The rational design and realization of multiscale porous structures has been a long-standing challenge in membrane science. Block copolymers (BCPs) with their self-assembly-enabled nanodomains have the potential to make structural breakthroughs. An amphipathic Janus membrane, with a hierarchical multiscale hyperporous structure constituted by polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS4VP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blocks, was designed and synthesized in this work. Hydrophobic PVDF dominated one side of the membrane, and hydrophilic PS4VP, with nanopores that formed inside the macroporous channels of PVDF via a self-assembly approach, dominated the other side. Candida Rugosa Lipase (CRL), as a model biocatalyst, was immobilized in the PS4VP nanopores via injection. The immobilized lipase was exactly suspended at the interface of the organic and aqueous phases, owing to the amphipathic property of the Janus membrane. The designed structures and catalysis performances were further characterized. The immobilized lipase exhibited a three times higher specific activity than free lipase, and the relative activity still remained above 90% after 10 cycles of reusing, indicating the observable promotion and the guaranteed stability of the Janus membrane in interfacial catalysis. This work provided a general, facile and unique example for the design and synthesis of a hierarchical multiscale hyperporous membrane for interfacial catalysis.

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based materials are promising candidates for a range of separation applications. However, the fabrication of self-standing MOF-based thin films remains challenging. Herein, a facile solution casting strategy is developed for fabricating UiO-66 nanocomposite thin films (UiO66TFs) with thicknesses down to ∼400 nm. Nanosizing UiO-66 and incorporating sulfonated polysulfone additives render high dispersity and interfacial bindings between MOFs and polymer matrices, so UiO66TFs are more mechanically robust and thermally stable than their pure-polymer counterparts. Enhanced microporosity with sub-nanometer pore sizes of the self-standing membranes enables the direct translation of UiO-66-based sorption and ion-sieving properties, thus increasing water flux and separation performance (Na2SO4 rejection of 94-96%) under hydraulic pressure-driven processes and eliminating internal concentration polarization in osmotic pressure-driven processes. Enhanced separation performances are achieved with water/Na2SO4 permselectivity of 13.5 L g-1 and high osmotic water permeability up to 1.41 L m-2 h-1 bar-1, providing 3-fold higher water/Na2SO4 permselectivity and 56-fold-higher water flux than polymer membranes for forward osmosis.

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children with an incidence from 1:15,000 to 1:20,000 live births. It can present as a unilateral or bilateral involvement of the eyes. It is generally induced by biallelic mutation of the RB1 tumor suppressor gene that leads to malignant transformation of primitive retinal cells. The most common presentation is leukocoria, followed by strabismus. The initial assessment and future treatment of such tumor should be based on the laterality, the stage of the tumor, and the presenting age of the child. In general, the primary target of therapy is to preserve the child’s life. However, preserving the globe and preserving vision should be achieved whenever it’s possible. Retinoblastoma treatment has evolved from enucleating the affected globe to also involving external beam radiation therapy, cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy (intravitreal, intra-arterial, and systematic). This chapter is intended to discuss briefly the clinical presentation of Rb, as well as a comprehensive review about the evolution and current treatment modalities with a focus on cases with low-risk features.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes acute human gastroenteritis and is often linked to consumption of raw oysters. Previous investigations indicated that refrigerated seawater depuration at 12.5 degrees C could significantly reduce V. parahaemolyticus contamination in Pacific oysters; however, further optimization is necessary to achieve the regulatory target of >3.52 log most probable number (MPN)/g reduction. The current study investigated influences of algal feeding on efficacy of depuration to reduce V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters. A V. parahaemolyticus cocktail (10290, 10292, 10293, BE 98-2029, 027-1c1) was mixed in artificial seawater (70L) to inoculate oysters (n=35) at 4-5 log MPN/g. Inoculated oysters were subjected to depuration with feed (algae=0.036ml/gram of oyster) and without feed at 12.5 degrees C. Oysters (n=5) were analyzed for V. parahaemolyticus using a three-tube MPN method after 0, 1, 3, 5, and 6days of depuration. Depuration (6days) achieved average V. parahaemolyticus reductions of 2.75 log MPN/g and 3.03 log MPN/g in the fed and unfed systems, respectively; however, feeding status did not significantly impact the efficacy of depuration to reduce V. parahaemolyticus in Pacific oysters. Further optimization of depuration is necessary to achieve the regulatory target for V. parahaemolyticus decontamination in raw oysters.

This study investigated the influences of seawater to oyster ratio on depuration for decontaminating V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters with a goal of identifying the proper ratio of oyster to seawater capable of improving the efficacy of the depuration process. The water to oyster ratios tested in this study ranged from 1.0 to 2.5 L of artificial seawater (ASW) per oyster (40 oysters in 40, 60, 80 and 100 L ASW). The depuration efficacy for purging V. parahaemolyticus from oysters was highest when we applied a 2:1, followed by 1.5:1, 2.5:1, and 1:1 L of ASW/oyster. Further studies of depuration with 2:1 L of ASW/oyster found that the concentration of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters decreased in a nonlinear manner. The depuration curve was fitted to a one phase decay model with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.933. The time for a 3 log reduction was 1.75 days with a 95% confidence interval from 1.65 to 1.85 days, which meets the FDA's requirement of larger than a 3.0 log (MPN/g) reduction as a post-harvest process for V. parahaemolyticus control. After 4 days levels in all trials were <100 MPN/g meeting performance standards established by Japan and Canada. Furthermore, the time for a 3.52 log reduction was 3.17 days with a 95% confidence interval from 2.92 to 3.54 days but it took 5 days to reduce levels to <30 MPN/g, which satisfies FDA's requirement as a post-harvest control process (>3.52 log MPN/g reduction) for the purpose of making safety added labeling claims for V. parahaemolyticus.

OSU Seafood Laboratory, Oregon State University, Astoria, Oregon Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon Correspondence Joy Waite-Cusic, Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, 100 Wiegand Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331. Email: joy.waite-cusic@oregonstate.edu Funding information National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant/Award Numbers: 2011-68003-30005, #2011-68003-30005 Abstract Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections in the United States have been linked to consumption of raw oysters. Depuration has the potential to reduce contamination in live oysters after harvest. This study investigated the impact of depuration flow rate to reduce V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters. Pacific oysters (n = 35 per trial) were inoculated with a cocktail of V. parahaemolyticus (10290, 10292, 10293, BE 98-2029, and 027-1c1) in freshly prepared artificial seawater (70 L). The inoculated oysters were depurated with flow rates of 15, 20, 25, and 35 L/min at 12.5 C for up to 5 days and V. parahaemolyticus contamination was determined using a three-tube most probable number (MPN) method. V. parahaemolyticus reductions were as flow rate moderately increased from 15 L/min (2.39 log MPN/g reduction in 5 days) to 35 L/min (3.39 log MPN/g reduction). These results suggest that depuration efficacy can be enhanced by increasing depuration flow rate to 35 L/min.

Histamine is a toxic chemical and is the causative agent of food poisoning. This foodborne toxin may be degraded by the oxidative deamination activity of certain microorganisms. In this study, we isolated four histamine-degrading Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria from miso products. Among them, L. plantarum D-103 exhibited 100% degradation of histamine in de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth containing 50 ppm of histamine after 24 h of incubation at 30°C. The optimal growth, histamine oxidase, and histamine-degrading activity of L. plantarum D-103 were observed in histamine MRS broth at pH 7.0, 3% NaCl, and 30°C. It also exhibited tolerance to broad ranges of pH (4 to 10) and salt concentrations (0 to 12%) in histamine MRS broth. Therefore, the histamine-degrading L. plantarum D-103 might be used as an additive culture to prevent histamine accumulation in miso products during fermentation.

The human pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a leading cause of seafood-borne illness in the USA, and infections with V. parahaemolyticus typically result from eating raw or undercooked oysters. V. parahaemolyticus has been shown to be highly resistant to oyster depuration, suggesting that the bacterium possesses specific mechanisms or factors for colonizing oysters and persisting during depuration. In this study, we characterized eight different V. parahaemolyticus strains for differences in resistance to oyster depuration, biofilm formation, and motility. While each strain exhibited distinct phenotypes in the various assays, we determined that biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces, such as glass or plastic, does not directly correlate with bacterial retention in oysters during depuration. However, we did observe that the motility phenotype of a strain appeared to be a better indicator for persistence in the oyster. Further studies examining the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed colonization differences by these and other V. parahaemolyticus strains may provide beneficial insights into what critical factors are required for proficient colonization of the Pacific oyster.

This study investigated the potential application of grape seed extract (GSE) in depuration to increase its efficacy in reducing Vibrio parahaemolyticus populations in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). Pacific oysters were inoculated with five clinical strains of V parahaemolyticus to 10(4-5) MPN/g and depurated in UV-irradiated artificial seawater (ASW) containing GSE at a level of 1.0% (1.8 mg/mL total phenolic contents as gallic acid equivalents) or 1.5% (3.1 mg/mL total phenolic contents as gallic acid equivalents) at 12.5 degrees C for up to 5 days. Changes of V parahaemolyticus populations in oysters during depuration were analyzed every 24 h using the three-tube most probable number (MPN) method. The populations of V parahaemolyticus in inoculated oysters decreased by 3.06 and 3.71 log MPN/g, respectively, after 4 and 5 days of depuration in ASW at 12.5 degrees C. However, populations of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters were reduced by 3.01 and 4.18 log MPN/g after 2 days of depuration at 12.5 degrees C in ASW containing 1.0 and 1.5% GSE, respectively. Further studies confirmed that depuration using ASW containing 1.5% GSE with 3.1 mg/mL total phenolic contents as gallic acid equivalents at 12.5 degrees C for two days was capable of achieving >3.52 log MPN/g reductions of V. parahaemolyticus in Pacific oysters. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) is known to promote osteogenesis. To find novel adjuvants to enhance the activity of BMP-2, the present study investigated the structure BMP-2-induced osteogenic activity of a water-soluble polysaccharide from the gonad of pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) named AGSP. Through analysis of aldobiouronic acids released from AGSP, monosaccharide composition comparison of AGSP and its reduced product, and methylation analysis and NMR analysis of AGSP and its desulfated derivative, the main structure residue of AGSP was determined as →3)-GlcA(1→3)-Gal(1→ with sulfated branches comprised of prevelant Gal and minor Glc, and →4)-β-GlcA(1→2)-α-Man(1→ residue was also found. AGSP possessed a sulfate content of 12.4% with a relative molecular weight of 6.6kDa. AGSP strengthened alkaline phosphatase activity induced by BMP-2 in a dose dependent manner at 10-200μg/mL with 425% enhancement being observed at 200μg/mL, indicating AGSP could be an adjuvant candidate to enhance osteogenic activity of BMP-2.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is recognized as major cause of foodborne illness of global public health concern. This study collected 107 strains of V. parahaemolyticus during active surveillance of diarrheal diseases in hospitals in Zhoushan during 2013 to 2014 and investigated their serotypes, virulence genes (tdh, trh, and orf8), antimicrobial resistance, and genotypes. The dominant serotypes of the 107 clinical strains were O3: K6, O4: K8, and O4: KUT with 87.9% and 3.7% of the strains carrying the virulence genes tdh and trh, respectively. Molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis indicated divergence among the clinical strains. Most isolates were sensitive to the common antimicrobial agents used against the Vibrio species except ampicillin. We conclude that continuous surveillance of V. parahaemolyticus in diarrhea patients is a public health priority and is useful for conducting risk assessment of foodborne illnesses caused by V. parahaemolyticus.

Proximate compositions of dorsal, ventral, leg, and tail cuts of farmed spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) were determined. The water, protein, fat, and ash contents of muscle were 77-78%, 19-23%, 0.3-1.2%, and 1.0%, respectively. The dominant nucleotide-related compound in the tissues was inosine monophosphate (IMP) (68.6-84.9%). The predominant free amino acids (FAAs) in the muscle of spectacled caiman were taurine (Tau), glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), and histidine (His), along with a dipeptide of anserine (Ans) (80-183mg/100g) and carnosine (Car) (35-103mg/100g) being detected in each sample. The major fatty acid composition included palmitic (16:0), oleic (18:1 cis-9), linoleic (18:2n-6), and stearic (C18:0) acids. The amount of docosahexaenoic acid (4.27-8.76%) was higher than that of eicosapentaenoic acid (0.99-2.24%). The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid in spectacled caiman (0.83-1.19) was higher than that in other commonly consumed meat. Meat from the spectacled caiman can be characterized as a valuable food for human consumption in terms of these nutritional features.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a human pathogen frequently found in seafood. Once the seafood is contaminated by V. parahaemolyticus, it can become a vehicle for foodborne illness. The conventional culture methods for detection of V. parahaemolyticus are time-consuming and cannot differentiate pathogenic strains from nonpathogenic ones. In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was investigated for detecting tdh, chiA, and toxR of V. parahaemolyticus. The sensitivity of the multiplex PCR was determined by testing 28 strains of V. parahaemolyticus, 15 non-V. parahaemolyticus strains, and fresh seafood spiked with cells of V. parahaemolyticus. All the strains were analyzed for production of thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and chitinase. This study showed that both the chiA and toxR are excellent markers for detecting V. parahaemolyticus strains, and a multiplex PCR targeting chiA and tdh genes can be applied to simultaneously detect environmental and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus.

A dual-layer hollow fiber membrane with highly ordered isoporous surface and excellent mechanical strength was fabricated via block copolymer self-assembly and non-solvent induced phase separation. The isoporous outer layer formed by the self-assembly of poly(styrene-b-4-vinylpyridine) (PS4VP) was based on a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) microfiltration membrane as the robust support layer. The prepared membranes showed high tensile strength between 6.21 and 6.95 MPa. The good adhesion between the layers was ascribed to the infiltration of PS4VP into the porous PVDF support, which in turn increased transport resistance as well. Therefore, intermediate-treatment agents were introduced to reduce the infiltration depth of PS4VP, and the resultant membranes showed improved water permeability and remained interfacial adhesion. The highest water flux of the membranes reached 90.8 L/m2 h bar and the molecular weight cut-off was 74 kDa. Such a novel PS4VP/PVDF dual-layer hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane is a promising candidate for highly selective separation.

Behavior of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in raw yellowfin tuna during refrigeration and frozen storage were studied. Growth of Salmonella was inhibited in tuna during refrigerated storage, while L. monocytogenes was able to multiply significantly during refrigerated storage. Populations of Salmonella in tuna were reduced by 1 to 2 log after 12 days of storage at 5–7 °C, regardless levels of contamination. However, populations of L. monocytogenes Scott A, M0507, and SFL0404 in inoculated tuna (104–105 CFU/g) increased by 3.31, 3.56, and 3.98 log CFU/g, respectively, after 12 days of storage at 5–7 °C. Similar increases of L. monocytogenes cells were observed in tuna meat with a lower inoculation level (102–103 CFU/g). Populations of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes declined gradually in tuna samples over 84 days (12 weeks) of frozen storage at −18 °C with Salmonella Newport 6962 being decreased to undetectable level (<10 CFU/g) from an initial level of 103 log CFU/g after 42 days of frozen storage. These results demonstrate that tuna meat intended for raw consumption must be handled properly from farm to table to reduce the risks of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella and L. monocytogenes.

Effects of high pressure processing on changes of cell morphology and cellular proteins were investigated using two Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains 10290 and 10292 subjected to pressure treatments (200 or 300 MPa for 5 min) at 20 degrees C. Cells with or without pressure treatments were studied for structural damage by leakage of internal cellular substances and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and for cellular proteins profiles by total sulfhydryl contents and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Increase in leakage of cellular substances was observed as the pressure of a treatment increased. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed cell damage of both V. parahaemolyticus strains after the pressure treatments, particularly at 300 MPa for 5 min. Total protein and sulfhydryl contents in cellular protein extracts of both strains decreased as the pressure of a treatment increased. SOS-PAGE analysis of cellular proteins extracted from V. parahaemolyticus cells after the pressure treatments revealed changes of cellular protein profiles with a few protein fragments of 150-250 kDa being affected most. These data suggest that inactivation of V. parahaemolyticus cells by high pressure processing is associated with cell membrane damage and changes of cellular protein profiles, which appear to be dependent on the strain and pressure applied in a treatment. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A beta Poisson dose-response model for Vibrio vulnificus food poisoning cases leading to septicemia was used to evaluate the effect of depuration at 15 °C on the estimated health risk associated with raw oyster consumption. Statistical variability sources included V. vulnificus level at harvest, time and temperature during harvest and transportation to processing plants, decimal reductions (SV) observed during experimental circulation depuration treatments, refrigerated storage time before consumption, oyster size, and number of oysters per consumption event. Although reaching nondetectable V. vulnificus levels (<30 most probable number per gram) throughout the year and a 3.52 SV were estimated not possible at the 95% confidence level, depuration for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days would reduce the warm season (June through September) risk from 2,669 cases to 558, 93, 38, and 47 cases per 100 million consumption events, respectively. At the 95% confidence level, 47 and 16 h of depuration would reduce the warm and transition season (April through May and October through November) risk, respectively, to 100 cases per 100 million consumption events, which is assumed to be an acceptable risk; 1 case per 100 million events would be the risk when consuming untreated raw oysters in the cold season (December through March).

The sea cucumber body wall melting phenomenon occurs under certain circumstances, and the mechanism of this phenomenon remains unclear. This study investigated the apoptosis in the ultraviolet (UV)-induced sea cucumber melting phenomenon. Fresh sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus) were exposed to UV radiation for half an hour at an intensity of 0.056 mW/cm(2) and then held at room temperature for melting development. The samples were histologically processed into formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. The apoptosis of samples was analyzed with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay and cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry. The emergence of TUNEL-positive cells speeds up between 0.5 and 2 h after UV irradiation. Cleaved caspase-3 positive cells were obviously detected in sample tissues immediately after the UV irradiation. These results demonstrated that sea cucumber melting induced by UV irradiation was triggered by the activation of caspase-3 followed by DNA fragmentation in sea cucumber tissue, which was attributed to apoptosis but was not a consequence of autolysis activity.