Earticle

The potential impact of the methods of sensory science on consumer testing and marketing is reviewed. Areas such as predicting purchase behavior, new approaches to scaling, and cross cultural effects are discussed. An example of the complexity of sensory measurement used to obtain consumer and marketing information is highlighted, using the simple paired preference test as an example.

The microbiological and chemical identification of antibiotic residues was attempted for livestock and seafood products including pork (n=34), beef (n=34), chicken (n=32), flatfish (n=37), armorclad rockfish (n=36), and sea bream (n=27). The meat (n=100) and seafood (n=100) samples were collected from 9 markets in 5 major Korean cities. Antibiotic substances were identified from the classes of tetracyclines, macrolides, penicillins, aminoglycosides, polyethers, peptides, sulfonamides, quinolones, chlorampenicols, and novobiocins using a microbiological assay, the Charm II test and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultra violet (UV) and fluorescence detectors. The results showed that 2 tetracyclines (oxytetracycline and tetracycline) and 3 quinolones (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and enrofloxacin) were detected in 4 samples of flatfish among all 100 seafood samples tested. No antibiotic residues were detected in the 100 livestock product samples tested. The amounts (min-max, mg/kg) of the residual antibiotics were as follows; tetracycline 0.78-0.85, oxytetracycline 0.49-0.74, ciprofloxacin 0.09-0.83, norfloxacin 0.01-0.21, enrofloxacin 0.12-2.98. These data indicate that the total detection rate of antibiotics in livestock and seafood products was approximately 2%.

In this study, we isolated porphyran was isolated from the red seaweed Porphyra yezoensis and assessed in terms of in vitro anti-proliferative activity. Sequential anion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography led to purification of 3 porphyrans of different molecular masses, which contained < 50 ug/mL protein and >10 ug/mL porphyran. Crude porphyran inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner (0-5 mg/mL). When HT-29 colon cancer cells and AGS gastric cancer cells were cultured with various concentrations of the purified porphyran, cancer cell growth was inhibited by 50% at a low concentration (5 or 10 ug/mL). Furthermore, the polysaccharide portion of the porphyran preparation, rather than the protein portion, is the most effective at inhibiting cancer cell proliferation via apoptosis, as indicated by increased caspase-3 activity. Our results indicate that purified porphyran has significant in vitro anti-proliferative activity (p<0.05).

This study examined whether dietary supplementation with sea tangle alters the intestinal morphology of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and affects the glucose absorption rate. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups and fed either a control (AIN76-based) diet or a sea tangle-supplemented diet. After 3 weeks, 10 rats in each group received an intramuscular injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg BW), and feeding was continued for 3 additional weeks. Dietary supplementation with sea tangle resulted in a lower fasting plasma glucose level compared with the control diet in diabetic rats. Scanning electron micrographs revealed serious damage to the jejunal villi of diabetic rats fed the control diet, whereas supplementation with sea tangle alleviated the damage. In a separate experiment, 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups and fed either a control diet or a sea tangle-supplemented diet for 5 weeks, and fasted rats were subjected to in situ single-pass perfusion. The glucose absorption rate determined in the absence of digesta was decreased by 34% in the jejunum of rats fed a sea tangle diet compared with those fed a control diet. In conclusion, sea tangle supplementation lowered glucose absorption rate, altered intestinal morphology, and appeared to protect villi from damage caused by diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study was to analyze the antioxidant properties of different cultivars of grape skin extract in an in vitro system. The extracts were prepared from eight grape cultivars: 'Campbell Early' (CE), 'Kyoho' (K), 'New Kyoho' (NK), 'Muscat of Alexandria' (MOA), 'Seibel' (S), 'Morgen Schow' (MS), 'Gold Finger' (GF), and 'Meru' (M). The total phenolic acid contents were highest in MS and K. Resveratrol content was high in NK (50.88 mg/l g of coat), and quercetin content was significantly higher in K (0.68 mg/l g of coat) than in the other grape species (0.21-0.44 mg/l g of coat). The K and MS grape species, in which total phenol content was comparatively high (K: 24.15 ug/mL, MS: 25.52 ug/mL), also showed a high level of electron donating activity (K, 53%; MS, 59%). The hydrogen radical scavenging activity of M (50.36%) was significantly higher than the other grape species, including the S (50.21%), MS (49.43%), and K (49.06%) cultivars. Antioxidant activity varied depending on grape species, but overall it was highest in the MS and K cultivars.

The demand of quality green banana chips is increasing in the world snacks market, therefore, the preparation of quality chips and their subsequent shelf life in packaging were evaluated in this study. Banana slices were fried in hot oil to the desired moisture content (2-3%) and oil content (40%) in chips at 3 different temperatures, and the impact of different pretreatments were compared by sensory assessment. A linear relationship between time and temperature was used to achieve the optimal processing conditions. Banana slices fried at the lower temperature of 145℃ took longer to reach the desired chip qualities, but gave the best results in terms of color and texture. Blanching was the most effective pre-treatment for retaining the light yellow color in finished chips. For extending the shelf life of chips, moisture proof packaging in double layer high density polyethylene was more effective than single layer low density polyethylene.

This study investigated the effects of cell cultured Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE) supplementation and swimming exercise on lipid profiles and carnitine concentrations in C57BL/6J mice fed high fat diets. Male C57BL/6J mice (n=50), aged 4 weeks, were divided into 5 groups based on exercise and/or ASE supplementation (0.5 g/kg of body weight): normal diet (N-C), high fat diet (H-C), high fat diet non-supplement & exercise (H-NSE), high fat diet supplement & no exercise (H-SNE), high fat diet supplement & exercis (H-SE). Liver nonesterified carnitine (NEC) was significantly higher in the H-SNE group than in the H-C group, and liver total carnitine (TCNE) levels were significantly higher in the H-SNE group than in the H-NSE and H-SE groups. Liver and muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I) mRNA levels tended to be higher with ASE supplementation and/or exercise. These results suggest that supplementation with ASE and/or exercise might have a role in improving lipid oxidation

Granular maize starch was treated with Thermus scotoductus 4--glucanotransferase (-GTase), and its physicochemical properties were determined. The gelatinization and pasting temperatures of -GTase-modified starch were decreased by higher enzyme concentrations. -GTase treatment lowered the peak, setback, and [mal viscosity of the starch. At a higher level of enzyme treatment, the melting peak of the amylose-lipid complex was undetectable on the DSC thermogram. Also, -GTase-modified starch showed a slower retrogradation rate. The enzyme treatment changed the dynamic rheological properties of the starch, leading to decreases in its elastic (G') and viscous (G") moduli. -GTase-modified starch showed more liquid-like characteristics, whereas normal maize starch was more elastic and solid-like. Gel permeation chromatography of modified starch showed that amylose was degraded, and a low molecular-weight fraction with Mw of 1.1 x 105 was produced. Branch chain-length (BCL) distribution of modified starch showed increases in BCL (DP>20), which could result from the glucans degraded from amylose molecules transferred to the branch chains of amylopectin by inter-/intra-molecular transglycosylation of -GTase. These new physicochemical functionalities of the modified starch produced by a-GTase treatment are applicable to starch-based products in various industries.

The aim of this study is to determine the anti-obesity effects of genistein and exercise, separately and in combination, in mice. Fifty male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 5 treatment groups: normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HD), high fat diet with exercise (HD+Ex), high fat diet with 0.2% genistein (HD+G), high fat diet with 0.2% genistein, and exercise (HD+G+Ex). They were allowed free access to feed and water, and exercised mice engaged in swimming on a regular basis for 12 weeks. Genistein supplemented mice gained less weight, had lower energy intake, better lipid profiles, and lower leptin than the HD mice. Furthermore, when genistein was combined with exercise (HD+G+Ex) the effects were even greater. HD, HD+Ex, and HD+G mice exhibited increased hepatic CPT-1 mRNA expression. Therefore, genistein and exercise has anti-obesity effects, as shown by changes in body weight, fat accumulation, energy intake, and leptin levels.

To investigate the relationship of wheat single kernel characteristics with end-use properties, 183 soft wheat cultivars and lines were evaluated for milling quality characteristics (kernel hardness, kernel and flour protein, flour ash), and end-use properties (i.e., as ingredients in sugar-snap cookies, sponge cake). Significant positive correlations occurred among wheat hardness parameters including near-infrared reflectance (NIR) score and single kernel characterization system (SKCS). The SKCS characteristics were also significantly correlated with conventional wheat quality parameters such as kernel size, wheat protein content, and straight-grade flour yield. The cookie diameter and cake volume were negatively correlated with NIR and SKCS hardness, and there was an inverse relationship between flour protein contents and kernel weights or sizes. Sugar-snap cookie diameter was positively correlated with sponge cake volume.

This study addresses the quality characteristics of commercial baechukimchi by analyzing its physicochemical characteristics and sensory properties in relation to fermentation time and temperature. The salinity of baechukimchi increased to 3.01% after 45 days of fermentation at 2 and5℃ , but decreased to 2.81% by 105 days. The pH decreased gradually at the beginning of fermentation, but decreased after 45 days. The acidity differed most between kimchi fermented at 2℃ (0.36%) and 5℃ (0.48%) at 45 days of fermentation. The vitamin C content was 8.47 mg% in kimchi fermented at both 2 and on the day of initial production, then peaked after 45 to 60 days at 14.10 mg%, and decreased thereafter. The total microbial count gradually increased during the first 75 days of fermentation. The appearance and overall acceptability of baechukimchi were highest after 90 days of fermentation at 2℃ and after 60 days of fermentation at 5℃.

Physiochemical properties, such as yield and molecular weight distribution of polysaccharide fractions, of polysaccharides in the enzymatic hydrolysates of purslane were investigated and characterized. A higher amount of micro nutrients, such as potassium (9,413 mg/100 g), phosphorus acid (539 mg/100 g), leucine, alanine, lysine, valine, glycine, and isoleucine, was present in whole purslane. The yield of water soluble polysaccharides (WSP) was 0.29, 7.01, and 7.94% when extracted using room temperature water (RTW), hot-water (HW), and hot temperature/high pressure-water (HTPW), respectively, indicating that HW or HTPW extraction may be effective to obtain WSP from purslane. The average ratio of L-arabinose:D-galactose in the WSP was 37:49, 34:37, and 27:29, when extracted using RTW, HW, and HTPW, respectively. These results indicate that water was a suitable extraction solvent for preparation of the arabinogalactan component of whole purslane. A higher yield and total carbohydrate content was obtained by using Viscozyme L instead of Pectinex 5XL during extraction of the WSP, which indicates that enzymatic treatment of purslane may be an effective method to control the Mw of polysaccharides. Finally, it was confirmed that Viscozyme L is a suitable enzyme for the hydrolysis and separation of polysaccharides obtained from purslane.

The stem bark of Rhus verniciflua (RVSB) has been used in herbal medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and stomach ailments for thousands of years in Korea, despite its content of the plant allergen, urushiol. A new biological approach for the removal of urushiol from RVSB using mushrooms is described. All mushroom species (11 sp.) employed in this study were able to grow on RVSB, although the growth rate (mm/day) was lower than the control (sawdust). The components of urushiol congeners [C15 triene (m/z 314), C15 diene (m/z 316), C15 monoene (m/z 318), and C15 saturated (m/z 320)] were purified by HPLC and identified by GC-MS. A C15:3 (3-pentadecatrienly catechol) was found to be most abundant in RVSB. Urushiol analogues decreased remarkably from 154.15 to 10.73 mg/100 g (approximately 93%) by Fomitella fraxinea, whereas Trametes vercicolor showed only a 1.46% degradation capacity despite its 2 fold higher growth rate. Similarly, laccase activity was found to be high for F. fraxinea and low for T. vercicolor. Moreover, approximately 98% detoxification was accomplished by F. fraxinea cultivated on RVSB supplemented with 20%(w/w) rice bran. These findings suggest that mushrooms can be used in the detoxification of RVSB.

The acid modification of waxy rice starch was conducted to improve the yugwa production process. The intrinsic viscosity, paste viscosity, and differential scanning calorimetry characteristics of acid modified starch were measured, and bandaegi and yugwa prepared from acid modified starch were evaluated. The intrinsic viscosities of acid thinned starches were 1.48, 1.27, 1.15, and 0.91 mL/g after reaction times of 1, 2, 3, and 4 hr, respectively. The gelatinization enthalpy was reduced from 16.3 J/g in native starch to 15.8, 15.3, 14.7, and 14.5 J/g in acid thinned starches as the time of acid thinning increased. The peak viscosity and final viscosity decreased with increasing the time of acid thinning, but the pasting temperature was slightly increased in acid thinned starches. The hardness of bandaegi from acid thinned starches under high pressure greatly decreased relative to the control, typical yugwa. Yugwa from acid thinned starch under high pressure maintained a homogeneous structure containing tiny and uniform cells similar to that of native waxy rice starch used for typical yugwa. Acid thinning under high pressure appears to be a good alternative to the existing steeping process for better yugwa quality.

The powdered cereal sunsik is a partially thermal-processed product that required safety evaluations for food-borne pathogens. Thirty-six sunsik products from Korean markets were collected and analyzed for contamination by total viable cell counts, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and the spore-forming Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus. Enterobacter sakazakii, as a newly emerging pathogen, was also analyzed. Approximately 28% of sunsik were contaminated at 5 log CFU/g for total viable counts. Coliforms and E. coli were detected in 33 and 4% of the samples, respectively. The spore-forming B. cereus was found in 42% of the samples at a maximal level of 3 log CFU/g on average. About 6% the samples were contaminated with Cl. perfringens at an average level of 15 CFU/g. Forty-five % of sunsik contained E. sakazakii, at levels from 0.007 to over 1.1 cell/g by MPN method. In addition, one sunsik product for infants and children showed over 3 log CFU/g for both B. cereus and E. sakazaki. Therefore, concern should be placed on controlling for microbial hazards such as B. cereus and E. sakazakii in sunsik, particularly for the products fed to infants under 6 months of age.

Gelation mechanism of xanthan-carob mixture (X/C) was investigated based on thermorheological behavior. Three X/C ratios (1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) were studied. Small amplitude oscillatory shear tests were performed to measure linear viscoelastic behavior during gelation. Temperature sweep (-1℃/min) experiments were conducted. Using a non-isothermal kinetic model, activation energy (Ea) during gelation was calculated. At 1% total concentration, the Ea for xanthan fraction (?x)=0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 were 178, 159, and 123 kJ/mol, respectively. However, a discontinuity was observed in the activation energy plots. Based on this, two gelation mechanisms were presumed-association of xanthan and carob molecules and aggregation of polymer strands. The association process is the primary mechanism to form 3-D networks in the initial stage of gelation and the aggregation of polymer strands played a major role in the later stage.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of microorganism inactivation using 3 ppm of aqueous ozone (AO), 1% citric acid, 1% lactic acid, and 1% acetic acid alone, as well as the combinations of AO and organic acid, for washing the raw materials of saengsik (carrot, cabbage, glutinous rice, barley) with or without agitation. The combination of AO and 1% of each organic acid significantly inactivated spoilage bacteria in both the vegetables and the grains (p<0.05). However, in the glutinous rice, no inhibitory effects were shown for total aerobic bacteria by using water, ozone, or the combination of AO with citric acid or lactic acid, without agitation. Microbial inactivation was enhanced with agitation in the grains, whereas dipping (no agitation) treatments showed better inhibitory effects in the vegetables than in the barley, suggesting that washing processes should take into account the type of food material.

The objectives of this study were to identity antioxidant substance in heated garlic juice (HGJ). We evaluated the antioxidant activities of heated garlic juice exposed to 120, 130, and 140℃ for 2 hr. The HGJ was partitioned using the solvents of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. The ethyl acetate fraction of HGJ treated at 130℃ for 2 hr showed strong antioxidant activity; this extract was isolated and purified using silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of the purified compound was determined using spectroscopic methods, i.e., ultraviolet, mass spectrometry, infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT, HMBC, and HMQC. The isolated compound was identified as thiacremonone (2,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-thiophene-3-one). Thiacremonone showed strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 22.25±0.44 ug/mL, which is much higher than that of the antioxidants ascorbic acid (30.06±0.42 ug/mL), a-tocopherol (71.30±0.97 ug/mL), and butylated hydroxyanisole (50.54±0.94 ug/mL).

The present work is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of glutathione-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae FF-8 strain on carbon tetrachloride (CCI4)-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. The activities of liver markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase), lipid peroxidative index (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and the antioxidant status (reduced glutathione) were used to monitor those protective roles of FF-8 strain. The liver marker enzymes in plasma and the lipid peroxidation in the liver were increased when CCI4 was treated but these were significantly decreased by FF-8 strain treatment. The hepatic concentration of glutathione in the current glutathione-enriched FF-8 strain fed animal was approximately twice as high as the normal, but this was slightly increased in response to CCI4 plus glutathione-enriched FF-8 strain. The increased liver triglyceride concentration due to the CCI4 treatment was significantly decreased by FF-8 strain and the reduced level reached to that of normal group. Administration of FF-8 strain in normal rat did not show any signs of harmful effects. Therefore, the current findings suggest that FF-8 strain could be an effective antioxidant with no or negligible side-effects and it might be useful for the purpose of protection treatment of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in CCI4-treatment in rat.

Determination of ethyl carbamate content in imported alcoholic beverages in Korea and an exposure assessment were conducted. In gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/selected ion monitoring (GC/MS/SIM) analysis, 2.5-39, 8-263, 6.3-112, 11.3-23.5, 53-94, 8.5-38.5, 7-9.5, 21.3-31.5, 5-832.5, and 10.5-364.8 ug/L of ethyl carbamate were detected in imported beers, sakes, whiskies, vodkas, Chinese liquors, cognacs, tequilas, rums, liqueurs, and wines, respectively. The exposure assessment indicated that the exposure of Korean adults to ethyl carbamate were lower than 20 ng/kg BW per day, (the virtual safe dose) indicating that the amount of ethyl carbamate exposed through fermented food and alcoholic beverages including imported products are currently in the 'no significant risk level'. However, the present low exposure to ethyl carbamate through the imported alcoholic products was not due to the low contents of ethyl carbamate in imported products, but low consumption of the imported products. Therefore, given increasing importation of alcoholic beverages in Korea, reductions of ethyl carbamate content in imported alcoholic beverages, especially non-distilled products, should be required by regulating limits on the ethyl carbamate content in the imported alcoholic beverages.

Effects of lignan compounds (sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin) extracted from roasted sesame oil on the autoxidation at 60℃ for 7 days and thermal oxidation at 180℃ for 10 hr of sunflower oil were studied by determining conjugated dienoic acid (CDA) contents, p-anisidine values (PAV), and fatty acid composition. Contents of lignan compounds during the oxidations were also monitored. a-Tocopherol was used as a reference antioxidant. Addition of lignan compounds decreased CDA contents and PAY of the oils during oxidation at 60℃ or heating at 180℃, which indicated that sesame oil lignans lowered the autoxidation and thermal oxidation of sunflower oil. Sesamol was the most effective in decreasing CDA formation and hydroperoxide decomposition in the auto a- and thermo-oxidation of oil, and its antioxidant activity was significantly higher than that of a-tocopherol. Sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin added to sunflower oil were degraded during the oxidations of oils, with the fastest degradation of sesamol. Degradation of sesamin and sesamolin during the oxidations of the oil were lower than that of -tocopherol. The results strongly indicate that the oxidative stability of sunflower oil can be improved by the addition of sesamol, sesamin, or sesamolin extracted from roasted sesame oil.

The protective effect of the water extract of Fraxinus rhynchophylla leaves (FLE) was determined using an animal model of acetaminophen (AAP)-induced nephrotoxicity. The BALB/c male mice used in this study were divided into 3 groups; the normal, AAP-administered, and FLE-pretreated AAP groups. A single dose of AAP induced necrosis of renal tubules and congestion along with edema to a remarkable degree as observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain, and also increased the numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive renal tubular epithelial cells. Blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine levels were determined to be significantly higher in the AAP group than in the normal group. However, FLE pretreatment resulted in an attenuation of renal tubule necrosis. Regeneration and dilatation of renal tubules were noted, and the numbers of TUNEL-positive cells were reduced in the FLE-pretreated groups. In an effort to detect the bioactive compounds exerting protective effects in FLE, the analysis of phenolic compounds via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed, and identified esculetin and esculin. The present study indicates that these compounds may exert a protective effect against AAP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Changes in microflora, pH, reducing sugar content, lactic acid content, and ethanol content during Korean rice wine fermentation were investigated. Typical quality characteristics of Korean rice wine fermentation including pH, reducing sugar content, lactic acid content, and ethanol content were evaluated. While a fungus was not detected in our Korean rice wine mash, yeast was found to be present at fairly high quantities (1.44 - 4.76 $x 108 CFU/mL$) throughout the fermentation period. It is assumed that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) had effects on the variations of fragrance and flavor for traditional Korean rice wine. The main LAB during the Korean rice wine fermentation was determined and identified as a Gram-positive, straight rod-shaped cell. Genotypic identification of the isolated strain by amplification of its 16S rRNA sequence revealed that the isolated strain was most closely related to Lactobacillus plantarum (99%) strains without any other comparable Lactobacillus strains. Therefore, we designated the major LAB identified from traditional Korean rice wine fermentation as L. plantarum RW.

An oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion [20 wt% com oil, 0.5-6.0 wt% fish gelatin (FG), pH 3.0] was produced by high pressure homogenization, and the influence of pH, protein concentration, and homogenization condition on the formation of FG-stabilized emulsions was assessed by measuring particle size distribution, electrical charge, creaming stability, microstructure, and free FG concentration in the emulsions. Optical microscopy indicated that there were some large droplets ($d>10\;{\mu}m$) in all FG-emulsions, nevertheless, the amount of large droplets tended to decrease with increasing FG concentration. More than 90% of FG was present free in the continuous phase of the emulsions. To facilitate droplet disruption and prevent droplet coalescence within the homogenizer, homogenization time was adjusted in O/W emulsions stabilized by 2.0 or 4.0 wt% FG. However, the increase in the number of pass rather promoted droplet coalescence. This study has shown that the FG may have some limited use as a protein emulsifier in O/W emulsions.

This study investigated changes in the chemical and functional components of germinated rough rice for the development of functional foods. The chemical components that were determined for 'Ilpum', 'Goami2', 'Keunnun', and 'Heugkwang' rough rice cultivars included dietary fiber, free sugars, free amino acids, and functional components such as tocopherols and r-oryzanol. The crude protein, fat, total dietary fiber, and free sugar contents of the rough rice increased significantly after germination. The essential amino acid content was particularly increased. After the germination of the 'Ilpum', 'Goami2', 'Keunnun', and 'Heugkwang' varieties, the following increases were found: r-aminobutyric acid increased 2.4, 2.5, 6.1, and 3.4 times, respectively; a-tocopherol, a-tocotrienols, and r-tocotrienols increased significantly; and r-oryzanol content increased 0.8, 1.1, 1.5, and 1.2 times, respectively. Thus, germinated rough rice has the potential to be used as a healthy and functional food ingredient.

Saeujeot (salted and fermented shrimp) and kimchi are traditional Korean fermented foods. Even though shrimp have often induced severe allergic reactions in sensitized individuals, few studies have investigated the allergenicity of shrimp. The aim of this study was to observe the changes of pH and allergenicity of raw shrimp (Acetes japonicus) and saeujeot in cabbage kimchi during fermentation using competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ci-ELISA). Fermentation was carried out at different temperatures (25, 15, and 5℃). The pH of cabbage kimchi added with raw shrimp or saeujeot slowly decreased at lower temperature (5℃) at the end stage of the fermentation process. The binding ability of serum obtained from patients allergic to raw shrimp against shrimp tropomyosin and saeujeot in kimchi rapidly decreased during longer fermentation periods and higher temperature (25℃). In conclusion, the allergenicity of both raw shrimp and saeujeot in kimchi decreased during fermentation but the decrease in allergenicity of saeujeot was greater than observed for raw shrimp.

Effect of aqueous chlorine dioxide treatment on the microbial growth and quality changes of strawberries during storage was examined. Strawberries were treated with 5, 10, and 50 ppm of chlorine dioxide solution, and stored at 4±1℃. Total aerobic bacteria in strawberries treated at 50 ppm of chlorine dioxide were increased from 1.40 to 2.10 log CFU/g after 7 days, while increasing in the control from 2.75 to 4.32 log CFU/g. Yeasts and molds in strawberries treated at 50 ppm of chlorine dioxide were increased from 1.10 to 1.97 log CFU/g after 7 days, while the control was increased from 2.55 to 4.50 log CFU/g. The pH and titratable acidity of strawberries were not significantly different among treatments. Sensory evaluation results showed that chlorine dioxide-treated strawberries had better sensory scores than the control. These results indicate that chlorine dioxide treatment could be useful in improving the microbial safety and qualities of strawberries during storage.

This study was designed to determine whether dietary glutinous barley (GB) affects lipid metabolism in middle-aged rats previously fed a high-fat diet. To induce obesity, 20 male 9-month-old Sprague Dawley rats were raised for 1 month on a diet containing 20%(w/w) lipid. The rats were allocated to 1 of 2 groups of 10 rats each and for the subsequent 2 months were fed an 8%(w/w) lipid diet containing well-milled rice (WMR) or GB powder. Rats fed the GB diet had significantly lower concentrations of plasma triglyceride, plasma total cholesterol, and liver cholesterol than rats fed the WMR diet. Fecal excretions of triglyceride and bile acids were significantly greater for the GB group than for the WMR group. In conclusion, dietary GB has positive effects on lipid metabolism: it decreases plasma cholesterol concentration by increasing fecal excretion of bile acids.

Curcumin (diferuloyl methane), originated rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. has been suggested as an anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic agent. In the present study, modulation of cytotoxic effects of curcumin on HeLa cells by different types of antioxidants was investigated. Cytotoxic effects of curcumin were significantly enhanced in the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) by decreasing IC50 to 15.4 from 26.0 uM after 24 hr incubation; the activity was not altered by catalase. The effect of curcumin was significantly less pronounced in the presence of 4 mM N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Low concentration (<1 mM) of NAC, however, increased the efficacy of curcumin. Cysteine and B-mercaptoethanol that have a thiol group, showed the similar biphasic patterns as NAC for modulating curcumin cytotoxicity, which was, however, constantly enhanced by ascorbic acid, a non-thiol antioxidant. In the presence of SOD, ascorbic acid, and 0.5 mM NAC, cellular levels of curcumin were significantly increased by 31-66%, whereas 4 mM NAC decreased the level. The present results indicate that thiol reducing agents showed a biphasic effect in modulating cytotoxicity of curcumin; it is likely that their thiol group is reactive with curcumin especially at high concentrations.

Epidemiologic studies have shown important relationships between oxidative stress and Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. In this study, free radical scavenging activity and neuronal cell protection effect of aqueous methanol extracts of Acanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus) were examined. H2O2-induced oxidative stress was measured using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay. Pretreatment with the phenolics of A. senticosus prevented oxidative injury against H2O2 toxicity. Since oxidative stress is known to increase neuronal cell membrane breakdown, leading to cell death, lactic dehydrogenase release, and trypan blue exclusion assays were utilized. We found that phenolics of A. senticosus have neuronal cell protection effects. It suggests that the phenolics of A. senticosus inhibited H2O2-induced oxidative stress and A. senticosus may be beneficial against the oxidative stress-induced risk in AD.