Long-term effects of lateral nasal wall anchored facemasks compared with tooth-borne facemasks.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the long-term effect and stability of skeletally anchored facemasks (SAFMs) with lateral nasal wall anchorage compared with conventional tooth-borne facemasks (TBFMs) in growing patients with a Class III relationship. METHODS: A total of 180 subjects treated with SAFMs (n = 66) and TBFMs (n = 114) were screened. Thirty-four subjects were qualified and grouped into the SAFM group (n = 17) and TBFM group (n = 17). Lateral cephalograms were taken at the initial observation, after the protraction, and at the final observation. RESULTS: Greater advancement of the maxilla was attained with SAFM than with TBFM after protraction (initial observation - after the protraction) (P <0.05). In particular, advancement of the midfacial area (SN-Or) was prominent and maintained after the postpubertal stage (P <0.05). The intermaxillary relationship was also improved (ANB, AB-MP) (P <0.05), and greater counterclockwise rotation of the palatal plane (FH-PP) was observed in the SAFM group compared with the TBFM group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with TBFM, the orthopedic effects of SAFM were greater in the midfacial area. The palatal plane had a greater counterclockwise rotation in the SAFM group than in the TBFM group. Maxilla (SN-Or), intermaxillary relationship (APDI), and palatal plane angle (FH-PP) demonstrated a significant difference between the 2 groups after the postpubertal stage.

A comparative evaluation of midfacial soft tissue and nasal bone changes with two maxillary protraction protocols: Tooth-borne vs skeletal-anchored facemasks.

OBJECTIVES: Greater advancement of the maxilla can be achieved with skeletal-anchored facemasks (SAFM) using miniplates than with conventional tooth-borne facemasks (TBFM). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of TBFM and SAFM on midfacial soft tissue and nasal bone up to two years after treatment. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Sixty-seven growing patients with Class III malocclusions were treated with facemasks. They were divided into a SAFM group with 31 subjects (average age 11.1 years) and a TBFM group with 36 subjects (average age 11.0 years). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalometric analysis was conducted using linear and angular midfacial measurements. Lateral cephalograms were taken initially (T0), after treatment (T1) and at two years post-treatment (T2). Significance was assessed between the two groups. RESULTS: Comparing changes in the midfacial area between the SAFM and TBFM groups during the traction period (T0-T1), angular measurements such as SNOr (1.34°), nasolabial angle (4.20°), nasal angles 1 and 2 (1.23°, 2.14°) and linear measurements such as Prn, Sn, A' distance (approximately 2 mm) increased significantly more in the SAFM group. Over the entire treatment period (T0-T2), the changes in SNOr (1.33°), nasolabial angle (6.54°), nasal angles 1 and 2 (1.45°, 2.99°) and Prn, Sn, A' distance (approximately 2 mm) remained significant (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of growing patients with Class III malocclusions with maxillary deficiency, it was possible to achieve significantly greater advancement in the midfacial area with SAFM treatment than with TBFM treatment. This significant difference was well maintained at two years post-treatment.

Comparison of skeletal anchorage and tooth-borne maxillary protraction followed by fixed appliance in Class III malocclusion.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of skeletal anchorage (SAMP) and tooth- borne (TBMP) maxillary protraction followed by fixed appliance in growing skeletal Class III patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with maxillary protraction were selected and classified into two groups (SAMP: n = 19, mean age = 11.19 years; TBMP: n = 27, mean age = 11.21 years). Lateral cephalograms taken before treatment (T0), after the maxillary protraction (T1), and after the fixed appliance treatment (T2) were analysed and all variables were statistically tested to find difference between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the TBMP, the SAMP showed significant forward growth of maxilla (Co-A point and SN-Orbitale) and improvement in intermaxillary relationship (ANB, AB to mandible plane, and APDI) after the overall treatment (T0-T2), with no significant sagittal changes in maxilla or mandible throughout the fixed appliance treatment (T1-T2). LIMITATIONS: In maxillary protraction, effects of skeletal anchorage were retrospectively compared with those of dental anchorage, not with Class I or III control. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: After maxillary protraction, skeletal and tooth-borne anchorage did not cause significant differences in the residual growth of maxilla throughout the phase II treatment. Orthopaedic effects with skeletal anchorage showed appropriate stability in maxilla and intermaxillary relationship even after fixed appliance treatment.

Reliability and validity of mandibular posterior vertical asymmetry index in panoramic radiography compared with cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this study were to compare the asymmetry index using panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography for detecting mandibular posterior asymmetry and to evaluate the diagnostic value of the asymmetry index on panoramic radiography. METHODS: A total of 43 patients were included in this study. Ten mandibular posterior distances were measured using panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography, and 10 asymmetry index values were calculated. The reliability of each asymmetry index was assessed. For evaluating validity of each asymmetry index using panoramic radiography, the paired t test and the Bland-Altman analysis were used. The accuracy of the asymmetry index and the area under the curve of receiver operator characteristic were calculated. RESULTS: The asymmetry index of total ramal height showed good reliability (ICC, >0.888). In condylar height 1, specificity and negative predictive value were low (0.08 and 0.17, respectively), 95% limits of agreement were ±17.9%, and area under the curve was 0.484. In total, ramal height accuracy was 0.86, and areas under the curve were 0.926 to 0.957. CONCLUSIONS: For detecting asymmetry of the condyle region, the asymmetry index using panoramic radiography had little diagnostic value, and we recommend using cone-beam computed tomography images. However, the asymmetry index for total ramal height showed good reliability and relatively higher validity, and its diagnostic value was excellent.

Cervical vertebrae maturation, dentoalveolar, head postural and respiratory parameters in predicting the stable outcome of face-mask treatment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To select predictors related to cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM), dentoalveolar adaptation, head posture, and respiration on outcome of face-mask treatment. MATERIALS/METHODS: Forty-six patients (24 boys and 22 girls) with skeletal Class III pattern whose CVM stages ranged from I to IV at pretreatment were selected. The observation period was 2.87 ± 1.77 years from the end of treatment. Negative overjet and overbite was regarded as unstable. CVM, 10 skeletal variables, 6 dental adaptation variables, 4 alveolar housing variables, an airway variable, and 2 head posture variables were chosen for discriminant analysis of initial characteristics between stable and unstable groups. RESULTS: Measurements exhibiting strong correlations were distance from lower incisor to Nasion, B point (NB), Frankfort horizontal plane to Mandibular incisor Angle (FMIA), incisor overbite, body to anterior cranial base. LIMITATIONS: We missed muscle-related variables, which cannot be identified in a cephalogram. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Presence of non-skeletal cephalometric factors more closely associated with stability of face-mask treatment rather than skeletal cephalometric factors at the initial stage are confirmed.

Willingness to reduce alcohol consumption predicted by short-form video exposure, media involvement, psychological bias, and cognitive factor.

Introduction: Through previous studies, Chinese college students are known to be prone to alcohol consumption, which can lead to health-risk behaviors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. However, little is known about how popular social media platforms (e.g., short-form video applications) can positively impact their willingness to reduce alcohol consumption. This study was guided by the theory of optimistic bias; we investigated the direct, mediated, and moderating effects of exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos and short-form video involvement on Chinese college students' willingness to reduce their alcohol consumption. Methods: The current study has an empirical cross-sectional design and employed an online survey from September 1st, 2022, to November 1st, 2022. The survey specifically targeted Chinese college students, who are the most common users of short-form video applications. The accumulated data underwent rigorous examination, including hierarchical regression, mediation, and moderation analyses, all conducted using the PROCESS macro 4.0 within SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 434 participants, aged 18-24 years, were included in this study. There were mediating effects regarding Chinese college students' exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos (ß = 0.35, p < 0.01, 95% CI [0.17, 0.63]) and short-form video involvement (ß = 0.44, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.20, 0.65]) on their willingness to reduce alcohol consumption via reversed optimistic bias. Moreover, perceived prevention of heavy drinking control (ß = 0.05, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.01, 0.09]) played mediating roles in the relationship between exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos and willingness to reduce alcohol consumption. Conclusion: This study is one of the earliest studies to examine the intricate effects of exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos and short-form video involvement on the willingness to reduce alcohol consumption among Chinese college students. In addition, this study confirms that regardless of whether Chinese college students are conscientious, exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos did not increase their level of reversed optimistic bias. The empirical findings of this study are critical and can provide practical insights for Chinese health departments that encourage Chinese college students to minimize alcohol consumption.

Thermal characteristics of crystalline and amorphous 2'-fucosyllactose, a human milk oligosaccharide.

The thermal characteristics of crystalline and amorphous forms of a human milk oligosaccharide, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, and compared with the two forms of α-lactose monohydrate. Crystalline 2'-FL (87.48% crystallinity according to X-ray diffraction) showed dehydration at 143.4 °C (close to lactose) and melting at 230.6 °C (the same as ß-lactose crystal). Amorphous 2'-FL showed glass transition at 127.6 °C and crystallisation at 192.8 °C, which were much higher than the corresponding temperatures for amorphous lactose. 2'-FL showed thermal decomposition at temperatures about 10 °C higher (210-212 °C) than lactose, indicating the higher thermal stability of 2'-FL. Amorphous 2'-FL showed sharp decreases in glass transition (127.6 °C to 36.5 °C) and crystallisation (192.8 °C to 103.4 °C) temperatures with increasing water activity (aw) from 0 to 0.53, above which no glass transition or crystallisation was observed.

Exposure to Healthy Weight Information on Short-Form Video Applications to Acquire Healthy Weight-Control Behaviors: A Serial Mediation Model.

This study explored the effects of Chinese college students' (20-34 years old) exposure to healthy weight information on short-form video applications on their intention to acquire healthy weight-control behaviors (reducing high-fat diet intake, accessing physical activity to control body weight, etc.). Specifically, this study investigated the direct and mediated effect on such a relationship via healthy weight awareness, the first-person effect, and perceived herd. The data were collected using a web-based survey and thoroughly tested questionnaire with a sample of 380 Chinese college students. Hierarchical regression, parallel mediation, and serial mediation analysis were applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that healthy weight awareness, first-person effect, and perceived herd all played mediator roles that induced the relationship between Chinese college students' exposure to healthy weight information and their intention to acquire healthy weight-control behaviors. In addition, healthy weight awareness and the first-person effect sequentially mediated this relationship.

Perceived Information Overload and Intention to Discontinue Use of Short-Form Video: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive and Psychological Factors.

The current study investigated the effects of Chinese young adult users' perceived information overload (i.e., the daily perception of exposure to excessive information) on their intention to stop using short-form video applications. Specifically, this study accomplished this by measuring the direct and indirect effects of social media fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction in relation to users' intention to discontinue their use of short-form video applications. The data were collected using a web-based survey and validated questionnaire, with a sample of 340 young adult (18-26 years old) respondents. The results indicated that perceived information overload had a direct effect on the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications. Moreover, short-form video fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction all played mediating roles in the relationship between perceived information overload and the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications among young adults in China.

The effect of social media environmental information exposure on the intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior.

With the threat of global warming, countries worldwide have enhanced their environmental campaigns on social media to increase users' willingness to take pro-environmental actions. In this study, we examined the direct and indirect effects of exposure to environmental information on Chinese young adults' (18-25 years old) intention to participate in environmental protection actions (e.g., recycling, using public transportation, involvement in an environmental group, and participation in eco-friendly events). Data were collected from a sample of 291 Chinese young adults using a web-based survey and a thoroughly designed questionnaire. The accumulated data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Hierarchical regression and mediation analysis were performed for testing hypotheses. The results indicated that exposure to environmental information on Chinese social media platforms (WeChat and Xiaohongshu) positively affected individuals' intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior, perceived pro-environmental behavior control, pro-environmental attitude, and fear of victimization. The indirect effect demonstrated that pro-environmental behavior control and attitude mediated the relationship between exposure to environmental information on both WeChat and Xiaohongshu and the intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior. Extending the existing literature, this study provides empirical evidence on the influence of environmental information exposure on the intention to participate in environmental protection among Chinese adults. In addition, it provides valuable insights into the mediating mechanisms involving cognitive, psychological, and emotional factors in this relationship. Policy makers should implement effective pro-environmental promotions on social media to inspire individuals to engage in environmentally friendly actions. In addition, social media managers should strictly authenticate and remove misleading environmental content.

Internal marketing analysis for improving the internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation of employees in private-owned sports center.

With the concept of "healthy lifestyle" deeply rooted in people's minds, the sports service industry is thriving, which has resulted in intense competition. The sports service industry must improve its service quality to be competitive. Customer orientation is the key factor for enterprises to gain competitive advantage. With the in-depth understanding of internal marketing in the service industry. Managers have realized that treating employees as internal consumer is a good way to improve their satisfaction and gain customer orientation. However, what internal marketing strategies will have a positive effect on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation of private-owned sports center employees are still unclear. In this investigation, a total of 326 employees from the private-owned sports center were used to investigate the effects of internal marketing strategies on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. All employees were asked to complete a questionnaire on 5-point scale. A path model was used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of hypothetical measurements on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. The findings suggested that internal communication, administrative support, and educational training were important factors affecting internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. We concluded that the implementation of internal marketing strategies could improve internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation, and higher levels of internal consumer satisfaction will encourage employees to have higher degrees of customer orientation. Therefore, the implementation of internal marketing strategy was beneficial to the development of private-owned sports centers.

High-Shear Granulation of Hygroscopic Probiotic-Encapsulated Skim Milk Powder: Effects of Moisture-Activation and Resistant Maltodextrin.

A fine, hygroscopic, and poorly flowable probiotic powder encapsulating Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) was granulated using a high-shear granulation process, wherein a small amount of water (4%, w/w) was used for moisture-activation with or without 10% (w/w) resistant maltodextrin (RM). The process consisted of four steps; premixing, agglomeration, moisture absorption, and drying steps. The moisture content, water activity, and viable cell count were monitored during the granulation. The size, morphology, and flowability of the granules were determined. The powder was successfully converted to about 10-times-larger granules (mass mean diameter = 162-204 µm) by this process, and the granules had a 'snowball' morphology. The LGG cells were well preserved under the high-shear granulation conditions, and the viable cell count of the granules greatly exceeded the minimum therapeutic level recommended for probiotic powders. The addition of RM decreased the moisture content of the granules; improved cell resistance to drying stress; narrowed the particle size distribution, with reductions seen in both very fine and very large particles; and produced more flowable granules. Moisture sorption analysis and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that these positive effects of RM on granulation were primarily attributed to its water distribution ability rather than its glass transition-related binding ability.

Skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of different types of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion.

Objective: To evaluate the following null hypothesis: the skeletal and dentoalveolar expansion patterns in the coronal and axial planes are not different with two different types of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) systems. Methods: Pretreatment (T0) and post-MARPE (T1) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 32 patients (14 males and 18 females; mean age, 19.37) were analyzed. We compared two different MARPE systems. One MARPE system included the maxillary first premolars, maxillary first molars, and four microimplants as anchors (U46 type, n = 16), while the other included only the maxillary first molars and microimplants as anchors (U6 type, n = 16). Results: In the molar region of the U6 and U46 groups, the transverse expansion at the midnasal, basal, alveolar, and dental levels was 2.64, 3.52, 4.46, and 6.32 mm and 2.17, 2.56, 2.73, and 5.71 mm, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the posterior alveolar-level expansion (p = 0.036) and posterior basal-bone-level expansion (p = 0.043) between the groups, with greater posterior skeletal and alveolar expansion in the U6 group. Conclusions: Compared with the U46 group, the U6 group showed greater posterior expansion at the alveolar and basal-bone levels, with an almost parallel split. Both groups showed a pyramidal expansion pattern in the coronal view.

Optimization and release characteristics of catechin-loaded calcium pectinate beads by internal gelation.

The aim of this study was to optimize the composition of catechin-loaded calcium pectinate gel (CPG) beads formed using internal gelation and to evaluate the sustained-release behavior of catechin. The pectin concentration, catechin-to-pectin ratio, and calcium carbonate-to-pectin ratio were optimized for the sustained catechin release (2.89, 28.92, and 32.79%, respectively). The catechin release profiles were analyzed using the simple enzyme kinetic-like semi empirical model newly proposed in this study. The actual release rate was found to be the fastest in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), followed by the simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and the pH 4.5 buffer, whereas the thermodynamic equilibrium was achieved fastest in the pH 4.5 buffer, followed by SGF and SIF. Glutaraldehyde treatment suppressed catechin release in all tested media. These results suggest that internally gelled CPG beads are suitable for catechin delivery, and crosslinkers, such as glutaraldehyde, can effectively sustain their release.

Variation in adhesion of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in saliva-derived biofilms on raw materials of orthodontic brackets.

Objective: To evaluate differences in the adhesion levels of the most common oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis , in human saliva-derived microcosm biofilms with respect to time and raw materials of orthodontic brackets. Methods: The samples were classified into three groups of bracket materials: 1) monocrystalline alumina ceramic (CR), 2) stainless steel metal (SS), and 3) polycarbonate plastic (PL), and a hydroxyapatite (HA) group was used to mimic the enamel surface. Saliva was collected from a healthy donor, and saliva-derived biofilms were grown on each sample. A real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantitatively evaluate differences in the attachment levels of total bacteria, S. mutans and P. gingivalis at days 1 and 4. Results: Adhesion of S. mutans and P. gingivalis to CR and HA was higher than the other bracket materials (SS = PL < CR = HA). Total bacteria demonstrated higher adhesion to HA than to bracket materials, but no significant differences in adhesion were observed among the bracket materials (CR = SS = PL < HA). From days 1 to 4, the adhesion of P. gingivalis decreased, while that of S. mutans and total bacteria increased, regardless of material type. Conclusions: The higher adhesion of oral pathogens, such as S. mutans and P. gingivalis to CR suggests that the use of CR brackets possibly facilitates gingival inflammation and enamel decalcification during orthodontic treatment.

Developing a Scale Using Item Response Theory of the Self-Resilience in Taekwondo Players.

The purpose of this study was to identify the ego-resiliency of Taekwondo athletes and to develop a scale measuring such skills. We collected preliminary data using an open-ended online survey targeting Taekwondo athletes from nine countries (South Korea, China, Malaysia, United States, Spain, France, Brazil, United Kingdom, and Taiwan) who participated in international competitions between 2019 and 2020. We extracted participants' ego-resiliency from 48 survey responses, guided by expert meetings and a thorough literature review. We verified our Taekwondo ego-resiliency scale's construct validity using 741 survey responses. We utilized V coefficients, parallel analysis, an exploratory structural equation model, maximum likelihood, confirmatory factor analysis, and multi-group confirmatory factor analysis for data analysis. We identified four core ego-resiliency types: "empathy," "coach support," "care," and "parent support/effort". Our final measure, which demonstrated evidence of reliability and validity, comprises 18 items spanning 4 factors, with each item rated on a 3-point Likert scale.

Tyrosinase inhibition by water and ethanol extracts of a far eastern sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus.

BACKGROUND: Tyrosinase plays a key role in hyperpigmentaion and enzymatic browning. The present study was aimed at investigating the inhibitory effects of water and 70% aqueous ethanol extracts of Stichopus japonicus, a sea cucumber long consumed as a tonic food and traditional medicine, on the diphenolase activity of tyrosinase. RESULTS: In the tyrosinase inhibition study, high-performance liquid chromatography completely separated L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and dopachrome from other compounds present in the extracts, and provided more reliable results than the commonly used spectrophotometry. The ethanol extract (IC(50)=0.49-0.61 mg mL(-1)) showed higher inhibitory activity than the water extract (IC(50)=1.80-1.99 mg mL(-1)). Enzyme inhibition by the extracts was reversible and of mixed type. For both extracts, the dissociation constants for binding to free enzyme were significantly smaller than those for binding to enzyme-substrate complex. Ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (IC(50)=0.19 mg mL(-1)), isolated for the first time from sea cucumber, and adenosine (IC(50)=0.13 mg mL(-1)), were identified as key tyrosinase inhibitors. CONCLUSION: The sea cucumber extracts were demonstrated to possess considerable inhibitory potency against the diphenolase activity of tyrosinase, suggesting that the sea cucumber may be a good source of safe and effective tyrosinase inhibitors.

Relationship between rotational disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint and the dentoskeletal morphology.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between rotational disk displacement (DD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the dentoskeletal morphology. METHODS: Women aged > 17 years were included in this study. Each subject had a primary complaint of malocclusion and underwent routine cephalometric examinations. They were divided into five groups according to the findings on sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance images of their TMJs: bilateral normal disk position, bilateral anterior DD with reduction (ADDR), bilateral rotational DD with reduction (RDDR), bilateral anterior DD without reduction (ADDNR), and bilateral rotational DD without reduction (RDDNR). Twenty-three cephalometric variables were analyzed, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate differences in the dentoskeletal morphology among the five groups. RESULTS: Patients with TMJ DD exhibited a hyperdivergent pattern with a retrognathic mandible, unlike those with a normal disk position. These specific skeletal characteristics were more severe in patients exhibiting DD without reduction than in those with reduction, regardless of the presence of rotational DD. Rotational DD significantly influenced horizontal and vertical skeletal patterns only in the stage of DD with reduction, and the mandible exhibited a more backward position and rotation in patients with RDDR than in those with ADDR. However, there were no significant dentoskeletal differences between ADDNR and RDDNR. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that rotational DD of TMJ plays an important role in the dentoskeletal morphology, particularly in patients showing DD with reduction.

Fluidized-Bed Granulation of Probiotics-Encapsulated Spray-Dried Skim Milk Powder: Effects of a Fluidizing Aid, Moisture-Activation and Dehydration.

A probiotic powder of poor flowability with high dust content, prepared by spray drying reconstituted skim milk fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), was granulated by fluidized-bed granulation (FBG). The effects of the addition of skim milk powder (SMP) as a fluidizing aid, and of simple moisture-activation with or without dehydration, were investigated with respect to the performance of the FBG process. A fine, poorly fluidizable LGG powder (Geldart Group C) could be fluidized and granulated, with a 4- to 5-fold increase in particle size (d4,3 = 96-141 µm), by mixing with SMP (30-50%), which has larger, fluidizable particles belonging to Geldart Group A. Moisture-activation after the mixing, followed by fluidized-bed dehydration with hot air to remove excess moisture, further improved the FBG; the yield of the granules increased from 42% to 61% and the particle size distribution became much narrower, although the average particle size remained almost the same (d4,3 = 142 µm). These granules showed a popcorn-type structure in scanning electron microscopy images and encapsulated a sufficient level of viable LGG cells (1.6 × 108 CFU g-1). These granules also exhibited much better flowability and dispersibility than the spray-dried LGG powder.

Complete genome sequence of Paenibacillus xylanexedens PAMC 22703, a xylan-degrading bacterium.

Paenibacillus is widely distributed in various environments and has the potential for use as a biotechnological agent in industrial processes. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the marine bacterium, Paenibacillus xylanexedens PAMC 22703, which utilizes xylan. The P. xylanexedens PAMC 22703 strain was isolated from marine sediments. P. xylanexedens PAMC 22703 utilizes xylan as a carbon source to grow. The genome sequence clarified that this strain possesses genes for utilizing xylan. The complete genome sequence contained one chromosome (7,053,622 bp with 46.0% GC content) and one plasmid (44,617 bp with 44.1% C + G content). The genome harbored genes that fully deploy the xylan assimilation pathway. The complete genome sequence of P. xylanexedens PAMC 22703 would prove useful in acquiring information for its application with xylan in various industries.