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Recently, photocatalysis technology has been widely considered as an effective method for solving environmental pollution issues and addressing the energy crisis. Hybrids of layered double hydroxide (LDH) exhibit excellent photocatalytic properties for use in the field of wastewater treatment due to the large interlayer spaces, chemical stability, and low cost. However, pristine LDH suffers from numerous limitations, such as insufficient visible light utilization and a high recombination rate of electron–hole pairs, resulting in degradation of photocatalytic performance. Recent advancements have demonstrated that LDH-based hybrids are suitable nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications when combining LDH with other semiconductors. This article summarizes the progress in the field of LDH-based ternary composites with emphasis on the removal of organic pollutants and heavy metal ions from aqueous media. Moreover, the applications and synthesis of LDH-based ternary composites, including corresponding examples, are discussed. In addition, the interaction mechanisms between photocatalysts and contaminants in water are comprehensively explained. Finally, the review provides insights into the challenges and prospects for the advancement of LDH-based photocatalysts.

Mg-loaded activated carbons were prepared by adding various amounts of Mg (1 to 20 wt%) via ultrasonic-assisted impregnation to investigate the effects on the adsorption and desorption characteristics of ammonia. Mg-loaded activated carbons were characterized by TGA, BET, SEM, EDS mapping, and NH3-TPD analysis. Mg was homogeneously dispersed on the activated carbon and NH3-TPD analysis confirmed improved desorption and thermal stability for the 10 wt% Mg sample, named AC-Mg(10). AC-Mg(10) retained the highest desorption for five cycles and showed average desorption amount of 0.788 mmol NH3/g. During the breakthrough analysis, the AC-Mg(10) showed an initial ammonia adsorption capacity of 0.81 mmol NH3/g and average adsorption capacity of 0.69 mmol NH3/g over 30 adsorption and desorption cycles.

PRECIS This study demonstrated the high topographic correlation between the red-free fundus photographs and en face structural images in eyes with glaucomatous progression. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the progression of localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects in red-free fundus photographs, en face structural images, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images. METHODS We performed a retrospective, comparative study on 45 glaucomatous eyes showing RNFL defect widening in red-free photography. The localized RNFL defect in the red-free photographs was termed as red-free defect. The wedge-shaped hyporeflective area radiating from the optic nerve head in the optical coherence tomography (OCT) en face structural images and OCTA images was defined as en face defect and OCTA defect, respectively. The baseline and follow-up angular parameters of each red-free defect were compared with those of en face defect and OCTA defect. RESULTS When the baseline angular parameters were compared, there were no significant differences between red-free defect and en face defect, and between red-free defect and OCTA defect (all, P>0.017). In addition, the follow-up angular parameters showed no difference between red-free defect and en face defect. However, the OCTA defect showed significantly greater values compared with red-free defect and en face defect with respect to the distal angular location and angular width at follow-up visit (36.78±15.10 vs. 34.10±15.09 vs. 33.40±15.05 degrees, both, P

BACKGROUND: Despite promising advances in stem cell-based therapy, the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases remains a big challenge due to both the insufficient in vivo viability of transplanted cells and poor angiogenic potential of stem cells. The goal of this study was to develop therapeutic human cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs) for ischemic cardiovascular diseases with a novel M13 peptide carrier. METHOD: In this study, an engineered M13 peptide carrier was successfully generated using a QuikChange Kit. The cellular function of M13 peptide carrier-treated hCPCs was assessed using a tube formation assay and scratch wound healing assay. The in vivo engraftment and cell survival bioactivities of transplanted cells were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry after hCPC transplantation into a myocardial infarction animal model. RESULTS: The engineered M13(RGD+SDKP) peptide carrier, which expressed RGD peptide on PIII site and SDKP peptide on PVIII site, did not affect morphologic change and proliferation ability in hCPCs. In contrast, hCPCs treated with M13(RGD+SDKP) showed enhanced angiogenic capacity, including tube formation and migration capacity. Moreover, transplanted hCPCs with M13(RGD+SDKP) were engrafted into the ischemic region and promoted in vivo cell survival. CONCLUSION: Our present data provides a promising protocol for CPC-based cell therapy via short-term cell priming of hCPCs with engineered M13(RGD+SDKP) before cell transplantation for treatment of cardiovascular disease. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13770-020-00244-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hydrogen (H2) has been considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels as a future energy source. To achieve great H2 uptakes through physisorption, an accurate understanding of the pore sizes should be involved. Related studies have reported that micropores ( Q E x c e s s ) at 77 K and 1 bar, however, pores with a diameter up to 4 nm are the most effective pores for high Q E x c e s s at 77 K and 60 bar, suggesting that the effective range of pore sizes that contribute to Q E x c e s s would be widened at higher pressures. This is concluded that the optimum pore size ranges for better H2 physisorption behavior was found to be closely associated with the storage pressures, providing guidance for the preparation of porous materials for efficient H2 physisorption under different storage conditions.

Beryllium ion elicits p53-mediated cell cycle arrest in some types of human cancer cells, and it is a potent inhibitor of GSK3 kinase activity. Paradoxically, Be2+ is regarded to have almost neglig...

The biorefining of agricultural waste into green chemicals has clear potential for improving global environmental sustainability. In this study, we evaluated the potential of acetic acid production from carbohydrate feedstock (onion waste, OW) as a more environmentally friendly source than feedstock produced from natural gas. In particular, OW is an ideal feedstock for the biorefining process as it contains a sufficient amount of carbohydrates (69.7%). Five days of the simultaneous saccharification and two-step fermentation (SSTF) process produced acetic acid from OW more efficiently than the simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation (SSCF) process. SSTF produced 19.3 g/L acetic acid and recorded the highest conversion yield (90.5%) from OW (6% substrate loading, w/v). These results suggested that acetic acid can be efficiently and sustainably produced from OW by the SSTF process.

Significant efforts have been directed toward the identification of carbonaceous materials that can be utilized for hydrogen uptake in order to develop on-board automotive systems with a gravimetric capacity of 5.5 wt.%, thus meeting the U.S. Department of Energy technical targets. However, the capacity of hydrogen storage is limited by the weak interaction between hydrogen molecules and the carbon surface. Cigarette butts, which are the most abundant form of primary plastic waste, remain an intractable environmental pollution problem. To transform this source of waste into a valuable adsorbent for hydrogen uptake, we prepared several forms of oxygen-rich cigarette butt-derived porous carbon (CGB-AC, with the activation temperature range of 600 and 900 & DEG;C). Our experimental investigation revealed that the specific surface area increased from 600 to 700 & DEG;C and then decreased as the temperature rose to 900 & DEG;C. In contrast, the oxygen contents gradually decreased with increasing activation temperature. CGB-AC700 had the highest H-2 excess uptake (QExcess) of 8.54 wt.% at 77 K and 20 bar, which was much higher than that of porous carbon reported in the previous studies. We found that the dynamic interaction between the porosity and the oxygen content determined the hydrogen storage capacity. The underlying mechanisms proposed in the present study would be useful in the design of efficient hydrogen storage because they explain the interaction between positive carbonaceous materials and negative hydrogen molecules in quadrupole orbitals. Technology Innovation Program (or Industrial Strategic Technology Development Program), Innovative technology for CO2 free hydrogen production using molten catalysts - Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy(MOTIE, Korea); Korea Electric Power Corporation [R21XO01-5]; Korea Initiative for Fostering University of Research and Innovation (KIURI) Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) - Korean government (MSIT) [NRF-2021M3H1A106413511] Published version This work was supported by the Technology Innovation Program (or Industrial Strategic Technology Development Program), Innovative technology for CO2 free hydrogen production using molten catalysts (20012373) funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy(MOTIE, Korea), the Korea Electric Power Corporation (Grant number: R21XO01-5), and the Korea Initiative for Fostering University of Research and Innovation (KIURI) Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (No. NRF-2021M3H1A106413511).

Precis Although the localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects in the en face structural images showed excellent topographic correlation with those in red-free photographs, the RNFL defect was frequently misidentified by the optical coherence tomography (OCT) deviation map. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the location of localized RNFL defects using red-free fundus photographs, OCT en face structural images, and OCT RNFL deviation and thickness maps. Methods We investigated the agreement of angular locations of localized RNFL defects. Seventy localized RNFL defects were selected in red-free photographs (red-free defect). En face images and OCT deviation and thickness maps were overlaid on the corresponding red-free photographs. The proximal/distal angular locations and angular width of the red-free defects were compared with those of en face structural images (en face defect) and OCT RNFL deviation (deviation map defect) and thickness maps (thickness map defect). Results Among 70 eyes with red-free defects, 13 (18.6%), 1 (1.4%), and 0 (0%) defects were misidentified by the OCT deviation map, thickness map, and en face image, respectively. There were no significant differences among red-free defects, en face defects, and OCT thickness map defects in the angular width and proximal/distal angular locations. The angular widths were significantly greater in OCT RNFL deviation maps compared with those of other imaging modalities. The correlation coefficients of angular width and locations between the red-free defect and en face defect were significantly higher than those between the red-free defect and OCT map defects (all, P Conclusions Localized RNFL defects detected in red-free photographs showed the highest topographic correlation with defects detected in OCT en face images. En face structural images may aid in identifying the localized RNFL defects in glaucomatous eyes.

Background: It is anticipated that the combined treatments of ablative laser and human stem cell-conditioned media produce the synergistic effects. Objectives: To investigated the effects of human stem cell-conditioned media (HSCM) as a post-procedural agent after fractional CO2 laser procedure in patients with atrophic acne scars and skin pores. Method: Both cheeks of 15 subjects were treated with a fractional CO2 laser. HSCM was randomly applied to one of the resurfacing sites (T) and normal saline was applied to the other site as a control (C). During the next six days, a solution containing 80% HSCM and hyaluronic acid (HA) was applied on the treated side (T) and HA alone was applied to the control side (C). Scar volume and erythema were objectively evaluated using an Antera 3D® CS. Result: After two months, the scar volume was reduced by 23.5% (T) versus 15.0% (C) (p = .143) and the volume of the skin pores was reduced by 37.6% (T) versus 15.9% (C) (p = .006), while the erythema was increased by 2.8% (T) versus 3.1% (C) (p = .934). Atrophic scar and the skin pores in the HSCM-applied area improved by at least 15.0% after a single treatment session, suggesting better results compared with the control side. Conclusion: HSCM may augment the regenerative effects of fractional CO2 laser.

Metal loaded activated carbons (AC) were synthesized for an application in NH3 enrichment through repeated adsorption and desorption. The metal loaded activated carbons possesses higher NH3 adsorption capacity than the raw AC at room temperature. Mg loaded AC (AC–Mg) showed about 10 times (6.34 mg NH3/g) higher adsorption capacity than raw AC and its adsorption capacity was maintained even in repeated breakthrough tests. Metal loading on activated carbon increased the concentration of surface oxygen, which provides relatively weak adsorption sites for NH3 so that the adsorbed NH3 can be released relatively easier compared to the case of raw AC.

Meiotic crossovers are tightly restricted in most eukaryotes, despite an excess of initiating DNA double-strand breaks. The majority of plant crossovers are dependent on class I interfering repair, with a minority formed via the class II pathway. Class II repair is limited by anti-recombination pathways; however, similar pathways repressing class I crossovers have not been identified. Here, we performed a forward genetic screen in Arabidopsis using fluorescent crossover reporters to identify mutants with increased or decreased recombination frequency. We identified HIGH CROSSOVER RATE1 (HCR1) as repressing crossovers and encoding PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE X1. Genome-wide analysis showed that hcr1 crossovers are increased in the distal chromosome arms. MLH1 foci significantly increase in hcr1 and crossover interference decreases, demonstrating an effect on class I repair. Consistently, yeast two-hybrid and in planta assays show interaction between HCR1 and class I proteins, including HEI10, PTD, MSH5 and MLH1. We propose that HCR1 plays a major role in opposition to pro-recombination kinases to restrict crossovers in Arabidopsis.

Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone density that poses a high risk of bone fractures, is associated with aging, diet, and menopause. Despite the various known therapeutic methods for osteoporosis treatment, the development of a new therapeutic agent without side effects in long-term use is required. Cinnamic acid (CA) is a phytochemical found in cinnamon. In this study, we evaluated the effect of CA on osteoporosis and demonstrated its mechanism in MC3T3E1 preosteoblasts and ovariectomized mice. CA treatment induced osteoblast differentiation with elevation of osteogenic markers both in vitro and in vivo. CA treatment ameliorated bone loss resulting in better bone indices, increased gut microbial diversity, and recovered changes in the gut microbial composition induced by ovariectomy. These changes were accompanied by an increase in BMP/TGFβ/Smad signaling. Therefore, CA has the potential to suppress the progress of bone loss via the enhancement of bone density through the regulation of gut microbiota.

Background: This study examined the effect of a portable low-frequency electrostimulation (ES) device on patients diagnosed with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) immediately after chemotherapy for breast cancer. Methods: A single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 72 patients newly diagnosed with CIPN were enrolled and randomly placed into the ES (n = 36) or the sham ES group (SES; n = 36). Duloxetine or pregabalin was prescribed to all participants from the initial assessment. The devices for 14 days, at least twice a day, for at least 120 minutes. The primary outcomes were the overall intensities of the CIPN symptoms as assessed using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included Total Neuropathy Score (TNS), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (EORTC-QLQ), Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), and Instrument on Pattern Identification and Evaluation for CIPN (IPIE-CIPN). Results: No differences in NRS scores were found between the patients in the ES and the SES group ( P = 0.267). Patients in both groups showed significantly reduced CIPN intensities (ES P < .001; SES P < .001). No significant differences between the groups were found in TNS, EORTC-QLQ, CIPN20, and FACT-B. The general symptoms of CIPN diagnosed as cold arthralgia showed significance only in the ES group ( P = .006). Conclusion: Compared with a placebo, the effectiveness of the low-frequency ES device with pharmacological intervention was not significantly different, but a therapeutic effect was possible.

In this study, we established the pre-treatment conditions that could increase the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content during barley germination. In the process, three different barley samples were prepared, which differed in the pre-treatedment processes. The specimens were stored at 50℃ for 1 h after being kept in water at room temperature for 4 h (HKW sample), kept in sufficient water for 4 h (KW sample), or left untreated (CO sample). After the pre-treatment, the barely samples were germinated for 35 h. A sample was taken from each batch in 5-h intervals, extracted with water, and physicochemical characteristics and radical scavenging activity were measured. As a result, we found that the contents of phenolic compounds (18.02-30.63 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (1.87­4.63 mg/100 g) were higher in HKW, showing similar trends. Also the GABA contents in the HKW and KW samples were higher than that in the CO sample. Furthermore, the radical scavenging activities of DPPH and ABTS were the highest in the HKW sample, having values in the ranges of 58.49-77.40% and 54.57-88.10%, respectively. All in all, we found that in order to increase the antioxidative activity and GABA content of the barley samples, it would be suitable to pre-treatment the specimens after the post-immersion heat treatment. In addition, pre-treating the KW samples is appropriate only after immersion time. Lastly, the optimum germination time of the batches was found to be 20-25 h.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells with self-renewing properties; thus, transplanting functionally enhanced MSCs might be a promising strategy for cell therapy against ischemic diseases. However, extensive oxidative damage in ischemic tissue affects the cell fate of transplanted MSCs, eventually resulting in cell damage and autophagic cell death. Oleuropein (OLP) is a bioactive compound isolated from olives and olive oil that harbors antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential cytoprotective effects of OLP against oxidative stress and autophagic cell death in MSCs. We found that short-term priming with OLP attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis by regulating the pro-apoptotic marker Bax and the anti-apoptotic markers Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Notably, OLP inhibits H2O2 -induced autophagic cell death by modulating autophagy-related death signals, including mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), ULK1 (unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1), Beclin-1, AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), and LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1a/1b-light chain 3). Our data suggest that OLP might reduce H2O2-induced autophagy and cell apoptosis in MSCs by regulating both the AMPK-ULK axis and the Bcl-2-Mcl-1 axis. Consequently, short-term cell priming with OLP might enhance the therapeutic effect of MSCs against ischemic vascular diseases, which provides an important potential improvement for emerging therapeutic strategies.

This study investigated the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Stachys sieboldii Miq. extracts by solvents (water, ethanol, butanol, chloroform, and hexane). The contents of total polyphenols (7.18-37.25 mg/g) and flavonoids (0.21-5.21 mg/g) in extracts from Stachys sieboldii Miq. showed a significant difference dependent on the extraction solvents, butanol > ethanol > water > chloroform > hexane. Antioxidant activities by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging were increased in a dose-dependent manner. These activity trends associated with the extraction solvent were different at each concentration, but resembled phenolic compound contents trend, generally. FRAP value increased in a dose-dependent manner, but there was a difference in radical scavenging activities when comparing between extraction solvents by butanol > ethanol > hexane > chloroform > water on all concentrations. The trend of α-amylase inhibition of extracts from 1,000 μg/mL to 2,000 μg/mL was not affected as enzyme activity is promoted and not inhibited. The inhibition of α-glucosidase was increased in a dose-dependent manner without water extracts, the activity on hexane extracts was higher than others per the extraction solvent. α-Glucosidase inhibition of hexane extracts showed 57.76% at 250 μg/mL, which is 2.8 times higher than the second highest chloroform extract (20.65%). From these results, we presume that the active ingredients of Stachys sieboldii Miq. is different according to the extraction solvent and also the activity is different by these major functional groups.

TiO2 over partially reduced graphite oxide (PRGO) was prepared using the hydrothermal synthesis method with varying amounts of the TiO2 precursor for WGS catalyst support. Pt catalysts for the low-temperature water gas shift (WGS) reaction were then prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method with the TiO2/PRGO (TirGO) supports. The WGS reaction was carried out with the Pt/TiO2/PRGO (Pt/TirGO) catalysts to investigate the effect of the incorporation of PRGO on the catalytic activity. Characterization of the supports and catalysts was performed with XRD, SEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, BET surface analysis, and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). It was found that functional groups containing oxygen on the PRGO provide anchoring sites for the TiO2 precursors during the hydrothermal process, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. In addition, the introduction of PRGO also improved the reducibility of the catalysts. It was also confirmed that there exists an optimal ratio of TiO2 to PRGO that facilitates a uniform dispersion of nanosized TiO2 on the PRGO by balancing the number of functional groups on PRGO with the amount of TiO2 precursor used. Among the Pt/TirGO catalysts synthesized, Pt/TirGO-5 possessed the optimum ratio of TiO2 to PRGO and showed excellent catalytic activity in the WGS reaction, achieving over 80% conversion of CO at the low temperature of 280 °C and a very high gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 47,700 h−1.

The effects of water vapor on the catalytic activity of a Fe-BEA catalyst in the NH 3 -SCR reaction for N 2 O and NO were investigated using diffusive reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) tests and SCC-DFTB calculation. It was found that water vapor only decreased the N 2 O conversion rate and did not affect the conversion rates of NO. The DRIFTS analysis revealed that the presence of water increased the adsorption strength of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) on the catalyst surface. On the other hand, nitric oxide (NO) conversion route was only altered from NO 2 -SCR to standard selective catalytic reduction (SCR) upon injection of water vapor. It was confirmed that the water vapor not only inhibited the desorption of N 2 O during the reduction step but also induced stronger adsorption of N 2 O during the NH 3 -SCR reaction. A computational chemical model that includes hydroxyl zeolite, N 2 O, and NO supported the experimental result showing binding force between the hydroxyl zeolite and N 2 O is much higher than that between hydroxyl zeolite and NO. It is believed that the stronger adsorption induced by water vapor caused delayed dissociation of N 2 O thereby not allowing for catalytic conversion.

Hepatocyte death is critical for the pathogenesis of liver disease progression, which is closely associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses. However, the molecular basis for ER stress-mediated hepatocyte injury remains largely unknown. This study investigated the effect of ER stress on dual-specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) expression and its role in hepatocyte death. Analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database showed that hepatic DUSP5 levels increased in the patients with liver fibrosis, which was verified in mouse models of liver diseases with ER stress. DUSP5 expression was elevated in both fibrotic and acutely injured liver of mice treated with liver toxicants. Treatment of ER stress inducers enhanced DUSP5 expression in hepatocytes, which was validated in vivo condition. The induction of DUSP5 by ER stress was blocked by either treatment with a chemical inhibitor of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway, or knockdown of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), whereas it was not affected by the silencing of IRE1 or ATF6. In addition, DUSP5 overexpression decreased extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, but increased cleaved caspase-3 levels. Moreover, the reduction of cell viability under ER stress condition was attenuated by DUSP5 knockdown. In conclusion, DUSP5 expression is elevated in hepatocytes by ER stress through the PERK-CHOP pathway, contributing to hepatocyte death possibly through ERK inhibition.

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are resident stem cells present in a small portion of ischemic hearts and function in repairing the damaged heart tissue. Intense oxidative stress impairs cell metabolism thereby decreasing cell viability. Protecting CPCs from undergoing cellular apoptosis during oxidative stress is crucial in optimizing CPC-based therapy. Histochrome (sodium salt of echinochrome A&mdash, a common sea urchin pigment) is an antioxidant drug that has been clinically used as a pharmacologic agent for ischemia/reperfusion injury in Russia. However, the mechanistic effect of histochrome on CPCs has never been reported. We investigated the protective effect of histochrome pretreatment on human CPCs (hCPCs) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress. Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) assay revealed that histochrome-treated CPCs showed significant protective effects against H2O2-induced cell death. The anti-apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-xL were significantly upregulated, whereas the pro-apoptotic proteins BCL2-associated X (Bax), H2O2-induced cleaved caspase-3, and the DNA damage marker, phosphorylated histone (&gamma, H2A.X) foci, were significantly downregulated upon histochrome treatment of hCPCs in vitro. Further, prolonged incubation with histochrome alleviated the replicative cellular senescence of hCPCs. In conclusion, we report the protective effect of histochrome against oxidative stress and present the use of a potent and bio-safe cell priming agent as a potential therapeutic strategy in patient-derived hCPCs to treat heart disease.

Recurrence and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer remain important issues for patients treated with conventional therapeutics. Metformin and phenformin, previously used in the treatment of diabetes, have been shown to have anticancer effects in various cancers, including breast, lung and prostate cancers. However, their molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of these drugs in chemoresistant rectal cancer cell lines. We found that SW837 and SW1463 rectal cancer cells were more resistant to ionizing radiation and 5‐fluorouracil than HCT116 and LS513 colon cancer cells. In addition, metformin and phenformin increased the sensitivity of these cell lines by inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing clonogenic ability and increasing apoptotic cell death in rectal cancer cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and transforming growth factor‐β/Smad signaling pathways were more activated in rectal cancer cells, and inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression using an inhibitor or siRNA sensitized rectal cancer cells to chemoresistant by inhibition of the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, such as X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis, survivin and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1. Moreover, metformin and phenformin inhibited cell migration and invasion by suppression of transforming growth factor β receptor 2‐mediated Snail and Twist expression in rectal cancer cells. Therefore, metformin and phenformin may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of chemoresistant rectal cancer by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and transforming growth factor‐β/Smad signaling.

Kimchi seasoning is manufactured non-thermally without any additional decontamination step, resulting in possible microbiological growth and food safety issues. This study examines the effects of gamma irradiation on the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of kimchi seasoning mixture during storage. Foodborne pathogens, i.e., Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium were inoculated into the seasoning mixture and irradiated at doses ranging from 0 to 10 kGy. Regardless of the microbial species, the number of microorganisms was adversely correlated with increasing gamma irradiation. The levels of E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium were reduced to below the detection limit (1 log CFU/g) after exposure to 5 kGy of gamma irradiation. The number of total aerobic and lactic acid bacteria decreased by 3.29 and 4.78 log CFU/g, respectively, after 10 kGy of gamma irradiation exposure. Changes in pH, acidity, reducing sugar content, and headspace gas concentrations were significantly delayed in irradiated kimchi seasoning mixtures (P 0.05). These results imply that gamma irradiation can enhance the microbiological safety and shelf-life of kimchi seasoning mixture, and decrease the initial concentration of microorganisms without adverse effects on quality.

The effect of acid treatment on the physical and chemical characteristics of BEA zeolite, as well as the catalytic activity of the Fe-BEA catalyst for N2O reduction under NH3-selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) conditions, was examined. The acid treatment caused dealumination of BEA and enrichment of the silanol groups on vacant T-sites and the Bronsted acid sites. As the acid treatment time increased, the silanol groups and the weak acid sites in BEA also increased. Because the weak acid sites behave as anchoring sites for Fe ions, the catalytic activity also increased as the treatment time increased. However, extended exposure of BEA to acid decreased the catalytic activity of the Fe-BEA catalyst somewhat, and decreased the silanol groups and weak acid sites. The catalytic activity and the amount of weak acid sites were well correlated with the BEA acid treatment time.

The biosynthesis of flavonoids such as anthocyanin and stilbenes has attracted increasing attention because of their potential health benefits. Anthocyanins and stilbenes share common phenylpropanoid precursor pathways. We previously reported that the overexpression of sweetpotato IbMYB1a induced anthocyanin pigmentation in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. In the present study, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum SR1) plants (STS-OX and ROST-OX) expressing the RpSTS gene encoding stilbene synthase from rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L. cv. Jangyeop) and the RpSTS and VrROMT genes encoding resveratrol O-methyltransferase from frost grape (Vitis riparia) were generated under the control of 35S promoter. Phenotypic alterations in floral organs, such as a reduction in floral pigments and male sterility, were observed in STS-OX transgenic tobacco plants. However, we failed to obtain STS-OX and ROST-OX plants with high levels of resveratrol compounds. Therefore, to improve the production of resveratrol derivatives in plants, we cross-pollinated flowers of STS-OX or ROST-OX and IbMYB1a-OX transgenic lines (SM and RSM). Phenotypic changes in vegetative and reproductive development of SM and RSM plants were observed. Furthermore, by HPLC and LC-MS analyses, we found enhanced production of resveratrol derivatives such as piceid, piceid methyl ether, resveratrol methyl ether O-hexoside, and 5-methyl resveratrol-3,4'-O-β-D-diglucopyranoside in SM and RSM cross-pollinated lines. Here, total contents of trans- and cis-piceids ranged from approximately 104-240 µg/g fresh weight in SM (F2). Collectively, we suggest that coexpression of RpSTS and IbMYB1a via cross-pollination can induce enhanced production of resveratrol compounds in plants by increasing metabolic flux into stilbenoid biosynthesis.

Background Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that elevated serum uric acid concentration is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome. However, few studies have focused on elderly populations. Thus, we investigated the association of serum uric acid concentration with metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling elderly Koreans. Methods This cross-sectional analysis included 2940 participants (986 men and 1954 women) aged 65 years or older who participated in a baseline health assessment for the Korean Urban Rural Elderly cohort study from 2012 to 2014. Serum uric acid concentration was analyzed using both continuous and dichotomous variables. Hyperuricemia was defined as a uric acid concentration ≥7.0 mg/dL in men and ≥6.0 mg/dL in women. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2009 harmonizing definition. Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate independent association between serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome, after adjusting for age, body mass index, LDL cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, estimated glomerular filtration rate health behaviors, and medications. Results Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components increased significantly according to uric acid concentration in both sexes. The adjusted odds ratios for having metabolic syndrome per 1.0 mg/dL higher uric acid concentration were 1.16 (95% CI: 1.03–1.31) in men and 1.27 (95% CI: 1.13–1.42) in women. Hyperuricemia was also associated with metabolic syndrome, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.71 (95% CI: 1.11–2.63) in men and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.05–2.29) in women. Conclusions Elevated serum uric acid concentration was independently associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling elderly Koreans.

A soil metagenome contains the genomes of all microbes included in a soil sample, including those that cannot be cultured. In this study, soil metagenome libraries were searched for microbial genes exhibiting lipolytic activity and those involved in potential lipid metabolism that could yield valuable products in microorganisms. One of the subclones derived from the original fosmid clone, pELP120, was selected for further analysis. A subclone spanning a 3.3 kb DNA fragment was found to encode for lipase/esterase and contained an additional partial open reading frame encoding a wax ester synthase (WES) motif. Consequently, both pELP120 and the full length of the gene potentially encoding WES were sequenced. To determine if the wes gene encoded a functioning WES protein that produced wax esters, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was conducted using ethyl acetate extract from an Escherichia coli strain that expressed the wes gene and was grown with hexadecanol. The ethyl acetate extract from this E. coli strain did indeed produce wax ester compounds of various carbon-chain lengths. DNA sequence analysis of the full-length gene revealed that the gene cluster may be derived from a member of Proteobacteria, whereas the clone does not contain any clear phylogenetic markers. These results suggest that the wes gene discovered in this study encodes a functional protein in E. coli and produces wax esters through a heterologous expression system.

The anti-inflammatory effect of alginate oligosaccharides on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells was investigated at different time points (0-60 h). The alginate oligosaccharides were produced by an alginate-degrading enzyme from Shewanella oneidensis PKA1008. The alginate oligosaccharides decreased the production of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-, interleukin (IL)-, and IL-6] in a dose-dependent manner. The alginate oligosaccharides showed peak anti-inflammatory activity after 36 h of incubation; at that time point, reduced protein expression of NF- p65, iNOS, and COX-2 was detected. Furthermore, the alginate oligosaccharide treatment reduced the formation of ear edema at 36 h compared to samples examined at 0 h when the oligosaccharides were administered at 50 and 250 mg/kg body weight, as well as dermal thickness and mast cell numbers in a histological analysis. These results suggest that alginate oligosaccharides are a promising anti-inflammatory agent.

In traditional medicine, lung-moistening herbal medicines (LMHM) are regarded as a major option for treating symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) including dry cough and dyspnea. As PF agents are being applied to the development of lung cancer agents, PF and lung cancer are reported to have high pathological and pharmacological relationships. This study was proposed to identify candidates for the treatment of PF via investigating the effect of LMHM on PF mouse model. PF was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Six water extracts of LMHM such as Farfarae Flos (FAF), Trichosanthis Semen (TRS), Lilii Bulbus (LIB), Adenophorae Radix (ADR), Asteris Radix (ASR), and Scrophulariae Radix (SCR) were prepared and administered (300 mg/kg) orally for 10 days after induction. The changes in body weight, histopathology, and immune cell of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were investigated. Among those, LIB and ADR significantly decreased the deposition of collagen and septal thickness of alveolar and terminal bronchiole. Moreover, SCR, TRS, LIB, and ADR decreased total cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes in BALF. Taken together, ADR and LIB could be the candidates to reduce PF. Further studies on their effects at different doses and analysis of their underlying molecular mechanisms are needed.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol compound, has been reported to exert anticancer activity in various cancer cells. The present study investigated the effect and underlying mechanisms of resveratrol in the human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and SKOV3. Treatment with resveratrol induced apoptotic cell death in dose‑ and time‑dependent manners, as well as a transient increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Resveratrol‑induced cell death was attenuated by the antioxidant, N‑acetylcysteine (NAC), suggesting that ROS were involved in the observed cell death. Treatment with resveratrol resulted in a ROS‑dependent decrease of Notch1 signaling. When cells were transfected to overexpress Notch1 using EF.hlCN1.CMV.GFP, resveratrol‑induced cell death was blocked. Western blot analysis demonstrated that resveratrol also upregulated phospho‑phosphatase and tensin homolog (p‑PTEN) and downregulated phospho‑Akt (p‑Akt). Overexpression of p‑Akt by transfection with a constitutively active form (caAkt), and the p‑PTEN inhibitor SF1670 prevented resveratrol‑induced cell death. The caspase‑3 inhibitor z‑DEVD‑FMK significantly attenuated the resveratrol‑induced caspase‑3 cleavage. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that resveratrol induces caspase‑dependent cell death through suppression of Notch1 and PTEN/Akt signaling and it is mediated by increased ROS generation in human ovarian cancer cells.

Backgrounds We previously demonstrated the presence of onychodermis below nail matrix and nail bed. Because nail matrix is a producer of nail plate, we hypothesized that onychodermis below nail matrix could be the nail counterpart of follicular dermal papilla. In this study, we sought to further characterize histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical features of nail matrix onychodermis. Methods and results Hematoxylin and eosin slides of 10 polydactyly nail units and 10 nail matrix biopsies from children and adults were reviewed. In polydactyly nail units, the onychodermis beneath nail matrix was characterized by onychofibroblasts showing abundant cytoplasm, and this area was slightly separated from the undersurface of the nail matrix. Nail matrix biopsy specimens also showed similar histology in the nail matrix onychodermis. Alcian blue stain demonstrated mucin deposition in onychofibroblasts within the nail matrix onychodermis. Immunohistochemically, elastin was rarely expressed in the nail matrix onychodermis while it was strongly expressed in the dermis of other areas of polydactyly nail units. Elastin was not expressed in follicular dermal papilla of terminal hair follicles of the scalp. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the presence and localization of nail matrix onychodermis (onychomatricodermis). Our study also demonstrates similar elastin expression patterns in the onychomatricodermis and follicular dermal papilla.

International audience; Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the peripapillary vessel density between eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) and eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods: Peripapillary vessel density in the radial peripapillary capillaries was assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography, and compared between patients with PXG and those with POAG, matched for age and mean deviation (MD) of standard automated perimetry. The vessel density was measured between the optic disc margin and 750 μm from the optic disc margin.Results: In total, 39 eyes with PXG were matched to 39 eyes with POAG. Mean untreated intraocular pressure was higher in the PXG group than in the POAG group (21.4±6.7 vs. 14.9±2.9 mm Hg; P

A salt waste generated from the pyroprocess contains residual actinides and needs to be purified for recycling of the salt and waste conditioning. A co-reduction process could be considered for removal of residual actinides from the salt waste, which contains lanthanides and residual actinides. In the study, specifically, an effect of Bi(III) ion on the electrochemical reaction of Tb(III) ion was investigated in the molten LiCl-KCl eutectic with BiCl3 and TbCl3 at 773 K using electrochemical techniques of cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and open circuit chronopotentiometry. Tb(III) has a single redox couple without Bi(III). However, the cyclic voltammograms obtained at tungsten electrode in LiCl-KCl-BiCl3-TbCl3 showed four redox couples. The square wave voltammogram in same condition also showed five reduction peaks. Cyclic voltammogram and square wave voltammogram was resolved to find the accurate peaks for redox reaction. Each peak indicates the formation of Tb-Bi intermetallic compound except Tb(III) reduction peak. From the phase diagram of Tb-Bi, it is inferred that each peak corresponds to TbBi2, TbBi, Tb4Bi3, and Tb5Bi3. The open circuit chronopotentiometry was conducted to estimate Gibbs free energy of formation of Tb-Bi intermetallic compound. The experimental results obtained from three kind of the electrochemical techniques showed that Tb-Bi intermetallic compounds were electrochemically formed under potential of Tb(III) reduction potential by co-reduction of Bi(III) and Tb(III). These results indicate that underpotential deposition by co-reduction could be used for Tb(III) removal from the salt waste with Bi(III).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the regional variations of peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients with a retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect localized to a single superior or inferior hemifield. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study.Ninety-five NTG patients and 53 normal subjects were divided into 3 groups: 34 eyes with a superior RNFL defect (group A), 61 eyes with an inferior RNFL defect (group B), and 53 normal eyes (group C). The average, quadrant, and clock-hour RNFL thickness (RNFLT) and PCT were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thickness ratio (CTR) was defined as the ratio of the measured PCT at a quadrant or a clock-hour position to the average PCT of an individual. The PCT, CTR, and RNFLT were compared among 3 groups.The average PCT of NTG patients was thinner compared to that of healthy subjects (154.17 vs. 180.65 μm, P