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Beneficial Properties (beneficial + property)
Selected AbstractsBeneficial properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from a Rana catesbeiana hatcheryAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 14 2009Sergio E Pasteris Abstract This work addresses the selection of potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to be used in raniculture. Thus, strains belonging to the genera Pediococcus pentosaceus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from a Rana catesbeiana hatchery were evaluated for their inhibitory properties against RLS-associated pathogens (Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and food-borne bacteria. Cell-free supernatants of LAB strains inhibited the growth of at least one of the pathogens by organic acids, but L. lactis CRL 1584 also produced a bacteriocin-like metabolite. The ability of LAB strains to produce H2O2 in MRS+TMB medium was also studied. Seventy-eight to ninety six per cent of the strains showed some level of H2O2 production. Moreover, different organic solvents were used to determine the hydrophobicity and Lewis acid/base characteristic of LAB strain surfaces. Most of the strains presented hydrophilic properties, but no acidic or basic surface characters. However, some strains isolated from the skin showed a high degree of hydrophobicity and basic components in the cell surface due to their adhesion to chloroform. These properties were not observed in LAB from balanced feed and freshwater. Taking into account general guidelines and the beneficial properties studied, five strains were selected as potential candidates to be included in a probiotic for raniculture. [source] Enrichment of pomace olive oil in triterpenic acids during storage of "Alpeorujo" olive pasteEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2008Aranzazu García Abstract Triterpenic acids are natural compounds present in plants and foods with beneficial properties for human health and thus they are desirable in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Pomace olive is considered a good source of these substances. In this study, oleanolic and maslinic acids were found to be the main triterpenic acids identified in pomace olive oil obtained from stored "Alpeorujo". Determination of the two acids was achieved by a new procedure that consists of extracting the acids from the oil with a mixture of methanol/ethanol, and then separating and quantifying them by HPLC. Results showed that their concentration increased up to 16,g/kg of oil during storage of the pomace in large ponds for 7,months. The concentration of both triterpenic acids was similar in the pomace olive oil obtained by using the centrifugation system. By contrast, a much lower concentration of maslinic than oleanolic acid was detected in pomace olive oils obtained by solvent extraction from the previously centrifugated "Alpeorujo" paste. These triterpenic acids also contributed to the acidity of the crude oil. Likewise, the oil of the pomace paste was enriched in other substances such as 4-ethylphenol and aliphatic alcohols during the storage of the paste in large ponds. Consequently, crude pomace olive oil can be considered a good source of triterpenic acids when obtained from a stored olive paste. [source] The influence of porosity on the fatigue strength of high-pressure die cast aluminiumFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 5 2006J. LINDER ABSTRACT Aluminium is a lightweight material with high strength and good corrosion resistance among other beneficial properties. Thanks to these properties, aluminium is more extensively used in the vehicle industry. High-pressure die casting of aluminium is a manufacturing process that makes it possible to attain complex, multi-functional components with near-net shape. However, there is one disadvantage of such castings, that is, the presence of various defects such as porosity and its effect on mechanical properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of porosity on the fatigue strength of high-pressure die cast aluminium. The objective was to derive the influence of defect size with respect to the fatigue load, and to generate a model for fatigue life in terms of a Kitagawa diagram. The aluminium alloy used in this study is comparable to AlSi9Cu3. Specimens were examined in X-ray prior to fatigue loading and classified with respect to porosity level and eventually fatigue tested in bending at the load ratio, R, equal to ,1. Two different specimen types with a stress concentration factor of 1.05 and 2.25 have been tested. It has been shown that the fatigue strength decreases by up to 25% as the amount of porosity of the specimen is increased. The results further showed that the influence of defects was less for the specimen type with the higher stress concentration. This is believed to be an effect of a smaller volume being exposed to the maximum stress for this specimen type. A Kitagawa diagram was constructed on the basis of the test results and fracture mechanics calculations. A value of 1.4 Mpa m1/2 was used for the so-called stress intensity threshold range. This analysis predicts that defects larger than 0.06 mm2 will reduce the fatigue strength at 5 × 106 cycles for the aluminium AlSi9Cu3 material tested. [source] Technology options for new nutritional conceptsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Hannu Korhonen Recent advances in the food and nutrition sciences support the concept that the diet has a significant role in the modulation of various functions in the body. The diet and/or its components may contribute to an improved state of well-being, a reduction of risks related to certain diseases and even an improvement in the quality of life. These new concepts have led to the introduction of a new category of health-promoting foodstuffs, i.e. functional foods. The concern about health embraces a number of driving issues, needs and opportunities which may be approached by designing specific diets from various food raw materials. These tailor-made products provide physiological benefits that are targeted at particular consumer groups. The functionality of functional foods is based on bioactive components, which may be contained naturally in the product but usually require formulation by appropriate technologies in order to optimise the desired beneficial properties. To this end, it is often necessary to develop and apply novel technologies, e.g. membrane separation, high hydrostatic pressure and supercritical fluid extraction techniques. Also the minimal processing concept could be employed in this context. This review discusses the current technological options available and the future challenges faced in the area. Particular attention is paid to the exploitation of bovine colostrum and milk-derived bioactive compounds for the development of functional foods. [source] Clustering of Saccharomyces boulardii strains within the species S. cerevisiae using molecular typing techniquesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002G. Mitterdorfer Aims: This study was undertaken to characterize and differentiate therapeutically relevant Saccharomyces yeasts. Among the isolates were so-called Saccharomyces boulardii strains, which are considered as probiotic agents, but whose taxonomic assignment is controversial. Moreover, the discriminative power of the applied molecular typing techniques should be evaluated. Methods and Results: Genotyping was performed using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of rDNA spacer regions and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Species-specific PCR assigned all of the product isolates to the species S. cerevisiae. By combining the other techniques, all isolates could be discriminated. Moreover, it could be demonstrated that probiotic S. boulardii strains form a separate cluster located within the species. Conclusions: With the exception of species-specific PCR, all of the applied methodologies were suitable for subspecies typing and indicated a close relationship between the probiotic strains. Significance and Impact of the Study: The methods applied in this study are considered powerful tools for quality control of therapeutically relevant yeasts. It is of crucial importance, especially regarding S. boulardii yeasts, to verify the identity of the correct strain, since the beneficial properties are considered to be strain-specific. [source] NF- ,B in liver diseases: a target for drug therapyJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Pablo Muriel Abstract There are five nuclear factor- ,B (NF- ,B) transcription factors with important roles in innate immunity, liver inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis prevention. Several inhibitors of NF- ,B, like caffeic acid, captopril, curcumin, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, resveratrol, silymarin and thalidomide, have demonstrated antinecrotic, anticholestatic, antifibrotic and anticancer activities in the liver. A link between inflammation and hepatocellular carcinoma through the NF- ,B pathway has been observed, providing ample experimental support for the tumor-promoting function of NF- ,B in various models of cancer. NF- ,B has been associated with the induction of proinflammatory gene expression and has attracted interest as a target for the treatment of inflammatory disease. However, despite much attention being focused on the deleterious effects of NF- ,B, activation of this factor during the resolution of inflammation is associated with the production of antiinflammatory molecules like interleukin (IL)-10 and the onset of apoptosis. This suggests that NF- ,B has an antiinflammatory role in vivo involving the regulation of the resolution of inflammation. Also, NF- ,B promotes liver regeneration by upregulating IL-6 and other molecules like hepatocyte growth factor. It has been postulated that the beneficial properties of NF- ,B are due to p50 homodimers, whose activation prevents cholestatic and chronic liver injury. More basic understanding on the function of the diverse NF- ,B factors is urgently needed in different physiological and pathological conditions, because depending on the subunit composition of the dimmer, the disease and the stage of the illness, inhibition of the factor may result in a beneficial or in a deleterious response. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] CLONAL HERBAL EXTRACTS AS ELICITORS OF PHENOLIC SYNTHESIS IN DARK-GERMINATED MUNGBEANS FOR IMPROVING NUTRITIONAL VALUE WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SAFETYJOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2002PATRICK McCUE ABSTRACT Plant phenolics are secondary metabolites that confer beneficial properties to the plants that produce them. Extracts made from plants that produce these phytochemicals are increasingly being recognized for their antimicrobial properties. In this study, we investigated extracts made from high-phenolics-producing clonal lines of oregano and thyme for potential as elicitors of phenolic antioxidant production in dark-germinated mungbean (Vigna radiata,). Mungbean was dark-germinated under the rationale that any energy stored in the bean seed in the form of starch may potentially be utilized for enhanced phenolics production, since without a light source the dark-germinated seedling may not stimulate the development of photosynthetic components. Wafer-based herb extracts showed the greatest ability to stimulate phenolic content in dark-germinated mungbeans. Three of the oregano extracts were investigated further and showed an ability to stimulate glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and antioxidant activity. These results suggest that the extracts contain an active elicitor that stimulates phenolic antioxidant content, as well as activity of the pentose-phosphate pathway. In addition, the results of this study suggest that extracts of high-phenolics-producing clonal plants may have potential in the food and agriculture industry as seed treatments for preventing bacterial infection in germinating sprouts by stimulating phenolic antioxidant-producing pathways, as well as for increasing the nutritional value of sprouts for human consumption. [source] Flaxseed in Breadmaking: Effects on Sensory Quality, Aging, and Composition of Bakery ProductsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 4 2006Terhi A. Pohjanheimo ABSTRACT:, This paper describes the effect of flaxseed on two bread formulations. The quality of bread rolls,containing flaxseed,and the quality of cinnamon rolls,containing flaxseed and flaxseed oil,is determined by sensory evaluation (texture, odor, and flavor), instrumental texture measurement and chemical analysis (fatty acids, fiber, secoisolarisiresinol diglycoside, and cadmium). Bread aging is monitored by measuring sensory attributes during storage. The results indicate that the flaxseed rolls retain moisture and softness more efficiently than the control rolls that do not contain flaxseed. No off-odors were detected during the storage period from 0 to 6 d at room temperature (+22 °C), although flaxseed rolls and cinnamon rolls were discovered to be high in unsaturated fats. The major fatty acid in both bakery samples that contained flaxseed was ,-linolenic acid. The flaxseed rolls were also high in fiber. Therefore, from a nutritional viewpoint flaxseed shows beneficial properties in breadmaking. It has a positive impact on the texture parameters during storage as well as on the nutritional composition, for example, the content of fiber and unsaturated fats. [source] Radiation Sources Providing Increased UVNUVB Ratios Induce Photoprotection Dependent on the UVA Dose in Hairless MicePHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Vivienne E. Reeve ABSTRACT In studies involving mice in which doses of UVA (320,400 nm) and UVB (290,320 nm) radiation were administered alone or combined sequentially, we observed a protective effect of UVA against UVB-induced erythemdedema and systemic suppression of contact hypersensitivity. The UVA immunoprotection was mediated by the induction of the stress enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the skin, protection of the cutaneous Th1 cytokines interferon-gM (IFN-,) and IL-12 and inhibition of the UVB-induced expression of the Th2 cytokine IL-10. In this study, we seek evidence for an immunological waveband interaction when UVA and UVB are administered concurrently to hairless mice as occurs during sunlight exposure in humans. A series of spectra providing varying ratios of UVA/UVB were developed, with the UVA ratio increased to approximately 3.5 times the UVA component in solar simulated UV (SSUV). We report that progressively increasing the UVA component of the radiation while maintaining a constant UVB dose resulted in a reduction of both the erythemdedema reaction and the degree of systemic immunosuppression, as measured as contact hypersensitivity. The UVA-enhanced immunoprotection was abrogated in mice treated with a specific HO enzyme inhibitor. UVA-enhanced radiation also upregulated the expression of cutaneous IFN-, and IL-12 and inhibited expression of both IL-6 and IL-10, compared with the activity of SSUV. The results were consistent with the previously characterized mechanisms of photoprotection by the UVA waveband alone and suggest that the UVA component of solar UV may have beneficial properties for humans. [source] Beneficial properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from a Rana catesbeiana hatcheryAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 14 2009Sergio E Pasteris Abstract This work addresses the selection of potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to be used in raniculture. Thus, strains belonging to the genera Pediococcus pentosaceus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from a Rana catesbeiana hatchery were evaluated for their inhibitory properties against RLS-associated pathogens (Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and food-borne bacteria. Cell-free supernatants of LAB strains inhibited the growth of at least one of the pathogens by organic acids, but L. lactis CRL 1584 also produced a bacteriocin-like metabolite. The ability of LAB strains to produce H2O2 in MRS+TMB medium was also studied. Seventy-eight to ninety six per cent of the strains showed some level of H2O2 production. Moreover, different organic solvents were used to determine the hydrophobicity and Lewis acid/base characteristic of LAB strain surfaces. Most of the strains presented hydrophilic properties, but no acidic or basic surface characters. However, some strains isolated from the skin showed a high degree of hydrophobicity and basic components in the cell surface due to their adhesion to chloroform. These properties were not observed in LAB from balanced feed and freshwater. Taking into account general guidelines and the beneficial properties studied, five strains were selected as potential candidates to be included in a probiotic for raniculture. [source] Investigation of the Influence of Volute Design on Journal Bearing Bias Force Using Computational Fluid DynamicsARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 9 2010Roland Graefe Abstract Hydrodynamic fluid film bearings represent an optimal possibility for rotary blood pump (RBP) miniaturization and wear-free operation. Size is a key parameter in the development of ventricular assist devices (VADs) as smaller patients and the pediatric population become eligible for the device. In order to maintain rotor suspension, radial journal bearings have been widely used in industrial applications as well as in some VADs. A main influence on the performance of such a bearing is the applied hydraulic bias force. This study combines numerical and analytical approaches to determine the bias force of different impeller-volute configurations and the resulting eccentricity for the hydraulic design point and also for off-design operation. Significant differences occur for different impeller-volute configurations, with the circular volute displaying the most beneficial properties for a stable impeller suspension. Moreover, an analytical prediction of eccentricity was found to be incorrect for the relatively small forces that occur in RBPs. [source] Clinical effects of kestose, a prebiotic oligosaccharide, on the treatment of atopic dermatitis in infantsCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 9 2009R. Shibata Summary Background Oligosaccharides may have beneficial properties of the prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD). Kestose, a fructo-oligosaccharide, stimulates the activity of bifidobacteria. Objective To assess the clinical effect of kestose on the treatment of AD in infants. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out using 15 and 14 infants with AD in the kestose group and placebo groups, respectively. One to 2 g kestose and maltose were administered to the subjects in the kestose and placebo groups, respectively, everyday for 12 weeks. Clinical evaluations of AD using Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and the enumeration of bifidobacteria in the feces using real-time PCR were performed at Weeks 0, 6, and 12. Results The medians of the SCORAD score were significantly lower in the kestose group than in the placebo group on both Week 6 (25.3 vs. 36.4; P=0.004) and Week 12 (19.5 vs. 37.5; P<0.001). No significant correlation was found between the improvement of the SCORAD score and the count of bifidobacteria. Conclusion Kestose was found to exert a beneficial effect on the clinical symptoms in infants with AD. The mechanism how does kestose improve the symptoms of AD remains to be elucidated. [source] REVIEW: Curcumin and Alzheimer's DiseaseCNS: NEUROSCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2010Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi Curcumin has a long history of use as a traditional remedy and food in Asia. Many studies have reported that curcumin has various beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antitumor. Because of the reported effects of curcumin on tumors, many clinical trials have been performed to elucidate curcumin's effects on cancers. Recent reports have suggested therapeutic potential of curcumin in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In in vitro studies, curcumin has been reported to inhibit amyloid-,-protein (A,) aggregation, and A,-induced inflammation, as well as the activities of ,-secretase and acetylcholinesterase. In in vivo studies, oral administration of curcumin has resulted in the inhibition of A, deposition, A, oligomerization, and tau phosphorylation in the brains of AD animal models, and improvements in behavioral impairment in animal models. These findings suggest that curcumin might be one of the most promising compounds for the development of AD therapies. At present, four clinical trials concerning the effects of curcumin on AD has been conducted. Two of them that were performed in China and USA have been reported no significant differences in changes in cognitive function between placebo and curcumin groups, and no results have been reported from two other clinical studies. Additional trials are necessary to determine the clinical usefulness of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of AD. [source] | ||||||||||||||||