Evaluating the Potential of Korean Mudflat-Derived Penicillium nalgiovense SJ02 as a Fungal Starter for Manufacturing Fermented Sausage.

The objective of this study was to isolate, identify, and evaluate novel Korean starter cultures for use in fermented sausages. A total of 72 strains were isolated from various indigenous sources, including Nuruk, Jeotgal, and mudflats on the west coast of South Korea. Two strains were identified as Penicillium nalgiovense (SD01 and SJ02), a traditional starter used in the production of fermented sausages. A comparative analysis was performed between SD01 and SJ02 using the commercial starter culture (M600). Strain SJ02 exhibited superior lipolytic and proteolytic activities, as well as an enhanced growth rate at the optimal salinity level of 2% NaCl compared to M600. No significant differences were observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values, sausage colors, and texture properties between SJ02 and M600 fermented sausages, except for adhesiveness. Profiles of mycotoxin-related genes were similar for both strains. Electronic nose analysis revealed distinct aroma profiles between SJ02 and M600 fermented sausages, with a relatively higher levels of propan-2-one and butyl butanoate in SJ02, and a higher level of ethanol and propanal in M600. In electronic tongue analysis, there was no significant differences in taste characteristics between SJ02 and M600. These results indicate that P. nalgiovense SJ02 is a potential starter culture to produce dry fermented sausages, enhancing Korean style cured meat processing industry.

Allium tuberosum-derived nanovesicles with anti-inflammatory properties prevent DSS-induced colitis and modify the gut microbiome.

Edible plant-derived nanovesicles (ePDNs) have shown potential as a non-pharmacological option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by maintaining gut health and showing anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of Allium tuberosum-derived nanovesicles (ADNs) on colitis have not been studied to date. Here, we extracted exosome-like nanovesicles from Allium tuberosum and investigated whether they have an anti-inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 cells and colitis mice. The results showed that ADNs reduced the elevated levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB pathway-related proteins as a consequence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, our mouse experiments demonstrated that ADNs could ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis symptoms (e.g., increased disease activity index score, intestinal permeability, and histological appearance). Additionally, ADNs counteracted DSS-induced colitis by downregulating the expression of serum amyloid A (SAA), IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that ADN intervention restored the gut microbial composition, which was similar to that of the DSS non-treated group, by decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. Furthermore, ADNs induced acetic acid production along with an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus. Overall, our findings suggest that ADN supplementation has a crucial role in maintaining gut health and is a novel preventive therapy for IBD.

Insight from expression profiles of FT orthologs in plants: conserved photoperiodic transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.

Floral transition from the vegetative to the reproductive stages is precisely regulated by both environmental and endogenous signals. Among these signals, photoperiod is one of the most important environmental factors for onset of flowering. A florigen, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in Arabidopsis, has thought to be a major hub in the photoperiod-dependent flowering time regulation. Expression levels of FT likely correlates with potence of flowering. Under long days (LD), FT is mainly synthesized in leaves, and FT protein moves to shoot apical meristem (SAM) where it functions and in turns induces flowering. Recently, it has been reported that Arabidopsis grown under natural LD condition flowers earlier than that grown under laboratory LD condition, in which a red (R)/far-red (FR) ratio of light sources determines FT expression levels. Additionally, FT expression profile changes in response to combinatorial effects of FR light and photoperiod. FT orthologs exist in most of plants and functions are thought to be conserved. Although molecular mechanisms underlying photoperiodic transcriptional regulation of FT orthologs have been studied in several plants, such as rice, however, dynamics in expression profiles of FT orthologs have been less spotlighted. This review aims to revisit previously reported but overlooked expression information of FT orthologs from various plant species and classify these genes depending on the expression profiles. Plants, in general, could be classified into three groups depending on their photoperiodic flowering responses. Thus, we discuss relationship between photoperiodic responsiveness and expression of FT orthologs. Additionally, we also highlight the expression profiles of FT orthologs depending on their activities in flowering. Comparative analyses of diverse plant species will help to gain insight into molecular mechanisms for flowering in nature, and this can be utilized in the future for crop engineering to improve yield by controlling flowering time.

Association of Body Composition Changes with the Development of Diabetes Mellitus: A Nation-Wide Population Study.

Background: We investigated the association between body composition changes and new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) development according to the body mass index (BMI) in a longitudinal setting in the general Korean population. Methods: From 2010 to 2011 (1st) and 2012 to 2013 (2nd), we included 1,607,508 stratified random sample participants without DM from the National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening dataset of Korean. The predicted appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (pASMMI), body fat mass index (pBFMI), and lean body mass index (pLBMI) were calculated using pre-validated anthropometric prediction equations. A prediction equation was constructed by combining age, weight, height, waist circumference, serum creatinine levels, alcohol consumption status, physical activity, and smoking history as variables affecting body composition. Results: Decreased pASMMI (men: hazard ratio [HR], 0.866; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.830 to 0.903; P<0.001; women: HR, 0.748; 95% CI, 0.635 to 0.881; P<0.001), decreased pLBMI (men: HR, 0.931; 95% CI, 0.912 to 0.952; P<0.001; women: HR, 0.906; 95% CI, 0.856 to 0.959; P=0.007), and increased pBFMI (men: HR, 1.073; 95% CI, 1.050 to 1.096; P<0.001; women: HR, 1.114; 95% CI, 1.047 to 1.186; P=0.007) correlated with the development of new-onset DM. Notably, only in the overweight and obese BMI categories, decreases in pASMMI and pLBMI and increases in pBFMI associated with new-onset DM, regardless of gender. Conclusion: Decreased pASMMI and pLBMI, and increased pBFMI with excess fat accumulation may enhance the risk of newonset DM. Therefore, appropriate changes in body composition can help prevent new-onset DM.

Dietary supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC3201 alleviates sarcopenia by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in dexamethasone-induced models.

Probiotics can exert direct or indirect influences on various aspects of health claims by altering the composition of the gut microbiome and producing bioactive metabolites. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC3201 on skeletal muscle atrophy in dexamethasone-induced C2C12 cells and a mouse animal model. Dexamethasone treatment significantly reduced C2C12 muscle cell viability, myotube diameter, and levels of muscle atrophic markers (Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1). These effects were alleviated by conditioned media (CM) and cell extract (EX) derived from L. rhamnosus IDCC3201. In addition, we assessed the in vivo therapeutic effect of L. rhamnosus IDCC3201 in a mouse model of dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy. Supplementation with IDCC3201 resulted in significant enhancements in body composition, particularly in lean mass, muscle strength, and myofibril size, in DEX-induced muscle atrophy mice. In comparison to the DEX-treatment group, the normal and DEX + L. rhamnosus IDCC3201 groups showed a higher transcriptional level of myosin heavy chain family genes (MHC1, MHC1b, MHC2A, 2bB, and 2X) and a reduction in atrophic muscle makers. These analyses revealed that L. rhamnosus IDCC3201 supplementation led to increased production of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and improved the Allobaculum genus within the gut microbiota of muscle atrophy-induced groups. Taken together, our findings suggest that L. rhamnosus IDCC3201 represents a promising dietary supplement with the potential to alleviate sarcopenia by modulating the gut microbiome and metabolites.

Repetitive Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Improve Working Memory: An EEG-fNIRS Study.

Transcranial electrical stimulation has demonstrated the potential to enhance cognitive functions such as working memory, learning capacity, and attentional allocation. Recently, it was shown that periodic stimulation within a specific duration could augment the human brain's neuroplasticity. This study investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS; 1 mA, 5 Hz, 2 min duration) on cognitive function, functional connectivity, and topographic changes using both electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Fifteen healthy subjects were recruited to measure brain activity in the pre-, during-, and post-stimulation sessions under tACS and sham stimulation conditions. Fourteen trials of working memory tasks and eight repetitions of tACS/sham stimulation with a 1-minute intersession interval were applied to the frontal cortex of the participants. The working memory score, EEG band-wise powers, EEG topography, concentration changes of oxygenated hemoglobin, and functional connectivity (FC) were individually analyzed to quantify the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of tACS. Our results indicate that tACS increases: i) behavioral scores (i.e., 15.08, ) and EEG band-wise powers (i.e., theta and beta bands) compared to the sham stimulation condition, ii) FC of both EEG-fNIRS signals, especially in the large-scale brain network communication and interhemispheric connections, and iii) the hemodynamic response in comparison to the pre-stimulation session and the sham condition. Conclusively, the repetitive theta-band tACS stimulation improves the working memory capacity regarding behavioral and neuroplasticity perspectives. Additionally, the proposed fNIRS biomarkers (mean, slope), EEG band-wise powers, and FC can be used as neuro-feedback indices for closed-loop brain stimulation.

Pyromeconic acid-enriched Erigeron annuus water extract as a cosmetic ingredient for itch relief and anti-inflammatory activity.

Erigeron annuus (EA), traditionally used to treat disorders such as diabetes and enteritis, contains a variety of chemicals, including caffeic acid, flavonoids, and coumarins, providing antifungal and antioxidative benefits. However, the ingredients of each part of the EA vary widely, and there are few reports on the functionality of water extracts in skin inflammation and barrier protection. We assessed the therapeutic properties of the extract of EA without roots (EEA) and its primary ingredient, pyromeconic acid (PA), focusing on their antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative capabilities using HMC-1(human mast cells) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Our findings revealed that histamine secretion, which is closely related to itching, was notably reduced in HMC-1 cells following pretreatment with EEA (0.1% and 0.2%) and PA (corresponding concentration, 4.7 of 9.4 µg/mL). Similarly, they led to a marked decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Furthermore, EA and PA enhanced antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and showed reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity in HaCaT cells. Moreover, at the molecular level, elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, TARC, and MDC induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ in HaCaT cells were mitigated by treatment with EEA and PA. We also revealed the protective effects of EEA and PA against SDS-induced skin barrier dysfunction in HaCaT cells by enhancing the expression of barrier-related proteins. Using NanoString technology, a comprehensive analysis of gene expression changes indicated significant modulation of autoimmune and inflammatory genes by EEA and PA. In summary, this study suggests that EEA and the corresponding concentration of PA as an active ingredient have functional cosmetic applications to alleviate itching and improve skin health.

Alleviation of DSS-induced colitis via bovine colostrum-derived extracellular vesicles with microRNA let-7a-5p is mediated by regulating Akkermansia and ß-hydroxybutyrate in gut environments.

IMPORTANCE: Even though studying on the possible involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in host-microbe interactions, how these relationships mediate host physiology has not clarified yet. Our current findings provide insights into the encouraging benefits of dietary source-derived EVs and microRNAs (miRNAs) on organic acid production and ultimately stimulating gut microbiome for human health, suggesting that supplementation of dietary colostrum EVs and miRNAs is a novel preventive strategy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Assessment of nematicidal and plant growth-promoting effects of Burkholderia sp. JB-2 in root-knot nematode-infested soil.

Root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp., are plant-parasitic nematodes that are responsible for considerable economic losses worldwide, because of the damage they cause to numerous plant species and the inadequate biological agents available to combat them. Therefore, developing novel and eco-friendly nematicides is necessary. In the present study, Burkholderia sp. JB-2, isolated from RKN-infested rhizosphere soil in South Korea, was evaluated to determine its nematicidal and plant growth-promoting effects under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Cell-free filtrates of the JB-2 strain showed high levels of nematicidal activity against second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita, with 87.5% mortality following two days of treatment. In addition, the assessment of the activity against other six plant parasitic nematodes (M. javanica, M. hapla, M. arenaria, Ditylenchus destructor, Aphelenchoides subtenuis, and Heterodera trifolii) showed that the cell-free filtrates have a broad nematicidal spectrum. The three defense-responsive (MiMIF-2, MiDaf16-like1, and MiSkn1-like1) genes were activated, while Mi-cm-3 was downregulated when treated with cell-free filtrates of JB-2 cultures on J2. The greenhouse experiments suggested that the cell-free filtrates of the JB-2 strain efficiently controlled the nematode population in soil and egg mass formations of M. incognita in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Rutgers). An improvement in the host plant growth was observed, in which the shoot length and fresh weights of shoots and roots increased. The treatment with 10% of JB-2 cell-free filtrates significantly upregulated the expression levels of plant defenses (SlPR1, SlPR5, and SlPAL) and growth-promoting (ACO1, Exp18, and SlIAA1) genes compared with the corresponding parameters of the control group. Therefore, JB-2 could be a promising candidate for the sustainable management of RKN.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus JY02 Ameliorates Sarcopenia by Anti-Atrophic Effects in a Dexamethasone-Induced Cellular and Murine Model.

Sarcopenia is defined as loss of muscle mass and strength due to aging. Recent studies show that sarcopenia may improve via the gut-muscle axis, suggesting that gut health may affect muscle phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus JY02 as a probiotic strain isolated from kimchi to alleviate sarcopenia. L. rhamnosus JY02-conditioned medium (CM) reduced dexamethasone (DEX)-induced myotube diameter atrophy and expression of muscle degradation markers (MuRF1 and atrogin-1) in C2C12 cells. The amelioration of sarcopenia was investigated by measuring body composition (lean mass), hand grip strength, myofibril size (using histological analysis), and mRNA and protein expression of muscle-related factors in a DEX-induced mouse model. The results of these analyses showed that L. rhamnosus JY02 supplementation promoted the production of muscle-enhancement markers (MHC Iß, MHC IIα, and Myo-D) and reduced both the production of muscle degradation markers and the symptoms of muscle atrophy (loss of lean mass and muscle strength). We also found decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN- γ) and increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) in the serum of DEX+JY02-administered mice compared to those in DEX-treated mice. Overall, these results suggest that L. rhamnosus JY02 is a potent probiotic supplement that prevents sarcopenia by suppressing muscle atrophy.

Developing methylotrophic microbial platforms for a methanol-based bioindustry.

Methanol, a relatively cheap and renewable single-carbon feedstock, has gained considerable attention as a substrate for the bio-production of commodity chemicals. Conventionally produced from syngas, along with emerging possibilities of generation from methane and CO2, this C1 substrate can serve as a pool for sequestering greenhouse gases while supporting a sustainable bio-economy. Methylotrophic organisms, with the inherent ability to use methanol as the sole carbon and energy source, are competent candidates as platform organisms. Accordingly, methanol bioconversion pathways have been an attractive target for biotechnological and bioengineering interventions in developing microbial cell factories. This review summarizes the recent advances in methanol-based production of various bulk and value-added chemicals exploiting the native and synthetic methylotrophic organisms. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of streamlining these methylotrophic platforms are discussed.

Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of Streptomyces strains producing multiple antinematode drugs.

BACKGROUND: Nematodes are parasitic animals that cause over 100 billion US dollars loss in agricultural business. The whole-genomes of two Streptomyces strains, Streptomyces spectabilis KCTC9218T and Streptomyces sp. AN091965, were sequenced. Both strains produce spectinabilin, an antinematode drug. Its secondary metabolism was examined to aid the development of an efficient nematicidal drug-producing host strain. RESULTS: The whole-genome sequences of S. spectabilis KCTC9218T and Streptomyces sp. AN091965 were analyzed using PacBio and Illumina sequencing platforms, and assembled using hybrid methodology. The total contig lengths for KCTC9218T and AN091965 were 9.97 Mb and 9.84 Mb, respectively. A total of 8,374 and 8,054 protein-coding genes, as well as 39 and 45 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters were identified in KCTC9218T and AN091965, respectively. 18.4 ± 6.45 mg/L and 213.89 ± 21.30 mg/L of spectinabilin were produced by S. spectabilis KCTC9218T and Streptomyces sp. AN091965, respectively. Pine wilt disease caused by nematode was successfully prevented by lower concentration of spectinabilin injection than that of abamectin recommended by its manufacturer. Production of multiple antinematode drugs, including spectinabilin, streptorubin B, and undecylprodigiosin was observed in both strains using high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Whole-genome sequencing of spectinabilin-producing strains, coupled with bioinformatics and mass spectrometry analyses, revealed the production of multiple nematicidal drugs in the KCTC9218T and AN091965 strains. Especially, Streptomyces sp. AN091965 showed high production level of spectinabilin, and this study provides crucial information for the development of potential nematicidal drug producers.

Reassessing acetyl-CoA supply and NADPH availability for mevalonate biosynthesis from glycerol in Escherichia coli.

Mevalonate is an important platform compound for the biosynthesis of isoprenoids. It can be synthesized from acetyl-CoA in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) by the introduced mvaES operon in Escherichia coli. The influences of E. coli hosts, acetyl-CoA supply, and NADPH availability were assessed and engineered to improve the production titer and yield of mevalonate from glycerol. As a result, E. coli DH5α was found to be the best host with high specific capability and titer of mevalonate from glycerol. Through the engineering of phosphoketolase-phosphotransacetylase (xPK-PTA) bypass and NADPH availability, a final titer of 7.21 g/L with a specific capability of 1.36 g/g dry cell weight was gained in flask culture. Our work could offer new information to metabolically engineer the mevalonate pathway for the efficient production of isoprenoids.

Effect of Structural Fine-Tuning on Chelate Stability and Liver Uptake of Anionic MRI Contrast Agents.

The purpose of this study is to assess the physicochemical properties and MRI diagnostic efficacy of two newly synthesized 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-type Gd chelates, Gd-SucL and Gd-GluL, with an asymmetric α-substituted pendant arm as potential hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents (MRI CAs). Our findings show that fine conformational changes in the chelating arm affect the in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior of the MRI CA, and that a six-membered chelating substituent of Gd-SucL is more advantageous in this system to avoid unwanted interactions with endogenous species. Gd-SucL exhibited a general DOTA-like chelate stability trend, indicating that all chelating arms retain coordination bonding. Finally, the in vivo diagnostic efficacy of highly stable Gd-SucL as a potential hepatocyte-specific MRI CA was evaluated using T1-weighted MR imaging on an orthotopic hepatocarcinoma model.

New discovery on the nematode activity of aureothin and alloaureothin isolated from endophytic bacteria Streptomyces sp. AE170020.

Endophytic bacteria, a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites, are ideal candidates for environmentally benign agents. In this study, an endophytic strain, Streptomyces sp. AE170020, was isolated and selected for the purification of nematicidal substances based on its high nematicidal activity. Two highly active components, aureothin and alloaureothin, were identified, and their chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic analysis. Both compounds suppressed the growth, reproduction, and behavior of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. In in vivo experiments, the extracts of strain Streptomyces sp. AE170020 effectively suppressed the development of pine wilt disease in 4-year-old plants of Pinus densiflora. The potency of secondary metabolites isolated from endophytic strains suggests applications in controlling Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and opens an avenue for further research on exploring bioactive substances against the pine wood nematode.

Adverse drug reactions of montelukast and pranlukast: Analysis of the Korea database.

BACKGROUND: Leukotriene receptor antagonists are recommended to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Although they had been used for a long time, recent studies have reported neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions are associated with montelukast. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the adverse drug reactions of montelukast and pranlukast, which are the two most frequently prescribed leukotriene receptor antagonists, respectively in Korea. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed ADRs of 5,426 montelukast and 1,146 pranlukast reported in the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System between January 2014 and December 2018. RESULTS: When both drugs are classified by system organ class, the most adverse drug reactions were related to the gastro-intestinal system, followed by psychiatric events. The reported adverse drug reactions for both drugs were more common in women, and the ratio of adverse drug reactions to prescriptions was highest in the elderly. Women aged 19 to 64 years reported more than twice as many adverse drug reactions than men of the same age, and more than 5 times in insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: When prescribing montelukast and pranlukast, attention would need to digestive and sleep disorders, especially women aged 19 to 64. After prescribing montelukast, physicians would need to pay more attention to agitation (5/396378 vs 0/82475), bad or vivid dreams (6/396378 vs 0/82475), anxiety (11/396378 vs 0/82475), depression (14/396378 vs 1/82475), tremor (53/396378 vs 7/82475), irritability (5/396378 vs 1/82475), insomnia (159/396378 vs 25/82475), and headache (68/396378 vs 10/82475), compared to when prescribing pranlukast. Further prospective research needs to elucidate the relationship between neuropsychiatric events and montelukast.

Salinarimonas soli sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A light pink coloured bacterium, designated strain BN140002T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain BN140002T were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 94.7, 94.7, 93.9, 93.3, 93.4 and 93.0% similarities to Salinarimonas rosea KCTC 22346T, Salinarimonas ramus DSM 22962T, Saliniramus fredricksonii HL-109T, Microvirga soli R491T, Chelatococcus caeni EBR-4-1T and Chelatococcus composti PC-2T, respectively. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) and summed feature 1 (C12 : 0 aldehyde and/or unknown 10.98) and the predominant ubiquinone was Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain BN140002T was 70.1 mol%. The genomic orthoANI values between strain BN140002T and Salinarimonas rosea KCTC 22346T and Salinarimonas ramus DSM 22962T were 75.0 and 74.8 %, respectively. Strain BN140002T had a class I-C type CRISPR-Cas system (CRISPR-associated helicase Cas3, CRISPR-associated protein Cas8c, CRISPR-associated protein Cas7, CRISPR-associated RecB family exonuclease Cas4, CRISPR-associated protein 1, 2). Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain BN140002T should be assigned as a novel species of the genus Salinarimonas, for which the name Salinarimonas soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BN140002T (=KCTC 42643T=CCTCC AB 2017173T).

Enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid and sialic acid in fermented deer antler velvet and immune promoting effects.

Deer antler velvet is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and immunity-enhancing effects. However, few studies have reported on the discovery of probiotic strains for deer antler fermentation to increase functional ingredient absorption. This study evaluated the ability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to enhance the concentrations of bioactive molecules (e.g., sialic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) in extracts of deer antler velvet. Seventeen strains of Lactobacillus spp. that were isolated from kimchi and infant feces, including L. sakei, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, and L. plantarum, and those that improved the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans were selected for evaluation. Of the 17 strains, 2 (L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007) were selected based on data showing that these strains increased both the sialic acid and GABA contents of deer antler extract after fermentation for 2 d and significantly improved the life span of C. elegans. Co-fermentation with both strains further increased the concentrations of sialic acid, GABA, and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and amino acids. We evaluated the biological effects of the fermented antler velvet (FAV) on the antibacterial immune response in C. elegans by assessing worm survival after pathogen infection. The survival of the C. elegans conditioned with FAV for 24 h was significantly higher compared with that of the control worm group fed only normal feed (non-pathogenic E. coli OP50) exposed to E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhi, and Listeria monocytogenes. To evaluate the protective effects of FAV on immune response, cyclophosphamide (Cy), an immune-suppressing agent was treated to in vitro and in vivo. We found that FAV significantly restored viability of mice splenocytes and immune promoting-related cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], interferon [IFN]-γ, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) were activated compared to non-fermented deer antlers. This finding indicated the protective effect of FAV against Cy-induced cell death and immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, our study suggests that immune-promoting antler velvet can be produced through fermentation using L. rhamnosus LFR20-004 and L. sakei LFR20-007.

Nocardioides humilatus sp. nov., isolated from farmland soil in the Republic of Korea.

A Gram-stain positive, aerobic, irregularly rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated as BN130099T, was isolated from farmland soil sampled in Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain is closely related to Nocardioides pelophilus KACC 19192T with 98.11 % similarity. The DNA G+C content of strain BN130099T was 68.84 mol% (draft genome sequence). The genome sequence of BN130099T displayed key enzymes involved in bioremediation of organic pollutants and biosynthetic clusters of saquayamycin. The strain contained ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and MK-8(H4) as the major respiratory quinone. The predominant fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. The results of physiological and biochemical characterization allowed the phenotypic differentiation of strain BN130099T from N. pelophilus KACC 19192T. The strain represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which we propose the name Nocardioides humilatus sp. nov. The type strain is BN130099T (=KCTC 49079T=CCTCC AB 2018135T).

Metal complexation-mediated stable and biocompatible nanoformulation of clinically approved near-infrared absorber for improved tumor targeting and photonic theranostics.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a clinically approved dye that has shown great promise as a phototheranostic material with fluorescent, photoacoustic and photothermal responses in the near-infrared region. However, it has certain limitations, such as poor photostability and non-specific binding to serum proteins, subjected to rapid clearance and decreased theranostic efficacy in vivo. This study reports stable and biocompatible nanoparticles of ICG (ICG-Fe NPs) where ICG is electrostatically complexed with an endogenously abundant metal ion (Fe3+) and subsequently nanoformulated with a clinically approved polymer surfactant, Pluronic F127. Under near-infrared laser irradiation, ICG-Fe NPs were found to be more effective for photothermal temperature elevation than free ICG molecules owing to the improved photostability. In addition, ICG-Fe NPs showed the markedly enhanced tumor targeting and visualization with photoacoustic/fluorescent signaling upon intravenous injection, attributed to the stable metal complexation that prevents ICG-Fe NPs from releasing free ICG before tumor targeting. Under dual-modal imaging guidance, ICG-Fe NPs could successfully potentiate photothermal therapy of cancer by applying near-infrared laser irradiation, holding potential as a promising nanomedicine composed of all biocompatible ingredients for clinically relevant phototheranostics.