Search

Doxorubicin is a highly effective anticancer agent that causes hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in patients. Fibroblast growth factor 21, a well-known regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism, exerts cardioprotective effects. Gemigliptin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. The protective effects of gemigliptin on hepatotoxicity via the increase in fibroblast growth factor 21 expression has not yet been elucidated. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of gemigliptin against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity via the upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 21 expression in the cultured murine hepatocyte cell line, AML12.Murine hepatocyte AML12 cells were treated with doxorubicin, fibroblast growth factor 21 and gemigliptin in 0.5% fetal bovine serum medium for 24 h at the indicated doses. Cells were transfected with the fibroblast growth factor 21 small interfering RNA for 24 h, followed by protein isolation.Fibroblast growth factor 21 expression levels were increased during doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in the murine hepatocyte AML12 cells. Fibroblast growth factor 21 treatment prevented doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity by attenuating apoptosis. Gemigliptin prevented doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity by upregulating fibroblast growth factor 21 expression. However, the protective effects of gemigliptin were blocked by fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibition in doxorubicin-treated AML12 cells.These results indicate that gemigliptin exhibits protective effects against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity by upregulating the fibroblast growth factor 21 expression levels in the cultured murine hepatocyte AML12 cells.

An excessive and prolonged increase in glucose levels causes β-cell dysregulation, which is accompanied by impaired insulin synthesis and secretion, a condition known as glucotoxicity. Although it is known that both Lin28a and Lin28b regulate glucose metabolism, other molecular mechanisms that may protect against glucotoxicity are poorly understood. We investigated whether Lin28a overexpression can improve glucotoxicityinduced β-cell dysregulation in INS-1 and primary rat islet cells. INS-1, a rat insulinoma cell line was cultured and primary rat islet cells were isolated from SD-rats. To define the effect of Lin28a in chronic high glucose-induced β-cell dysregulation, we performed several in vitro and ex-vivo experiments. Chronic exposure to high glucose led to a downregulation of Lin28a mRNA and protein expression, followed by a decrease in insulin mRNA expression and secretion in β-cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PDX-1 and BETA2, were reduced; The levels of apoptotic factors, including c-caspase3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, were increased due to glucotoxicity. Adenovirusmediated Lin28a overexpression in β-cells reversed the glucotoxicity- induced reduction of insulin secretion and insulin mRNA expression via regulation of β-cell-enriched transcription factors such as PDX-1 and BETA2. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Lin28a downregulated the glucotoxicity-induced upregulation of c-caspase3 levels and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, while inhibition of endogenous Lin28a by small interfering RNA resulted in their up-regulation. Lin28a counteracted glucotoxicity-induced downregulation of p-Akt and p-mTOR. Our results suggest that Lin28a protects pancreatic β-cells from glucotoxicity through inhibition of apoptotic factors via the PI3 kinase/Akt/mTOR pathway. [BMB Reports 2021; 54(4): 215-220].

BACKGROUND The Korea National Cancer Screening Program currently provides screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) for adults older than 50 years with no upper age limit. In general, people are likely to only pay attention to the benefits of cancer screening and to neglect its risks. Most consider the benefits of cancer screening as being far greater than the risks and are unaware that any potential benefits and harms can vary with age. AIM To report acceptance of an upper age limit for CRC screening and factors associated therewith among cancer-free individuals in Korea. METHODS The present study analyzed data from the Korea National Cancer Screening Survey 2017, a nationally representative random sample of 4500 Korean individuals targeted for screening for the five most common types of cancer. A total of 1922 participants were included in the final analysis. The baseline characteristics of the study population are presented as unweighted numbers and weighted proportions. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to examine factors related with acceptance of an upper age limit for CRC screening; subgroup analysis was also applied. RESULTS About 80% (1554/1922) of the respondents agreed that CRC screening should not be offered for individuals older than 80 years. Specifically, those who had never been screened for CRC had the highest acceptance rate (91%). Overall, screening history for CRC [screened by both fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.22-0.50] and other cancers (aOR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.34-0.87), as well as a family history of cancer (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.50-0.87), were negatively associated with acceptance of an upper age limit for CRC screening. In contrast, metropolitan residents (aOR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.29-2.68) and people who exercised regularly (aOR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.07-1.89) were more likely to accept an upper age limit. After subgrouping, we found gender, marital status, and lifetime smoking history among never-screened individuals and residential region, family history of cancer, and physical activity among never-screened individuals to be associated with acceptance of an upper age limit. CONCLUSION This study describes acceptance of an upper age limit for CRC screening and factors associated with it, and provides perspectives that should be considered, in addition to scientific evidence, when developing population-based cancer screening policies and programs.

Introduction: Postpartum depression is common; however, little is known about its relationship to social support and postpartum depression. This study examined the association between them among South Korean women within one year of childbirth. Methods This study was based on the 2016 Korean Study of Women’s Health-Related Issues (K-Stori), a cross-sectional survey employing nationally-representative random sampling. Participants were 1,654 postpartum women within a year of giving birth. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were conducted to analyze the associations between social support (and other covariates) and postpartum depression. Results Among participants, 266 (16.1%) had postpartum depression. Depending on the level of social support, 6.0%, 53.9%, and 40.1% of them had low, moderate, and high social support, respectively. Women with moderate or low social support were more likely to have postpartum depression (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.26–2.53; OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.56–4.89). This trend was observed in participants with multiparity, pregnancy loss, obese body image, and employed women. Conclusion Social support was associated with a decreased likelihood of postpartum depression, indicating the importance of social support, especially for women with multiparity, pregnancy loss experience, negative body image, and employed women for preventing postpartum depression.

Red pepper is enriched in antioxidant components, such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. In this study, we investigated the natural variability in the content of carotenoids and phenolic acids in 11 red pepper cultivars grown in two locations in South Korea during 2016, 2017, and 2018. Seven carotenoids and six phenolic acids, including soluble and insoluble forms, were detected in the red fruit pericarps. The major carotenoids were β-carotene (40%) and capsanthin (20%). The content of insoluble phenolic acids was higher than that of soluble phenolic acids because of the large amount of insoluble p-coumaric acid. The statistical analysis of combined data showed significant differences among varieties, locations, and years for most of the measured components. The results from variance component analysis indicated that the effects of location, year and the interaction of location and year mainly accounted for the variation in carotenoids, whereas variations in phenolic acid content were attributed to year and variety. In addition, the results of principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant showed that carotenoids were well discriminated by location and year, whereas phenolic acids were distinctively separated only by year. The data from this study could explain the natural variation in the content of carotenoids and phenolic acids in red pepper fruits by genotype and environment.

Ji Hae Hwang,1,2,&ast; Kyeongmin Lee,1,&ast; Eunji Choi,1,3 Ha Na Cho,1 Boyoung Park,4 Yumie Rhee,5 Kui Son Choi1 1Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; 2Center for Emergency Operations, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea; 3Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; 4Department of Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 5Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Kui Son ChoiGraduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10408, Republic of KoreaTel +82-31-920-2912Fax +82-31-920-2189Email kschoi@ncc.re.krPurpose: Poor sleep quality is a common problem among middle-aged women. Few studies, however, have assessed differences in sleep quality among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women and related risk factors in Korea women. The aim of this study was to assess sleep quality and factors associated therewith according to menopausal status in Korean women.Patients and Methods: This study was based on the 2016 Korean Study of Women’s Health Related Issues (K-Stori), a cross-sectional survey employing nationally representative random sampling. In total, 3000 Korean women aged 45 to 64 years completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Comparison of demographic characteristics and sleep quality among pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women was conducted.Results: Among the participants, 26% suffered from poor sleep quality based on the PSQI. The prevalence of poor sleep quality increased with later menopausal stage (from 18.8% in the premenopausal stage to 29.5% in the postmenopausal stage P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that peri- and postmenopausal women were 1.50 and 1.73 times more likely to have poor sleep quality in comparison to premenopausal women, respectively. Chronic disease, depression, at-risk drinking, taking dietary supplements, and single women were associated with a higher likelihood of having poor sleep quality. Health status, at-risk drinking, chronic illness, dietary supplementation, and depression were significantly associated with poor sleep quality.Conclusion: Poor sleep quality appears to be prevalent in peri- and postmenopausal women in Korea. The management of sleep quality during menopause transition is important, and further research on how sleep disturbances influence the health status of women in menopausal transition is required.Keywords: menopause, sleep quality, Pittsburgh sleep quality index

To enhance mechanical properties through improvement of dispersion stability of carbon black (CB) in epoxy resins, fluorine functional groups were introduced on the CB surface by fluorination. The changes in the chemical properties and dispersion stabilities after fluorination were evaluated with different partial pressures of fluorine gas. The mechanical properties of the fluorinated CB/epoxy composites were evaluated by the test of tensile, impact strengths and creep behavior. The fluorinated CB/epoxy composites showed approximately 1.6 and 1.1 times enhancement in the tensile and impact strengths compared to that of neat epoxy, respectively. Moreover, when a constant load was applied at 323 K, the fluorinated CB/epoxy composites lasted longer and had smaller strain changes than those of the raw CB/epoxy composites. Thus, well-dispersed CB by fluorination in epoxy resins effectively transfers mechanical stress.

To enhance the thermal properties of epoxy composites, expanded graphite (EG) was oxyfluorinated and embedded into epoxy resin as a reinforcement. The maximum thermal conductivity was obtained for epoxy composites with oxyfluorinated EG, representing a 62% increase compared to that of neat epoxy. Additionally, the glass transition temperature (Tg) and integral procedural decomposition temperature of epoxy composites with oxyfluorinated EG show the increase of 6% (4.4 °C) and 106% (264 °C), respectively, which indicated the improvement in thermal stability. These results can be attributed to the interfacial interaction between epoxy and oxyfluorinated EG, which formed strong interfacial interactions between the epoxy resin and EG due to the presence of oxygen- and fluorine-containing functional groups in oxyfluorinated EG.

Pancreatic islets play an essential role in regulating blood glucose levels. Age-dependent development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance results in hyperglycemia, which in turn stimulates insulin synthesis and secretion from aged islets, to fulfill the increased demand for insulin. However, the mechanism underlying enhanced insulin secretion remains unknown. Glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) catalyzes the conversion of glutamate into γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and CO2. Both glutamate and GABA can affect islet function. Here, we investigated the role of GAD67 in insulin secretion in young (3 month old) and aged (24 month old) C57BL/6J male mice. Unlike young mice, aged mice displayed glucose-intolerance and insulin-resistance. However, aged mice secreted more insulin and showed lower fed blood glucose levels than young mice. GAD67 levels in primary islets increased with aging and in response to high glucose levels. Inhibition of GAD67 activity using a potent inhibitor of GAD, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, abrogated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from a pancreatic β-cell line and from young and aged islets. Collectively, our results suggest that blood glucose levels regulate GAD67 expression, which contributes to β-cell responses to impaired glucose homeostasis caused by advanced aging.

Roberto Bolano se dio a conocer en Corea por medio de la traduccion y difusion estrategica de la editorial Open Books, dejando una huella significativa en la sociedad coreana. En el ambito cultural, influyo en los escritores jovenes que formaron el movimiento literario denominado Analrealismo, cuya revista Analrealism Vol. I (2015) fue una proclama desafiante frente al mercantilismo del sector editorial y al sistema cerrado y autosuficiente del mundo literario coreano que habia entrado en un periodo de decadencia desde los ultimos anos del siglo pasado. En el espacio academico, la lectura de Bolano sirvio para que los intelectuales coreanos pudieran recobrar su conciencia critica y cuestionaran su relacion interdependiente y simbiotica con el poder politico, solidamente estructurada a lo largo de la historia moderna coreana, a fin de reivindicar su funcion y responsabilidad sociopoliticas. Podria decirse que Bolano, mas que los escritores del Boom, influyo de manera notable en el contexto historico de recepcion de la literatura hispanoamericana en Corea.

PurposeThe Korean National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP) has implemented two screening methods for gastric cancer—upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) and endoscopy—for Koreans aged ≥40 years. We aimed to assess performance trends for both screening methods.Materials and MethodsThe KNCSP database was used to evaluate individuals who underwent screening from 2007 to 2016. The final gastric cancer diagnosis was ascertained by linking with the Korean Central Cancer Registry. We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional analysis to estimate performance indicators of gastric cancer screening by UGIS and endoscopy, stratified by sociodemographic factors. ResultsWe found that screening rates for gastric cancer increased from 28% to 51.7% between 2007 and 2016, and that the rate of endoscopy use for gastric cancer screening increased sharply. Cancer detection rates (CDR) of UGIS and endoscopy were 0.41 and 2.25 per 1,000 screens in 2007–2008 and 0.26 and 1.99 in 2015–2016, respectively. Interval cancer rates (ICR) per 1,000 negative screenings were 1.33 (2007–2008) and 1.21 (2015–2016) for UGIS and 1.14 (2007–2008) and 0.88 (2015–2016) for endoscopy. The sensitivity of UGIS decreased from 23.6% (2007–2008) to 17.6% (2015–2016), whereas that of endoscopy increased from 66.4% (2007–2008) to 69.3% (2015–2016). Specificity was maintained at >99% for both methods over the study period.ConclusionThe use of endoscopy for gastric cancer screening within the KNCSP has increased. Endoscopy has higher CDR, sensitivity, and specificity, and lower ICR estimates than does UGIS.

Background We sought to investigate intentions to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy in an attempt to predict future colorectal cancer screening behaviors and the feasibility of implementing colonoscopy as the primary screening modality for colorectal cancer in the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) of Korea. Methods Data were obtained from a nationwide online survey conducted in 2018. The survey included a total of 800 eligible adults aged over 45 years. Study measures included the history of screening colonoscopy within the past 10 years and intentions to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy under the NCSP based on the five constructs of the Health Belief Model. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors associated with intentions to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy. Results Approximately 77% of the participants expressed strong willingness to undergo primary screening with colonoscopy under the NCSP. Higher perceived severity and perceived benefits were significantly associated with stronger intentions to undergo screening with colonoscopy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–2.14 and aOR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.76–4.28, respectively). Greater perceived barriers (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45–0.93) were significantly associated with weaker intentions. Cues to action elicited the strongest screening intentions (aOR, 8.28; 95% CI, 5.23–13.12). Conclusion The current study findings highlight the need for increasing awareness of the severity of CRC and the benefits of colonoscopy screening. Family-orientated recommendation strategies and reducing complications may boost an individual’s intentions to undergo colonoscopy.

In a smart grid, various types of queries such as ad-hoc queries and analytic queries are requested for data. There is a limit to query evaluation based on a single node database engines because queries are requested for a large scale of data in the smart grid. In this paper, to improve the performance of retrieving a large scale of data in the smart grid environment, we propose a DQN-based join order optimization model on Spark SQL. The model learns the actual processing time of queries that are evaluated on Spark SQL, not the estimated costs. By learning the optimal join orders from previous experiences, we optimize the join orders with similar performance to Spark SQL without collecting and computing the statistics of an input data set.

Lin28a has diverse functions including regulation of cancer, reprogramming and regeneration, but whether it promotes injury or is a protective reaction to renal injury is unknown. We studied how Lin28a acts in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction, in a mouse model. We further defined the role of Lin28a in transforming growth factor (TGF)-signaling pathways in renal fibrosis through in vitro study using human tubular epithelium-like HK-2 cells. In the mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model, obstruction markedly decreased the expression of Lin28a, increased the expression of renal fibrotic markers such as type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin. In TGF-β-stimulated HK-2 cells, the expression of Lin28a was reduced and the expression of renal fibrotic markers such as type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin was increased. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Lin28a inhibited the expression of TGF-β-stimulated type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin. Lin28a inhibited TGF-β-stimulated SMAD3 activity, via inhibition of SMAD3 phosphorylation, but not the MAPK pathway ERK, JNK or p38. Lin28a attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy, making its mechanism a possible therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease. [BMB Reports 2020; 53(11): 594-599].

Background: High incidences of breast cancer are reported in Asian women in their forties, and it is not clear whether mammographic screening for breast cancer reduces mortality among them. Nevertheless, the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP) has implemented breast cancer screening for individuals aged 40 years and older. This study evaluated the effect of breast cancer screening in Korea. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort of cancer-free Korean women who were invited to participate in the KNCSP between 2002 and 2003. We followed them to identify breast cancer incidence and cancer death by 2014 and 2015, respectively. Information on mammographic screening, breast cancer diagnosis, death, and causes of death was linked by identification numbers. Poisson regression was performed to estimate mortality rate ratios (MRR) for breast cancer among screened to non-screened women. Findings: A total of 8,293,240 women aged 40-79 years were included in the analysis. Breast cancer incidence rates were 84.41 and 82.88 per 100,000 women-years for screened and non-screened women, respectively, with an adjusted rate ratio of 1.09 (95% CI, 1.08-1.11). Breast cancer mortality rates were 5.81 and 13.43 per 100,000 women-years for screened and non-screened women, respectively, with an adjusted MRR of 0.43 (95% CI, 0.41-0.44). The greatest mortality reduction was noted among women aged 45 to 54 years, and there was no observable reduction in mortality after the age of 70 years. Interpretations: The KNCSP for breast cancer has been effective in reducing breast cancer mortality for Korean women aged 40-69 years, doing so by 22%. Funding Statement: This study was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Cancer Research and Control from the National Cancer Center of Korea (1910231-1). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Center, Korea (Institutional Review Board no. NCCNCS08129).

The possibility of applying poulticing was studied for removing Paraloid B72, a resin used for fixing an earthen mural painting. Five types of poultices were selected from clay and gel types, and acetone, ethanol, and methyl ethyl ketone(MEK) were used as mixed solvents. The possibility of mixing between the poultice and solvent was investigated, and then the spreadability, fluidity, acidity, drying properties, and solubility of the poultices were examined to confirm the characteristics. A poultice agent, which is suitable for applying to a mural painting, was selected and applied to a painting layer sample coated with Paraloid B72. As a result, all painting layers were good condition at under 50% of the solvent. The removal efficiency of Paraloid B72 was more effective when most of the solvents were used at 50%, rather than at 25%. However, it is difficult to mix 50% of MEK and ethanol with the gel-type poultices. When used at 25%, the removal performance was poorer than that at 50%, but the mixing with all the poultices was successful. In addition, the adsorption and removal power of the gel-type poultice were better than those of the clay-type, but the latter was expected to be more suitable in short-time cases due to its high drying speed. The results of this study show that the dissolution performance varies depending on the poultices and solvents. Hence, the poultice and solvent should be selectively applied, considering the fixative of the mural to be removed.

Introduction Strains of the genus Dermabacter is a recently established species, recognized as relatively rare opportunistic human pathogen, and is infrequently isolated from clinical specimens, including blood cultures, abscesses, wounds, bone, eye, and skin. Presentation of case We present a 78-year old female with chronic symmetrical peripheral gangrene and hand infection. The patient underwent surgical debridement with amputation on gangrene with infection of both fingers. At 2 weeks postoperatively, pus discharge was newly observed and the patient underwent reoperation. In the subsequent reinfection, unknown organism has been repeatedly identified, may be the most likely causative agent. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic distinctness and DNA–DNA hybridization results, new strain should be placed in the genus Dermabacter as representing a novel species, for which the name Dermabacter jinjuensis sp. nov. is proposed. Discussion We judged the novel species as the causative bacteria. Because of, a novel species called D. jinjuensis was repeatedly identified more than common bacteria. It can be considered as a postoperative nosocomial infection or opportunistic infection. It is not clear how the infection of D. jinjensis occurred. Conclusion This is the first reported case of a human D. jinjuensis infection. We were able to treat patients without any complications by operative treatment and administering appropriate antimicrobial agents according to antibiotics susceptibility test., Highlights • Strain of the genus Dermabacter is a recently established species. • Strain of the genus Dermabacter recognized as relatively rare opportunistic human pathogen. • Dermabacter jinjuensis is newly described Dermabacter species. • Dermabacter jinjuensis can be human pathogen.

High-performance gas sensors were fabricated from activated carbon fibers (ACFs) introduced with CuO. The electroless CuO plating of ACFs was carried out to investigate the nitric oxide (NO) gas sensing ability with respect the plating time. The gas sensors were fabricated by dropping a solution (CuO-introduced ACFs + DMF) onto SiO2/Si wafers patterned with Pt electrodes. The NO gas sensing behavior of the ACF-based gas sensors was determined by resistance measurements. As the plating time increased, the CuO content on the ACF surface increased, and the specific surface area of the ACFs decreased. The gas sensor fabricated from untreated ACFs showed a 4% resistance change upon exposure to NO gas, whereas the sensor with CuO-introduced ACFs showed an approximately 12.5% resistance change. This phenomenon is attributed to the increased number of hole carriers in the ACFs due to CuO, which promotes electron transfer, and benefits the effective detection of NO gas. This method provides as a unique surface treatment strategy to improve the NO gas sensing efficiency.

Paeonia japonica, distributed throughout Asia, is a traditional medicinal herb in Korea, with many potential beneficial effects including pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. Despite its high pharmacological value, the genetic information on Paeonia japonica remains limited. In this study, the chloroplast genome of P. japonica was sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and genome and phylogeny were analyzed using multiple tools. The chloroplast genome of P. japonica was 152,731 bp in length with an inverted repeat region of 26,656 bp, including a large single-copy region of 84,389 bp and a small single copy region of 17,030 bp. The P. japonica chloroplast genome included 113 genes comprising 80 protein-coding genes, 27 tRNA, and 5 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. japonica and P. obovata share a close evolutionary relationship.

We have successfully prepared a series of pyrene based donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) molecules, 1,6-bis[(N,N-p-(R)-diphenylamino)phenyl]pyrene (R = CN (Py-CN), F (Py-F), H (Py-H), Me (Py-Me), and OMe (Py-OMe)), containing N,N-bis(p-(R)-phenyl)aniline as an electron donor and pyrene as an electron acceptor by using the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction in good yield and fully characterized. By introducing various N,N-bis(p-(R)-phenyl)aniline derivatives with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing R groups, the energy band gaps of Py-R were systematically controlled and emission colors were efficiently tuned from blue to yellow (441–536 nm). Absorption spectra of all Py-R compounds showed intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transitions in the range of 350–450 nm in the ground state. Solvent-dependent emission spectra confirmed the substituent dependence of charge transfer ability in the excited state. Then, the charge transfer tendencies by the substituents were quantitatively observed using the Lippert-Mataga equation. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of synthesized Py-R compounds were found in the range of −5.44 to −5.97 eV and −2.68 to −2.97 eV respectively from cyclic voltammetry (CV) experimental. Theoretical studies were conducted using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations to provide a basis for interpreting experimental data. Experimental and calculated values were found to be well correlated with the Hammett constants (σpara) and confirmed that the energy band gap was systematically controlled by the substituent effect. Furthermore, pyrene based D-A-D compounds with controllable band gap were employed as selective chemosensors to detect nitro explosives, and especially Py-CN demonstrated efficient sensing ability for ortho-nitroaniline (o-NA) by fluorescence quenching strategy.

본 연구는 양산 통도사 괘불탱의 손상 및 채색 상태 유형에 대한 자료를 확보하고, 비파괴 방법과 박락된 시편의 교차분석을 통한 채색 안료의 종류를 밝혀내고자 하였다. 괘불탱의 손상 유형을 확인한 결과, 꺾임과 접힘, 들뜸, 결실, 박락 등이 관찰되었다. 채색 안료 분석 결과, 적색 계열의 안료는 연단과 진사, 유기 안료가 사용되었고, 녹색 안료는 공작석과 염화동(녹염동광)을 사용하였으며, 청색 안료는 석청과 군청, 백색 안료는 연백과 활석을 혼합하여 사용하였다. 또한, 황색 안료는 연백과 유기 안료를 혼합하여 사용하거나 연백 위에 유기 안료를 덧칠하였으며, 흑색 안료는 먹을 사용 했을 것으로 추정된다. 박락된 시료를 수습하여 안료의 입자상태 분석을 통해 녹색안료의 결정형을 쉽게 구분할 수 있었으며, 진한청색과 연한청색도 마찬가지로 입자의 크기나 형태가 원료의 상이함에 따라 서로 다름을 확인하였다. 또한, 황색과 자색은 입자감이 없는 유기안료를 사용하였으며, 특이하게 어두운 적색은 주황색과 먹을 혼합하여 사용한 것으로 확인되었다.

To improve the mechanical properties of epoxy composites, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxyfluorinated and used as reinforcement in an epoxy matrix. A comparison of various oxyfluorinated MWCNTs and neat epoxy revealed that the tensile strength of the epoxy composites with oxyfluorinated MWCNTs increased by approximately 24%. The maximum impact strength of these epoxy composites were improved by 43% compared to that of neat epoxy. The electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI-SE) of the epoxy composites with oxyfluorinated MWCNTs was enhanced with the increasing oxygen concentration during the oxyfluorination. The composites resulted in the maximum EMI-SE increase of 18% compared to that of the neat epoxy. These results were attributed to the oxyfluorination effects of MWCNTs, which form an interface with stronger adhesion as a consequence of the presence of oxygen and fluorine functional groups on the surface of the MWCNTs.

In pancreatic beta cell, excessive and prolonged increase of glucose causes beta cell dysfunction which is characterized by impaired insulin synthesis and secretion, termed the glucotoxicity. Although it is known that both Lin28a and LIN28B promoted an insulin-sensitized state that resisted high fat diet-induced diabetes, other molecular mechanisms that protect from glucotoxicity are poorly defined. We investigated the effect of Lin28a overexpression on glucotoxicity-induced beta cell dysfunction. In this study, we found that high glucose leads to a decrease in Lin28a mRNA and protein expression, followed by a decrease in insulin gene expression and secretion in the rat insulinoma cell line, INS-1. In addition, PDX-1and BETA2 mRNA and protein expression were downregulated by high glucose in INS-1. Similarly, mRNA expression of Lin28a and insulin was decreased in pancreas of high fat diet induced diabetic mouse. Adenovirus mediated Lin28a overexpression in INS-1 reversed the glucotoxicity-induced downregulation of insulin, PDX-1 and BETA2 expression, and improved glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). In mouse islet, mRNA expressions of insulin, PDX-1 and ki67 and GSIS were decreased by glucotoxicity. Lin 28a overexpression in mouse islet partially restored their expression and GSIS. These results suggest that Lin28a protects pancreatic beta cells from glucotoxicity through regulation of insulin transcription factors. Disclosure K. Lee: None. Y. Hwang: None. J. Choi: None. Funding Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (18-LC-01, 2018010133)

Successful islet transplantation critically depends on the isolation of healthy islets. However, the islet isolation procedure itself contributes to islet death due to the destruction of intra- and peri-islet extracellular matrices (ECMs) during digestion. We investigated whether an RGD-containing elastin-like polypeptide (REP) could function as a self-assembling matrix to replenish ECMs and protects islets from cell death. Immediately following isolation, islets were coated with REP coacervate particles via isothermal adsorption of an REP solution followed by thermal gelation. REP-coated islets displayed increased viability and insulin secretory capacity in pretransplant culture compared to untreated islets. Co-transplantation of REP-treated islets and REP beneath the renal sub-capsule in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice restored normoglycemia and serum insulin levels. Mice that received co-transplants maintained normoglycemia for a longer period of time than those receiving untreated islets without REP. Moreover, co-transplantation sites exhibited enhanced β-cell proliferation and vascularization. Thus, the REP-based coacervation strategy improve the survival, function and therapeutic potential of transplanted islets. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1). An artificial matrix polypeptide comprised of thermoresponsive elastin-like peptides and integrin-stimulatory RGD ligands (REP) to reconstitute damaged or lost matrices. 2). Through body temperature-induced coacervation, REP reconstitutes intra-islet environment and enhances islet viability and insulin secretion by activating the pro-survival and insulin signaling pathways. 3). REP-coated islets were transplanted together with the matrix polypeptide under the kidney sub-capsule of mice, it develops a new peri-insular environment, which protects the islet grafts from immune rejection thus extending islet longevity. 4). Our data suggest that in situ self-assembly of biomimetic islet environments become a new platform allowing for improved islet transplantation at extrahepatic sites.

Successful islet transplantation critically depends on the isolation of healthy islets. Paradoxically, the islet isolation procedure contributes to islet death due to the destruction of intra- and peri-islet extracellular matrices (ECMs) during digestion. We investigated whether an RGD-containing elastin-like polypeptide named REP as a self-assembling matrix replenish damaged or missing ECMs and protects islet against cell death. Immediately following isolation, islets were coated with REP coacervate particles via isothermal adsorption of REP solution followed by thermal gelation. Both the viability and insulin secretory capacity of REP-coated islets were markedly increased during the pre-transplant culture, whereas control islets progressively lost viability and function. Co-transplantation of REP-treated islets and REP beneath the renal sub-capsule restored normoglycemia and serum insulin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Compared to islet-only transplants, mice that received co-transplants had a longer euglycemia maintenance time, sustained xenogeneic- and syngeneic- graft survival. Moreover, concomitant β-cell proliferation and generation of a rich vasculature were observed at the co-transplantation sites. In conclusion, the REP-based coacervation strategy provides great therapeutic potential for improving the ECMs for graft survival and functions, and most importantly to increase the outcomes of islet transplantation.

Molecular changes during aging have been studied to understand the mechanism of aging progress. Herein, changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression in the whole blood of mice were studied to systemically reverse aging and propose them as non-invasive biomarkers. Through next-generation sequencing analysis, we selected 27 differentially expressed miRNAs during aging. The most recognized function involved was liver steatosis, a type of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Among 27 miRNAs, six were predicted to be involved in NAFLD, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-21a-5p, miR-30c-5p, miR-103-3p, and miR-130a-3p; alterations in their blood and liver levels were confirmed by real-time qPCR. The expression of the genes associated in the network of these miRNAs, Bcl2, Ppara, E2f1, E2f2, Akt, Ccnd1, and Smad2/3, also was altered in the liver of aged mice. Following transfection of these miRNAs into 18-month-old mice, levels of miR-21a-5p, miR-103-3p, and miR-30c-5p increased, and their related genes exhibited a reversed expression in the liver. Expression of Mre11a, p16INK4a, and Mtor, reported to be aging-associated molecules, also was reversed in the livers of miRNA-transfected mice. These miRNAs could be non-invasive biomarkers for aging, and they might induce a reverse regulation of aging-associated pathways. This study provides preliminary data on reverse aging, which could be applied further for treatments of adult diseases. Keywords: reverse aging, circulating miRNA, aging biomarker, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, telomerase

A Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, coryneform bacterium, designated strain 32T, was isolated from a closed pus sample from a patient having finger necrosis in Korea. Strain 32T was considered as representing a novel species according to its initial identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight MS. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 32T belonged to the genus Dermabacter and was closely related to Dermabacter hominis DSM 7083T (=ATCC 49369T) (98.34 % similarity). Optimal growth was observed at 30-40 °C and pH 7. Growth occurred in the presence of 0-6 % (w/v) NaCl. Menaquinones MK-8, MK-7 and MK-9 were the major respiratory quinones. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, glycolipid and two unknown lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain 32T was 62.58 mol%, and the mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 32T and D. hominis ATCC 49369T was 49±1.6 %. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain 32T is confirmed to represent a novel species of the genus Dermabacter, for which the name Dermabacter jinjuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 32T (=NCCP 16133T=DSM 101003T).

To improve properties of epoxy composites, surfaces of the illite and carbon nanotube (CNT) were treated by fluorine gas. The fluorinated illite and CNT were then characterized by X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) and the mechanical and thermal properties of their composites were evaluated. The tensile and impact strengths and thermal stability of the composites increased upto about 59%, 18% and 124%, respectively compared to those of the neat epoxy. Improvements of mechanical and thermal properties in the composites were attributed that the fluorination of illite and carbon nanotube helps to enhance the dispersion in epoxy resin and interfacial interaction between them. Keywords: fluorination, illite, carbon nanotube, epoxy composites 1)1. 서 론 고분자 복합재는 내식성, 우수한 인성 및 강도와 같은 특성을 가지고 있어 자동차의 부품 혹은 차체 , 항공모함 및 군수용품 등 다양하게 이용되고 있으며, 기존의 금속과 같은 재료를 대체할 수 있어 여러 분야에서 각광받고 있다[1,2]. 특히, 열경화성 고분자 중 에폭시 수지는 가공이 용이하고, 접착력이 우수하며, 전기 절연성이 뛰어나 코팅, 고성능 접착용 등으로 다양하게 이용되고 있다. 그러나, 에폭시 수지는 취성을 가지고 열적 특성이 취약하여 이를 건축자재 및 전기 부품 등에 응용하는데 그 한계가 있다. 따라서, 이를 개선하기 위한 방법으로 다양한 강화재를 첨가하여 복합재의 특성을 향상시키는 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다[3,4].

To verifying the stability of Natural pigments for Dancheong which is available on the market was carried out as light resistance and gas corrosion test. In this particular case, we will confirm the characteristics of the only pigments except of Dancheong technique and influence of substance. Medium using for coloring are animal glue and synthetic resin that widely used for Dancheong in currently. Selected to artificial light source is a xenon arc lamp, contaminated gas is nitrogen dioxide gas in experiment. Degree of degradation of pigment were compared by measuring the degree of color change. The result of light resistance test, mineral pigments were good; color is green and blue type, soil pigments also good; color is yellow ocher, white clay, red clay etc. Gamboge, unghwang, cinnabar, red lead were confirmed not good. The result of gas corrosion test, most of the natural pigments were good condition except the red lead. Generally, animal glue samples had better than a synthetic resin samples.