α-amylase detection methods and applications / 生物工程学报

α-amylase is an endonucleoside hydrolase that hydrolyzes the α-1, 4-glycosidic bonds inside polysaccharides, such as starch, to generate oligosaccharides, dextrins, maltotriose, maltose and a small amount of glucose. Due to the importance of α-amylase in food industry, human health monitoring and pharmaceuticals, detection of its activity is widely required in the breeding of α-amylase producing strains, in vitro diagnosis, development of diabetes drugs, and the control of food quality. In recent years, many new α-amylase detection methods have been developed with improved speed and sensitivity. This review summarized recent processes in the development and applications of new α-amylase detection methods. The major principle of these detection methods were introduced, and their advantages and disadvantages were compared to facilitate future development and applications of α-amylase detection methods.

Survival of commercial probiotic strains and their effect on dark chocolate synbiotic snack with raspberry content during the storage and after simulated digestion

BACKGROUND: A key challenge for manufacturers of pro-health food containing active probiotic microorganisms is to develop a product with attractive sensory features along with maintenance of declared number of microorganisms during storage and transfer by alimentary tract. RESULTS: The highest concentration of polyphenols was observed in snacks without an additive of probiotics as well as those with an additive of L. rhamnosus and B. animalis bacteria and concentration of these compounds increased by 9.5% during six months of storage. None of the products distinguished itself in the sensorial assessment although each was assessed positively. The number of microorganisms was stable and comparatively high during six months of storage at a room temperature and in cooling conditions (108 cfu/g). In the digestion model, an influence of aggressive digestion conditions was examined in the alimentary tract on the number of microorganisms, which allowed to arrange strains from the most resistant (S. boulardii) to the most sensitive (B. breve). It must be noted that currently on the market there is no available snack containing probiotic yeast as well as there is no literature data on works on such formulation of food. CONCLUSIONS: In the newly developed snack made of chocolate, in which sugar has been replaced with maltitol, a raw material was added in the form of raspberry, prebiotic in the form of inulin and a strain of probiotic bacteria, including the unprecedented so far S. boulardii, which stands a high chance to occupy a good place on the market of functional food.

Spray Drying of Coloring Extracts Produced by Fungi Isolated from Brazilian Caves

Abstract Pigments produced by submerged fermentation of three filamentous fungi isolated from Brazilian caves, namely Aspergillus keveii, Penicillium flavigenum, and Epicoccum nigrum, were submitted to spray drying in presence of the adjuvants maltodextrin, modified starch or gum arabic. Yellow fine powders with low moisture content and water activity, and high color retention (> 70%) were successfully generated with a high product recovery ratio (> 50%), independently of the adjuvant used. The dried products have enhanced stability and potential to might be used as a natural colorant in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Uso de disacáridos y carbón activado para preservar consorcios de bacterias ruminales celulolíticas liofilizadas / Use of disaccharides and activated carbon to preserve cellulolytic ruminal bacterial consortiums lyophilized

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la fermentación in vitro de consorcios bacterianos ruminales celulolíticos (CBC) conservados por liofilización usando carbón activado, maltosa y lactosa como preservadores. Materiales y métodos. Un CBC se aisló de fluido ruminal de una búfala de agua en medios selectivos celulolíticos. Los CBC se liofilizaron con carbón activado (CA), lactosa (LA) o maltosa (MA) como preservadores y sin preservador (SP). El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar para medir biogás a diferentes intervalos de tiempo; así como, un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 4x3, los factores fueron preservadores (SP, CA, LA y MA) y tiempo de fermentación (24, 48 y 72 h) para pH, nitrógeno amoniacal (N-NH3), degradación de materia seca (DMS) y de fibra detergente neutro (DFDN), actividad enzimática celulasas y la población de bacterias totales. Resultados. LA produjo mayor biogás acumulado a las 72 h y parcial a partir de las 12 h (p≤0.05). SP no mostró diferencias (p>0.05) en celulasas, conteo de bacterias total, DMS y DFDN en los tiempos de fermentación evaluados con el resto de los preservadores. Conclusiones. La producción de biogás parcial y acumulada, el aumento en la tasa de degradación de 8.3 y 91.1 % en la DMS y DFDN de las 24 a 72 h (p≤0.05) con el preservador LA, muestran que la lactosa puede usarse como preservador de bacterias celulolíticas ruminales.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic ruminal bacterial consortia (CBC) preserved by lyophilization using activated carbon, maltose and lactose as preservatives. Materials and methods. A CBC was isolated from the ruminal fluid of a female water buffalo in selective cellulolytic media. The CBC were lyophilized without preservative (SP), activated carbon (CA), lactose (LA) o maltose (MA) as preservatives. The experimental design was completely random to measure biogas at different time intervals; as well as completely random with 4x3 factorial arrangement, factors were preservative [SP, CA, LA and MA] and fermentation time (24, 48 and 72 h) for pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), dry matter degradation (DMD), neutral detergent fiber degradation (NDFD), enzymatic activity cellulases and total bacteria population. Results. LA produced higher accumulated biogas at 72 h and partial biogas after 12 h (p≤0.05). SP did not show differences (p>0.05) in cellulases, total bacteria population, DMD and NDFD in the fermentation times evaluated with the rest of the preservative. Conclusions. The production of partial and accumulated biogas, the increase in the degradation rate of 8.3 and 91.1% in the DMD and NDFD from 24 to 72 h (p≤0.05) in the LA preservative, show that lactose can be used as a preservative of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria.

Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) berry reduces fasting and postprandial glucose levels in mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia should be controlled to avoid complications of diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the effects of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) berry (AOB) on fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia in mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: In vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of AOB was determined. Maltose solution (2 g/kg) with and without AOB extract at 500 mg/kg or acarbose at 50 mg/kg was orally administered to normal mice after overnight fasting and glucose levels were measured. To study the effects of chronic consumption of AOB, db/db mice received the basal diet or a diet containing AOB extract at 0.4% or 0.8%, or acarbose at 0.04% for 7 weeks. Blood glycated hemoglobin and serum glucose and insulin levels were measured. Expression of adiponectin protein in epididymal white adipose tissue was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: In vitro inhibitory effect of AOB extract on α-glucosidase was 92% as strong as that of acarbose. The AOB extract (500 mg/kg) or acarbose (50 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the postprandial rise of blood glucose after maltose challenge and the area under the glycemic response curve in normal mice. The AOB extract at 0.4% or 0.8% of diet or acarbose at 0.04% of diet significantly lowered levels of serum glucose and blood glycated hemoglobin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance values in db/db mice. The expression of adiponectin protein in adipose tissue was significantly elevated by the consumption of AOB at 0.8% of diet. CONCLUSIONS: Autumn olive (E. umbellata Thunb.) berry may reduce postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-glucosidase in normal mice. Chronic consumption of AOB may alleviate fasting hyperglycemia in db/db mice partly by inhibiting α-glucosidase and upregulating adiponectin expression.

Effect of ferric carboxymaltose in the management of postpartum iron deficiency anemia

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, around the world, with postpartum hemorrhage one of the reasons. Different treatment options are available for correction of iron deficiency, ferric carboxymaltose being the most recent

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of ferric carboxymaltose in the management of iron deficiency anemia in the postpartum period

Methodology: An experimental study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. 30 female patients, with documented iron deficiency anemia within 10 days of post partum period and with no history of renal or hepatic disease, infection, anemia due to any other causes, severe anemia requiring blood transfusion and no parenteral iron therapy in last 20 days, were included in the study. All the patient were given ferric carboxymaltose 15mg/kg body weight [max 1000mg] intravenous infusion. Pre and post therapy complete blood picture including hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were compared after 1 week. The data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version15

Results: Significant increase in both hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels was noted in patients with mean rise being 2.4g/dl and 338.3 ng/ml in hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, respectively. Mild rash and fever were the only adverse events noted, in only one patient, each

Conclusion: Ferric carboxymaltose appears to be a very effective drug for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia both in terms of rise in hematological indices and low adverse event profile

Influence of Vitamin C and Maltose on the Accuracy of Three Models of Glucose Meters

No abstract available.

TREATMENT OF ANEMIA AND IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS WITH CROHN'S DISEASE: experience using ferric carboxymaltose

Objectives - Anemia is the most common hematological alteration in patients with Crohn's disease, and is frequently related to intestinal inflammatory activity. Its cause is multifactorial and mostly associated with absolute iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia) and/or functional iron deficiency (inflammation anemia or anemia of chronic disease). It may also be identified through other causes, such as folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency and secondary to adverse effects from medications (salicylic derivatives and immunosuppressive drugs). In the present study, patients with active Crohn's disease and anemia were evaluated and treated with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose. We discuss the therapeutic schemes (doses), safety, results and improvement of quality of life. Methods - In the present prospective study, 10 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease, with moderate to severe activity, with anemia (Hb: 6.7 to 10 g/dL), who were attended between March 2014 and March 2015, were evaluated. Six (60%) were men and four were women, all with moderate or severe anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dL). They were treated with a maximum of three intravenous infusions of 1000 mg of ferric carboxymaltose, of at least 15 minutes in duration. It was also sought to correlate the inflammatory Crohn's disease activity degree (measured using the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, CDAI) and C-reactive protein level with the severity of anemia. The primary outcome was an increase in Hb of ≥2 g/dL and the secondary outcome was the normalization of anemia (Hb ≥12 g/dL for women and ≥13 g/dL for men) and the improvement in quality of life seen 12 weeks after the last application of carboxymaltose. Results - Among the 10 patients studied, parenteral iron supplementation was administered in three cases during hospitalization and the others received this on an outpatient basis. The total iron dose ranged from 1,000 to 2,000 mg, with an average of 1,650 mg. Crohn's disease activity measured using CDAI and C-reactive protein correlated with the intensity of anemia. An increase of 2 g/dL occurred in eight (80%) patients after 12 weeks and normalization of anemia was found in seven (70%) patients. Improvements in quality-of-life scores were found for all (100%) patients after 12 weeks. Carboxymaltose was well tolerated. Three patients presented adverse reactions (two with nausea and one with headache) of mild intensity. Conclusions - Anemia is a frequent complication for Crohn's disease patients. Intravenous iron therapy has been recommended for Crohn's disease patients, because for these patients, oral iron absorption is very limited. This is because of the inflammatory state and "blocking" of iron entry into enterocytes through hepcidin action on ferroportin, along with the elevated rates of gastrointestinal adverse events that compromise adherence to treatment and possibly aggravate the intestinal inflammatory state. The degree of Crohn's disease activity, as measured using CDAI and C-reactive protein, correlates with the severity of anemia. Carboxymaltose is a safe drug, which can be administrated in high doses (up to 1,000 mg per application per week) and corrects anemia and iron stocks over a short period of time, with consequent improvement in quality of life.

Objetivos - Anemia é a alteração hematológica mais comum em portadores de doença de Crohn, estando frequentemente relacionada à atividade inflamatória intestinal. Sua causa é multifatorial, está associada na maioria das vezes com deficiência absoluta de ferro (anemia ferropriva) e/ou deficiência funcional de ferro (anemia da inflamação ou anemia de doença crônica), podendo também ser identificada outras causas como deficiência de ácido fólico ou vitamina B12 e secundária a efeitos adversos de medicamentos (derivados salicílicos e imunossupressores). Neste trabalho, avaliamos portadores de doença de Crohn em atividade com anemia que foram tratados com carboximaltose férrica endovenosa, e discutimos os esquemas terapêuticos (doses), a segurança e os resultados, assim como a melhora da qualidade de vida. Métodos - Neste estudo prospectivo, avaliamos 10 consecutivos pacientes portadores de doença de Crohn de moderada a grave atividade com anemia (Hb: 6,7 a 10 g/dL) que foram atendidos no período de março de 2014 a março de 2015. Eram seis (60%) do sexo masculino e quatro do sexo feminino, todos com anemia moderada ou grave (hemoglobina <10g/dL), tratados com no máximo três infusões de 1000 mg de carboximaltose férrica por via endovenosa em, pelo menos, 15 minutos. Procurou-se também correlacionar o grau de atividade inflamatória da doença de Crohn (mensuração realizada com o IADC-índice de atividade da doença de Crohn) e dosagem da proteína C reativa com a gravidade da anemia. O desfecho primário foi aumento da Hb de ≥2 g/dL e desfecho secundário a normalização da anemia (Hb ≥12 g/dL para mulheres e ≥13 g/dL para homens) e melhora na qualidade de vida após 12 semanas da aplicação da última dose de carboximaltose férrica. Resultados - Dos 10 pacientes estudados, em 3 a suplementação parenteral de ferro foi realizada durante internação hospitalar, o restante em regime ambulatorial. A dose total de ferro administrada variou de 1.000 a 2.000 mg, sendo a média de 1.650 mg. A atividade da doença de Crohn mensurada pelo IADC e pelo PCR se correlacionou com a intensidade da anemia. O aumento de 2 g/dL ocorreu em oito (80%) pacientes após 12 semanas e a normalização da anemia foi observada em sete (70%). Melhora do escore de qualidade de vida foi observada em todos (100%) após 12 semanas. A carboximaltose férrica foi bem tolerada, três pacientes apresentaram reações adversas (2 - náusea e 1 - cefaléia) de leve intensidade. Conclusões - Anemia é uma complicação frequente em portadores de doença de Crohn. A terapia com ferro por via endovenosa tem sido a recomendada em portadores de doença de Crohn, pois nestes pacientes a absorção do ferro oral é bastante limitada devido ao estado inflamatório e "bloqueio" da entrada de ferro nos enterócitos por ação da hepcidina sobre a ferroportina, além das elevadas taxas de eventos adversos gastrointestinais que comprometem a adesão ao tratamento e podem agravar o estado inflamatório intestinal. O grau de atividade da doença de Crohn mensurado pelo IADC e PCR se correlaciona com a severidade da anemia. A carboximaltose férrica é uma droga segura, pode ser administrada em altas doses (até 1.000 mg por aplicação por semana), corrige a anemia e os estoques de ferro em curto espaço de tempo, com consequente melhora da qualidade de vida.

Transfer of the effect of potentized mercuric chloride on á-amylase fromone test tube to another through capillary water

In a series of experiments we showed that treatment of a plant or animal with a dilutedand agitated substance might affect other plants or animals connected to the former by the capillarywater in cotton threads. The aim of the present study was to establish whether drug effect could betransferred in a cell-free medium.Design: Two test tubes, each containing 1 ml of 1% starch solution and 1 ml of á-amylase, wereconnected by means wet cotton threads encased in a polythene tube. One of the tubes alsocontained Mercurius corrosivus (Merc-c) 30 cH and the other ethanol solution (control). After 15min, the enzyme activity was stopped with DNSA, and the breakdown product of starch, maltose,was estimated. A third, separate tube contained all the tested materials except for Merc-c and thecontrol solution. In a second experiment two tubes, one containing 1,200 ppm and the other 200ppm of maltose, were similarly connected over 15 min. Both experiments were repeated 20 times.Results: In the first experiment, the amount of maltose was similar in both connected tubes, but itwas significantly lower in the unconnected tube. In the second experiment, maltose concentrationin both tubes remained unchanged.Conclusion: The information of Merc-c 30 cH was effectively transferred through capillary waterbetween two tubes in cell-free medium. This effect was not due to physical transfer of either solventor solutes. Water seems to the most probable carrier of information in diluted and agitatedsolutions...

Efficacy of Ferric Carboxymaltose in Anaemia of Malignancy - A Pilot Study.

Anaemia is an important problem in malignancy. It may be due to chronic causes like malnutrition, marrow infiltration, associated renal or endocrine disorders and it may be complicated with blood loss. Measures like blood transfusion, erythropoietin injections often pose a logistical problem. Parenteral iron injections have proved to be useful in fighting anaemia in some chronic conditions e.g. patients on hemodialysis. Aims and Objectives: Primarily to see the observable change in hemoglobin (Hb) level with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in treating patients of malignancy on anti-cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: Twenty seven patients were enrolled for this study who were suffering from various malignancies. The baseline Hb level was estimated and FCM injection was administered as per the schedule of 500 mg intravenously (IV) weekly once. The overall results of increase in Hb level was noted during the middle of the treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy) and later 3-4 weeks after treatment completion. The results were analysed using SPSS and the mean values of initial Hb and after treatment were analysed. Level of significance (p value) was noted using t test. Results: In 27 patients the mean initial Hb level was 8.09 g/dl before treatment which increased to 10.28 g/dl after FCM treatment (p <0.0001). Conclusion: Treatment with FCM definitely led to a significant increase in Hb level in patients of malignancy undergoing treatment. However, further detailed study is needed to establish its definite role in improving the body iron parameters.

Efeito de soluções eletrolíticas enterais com diferentes osmolaridades sobre o perfil eletrolítico e bioquímico de equinos / Horses treated with enteral electrolyte solutions with differents osmolarities

Foram comparados os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas com diferentes osmolaridades administradas via enteral por sonda nasoesofágica de pequeno calibre, em fluxo contínuo, sobre o perfil bioquímico em equinos. Foram utilizadas seis fêmeas adultas em dois quadrados latinos 6x3 simultâneos em modelo misto. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos e cada grupo submetido aos seguintes tratamentos: HipoMalt - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 0,5g de cloreto de potássio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio, 1g de gluconato de cálcio e 10g de maltodextrina diluídos em 1.000mL de água (181mOsmol L-1), HipoDext - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 0,5g de cloreto de potássio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio, 1g de gluconato de cálcio e 10g de dextrose diluídos em 1.000mL de água (228mOsmol L-1) e IsoProp - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 0,5g de cloreto de potássio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio e 10g de propionato de cálcio diluídos em 1.000mL de água (282mOsm L-1). As soluções contendo dextrose (HipoDext) e maltodextrina (HipoMalt) foram mais eficazes em aumentar a taxa glicêmica sem ocasionar desequilíbrio eletrolítico. Já o tratamento com propionato de cálcio (IsoProp) além de aumentar o lactato plasmático não teve efeito sobre a glicemia.

We compared the effects of electrolyte solutions with different osmolarities administered through enteral route by naso-esophageal probe of small-caliber with continuos flow on the electrolytic and biochemical profile in horses. Six adult females were used in two simultaneous 6x3 Latin squares mixed model. The animals were divided into three groups and received the following treatments: HipoMalt - 5g of sodium chloride, 0.5g of potassium chloride, 0.2g of magnesium pidolate, 1g of calcium gluconate and 10g of maltodextrin diluted in 1.000mL of water (181mOsmol L-1); HipoDext - 5g of sodium chloride, 0.5g of potassium chloride, 0.2g of magnesium pidolate, 1g of calcium gluconate and 10g of dextrose diluted in 1.000mL of water (228mOsmol L-1); IsoProp - 5g of sodium chloride, 0.5g of potassium chloride, 0.2g of magnesium pidolate, 1g of calcium gluconate and 10g of calcium propionate diluted in 1.000mL of water (282mOsm L-1). The hypotonic electrolyte solutions containing dextrose (HipoDext) and maltodextrin (HipoMalt) were more effective in increase the rate glucose without causing electrolyte imbalance. Treatment with calcium propionate (IsoProp) besides increasing plasma lactate had no effect on blood glucose.

Establishment of cell suspension cultures of two Costa Rican Jatropha species (Euphorbiaceae) / Establecimiento de suspensiones celulares de dos especies Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae) de Costa Rica

J. curcas has been studied in different countries and some interesting agronomic, pharmacological and industrial properties have been reported. More recently, it has been considered an important alternative source for biofuel production. The objective of this study was to establish a long-term method for the maintenance of calli and cell suspension cultures of the local species J. curcas and J. gossypifolia, in order to allow future studies for novel compounds with pharmaceutical or industrial applications. For this, friable calli were successfully induced from hypocotyl segments of J. curcas and J. gossypifolia that were cultured in semisolid MS media supplemented with 1.5mg/L, and 0.5mg/L of 2,4-D, respectively. Cell suspension cultures of J. curcas were established using 1g of 35 and 60-day calli, in 50mL of liquid MS media supplied with 1.5mg/L of 2,4-D; sucrose and maltose were additionally evaluated as carbon sources. After 35 days, cell suspension cultures initiated with 35-day calli, showed greater cell growth with a maximum biomass of 194.9g/L fresh weight, 6.59g/L dry weight and 17.3% packed volume. The exponential phase ended at day 35 for cultures initiated with 35-day calli, and at day 21 for cultures initiated with 60-day calli. Higher biomass production was obtained with sucrose. Cell cultures were established with 35-day calli in MS media with the same 2,4-D concentration used for calli induction and 30g/L sucrose. This medium was considered optimum for the maintenance and growth of cell suspensions for both species, with sub-cultures every 20 days. The biotechnological potential for the production of bioactive compounds in these species for pharmacological, agricultural and industrial applications is being evaluated.

J. curcas es un importante recurso alternativo de biocombustible. Por otro lado, propiedades de interés agronómico, farmacológico e industrial han sido reportadas para esta especie. El objetivo de este estudio fue el establecimiento y mantenimiento a largo plazo de callos y cultivos celulares en suspensión de J. curcas y J. gossypifolia, con el objetivo de permitir futuros estudios para nuevos compuestos con aplicaciones farmaceúticas e industriales. Los callos friables fueron exitosamente inducidos a partir de segmentos de hipocótilos J. curcas and J. gossypifolia cultivados en medio MS semisólido suplementado con 1.5mg/L y 0.5mg/L of 2,4-D, respectivamente. Los cultivos celulares en suspensión de J. curcas fueron establecidos utilizando 1g de callos de 35 y 60 días de edad en 50mL de medio MS líquido adicionado con 1.5mg/L de 2,4-D. Después de 35 días, los cultivos en suspensión celular iniciados con callos de 35 días, mostraron mayor crecimiento celular con una biomasa máxima de 194.9g/L de peso fresco y 6.59g/L de peso seco y 17.3% de volumen empacado. La fase exponencial finalizó al día 35 en los cultivos iniciados con callos de 35 días, y al día 21 en los cultivos iniciados con callos de 60 días. Dos fuentes de carbono fueron evaluadas: sacarosa y maltosa. La producción de mayor biomasa fue obtenida con sacarosa. Los cultivos celulares se establecieron con callos de 35 días cultivados en medio MS con la misma concentración de 2,4-D utilizada para la inducción de callos y 30g/L de sacarosa. Este medio fue considerado el óptimo para el mantenimiento y crecimiento de suspensiones celulares en ambas especies con subcultivos cada 20 días. El potencial biotecnológico para la producción de compuestos bioactivos en estas especies, para aplicaciones farmacológicas, agrícolas e industriales está siendo evaluado.

Multi-component of Cibotium baronetz decoction pieces via 1H-NMR spectroscopic analysis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>1H-NMR technology was carried out to investigate the chemical difference between 30 batches of Cibotium baronetz decoction pieces and look for new method for quality control of C. baronetz decoction pieces.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Six hundreds MHz H-NMR spectroscopy and principle component analysis (PCA) were used to discriminate between 30 batches of commercially available cibotium samples based on multi-component metabolite profiles.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Saccharide is the principle component of C. baronetz decoction pieces, and steroid and triterpene were the discriminately chemical component. Protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, cibotiumbaroside A, cibotiumbaroside B and 4-O-caffeoyl-D-glucoside could be used as the marker for controlling the quality of commercial C. baronetz decoction pieces.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pattern-recognition techniques applied to proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra of 80% methanol extraction of C. baronetz could correctly discriminate not only the quality, but also the chemical component for batches of commercial C. baronetz decoction pieces.</p>

Evaluation of ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for all diabetic patients who receive insulin treatment, because such monitoring of glucose levels may aid in achieving better control in type II diabetes. Further, the use of point-of-care (POC) blood glucose testing in hospitals has increased substantially. In the present study, we validated the performance of ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip (Roche Diagnostics, Germany). METHODS: We evaluated the precision, accuracy, and maltose interference of the ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip. Further, precision was evaluated using dedicated quality control (QC) and Bio-Rad Whole Blood (WB) QC materials (Meter Trax(TM) Control; Bio-Rad, USA). Forty samples were used to compare the results obtained using the ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip with those obtained using the clinical chemistry analyzer Hitachi 7600 (Hitachi, Japan). Maltose interference was assessed at 2 glucose concentration levels at 3 maltose concentration levels. RESULTS: For each concentration level of control materials, within-run coefficient of variation (CV) and total CV obtained were less than 5%. Good correlation was obtained using the Hitachi 7600 (y = 1.02x - 0.18; r 2 = 0.996; N = 40). Effects of maltose interference were less than 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the ACCU-CHEK(R) systems show good precision and correlation with the routine clinical chemistry analyzer and allow only minimal effects of maltose interference.

Structural insight into substrate specificity of human intestinal maltase-glucoamylase

Human maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM) hydrolyzes linear alpha-1,4-linked oligosaccharide substrates, playing a crucial role in the production of glucose in the human lumen and acting as an efficient drug target for type 2 diabetes and obesity. The amino- and carboxyl-terminal portions of MGAM (MGAM-N and MGAM-C) carry out the same catalytic reaction but have different substrate specificities. In this study, we report crystal structures of MGAM-C alone at a resolution of 3.1 Å, and in complex with its inhibitor acarbose at a resolution of 2.9 Å. Structural studies, combined with biochemical analysis, revealed that a segment of 21 amino acids in the active site of MGAM-C forms additional sugar subsites (+ 2 and + 3 subsites), accounting for the preference for longer substrates of MAGM-C compared with that of MGAM-N. Moreover, we discovered that a single mutation of Trp1251 to tyrosine in MGAM-C imparts a novel catalytic ability to digest branched alpha-1,6-linked oligosaccharides. These results provide important information for understanding the substrate specificity of alpha-glucosidases during the process of terminal starch digestion, and for designing more efficient drugs to control type 2 diabetes or obesity.

Effects of fructose and maltose as aerobic carbon sources on subsequently anaerobic fermentation by Escherichia coli NZN111 / 生物工程学报

To understand the effects of sugar whose uptake is dependent or independent on the phosphotransferase system (PTS), two-stage culture of Escherichia coli strain NZN111 that was constructed by disruption of IdhA and pflB encoding the fermentative lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pyruvate: formate lyase (PFL) of E. coli W1485, was carried out for organic acids production. When NZN111 was aerobically cultured on fructose (PTS dependent) or maltose (PTS independent), it fermented glucose with succinic acid and pyruvic acid as the major products in subsequent anaerobic culture. The experiments were also performed in a 5-L fermentor. The yields of succinic acid by the fructose-and maltose-grown NZN111 were 0.84 and 0.75 mol/mol, whereas the yields of pyruvic acid were 0.65 and 0.83 mol/mol, respectively. The final ratio of succinic acid to pyruvic acid in the anaerobic stage reached 1.73:1 and 1.21:1, respectively. The different behaviors in anaerobic fermentation by the fructose-, maltose- and glucose-grown NZN111 were likely caused by the regulation of catabolite repression in the aerobic culture stage.

Evaluation of Ten Wild Nigerian Mushrooms for Amylase and Cellulase Activities

Amylases and cellulases are important enzymes that can be utilized for various biological activities. Ten different wild Nigerian mushrooms (Agaricus blazei, Agaricus sp., Corilopsis occidentalis, Coriolus versicolor, Termitomyces clypeatus, Termitomyces globulus, Pleurotus tuber-regium, Podoscypha bolleana, Pogonomyces hydnoides, and Nothopanus hygrophanus) were assayed for production of these secondary metabolites. The results revealed that most of the tested wild fungi demonstrated very good amylase and cellulase activities. With the incorporation of carboxymethyl-cellulose (a carbon source) into the culture medium, Agaricus blazei had the highest amylolytic activity of 0.60 unit/mL (at 25degrees C, pH 6.8). This was followed in order by P. tuber-regium and Agaricus sp. with 0.42 and 0.39 unit/mL, respectively (p < or = 0.05). Maltose and sucrose supplementation into the submerged liquid medium made N. hygrophanus and P. hydnoides to exhibit very low amylase activities of 0.09 and 0.11 unit/mL, respectively. Introducing peptone (an organic nitrogen source) into the basal medium enhanced the ability of C. versicolor to produce a cellulase value of 0.74 unit/mL. Other organic nitrogen sources that supported good cellulase activities were yeast extract and urea. Sodium nitrate (inorganic nitrogen source) generally inhibited cellulase production in all mushrooms. The best carbon source was carboxymethyl-cellulose, which promoted very high cellulase activity of 0.67 unit/mL in C. versicolor, which was followed in order by P. tuber-regium, T. chypeatus, and C. occidentalis (p < or = 0.05). Sucrose was the poorest carbon compound, supporting the lowest values of 0.01, 0.01, and 0.14 unit/mL in P. hydnoides, A. blazei, and Agaricus sp., respectively.

Cultural Characteristics of Ophiocordyceps heteropoda Collected from Korea

Isolates of Ophiocordyceps heteropoda (Kobayasi) collected from Mt. Halla on Jeju-do, Korea were tested for mycelial growth on different agar media and in the presence of different carbon and nitrogen sources. Similarly, isolates were also incubated at different temperatures as well as under continuous light and dark conditions. Growth was better on Hamada agar, basal medium, and malt-yeast agar, but poor on Czapek-Dox agar. Different carbon sources such as dextrin, saccharose, starch, lactose, maltose, fructose, and dextrose resulted in better growth. Complex organic nitrogen sources such as yeast extract and peptone revealed the most effective growth. Mycelial growth was best at 25degrees C. The growth rate was faster in the dark than the light, but mycelial density was less compact in the dark.

Screening Wild Yeast Strains for Alcohol Fermentation from Various Fruits

Wild yeasts on the surface of various fruits including grapes were surveyed to obtain yeast strains suitable for fermenting a novel wine with higher alcohol content and supplemented with rice starch. We considered selected characteristics, such as tolerance to alcohol and osmotic pressure, capability of utilizing maltose, and starch hydrolysis. Among 637 putative yeast isolates, 115 strains exhibiting better growth in yeast-peptone-dextrose broth containing 30% dextrose, 7% alcohol, or 2% maltose were selected, as well as five alpha-amylase producers. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 26S rDNA gene classified the strains into 13 species belonging to five genera; Pichia anomala was the most prevalent (41.7%), followed by Wickerhamomyces anomalus (19.2%), P. guilliermondii (15%), Candida spp. (5.8%), Kodamaea ohmeri (2.5%), and Metschnikowia spp. (2.5%). All of the alpha-amylase producers were Aureobasidium pullulans. Only one isolate (NK28) was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. NK28 had all of the desired properties for the purpose of this study, except alpha-amylase production, and fermented alcohol better than commercial wine yeasts.

Growth and Cultural Characteristics of Ophiocordyceps longissima Collected in Korea

We investigated the effect of nutritional and environmental factors on Ophiocordyceps longissima mycelial growth. The longest colony diameter was observed on Schizophyllum (mushroom) genetics complete medium plus yeast extract, Schizophyllum (mushroom) genetics minimal medium, and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA); however, malt-extract yeast-extract agar, SDA plus yeast extract, yeast-extract malt-extract peptone dextrose agar, SDA, oatmeal agar, and potato dextrose agar showed higher mycelia density. A temperature of 25degrees C was optimum and 7.0 was the optimum pH for mycelial growth. Colony diameter was similar under light and dark conditions. Maltose and yeast extract showed the highest mycelial growth among carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. The effect of mineral salts was less obvious; however, K3PO4 showed slightly better growth than that of the other mineral salts tested. Among all nutrition sources tested, complex organic nitrogen sources such as yeast extract, peptone, and tryptone were best for mycelial growth of O. longissima. Ophiocordyceps longissima composite medium, formulated by adding maltose (2% w/v), yeast extract (1% w/v), and K3PO4 (0.05% w/v) resulted in slightly longer colony diameter. In vitro mycelial O. longissima growth was sustainable and the production of fruiting bodies could be used for commercial purposes in the future.