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The important pathway toward liver fibrosis is the TGF-β1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To discover chemicals to inhibit liver fibrosis, we screened 3000 chemicals using cell array system where human HSCs line LX2 cells are activated with TGF-β1. We discovered 3,7-dimethoxyflavone (3,7-DMF) as a chemical to inhibit TGF-β1-induced activation of HSCs. In the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced mouse liver fibrosis model, 3,7-DMF treatment via intraperitoneal or oral administration prevented liver fibrosis as well as reversed the established fibrosis in the separate experiments. It also reduced liver enzyme elevation, suggesting protective effect on hepatocytes because it has antioxidant effect. Treatment with 3,7-DMF induced antioxidant genes, quenches ROS away, and improved the hepatocyte condition that was impaired by H 2 O 2 as reflected by restoration of HNF-4α and albumin. In the TAA-mouse liver injury model also, TAA significantly increased ROS in the liver which led to decrease of albumin and nuclear expression of HNF-4α, increase of TGF-β1 and hepatocytes death, accumulation of lipid, and extra-nuclear localization of HMGB1. Treatment of 3,7-DMF normalized all these pathologic findings and prevented or resolved liver fibrosis. In conclusion, we discovered 3,7-DMF that inhibits liver fibrosis based on dual actions; antioxidant and inhibitor of TGF-β1-induced activation of HSCs. [Display omitted] • We developed a cell array system to identify new compounds capable of inhibiting liver fibrosis, using the human hepatic stellate cells activated by TGF-β1. • We identified 3,7-DMF as a potential chemical to prevent liver fibrosis after injury. • Daily oral administration of 3,7-DMF effectively resolved established liver fibrosis after injury. • 3,7-DMF protected hepatocytes through two mechanisms: scavenging ROS and decreasing the expression of TGF-β1. • 3,7-DMF had a protective effect on injured liver tissues by restoring hepatocyte functional genes, inhibiting hepatic steatosis, regenerating injured hepatocytes, and inhibiting activated HSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Magnetic biochar was synthesized using biochar, iron (II) sulfate, and iron (III) chloride. • The magnetic biochar exhibited high magnetism (39.50 emu/g) and was easily recovered. • Under dark conditions, the MB removal rate using magnetic biochar was 78.30%. • Under visible light exposure, magnetic biochar effectively removed MB within 10 min. In this study, magnetic biochar was synthesized by doping Fe 3 O 4 onto the biochar surface followed by analysis of its properties. The efficiency of methylene blue (MB) removal through the combined processes of adsorption and photolysis was assessed. The presence of Fe 3 O 4 on the biochar surface was confirmed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The magnetic biochar, after MB adsorption, showed a magnetism of 39.50 emu/g leading to a 97.07 % recovery rate. The specific surface area of biochar was higher (380.68 m2/g) than that of magnetic biochar (234.46 m2/g), and the maximum adsorption capacity of MB was higher in the biochar (0.03 mg/g) than that in magnetic biochar (0.02 mg/g) under the optimal conditions for MB adsorption. The MB adsorption experiments using biochar or magnetic biochar were optimally conducted under 10–20 mg/L MB concentration, 1 g biochar dosage, pH 12, 200 rpm rotation speed, 25 °C temperature, and 30 min duration. Under dark conditions, biochar had a higher MB removal rate, at 83.91 %, compared to magnetic biochar, at 78.30 %. Under visible light (λ > 425 nm), magnetic biochar effectively removed MB within 10 min, highlighting the synergistic effect of adsorption and photolysis. MB is physically and chemically adsorbed by the monolayer on the surface of EB and EMB according to adsorption behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2010.04.007 Byline: Eun-Ju Lee, Jeong-woo Jang Keywords: Affiliative tendency; Knowledge sharing; Public individuation; Recognition rewards; Self-esteem; Social presence Abstract: Two studies investigated what motivates knowledge sharing in online knowledge forums. Based on the uses and gratifications model, we hypothesized that individuals would respond to information requests broadcast by unknown others to fulfill their needs for social interaction (affiliative tendency), to maintain a positive self-image (self-esteem), or to proclaim one's uniqueness (public individuation). Consistent with the hypotheses, a web-based survey with current users of a public knowledge sharing site found that those with stronger affiliative tendency, higher self-esteem, or stronger public individuation were more likely to contribute to the open information repository (Study 1). However, a 2 (social presence: low vs. high)x2 (recognition rewards: absent vs. present) between-subjects design experiment also showed that these psychological traits significantly enhanced individuals' intention to share knowledge on a public web site, only when other users' presence was rendered salient and individual contributions were visibly acknowledged (Study 2). Author Affiliation: Department of Communication, Seoul National University, San 56-1 Shilim-Dong, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-742, South Korea

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2006.03.008 Byline: Jeffrey W. Overby (a), Eun-Ju Lee (b) Keywords: Online shopping; Utilitarian value; Hedonic value; Internet; Preference Abstract: Though value has received significant attention in the marketing literature in recent years, research on the concept has been somewhat limited in the context of online shopping, particularly in regards to empirical hypothesis testing. This paper examines the relevancy of value dimensions for online shopping and the relationship between value dimensions, preference towards the Internet retailer, and intentions. Findings from the large-scale study indicate that utilitarian value is more strongly related than hedonic value to preference towards the Internet retailer and intentions and that shopping frequency can play a moderating role. The paper concludes with a discussion of limitations and managerial implications. Author Affiliation: (a) College of Business Administration, Belmont University, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, USA (b) College of Business Administration, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea Article History: Received 11 November 2003; Accepted 13 March 2006

The grass Festuca arundinacea is often planted for slope stabilisation in South Korea, and is spreading widely beyond the introduction sites. This study used a functional group approach to examine the resistance of plant combinations to invasion by F. arundinacea based on the limiting similarity and diversity-resistance hypotheses, and to elucidate the process of colonisation. The study simulated the environment of construction sites and surrounding areas that might be encountered by expanding populations of F. arundinacea. The role of nutrient condition in the ranking of functional group competitive ability was also examined. Twelve native plant species were categorised into three functional groups using combinations of functional traits. Pairwise (one-to-one competition), multiple (four different neighbouring species) and monoculture experimental settings were designed using two nutrient levels. The Relative Competition Index was used to interpret the competitive effect of neighbouring species on F. arundinacea. Species of the same functional group as F. arundinacea were unable to resist invasion, but annual plants with niche preemption ability could outcompete it. Competitive relationships between native plants and F. arundinacea were explained partially by functional group identity but were inconsistent with the limiting similarity hypothesis and the diversity-interaction. Unforeseen interactions within the artificial communities also produced unexpected effects. In designing artificial plant communities, it is necessary to consider functional traits that reflect the species characteristic of particular periods and indirect effects that modify the interaction between other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, rapid, accurate, and non-destructive method, was employed to analyze biomass composition. Calibration and prediction models for various types of biomass were developed from NIR data by applying the partial least squares method. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in a total of 75 samples were analyzed by a wet chemical method and NIR spectroscopy. The NIR model developed for hardwood accurately predicted the lignin content with a particle size of 20–80 mesh with a correlation coefficient (R2) of >0.95, low root mean square error (0.68), high ratio of error range (22.23), and high residual predictive deviation (6.07). On the other hand, the models for other compositions exhibited relatively low prediction accuracy. Different biomass particle sizes (20–80 mesh, >40 mesh, and <40 mesh) led to statistically significant differences in NIR spectra based on the root mean square value. Although preprocessing (via smoothing, first and second derivatives) was performed to improve the prediction accuracy and reduce differences based on biomass particle size, a significant improvement was not achieved. • Raw material and pretreated biomass were used for model development based on NIR-PLS. • The model for the analysis of hardwood lignin showed excellent performance for research quantification. • The models for other compositions showed relatively low prediction accuracy. • The model development for chemical composition analysis was affected by particle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myostatin (MSTN) inhibition has demonstrated promise for the treatment of diseases associated with muscle loss. In a previous study, we discovered that Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis) crude water extract (CWE) inhibits MSTN expression while promoting myogenesis. Furthermore, three specific compounds of G. uralensis , namely liquiritigenin, tetrahydroxymethoxychalcone, and Licochalcone B (Lic B), were found to promote myoblast proliferation and differentiation, as well as accelerate the regeneration of injured muscle tissue. The purpose of this study was to build on our previous findings on G. uralensis and demonstrate the potential of its two components, Licochalcone A (Lic A) and Lic B, in muscle mass regulation (by inhibiting MSTN), aging and muscle formation. G. uralensis, Lic A, and Lic B were evaluated thoroughly using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. In silico analyses included molecular docking, and dynamics simulations of these compounds with MSTN. Protein-protein docking was carried out for MSTN, as well as for the docked complex of MSTN-Lic with its receptor, activin type IIB receptor (ACVRIIB). Subsequent in vitro studies used C2C12 cell lines and primary mouse muscle stem cells to acess the cell proliferation and differentiation of normal and aged cells, levels of MSTN, Atrogin 1, and MuRF1, and plasma MSTN concentrations, employing techniques such as western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, cell proliferation and differentiation assays, and real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, in vivo experiments using mouse models focused on measuring muscle fiber diameters. CWE of G. uralensis and two of its components, namely Lic A and B, promote myoblast proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting MSTN and reducing Atrogin1 and MuRF1 expressions and MSTN protein concentration in serum. In silico interaction analysis revealed that Lic A (binding energy -6.9 Kcal/mol) and B (binding energy -5.9 Kcal/mol) bind to MSTN and reduce binding between it and ACVRIIB, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling. The experimental analysis, which involved both in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrated that the levels of MSTN, Atrogin 1, and MuRF1 were decreased when G. uralensis CWE, Lic A, or Lic B were administered into mice or treated in the mouse primary muscle satellite cells (MSCs) and C2C12 myoblasts. The diameters of muscle fibers increased in orally treated mice, and the differentiation and proliferation of C2C12 cells were enhanced. G. uralensis CWE, Lic A, and Lic B also promoted cell proliferation in aged cells, suggesting that they may have anti-muslce aging properties. They also reduced the expression and phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 (MSTN downstream effectors), adding to the evidence that MSTN is inhibited. These findings suggest that CWE and its active constituents Lic A and Lic B have anti-mauscle aging potential. They also have the potential to be used as natural inhibitors of MSTN and as therapeutic options for disorders associated with muscle atrophy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Seeds of Suaeda japonica were mostly dispersed within 1 m from the parent plants. • Plant biomass was significantly higher at distances >1 m from parent plants. • Crabs preferred a habitat with high plant cover. • The combined effects of plants and crabs increased spatial variability in soil properties. Abstract Crabs and halophytes are important indicators of soil composition and fertility in salt marsh ecosystems. Many previous studies have examined the effects of crab excavation on soil properties, but little is known about the combined effects of crabs and halophytes on salt marsh soils. The purpose of this study was to identify the distribution of halophytes and crabs in a macrotidal salt marsh, and to determine effects of the combination of crabs and halophytes on the physicochemical properties of soils. Vegetation structure and soil properties in relation to seed dispersion distance and habitat type were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests, Cluster Analysis (CA), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Plant biomass and height of individual marsh plants tended to be higher at distances >1 m from stands of parent plants. Crabs preferred habitats with high vegetation cover. Low densities of burrowing crabs and halophytes also caused considerable changes in soil properties. The combination of crabs and halophytes increased the spatial variability of physicochemical parameters in these salt marsh soils. Thus these combinations may be important to a complete understanding of plant distribution and soil nutrient cycling in salt marsh ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of carbohydrate and lignin content in biomass on the production of biochar were investigated, and the adsorption behaviors of diazinon on the biochar obtained from delignified oak were evaluated. The lignin content in biomass can be controlled by delignification. Biomass lignin content decreased and cellulose content increased with increasing delignification time, thereby increasing the crystallinity index of delignified oak. Although the biochar yield of the delignified oak decreased, its specific surface area (354.68–444.36 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.162–0.202 cm3/g) were higher than those of the biochar obtained from raw material (193.22 m2/g and 0.093 cm3/g). In the delignified oak, the specific surface area and total pore volume of biochar increased with increasing delignification time. Mesopores and micropores were more developed in the biochar obtained from the delignified oak than in the raw material. The removal efficiency of diazinon by biochar increased with increasing delignification time. Based on the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, diazinon adsorption to biochar was suitable for the Langmuir model. • The lignin content in biomass was controlled by delignification. • The specific surface area of biochar increased with increasing delignification time. • The mesopores and micropores were developed in biochar obtained from delignified oak. • The removal rate of diazinon by biochar increased with increasing delignification time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the remediation capacity of a leachate channel, we monitored basic environmental parameters such as bathymetry, leachate, and soil characteristics and vegetation coverage. Based on our results, we designed a series of experiments to determine the most suitable remediating plant species for sustainable wastewater treatment. We found that adaptability to water depth may be a prime driver of reduced remediation capacity. Large portions of the leachate channel were deeper than the maximum tolerance range of many candidate emergent macrophytes, resulting in only 16% total vegetation coverage. Among tested species, Typha angustifolia showed the most promising potential for remediation, reaching the highest aboveground biomass (3300 g/m 2 ) and demonstrating maximum concentrations in tissues (34,600 mg/kg of Na, 4013 mg/kg of Mg, 904 mg/kg of P, 639 mg/kg of Mn, 191 mg/kg of Fe and 62 mg/kg of Zn) when grown in leachate filled tank for six months. Typha angustifolia also showed greater tolerance of water depth than Phragmites australis , which previously was planted in leachate channels. Thus, T. angustifolia should be more suitable for the actual water depth of the channel. Additional planting of T. angustifolia will improve the vegetation coverage, the total remediation capacity and sustainability of the leachate channel. Considering water depths of target wetlands when selecting remediation plant will improve remediation ability and sustainability of remediation wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromodulin (FMOD) is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan that plays roles in a series of biological and pathophysiological processes. The interaction between FMOD and lysyl oxidase (LOX; collagen cross-linking enzyme) helps regulate extracellular matrix composition, and thereby, provides a permissive environment for regulating cellular turnover. FMOD has been mostly studied in the context of matrix component assembly, but during recent years its association with muscle development, cell reprogramming, and the angiogenic program have demonstrated its activities well beyond extracellular matrix maintenance. In fact, the involvement of FMOD in these cellular processes places it the centrum of cellular behaviour and ultimately of tissue properties. Thus, a clear view of the impact FMOD has on tissue integrity would aid its exploitation for tissue modelling and in the treatment of different disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pure docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was produced successfully in a packed bed reactor via the two-step lipase-catalysed esterification using the fatty acid from microalgae (from Crypthecodinium cohnii ) and ethanol as substrates. Lipozyme RM IM from Rhizomucor miehei was employed as a biocatalyst. In the first step, a temperature of 40 °C, a molar ratio of 1:4 (fatty acid to ethanol), and a water content of 0.6 wt% (based on the total substrate weight) were selected as optimum conditions. A maximum DHA concentration of ca. 90 wt% was achieved in the fatty acid fraction with an 89 wt% yield after 15 min. In the second step, the fatty acids from the first step were used as the substrate and a recursive reaction was conducted using identical optimized conditions. Following this second step, a DHA concentration of 100 wt% was achieved in conjunction with an 83.2 wt% yield after 25 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical course of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is characterized by wide variability reflecting the underlying genetic and biological heterogeneity of the disease. Accurate prediction of outcomes for individual patients is an integral part of the evidence-based risk/benefit calculations that are necessary for tailoring the aggressiveness of therapeutic interventions. While several prognostication tools have been developed and validated for risk stratification, each of these systems has limitations. The recent progress in genomic sequencing techniques has led to discoveries of recurrent molecular mutations in MDS patients with independent impact on relevant clinical outcomes. Reliable assays of these mutations have already entered the clinic and efforts are currently ongoing to formally incorporate mutational analysis into the existing clinicopathologic risk stratification tools. Additionally, mutational analysis holds promise for going beyond prognostication to therapeutic selection and individualized treatment-specific prediction of outcomes; abilities that would revolutionize MDS patient care. Despite these exciting developments, the best way of incorporating molecular testing for use in prognostication and prediction of outcomes in clinical practice remains undefined and further research is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated a possible mechanism of β 2 -microglobulin (β2M) function in cancer metastases in vitro , using a human ovarian carcinoma cell line. β2M, a modulator acts as a cell growth-promoting and cellular signaling factors, was identified as a dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) interacting protein. We also observed that DKK-3 suppresses endothelial cell angiogenesis of β2M through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in tumorigenesis. Luciferase activity was remarkably reduced by the transfection of DKK-3 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, over-expression of β2M activates cell growth by suppressing DKK-3-induced apoptosis. The effect of β2M on cell cycle and apoptosis-regulatory components was also confirmed through the silencing of β2M expression. Furthermore, induction of β2M-mediated VEGFR-2/Akt/mTOR phosphorylation and tumor angiogenesis was significantly suppressed by over-expression of DKK-3. Taken together, our results suggest an underlying mechanism for an increase of β2M-related activity in ovarian tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a fully automated method for segmenting abdominal fat into subcutaneous fat and visceral fat (VF) within the android region using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been newly developed. The purpose of this study was to validate a new DXA method by comparing it to the gold standard, computed tomography (CT), in the Korean population. Furthermore, we examined its reliability regarding VF and explored whether it is applicable to the Asian population, which has relatively larger amount of VF. We studied 123 adult men and women, aged 22–73 yr, representing a wide range of body mass index values (17.1–36.0 kg/m 2 ), who underwent both DXA and CT in a fasting state within 1 h. The coefficient of determination ( r 2 ) for regression of the CT on DXA values was 0.892 for females, 0.838 for males, and 0.931 combined. Bland-Altman bias was −451.4 cm 3 with 95% limits of agreement of 149.8 to −1052.6 cm 3 . The DXA-measured VF showed a better correlation with CT-measured VF volume than common indices for adiposity, including the body mass index and waist circumference. There was a lesser discrepancy ratio between DXA- and CT-measured VF with an increase of VF volume. DXA, a relatively convenient, inexpensive, and safe method with minimum radiation dosage, can be a reliable technique for VF assessment in the Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to soluble cytokines, surface-tethered ligands can deliver biological signalling with precise control of spatial positioning and concentration. A strategy that immobilises ligand molecules on a surface in a uniform orientation using non-cleavable linkages under physiological conditions would enhance the specific and systemic delivery of signalling in the local environment. We used mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of oxyamine- and oligo(ethylene glycol)-terminated thiols on gold to covalently install aldehyde- or ketone-functionalised ligands via oxime conjugation. Characterisation by electrochemistry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed quantitative immobilisation of the ligands on SAM surfaces. The thrombopoietin mimetic peptide, RILL, was immobilised on SAMs and the bioactivity of the substrate was demonstrated by culturing factor-dependent cells. We also optimised the immobilisation and wash conditions so that the peptide was not released into the culture medium and the immobilised RILL could be re-used for consecutive cell cultures. The surface also supported the growth of haematopoietic CD34+ cells comparable to the standard thrombopoietin-supplemented culture. Furthermore, the RILL-immobilised SAM surface was as effective in expanding uncommitted CD34+ cells as standard culture. The stimulatory effect of surface-tethered ligands in haematopoietic stem cell expansion supports the use of ligand immobilisation strategies to replicate the haematopoietic stem cell niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Densification behavior of 99.998% purity SiC by hot pressing without metallic additives was investigated. A theoretical densification of 92% was achieved at 2350 °C with 50 MPa in 3 h. The densification was more affected by the sintering pressure rather than by the sintering temperature and was independent of initial particle size. Data were interpreted according to the power-law creep model. The β-SiC phase was preserved in the high purity, hot-pressed SiC specimen without β→α phase transformation even at 2350 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An online survey ( N = 461) investigated how individuals’ interpersonal need and ability affect their motivations of Twitter use and how different motivations predict specific usage behavior. Based on the two competing views concerning the antecedents and consequences of online communication (social enhancement vs. social compensation), the joint effect of affiliative tendency and communication competence was hypothesized. For those high on affiliative tendency, communication competence positively predicted Twitter use for network expansion and negatively predicted more self-focused, intrapersonal Twitter use, but no such effect was found for less affiliative individuals. Those using Twitter for surveillance spent more time on Twitter and maintained a larger Twitter network, while those using Twitter for network expansion posted tweets and retweeted others’ posts more frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelets for transfusion obtained from volunteer blood donors are a limited resource. Given the increased range of donor restrictions to prevent transmission of disease and the decline in volunteer blood donors, there is a diminishing supply of blood for transfusion. Production of mature blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells via large-scale manufacture is an alternative way of meeting transfusion demands. In this review, we provide a detailed outline of the challenges and opportunities for the biomanufacture of platelets. We describe the scale required for platelet biomanufacture to deliver sufficient cells for transfusion, provide a brief outline of the current understanding of megakaryopoiesis and thrombogenesis, and highlight how the current understanding impacts the design of culture systems and bioreactors for producing platelets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biochars were produced from raw biomass and sulfuric acid-pretreated biomass. • The adsorption behaviors of diazinon in the biochars were compared. • The pretreated biomass-derived biochar had a high specific surface area. • The pretreated biomass-derived biochar had the highest diazinon removal rate. • Diazinon adsorption fit better to the Langmuir model than to the Freundlich model. In this study, hemicellulose was mostly removed from biomass (larch and oak) using a sulfuric acid pretreatment. Biochar was then prepared from raw and pretreated biomass using a carbonization process. Biochar derived from pretreated biomass had an aromatic and graphitized structure, and functional groups were observed on the surface. The specific surface area was higher for biochar obtained from pretreated biomass than biochar derived from raw biomass. The biochar obtained from pretreated biomass contained a greater number of micropores than biochar derived from raw biomass. The diazinon removal rate was the highest for biochar that was obtained from pretreated biomass when 10% of the biochar was added to the soil. As a result of the adsorption of diazinon onto the biochar obtained from pretreated biomass, the R2 value of the Langmuir isotherm was higher than that of the Freundlich's R2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Green roofs recently have garnered much attention as a means to reduce both the absorption of solar energy in summer and heat loss in winter, especially in urban areas with limited space for gardening. Constructed wetland roofs maintain more stable temperature profiles than terrestrial systems because of their slow heat transfer and high heat storage capacity. We found that wetland roofs were particularly efficient at decreasing the temperature of green roof systems on hot days. Wetland plants have high evaporation rates that are associated with their ability to cool buildings. Constructed wetland had excellent water holding ability, requiring less than 400 l water/m2 of irrigation over the entire growing season, which was less than 20% of the expected irrigation requirement for terrestrial systems on green rooftops. Wetland macrophyte species demonstrated high tolerance to flooding and drought and showed great potential for regeneration by rhizomes, suggesting easy maintenance. Plants grown in the constructed wetland accumulated high biomass that can serve as a carbon sink. Wetlands on rooftops would not exceed the weight-bearing capacity of rooftops if water depths are designed and kept under 30 cm. Constructed-wetland roofs offer thermal benefits, a low amount of required irrigation, high tolerance of drought and flood, and flood-control capacities. They also can act as a carbon sink, are easy to manage, and provide other ecological services. Therefore, constructed wetlands are a reasonable choice for green rooftop systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the inhibitory effect of luteolin on MDA-MB-231 estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Study results showed that luteolin suppresses 3H thymidine incorporation indicating cell growth inhibition, and this was accompanied by cell cycle arrest at the G2/M and S stages and apoptotic activity. Further analyses showed that luteolin exhibited cell cycle arrest and apoptotic activity by decreasing AKT, PLK1, cyclin B1, cyclin A, CDC2, CDK2, and Bcl-xL expression and increasing p21 and Bax expression. Underlying mechanisms of action exerted by luteolin included the down-regulation. EGFR mRNA expression followed by the inhibition of EGF-induced MAPK activation, including the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and AKT. Luteolin-supplementation at 0.01% or 0.05% significantly reduced tumor burden in nude mice inoculated with MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, luteolin effectively suppresses MDA-MB-231 ER-negative breast cancer cell growth, and its anticancer activity may be partly derived from inhibitory effects on EGFR-mediated cell survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In cell therapy, the most important factor for therapeutic efficacy is the stable supply of cells with best engraftment efficiency. To meet this requirement, we have developed a culture strategy such as three-dimensional sphere of human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hESC-MSCs) in serum-free medium. To investigate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of hESC-MSC spheres in nerve injury model, we transected the sciatic nerve in athymic nude mice and created a 2-mm gap. Transplantation of hESC-MSC as sphere repaired the injured nerve significantly better than transplantation of hESC-MSC as suspended single cells in regard to 1) nerve conduction (sphere; 28.81 ± 3.55 vs. single cells; 18.04 ± 2.10, p < 0.05) and 2) susceptibility of nerve stimulation at low voltage (sphere; 0.38 ± 0.08 vs. single cells; 0.66 ± 0.11, p < 0.05) at 8 weeks. Recovery after sphere transplantation was near-complete when compared with the data of normal control (sphere 28.81 ± 3.55 vs normal 32.62 ± 2.85 in nerve conduction : sphere 0.38 ± 0.08 vs normal 0.36 ± 0.67 in susceptibility of nerve stimulation, no significant difference, respectively). Recovery in function of the injured nerve was well corroborated by the histologic evidence of regenerated nerve. In the mechanistic analysis, the supernatant of sphere-forming hESC-MSC contains hepatocyte growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 significantly more than the supernatant of the single cells of hESC-MSC has, which might be the key factors for the improved engraftment efficiency and greater regeneration of injured peripheral nerve. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Achyranthyes japonica Nakai (AJN) has been traditionally used to control pain and improve dysfunction in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Aim of the study: The objectives of the present study were to investigate anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritis activities of fermented AJN (FAJN). Materials and methods: Anti-inflammatory activity of non-fermented AJN (NFAJN) and FAJN was evaluated by in vitro assay using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, their cartilage protective effects were also determined in vitro assay using SW1353 cell and in vivo model system using collagenase-induced arthritis (CIA) in rabbits. Moreover, we isolated and identified 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HES) as a marker component in FAJN. Result: FAJN showed stronger anti-inflammatory activity than NFAJN through inhibiting production of NO and PGE2 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7, and lowering levels of MMP-3 release in SW1353 cells treated with TNF-a. FAJN contained higher levels of 20-HES, as a marker component, than AJN. FAJN ameliorates the progress of OA by inhibiting local inflammation. It does this by regulating levels of TNF-a and IL-4, and protecting articular cartilage by preventing destruction of proteoglycan, collagens, and also preventing injury to chondrocytes. Conclusion: Therefore, FAJN is a potential therapeutic agent for reduction of cartilage damage that occurs in OA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Anti-allergic efficacy of red ginseng (RG) and fermented red ginseng (FRG) was evaluated. RG or FRG were administered to ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice for 8 weeks. Immunoglobulins (Igs), Th1/Th2 type cytokines, and β-lactoglobulin (BLG) in serum, and intestinal barrier-related molecules in jejunum were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Mice sensitized with OVA increased serum IgG1, IgE, OVA-IgG1, and OVA-IgE. Both RG and FRG decreased serum IgE, OVA-IgE, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Serum BLG, a marker of gut permeability, was significantly higher in sensitized animals and was decreased in mice fed RG or FRG. In addition, intestinal barrier-related markers such as MMCP-1, IL-4, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS mRNA expressions were decreased by RG or FRG. Our results suggest in vivo anti-allergic activities of RG or FRG, which are associated with the regulation of Th1/Th2 balance, intestinal inflammation and subsequent the suppression of IgE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]