The Assessment for Nutrient Intakes of Korean Patients with Heart Failure

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing globally and growing evidence has shown that dietary factors play an important role in preventing and improving prognosis of HF. However, little data on nutrient intake in Korean HF patients which are available to develop dietary guidelines for HF. The aims of this study were to estimate nutrient intake in 78 HF patients and evaluate whether the estimated nutrient intake is appropriate compared to dietary reference intake for Koreans. Data are presented as the ratio of actual intake and estimated average requirement (EAR) for each nutrient. The result showed that the average nutrient intakes including total energy and protein met EAR in total patients. However, the deficiencies in mineral and vitamin intakes were found. Moreover, the proportion of subjects with lower intake than EAR was substantial. The results showed that the proportion of male HF patients with inferior intakes to EAR in calcium, potassium (compared to adequate intake: AI), folate and vitamin B12 were 38%, 79%, 38%, and 65%, respectively. Also, the proportion of female HF patients with inferior intakes to EAR in calcium, potassium (compared to AI), folate and vitamin B12 were 35%, 88%, 38% and 40%, respectively. In particular, the elderly with HF (> or = 70 yrs, n = 28) showed more serious deficiencies in calcium, potassium (compared to AI), folate and vitamin B12. In summary, the intakes of potassium, calcium, folate, and vitamin B12 were not sufficient to meet EAR in HF patients. Furthermore, the proportions of subjects with lower intake than EAR in these nutrients were substantial, raising the possibility that these micronutrients may be involved in the pathogenesis of HF. Practical dietary guideline for HF patients is needed to improve prognosis of HF.

Development of Detection Methods for Cellulolytic Activity of Auricularia auricula-judae

To obtain basic information on the detection of cellulolytic activity in Auricularia auricula-judae, the influences of dye reagent, pH, and temperature were assessed. Chromogenic dye (congo red, phenol red, remazol brilliant blue, and trypan blue) was individually incorporated into a medium containing either carboxymethyl-cellulose, Avicel, or D-cellobiose as a polysaccharide carbon substrate. The other assessments utilized pHs ranging from 4.5 to 8.0 and temperatures from 15~35degrees C. Overall, when A. auricula-judae species were transferred onto media contained Congo red and adjusted pH 7.0 and then incubated at 25degrees C for 5 days, the clear zone indicative of cellulolytic activity was more pronounced.

Optimal Medium Conditions for the Detection of Cellulolytic Activity in Ganoderma lucidum

To determine the optimal medium conditions for the detection of the cellulolytic activity in Ganoderma lucidum, we varied three media conditions: dye reagent, pH, and temperature. First, we evaluated the use of four dyes, Congo Red, Phenol Red, Remazol Brilliant Blue, and Trypan Blue. To observe the effect of pH on the chromogenic reaction, we also made and tested various media spanning acidic and alkaline pHs, ranging from 4.5 to 8.0. Furthermore, in order to research the effect of temperature on the clear zone and the fungus growing zone, we tested temperatures ranging from 15 to 35degrees C. On the whole, the best protocol called for Ganoderma lucidum transfer onto media containing Congo red with pH adjusted to 7.0, followed by incubation at 25degrees C for 5 days. Our results will be useful to researchers who aim to study extracellular enzyme activity in Ganoderma lucidum.