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Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone that supports the stability of client proteins. The proteasome is one of the targets for cancer therapy, and studies are underway to use proteasome inhibitors as anti-cancer drugs. In this study, we found that HSP90 was cleaved to a 55 kDa protein after treatment with proteasome inhibitors including MG132 in leukemia cells but was not cleaved in other tissue-derived cells. HSP90 has two major isoforms (HSP90α and HSP90β), and both were cleaved by MG132 treatment. MG132 treatment also induced a decrease in HSP90 client proteins. MG132 treatment generated ROS, and the cleavage of HSP90 was blocked by a ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). MG132 activated several caspases, and the activation was reduced by pretreatment with NAC. Based on an inhibitor study, the cleavage of HSP90 induced by MG132 was dependent on caspase 10 activation. Furthermore, active recombinant caspase 10 induced HSP90 cleavage in vitro. MG132 upregulated VDUP-1 expression and reduced the GSH levels implying that the regulation of redox-related proteins is involved. Taken all together, our results suggest that the cleavage of HSP90 by MG132 treatment is mediated by ROS generation and caspase 10 activation. HSP90 cleavage may provide an additional mechanism involved in the anti-cancer effects of proteasome inhibitors.

Background/purpose: Based on hydrodynamic theory, blocking the dentinal tubules can reduce discomfort caused by dentin hypersensitivity. This study identified the crystals formed in dentinal tubules from tricalcium silicate (TCS) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and evaluated the effect of PBS concentration on crystal formation. Materials and methods: Sixty-nine specimens were made by isolating the cervical part of extracted premolars. TCS was applied by brushing for 10,000 strokes on dentin surface simulating sensitive dentin. Specimens were stored in PBS or solutions with concentrations 1/100, 1/10, 10, and 100 times that of PBS for 1, 30, 60, or 90 days (n = 3). Another nine specimens applied TCS, were immersed in PBS for 3 months, and divided into three subgroups: no treatment, sonication for 10 min, and 1M acetic acid treatment for 3 min. Crystal formation was examined using a scanning electron microscope, assigned five grade scores (0–4) according to maturation, and analyzed by a nonparametric two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Crystal components were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results: The maturation of intratubular crystals was dependent on time and PBS concentration (P

Background: Panax quinquefolius L, widely recognized for its valuable contributions to medicine, has aroused considerable attention globally. Different from the extensive research has been dedicated to the root of P. quinquefolius, its berry has received relatively scant focus. Given its promising medicinal properties, this study was focused on the structural characterizations and anti-inflammatory potential of acidic polysaccharides from the P. quinquefolius berry. Materials and methods: P. quinquefolius berry was extracted with hot water, precipitated by alcohol, separated by DEAE-52-cellulose column to give a series of fractions. One of these fractions was further purified via Sephadex G-200 column to give three fractions. Then, the main fraction named as AGBP-A3 was characterized by methylation analysis, NMR spectroscopy, etc. Its anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by RAW 264.7 cell model, zebrafish model and molecular docking. Results: The main chain comprised of α-L-Rhap, α-D-GalAp and β-D-Galp, while the branch consisted mainly of α-L-Araf, β-D-Glcp, α-D-GalAp, β-D-Galp. The RAW264.7 cell assay results showed that the inhibition rates against IL-6 and IL-1β secretion at the concentration of 625 ng/mL were 24.83 %, 11.84 %, while the inhibition rate against IL-10 secretion was 70.17 % at the concentration of 312 ng/mL. In the zebrafish assay, the migrating neutrophils were significantly reduced in number, and their migration to inflammatory tissues was inhibited. Molecular docking predictions correlated well with the results of the anti-inflammatory assay. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the structure of acidic polysaccharides of P. quinquefolius berry and their effect on inflammation, providing a reference for screening anti-inflammatory drugs.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a key enzyme involved in the conversion of cortisone to active cortisol in the liver. Elevated cortisol levels can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocyte damage, highlighting the importance of 11β-HSD1 inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach. This study aimed to explore the effects of INU-101, an inhibitor of 11β-HSD1, on the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and fibrosis. Our findings demonstrated that INU-101 effectively mitigated cortisol-induced lipid accumulation, reactive oxygen species generation, and hepatocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, 11β-HSD1 inhibition suppressed hepatic stellate cell activation by modulating β-catenin and phosphorylated SMAD2/3. INU-101 administration significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and liver fibrosis in mice fed fast-food diet. This study suggests that INU-101 holds promise as a clinical candidate for treating MASLD and fibrosis, offering potential therapeutic benefits by targeting the intricate processes involving 11β-HSD1 and cortisol regulation in the liver.

Ganoderma (Ganodermataceae, Basidiomycota) species are medicinally and economically important wood-decaying fungi occurring throughout the world. Since 2022, unrecorded Ganoderma species have been collected in Jinju and Busan, Korea. The hosts of the fungal species were Platanus and Prunus species. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis, this species was identified as Ganoderma gibbosum. Description, macroscopic and microscopic photographs, and a phylogeny based on ITS sequences were provided here.

Background: Little is known regarding the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) admitted to cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). Objectives: The authors sought to better define the contemporary epidemiology, treatment patterns, and outcomes of ACHD admissions in the CICU. Methods: The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network is a multicenter network of CICUs in North America. Participating centers contributed prospective data from consecutive admissions during 2-month annual snapshots from 2017 to 2022. We analyzed characteristics and outcomes of admissions with ACHD compared with those without ACHD. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess mortality in ACHD vs non-ACHD admissions. Results: Of 23,299 CICU admissions across 42 sites, there were 441 (1.9%) ACHD admissions. Shunt lesions were most common (46.1%), followed by right-sided lesions (29.5%) and complex lesions (28.7%). ACHD admissions were younger (median age 46 vs 67 years) than non-ACHD admissions. ACHD admissions were more commonly for heart failure (21.3% vs 15.7%, P

Metschnikowia persimmonesis, a novel endophytic yeast strain isolated from Diospyros kaki calyx, possesses strong antimicrobial activity. We investigated its potential use as an environmentally safe food biocontrol agent through genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Secondary metabolites were isolated from M. persimmonesis, followed by chemical structure elucidation, PUL gene cluster identification, and RNA sequencing. Pulcherrimin was isolated using 2 M NaOH, its structure was confirmed, and the yield was quantified. Biocontrol efficacy of M. persimmonesis on persimmon fruits and calyx was evaluated by assessing lesion diameter and disease incidence. Following compounds were isolated from M. persimmonesis co-culture with Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum: fusaric acid, benzoic acid, benzeneacetic acid, 4-hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, 4-(-2-hydoxyethyl)-benzoic acid, cyclo (Leu-Leu), benzenemethanol, 4-hydroxy-benzaldehide, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-benzoic acid, lumichrome, heptadecanoic acid, and nonadecanoic acid. Exposing M. persimmonesis to different growth media conditions (with or without sugar) resulted in the isolation of five compounds: Tyrosol, Cyclo (Pro-Val), cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr), cyclo(Leu-Leu), and cyclo(l-tyrosilylicine). Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed 3264 genes that were significantly expressed (fold change ≥2 and p-value ≤0.05) during M. persimmonesis growth in different media, of which only 270 (8.27%) showed altered expression in all sample combinations with Luria–Bertani Agar as control. Minimal media with ferric ions and tween-80 triggered the most gene expression changes, with the highest levels of PUL gene expression and pulcherrimin yield (262.166 mg/L) among all media treatments. M. persimmonesis also produced a higher amount of pulcherrimin (209.733 mg/L) than Metschnikowia pulcherrima (152.8 mg/L). M. persimmonesis inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum in persimmon fruit and calyx. Toxicity evaluation of M. persimmonesis extracts showed no harmful effects on the liver and mitochondria of zebrafish, and no potential risk of cardiotoxicity in hERG-HEK293 cell lines. Thus, M. persimmonesis can be commercialized as a potent and safe biocontrol agent for preserving food products.

Background/purpose: One of the challenges in adhesive ceramic restorations is deterioration of tooth-cement-ceramic interfaces. This study was to quantitatively investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) penetration through adhesive ceramic restorations. Materials and methods: Standardized holes were formed on ceramic (IPS Empress CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) and human dentin discs. Prepared discs were randomly assigned to experimental groups (n = 6/group): SC, self-adhesive resin cement (SmartCem 2, Dentsply Sirona) bonded to ceramic discs; ST, self-adhesive resin cement bonded to dentin discs; VC, etch-and-rinse resin cement (Variolink II, Ivoclar Vivadent AG) bonded to ceramic discs; VT, etch-and-rinse resin cement bonded to dentin discs. The specimens underwent thermocycling (10,000 cycles; 5–55 °C) then LPS penetration test until 5-weeks. A mixed effect analysis using R statistical language was performed for data analysis. Results: Dentin and ceramic bonded with etch-and-rinse resin cements (groups VT and VC) showed significantly less penetration than those with self-adhesive resin cement (groups ST and SC) (P 0.05). VC showed minimal penetration during observed time of period (P

Zr-Nb alloy have been widely used as fuel rods in nuclear power plants. However, from the Fukushima nuclear accident, the weakness of the rod was revealed under harsh conditions, and research on the safety of these types of rods was conducted after the disaster. The method of depositing chromium onto the existing Zr-Nb alloy fuel rods is being considered as a means by which to compensate for the weakness of Zr-Nb alloy rods because chromium is strong against oxidation at high temperatures and has high strength. In order to secure these advantages, it is important to maintain the Cr thickness of the rods and properly inspect the rods before and during their use in power generation. Eddy current testing is a typical means of evaluating the thickness of thin metals and detecting surface defects. Depending on the size and shape of the inspected object, various eddy current sensors can be applied. In particular, because pancake sensors can be manufactured in very small sizes, they can be used for inspections even in narrow spaces, such as a nuclear fuel assembly.In this study, an eddy current technique was developed to confirm the feasibility of Cr coating thickness evaluations. After determining the design parameters of the pancake sensor by means of a FEM simulation, a FPCB pancake sensor was manufactured and the optimal frequency was selected by measuring minute changes in the Cr-coating thickness using the developed sensor.

A surge in the number of anthropogenic pollutants has been caused by increasing industrial activities. Nanoplastics are spotlighted as a new aquatic pollutant that are a threat to microbes and larger organisms. Our previous study showed that the subinhibitory concentrations of aquatic pollutants such as phenol and formalin act as signaling molecules and modulate global gene expression and metabolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of a new type of anthropogenic contaminant, polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics, on the expression of key virulence factors in zoonotic pathogen Edwardsiella piscicida and the assessment of potential changes in the susceptibility of zebrafish as a model host. The TEM data indicated a noticeable change in the cell membrane indicating that PS particles were possibly entering the bacterial cells. Transcriptome analyses performed to identify the differentially expressed genes upon PS exposure revealed that the genes involved in major virulence factor type VI secretion system (T6SS) were down-regulated. However, the expression of T6SS-related genes was recovered from the PS adapted E. piscicida when nanoplastics are free. This demonstrated the hypervirulence of pathogen in infection assays with both cell lines and in vivo zebrafish model. Therefore, this study provides experimental evidence elucidating the direct regulatory impact of nanoplastics influx into aquatic ecosystems on fish pathogenic bacteria, notably influencing the expression of virulence factors.

Background: The Korean out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry (KOHCAR) serves as the basis for a chain of survival monitoring and quality improvement programs for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study describes the development history and current status of KOHCAR. Methods/design: The KOHCAR, initiated in 2008, is a population-based OHCA registry that captures all emergency medical service (EMS)-assessed OHCA cases, regardless of etiology. The KOHCAR represents complete nationwide data and aligns with South Korea's comprehensive plan for cardiovascular disease, which has a legal basis. The KOHCAR is a collaboration between the National Fire Agency (NFA) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The NFA identifies OHCA patients and provides prehospital information after integrating various EMS records, whereas the KDCA collects hospital information and clinical outcomes through a medical record review. Comprehensive Utstein variables, including patient and arrest characteristics, prehospital and hospital management, and survival outcomes, were collected. Discussion: The KOHCAR has significantly contributed to improving OHCA survival rates in South Korea; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenge. To address the post-pandemic survival rate decline, there is a need to enhance data utilization, expand data sources, and tailor communication with diverse stakeholders.

Objective: Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are known to cause traumatic cardiac arrest; it is unclear whether seat belts prevent this. This study aimed to evaluate the association between seat belt use and immediate cardiac arrest in cases of MVCs. Method: This cross-sectional observational study used data from a nationwide EMS-based severe trauma registry in South Korea. The sample comprised adult patients with EMS-assessed severe trauma due to MVCs between 2018 and 2019. The primary, secondary, and tertiary outcomes were immediate cardiac arrest, in-hospital mortality, and death or severe disability, respectively. We calculated the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of immediate cardiac arrest with seat belt use after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Among the 8178 eligible patients, 6314 (77.2 %) and 1864 (29.5 %) were wearing and not wearing seat belts, respectively. Immediate cardiac arrest, mortality, and death/severe disability rates were higher in the “no seat belt use” group than in the “seat belt use” group (9.4 % vs. 4.0 %, 12.4 % vs. 6.2 %, 17.7 % vs. 9.9 %, respectively; p

Resin-based composite materials are commonly used for restorations, but their dimensional changes during the polymerization could cause various clinical problems. This study evaluated the influence of a base of different materials and thicknesses on the stress magnitude and distribution in a second maxillary premolar with an MOD resin composite restoration using three-dimensional finite element analysis. A sound tooth without cavity was considered as the control group (ST), and another group was restored with composite resin without applying a base material in a MOD cavity (CR). The other three groups were restored with composite resin along with the following base materials: glass ionomer cement, low-viscosity resin, and tricalcium silicate, respectively (CR-GIC, CR-LR, and CR-TS). These three groups were further divided into two subgroups according to the thickness of the base layer: thin (0.5 mm) and thick (1.0 mm). The stress distribution was compared using the maximum principal stress after polymerization shrinkage and vertical loading with 600 N on the occlusal surface. Group ST showed the lowest stress value, and its stress propagation was confined to outer enamel surfaces only. Group CR demonstrated the highest stress distribution in the tooth-restoration interface with increased failure risk on marginal areas. The thin and thick subgroups of the three groups with a base layer had lower stress levels than Group CR. The base materials reduced the marginal stress caused by polymerization shrinkage of composite resin in MOD cavities. Different base materials and thicknesses did not affect the stress distribution.

Introduction: This trial, conducted according to the request of the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, investigated the potential of oxiracetam in mitigating post-stroke cognitive decline, and whether physical activity could augment its efficacy. The mechanisms behind these effects were explored using functional neuroimaging. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled patients reporting subjective cognitive decline more than three months post-stroke and at a high risk of dementia. Participants were randomly assigned to a 36-week regimen of either 800 mg oxiracetam or a placebo, administered twice daily, in conjunction with recommended physical activity. Physical activity levels were monitored using wrist actigraphy. Cognitive function was assessed using a mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and clinical dementia rating sum of boxes (CDR-SB) at baseline and 36 weeks. Other assessments included the 60-minute protocol of Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards, Euro QoL, patient's global assessment, and resting-state functional MRI-derived neural network attributes. Results: Of the 500 participants (mean age 68.9 years, male 76.1%, median interval between stroke and randomization 32 months), 457 were analyzed. Both groups have equally adhered to the exercise guidelines (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day; 23.7±26.1 vs. 24.1±28.7 minutes; p=0.75). No significant difference was observed in changes to MMSE and CDR-SB scores between the two groups (MMSE, 0.13±2.27 vs. 0.27±2.09, p=0.49; CDR-SB -0.14±0.70 vs. -0.08±0.80, p=0.38). Although increased baseline exercise time correlated with better MMSE scores, the correlation was weak (R= 0.11, p=0.02). Verbal memory, phonemic fluency, language, NPI-Q, and geriatric depression scale also improved significantly within each group. However, only the intervention group showed significant improvements in CDR-SB and EuroQoL scores. A predetermined multivariate analysis showed a significant change in the normalized clustering coefficient for the secondary efficacy endpoint (r=0.09, SE=0.04, p=0.03). Discussion: This study failed to confirm the efficacy of oxiracetam in preventing post-stroke cognitive decline. Nonetheless, adherence to the exercise guidelines appeared to help participants maintain their cognitive functions, despite being a chronic stage post-stroke and having a high dementia risk.

With the decreasing availability of sailors, there has been an increasing focus on the development of autonomous ships. Among the various components of autonomous ships, automatic recognition systems that can replace human vision are a crucial area of research. While ongoing studies utilize traditional perception sensors such as RADAR (RAdio Detection And Ranging) and AIS (Automatic Identification System), they have limitations such as blind spots and a restricted detection range. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a new recognition method that utilizes multiple cameras, including electro-optical and infrared radiation cameras, to supplement traditional perception sensors. This method aims to detect maritime obstacles accurately and estimate their dynamic motion using a tracking process. Initially, real-sea images were collected for maritime obstacle detection, and a deep-learning-based detection model was trained on them. The detection results were then employed in an adaptive tracking filter, which allowed the precise motion estimation of the obstacles. Furthermore, to compensate for the limitations of using individual cameras as sensors, this study introduces the simultaneous fusion of tracked data from multiple cameras. This fusion process enhances tracking results in various ways. In field tests using multiple Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), the proposed method successfully converged tracking results within the range of GPS errors. In addition, the fusion of tracked data from multiple cameras significantly improved the tracking results obtained from a single camera.

Aims: The activity of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) is susceptible to the physiological conditions of the donor. Therefore, employing ADSCs from donors of advanced age or with diseases for cell therapy necessitates a strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy before transplantation. This study aims to investigate the impact of supplementing Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) on ADSC-mediated osteogenesis under osteoporotic conditions and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action. Main methods: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) obtained from ovariectomized (OVX) rats were cultured ex vivo. These cells were cultured in an osteogenic medium supplemented with FGF2 and HGF and subsequently autologously transplanted into osteoporotic femur defects using Hydroxyapatite-Tricalcium Phosphate. The assessment of bone formation was conducted four weeks post-transplantation. Key findings: Osteoporosis detrimentally affects the viability and osteogenic differentiation potential of ADSCs, often accompanied by a deficiency in FGF2 and HGF signaling. However, priming with FGF2 and HGF facilitated the formation of immature osteoblasts from OVX ADSCs in vitro, promoting the expression of osteoblastogenic proteins, including Runx-2, osterix, and ALP, during the early phase of osteogenesis. Furthermore, FGF2/HGF priming augmented the levels of VEGF and SDF-1α in the microenvironment of OVX ADSCs under osteogenic induction. Importantly, transplantation of OVX ADSCs primed with FGF2/HGF for 6 days significantly enhanced bone formation compared to non-primed cells. The success of bone regeneration was confirmed by the expression of type-1 collagen and osteocalcin in the bone tissue of the deficient area. Significance: Our findings corroborate that priming with FGF2/HGF can improve the differentiation potential of ADSCs. This could be applied in autologous stem cell therapy for skeletal disease in the geriatric population.

Hydrogel electrolytes, where water solvents and salts are confined in the porous networks of polymeric or inorganic solids, are attractive because they can resolve technical challenges of liquid electrolytes such as leakage, water decomposition, and mechanical instability. Herein, we demonstrate polyacrylic acid tethered onto the surface of vinyl functionalized silica nanoparticles (PAA-VSNP) hydrogel electrolytes through a sol-gel and radical polymerization process. The synthesis chemistry, the associated chemical structure, and the morphology of PAA-VSNP hydrogel electrolytes were comprehensively characterized analyzing FTIR, XPS and 13C and 29Si solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopies. The resulting PAA-VSNP hydrogel electrolytes were mechanically stable as verified by the stretchability up to 1122.75% of original length as well as ionically conductive as demonstrated by higher ionic conductivity of 20.23 mS cm−1 and lower activation energy of 0.106 eV than those of PVA counterparts. Integrating this PAA-VSNP hydrogel electrolytes with activated carbon and Na3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite and, flexible sodium ion hybrid supercapacitors (AC//PAA-VSNP //NVP@C SHSC SHSC) full cells could be fabricated. The as-fabricated AC//PAA-VSNP//NVP@C SHSC achieved a long-term cyclability over 4000 cycles and flexibility, delivering the larger energy and power densities 86.95 W h kg−1 and 19.94 kW kg−1 than those of AC//PVA//NVP@C and other works using hydrogel electrolytes.

Summary: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is often performed using a tendon graft. However, the predominant synthesis of fibrotic scar tissue (type III collagen) occurs during the healing process of the tendon graft, resulting in a significantly lower mechanical strength than that of normal ACL tissue. In this study, ACL-derived cells were reseeded to the tendon graft, and scaffold-induced compression was applied to test whether the compressive force results in superior cell survival and integration.Given nanofiber polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold-induced compression, ACL-derived cells reseeded to a tendon graft demonstrated superior cell survival and integration and resulted in higher gene expression levels of type I collagen compared to non-compressed cell-allograft composites in vitro. Translocation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) into the nucleus was correlated with higher expression of type I collagen in the compression group. These data support the hypothesis of a potential role of mechanotransduction in the ligamentization process.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: The socioeconomic and clinical burden of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB), multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have not yet been adequately addressed. Methods: We prospectively searched for MDRO bacteremia cases with matched controls from 10 hospitals across Korea during a 6-month period in 2017. Patients were classified into the MDRO, susceptible organism, and no-infection groups. The corresponding susceptible or no-infection controls had been selected according to predefined criteria. We collected clinical information and estimated the total additional medical cost due to MDRO infections using the multistate model. Results: During the 6-month period, a total of 486 MDRO bacteremia cases (260, 87, 18, 20, and 101 cases of MRSA, MRAB, MRPA, CRE, and VRE, respectively) were identified. The 90-d mortality rates were 30.4%, 63.2%, 16.7%, 55.0%, and 47.5%, respectively. The additional costs caused by bacteremia were $15 768, $35 682, $39 908, $72 051, and $33 662 per MDRO type, respectively. Based on these 6-month data, the estimated annual number of bacteremia cases due to these five MDRO in Korea were 7979 (4070, 1396, 218, 461, and 1834 cases, respectively). Overall, this caused an estimated 3280 (1237, 882, 36, 254, and 871, respectively) deaths and cost $294 505 002 ($84 707 359, $74 387 364, $10 344 370, $45 850 215, and $79 215 694, respectively) (range $170,627,020–$416,094,679) in socioeconomic loss. Conclusions: A tremendous clinical and economic burden is caused by MDRO bacteremia compared with antibiotic-susceptible and no-infection groups. Substantial investment and efforts by related government agencies and medical staffs are needed.

Online social media such as Twitter has been used as an important source for predicting, detecting, or analyzing critical social phenomena such as elections, disease outbreaks, and cyberattacks. In this study, we propose a cyberattack detection model on social media. First, we conduct community detection of users related to cyberattacks on Twitter to identify the most relevant group to the cyberattacks. Second, to effectively identify the tweets related to cyberattacks, we conduct a textual similarity analysis between the tweet and the cyberattack relevant keywords, which overcomes the limitation of lexical analysis of tweets such as keyword-based filtering and frequency of keywords. Finally, we propose a novel cyberattack detection model by integrating both text- and graph-based models. Our methodology has a distinguishing feature from the existing studies in that we incorporate the semantics in Tweets to evaluate the relevance with cyberattacks and employ community detection to identify the most relevant group to the cyberattacks. Through extensive experiments, we show the effectiveness of the proposed model. First, we show that the text analysis in the proposed model outperforms detection accuracy of the keyword frequency-based analysis by up to 29.46%. Second, the community detection improves the detection accuracy by 28.89∼35.56% compared to the baseline criteria to select relevant users to the cyberattacks. Through two experiments to measure the relevancy of detected communities to the cyberattack, the results consistently show that the highest relevant community by our community detection shows the highest relevancy.

Introduction: Salivary gland (SG) damage is commonly caused by aging, irradiation, and some medications, and currently, no damage modifying agent is available. However, cell therapy based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed as a therapeutic modality for irradiated SGs. Therefore, we administered cell-derived vesicles (CDVs) of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) to irradiated SG cells to investigate their radioprotective effects in vitro. Methods: The artificial CDVs were obtained from ADMSC by tangential flow filtration (TFF) purification and ultracentrifugation. Cultured human SG epithelial cells were exposed to 2, 5 or 15 Gy of 4 MV X-rays produced by a linear accelerator. The effects of ADMSC-CDVs on SG epithelial cells damaged by irradiation were tested by proliferation activity, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and amylase activity. Results: Exposure to penetrating radiation inhibited the proliferation of SG epithelial cells, but the radiation intensity required to reduce the proliferation of human submandibular gland epithelial cells (hSMGECs) was greater than required for other SG cells. ADMSC-CDVs restored the proliferative ability of SG epithelial cells reduced by irradiation, and the proliferation capacities of irradiated human parotid gland epithelial cells (hPGECs) and human sublingual gland epithelial cells (hSLGECs) were increased by administering ADMSC-CDVs to non-irradiated SG epithelial cells. Furthermore, amylase activity in irradiated hPGECs, hSMGECs, and hSLGECs was lower than in non-irradiated controls. However, amylase ability was restored in all by ADMSC-CDV treatment. Also, TEER was diminished by irradiation in hPGECs, hSMGECs, and hSLGECs and restored by ADMSC-CDV administration. Conclusion: Overall, our findings demonstrate that ADMSC-CDVs have potent radioprotective effects on irradiated SG cells.

To improve the safety and life extension qualities of nuclear fuel rods which is currently made of zirconium (Zr) alloy, research on the application of chromium (Cr) coating was conducted. Cr coating has advantages such as increased corrosion resistance and reduced oxidation rate, but non-destructive thickness evaluation studies are needed to ensure the reliability of the steps taken to provide uniform coating thickness. Eddy current testing (ECT) is a representative non-destructive technique for such as thickness evaluation and surface defect inspection. To inspect changes in thickness at micron scale, the Swept Frequency Eddy Current Testing (SFECT) method was applied to select a frequency range sensitive to changes in thickness. The coating thickness was evaluated using changes in signals, such as that for impedance.In this study, basic research was performed to evaluate the thickness of the Cr coating on a rod using an encircling sensor and the SFECT technique. The sensor design parameters were determined through simulation, after which the new sensor was manufactured. A sensor capable of measuring the thickness of a non-uniformly Cr-coating rod was selected through an experiment evaluating the performance of the manufactured sensor. This was done using the impedance-difference of a Cr-coating rod and a Zr alloy rod. The possibility of evaluation of the Cr coating thickness was confirmed by comparing the experimental results with the selected sensor and the signals of the measured Cr-coating rod. All simulation results were verified experimentally.

Background: Ginseng, officially known as Panax ginseng Meyer, has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb, particularly in Asia. Ginseng is propagated from seeds; however, seed germination is challenging, especially in its natural environment on farms. The seeds typically exhibit morphophysiological dormancy and require release from both morphological and physiological dormancy before germination. Although some studies have proposed methods for increasing seed germination rates, the underlying mechanisms of its dormancy release process remain unclear. Here, we investigated metabolic alterations during dehiscence in P. ginseng to determine their potential roles in dormancy release. Methods: We compared the ginseng seed metabolome before and after dehiscence and the ginsenoside and phytosterol compositions of the seeds in both periods in the presence of related enzymes. Results: After seed dehiscence, the sugar, amino acid, and squalene concentrations were significantly altered, phytosterols associated with the stigmasterol biosynthesis pathway were increased, while ginsenoside and brassinosteroid levels were not significantly altered. In addition, squalene epoxidase, cycloartenol synthase, 24-methylenesterol C-methyltransferase, and the stigmasterol biosynthesis pathway were activated. Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that morphological activities that facilitate ginseng seed growth are the primary phenomena occurring during the dehiscence process. This study improves the understanding of P. ginseng germination processes and promotes further research of its germination and cultivation.

Accurate estimation of the T-year return levels of climate extremes using statistical distribution is a critical step in the projection of future climate and in engineering design for disaster response. We show how the estimation of such quantities can be improved by fitting the four-parameter kappa distribution for r-largest order statistics (rK4D), which was developed in this study. The rK4D is an extension of the generalized extreme value distribution for r-largest order statistics (rGEVD), similar to the four-parameter kappa distribution (K4D), which is an extension of the generalized extreme value distribution (GEVD). This new distribution (rK4D) can be useful not only for fitting data when three parameters in the GEVD are not sufficient to capture the variability of the extreme observations, but also in reducing the estimation uncertainty by making use of the r-largest extreme observations instead of only the block maxima. We derive a joint probability density function (PDF) of rK4D and the marginal and conditional cumulative distribution functions and PDFs. To estimate the parameters, the maximum likelihood estimation and the maximum penalized likelihood estimation methods were considered. The usefulness and practical effectiveness of the rK4D are illustrated by the Monte Carlo simulation and by an application to the Bangkok extreme rainfall data. A few new distributions for r-largest order statistics are also derived as special cases of the rK4D, such as the r-largest logistic, the r-largest generalized logistic, and the r-largest generalized Gumbel distributions. These distributions for r-largest order statistics would be useful in modeling extreme values for many research areas, including hydrology and climatology.

A low-profile high efficiency transmitarray antenna (TA) using an optimized phase compensation surface (PCS) and PEC sidewalls is proposed in this paper. Generally, TAs are composed of a source antenna and a planar PCS, and the PCS makes the phase of transmitted wave through the PCS be in-phase, resulting in a highly directive beam. The unit cells of a PCS cannot have a 100% transmittance at all transmission phases. Since there may be combinations of PCS that make various in-phases, the transmit efficiency of the TA can be improved. Also, the four PEC sidewalls are employed to maximize the amount of power reaching the PCS from the source antenna. As a result, the 100% spillover efficiency is achieved without diminishing taper efficiency. To verify its feasibility, the square TA was designed and measured at 5.8 GHz and a high aperture efficiency of 54% was obtained through the above design methodology.

Liquid metal dealloying (LMD) has recently attracted significant attention. Because the LMD process enables the production of three-dimensional (3D) interconnected non-noble metallic materials. In addition, the metallic melt medium is useful for the development of heterostructure (HS) metal–metal composites. However, the solidified liquid metal phase (low melting point metals such as Mg, Bi, Sn, or Cu) has a much lower strength than the developed ligament phase (e.g., Fe, FeCr, Ti, etc.). In this study, the soft Mg phase was strengthened by adding alloying element of Ni. A eutectic composition of Mg–10 at.% Ni melt leads to the formation of fine eutectic structure of (Mg–Mg2Ni) within 3D interconnected morphology. This hierarchical heterostructured composite consisted of FeCr ligament and Mg–Mg2Ni lamellar, and a high yield strength of 280 MPa and a noticeable elongation (1.5%) were achieved. The complex 3D morphology of ligament and lamellar geometrically constraint each other, and it prevents the early fracture of brittle Mg–Mg2Ni lamellar phase. The alloy design for the LMD melt gives insights for hierarchical HS materials with outstanding mechanical properties for structural applications.

Objective: Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, is predominantly expressed in discrete areas of the hypothalamus, which acts as the central unit for the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis. Current study designed to identify the roles of TTF-1 on the responsiveness of the hypothalamic circuit activity to circulating leptin and the development of obesity linked to the insensitivity of leptin. Methods: We generated conditional knock-out mice by crossing TTF-1flox/flox mice with leptin receptor (ObRb)Cre or proopiomelanocortin (POMC)Cre transgenic mice to interrogate the contributions of TTF-1 in leptin signaling and activity. Changes of food intake, body weight and energy expenditure were evaluated in standard or high fat diet-treated transgenic mice by using an indirect calorimetry instrument. Molecular mechanism was elucidated with immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, quantitative PCR, and promoter assays. Results: The selective deletion of TTF-1 gene expression in cells expressing the ObRb or POMC enhanced the anorexigenic effects of leptin as well as the leptin-induced phosphorylation of STAT3. We further determined that TTF-1 inhibited the transcriptional activity of the ObRb gene. In line with these findings, the selective deletion of the TTF-1 gene in ObRb-positive cells led to protective effects against diet-induced obesity via the amelioration of leptin resistance. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest that hypothalamic TTF-1 participates in the development of obesity as a molecular component involved in the regulation of cellular leptin signaling and activity. Thus, TTF-1 may represent a therapeutic target for the treatment, prevention, and control of obesity.

This study evaluated a management program of cavities under flexible pavement road network in Seoul Metropolitan City. Consequently, directions for improvement were suggested. The underground cavities beneath the pavement layer were scanned using a vehicle-type multichannel ground penetrating radar (GPR). In addition, the size information including overburden thickness, cavity height, and lengths in longitudinal and transverse directions of the cavities were estimated and compared with the volume of cavities measured via a digital cavity imaging (DCI) system. Moreover, the change in the cavity dimensions with time was monitored. Through field investigation, the cavity volume near the asphalt pavement surface was observed to be smaller than the cavity located in the deep. For certain locations where the cavity existed, pavement cracks on the asphalt surface were identified. Thus, the crack width and depth were measured for the selected 14 locations and compared with the dimensions of the cavities. The results demonstrated that the depth of crack rather than the width exhibited a meaningful correlation with the cavity size. Additionally, the cavities under the flexible pavement layer were repaired using a low-strength filling repair material. Further, the elastic modulus on the pavement surface above a cavity was assessed using a light weight deflectometer (LWD) before and after the rehabilitation process and compared with the value of elastic modulus on the normal surface with no cavity but near the repair work. The results demonstrated that although the rehabilitation process increased the elastic modulus of the pavement layer, it could not be fully recovered owing to the characteristics of the repair material. Furthermore, the rehabilitation process was found to be more effective as the size of cavity was small.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study aimed to identify the status of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in small to medium-sized Korean hospitals as well as the awareness and demands about ASPs of physicians. Methods: A questionnaire was designed based on a questionnaire from a previous nationwide survey in 2018 targeting large hospitals in Korea and modified to reflect the results of in-depth interviews with non-infectious diseases (IDs) physicians at secondary care hospitals. The survey targeted all hospitals with ≥150 beds in South Korea and was performed in May–June 2020. Only one ASP-associated physician per hospital participated in the survey. Results: The survey response rate was 31.9% (217/680). ID specialists comprised the majority of medical personnel participating in ASPs in tertiary care hospitals. Conversely, in secondary and primary care hospitals there was no predominant medical personnel for ASPs and the median full-time equivalent was 0 for all types of medical personnel. Tertiary care hospitals, more than secondary and primary care hospitals, tended to perform ASP activities more actively. ‘Workforce for ASPs’, ‘Establishment of healthcare fees for ASPs’ and ‘Development of tools for ASPs’ were the most important required support for ASP improvement. Conclusion: The level of ASP establishment was more limited in primary care hospitals than in secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Korea. To improve ASPs in Korean hospitals, a supporting workforce and the establishment of a healthcare fee for ASPs appear to be necessary.

Purpose: We investigated whether serum cytokines including Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are increased during pelvic chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with gynecologic malignancies, and sought to identify prognostic factors for the development of diarrhea during pelvic CRT. Materials and methods: Patients with cervical or endometrial cancer receiving postoperative pelvic CRT were eligible for this prospective study. Patients were evaluated weekly during CRT for symptoms, including diarrhea and constipation. Serum cytokine levels were measured using immunoassays 1 week before CRT, and at week 3 and 5–6 during CRT. Radiotherapy-related parameters such as mean dose, minimum dose, and maximum dose to the small bowel were also analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with development of enteritis symptoms. Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled, all of whom were eligible for symptom and dosimetric parameter evaluation; 24 were eligible for cytokine level measurement. Cytokine levels did not differ between patients with and without diarrhea before CRT. IL-6 levels increased during CRT, and were significantly higher in patients with diarrhea ≥grade 2 than in those with grade 0–1 at week 5–6 (6.771 ± 2.657 pg/mL vs. 3.396 ± 0.499 pg/mL, p = 0.046). Serum IL-1β and TNFα levels did not change during CRT. Diarrhea before CRT and the maximum dose to the small bowel were independent prognostic factors for CRT-induced diarrhea in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: There was an increase of serum IL-6 levels in patients with ≥grade 2 diarrhea during pelvic CRT. Serum IL-1β and TNFα levels did not change during CRT. Radiotherapy-related and clinical factors affect the development of diarrhea during pelvic CRT.

The Philippines is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including increased frequency of extreme weather events such as very heavy rainfall. Extreme rain events have resulted in landslides and floods, accompanied with a loss of life and the deterioration of infrastructure. To project the future changes of extreme precipitation in Philippines, we investigated the observations based on 53 stations and 24 CMIP6 (Coupled Model Inter-Comparison Project Phase 6) models. We applied generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution and multivariate bias-correction to series of annual maximum daily precipitation (AMP1) data acquired from the observations and models under three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). We employed a model ensemble method that takes both independence and performance of model into account, which is named as the PI-weighting. To quantify the uncertainty of predicting the future AMP1, variance decomposition method was applied. Return values for 20-year and 50-year as well as the return periods of the AMP1 compared to the past (1975–2014), were estimated for two future time which are period 1 (2021–2060) and period 2 (2061–2100). From this study, we predict that the relative increases of 20-year return value of the AMP1 from the past to the year 2100 be about 8.5% in the SSP2-4.5, 11.6% in the SSP3-7.0, and 17% in the SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively, in the spatial median over the Philippines. We also found out that a 1-in-20 year (1-in-50 year) AMP1 observed in the past in the Philippines will likely become a 1-in-16 (1-in-37) year, a 1-in-17 (1-in-32) year, and a 1-in-14 (1-in-31) year event by 2100 under the SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. We project that heavy rainfall will be more prominent in the northwestern and mid-western part (type I area) and the eastern coast part (type II area) of the Philippines.

Hepatic lipotoxicity is a crucial factor in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis resulting from excessive saturated fatty acid-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell death, which is associated with the accumulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver. The unfolded protein response (UPR) alleviates ER stress by restoring ER protein folding homeostasis. However, whether UPR contributes ROS elimination under lipotoxicity remains unclear. The Kelch like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) pathway provides antioxidant defense against lipotoxic stress by eliminating ROS and can be activated by the p62-Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) axis. However, the upstream molecular regulator of the p62-ULK1 axis-induced KEAP1-Nrf2 pathway in the same context remains unidentified. Here, we demonstrated that PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), a UPR sensor, directly phosphorylates p62 and ULK1, thereby activating the noncanonical KEAP1-Nrf2 pathway. We also elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying the PERK-mediated p62-ULK1 axis-dependent noncanonical KEAP1-Nrf2 pathway, which could represent a promising therapeutic strategy against hepatic lipotoxicity.

Background: An increased risk of malignancy was reported with simvastatin/ezetimibe in 1,873 patients in the SEAS (Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis) trial. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to clarify this unexpected finding in a larger sample size of patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome, we conducted a prospective systematic analysis of malignancy events in IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial). Methods: Within IMPROVE-IT, 17,708 patients post–acute coronary syndrome were randomized to either ezetimibe 10 mg or matching placebo on a background of simvastatin 40 mg who took ≥1 dose of the study drug. Suspected tumors (benign and malignant) reported by investigators or identified from a review of adverse events were adjudicated by oncologists without knowledge of drug assignment. The primary malignancy endpoint included new, relapsing, or progressive malignancies (excluding nonmelanotic skin malignancies). The secondary endpoint was death due to malignancy. Results: In this trial, 1,470 patients developed the primary malignancy endpoint during a median 6 years of follow-up. The most common malignancy locations were prostate (18.9%), lung (16.8%), and bladder (8.8%) with no differences by treatment group (p > 0.05 for each location). Kaplan-Meier 7-year rates of malignancies were similar with ezetimibe and placebo (10.2% vs. 10.3%; hazard ratio: 1.03; 95% confidence interval: 0.93 to 1.14; p = 0.56), as were the rates for malignancy death (3.8% vs. 3.6%; hazard ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.88 to 1.23; p = 0.68). Conclusions: Among 17,708 patients receiving simvastatin 40 mg daily, those randomized to ezetimibe 10 mg daily had a similar incidence of malignancy and deaths due to malignancy compared with those receiving placebo during a median follow-up of 6 years (96,377 patient-years). (IMPROVE-IT: Examining Outcomes in Subjects With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Vytorin [Ezetimibe/Simvastatin] vs Simvastatin [P04103]; NCT00202878)

The genus Orobanche is mainly distributed in the northern hemisphere and consists of about 170 species. The present study focuses on a cytological study of Korean endangered species Orobanche filicicola and morphologically similar species Orobanche coerulescens and its morphotype, which was previously referred to as O. coerulescens f. alba but was taxonomically treated as a synonym of O. coerulescens. Chromosome numbers of 13 individuals in six populations of two Korean Orobanche taxa (O. coerulescens and O. filicicola) and morphotype of O. coerulescens were examined to understand the karyotype diversity. A chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 38 was uniformly observed for all the Orobanche taxa in Korea despite individuals of two different color types (typical purple and whitish yellow) being included. The karyotypes of O. filicicola were metacentric to submetacentric, and the length of chromosomes ranged from 2.08 to 4.74 μm, resulting in a haploid karyotype length of 60.92 μm. Investigations of meiotic configuration of O. filicicola, O. coerulescens, and its morphotype were constantly stable. In those species, all homologous chromosome pairs have formed regular bivalents as previously documented in other species of the genus Orobanche.

In this study, a novel design methodology of multifocal flat lens using a thin anisotropic surface is proposed and investigated in visible light spectrum. The unit cell of the anisotropic surface consists of two identical electric field coupled resonators (ELCRs) separated by a dielectric substrate. When the wave-front of transmitted wave through the anisotropic surface has a shape of parabola, the focusing spot can be generated at focal point. The transverse and longitudinal multi-focusing can be achieved by a separated mode and a chessboard alternating mode, respectively. The feasibility of the methodology is confirmed by both analytic and simulated results for circular polarization incidence with wavelength of 600 nm.

We propose a novel Kaluza–Klein scheme which assumes the internal space to be maximally non-Riemannian, meaning that no Riemannian metric can be defined for any subspace. Its description is only possible through Double Field Theory but not within supergravity. We spell out the corresponding Scherk–Schwarz twistable Kaluza–Klein ansatz, and point out that the internal space prevents rigidly any graviscalar moduli. Plugging the same ansatz into higher-dimensional pure Double Field Theory and also to a known doubled-yet-gauged string action, we recover heterotic supergravity as well as heterotic worldsheet action. In this way, we show that 1) supergravity and Yang–Mills theory can be unified into higher-dimensional pure Double Field Theory, free of moduli, and 2) heterotic string theory may have a higher-dimensional non-Riemannian origin.

Background: The establishment of patient-derived models for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using conventional methods has been fraught with low success rate, mainly because of the small number of tumour cells and dense fibrotic stroma. Here, we sought to establish patient-derived model of PDAC and perform genetic analysis with responses to anticancer drug by using the conditionally reprogrammed cell (CRC) methodology. Methods: We performed in vitro and in vivo tumourigenicity assays and analysed histological characteristics by immunostaining. We investigated genetic profiles including mutation patterns and copy number variations using targeted deep sequencing and copy-number analyses. We assessed the responses of cultured CRCs to the available clinical anticancer drugs based on patient responsiveness. Findings: We established a total of 28 CRCs from patients. Of the 28 samples, 27 showed KRAS mutations in codon 12/13 or codon 61. We found that somatic mutations were shared in the primary-CRC pairs and shared mutations included key oncogenic mutations such as KRAS (9 pairs), TP53 (8 pairs), and SMAD4 (3 pairs). Overall, CRCs preserved the genetic characteristics of primary tumours with high concordance, with additional confirmation of low-AF NPM1 mutation in CRC (35 shared mutations out of 36 total, concordance rate=97.2%). CRCs of the responder group were more sensitive to anticancer agents than those of the non-responder group (P < 0.001). Interpretation: These results show that a pancreatic cancer cell line model can be efficiently established using the CRC methodology, to better support a personalized therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer patients. Funding: 2014R1A1A1006272, HI19C0642-060019, 2019R1A2C2008050, 2020R1A2C209958611, and 2020M3E5E204028211

This study investigated the protective effect of mackerel-derived fermented fish oil (FFO) against UVB radiation-induced oxidative stress in human HaCaT keratinocytes and mouse skin tissue. FFO treatment scavenged UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species and attenuated oxidative modifications including lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA damage. FFO treatment reduced UVB-induced apoptosis by reducing DNA fragmentation, caspase activation, and proapoptotic protein expression. UVB radiation activated phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and phospho-p38, whereas their specific inhibitors with FFO treatment abrogated the cell viability and apoptosis increased by UVB irradiation. FFO was more cytoprotective than docosahexaenoic acid, the main component of fish oil, against UVB exposure. Furthermore, the cytoprotective effect of FFO was evident in both UVB-exposed HaCaT cell and mouse models. Overall, these results demonstrate that FFO protects the skin against UVB-induced oxidative stress through antioxidant effects. FFO has the potential for development as a functional food against UVB-induced skin damage.

The floristic inventory of vascular plants in Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area was conducted to understand the plant diversity in the northern area of Lao People's Democratic Republic. From the joint field surveys between Korean and Laos experts conducted during 2015–2017, it was found that there are 64 families, 145 genera, and 189 species distributed in the Nam Ba National Biodiversity Conservation Area, and a total of 56 families, 117 genera, and 148 species which comprise more than 78% of the total species were identified as endemic plants to the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Considering the usage of the plants, there are 91 species of medicinal plants, 33 species of ornamental plants, eight species of edible plants, and 16 species of economic plants. In addition, it was found out that Dalbergia balansae and Cinnamomum macrocarpum are categorized as vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list, and 13 more species are categorized as the least concern.

Background: Steaming of ginseng is known to change its chemical composition and biological activity. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different steaming time-scales on chemical constituents and antiproliferative activity of Vietnamese ginseng (VG). Methods: VG was steamed at 105°C for 2–20 h. Its saponin constituents and antiproliferative activity were studied. The similarity of chemical compositions between steamed samples at 105°C and 120°C were compared. Results: Most protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol ginsenosides lost the sugar moiety at the C-20 position with 10–14 h steaming at 105°C and changed to their less polar analogues. However, ocotillol (OCT) ginsenosides were reasonably stable to steaming process. Antiproliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cells was increased on steaming and reached its plateau after 12 h steaming. Conclusion: Steaming VG at 105°C showed a similar tendency of chemical degradation to the steaming VG at 120°C except the slower rate of reaction. Its rate was about one-third of the steaming at 120°C.

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the steaming process on chemical constituents, free radical scavenging activity, and antiproliferative effect of Vietnamese ginseng. Methods: Samples of powdered Vietnamese ginseng were steamed at 120°C for various times and their extracts were subjected to chemical and biological studies. Results: Upon steaming, contents of polar ginsenosides, such as Rb1, Rc, Rd, Re, and Rg1, were rapidly decreased, whereas less polar ginsenosides such as Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, Rk3, and Rh4 were increased as reported previously. However, ocotillol type saponins, which have no glycosyl moiety at the C-20 position, were relatively stable on steaming. The radical scavenging activity was increased continuously up to 20 h of steaming. Similarly, the antiproliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cells was also increased. Conclusion: It seems that the antiproliferative activity is closely related to the contents of ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1.