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AbstractPorella gracillima Mitt. (Jungermanniidae, Porellaceae), a bryophyte is widespread in temperate Asia and North America. In Korea, P. gracillima is mainly observed in shaded and dried rocks or tree trunks on mountains. Here, we determined the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of P. gracillima to provide useful genetic information in the phylogenetic relationship, phylogeographic history, and conservation of the species. The complete cp genome of P. gracillima was assembled using NGS Illumina HiSeqX platform. The cp genome was 121,867 bp in length (GC contents, 33.7%) and showed a typical quadripartite structure, consisting of a large single copy (LSC) of 83,406 bp, a small single copy (SSC) of 19,692 bp, and two inverted repeats (IRs) of 9,385 bp. Phylogenetic analysis shows that Porellaceae was a sister group of Radulaceae, which agrees with the findings of the previous phylogenetic studies. Our cp genome data of P. gracillima may contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of the Porella in Porellaceae and will help to infer its molecular identification, thereby providing a guideline for conservation.

Abstract Various agents, including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, and HCl, were applied to remove heavy metals from raw paper incineration ash and render the ash recyclable. Among these prepared agent solutions, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid showed the highest efficiency for Pb removal, while oxalic acid showed the highest efficiencies for Cu, Cd, and As removal. Additionally, three modes of an advanced removal method, which involved the use of both ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and oxalic acid, were considered for use at the end of the rendering process. Among these three modes of the advanced removal method, that which involved the simultaneous use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and oxalic acid, i.e., a mixture of both solutions, showed the best heavy metal removal efficiencies. In detail, 11.9% of Cd, 10% of Hg, 28.42% of As, 31.29% of Cu, and 49.19% of Pb were removed when this method was used. Furthermore, the application of these three modes of the advanced removal method resulted in a decrease in the amounts of heavy metals eluted and brought about an increase in the CaO content of the treated incineration ash, while decreasing its Cl content. These combined results enhanced the solidification effect of the treated incineration ash. Thus, it was confirmed that the advanced removal method is a promising strategy by which recyclable paper incineration ash can be obtained.

Objectives:An experimental study was conducted to investigate the membrane filtration characteristics of mixed liquor in methanogenic reactor to extend solid retention time (SRT) in food waste anaerobic digestion system. Methods:On the basis of the particle size distribution (0.5~700 µm) of the methanogenic mixed liquor, three grade membranes (MF, UF, NF) were tested in a stirred cell filtration and a plate type module. Furthermore foulants of membrane, especially UF, was investigated by SEM-EDS, FTIR, SEC. Results and Discussion:As a result UF membrane was selected for stable filtration of the liquor in terms of flux (2.51 L/m2･h･bar) and the flux recovery (100%) as well as filtration resistance (Total 7.15.E+13 m-1). Average flux was 18 L/m2･h･bar for the selected UF membrane in cross flow filtration using a flat plate module. The filtration results showed that membrane fouling was caused by gel and cake layer formed on the membrane surface and 90% of the initial flux could be recovered by physical washing. It was identified that major fouling causing materials were byproducts of carbohydrate and protein decomposition, and small amount of inorganic substance detected on the membrane surface were salt and struvite like materials. Conclusions:Based on the membrane filtration characteristics analyzed from the study, the UF membrane coupled anaerobic digestion is feasible to be applied as a novel food waste treatment system for SRT extension of the methanogenic reactor.

Objectives:Bioethanol is known as an important energy source that comes from plants, uses existing energy infrastructure without additional investment, and emits a low concentration of pollutants during combustion as eco-friendly renewable energy. Microalgae is reported as an effective material for producing bioethanol because of rapid biomass growth and relatively easy pretreatment steps. The objectives of this study are 1) to introduce general information of bioethanol production, 2) to show various processes for bioethanol production from microalgae, and 3) to provide an economic perspective of bioethanol. Methods:Recent published peer-reviewed papers were collected and analyzed. The contents follow the order: 1) introduction, 2) general information about microalgae for bioethanol production, 3) bioethanol producing processes, 4) economic feasibility, and 5) conclusion. Results and Discussion:The selection of the microalgae species and growing method are important to obtain high yield bioethanol. Physical, chemical, biological pretreatment was introduced. Also, comparison of the bioethanol producing processes was provided. Conclusions:Bioethanol production from microalgae is a promising energy source because microalgae have lots of advantages as effective biomass such as rapid growth, high polysaccharide contents, and easy preparing step for bioethanol production. However, it has some limitations that need to overcome. Algae growing method, pretreatment technology, and fermentation steps still require advanced technology, which can improve economic feasibility.

Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei EPS DA-BACS was isolated from healthy human feces and its probiotic properties, as well as the structure and prebiotic activity of the EPS from this strain were examined. EPS from L. paracasei EPS DA-BACS had a ropy phenotype, which is known to have potential health benefits and is identified as loosely cell-bounded glucomannan-type EPS with a molecular size of 3.7 × 106 Da. EPS promoted the acid tolerance of L. paracasei EPS DA-BACS and provided cells with tolerance to gastrointestinal stress. The purified EPS showed growth inhibitory activity against Clostridium difficile. L. paracasei EPS DA-BACS cells completely inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus brasiliensis, as well as showed high growth inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with heat-killed L. paracasei EPS DA-BACS cells led to a decrease in the production of nitric oxide, indicating the anti-inflammatory activity of L. paracasei EPS DA-BACS. Purified EPS promoted the growth of Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. animalis, and B. faecale which showed high prebiotic activity. L. paracasei EPS DA-BACS harbors no antibiotic resistance genes or virulence factors. Therefore, L. paracasei EPS DA-BACS exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities with high gut adhesion ability and gastrointestinal tolerance and can be used as a potential probiotic.

Fermented foods have several advantages, including increased nutritional value, improved bioavailability, and functional health properties. We examined that these outcomes were also observed in fermented mixed grains (FMG) containing wheat germ, wheat bran, oats, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and lentils following solid-state fermentation (SSF) by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 245. The metabolic profile during fermentation was screened using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF-MS). The amino acids were quantitatively measured for the validation of the changes in metabolites. The activity of enzymes (e.g., amylase, protease, and fibrinolysis) and antioxidant capacity was also assessed to elucidate the functionality of FMG. The essential amino acid contents gradually increased as fermentation progressed. As the metabolites involved in the urea cycle and polyamine pathway were changed by fermentation, arginine was used as a substance to produce citrulline, ornithine, and agmatine. FMG showed dramatic increases in enzyme activity. FMG incubated for 36 h also displayed higher total phenolic contents and free radical scavenging ability than MG. The data suggest that FMG produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 245 possess improved nutritional and functional quality, leading to their potential use as dietary supplements.

Background: The skin prick test (SPT) for detecting atopic sensitization is not preferred in young infants with atopic dermatitis (AD) because of concerns about poor skin reactivity. This study aimed to evaluate whether the results of SPT agreed well with those of specific serum immunoglobulin E (sIgE) antibody test in young infants with AD. Methods: This study included 2,077 eligible infants (age, 6-month-old infants (κ=0.79 vs. 0.54, P=0.02), and that for CM was similar (P=0.60). The mean wheal diameters for EW and CM were evenly distributed, and did not show increasing trends regardless of age in months (Ptrend=0.13 and 0.06, respectively). Conclusions: The results of SPT agreed well with those of sIgE. This finding provides a rationale for using SPT, and suggests that SPT can be used along with sIgE to detect food sensitization in young infants with AD.

ABSTRACT Background Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat early as it has no early symptoms. The presence of sulforaphane (SFN) in cruciferous vegetables has been found to possess anti‐cancer effects in gastric and colon cancers. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK‐3β), a serine/threonine kinase, plays a significant role in pancreatic cancer progression, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Targeting GSK‐3β has shown potential to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of SFN on pancreatic cancer through GSK‐3β is unclear. Aims In this study, we examined the anticancer effects of SFN in human pancreatic cancer cell line Mia PaCa‐2 and evaluated its molecular mechanisms with respect to the GSK‐3β‐related pathway. Methods and Results SFN increased the protein expression of the phosphorylated form of GSK3β (Ser9). In the Wingless Int‐1 homolog/β‐catenin pathway, GSK3β induced apoptosis by phosphorylating β‐catenin. However, in mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog‐like‐dependent cells such as Mia PaCa‐2, GSK3β was suppressed and the β‐catenin level was increased, thus inducing apoptosis. Indeed, SFN increased the protein expression of β‐catenin in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Subsequently, we measured the level of cMyc, the target gene of β‐catenin. SFN decreased cMyc expression despite an increase in the β‐catenin. We measured the expression of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, a downstream factor of GSK3β and an upstream factor of cMyc. SFN decreased the expression of NF‐κB and cMyc, indicating that SFN inhibits cell proliferation by suppressing the GSK3β/NF‐κB/cMyc pathway. As the suppression of NF‐κB results in a decrease in B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) which is the anti‐apoptotic gene, we tested the effect of SFN in the expression of BCL‐2. SFN inhibited the expression of BCL‐2 and increased the ratio of the apoptotic regulator gene BCL‐2 associated X (BAX), where SFN induced the cleaved cysteine aspartase‐3 and poly‐adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase. Conclusion These results indicate that SFN may have therapeutic potential in the inhibition of pancreatic cancer.

Objective: The rich botanical biodiversity resulting from diverse climates and geographical distinctiveness offers a plethora of biological resources that can be pivotal in developing innovative biomaterials. This investigation sought to evaluate the functional properties of indigenous Korean plant species. Methods: Forty-six indigenous plants during a year-long expedition across inhabited and uninhabited Korean islands were collected. The plant specimens were divided into 5 parts (flower, fruit, stem, leaf, and whole body) and subjected to extraction using water, 30% ethanol, and 70% ethanol, followed by characterizations of anti-inflammatory, immune response, and anti-bacterial activity. Results: Thirty-eight percent of the extracts (59 extracts from 31 species) exhibited statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects. Concurrently, 22% of the extracts (35 extracts from 24 species) demonstrated notable immune boosting effects. Additionally, 17 extracts exhibited significant inhibitory effects against the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential utility of extracts of plants from Korean islands as natural agents for next-generation pharmaceutical and medical applications by emphasizing their effectiveness in combating inflammation, enhancing immune responses, and conferring anti-bacterial benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic mutations in exon 2 of the RNA polymerase II transcriptional Mediator subunit MED12 occur at very high frequency (∼70%) in uterine leiomyomas. However, the influence of these mutations on Mediator function and the molecular basis for their tumorigenic potential remain unknown. To clarify the impact of these mutations, we used affinity-purification mass spectrometry to establish the global protein-protein interaction profiles for both wild-type and mutant MED12. We found that uterine leiomyoma-linked mutations in MED12 led to a highly specific decrease in its association with Cyclin C-CDK8/CDK19 and loss of Mediator-associated CDK activity. Mechanistically, this occurs through disruption of a MED12-Cyclin C binding interface that we also show is required for MED12-mediated stimulation of Cyclin C-dependent CDK8 kinase activity. These findings indicate that uterine leiomyoma-linked mutations in MED12 uncouple Cyclin C-CDK8/19 from core Mediator and further identify the MED12/Cyclin C interface as a prospective therapeutic target in CDK8-driven cancers.

Hispolon (HPL), isolated from Phellinus linteus, has been used to treat various types of pathology, including inflammation, gastroenteric disorders, lymphatic diseases and numerous cancer subtypes. HPL has previously been reported to demonstrate a significant therapeutic efficacy against various types of cancer cells, including melanoma, leukemia, hepatocarcinoma, bladder and gastric cancer cells. However, its potential role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has not been demonstrated. The present study investigated the effects of HPL on the EMT. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) induced enhanced cell migration and invasion, EMT-associated phenotypic changes. In the present study, HPL recovered the reduction of E-cadherin expression level in TGF-β treated cancer cells, which was regulated by the expression of Snail and Twist. HPL downregulated Snail and Twist, an effect that was enhanced by TGF-ß. These findings provide novel evidence that HPL suppresses cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting EMT. Therefore, HPL may be a potent anticancer agent, inhibiting metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTKaempferol, one of the phytoestrogens, is found in berries and Brassicaand Alliumspecies and is known to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammation effect of kaempferol in an aged animal model. To examine the effect of kaempferol in aged Sprague-Dawley rats, kaempferol was fed at 2 or 4 mg/kg/day for 10 days. The data show that kaempferol exhibited the ability to maintain redox balance. Kaempferol suppressed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and expression of its target genes cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and regulated upon activation, and normal T-cell expressed and secretedin aged rat kidney and in tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced YPEN-1 cells. Furthermore, kaempferol suppressed the increase of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB cascade through modulation of nuclear factor-inducing kinase (NIK)/IκB kinase (IKK) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in aged rat kidney. Based on these results, we concluded that anti-oxidative kaempferol suppressed the activation of inflammatory NF-κB transcription factor through NIK/IKK and MAPKs in aged rat kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global cause of disease and mortality. CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, and other conditions. The most important behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke are diet, physical activity, smoking, and drinking. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and CVDs. Red-colored foods align with cardiovascular health by protecting the heart and blood vessels. Red fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries, red apples, beets, and pomegranate. In vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials, show that the components of red foods demonstrate various potential health benefits against disease. In conclusion, there are many advantages to eating vegetable foods, especially red fruits and vegetables.

Objectives Patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) theoretically have difficulty producing voiceless consonants. However, perceptual studies have revealed clear production of voiceless consonants with good articulation scores in nontracheostomized patients. The purpose of this study was to clarify the production of voiceless stops during articulation in patients with BVFP compared to normal speakers. Methods The perceptual, acoustic, and aerodynamic characteristics of patients with BVFP and those with normal speech were investigated with special reference to voiceless stop consonants. Test words were prepared to place the stop consonants in different phonological environments, and were all nonsense words. Results The patients with BVFP perceptually produced the three types of stops successfully. However, they acoustically varied voice onset time to produce phonetically representative stops but decreased voice onset time of /ph/ and /p/ compared to those of normal speakers. These patients may properly control air pressure to produce the three types of stop consonants similar to normal speakers. Conclusion The patients with BVFP realized the distinctions between the three types of stops similar to the normal speakers. Although vocal mobility was absent in the patients with BVFP, voice onset time, vowel duration, closure duration, and air pressure were similar to those of normal speakers.

Objectives Voice and speech alterations after total thyroidectomy may be associated with other extralaryngeal factors, such as neck muscle dysfunction and neck scar contracture. We evaluated the acoustic characteristics of oral vowel sounds and changes in hyoid bone movement before and after thyroidectomy. Methods Twenty-nine female patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included. Fundamental frequencies (Fo), formants and vowel space areas were evaluated before surgery and 7 days and 3 months after surgery to acoustically analyze the oral vowel sounds. Videofluoroscopic images were taken at the same times to evaluate hyoid bone movement. Results The Fo levels of seven vowels decreased significantly after surgery. The vowel formant changes the F1 of vowel /[e]/ decreased significantly from baseline at 3 months postoperatively, and the F3 of vowel /[i]/ decreased significantly from baseline 7 days postoperatively. The change in the vowel space area was not observed. The Y coordinate of the vowels /[i]/ and /[e]/ decreased significantly from baseline 7 days postoperatively due to changes in hyoid movement. Conclusion The damage to the neck muscles after thyroidectomy changes in Fo, formant and hyoid bone position. These quantitative results could be used as basic data for voice management in patients who undergo thyroidectomy.