Cloning and expression analysis of JrGI gene in walnut / 生物工程学报

GI (GIGANTEA) is one of the output key genes for circadian clock in the plant. The JrGI gene was cloned and its expression in different tissues was analyzed to facilitate the functional research of JrGI. RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) was used to clone JrGI gene in present study. This gene was then analyzed by bioinformatics, subcellular localization and gene expression. The coding sequence (CDS) full length of JrGI gene was 3 516 bp, encoding 1 171 amino acids with a molecular mass of 128.60 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.13. It was a hydrophilic protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed that JrGI of 'Xinxin 2' was highly homologous to GI of Populus euphratica. The result of subcellular localization showed that JrGI protein was located in nucleus. The JrGI, JrCO and JrFT genes in female flower buds undifferentiated and early differentiated of 'Xinxin 2' were analyzed by RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR). The results showed that the expression of JrGI, JrCO and JrFT genes were the highest on morphological differentiation, implying the temporal and special regulation of JrGI in the differential process of female flower buds of'Xinxin 2'. In addition, RT-qPCR analysis showed that JrGI gene was expressed in all tissues examined, whereas the expression level in leaves was the highest. It is suggested that JrGI gene plays a key role in the development of walnut leaves.

Extratos glicólicos de Pfaffia paniculata K E Juglans regia L: avaliação do potencial antimicrobiano, anti-inflamatório, citotóxico e genotóxico / Glycolic extracts of Pfaffia paniculata K and Juglans regia L: evaluation of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and genotoxic potential

A resistência antimicrobiana atingiu proporções alarmantes em todo o mundo, sendo que na Europa mortes causadas por micro-organismos multirresistentes superam os índices de mortalidade da AIDS, tuberculose e a gripe. Assim a fitoterapia desponta no combate a esta problemática, com as diversas atividades biológicas de plantas e seus derivados. Portanto os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a ação antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória, citotoxicidade, genotoxicidade e constituição fitoquímica dos extratos glicólicos de P. paniculata e J. regia. A ação sobre bactérias anaeróbias (Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. endodontalis, Parvimonas micra e Fusobacterium nucleatum) foi realizada por meio dos testes de microdiluição em caldo (Protocolo M11-A8 - CLSI) e sobre biofilmes monotípicos. Já a ação sobre aeróbios foi realizada sobre 3 cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae multirresistente, com testes sobre culturas planctônicas (Protocolo M7-A9) e biofilmes; Foi realizada a verificação da atividade antimicrobiana sobre biofilmes heterotípicos de Candida albicans associada a Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans ou Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A citotoxicidade e a genotoxicdade dos extratos foram avaliadas sobre macrófagos de camundongos (RAW 264.7) e queratinócitos humanos (HaCat) pelos testes de MTT e micronúcleos, respectivamente. O potencial antiinflamatório foi verificado dosando os níveis de TNF-⍺, IL-10 e IL-1ß pelo teste de ELISA. Os dados obtiveram distribuição normal sendo a análise estatística realizada por ANOVA e Tukey (p<0,05%). Os extratos de P. paniculata e J. regia promoveram CMM de 50 mg/mL para as anaeróbias. Os biofilmes de P. gingivalis e P. micra foram eliminados com 100 e 200 mg/mL dos extratos (5 min) e com as concentrações de 50 e 100 mg/mL por 24 h; F. nucleatum e P. endodontalis obtiveram reduções variando de 80 a 90%. Os biofilmes heterotípicos de C. albicans e S. mutans obtiveram reduções de até 80% após contato por 5 min. com J. regia e 71% para P. paniculata. Os biofilmes multirresistentes de K. pneumoniae obtiveram reduções na atividade metabólica de até 67,9%. P. paniculata promoveu viabilidade celular variando de 61,1% a 133,8% sobre queratinócitos humanos após 24 h de contato com as concentrações de 12,5 a 0,39 mg/mL, enquanto J. regia obteve 43,9 a 128,4% de viabilidade. Os macrófagos de camundongo obtiveram viabilidade de 18,1 a 101,9% com P. paniculata e 35,4 a 60,6% para J. regia. P. paniculata promoveu a redução nos níveis da citocina pró-inflamatória IL-1ß e aumento nos níveis da citocina antiinflamatória IL-10. Já J. regia promoveu a redução da citocina pró-inflamatória TNF-⍺. Ambos os extratos não promoveram genotoxicidade frente as linhagens celulares. A análise fitoquímica evidenciou a presença de benzofenonas e ácido cafeoilquínico nos extratos de P. paniculata e J. regia, respectivamente. Em conclusão, os extratos de P. paniculata e J. regia demonstraram ação antimicrobiana sobre bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e multirresistentes com destaque a eliminação dos biofilmes de P. gingivalis, P. endodontalis, P. micra e K. pneumoniae (multirresistentes). Os extratos demonstraram a ausência de toxicidade e genotoxicidade conforme tempo de aplicação e concentração utilizada, além de possuírem potencial anti-inflamatório(AU)

Antimicrobial resistance has reached alarming proportions worldwide, with deaths in Europe caused by multi-resistant microorganisms exceeding the mortality rates from AIDS, tuberculosis and influenza. Thus phytotherapy emerges in the fight against this problem, with the various biological activities of plants and their derivatives. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate the antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and phytochemical constitution of the glycolic extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia. The action on anaerobic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. endodontalis, Parvimonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum) was carried out by means of broth microdilution tests (Protocol M11-A8 - CLSI) and on monotypic biofilms. The action on aerobes was performed on 3 strains of multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, with tests on planktonic cultures (Protocol M7-A9) and biofilms; The verification of antimicrobial activity on heterotypic biofilms of Candida albicans associated with Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans or Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also performed. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the extracts were evaluated on mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) and human keratinocytes (HaCat) by MTT and micronucleus tests, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by the ELISA test, TNF-⍺, IL-10 and IL-1ß levels were measured. The data obtained a normal distribution and the statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey (p <0.05%). The extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia promoted CMM of 50 mg / mL for anaerobes. The biofilms of P. gingivalis and P. micra were eradicated with 100 and 200 mg / mL of the extracts (5 min) and with the concentrations of 50 and 100 mg / mL (24 hours); F. nucleatum and P. endodontalis obtained reductions ranging from 80 to 90%. The heterotypic biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans obtained reductions of up to 80% after contact for 5 minutes with J. regia and 71% for P. paniculata. The multidrug-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae obtained reductions in metabolic activity of up to 67.9%. The P. paniculata extract promoted cell viability ranging from 61.1% to 133.8% on human keratinocytes after 24 h of contact with concentrations of 12.5 to 0.39 mg / mL, while J. regia obtained 43, 9 to 128.4% viability. Mouse macrophages obtained viability from 18.1 to 101.9% with P. paniculata and 35.4 to 60.6% for J. regia. P. paniculata promoted a reduction in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß and an increase in the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. J. regia promoted the reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-⍺. Both extracts did not promote genotoxicity against cell lines. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of benzophenones and caffeoylquinic acid in the extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia, respectively. In conclusion, the extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia demonstrated antimicrobial action on aerobic and anaerobic and multiresistant bacteria, with emphasis on the elimination of the biofilms of P. gingivalis, P. endodontalis and P. micra, as well as the reductions of the biofilms of K. pneumoniae multidrug-resistant. The extracts demonstrated the absence of toxicity and genotoxicity according to the time of application and concentration used, in addition to having anti-inflammatory potential(AU)

Polyphenolic extracts of walnut (Juglans regia) green husk containing juglone inhibit the growth of HL-60 cells and induce apoptosis

BACKGROUND: Juglone is a naphthoquinone currently obtained by chemical synthesis with biological activities including antitumor activity. Additionally, juglone is present in the green husk of walnut, which suggests evaluating the effect of GH extracts on carcinogenic cell lines. RESULTS: Walnut green husk ethanolic extract was obtained as 169.1 mg juglone/100 g Green Husk and antioxidant activity (ORAC) of 44,920 µmol Trolox Equivalent/100 g DW Green Husk. At 1 µM juglone in HL-60 cell culture, green husk extract showed an antiproliferative effect, but pure juglone did not; under these conditions, normal fibroblast cells were not affected. A dose-dependent effect on mitochondrial membrane potential loss was observed. Apoptosis of HL-60 was detected at 10 µM juglone. Despite high ORAC values, neither purified juglone nor the extract showed protective effects on HL-60 cells under oxidative conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Green husk extract generates an antiproliferative effect in HL-60 cells, which is related to an induction of the early stages of apoptosis and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The normal cells were not affected when juglone is present at concentrations of 1 µM, while at higher concentrations, there is loss of viability of both cancerous and healthy cells.

Biochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of walnut kernel (Juglans regiaL. ) of accessions from Middle and High Atlas in Morocco

Biochemical composition and antioxidant activity were determined in kernel nuts for eleven Moroccan walnut (Juglans regia L.) accessions representing its main cropping area. Total oil, carbohydrates, crude protein, energy value, crude fiber and flavonoid have varied significantly between accessions, respectively within the range values of 54.50-65.48%, 8.17-19.25%, 11.5-25.58%,648.91-713.83 Kcal, 4.17-6.75% and 12.59-62.11mg RE 100g-1DM. Besides, mineral composition (mg 100g-1) of kernel have varied also significantly among accessions and particularly for phosphorus (338.1-675.87), copper (2.08-6.67), zinc (3.39-18.63), iron (1.17-2.64), chromium (0.16-0.20), nickel (1.26-1.45) and boron (0.07-1.49). However, dry matter (96.75-98.56%), moisture (1.44-3.24%), ash (1.67-2.53%), total phenols content (1017-3739 mg GAE 100g-1DM), DPPH radical scavenging activity (75.02-85.96%), potassium (210.10-338.93 mg 100g-1), magnesium (79.15-374.54 mg 100g-1), sodium (1.17-12.63 mg 100g-1) and manganese (0.79-1.67 mg 100g-1) did not show significant variations between accessions. Furthermore, the results showed that Moroccan walnut constitutes an important source of nutrient elements, essentially fat, carbohydrates, protein, phosphorus and zinc, and natural antioxidants, phenolic compounds. Accordingly, consumption of all studied kernels accessions would be beneficial to health. This study showed considerable biochemical variation between the analyzed walnut accessions, which could help to select genotypeswith desired traitsaccording to their chemotypes.

The current status and issue of food allergen labeling in Korea

With increasing need to prevent serious food allergy reactions, Korean food allergen labeling regulation has been revised repeatedly. This paper aims to summarize current statuses of food allergen labeling in Korea and foreign countries and to analyze the issue of food allergen labeling regulation. Korean food labeling regulation currently requires 19 items and 22 foods to be reported on labels (eggs, milk, buckwheat, peanut, soybean, wheat, mackerel, crab, shrimp, pork, peach, tomato, sulfite, walnut, chicken, beef, squid, shellfish, and pine nut). However, some common food triggers (for example, almond, cashew nut, and kiwi fruit) are not included in the current labeling regulation. Another issue is that the Korean labeling regulation has not yet been fully implemented for nonprepacked foods; thus, consumers still have difficulty in correctly identifying allergenic ingredients in food. It should be assessed whether warning statements for cross-contamination are reasonable. To prevent the occurrence of serious reactions from accidental ingestion, efforts must be made to solve recently raised issues including the items required to be listed on food labels, the system of standards for labeling and display methods.

Clinical Features and Culprit Food Allergens of Korean Adult Food Allergy Patients: A Cross-Sectional Single-Institute Study

PURPOSE: To investigate the causative allergens and clinical characteristics of Korean adult patients with food allergy (FA). METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional single-institutional study enrolled Korean adult patients (n = 812) suspected of having FA. For diagnosis, causality assessment history taking, ImmunoCAP specific immunoglobulin E measurement and/or skin prick test were performed. RESULTS: Among 812 patients, 415 were diagnosed as having FA. The most common causative allergen was fruit, with a diagnosis of pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS: 155, 37.3%), followed by crustaceans (111, 26.7%), wheat (63, 15.1%), fruits in patients without PFAS(43, 10.3%), buckwheat (31, 7.4%), peanut (31, 7.4%), walnut (25, 6.0%), red meat due to reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) (8, 1.9%), and silkworm pupa (13, 3.1%). Allergy to egg, milk, fish, or shellfish was rare in Korean adults. One-third of patients with FA exhibited multiple FAs (238/415, 57.3%); the average number of causative allergens was 2.39. About 129 patients (31.0%) were diagnosed as having anaphylaxis; in these patients, wheat was the most frequent causative food. Twenty patients were further diagnosed with food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA); all were due to wheat. In particular, crustaceans, wheat, PFAS, buckwheat, and red meat (α-Gal) were also frequent causes of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Wheat, fruits with or without PFAS, and crustaceans are important and frequent causative allergens in Korean adult FA; these allergens differ from those found in childhood FA. It is notable that non-classic allergies, such as PFAS, FDEIA, and α-Gal allergy, are the important causes of anaphylaxis in Korean adult FA.

Clinical Manifestations and Risk Factors of Anaphylaxis in Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome

PURPOSE: Many studies have reported that pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) can cause anaphylaxis. No comprehensive investigations into anaphylaxis in PFAS have been conducted, however. In this study, we investigated the clinical manifestations and risk factors for anaphylaxis in PFAS in Korean patients with pollinosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from a nationwide cross-sectional study that previously reported on PFAS in Korean patients with pollinosis. Data from 273 patients with PFAS were collected, including demographics, list of culprit fruits and vegetables, and clinical manifestations of food allergy. We analyzed 27 anaphylaxis patients and compared them with patients with PFAS with oropharyngeal symptoms only (n=130). RESULTS: The most common cause of anaphylaxis in PFAS was peanut (33.3%), apple (22.2%), walnut (22.2%), pine nut (18.5%), peach (14.8%), and ginseng (14.8%). Anaphylaxis was significantly associated with the strength of sensitization to alder, hazel, willow, poplar, timothy, and ragweed (p<0.05, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of atopic dermatitis [odds ratio (OR), 3.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–10.23; p=0.017]; sensitization to hazel (OR, 5.27; 95% CI, 1.79–15.53; p=0.003), timothy (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 2.70–51.64; p=0.001), or ragweed (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.03–9.87; p=0.045); and the number of culprit foods (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15–1.37; p<0.001) were related to the development of anaphylaxis in PFAS. CONCLUSION: The most common culprit foods causing anaphylaxis in PFAS were peanut and apple. The presence of atopic dermatitis; sensitization to hazel, timothy, or ragweed; and a greater number of culprit foods were risk factors for anaphylaxis in PFAS.

Chemical constituents from green walnut husks and their antitumor activity in vitro / 中国中药杂志

Fourteen chemical constituents, including 5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-1-tetralone(1), 4,8-dihydroxy-1-tetralone(2), 4,5-dihydroxy-α-tetralone(3), blumenol B(4), dehydrovomifoliol(5), megastigm-5-ene-3,9-diol(6), juglanin B(7), blumenol C(8), loliolide(9), oleracone B(10), syringarsinol(11), pinoresinol(12), methyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate(13), and isovanillic acid(14), were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction of 95% methanol extract of green walnut husks by silica gel and MCI column chromatography, and Pre-HPLC. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, such as NMR, MS and so on. Among them, compounds 1, 4-6, 8-13 were isolated from the green walnut husks for the first time, and compounds 4-6, 8, 10, 12, 13 were isolated from the Juglans genus for the first time. All of isolates were detected their inhibitory activities against HeLa, HGC-27 and Ht-29 cell lines by the MTT assay. The result showed that compounds 2, 3, 7, 9 and 11 exhibited inhibitory activity against the tested cell line. The IC_(50) of 7 were 26.5, 9.0, 25.4 μmol·L~(-1), respectively.

Infantile Anaphylaxis in Korea: a Multicenter Retrospective Case Study

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is increasing in young children. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis in Korean infants, with a focus on food triggers. METHODS: The study analyzed the medical records of infants aged 0 to 2 years old who had been diagnosed with anaphylaxis in 23 secondary or tertiary hospitals in Korea. RESULTS: We identified 363 cases of infantile anaphylaxis (66.9% male). Cutaneous symptoms were most prevalent (98.6%), followed by respiratory (83.2%), gastrointestinal (29.8%), and neurologic (11.6%) symptoms. Cardiovascular symptoms were noted in 7.7% of the cases. Most of the cases of anaphylaxis (338; 93.1%) were induced by foods. The most common trigger food was cow's milk and cow's milk products (43.8%), followed by hen's eggs (21.9%), walnuts (8.3%), wheat (7.7%), peanuts (4.8%), other nuts (3.0%), and fish (2.1%). In cow's milk-induced anaphylaxis cases, more than half the cases had cow's milk specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels that were lower than the diagnostic decision points (DDPs), which is 5 kUA/L for those under the age of 1 and 15 kUA/L for those over the age of 1. In anaphylaxis induced by hen's egg, most of the cases (91.8%) had hen's egg sIgE levels that were higher than the DDP, which is 2 kUA/L for those under the age of 2 and 7 kUA/L for those over the age of 2. Of the infantile anaphylaxis cases, 46.8% had been treated with epinephrine, and 25.1% had been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector. CONCLUSION: Cow's milk is the most frequent trigger food of anaphylaxis in Korean infants. However, we found no significant correlation between the sIgE level and clinical severity. Education is required regarding the importance of epinephrine as the first line therapy for anaphylaxis and on properly prescribing epinephrine for infants with a history of anaphylaxis.

Daily walnut intake improves metabolic syndrome status and increases circulating adiponectin levels: randomized controlled crossover trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several previous studies have investigated whether regular walnut consumption positively changes heart-health-related parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily walnut intake on metabolic syndrome (MetS) status and other metabolic parameters among subjects with MetS. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was a two-arm, randomized, controlled crossover study with 16 weeks of each intervention (45 g of walnuts or iso-caloric white bread) with a 6 week washout period between interventions. Korean adults with MetS (n = 119) were randomly assigned to one of two sequences; 84 subjects completed the trial. At each clinic visit (at 0, 16, 22, and 38 weeks), MetS components, metabolic parameters including lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), adiponectin, leptin, and apolipoprotein B, as well as anthropometric and bioimpedance data were obtained. RESULTS: Daily walnut consumption for 16 weeks improved MetS status, resulting in 28.6%-52.8% reversion rates for individual MetS components and 51.2% of participants with MetS at baseline reverted to a normal status after the walnut intervention. Significant improvements after walnut intake, compared to control intervention, in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.028), fasting glucose (P = 0.013), HbA1c (P = 0.021), and adiponectin (P = 0.019) were observed after adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, and sequence using a linear mixed model. CONCLUSION: A dietary supplement of 45 g of walnuts for 16 weeks favorably changed MetS status by increasing the concentration of HDL-C and decreasing fasting glucose level. Furthermore, consuming walnuts on a daily basis changed HbA1c and circulating adiponectin levels among the subjects with MetS. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03267901.

Walnut phenolic extracts reduce telomere length and telomerase activity in a colon cancer stem cell model

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Telomeres are located at the chromosomal ends and progressively shortened during each cell cycle. Telomerase, which is regulated by hTERT and c-MYC, maintains telomeric DNA sequences. Especially, telomerase is active in cancer and stem cells to maintain telomere length for replicative immortality. Recently we reported that walnut phenolic extract (WPE) can reduce cell viability in a colon cancer stem cell (CSC) model. We, therefore, investigated the effect of WPE on telomere maintenance in the same model. MATERIALS/METHODS: CD133+CD44+ cells from HCT116, a human colon cancer cell line, were sorted by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and treated with WPE at the concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 40 µg/mL for 6 days. Telomere lengths were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) using telomere specific primers and DNA extracted from the cells, which was further adjusted with single-copy gene and reference DNA (ddCt ). Telomerase activity was also measured by qRT-PCR after incubating the PCR mixture with cell protein extracts, which was adjusted with reference DNA (dCt ). Transcriptions of hTERT and c-MYC were determined using conventional RT-PCR. RESULTS: Telomere length of WPE-treated cells was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (5.16 ± 0.13 at 0 µg/mL, 4.79 ± 0.12 at 10 µg/mL, 3.24 ± 0.08 at 20 µg/mL and 3.99 ± 0.09 at 40 µg/mL; P = 0.0276). Telomerase activities concurrently decreased with telomere length (1.47 ± 0.04, 1.09 ± 0.01, 0.76 ± 0.08, and 0.88 ± 0.06; P = 0.0067). There was a positive correlation between telomere length and telomerase activity (r = 0.9090; P < 0.0001). Transcriptions of both hTERT and c-MYC were also significantly decreased in the same manner. CONCLUSIONS: In the present cell culture model, WPE reduced telomere maintenance, which may provide a mechanistic link to the effect of walnuts on the viability of colon CSCs.

Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome in Korean Pollinosis Patients: A Nationwide Survey

PURPOSE: Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy in pollinosis patients caused by raw fruits and vegetables and is the most common food allergy in adults. However, there has been no nationwide study on PFAS in Korea. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PFAS in Korea. METHODS: Twenty-two investigators participated in this study, in which patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma with pollen allergy were enrolled. The questionnaires included demographic characteristics, a list of fruits and vegetables, and clinical manifestations of food allergy. Pollen allergy was diagnosed by skin prick test and/or measurement of the serum level of specific IgE. RESULTS: A total of 648 pollinosis patients were enrolled. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7% (n = 270). PFAS patients exhibited cutaneous (43.0%), respiratory (20.0%), cardiovascular (3.7%) or neurologic symptoms (4.8%) in addition to oropharyngeal symptoms. Anaphylaxis was noted in 8.9% of the PFAS patients. Seventy types of foods were linked to PFAS; e.g., peach (48.5%), apple (46.7%), kiwi (30.4%), peanut (17.4%), plum (16.3%), chestnut (14.8%), pineapple (13.7%), walnut (14.1%), Korean melon (12.6%), tomato (11.9%), melon (11.5%) and apricot (10.7%). Korean foods such as taro/taro stem (8.9%), ginseong (8.2%), perilla leaf (4.4%), bellflower root (4.4%), crown daisy (3.0%), deodeok (3.3%), kudzu root (3.0%) and lotus root (2.6%) were also linked to PFAS. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first nationwide study of PFAS in Korea. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7%, and 8.9% of the PFAS patients had anaphylaxis. These results will provide clinically useful information to physicians.

Is There Any Necessity to Prescribe Consumption of Walnuts Cooked by Different Processing Techniques to Patients With Walnut Allergy?

The present study focused on identifying the usual methods of cooking walnuts in order to investigate changes in walnut allergen activity caused by cooking and evaluated the allergenic changes in walnut proteins within raw, dry-fried and boiled walnuts. Previous studies have reported a decrease in the allergen activity of walnut by thermal processing methods, which are not used in Korean kitchens, such as dry-frying and boiling. In Korea, Walnuts are consumed with rice and usually boiled and stir-fried with seasoning. Thus, the present study clarified the protein bands corresponding to raw walnuts and confirmed that the patterns of each walnut protein differ depending on cooking methods. This concern may be a very crucial point to understand the other tree nuts allergy as well as walnut allergy. The results of the present study differ from those of previous studies performed in Europe, although further studies with older participants are needed in order to draw more definite conclusions on lipid transfer protein (LTP). The other crucial point is that the findings of the present study support existing findings that the allergenic components of walnut have varying antigenicity depending on cooking methods. The allergenic components of walnut identified using diagnostic tests for walnut allergic patients could be reduced in walnuts cooked by different processing techniques. The allergenic components of walnut have varying allergen activity depending on cooking methods. Therefore, the allergenic components of walnuts identified using diagnostic tests for walnut allergic patients could allow physicians to prescribe consumption of walnuts cooked by different processing techniques to patients with walnut allergy.

Immunoglobulin E-binding Proteins of Cooked Walnuts in Korean Children

PURPOSE: The immunological characteristics of young Korean children with walnut (WN) allergy and the influence of different cooking methods on WN proteins have not been evaluated to date. This study aimed to evaluate the major WN allergens identified among Korean children, together with changes in WN antigenicity caused by common cooking methods. METHODS: We enrolled children under the age of 13 years with WN serum-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E concentrations. The protein fractions of dry-fried and boiled WN extracts were compared with those of raw WNs using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), 2-dimentional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and a proteomic analysis using electrospray ionization (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry [LC-MS]). An immunoblotting analysis was conducted to examine IgE reactivity toward raw WNs using serum samples from 6 children with a clinical WN allergy. To determine the processed WN proteins with IgE-binding capacity, a 2D-immunoblotting analysis was performed using the pooled sera of 20 WN-sensitized children. RESULTS: Protein bands from raw WNs were identified at 9, 16, 28, 52, 58, and 64 kDa via SDS-PAGE. The 9- and 16-kDa protein bands were enhanced by boiling, whereas the 52- and 64-kDa bands were considerably diminished. On LC-MS analysis, of the 66 IgE-binding proteins present in raw WNs, 57 were found in dry-fried WNs, but only 4 in boiled WNs. The sera of 5 out of 6 participants reacted with the 52-kDa protein bands and those of 4 out of 6 participants reacted with the 16- and 28-kDa protein bands, respectively. Meanwhile, a 2D-immunoblotting result confirmed the presence of different binding patterns among children who consumed cooked WNs. CONCLUSIONS: The protein profile of boiled WNs is substantially different from that of raw WNs. However, 4 proteins including prolamins remained stable after dry-frying or boiling. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings.

Identification and characterization of major constituents in Juglans mandshurica using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to identify and characterize the major constituents in Juglans mandshurica Maxim. A simple, efficient and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) method was established and validated under positive and negative ion modes. The separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) by gradient elution with a mobile phase (Phase A: 0.1% aqueous formic acid solution, Phase B: 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution). A total of 165 compounds were rapidly selected by Targeted and Non-Targeted Peak Finding approaches, and then tentatively identifled by comparing with reference substances or inferred through mass spectrometry fragment ion analysis and literature data. These compounds included 68 naphthalenequinones, 20 diarylheptanoids, 29 flavonoids, 20 triterpenes, and 28 phenolic acids. In conclusion, the present study provided an effective approach to identifying components in complex matrices of herbal medicines such as Juglans mandshurica Maxim.

Identification and characterization of major constituents in Juglans mandshurica using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to identify and characterize the major constituents in Juglans mandshurica Maxim. A simple, efficient and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) method was established and validated under positive and negative ion modes. The separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) by gradient elution with a mobile phase (Phase A: 0.1% aqueous formic acid solution, Phase B: 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution). A total of 165 compounds were rapidly selected by Targeted and Non-Targeted Peak Finding approaches, and then tentatively identifled by comparing with reference substances or inferred through mass spectrometry fragment ion analysis and literature data. These compounds included 68 naphthalenequinones, 20 diarylheptanoids, 29 flavonoids, 20 triterpenes, and 28 phenolic acids. In conclusion, the present study provided an effective approach to identifying components in complex matrices of herbal medicines such as Juglans mandshurica Maxim.

Walnut-shell moxibustion for dry eye symptoms: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effects of walnut-shell moxibusiton on dry eye symptoms.@*METHODS@#A total of 67 patients with dry eye symptoms were randomized into a walnut moxibustion group and a sodium hyaluronate eye drops group.@*METHODS@#In the walnut moxibustion group, the walnut moxibustion was used, once every two days, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks totally. In the sodium hyaluronate eye drops group, sodium hyaluronate eye drops were selected, 4 times a day, one drop instilled in each eye each time, for 4 weeks totally. At the baseline (before treatment) and in 4 weeks of treatment, the score of the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), the score of visual analogous scale (VAS) for eye symptoms, the tear film break-up time (BUT), the cornea fluorescent pigmentation (FL) and SchirmerⅠ(SchⅠ) were evaluated. In 1-month follow-up after treatment termination, the changes of OSDI and VAS scores were evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In 4 weeks of treatment and the follow-up, OSDI scores were reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (0.05). In 4 weeks of treatment and the follow-up, VAS scores were reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all 0.05). The differences were not significant in the above indexes between the two groups (all >0.05). There was no obvious adverse reaction in the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The walnut-shell moxibustion is available likely for the subjective symptoms in the patients with dry eye syndrome and contributes to the tear film stabilization. The therapeutic effects need to be further evaluated with the adequate sample size in the randomized controlled trial.

Self-reported prevalence of clinical features of allergy to nuts and seeds, and seafood in university students

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, there is a lack of epidemiological information related to food hypersensitivity, including nuts and seafood. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the prevalence of allergic reactions and clinical manifestations associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds or seafood in university students. METHODS: We designed an observational cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was applied to Mexican university students to identify allergic reactions associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood. RESULTS: A sample of 1,200 students was included; mean age of 19.7 ± 1.7 years. Prevalence of symptoms associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood were 2.8% (33 of 1,200) and 3.5% (42 of 1,200) respectively. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (63.6% in nuts and seeds), flushing (50% in seafood), and pharyngeal oppression (19% in seafood). Prevalence of perceived, probable and systemic allergy to nuts and seeds was 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%–3.0%), 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%–1.3%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0%–0.4%) respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence (perceived, probable, and systemic) associated with seafood consumption was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5%–4.5%), 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0%–2.5%), and 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%–0.9%). Walnut and shrimp were the most frequently reported foods. CONCLUSION: For every 100 Mexican university students, approximately 3 or 4 perceived to have allergy attributed to the consumption of some nuts and seeds or seafood, while 1 or 2 students would have a probable reaction to this same type of food. Walnut and shrimp would be causing the higher quantity of food allergic reactions.

Recurrent Abdominal Wall Inflammation After Resection of Urachal Xanthogranuloma

We report a very rare case of urachal xanthogranuloma. In this case, the inflammation recurred after 9 months even though it was removed by surgical resection. A 43-year-old woman presented with low abdominal walnut sized round mass, mild abdominal pain, and no specific voiding symptoms. Through radiologic evaluation with computed tomography (CT), we observed an infiltration in surrounding tissues of urachal mass from anteriosuperior aspect of bladder until umbilicus, so urachus inflammation as well as malignant tumor of urachus origin was suspected. Urachal mass excision and partial cystectomy were conducted with low midline incision and it was reported pathologically as xanthogranulomatous inflammation. Afterwards the patient lived without inconvenience but after 9 months she returned because of pain and palpable nodule in the right lower abdominal area. Despite taking antibiotics, there was no improvement and abscess formation was observed in CT. Finally, its symptoms improved after abscess incision and drainage.

Monoclonal Antibodies to Recombinant Fag e 3 Buckwheat Allergen and Development of a Two-site ELISA for Its Quantification

PURPOSE: Buckwheat is a major cause of anaphylaxis, and Fag e 3 is the key major allergen in buckwheat. However, an immunoassay system for the quantification of Fag e 3 has yet to be developed. METHODS: We developed a 2-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) produced against recombinant Fag e 3. We applied this ELISA to quantify native Fag e 3 in total buckwheat extract. RESULTS: Four clones of mAbs were produced, and all recognized vicilin allergens not only from buckwheat, but also from peanut and walnut. However, the ELISA using these antibodies was only able to quantify Fag e 3 in the total extract after addition of 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and heating, which facilitated dissociation of the allergen. The detection limit of the developed 2-site ELISA was 0.8 µg/mL. The measurement of Fag e 3 in the total extract of buckwheat showed that approximately 12% of protein in total buckwheat extract was Fag e 3. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed an ELISA system for the quantification of the group 3 buckwheat allergen, Fag e 3, specifically. This assay will be useful for standardization of buckwheat allergens and monitoring of buckwheat contamination in foods.