Characterization of Cold-Tolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cheongdo Using Phenotype Microarray.

The cold-tolerant yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is industrially useful for lager fermentation, high-quality wine, and frozen dough production. S. cerevisiae Cheongdo is a recent isolate from frozen peach samples which has a good fermentation performance at low temperatures and desirable flavor profiles. Here, phenotype microarray was used to investigate industrial potentials of S. cerevisiae Cheongdo using 192 carbon sources. Compared to commercial wine yeast S. cerevisiae EC1118, Cheongdo showed significantly different growth rates on 34 substrates. The principal component analysis of the results highlighted that the better growth of Cheongdo on galactose than on EC1118 was the most significant difference between the two strains. The intact GAL4 gene and the galactose fermentation performance at a low temperatures suggested that S. cerevisiae Cheongdo is a promising host for industrial fermentation rich in galactose, such as lactose and agarose.

Practice of parenteral nutrition in hospitalized adult patients in Korea: A retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study.

There have been no studies on the characteristics of parenteral nutrition (PN) supply for adult inpatients in South Korea. The aim of this retrospective multicenter cross sectional study was to investigate the current practice and characteristics of PN support in hospitalized adult patients in South Korea for the first time. This study was conducted retrospectively for the adult patients who were hospitalized and received PN in nine hospitals on August 1st, 2017 to October 30th, 2017. We evaluated the type of PN formulation, PN administration period, administration route, calories supplied, amount of protein supplied, and laboratory results. Among the 11,580 inpatient admissions on that day, 1,439 patients received PN (12.4%). The majority of enrolled patients (96.5%) used the commercial PN, of which 86.2% were multi-chamber. 71.2% of them received PN peripherally. The average in hospital PN duration was 17.8 ± 52.6 days. Patients received only 65.4 ± 25.4% calories of their target calories. The in-hospital mortality of enrolled patients was 22%. In South Korea, commercial PN was usually administered to hospitalized adult patients and in-hospital mortality in adult patients using PN was higher in South Korea compared to other countries. This study provides the characteristics and the PN support status of hospitalized adult patients receiving PN in South Korea.

Effect of chlorine dioxide in reduction of harmful microbes on fermented hot pepper paste.

In this study, the in vitro effects of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in growth reduction against Candia glaebosa, Zygosaccharomyces bisporus, Saccharomycopsis capsularis and Pichia pastoris involving in deterioration of fermented hot pepper paste were studied to assess the applicability of chlorine dioxide to preparation of fermented hot pepper paste, and the concentration of ClO2 required for destruction of harmful microorganisms through the fumigation of fermented hot pepper paste was evaluated. ClO2 was treated by using ClO2 generator for 15 min. C. glaebosa, Z. bisporus and S. capsularis were reduced by ClO2 concentration dependent and not detected by ClO2 over 10 ppmV, whereas the P. pastoris was significantly perished by the treatment of ClO2 over 30 ppmV. We suggest that the ClO2 fumigation in stages of the preparation, disintegration, and fermentation of the paste made of fermented hot pepper might be useful for control of harmful microbes therein.

Me-too validation study for in vitro eye irritation test with 3D-reconstructed human cornea epithelium, MCTT HCETM.

The need for in vitro eye irritation test replacing in vivo is steadily increasing. The MCTT HCE™ eye irritation test (EIT) using 3D reconstructed human cornea-like epithelium, was developed to identify ocular irritants from non-irritants those that are not requiring classification and labelling for eye irritation. Here, we report the results of me-too validation study, which was conducted to evaluate the reliability and relevance of the MCTT HCETM EIT, according to performance standards (PS) of OECD TG 492. The optimal cutoff to determine irritation in the prediction model was preliminarily established at 45% with the receiver operation characteristics (ROC) curve for 141 reference substances. To demonstrate the reproducibility of within- and between-laboratory (WLR and BLR), a set of 30 PS reference chemicals were tested in three laboratories three times. The WLR and BLR concordance with the binary decision of whether non-irritant or irritant was estimated to be 90-100% and 90%, respectively, and both met the PS requirements. The predictive capacity of the respective laboratories for the 30 reference chemicals were evaluated based on three different estimation methods, and the results were comparable, with sensitivity ranging from 89.6 to 93.3%, the specificity ranging from 62.2 to 66.7%, and the accuracy ranging from 75.9 to 80.0%. Additional test with the new set of 30 PS substances in the revised OECD GD 216 yielded a performance of sensitivity ranging from 92.6-93.3%, the specificity 62.2-66.7% and the accuracy 77.4-80.0%. 95.0% sensitivity, 67.2% specificity, and 83.0% accuracy were obtained for 141 reference substances in total. Furthermore, separate cutoffs for liquids and solids, 35% and 60%, respectively, produced better predictivity, which was established as a final prediction model. Collectively, our study demonstrated that MCTT HCETM EIT meets the reproducibility and predictivity criteria stated in OECD TG 492 PS.

A predictive model of health outcomes for young people with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop and test a hypothetical model to predict health outcomes in young people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Data were collected from 190 adults aged 23-45 with type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited the endocrinology outpatient department of the two university hospitals in South Korea from November 2, 2012 to March 7, 2013. Data collection used the structured questionnaires and patient medical records. The descriptive and correlation statistics were analyzed using PASW 18.0 and structural equation modeling procedure was performed using the AMOS 18.0 program. RESULTS: The fit of the hypothetical model was appropriate with the ratio of the chi-square statistic to degrees of freedom at 17.00, goodness-of-fit index at .975, adjusted goodness-of-fit index at .930, root mean square error of approximation at .061, normed fit index at .926, Turker-Lewis index at .929, comparative fit index at .966. Behavioral skills were a critical factor that directly affects self-management behaviors. Through behavioral skills, motivation had a statistically significant indirect effect on self-management behavior. Self-management behavior had a statistically significant direct effect on health outcome. Through self-management behavior, behavioral skills had a statistically significant indirect effect on health outcome. These variables explained 17.9% of the total variance for the health outcome in young people with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that self-management behavior could be improved through nursing interventions promoting personal motivation (positive attitude), social motivation (social support), and behavioral skills (self efficacy), which can result in better health outcomes for young people with type 2 diabetes.

Inhibitory effect of glycolic acid on ultraviolet B-induced c-fos expression, AP-1 activation and p53-p21 response in a human keratinocyte cell line.

Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from fruit and milk sugars, has been commonly used as a cosmetic ingredient since it was known to have photo-protective and anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-oxidant effect in UV-irradiated skin. However, little has been known about the functional role of glycolic acid on UV-induced skin tumorigenesis. We previously found that glycolic acid inhibited UV-induced skin tumor development in hairless mouse. In this study we investigated anti-tumor promoting mechanism of glycolic acid on the UV-induced skin tumor development. The ability of glycolic acid to inhibit the UVB-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes (p53 and p21) was examined. We also investigated whether glycolic acid could inhibit UVB-induced alternation of cell cycle, c-fos expression and activation of transcription factor AP-1 in cultured immortalized human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Glycolic acid treatment attenuated the UVB-induced cell cytotoxicity as well as apoptosis. Glycolic acid also inhibited the UVB-induced expression of c-fos and the activation of transcription factor AP-1, and inhibited mRNA levels of apoptosis-regulatory gene (p53 and p21). These results suggest that glycolic acid may exert the inhibitory effect on the UVB-induced skin tumor development by blocking the UVB-induced of apoptosis and cytotoxicity through inhibition of c-fos expression and activation of AP-1 in addition to the inhibition of p53-p2l response pathway.

Inhibitory effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist on ochratoxin A-induced cytotoxicity and activation of transcription factors in cultured rat embryonic midbrain cells.

The effects of 15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15-deoxy PGJ2) on ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced neurotoxicity and on the activation of transcription factors activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) were investigated in cultured rat embryonic midbrain cells. Twelve-day rat embryo midbrain cells were cultured for 48 h. OTA (0.5 or 1 microg/ml) and/or 1.5-deoxy PGJ2 (0.5 microM) were then added for 48 h. Cell number and neurite outgrowth were determined to assess the neurotoxicity of OTA. AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation was determined by gel mobility shift assay after 3 h of exposure to OTA and/or 15-deoxy PGI2. OTA caused concentration-dependent reductions in neurite outgrowth and cell number, and induced AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation. Cotreatment with 15-deoxy PGJ2 (0..5 microM) blocked OTA-induced decrease in neurite outgrowth and cell number and inhibited AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation. 15-Deoxy PGJ2 (0.5 microM) caused the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) in the cells. Results show that 1.5-deoxy PGJ2 blocked OTA-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation in cultured rat embryonic midbrain cells.

Experimental parameterisation of principal physics in buoyancy variations of marine teleost eggs.

It is generally accepted that the high buoyancy of pelagic marine eggs is due to substantial influx of water across the cell membrane just before ovulation. Here we further develop the theoretical basis by applying laboratory observations of the various components of the fertilized egg in first-principle equations for egg specific gravity (ρ(egg)) followed by statistical validation. We selected Atlantic cod as a model animal due to the affluent amount of literature on this species, but also undertook additional dedicated experimental works. We found that specific gravity of yolk plus embryo is central in influencing ρ(egg) and thereby the buoyancy. However, our established framework documents the effect on ρ(egg) of the initial deposition of the heavy chorion material in the gonad prior to spawning. Thereafter, we describe the temporal changes in ρ(egg) during incubation: Generally, the eggs showed a slight rise in ρ(egg) from fertilization to mid-gastrulation followed by a gradual decrease until full development of main embryonic organs just before hatching. Ontogenetic changes in ρ(egg) were significantly associated with volume and mass changes of yolk plus embryo. The initial ρ(egg) at fertilization appeared significantly influenced by the chorion volume fraction which is determined by the combination of the final chorion volume of the oocyte and of the degree of swelling (hydrolyzation) prior to spawning. The outlined principles and algorithms are universal in nature and should therefore be applicable to fish eggs in general.

Egg buoyancy variability in local populations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

Previous studies have found strong evidences for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) egg retention in fjords, which are caused by the combination of vertical salinity structure, estuarine circulation, and egg specific gravity, supporting small-scaled geographical differentiations of local populations. Here, we assess the variability in egg specific gravity for selected local populations of this species, that is, two fjord-spawning populations and one coastal-spawning population from Northern Norway (66-71°N/10-25°E). Eggs were naturally spawned by raised broodstocks (March to April 2009), and egg specific gravity was measured by a density-gradient column. The phenotype of egg specific gravity was similar among the three local populations. However, the associated variability was greater at the individual level than at the population level. The noted gradual decrease in specific gravity from gastrulation to hatching with an increase just before hatching could be a generic pattern in pelagic marine fish eggs. This study provides needed input to adequately understand and model fish egg dispersal.

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and activator protein-1 during the promotion of neurite extension of PC-12 cells by 15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2.

15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15-deoxy-PGJ(2)), a naturally occurring ligand, activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). Activation of PPAR-gamma has been found to induce cell differentiation in such cells as adipose cells and macrophages. Herein, we investigated whether 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) has neuronal cell differentiation and possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Dopaminergic differentiating PC-12 cells treated with 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) (0.2 to 1.6 microM) alone showed measurable neurite extension and expression of neurofilament, a marker of cell differentiation. However, a much greater extent of neurite extension and expression of neurofilament was observed in the presence of NGF (50 ng/ml). In parallel with its increasing effect on the neurite extension and expression of neurofilament, 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) enhanced NGF-induced p38 MAP kinase expression and its phosphorylation in addition to the activation of transcription factor AP-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, pretreatment of 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(pyridyl)1H-imidazole (SB203580), a specific inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, inhibited the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) (0.8 microM) on NGF-induced neurite extension. This inhibition correlated well with the ability of SB203580 to inhibit the enhancing effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) on the expression of p38 MAP kinase and activation of AP-1. The promoting ability of 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) did not occur through PPAR-gamma because synthetic PPAR-gamma agonist and antagonist did not change the neurite-promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ(2). In addition, contrast to other cells (embryonic midbrain and neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells), PPAR-gamma was not expressed in PC-12 cells. Other structure-related prostaglandins (PGD(2) and PGE(2)) acting via a cell surface G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) did not increase basal or NGF-induced neurite extension. Moreover, GPCR (PGE(2) and PGD(2) receptors) antagonists did not alter the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) on neurite extension and activation of p38 MAP kinase, suggesting that the promoting effect of 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) may not be mediated by GPCR either. These data demonstrate that activation of p38 MAP kinase in conjunction with AP-1 signal pathway may be important in the promoting activity of 15-deoxy-PGJ(2) on the differentiation of PC-12 cells.