Development of a Freshness Indicator for Assessing the Quality of Packaged Pork Products during Refrigerated Storage.

A pH-sensitive dye-based freshness indicator has been developed to monitor the quality status of pork neck through distinct color transitions, addressing a crucial need for improved food safety and real-time monitoring within the food industry. This system aims to boost consumer confidence and improve shelf-life estimates by offering transparent and immediate quality indicators. Aerobically packaged pork neck samples underwent accelerated testing at 25 °C for 36 h, followed by refrigeration experiments at typical distribution temperatures of 4 and 8 °C over 10 days. Measured pork neck quality parameters included total bacterial count (TBC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and pH levels. Visual observation and colorimetric analysis were used to assess the chromatic variations of the freshness indicator, which showed a significant shift from orange to green in response to the presence of TVB-N in the headspace of the pork packaging. The chromatic parameters of the freshness indicator exhibited a significant correlation with the pork quality values throughout the storage periods. The results highlight the ability of the freshness indicator to effectively convey quality information about pork through noticeable colorimetric changes.

Dietary vitamin D3 supplementation enhances splenic NK cell activity in healthy and diabetic male mice.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus negatively affects the immune system, resulting in reduced natural killer (NK) cell activity. Vitamin D has been shown to regulate innate and adaptive immune cells. However, the effects of vitamin D on NK cells remain inconclusive, especially in the context of diabetes. We hypothesized that dietary vitamin D3 supplementation can enhance NK cell activity in diabetic mice. Therefore, we investigated the effects of dietary vitamin D3 on NK cell activity in control and diabetic mice and explored the mechanisms of NK cell activity modulation by vitamin D3. Control (CON) and diabetic mice (db/db) were randomly divided into 2 groups, then fed either a control diet (948 IU vitamin D3/kg diet, vDC) or a diet supplemented with vitamin D3 (9,477 IU vitamin D3/kg diet, vDS) for 8 weeks. Diabetic mice exhibited lower NK cell activity than control mice. The vDS group had significantly higher NK cell activity than the vDC group in both control and diabetic mice. The vDS group had a higher percentage of CD11b single-positive NK cells than the vDC group (CON-vDS 34%; db/db-vDS 30%; CON-vDC 27%; db/db-vDC 22%). The intracellular expression of splenic TGF-ß was significantly higher in the db/db group than in the CON group. Overall, vDS group had higher Bcl2 and Tbx21 mRNA expressions than the vDC group. In conclusion, the present study shows that NK cell activity is impaired under diabetic conditions, possibly due to the reduced percentage of mature NK cells. Moreover, NK activity is enhanced by dietary supplementation in both control and diabetic mice that may be associated with changes in the proportion of mature NK cells.

Chemical Compositions before and after Lactic Acid Fermentation of Isoflavone-Enriched Soybean Leaves and Their Anti-Obesity and Gut Microbiota Distribution Effects.

In this study, we prepared fermented products of isoflavone-enriched soybean leaves (IESLs) and analyzed their nutrients, isoflavones, anti-obesity efficacy, and effects on gut microbiota. Fermented IESLs (FIESLs) were found to be rich in nutrients, especially lauric acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. In addition, the concentrations of most essential free amino acids were increased compared to those of IESLs. The contents of bioactive compounds, such as total phenolic, total flavonoid, daidzein, and genistein, significantly increased as well. In addition, FIESLs administration in a high-fat diet (HFD) animal model improved the final body weight, epididymal fat, total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and leptin levels, as well as reverting microbiota dysbiosis. In conclusion, these findings indicate that FIESLs have the potential to inhibit obesity caused by HFDs and serve as a modulator of gut microbiota, offering the prevention of diet-induced gut dysbiosis and metabolite diseases associated with obesity.

Process Intensification for Enhanced Fluoride Removal and Recovery as Calcium Fluoride Using a Fluidized Bed Reactor.

This study explored the feasibility of fluoride removal from simulated semiconductor industry wastewater and its recovery as calcium fluoride using fluidized bed crystallization. The continuous reactor showed the best performance (>90% fluoride removal and >95% crystallization efficiency) at a calcium-to-fluoride ratio of 0.6 within the first 40 days of continuous operation. The resulting particle size increased by more than double during this time, along with a 36% increase in the seed bed height, indicating the deposition of CaF2 onto the silica seed. The SEM-EDX analysis showed the size and shape of the crystals formed, along with the presence of a high amount of Ca-F ions. The purity of the CaF2 crystals was determined to be 91.1% though ICP-OES analysis. Following the continuous experiment, different process improvement strategies were explored. The addition of an excess amount of calcium resulted in the removal of an additional 6% of the fluoride; however, compared to this single-stage process, a two-stage approach was found to be a better strategy to achieve a low effluent concentration of fluoride. The fluoride removal reached 94% with this two-stage approach under the optimum conditions of 4 + 1 h HRT combinations and a [Ca2+]/[F-] ratio of 0.55 and 0.7 for the two reactors, respectively. CFD simulation showed the impact of the inlet diameter, bottom-angle shape, and width-to-height ratio of the reactor on the mixing inside the reactor and the possibility of further improvement in the reactor performance by optimizing the FBR configuration.

Optimization of Calcium Fluoride Crystallization Process for Treatment of High-Concentration Fluoride-Containing Semiconductor Industry Wastewater.

This study utilized a fluidized bed reactor (FBR) for fluoride removal from high-concentration fluoride-ion-containing simulated semiconductor industry wastewater and recovered high-purity CaF2 crystals. The effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), pH, Ca2+ to F- ratio, upflow velocity, seed size and seed bed height were investigated by performing lab-scale batch experiments. Considering fluoride removal and CaF2 crystallization efficiency, 5 h HRT, pH 6, seed height of 50 cm and [Ca2+]/[F-] ratio of 0.55 (mol/mol) were found to be optimum. The effect of the interaction between the important process parameters on fluoride removal was further analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design. The results showed that all the individual parameters have a significant impact (p = 0.0001) on fluoride removal. SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis showed the composition of the crystals formed inside FBR. HR-XRD analysis confirmed that the crystalline structure of samples was mainly CaF2. The results clearly demonstrated the feasibility of silica seed material containing FBR for efficient removal and recovery of fluoride as high-purity calcium fluoride crystals.

Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Arising on Long-Standing Burn Scars: A Report of Three Cases and Brief Review of Literature.

Introduction: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare and recalcitrant condition in which chronic scalp pustules and erosive patches are diagnosed by nondiagnostic laboratory tests and histopathological tests. Although various precipitating factors including trauma have been reported, erosive pustular dermatosis arising on the long-standing burn scars is rare. Case Presentation: We report three cases of EPDS arising on long-standing burn scars. Based on clinical and histological findings, erosive pustular dermatosis was diagnosed and successfully treated with topical steroid ointment. Conclusion: We propose that chronic burn scar is another precipitating factors for EPDS and clinicians should consider EPDS in differential diagnoses of erosive pustular dermatosis in long-standing burn scars on the scalp.

Effects of an in vitro vitamin D treatment on the inflammatory responses in visceral adipose tissue from Ldlr-/- mice.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atherosclerosis is associated with increased inflammation in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Vitamin D has been reported to modulate the inflammatory responses of stromal vascular cells (SVCs) and adipocytes in adipose tissue, but the role of vitamin D in atherosclerosis biology is unclear. This study examined the effects of in vitro 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) treatment on the inflammatory responses of SVCs and adipocytes from atherosclerotic mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J (B6) mice were divided randomly into 2 groups and fed a 10% kcal fat control diet (control group, CON) or 41% kcal fat, 0.21% cholesterol (high fat + cholesterol, HFC) diet (obese group, OB), and B6.129S7-Ldlrtm1Her/J (Ldlr-/-) mice were fed a HFC diet (obese with atherosclerosis group, OBA) for 16 weeks. SVCs and adipocytes isolated from VAT were pre-incubated with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 24 h and stimulated with lipopolysaccarides for the next 24 h. Proinflammatory cytokine production by adipocytes and SVCs, the immune cell population in SVCs, and the expression of the genes involved in the inflammatory signaling pathway in SVCs were determined. RESULTS: The numbers of total macrophages and SVCs per mouse were higher in OB and OBA groups than the CON group. The in vitro 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment significantly reduced macrophages/SVCs (%) in the OBA group. Consistent with this change, the production of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) by SVCs from the OBA group was decreased by 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. The 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment significantly reduced the toll-like receptor 4 and dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (also known as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1) mRNA levels in SVCs and MCP-1 production by adipocytes from all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that vitamin D can attribute to the inhibition of the inflammatory response in VAT from atherosclerotic mice by reducing proinflammatory cytokine production.

Pathologically Confirmed Subcutaneous Fat and Lymphovascular Invasion of a Hypopigmented Area in Extramammary Paget Disease.

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare adenocarcinoma that usually occurs in areas of the body that are rich in apocrine sweat glands. Great depth of tumor invasion is a well-known risk factor for worse prognosis. Paget cells usually are limited to the epidermis, whereas invasive EMPD, which infiltrates the dermis, is relatively rare. It is even rarer for the tumor to spread beyond the dermis. Only 3.1% of patients with EMPD of the penis and scrotum have exhibited infiltration of the subcutaneous fat layer. We report a case of a 62-year-old male with EMPD that invaded the subcutaneous fat layer. He presented with a several-year history of a slowly expanding erythematous plaque with the hypopigmented area on the left penoscrotum. One month before presentation, the patient had undergone punch biopsy at another hospital and diagnosed with EMPD. He had no personal history of urogenital cancers. The patient was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery, and negative margins were achieved after four stages. The histopathologic findings revealed Paget cells scattered throughout the epidermis. At the hypopigmented area, Paget cells extended to the subcutaneous fat layer with lymphovascular invasion. There was no evidence of recurrence at seven months postoperatively. Herein, we describe a case of hypopigmented EMPD that infiltrated the subcutaneous layer, which rarely has been reported in Korea.

An Excimer Laser-Induced Eruptive Sebaceous Hyperplasia.

Sebaceous hyperplasia (SH) is a benign proliferation of the sebaceous glands. Ultraviolet radiation is known to be the cofactor for the pathogenesis of SH. Frequently reported adverse events of 308-nm excimer laser are erythema, burning or pain, and itching sensation. However, the role of excimer laser as an aetiological factor of SH is rarely reported in the literature. A 59-year-old female presented with several elevated, umbilicated papules on the face. Papular eruption appeared abruptly after 11 weeks of treatment for vitiligo which includes 308-nm excimer laser therapy. The distribution of lesion was associated with the treated area. Total cumulative dose was 3,300 mJ/cm² over 16 sessions. Histopathologic findings showed enlarged sebaceous glands composed of numerous lobules around a centrally located, widened sebaceous duct. Chronic sun exposure clinically causes SH was proved in the previous animal studies. Thus, we introduce a rare case of eruptive SH in the patient treated with 308-nm excimer laser.

Fixed Drug Eruption in a Patient Taking Valacyclovir without Cross-Reactivity to Acyclovir.

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a well-defined hyperpigmented patch that recurs in a fixed location each time a particular drug is taken. Common causative agents of FDE are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-narcotic analgesics, sedatives, anticonvulsants, sulfonamides, and tetracycline. We report a 33-year-old male who presented with a recurrent, localized, brownish-to-erythematous macule and papules on the peri-philtrum area two hours after taking valacyclovir. Three episodes of valacyclovir ingestion for treatment of Herpes simplex virus infection provoked a similar skin rash at the same site. Histopathology results showed vacuolar degeneration in the basal layer of the epidermis, pigmentary incontinence, and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration in the papillary dermis. Although patch test and skin prick test showed negative responses to acyclovir and valacyclovir, an intradermal test showed a positive reaction only to valacyclovir. The oral provocation test to acyclovir and valacyclovir showed a positive reaction only to valacyclovir. Through drug history, histopathological examination, patch test, intradermal test, and oral provocation test, we established a final diagnosis of FDE due to valacyclovir without cross-reactivity to acyclovir. To find alternative therapeutic drugs, we suggest diagnostic tests with not only the suspected drugs, but also other drugs in the same class.

Changes in Nutrient Components and Digestive Enzymatic Inhibition Activities in Soy Leaves by Ethephon Treatment.

In this study, the high isoflavone-enriched soy leaves (IESLs) were manufactured by treating with the chemical inducer ethephon, a plant growth regulator, to confirm changes in the properties of soy leaves (SLs), which are underutilized. Ethephon treatment concentrations consisted of 0 (SL1), 150 (SL2), and 300 (SL3) µg/mL. The composition analysis and physiological activity were conducted according to the ethephon treatment concentration of SLs. There was no significant difference in the proximate composition and fatty acids, except for an increase with increasing ethephon treatment concentrations. Depending on the ethephon treatment concentration, free amino acids increased to 1413.0, 1569.8, and 2100.4 mg/100 g, and water-soluble vitamins increased to 246.7, 244.7, and 501.6 mg/100 g. In particular, the functional substance isoflavone increased significantly to 1430.11, 7806.42, and 14,968.00 µg/g. Through this study, it was confirmed that the nutritional components and isoflavones of SLs increased according to the ethephon treatment concentration, a chemical inducer treatment agent. This can be used as a high-value-added biosubstance for raw materials for functional foods, cosmetics, and for natural drugs.

Changes in anxiety and depression levels and meat intake following recognition of low genetic risk for high body mass index, triglycerides, and lipoproteins: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Psychological status affects dietary intake, and recognizing genetic information can lead to behavior changes by influencing psychological factors such as anxiety or depression. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined the effects of disclosing genetic information on anxiety or depression levels and the association between these psychological factors and dietary intake. METHODS: A total of 100 healthy adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 65) informed about their genetic test results regarding body mass index and lipid profiles (triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations) and a not-informed control group (CON, n = 35). Based on polygenic risk scores, participants in the intervention group were subclassified into an intervention-low risk (ILR, n = 32) and an intervention-high risk (IHR, n = 33) group. Nutrient and food intakes were assessed via a 3-day dietary record at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Depression and anxiety levels were measured using PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires, and the relative levels of blood metabolites were measure using GC-MS/MS analysis. RESULTS: Noticeable changes in dietary intake as well as psychological factors were observed in male subjects, with those perceiving their genetic risks as low (ILR) showing a significant increase in protein intake at 3 months compared to baseline (ILR: 3.9 ± 1.4, p<0.05). Meat intake also increased significantly in males in the ILR group at 3 months, but not in the IHR and CON groups (ILR: 49.4 ± 30.8, IHR: -52.2 ± 25.4, CON: -5.3 ± 30.3 g/d). ILR group showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels at 3 months, and their anxiety scores showed a negative association with meat intake (standardized ß = -0.321, p<0.05). The meat intake at 3 months was associated with the relative levels of arginine and ornithine (standardized ß = 0.452, p<0.05 and standardized ß = 0.474, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, anxiety levels were decreased in male subjects who perceived their genetic risk to be low, and the decrease in anxiety levels was associated with an increase in meat intake. This suggests that recognizing genetic information may affect psychological factors and dietary intake.

Feasibility of combination of Gun-Chil-Jung and cytokine-induced killer cells-based immunotherapy for terminal hepatocellular carcinoma patient: a case report.

Introduction: Terminal-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is inoperable and currently has no form of adjuvant therapy. This study examined the anticancer herbal extract Gun-Chil-Jung (GCJ) combined with cytokine-induced killer (CIK)-cell-based immunotherapy as a palliative therapy for terminal HCC. We report the case of an HCC patient with extended overall survival and improved symptoms and tumor marker levels following combination therapy with GCJ and CIK cell-based immunotherapy. Baseline Characteristics: From March to July 2020, a 57-year-old man who had been diagnosed with HCC underwent combination treatment with GCJ and CIK cell-based immunotherapy. By August 2021, he was prescribed GCJ. After treatment, the patient's condition was evaluated with respect to overall survival, tumor markers, symptoms, abdominal computed tomography findings, chest x-ray results, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) grade. Results: The patient's overall survival, tumor marker levels, ECOG grade, and symptoms, including ascites, lower limb edema, jaundice, pleural effusion, and fatigue, were largely alleviated. Conclusion: We expect that this combination therapy may be an option for palliative therapy of terminal HCC.

Pigmented contact dermatitis and hair dyes: A retrospective case-control multicentre study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD), a rare variant of non-eczematous contact dermatitis, is clinically characterized by sudden-onset brown or grey pigmentation on the face and neck. It is hypothesized to be caused by repeated contact with low levels of allergens. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the risk of using hair dyes in patients with PCD in Korea. METHODS: A total of 1033 PCD patients and 1366 controls from 31 university hospitals were retrospectively recruited. We collected and analysed the data from the patient group, diagnosed through typical clinical findings of PCD and the control group, which comprised age/sex-matched patients who visited the participating hospitals with pre-existing skin diseases other than current allergic disease or PCD. RESULTS: Melasma and photosensitivity were significantly more common in the control group, and a history of contact dermatitis was more common in the PCD group. There were significantly more Fitzpatrick skin type V participants in the PCD group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in sunscreen use between the groups. Using dermatologic medical history, Fitzpatrick skin type and sunscreen use as covariates, we showed that hair dye use carried a higher PCD risk (odds ratio [OR] before adjustment: 2.06, confidence interval [CI]: 1.60-2.65; OR after adjustment: 2.74, CI: 1.88-4.00). Moreover, henna users had a higher risk of PCD (OR before adjustment: 5.51, CI: 4.07-7.47; OR after adjustment: 7.02, CI: 4.59-10.74), indicating a significant increase in the risk of PCD with henna dye use. Contact dermatitis history was more prevalent in henna users than in those using other hair dyes in the PCD group (17.23% vs. 11.55%). CONCLUSION: Hair dye use is a risk factor for PCD. The risk significantly increased when henna hair dye was used by those with a history of contact dermatitis.

Development and intralaboratory validation of three Arcidae species using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay combined with capillary electrophoresis.

Recently, various commercial ark shell products were being sold, and in the case of processed foods, the loss of morphological traits makes species identification visually challenging, which can lead to seafood fraud. Therefore, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to simultaneously identify three ark shells. The specific PCR amplicon sizes of the generated species-specific primer pairs were observed to be 99 bp for Anadara kagoshimensis, 148 bp for Anadara broughtonii, and 207 bp for Tegillarca granosa. Specificity was confirmed for 17 fish and shellfish, and only the target was amplified without cross-reactivity. The detection limit for the multiplex PCR assay was 1 pg. Furthermore, 31 commercial products were evaluated to assess the developed assay's applicability. Therefore, the analytical approach used in this study can rapidly and accurately identify ark shells in commercial food, and may be used as an authentication tool in the seafood industry. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01269-2.

Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia in a 6-year-old girl.

We present a rare case of Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia (PCH) presenting with typical finger pain in a 6-year-old girl. As appendages in children are smaller than those in adults, diagnostic criteria are needed for pathological confirmation of PCH in pediatric patients.

Comparisons of Physicochemical Properties, Bacterial Diversities, Isoflavone Profiles and Antioxidant Activities on Household and Commercial doenjang.

In this study, the physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, salinity, and soluble protein), bacterial diversities, isoflavone contents, and antioxidant activities of doenjang (fermented soy paste), household doenjang (HDJ), and commercial doenjang (CDJ), were assessed and compared. The values of pH 5.14-5.94 and acidity 1.36-3.03%, indicated a similar level in all doenjang. The salinity was high in CDJ at 12.8-14.6%, and the protein contents (25.69-37.54 mg/g) were generally high in HDJ. Forty-three species were identified from the HDJ and CDJ. The main species were verified to be Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B. amyloliquefaciens), B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sp. and Bacillus subtilis. Comparing the ratios of isoflavone types, the HDJ has an aglycone ratio of >80%, and 3HDJ indicates a ratio of isoflavone to aglycone of 100%. In the CDJ, except 4CDJ, glycosides account for a high proportion of more than 50%. The results of antioxidant activities and DNA protection effects were variedly confirmed regardless of HDJs and CDJs. Through these results, it is judged that HDJs have a variety of bacterial species compared to CDJs, and these are biologically active and converted from glycoside to aglycone. Bacterial distribution and isoflavone contents could be used as basic data.

Effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in adults taking medication for metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence, medication knowledge and clinical outcomes in adults taking medication for metabolic syndrome. BACKGROUND: Despite the significance of interventions designed to improve medication adherence, a systematic review of nurse-led intervention studies for metabolic syndrome is lacking. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. METHODS: The study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines checklist. PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL and other manual sources were searched in May 2021.The quality assessment was conducted using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.0 was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: This review included 20 studies of nurse-led medication adherence interventions in 6017 adults at risk for metabolic syndrome. The pooled effect size using the random effects model indicated that nurse-led interventions had a significantly moderate impact on enhancing medication adherence and medication knowledge and improving selected clinical outcomes of available studies in nurse-led intervention groups compared with control groups. Duration of intervention (median 12 weeks), mode of delivery (group vs. individual) and using multiple strategies influenced outcomes of nurse-led medication adherence interventions. The results revealed that interventions of moderate- to high-quality studies were more likely to show significant improvements in medication adherence than those of low-quality studies. CONCLUSION: The meta-analyses showed that nurse-led interventions may enhance medication adherence and knowledge and improve clinical outcomes of this population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings may contribute to evidence-based information about nurse-led intervention and its selection of appropriate interventions for improving medication adherence in this population. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients or the public were not directly involved in this review.