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ABSTRACTThis study presents a comparison of prediction performances by an artificial neural network (ANN), well-known deep convolutional neural network (D-CNN) models, and four proposed shallow convolutional neural network (S-CNN) models to forecast three key physicochemical properties (PCPs): salinity, °Brix, and moisture content of kimchi sauce (KS). The S-CNN models effectively minimized underfitting issues found in D-CNN models, predicting PCPs with a low error rate even with small image datasets. Furthermore, the ANN model using color values also allowed for competitive predictions. We used two nondestructive prediction strategies: (i) using color values with ANNs for immediate application in small-scale enterprises and (ii) using photographs as input for S-CNN models, allowing for faster and more accurate quality prediction. These results highlight the potential for image-based quality prediction in food science, possibly enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of real-time quality control. Future enhancements could incorporate additional data sources for improved predictive performance.

Ecklonia cava is a nutrient-rich algae species that contains abundant physiological phytochemicals, including peptides, carotenoids, fucoidans, and phlorotannins. However, elucidation of the antiviral effects of this algae and identification of new functional ingredients warrant further investigation. This study was aimed at investigating the potential anti-hepatitis A virus activities of extracts of E. cava prepared in different solvents. E. cava extracts were prepared using hot water and 70 % ethanol. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were confirmed by analyzing the total phenolic content, as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activities. The inhibitory effects of the extracts against hepatitis A virus were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The E. cava extract yield was 22.5–27.2 % depending on the extraction solvent. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was 70.44 % and 91.05 % for hot water and ethanol extracts at a concentration of 1000 ppm. The 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activity of the ethanol extract was the highest (93.57 %) at 1000 μg/mL. Fourier-transform infrared was used to identify the functional groups (phlorotannin and alginate) in the extraction solvents. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed a potential bioactive compound previously unidentified in E. cava. Finally, we identified the antiviral activity of E. cava extracts against hepatitis A virus replication. These findings demonstrate that E. cava could be used as an anti-hepatitis A virus functional food and biological material.

The cultivar of red pepper used in kimchi contributes to spiciness, red color, and fermentation characteristics. Capsaicinoids are the main components of red pepper. Therefore, understanding changes in metabolites during kimchi fermentation according to capsaicinoid concentration is necessary to control the quality of kimchi. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of capsaicinoids on metabolites during kimchi fermentation. To profile the effect of capsaicinoid concentrations on kimchi fermentation, five kimchi samples were prepared using different concentrations of capsaicinoids (4, 12, 30.7, 40.9, and 50.3 mg/kg) and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. During kimchi fermentation, pH, titratable acidity, capsaicinoid concentration, total viable and lactic acid bacteria, free sugars, amino acids, and microbial community were evaluated. Each result was statistically analyzed for changes in capsaicin concentration and fermentation time. The capsaicinoid concentration did not change during kimchi fermentation but the growth of lactic acid bacteria changed. According to the growth of lactic acid bacteria, free sugar, amino acids, and microbial community changed with the capsaicinoid concentration. Overall, the results of this study provide preliminary information on the use of red pepper and capsaicinoids in the kimchi industry.

Kimchi cabbage is a well-known glucosinolate (GLS)-containing vegetable, but its by-products are discarded despite the presence of GLS. The aim of this study was the optimization of the extraction and nanoencapsulation of GLS from kimchi cabbage by-products to enhance the intestinal absorption of GLS. The optimal GLS extraction conditions included steaming thrice as pretreatment, utilizing 70% methanol, and ultrasonication at 20% amplitude for 15 min. Under these conditions, 80.11 ± 4.40 mg/100 g of GLS extraction was obtained and the extraction yield was 81.70 ± 4.73%. The optimized kimchi cabbage by-product extract (KCE) was coated with chitosan-lipid nanoparticles (KCE-NPs) and their stability and release under simulated in vitro gastrointestinal conditions were evaluated. KCE-NPs protected the encapsulated GLS under acidic gastric conditions and released 91.63 ± 0.76% of GLS in the simulated intestinal medium. Therefore, the proposed KCE-NPs are a promising delivery system for increasing GLS absorption.

Liver inflammation is a common feature of chronic liver disease and is often associated with increased exposure of the liver to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Kupffer cells (KCs) are macrophages in the liver and produce various cytokines. Activation of KCs through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway leads to release of proinflammatory cytokines and induces hepatocyte injury and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Lobeglitazone is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligand and a type of thiazolidinedione that elicits anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is no clear evidence that it has direct anti-inflammatory effects in the liver. This study showed that lobeglitazone reduces LPS-induced NLPR3 inflammasome activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines in primary KCs and hepatocytes. Cytokines secreted by activated KCs increased hepatocyte inflammation and HSC activation, and lobeglitazone inhibited these responses. In addition, lobeglitazone suppressed liver fibrosis by inhibiting LPS-induced transforming growth factor (TGF)-β secretion and TGF-β-induced CTGF expression. The inhibitory effect of lobeglitazone on inflammasome activation was associated with suppression of liver fibrosis. These results suggest that lobeglitazone may be a treatment option for inflammation and fibrosis in the liver.

The taste of kimchi is greatly affected by the salt type used during fermentation. Here, we investigated the effects of salts with different mineral contents on the microbial community and metabolite profiles of fermented kimchi using multivariate statistical analysis. We evaluated different types of salt used to prepare kimchi, namely, solar salt aged for 1 year, solar salt aged for 3 years, dehydrated solar salt, and purified salt. The main microorganisms detected in kimchi were Weissella koreensis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Latilactobacillus sakei. Leuconostoc and Weissella were mainly present in kimchi supplemented with solar salt. However, a high proportion of L. sakei was present in kimchi supplemented with purified salt and dehydrated salt. Additionally, using GC-MS-based metabolite analysis, we revealed that the content of free sugars, organic acids, and amino acids differed in kimchi fermented with different salt types. Therefore, we demonstrated that salt type had a pronounced effect on the resultant microbial community and the type and concentration of metabolites present in fermented kimchi.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate changes in the temporomandibular joint spaces (TMJSs) in skeletal Class III adult patients with orthognathic surgery using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images taken from 26 orthognathic surgery adult patients (15 females, 11 males, average 19.6 ± 2.8 years at pretreatment, range 15.8–26.8 years) with skeletal Class III malocclusion (ANB < 1°) were used for this study. TMJSs (AS, anterior space; SS, superior space; PS, posterior space; MS, medial space; CS, central space; LS, lateral space) were measured at each stage of treatment (T0, pretreatment; T1, presurgery; T2, postsurgery; T3, posttreatment, and T4, retention) and were compared according to gender, side, vertical skeletal pattern, number of surgery sites, and amount of mandibular setback. At T0, TMJSs were significantly greater in SS than in AS and PS. The ratio of AS to SS to PS was 1.0 to 1.5 to 1.1. TMJSs were significantly greater in MS and CS than in LS. The ratio of MS to CS to LS was 1.0 to 1.0 to 0.8. All TMJSs in males were significantly greater than in females except in PS. TMJSs on the left side were significantly greater than on the right side only in PS. TMJSs were not significantly different depending on the SN-MP, number of surgery sites, and amount of setback. From T0 to T4, there were no significant changes in TMJSs or their ratios according to gender, side, sella to nasion (SN), mandibular plane (MP), number of surgery sites, and amount of setback. Exceptionally, at T4, SS and CS were significantly greater in the small amount of setback group than in the large amount of setback group. There were no statistical changes in TMJSs throughout all stages when skeletal Class III patients were treated with surgery.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate three-dimensional (3D) changes in nasal septal deviation (NSD) and related nasofacial structures after maxillary skeletal expansion (MSE). Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 28 patients aged 12.0–48.4 years (mean age, 20.4 ± 7.3 years; 12 males, 16 females) diagnosed with transverse maxillary deficiency and treated with MSE. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were taken at pre-expansion (T1), post-expansion (T2), and 6-months after MSE (T3) and were reoriented. Three-dimensional coordinates (x,y,z) were constructed using nasion (N) as the reference point (0,0,0). A paired-sample t-test and an independent sample t-test were performed to investigate and compare the 3D changes of the NSD and nasofacial structures after MSE, depending on the direction and amount of NSD and the amount of midpalatal expansion (MPE). Results: NSD was alleviated at T3–T1 in the coronal plane; nasal septal length increased significantly. The absolute nasal floor (NF) angle (2.06° at T1) decreased at T2–T1 (p > 0.05) and increased at T3–T2 (p < 0.05). The midface moved forward and downward, and pogonion (Pog) and menton (Me) moved downward and backward. There were no significant differences between the higher and lower NSD groups and greater and lesser MPE groups. Conclusions: Consequently, NSD was alleviated with variable positive nasofacial changes after MSE in both the short and long term. Therefore, MSE can be used to improve or camouflage facial deformities.

The aim of this study was to determine the factors that affect esthetic preference regarding the perceived facial attractiveness of young Korean female adults with a normal skeletal pattern using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). After reorienting the CBCT images of 40 young Korean female adults, three-dimensional (3D) measurements were analyzed, and five 3D facial images were digitally constructed. A computer-based questionnaire was used to determine perceived facial attractiveness by scoring from 1 (very unattractive) to 10 (very attractive). Esthetic perception and the most influential facial view and component were examined and compared by orthodontists, general dentists, and laypeople to evaluate facial attractiveness. Compared to the unattractive group, the attractive group had significantly greater values for Pog-NB, L1SI-FH, U lip thickness, L lip-U lip, and Nasolabial angle, along with significantly lower values for U1SI-FH and Cant of U lip; the attractive group also had a more retruded U1MP (p < 0.01), L1MP (p < 0.01), U lip (p < 0.05), and L lip (p < 0.01) relative to N, as well as a more retruded U lip (p < 0.05) and L lip (p

Autophagy performs essential cell functions in the liver through an intracellular lysosomal degradation process. Several studies have reported that autophagy deficiency can lead to liver injury, including hepatic fibrosis; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between autophagy deficiency and liver pathology are unclear. In this study, we examined the expression levels of fibrosis-associated genes in hepatocyte-specific ATG7-deficient mice. The expression levels of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and phosphorylated ERK (phospho-ERK) proteins were increased significantly in primary hepatocytes isolated from hepatocyte-specific ATG7-deficient mice compared to those isolated from control mice. In addition, the inhibition of autophagy in cultured mammalian hepatic AML12 and LX2 cells increased CTGF and phospho-ERK protein levels without altering CTGF mRNA expression. In addition, the autophagy deficiency-mediated enhancement of CTGF expression was attenuated when ERK was inhibited. Overall, these results suggest that the inhibition of autophagy in hepatocytes increases phospho-ERK expression, which in turn increases the expression of CTGF, a biomarker of fibrosis.

Kahweol is a diterpene found in coffee beans and unfiltered coffee drinks. Several studies have demonstrated that kahweol induces the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2/ hemeoxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway; however, the mechanisms involved are currently unknown. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a major regulator of Nrf2 expression and is degraded mostly by autophagy. The p62 protein enhances binding to Keap1 and contributes to the activation of Nrf2. Here, we examined the role of Keap1 regulation in the effect of kahweol on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in hepatocytes. In AML12 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes, kahweol increased the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein without increasing expression of the Nrf2 mRNA. In addition, kahweol reduced Keap1 protein levels significantly without decreasing Keap1 mRNA levels. Although regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2-pathway by p62-dependent autophagy is well known, we confirmed here that the reduction of Keap1 protein levels by kahweol does not involve p62-dependent autophagy degradation or ubiquitination. In conclusion, kahweol increases the expression of Nrf2 in hepatocytes by inhibiting translation of the Keap1 mRNA.

Kimchi, a popular traditional Korean fermented food, is produced by fermenting vegetables with various spices and salt. Salt plays an important role in the preparation of kimchi and affects its taste and flavor. This study aimed to investigate the effects of salinity on kimchi fermentation. The salinities of five sets of kimchi samples were adjusted to 1.4%, 1.7%, 2.0%, 2.2%, and 2.5%. The characteristics of each kimchi sample, including its pH, acidity, free sugar content, free amino acid content, organic acid content, and microbial community composition, were evaluated during kimchi fermentation. The low-salinity kimchi sample showed a rapid decline in the pH at the beginning of the fermentation process, a relatively high abundance of Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and high mannitol production. In the late fermentation period, Latilactobacillus sakei had a higher abundance in the kimchi sample with high salinity than in other samples. In the initial stage of fermentation, the metabolite composition did not differ based on salinity, whereas the composition was considerably altered from the third week of fermentation. The findings showed variations in the characteristics and standardized manufacturing processes of kimchi at various salt concentrations. Therefore, salinity significantly affected the types and concentrations of fermentation metabolites in kimchi.

Glucosinolates, lipid-soluble vitamins E and K contents, primary metabolites and plant hormones were analyzed from topped radish root and detached leaf during storage at 1 °C. The topped root was analyzed at 0, 5, 15, 30, and 90 days after storage while the detached leaf was analyzed at 0, 5, 15, 30, and 45 days in an airtight storage atmosphere environment. The results showed that aliphatic glucosinolates were gradually decreased in leaf but not in root. There was a highly significant correlation between tryptophan and 4-methoxyindoleglucobrassicin in both tissues (r = 0.922, n = 10). There was no significant difference in vitamins E and K in leaf and root during storage. Plant hormones partially explained the significantly changed metabolites by tissue and time, which were identified during cold storage. Phenylalanine, lysine, tryptophan, and myo-inositol were the most important biomarkers that explained the difference in leaf and root tissue during cold storage. The most different metabolism between leaf and root tissue was starch and sucrose metabolism. Therefore, different postharvest technology or regimes should be applied to these tissues.

Recently, kimchi has been recognized as a healthy food worldwide, prompting increased interest in its health benefits and quality characteristics. Although commercial kimchi is manufactured in various countries, little is known about quality differences between the kimchi from different countries. To clarify differences in quality characteristics, minerals, free sugars, organic acids, free amino acids, and volatile compounds, commercial kimchi manufactured in Korea, China, and the United States were investigated. The composition of the microbial community and antioxidant activity were compared. Mineral and free sugar contents were high in Korean commercial kimchi, while the organic acid content was relatively low. The free amino acid content was markedly higher in Korean kimchi than that in kimchi manufactured in China and the United States. In addition, the volatile compound content differed between the kimchi produced in different countries. Considering the microbial communities, Leuconostoc and Weissella were more abundant in commercial kimchi from Korea than that from China or the United States. Commercial kimchi in Korea showed the highest antioxidant activity. These results support the high quality and antioxidant activity of commercial kimchi manufactured in Korea, emphasizing its importance in the global kimchi industry.

BackgroundRenal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common feature of the final stage of nearly all cause types of chronic kidney disease. Although classic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists have a protective effect on diabetic nephropathy, much less is known about their direct effects in renal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate possible beneficial effects of lobeglitazone, a novel PPARγ agonist, on renal fibrosis in mice.MethodsWe examined the effects of lobeglitazone on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) induced renal fibrosis mice. We further defined the role of lobeglitazone on transforming growth factor (TGF)-signaling pathways in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis through in vivo and in vitro study.ResultsThrough hematoxylin/eosin and sirius red staining, we observed that lobeglitazone effectively attenuates UUO-induced renal atrophy and fibrosis. Immunohistochemical analysis in conjunction with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis revealed that lobeglitazone treatment inhibited UUO-induced upregulation of renal Smad-3 phosphorylation, α-smooth muscle actin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and type 1 collagen. In vitro experiments with rat mesangial cells and NRK-49F renal fibroblast cells suggested that the effects of lobeglitazone on UUO-induced renal fibrosis are mediated by inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that lobeglitazone has a protective effect on UUO-induced renal fibrosis, suggesting that its clinical applications could extend to the treatment of non-diabetic origin renal disease.

Jeotgal containing abundant free amino acids plays an important role in the unique savory taste (umami) and flavor in kimchi. However, it is also responsible for the unpleasant fishy smell and high salt content of kimchi. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify alternative jeotgal sources and investigate the fermentation properties of jeotgal alternatives added to kimchi. The tomato hot-water extract (TH2) and dry-aged beef hot-water extract (DBH) were selected as jeotgal alternatives for kimchi preparation based on their glutamic acid contents. Characteristics of kimchi with TH2 alone (JA1) and TH2 and DBH in combination (1:1, JA2) were compared with kimchi prepared using commercially available anchovy fish sauce (CON). The pH of JA1 and JA2 was slightly decreased during fermentation, whereas the salinity was significantly lower than CON (p < 0.05). Notably, the most effective factor of the savory taste of kimchi, glutamic acid contents of JA1 and JA2 were significantly higher than that of CON (p < 0.05). In conclusion, JA1 showed slower fermentation with lower salinity and higher glutamic acid content than CON. Overall, this study showed that JA1 derived from TH2 could improve the taste and quality of kimchi by increasing glutamic acid content and decreasing the unpleasant flavor.

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Associations between metabolic syndrome and several types of cancer have recently been documented. Methods: We analyzed the sample cohort data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2002, with a follow-up period extending to 2013. The cohort data included 99 565 individuals who participated in the health examination program and whose data were therefore present in the cohort database. The metabolic risk profile of each participant was assessed based on obesity, high serum glucose and total cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. The occurrence of cancer was identified using Korean National Health Insurance claims data. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age group, smoking status, alcohol intake, and regular exercise. Results: A total of 5937 cases of cancer occurred during a mean follow-up period of 10.4 years. In men with a high-risk metabolic profile, the risk of colon cancer was elevated (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.71). In women, a high-risk metabolic profile was associated with a significantly increased risk of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.24 to 3.42). Non-significantly increased risks were observed in men for pharynx, larynx, rectum, and kidney cancer, and in women for colon, liver, breast, and ovarian cancer. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the previously suggested association between metabolic syndrome and the risk of several cancers. A high-risk metabolic profile may be an important risk factor for colon cancer in Korean men and gallbladder and biliary tract cancer in Korean women.

The SRC kinase family comprises non-receptor tyrosine kinases that are ubiquitously expressed in all cell types. Although Src is reportedly activated in pulmonary and renal fibrosis, little is known regarding its role in liver fibrosis. This study investigated whether the inhibition of Src protects against liver fibrosis. The expression of Src was upregulated in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced fibrotic mouse liver and cirrhosis of patients, and phospho-Src was upregulated during activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). In addition, Src inhibition reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in primary HSCs and suppressed transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in hepatocytes. Src inhibitor Saracatinib also attenuated TAA-induced expression of type I collagen, αSMA, and CTGF in mouse liver tissues. The antifibrotic effect of Src inhibitors was associated with the downregulation of smad3, but not of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In addition, Src inhibition increased autophagy flux and protected against liver fibrosis. These results suggest that Src plays an important role in liver fibrosis and that Src inhibitors could be treat liver fibrosis.

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is an important etiologic factor in the development of certain types of cancers. The economic cost of the treatment of cancer has been steadily increasing. We therefore estimated the economic burden of cancers attributable to metabolic syndrome in Korea. Methods: We reviewed metabolic syndrome-related cancers and relative risk and then calculated population attributable fractions. We analyzed insurance claims data for metabolic syndrome-related cancers in 2012 in order to estimate the direct costs associated with these cancers, including hospitalization, outpatient visits, transportation costs, and caregivers’ costs as well as indirect costs such as loss of productivity due to cancer treatment and premature death. Results: In 2012, 18 070 patients in Korea had cancers attributable to metabolic syndrome. The economic burden was USD 199.8 million and the direct and indirect costs were USD 124.5 million and USD 75.3 million, respectively. Conclusions: We estimated the economic burden of cancers attributable to metabolic syndrome in Korea and the efforts are necessary to reduce this burden.

ObjectivesThe incidence and survival rate of colorectal cancer in Korea are increasing because of improved screening, treatment technologies, and lifestyle changes. In this aging population, increases in economic cost result. This study was conducted to estimate the economic burden of colorectal cancer utilizing claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.MethodsEconomic burdens of colorectal cancer were estimated using prevalence data and patients were defined as those who received ambulatory treatment from medical institutions or who had been hospitalized due to colorectal cancer under the International Classification of Disease 10th revision codes from C18-C21. The economic burdens of colorectal cancer were calculated as direct costs and indirect costs.ResultsThe prevalence rate (per 100 000 people) of those who were treated for colorectal cancer during 2010 was 165.48. The economic burdens of colorectal cancer in 2010 were 3 trillion and 100 billion Korean won (KRW), respectively. Direct costs included 1 trillion and 960 billion KRW (62.85%), respectively and indirect costs were 1 trillion and 160 billion (37.15%), respectively.ConclusionsColorectal cancer has a large economic burden. Efforts should be made to reduce the economic burden of the disease through primary and secondary prevention.

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradative pathway that plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. We previously showed that the inhibition of autophagy causes pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy is a protective mechanism for the survival of pancreatic β-cells. The current study demonstrates that treatment with inhibitors and knockdown of the lysosomal cysteine proteases such as cathepsins B and L impair autophagy, enhancing the caspase-dependent apoptosis of INS-1 cells and islets upon exposure to high concentration of glucose. Interestingly, treatment with cathepsin B and L inhibitors prevented the proteolytic processing of cathepsins B, D and L, as evidenced by gradual accumulation of the respective pro-forms. Of note, inhibition of aspartic cathepsins had no effect on autophagy and cell viability, suggesting the selective role of cathepsins B and L in the regulation of β-cell autophagy and apoptosis. Lysosomal localization of accumulated pro-cathepsins in the presence of cathepsin B and L inhibitors was verified via immunocytochemistry and lysosomal fractionation. Lysotracker staining indicated that cathepsin B and L inhibitors led to the formation of severely enlarged lysosomes in a time-dependent manner. The abnormal accumulation of pro-cathepsins following treatment with inhibitors of cathepsins B and L suppressed normal lysosomal degradation and the processing of lysosomal enzymes, leading to lysosomal dysfunction. Collectively, our findings suggest that cathepsin defects following the inhibition of cathepsin B and L result in lysosomal dysfunction and consequent cell death in pancreatic β-cells.