• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.141-147
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• 2003

Fruits and vegetables reportedly have a protective effect against hyperlipidemia and oxidative disease. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering effect and antioxidative capacity of persimmon leaf extract (PLE) in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. Male rats were fed a high-cholesterol (1% wt/wt) or high-cholesterol diet supplemented with Lovastatin (0.02% wt/wt) or PLE (0.2% wt/wt) for 5 weeks. The concentration of plasma total cholesterol was significantly lower in the PLE group than in the lovastatin group. However, the concentration of plasma HDL-cholesterol and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol/total-cholesterol (%) were significantly higher in the PLE group than in the control group. The PLE supplement also significantly lowered the contents of hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride. In comparing fecal sterol contents, the PLE group saw a significant increase of both neutral and acidic sterol compared to the other groups. The PLE supplement significantly lowered plasma GOT and GPT activity, which ave indices of hepatic toxicity. Plasma TBARS concentration was significantly lower in the PLE group than in the control group, while hepatic TBARS level was not significantly different between the groups. In a comparison of hepatic antioxidant parameters, SOD, catalase and GSH-Px activity were significantly higher in the PLE group than in the control group. However, the PLE supplement significantly towered antioxidant enzyme activity in the erythrocyte. Furthermore, these results suggest that supplementation of PLE promoted the excretion of fecal sterols, thereby leading to decreased absorption of dietary cholesterol. In addition, PLE may play an important role in regulating antioxidative capacities by altering SOD and ChT activity.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.104-111
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• 2014

Purpose: To evaluate safety, gastrointestinal tolerance, and growth of a new experimental starter formula (NESF) fortified with lutein, prebiotics, probiotics, nucleotides and beta-carotene, fed to infants within the first months of life. Methods: This was a non-randomized, open, uncontrolled study conducted from December 2010 to May 2011. Twenty-three healthy infants aged 10 days to 2 months old were enrolled. Outcomes included gastrointestinal tolerance, physical growth and safety. Prior to the initiation of the trial, the Scientific Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences confirmed that the NESF met all safety and nutritional parameters. Results: NESF was well tolerated. The majority of infants fed this formula passed semi-liquid, yellow or yellow-brown. The mean stool frequency/day was $2.5{\pm}0.4$ on study-day 14 and $1.8{\pm}0.5$ on study-day 28. The mean daily weight gain was $30.9{\pm}3.8$ grams and the mean length gain during the 28 days of follow up was $3.1{\pm}0.8cm$, corresponding to the average physical growth normally seen in the first months of life in Russian infants. Six children left the study: one refused to drink the formula, one left the study as parents changed residence; and one child's parents have recalled their informed consent due to adverse event unrelated to the product. Three infants presented adverse events possibly related to the product (rash; colic and abdominal pain; constipation). Seventeen infants completed the trial. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that lutein-fortified formula is safe, well-tolerated and supported physical growth of evaluated infants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.421-428
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare carcass traits, meat quality and sensory attributes in two different genotypes of geese according to age and sex. Methods: The experiment was carried out on 160 birds of two genotypes of geese: the Czech Goose (CG) breed and a Eskildsen Schwer (ES) hybrid. One-d-old goslings were divided into four groups according to genotype and sex. Two dates for slaughtering (at 8 and 16 wk of age of goslings) were undertaken. Results: The slaughter weight, cold carcass weight and dressing percentage were affected by all the studied factors, and significant interactions between age, genotype and sex were detected in the slaughter weight (p<0.001) and cold carcass weight (p = 0.004). The pH was not affected by any of studied factors, whereas in terms of meat colour parameters there were observed significant effects of age on $L^*$ and $b^*$ value and a significant effect of sex on $a^*$ value. The meat fat content was higher (p = 0.002) in ES. Higher score for overall acceptance of goose meat was recorded for ES at both ages compared to CG. Conclusion: ES had higher dressing percentage and better sensory attributes, whereas CG exceled in the favourable nutritional value of the meat.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.113-128
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• 1999

Protozoa can represent as half of the total rumen microbial biomass. Around 10 genera are generally present on the same time in the rumen. Based on nutritional aspects they can be divided in large entodiniomorphs, small entodiniomorphs and isotrichs. Their feeding behaviour and their enzymatic activities differ considerably. Many comparisons between defaunated and refaunated animals were carried out during the last two decades to explain the global role of protozoa at the ruminal or animal levels. It is now generally considered that a presence of an abundant protozoal population in the rumen has a negative effect on the amino acid (AA) supply to ruminants and contribute to generate more methane but, nevertheless, protozoa must not be considered as parasites. They are useful for numerous reasons. They stabilise rumen pH when animal are fed diets rich in available starch and decrease the redox potential of rumen digesta. Because cellulolytic bacteria are very sensitive to these two parameters, protozoa indirectly stimulate the bacterial cellulolytic activity and supply their own activity to the rumen microbial ecosystem. They could also supply some peptides in the rumen medium which can stimulate the growth of the rumen microbiota, but this aspect has never been considered in the past. Their high contribution to ammonia production has bad consequences on the urinary nitrogen excretion but means also that less dietary soluble nitrogen is necessary when protozoa are present. Changes in the molar percentages of VFA and gases from rumen fermentations are not so large that they could alter significantly the use of energy by animals. The answer of animals to elimination of protozoa (defaunation) depends on the balance between energy and protein needs of animals and the supply of nutrients supplied through the diet. Defaunation is useful in case of diets short in protein nitrogen but not limited in energy supply for animals having high needs of proteins.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.293-298
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• 2012

In this study, we designed a method to manufacture elevated fermented green tea by using Monascus pilosus, which is known as a functional microbe, and observe its antioxidant abilities and quality characteristics. The water-soluble substance (WSS) content of the fermented tea by M. pilosus (FTM) was lower than that of the non-fermented tea (NFT), although the alcohol-insoluble substance (AIS) content of the FTM was higher than that of NTM. On the other hand, the fractionated distilled water-soluble polysaccharide (DWSP), CDTA-soluble polysaccharides (CDSP), sodium carbonate-soluble polysaccharide (SCSP) and KOH soluble hemicellulose (HC) obtained from the AIS of the FTM was markedly higher than that of NFT. In the antioxidant parameters, the electron donating ability of all fractions, except HC, extracted from FTM was higher than that of NFT, and iron chelating ability of all fractions, except CDSP, extracted from FTM was higher than that of NFT. Whereas the DWSP and SCSP obtained from the FTM were higher than that of NFT, the activity of the HC fraction from both NFT and the FTM could not be detected. In addition, the xanthin oxidase (XO) inhibitory activities of the DWSP, CDSP and the SCSP obtained from the NFT were significantly higher than that of FTM, the aldehyde oxidase (AO) inhibitory activities of the DWSP and SCSP extracted from the FTM were markedly higher than that of the NFT. Meanwhile, the acceptance of NFT and FTM had no significant difference, while the quality of aroma, taste and mouthfeel of the FTM was higher than that of NFT. These results suggest that the post-fermented tea by Monascus microorganisms may be responsible for functional components as well as contribute to the improvement of the tea quality.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.176-183
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• 2017

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important food, oil, and fiber crop of the family Linaceae. Although flaxseed has been consumed as a food ingredient for several centuries, its nutritional benefits have not yet been completely established. Flaxseed is a good source of lignans, nonstarch polysaccharides, and high-quality proteins. Hence, in this study, we aimed to prepare a bioactive kefir containing flaxseed and to examine the physicochemical characteristics of kefir containing different concentrations of flaxseed. We investigated the pH, and sensory evaluation of bioactive Kefir containing different concentrations of flaxseed. We investigated the pH, total anthocyanins (TAs), and sensory evaluation of bioactive Kefir containing different concentrations of flaxseed. The pH of this bioactive kefir decreased, whereas the TA content increased with increasing incubation time; however, these parameters were not affected by the amount of added flaxseed. As the addition rate of flaxseed increased, the scores for overall acceptability, texture, color, flavor, and taste in sensory evaluations were generally the same as or lower than the control. There were no significant differences in overall acceptability, texture, color, flavor, and taste between the control and treated groups. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop methods for production of health-improving kefir as a dietary supplement based on the functional properties of flaxseed.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2003

The objective of this study was to examine how circulating leptin concentrations and resting energy expenditures (REE) are related to body composition in obese adults, and to examine differences in these parameters according to gender. Twenty-three subjects, 6 males and 17 females, were recruited from patients with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 27 at the Obesity Clinic of the K University Hospital. Anthropometric assessments and biochemical analyses were performed, and REEs were measured. In spite of having similar BMI values the plasma leptin levels of females (20.0$\pm$6.5 ng/ml) were significantly higher (p<.05) than those of males (14.2$\pm$6.1) ng/ml). In females, plasma leptin concentrations were found to be positively related to body weight. BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass (FM), body fat, and to the circumferences of forearm, waist and hip (p<.0001). However, in males, plasma leptin concentrations were positively related only to suprailiac thickness (p<.05). The higher plasma leptin levels in females compared to males may, at least partially. be explained by the females' higher subcutaneous fat mass. Plasma leptin concentrations appeared to reflect not only total fat mass but also regional fat distribution, especially in females. REE values of males (2254.3$\pm$256.2 kcal/day) were significantly higher (p＜.01) than those of females (1799.1$\pm$454.7 kcal/day). REE values for females were positively related to body weight, BMI, lean body mass (LBM), FM, body fat, and to the circumferences of waist and hip (p<.05); however, REE values for males were (positively) related only to LBM (p<.05). REE values were not related to plasma leptin concentrations for either males or females, indicating that the plasma level of leptin might not be a predictor for REE value.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.262-267
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• 2005

Reactive oxygen species can be generated in the skin by hair dyeing. The aim of this study was to find out the effects of the oxidative-type hair dye application in young women on the antioxidant systems. We investigated the lipid peroxide levels, glutathione (GSH) levels, and the antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in plasma and erythrocytes and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes, and DNA damages in lymphocytes. Also, plasma concentrations of antioxidant vitamins, vitamin A and E, were measured and the correlations between various antioxidant parameters and oxidative damages were evaluated The antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma (GSHPx) and in erythrocytes (SOD and CAT) were decreased significantly after hair dyeing. 1be lipid peroxide and GSH levels were not affected in both plasma and erythrocytes. No significant difference was found in the concentrations of both vitamin A and E between before and after hair dyeing. However, DNA damages expressed as the tail extent moment (TEM) and tail length (TL) were significantly (p<0.001) increased. The plasma vitamin E concentration was correlated with DNA damages (TEM: r=-0.590, p<0.01 and TL: r=-0.533. p<0.01) and RBC SOD activity (r=0.570, p<0.05). In turn, RBC SOD activity was significantly correlated with both plasma MDA levels (r=-0.412, p<0.05) and DNA damages (TM: r=-0.546, p<0.01, TL: r=-0.493, p<0.01). Our results demonstrated that the exposure to hair dyeing produced lymphocyte DNA damage and modification of the antioxidant enzyme activities. Also, there were very strong associations between plasma vitamin E concentration, RBC SOD activity and DNA damage induced by hair dyeing. It suggests that the antioxidant status of a subject is likely to be related to the extent of the harmful effects caused by hair dyeing.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.705-712
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to assess the zinc and copper nutritional status of 102 college women by measuring zinc and copper intake, hematological parameters of zinc and copper, hair zinc and urinary excretion of zinc and copper. The mean zinc intake was 5.5mg(45.8% RDA) with food analysis and 4.5mg(37.8% RDA) with computation from food composition table. The copper intake with food analysis was 2.3mg and 1.2mg with computation. Mean serum zinc concentration was 77.02ug/dl and the proportion of subjects with zinc deficiency estimated by serum zinc(<70ug/dl)was 23.0%. Mean serum copper concentration was 121.80ug/dl and 4.1% of subjects showed serum copper less than 70ug/dl, The mean ceruloplasmin concentration was 22.63mg/dl and the proportion of subjects whose ceruloplasmin was lower than 18-40mg/dl was 6.6%. The mean hair zinc of subjects was 143.8ppm and the mean hair copper was 11.2ppm. The mean urinary excretion of zinc was 0.43mg/day and the proportion of subjects with marginal deficiency estimated by urinary zinc excretion( <0.3mg/day) was 23.3%. The mean urinary copper excretion was 0.044mg/day which was within the normal range(0.01-0.06mg/day). Assessing by zinc content in hair, urine and serum, 22.9-23.3% of college women had bordeline zinc deficiency or zinc deficiency. Whereas 4.1-6.6% of college women was assessed copper deficiency estimated by serum copper and ceruloplasmin.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.221-227
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• 2002

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a weight loss program on the degree of obesity and levels of resting energy expenditure (REE) in overweight subjects according to their mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP 2) genotype. Twenty-three subjects with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 27 were recruited from the Obesity Clinic of the Kyung-Hee University Hospital during the period of December 2000 - August 2001. The subjects were genotyped for the exon 8 allele; 15 subjects were found to be of del/del genotype, 8 were del/ins, and none were of ins/ins genotype. No significant association was found between the different UCP 2 genotypes and the initial levels of weight, fat mass (FM), lean body mess (LBM), BMI, REE, and REE/LBM ratio. After 12 weeks of a weight loss program, body weight and FM were significantly decreased, while LBM, total body water (TBW), and REE were not changed, irrespective of UCP 2 genotype. Initial fasting plasma levels of albumin, glucose, triglyceride, lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, free triiodo-thyronine (T3), free fatty acid (FFA), and leptin were not different according to the UCP 2 genotype; furthermore, these blood parameters were not changed after the 12-week weight loss program. However, plasma levels of leptin decreased in both the del/del and ins/del genotypes, from 18.7 ng/ml to 13.4 ng/ml (p<.05), and from 18.1 ng/ml to 13.9 ng/ml (p＜.05), respectively, after the weight loss program. In conclusion, this study found no significant association between the del/del or del/ins UCP 2 genotypes and differing levels of REE or differing degrees of obesity, either before or after a weight loss program. This study provided evidence that a well- managed weight loss program could maintain levels of REE, which plays an important role in the maintenance of energy balance.