf2 and Hmgcr expressions. BR extract affects the gut bacterial community and microbial metabolites, lowering serum LDL cholesterol in rats with elevated serum TMAO.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01079-y.

Antibacterial effect of cell-free supernatant fraction from Lactobacillus paracasei CH88 against Gardnerella vaginalis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in reproductive women, which is characterized by depleted level of lactic acid bacteria and overgrowth of anaerobes such as Gardnerella vaginalis spp. Lactic acid bacteria have been known to be beneficial for amelioration of BV, since they produce antimicrobial substances against G. vaginalis spp. The objectives of this study were to characterize different fractions of cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus paracasei CH88 (LCFS) and investigate antibacterial activity of the LCFS fractions against G. vaginalis in-vitro and in-vivo. Antibacterial activity of the LCFS was stable during thermal treatment up to 120 °C for 30 min and maintained at pH ranging from 3.0 to 13.0 except pH 5.0. Fraction below 3 kDa of the LCFS partially lost its antibacterial activity after treatment with proteolytic enzymes. Precipitated protein fraction below 3 kDa of the LCFS (< 3 kDa LCFSP) inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of G. vaginalis. Treatment of L. paracasei CH88 or the < 3 kDa LCFSP attenuated G. vaginalis-induced BV in mice by inhibiting the growth of G. vaginalis, reducing exfoliation of vaginal epithelial cells, and regulating immune response. These results suggest that L. paracasei CH88 may have potential in ameliorating G. vaginalis-induced BV.

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) attenuates inflammatory markers and vascular endothelial dysfunction in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet with fructose solution

A continuous high-fat/high-fructose diet induces inflammation and lowers vascular endothelial function in the body. This research examined the effects of black raspberry (BR) powder consumption on the inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with a high-fat diet and fructose solution. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups as control (AIN-93G diet + distilled water) and HFF (high-fat diet + 20% fructose solution) groups, for 16 weeks. At 8 weeks, the HFF was further divided into three subgroups: HFF, HFFBR2.5 (2.5% BR in high-fat diet), and HFFBR5 (5% BR in high-fat diet). The BR-fed groups showed significantly higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lower triglycerides than the HFF group. Rats supplemented with BR showed decreased mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in the liver and aorta tissues. Furthermore, the aortic protein expression of endothelial nitroxide synthase was significantly greater in the HFFBR2.5 and HFFBR5 than HFF. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black raspberry (BR: Rubus occidentalis) is abundant in flavonoids and anthocyanins. BR displays various biological activities and has been used to alleviate inflammatory conditions. In our study, BR supplementation showed promising effects against high-fat/high-fructose diet-induced inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in rats by decreasing markers of inflammation and improving vascular endothelial function. These findings suggest that BR consumption could have beneficial effects on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of a Nutritionally Balanced Diet Comprising Whole Grains and Vegetables Alone or in Combination with Probiotic Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota

Dysbiosis is a microbial imbalance, which often causes diseases and can be triggered by diet. Here, we deter-mined the effect of a nutritionally balanced diet rich in vegetables and whole grains alone and/or in combination with probiotics on the gut microbiota of healthy adults. We conducted a parallel-group randomized trial enrolling 63 healthy participants who were administered either a balanced diet (B-diet group), a probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 (probiotics group), or a balanced diet plus probiotic capsule (synbiotics group) once daily for 2 weeks. The gut microbiota of each participant was analyzed via 16S ribosomal RNA MiSeq-based sequencing. Gastrointestinal symptoms and defecation habits were evaluated using questionnaires. The B-diet group showed significantly reduced Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio (P<0.05) and abundances of the genera Blautia (P<0.01), Dorea (P<0.05), and Lachnoclostridium (P<0.05). Furthermore, the abundance of Bacteroides increased (P<0.05) compared to baseline levels. In the synbiotics group, Lactobacillus abundance increased significantly (P<0.05) and defecation difficulty decreased (P<0.05), confirming a synergistic effect of combined intake. All groups showed a significant reduction in the abundance of Clostridiaceae (P<0.001) and alleviation of bloating symptoms (P<0.05). Moreover, the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium significantly increased in the probiotics group (P<0.05). Therefore, the individual or combined intake of a nutritionally balanced diet and L. plantarum PMO 08 beneficially modifies the gut microbiota with the potential to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and improve defecation habits.

Antibacterial Photodynamic Inactivation of Fagopyrin F from Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) Flower against Streptococcus mutans and Its Biofilm

The objective of this study was to determine reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by fagopyrin F-rich fraction (FFF) separated from Tartary buckwheat flower extract exposed to lights and to investigate its antibacterial photodynamic inactivation (PDI) against Streptococcus mutans and its biofilm. ROS producing mechanisms involving FFF with light exposure were determined using a spectrophotometer and a fluorometer. S. mutans and its biofilm inactivation after PDI treatment of FFF using blue light (BL; 450 nm) were determined by plate count method and crystal violet assay, respectively. The biofilm destruction by ROS produced from FFF after exposure to BL was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). BL among 3 light sources produced type 1 ROS the most when applying FFF as a photosensitizer. FFF exposed to BL (5 and 10 J/cm2) significantly more inhibited S. mutans viability and biofilm formation than FFF without the light exposure (p < 0.05). In the PDI of FFF exposed to BL (10 J/cm2), an apparent destruction of S. mutans and its biofilm were observed by the CLSM and FE-SEM. Antibacterial PDI effect of FFF was determined for the first time in this study.

Oral probiotic activities and biosafety of Lactobacillus gasseri HHuMIN D

Background

Lactobacillus spp. have been researched worldwide and are used in probiotics, but due to difficulties with laboratory cultivation of and experimentation on oral microorganisms, there are few reports of Lactobacillus spp. being isolated from the oral cavity and tested against oral pathogens. This research sought to isolate and determine the safety and inhibitory capabilities of a Lactobacillus culture taken from the human body.

Results

One organism was isolated, named “L. gasseri HHuMIN D”, and evaluated for safety. A 5% dilution of L. gasseri HHuMIN D culture supernatant exhibited 88.8% inhibition against halitosis-producing anaerobic microorganisms and the organism itself exhibited powerful inhibitory effects on the growth of 11 oral bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide production reached 802 μmol/L after 12 h and gradually diminished until 24 h, it efficiently aggregated with P. catoniae and S. sanguinis, and it completely suppressed S. mutans-manufactured artificial dental plaque. L. gasseri HHuMIN D’s KB cell adhesion capacity was 4.41 cells per cell, and the cell adhesion of F. nucleatum and S. mutans diminished strongly in protection and displacement assays.

Conclusion

These results suggest that L. gasseri HHuMIN D is a safe, bioactive, lactobacterial food ingredient, starter culture, and/or probiotic microorganism for human oral health.

Isolation, Characterization and Biosafety Evaluation of Lactobacillus Fermentum OK with Potential Oral Probiotic Properties

It has been reported that certain probiotic bacteria have inhibitory effects against oral pathogens. Lactobacillus spp. have been studied and used as probiotics globally, but due to difficulties with laboratory cultivation and experimentation with oral microorganisms, there are few studies on Lactobacillus spp. isolated from the oral cavity being used against oral pathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biosafety and inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus fermentum OK as a potential oral biotherapeutic probiotic against oral pathogens. L. fermentum OK was evaluated based on microbial and genetic characteristics. A 5% dilution of L. fermentum OK culture supernatant showed that 60% inhibition against the growth of S. mutans and L. fermentum OK displayed significant inhibitory effects against the growth of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus gordonii, and Streptococcus sanguinis. However, proliferation of L. fermentum OK, when co-cultured with harmful oral bacteria, was retarded. L. fermentum OK was shown to produce 1130 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide, aggregate efficiently with Streptococcus sobrinus, S. gordonii, S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and P. gingivalis, and reduce S. mutans that produced artificial dental plaque by 97.9%. The in vitro cell adhesion capacity of L. fermentum OK to an oral epithelial cell line was 3.1 cells per cell and the cell adhesion of F. nucleatum and S. mutans decreased strongly in protection and displacement assays. L. fermentum OK was evaluated for safety using ammonia production, biogenic amine production, hemolytic property, mucin degradation testing, antibiotic susceptibility, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Based on this study, L. fermentum OK appears to be a safe and bioactive lactobacterial food ingredient, starter culture, and/or probiotic microorganism for human oral health.

Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 as a Probiotic Starter Culture for Plant-Based Fermented Beverages

Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 was evaluated as a starter culture for plant-based probiotic beverages. Its viability under various culture conditions and acidification ability in standardized tomato medium, fermentation parameters, and beverage properties were assessed. Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 could grow under various culture conditions; there was a high correlation between the incubation time to reach the optimal conditions and the inoculation concentration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (r² = 0.997). Acidity (0.958 ± 0.002%) and LAB count (9.78 ± 0.14 Log₁₀ CFU/mL) were significantly higher when fermented with L. plantarum than with the yogurt starter culture. A survival rate of 96% and 95% in artificial gastric juice and artificial intestinal juice, respectively, indicated that the probiotic requirements were met. The total polyphenol and glutamine content, and antioxidant activity increased after fermentation. The proline content significantly increased in L. plantarum PMO 08- fermented beverage. Thus, L. plantarum PMO 08 is an effective starter culture for non-dairy probiotic beverages whose functional quality may be improved by fermentation.

Composition of Triterpenoids in Inonotus obliquus and Their Anti-Proliferative Activity on Cancer Cell Lines

The objective of this study was to determine the composition of triterpenoids in the extracts from the inner and outer parts of Inonotus obliquus and to evaluate their anti-proliferative activity against cancer cell lines (HT-29, AGS, MCF-7, and PC3). Inner and outer parts of I. obliquus were extracted with 80% methanol for 24 h. The extract was fractionated by Diaion HP-20 resin to obtain the triterpenoid fraction. Composition of triterpenoids in the fraction was analyzed by HPLC and LC-ESI-MS. Anti-proliferative activity was evaluated by MTT assay against cancer cell lines. Inotodiol and trametenolic acid were major triterpenoids in both of the inner and outer parts of I. obliquus. Inotodiol in triterpenoid fractions from the inner and outer parts of I. obliquus was 153.9 ± 15.4 mg/g (dry basis (db)) and 194.1 ± 11.5 mg/g, respectively. Trametenolic acid in triterpenoid fractions from the inner and outer parts of I. obliquus was 94.5 ± 9.15 mg/g (db) and 106.3 ± 8.23 mg/g, respectively. Triterpenoids in the outer part were significantly higher than those in the inner part. Anti-proliferative activity of the triterpenoid fraction from the outer part against AGS, MCF-7, and PC3 was also significantly higher than that of the inner part.

Protective Effects of Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) Extract against Hypercholesterolemia and Hepatic Inflammation in Rats Fed High-Fat and High-Choline Diets

Choline is converted to trimethylamine by gut microbiota and further oxidized to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) by hepatic flavin monooxygenases. Positive correlation between TMAO and chronic diseases has been reported. Polyphenols in black raspberry (BR), especially anthocyanins, possess various biological activities. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of BR extract on the level of choline-derived metabolites, serum lipid profile, and inflammation markers in rats fed high-fat and high-choline diets. Forty female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups and fed for 8 weeks as follows: CON (AIN-93G diet), HF (high-fat diet), HFC (HF + 1.5% choline water), and HFCB (HFC + 0.6% BR extract). Serum levels of TMAO, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and cecal trimethylamine (TMA) level were significantly higher in the HFC than in the HFCB. BR extract decreased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and protein expression of NF-κB and COX-2 in liver tissue. These results suggest that consistent intake of BR extract might alleviate hypercholesterolemia and hepatic inflammation induced by excessive choline with a high-fat diet via lowering elevated levels of cecal TMA and serum TMAO in rats.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Standardized Extract of Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum Containing Fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin (FX), a marine carotenoid found in macroalgae and microalgae, exhibits several beneficial effects to health. The anti-obesity activity of FX is well documented, but FX has not been mass-produced or applied extensively or commercially because of limited availability of raw materials and complex extraction techniques. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effect of standardized FX powder (Phaeodactylum extract (PE)) developed from microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a commercial functional food. The effects of PE on adipogenesis inhibition in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and anti-obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice were evaluated. PE and FX dose-dependently decreased intracellular lipid contents in adipocytes without cytotoxicity. In HFD-fed obese mice, PE supplementation for six weeks decreased body weight, organ weight, and adipocyte size. In the serum parameter analysis, the PE-treated groups showed attenuation of lipid metabolism dysfunction and liver damage induced by HFD. In the liver, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) upregulation and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) downregulation were detected in the PE-treated groups. Additionally, micro computed tomography revealed lower fat accumulation in PE-treated groups compared to that in the HFD group. These results indicate that PE exerts anti-obesity effects by inhibiting adipocytic lipogenesis, inducing fat mass reduction and decreasing intracellular lipid content, adipocyte size, and adipose weight.

Flavonoids in common and tartary buckwheat hull extracts and antioxidant activity of the extracts against lipids in mayonnaise

Buckwheat hulls, generally discarded as waste, have been known to possess various flavonoids and high antioxidant activities. The objective of this study was to determine effect of extracting solvents [water, ethanol (20%, 50%, 80%, and 100%), methanol, and acetone] on total phenolic content, flavonoid content and composition, and antioxidant activities of common and tartary buckwheat hull extracts. Antioxidative effect of common and tartary buckwheat hull extracts on lipids in mayonnaise was also investigated. Vitexin, isovitexin, isoorientin, orientin, rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin were identified in the common buckwheat hull extracts, while rutin, quercetin, isoorientin, and isoquercetin were in the tartary buckwheat hull extracts. The methanol and 80% ethanol extracts had more flavonoids than the others, while the aqueous ethanol extracts from both of the hulls had more total phenolics and antioxidant activities. Oxidative stability of lipids in mayonnaises added with common and tartary buckwheat hull extracts (0.02 and 0.08%, w/w) prepared by 50% ethanol were higher than that in the mayonnaise with butylated hydroxytoluene (0.02%) and control. Oxidative stability was not significantly different between the mayonnaises added with the two buckwheat hull extracts.

Physicochemical characteristics and anti-oxidant activities of farm-cultivated and mountain-cultivated ginseng seeds

Physicochemical characteristics and anti-oxidant capacities of seeds from two farm-cultivated and one mountain-cultivated ginsengs (Panax ginseng Meyer) (MG) were determined. The seeds had 17.9-22.1% (dry basis) crude lipids, 11.5-15.2% crude proteins, and 1.4-1.7% ash. Oleic acid (77.9-78.5%) was the predominant fatty acid in the seed oils, followed by linoleic acid (16.6-17.4%). The highest Hunter b value, carotenoids, (β + γ)-tocotrienol, and δ-tocotrienol, and the lowest α-tocotrienol were observed in the seed oils from MG. Squalene was also the most abundant in the MG seed oils. β-Sitosterol was the major phytosterol in the seed oils with MG the highest. Defatted seed meal extracts from MG possessed the most total phenolics and flavonoids, and the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. These results suggest that MG seeds may be a novel source of functional foods.

Physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of frying oils during repeated frying of potato chips

Physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of refined coconut oil (RCO), refined soybean oil (SBO), pure olive oil (POO), and vegetable shortening (VST) during repeated frying of potato chips were determined. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of all the oils significantly decreased after frying. Tocopherols in SBO, POO and VST, and DPPH radical scavenging activities of POO and VST significantly decreased after frying. L* values of the oils significantly decreased, and a* and b* values significantly increased after 80 times repeated frying. Conjugated dienes and p-anisidine value of SBO after 80 times repeated frying were 21.8 mmol/L and 47.7, respectively, the highest among the oils. Levels of total polar compounds of all the oils after 80 times repeated frying were between 8.1 and 9.5%, not exceeding rejection limit after frying. Compositions and contents of alkanals, 2-alkenals, and 2,4-alkadienals in the oils during frying were largely affected by their fatty acid compositions.

Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system-applied QSAR with bond dissociation energy for antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds

The aim of this study was to develop quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for predicting antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds. The bond dissociation energy of O-H bond (BDE) was calculated by semi-empirical quantum chemical methods. As a new parameter for QSAR models, sum of reciprocals of BDE of enol and phenol groups (X _BDE ) was calculated. Significant correlations were observed between X _BDE and antioxidant activities, and X _BDE was introduced as a parameter for developing QSAR models. Linear regression-applied QSAR models and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-applied QSAR models were developed. QSAR models by both of linear regression and ANFIS achieved high prediction accuracies. Among the developed models, ANFIS-applied models achieved better prediction accuracies than linear regression-applied models. From these results, the proposed parameter of X _BDE was confirmed as an appropriate variable for predicting and analysing antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds. Also, the ANFIS could be applied on QSAR models to improve prediction accuracy.

Dietary Black Raspberry Seed Oil Ameliorates Inflammatory Activities in db/db Mice

The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of the markers related to inflammation in db/db mice fed black raspberry seed (BRS) oil, which is rich in α-linolenic acid. Mice were divided into four groups: (1) C57BL/6 mice fed 16 % calories from soybean oil (normal CON); (2) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 16 % calories from soybean oil (CON); (3) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 8 % calories from soybean and 8 % calories from BRS oil (BRS 50 %); and (4) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 16 % calories from BRS oil (BRS 100 %). After 10 weeks, n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the livers and epididymal adipose tissues of the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % mice than in the CON. Serum TNFα and IL-6 were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % than in the CON. Serum IL-10 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the BRS 100 % than the CON. In the liver and epididymal adipose tissue, mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % were lower than in the CON. Anti-inflammatory markers were higher in the epididymal adipose tissues of the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % than in the CON. In the epididymal adipose tissue, macrophage infiltration markers (F4/80 and CD68) and leptin mRNA were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % than in the CON. Results of this study suggest that BRS oil may have anti-inflammatory effects in obese diabetic mice by ameliorating inflammatory responses.

Chemopreventive activity of ellagitannins and their derivatives from black raspberry seeds on HT-29 colon cancer cells

Black raspberry (BRB) seeds are a major waste product after fruit processing. The seeds are abundant in ellagitannins (ET), a class of hydrolysable tannins, which are hydrolyzed to ellagic acid (EA) and further metabolized to urolithin A (UA) and urolithin B (UB), known to be bioavailable in the colon and the prostate. In this study, the anti-cancer activities of these compounds were evaluated on HT-29 colon cancer cells. ET, EA, UA and UB inhibited the proliferation of the cancer cells. EA caused a slight, but significant cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, and urolithins caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and upregulated p21 expression. Apoptotic cells were detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay when treated with the compounds. Disruption in mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspases 8 and 9 suggest that both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways may be involved. Activation of caspase 3 and cleavage of PARP further confirmed the induction of the apoptosis. ET, EA, UA and UB showed anti-cancer activity by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis on HT-29 human colon cancer cells. This study suggests that the BRB seeds could be a potential source of anti-cancer ET.

What is the ideal interval between dressing changes during negative pressure wound therapy for open traumatic fractures?

OBJECTIVE

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is effective in infection control during treatment of severe open fractures. However frequent dressing changes during NPWT are costly and cause patient discomfort. If the interval between dressing changes could be extended, these problems would be reduced. In this article we compare the outcomes of open IIIB fractures with 3-day versus 7-day intervals between dressing changes.

METHOD

Patients who sustained Gustilo IIIB open fractures were included. All underwent conventional orthopaedic fixation with delayed latissimus dorsi flap coverage. Group 1 had 3-day intervals between dressing changes and group 2 had 7-day intervals. The final outcomes in the two groups were analysed.

RESULTS

There were 38 patients in group 1 and 34 patients in group 2. Although the period between admission and final operation was similar in the two groups, the mean number of NPWT changes was 4.54 in 3 day in group 1 and 1.95 in group 2 (p<0.001). This led to a difference in NPWT-related costs; $341.26 in group 1 and $237.49 in group 2 (p<0.001). There was no difference in the frequency of complications such as infection or non-union of fractures.

CONCLUSION

NPWT is useful treatment option for open fractures, to bridge between initial debridement and final microsurgical tissue transfer. Considering patient comfort, the costs related to the NPWT, and the final flap results, a 7-day interval between changes of the NPWT is acceptable.

Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Applied QSAR with Quantum Chemical Descriptors for Predicting Radical Scavenging Activities of Carotenoids

One of the physiological characteristics of carotenoids is their radical scavenging activity. In this study, the relationship between radical scavenging activities and quantum chemical descriptors of carotenoids was determined. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) applied quantitative structure-activity relationship models (QSAR) were also developed for predicting and comparing radical scavenging activities of carotenoids. Semi-empirical PM6 and PM7 quantum chemical calculations were done by MOPAC. Ionisation energies of neutral and monovalent cationic carotenoids and the product of chemical potentials of neutral and monovalent cationic carotenoids were significantly correlated with the radical scavenging activities, and consequently these descriptors were used as independent variables for the QSAR study. The ANFIS applied QSAR models were developed with two triangular-shaped input membership functions made for each of the independent variables and optimised by a backpropagation method. High prediction efficiencies were achieved by the ANFIS applied QSAR. The R-square values of the developed QSAR models with the variables calculated by PM6 and PM7 methods were 0.921 and 0.902, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated reliabilities of the selected quantum chemical descriptors and the significance of QSAR models.

Prevalence of a soft-tissue lesion after small head metal-on-metal total hip replacement: 13- to 19-year follow-up study

We investigated the incidence of soft-tissue lesions after small head metal-on-metal total hip replacement (MoM THR). Between December 1993 and May 1999, 149 patients (195 hips) underwent primary cementless MoM THR. During the follow-up period, three patients (five THRs) died and eight patients (14 THRs) were lost to follow-up. We requested that all patients undergo CT evaluation. After exclusion of five patients (six THRs) who had undergone a revision procedure, and 22 (28 THRs) who were unwilling to take part in this study, 111 patients (142 THRs) were evaluated. There were 63 men (88 THRs) and 48 women (54 THRs) with a mean age of 45.7 years (37 to 56) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 15.4 years (13 to 19). A soft-tissue lesion was defined as an abnormal peri-prosthetic collection of fluid, solid lesion or asymmetrical soft-tissue mass. At final follow-up, soft-tissue lesions were found in relation to 28 THRs (19.7%), including 25 solid and three cystic lesions. They were found in 20 men and eight women; 26 lesions were asymptomatic and two were symptomatic. The mean maximal diameter of the soft-tissue lesion was 42.3 mm (17 to 135). The relatively high rate of soft-tissue lesions observed with small head MoM THR remains a concern.

Correction: Chemopreventive activity of ellagitannins and their derivatives from black raspberry seeds on HT-29 colon cancer cells

Correction for ‘Chemopreventive activity of ellagitannins and their derivatives from black raspberry seeds on HT-29 colon cancer cells’ by Hyunnho Cho et al., Food Funct., 2015, 6, 1675–1683.

Prediction of radical scavenging activities of anthocyanins applying adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with quantum chemical descriptors

Radical scavenging activity of anthocyanins is well known, but only a few studies have been conducted by quantum chemical approach. The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is an effective technique for solving problems with uncertainty. The purpose of this study was to construct and evaluate quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for predicting radical scavenging activities of anthocyanins with good prediction efficiency. ANFIS-applied QSAR models were developed by using quantum chemical descriptors of anthocyanins calculated by semi-empirical PM6 and PM7 methods. Electron affinity (A) and electronegativity (χ) of flavylium cation, and ionization potential (I) of quinoidal base were significantly correlated with radical scavenging activities of anthocyanins. These descriptors were used as independent variables for QSAR models. ANFIS models with two triangular-shaped input fuzzy functions for each independent variable were constructed and optimized by 100 learning epochs. The constructed models using descriptors calculated by both PM6 and PM7 had good prediction efficiency with Q-square of 0.82 and 0.86, respectively.

Fatty Acid Composition and Sensory Characteristics of Eggs Obtained from Hens Fed Flaxseed Oil, Dried Whitebait and/or Fructo-oligosaccharide

This study was conducted to assess the effects of flaxseed oil and dried whitebait as a source of ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA), which could be used to produce eggs enriched with ω-3 FA, and of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) as a source of prebiotics on performance of hens (commercial Hy-Line Brown laying hens), and FA composition, internal quality, and sensory characteristics of the eggs. Dietary FOS increased egg weight. The amounts of α-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) in the eggs from the hens fed the flaxseed oil alone or flaxseed oil+dried whitebait diets were higher than those of the control. Hedonic scores for off-flavor, fishy flavor, buttery taste and overall acceptability of the eggs from the hens fed the diet containing flaxseed oil+ dried whitebait were lower (p<0.05) than those of the control. Overall acceptability of the eggs from the hens fed the diet containing soybean oil+dried whitebait was lower (p<0.05) than that of the control. However, all the sensory attributes of the eggs from the hens fed the diet containing flaxseed oil, dried whitebait and FOS were not significantly different from those of the control. These results confirmed that flaxseed oil increases the ALA content in the eggs and a combination of flaxseed oil and dried whitebait increases EPA and DHA in the eggs. Of significance was that addition of FOS to the flaxseed oil+dried whitebait diet improves the sensory characteristics of the eggs enriched with ω-3 FA.