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Heterotopic ossification is defined as the development of mature bone tissue outside normal bone. Osteomyelitis is an infection-related inflammatory disorder of the bones. Although pressure sores accompanied by heterotopic ossification have been reported, there have been no reports of osteomyelitis occurring in proximity to heterotopic ossification. Herein, we report a rare case of osteomyelitis in heterotopic ossification after trochanteric pressure sore reconstruction. We also emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and surgical approach for this infected heterotopic ossification lesion.

Pectobacterium brasiliense (P. brasiliense) is a necrotrophic bacterium that causes the soft rot disease in Brassica rapa. However, the mechanisms underlying plant immune responses against necrotrophic bacterial pathogens with a broad host range are still not well understood. Using a flg22-triggered seedling growth inhibition (SGI) assay with 455 Brassica rapa inbred lines, we selected six B. rapa flagellin-insensitive lines (Brfin2-7) and three B. rapa flagellin-sensitive lines (Brfs1-3). Brfin lines showed compromised flg22-induced immune responses (oxidative burst, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and seedling growth inhibition) compared to the control line R-o-18; nevertheless, they were resistant to P. brasiliense. To explain this, we analyzed the phytohormone content and found that most Brfin lines had higher P. brasiliense-induced jasmonic acid (JA) than Brfs lines. Moreover, MeJA pretreatment enhanced the resistance of B. rapa to P. brasiliense. To explain the correlation between the resistance of Brfin lines to P. brasiliense and activated JA signaling, we analyzed pathogen-induced glucosinolate (GS) content in B. rapa. Notably, in Brfin7, the neoglucobrassicin (NGBS) content among indole glucosinolates (IGS) was significantly higher than that in Brfs2 following P. brasiliense inoculation, and genes involved in IGSs biosynthesis were also highly expressed. Furthermore, almost all Brfin lines with high JA levels and resistance to P. brasiliense had higher P. brasiliense-induced NGBS levels than Brfs lines. Thus, our results show that activated JA-mediated signaling attenuates flg22-triggered immunity but enhances resistance to P. brasiliense by inducing indole glucosinolate biosynthesis in Brassica rapa. This study provides novel insights into the role of JA-mediated defense against necrotrophic bacterial pathogens within a broad host range.

Background 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), one of the aglycone derivatives of major ginsenosides, has been shown to have an anticancer activity toward a variety of cancers. This study was initiated with an attempt to evaluate its anti-cancer activity toward human endometrial cancer by cell and xenograft mouse models. Methods Human endometrial cancer (HEC)-1A cells were incubated with different 20(S)-PPD concentrations. 20(S)-PPD cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected using the annexin V binding assay and cell cycle analysis. Cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activated caspase-9 were assessed using western blotting. HEC-1A cell tumor xenografts in athymic mice were generated by inoculating HEC-1A cells into the flank of BALB/c female mice and explored to validate 20(S)-PPD anti-endometrial cancer toxicity. Results 20(S)-PPD inhibited HEC-1A cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 3.5 μM at 24 h. HEC-1A cells morphologically changed after 20(S)-PPD treatment, bearing resemblance to Taxol-treated cells. Annexin V-positive cell percentages were 0%, 10.8%, and 58.1% in HEC-1A cells when treated with 0, 2.5, and 5 μM of 20(S)-PPD, respectively, for 24 h. 20(S)-PPD subcutaneously injected into the HEC-1A cell xenograft-bearing mice three times a week for 17 days manifested tumor growth inhibition by as much as 18% at a dose of 80 mg/kg, which sharply contrasted to controls that showed an approximately 2.4-fold tumor volume increase. These events paralleled caspase-9 activation and PARP cleavage. Conclusion 20(S)-PPD inhibits endometrial cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell death via a caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway. Therefore, the 20(S)-PPD-like ginsenosides are endowed with ample structural information that could be utilized to develop other ginsenoside-based anticancer agents.

In this study, a field bridge test was conducted to find the dynamic properties of cable supported bridges with resilient-friction base isolation systems (R-FBI). Various ambient vibration tests were performed to estimate dynamic properties of a test bridge using trucks in a non-transportation state before opening of the bridge and by ordinary traffic loadings about one year later after opening of the bridge. The dynamic properties found from the results of the tests were compared with an analysis model. From the result of the ambient vibration tests of the cable supported bridge with R-FBI, it was confirmed that the dynamic properties were sensitive to the stiffness of the R-FBI in the bridge, and the seismic analysis model of the test bridge using the effective stiffness of the R-FBI was insufficient for reflecting the dynamic behavior of the bridge. In the case of cable supported bridges, the seismic design must follow the “Korean Highway Bridge Design Code (Limit State Design) for Cable supported bridges.” Therefore, in order to reflect the actual behavior characteristics of the R-FBI installed on cable-supported bridges, an improved seismic design procedure should be proposed.

In a previous paper, ambient vibration tests were conducted on a cable stayed bridge with resilient-friction base isolation systems (R-FBI) to extract the dynamic characteristics of the bridge and compare the results with a seismic analysis model. In this paper, a nonlinear seismic analysis model was established for analysis of the bridge to compare the difference in seismic responses between nonlinear time history analysis and multi-mode spectral analysis methods in the seismic design phase of cable supported bridges. Through these studies, it was confirmed that the seismic design procedures of the “Korean Highway Bridge Design Code (Limit State Design) for Cable Supported Bridges” is not suitable for cable supported bridges installed with R-FBI. Therefore, to reflect the actual dynamic characteristics of the R-FBI installed on cable-supported bridges, an improved seismic design procedure is proposed that applies the seismic analysis method differently depending on the seismic isolation effect of the R-FBI for each seismic performance level.

The loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is a serious consequence of chronic diseases and aging. BST204 is a purified ginseng (the root of Panax ginseng) extract that has been processed using ginsenoside-[Formula: see text]-glucosidase and acid hydrolysis to enrich ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 from the crude ginseng. BST204 has a broad range of health benefits, but its effects and mechanism on muscle atrophy are currently unknown. In this study, we have examined the effects and underlying mechanisms of BST204 on myotube formation and myotube atrophy induced by tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] (TNF-[Formula: see text]). BST204 promotes myogenic differentiation and multinucleated myotube formation through Akt activation. BST204 prevents myotube atrophy induced by TNF-[Formula: see text] through the activation of Akt/mTOR signaling and down-regulation of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, MuRF1, and Atrogin-1. Furthermore, BST204 treatment in atrophic myotubes suppresses mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and regulates mitochondrial transcription factors such as NRF1 and Tfam, through enhancing the activity and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-[Formula: see text] coactivator1[Formula: see text] (PGC1[Formula: see text]). Collectively, our findings indicate that BST204 improves myotube formation and PGC1[Formula: see text]-mediated mitochondrial function, suggesting that BST204 is a potential therapeutic or neutraceutical remedy to intervene muscle weakness and atrophy.

Park, J.; You, J.; Park, S.-K.; Ryu, S.-C., and Hong, S., 2021. Characterization of application methods for textile-based composite structures in coastal environments. In: Lee, J.L.; Suh, K.-S.; Lee, B.; Shin, S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 131-135. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Textiles exhibit many advantages including high strength/weight ratio and high corrosion resistance. Therefore, textiles can substitute steels in textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) and can strengthen existing RC structures, such as textile-reinforced mortar (TRM), in coastal environments. However, there is a difference in the structural performance of TRC and TRM so that it is important to clearly distinguish the behavior of textile-based composites. In this study, the flexural performance, serviceability, ductility, and fabrication process of TRC and TRM were analyzed and compared via two separate application. The results of the experiments were expressed as indexes, which were compared with that of the reference RC specimen. Finally, an efficient method for applying textile-based composite structures in a coastal environment was considered in terms of flexural strength, serviceability, ductility, and fabrication process. The TRM composite exhibited unstable behavior after the yield stage. The TRC composite exhibited stable behavior in all the loading stages and showed higher ductility than that of the TRM composites. The results of this study are expected to aid in the selection of an appropriate application method for conducting intensive durability verification.

Chemotherapy is a major etiology of cachexia. Ginseng products are known to have various anti-cachectic and health-promoting effects, such as inhibiting inflammation and promoting energy production. In particular, BST204, purified ginseng dry extract, contains multiple ginsenosides that can reduce chemotherapy-related fatigue and toxicity. To investigate the effects of BST204 on the alleviation of chemotherapy-induced cachexia using a multimodal approach. In a CT26 mouse syngeneic colon cancer model, cachexia was predominantly induced by chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) than by tumor growth. BST204 at a dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg was administered to 5-FU-treated mice. BST204 significantly mitigated the decrease in tumor-excluded body weight (change in 5-FU group and BST204 groups: − 13% vs. − 6% on day 7; − 30% vs. − 20% on day 11), muscle volume (− 19% vs. − 11%), and fat volume (− 91% vs. − 56%). The anti-cachectic effect of BST204 was histologically demonstrated by an improved balance between muscle regeneration and degeneration and a decrease in muscle cross-sectional area reduction. Chemotherapy-induced cachexia was biochemically and metabolically characterized by activated inflammation, enhanced oxidative stress, increased protein degradation, decreased protein stabilization, reduced glucose-mediated energy production, and deactivated glucose-mediated biosynthesis. These adverse effects were significantly improved by BST204 treatment. Overall, our multimodal study demonstrated that BST204 could effectively alleviate chemotherapy-induced cachexia.

BST204 is a purified ginseng dry extract that has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses, but its effect on muscle atrophy is yet to be investigated. In this study, C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate for three days followed by the treatment of dexamethasone (DEX), a corticosteroid drug, with vehicle or BST204 for one day and subjected to immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR and biochemical analysis for mitochondrial function. BST204 alleviates the myotube atrophic effect mediated by DEX via the activation of protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) signaling. Through this pathway, BST204 suppresses the expression of muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases contributing to the enhanced myotube formation and enlarged myotube diameter in DEX-treated myotubes. In addition, BST204 treatment significantly decreases the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production in DEX-treated myotubes. Furthermore, BST204 improves mitochondrial function by upregulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) in DEX-induced myotube atrophy. This study provides a mechanistic insight into the effect of BST204 on DEX-induced myotube atrophy, suggesting that BST204 has protective effects against the toxicity of a corticosteroid drug in muscle and promising potential as a nutraceutical remedy for the treatment of muscle weakness and atrophy.

We investigate the thermodynamic properties of FeSe under the in-plane magnetic fields using torque magnetometry, specific heat, magnetocaloric measurements. Below the upper critical field Hc2, we observed the field-induced anomalies at H1 ~ 15 T and H2 ~ 22 T near H//ab and below a characteristic temperature T* ~ 2 K. The transition magnetic fields H1 and H2 exhibit negligible dependence on both temperature and field orientation. This contrasts with the strong temperature and angle dependence of Hc2, suggesting that these anomalies are attributed to the field-induced phase transitions, originating from the inherent spin-density-wave instability of quasiparticles near the superconducting gap minima or possible Flude-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state in the highly spin-polarized Fermi surfaces. Our observations imply that FeSe, an atypical multiband superconductor with extremely small Fermi energies, represents a unique model system for stabilizing unusual superconducting orders beyond the Pauli limit., 8 pages, 4 figures, submitted

Sarcopenia, which refers to the muscle loss that accompanies aging, is a complex neuromuscular disorder with a clinically high prevalence and mortality. Despite many efforts to protect against muscle weakness and muscle atrophy, the incidence of sarcopenia and its related permanent disabilities continue to increase. In this study, we found that treatment with human placental hydrolysate (hPH) significantly increased the viability (approximately 15%) of H2 O2 -stimulated C2C12 cells. Additionally, while H2 O2 -stimulated cells showed irregular morphology, hPH treatment restored their morphology to that of cells cultured under normal conditions. We further showed that hPH treatment effectively inhibited H2 O2 -induced cell death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and Mstn expression induced by oxidative stress are closely associated with muscular dysfunction followed by atrophy. Exposure of C2C12 cells to H2 O2 induced abundant production of intracellular ROS, mitochondrial superoxide, and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as myostatin expression via nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling; these effects were attenuated by hPH. Additionally, hPH decreased mitochondria fission-related gene expression (Drp1 and BNIP3) and increased mitochondria biogenesis via the Sirt1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway and autophagy regulation. In vivo studies revealed that hPH-mediated prevention of atrophy was achieved predominantly through regulation of myostatin and PGC-1α expression and autophagy. Taken together, our findings indicate that hPH is potentially protective against muscle atrophy and oxidative cell death.

Background: The biological and pharmacological effects of BST204, a fermented ginseng extract, have been reported in various disease conditions. However, its molecular action in metabolic disease remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified the antiadipogenic activity of BST204 resulting from its inhibition of the S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) signaling pathway. Methods: The inhibitory effects of BST204 on S6K1 signaling were investigated by immunoblot, nuclear fractionation, immunoprecipitation analyses. The antiadipogenic effect of BST204 was evaluated by measuring mRNA levels of adipogenic genes and by chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Treatment with BST204 inhibited activation and nuclear translocation of S6K1, further decreasing the interaction between S6K1 and histone H2B in 10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells. Subsequently, phosphorylation of H2B at serine 36 (H2BS36p) by S6K1 was reduced by BST204, inducing an increase in the mRNA expression of Wnt6, Wnt10a, and Wnt10b, which disturbed adipogenic differentiation and promoted myogenic and early osteogenic gene expression. Consistently, BST204 treatment during adipogenic commitment suppressed the expression of adipogenic marker genes and lipid drop formation. Conclusion: Our results indicate that BST204 blocks adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells through the inhibition of S6K1-mediated histone phosphorylation. This study suggests the potential therapeutic strategy using BST204 to combat obesity and musculoskeletal diseases. Keywords: Adipogenesis, BST204, H2BS36 phosphorylation, S6K1, Wnt genes

Park, J.; Park, S.-K.; Choi, J., and Hong S., 2017. New priority ranking algorithm for the deteriorated coastal bridges considering network level. In: Lee, J.L.; Griffiths, T.; Lotan, A.; Suh, K.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), The 2nd International Water Safety Symposium. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 79, pp. 129–133. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Bridges are currently constructed and designed considering the structural safety required by the design code. However, coastal bridges are continuously deteriorated by many causes such as concrete spalling and exfoliation due to aging, faulty construction, and other deterioration factors. In this study, a prior ranking algorithm is investigated for performing maintenance management of coastal bridges and composed of more reasonable algorithm with studied on previous precedence priority ranking algorithm to realize bridge maintenance. With regard to a rating index of a total of 100 points, appearance defect index and load capacity de...

Lee, J.; Park, S.-K., and Hong, S., 2017. Numerical simulations of local scour at Samsan Bridge piers in Korea. In: Lee, J.L.; Griffiths, T.; Lotan, A.; Suh, K.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), The 2nd International Water Safety Symposium. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 79, pp. 154–158. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The Samsan Bridge connects Ganghwa Island and Incheon in the mid-western region of South Korea. The country is making an effort to improve access to the island from its major cities, and the construction of the bridge is part of that process. External factors such as wind waves, tide currents, currents, and scour depths around piers should be considered in the construction of a bridge. In order to obtain scour depth values around bridge piers, this study conducted numerical simulations on morphological changes using the SADEM (SAnd Deposit and Erosion Model). The morphological changes were calculated by solving the conservation of sediment transport equation. A field...

In this study, the proposed parameter updating reanalysis method was directly used on the measured data of the structures. Structural reanalysis generates a correlated analytical model that defines the structure on applying the initially assumed baseline analytical model and is presented through the structure’s FRF (frequency response function). Two numerical tests were previously conducted in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested reanalysis method. The suggested method generates the correlated analytical model with higher precision, as compared to the existing method, despite the application of the noise factor to the observed data. The method initially proven by the numerical experiment of an actual structure was applied to a pseudo-dynamic test on the full-scale concrete pier. The results indicate that the proposed reanalysis is useful even for application to response data of the actual structure.

In this study, to compare strengthening efficiency and flexural behaviors of textile- reinforced mortar (TRM) according to various types of strengthening methods without the textile being impregnated, ten specimens were tested. The results showed that TRM was beneficial for uniform distribution of cracks and increased the strengthening efficiency and load-bearing capacity, as textile reinforcement ratio and textile lamination increased and the mesh size of the textile decreased and mechanical end anchorage applied. However, the strengthening effect was shown obviously until the yield load considering structural safety and serviceability.

The gastroprotective effects of BST-104 (a water extract of Lonicera japonica) and the mechanisms involved were investigated in murine models of gastritis and peptic ulcer. The gastroprotective effects of BST-104 and its active components were evaluated in rat models of HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis and acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer. After orally administering BST-104, chlorogenic acid, rebamipide (positive control), or vehicle to each animal model, gastric lesion sizes, gastric mucus statuses, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and oxidative stress were measured. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and oxidized/reduced glutathione (GSH) ratios in gastric mucosal tissues were measured to evaluate oxidative stress. To clarify the action mechanism of BST-104, we investigated nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway involvement by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the acetic acid-induced ulcer model, oral administration of BST-104 at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg significantly reduced gastric lesions by 38%, 43%, and 55%, respectively, compared with vehicle controls. BST-104 significantly increased gastric mucus contents and this was accompanied by higher levels of hexosamine, sialic acid, and prostaglandin E

Natural stones have been typically used as a paving material in historically conserved areas due to architectural aesthetic aspect and environmental impact. However, they have been traditionally suggested in light traffic volume due to the defects caused by the increased traffic loading and volume. The failures can lead to diverse problems such as losing flatness, severe damage to both vehicles and pedestrians, high traffic congestion, maintenance cost, etc. In order to overcome these obstacles, ultra-rapid-hardening (URH) cement for rigid small element pavement (SEP) was implemented as both jointing and laying course materials. Additionally, their mechanical properties were investigated according to BS 7533-4 and National Stone Surface (NSS) in the UK. Preliminarily, the proper mix mortar design was found by comparing design parameters. The compressive and flexural strength of the joint and laying course by age was verified, and the results in early-age stage were satisfied with the requirements. The adhesive and shear strengths depending upon the width of the joint were determined, and from the test outcomes, the optimal thickness of the joint was found as 15 mm. Furthermore, by contrasting the compressive strength of the laying course with the punching shear strength, the shear strength regarding joint states was increased by up to 134.3% (fully restrained), 127.9% (semirestrained), and 107.2% (non restrained). This investigation would be possible to use as baseline data for an evaluation of the long-term performance of rigid SEP.

A study was conducted to determine the optimal mix design for polysulfide polymer concrete (PPC). Two-stage binder tests and polymer concrete mixing tests were carried out for this purpose. The optimal mixing ratio was determined from the test results. In addition, the strength and freeze–thaw resistance of specimens produced using the optimal mixing ratio were evaluated. The results of the strength tests showed that the specimens satisfied the strength requirements of the relevant design codes. Repeated freezing and thawing significantly decreased the mechanical strength of the specimens but had an insignificant effect on the specimens’ relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME). It was found that more than 300 freeze–thaw cycles could cause a problem for PPC in terms of its strength.

The effects of various prestressing levels on the flexural behavior of concrete beams strengthened with prestressed near-surface-mounted (NSM) carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars were investigated in this study. Four-point flexural tests up to failure were performed using a total of six strengthened prestressed and nonprestressed concrete beams. The nonprestressed strengthened beam failed by premature debonding at the interface of concrete and the epoxy adhesive, but the prestressed one failed owing due to rupture of the CFRP bar. As the prestressing level of the CFRP bar increased, the cracking and yield loads of the prestressed beams increased, but its effect on their deflections was insignificant. The ultimate load was constant regardless of prestressing level, but the ultimate deflection was almost inversely proportional to the level.

In today's SoC design, the number of registers has been increased along with complexity of hardware blocks. Register validation is a time-consuming and error-pron task. Therefore, we need an efficient way to perform verification with less effort in shorter time. In this work, we suggest register test automation flow based UVM (Universal Verification Methodology). UVM provides a standard methodology, called a register model, to facilitate stimulus generation and functional checking of registers. However, it is not easy for designers to create register models for their functional blocks or integrate models in test-bench environment because it requires knowledge of SystemVerilog and UVM libraries. For the creation of register models, many commercial tools support a register model generation from register specification described in IP-XACT, but it is time-consuming to describe register specification in IP-XACT format. For easy creation of register model, we propose spreadsheet-based register template which is translated to IP-XACT description, from which register models can be easily generated using commercial tools. On the other hand, we also automate all the steps involved integrating test-bench and generating test-cases, so that designers may use register model without detailed knowledge of UVM or SystemVerilog. This automation flow involves generating and connecting test-bench components (e.g., driver, checker, bus adaptor, etc.) and writing test sequence for each type of register test-case. With the proposed flow, designers can save considerable amount of time to verify functionality of registers.

Cyclic loading tests were performed to investigate the energy dissipation capacities of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips. Four RC beams were manufactured and three-point loaded. Responses of the strengthened beams to the cyclic loadings were measured, including deflections at the center of their span and strains of the CFRP strips and reinforcing steel rebars. Based on test results, the energy dissipation capacity of the strengthened beams were evaluated in comparison with that of an unstrengthened control beam.

The effects of prestress levels on the flexural behavior of concrete beams strengthened with near-surface-mounted (NSM) fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) were experimentally evaluated. Eight beams were tested. Failure of the prestressed strengthened beams occurred because of concrete cover separations at one end of the carbon FRP (CFRP) plates. With increasing prestress levels, the cracking, yield, and ultimate loads of the beams increased. The effect on the deflection corresponding to the cracking and yield loads was not significant; however, the ultimate deflections were affected by prestressing. The recommended prestress level for the concrete beams was ≤50% of the CFRP rupture strength.

The effect of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates, to which a peel-ply was fastened to increase their bonding area, on the behavior of strengthened concrete beams was investigated. A total of six concrete beams were tested. For the FRP plates, aramid-fiber-reinforced polymer (AFRP) ones were used. The test variables included their surface treatment (smooth and deformed), the depth of removal of concrete cover (0 and 10 mm), and the number of the plates. Each beam was tested in four-point bending under displacement control up to failure. Based on the experimental results obtained, the effect of the peel-plied AFRP plates on the flexural behavior of the concrete beams was evaluated.

Chrysanthemum zawadskiivar.latilobum(CZ) has been used for beverage or tea and also as folk medicine for the remedy of diverse inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effect of CZ on arthritis remains to be unknown. In this paper we aim to investigate the CZ’s antiarthritic effect and mechanism of action both in vitro and in vivo. To assess CZ’s antiarthritic effect, mouse models of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were used. Mice were used to gauge clinical arthritis index and histopathological changes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and other biological methods were adopted to measure CZ’s effect on arthritis and to understand the veiled mechanism of action. CZ greatly suppressed CIA, histopathological score, bone erosion, and osteoclast differentiation. Mechanistically, CZ inhibited the production of various inflammatory and arthritic mediators like inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and chemokines. Of note, CZ significantly suppressed the activation of the NF-κB pathway in vivo. CZ exerted an antiarthritic effect in CIA mice by curbing the production of crucial inflammatory and arthritis mediators. This study warrants further investigation of CZ for the use in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum (CZ) has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Recently, CZ extract was shown to inhibit differentiation of osteoclasts and provide protection against rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of BST106, the ethanol extract of CZ, for cartilage protection in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA), particularly focusing on apoptosis and autophagy. BST106 (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was orally administered once daily to MIA-induced OA rats. Swelling, limping, roentgenography, and histomorphological changes were assessed 28 d after MIA injection. Biochemical parameters for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), apoptosis, and autophagy were also assessed. BST106 ameliorated the severity of swelling and limping after MIA injection. Roentgenographic and histomorphological examinations revealed that BST106 reduced MIA-induced cartilage damage. BST106 decreased MIA-induced increases in MMP-2 and MMP-13 mRNA levels. Increased levels of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and glycosaminoglycan release were attenuated by BST106. Furthermore, BST106 suppressed the protein expression of proapoptotic molecules and increased the protein expression of autophagosome- and autolysosome-related molecules. These findings indicate that BST106 protects against OA-induced cartilage damage by inhibition of the apoptotic pathway and restoration of impaired autophagic flux.

In this study, the deterioration factors that affect the damage on the bridge deck slab wrapped with existing asphalt were estimated and analyzed to identify the final deterioration factors and a damage rate estimation equation was proposed that would predict the extent of damage on the bridge deck slab. Information on a total of 1219 bridges nationwide scale was collected through the GPR system, eight deterioration factors were derived, including number of days of de-icing chemical, de-icing chemical usage, the daily de-icing chemical usage, de-icing chemical usage compared with standard, snowfall, number of snowy days, the altitude, and the number of freeze-thaw days. In addition, through a correlation analysis between the respective deterioration factors and the damage rate of the bridge deck slab, the upper and lower lines were derived. The estimation equation of the damage rate on the bridge deck slab as suggested by this study can be used as a basic data for performing repair and reinforcement at an appropriate time by estimating the damages on the bridge deck slab, accordingly, it is expected to provide priority for repair and reinforcement work, and to carry out effective bridge maintenance as an appropriate amount of budget can be doubled.In this study, the deterioration factors that affect the damage on the bridge deck slab wrapped with existing asphalt were estimated and analyzed to identify the final deterioration factors and a damage rate estimation equation was proposed that would predict the extent of damage on the bridge deck slab. Information on a total of 1219 bridges nationwide scale was collected through the GPR system, eight deterioration factors were derived, including number of days of de-icing chemical, de-icing chemical usage, the daily de-icing chemical usage, de-icing chemical usage compared with standard, snowfall, number of snowy days, the altitude, and the number of freeze-thaw days. In addition, through a correlation analysis between the respective deterioration factors and the damage rate of the bridge deck slab, the upper and lower lines were derived. The estimation equation of the damage rate on the bridge deck slab as suggested by this study can be used as a basic data for performing repair and reinforcement at an...

Recently, the maintenance activity for aging of bridge structures was difficult because of traffic jam, environment pollution and increasing cost. And to solve these problems, modular bridge research has been studied. After static and cyclic loading test was conducted for serviceability and bending performance with one way slab, effective moment of inertia of modular specimen was analyzed to estimate the deflection by KCI(2012). To conduct the test, one integral slab and three modular slabs were made for static loading and one integral and modular slab were made for cyclic. As a result of the test, the modular slab had the similar bending performance of the integral. But the ultimate deflection showed the insufficient which was smaller than 20%. In the cyclic loading test, the modular slab has different behavior of deflection with the integral, so it was evaluated difficult for serviceability. In addition, effective moment of inertia by KCI(2012) was not estimated for modular slab with connection. The new value of m which was ratio between moments is 4.53 based on result of test for predicting deflection of modular.