Search

Abstract Although sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) offer promising low‐cost alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), several challenges need to be overcome for their widespread adoption. A primary concern is the optimization of carbon anodes. Graphite, vital to the commercial viability of LIBs, has a limited capacity for sodium ions. Numerous alternatives to graphite are explored, particularly focusing on disordered carbons, including hard carbon. However, compared with graphite, most of these materials underperform in LIBs. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism between carbon and sodium ions remains ambiguous owing to the structural diversity of disordered carbon. A straightforward mechanical approach is introduced to enhance the sodium ion storage capacity of graphite, supported by comprehensive analytical techniques. Mechanically activated graphite delivers a notable reversible capacity of 290.5 mAh·g−1 at a current density of 10 mA·g−1. Moreover, it maintains a capacity of 157.7 mAh·g−1 even at a current density of 1 A·g−1, benefiting from the defect‐rich structure achieved by mechanical activation. Soft X‐ray analysis revealed that this defect‐rich carbon employs a sodium‐ion storage mechanism distinct from that of hard carbon. This leads to an unexpected reversible reaction on the solid electrolyte surface. These insights pave the way for innovative design approaches for carbon electrodes in SIB anodes.

Abstract Unbalanced carbohydrate diets are linked to metabolic disorders; however, there is limited information on the role of gut microbiota. We explored differences in mice gut microbiota and metabolic phenotypes resulting from diets with different carbohydrate sources. To investigate the metabolic dysfunction and mechanism of the wheat flour and starch on metabolic disorders, we analyzed the changes of phenotype and biomarkers in rice and wheat flour diet in C57BL/6 mice (specific pathogen‐free) and fecal transplantation from antibiotic‐treated or germ‐free (GF) mice model. Rice‐fed mice presented normal metabolic reactions, whereas wheat‐fed mice exhibited increased body weight, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels. Wheat starch‐fed mice displayed lower fecal microbiota alpha diversity, with a reduced abundance of Bacteroidetes, than high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed and chow‐fed mice. Fecal transplantation from antibiotic‐treated or GF mice revealed that metabolic disruption induced by wheat diet feeding was mediated through gut microbiota and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) signaling in the colon. Taken together, wheat‐based diets induce gut microbiota alterations, causing obesity and metabolic diseases through molecular activity linked to colonic SCD1. Therefore, colonic SCD1 could be a therapeutic target for patients with metabolic diseases who consume high‐carbohydrate diets.

Abstract Flexible and transparent thin-film silicon solar cells were fabricated and optimized for building-integrated photovoltaics and bifacial operation. A laser lift-off method was developed to avoid thermal damage during the transfer of light-scattering structures onto colorless polyimide substrates and thus enhance front-incidence photocurrent, while a dual n-type rear window layer was introduced to reduce optical losses, facilitate electron transport for rear incidence, and thus enhance performance during bifacial operation. The introduction of the window layer increased the rear-to-front power conversion efficiency ratio to ~86%. The optimized bifacial power conversion efficiency for front and rear irradiances of 1 and 0.3 sun, respectively, equaled 6.15%, and the average transmittance within 500–800 nm equaled 36.9%. Additionally, the flexible and transparent solar cells fabricated using laser lift-off exhibited good mechanical reliability (i.e., sustained 500 cycles at a bending radius of 6 mm) and were therefore suitable for building-integrated photovoltaics.

Patulin (PAT) is a natural mycotoxin found in decaying pome fruits. Although some toxicological studies have been conducted on PAT, recent research has highlighted its anticancer and antifungal effects. However, studies have yet to examine the effects and molecular mechanisms of PAT in other metabolic diseases. Obesity is a chronic disease caused by excessive food intake and abnormal lifestyle, leading to low-grade inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effect of PAT on obesity at the cellular level. PAT treatment reduced lipid accumulation, suppressed glucose and LDL uptake, inhibited lipid deposition and triglyceride synthesis, upregulated fatty acid oxidation-related genes (Pgc1α), and downregulated adipogenic/lipogenic genes (Pparγ and C/ebpα) in hypertrophied 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, PAT treatment enhanced mitochondrial respiration and mass in differentiated adipocytes and alleviated inflammatory response in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, PAT treatment downregulated pro-inflammatory genes (il-6, Tnf-α, Cox-2, and inos), suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increase in inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, and NO), and restored mitochondrial oxidative function in LPS-stimulated macrophages by improving oxygen consumption and mitochondrial integrity and suppressing ROS generation. Overall, these findings suggest a potential for PAT in the prevention of lipid accumulation and inflammation-related disorders.

The chloroplast genome of Abeliophyllum distichum f. lilacinum Nakai, classified to a monotypic in this genus, and an endemic species in Korea, was sequenced to understand the genetic differences among intraspecies and cultivars of A. distichum. The chloroplast genome length is 156,015 bp (GC ratio is 37.8%) and has a typical quadripartite structure: 86,779 bp large single copy (35.8%) and 17,828 bp small single copy (31.9%) regions separated by two 25,704 bp inverted repeat (43.2%) regions. The genome encodes for 133 genes (88 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Six to 99 SNPs and seven to 18 INDEL regions (19 bp to 72 bp) were identified against available chloroplast genomes of A. distichum. Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum f. lilacinum is clustered with the Dae Ryun cultivar which has a larger fruit body. Our analyses suggest additional research, such as Genotyping-By-Sequencing, for understanding relationship between morphology and genotype of A. distichum.

Nanorod-shaped NaFeSnO4 having a tunnel-structure analogous to CaFe2O4 is proposed as a novel anode material for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries. The material shows a considerably high charge capacity of 179 mAhg−1 with low redox voltages, decent rate, and cycling performance. XANES results reveal Fe3+/Fe2+ as the active redox couple associated with the sodium insertion/extraction during cycling.

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.

To understand genetic features of new candidate cultivar, Dae Ryun of A. distichum, chloroplast genome was sequenced. Its length is 156,019 bp and has four subregions: 86,783 bp of large single-copy (LSC) and 17,828 bp of small single-copy (SSC) regions are separated by 25,704 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 133 genes (87 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Overall GC content is 35.8%. Intraspecies sequence variations among four A. distichum chloroplast genomes present various numbers. Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum is clustered with 12 Forsythia species.

Chloroplast genome of Sang Jae, new candidate cultivar of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai, has been sequenced to reveal infraspecific relationship of wildtypes and cultivars. Its length is 156,008 bp long (GC ratio is 37.8%) and has four subregions: 86,773 bp of large single copy (35.8%) and 17,827 bp of small single copy (31.9%) regions are separated by 25,704 bp of inverted repeat (43.2%) regions including 133 genes (87 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum is clustered with twelve Forsythia species and intraspecies variations level is similar to Olea europaea.

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is the only species in Abeliophyllum genus, which is Korean endemic. Ok Hwang 1ho, the first official cultivar of A. distichum., displays that colour of corolla is light yellow (8D and 9D). Here, we completed chloroplast genome of A. distichum cultivar Ok Hwang 1ho to understand genetic diversity of A. distichum cultivar. Its length is 156,008 bp long and has four subregions: 86,773 bp of large single copy (LSC) and 17,827 bp of small single copy (SSC) regions are separated by 25,704 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 133 genes (88 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The overall GC contents of this chloroplast genome are 37.8% and in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 35.8%, 31.9%, and 43.2%, respectively. Ninety-three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 56 insertion and deletions (INDELs) are identified against previous A. distichum chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum is clustered with two Forsythia species and many cultivars of Olea europaea subspecies present shorter branches than that of A. distichum. Our chloroplast genome will be a fundamental data to understand morphological diversity of A. distuichum.

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.

Olfactory receptors (ORs) account for 49% of all G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are important targets for drug discovery, and hence ORs may also be potential drug targets. Various ORs are expressed in breast cancer cells; however, most of them are orphan receptors, and thus, their functions are unknown. Herein, we present an experimental strategy using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system and a cell-based assay that allowed the identification of orphan OR6M1 as a new anticancer target in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. After the construction of stable OR6M1-expressing cells, the SPR-based screening of 108 chemicals for ligand activity was performed against OR6M1-expressing whole cells (primary screening) or membrane fragments (secondary screening). As a result, anthraquinone (AQ) and rutin were discovered to be new OR6M1 ligands. Based on calcium imaging in OR6M1-expressing Hana3A cells, AQ and rutin were classified as an OR6M1 agonist and antagonist, respectively. Cell viability and live/dead assays showed that AQ induced the death of MCF-7 cells, which was inhibited by rutin. Therefore, OR6M1 may be considered an anticancer target, and AQ may be considered a chemotherapeutic agent. This combined method can be widely used to discover the ligands and functions of other orphan GPCRs.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism by which capsella bursa-pastoris ethanol extract (CBE), containing 17.5 milligrams of icaritin per kilogram of the extract, and icaritin, mediate hypocholesterolemic activity via the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in obese mice and HepG2 cells. CBE significantly attenuated serum total and LDL cholesterol levels in obese mice, which was associated with significantly decreased PCSK9 gene expression. HepG2 cells were cultured using delipidated serum (DLPS), and CBE significantly reduced PCSK9 and maintained the LDLR level. CBE co-treatment with rosuvastatin attenuated statin-mediated PCSK9 expression, and further increased LDLR. The icaritin contained in CBE decreased intracellular PCSK9 and LDLR levels by suppressing transcription factors SREBP2 and HNF-1α. Icaritin also significantly suppressed the extracellular PCSK9 level, which likely contributed to post-translational stabilization of LDLR in the HepG2 cells. PCSK9 inhibition by CBE is actively attributed to icaritin, and the use of CBE and icaritin could be an alternative therapeutic approach in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) has a diverse pathophysiology and treatment is difficult. Translational research to understand its pathophysiology is underway. Hormonal factors, including ghrelin, seem promising, offering an understanding of appetite and eating. Functional MRI brain study can expand our knowledge of the brain-gut axis. Finally, immune systems research, including mast cells, can help with comprehensive understanding of FD. The clinical approaches based on these translational research projects are necessary to improve understanding of FD, leading to more effective treatment. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2016;68:132-137)

Limonin, one of the major components in dictamni radicis cortex (DRC), has been shown to play various biological roles in cancer, inflammation, and obesity in many different cell types and tissues. Recently, the odorant-induced signal transduction pathway (OST) has gained attention not only because of its function in the perception of smell but also because of its numerous physiological functions in non-neuronal cells. However, little is known about the effects of limonin and DRC on the OST pathway in non-neuronal cells. We investigated odorant-stimulated increases in Ca2+ and cAMP, major second messengers in the OST pathway, in non-neuronal 3T3-L1 cells pretreated with limonin and ethanol extracts of DRC. Limonin and the extracts significantly decreased eugenol-induced Ca2+ and cAMP levels and upregulated phosphorylation of CREB and PKA. Our results demonstrated that limonin and DRC extract inhibit the OST pathway in non-neuronal cells by modulating Ca2+ and cAMP 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.

Auraptene is a citrus-derived natural monoterpene that has been shown to exert anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant roles. Since little is known about other biological functions of auraptene, we examined the efficacy of auraptene for stimulating angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment with low concentrations of auraptene stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Furthermore, auraptene activated Erk, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and increased NO production. Auraptene also partially induced the phosphorylation of VEGFR2. Furthermore, auraptene-induced activation of Erk, Akt, and eNOS were significantly inhibited by the inhibitors PD98059, LY294002, and l-NIO dihydrochloride. These results suggest that auraptene stimulates angiogenesis by regulating the VEGFR2, Erk, and PI3K/Akt-eNOS signaling pathways.