Search

Cuticular drusen show some similarities to and differences from soft drusen in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and might thus be a unique AMD subtype. Previous studies on cuticular drusen were performed mainly in white ethnic groups, but AMD shows ethnic differences. We investigated clinical manifestations of cuticular drusen in Korean patients to evaluate possible ethnic differences. Clinical records of Korean patients with cuticular drusen were retrospectively reviewed. Fundus distribution pattern, imaging features, and presence of large drusen, drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and macular complications, including geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and acquired vitelliform lesion (AVL), were assessed via multimodal imaging in 162 eyes with cuticular drusen (n = 81 patients; 67 females; mean age: 66.6 ± 9.1 years). Diffuse distribution was found in 61.7% and peripapillary involvement in 75.3% of eyes. Large drusen, drusenoid PED, GA, CNV, and AVL were observed in 59.3%, 26.5%, 18.5%, 3.7%, and 1.2% of eyes, respectively. The macular complication prevalence was similar between patients ≤ 60 and those > 60 years old. In Korean patients, cuticular drusen were less frequently associated with macular complications than in white patients, and the proportion of macular complications differed significantly, with AVL representing an uncommon complication.

Phellinus linteus is a well-known medicinal mushroom that is widely used in Asian countries. In several experimental models, Phellinus linteus extracts were reported to have various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and anti-angiogenic activity. In the present study, several bioactive compounds, including palmitic acid ethyl ester and linoleic acid, were identified in Phellinus linteus. The intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (IKCa) plays an important role in the regulation of the vascular smooth muscle cells&rsquo, (VSMCs) contraction and relaxation. The activation of the IKCa channel causes the hyperpolarization and relaxation of VSMCs. To examine whether Phellinus linteus extract causes vasodilation in the mesenteric arteries of rats, we measured the isometric tension using a wire myograph. After the arteries were pre-contracted with U46619 (a thromboxane analogue, 1 &micro, M), Phellinus linteus extract was administered. The Phellinus linteus extract induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner, which was independent of the endothelium. To further investigate the mechanism, we used the non-selective K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA). TEA significantly abolished Phellinus linteus extract-induced vasodilation. Thus, we tested three different types of K+ channel blockers: iberiotoxin (BKca channel blocker), apamin (SKca channel blocker), and charybdotoxin (IKca channel blocker). Charybdotoxin significantly inhibited Phellinus linteus extract-induced relaxation, while there was no effect from apamin and iberiotoxin. Membrane potential was measured using the voltage-sensitive dye bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)-trimethine oxonol (DiBAC4(3)) in the primary isolated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We found that the Phellinus linteus extract induced hyperpolarization of VSMCs, which is associated with a reduced phosphorylation level of 20 KDa myosin light chain (MLC20).

Background: Only a few studies have tried to assess factors relevant to the satisfaction of the participants in atopic dermatitis (AD) educational programs. More systematic modeling of this issue is needed. Objective: To examine the benefit of a conjoint educational program for AD on patients and caregivers in a clinical setting. Methods: In a half-day educational program called “AD school”, 831 people (493 patients and 338 family members) participated for 8 years. Various educational and entertaining programs were provided. The on-site survey was administered to measure participants’ satisfaction and perception of the benefit. We applied structural equation modeling to identify the relations among satisfaction and perception. Results: A total of 209 family survey data was obtained and analyzed. The survey items were grouped into four categories. The categories were classified as individual education, group education, fun activity, and overall satisfaction (fun, benefit, intention to re-join and recommend to others). According to the model that we built, comprehensive group education was demonstrated to be the most relevant factor affecting overall satisfaction. Conclusion: Our holistic approach would allow dermatologists to improve the efficacy of the conjoint educational program for AD. (Ann Dermatol 33(3) 237∼244, 2021)

Semiconductors have long been perceived as a prerequisite for solid-state transistors. Although switching principles for nanometer-scale devices have emerged based on the deployment of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures, tunneling and ballistic currents through short channels are difficult to control, and semiconducting channel materials remain indispensable for practical switching. In this study, we report a semiconductor-less solid-state electronic device that exhibits an industry-applicable switching of the ballistic current. This device modulates the field emission barrier height across the graphene-hexagonal boron nitride interface with ION/IOFF of 106 obtained from the transfer curves and adjustable intrinsic gain up to 4, and exhibits unprecedented current stability in temperature range of 15–400 K. The vertical device operation can be optimized with the capacitive coupling in the device geometry. The semiconductor-less switching resolves the long-standing issue of temperature-dependent device performance, thereby extending the potential of 2D van der Waals devices to applications in extreme environments., In field-effect transistors, a semiconducting channel is indispensable for device switching. Here, the authors demonstrate semiconductor-less switching via modulation of the field emission barrier height across a graphene-hBN interface with ON/OFF ratio of 106.

Background Carbapenem is frequently used when gram negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia is detected especially in neutropenic patients. Consequently, appropriate treatment could be delayed in GNB bacteremia cases involving organisms which are not susceptible to carbapenem (carba-NS), resulting in a poor clinical outcomes. Here, we explored risk factors for carba-NS GNB bacteremia and its clinical outcomes in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) that underwent chemotherapy. Methods We reviewed all GNB bacteremia cases that occurred during induction or consolidation chemotherapy, over a 15-year period, in a tertiary-care hospital. Results Among 489 GNB bacteremia cases from 324 patients, 45 (9.2%) were carba-NS and 444 (90.8%) were carbapenem susceptible GNB. Independent risk factors for carba-NS GNB bacteremia were: carbapenem use at bacteremia onset (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 91.2; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 29.3–284.1; P Acinetobacter baumannii (aOR: 19.4, 95%CI: 3.4–112.5; P = 0.001) in the prior year; and days from chemotherapy to GNB bacteremia (aOR: 1.1 per day, 95%CI: 1.1–1.2; P Conslusion Carba-NS organisms should be considered for antibiotic selection in AML patients having these risk factors.

To investigate associations of the duration of voriconazole treatment and radiological response with relapse of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in immunocompromised patients, we explored the risk factors for IPA relapse after successful initial treatment. All patients with proven or probable IPA who had finished voriconazole treatment between 2005 and 2019 in a tertiary-care hospital were reviewed. IPA relapse was defined as re-diagnosis of proven or probable IPA at the same site within 1 year after treatment termination. Short course of voriconazole treatment was defined as a treatment less than 9 weeks, which is a median of the recommended minimum duration of therapy from the Infectious Disease Society of America. The radiological response was defined as a reduction in IPA burden by more than 50% on chest computed tomography. Of 87 patients who had completed voriconazole treatment, 14 (16.1%) experienced IPA relapse. Multivariable Cox regression identified that short voriconazole treatment duration (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–12.3; P = 0.033) and radiological non-response (aHR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.2–17.5; P = 0.026) were independently associated with relapse of IPA after adjusting for several clinical risk factors. Longer duration of therapy should be considered for those at higher risk of relapse.

Irradiation of MoS

Many anion channels, frequently referred as Cl- channels, are permeable to different anions in addition to Cl-. As the second-most abundant anion in the human body, HCO3- permeation via anion channels has many important physiological roles. In addition to its classical role as an intracellular pH regulator, HCO3- also controls the activity and stability of dissolved proteins in bodily fluids such as saliva, pancreatic juice, intestinal fluid, and airway surface liquid. Moreover, HCO3- permeation through these channels affects membrane potentials that are the driving forces for transmembrane transport of solutes and water in epithelia and affect neuronal excitability in nervous tissue. Consequently, aberrant HCO3- transport via anion channels causes a number of human diseases in respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and neuronal systems. Notably, recent studies have shown that the HCO3- permeabilities of several anion channels are not fixed and can be altered by cellular stimuli, findings which may have both physiological and pathophysiological significance. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms and the physiological roles of HCO3- permeation through anion channels. We hope that the present discussions can stimulate further research into this very important topic, which will provide the basis for human disorders associated with aberrant HCO3- transport.

We investigated whether there was an annual change in outcomes in patients who received the thrombolytic therapy or endovascular treatment (EVT) in Korea. This analysis was performed using data from a nationwide multicenter registry for exploring the selection criteria of patients who would benefit from reperfusion therapies in Korea. We compared the annual changes in the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge and after 90 days and the achievement of successful recanalization from 2012 to 2017. We also investigated the determinants of favorable functional outcomes. Among 1230 included patients, the improvement of functional outcome at discharge after reperfusion therapy was noted as the calendar year increased (p &lt, 0.001). The proportion of patients who were discharged to home significantly increased (from 45.6% in 2012 to 58.5% in 2017) (p &lt, 0.001). The successful recanalization rate increased over time from 78.6% in 2012 to 85.1% in 2017 (p = 0.006). Time from door to initiation of reperfusion therapy decreased over the years (p &lt, 0.05). These secular trends of improvements were also observed in 1203 patients with available mRS data at 90 days (p &lt, 0.05). Functional outcome was associated with the calendar year, age, initial stroke severity, diabetes, preadmission disability, intervals from door to reperfusion therapy, and achievement of successful recanalization. This study demonstrated the secular trends of improvement in functional outcome and successful recanalization rate in patients who received reperfusion therapy in Korea.

Echinostomiasis is prevalent in southeastern as well as northeastern Asian countries. This endemicity notwithstanding, no echinostome egg has as yet been reported by paleoparasitological studies conducted in Asian countries. Recently we analyzed geological-strata specimens retrieved from the ancient capital city of the Baekje Kingdom to uncover clues to the possible prevalence of echinostomiasis among contemporaneous populations of Korea. By means of archaeoparasitological technique, we found ancient Isthmiophora hortensis eggs in the specimens, thus revealing for the first time that ancient Korean people experienced isthmiophoriasis. Our report can be considered to have effectively broadened the spatial and temporal scope of research on echinostomiasis in human history.

The IRE1α kinase pathway is a potential drug development target for diseases caused by misfolded CFTR and pendrin., The most prevalent pathogenic mutations in the CFTR (ΔF508) and SLC26A4/pendrin (p.H723R), which cause cystic fibrosis and congenital hearing loss, respectively, evoke protein misfolding and subsequent defects in their cell surface trafficking. Here, we report that activation of the IRE1α kinase pathway can rescue the cell surface expression of ΔF508-CFTR and p.H723R-pendrin through a Golgi-independent unconventional protein secretion (UPS) route. In mammalian cells, inhibition of IRE1α kinase, but not inhibition of IRE1α endonuclease and the downstream effector XBP1, inhibited CFTR UPS. Treatment with the IRE1α kinase activator, (E)-2-(2-chlorostyryl)-3,5,6-trimethyl-pyrazine (CSTMP), rescued cell surface expression and functional activity of ΔF508-CFTR and p.H723R-pendrin. Treatment with a nontoxic dose of CSTMP to ΔF508-CFTR mice restored CFTR surface expression and CFTR-mediated anion transport in the mouse colon. These findings suggest that UPS activation via IRE1α kinase is a strategy to treat diseases caused by defective cell surface trafficking of membrane proteins, including ΔF508-CFTR and p.H723R-pendrin.

Epoxy resin-based sealers are currently widely used, and several studies have considered AH Plus to be the gold-standard sealer. However, it still has limitations, including possible mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, and hydrophobicity. Drawing upon the advantages of mineral trioxide aggregate, calcium silicate-based sealers were introduced with high levels of biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. Because of the hydrophilic environment in root canals, water resorption and solubility of root canal sealers are important factors contributing to their stability. Sealers displaying lower microleakage and stronger push-out bond strength are also needed to endure the dynamic tooth environment. Although the physical properties of calcium silicate-based sealers meet International Organization for Standardization recommendations, and they have consistently reported to be biocompatible, they have not overcome conventional resin-based sealers in actual practice. Therefore, further studies aiming to improve the physical properties of calcium silicate-based sealers are needed.

In parasitology, it has been observed that human populations in highly-populated areas are highly vulnerable to parasite infection. In this regard, the emergence of urbanized societies in history might have caused human parasite infection rates to increase. However, except for a few parasitological reports, the overall pattern of ancient parasitic infection still remains obscure for urbanized society in history. Since corroborative evidence thus far has been too insufficient to posit a relationship between historical urbanization and parasitism, a more detailed picture of the parasitism in urbanized as well as non-urbanized societies needs to be revealed. Recently, we have performed a series of scientific analyses on the specimens obtained from archaeological sites in order to answer these queries. The studies have focused mostly on archaeological specimens obtained from certain urban areas, such as palaces and residences, where pre-modern people from all walks of life once interacted. Using these specimens, we successfully revealed different patterns of ancient parasitism in urban and non-urban areas, thus allowing us to consider whether it actually varied by the degree of urbanization in history.

Background/Aims: p21-activated Ser/Thr kinase 1 (PAK1) is essential for the genesis and development of many cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the PAK1–cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) axis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis and its related mechanisms. Methods: Western blot assay and immunohistochemical staining were employed to investigate the PAK1 and CREB expression in the tissue microarray of human squamous NSCLC. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence confocal assays were performed to determine the link between PAK1 and CREB. NSCLC xenograft models were used to study oncogenic function of PAK1 in vivo. Results: We observed that PAK1 and CREB expression levels were significantly elevated in human squamous NSCLC-tissue specimens, compared with those in adjacent normal bronchial or bronchiolar epithelial-tissue specimens, as well as their phosphorylated forms, based on western blotting. We showed in vitro that PAK1 knockdown by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked CREB phosphorylation, whereas plasmid-based PAK1 overexpression resulted in CREB phosphorylation at Ser133, based on western blotting. In addition, PAK1 interacted with CREB in co-immunoprecipitation assays. Additionally, our in vitro findings detected by flow cytometry revealed that PAK1 silencing attenuated cell cycle progression, inducing apoptosis. Inhibition of PAK1 expression reduced tumor sizes and masses by modulating CREB expression and activation in xenograft models. Conclusion: These results suggest a novel mechanism whereby the PAK1–CREB axis drives carcinogenesis of squamous-cell carcinomas, and have important implications in the development of targeted therapeutics for squamous-cell lung cancer.

Background The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) is an important indicator of albuminuria. We aimed to estimate ACR uncertainty and its impact on test results and proposed imprecision quality goals based on the estimated uncertainty. Methods The combined ACR uncertainty was calculated using the individual uncertainties of urinary albumin and creatinine. ACR confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated based on the expanded uncertainty. When the CI contained the ACR category boundary (30 or 300 mg/g), the cases were considered ambiguous. Quality goals for ACR were suggested using the number of ambiguous cases among actual patient results. Results The number of ambiguous cases resulting from the combined ACR uncertainty was higher than expected based on biological variation (BV) quality goals. When the ACR met BV quality specifications, we estimated that 4.8-15.5% of the results may have been misclassified. To minimize the number of ambiguous results, the minimum, desirable, and optimum quality goals were set at 34.0%, 18.0%, and 4.5%, respectively. Conclusions We expressed ACR uncertainty using the uncertainties of urinary albumin and creatinine and assessed the impact of this combined uncertainty on the test results. Subsequently, we proposed imprecision quality goals for ACR based on ambiguous results.

Although considerable attention has been paid to the potential benefits of soy protein and isoflavones for preventing metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, findings linking habitual consumption of these factors to MetS are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association of MetS incidence with habitual intake of soy protein/isoflavones among Korean men and women aged ≥ 40 years old who did not have MetS at baseline (n = 5509; 2204 men and 3305 women). Dietary intake of soy protein/isoflavones at baseline and average consumption during follow-up were used. A significant inverse association between dietary intake and incidence of MetS was found in women (incidence rate ratios, IRR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.46–0.78, P for trend = 0.0094 for the highest quintile of average soy protein intake compared with the lowest quintile; IRR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.44–0.74, P for trend = 0.0048 for the highest quintile of average isoflavones intake compared with the lowest quintile). A tendency towards an inverse association was also found in men, although it was not significant for the highest quintile (IRR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.58–1.11, P for trend = 0.9759, comparing the lowest to the highest quintile of average soy protein intake; IRR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.53–1.01, P for trend = 0.8956, comparing the lowest to the highest quintile of average isoflavones intake). In terms of individual abnormalities, a significant inverse association was found between soy protein and isoflavones and the incidence of low–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both men and women. Abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure were inversely related to soy protein/isoflavones only in women, and an inverse association of elevated triglyceride appeared only in men. Our findings suggest that habitual intake of soy protein and isoflavones is inversely associated with the risk of MetS and its components. There is likely to be a reverse J-shaped association of average intake with MetS.

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that mediate post-transcriptional gene regulation. They are commonly deregulated in human malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is to investigate miRNA expression in T790M-mutated NSCLC resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods Six cases of resected NSCLC harboring the T790M mutation were examined. We performed miRNA time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array profiling using EGFR T790M-mutated NSCLC and L858R-mutated NSCLC. Once identified, miRNAs that were differentially expressed between the two groups were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results miRNA PCR array profiling revealed three up-regulated miRNAs whose expression levels were altered 4.0-fold or more in the EGFR T790M mutation group than in the L858R group: miR-1 (fold change, 4.384), miR-196a (fold change, 4.138), and miR-124 (fold change, 4.132). The three differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR, and they were found to be overexpressed in the T790M group relative to L858R group. In particular, expression levels of miR-1 and miR-124 were significantly higher in the T790M group (p-value of miR-1 = .004, miR-124 = .007, miR-196a = .096). Conclusions MiR-1, miR-124, and miR-196a are overexpressed in EGFR T790M mutated NSCLC.

We characterized the SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion gene in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and established an effective therapy for patients with SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion–positive cancer. The SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion product was composed of the SLC3A2 transmembrane domain and the EGF-like domain of the neuregulin 1 (NRG1) protein. The NRG1 family is classified as a ligand of the ERBB family. We identified ERBB3 and ERBB4 in the ERBB family as binding partners of the SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion protein via ligand and receptor binding assays. We confirmed that SLC3A2-NRG1 increased formation of a heterocomplex of ERBB3 with ERBB2. Activation of the ERBB2–ERBB3 heterocomplex by SLC3A2-NRG1 increased colony formation and tumor growth through PI3K-AKT and MAP kinase. The specific siRNAs for ERBB2 and ERBB3, pertuzumab, lumretuzumab, and afatinib all decreased ERBB2–ERBB3 heterocomplex formation, phosphorylation of each protein, and their downstream signaling. In addition, single treatment with pertuzumab, lumretuzumab, or afatinib decreased tumor volume and weight, whereas combination treatment with these drugs and taxol enhanced generation of cleaved caspase 3, PARP, and TUNEL-positive cells compared with each single treatment. Thus, the SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion gene plays an important role in lung cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth by promoting generation of the ERBB2–ERBB3 heterocomplex, its phosphorylation, and activation of the PI3K/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway. Inhibition of either ERBB2 or ERBB3 alone did not completely shut down downstream signaling of ERBB2 and ERBB3; however, inhibition of both ERBB2 and ERBB3 blocked downstream signaling activated by SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion. ERBB2 and ERBB3 might be promising targets for treatment of SLC3A2-NRG1–positive tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(9); 2024–33. ©2018 AACR.

As we learn more about parasites in ancient civilizations, data becomes available that can be used to see how infection may change over time. The aim of this study is to assess how common certain intestinal parasites were in China and Korea in the past 2000 years, and make comparisons with prevalence data from the 20th century. This allows us to go on to investigate how and why changes in parasite prevalence may have occurred at different times. Here we show that Chinese liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis) dropped markedly in prevalence in both Korea and China earlier than did roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura). We use historical evidence to determine why this was the case, exploring the role of developing sanitation infrastructure, changing use of human feces as crop fertilizer, development of chemical fertilizers, snail control programs, changing dietary preferences, and governmental public health campaigns during the 20th century.

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between polymorphisms of the SCD5 and MMP1 gene and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The gene polymorphisms with a minor allele frequency (MAF) > 0.05 were selected eight SNPs (rs6840, rs1065403, rs3821974, and rs3733230 in 3ʹ-UTR; rs4693472, rs3733227, rs1848067, and rs6535374 in intron region) of SCD5 gene and two SNPs (rs1799750 and rs1144393 in promoter region) of MMP1 gene. The genotype of SCD5 and MMP1 gene SNPs were determined by direct sequencing and pyrosequencing, respectively. One hundred sixty-two patients with HCC and two hundred twenty-five control subjects were recruited in Korean male population. In terms of genotype frequencies, SCD5 genotype TC, GA, AG, and CG of rs6840, rs1065403, rs3821974, and rs3733230, respectively were higher in control group than HCC. In addition, these genotype decreased the risk (rs6840; OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.99; rs1065403; OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.83; rs3821974; OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.31–0.99; rs3733230; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.34–1.12) of HCC, which may work as a prevention of HCC. At least one minor allele carrier of SCD5 gene polymorphisms were related to decreased risk of HCC for AFP cut-point levels > 200 or > 400 ng/ml, respectively. Our results indicate that polymorphisms in the 3ʹ-UTR of the SCD5 gene may associated with HCC in the Korean male population.

Super Wi-Fi is a Wi-Fi-like service utilizing TV white spaces (TVWS), which has been revealed to provide higher data rates in the outskirts of Wi-Fi’s coverage, thanks to the spectrum heterogeneity between Wi-Fi bands and TVWS. Motivated by this, this paper proposes co-locating a Super Wi-Fi access point (AP) with a Wi-Fi AP aiming to mitigate the performance anomaly of the WLAN by relocating low-rate Wi-Fi stations (STAs) to Super Wi-Fi in the outskirts of Wi-Fi’s coverage. Then, the proposed strategy can enhance average per-STA throughput of both Wi-Fi STAs and relocated Super Wi-Fi STAs while also improving the data rate of Super Wi-Fi STAs, than they would achieve with the legacy Wi-Fi. To quantify such performance improvement, we model the system as a series of two-dimensional Markov chains and provide an in-depth analysis of steady-state probabilities and per-STA throughput. Numerical analysis has shown that Super Wi-Fi co-location improves not only average per-STA throughput but also spectral efficiency, compared to the legacy Wi-Fi with 20 or 20+20 MHz bandwidth for the single BSS scenario. In addition, average per-STA throughput and spectral efficiency are also enhanced in the OBSS scenario both in rural and urban environments. Hence, the co-location strategy is proven to be quite effective in enhancing WLAN’s performance.

In this study, we investigated a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that was isolated from radish leaf (Raphanus sativus L.) extracts. Through sequential fractionation of radish leaf extract, the active constituent was identified as cis-13-docosenamide (erucamide). To validate the potency, erucamide derived from radish leaves was supplemented in diets and then fed to trimethyltin (TMT)-exposed mice. Specifically, mice had free access to a control diet or diets containing different concentrations of erucamide for 3 weeks, followed by an injection of TMT (2.5 mg/kg body weight). Our results showed that pretreatment of mice with erucamide (20 and 40 mg/kg body weight per day) significantly attenuated the TMT-induced learning and memory deficits that were assessed by Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. These findings suggest that radish leaves, and possibly its isolated erucamide, may have preventive effects against memory deficits related to Alzheimer's disease by modulation of cholinergic functions.

Many efforts have been made to reach educational equity, especially to reduce mathematics and science achievement gaps by students’ socioeconomic status. Across countries, educators strive to reform traditional teacher-centered instructional approaches to more student-centered/inquiry-based instruction to improve equity in education. In this context, this study examines whether relationships between socioeconomic status and scientific or mathematical literacy are moderated by student-centered instruction. Ten countries covering a wide range of achievement levels as well as equity in education are selected for an international comparison. A linear regression analysis is applied to student achievement, equity, and frequency of student-centered instruction data from the PISA 2012 and PISA 2015. We find mixed results: As student-centered instruction is offered more frequently, the gap in mathematical and scientific literacy between low and high socioeconomic status is generally narrowed or maintained. In most countries, students’ mathematical and scientific literacy scores are expected to decrease across all socioeconomic status as student-centered instruction is given more frequently. The findings necessitate further scrutiny of how teachers implement student-centered instruction in various educational systems. This further research need to consider the complexity of implementation related to sociological and pedagogical aspects.

1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) is used widely in Korea as a substitute for trichloroethylene or methylene chloride. Some companies mistakenly consider that 1,2-DCP is an eco-friendly detergent because its use is not regulated, but 1,2-DCP is known to inhibit the central nervous system in animals; a few cases of accidental exposure have been reported in humans. We present a case of acute encephalopathy caused by exposure to 1,2-DCP. A 41 yr-old male presented with dizziness, headache, and diplopia after exposure to the detergent without protective equipment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging suggested metabolic encephalopathy, but the patient had no thiamine deficiency and no other metabolic disorder. As the symptoms had commenced after exposure to a large amount of solvent while skimming rust from the surface, and as the symptoms were more severe during the work week, improved on weekends, and disappeared after solvent exposure ceased, the toxic encephalopathy was likely induced by inhalation of the detergent.

SURF4, which is located in the Surfeit gene cluster, encodes for a conserved integral membrane protein containing multiple putative transmembrane regions. However, the physiological role of SURF4 has not been determined. We found that SURF4 demonstrated aberrant amplification and increased expression in the tumor tissues of several human cancer patients. Overexpression of SURF4 led to increased cell proliferation, migration, and maintenance of anchorage-independent growth. In addition, NIH3T3 cells overexpressing SURF4 induced tumor growth in the mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SURF4 has the potential for inducing cellular transformation and cell migration in vitro and has oncogenic transformation ability in vivo.

We consider CO2 emission-backed securities designed as a securitization based on national CO2 emissions. We constructed the securities using data from “CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion” of the International Energy Agency. The securities consist of several tranches with specific coupon rates determined by each nation’s probability of threshold (or target emission) achievement. These securities can be traded in financial markets without the interference of other countries and would give countries an incentive to reduce their CO2 emissions. This study also suggests a financial environmental cleanliness measure for each country using the concept of “green spread” for single-tranche securities.

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies occurring worldwide and is most frequent type of liver cancer. The risk for developing HCC increases with the severity of inflammation and fibrosis. The members of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family are primarily proinflammatory cytokines due to their ability to stimulate the expression of genes associated with inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Several studies have suggested that some proinflammatory cytokines, such as the IL-1 family (IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist) are involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in the IL-1 family of genes are associated with HCC. We analyzed 178 HCC patients and 397 controls to investigate the association between polymorphisms in IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) genes and HCC in the Korean population. All subjects were genotyped for the selected SNPs in IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1RA genes by Golden-Gate SNP Genotyping Assay. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed a significant association at IL-1β between HCC and controls. Three individual polymorphisms (rs1143633, rs3917356, and rs1143627) were found to be associated with HCC. The SNPs of IL-1b gene (rs1143633A>G and rs1143627T>C) protected against HCC in the dominant model (p=0.027, OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.37-0.94; p=0.019, OR=0.56, 95% CI=0.34-0.91). The SNP of IL-1β gene (rs3917356G>A) increased the risk of HCC in the recessive model (p

A variety of ecological models exhibit chaotic dynamics because of nonlinearities in population growth and interactions. Here, we will study the LPA model (beetle Tribolium). The LPA model is known to exhibit chaos. In this project, we investigate two things which are the effect of noise constant and the effect of diffusion combined with the LPA model. The effect of noise is not only to change the dynamics of total population density but also to blur the bifurcation diagram. Numerical simulations of the model have shown that diffusion can drive the total population of insects into complex patterns of variability in time. We will compare these simulations with simulations without diffusion. And we conclude that the diffusion coefficient is a bifurcation parameter and that there exist parameter regions with chaotic behavior and periodic solutions. This study demonstrates how diffusion term can be used to influence the chaotic dynamics of an insect population.

Urine erythrocyte (Ery) and leukocyte (Leu) dipstick tests are essential for detecting microhematuria and urinary tract infection. Currently, there is no suggestion for establishing the cut-off limits in an ordinal scale test. This study aimed to establish the cut-off limits for urine Ery and Leu dipstick tests via probit regression. From 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2016, laboratory data were collected from patients at one teaching hospital whose specimen had analytical results from both a urine dipstick test and an automated urine particle analyzer. Probit regression was used to estimate the probability of positive urine dipstick results as a function of log-transformed urine Ery and Leu concentrations. Based on the analysis of 22,122 specimens, the estimated concentration that yields 50% positive results (C50) of the Ery weak+, 1+, 2+, 3+, and 4 + dipstick results were 14.6, 40.4, 51.6, 136.3 and 219.0 × 106/L, respectively. The estimated C50 of the Leu 1+, 2+ and 3 + dipstick results were 22.7, 67.9 and 283.9 × 106/L, respectively. The estimated values were different from arbitrary concentrations provided for each dipstick category by the manufacturer. If a quantitative comparison method/procedure is available, the cut-off limits of an ordinal scale test can be established using probit regression. Each laboratory should investigate the transferability of the arbitrary concentrations provided by the manufacturer, and if necessary, determine its own cut-off limits of urine Ery and Leu dipstick tests.

Many edible plant extracts exhibit biological activities. For example, the ethanol extract of Pueraria montana var. lobata (P. montana) inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and red ginseng is well known for promoting health. In this study the authors investigated the synergistic effect of P. montana and red ginseng extracts on AChE activity in vitro and in mouse brain tissues and trimethyltin (TMT)-induced cognitive impairment in a mouse model of TMT-induced neurodegeneration. A diet containing a mixture of P. montana and red ginseng extracts reversed learning and memory impairments in Y-maze and passive avoidance behavioral tests. In addition, the mixture inhibited AChE activity and lipid peroxidation synergistically.

This article presents the results of experiments aimed at testing the hypotheses that mummifi cation of human bodies in Joseon Dynasty burials was caused by an exothermic reaction and subsequent destruction of intestinal microfl ora. Well-preserved mummies of that period were discovered only in the Hoegwakmyo tombs, where the lime-soil-mixture barrier was present. Experiments were conducted using animal bodies placed in miniature grave models. Immediately after contact with moisture, the temperature inside the coffi n surrounded by a lime-soil-mixture increased to 130.8±23.5°C and remained stable for 141.0±64.7 minutes. The examination of bacterial cultures on MacConkey or blood agar plates showed that the entire fl ora normally existing in the rat intestine was completely sterilized by high temperature. We also demonstrate that the same mummifi cation can be reproduced regardless of the sizes of miniature graves.

Although genetic information about Bos taurus has been successfully revealed by a number of studies, the data on ancient DNA remains insufficient with respect to cattle raised in East Asia during historical times. This is especially so in the case of South Korea, where very little genetic information on cattle DNA has been obtained, notwithstanding the significant changes in the genetic traits of cattle populations that occurred during the country's colonial period. In the present study, we have endeavored to determine the mitochondrial DNA D-loop and coding region sequences obtained from a 15th century cattle bone unearthed amid an archaeological site of the Joseon-period in a tributary of the Cheonggyecheon creek, South Korea. The consensus sequence of the cattle's mitotype, established by alignment of the individual clone sequences, was 16138C, 106C, 169G, 221 + C, 587 + C, 2536A, 9682C, 13310C (Haplogroup = T3a). Having blasted it with the sequences available within GenBank, the Joseon cattle mitotype was found to be similar to modern Bos taurus sequences from South Korea, Japan, China and even Europe, the Americas and Oceania. By completely sequencing the mtDNA D-loop and coding the regional signature of the bone, we were able to acquire invaluable information enriching our knowledge of the genetic history of the genus Bos in South Korea.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that grows in the stomach mucosal epithelium, and can induce gastric diseases. Although many studies on modern H. pylori genomes have been reported from all over the world, a comprehensive picture of H. pylori is still lacking. Therefore, there is a pressing need to obtain archaeological specimens and to subject the ancient DNA (aDNA) extracted therefrom to analysis. Considering the typically excellent state of preservation of Joseon mummies discovered in Korea, we thus tried to isolate ancient H. pylori DNA from their mummified stomach specimens. After screening Korean mummy stomachs containing remnant H. pylori DNA, vacA (s- and m-region) alleles were successfully identified in the stomach isolates of two samples. The H. pylori strains identified had vacA s1/m2 (Cheongdo mummy) and s1 (Dangjin mummy) alleles. This paper is significant in that it is the first report of presumptive ancient H. pylori DNA obtained from East Asian archaeological specimens. However, full characterization and exploitation of ancient H. pylori DNA remnant in Joseon mummy specimens will require subsequent investigations utilizing the most cutting-edge techniques established for the analysis of ancient intestinal-content samples, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS).

BRCA1-deficient breast cancer is a very well-known hereditary cancer. However, except for resection of normal mammary glands and ovaries, there is no acceptable measure for proactively preventing tumor development. Importantly, inherited BRCA1 mutations are closely associated with tumors in hormone-responsive tissues. Here, we examined the effects of estrogen on the accumulation of genetic instabilities upon loss of BRCA1, and assessed the contribution of estrogen signaling to the incidence and progression of Brca1-mutated mammary tumors. Our in vitro studies showed that treatment of BRCA1-depleted breast cancer cells with estrogen induced proliferation. Additionally, estrogen reduced the ability of these BRCA1-knockdown cells to sense radiation-induced DNA damage and also facilitated G1/S progression. Moreover, long-term treatment of Brca1-mutant (Brca1co/coMMTV-Cre) mice with the selective estrogen receptor (ER)-α degrader, fulvestrant, decreased the tumor formation rate from 64% to 36%, and also significantly reduced mammary gland density in non-tumor-bearing mice. However, in vivo experiments showed that fulvestrant treatment did not alter the progression of ER-positive Brca1-mutant tumors, which were frequently identified in the aged population and showed less aggressive tendencies. These findings enhance our understanding of how ER-α signaling contributes to BRCA1-deficient mammary tumors and provide evidence suggesting that targeted inhibition of ER-α signaling may be useful for the prevention of BRCA1-mutated breast cancer.

Oxalic acid (OA), naturally available in many fruits and vegetables, reacts easily with Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions to produce an insoluble salt. In renal systems, this insoluble salt brings about various renal diseases. As such, the OA excretion level in urine has been utilized as an index parameter in healthcare settings. Here, we report the fabrication of platinum nanoparticle-immobilized polypyrrole-3-carboxylated nanofibers (Pt_cPPyNFs) to apply as a transducer material for a non-enzyme field-effect transistor (FET)-type OA sensor. To achieve uniformly decorated Pt on carboxylated polypyrrole nanofibers (cPPyNFs), ultrasonication and chemical reduction were introduced as a Pt immobilization process. The Pt_cPPyNFs were immobilized on an interdigitated array (IDA) electrode for our sensor application. The resulting Pt_cPPyNF based non-enzyme FET-type OA sensor exhibited high sensitivity at unprecedentedly low concentrations (10-14 M); this was attributed to the uniformity of the Pt-nanoparticle decoration and distinct properties of the FET configuration. In addition, high stability was achieved in repeated experiments and under ambient storage conditions.

Two-dimensional atomic layered materials (2d-ALMs) are emerging candidates for use as epitaxial seed substrates for transferrable epilayers. However, the micrometer-sized domains of 2d-ALMs preclude their practical use in epitaxy because they cause crystallographically in-plane disordering of the overlayer. Ultrathin graphene can penetrate the electric dipole momentum from an underlying crystal layer to the graphene surface, which then drives it to crystallize the overlayer during the initial growth stage, thus resulting in substantial energy saving. This study demonstrates the remote homoepitaxy of ZnO microrods (MRs) on ZnO substrates across graphene layers via a hydrothermal method. Despite the presence of poly-domain graphene in between the ZnO substrate and ZnO MRs, the MRs were epitaxially grown on a- and c-plane ZnO substrates, whose in-plane alignments were homogeneous within the wafer's size. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a homoepitaxial relationship between the overlayer MRs and the substrate. Density-functional theory calculations suggested that the charge redistribution occurring near graphene induces the electric dipole formation, so the attracted adatoms led to the formation of the remote homoepitaxial overlayer. Due to a strong potential field caused by long-range charge transfer given from the substrate, even the use of bi-layer and tri-layer graphene resulted in remote homoepitaxial ZnO MRs. The effects of substrate crystal planes were also theoretically and empirically investigated. The ability of graphene, which can be released from the mother substrate without covalent bonds, was utilized to transfer the overlayer MR arrays. This method opens a way for producing well aligned, transferrable epitaxial nano/microstructure arrays while regenerating the substrate for cost-saving device manufacturing.