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Acylhydrazone-based fluorescent conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with inter-and intra-hydrogen bonding-controlled emissive properties were prepared. The synthesized CMPs (BH-CMP and ABH-CMP) were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, solid-state 13C cross polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Interestingly, BH-CMP exhibited emission enhancement via adsorption of water molecules, whereas the emission of ABH-CMP, which possesses free amine groups, decreased upon the addition of water molecules. The differences in the emission trends of BH-CMP and ABH-CMP in the presence of water molecules originate from the formation of different hydrogen-bonding networks in each CMP. The acylhydrazone-based CMPs were applied to the detection of nitroaromatic compounds. As a result, ABH-CMP in DMF exhibited high selectivity for 1,3,5-trinitrotoluene (TNT) over other nitroaromatic compounds nitrobenzene, 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene, 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene, and 2,4-dinitrotoluene.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have drawn significant interest as emerging active materials for advanced energy storage devices; however, their low electric and ionic conductivity limit their applications. In this study, we report sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) co-doped NiCo LDH nanoarrays prepared via a facile phosphor–sulfurization process to impart diverse co-doping effects. Combining the benefits of their unique hierarchical structure and reduced charge transfer resistance, the S and P co-doped NiCo LDH (NiCo LDH-SP) nanoarrays realize faster and more efficient redox reactions and achieve enhanced surface reactivity, thereby resulting in a performance superior to that of pristine NiCo LDH. Therefore, a NiCo LDH-SP shows an ultra-high specific capacitance of 3844.8 F g−1 at a current density of 3 A g−1 and maintains a specific capacitance of 2538.8 F g−1 at a high current density of 20 A g−1. Additionally, an asymmetric supercapacitor, assembled with the NiCo LDH-SP as the cathode and activated carbon (AC) as the anode (NiCo LDH-SP//AC), shows a high energy density of 74.5 W h kg−1 at a power density of 0.8 kW kg−1 and outstanding cycling stability, thereby retaining ∼81.3% of its initial specific capacitance after 5000 cycles. This study presents a facile and promising strategy for developing LDH-based electrode materials with excellent electrochemical performance for advanced energy storage applications.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with inorganic solid electrolytes (SEs) have received much attention as future energy storage systems owing to their high energy densities and excellent safety. Sulfide-based SEs are considered promising because they exhibit greater ionic conductivities and mechanical softness than oxide-based SEs. In particular, argyrodite-type Li6PS5Cl with a high ionic conductivity of 3.0 × 10−3 S cm−1 offers new possibilities for realizing high-performance ASSBs. However, contact with moisture results in the evolution of H2S from Li6PS5Cl, which has hindered the scalable fabrication and practical application of Li6PS5Cl. To avoid this issue, we propose incorporating a zeolite, which can act as a scavenger for both toxic H2S gas and moisture, as a functional additive in Li6PS5Cl. We demonstrate that zeolite-embedded Li6PS5Cl exhibits greatly improved chemical stability and reduced H2S evolution upon storage in humid air (RH 50%), leading to a noticeable improvement in the cycle performance of ASSBs. This approach could resolve the technical issues associated with sulfide-based SEs toward commercial-scale implementation.

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASLBs) employing sulfide solid electrolytes are attractive next-generation rechargeable batteries that could offer improved safety and energy density. Recently, wet syntheses or processes for sulfide solid electrolyte materials have opened opportunities to explore new materials and practical fabrication methods for ASLBs. A new wet-chemical route for the synthesis of Li-deficient Li3-x PS4 (0≤x≤0.3) has been developed, which is enabled by dual solvents. Owing to its miscibility with tetrahydrofuran and ability to dissolve elemental sulfur, o-xylene as a cosolvent facilitates the wet-chemical synthesis of Li3-x PS4 . Li3-x PS4 (0≤x≤0.15) derived by using dual solvents shows Li+ conductivity of approximately 0.2 mS cm-1 at 30 °C, in contrast to 0.034 mS cm-1 for a sample obtained by using a conventional single solvent (tetrahydrofuran, x=0.15). The evolution of the structure for Li3-x PS4 is also investigated by complementary analysis using X-ray diffraction, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. LiCoO2 /Li-In ASLBs employing Li2.85 PS4 obtained by using dual solvents exhibit a reversible capacity of 130 mA h g-1 with good cycle retention at 30 °C, outperforming cells with Li2.85 PS4 obtained by using a conventional single solvent.

Anion-coordination chemistry is important in biological and industrial processes and to alleviate environmental issues. Although thiourea has been studied for customized anion receptor applications...

Sorafenib is a well-known approved systemic therapeutic agent used in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Regorafenib and nivolumab are approved as second-line therapeutic drugs in patients showing disease progression after sorafenib therapy. However, there is no established third- or fourth-line therapy in patients with progression after regorafenib or nivolumab treatment. Recently, the combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) has been attempted as a firstline treatment strategy in advanced HCC patients based on the hypothesis that combination therapy may overcome resistance in ICPI monotherapy. On the basis of this suggestion, we herein describe the case of an HCC patient demonstrating macrovascular invasion, whereby partial remission was achieved via the combination of sorafenib and nivolumab following disease progression after nivolumab therapy. Further studies on the combination of TKIs and ICPIs are necessary to determine ways to manage HCC patients showing disease progression after ICPI therapy. (J Liver Cancer 2019;19:74-78)

This study aimed to establish a rapid in vitro plant regeneration method from rhizome buds of Kaempferia parviflora to obtain the valuable secondary metabolites with antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. The disinfection effect of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) on rhizome and effects of plant growth regulators on shoot multiplication and subsequent rooting were investigated. Surface sterilization of rhizome buds with sodium hypochlorite was insufficient to control contamination. However, immersing rhizome buds in 100 mg L−1 AgO NPs for 60 min eliminated contamination without affecting the survival of explants. The number of shoots (12.2) produced per rhizome bud was higher in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 8 µM of 6-Benzyladenine (6-BA) and 0.5 µM of Thidiazuron (TDZ) than other treatments. The highest number of roots (24), with a mean root length of 7.8 cm and the maximum shoot length (9.8 cm), were obtained on medium MS with 2 µM of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). A survival rate of 98% was attained when plantlets of K. parviflora were acclimatized in a growth room. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine the chemical profile of K. parviflora leaf extracts. Results showed that several biologically active flavonoids reported in rhizomes were also present in leaf tissues of both in vitro cultured and ex vitro (greenhouse-grown) plantlets of K. parviflora. We found 40 and 36 compounds in in vitro cultured and ex vitro grown leaf samples, respectively. Greenhouse leaves exhibited more potent antioxidant activities than leaves from in vitro cultures. A higher acetylcholinesterase inhibitory ability was obtained for greenhouse leaves (1.07 mg/mL). However, leaves from in vitro cultures exhibited stronger butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory abilities. These results suggest that leaves of K. parviflora, as major byproducts of black ginger cultivation, could be used as valuable alternative sources for extracting bioactive compounds.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of human tumors and normal cells exposed to various carcinogens has revealed distinct mutational patterns that provide deep insights into the DNA damage and repair processes. Although ionizing radiation (IR) is conventionally known as a strong carcinogen, its genome-wide mutational impacts have not been comprehensively investigated at the single-nucleotide level. Here, we explored the mutational landscape of normal single-cells after exposure to the various levels of IR. On average, 1 Gy of IR exposure generated ∼16 mutational events with a spectrum consisting of predominantly small nucleotide deletions and a few characteristic structural variations. In ∼30% of the post-irradiated cells, complex genomic rearrangements, such aschromoplexy, chromothripsis, and breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, were resulted, indicating the stochastic and chaotic nature of DNA repair in the presence of the massive number of concurrent DNA double-strand breaks. These mutational signatures were confirmed in the genomes of 22 IR-induced secondary malignancies. With high-resolution genomic snapshots of irradiated cells, our findings provide deep insights into how IR-induced DNA damage and subsequent repair processes operate in mammalian cells.

We discovered the efficient catalyst-free, photo-mediated oxidative cyclization reaction of bis-p-pyridinium benzoyl hydrazone (BH1) to 2-pyridinium-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles. This photoreaction is remarkable because it does not require additives (e.g., bases, strong oxidants, or photocatalysts), which are essential in previous reports, and proceeds very effectively even with solid-state microporous organic polymers. Interestingly, we found that the inclusion complexation of BH1 with cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) interferes with the photo-induced electron transfer from BH1 to molecular oxygen through modification of the LUMO energy level, thus inhibiting the photo-medicated oxidative cyclization.

Sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) have been featured as promising alternatives to the current lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) mainly owing to their superior safety. Nevertheless, a solution‐based scalable manufacturing scheme has not yet been established because of the incompatible polarity of the binder, solvent, and sulfide electrolyte during slurry preparation. This dilemma is overcome by subjecting the acrylate (co)polymeric binders to protection−deprotection chemistry. Protection by the tert‐butyl group allows for homogeneous dispersion of the binder in the slurry based on a relatively less polar solvent, with subsequent heat‐treatment during the drying process to cleave the tert‐butyl group. This exposes the polar carboxylic acid groups, which are then able to engage in hydrogen bonding with the active cathode material, high‐nickel layered oxide. Deprotection strengthens the electrode adhesion such that the strength equals that of commercial LIB electrodes, and the key electrochemical performance parameters are improved markedly in both half‐cell and full‐cell settings. The present study highlights the potential of sulfide‐based ASSBs for scalable manufacturing and also provides insights that protection−deprotection chemistry can generally be used for various battery cells that suffer from polarity incompatibility among multiple electrode components.

Stimuli-responsive polymeric systems are of considerable interest due to their potential applications in environment-adaptive technologies such as smart surfaces. Traditionally, such systems can be constructed either by dynamic noncovalent (supramolecular) or dynamic covalent chemistry, but the use of both chemistries in one system may offer unique opportunities for structural diversity and various controllability. Herein, we report that hydrazone–pyridinum conjugates, which can be dynamically exchanged by transimination, assemble to form one-dimensional nanowires due to direct intermolecular interactions (without metal-ion coordination). The self-assembly process can be controlled not only by dynamic covalent chemistry but also by pH adjustment. The hydrazone–pyridinum conjugates are transformed to merocyanine-type dyes of distinctive negative solvatochromism via deprotonation, which also affects their self-assembly. Such a dual control of the dynamic molecular assembly will provide unique way to develop...

Objectives To determine neuroprotective effects and mechanism of the combination therapy of niacin and selenium in cardiac arrest rats. Design Prospective laboratory study. Setting University laboratory. Subjects Rat cortex neurons and male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 68). Interventions In rat cortex neurons underwent 90 minutes of oxygen-glucose deprivation and 22.5 hours of reoxygenation, effects of the combination therapy of niacin (0.9 mM) and selenium (1.5 μM) were investigated. The role of DJ-1 was determined using DJ-1 knockdown cells. In cardiac arrest rats, posttreatment effects of the combination therapy of niacin (360 mg/kg) and selenium (60 μg/kg) were evaluated. Measurements and main results In oxygen-glucose deprivation and 22.5 hours of reoxygenation cells, combination therapy synergistically activated the glutathione redox cycle by a niacin-induced increase in glutathione reductase and a selenium-induced increase in glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced hydrogen peroxide level. It increased phosphorylated Akt and intranuclear Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression and attenuated neuronal injury. However, these benefits were negated by DJ-1 knockdown. In cardiac arrest rats, combination therapy increased DJ-1, phosphorylated Akt, and intranuclear nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression, suppressed caspase 3 cleavage, and attenuated histologic injury in the brain tissues. It also improved the 7-day Neurologic Deficit Scales from 71.5 (66.0-74.0) to 77.0 (74.-80.0) (p = 0.02). Conclusions The combination therapy of clinically relevant doses of niacin and selenium attenuated brain injury and improved neurologic outcome in cardiac arrest rats. Its benefits were associated with reactive oxygen species reduction and subsequent DJ-1-Akt signaling up-regulation.

A polyring capable of reversible growth and dissociation is synthesized from a tricyclic polystyrene (PS) prepared by combining atom transfer radical polymerization of a 4-arm star-shaped PS and azide–alkyne click reactions. In the preparation of the tricyclic PS, a coupling agent containing a disulfide linkage is used in the click cyclization reaction. The reduction of the disulfide linkage in the tricyclic PS results in an 8-shaped PS with thiol groups which on oxidation leads to a high molecular weight polyring. The topology transformation between the polymers occurs via reversible redox reaction of disulfide/thiol. The high molecular weight of the polyring is realized due to the formation of flexible S–S linkage between the 8-shaped PSs. Their structures are confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR, SEC, and MALDI-TOF MS analyses. In addition, molecular weight control of the polyring according to polymer concentration has been confirmed through SEC analysis.

We have developed an “atmospheric steam reforming treatment” technique to obtain high-performance flexible amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) for applications in wearable/imperceptible electronics. The oxide TFTs, using as-grown a-IGZO with low-temperature sputtering and atomic layer deposition of Al2O3, showed unstable electrical behavior and poor transfer characteristics, which originated from a highly defective channel, gate insulator, and channel/gate insulator interface. Surprisingly, stable a-IGZO TFTs were obtained by atmospheric steam reforming treatment at an extremely low temperature (∼90 °C), and they exhibited good TFT performance with high field-effect mobility (13.3 cm2/V·s), high on/off ratio (4.5 × 108), and small SS value (0.23 V/dec). Despite the extremely low thermal budget, this steam treatment has a positive effect on the TFT characteristics because of an effective oxygen diffusion source, thereby resulting in successful healing of oxygen-related defects in the bulk oxide channel, channel/gate insulator interface, and gate insulator. Finally, by carrying out the atmospheric steam treatment at an extremely low temperature, we successfully fabricated ultrathin flexible a-IGZO TFTs with good electrical performance from a vacuum deposition system at the maximum process temperatures of 100–150 °C.

We suggest a design for the channel stacking sequence in hybrid phototransistors consisting of an oxide layers and two-dimensional (2D) chalcogenide nano-crystals to develop good electrical performance and a good photoresponse. The hybrid channels of the phototransistors were composed of a photo-insensitive oxide [amorphous InGaZnO ( a -InGaZnO)] for effective charge transport and a visible photosensitive chalcogenide (CdS) nano-crystal. Interestingly, the electrical performance, photosensitivity, and recovery properties of the hybrid phototransistor depended strongly on the order of the channel stacking sequence. When the CdS nano-crystal layers were located close to the gate interface in the hybrid channel, significant degradation of the field-effect mobility and recovery behavior was observed, which was due to the increase in gate-interface trap density caused by many surfaces of nano-crystals. In contrast to the negative V th shift for the a -InGaZnO/2D CdS nano-crystal stacking sequence, the phototransistor using an embedded-absorber channel structure ( a -InGaZnO/2D CdS nano-crystals/ a -InGaZnO) exhibited a considerably higher off-current under green irradiation, which is attributed to simultaneous realization of effective generation of photocarriers from the CdS nano-crystals and charge transport via the high-mobility upper a -InGaZnO layer. In particular, this hybrid phototransistor exhibited a wide operation voltage window as well as high photosensitivity and photoresponsivity, without any degradation of the oxide thin film transistor's performance.

The ability to rapidly detect, identify, and monitor chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is imperative for both military and civilian defense. Since most CWAs and their simulants have an organophosphonate group, which is a hydrogen (H)-bond acceptor, many H-bond donors have been developed to effectively bind to the organophosphonate group. Although thioureas have been actively studied as an organocatalyst, they are relatively less investigated in CWA detection. In addition, there is a lack of studies on the structure–property relationship for gas phase detection. In this study, we synthesized various thioureas of different chemical structures, and tested them for sensing dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP), a CWA simulant. Molecular interaction between DMMP and thiourea was measured by 1H NMR titration and supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Strong H-bond donor ability of thiourea may cause self-aggregation, and CH−π interaction can play an important role in the DMMP detection. Gas-phase ad...

The electrical and chemical stability of solution-processed indium zinc oxide (IZO) channel thin-film transistors (TFTs) were engineered via a synergistic approach of annealing duration and self-combustion process. In particular, the amorphous IZO TFTs that were thermally treated at 400 °C for 3 h using the specific precursor combination to generate internal self-combustion energy showed the best electrical performance [high saturation mobility ( μ SAT )=2.7 cm 2 /V s] and stability [low threshold voltage shift (Δ V TH ) under positive bias stress of 10.5 V] owing to the formation of oxide films with excellent metal–oxide–metal (M–O–M) bonds, fewer impurities, and an amorphous phase compared to IZO TFTs using other precursor formulas and annealing times. Longer annealing times led to a saturated M–O bond ratio and crystallization via extreme thermal annealing, which induced electrical degradation (low μ SAT and high Δ V TH ) of IZO TFTs. In the wet chemical patterning of electrodes, conventional acidic and basic wet etchants cause severe damage to the surfaces of the IZO channels; thus, insufficiently annealed IZO TFTs exhibited considerable degradation in terms of their on-current level and mobility. Alternatively, the TFTs subjected to an excessively long-term thermal annealing showed only a moderate decrease in mobility with the formation of small nanocrystals.

Adhesion is a major complication of endoscopic sinus surgery that may lead to recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis, necessitating revision surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyethyl starch (HA–HES) relative to hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (HA–CMC) with regard to anti-adhesion effect. In this multi-center, prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study, 77 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled between March 2014 and March 2015. HA–HES and HA–CMC were applied to randomly assigned ethmoidectomized cavities after the removal of middle meatal packing. At the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks after surgery, the presence and grades of adhesion, edema, and infection were, respectively, examined via endoscopy by a blinded assessor. The incidence and grades of adhesion at the 2-week follow-up were significantly less in the HA–CMC group than in the HA–HES group (p

Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (Nox) inhibitor, apocynin, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, suppresses the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, attenuates lung injury, and improves survival in rat hemorrhagic shock (HS) model. Methods Blood was drawn from male Sprague-Dawley rats (290-340 g) to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 20-25 mm Hg for 40 minutes. The rats were resuscitated with the drawn blood, and a vehicle (HS), a low dose of apocynin (20 mg/kg, LD-Apo), or a high dose of apocynin (40 mg/kg, HD-Apo) was administered intraperitoneally. The survival of the rats was observed for 72 hours. Then, a separated set of rats was euthanized at 6 hours post-HS induction. We measured gp91-phox (Nox2) expression, Nox activity, cytoplasmic phosphorylated inhibitor κB-α (p-IκB-α) expression, NF-κB p65 DNA-binding activity, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expressions, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histological damage in the lung tissues. Results The survival rates of the sham, HS, HS + LD-Apo, and HS + HD-Apo groups were 100% (5/5), 30% (3/10), 40% (4/10), and 70% (7/10), respectively. A high dose of apocynin decreased gp91-phox expression, Nox activity, and MDA level in the lung tissues during HS and resuscitation. It also decreased p-IκB-α expression, NF-κB p65 DNA-binding activity, TNF-α and IL-6 gene expressions, and MPO activity in the lung tissues and attenuated histological lung injuries. However, a low dose of apocynin failed to show these benefits. Conclusions The administration of a high dose of apocynin inhibited Nox2 expression and Nox activity, reduced lipid peroxidation, suppressed the NF-κB pathway and subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokines transcription in the lung tissues, and attenuated lung injury during HS and resuscitation in rats.

Recent research in flexible and imperceptible electronic devices has been dominated by the development of robust channel materials and adequate processes for thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on an inorganic amorphous oxide. Water-soluble sacrificial polyvinyl alcohol and parylene were employed for the fabrication of ultra-light amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O (a-IGZO) TFTs with a top-gate configuration. But, a higher negative gate bias stress (≥5 V) caused anomalous degradation in the on-current level and field-effect mobility with increasing stress time, which was attributed to the rough surface of the chemical vapor deposited parylene film. The current work adopts an ultraviolet ozone irradiation treatment for improving the surface roughness of the polymer films prior to the fabrication of oxide TFTs. A suppression of the on-current drop and typical TFTs transfer behavior were observed under light irradiation with a negative gate bias stress. The a-IGZO TFTs on the parylene surface treated for 20 min exhibited a device thickness of approximately 5 µm and good TFT performances with field-effect mobility, subthreshold swing, and on/off current ratio values of 13.9 cm2/V s, 0.24 V/dec, and 7 × 108, respectively. This survey suggests that a polymer film with a smooth surface can play a beneficial role in fabricating flexible ultra-slim a-IGZO TFTs.

For practical solution-processed oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) with cost efficiency, high performance, and long-term environmental reliability, we suggested a novel sol–gel processed rare-metal-free oxide-based semiconductor/insulator [ZnSnO (ZTO)/Al2O3] heterostructure channel and chemically stable sol–gel multi-stacking method. In the rare-metal-free ZTO/Al2O3 heterostructure, an In- and Ga-free ZTO semiconductor with high chemical durability is employed as an effective electron transport layer. An earth-abundant Al2O3 insulator is employed as both an ambient gas molecule barrier in the ZTO back-channel region and a tunneling-induced electron transport layer beneath the source/drain electrodes. In order to minimize inevitable chemical attack coming from acidic and basic precursor solutions during the sol–gel based heterostructure construction, chemically stable sol–gel ZTO/Al2O3 heterostructure stacking was successfully demonstrated with a chemically durable Sn-modulated ZTO semiconductor and weakly corrosive pH-engineered Al2O3 precursor solution. The proposed rare-metal-free ZTO/Al2O3 heterostructure and chemically stable stacking realized sol–gel processed oxide TFT with excellent stability under humidity, temperature, bias voltage, and light exposure. We believe that our novel ZTO/Al2O3 heterostructure and chemically stable sol–gel stacking method will provide an interesting route for the fabrication of practical solution-based oxide TFTs with cost efficiency, high performance, and long-term reliability, instead of conventional rare-metal based oxide materials and channel structures with high environmental instability.

For the fabrication of solution-processed oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs), most studies have focused on the sol–gel coating of oxide films with high mobility, but the inevitable wet-based channel or metal patterning processes to integrate the circuits (individual TFTs + metal-lines) on large-area TFT back-planes have been excluded due to unintentional electrical degradation of conventional In and Zn based oxide channels and additional post-processes (etch-stopper and recovery process). The incorporation of Sn–O bonds in oxide films can enhance their electrical performance and chemical durability and minimize electrical degradation during wet-based metal patterning, but conversely, it makes wet-based channel patterning difficult. Using Sn–O incorporation and temperature-controlled thermal annealing, based on the chemical reaction route, we were able to engineer the chemical durability of sol–gel coated Sn-incorporated ZnO (ZTO) films into inferior (with weak M–O bonds) and robust states (with strong M–O bonds). Well-patterned solution-processed ZTO channels were formed in a chemically weak state and reinforced into a chemically robust state for metal patterning via the combination (soft-bake → pattern → hard bake) of chemical durability engineering and a wet-etching process, which induced uniformly patterned, highly electrical, chemically robust ZTO channels with a low leakage current (∼1011 A), superior electrical performance (2.0 ≤ μFE ≤ 3.2 cm2 V−1 s−1), and chemical robustness against metal wet etchants. All wet-based approaches are designed to integrate the circuits (individual TFTs + metal-lines) on large-area solution-processed oxide TFT back-planes: (i) sol–gel channel coating, (ii) channel wet patterning, and (iii) electrode wet patterning in solution systems.

All-solid-state batteries (ASB) have received great attention as a next generation power source due to its safe characteristics with non-flammable solid electrolyte. Whole battery reactions are occurred in solid-state Li+ migration in ASB, therefore the well-contacted interfacial area is critical for battery performance. Especially for ASB with high energy density, casting process is suitable to form a large sized sheet of electrode and electrolyte. When electrode and electrolyte sheets are fabricated by conventional cold pressing, sulfide solid electrolyte is favorable to form a contact area effectively due to its elastic powder character compared to oxide. However, sulfide solid electrolyte is chemically unstable with humidity in air. It easily generates H2S gas that is toxic and hazardous. Residual Li2S and bridge sulfur in structure are known as main cause of H2S generation. The ionic conductivity is also decreased by the decomposition of solid electrolyte by undesirable H2S generation. In this study, zeolite were used as additive for H2S scavenger. 5 wt% of zeolite additive was mixed with argyrodite-type Li6PS5Cl, then exposured in moisture air (Rh 50%). The amount of H2S gas generation was greatly reduced by introducing zeolite additive. Decease of ionic conductivity after air exposure is also suppressed by zeloite additive. It also affect to cell performance such as specific capacity and cycle performance. On the basis of these results, adding H2S scavenger is proposed as a visible method for enhancement of air-stability of sulfide solid electrolyte. The detailed results will be discussed at the meeting.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 2 plant leaf extracts on fermentation mechanisms and health-promoting activities and their potential as a nutraceutical prebiotics ingredient for application in dairy products. The individual active phenolic compounds in the plant extract-supplemented milk and yogurts were also identified. Compared with control fermentation, the plant extracts significantly increased the growth and acidification rate of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus. In particular, plant extract components, including monosaccharides, formic acid, and hydroxycinnamic acid, such as neo-chlorogenic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acid, together play a stimulatory role and cause this beneficial effect on the growth of yogurt culture bacteria through fermentation. In addition, supplementation with the plant extracts enhanced antioxidant activities with increased total phenolic contents, especially the highest antioxidant activity was observed in yogurt supplemented with Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract.

Hybrids of π-conjugated polymers and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are an intriguing class of materials owing to their interesting electric and optoelectronic properties. Herein, we synthesized three types of 1,1′-binaphthyl-incorporated conjugated polymers with thiophene bridges. It was found that the molecular structure of the π-conjugated polymers affected the selective dispersion of individual SWNT species: the hexyl-substituted PBHT preferred (8,7) SWNT while polymers with no alkyl groups on the thiophenes (PBT and PB2T) preferred (8,6) species. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations also revealed that the polymers were able to wrap around SWNTs and showed selective interactions with the SWNT species.

Background We recently reported that chronic cholesterol depletion in NCI-H292 cells by lovastatin suppresses interleukin (IL)-1β–induced MUC5AC gene expression. However, as there are numerous statins affect MUC5AC expression, we sought to determine which statin is most effective in reducing MUC5AC expression, and whether this activity of statins is related to IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. Methods Four statins, namely atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, were tested. Cholesterol depletion was measured via modified microenzymatic fluorescence assay and filipin staining. NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with 10 μM of each statin for 1 hour, 10 ng/mL of IL-1β was added, and cells were then co-incubated with statin and IL-1β for 24 hours. MUC5AC mRNA expression was measured via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The phosphorylation levels were assayed by Western blot. Results Cholesterol in the plasma membrane was markedly decreased by all 4 statins, of which atorvastatin was the most potent. IL-1β–induced MUC5AC messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was most significantly decreased by 10 μM atorvastatin, to 1.4 ± 0.2-fold of the level of the untreated control group, as opposed to an increase to 4.7 ± 0.5-fold for IL-1β alone, and this suppression of MUC5AC expression was dose-dependent. This decrease in MUC5AC expression by atorvastatin was mediated via the IL-1 receptor and the MAPK pathway, including both phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho–extracellular signal-regulated kinase (phospho-ERK). Conclusion These results suggest that atorvastatin is the most potent of the assayed statins with respect to suppression of IL-1β–induced MUC5AC mRNA expression, and may be considered as an anti-hypersecretory agent.

Objectives To determine whether the combination therapy of niacin and selenium attenuates lung injury and improves survival during sepsis in rats and whether its benefits are associated with the activation of the glutathione redox cycle and up-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Design Prospective laboratory study. Setting University laboratory. Subjects Human lung microvascular endothelial cells and male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 291). Intervention In lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells, the dose-related effects of niacin and selenium were assessed, and the therapeutic effects of the combination therapy of niacin (0.9 mM) and selenium (1.5 μM) were evaluated. The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 was determined using nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 knockdown cells. In endotoxemic and cecal ligation and puncture with antibiotics rats, the therapeutic effects of the posttreatments of clinically relevant doses of niacin (360 mg/kg) and selenium (60 μg/kg) were evaluated. Measurements and main results Combination therapy reduced the hydrogen peroxide level via the synergistic activation of the glutathione redox cycle, which involves niacin-induced increases in glutathione reductase activity, and reduced the glutathione level and a selenium-induced increase in glutathione peroxidase activity. Combination therapy contributed to the up-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, enhancement of glutathione synthesis, and down-regulation of nuclear factor κB signaling, but nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 knockdown inhibited the enhancement of glutathione synthesis and down-regulation of the nuclear factor κB pathway. The therapeutic effects of combination therapy on endotoxemic rats were consistent with those on lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells. In addition, the posttreatment of combination therapy attenuated lung injury and improved survival in endotoxemic and cecal ligation and puncture with antibiotics rats. However, individual therapies of niacin or selenium failed to achieve these benefits. Conclusions The combination therapy of niacin and selenium attenuated lung injury and improved survival during sepsis. Its therapeutic benefits were associated with the synergistic activation of the glutathione redox cycle, reduction of hydrogen peroxide level, and up-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.

We present a new and straightforward one-pot process for the synthesis of 3-carbonyl-4-quinolone derivatives through highly efficient Cu-catalyzed aza-Michael addition of 2-aminobenzoates to β-substituted α,β-unsaturated ketones/cyclization/mild oxidation reactions. A broad range of new versatile 3-carbonyl-quinolin-4(1H)-ones is prepared from readily available chemicals under mild reaction conditions with short reaction times, producing good to excellent yields (up to 99%).

Torsionally responsive molecular systems can change their electronic properties according to the dihedral angles and can be utilized as sensory materials. We have designed and synthesized novel tropone-fused conjugated polymers PBTr, PBTr-T, and PBTr-Tz that showed interesting dihedral-angle-dependent variations in UV–vis absorptions. Tropone-fused thiophene derivatives were prepared from one-step condensation of thiophene-3,4-dialdehyde and aliphatic ketones via a modular, facile, and high-yielding method. Subsequent halogenation and Stille cross-coupling polymerization with a bis(stannyl)benzodithiophene resulted in a tropone-fused conjugated polymer PBTr. We were also able to prepare thiophene- and thiazole-bridged polymers, PBTr-T and PBTr-Tz, respectively, using similar synthetic methods. Electronic absorptions of the newly synthesized PBTrs were measured in solutions and in films states. Substantial red-shifts occurred in the case of thiophene-bridged PBTr-T, whereas almost no shift was observed for...

Background The purpose of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of niacin on acute lung injury by the down-regulation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway in hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats. Methods HS was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by withdrawing blood to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 20 mm Hg to 25 mm Hg for 40 minutes. The rats were resuscitated by the reinfusion of the drawn blood, and a vehicle (HS), a low-dose of niacin (360 mg/kg, HS + LD-NA), or a high dose of niacin (1,080 mg/kg, HS + HD-NA) were administered orally. The survival of the subjects was observed for 72 hours, and a separate set of animals was killed at 6 hours after HS induction. We measured cytoplasmic phosphorylated inhibitor κB-α and inhibitor κB-α expressions, nuclear NF-κB p65 expression, NF-κB p65 DNA-binding activity, MEK partner 1 activity, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced glutathione, glutathione disulfide, malondialdehyde levels, and histologic damage in the lung tissue. We also measured TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in the serum. Results The survival rates of the sham, HS, HS + LD-NA, and HS + HD-NA groups were 6 of 6 (100%), 0 of 9 (0%), 1 of 9 (11.1%), and 3 of 9 (33.3%), respectively. A high dose of niacin increased lung NAD+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate levels, and glutathione-glutathione disulfide ratios; decreased lung malondialdehyde levels; down-regulated the NF-κB pathway; suppressed TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in the lung tissue and serum; and attenuated histologic lung damage. Conclusion A high dose of niacin attenuated lung inflammation, suppressed proinflammatory cytokine release, reduced histologic lung damage, and improved survival after HS in rats. Its therapeutic benefits were associated with the down-regulation of the reactive oxygen species-dependent NF-κB pathway.

In this study, self-assembled Ru-containing polymer-MWNTs hybrid thin films were synthesized using metal-ligand (terpyridine, (tpy)) interactions. The subsequent deposition of tpy and Ru-functionalized polymer (tpy-PVA-Ru) with metal ions such as Zn(II) or Cu(II) and tpy-functionalized MWNT resulted in photoactive polymer-MWNTs hybrid thin films. The photoinduced electron transfer from Ru complexes in the polymer films to the indium tin oxide electrode was observed. Although Cu(II)-tpy linkages produced thicker hybrid films owing to the stronger binding energy than those of the Zn(II)-tpy linkages, the photocurrents of the hybrid films with Cu(II) were much smaller than those with Zn(II), probably attributed to the slower electron hopping rates inside the films. However, the anodic photocurrents increased with the inclusion of the MWNTs layer; the polymer-MWNTs hybrid films fabricated by Cu(II) and Zn(II) show 2.2- and 1.4 folds enhanced photocurrent when compared to the thin films without MWNTs. Potential-step chronoamperometry showed that the electron hopping rate constants significantly improved with the inclusion of MWNTs, which may have provided an efficient electron transfer pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), after the return of spontaneous circulation, can predict the neurologic outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a single tertiary hospital intensive care unit. All adult OHCA survivors with admission lipid profiles were enrolled from March 2013 to December 2015. Good neurologic outcome was defined as discharge cerebral performance categories 1 and 2. RESULTS Among 59 patients enrolled, 13 (22.0%) had a good neurologic outcome. Serum levels of HDL (56.7 vs. 40 mg/dL) and ApoA1 (117 vs. 91.6 mg/dL) were significantly higher in patients with a good outcome. Areas under the HDL and ApoA1 receiver operating curves to predict good outcomes were 0.799 and 0.759, respectively. The proportion of good outcome was significantly higher in patients in higher tertiles of HDL and ApoA1 (test for trend, both P=0.003). HDL (P=0.018) was an independent predictor in the multivariate logistic regression model. CONCLUSION Admission levels of HDL and ApoA1 are associated with neurologic outcome in patients with OHCA. Prognostic and potential therapeutic values of HDL and ApoA1 merit further evaluation in the post-cardiac arrest state, as in other systemic inflammatory conditions such as sepsis.

We have examined the effects of oxygen content and thickness in sputtered InSnO (ITO) electrodes, especially for the application of imperceptible amorphous-InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) in humidity sensors. The imperceptible a-IGZO TFT with 50-nm ITO electrodes deposited at Ar:O-2 = 29:0.3 exhibited good electrical performances with V-th of -0.23 V, SS of 0.34 V/dec, mu(FE) of 7.86 cm(2)/V.s, on/off ratio of 8.8 x 10(7), and has no degradation for bending stress up to a 3.5-mm curvature. The imperceptible oxide TFT sensors showed the highest sensitivity for the low and wide gate bias of -1 similar to 2 V under a wide range of relative humidity (40-90%) at drain voltage 1 V, resulting in low power consumption by the sensors. Exposure to water vapor led to a negative shift in the threshold voltage (or current enhancement), and an increase in relative humidity induced continuous threshold voltage shift. In particular, compared to conventional resistor-type sensors, the imperceptible oxide TFT sensors exhibited extremely high sensitivity from a current amplification of >10(3).

The current study was designed to assess the inhibitory activity of Broussonetia papyrifera-derived polyphenols against 3-chymotrypsin-like and papain-like coronavirus cysteine proteases. The isolated compounds were broussochalcone B (1), broussochalcone A (2), 4-hydroxyisolonchocarpin (3), papyriflavonol A (4), 3′-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3′,4,7-trihydroxyflavane (5), kazinol A (6), kazinol B (7), broussoflavan A (8), kazinol F (9), and kazinol J (10). All polyphenols were more potent against papain-like protease (PLpro) than against 3-chymotripsin-like protease (3CLpro); therefore, we investigated their structural features that were responsible for this selectivity. Compound 4 was the most potent inhibitor of PLpro with an IC50 value of 3.7 μM. The active compounds displayed kinetic behaviors, and the binding constants of their interaction with PLpro were determined from surface plasmon resonance analysis. Our results suggest B. papyrifera constituents as promising candidates for development into potential anti-coronaviral agents.

Background We recently showed that acute cholesterol depletion in the plasma membrane of NCI-H292 cells by methyl-β-cyclodextrin suppressed IL-1beta–induced MUC5AC gene expression. Because cholesterol depletion is clinically used as an antihypersecretory method, chronic cholesterol depletion by lovastatin is more rational and safe than acute depletion. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether chronic cholesterol depletion by lovastatin is feasible and, if so, suppresses the expression of GMUC5AC in NCI-H292 cells. We also considered whether this alteration of MUC5AC expression is related to IL-1 receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. Methods After NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with 10 μM of lovastatin for 1 hour, 10 ng/mL of IL-1β was added and cotreated with lovastatin for 24 hours. MUC5AC mRNA expression was then determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cholesterol depletion by lovastatin was measured by modified microenzymatic fluorescence assay and filipin staining. The phosphorylation of IL-1 receptor, ERK, and p38 MAPK as analyzed by Western blot. Results Cholesterol in the plasma membrane was significantly depleted by lovastatin treatment for 24 hours. IL-1beta0-induced MUC5AC mRNA expression was decreased by lovastatin and this decrease occurred IL-1 receptor specifically. Lovastatin suppressed the activation of p38 MAPK but not ERK1/2 in cells activated with IL-1beta. This result suggests that lovastatin-mediated suppression L-1beta–induced MUC5AC mRNA operated only viathe p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. Conclusion Chronic cholesterol depletion in the plasma membrane of NCI-H292 cells may be considered an antihypersecretory method, because it effectively inhibits mucin gene expression of human airway epithelial cells.

An all-solid-state lithium battery based on a sulfide electrolyte is one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems. However, the high interfacial impedance, particularly due to the internal pores in the electrode or electrolyte layers, is the major limiting factor to the development of sheet-type all-solid-state batteries. In this study, a low-resistance integrated all-solid composite electrode is developed using a hybrid of a pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquid and a polyethylene oxide polymer with lithium salt as a multifunctional interphase material, which is engineered to be compatible with the sulfide electrolyte as well as the fabrication process of sheet-type composite electrode. The interphase material fills the pore in the composite sheet while binding the components together, which effectively increases the interfacial contact area and strengthens the physical network between the components, thereby enabling enhanced ion transport throughout the electrode. The interphase-engineered sheet-type LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 /Li10 GeP2 S12 electrode shows a high reversible capacity of 166 mAh g-1 at 25 °C, corresponding to 92% of the observed capacity in a current liquid-based cathode system, as well as enhanced cycle and rate performances. This study proposes a novel and practical method for the development of high-performance sheet-type all-solid-state lithium batteries.

An all-solid-state battery (ASSB) is now accepted as one of promising next-generation rechargeable batteries, since it has a potential to solve the chronic anxiety of safety issue in the current liquid-electrolyte-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) as well as to achieve higher energy density. Of various solid electrolytes for ASSB, sulfide-based solid electrolytes are regarded as more suitable for bulk-type ASSB because of its high conductivity and appropriate mechanical properties such as ductile modulus; It allows the processes of slurry-based sheet coating and cold-pressing required for fabrication of a large areal cell. The bulk-type ASSB, however, has a difficulty yet in increasing reversible capacity and cycle-life because contact area between solid electrolyte and active electrode material is still limited, which is decisive for the cell kinetics. In this presentation, we introduce an ionically-conductive and mechanically-adhesive multifunctional interphase engineering to apply it as both binder and pore-filling agent in all-solid-state composite electrode. The interphase material is hybrid type of ionic liquid and polymer, which is sticky and slightly soft so that build up stable interface between components in the composite electrode. Such combination enables various polymers to be well-mixed in a xylene-based slurry for sulfide-based sheet-type ASSB. The slurry-coated composite electrode showed highly-conductive and well-adhesive physical properties, and finally delivered excellent electrochemical performance in ASSB system. The proposed electrode design and fabrication method can be an effective way to achieve high performance sheet-type sulfide-based ASSB.

Since the industrial revolution, seawater has increased in temperature and acidity due to the increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. To understand the effect of elevated on the early life stages of fish, we reared fertilized eggs of black sea bream Acanthopagrus schlegelii under three concentrations (400, 850 and 1550 ppm) for 3 weeks. The standard length and wet weight of black sea bream larvae declined with enhanced concentration in the rearing water (P concentration in the rearing water. These conflicting results suggest that future experiments should examine the acid-base balance to investigate the formation of bone and otolith during larval growth.

Objectives To determine whether niacin attenuates brain injury and improves neurological outcome after cardiac arrest in rats and if its therapeutic benefits are associated with suppression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Design Prospective laboratory study. Setting University laboratory. Subjects Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=77). Interventions After 6 minutes of no flow time induced by ventricular fibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was provided and return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Animals were then administered vehicle, single low dose (360 mg/kg; at 1 hr postreturn of spontaneous circulation), single high dose (1080 mg/kg; at 1 hr), or repeated low dose of niacin (360 mg/kg/d for 3 d; at 1, 24, and 48 hr) through an orogastric tube. Measurements and main results Neurologic deficit scales were scored at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days postreturn of spontaneous circulation. Single high dose of niacin improved neurologic deficit scales at 48 hours and 7 days, and repeated low dose of niacin improved neurologic deficit scales at 7 days. Then, a separate set of animals were killed at 72 hours postreturn of spontaneous circulation, and brain tissues were harvested. Single high dose and repeated low dose of niacin attenuated cellular apoptosis and neuronal damage in hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 and decreased axonal injury and microglial activation in corpus callosum. They increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and reduced glutathione levels, and decreased malondialdehyde level in brain tissues. Furthermore, they suppressed the phosphorylations of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase and the cleavage of caspase 3. However, they failed to enhance extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 phosphorylation. Conclusions Single high dose and repeated low dose of niacin attenuated brain injury and improved neurological outcome after cardiac arrest in rats. Their therapeutic benefits were associated with suppressions of the phosphorylations of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase and the cleavage of caspase 3.

Numerous efforts have been made to resolve the organic fouling issue in seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants. However, SWRO membranes still suffer fouling in practice. This study proposed a fundamental approach to gain insight into the actual fouling phenomenon. First, humic substances were isolated from seawater (SeaHSs) and characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and MS-IT-TOF. SeaHSs demonstrated some distinctions in average molecular weight, proton distribution, and functional groups compared to humic substances originating from river water and soil which have been popularly utilized to study organic fouling. SeaHSs were then used to study, for the first time, the organic fouling behaviors of SWRO membranes in comparison with Aldrich humic acid (AHA) and Suwannee River natural organic matter (SuNOM). AHA induced the most severe fouling while SeaHSs caused the lowest level of fouling, consistent with the postulation from structural differences. In addition, to further demonstrate the fouling mechanism at a molecular level, unused membranes, fouled membranes, and cleaned membranes (after being fouled) were analyzed exclusively using contact angles and FTIR. The analysis helped to rationalize the variations in fouling behaviors and the distinctions of different types of organic foulants on those variations. The results provide valuable information for all researchers involved in the field in order that they become more cautious in selecting model organic foulants for studying organic fouling in SWRO desalination plants.

Human ether-á-go-go-related gene (hERG) K(+) channel current (I hERG ) is inhibited by various compounds and genetic mutations, potentially resulting in cardiac arrhythmia. Here, we investigated effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and curcumin, two natural anti-inflammatory polyphenols, on I hERG in HEK-293 cells overexpressed with hERG. CAPE dose-dependently decreased repolarization tail current of hERG (I hERG,tail; IC50, 10.6 ± 0.5 μM). CAPE also shifted half-activation voltage (V 1/2) to the left (from -17.5 to -26.5 mV) and accelerated activation and inactivation kinetics. The CAPE inhibition of I hERG,tail was not attenuated in the pore-blocker site mutants of hERG (Y652A and F656A). A point mutation of Cys723 (C723S) mimicked the effects of CAPE and caused a left shift of V 1/2 and acceleration of I hERG,tail deactivation. However, I hERG,tail inhibition by CAPE was still observed in C723S. Taken together, CAPE inhibits hERG channel by class 3 mechanism, i.e., modification of gating, not by blocking the pore. Curcumin induced changes of I hERG similar to those of CAPE, while additional interaction with pore-blocking sites was suggested from attenuated I hERG,tail inhibition in Y652A and F656A. Interestingly, I hERG induced by human action potential voltage clamp was increased by CAPE while decreased by curcumin. Mathematical simulation of action potential derived from the experimental results of CAPE and curcumin supports that CAPE, but not curcumin, would induce shortening of AP duration by facilitation of I hERG . The above results revealed intriguing roles of Cys723 in hERG kinetics and suggested that conventional drug screening by using step pulse protocol for I hERG,tail would overlook the hERG kinetic modulations that could compensate the decrease of I hERG,tail.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of a solid mixture of sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose (S-HA/CMC) for the prevention of adhesions after iatrogenic mucosal injury in murine nasal cavities. We introduced iatrogenic adhesions into the bilateral nasal cavities of 20 male Sprague–Dawley rats. S-HA/CMC was applied to the left nasal cavity, while no packing was placed in the right nasal cavity as a control. At 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-procedure, we examined the number of adhesions, the ratio of the longest cross-sectional length of adhesion to septal cartilage length (RAC), and the degree of fibrosis. S-HA/CMC significantly reduced the number of adhesions when compared to the control group in total (p = 0.031), but not at each individual time point. The S-HA/CMC group showed significantly shorter RAC than the control group in total (p = 0.044), but not at each individual time point. The total fibrosis score was less severe in the S-HA/CMC group than in the control group (p

Background 4F, apolipoprotein AI mimetic peptide, mimics anti-inflammatory properties of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The aim of this study was to investigate whether 4F attenuates acute lung injury and improves survival in endotoxemic rats and to determine whether the therapeutic benefits of 4F are associated with the stimulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1), the activation of Akt, the down-regulation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, and the suppression of cell adhesion molecules. Methods To induce endotoxemia in rats, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg) was injected into a tail vein and 10 minutes later, vehicle or 4F (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, respectively. We observed the survival of subjects for 72 hours. At 6-hour post-LPS, we killed animals and measured S1P1 expression, phosphorylated Akt/Akt ratio, cytoplasmic phosphorylated inhibitor κB-α/inhibitor κB-α ratio, nuclear NF-κB p65 expression and DNA-binding activity, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, myeloperoxidase activity, and histologic damages in lung tissues. We also measured serum HDL cholesterol level. Results 4F improved survival in endotoxemic rats. 4F restored LPS-induced diminution of serum HDL cholesterol level and increased lung S1P1 expression and phosphorylated Akt/Akt ratio in LPS-treated rats. Furthermore, 4F suppressed inhibitor κB-α degradation, NF-κB activation, E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, and myeloperoxidase activity, and attenuated histologic damages in lung tissues. Conclusions 4F attenuated acute lung injury and improved survival in endotoxemic rats. The therapeutic benefits of 4F were found to be associated with the stimulation of S1P1, the activation of Akt, the down-regulation of the NF-κB pathway, and the suppression of cell adhesion molecules.

Purpose To establish and characterize radiation-induced esophagitis (RIE) in vivo and in vitro. Methods and Materials Fractionated thoracic irradiation at 0, 8, 12, or 15 Gy was given daily for 5 days to Balb/c or C57Bl/6 mice. Changes in body weight gain and daily food intake were assessed. At the end of the study, we removed the esophagus and examined histology by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immune cell infiltration and apoptosis by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and gene expression changes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Het-1A human esophageal epithelial cells were irradiated at 6 Gy, treated with recombinant human growth factors, and examined for gene expression changes, apoptosis, proliferation, and signal transduction pathways. Results We observed that irradiation at 12 Gy or 15 Gy per fraction produced significant reduction in body weight and decreased food intake in Balb/c mice but not as much in C57Bl/6 mice. Further analyses of Balb/c mice irradiated at 12 Gy/fraction revealed attenuated epithelium, inflamed mucosa, and increased numbers of infiltrating CD4+ helper T cells and apoptotic cells. Moreover, we found that expression of tissue inhibitor for metalloproteinase-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and stromal-derived factor-1 were increased, whereas epidermal growth factor ( EGF ) was decreased. Irradiated Het-1A cells similarly showed a significant decrease in expression of EGF and connective tissue growth factor ( CTGF ). Treatment of EGF but not CTGF partially protected Het-1A cells from radiation-induced apoptosis and revealed phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT, and ERK signaling pathways. Conclusions We established a mouse model of RIE in Balb/c mice with 12 Gy × 5 fractions, which showed reduced body weight gain, food intake, and histopathologic features similar to those of human esophagitis. Decreased EGF expression in the irradiated esophagus suggests that EGF may be a potential therapeutic intervention strategy to treat RIE.