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This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether the limited use of tourniquets during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) would be more beneficial under the contemporary enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol than the conventional use of tourniquets.One hundred patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary TKA were randomly assigned to the limited tourniquet (LT, n = 51) and conventional tourniquet (CT, n = 49) groups. Operation time, serial hemoglobin drops, calculated blood loss, transfusion rate, D-dimer levels, and the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were assessed. In addition, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain around the knee and thigh were measured while resting during the day, at night, and during ambulation. Opioid consumption, range of motion, knee circumference, and postoperative complications were also analyzed. Isokinetic muscle strength, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores, and Euro-QoL-5D scores were also assessed before and 3 months after TKA. For statistical analysis, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare the differences in categorical variables. Continuous variables were compared using an independent t test or Mann‒Whitney U test.The average tourniquet time was 46.7 min in the CT group and 5.4 min in the LT group. Knee pain on the first night after surgery was significantly higher in the CT group (3.2 vs. 4.6, p = 0.033). However, daytime pain in the thigh at 2 weeks and in the knee at 3 months after TKA were higher in the LT group than in the CT group (p = 0.048 and p = 0.036, respectively). The D-dimer level 3 months after TKA was also higher in the LT group than in the CT group (p = 0.028), but there was no difference in DVT incidence between the two groups (n.s.). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the other variables between the groups.Although the limited use of tourniquets did not increase the operation time, blood loss, or transfusion rate, this study found that the limited use of tourniquets would not provide additional meaningful benefit in reducing pain and early functional restoration after TKA when applying the ERAS protocol.I.

Probiotics are alive microbes that present beneficial to the human’s health. They influence immune responses through stimulating antibody production, activating T cells, and altering cytokine expression. The probiotic characteristics of Levilactobacillus brevis KU15159 were evaluated on the tolerance and adherence to gastrointestinal conditions. L. brevis KU15159 was safe in a view of producing various useful enzymes and antibiotic sensitivity. Heat-treated L. brevis KU15159 increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and phagocytic activity in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, heat-treated L. brevis KU15159 upregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, at protein as well as mRNA levels. In addition, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which regulates the immune system, was activated by heat-treated L. brevis KU15159. Therefore, L. brevis KU15159 exhibited an immune enhancing effect by the MAPK pathway in macrophage.

Inflammation is a host defense response to harmful agents, such as pathogenic invasion, and is necessary for health. Excessive inflammation may result in the development of inflammatory disorders. Levilactobacillus brevis KU15151 has been reported to exhibit probiotic characteristics and antioxidant activities, but the effect of this strain on inflammatory responses has not been determined. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of L. brevis KU15151 in Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid (aLTA)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Treatment with L. brevis KU15151 reduced the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E

Probiotics can effectively modulate host immune responses and prevent gastrointestinal diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the probiotic characteristics of Lactobacillus brevis KU15152 isolated from kimchi and its protective potential against intestinal inflammation induced by Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid (aLTA). L. brevis KU15152 exhibited a high survival rate in artificial gastric and bile environments. Additionally, the adhesion capability of the strain to HT-29 cells was higher than that of L. rhamnosus GG. L. brevis KU15152 did not produce harmful enzymes, such as β-glucuronidase, indicating that it could be used as a potential probiotic. The anti-inflammatory potential of L. brevis KU15152 was determined in HT-29 cells. Treatment with L. brevis KU15152 suppressed the production of interleukin-8 without inducing significant cytotoxicity. The downregulatory effects of L. brevis KU15152 were involved in the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B activation mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt signaling pathways. Collectively, these data suggest that L. brevis KU15152 can be used in developing therapeutic and prophylactic products to manage and treat aLTA-induced intestinal damage.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often performed sequentially on both sides during a single hospital stay. Patients who experience postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after the first operation are concerned about PONV recurrence after the second operation. However, there are few studies regarding the incidence of PONV in staged bilateral TKA with a ≥ 1-week interval. This study aimed to identify the differences in (1) PONV incidence, (2) use of rescue antiemetics, and (3) the amount of opioid consumption between the first and second operations for staged bilateral TKA with a 1-week interval. Based on our anecdotal experience, the hypothesis of this study was that during staged bilateral TKA at a 1-week interval, the PONV incidence and rescue antiemetic requirement after the second operation will be lower than those after the first operation, regardless of opioid consumption.Fifty-eight consecutive patients who underwent staged bilateral TKA with a 1-week interval were retrospectively reviewed. All second-stage operations were performed with the same anaesthesia protocol and perioperative patient management protocol as the first-stage operation. PONV incidence was the primary outcome. The requirement for rescue antiemetic drugs and the amount of opioid consumption were secondary outcome variables. The outcome variables were recorded during three postoperative days (Days 0-2) for each stage and were compared between the first and second operations.The incidence rates of nausea and vomiting on Day 0 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively) and nausea on Day 1 (p = 0.008) were significantly lower after the second operation. Rescue antiemetic use on Day 0 was significantly lower after the second operation (p = 0.001). The total opioid consumption 72 h after surgery was significantly higher after the second operation (61.76 vs. 34.28 mg, p 0.001).During staged bilateral TKA with a 1-week interval, PONV incidence was lower after the second operation, even with increased opioid consumption.III.

This study aims to determine the antibiofilm effect of cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lactobacillus brevis strains against Streptococcus mutans strains. To study the antibiofilm mechanism against S. mutans strains, antibacterial effects, cell surface properties (auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity), exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, and morphological changes were examined. The antibiofilm effect of L. brevis KCCM 202399 CFS as morphological changes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), compared with the control treatment. Among the L. brevis strains, L. brevis KCCM 202399 showed the highest antibiofilm effect on S. mutans KCTC 5458. The antibacterial effect of L. brevis KCCM 202399 against S. mutans KCTC 5458 was investigated using the deferred method (16.00 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration of L. brevis KCCM 202399 against S. mutans KCTC 5458 was 25.00%. Compared with the control treatment, L. brevis KCCM 202399 CFS inhibited the bacterial adhesion of S. mutans KCTC 5458 by decreasing auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and EPS production (45.91%, 40.51%, and 67.44%, respectively). L. brevis KCCM 202399 CFS inhibited and eradicated the S. mutans KCTC 5458 biofilm. Therefore, these results suggest that L. brevis KCCM 202399 CFS may be used to develop oral health in the probiotic industry.

Radiographic factors estimate the state of the static knee joint, and it is questionable how well these parameters reflect the dynamic knee condition. The external knee adduction moment (KAM) during gait is known to be a kinetic variable contributing to osteoarthritis progression. This study aims to investigate the effects of static radiographic parameters on the dynamic KAM during gait.Overall, 123 patients (mean age, 65.7 years; standard deviation, 8.1 years; 34 men and 89 women) were included. Seven radiographic parameters including the mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and ankle joint line orientation (AJLO) were measured on radiographs, and the maximum KAM and KAM-time integral in the stance phase were obtained using three-dimensional gait analysis. The correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed for identifying significant radiographic measurements associated with the KAM.Most of the radiographic measurements correlated with the maximum KAM and KAM-time integral. As a result of multiple regression analysis, the mTFA (p 0.001) and AJLO (p = 0.003) were identified as significant factors associated with the KAM-time integral (RThe mTFA and AJLO were significantly associated with the KAM. However, to be used as a surgical indication for corrective osteotomy, a longitudinal study is needed to validate whether the mTFA and AJLO values directly cause osteoarthritis progression as we have suggested.III.

Although knee joint line orientation (KJLO) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been emphasized as an important factor that can affect postoperative knee kinematics, the effect of foot position on KJLO has not been fully understood. This study aimed to (1) identify the anatomical and positional factors that determine KJLO after TKA, and (2) determine the effect of foot position on KJLO after TKA. The hypothesis of this study was that the post-TKA KJLO would change depending on the distance between the feet, as well as the coronal implant positions. A total of 92 radiographs from 46 patients who underwent TKA were retrospectively reviewed. Two postoperative standing full-limb anteroposterior radiographs taken with the feet in different positions (with both feet in contact with each other or shoulder width apart) from each patient were evaluated. The correlation between KJLO after TKA and possible anatomical and positional factors, including leg length, lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), ankle joint line orientation (AJLO), mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), and distance between the feet, were analyzed, and the KJLO equation was computed using multiple linear regression. KJLO was also compared among different combinations of valgus or varus alignment of the femoral and tibial components. LDFA, MPTA, AJLO, and distance between the feet were identified as determinants of KJLO after TKA, and the distance between the feet was strongly correlated with KJLO. Based on the KJLO equation (KJLO [°] = 107.548 − 0.441 × LDFA [°] − 0.832 × MPTA [°] + 0.093 × AJLO [°] + 0.037 × ITD [mm]), KJLO changes by 3.7° per 100 mm of distance between the feet. The KJLO of patients with valgus femoral and varus tibial components was more parallel to the ground than those with other combinations. KJLO after TKA was strongly affected by the distance between the feet when taking full-limb radiography, and the KJLO changed by 3.7° per 100 mm of distance between the feet. To assess the KJLO after TKA reproducibly, standardization of the distance between the feet is necessary. IV.

This study aimed to optimize medium composition and culture conditions for enhancing the biomass of Lactobacillus plantarum 200655 using statistical methods. The one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method was used to screen the six carbon sources (glucose, sucrose, maltose, fructose, lactose, and galactose) and six nitrogen sources (peptone, tryptone, soytone, yeast extract, beef extract, and malt extract). Based on the OFAT results, six factors were selected for the Plackett- Burman design (PBD) to evaluate whether the variables had significant effects on the biomass. Maltose, yeast extract, and soytone were assessed as critical factors and therefore applied to response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal medium composition by RSM was composed of 31.29 g/l maltose, 30.27 g/l yeast extract, 39.43 g/l soytone, 5 g/l sodium acetate, 2 g/l K2HPO4, 1 g/l Tween 80, 0.1 g/l MgSO4·7H2O, and 0.05 g/l MnSO4·H2O, and the maximum biomass was predicted to be 3.951 g/l. Under the optimized medium, the biomass of L. plantarum 200655 was 3.845 g/l, which was similar to the predicted value and 1.58-fold higher than that of the unoptimized medium (2.429 g/l). Furthermore, the biomass increased to 4.505 g/l under optimized cultivation conditions. For lab-scale bioreactor validation, batch fermentation was conducted with a 5-L bioreactor containing 3.5 L of optimized medium. As a result, the highest yield of biomass (5.866 g/l) was obtained after 18 h of incubation at 30°C, pH 6.5, and 200 rpm. In conclusion, mass production by L. plantarum 200655 could be enhanced to obtain higher yields than that in MRS medium.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets. The symptoms include dry cough, fever, and fatigue; however, high propagation, mutation, and fatality rates have been reported for SARS-CoV-2. This review investigates the structure of SARS-CoV-2, antiviral mechanisms, preventive strategies, and remedies against it. Effective vaccines have been developed by Pfizer (95% effective), AstraZeneca (90% effective), Moderna (94.5% effective) vaccine, among others. However, herd immunity is also required. Probiotics play a major role in the gut health, and some are known to have therapeutic potential against viral infections. Their modes of antiviral activities include direct interaction with targeted viruses, production of antiviral metabolites, and immunomodulatory effects on the host. Hence, probiotics can be a useful prophylactic against COVID-19, and more studies are required on the effects of probiotics against other viral infections that may occur in future.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of

The aim of this study was to determine the production of folate, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and antimicrobial activity exhibited by Lactobacillus plantarum G72 for potential dietary application in pregnant women. L. plantarum G72 has been reported to possess characteristic activities and functionality including β-galactosidase activity and antioxidant activities. L. plantarum G72 showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Salmonella typhimurium P99, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Staphylococcus aureus KCCM 11335) using a modified method, and formation of the largest inhibition zone was observed against S. aureus KCCM 11335 (12.0-17.0 mm). The adherence of four food-borne pathogenic bacteria to HT-29 cells was inhibited by L. plantarum G72 (0.13 to 0.92 log CFU/ml). The most considerable inhibition of adherence to HT-29 cells was observed by using L. plantarum G72 against S. typhimurim P99. Additionally, folate production by L. plantarum G72 was 50.1 ng/ml, and L. plantarum G72 produced relatively more lactic acid (11,176.73 mg/kg) than acetic, propionic, or butyric acids. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that L. plantarum G72 may serve as a multifunctional food additive in the health industry.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in exacerbating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. In a previous study, Lactobacillus plantarum 200655 was shown to possess probiotic and antioxidant potential. The current study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of heat-killed L. plantarum 200655. We incubated intestinal cells (HT-29) with heat-killed L. plantarum 200655 in a conditioned medium (CM) and found that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA level was elevated in the HT-29 cells and the CM contained high concentrations of BDNF. The CM protected neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity. Moreover, the CM increased BDNF and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA expression and significantly reduced the apoptosis-related Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in H2O2-treated SH-SY5Y cells. At the protein level, the CM resulted in downregulation of caspase-3. These results indicate that L. plantarum 200655 might be used as a prophylactic functional ingredient to prevent neurodegenerative disease.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common microorganisms and causes foodborne diseases. In particular, biofilm-forming S. aureus is more resistant to antimicrobial agents and sanitizing treatments than planktonic cells. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from cucumber jangajji compared to grapefruit seed extract (GSE). CFS and GSE inhibited and degraded S. aureus biofilms. The adhesion ability, auto-aggregation, and exopolysaccharide production of CFS-treated S. aureus, compared to those of the control, were significantly decreased. Moreover, biofilm-related gene expression was altered upon CFS treatment. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that CFS exerted anti-biofilm effects against S. aureus. Therefore, these results suggest that S. cerevisiae CFS has anti-biofilm potential against S. aureus strains.

Recent research has focused on the anti-cancer properties of Lactobacillus strains isolated from fermented foods. Their anti-cancer effects are caused by the apoptosis induction in cancer cells. However, sepsis, which can occur when cancer patients consume living organisms, can cause serious conditions in patients with reduced immunity because of cancer. Therefore, this study was conducted using heat-killed Lactobacillus brevis KU15176 (KU15176). To determine the relationship between inflammation and cancer, the anti-inflammatory effect of KU15176 was evaluated using a nitric oxide (NO) assay. Then, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was conducted to select cancer cells that showed the anti-proliferative effect of KU15176. Next, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, flow cytometry, and caspase colorimetric assay were performed. As a result, it was confirmed that KU15176 could cause the increasing expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9), DNA breakage, effective apoptosis rate, and increased caspase activity in the human stomach adenocarcinoma (AGS) gastric cancer cell line. In conclusion, these results suggest a potential prophylactic effect of KU15176 against cancer.

The screening of novel probiotic strains from various food sources including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and traditional fermented foods, have been of growing concern recently. Most of these potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolates were distinguished from the commercial probiotics based on multiple therapeutic effects and functionalities. Recent in vitro and in vivo investigates have also verified the usage of probiotics to lower the risk of diseases. Application of these novel strains in fermented dairy products is also an emerging trend to improve the physical and quality characteristics, functional properties, and safety of dairy products. Moreover, since dairy products are one of the highest consumed products in the globe, the dispatch channels for fermented dairy products are already established. Therefore, incorporating novel probiotic strains into fermented dairy products might be the most feasible approach for their delivery. In this context, our aim is to discuss the feasibility of dairy products as delivery vehicles for novel probiotic strains. Thus, we summarize the scientific evidence that points to a dynamic future for the production of fermented dairy-based probiotics.

AIMS This study aimed synergistic effects of three herbs in Salmonella via increased membrane permeability and apoptosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Using high-performance liquid chromatography, four types of phenylethyl glycosides and a lignan were detected in the herb mixture (Brassica juncea, Forsythia suspensa, and Inula britannica). During treatment with the herb mixture (1×, 2×, or 4× the MIC), viable cells decreased to 1·87 log CFU per ml (Salmonella Gallinarum) and 2·33 log CFU per ml (Salmonella Enteritidis) after 12 h of incubation according to inhibition of tricarboxylic acid cycle (P

This study aimed to determine the immune-stimulating effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum Ln1 (HK-Ln1) through the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokine achieved by inducing NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-signaling pathways in macrophages. HK-Ln1 showed higher NO and cytokine production compared t°Control (nonstimulated lipopolysaccharide); in addition, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was induced through HK-Ln1treatment. The phosphorylation of IκB-α and p65 increased following treatment by HK-Ln1, which implicates IκB-α degradation and the translocation of p65 to nucleus. In addition, the phosphorylation of MAPKs, ERK 1/2, JNK, and p38 was induced following HK-Ln1 treatment.

Purpose: We explored emergency nurses’ experiences of coping with moral distress.Methods: A qualitative research design was used. We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working at a regional emergency medical center in South Korea. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.Results: The main theme of nurses’ coping with moral distress was “a passive emotion-based response.” We also extracted three categories of coping strategies: “uncritical adaptation to anguished situation,” “self-justification for not acting,” and “flight from ethical decision making.”Conclusion: Nurses coped with moral distress in a passive and emotional way, possibly because of perceived incompetence and compliance to an organizational hierarchy. The findings imply that effective approaches to addressing moral distress in emergency nurses are needed at the individual and organizational levels.

Lactobacillus plantarum KU15149 was demonstrated to have probiotic behavior and functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. L. plantarum KU15149 obtained from homemade diced-radish kimchi has a high survival rate under artificial gastric acid (pH 2.5, 0.3% pepsin) and bile salt (0.3% oxgall) conditions. However, L. plantarum KU15149 did not produce β-glucuronidase, which is known to be a carcinogenic enzyme with resistance to several antibiotics, such as gentamycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin. L. plantarum KU15149 strongly adhered to HT-29 cells and had high antioxidant activity in terms of 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays. L. plantarum KU15149 also exhibited a pronounced inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, along with expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) as well as proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, when RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS. Therefore, L. plantarum KU15149 exhibited pharmaceutical functionality as a potential probiotic.

This study aims to evaluate the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis) KU200019 and the synergistic activity with prebiotics on antimicrobial activity, and the potential application as an adjunct culture in fermented dairy products. The commercial strain, L. brevis ATCC 14869 was used as reference strain. L. brevis KU200019 was showed higher viability in simulated gastric (99.38±0.21%) and bile (115.10±0.13%) conditions compared to reference strain. L. brevis KU200019 exhibited antimicrobial activity against various foodborne pathogens. The supplementation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) enhanced viability of lactic acid bacteria (>8 Log CFU/mL) and antioxidant activity [2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical assay (DPPH) assay, 31.23±1.14%; 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay, 38.82±1.46%] in fermented skim milk during refrigerated storage. L. brevis KU200019 was distinguished from the reference strain by its higher probiotic potential, antimicrobial activity, and higher antioxidant activity in fermented milk. Therefore, L. brevis KU200019 with FOS was demonstrated promising properties for further application in fermented dairy products with enhanced safety and quality.

Study design This was a cross-sectional cohort study. Objective The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to establish the relationship between sleep disturbance and both functional disability and health-related quality of life in patients with symptomatic LSS. Summary of background data Despite the possible association between LSS and poor sleep quality, there has been no study regarding the relationship between LSS and sleep disturbance. Materials and methods A total of 148 patients with LSS were divided into the poor sleeper and nonpoor sleeper groups according to Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score. Demographic data, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) were compared between both groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed with ODI or ODI without sleep component as the dependent variable and age, sex, PSQI, VAS for back pain, VAS for leg pain as independent variables. Results Of the 148 patients who participated in this study, 54 (36.5%) and 94 (63.5%) patients were classified into nonpoor sleeper and poor sleeper groups. Although there were no differences in demographic data or VAS for back or leg pain between the nonpoor sleeper and poor sleeper groups, poor sleepers demonstrated significantly higher ODI scores, and lower EQ-5D than nonpoor sleepers (P=0.003 and 0.004, respectively). There were significant correlations between the global PSQI score and both the ODI score and EQ-5D. Although the surgical treatment group showed significantly higher VAS for back pain, VAS for leg pain, ODI scores, and lower EQ-5D than the conservative treatment group, the ratio of poor to nonpoor sleepers was not different between both groups (P=0.733). In the surgical treatment group, the percent of poor sleeper decreased from 65.1% to 47.6% 6 months after surgery (P Conclusions The present study demonstrated that 'poor sleep quality' is a prevalent condition (63.5%) in patients with symptomatic LSS. Poor sleep quality has an adverse effect on functional disability and health-related quality of life in symptomatic LSS patients.

Campylobacter species are known as biofilm-forming bacteria in food systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of cinnamaldehyde against Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from chicken meat. The biofilm-forming C. jejuni and C. coli strains from chicken meat were investigated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Campylobacter spp. characteristics. The MIC value was 31.25 µg/mL for the Campylobacter strains tested. Cinnamaldehyde had an inhibition and degradation effect on Campylobacter biofilms at concentrations > 15.63 µg/mL. Campylobacter strains treated with 15.63 µg/mL CA exhibited significantly decreased autoaggregation, motility, exopolysaccharide production, and soluble protein. In addition, Campylobacter biofilms formed on stainless steel were degraded following cinnamaldehyde treatment, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Taken together, these results suggest that cinnamaldehyde constitutes a potential natural preservative against Campylobacter and a nontoxic biofilm remover that could be applied to control food poisoning in the poultry manufacturing-related food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Cinnamaldehyde was able to effectively remove the biofilm of Campylobacter in the small crack of stainless steel. Cinnamaldehyde has a potential to replace the synthetic antimicrobial and/or antibiofilm agent as well as has a positive influence on consumer concern for the food safety issues of the poultry industries.

A considerable proportion of patients warranting total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have night pain, neuropathic pain, and/or depressive disorder, which may not be resolved by TKA. This prospective, longitudinal cohort study aimed to document the prevalence of night pain, neuropathic pain, and depressive disorder in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA and to determine whether the specific coexisting pain and/or disorder at the time of TKA adversely affected postoperative outcomes.In this study, 148 patients undergoing TKA were longitudinally evaluated. The presence of night pain, neuropathic pain (determined using Douleur Neuropathique 4 [DN4]) and depressive disorder (determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) was determined before and 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year after TKA. In addition, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) scores were assessed before and 1 year after TKA. Potential associations of night pain, neuropathic pain, and/or depressive disorder with pre- and postoperative WOMAC and EQ-5D scores were examined in subgroup analyses.Preoperatively, 72% (n = 106) of patients reported night pain, and the prevalences of neuropathic pain and depressive disorder were 15% and 17%, respectively. Preoperatively, compared with patients without night pain, those with night pain had significantly poorer preoperative WOMAC scores, but no significant difference was seen between groups 1 year after TKA. Preoperatively, the WOMAC, EQ-5D, and EQ-5D health scores of patients with neuropathic pain were not significantly different from those of patients without neuropathic pain, and there was no difference in clinical outcome scores 1 year after TKA between these groups. Preoperatively, the patients with depressive disorder showed significantly poorer preoperative WOMAC, EQ-5D, and EQ-5D health scores than those without depressive disorder, but no significant differences in scores were observed 1 year after TKA between these groups.This study revealed a considerable prevalence of night pain, neuropathic pain, and depressive disorder in patients undergoing TKA and that patients with these specific conditions reported poorer functional and quality of life scores preoperatively. However, such adverse effects disappeared after TKA. Our study findings suggest that TKA can provide satisfactory outcomes for patients with these specific conditions.

The aim of this study was to analyze the β-glucan contents, physicochemical features, and microbial communities in milk kefir prepared using Saccharomyces cerevisiae KU200284 isolated from cucumber jangajji, a fermented vegetable commonly eaten in Korean. Three types of milk kefir were manufactured, with (1) activated kefir grain, (2) activated kefir grain with commercial S. cerevisiae BOF, and (3) activated kefir grain with S. cerevisiae KU200284. β-Glucan contents of milk kefir using kefir grain and kefir grain with S. cerevisiae strains BOF and KU200284 were 8.29, 8.59, and 8.57%, respectively. The pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, Brix level, and alcohol contents of milk kefir using kefir grain with S. cerevisiae strains were acceptable compared with milk kefir using only kefir grain. In milk kefir produced using kefir grains and S. cerevisiae strains, 16S rRNA reads showed representative strains of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens (>72% relative abundance) and Acetobacter fabarum (>16% relative abundance). In particular, milk kefir using kefir grain with S. cerevisiae KU200284 had the highest relative abundance of L. kefiranofaciens. In addition, the internal transcribed sequence (ITS) rRNA reads in tested milk kefir showed representative strains of Kluyveromyces marxianus (>52% relative abundance) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (>16% relative abundance). In contrast, milk kefir using S. cerevisiae strains had higher relative abundance of S. cerevisiae (>37%). The β-glucan production, physicochemical properties, and microbial community profiling indicate that S. cerevisiae KU200284 could be used in functional dairy products as a starter culture.

The present study evaluates the immunomodulatory effect of Bifidobacterium longum KACC 91563 in murine primary splenocytes and macrophages. B. longum KACC 91563 regulated Tand B-cell proliferation and inhibited the Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ)/Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine imbalance and immune cytokine production. Moreover, immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were significantly lower after treatment with B. longum KACC 91563. These findings suggest that B. longum KACC 91563 could modulate the systemic immune system toward both IgE production and regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance.

A mixed natural preservative, including grapefruit seed extract (GSE), cinnamaldehyde (CA), and nisin, was investigated for the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes growth on lettuce and raw pork loin. The MIC of each natural preservative was investigated for L. monocytogenes strains tested. Following central composite design, lettuce and pork loin were inoculated with a cocktail of three strains of L. monocytogenes (ATCC 15313, H7962, and NADC 2045 [Scott A]) and treated with the mixed natural preservative that included GSE (0.64 to 7.36 ppm), CA (1.6 to 18.4 ppm), and nisin (0.48 to 5.5 ppm). The MIC of GSE was 31.25 ppm in tested L. monocytogenes strains, and of CA was 500 and 1,000 ppm in L. monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and the other L. monocytogenes strains, respectively. The MIC of nisin was 250 ppm. The R2 value of this model was more than 0.9, and the lack of fit was not significant. The mixed natural preservative showed a synergistic antimicrobial effect and reduced the growth of L. monocytogenes by 4 to 5 log CFU/g on lettuce. In addition, the reduction of L. monocytogenes on pork loin was 3 log CFU/g. The mixed natural preservative, which consisted of GSE (6 to 8 ppm), CA (15 to 20 ppm), and nisin (5 to 6 ppm), increased the antibacterial effect against L. monocytogenes. These results suggest that the use of the mixed natural preservative could reduce the economic cost of food preparation, and response surface methodology is considered effective when measuring synergy among antimicrobials.

Intestinal microflora can influence abnormal adipocyte growth. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the probiotic properties and antioxidant and antiobesity effects of isolated strains from homemade kimchi. Among the isolated strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KU15120 showed high tolerance to artificial gastric juice and bile salt conditions, high adhesion to HT-29 cells, nonproduction of β-glucuronidase, nonhemolysis, and acceptable resistance to antibiotics. It showed high antioxidant activity, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging and antioxidant activity, as determined by the β-carotene bleaching assay. Oil red O staining and intracellular triglyceride levels revealed reduced lipid accumulation, which confirmed the anti-adipogenic activity of L. plantarum KU15120. In addition, the expression levels of fatty acid synthase, CCAAT/enhance-binding protein α, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, were significantly lower in the probiotic-treated group than in the control group. These results suggest that L. plantarum KU15120 has probiotic properties, antioxidant, and antiobesity effects and could be used as a therapeutic probiotics.

Probiotics can effectively modulate host immune responses and prevent gastrointestinal diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the probiotic characteristics of