Excited-State Modification of Phenylimidazole-Based Cyclometalated Ir(III) Complexes through Secondary Bulky Aryl Substitution and Inductive Modification Enhances the Blue Emission Efficiency in Phosphorescent OLEDs.

To elucidate the key parameters governing the emission properties of phenylimidazole (pim)-based Ir(III) emitters, including their electronic structure and the bulky aryl substitution effect, a series of pim-based iridium(III) complexes (Ir(Rpim-X)3, Rpim-X = 1-R-2-(X-phenyl)-1H-imidazole) bearing secondary pendants of increasing bulkiness [R = methyl (Me), phenyl (Ph), terphenyl (TPh), or 4-isopropyl terphenyl (ITPh)] and three different primary pim ligands (X = F, F2, and CN) were designed and synthesized. Based on photophysical and electrochemical analyses, it was found that the excited state properties are highly dependent on the bulkiness of the secondary substituent and the inductive nature of the primary pim ligand. The incorporation of bulky TPh/ITPh substituents in the second coordination sphere significantly enhanced the emission efficiencies in the solid state (ΦPL = 72.1-84.9%) compared to those of the methyl- or phenyl-substituted Ir(III) complexes (ΦPL = 30.4% for Ir(Mepim)3 and 63.7% for Ir(Phpim)3). Further modification of the secondary aryl substituent (Ir(TPhpim)3 → Ir(ITPhpim)3) through the incorporation of an isopropyl group and F substitution on the primary pim ligand (Ir(TPh/ITPhpim)3 → Ir(TPh/ITPhpim-F/F2)3) resulted in a slight decrease in the LUMO and a significant decrease in the HOMO energy levels, respectively; these energy level adjustments consequently amplified emission blue shifts, thereby enabling efficient blue electroluminescence in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. Theoretical calculations revealed that the excited-state properties of pim-based Ir(III) complexes can be modulated by the nature of the peripheral substituent and the presence of an EWG substituent. Among the fabricated blue-emitting TPh/ITPh-substituted Ir(III) complexes, Ir(ITPhpim-F)3, Ir(TPhpim-F2)3, and Ir(ITPhpim-F2)3 were tested as blue-emitting dopants for blue phosphorescent OLEDs owing to their high solid radiative quantum yields (ΦPL = 75.9-84.9%). The Ir(ITPhpim-F)3-doped multilayer device displayed the best performance with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 21.0%, a maximum current efficiency of 43.6 cd/A, and CIE coordinates of 0.18 and 0.31.

Physiological and molecular responses of the Antarctic harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus kingsejongensis to salinity fluctuations - A multigenerational study.

Since Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean are facing global climate change, biota inhabiting those coastal regions is now challenged by environmental fluctuations including coastal freshening. In this study, the effects of salinity range of 0-75 (practical salinity unit, PSU) on the Antarctic harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus kingsejongensis was investigated by measurement of 96 h survival rate, lifespan, and sex ratio with further analysis of multigenerational growth parameters and mRNA expressions under salinity of 15-45. Different stages of the copepods (i.e., nauplius, male, and female) generally showed tolerance to hypo- and hypersalinity, wherein female copepods were more tolerant than males when exposed to salinity fluctuations. Lifespan was significantly shortened by hypo- and hypersalinity compared to control salinity (34), but there was no significant difference in the sex ratio between salinity treatments. Multigenerational experiments across five generations revealed that exposure to salinities of 15 and 45 reduced body length compared to that in control salinity and the first generation of each salinity group. Our results provide evidence regarding T. kingsejongensis on their preferred salinity ranges, physiological limit to salinity fluctuations, and population dynamics in future salinity.

Comparison of Fatty Acid Contents and MMP-1 Inhibitory Effects of the Two Antarctic Fish, Notothenia rossii and Champsocephalus gunnari.

Total fatty-acid (FA) contents of different organs (stomach, liver, brain, and skin) of two Antarctic fish, marbled rockcod (Notothenia rossii) and mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), were examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). N. rossii possessed higher contents of total omega-3, where eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most represented omega-3 FAs, were distributed throughout all parts of the fish. The highest level of EPA was observed in the skin and that of DHA was observed in the brain of N. rossii. C. gunnari showed organ peculiarity in that most of the omega-3 FAs were found in stomach and skin. Specifically, the highest levels of EPA and DHA were both observed in the stomach. Although N. rossii and C. gunnari both inhabit the Antarctic Southern Oceans, their characteristics in terms of the composition of fatty acids were shown to vary. The extracts were also evaluated for matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)-inhibitory activities in UVB-induced human dermal fibroblasts, where extracts of the skin and liver of N. rossii showed the most significant inhibition upon MMP-1 production. These findings provide experimental evidence that the extracts of the Antarctic fish could be utilized as bioactive nutrients, particularly in the enhancement of skin health.

Bioactive Terphenyls Isolated from the Antarctic Lichen Stereocaulon alpinum.

Three p-terphenyls (2-4)-2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-p-terphenyl (2), 2-hydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-p-terphenyl (3), and 2,3,5,6-tetramethoxy-p-terphenyl (4)-were isolated for the first time as natural products along with seven known compounds (1, 5-10) from the Antarctic lichen Stereocaulon alpinum. Structures of the new compounds were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR and HREIMS experiments. Compound 3 exhibited cytotoxicity against HCT116 cells with the IC50 value of 3.76 ± 0.03 µM and also inhibited NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with the IC50 value of 22.82 ± 0.015 µM.

Peripheral Ligand Effect on the Photophysical Property of Octahedral Iridium Complex: o-Aryl Substitution on the Phenyl Units of Homoleptic IrIII(C∧C)3 Complexes (C∧C = 1-Phenyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene-C,C2') for Deep Blue Phosphorescence.

To evaluate the efficacy of ortho-arylation in the second coordination sphere of octahedral iridium complex, a series of homoleptic N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based Ir(C∧CR)3-type complexes were designed and prepared by introducing various substituents (R = H, Me, Ph, MePh, and diMePh) at the ortho-position of the aryl unit of the orthometalated phenyl group. In solution, an unnoticeable increase of emission quantum yields was observed within the variation of the ortho-substituent of the sterically demanding side-branch, a diMePh- group, showing the radiative quantum yield of mer-Ir(C∧CdiMePh)3 (ΦPL = 1.9%), being higher than that of the unsubstituted carbene-based mer-Ir(C∧CH)3 (ΦPL = 1.2%), due to a considerable difference in the nonradiative decay rate (knr = 65.40 × 105 s-1 for mer-Ir(C∧CdiMePh)3 vs knr = 141.1 × 105 s-1 for mer-Ir(C∧CH)3). Such a difference is attributed to the reduction of nonradiative pathway via the 3MLCT → 3MC transition by the widening gap between triplet emissive states and 3MC state, and a rigidity increase in structure by steric hindrance of bulky aryl substituent. In contrast, significant increase of emission quantum yield was observed in the films cast by spin coating, and fac-/mer-Ir(C∧CdiMePh)3 (ΦPL = 60.1/49.1%) were the most efficient ones among NHC-Ir(III) complexes, compatible with the assumption that the secondary coordination effect, i.e. a peripheral constraint, was put into action. As the substituent R increases in size on going from H, Me, Ph, MePh, to diMePh, notable structural changes in the periphery are evident, while an increase of emission quantum yields is also seen. Such a peripheral difference was under scrutiny first with X-ray structural studies, and its manifestation in photophysics was investigated along with quantum calculations that finally addressed the peripheral effect being maximized at R = diMePh. In the application of PhOLED, the mer-Ir(C∧CdiMePh)3-doped multilayer device showed highly enhanced efficiency with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 8.1%, compared to that of the mer-Ir(C∧CH)3-based device (1.2%), indicating the multiple positive effects of bulky aryl substitution of Ir(III) dopant. A deep-blue CIE chromaticity diagram (0.16, 0.09) was achieved from the device using mer-Ir(C∧CdiMePh)3 as a dopant.

Temporary percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy with single gastropexy.

BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy (PRGJ) has been reported, a detailed description of the indications and clinical effectiveness of temporary PRGJ is still limited. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and technical feasibility of temporary PRGJ using the modified Chiba-needle technique with single gastropexy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Temporary PRGJ using the modified Chiba-needle technique with single gastropexy was performed in 27 consecutive patients (19 men, 8 women; mean age = 61 years; age range = 32-77 years) for esophageal perforation (n = 18) or postoperative gastroparesis (n = 9). Outcomes analyzed included the technical and clinical success, procedure-related complications, and the tube indwelling period. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success was achieved in all 27 patients. All the tubes were electively removed 19-364 days (mean indwelling period = 104 days) after confirmation of the possibility of oral intake. Asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum occurred in 2/27 (7.4%) patients as minor complications and was resolved spontaneously by the time of the one-week follow-up. There were no major complications. During the follow-up period, a total of 11 tube changes were performed in seven patients for an elective tube change within a six-month interval (n = 5) or because of tube occlusion (n = 6). CONCLUSION: Temporary PRGJ using the modified Chiba-needle technique with a single gastropexy was clinically effective and technically feasible in patients with esophageal perforation or gastroparesis. It can provide adequate enteral nutrition during its temporary placement.

The significant influences of pH, temperature and fatty acids on meat myoglobin oxidation: a model study.

Colour is one of the important quality traits affecting the meat purchasing decision by consumers, and myoglobin is the principal heme protein responsible for the meat colour. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pH (5.3, 5.8, 6.4 and 7.4) and temperature (4 and 25 °C) on oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) oxidation in model reaction mixtures containing OxyMb, fatty acids (C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3) and vitamin E. A decrease of the OxyMb concentration with increased acidity was observed for all the reaction mixtures with/without fatty acids and vitamin E. After 48 h of storage at 4 °C, the OxyMb concentration decreased by approximately 60-70%, 61-69%, 53.7-53.9% and 40.93-41.84% in the reaction mixtures containing [OxyMb + C18:2n-6 or C18:3n-3] at pH 5.3, 5.8, 6.4 and 7.4, respectively. While, after 48 h at 25 °C, the OxyMb concentration decreased by 95-98% in all the reaction mixtures containing [OxyMb + C18:2n-6 or C18:3n-3] under all the pH conditions. The presence of vitamin E significantly inhibited the OxyMb oxidation in the reaction mixtures containing fatty acids under acidic conditions, but a higher level of vitamin E may be required for meat(s) containing high n-3 fatty acids content that are stored at high temperature.

Loci associated with variation in gene expression and growth in juvenile salmon are influenced by the presence of a growth hormone transgene.

BACKGROUND: Growth regulation is a complex process influenced by genetic and environmental factors. We examined differences between growth hormone (GH) transgenic (T) and non-transgenic (NT) coho salmon to elucidate whether the same loci were involved in controlling body size and gene expression phenotypes, and to assess whether physiological transformations occurring from GH transgenesis were under the influence of alternative pathways. The following genomic techniques were used to explore differences between size classes within and between transgenotypes (T vs. NT): RNA-Seq/Differentially Expressed Gene (DEG) analysis, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and OpenArray analysis, Genotyping-by-Sequencing, and Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). RESULTS: DEGs identified in comparisons between the large and small tails of the size distributions of T and NT salmon (NTLarge, NTSmall, TLarge and TSmall) spanned a broad range of biological processes, indicating wide-spread influence of the transgene on gene expression. Overexpression of growth hormone led to differences in regulatory loci between transgenotypes and size classes. Expression levels were significantly greater in T fish at 16 of 31 loci and in NT fish for 10 loci. Eleven genes exhibited different mRNA levels when the interaction of size and transgenotype was considered (IGF1, IGFBP1, GH, C3-4, FAS, FAD6, GLUT1, G6PASE1, GOGAT, MID1IP1). In the GWAS, 649 unique SNPs were significantly associated with at least one study trait, with most SNPs associated with one of the following traits: C3_4, ELA1, GLK, IGF1, IGFBP1, IGFII, or LEPTIN. Only 1 phenotype-associated SNP was found in common between T and NT fish, and there were no SNPs in common between transgenotypes when size was considered. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple regulatory loci affecting gene expression were shared between fast-growing and slow-growing fish within T or NT groups, but no such regulatory loci were found to be shared between NT and T groups. These data reveal how GH overexpression affects the regulatory responses of the genome resulting in differences in growth, physiological pathways, and gene expression in T fish compared with the wild type. Understanding the complexity of regulatory gene interactions to generate phenotypes has importance in multiple fields ranging from applications in selective breeding to quantifying influences on evolutionary processes.

Quality characteristics, fatty acid profiles, flavor compounds and eating quality of cull sow meat in comparison with commercial pork.

OBJECTIVE: Although the slaughter of cull sows (CS) for human consumption and meat products processing appears quite common throughout the world, relatively limited scientific information regarding the meat quality parameters of this pork type is available. The present study aimed at providing the technological quality characteristics and eating quality of CS meat, and comparing with those of commercial pork. METHODS: Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle samples of CS and finisher pigs (FP) at 24 h postmortem were collected and used for investigation of the meat quality traits (pH, color, shear force, cooking loss, water holding capacity), fatty acids, flavor compounds and sensory characteristics. RESULTS: The CS meat had significantly higher moisture content (p = 0.0312) and water holding capacity (p = 0.0213) together with lower cooking loss (p = 0.0366) compared to the FP meat. The CS meat also exhibited higher (p = 0.0409) contents of unsaturated fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, p = 0.0213) and more desirable PUFA/total saturated fatty acids ratio (p = 0.0438) compared to the FP meat. A total of 56 flavor compounds were identified, amongst the amount of 16 compounds differed significantly between the two pork groups. Most of the PUFA-derived flavor compounds (e.g., hexanal, benzaldehyde, and hydrocarbons) showed higher amounts in the CS meat. While, 3-(methylthio)-propanal and 4-methylthiazole associated with pleasant aromas (meaty and roast odor notes) were only found in the FP meat. Furthermore, no differences were reported by panelists for flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability scores between the two pork groups studied. CONCLUSION: The sow meat exhibited better technological quality and its eating quality could be comparable to the commercial pork. This study provides meat processors and traders with valuably scientific information which may help to improve the utilization and consumption level of sow meat.

Effect of growth rate on transcriptomic responses to immune stimulation in wild-type, domesticated, and GH-transgenic coho salmon.

BACKGROUND: Transcriptomic responses to immune stimulation were investigated in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) with distinct growth phenotypes. Wild-type fish were contrasted to strains with accelerated growth arising either from selective breeding (i.e. domestication) or genetic modification. Such distinct routes to accelerated growth may have unique implications for relationships and/or trade-offs between growth and immune function. RESULTS: RNA-Seq was performed on liver and head kidney in four 'growth response groups' injected with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C; viral mimic), peptidoglycan (PGN; bacterial mimic) or PBS (control). These groups were: 1) 'W': wild-type, 2) 'TF': growth hormone (GH) transgenic salmon with ~ 3-fold higher growth-rate than W, 3) 'TR': GH transgenic fish ration restricted to possess a growth-rate equal to W, and 4) 'D': domesticated non-transgenic fish showing growth-rate intermediate to W and TF. D and TF showed a higher similarity in transcriptomic response compared to W and TR. Several immune genes showed constitutive expression differences among growth response groups, including perforin 1 and C-C motif chemokine 19-like. Among the affected immune pathways, most were up-regulated by Poly I:C and PGN. In response to PGN, the c-type lectin receptor signalling pathway responded uniquely in TF and TR. In response to stimulation with both immune mimics, TR responded more strongly than other groups. Further, group-specific pathway responses to PGN stimulation included NOD-like receptor signalling in W and platelet activation in TR. TF consistently showed the most attenuated immune response relative to W, and more DEGs were apparent in TR than TF and D relative to W, suggesting that a non-satiating ration coupled with elevated circulating GH levels may cause TR to possess enhanced immune capabilities. Alternatively, TF and D salmon are prevented from acquiring the same level of immune response as TR due to direction of energy to high overall somatic growth. Further study of the effects of ration restriction in growth-modified fishes is warranted. CONCLUSIONS: These findings improve our understanding of the pleiotropic effects of growth modification on the immunological responses of fish, revealing unique immune pathway responses depending on the mechanism of growth acceleration and nutritional availability.

Percutaneous Obliteration of Urinary Leakage after Partial Nephrectomy Using N-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate Obliteration of the Urinoma with or without Coil Embolization of the Fistula Tract.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous obliteration of urinary leakage after partial nephrectomy (PN) using coils and N-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 10 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous obliteration of urinary leakage after PN using coil and NBCA between February 2016 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. A urinary fistulography was performed via the drainage catheter. If the fistulous tract was clearly visualized, super-selective embolization of the fistulous tract with coils and urinoma cavity sealing with NBCA was performed. In cases where the fistulous tract could not be clearly visualized, only urinoma cavity sealing was performed. Outcomes and complications were assessed by reviewing medical records and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: In 7 (70%) patients who showed obvious urinary fistulous tract, coil embolization of the urinary fistulous tract, followed by sealing of the urinoma cavity with NBCA, was performed. Obliteration of the urinoma without coil embolization of the fistula tract was performed in 3 patients (30%) in whom a distinct fistulous tract could not be visualized. The median number of treatment sessions required to achieve clinical success was 1 (range, 1-5). Four patients underwent multiple repeated procedure with successful results. All patients showed gradual decrease in size or complete disappearance of urinoma on follow-up CT without evidence of urinary leakage during the follow-up period (mean, 44.6 weeks; range, 11-117 weeks). There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous obliteration of urinary leakage after PN using coils and NBCA is safe and effective.

Blue Phosphorescence with High Quantum Efficiency Engaging the Trifluoromethylsulfonyl Group to Iridium Phenylpyridine Complexes.

Incorporation of an electron-withdrawing -SO2CF3 substituent to cyclometalating C^N-phenylpyridine (ppy) ligand resulted in an expected blue-shifted phosphorescence in the corresponding homoleptic Ir(ppySCF3)3 complex, showing the emission of λem = 464 nm at 300 K. One of its heteroleptic derivatives, modified by a pyrazolyl borate LX ligand, Ir(ppySCF3)2(bor), exhibited further blue-shifted phosphorescence of λem = 460 nm at 300 K. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations supported the efficacy of the electron-withdrawing capability of the SO2CF3 substituent lowering HOMO energy and obtained widened bandgaps and resumed blue emissions for all of the iridium complexes studied. The homoleptic complexes of both substituents, Ir(ppySCF3)3 and Ir(ppySF)3, reached the higher quantum yields (ΦPL) of (0.89 and 0.72), respectively. Similarly, emission quantum yields (ΦPL) of the heteroleptic derivatives were reported to be (0.75, 0.83, and 0.87) for Ir(ppySCF3)2(acac), Ir(ppySCF3)2(bor), and Ir(ppySCF3)2(pic), respectively. Emission kinetics support the enhanced quantum efficiency when kr and knr values are compared between Ir(ppySCF3)3 and Ir(ppySF)3, and both values favorably contribute to attaining a higher quantum efficiency for Ir(ppySCF3)3. Among solution-processed multilayered devices having an ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TCTA:Ir dopant (10:1, w/w)/TmPyPB/Liq/Al structure, a heteroleptic dopant, Ir(ppySCF3)2(bor), exhibited better device performance, reporting an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 1.14%, current efficiency (CE) of 2.31 cd A-1, and power efficiency (PE) of 1.21 lm W-1, together with blue chromaticity of CIEx,y = (0.16, 0.32).

Influence of bulky substituents on the photophysical properties of homoleptic iridium(iii) complexes.

A new series of homoleptic cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes based on a phenylpyridine (ppy) ligand containing bulky substituents have been synthesized and characterized. The phosphorescence behavior of the Ir complexes is investigated by steady-state and time-resolved emission spectroscopic techniques. Comparison of the results with those of the reference Ir(ppy)3 reveals that the emission color and photophysical properties of other Ir complexes are influenced by the electron-donating groups (-CH3 and phenyl derivatives) attached to the ppy ligand. In particular, systematic red-shifts are observed by increasing the electron-donating ability. The emission spectrum of Ir(Me-ppy)3, having a small electron-donating -CH3 group, is red-shifted; however, the emission quantum yield is low and the nonradiative decay constant is large. On the other hand, although bulky phenyl derivative-adducts (Ir(Ph-ppy)3, Ir(MePh-ppy)3, and Ir(diMePh-ppy)3) also exhibit red-shifted emission, their kinetic and photophysical behaviors are more optimal than those of Ir(Me-ppy)3, whose behavior does not follow the energy gap law. This deviation may be attributed to the orthogonal structure associated with the steric hindrance of bulky substituents. The molecular structure, molecular orbitals in singlet/triplet manifolds, and energy band gap are verified by density functional theory calculations.

Photophysical properties of structural isomers of homoleptic Ir-complexes derived from xylenyl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.

The phosphorescence properties of fac-Ir(pmp)3, mer-Ir(pmp)3, fac-Ir(dmpmp)3 and mer-Ir(dmpmp)3 (where pmp = 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine and dmpmp = 1-(2',6'-dimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) in CH2Cl2 were investigated. At 77 K, the fac-isomers showed blue emission with a vibronic structure, while the mer-isomers showed less structured emissions. At 300 K, all complexes showed broad and markedly red-shifted emission spectra compared to those at 77 K. The quantum yields of the Ir(dmpmp)3 isomers were very low, and their emission lifetimes were very short compared to those of Ir(pmp)3. In order to understand the large differences between the photodynamic properties of Ir(pmp)3 and Ir(dmpmp)3, we performed femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption (TA) spectroscopic measurements. The TA spectra of Ir(dmpmp)3 were almost the same as those of Ir(pmp)3 at a short delay time. However, Ir(dmpmp)3 showed a new broad TA band at around 720 nm with increasing delay time. The rise time of this band was ca. 10 ps for both isomers, and this may be attributed to the geometrical change in the excited state, which is associated with the steric hindrance of the bulky dimethylphenyl substituent. Actually, Ir(dmpmp)3 showed a strong rigidochromic shift in the emission spectra with varying temperature. To understand the molecular orbitals and the energy levels, theoretical calculations were performed using density functional theory. As a result, structural displacement takes place accompanied by the fast migration of localization of excited states via intraligand charge transfer.

Comparative study of nutritional composition and color traits of meats obtained from the horses and Korean native black pigs raised in Jeju Island.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at comparing the nutritional composition and color traits between two meat types: Horse meat and pork from Korean native black pigs raised in Jeju Island. METHODS: After slaughter 24 h, the longissimus dorsi samples were taken from left side carcasses of the 32-mo-old Jeju female breed horses and the 6-mo-old Korean native black pigs (n = 10 each). The samples were then placed into cool boxes containing ice packs and transported to the Laboratory of Meat Science where all visual fats and connective tissues were trimmed off and then the samples were ground. All the samples were analyzed for nutritional composition (proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids) and color traits. RESULTS: The horse meat contained significantly higher collagen, moisture and protein than the pork (p<0.05). The Jeju horse meat showed more desirable fatty acid profiles such as containing significantly lower saturated fatty acids (SFA), higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contents and PUFA/SFA ratios than the pork (p<0.05). Differences in concentrations of ten amino acids existed between the two meat types in which the horse meat had higher values for all these amino acids, total amino acids (20.33 g/100 g) and essential amino acids (10.06 g/100 g) than the pork (p<0.05). Also, the horse meat showed significantly higher concentrations of Fe (34.21 mg/100 g) and Cu (2.47 mg/100 g) than the pork (Fe, 17.42 mg/100 g and Cu, 1.51 mg/100 g) (p<0.05). All the vitamins detected showed statistical differences between the two meat types in which the horse meat had higher concentrations of vitamin B1 (25.19 mg/100 g), B2 (92.32 mg/100 g), B3 (2,115.51 mg/100 g), and B5 (67.13 mg/100 g) than the pork (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results obtained in the study, it is concluded that the two meat types studied are rich in nutrients and the animal species strongly affected the nutritional values and color traits of the muscle tissues.

Quality characteristics and flavor compounds of pork meat as a function of carcass quality grade

Objective: The present work aimed at evaluating the effects of carcass quality grade on the quality characteristics of pork meat according to Korean carcass quality grade system. Method: Pork carcasses with varying in quality grades (QG): 1+ (QG1+, n=10), 1 (QG1, n=10) and 2 (QG2, n=10), were used to evaluate the relationship between carcass quality grade and meat quality. The meat quality traits, fatty acid profiles, flavor compounds and sensory qualities were measured on the longissimus dorsi muscle samples of these carcasses. Results: Pork meat of higher quality grade (GQ1+) presented significantly higher fat content (5.43%), C18:2n-6 level (19.03%) and total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) content (62.72%). Also, the QG1+ meat was significantly higher in levels of classes of flavor compounds such as aldehydes, alcohols and hydrocarbons in comparison to those of the meat samples from the lower GQ groups. The sensory evaluation results (flavor, juiciness, tenderness and acceptability scores) of QG1+ meat was significantly higher than the QG1 and QG2 meats. The pork with lower QG (i.e., QG2) was found positively correlated to redness (r=0.987), C18:1n-9 level (r=1.000) but negatively correlated to the fat content (r=-0.949), and flavor (r=-0.870), juiciness (r=-0.861), tenderness (r=-0.862) and acceptability (r=-0.815) scores. Conclusion: The pork with higher quality grade had higher fat content, total unsaturated fatty acids and better eating quality, thus producing pork with higher quality grades should be considered in order to satisfy the consumer's expectation.

Growth hormone transgenesis in coho salmon disrupts muscle immune function impacting cross-talk with growth systems.

Suppression of growth during infection may aid resource allocation towards effective immune function. Past work supporting this hypothesis in salmonid fish revealed an immune-responsive regulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system - an endocrine pathway downstream of growth hormone (GH). Skeletal muscle is the main target for growth and energetic storage in fish, yet little is known about how its growth is regulated during an immune response. We addressed this knowledge gap by characterising muscle immune responses in size-matched coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) achieving different growth rates. We compared a wild-type strain with two GH transgenic groups from the same genetic background achieving either maximal or suppressed growth - a design separating GH's direct effects from its influence on growth rate and nutritional state. Fish were sampled 30 h post-injection with phosphate-buffered saline (control) or mimics of bacterial or viral infection. We quantified mRNA expression levels for genes from the GH, GH receptor, IGF hormone, IGF1 receptor and IGF-binding protein families, along with immune genes involved in inflammatory or antiviral responses and muscle growth status marker genes. We demonstrate dampened immune function in GH transgenics compared with wild-type. The muscle of GH transgenics achieving rapid growth showed no detectable antiviral response, coupled with evidence of a constitutive inflammatory state. GH and IGF system gene expression was strongly altered by GH transgenesis and fast growth, both for baseline expression and responses to immune stimulation. Thus, GH transgenesis strongly disrupts muscle immune status and normal GH and IGF system expression responses to immune stimulation.

Effect of growth hormone overexpression on gastric evacuation rate in coho salmon.

Growth hormone (GH) transgenic (T) coho salmon consistently show remarkably enhanced growth associated with increased appetite and food consumption compared to non-transgenic wild-type (NT) coho salmon. To improve understanding of the mechanism by which GH overexpression mediates food intake and digestion in T fish, feed intake and gastric evacuation rate (over 7 days) were measured in size-matched T and NT coho salmon. T fish displayed greatly enhanced feed intake levels (~ 2.5-fold), and more than 3-fold increase in gastric evacuation rates relative to NT coho salmon. Despite the differences in feed intake, no differences were noted in the time taken from first ingestion of food to stomach evacuation between genotypes. These results indicate that enhanced feed intake is coupled with an overall increased processing rate to enhance energy intake by T fish. To further investigate the molecular basis of these responses, we examined the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of several genes in appetite- and gastric-regulation pathways (Agrp1, Bbs, Cart, Cck, Glp, Ghrelin, Grp, Leptin, Mc4r, Npy, and Pomc) by qPCR analyses in the brain (hypothalamus, preoptic area) and pituitary, and in peripheral tissues associated with digestion (liver, stomach, intestine, and adipose tissue). Significant increases in mRNA levels were found for Agrp1 in the preoptic area (POA) of the brain, and Grp and Pomc in pituitary for T coho salmon relative to NT. Mch and Npy showed significantly lower mRNA levels than NT fish in all brain tissues examined across all time-points after feeding. Mc4r and Cart for T showed significantly lower mRNA levels than NT in the POA and hypothalamus, respectively. In the case of peripheral tissues, T fish had lower mRNA levels of Glp and Leptin than NT fish in the intestine and adipose tissue, respectively. Grp, Cck, Bbs, Glp, and Leptin in stomach, adipose tissue, and/or intestine showed significant differences across the time-points after feeding, but Ghrelin showed no significant difference between T and NT fish in all tested tissues.

Desalted Salicornia europaea powder and its active constituent, trans-ferulic acid, exert anti-obesity effects by suppressing adipogenic-related factors.

CONTEXT: Salicornia europaea (Amaranthaceae) (SE) has been shown to reduce obesity, but it remains a problem as a food supplement because of its high salt content (25-35% NaCl). OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects and mechanism of action of desalted SE powder (DSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) were divided into a normal control group (NC), a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity control group (HFD), and HFD groups co-administered DSP (250 and 500 mg/kg) or Garcinia cambogia (Clusiaceae) extract (GE, 200 mg/kg, standard control) orally each day for 12 weeks. RESULTS: The body weight was significantly reduced by co-administration of DSP (596.51 ± 19.84 kg, 4.60% and 562.08 ± 9.74 kg, 10.10%, respectively) and GE (576.00 ± 11.29 kg, 7.88%) relative to the HFD group (625.25 ± 14.02 kg) and was accompanied by reduced abdominal fat mass, and serum lipid levels, with no effects on feed intake. To find the underlying mechanism of the anti-obesity effects, trans-ferulic acid (TFA) was identified as the main ingredient and investigated with regard to whether it attenuated adipogenesity in 3T3L-1 cells. DSP-derived TFA suppressed adipocyte differentiation and accumulation of intracellular lipids. TFA also down-regulated the adipogenesis-related gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α and fatty acid synthase. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that DSP may be considered for use as a food supplement intent of controlling obesity through its antiobesity and antiadipogenic properties.