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Cheonggukjang (CGJ) is a traditional food, made by the fermentation of beans, and it has different recipes for different regions in Korea. However, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects, and is known to affect changes in the intestinal microbiota. In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing effects of four type CGJs (one commercial and three transitional CGJs). In the cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated immunosuppressed rat, oral administration of CGJs for 4 weeks was used to investigate weight of body and immune organ, change of microbiota, blood and serum parameters, inflammation pathways (MAPKs and NFκB) and histology of spleen. It showed an immunity-enhancing effect through increase Bacteroidetes in gut, the recovery of complete blood count, levels of cytokines and IgG, activation of inflammatory pathways, and histology of spleen. In conclusion, these results show that the intake of a commercial brand CGJ, and traditional CGJs can maintain or promote the body's immunity.

The mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory diseases remain unclear. Therefore, researchers have explored the mechanisms underlying colitis using diverse materials. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in fermented products and bioconversion materials, their potential efficacy is being actively studied. Gochujang, a traditional Korean fermented product, is crafted by blending fermented Meju powder, gochu (Korean chili) powder, glutinous rice, and salt. In our study, we explored the effectiveness of Gochujang (500 mg/kg; Cheongju and Hongcheon, Korea) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Gochujang was orally administered for 2 weeks, followed by the induction of colitis using 3% DSS in the previous week. During our investigation, Gochujang variants (TCG22-25, Cheongju and TCG22-48, Hongcheon) did not exhibit significant inhibition of weight reduction (p = 0.061) but notably (p = 0.001) suppressed the reduction in large intestine length in DSS-induced colitis mice. In the serum from colitis mice, TCG22-48 demonstrated reduced levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.001). Additionally, it inhibited the phosphorylation of Erk (p = 0.028), p38, and NF-κB (p = 0.001) the inflammatory mechanism. In our study, TCG22-25 demonstrated a reduction in the IL-6 level (p = 0.001) in serum and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and NF-κB (p = 0.001). Histological analysis revealed a significant (p = 0.001) reduction in the pathological score of the large intestine from TCG22-25 and TCG22-48. In conclusion, the intake of Gochujang demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects, mitigating colitis by preventing the large intestine length reduction of animals with colitis, lowering serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and inhibiting histological disruption and inflammatory mechanism phosphorylation.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and, due to the lack of fundamental treatment, the main objective is to alleviate pain and prevent cartilage damage. Kalopanax pictus Nakai and Achyranthes japonica Nakai are herbal plants known for their excellent anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study is to confirm the potential of a mixture extract of Kalopanax pictus Nakai and Achyranthes japonica Nakai as a functional raw material for improving osteoarthritis through anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages and MIA-induced arthritis experimental animals. In macrophages inflamed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), treatment of Kalopanax pictus Nakai and Achyranthes japonica Nakai mixture inhibits NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities, thereby inhibiting inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), inflammatory factors PGE2, MMP-2, and MMP-9, and nitric oxide (NO) was reduced. In addition, in an animal model of arthritis induced by MIA (monosodium iodoacetate), administration of Kalopanax pictus Nakai and Achyranthes japonica Nakai mixture reduced blood levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, inflammatory factors prostaglandin E2(PGE2), matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2), and NO. Through these anti-inflammatory effects, MIA-induced pain reduction (recovery of clinical index, increase in weight bearing, and increase in area and width of the foot), recovery of meniscus damage, loss of cartilage tissue or inflammatory cells in tissue infiltration reduction, and recovery of the proteglycan layer were confirmed. Therefore, it is considered that Kalopanax pictus Nakai and Achyranthes japonica Nakai mixture has the potential as a functional raw material that promotes joint health.

Background: Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold (EA) is a medicinal plant used in some Asian countries to treat various diseases, including cancer, hyperglycemia, diabetes, urticaria, dysmenorrhea, and arthritis. Owing to the wide range of pharmacological applications of EA, various roles of EA are being studied. Objective: We evaluated the immune-enhancing effect of EA treatment in a cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed rat model. Design: We analyzed the immune enhancement effect of EA on macrophages by western blotting. In addition, cell viability and natural killer (NK) cell activity were analyzed in splenocytes following EA treatment. For in vivo studies, analysis of weekly body weight, spleen weight, immune cell count, cytokine levels, and spleen histological findings was performed following EA administration in Cy-induced immunocompromised rats. Results: EA significantly increased cell viability and phospho-nuclear factor-kappa B and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase protein levels in the macrophages. EA significantly increased NK cell activity in splenocytes compared with the control group. In Cy-induced immunosuppressed rats, EA administration increased spleen tissue weight and the contents of leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, intermediate cells, and plasma cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ). In addition, improvement in the damaged spleen tissue was observed. Conclusions: These findings confirm that EA exerts an immune-enhancing effect, thereby suggesting its potential as an immunostimulatory agent or functional food.

Human deep core temperature is a vital health condition parameter. Human body temperature change begins from the deep core followed by change in skin temperature. Measuring deep core temperature is the first action for rapid detection of health condition. Infrared thermometer can measure temperature; however, the only measures the skin temperature. The use of microwave radiometer for measuring deep core temperature has garnered attention. The antenna, an important component of the microwave radiometer, has rarely been focused upon in studies on measurement of deep core temperature. This study proposed compact dual-band on-body near field antenna with a reflector for measuring deep core temperature using a microwave radiometer. The proposed antenna size is 13 mm $\boldsymbol {\times }\,\,13$ mm with a 20 mm $\boldsymbol {\times }\,\,20$ mm reflector 3 mm above the radiator. The proposed antenna was simulated and designed on a full 3D body model and simplified flat phantom and measured on real human wrist. It achieved sufficient bandwidth and volume loss density can be used in microwave radiometers for measuring deep core temperature.

Complex mechanical systems can generate severe dynamic environments that require materials with optimized combinations of damping properties, elastic moduli, and service temperatures. In this study, woven lattices were manufactured with stainless steel (SS) and copper (Cu) wires via a three-dimensional (3D) weaving process to form SS, Cu, and SS–Cu lattices. Following fabrication, selective bonding using Cusil® was applied to either one or both sides of the SS–Cu weaves to form single-sided bonded SS–Cu composite (B1C) lattices and double-sided bonded SS–Cu composite (B2C) lattices. Measurements of dynamic and quasi-static mechanical properties of both unbonded and bonded weaves demonstrate that all three unbonded lattices exhibit high loss factors with a relatively low normalized effective elastic modulus. In contrast, the bonded SS–Cu lattices exhibit lower loss factors but higher normalized effective elastic moduli. We attribute the high loss factors and relative low moduli to wire rearrangement during deformation in the form of wire sliding and rotation that becomes partially inhibited when we bond Cu wires on one or both sides of the SS–Cu weaves. We discuss sources for the observed variations in properties and demonstrate an ability to both tune and obtain exceptional damping and moderate stiffness in architected metallic lattices.

Polylactides (PLAs) and lactide copolymers are biodegradable, compostable, and derived from renewable resources, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based synthetic polymers owing to their advantages of comparable mechanical properties with commodity plastics and biodegradability. Their hydrolytic stability and thermal properties can affect their potential for long-lasting applications. However, stereocomplex crystallization is a robust method between isomer PLAs that allows significant amelioration in copolymer properties, such as thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, through substantial intermolecular interactions amid l-lactyl and d-lactyl sequences, which have been the key approach to initial degradation rate and further PLA applications. It was demonstrated that the essential parameters affecting stereocomplexation are the mixing ratio and the chain length of each unit sequence. This study deals with the molecular weight, one of the specific interactions between isomers of PLAs. A solution polymerization method was applied to control molecular weight and chain architecture. The stereocomplexation was monitored with DSC. It was confirmed that the lower molecular weight polymer showed a higher degradation rate, as a hydrolyzed fragment having a molecular weight below a certain length dissolves into the water. To systematically explore the critical contribution of molecular weights, the Langmuir system was used to observe the stereocomplexation effect and the overall degradation rate.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) for anti-obesity activities in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse models. We induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice by HFD and administered Ce6 (2.5 or 5 mg/kg) orally with 3 h of incubation. The mice were then exposed to light of high fluence rate (4.96 mW/cm2) or low fluence rate (2.56 mW/cm2) in the designed LED mouse chamber 2–3 days a week for up to 8 weeks. The study also analyzed the pharmacokinetics and optimization of the drug by evaluating the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of Ce6 in the rat models. Both low doses (2.5 mg/kg) and high doses (5 mg/kg) of Ce6 with high irradiation dose showed better anti-obesity effects than other groups with decreased body weight. The lipid accumulation in the liver and adipocyte size in epididymal adipose tissues were found to be decreased by Ce6-PDT in comparison to vehicle-treated HFD groups. We also observed increased levels of the lipidomic biomarkers, such as leptin and LDL cholesterol, while observing decreasing levels of total cholesterol and adiponectin in the Ce6-PDT-treated mice. These findings may provide valuable insight into Ce6-PDT as an alternative and non-invasive therapeutic methodology for obesity and obesity-related diseases.

ObjectiveImmune system disorders can result in various pathological conditions, such as infections and cancer. Identifying therapies that enhance the immune response might be crucial for immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, we assessed the immune-enhancing effect of co-treatment with Kalopanax pictus Nakai Bark and Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner leaf extract (KPNN) in a cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed rat model.Materials and MethodsFor in vitro studies, macrophages and splenocytes were treated with various KPNN doses in the presence or absence of Cy. Macrophage viability, nitric oxide production, splenocyte viability, cytokine production and natural killer (NK) cell activity were analyzed. For in vivo studies, analysis of weekly body weight, dietary intake, tissue weight, immune-related blood cell count, cytokine levels, and spleen biopsy was performed in a Cy-induced immunocompromised animal model.ResultsKPNN significantly increased phospho-NF-κB and phospho-ERK protein levels and cell viability in macrophages. KPNN significantly increased the NK cell activity in splenocytes compared to that in the control. Cy treatment decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and interferon-γ production. In the Cy-induced immunosuppression rat model, KPNN-treated rats had significantly higher body weights and tissue weights than the Cy-treated rats. Additionally, KPNN treatment restored the immune-related factors, such as total leukocyte, lymphocyte, and intermediate cell contents, to their normal levels in the blood. The blood cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were increased, and spleen tissue damage was significantly alleviated.ConclusionsCollectively, KPNN exerts an immune-enhancing effect suggesting their potential as an immunostimulatory agent or functional food.

A meander microstrip antenna was designed to operate in the UHF and microwave bands. Laser direct structuring (LDS) and the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) method were used to fabricate the antenna, and their results were compared. A dual-band low-power-consumption active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag based on the present antenna was developed and fabricated for an automated subway vehicle maintenance system. The recognition distance of the active tag is more than 20 m at 900 MHz and more than 170 m at 2.4 GHz, while the recognition rate is >95% at 900 MHz and 100% at 2.4 GHz. The 100% recognition rate was obtained when the RFID readers were placed in a line parallel to the subway track. Therefore, we have shown that our active RFID tag can be used in a subway vehicle management system.

Abstract Background Platycodon grandiflorum is a flowering plant that is used in traditional medicine for treating pulmonary and respiratory disorders. It exerts various pharmacological effects, including immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. The purpose of this study was to confirm the in vitro and in vivo immune-enhancing effects of P. grandiflorum extract (PGE) on splenocytes isolated from cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppressed rats. Methods For in vitro analysis, splenocytes were treated with PGE at various doses along with CP. Cell viability was measured by a WST-1 assay, and NK cell activity and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity was also examined. In addition, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and cytokine levels were measured. For in vivo analysis, Sprague Dawley rats were treated with various doses of PGE along with CP. Complete blood count (CBC) was performed, and plasma levels of IgA, IgG, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 were quantified. Additionally, tissue damage was assessed through histological analyses of the thymus and spleen. Results PGE treatment enhanced cell viability and natural killer cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, and increased the production of CP-induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in splenocytes. In addition, in CP-treated rats, PGE treatment induced the recovery of white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, along with mid-range absolute counts, and increased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA). Moreover, PGE attenuated CP-induced spleen and thymic damage. Conclusions Our results confirmed that PGE exerts an immune-enhancing effect both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PGE may have applications as a component of immunostimulatory agents or as an ingredient in functional foods.

Enzyme production by microorganisms on an industrial scale has demonstrated technical bottlenecks, such as low efficiency in enzyme expression and extracellular secretion. In this study, as a potential tool for overcoming these technical limits, radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure was examined for its possibility to enhance production of an enzyme, α-amylase, in a filamentous fungus, Aspergillus oryzae. The RF-EMF perfectly resonated at 2 GHz with directivity radiation pattern and peak gain of 0.5 dB (0.01 Watt). Total protein concentration and activity of α-amylase measured in media were about 1.5–3-fold higher in the RF-EMF exposed (10 min) sample than control (no RF-EMF) during incubation (the highest increase after 16 h). The level of α-amylase mRNA in cells was approximately 2–8-fold increased 16 and 24 h after RF-EMF exposure for 10 min. An increase in vesicle accumulation within fungal hyphae and the transcription of some genes involved in protein cellular trafficking was observed in RF-EMF-exposed samples. Membrane potential was not changed, but the intracellular Ca2+ level was elevated after RF-EMF exposure. Our results suggest that RF-EMF can increase the extracellular level of fungal total proteins and α-amylase activity and the intracellular level of Ca2+.

Portulaca oleracea L. is a traditional oriental medicine known for its pharmacological effects. The present study aimed to investigate the immunostimulatory effects of PPCE on cyclophosphamide-stimulated rat model and in isolated spleen cells. The result showed that PPCE exerted an immunostimulatory effect in vivo and in vitro. Specifically, PPCE significantly enhanced splenocyte proliferation and upregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and NK cell activity in vitro. The immunostimulatory effect was further investigated through various immunological assays. Oral administration of PPCE increased the swimming time and number of immune cells in rats. Histological analysis revealed that PPCE administration exerted splenic recovery. Thus, P. oleracea L. based complex extracts may be used as an immunostimulatory agent in medicine or functional foods.

Alcoholic liver disease is associated with the production of highly reactive free radicals by ethanol and its metabolites. Free radicals not only induce liver oxidation and damage tissues, but also stimulate an inflammatory response in hepatocytes, leading to severe liver disease. In order to improve alcoholic liver disease, enzymatic porcine placenta hydrolysate was studied by exploring various materials. Enzymatic porcine placenta hydrolysate (EPPH) contains various amino acids, peptides, and proteins, and is used as a useful substance in the body. In this study, changes were confirmed in indicators related to the antioxidant efficacy of EPPH in vitro and in vivo. EPPH inhibits an EtOH-induced decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity through inhibition of free radicals without endogenous cytotoxicity. EPPH has been observed to have a partial effect on common liver function factors such as liver weight, ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT. In addition, EPPH affected changes in fat regulators and inflammatory cytokines in blood biochemical assays. It was confirmed that EPPH was involved in fat metabolism in hepatocytes by regulating PPARα in an alcoholic liver disease animal model. Therefore, EPPH strongly modulates Bcl-2 and BAX involved in apoptosis, thereby exhibiting cytochrome P450 (CYP)-inhibitory effects in alcoholic liver disease cells. As a result, this study confirmed that EPPH is a substance that can help liver health by improving liver disease in an alcoholic liver disease animal model.

To overcome low conversion efficiency of thin film solar cells, using the localized surface plasmon effect caused by the interaction between the incident beam and metallic nanoparticles inserted in or on the absorbing layer can be a promising alternative to overcome the low efficiency problem. Detail shape and size of nanoparticles are directly related with the localized surface plasmon effect as well as optical properties; however, their detail shape and size are hard to be determined depending only on the theoretical or experimental approach. Therefore, the method focusing on defining structural boundaries would be a useful method for nano or microscale design to generate simple and clear shape. In this study, we adopted the structural optimization scheme based on the phase field method to determine the optimal shape of a silver (Ag) nanoparticle positioned on the upper surface of the absorbing layer. We carried out the design process for broadband wavelength to be taken into account and verified the plasmonic scattering effect enhancement in the absorbing layer by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) weaving has recently arisen as viable means for manufacturing metallic, architected microlattices. Herein, we describe a topology optimization approach for designing the architecture of such 3D woven lattices. A ground structure design variable representation is combined with linear manufacturing constraints and a projection mapping to realize lattices that satisfy the rather restrictive topological constraints associated with 3D weaving. The approach is demonstrated in the context of inverse homogenization to design lattices with maximized fluid permeability. Stokes flow equations with no-slip conditions governing unit cell flow fields are interpolated using the Darcy-Stokes finite element model, leveraging existing work in the topology optimization of fluids. The combined algorithm is demonstrated to design manufacturable lattices with maximized permeability whose properties have been experimentally measured in other published work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portulaca oleracea (PO) has been widely used as traditional medicine because of its pharmacological activities. However, the effects of PO on osteoclasts that modulate bone homeostasis are still elusive. Methods: In this study, we examined the effects of PO ethanol extract (POEE) on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated Ca2+ mobilization, nuclear factor of activated T-cell d (NFATc1) amplification, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive (TRAP+) multinucleated cell (MNC) formation, and cytotoxicity. Results: Our results demonstrated that POEE suppressed RANKL-induced Ca2+ oscillations by inhibition of Ca2+ release from internal Ca2+ stores, resulting in reduction of NFATc1 amplification. Notably, POEE attenuated RANKL-mediated cytotoxicity and cleavage of polyadenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP), resulted in enhanced formation of TRAP+ MNCs. Conclusions: These results present in vitro effects of POEE on RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis and suggest the possible use of PO in treating bone disorders, such as osteopetrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant and fruit extracts exhibit fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals and can display therapeutic qualities. Consequently, they have attracted increased attention among health-conscious individuals, and many studies related to their health-promoting effects are being actively conducted. Vitis coignetiae is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the immune-enhancing effects of Vitis coignetiae have not yet been studied. In this study, Vitis coignetiae extract (VCE) increased immune-related activity in Wistar rat splenocytes and cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed rats. In splenocytes, VCE was nontoxic up to 300 μg/mL and increased cell viability in the presence of Cy. VCE also recovered Cy-induced decreases in cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-12) levels and natural killer (NK) cell activity in splenocytes. In Cy-induced immunosuppressed rats, VCE protected against Cy-induced spleen tissue damage and decreases in body and spleen weight, cytokine (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) levels, and NK cell activity. We also observed recovery of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM levels following VCE treatment. In conclusion, the ability of VCE to restore immune activity from an immunosuppressive state to normal levels suggests its immune-enhancing efficacy. Therefore, VCE may have the potential for application in the development of immune-enhancing functional foods and medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactides (PLAs) and lactide copolymers are biodegradable, compostable, and derived from renewable resources, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based synthetic polymers owing to their advantages of comparable mechanical properties with commodity plastics and biodegradability. Their hydrolytic stability and thermal properties can affect their potential for long-lasting applications. However, stereocomplex crystallization is a robust method between isomer PLAs that allows significant amelioration in copolymer properties, such as thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, through substantial intermolecular interactions amid l-lactyl and d-lactyl sequences, which have been the key approach to initial degradation rate and further PLA applications. It was demonstrated that the essential parameters affecting stereocomplexation are the mixing ratio and the chain length of each unit sequence. This study deals with the molecular weight, one of the specific interactions between isomers of PLAs. A solution polymerization method was applied to control molecular weight and chain architecture. The stereocomplexation was monitored with DSC. It was confirmed that the lower molecular weight polymer showed a higher degradation rate, as a hydrolyzed fragment having a molecular weight below a certain length dissolves into the water. To systematically explore the critical contribution of molecular weights, the Langmuir system was used to observe the stereocomplexation effect and the overall degradation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) for anti-obesity activities in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse models. We induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice by HFD and administered Ce6 (2.5 or 5 mg/kg) orally with 3 h of incubation. The mice were then exposed to light of high fluence rate (4.96 mW/cm2) or low fluence rate (2.56 mW/cm2) in the designed LED mouse chamber 2–3 days a week for up to 8 weeks. The study also analyzed the pharmacokinetics and optimization of the drug by evaluating the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of Ce6 in the rat models. Both low doses (2.5 mg/kg) and high doses (5 mg/kg) of Ce6 with high irradiation dose showed better anti-obesity effects than other groups with decreased body weight. The lipid accumulation in the liver and adipocyte size in epididymal adipose tissues were found to be decreased by Ce6-PDT in comparison to vehicle-treated HFD groups. We also observed increased levels of the lipidomic biomarkers, such as leptin and LDL cholesterol, while observing decreasing levels of total cholesterol and adiponectin in the Ce6-PDT-treated mice. These findings may provide valuable insight into Ce6-PDT as an alternative and non-invasive therapeutic methodology for obesity and obesity-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biocompatible polymer composite film was prepared by casting method of the mixed solution of poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and lotus leaf powder (LLP) in chloroform. The obtained composite film showed hydrophobic properties. The surface wettability and change in the surface morphology of the film before and after degradation in the enzyme solution were analyzed by contact angle measurement and high resolution scanning electron microscopy. The degradation rate of PLA could be controlled by mixing the right composition of LLP to PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Enzymatic porcine placental hydrolyzing (EPPH) was extracted using enzymatic hydrolysis to extract placental-derived peptides recently reported as excellent bioactive substances, and EPPH was administered to HepG2 cells and alcohol-derived animal models. As a result, it was confirmed that inflammation and antioxidant activity could be regulated through CYP2E1 inhibition. Through these results, we confirmed that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by CYP2E1 regulation of EPPH have potential for improvement and protection of liver disease in alcoholic liver disease animal models. Alcoholic liver disease is associated with the production of highly reactive free radicals by ethanol and its metabolites. Free radicals not only induce liver oxidation and damage tissues, but also stimulate an inflammatory response in hepatocytes, leading to severe liver disease. In order to improve alcoholic liver disease, enzymatic porcine placenta hydrolysate was studied by exploring various materials. Enzymatic porcine placenta hydrolysate (EPPH) contains various amino acids, peptides, and proteins, and is used as a useful substance in the body. In this study, changes were confirmed in indicators related to the antioxidant efficacy of EPPH in vitro and in vivo. EPPH inhibits an EtOH-induced decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity through inhibition of free radicals without endogenous cytotoxicity. EPPH has been observed to have a partial effect on common liver function factors such as liver weight, ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT. In addition, EPPH affected changes in fat regulators and inflammatory cytokines in blood biochemical assays. It was confirmed that EPPH was involved in fat metabolism in hepatocytes by regulating PPARα in an alcoholic liver disease animal model. Therefore, EPPH strongly modulates Bcl-2 and BAX involved in apoptosis, thereby exhibiting cytochrome P450 (CYP)-inhibitory effects in alcoholic liver disease cells. As a result, this study confirmed that EPPH is a substance that can help liver health by improving liver disease in an alcoholic liver disease animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the immunity-enhancing effects of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (OJ). To examine the immune protective effect in vitro, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with water or ethanol extracts of OJ in the absence or presence of cyclophosphamide (CY), which is a cytotoxic, immunosuppressive agent. The extracts increased the propagation of splenocytes and inhibited CY-induced cytotoxicity. Further, to examine the immunostimulatory effects in vivo, adult Wistar rats were orally administered OJ extracts with or without CY treatment. With the administration of OJ extracts, CY-treated immunosuppressed rats showed improved physical endurance, as assessed by the forced swim test. In addition, extract administration increased not only the number of immunity-related cells but also the levels of plasma cytokines. OJ extracts also recovered splenic histology in CY-treated rats. These findings suggest that an OJ regimen can enhance immunity by increasing immune cell propagation and specific plasma cytokine levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex oil of Zanthoxylum schinifolium and Perilla frutescens seed (ZPCO) is used as a traditional medicine due to its pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunostimulatory effect of ZPCO in isolated splenocytes as well as in an immunosuppressed rat model, which was generated via oral administration of cyclophosphamide. Notably, our results showed that ZPCO exerted an immunity-enhancing effect both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, ZPCO treatment enhanced the viability and inflammatory cytokine production of splenocytes and NK cell activity in vitro. Moreover, this product improved host defense under immunosuppressive conditions by increasing the number of immune cells and promoting the expression of cytokines involved in immune responses. Our results suggest that complex oil including Z. schinifolium should be explored as a novel immunostimulatory agent that could potentially be used for therapeutic purposes or as an ingredient in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouting of peanut usually promotes de novo biosynthesis of phenolic compounds such as resveratrol. As phenolic compounds have been reported to possess anti-obesity activity, we investigated the effect of peanut sprout extract (PSE) on weight gain induced by high-fat diet (HF) in C57BL/6J mice. Administration of PSE effectively suppressed the body weight gain induced by HF without altering food intake. Furthermore, blood parameters, including levels of TG and total cholesterol, were significantly improved by administration of 0.5 g/kg BW of PSE compared to mice fed HF alone. Although its mechanism of action remains unclear, the anti-obesity activity of PSE appears to be associated with its inhibition of carbohydrate digestion enzymes, as it dose-dependently inhibited the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase but not pancreatic lipase while PSE did not have any inhibitory effect against lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3L1 adipocyte. In conclusion, PSE deserves further study as a health functional ingredient for body weight control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the effect of the magnetization direction in permanent magnet on motor characteristics. Magnetization modelling; Analysis of permanent magnet; Conclusion.

Presents information on a study that analyzed the generated torque of the hysteresis motor using finite element method. Methodology; Computation of torque; Analysis and experiment.

Background: Platycodon grandiflorum is a flowering plant that is used in traditional medicine for treating pulmonary and respiratory disorders. It exerts various pharmacological effects, including immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. The purpose of this study was to confirm the in vitro and in vivo immune-enhancing effects of P. grandiflorum extract (PGE) on splenocytes isolated from cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppressed rats. Methods: For in vitro analysis, splenocytes were treated with PGE at various doses along with CP. Cell viability was measured by a WST-1 assay, and NK cell activity and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity was also examined. In addition, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and cytokine levels were measured. For in vivo analysis, Sprague Dawley rats were treated with various doses of PGE along with CP. Complete blood count (CBC) was performed, and plasma levels of IgA, IgG, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 were quantified. Additionally, tissue damage was assessed through histological analyses of the thymus and spleen. Results: PGE treatment enhanced cell viability and natural killer cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, and increased the production of CP-induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in splenocytes. In addition, in CP-treated rats, PGE treatment induced the recovery of white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, along with mid-range absolute counts, and increased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA). Moreover, PGE attenuated CP-induced spleen and thymic damage. Conclusions: Our results confirmed that PGE exerts an immune-enhancing effect both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PGE may have applications as a component of immunostimulatory agents or as an ingredient in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of fully-acylated dextrin esters (DS = 3) with varying side-chain lengths (C2-12) were synthesized by heterogeneous esterification using trifluoroacetic anhydride/carboxylic acid. The influence of side-chain lengths on structure and properties of dextrin esters were investigated by structural, thermal, mechanical and hydrophobic analysis. The thermal stability of dextrin was enhanced by esterification, presenting ca. 40-60 °C higher decomposition temperatures than that of neat-dextrin. The transition temperatures of melting and crystallization were not observed for all dextrin esters because they were amorphous polymers. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was not observed in dextrin but was observed in dextrin esters. As increasing side-chain length, Tgs of dextrin esters decreased ranged from 162.2 °C (C2) to 49.2 °C (C12). Colorless and transparent dextrin ester films were prepared to measure the film properties. Tensile strength of dextrin ester films tended to decrease with increasing side-chain lengths, whereas the elongation at break increased. And, dextrin ester films showed significantly increased hydrophobicity with a contact angle of up to 102° (C12). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]