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Reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been played a critical role in damage of DNA. Recently, many effort is focusing to develop the natural antioxidants for controlling ROS. Zelkova serrata, Ulmaceae, is close as plants which are planted in front of Korea villages. Although Zelkova serrata is familiar with Koreans, those of antioxidant activities and protective effects on oxidative DNA damage haven’t studied. We demonstrated antioxidant activities and inhibitory effects on oxidative DNA damage of Leaf from Zelkova serrata with ethyl acetate fractions (EA) and hot water extracts (HW). Between the extracts, EA showed higher activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2``-azino-bis[3- ethylbenzthiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging, Fe2+ chelating and reducing power than HW. Also, those of total phenolic content are 56.63 and 51.61 mg/g respectively. In addition, φX- 174 RF I plasmid DNA cleavage assay for inhibitory effect by oxidative DNA damage was both EA and HW has significant protective effect on oxidative DNA damage. The results suggested that leaf from Zelkova serrata with ethyl acetate fractions and hot water extracts have surpassing potential as natural resources with antioxidant and inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage.

In this study, a metastable form of vanadium dioxide, denoted as VO 2 (B), has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal condition. However, the as-received VO 2 (B) suffers from fast capacity fading and poor high-rate performance. In order to overcome these problems, the as-received VO 2 (B) is solvothermally treated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to produce VO 2 (B)/rGO composite. As a result, the resulting electric conductivity of the VO 2 (B)/rGO composite is improved to ∼10 −4 cm S −1 (from ∼10 −7 S cm −1 for the as-received VO 2 (B)). Electrochemical data of the VO 2 (B)/rGO composite, tested in both Li and Na cells, shows markedly enhanced electrochemical performance compared to bare VO 2 (B). The effect of electro-conducting rGO is more evident at high rates.

The antioxidant activity was examined on ultra-fine powdered (UFP) Ulmus davidiana (U. davidiana) var. japonica. The average particle size of UFP or commercial powdered (CP) was 1-3 μm or 100 μm. The extraction was performed using either ethanol (EtOH) or hot-water. Contents of phenolic compound of CP and UFP U. davidiana extracts in EtOH was 40.38 and 65.61 mg/g, respectively. In DPPH, EtOH extract of UFP U. davidiana showed a significantly greater activity than hot-water extract at 40 and 200 μg/mL. At 200 μg/mL, the activity was over 90% in all groups. The reducing power of UFP U. davidiana var. japonica in EtOH extraction was 74.3%, which was significantly greater than in other samples (p

Summary The effects of rice koji inoculated with Aspergillus luchuensis on the biochemical and sensory properties of fish sauce produced from sailfin sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus) with different salt concentrations (10% and 20%) were investigated over 10 months. Fish sauces prepared from sailfin sandfish with rice koji and a low salt concentration had higher total nitrogen, amino nitrogen and total free amino acid than did those without rice koji or with a high salt concentration. Sensory evaluation of fish sauces prepared with rice koji and a low salt concentration found better taste, flavour and overall acceptance than those prepared without rice koji during fermentation (P

We investigated the effects of the polysaccharide from the sporophyll of a selected brown alga Undaria pinnatifida on serum lipid profile, fat tissue accumulation, and gastrointestinal transit time in rats fed a high-fat diet. The algal polysaccharide (AP) was prepared by the treatment of multiple cellulase-producing fungi Trichoderma reesei and obtained from the sporophyll with a yield of 38.7% (dry basis). The AP was mostly composed of alginate and fucoidan (up to 89%) in a ratio of 3.75:1. The AP was added to the high-fat diet in concentrations of 0.6% and 1.7% and was given to male Sprague-Dawley rats (5-wk-old) for 5 wk. The 1.7% AP addition notably reduced body weight gain and fat tissue accumulation, and it improved the serum lipid profile, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The effects were associated with increased feces weight and shortened gastrointestinal transit time. In addition, the lipid peroxidation of the liver was decreased in both groups.

Antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage of ethyl acetate fractions extracted from Cone of Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) were investigated to find utilization of Cone, by-product of Red Pine, thrown out after berry shatter, as a new natural plant resource. Cone from P. densiflora was extracted with methanol (MeOH) and separated to petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and water fraction. Among them, ethyl acetate fraction was used. The antioxidant activity was conducted by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2, 2`-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, Fe2+ chelating assay and reducing power assay. The inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage was determined by DNA cleavage assay using φX-174 RF I plasmid. The results of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity at 200 ㎍/㎖ of extracts were 86.50% and 95.80% respectively, which were similar figures compared with L-ascorbic acid as control. Fe2+ chelating activity was 77.96% and reducing power was 0.77 at 200 ㎍/㎖. Total phenolic component was 27.29±0.3 ㎎/g and Vitamin C content was 1.84±0.1 ㎎/g. Also ethyl acetate fraction from Cone has inhibitory effect, using φX-174 RF I plasmid on DNA cleavage assay. In conclusion, Cone, by-product of P. densiflora, showed high antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage. Therefore this study suggests Cone, useless by-product, can be developed as a new natural plant resource with lots of utilization such as an effective antioxidant, natural medicine, food, cosmetics and so on.

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of aronia jamprepared with different content of mashed apple. To analyze the quality characteristics pH, texture, color, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, and sensory property were investigated. As aronia amounts decreased, the pH of aronia jam level increased from 3.97 to 4.40, while its total acidity decreased from 0.39 to 0.27. In color, the L-, a-, and b- values increased with decreases in aronia contents when compared with 100% aroma jam. Texture evaluation revealed that the hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of 100% aronia jam were markedly higher than those of the control and other samples (p

Tangeretin is a natural flavone found mainly in citrus peels. Although emerging evidence suggests the beneficial health effects of tangeretin, little is known about the biological role of tangeretin in the odorant-induced signal transduction pathway. In this study, the effects of tangeretin on odorant-stimulated non-neuronal 3T3-L1 cells were evaluated. Here, we present the first evidence that an olfactory receptor for lyral, an odorant, is expressed in 3T3-L1 cells and that it responds to its ligand. Stimulation with lyral increased the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and Ca2+ levels as well as the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Pretreatment with tangeretin synergistically enhanced the effects of stimulation with lyral: up-regulation of cAMP and Ca2+ levels and CREB phosphorylation. These data collectively suggest that tangeretin synergistically enhances the odorant-induced signaling pathway through modulation of cAMP and CREB signal transduction in non-chemosensory cells.

Artemisia annua L. (AA) is a well-known source of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. AA also has an antibacterial and antioxidant activity. However, the effect of AA extract on hepatic steatosis induced by obesity is unclear. We investigated whether AA extract prevents obesity-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Mice were randomly divided into groups that received a normal chow diet or HFD with or without AA for 12 weeks. We found that AA extract reduced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed mice. Western blot analysis showed that HFD-induced expression of nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein in the livers was decreased by AA extract. In particular, dietary administration of AA extract decreased hepatic high-mobility group box 1 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in HFD-fed mice. AA extract also attenuated HFD-induced collagen deposition and fibrosis-related transforming growth factor-β1 and connective tissue growth factor. These data indicate that dietary AA extract has beneficial effects on hepatic steatosis and inflammation in HFD-fed mice.

Despite increasing demands for higher energy density cathode materials, they can be bigger threats unless thermal stability is guaranteed. Herein, the thermal stability of LixNi0.835Co0.15Al0.015O2 (NCA83) and LixNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA80) is compared by using in-situ transmission electron microscopy. Analysis demonstrates that NCA83 and NCA80 degrade thermally by distinct mechanisms. Al prevents the transition to CoO2-type O1 phase by suppressing O-slab gliding by residual Li. At 67% SOC, in the sub-surface area, thermal degradation of NCA80 is mainly due to reduction of Ni, whereas thermal degradation of NCA83 is a result of concurrent reduction of Ni and Co. The difference indicates that NCA83 has both earlier transition to the rock-salt structure and poorer thermal stability than NCA80. This study presents a protocol to properly evaluate new high energy density cathode materials, and provides important insights into the thermal degradation mechanism of Ni-based layered oxides.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of piceatannol (PT) in statin (rosuvastatin and simvastatin) resistance and tolerance and its association with PCSK9 expression via its p300 inhibitory (p300i) activity. An in vitro study was performed using HepG2 cells that were exposed to statins (rosuvastatin or simvastatin) with or without PT in delipidated serum (DLPS) medium. In the statin exposed conditions, PCSK9 expression was reduced following PT treatment when compared to HepG2 cells w/o PT treatment. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the expression of the transcription factors SREBP2 and HNF1α, which regulate PCSK9 expression. This resulted in low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) stabilization and reduced cellular cholesterol levels. This indicates that PT epigenetically controls statin-induced PCSK9 expression. Interestingly, PT attenuated p300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. Moreover, simulation of PT-p300 binding suggested that PT inhibits p300 as PT could be docked in the p300 HAT domain. Furthermore, inhibition of p300 HAT activity using C-646, a selective p300 inhibitor, or through an siRNA system effectively reduced PCSK9 induction upon statin exposure in HepG2 cells. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that PT blocked the recruitment of p300 to the PCSK9 promoter region. In summary, PT attenuated statin-induced PCSK9 expression by inhibiting p300 HAT activity. Finally, co-administration of simvastatin and PT for 10 weeks further reduced plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and stabilized the hepatic LDLR protein level compared with those resulting from single treatment of simvastatin in a high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia mouse model. Our findings indicate that PT is a new nutraceutical candidate to reduce the statin resistance and tolerance that occurs in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (AD), called Miseon, is one of Korea's monotypic endemic species. As a folk remedy, the AD has been used to treat inflammatory disease, stomachaches, diarrhea, and gynecologic disease in Korea. Some researchers have reported that the AD has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects. But the protective effect of AD leaf for osteoporosis has not been reported yet. Aim of the study This study aimed to analyze the effects and mechanism of AD-ethyl acetate fraction (EA) extract on the osteoporosis, one of the gynecologic disease. Materials and methods The RAW 264.7 cells were used as a model for RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. We measured the TRAcP activity, expressions of NFATc1, c-fos, and MAPK to investigate the effect of AD-EA. OVX-induced osteoporosis rat model was used as menopausal osteoporosis. After both ovaries were removed through a surgical procedure, and AD-EA or 17b-estradiol was orally administered for 8 weeks. BMD of femurs was measured as well as the bone morphometric parameter, such as BV/TV, trabecular thickness, number and surface using a micro CT. Results AD-EA significantly inhibited TRAcP activity, actin ring formation, pit formation and the expressions of osteoclast-related genes in a dose-dependent manner through the inhibition of the MAPK and c-fos/NFATc1 pathway. In addition, low dose administration of AD-EA improved the deterioration of trabecular bone microarchitecture caused by OVX through the inhibition of bone resorption by TRAcP and CTK. Conclusions These results suggest that AD-EA may contribute to the therapy of osteoporosis caused by menopause in women.

A high-energy–density Bi-reduced graphene oxide (Bi-RGO) composite was synthesized using the quick one-pot supercritical acetone (scACT) method. The unique deoxygenation properties and ultrafast particle formation in scACT led to the simultaneous reduction of graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and the formation of heterogeneously nucleated, nanosized Bi particles 10–20 nm in size that were tightly anchored to the basal plane of RGO and homogeneously nucleated, large Bi particles 250–950 nm in size. When tested as the anode of Na-ion batteries, the Bi-RGO composite delivered the high reversible capacity of 200 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and the high volumetric capacity of 60 Ah L−1. In situ X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the two-step alloying–dealloying Bi → NaBi → hexagonal Na3Bi or cubic Na3Bi reactions depended on the Bi particle size.

Although Korea has made notable progress in the availability of public rental housing, Korea's public rental housing representing 6.3% of the country&rsquo, s total housing is still below the 8% OECD average from 2016. The Seoul Metropolitan Area (composed of Seoul City, Incheon City, and Gyeonggi Province) has nearly 50% of the country&rsquo, s population, but 11% of the nation&rsquo, s territory, meaning the area suffers from an acute shortage of public rental housing. This is a serious problem which is hampering the sustainability of Korean society in general. We will examine the possibility of improving this public housing problem using certain algorithms to optimize decision making and resource allocation. This study reviews two pioneering studies on optimal investment portfolio for land development projects and optimal project combination for urban regeneration projects, and then optimizes a public housing investment combination to maximize the amount of public rental houses in Gyeonggi province using optimization techniques. Through the optimal investment combination, public rental houses were found to be more efficiently and sustainably planned for the community.

In this study, we evaluate the usefulness of preoperative endoscopic clipping for early gastric cancer (EGC) localization in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. We retrospectively screened all consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for EGC by 1 surgeon at Chungnam National University Hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. Patients who underwent combined surgery and patients who had tumors at the lower third of the stomach were excluded. Endoscopic clipping was performed prior to surgery by specialized endoscopists. During the operation, endoscopic metal clips were found using surgical devices, and laparoscopic vessel clips were attached on the presumed site; thereafter, intraoperative radiographs were obtained for confirmation. We analyzed a total of 196 patients; of them, 101 were classified into the clipping group (CG) and 95 into the non clipping group (NCG). The 2 groups were comparable regarding their demographic characteristics. The CG showed less additional resection (2 of 101 patients [2.0%] vs 9 of 95 patients [9.4%], P = .021) and better outcomes in terms of the operation time (P = .000), duration of hospital stay (P = .036), and postoperative atelectasis (P = .001) than the NCG. Preoperative endoscopic clipping was helpful in determining the exact resection margin in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for EGC.

In recent years the global popularity of Korean Wave is increasing in entertainment areas and spreading to other regions of the world. As a result, there have been many organizations formed to support its creative industries; at the same time, the field of the satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of them has emerged as an important issue. This paper introduces a method of measuring the influence and marketing effect of organizations for Korean Wave Events and Festivals. For this purpose a classical test theory of Cronbach’s alpha is utilized. The feasibility of measuring results is also ensured by exploratory factor analysis. The result shows 0.7 or higher alpha values and could provide suggestions to establish a theory of events and festivals for organizations by active follow-up studies for resolving will-less different results in this field due to a lack of the proceeding research.

Objective We examined the potential of tannic acid (TA) as a novel histone acetyltransferase inhibitor (HATi) and demonstrated that TA prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting HAT activity. Methods The anti-HAT activity of TA was examined using HAT activity assays. An in vitro NAFLD model was generated by treating HepG2 cells with oleic and palmitic acids. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (CD) or Western diet (WD) with or without supplementation with either 1% or 3% TA (w/w) for 12 weeks. Finally, the possibility of interacting p300 and TA was simulated. Results TA suppressed HAT activity both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, TA abrogated occupancy of p300 on the sterol regulatory element in the fatty acid synthase and ATP-citrate lyase promoters, eventually inducing hypoacetylation of H3K9 and H3K36. Furthermore, TA decreased acetylation at lysine residues 9 and 36 of histone H3 protein and that of total proteins. Consequently, TA decreased the mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes and attenuated lipid accumulation in vivo. We observed that NAFLD features, including body weight, liver mass, fat mass, and lipid profile in serum, were improved by TA supplementation in vivo. Finally, we demonstrated the possibility that TA directly binds to p300 through docking simulation between ligand and protein. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that TA, a novel HATi, has potential application for the prevention of NAFLD.

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent commonly used as a first‑line treatment for high‑grade glioblastoma. However, TMZ has short half‑life and frequently induces tumor resistance, which can limit its therapeutic efficiency. In the present study, it was hypothesized that combined treatment with TMZ and acteoside has synergistic effects in glioblastoma therapy. Using cell viability and wound‑healing assays, it was determined that this treatment regimen reduced cell viability and migration to a greater extent than either TMZ or acteoside alone. Following previous reports that TMZ affected autophagy in glioma cells, the present study examined the effects of TMZ + acteoside combination treatment on apoptosis and autophagy. The TMZ + acteoside combination treatment increased the cleavage of caspase‑3 and levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein and phosphorylated p53, and decreased the level of Bcl‑2. The combination treatment increased microtubule‑associated protein 1 light chain 3 and apoptosis‑related gene expression. It was also determined that TMZ + acteoside induced apoptosis and autophagy through the mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling pathway. These findings suggest that acteoside has beneficial effects on TMZ‑based glioblastoma therapy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has decreased due to potent antiviral agents. However, it remains uncertain whether the risk of HCC will diminish after long-term antiviral therapy in Asia, where CHB is endemic and vertical transmission is common. This study aimed to compare the incidence of HCC within and beyond the first 5 years of entecavir (ETV) in treatment-naive Korean patients with CHB. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational analysis of data from 894 consecutive, adult patients with CHB undergoing ETV treatment at a tertiary referral hospital in Ulsan, Korea from January 1, 2007 through April 31, 2017. We compared the HCC incidence rates per 100 person-years within and beyond the first 5 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses for factors predictive of HCC were performed. RESULTS The incidence rate of HCC in patients with CHB did not differ statistically when we compared within and beyond the first 5 years of ETV therapy (2.29% vs 1.66% per person-year, P = 0.217). Failure to achieve maintained virological response (MVR) was a major independent risk factor for HCC in patients at a follow-up of

Few studies have directly compared the long-term clinical outcomes of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). This study aimed to compare the risk of mortality, liver transplantation and hepatic complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic decompensation between these drugs in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We performed a longitudinal observational analysis of data from 1325 consecutive adult CHB patients with a cumulative adherence of ≥80% to treatment with ETV (n = 721) or TDF (n = 604) at a tertiary referral hospital in Ulsan, Korea, from 1 January 2007 through 31 April 2017. Among the patients, 708 were analysed using propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:1. In the follow-up period of up to 5 years, five patients (0.4%) died, three patients (0.2%) underwent liver transplantation (LT) and 54 patients (4.1%) developed HCC. Hepatic decompensation occurred in 24 (1.8%) patients. ETV therapy did not significantly differ from TDF therapy regarding the risk of liver-related death or LT (HR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.23-4.07; log-rank P = 0.955), HCC (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.72-2.56; log-rank P = 0.340) and hepatic decompensation (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.67-4.00; log-rank P = 0.276). In the 708 propensity-matched pairs, ETV and TDF were also not significantly different with respect to the risk of mortality, LT and hepatic complications. In this longitudinal observational study of 1325 patients with CHB, ETV and TDF therapies were not significantly different regarding the risk of mortality, HCC, LT and hepatic decompensation.

We investigated the anti-cancer effects of beta-sitosterol (BS), a plant-derived sterol in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells and xenograft mouse models. BS significantly reduced cell viability by inducing apoptosis in AGS adenocarcinoma cells. This was accompanied by the formation of apoptotic bodies, as detected by Annexin V, caspase 3/7 activity, and MitoPotential assay. BS stimulated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) expression. Pharmacological inhibitors or siRNA were used to further analyse the relationship between the two proteins. AMPK was found to represent a likely upstream regulator of PTEN. Additionally, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to identify related proteins in the treatment of BS. The decrease of Hsp90 protein by BS was observed. Induction of PTEN protein and reduction of Hsp90 was mediated by AICAR, an AMPK activator, indicating that AMPK is necessary for PTEN and Hsp90 expression. Additionally, BS was found to be effective through the regulation of cancer biomarker. Furthermore, BS suppressed tumour growth without toxicity in the AGS xenograft mouse models-. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that BS exerts anti-cancer effects in AGS cells and xenograft mouse models by mediating AMPK, PTEN, and Hsp90.

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (A. distichum) has been reported to exert the inhibitory effect on angiotensin converting enzyme and aldose reductase. Recently, our group found that branch extracts of A. distichum (EAFAD-B) induce apoptosis through ATF3 activation in human colon cancer cells. However, anti-cancer reagents exert their activity through the regulation of various molecular targets. Therefore, the elucidation of potential mechanisms of EAFAD-B for anti-cancer activity may be necessary. To elucidate the potential mechanism of EAFAD-B for anti-cancer activity, we evaluated the regulation of cyclin D1 in human colon cancer cells. EAFAD-B decreased cellular accumulation of cyclin D1 protein. However, cyclin D1 mRNA was not changed by EAFAD-B. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation by MG132 attenuated EAFAD-B-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation and the half-life of cyclin D1 was decreased in the cells treated with EAFAD-B. In addition, EAFAD-B induced cyclin D1 phosphorylation at threonine-286 and the point mutation of threonine-286 to alanine attenuated EAFAD-B-mediated cyclin D1 proteasomal degradation. Inhibitions of both ERK1/2 by PD98059 and NF-κB by a selective inhibitor, BAY 11-7082 suppressed cyclin D1 downregulation by EAFAD-B. From these results, we suggest that EAFAD-B-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation may result from proteasomal degradation through its threonine-286 phosphorylation via ERK1/2-dependent NF-κB activation. The current study provides new mechanistic link between EAFAD-B and anti-cancer activity in human colon cancer cells.

Background and Aim In the past decade, many chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients have undergone sequential treatment with lamivudine (LAM), adefovir (ADV), and entecavir (ETV) to manage antiviral resistance or insufficient suppression of HBV-DNA. Very limited data are available on the efficacy of tenofovir (TDF) rescue regimens in patients with multidrug resistance (MDR). Methods We investigated the antiviral efficacy of TDF/LAM combination therapy versus TDF/ETV combination therapy in 52 patients who failed three previous antiviral therapies. Results The study subjects were treated with TDF/LAM combination therapy (n = 25) or TDF/ETV combination therapy (n = 27) for more than six months. Virologic response (VR) occurred in 39 (75%) patients (19 patients belonged to the TDF/LAM group and 20 patients belonged to the TDF/ETV group). The VR rates were not different between the TDF/LAM and TDF/ETV groups (56.0% vs 51.9% at month 12, and 72.0% vs 78.8% at month 18; log rank P = 0.515). In addition, treatment efficacy of TDF/LAM combination or TDF/ETV combination was not statistically different according to types of MDR. In multivariate analysis, absolute HBV-DNA level at the start of TDF rescue treatment (P

This study was carried out to develop molecular techniques to allow the selection of zygotic seedlings in the early sta ge of the plant development. We identified 37 pollen-specific molecular markers from RAPD analysis and successfully used them for identification of the zygotic seedlings from various hybrid crosses. Three Satsuma mandarin cultivars (‘Morita unshiu’, ‘Na ngan20’ and ‘Miyagawawase’) were used as mother parents and seven cultivars (‘Ponkan’, ‘Lee’, ‘Kinokuni’, ‘Shiranuhi’, ‘Tamnaneunbo ng’,‘Shinyegam’, and ‘Sunburst’ mandarins) served as pollen parents. PCR analysis showed that 2 primers could identify zygotic h ybrid seedlings. Among them, an UBC-27 primer was used to identify the zygotic seedlings from hybrid crosses of “‘Nangan 20’ בKinokuni’” mandarin, “‘Nangan 20 × Ponkan’” mandarin and “‘Miyagawawase × Sunburst’” tangerine. In total 29 out of 40 seedlin gs (73%), 9 out of 47 seedlings (19%), and 13 out of 45 (29%) were identified as zygotic seedlings, respectively. These results can show that the pollen-specific markers selected in this study can be used effectively for early identification of zygotic se edlings from Citrus hybrid crosses.Additional key words

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of euphorbiasteroid, a component of Euphorbia lathyris L., on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and its underlying mechanisms. Euphorbiasteroid decreased differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells via reduction of intracellular triglyceride (TG) accumulation at concentrations of 25 and 50 μM. In addition, euphorbiasteroid altered the key regulator proteins of adipogenesis in the early stage of adipocyte differentiation by increasing the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Subsequently, levels of adipogenic proteins, including fatty acid synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, were decreased by euphorbiasteroid treatment at the late stage of adipocyte differentiation. The anti-adipogenic effect of euphorbiasteroid may be derived from inhibition of early stage of adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, euphorbiasteroid inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells through activation of the AMPK pathway. Therefore, euphorbiasteroid and its source plant, E. lathyris L., could possibly be one of the fascinating anti-obesity agent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) is one of the bioactive compounds found in cheonggukjang, a fast-fermented soybean paste widely utilized in Korean cooking. PGA is reported to have a number of beneficial health effects, and interestingly, it has been identified as a possible anti-cancer compound through its ability to promote apoptosis in cancer cells, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our findings demonstrate that PGA inhibits the pro-proliferative functions of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a known chemical carcinogen in HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells. This inhibition was accompanied by hallmark apoptotic phenotypes, including DNA fragmentation and the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase 3. In addition, PGA treatment reduced the expression of genes known to be overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells, including cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Lastly, PGA promoted activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein (AMPK) in HT-29 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that PGA treatment enhances apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, in part by modulating the activity of the COX-2 and AMPK signaling pathways. These anti-cancer functions of PGA make it a promising compound for future study.

Objectives : In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant activities and the inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage of ethyl acetate fractions extracted from Sophorae Flos and Sophorae fructus.Methods : Sophorae Flos and Sophorae fructus were extracted with methanol(MeOH) and divided to Petroleum ether, Ethyl acetate(EtOAC) and Water fraction. The antioxidant activities were conducted by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl(DPPH) radical, 2, 2'-Azine-bis(3 -ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS) radical scavenging assay, Fe 2+ chelating assay and Reducing power assay. The inhibitory effect of DNA damage were characterized on φX-174 RF I plasmid DNA cleavage assay. In addition, we analyzed the Total phenol contents and the Vitamin C content s of Sophorae Flos and Sophorae fructus.Results : The results of DPPH were 92.71% and 94.72%, ABTS were 87.16% and 62.44%, and Fe 2+ chelating were 95.81% and 85.11% at 200㎍/㎖ of Sophorae Flos and Sophorae fructus respectively. The Sophorae Flos showed stronger effect than Sophorae fructus in Reducing Power assay. Total phenol content was 111.77 ㎎/g and 122.54 ㎎/g, and Vitamin C content was 2.59 ㎎/g and 3.03 ㎎/g . Also both Sophorae Flos and Sophorae fructus have inhibitory antioxidant effect on φX-174 RF I plasmid DNA cleavage assay.Conclusions : Over all, this study suggests that Sophorae Flos and Sophorae fructus can be used as not only effective antioxidant but also natural medicine.Key words : Sophorae Flos, Sophorae fructus, DPPH, Reducing power, DNA damage, Fe

The purpose of this study is to investigate the learning curve for colonoscopic polypectomy (CP) by trainee endoscopists.The amount of training required to achieve technical competence for CP is uncertain.The CP times and en bloc resection rates of three experienced colonoscopists were obtained from 240 procedures. These data were compared to those of three gastroenterology trainees who performed 750 CP procedures. A trainee procedure was deemed to be a success if en bloc resection was obtained and the CP time was within twice the median CP time of the experienced colonoscopists. Trainees were deemed to be technically competent when they achieved a CP success rate of greater than or equal to 80%.The median CP times and en bloc resection rates for the experienced colonoscopists and trainees were 79 s (range, 20-301 s) and 99.6% (239/240), and 118 s (range, 36-1051 s) and 95.6% (717/750), respectively. The trainee success rate of CP was 72% (540/750). The success rate of the procedure was associated with increased trainee experience (p = 0.003) and reached 80% after 250 procedures. The CP time significantly decreased (p0.001) and en bloc resection rate significantly increased (p = 0.011) as trainee experience accumulated. The level of experience was an independent predictor for successful CP.The achievement of technical competence with CP was associated with an accumulation of approximately 250 procedures. These findings suggest that dedicated education and training programs for CP are warranted.

Two 128 Mb dual-power-supply SRAM chips are fabricated in a 14 nm FinFET technology. A 0.064 $\mu$ m $^{2}$ and a 0.080 $\mu$ m $^{2}$ 6T SRAM bitcells are designed for high-density (HD) and high-performance (HP) applications. To improve ${\rm V}_{{\rm MIN}}$ of the high-density SRAM, a negative bitline scheme (NBL) is adopted as a write-assist technique. Then, the disturbance-noise reduction (DNR) scheme is proposed as a read-assist circuit to improve the ${\rm V}_{{\rm MIN}}$ of the high-performance SRAM. The 128 Mb 6T-HD SRAM test-chip is fully demonstrated featuring 0.50 ${\rm V}_{{\rm MIN}}$ with 200 mV improvement by NBL, and 0.47 ${\rm V}_{{\rm MIN}}$ for the 128 Mb 6T-HP with 40 mV improvement by the DNR. Improved ${\rm V}_{{\rm MIN}}$ reduces 45.4% and 12.2% power-consumption of the SRAM macro with the help of each assist circuit, respectively.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and is closely associated with metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we observed the effect of ethanol extract of Allium fistulosum (EAF) on NAFLD and have suggested the possibility of using EAF as a natural product for application in the development of a treatment for NAFLD. MATERIALS/METHODS The preventive effect on hepatic lipid accumulation was estimated by using an oleic acid (OA)-induced NAFLD model in vitro and a Western diet (high-fat high-sucrose; WD)-induced obese mouse model. Animals were divided into three groups (n = 7): normal diet group (ND), WD group, and WD plus 1% EAF group. RESULTS EAF reduced OA-stimulated lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells in the absence of cellular cytotoxicity and significantly blocked transcriptional activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and fatty acid synthase genes. Subsequently, we investigated these effects in vivo in mice fed either ND or WD in the presence or absence of EAF supplementation. In comparison to the ND controls, the WD-fed mice exhibited increases in body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight, and accumulation of fat in hepatocytes, and these effects were significantly attenuated by EAF supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Allium fistulosum attenuates the development of NAFLD, and EAF elicits anti-lipogenic activity in liver. Therefore, EAF represents a promising candidate for use in the development of novel therapeutic drugs or drug combinations for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Background Intrathecal opioid has been known to enhance the quality and prolong the duration of spinal anesthesia, as well as to reduce postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative analgesic characteristics of intrathecal fentanyl for the first 48 hours after anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia. Methods Eighty patients were recruited in our study. Forty patients were randomly allocated to group B that received 0.5% bupivacaine 5 mg with 0.3 ml normal saline. The other 40 patients were assigned to group BF which was given 0.5% bupivacaine 5 mg with fentanyl 15 μg. The primary outcome variable was a numeric rating scale (NRS) at six hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included changes in the NRS score between one and 48 hours postoperatively, consumption of rescue analgesics, and the frequency of rebound pain. Results Group BF exhibited a lower mean NRS score at postoperative six hours compared to group B (P < 0.001). However, the mean NRS score was not different after postoperative six hours between the two groups. The median consumption of rescue analgesics in group BF was less than that of group B (P = 0.028) and the frequency of rebound pain decreased in group BF when compared to group B (P = 0.021). The levels of sensory block were S1 dermatome and motor block scores were 0 for both groups. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the groups. Conclusions Intrathecal fentanyl 15 μg for anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia led to an improved pain score for the first six hours after surgery and decreased postoperative analgesic use. Rebound pain diminished with intrathecal fentanyl and adverse effects did not increase.

Received: 15 July 2014 / Revised: 31 August 2014 / Accepted: 4 November 2014 Copyright c 2014 The Korean Society of Environmental Agriculture This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

*Citrus Research Station, NIHHS, RDA, Jeju 699-943, Korea.**Planning and Coordination Division, NIHHS, RDA, Suwon 440-706, Korea.ABSTRACT : The major objective of this study was to investigate the usability as cultivar for processing of new Citrushybrid ‘Hamilgam’. We investigated various antioxidant activities, such as DPPH radical, ABTS radical, Hydroxyl radicaland Superoxide anion radical effect, along with total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content of Citrus hybrid ‘Hamil-gam’, C. unshiu, C. natsudaidai. The total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content were the highest in the Hamilgam.The major flavonoids of Hamilgam and Natsudaidai were naringin and neohesperidin, and those of Unshu were narirutinand hesperidin, as determined by HPLC. Especially, the neohesperidin content of Hamilgam showed much higher (100times over) than that of Unshu. However, the aglycone form was not found. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activitieswere the highest in Hamilgam peels. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was high in the order of Unshu, Hamilgam andNatsudaidai. Superoxide anion radical scavenging of 3 cultivars peels displayed low activities compared to DPPH and ABTSradical scavenging. Based on these results, Hamilgam peel extracts possess antioxidant activities and may thus serve aspotential sources of functional food, cosmetic products, etc.Key Words : Citrus, Hamilgam, Polyphenol, Antioxidant Activities, Functional Food

Highlights • An ethanol extract of black pepper inhibits eugenol-induced signal transduction. • The extract reduces eugenol-induced cAMP and Ca2+ levels, and phosphorylation of CREB. • Piperine inhibits eugenol-induced signal transduction. • Piperine reduces eugenol-induced cAMP and Ca2+ levels, and phosphorylation of CREB., This study investigated the effects of an ethanol extract of black pepper and its constituent, piperine, on odorant-induced signal transduction in non-chemosensory cells. An ethanol extract of black pepper decreased eugenol-induced cAMP and calcium levels in preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells with no toxicity. Phosphorylation of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) was down-regulated by the black pepper extract. The concentration (133.8 mg/g) and retention time (5.5 min) of piperine in the ethanol extract were quantified using UPLC–MS/MS. Pretreatment with piperine decreased eugenol-induced cAMP and calcium levels in 3T3-L1 cells. Piperine also decreased the phosphorylation of CREB, which is up-regulated by eugenol. These results suggest that piperine inhibits the eugenol-induced signal transduction pathway through modulation of cAMP and calcium levels and phosphorylation of CREB in non-chemosensory cells.

As a result of investigation on the larvae attacking leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and causing serious damage on the plant in Seoul, Chungnam and Jeonbuk Province in Korea during summer in 2013, Protegira songi Chen & Zhang of the family Noctuidae was identified. In this study, we report the host plants of it for the first time from Korea, with larval damage and taxonomic information by illustrating the characteristics of male and female genitalia.

Polygonatum Officinalerhizome, a member of the liliaceae family, is commonly consumed as tea in Asia. It is also clinically used to treat obesity and fatigue in Korean traditional medicine. Although the anti-diabetic effect of POR has been described, little is known about its physiological role in the olfactory system. In this study, we investigated the effects of POR in 3T3-L1 cells expressing an odorant receptor. We have shown that the levels of cAMP and Ca2+ and the phosphorylation of Rap1A and CREB increased in response to an odorant, eugenol. POR significantly decreased the eugenol-induced increase in cAMP and Ca2+. Taken together, these data suggest that POR inhibits an odorant-induced signal transduction pathway.

SI Cyclic process is one of the thermochemical hydrogen production processes using iodine and sulfur for producing hydrogen molecules from water. VHTR (Very High Temperature Reactor) can be used to supply heat to hydrogen production process, which is a high temperature nuclear reactor. IHX (Intermediate Heat Exchanger) is necessary to transfer heat to hydrogen production process safely without radioactivity. In this study, the strategy for the optimum design of IHX between SI hydrogen process and VHTR is proposed for various operating pressures of the reactor, and the different cooling fluids. Most economical efficiency of IHX is also proposed along with process conditions.

In this study, we investigated whether A. distichum decreases the production of inflammatory mediators through downregulation of the NF-κB and ERK pathway. Our data indicated that A. distichum leaf inhibits the overexpression of iNOS in protein and mRNA levels, and subsequently blocked LPS-mediated NO overproduction in RAW264.7 cells. A. distichum leaf inhibited IκB-α degradation and p65 nuclear translocation, and subsequently suppressed transcriptional activity of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, A. distichum leaf suppressed LPS-induced ERK1/2 activation by decreasing phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These findings suggest that A. distichum leaf shows anti-inflammatory activities through suppressing ERK-mediated NF-κB activation in mouse macrophage.

Hepatic steatosis is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries. Both genetic and environmental factors are known as causes of the disease although their underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood. This study investigated the association of DNA methylation with oleic acid-induced hepatic steatosis. It also examined effects of food components on DNA methylation in hepatic steatosis. Genome-wide DNA methylation of oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in vitro cell model was investigated using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Changes of DNA methylation were also analyzed after treatment with food components decreasing OA-induced lipid accumulation in the model. We identified total 81 regions that were hypermethylated by OA but hypomethylated by food components or vice versa. We determined the expression of seven genes proximally located at the selected differentially methylated regions. Expression levels of WDR27, GNAS, DOK7, MCF2L, PRKG1, and CMYA5 were significantly different between control vs OA and OA vs treatment with food components. We demonstrated that DNA methylation was associated with expression of genes in the model of hepatic steatosis. We also found that food components reversely changed DNA methylation induced by OA and alleviated lipid accumulation. These results suggest that DNA methylation is one of the mechanisms causing the hepatic steatosis and its regulation by food components provides insights that may prevent or alleviate lipid accumulation.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has increasingly been used to treat early gastric cancer (EGC); however, its efficacy in treating papillary adenocarcinoma-type EGC remains unknown. We sought to identify risk factors for lymph node (LN) metastasis in papillary adenocarcinoma-type EGC and evaluate the clinical outcome after ESD. This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with EGC in our hospital from January 2009 to December 2016. In total, 85 patients had papillary adenocarcinoma-type EGC, of whom 52 and 33 underwent surgical treatment and ESD, respectively. This study analyzed the LN metastasis risk factors and clinical outcomes between these 2 groups and with those of an existing ESD indication group. LN metastasis occurred in 13 (25.0%) of 52 patients who underwent surgery. Multivariate analysis indicated that lymphovascular invasion was an independent risk factor (odds ratio: 20.624; 95% confidence interval: 19.628–21.497; P = .001). Of 33 patients who underwent ESD, 21 (63.6%) had an absolute indication and 12 (36.4%) had an expanded indication. All 3 (9.1%) patients with non-curative resection underwent additional surgery. The clinical outcomes were compared to those of 926 patients who underwent ESD of non-papillary adenocarcinoma-type EGC. There were no significant differences in curative resection rate (P = .327), procedure-related complication (P = .853), local recurrence (P = 1.000), or overall survival (P = 1.000). ESD of papillary adenocarcinoma-type EGC showed an acceptable outcome in comparison to an existing ESD indication group. However, these patients exhibit a relatively higher risk of LN metastasis.

Background/objectives Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disease triggered by epigenetic alterations, including lysine acetylation at histone or non-histone proteins, affecting the stability or transcription of lipogenic genes. Although various natural dietary compounds have anti-lipogenic effects, their effects on the acetylation status and lipid metabolism in the liver have not been thoroughly investigated. Materials/methods Following oleic-palmitic acid (OPA)-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, the acetylation status of histone and non-histone proteins, HAT activity, and mRNA expression of representative lipogenic genes, including PPARγ, SREBP-1c, ACLY, and FASN, were evaluated. Furthermore, correlations between lipid accumulation and HAT activity for 22 representative natural food extracts (NExs) were evaluated. Results Non-histone protein acetylation increased following OPA treatment and the acetylation of histones H3K9, H4K8, and H4K16 was accelerated, accompanied by an increase in HAT activity. OPA-induced increases in the mRNA expression of lipogenic genes were down-regulated by C-646, a p300/CBP-specific inhibitor. Finally, we detected a positive correlation between HAT activity and lipid accumulation (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.604) using 22 NExs. Conclusions Our results suggest that NExs have novel applications as nutraceutical agents with HAT inhibitor activity for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.