Development of Oleogel-Based Fat Replacer and Its Application in Pan Bread Making.

In recent years, the bakery industry has been exploring alternative fats to replace traditional solid fats. Shortening, a common baking ingredient, is produced through the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, resulting in high levels of saturated and trans fatty acids, despite its vegetable oil origin. The excessive consumption of these fats has been associated with negative health effects, including dyslipidemia and cardiovascular issues. Oleogels, incorporating hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), xanthan gum (XG), and olive oil, were utilized to replace shortening in the production of white pan bread. The substitution of shortening with oleogel in the white pan bread preparation demonstrated potential reductions in saturated fat, trans fat, and the ratio of saturated fat to unsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, with the complete substitution of shortening with oleogel, saturated fatty acids decreased by 52.46% and trans fatty acids by 75.72%, with unsaturated fatty acids increasing by 57.18%. Our findings revealed no significant difference in volume between bread made with shortening and bread with up to 50% shortening substitution. Moreover, when compared to bread made with shortening and 50% oleogel substitution, no adverse effects on the quality characteristics of volume and expansion properties were observed, and the retrogradation rate was delayed. This study suggests that incorporating oleogels, formed with hydrocolloids such as HPMC and XG, to replace shortening in bread, in conjunction with traditional solid fats, provides positive effects on the quality and nutritional aspects of the bread compared to using oleogel alone. Through this study, we demonstrate the use of oleogels as a healthier alternative to shortening, without reducing the bread's quality, thus offering a practical solution to reduce unhealthy fats in bakery products.

The clinical efficacy of preoperative flash visual evoked potential (VEP) for mature cataracts without a response to pattern VEP.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the preoperative flash visual evoked potential (VEP) test in predicting postoperative visual acuity for monocular mature cataract cases when compared to the contralateral normal eye. METHODS: The study included 60 patients, each with a monocular mature cataract diagnosis, who underwent preoperative flash VEP testing showing no pattern VEP response. Subsequently, phacoemulsification was performed. The relationship between the flash VEP test latency values (P1, N2, P2) and amplitude value (N2-P2), and the degree of visual acuity recovery 3 months post-cataract surgery, was evaluated using the LogMAR scale. Furthermore, a linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the connection between preoperative flash VEP components and postoperative visual acuity. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 65.4 ± 13.6 years, with a range of 43 to 87 years. The study included 36 males and 24 females. A significant disparity in visual acuity was observed between the preoperative and 3-month postoperative stages (p < 0.001). The preoperative flash VEP test for mature cataracts revealed significant delays in P1, N2, and P2 latency, as well as a reduction in N2-P2 amplitude potential when compared to the contralateral normal eye (p < 0.001). Notably, delayed P2 latency and reduced N2-P2 amplitude potential were particularly indicative of poor visual acuity prognosis after cataract surgery in the multiple regression analysis (p < 0.05). The N2-P2 amplitude potential was the important value that exhibited statistically significant results, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 80% sensitivity and 88% specificity, using a cutoff value of 6.07 µV. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of monocular mature cataract, a reduction in N2-P2 amplitude potential compared to the contralateral normal eye emerged as the most reliable predictor of postoperative visual prognosis following cataract surgery.

Comparative outcomes of the pathogen in cultured Jones tubes used in lacrimal bypass surgery according to follow up periods.

AIM: To evaluate the pathogens in cultured Jones tubes used in lacrimal bypass surgery according to the postoperative periods and to obtain data for the prevention of infection of functional lacrimal stent invention. METHODS: Totally 71 patients (81 eyes) who underwent the removal of Jones tubes were enrolled in study. All the removed Jones tubes were cultured for bacterial and fungal identification and tested for bacterial antibiotic sensitivity. The results were analyzed according to the duration of the inserted Jones tube after lacrimal bypass surgery. RESULTS: Of the 81 eyes, bacteria were isolated from 69 eyes (85.2%) and fungi from 6 eyes (7.4%). Among 69 eyes, 40.6% showed Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), 11.6% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Gram-positive bacteria were isolated more than Gram-negative bacteria, but Gram-negative bacteria showed a higher incidence in the Jones tube implanted for over 10y (P=0.035). The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that 46.4% of S. aureus were resistant to oxacillin. In terms of antibiotics commonly used in ocular clinical practice, vancomycin was sensitive to S. aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), amikacin responded to P. aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis). Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) was all sensitive to S. aureus, S. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis except P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: S. aureus is the most commonly found organism in the Jones tube after lacrimal bypass surgery, and 46.4% of them are methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), sensitive to vancomycin. Especially, P. mirabilis responded with amikacin is dominantly detected in the Jones tubes implanted for more than 10y.

Enhanced stabilization of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions by fibrillar gel particles from lentil proteins.

Pulse proteins as a sustainable protein source have attracted increasing interest in food development, but pulse proteins are generally less surface active than dairy proteins. This work introduces lentil protein (LP)-based fibrillar gel particles (FGPs) fabricated from heat-induced LP fibrillar aggregates by 1, 4, 8, and 16 h of heating, followed by particle reduction using sonication. The heating time significantly impacts the FGPs particle size and surface hydrophobicity. The FGP prepared by 4 h of heating (FGP-4) showed a small size (<200 nm) and homogeneous size distribution while possessing significantly increased surface hydrophobicity compared to untreated LP. Such structural features made FGP-4 better adsorb at the O/W interface and then completely covered the oil droplet surface, leading to homogeneous emulsions of small size (22.33 µm) and superior long-term stability without creaming for 30 days. In addition, the dispersed FGP in the bulk phase could develop interactions among each other, leading to improved emulsion viscosity and texture without oil droplet size change. This finding suggests that constructing fibril-type gel particles can provide a new strategy for forming superior O/W emulsions with improved stability from plant proteins.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for visual prognosis according to the types of infectious endophthalmitis.

BACKGROUND: Endophthalmitis is a fatal ophthalmological emergency that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and investigate risk factors for the visual prognosis of the different types of endophthalmitis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 239 eyes diagnosed with endophthalmitis at the Pusan National University Hospital between January 2006 and December 2020. All patients were classified into six groups based on the etiology of endophthalmitis: post-cataract surgery, post-vitrectomy, post-glaucoma surgery, post-intravitreal injection, endogenous, and post-trauma. Demographics and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, laterality, initial symptoms, the interval between the primary causable event and diagnosis of endophthalmitis, initial and final visual acuity, management, and culture results were reviewed and statistically analyzed. Risk factors for poor visual prognosis were also analyzed according to the type of endophthalmitis. RESULTS: Of the 239 cases of endophthalmitis, the most common cause was post-cataract surgery, that occurs within two weeks post-surgery. Gram-positive Staphylococcus was cultured most frequently. Fusarium was characteristically cultured from delayed post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis (14 days-6 weeks post-surgery). Post-vitrectomy endophthalmitis occurred within 3.3 days post-surgery, but post-glaucoma surgery endophthalmitis developed a long period after surgery, averaging 2,742 days. Post-intravitreal injection endophthalmitis occurred most frequently following bevacizumab injection, and Staphylococcus was most commonly isolated. For endogenous endophthalmitis, the pyogenic liver abscess was the most common underlying disease, and Klebsiella was isolated most frequently. Post-traumatic endophthalmitis mostly occurred in young men. Advanced age and poor initial visual acuity were risk factors for poor visual prognosis (P = 0.041, odds ratio = 1.024 and P < 0.001, odds ratio = 3.904, respectively, using logistic regression analysis). CONCLUSION: Advanced age and initial visual acuity were risk factors for poor visual prognosis in cases of endophthalmitis caused by various etiologies. Early diagnosis and treatment of endophthalmitis are required, especially in older patients.

Temporary blindness caused by corneal edema after a local anesthetic injection in the eyebrow region: a case report.

Plastic surgery around the eyes is usually performed under local anesthesia, using a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine. Blindness is a rare but devastating complication after the injection of local anesthesia in this region. Most cases reported to date have been caused by occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or central retinal artery. In this case report, however, we present a highly unusual case of blindness caused by corneal edema after a local anesthetic injection. A patient visited the emergency room with a laceration on the eyebrow, and local anesthesia was injected before suturing. Immediately after the injection, severe corneal edema developed, making it impossible to observe the structures in the anterior chamber in detail or check the light reflex and visual acuity of the naked eye. An antibiotic (moxifloxacin hydrochloride) and high-concentration steroid eyedrops were promptly applied. High-concentration steroids were also administered orally. On day 13 post-injury, the visual acuity of the naked eye improved to 1.0, and no recurrence of corneal lesions was observed. Although the cause of corneal edema after the local injection could not be conclusively identified, we hope that this report will help raise clinicians' awareness of this complication and appropriate treatment methods.

User-demand fast-curable ocular glues enforced by multilength tunable networks.

Achieving fast and secure wound closure without ocular foreign body sensation is highly desired in ophthalmologic surgery. Sutureless approaches using tissue adhesives are gaining popularity, but their practical use is limited by the difficulty in controlling adhesion time and satisfying safety standards without compromising adhesive performance. Herein, we report user-demand hydrogel-forming ocular glues based on multilength photo-crosslinkable hyaluronic acid (HA), achieving firm tissue adhesion under wet and dynamic conditions and possessing cornea-like optical transparency. The HA-based photocurable glue (HA photoglue) quickly seals wounds upon nontoxic low-energy light exposure (320-500 nm, < 5 s, < 1 J cm-2), and its mechanical and adhesive properties are improved by introducing short and long crosslinkable moieties into HA through one-step synthesis, forming multilength networks. Furthermore, the HA photoglue provides stable sealing in wet environments like ocular mucous surface, a clear vision with a light transmittance of more than 95% over the entire visible range, and a lubricating surface with minimal ocular sensation (generating less than 10% frictional force than suture groups). In a rabbit corneal incision model, the HA photoglue showed improved wound healing efficacy based on histological evaluation compared to control groups.

Evaluation of the safety of anterior capsule staining with trypan blue under air: a retrospective analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the safety of using 0.03% trypan blue under air for anterior capsule staining in cataract surgery. METHODS: The current study involved a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 86 patients with vitreous hemorrhage, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and cataract surgery. The patients were classified into two groups. The trypan blue group (n=45) comprised patients who underwent anterior capsule staining with 0.03% trypan blue under an air bubble. The control group (n=41) comprised of patients who underwent intracameral illuminator-assisted capsulorhexis. The status of endothelial cell density (ECD) in both the groups was analyzed. RESULTS: The trypan blue group displayed significant decline in ECD at 1mo (7.91% loss, P<0.001) and 3mo (9.65% loss, P<0.001) after the surgery, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Moreover, the number of patients who did not display a postoperative decline in ECD was significantly higher in the control group (43.9%; 18 patients) than in the trypan blue group (17.1%; 7 patients, P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Anterior capsule staining with trypan blue under the air bubble would not be as safe as the intracameral illuminator. The ECD loss might be attributed to the air bubble rather than to the deleterious effects of 0.03% trypan blue. Further studies are required to clarify this.

Corneal endothelial cell damage after scleral fixation of intraocular lens surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze corneal endothelial cell damage after scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIOL) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Medical records of consecutive eyes undergoing SFIOL surgery performed by a single surgeon were reviewed between January 2011 and June 2019. The patients were classified into three groups according to surgical methods: Group I, re-fixating the existing intraocular lens (IOL) or fixating a new IOL in an aphakic eye; Group II, removing the existing IOL and fixating a new IOL; and Group III, phacoemulsification and fixating a new IOL simultaneously. Preoperative and postoperative specular microscopy (SM) status were compared. Changes in SM were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Ninety-four eyes were included. Thirty-four eyes in Group I, 39 in Group II, and 21 in Group III. The endothelial cell density (ECD) loss in Group I was 1.5%, less than the ECD loss of 14.3% (p < 0.001) in Group II and 15.4% (p = 0.005), in Group III. In no eye was there an ECD decrease to < 1000/mm2 following the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: ECD loss was related to IOL removal or phacoemulsification rather than SFIOL surgery. SFIOL using the existing IOL should be considered preferential in eyes with low ECD and dislocated IOL.

Pterygium surgery by double-sliding flaps procedure: Comparison between primary and recurrent pterygia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of pterygial excision for primary and recurrent pterygia by a single method of pterygia excision combined with two conjunctival flaps. METHODS: This retrospective study divided 193 cases of pterygium into the primary (140 cases) and recurrent (53 cases) pterygium groups. Following double-sliding conjunctival transposition flap operation and surgical excision of the pterygium, the success and recurrence rates of pterygial surgery were assessed based on visual acuity and corneal and total astigmatism during follow-up at least 6 months. RESULTS: Both primary and recurrent pterygium groups showed significant improvements in visual acuity and astigmatism (corneal and total) between before and after this procedure. Total astigmatism and success rate of primary pterygium were significantly better than those for recurrent pterygium. Two cases (1.4%) of primary pterygium and four cases (7.5%) of recurrent pterygium developed recurrence, corresponding to a rate of 3.1% (6/193 cases). The success rates significantly make a difference between primary and recurrent groups but did not differ significantly between the first recurrent and over twice recurrent pterygium. However, visual acuity, cornea, and total astigmatism improved significantly after surgery in first recurrent group but not in over twice recurrent group. CONCLUSION: The double-sliding conjunctival flaps surgery appeared to be a useful method, with a better success rate and lower pterygial recurrence in pterygium surgery. Especially, when pterygium is larger or recurrent type, this technique can be easily covered the bare sclera, as compared to any transposition conjunctival flap operation.

Antioxidant activity of ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes containing trans-cinnamaldehyde by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP.

This study was carried out to observed ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) inclusion complexes containing trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN) by using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay. Antioxidative ability was compared between pure CIN and ß-CD-CIN inclusion complexes and particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and temperature-dependent release of inclusion complexes were investigated. High concentration of ß-CD (1.8%) as well as guest oil 1:3 molar ratio (ß-CD:CIN) influenced on particle size bigger during self-assembly process. And particle sizes were increased as storage period. In the antioxidant capacity results, pure ß-CD (1.8%) was antioxidative without CIN especially at FRAP assay. Antioxidant activity dramatically increased after 1:1 molar ratio (1.8% ß-CD:CIN), especially at DPPH assay and ABTS•+ assay. In this study, ß-CD complexation enhanced CIN solubility and affected increase the antioxidant activity of the CIN. Moreover, we need to consider that molar ratio of between ß-CD concentration and CIN is effective manufacturing condition to improve antioxidant activity of ß-CD-CIN inclusion complexes.

Fabrication and characterization of double (W1/O/W2) emulsions loaded with bioactive peptide/polysaccharide complexes in the internal water (W1) phase for controllable release of bioactive peptide.

The objective of this study was to develop food-grade double emulsions containing bioactive peptide (BP)/polysaccharide (P) complexes and to investigate their thermal stability (e.g., BP release) at different temperatures. The BP/P complexes were formed via electrostatic interactions, and successfully encapsulated into the internal water phase of double emulsions with different oil phases. All emulsions clearly showed temperature dependence during storage. BP/P complex-loaded double emulsions showed higher thermal stability and lower release of encapsulated BP (45 °C: < 1%, 65 °C: < 30%) over time, which effectively prevented BP release within the emulsion system. For the effect of the oil phase, the BP released from double emulsions was in the order of MCT > coconut > canola oil. Thus, we concluded that BP release can be controlled in double emulsions by differently charged polysaccharides and oil types and that BP/P-loaded double emulsions can be utilized as functional ingredients for developing heat-sensitive food products.

Perioperative intraretinal fluid observed using optical coherence tomography in the epiretinal membrane.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative intraretinal fluid (IRF) is reportedly associated with visual outcomes after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. However, preoperative IRF is common, and persistent IRF would have different impact on visual function from postoperative newly developed IRF. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence rate and clinical implications of perioperative IRF in ERM. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent vitrectomy for idiopathic ERM between January 2014 and January 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence of IRF was analyzed using optical coherence tomography preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. On the basis of the presence or absence and the time of detection of IRF, patients were divided into three groups, namely preoperative IRF group, New IRF group, and IRF(-) group. Correlations of various parameters including age, sex, baseline visual acuity (VA), central subfield macular thickness, lens status, and surgical factors with IRF, along with the effect of IRF on VA, were evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 155 eyes from 155 patients. Thirty-six (23.2%) and 49 (31.6%) eyes demonstrated preoperative and newly developed IRF, respectively. Seventy eyes (45.2%), which did not exhibit IRF during the study period, were assigned to the IRF(-) group. At baseline, the IRF(-) group showed a better VA than the other two groups. Postoperatively, VA improved significantly in all three groups. There was no difference in VA between the IRF(-) and new IRF groups at 6 months; however, the preoperative IRF group had significantly lower VA than the other two groups. CONCLUSION: IRF associated with ERM was frequently observed preoperatively and postoperatively, but it did not prevent postoperative vision improvement. Preoperative IRF was related to lower postoperative vision improvement.

Collagen peptide-loaded W1/O single emulsions and W1/O/W2 double emulsions: influence of collagen peptide and salt concentration, dispersed phase fraction and type of hydrophilic emulsifier on droplet stability and encapsulation efficiency.

Bioactive peptides hold great promise as functional ingredients, but they are susceptible to hydrolysis (e.g., protease degradation) during digestion and under different physiological conditions in the human body. Thus, bioactive peptides must be encapsulated first to preserve their innate characteristics and to ensure delivery to an absorption site at the small intestine without biodegradation. The objective of this study was to formulate stable single emulsions of water in oil (W1/O) and double emulsions of water in oil in water (W1/O/W2) containing collagen peptide as core material. In this study, the influence of the following parameters was investigated: collagen peptide concentration (0-20%), salt (0% or 1% NaCl), hydrophilic emulsifiers for the outer water phase (Tween 80, lecithin, chitosan, pectin), and the use of different inner/outer water fractions (20-50% inner water, 50-80% outer water) on the droplet stability of the W1/O and W1/O/W2 emulsions during storage. In particular, the influence of the osmolytes was investigated to evaluate the change in osmotic balance and destabilization of the W1/O/W2 emulsion system as the encapsulated peptide was also osmotically active. Tween 80-stabilized W1/O/W2 emulsions showed the best droplet stability without phase separation (d90,3 = 36.6 µm) and the highest collagen peptide retention (encapsulation efficiency > 90%). During prolonged storage, collagen peptides were released from the W1/O/W2 emulsion system without significant droplet size changes, possibly due to diffusion of the collagen peptide from the inner to the outer water phase. Therefore, our findings can be utilized for preparing stable functional foods or cosmetic products from W1/O/W2 emulsions containing bioactive ingredients.

Studies on the Anti-Oxidative Function of trans-Cinnamaldehyde-Included ß-Cyclodextrin Complex.

trans-Cinnamaldehyde (tCIN), an active compound found in cinnamon, is well known for its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) oligomer has been used for a variety of applications in nanotechnology, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Here, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tCIN self-included in ß-CD complexes (CIs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with increasing concentrations of ß-CD, tCIN, or CIs for different times. ß-CD alone did not affect the production of nitric oxide (NO) or reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, both tCIN and CI significantly reduced NO and ROS production. Thus, CIs may have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, similar to those of tCIN when used alone.

Production of low molecular collagen peptides-loaded liposomes using different charged lipids.

To encapsulate water soluble collagen peptides, liposomes loaded with peptides were assembled using a combination of thin film hydration and ultrasonication emulsification techniques. The influence of lipid charge, duration and power of ultrasonication, and collagen peptide concentration were evaluated. Layered liposomes loaded with collagen peptides, charged lipids, chitosan (+) or low-methoxyl pectin (-) were produced using the layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition method. For the liposomes loaded with collagen peptides, the most efficient and dependable manufacturing method was variation of the ultrasonication duration, which was capable of producing smaller sizes (through increasing ultrasonication duration) and liposomes loaded with peptides with >60% encapsulation efficiency. For layered liposomes loaded with collagen peptides, charged lipids were determined to be more effective in the production of smaller liposomes than charged biopolymers. In addition, layered and non-layered liposomes loaded with peptides with a particle size <100nm were physically stable during storage, regardless of storage temperature and time.

Changes in Quality Characteristics of Pork Patties Containing Multilayered Fish Oil Emulsion during Refrigerated Storage.

This study was performed to determine the effect of multilayered fish oil (FO) emulsion without or with trans-cinnamaldehyde on pork patties. Multilayered FO (-primary, -secondary, -tertiary) emulsions were prepared using a layer-by-layer deposition technique with Tween 20, chitosan, and low methoxyl pectin, and were added to pork patties at the same concentration. Pork patties were then stored for 20 d in a refrigerator (5℃) to study changes in quality. The results showed that the pH value of all samples significantly decreased but cooking loss increased during storage (p<0.05). However, water-holding capacity and moisture content showed no remarkable difference between treatments and storage periods (p>0.05). All pork patties containing multilayered FO (treated samples) showed higher values for lightness and significantly lower values for yellowness compared to control pork patties (untreated sample). Lipid oxidation was higher in treated pork patties than in control pork patties during storage. In addition, lipid oxidation and total viable bacterial count in pork patties decreased as the number of coating layers increased. However, hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness of all samples showed no significant change during storage (p>0.05) as compared to fresh pork patties. Furthermore, these did not remarkable change with addition of trans-cinnamaldehyde in all pork patties. From our results, we suggest that FO emulsion did not affect the texture characteristics of fresh pork patties, indicating that it could be used to improve the quality of pork patties by contributing high-quality fat such as unsaturated fatty acids.

Effect of NaCl Concentration on the Emulsifying Properties of Myofibrilla Protein in the Soybean Oil and Fish Oil Emulsion.

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of NaCl concentration on the emulsifying and rheological properties of porcine myofibrillar protein (MF)-stabilized soybean oil and fish oil emulsion (SO-EMs and FO-EMs). Emulsions (EMs) were prepared from 1% MF with 10% SO or FO at various NaCl concentration (0-0.5 M). The emulsifying ability index (EAI) of the EMs increased with increasing NaCl concentration for both oil types. Conversely, increasing NaCl manifested decrease in the emulsion stability index (ESI). In addition, creaming index (CI) also increased with NaCl concentration. From the microscopic observation, droplets of the EMs were more aggregated at relatively higher NaCl concentrations, especially for FO-EMs. All EMs had a gel-like structure owing to G' > G" from the rheological analysis. Comparing the oil types, the emulsifying capacity of SO-EMs was more stable than that of FO-EMs at all NaCl concentrations as determined from the CI value and microscopic observation. Therefore, it can be concluded that SO-EMs and FO-EMs are more stable at relatively lower concentrations of NaCl. In addition, the dispersed stability of SO-EMs was better than that of FO-EMs at the same concentration of NaCl.