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This paper reports a green nanocomposite made by simply blending chitin nanofibers and bamboo cellulose nanofibers without chemically dissolving chitin and cellulose raw materials. Good biodegradability and biocompatibility of chitin in conjunction with good mechanical properties of cellulose are beneficial for developing green nanocomposite applicable for food packaging. The bamboo cellulose nanofiber (BACNF) is isolated by using a TEMPO-oxidation followed by an aqueous counter collision (ACC) method. Chitin nanofiber (CTNF) is isolated by using the ACC method. A simple blending is used to prepare the nanocomposite with different CTNF and BACNF concentration. Morphologies, mechanical properties, chemical interactions, thermal properties, water contact angles and biodegradability of the nanocomposite are investigated. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the prepared nanocomposite increased up to 3 and 1.3 times, respectively as the BACNF concentration increase. The nanocomposite exhibites better thermal stability than the pure BACNF. Furthermore, the nanocomposite is fully biodegradable within a week. Good mechanical, thermal properties as well as biodegradability of the nanocomposite are promising for possible food packaging application.

In this paper, poly(ethylene oxide)-lignin (PEO-L) blends were prepared for eco-friendly nanocellulose composites and the effect of lignin content on its adhesion property was studied by using single lap joint test. The PEO-L blends were prepared by blending method using 60% methanol. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) film, chosen as an adherent material of eco-friendly nanocellulose composites, was prepared by casting CNF emulsion, followed by vacuum filtration and drying. The successful formation of PEO-L blends was confirmed from FTIR, DSC and XRD studies. The shear strength of PEO-L blend increased with the lignin content and the 30% lignin case (442 kPa) showed 189% larger shear strength than the pure PEO (835 kPa). This shear strength improvement is associated with enhanced hydrogen bonds between lignin/PEO and CNF film.

Objective To define the effects of Xanthoceras sorbifolia (EXS) on vascular inflammation and the mechanisms in endothelial cells. Methods Vascular protective effects of an ethanol extract of seeds from EXS (1-50 μg/mL) against tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced vascular inflammation were examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results EXS significantly decreased TNF-α-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and endothelial cell selectin, in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with EXS significantly inhibited translocation and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) increased by TNF-α. EXS also significantly inhibited formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the vascular protective effects of EXS were linked to up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. EXS-induced HO-1 expression was significantly decreased in SnPP (HO-1 inhibitor)- and HO-1 siRNA-treated cells, whereas an increase was found in cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) (HO-1 inducer)-treated cells. In addition, pretreatment with EXS increased HO-1 and Nrf-2 expression under TNF-α stimulation with or without N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of EXS on TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation were partially reversed in SnPP- and of HO-1 siRNA-treated cells but increased by CoPP. Conclusion These results suggest that EXS may have important implications for prevention of vascular complications associated with vascular inflammation by inhibition of the NF-¦EB/ROS pathway and activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Background Ligustilide is a bioactive phthalide derivative isolated from Cnidii Rhizoma (Cnidium officinale, rhizome) and Angelicae Gigantis Radix (Angelica gigas Nakai, root) which are both medicinal herbs used to treat circulatory disorders. Vascular endothelium is a central spot in developing cardiovascular diseases and chronic vascular inflammation might result in atherosclerosis development. Purpose We previously found out that a traditional herbal formula, Samul-Tang (Si-Wu-Tang, containing Cnidii Rhizoma and Angelicae Gigantis Radix), attenuated vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, which compound was responsible for vascular protective action remained unclear. Here, we investigated vascular protective potential of an isolated single compound, (Z)-ligustilide. Methods MTT assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence, electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed. BCECF-AM, CM-H2DCFDA, DAF-FM diacetate were used as a fluorescent indicator. Results Ligustilide suppressed HL-60 monocyte adhesion and CAMs (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin) expression in HUVECs. Ligustilide significantly inhibited TNF-α-increased production of ROS and activated NF − κ B signaling pathway. Also, ligustilide treated HUVECs exhibited significant HO-1 induction via Nrf2 nuclear translocation and endothelial NO synthesis. Conclusion Present study demonstrates that ligustilde attenuates vascular inflammation and activate defense system of endothelial cell. Ligustilide is a bioactive compound which might prevent cardiovascular complications such as thrombosis or atherosclerosis.

This paper reports an aligned cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite that exhibits flexibility, transparency, and improved mechanical and piezoelectric properties. The aligned CNF composite was made by electrospinning CNF-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend, followed by casting CNF suspension. The CNF-PVA blend was electrospun to form a CNF-PVA fiber mat, and an optimum CNF-PVA ratio and the spinning parameters were determined by examining CNF alignment. Then, the electrospun CNF-PVA mat was coated with CNF suspension to fabricate the aligned CNF composite. The aligned CNF composite was transparent (85.3%) and had a higher orientation index (α = 0.54) than a neat CNF film. Besides, the composite showed improved mechanical properties. In consequence of CNF alignment, the piezoelectric charge constant, d 31 of the composite was 14.5 pC/N, which was more than double of the neat CNF film. With this piezoelectric behavior, the composite was applied to a vibration energy harvester (VEH), and it showed an output power of 5.43 nW. All about the piezoelectric and mechanical property improvement were explained in this paper. The aligned CNF composite is flexible, lightweight, environment-friendly, and low-cost.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether Hwangryunhaedoktang (HHT), a herbal compound, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Methods The effects of HHT were evaluated by confirming nitric oxide (NO) production and expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via the Griess assay, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analyses and luciferase assays were used to evaluate whether HHT has an effect on the phosphorylation and translocation of nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB). The secretion and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analyses. Results HHT suppressed LPS-induced NO production and expression of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, MAPKs activation was also attenuated via inhibition of phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 which were related to inflammatory pathway. Furthermore, HHT also effectively attenuated NF-κB activation and its translocation to the nucleus, a process that is closely linked to inflammation. LPS normally induced the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, but the secretion and expression of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly attenuated by pretreating the cells with HHT. Conclusion HHT suppressed LPS-induced NO production by blocking the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, HHT may have an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the LPS-induced secretion of TNF-α and IL-6. Therefore, the traditional herbal formula HHT might be a useful potential therapeutic agent for inflammation.

Brassinin, a phytoalexin firstly identified as a constituent of Chinese cabbage, has been demonstrated to exhibit antiproliferative effects on various cancer cell lines, by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via regulation of the antioxidant pathway. The present study aimed to explore the protective effects of brassinin in TNF‑α‑induced vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Pretreatment with brassinin significantly inhibited adhesion of U937 cells to TNF‑α‑induced HUVECs in a dose‑dependent manner. Brassinin treatment decreased the expression levels of cell adhesion molecules, including intracellular adhesion molecule‑1 (ICAM‑1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‑1 (VCAM‑1), and endothelial‑selectin (E‑selectin) following stimulation with TNF‑α in HUVECs. In addition, pretreatment with brassinin decreased the protein expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65 in the nucleus, suggesting that brassinin inhibited NF‑κB p65 nuclear translocation. Brassinin treatment also markedly decreased the mRNA expression levels of interleukin‑8 in a dose‑dependent manner. Finally, brassinin pretreatment significantly decreased TNF‑α‑induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HUVECs compared with control. The present results therefore suggest that brassinin may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis.

The kidneys have a key role in the homeostasis of water excretion and reabsorption. Water channels, particularly aquaporin-2 (AQP2), are important proteins in water homeostasis in the body through the short‑term and long-term regulation of water permeability. Wiryeongtang (WRT) is a well-known traditional oriental medicine, which is used for the treatment of chronic edema and dysuresia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of WRT on the hypertonicity-induced expression of AQP2 in the inner medullary collecting duct cell line (IMCD‑3). Western blotting, reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to determine the effect of WRT under hypertonic stress. WRT attenuated the 175 mM NaCl hypertonic stress‑induced increases in protein and mRNA levels of AQP2 and apical membrane insertion in a concentration‑dependent manner. However, no differences were observed in the levels of AQP1, AQP3 or AQP4 between the hypertonic stress and WRT groups. WRT attenuated the hypertonicity-induced phosphorylation of glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase 1. In addition, the mRNA expression of tonicity‑responsive enhancer binding protein was attenuated by WRT under hypertonic stress. Pretreatment with WRT also decreased the hypertonic stress‑induced expression of AQP2, as with KT5720, a protein kinase A inhibitor. These results provided evidence of the beneficial effect of the traditional formula WRT in regulating water balance in hypertonic stress of the renal collecting ducts.

Recently, cellulose fiber reinforced ecofriendly polymer composite for structural material is one of issue due to its sustainability, high mechanical properties, light weight and abundancy. For high strength and sustainable blend, a resin with sustainable, high strength and cellulose compatibility is demanded. PVA-lignin composite is one of good candidate for resin materials due to its high mechanical properties and good adhesion with cellulose. However, low waterproof ability is significant disadvantage of this material. In this paper, esterification reaction with maleic acid was adopted to enhance the mechanical properties. The esterification reaction enhanced waterproof ability and adhesion of PVA-lignin resin to cellulose material.

This paper reports an electrospinning of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend for fabricating nanocellulose based long filament in terms of experiment and simulation. To enhance spinnability, Triton X-100 and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was introduced as a surfactant and cosolvent, respectively. Parameters governing the electrospinning of CNF-PVA blend are voltage, spinning speed, nozzle diameter, the distance between the electrodes, and the viscosity of the blend. Node-based analysis of the electrospinning is performed with electrostatic field modeling via MATLAB software. With the simulation results, proper combinations of parameters are determined for CNF-PVA electrospinning. Furthermore, empirical demonstration of the CNF-PVA electrospinning is achieved. Electospun nanofiber mat is investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Consumers demand fresh and high-quality eggs. Egg quality may be represented by shell color, shell weight, egg weight, shell thickness, shell density, albumen height, yolk color, albumen pH and viscosity. Various factors such as strain, age of hen, storage temperature, humidity, the presence of CO² and storage time affect egg quality. Therefore, we investigated the effects of storage time and temperature on egg quality to define the freshness of Korean market eggs. A total of 1,800 eggs were used for this experiment and were separated into 45 treatments with 40 eggs in each. The treatments were consisted of 15 storage periods (2 d to 30 d) and 3 storage temperatures (2℃, 12℃, 25℃). Each egg was weighed and broken, and the height of the thick albumen, Haugh units (HU), egg shell color and yolk color were measured by a QCM+system. We also observed the physiochemical properties of eggs such as yolk pH, albumen pH and albumen viscosity. The egg weight, shell weight, albumen height, HU and albumen viscosity significantly decreased with increasing storage time and temperature. However, the albumen and yolk pH significantly increased with increasing storage period and temperature. The interaction effects between the storage period and temperature were significant for shell weight, shell density, egg weight, albumen height, HU, yolk color, yolk pH, albumen pH and albumen viscosity. In the analysis of the correlation with egg quality, the storage temperature exhibited a higher correlation coefficient than the storage period. In conclusion, storage time and temperature are the major factors affecting egg quality, but the storage temperature is a more sensitive determinant of egg quality deterioration compared with the storage period.

Samul-Tang (SMT), consisting of four medicinal herbs, is a well-known herbal prescription treating hematological disorders related symptoms. Our previous study demonstrated that SMT attenuated inflammation of vascular endothelial cells. In condition of retained vascular dysfunction, vascular inflammation is initiated and results in activation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Activated SMCs lose control of cell cycle regulation and migrate into intima, resulting in formation of atheroma. Here, we further investigated whether SMT suppresses proliferation and migration of SMCs. SMT showed antiproliferative effects on SMCs by suppressing [3H]-thymidine incorporation against TNF-αstimulation. Underlying mechanisms of antiproliferative effects were found to be resulting from cell cycle regulation. SMT downregulated expression of cyclin D1-CDK4 and cyclin E-CDK2 complexes and upregulatedp21waf1/cip1andp27kip1. SMT also suppressed migration of SMCs against TNF-αstimulation. This is thought to have resulted from suppressing MMP2 and MMP9 expressions and ROS production. In summary, SMT attenuates abnormal migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via regulating cell cycle and suppressing MMPs expression and ROS production. Our study suggests that SMT, a traditionally used herbal formula, protects vascular smooth muscle cells and might be used as an antiatherosclerotic drug.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is an impressive bio resource mainly because of its high mechanical strength, stiffness and optical transparency, which is promising for eco-friendly structural materials. This paper presents the possibility of ecofriendly thin films made with CNF, which has strong, flexible, transparent and lightweight behaviors. The fabrication of thin CNF film and its properties are investigated. Fabrication is carried out by tape casting method to control thickness, followed by separation and drying. Its chemical structure and physical interaction were investigated using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Mechanical properties are investigated by a tensile test. 3 micron thick CNF film is successfully fabricated. The prepared CNF film is applicable for structural materials in space applications.

In this research, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was isolated by the combination of chemical 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxylradical (TEMPO)-oxidation and physical aqueous counter collision (ACC) methods The combination of TEMPO-oxidation and ACC is an efficient method to isolate CNFs by reducing chemical usage in TEMPO-oxidation and saving energy in ACC along with controlling the size of CNFs. Two cellulose sources, hardwood bleached kraft pulp (HW) and softwood bleached kraft pulp (SW), were used for the CNF isolation with different TEMPO oxidation time and a defined number of ACC pass. The CNF properties were investigated and compared in term of morphology, crystallinity index, transparency and birefringence. The width of the isolated CNFs from HW is in the range of 15.1 nm–17.5 nm, and that of the SW CNFs is between 18.4 nm and 22 nm depending on the TEMPO oxidation time. This difference is due to the fact that SW is less oxidized than HW under the same chemical dosage, which results in larger width of SW-CNFs than HW-CNFs. The HW-CNF treated with TEMPO for over 2 h and isolated using ACC with 5 pass offers almost 90% transparency. Birefringence of CNFs exhibits that HW-CNFs show better birefringence phenomenon than SW-CNFs. The combination of TEMPO-oxidation and ACC methods is useful for isolating CNFs with its size control.

Renal mesangial cell proliferation is a major clinical feature of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and includes glomerulosclerosis and renal fibrosis. Samchuleum (SCE) is a traditional herbal mixture that is recorded in the ancient Korean medical book, Donguibogam. The present study attempted to determine whether SCE treatment was able to improve high glucose (HG)‑induced mesangial cell fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis in primary cultured human mesangial cells. Thymidine incorporation under HG induction was increased, but was decreased by SCE in a dose dependent manner. Pretreatment with SCE led to a downregulation in the expression of cyclins and cyclin‑dependent kinases (CDKs), and an upregulation of the CDK inhibitors, p21waf1/cip1 and p27kip1. In addition, SCE exposure markedly suppressed the reactive oxygen species signaling pathway under HG conditions. HG enhanced the expression levels of fibrosis‑promoting mediators, including collagen IV and connective tissue growth factor, which were markedly attenuated by SCE. SCE treatment inhibited HG‑induced fibronectin mRNA expression and decreased the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β1, Smad‑2 and Smad‑4, whereas Smad‑7 expression increased under HG. SCE treatment induced the degradation of the extracellular matrix by blocking TGF‑β1/Smad signaling. Therefore, the present study suggested that the inhibitory effect of SCE on mesangial proliferation and renal fibrosis may be an effective therapy in the treatment of renal dysfunction leading to DN.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) isolation from different resources influences the characteristics of the CNF. There are two methods to isolate CNFs, chemical and physical methods. This paper deals with a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- 1-oxylradical (TEMPO-oxidation) chemical method and aqueous counter collision physical method to isolate CNFs. TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber was isolated using an aqueous counter collision method from two cellulose resource including Softwood bleached kraft pulp (SW) and Hardwood bleached kraft pulp (HW) resources. The CNFs properties were studied by atomic force microscopy, cross-polarize light and UV visible spectrometer. The width of the isolated CNFs is in the range of 15 nm to 20 nm and the length of cellulose nanofibers is around 1000 nm. The HW-CNF offers better transmittance than the SW-CNF. High transmittance of CNF films from both SWCNF and HW-CNF was observed. In addition, the birefringence of CNFs was observed under cross polarized light. The SW-CNF and HW-CNF films showed birefringence phenomenon. More clear iridescence color of HW-CNF sample than that of SW-CNF case.

In this paper, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) based nano-hybrid composites of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and barium titanate (BT) are prepared by solution casting technique and their morphology and dielectric characteristics are studied. The presence of barium titanate in hybrid composites is confirmed by X-ray Diffraction. Dielectric and morphological studies of PVC-MWCNT composites and PVC-MWCNT-BT hybrid composites also studied to verify the improvement in dielectric properties of PVC-MWCNT-BT hybrid composite compared to PVC-MWCNT composite. The hybrid composites show improved dielectric properties when BT is incorporated as dielectric filler with multi-walled carbon nanotube in PVC. PVC-MWCNT 1 %-BT 3 % hybrid composite showed the highest dielectric constant and the lowest tan δ value among the composites. This hybrid composite is useful for electromagnetic shielding and supercapacitor applications.

Diabetic nephropathy is both the most common complication and the leading cause of mortality associated with diabetes. Prunella vulgaris, a well-known traditional medicinal plant, is used for the cure of abscess, scrofula, hypertension and urinary diseases. This study confirmed whether an aqueous extract of Prunella vulgaris (APV) suppresses renal inflammation and fibrosis. In human mesangial cell (HMC), pretreatment of APV attenuated 25[Formula: see text]mM HG-induced suppressed TGF-[Formula: see text] and Smad-2/4 expression; it increased the expression level of Smad-7. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen IV, fibrosis biomarkers, were significantly decreased by APV. APV suppressed inflammatory factors such as intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). APV inhibited activation and translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) in HG-stimulated HMCs. Moreover, APV significantly improved HG-induced ROS in a dose-dependent manner. In diabetic rat models, APV significantly decreased blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and ameliorated plasma creatinine (PCr). APV reduced the PAS positivity staining intensity and basement membrane thickening in glomeruli of diabetic rats. Fibrosis related proteins such as collagen IV and TGF-[Formula: see text]1 were also inhibited by APV. These results suggest that APV has a significant protective effect against diabetic renal dysfunction including inflammation and fibrosis through disruption of the TGF-[Formula: see text]/Smad signaling. Therefore, APV may be useful in potential therapies that target glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis, which lead to diabetic nephropathy.

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix (AP) and Acanthopanacis Cortex (AT) extracts in bone-derived adipocyte OP9 cell, osteoclast and osteoblast-like MG63 cells. Methods : MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of AP and AT extracts on OP9, osteoclast and MG63 cells. OP9 cells were treated with AP and AT, and the alterations in fat storage in the cells were determined by the Oil red O. To explain effects of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone 대한한의학 방제학회지 제22권 제1호 (2014년 6월) Herbal Formula Science(HFS) 2014;22(1):151~165 152 marrow macrophages, we performed the TRAP staining. The protein level of CAAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) as a adipocyte differentiation marker, and adiponectin was examined using western blot in differentiated OP9 cells. Effects of related genes were confirmed by luciferase assay using reporter assay. Results : AP and AT was not toxic on OP9 and MG63 cells, but AT was a little cytotoxic to osteoclast at the dose of 100 μg/ml. They could inhibit differentiation of OP9 cells and osteoclast with results of oil red O staining and TRAP staining. By western blot, AP and AT decreased the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα which is the key transcription factor in adipogenesis and adiponectin secretion. AT also inhibited the BMP-4 activity in luciferase assay. AP also inhibited BMP-4 and Wnt3a activity, stimulated ER-β activity but inhibited androgen receptor activity. Conclusions : These results show AP and AT can be useful in osteoporosis and obesity via inhibition of osteoclast and adipocyte differentiation. Keyword : Osteoclast, Adipocyte, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata, Acanthopanacis Cortex, PPARγ, BMP

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang (HH) and Geongang- buja-tang (GB) on the plasma hormone level in mice exposed to cold stress. HH and GB are the representative prescriptions of cold and hot property, respectively. Methods : We established cold condition by confining ICR mice to a 4°C cage for 24 hours, ICR mice were given a HH (100, 300, 1000 mg/kg) or GB (100, 300, 1000 mg/kg) extract orally twice a day for three consecutive days. From the second day, they were given cold stress (4°C) for twenty four hours. To measure the plasma corticosterone, insulin, thyroxine, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels of mice, their blood samples were collected from cardiac puncture, immediately centrifuged at 4°C. The protein level of HSP70 and JNK was examined using western blot analysis in cortex and hypothalamus. Results : Oral administration of GB more significantly reduced plasma corticosterone level raised by cold stress than HH. Gardeniae Fructus (CJ), the constituent of HH, significantly increased the thyroxine level. Western blot analysis showed that cold stress-induced Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression was increased by HH and GB, HH decreased JNK expression and GB increased JNK expression dose-depently in hypothalamus. Scutellariae Radix (HG), Zingiberis Rhizoma (GG) and Aconiti Tuber (BJ) decreased HSP70 in hypothalamus and GG, BJ decreased HSP70 in cortex as well. Conclusions : These results suggest Geongangbuja-tang (GB) is more effective for ameliorating the stress response caused by cold stress.

This paper propose the advanced topology of UPQC, its DC link is connected with Lithium battery, to compensate the momentary interruptions. The proposed system can be operated as UPS mode using the parallel inverter, which control the charge or discharge of battery, in case of the interruption. We dvelop 100kVA UPQC using the proposed topology to rise the power quality and the reliability of Microgrid. We verify its usefulness through voltage compensation test, UPS operation test and etc. using Microgrid test facility.

Samul-Tang (Si-Wu-Tang, SMT), composed of four medicinal herbs, is a well-known herbal formula treating hematological disorder or gynecologic disease. However, vascular protective effects of SMT and its molecular mechanisms on the vascular endothelium, known as the central spot of vascular inflammatory process, are not reported. The aim of this study was to investigate vascular protective effects of SMT water extract in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Water extract of SMT was prepared and identified by HPLC-PDA analysis. Expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were determined by western blot. Nuclear localization of NF-κB and Nrf2 was visualized by immunofluorescence and DNA binding activity of NF-κB was measured. ROS production, HL-60 monocyte adhesion, and intracellular nitric oxide (NO) were also measured using a fluorescent indicator. SMT suppressed NF-κB translocation and activation as well as expression of CAMs, monocyte adhesion, and ROS production induced by TNF-αin HUVECs. SMT treated HUVECs showed upregulation of HO-1 and NO which are responsible for vascular protective action. Our study suggests that SMT, a traditionally used herbal formula, protects the vascular endothelium from inflammation and might be used as a promising vascular protective drug.

Diabetic nephropathy associated with morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients. Mesangial cell proliferation is known as the major pathologic features such as glomerulosclerosis and renal fibros...

Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge, which belongs to the Sapindaceae family, is a shrub in Inner Mongolia and China. It has been used as a folk medicine for various diseases including hypertension and en...