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Biologically active compounds are considered as powerful food factors that elicit profound effects on the maintenance of human health, and disease prevention. The research into how bioactive compounds work and their role in disease prevention in vitro and in vivo is rapidly expanding. Carotenoids are one among several classes of biologically active compounds that have been reported to possess greater antioxidant and anti-cancer activity. Today, this emerging class of nutrients is the driving force in the nutritional supplement industry, and serves as a new frontier in cancer and cardiovascular research. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is the second most common disease responsible for maximum mortality with about 8.2 million deaths, and the global cancer burden rises to 14.1 million new cases in 2012. This review mainly focused to summarize the anti-cancer therapeutic targets of carotenoids by highlighting the important hallmarks of cancer in terms of (i) cell cycle arrest, (ii) resistance to apoptosis, (iii) metastasis and (iv) angiogenesis alongside the relation of carotenoids in cancer epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on proximate, mineral, fatty and amino acid composition of edible Enteromorpha species, viz. Enteromorpha compressa, Enteromorpha linza and Enteromorpha tubulosa, collected from the Northwest coast of India, revealed for species-dependent nutrient composition variation. The present study showed a higher amount of sugar (51.05±1.22%), protein (19.09±0.91%) and lipid content (5.56±0.16%) E. tubulosa. Amongst the seventeen elements analyzed (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn, Cr, Pb), all three species showed a higher amount of calcium content. E. compressa was obtained with rich amount of macro-elements (11.42±0.017g/100g dry wt), while maximum micro- and trace-elements (81.51±6.65mg/100g dry wt) were recorded in E. linza. Amino acid analysis revealed seven out of the 10 essential amino acids were present either in excess or at-par with the reference proteins. Moreover, all the three species studied possessed relatively high n-3 fatty acids; additionally they had more unsaturated fatty acids than saturate ones, except in E. compressa. Therefore, based on the present investigation, it could be stated that the three species studied could be used as food supplements to improve the nutritive value in the omnivorous diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoxanthin (Fx) isolated from Undaria pinnatifida suppresses the development of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia of diabetic/obese KK-A(y) mice after 2 weeks of feeding 0.2% Fx-containing diet. In the soleus muscle of KK-A(y) mice that were fed Fx, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to plasma membranes from cytosol was promoted. On the other hand, Fx increased GLUT4 expression levels in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle, although GLUT4 translocation tended to increase. The expression levels of insulin receptor (IR) mRNA and phosphorylation of Akt, which are in upstream of the insulin signaling pathway regulating GLUT4 translocation, were also enhanced in the soleus and EDL muscles of the mice fed Fx. Furthermore, Fx induced peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which has been reported to increase GLUT4 expression, in both soleus and EDL muscles. These results suggest that in diabetic/obese KK-A(y) mice, Fx improves hyperglycemia by activating the insulin signaling pathway, including GLUT4 translocation, and inducing GLUT4 expression in the soleus and EDL muscles, respectively, of diabetic/obese KK-A(y) mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inhibitory effects of geometrical isomers of fucoxanthin – characteristic carotenoid of brown seaweeds – on the growth of various cancer cells and on human leukemia (HL-60), colon cancer (Caco-2) and prostate cancer cells (PC-3 and LNCap) were comparatively evaluated. All-trans fucoxanthin was the major geometrical isomer (∼88%) found in the fresh brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) apart from a small amount of 13-cis and 13′-cis isomers (∼9%). Incubation of the fucoxanthin isomeric mixtures, all-trans fucoxanthin with a small amount of 13-cis and 13′-cis isomers, produced 9′-cis isomer (5%) and increased the contents of 13-cis and 13′-cis isomers (27%). The antiproliferative effect of the mixture of 13-cis and 13′-cis isomers was stronger than all other geometrical isomers evaluated in the study. The inhibition of growth of HL-60 cells was higher in case of 13′-cis isomer followed by 13-cis and all-trans isomers. The potent inhibitory effect of 13-cis and 13′-cis fucoxanthin on HL-60 cells and Caco-2 cells could possibly be due to their higher apoptosis-inducing activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated whether various carotenoids present in foodstuffs were potentially involved in cancer-preventing action on human prostate cancer. The effects of 15 kinds of carotenoids on the viability of three lines of human prostate cancer cells, PC-3, DU 145 and LNCaP, were evaluated. When the prostate cancer cells were cultured in a carotenoid-supplemented medium for 72 h at 20 micromol/L, 5,6-monoepoxy carotenoids, namely, neoxanthin from spinach and fucoxanthin from brown algae, significantly reduced cell viability to 10.9 and 14.9% for PC-3, 15.0 and 5.0% for DU 145, and nearly zero and 9.8% for LNCaP, respectively. Acyclic carotenoids such as phytofluene, zeta-carotene and lycopene, all of which are present in tomato, also significantly reduced cell viability. On the other hand, phytoene, canthaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin did not affect the growth of the prostate cancer cells. DNA fragmentation of nuclei in neoxanthin- and fucoxanthin-treated cells was detected by in situ TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Neoxanthin and fucoxanthin were found to reduce cell viability through apoptosis induction in the human prostate cancer cells. These results suggest that ingestion of leafy green vegetables and edible brown algae rich in neoxanthin and fucoxanthin might have the potential to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was undertaken to establish a new technology, using pre-treatment with electrolyzed NaCl solutions and essential oil compounds, to extend the shelf-life of carp fillets. Samples of skinless carp fillets were treated with 100-fold (by weight) of electrolyzed NaCl solutions [cathodic solution, EW(−) and/or anodic solution, EW(+)] and 1% oil (0.5% carvacrol+0.5% thymol) [1%(C+T)]. Then chemical [pH, volatile basic nitrogen, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid], microbiological (total viable count) and sensory analyses were used to evaluate the preservative effect of this new technology during storage at 5 and 25°C. Our results from the chemical assays indicated that EW(−), followed by EW(+) and subsequently 1%(C+T) [EW(−)/EW(+)/1%(C+T)], significantly suppressed the lipid oxidation compared with other treatments. Data from sensory evaluation and microbiological assay showed that treatment with EW(−)/EW(+)/1%(C+T) extended the shelf-life of carp fillets to 16 and 1.3days compared with 4 and 0.3days for the control samples during storage at 5 and 25°C, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: S-1, a novel oral fluoropyrimidine, is well tolerated in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The response rate of S-1 for colorectal cancer is high, ranging from 35% to 40%. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of S-1 combined with oral leucovorin (LV) to enhance antitumor activity in chemotherapy-naive patients with mCRC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is edible seaweed rich in fucoxanthin; whilst, pasta is an important dish from nutritional and gastronomic point of view. Pasta was prepared with wakame as an ingredient at different levels. In vitro antioxidant properties, total phenolic content, fatty acid composition, fucoxanthin and fucosterol contents formed the major bio-functional characteristics analysed. Pasta with 10% wakame was acceptable sensorially. The total phenolic content varied between 0.10 and 0.94mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, whilst total antioxidant activity varied from 0.16 to 2.14mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g, amongst different samples. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenging activities of sensorily acceptable pasta were 7.71% and 4.56%, respectively. The sensorily acceptable pasta had a mild seaweed flavour with taste similar to control pasta, as assessed by panelists. The ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acid in seaweed incorporated pasta was 1:3.4 as compared to 1:15.2 in the control. Heat process involved in pasta preparation and cooking did not destroy fucoxanthin. Microstructure studies revealed the enhanced interaction between starch granules and protein matrix in pasta containing seaweeds up to 20%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Phase I/II clinical trials of S-1 plus cisplatin for advanced gastric cancer have yielded good responses and the treatment was well tolerated. In this S-1 Plus cisplatin versus S-1 In RCT In the Treatment for Stomach cancer (SPIRITS) trial, we aimed to verify that overall survival was better in patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with S-1 plus cisplatin than with S-1 alone. METHODS: In this phase III trial, chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced gastric cancer were enrolled between March 26, 2002, and Nov 30, 2004, at 38 centres in Japan, and randomly assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin or S-1 alone. In patients assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin, S-1 (40-60 mg depending on patient's body surface area) was given orally, twice daily for 3 consecutive weeks, and 60 mg/m(2) cisplatin was given intravenously on day 8, followed by a 2-week rest period, within a 5-week cycle. Those assigned to S-1 alone received the same dose of S-1 twice daily for 4 consecutive weeks, followed by a 2-week rest period, within a 6-week cycle. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, proportions of responders, and safety. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00150670. FINDINGS: 305 patients were enrolled; seven patients were ineligible or withdrew consent, therefore, 148 patients were assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin and 150 patients were assigned to S-1 alone. Median overall survival was significantly longer in patients assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin (13.0 months [IQR 7.6-21.9]) than in those assigned to S-1 alone (11.0 months [5.6-19.8]; hazard ratio for death, 0.77; 95% CI 0.61-0.98; p=0.04). Progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin than in those assigned to S-1 alone (median progression-free survival 6.0 months [3.3-12.9] vs 4.0 months [2.1-6.8]; p<0.0001). Additionally, of 87 patients assigned S-1 plus cisplatin who had target tumours, one patient had a complete response and 46 patients had partial responses, ie, a total of 54% (range 43-65). Of 106 patients assigned S-1 alone who had target tumours, one patient had a complete response and 32 had partial responses, ie, a total of 31% (23-41). We recorded more grade 3 or 4 adverse events including leucopenia, neutropenia, anaemia, nausea, and anorexia, in the group assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin than in the group assigned to S-1 alone. There were no treatment-related deaths in either group. INTERPRETATION: S-1 plus cisplatin holds promise of becoming a standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of treatment with electrolyzed NaCl solutions and 1% essential oil (0.5% carvacrol+0.5% thymol) on the proximate composition and nutritional components (amino acids and fatty acids) of carp fillets at room temperature (25°C). Carp fillet samples were treated with anodic electrolyzed NaCl solution [EW (+)], cathodic electrolyzed NaCl solution [EW (−)] followed by EW (+) [EW (−)/EW (+)], 1% essential oil (0.5% carvacrol+0.5% thymol) [1% (Cv+Ty)], EW (+) followed by 1% (Cv+Ty) [EW (+)/1% (Cv+Ty)] and EW (−) followed by EW (+) and finally with 1% (Cv+Ty) [EW (−)/EW (+)/1% (Cv+Ty)]. Proximate composition, SDS–PAGE, amino acid composition, digestibility and fatty acid composition were used to determine the changes in carp fillet composition. Moisture, total lipid, total protein, ash and carbohydrate contents of the carp fillets were approximately 76%, 3.9%, 17.5%, 1.0% and 0.40%, respectively. The dominant amino acid was glutamic acid, and the composition ranged from 14.2 to 14.5mol%. Protein digestibility of the carp fillets was approximately 85%. Oleic acid was the major monounsaturated acid in the carp fillets (41.0–41.9%). These results show that our method of fish preservation, using electrolyzed NaCl solutions and 1% (Cv+Ty), did not affect the quality (nutritional components) of carp fillets, and could be a good alternative to synthetic preservatives routinely used in the food industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Young’s modulus of Nb3Sn filaments in Nb3Sn/Cu superconducting composite wire was investigated in detail. Nb3Sn filaments were first extracted from composite wire. Nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid were used to remove copper stabilizer, Nb3Sn/Nb barrier and bronze. Then, Nb3Sn filaments were impregnated with epoxy resin to form simple filament bundle composite rods. A large difference in Young’s moduli of filaments and epoxy resin enhance the accuracy of the measurement of Nb3Sn filament modulus. The ratio of Nb3Sn to Nb in filaments and the number of filaments in the fiber bundle composite rods were used in the final calculation of the Young’s modulus of Nb3Sn. The obtained modulus of 127GPa was the lower bound of the already reported values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanical properties and the thermal residual stress distribution of copper in Nb3Sn/Cu composite superconductor were investigated in detail. The stabilizer copper was removed from the composite wire, and the stress–strain behavior of this wire was compared with that of the original composite wire. The subtraction yielded the stress–strain curves of the copper when the Bauschinger effect was taken into account. The tensile test of the composites from which about 30% and 60% of copper was removed suggested the existence of the distribution of the thermal residual stress in the stabilizer copper. When this factor was taken into account, the analytical stress–strain curve agreed well with the experimental stress–strain curve. Thus, the stress–stain behavior of each component was fully understood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]