Search

Lignin, renowned for its abundance of hydroxyl groups, was utilized in three dimensions to fabricate a hydrogel matrix. In this study, the optimal conditions for the preparation of a lignin-crosslinked hydrogel and its potential for dye and antioxidant removal were investigated. The hydrogel was synthesized through a cross-linking reaction, with varying amounts of cross-linking agent (poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether) added to adjust for the lignin content. Chemical structure analysis of the lignin-crosslinked hydrogel was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming successful hydrogel formation. Additionally, thermal analysis revealed an increase in the maximum thermal decomposition temperature with increasing cross-linker content. The lignin cross-linked hydrogel demonstrated a significantly higher swelling ability at pH 7 compared to pH 3. The dye adsorption capacity of the lignin-crosslinked hydrogel, which was evaluated using crystal violet (CV), showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 106 mg∙g-1. The CV adsorption behavior followed Freundlich isotherms and pseudo-first-order kinetics. Moreover, the lignin-crosslinked hydrogel exhibited notable antioxidant activity, which was attributed to the phenolic hydroxyl groups of lignin macromolecules. Therefore, lignin-crosslinked hydrogels prepared using cross-linking agents have promising application potential in various fields.

Lignin, an abundant natural resource, has not been effectively utilized. In this study, the functionality of lignin was enhanced through amination to produce amine-crosslinked lignin, and its adsorption behavior toward cationic and anionic dyes was investigated. Chemical structure analysis confirmed the successful introduction of amine groups, thereby improving the molecular weight and thermal stability of the optimized amine-crosslinked lignin. Additionally, the amine-crosslinked lignin exhibited a larger specific surface area than kraft lignin, as well as excellent adsorption capacity for both anionic and cationic dyes. Furthermore, it selectively adsorbed anionic and cationic dyes depending on pH conditions. The adsorption kinetics were described using a pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherms for congo red and methyl green were determined using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations, respectively. Additionally, the reusability and adsorption efficiency of the optimized amine-crosslinked lignin were evaluated, confirming its stable and repeatable adsorption efficiency for congo red and methyl green even after five repeated cycles. The assumed adsorption mechanism was attributed to electrostatic interactions. Therefore, the successful synthesis and excellent adsorption properties of amine-crosslinked lignin suggest its promising potential for environmentally friendly and efficient removal of both cationic and anionic dyes, thereby offering a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and remediation.

The growing demand for high-performance next-generation lithium (Li)-based batteries has brought Li-metal anodes into the spotlight, due to their high theoretical capacity (3,860 mAh g-1) and low electrochemical potential (-3.04 V vs. SHE). However, the practical application of Li-metal anodes faces formidable challenges, primarily associated with dendritic Li growth resulting from non-uniform ion flux. Although previous studies utilizing carbonaceous materials having pores and lithiophilic atoms have demonstrated powerful performances, the complex process involving pore creation and doping with heteroatoms still has limitations in terms of cost-effectiveness. This study introduces a lithiophilic nitrogen (N)-doped three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon (NLC) by simply reusing and carbonizing NH2-functionalized lignin (NL), an eco-friendly biopolymer derived from waste wood generated during the pulping process. The NLC offers macro-porous spaces with a rich array of N-doped sites, capable of accommodating and guiding Li deposition to facilitate uniform Li growth. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the NLC as the Li growth guiding layer in Li-metal batteries. A full cell incorporating the NLC as a Li growth guiding layer, with NCM811 as cathodes, exhibits a remarkable capacity of 145. 57 mAh g-1 even at a high C-rate of 5C and capacity retention of 90.3% (167 mAh g-1) after 150 cycles at 1C. These findings represent significant advancements compared to conventional Li-metal batteries.

Lignin is a renewable natural aromatic polymer that is generated as a co-product during lignocellulosic biorefinery processes, and it has been applied widely as a functional biomaterial. In this study, the adsorption behavior of Cd(II) and Pb(II) metal ions was investigated via ion chelation using aminated lignins (ALs) with primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups. ALs exhibited optimal Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption capacities in solution under neutral conditions due to their chelating, electrostatic, and cationic–π interactions with metal ions. The AL with the primary amine group showed the highest adsorption capacities for both Cd(II) and Pb(II), reaching 83.2 and 159.7 mg·g-1, respectively, followed by the ALs with secondary and tertiary amine groups. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm analysis demonstrated that all adsorption behaviors followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption processes of Cd(II) and Pb(II) using the ALs were spontaneous and endothermic. These results demonstrate that ALs are promising adsorbents for the removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) metal ions.

Abstinence from prolonged psychostimulant use prompts stimulant withdrawal syndrome. Molecular adaptations within the dorsal striatum have been considered the main hallmark of stimulant abstinence. Here we explored striatal miRNA–target interaction and its impact on circulating miRNA marker as well as behavioral dysfunctions in methamphetamine (MA) abstinence. We conducted miRNA sequencing and profiling in the nonhuman primate model of MA abstinence, followed by miRNA qPCR, LC–MS/MS proteomics, immunoassays, and behavior tests in mice. In nonhuman primates, MA abstinence triggered a lasting upregulation of miR-137 in the dorsal striatum but a simultaneous downregulation of circulating miR-137. In mice, aberrant increase in striatal miR-137-dependent inhibition of SYNCRIP essentially mediated the MA abstinence-induced reduction of circulating miR-137. Pathway modeling through experimental deduction illustrated that the MA abstinence-mediated downregulation of circulating miR-137 was caused by reduction of SYNCRIP-dependent miRNA sorting into the exosomes in the dorsal striatum. Furthermore, diminished SYNCRIP in the dorsal striatum was necessary for MA abstinence-induced behavioral bias towards egocentric spatial learning. Taken together, our data revealed circulating miR-137 as a potential blood-based marker that could reflect MA abstinence-dependent changes in striatal miR-137/SYNCRIP axis, and striatal SYNCRIP as a potential therapeutic target for striatum-associated cognitive dysfunction by MA withdrawal syndrome.

Abstracts Background Titanium surface coating on cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy has characteristics desirable for an orthopedic implant as follows: strength, osteointegrative capability, and biocompatibility. Creating such a coated surface takes a challenging process and two dissimilar metals are not easily welded. In our study, we utilized additive manufacturing with a 3D printing called direct metal fabrication (DMF) and compared it to the plasma spraying method (TPS), to coat titanium onto CoCr alloy. We hypothesized that this would yield a coated surface quality as acceptable or better than the already established method of plasma spraying. For this, we compared characteristics of titanium-coated surfaces created by direct metal fabrication method (DMF) and titanium plasma spraying (TPS), both in vitro and in vivo, for (1) cell morphology, (2) confocal microscopy images of immunofluorescent assay of RUNX2 and fibronectin, (3) quantification of cell proliferation rate, (4) push-out biomechanical test, and (5) bone histomorphometry. Method For in vitro study, human osteoblast cells were seeded onto the coated surfaces. Cellular morphology was observed with a scanning electron microscope. Cellular proliferation was validated with ELISA, immunofluorescent assay. For in vivo study, coated rods were inserted into the distal femur of the rabbit and then harvested. The rods were biomechanically tested with a push-out test and observed for histomorphometry to evaluate the microscopic bone to implant ratio. Result For cell morphology observation, lamellipodia and filopodia, a cytoplasmic projection extending into porous structure, formed on both surfaces created by DMF and TPS. The proliferation of the osteoblasts, the DMF group showed a better result at different optic density levels (p = 0.035, 0.005, 0.001). Expression and distribution of fibronectin and Runx-2 genes showed similar degrees of expressions. The biomechanical push-out test yielded a similar result (p = 0.714). Histomorphometry analysis also showed a similar result (p = 0.657). Conclusion In conclusion, DMF is a method which can reliably create a proper titanium surface on CoCr alloy. The resulting product of the surface shows a similar quality to that of the plasma spraying method, both in vivo and in vitro, in terms of biological and mechanical property.

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate changes in nutritional value and in situ dry matter (DM) degradability of oak and pine wood before and after steam-digestion process (60 min/160°C/6 atm) and feeding effect of the oak roughage on performance and behavior of Hanwoo steers. Methods Chemical composition and tannin concentration were analyzed for oak and pine trees before and after the pretreatment. In situ DM and effective degradability of these samples were assessed using a nylon bag method. In vivo trial was performed to estimate animal performance and behavior, using steers fed total mixed ration (TMR) diets containing 0% (control), 25% (OR-25), and 50% (OR-50) of the oak roughage. Eighteen steers were allocated into nine pens (2 steers/pen, 3 pens/treatment) for 52 days according to body weight (BW) and age. Results By the steam-digestion treatment, the neutral detergent-insoluble fiber was decreased from 86.5% to 71.5% for oak and from 92.4% to 80.5% for pine, thereby increasing non-fiber carbohydrate. In situ DM degradability of treated oak reached 38% at 72 h, whereas that of untreated oak was only 11.9%. The 0 h degradability of the treated pine increased from 5.9% to 12.1%, but the degradability was unchanged thereafter. Animal performance including BW, average daily gain, DM intake, and feed conversion ratio was not different among control and oak treatments. No differences were detected in animal behavior such as lying, standing, rumination, drinking, and eating, except walking. Walking was higher in control than oak treatments with numerically higher eating and lower lying times, probably due to bulkier characteristics of rice straw in the diet. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the oak roughage can be substituted for 50% of total forage or 100% of rice straw in TMR diets at early fattening stage of Hanwoo steers.

A composite of Mo2C nanoparticles dispersed onto a nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon scaffold (Mo2C/N,S-C) was prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly method of one-pot annealing of MoCl5, urea, and lignosulfonate under a N2 atmosphere at 700 °C. Lignosulfonate, a by-product of the sulfite pulping process, was employed as a feedstock to fabricate the S-doped carbon scaffold and carbide simultaneously, and urea acted as a nitrogen source for N-doping to carbon. The as-prepared Mo2C/N,S-C catalyst showed high performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with a small overpotential of 105 mV at 10 mAcm−2, and good stability for 3000 cycles. The improved HER performance of the Mo2C/N,S-C originated from the interplay between the highly active Mo2C nanoparticles and the N,S co-doped carbon scaffold with its high electrical conductivity and large surface area. Furthermore, N,S co-doping to carbon improved the hydrophilicity of the catalyst surface, thus further enhancing the HER activity.

Purpose Presenilins are functionally important components of γ-secretase, which cleaves a number of transmembrane proteins. Manipulations of PSEN1 and PSEN2 have been separately studied in Alzheimer disease (AD) and cancer because both involve substrates of γ-secretase. However, numerous clinical studies have reported an inverse correlation between AD and cancer. Interestingly, AD is a neurodegenerative disorder, whereas cancer is characterized by the proliferation of malignant cells. However, this inverse correlation in the PSEN double-knockout (PSEN dKO) mouse model of AD has been not elucidated, although doing so would shed light onto the relationship between AD and cancer. Methods To investigate the inverse relationship of AD and cancer under conditions of PSEN loss, we used the hippocampus of 7-month-old and 18-month-old PSEN dKO mice for a microRNA (miRNA) microarray analysis, and explored the tumorsuppressive or oncogenic role of differentially-expressed miRNAs. Results The total number of miRNAs that showed changes in expression level was greater at 18 months of age than at 7 months. Most of the putative target genes of the differentially-expressed miRNAs involved Cancer pathways. Conclusions Based on literature reviews, many of the miRNAs involved in Cancer pathways were found to be known tumorsuppressive miRNAs, and their target genes were known or putative oncogenes. In conclusion, the expression levels of known tumor-suppressive miRNAs increased at 7 and 18 months, in the PSEN dKO mouse model of AD, supporting the negative correlation between AD and cancer.

Cellulose from different lignocellulosic biomass can be used to prepare various materials. In this work, the cellulose nanofibrils were produced from hardwood bleached kraft pulp. Then, a novel biosorbent from cellulose nanofibrils grafted with poly(m-aminobenzene sulfonate) (PABS) was prepared for effective detoxification and adsorption of Cr(VI) in an aqueous medium. 6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNF) with a high aspect ratio was used as an adsorbent matrix. PABS, an amine-rich conductive polymer, was grafted onto TOCNF via a successive two-step reaction. The analyses of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the successful grafting reaction between TOCNF and PABS. The biosorbent from TOCNF-bonded PABS with the nitrogen content of 7.0% was synthesized. It exhibited excellent Cr(VI) adsorption capacity at a solution pH below 3, and almost 100% Cr(VI) can be removed. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on the biosorbent was described by a pseudo-second-order model and obeyed the Langmuir model. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of the biosorbent from TOCNF-bonded PABS was almost 10 times higher than that of TOCNF. It was interesting to note that part of Cr(VI) ions had been reduced to Cr(III) during the adsorption process. It indicated that the biosorbent from TOCNF grafted with PABS could detoxify and adsorb Cr(VI) synchronously.

Background/Aims Rebleeding is associated with mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB), and risk stratification is important for the management of these patients. The purpose of our study was to examine the risk factors associated with rebleeding in patients with PUB. Methods : The Korean Peptic Ulcer Bleeding registry is a large prospectively collected database of patients with PUB who were hospitalized between 2014 and 2015 at 28 medical centers in Korea. We examined the basic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients in this registry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with rebleeding. Results : In total, 904 patients with PUB were registered, and 897 patients were analyzed. Rebleeding occurred in 7.1% of the patients (64), and the 30-day mortality was 1.0% (nine patients). According to the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for rebleeding were the presence of co-morbidities, use of multiple drugs, albumin levels, and hematemesis/hematochezia as initial presentations. Conclusion : s The presence of co-morbidities, use of multiple drugs, albumin levels, and initial presentations with hematemesis/hematochezia can be indicators of rebleeding in patients with PUB. The wide use of proton pump inhibitors and prompt endoscopic interventions may explain the low incidence of rebleeding and low mortality rates in Korea.

Background : /Aims: In Korea, there are no available multicenter data concerning the prevalence of or diagnostic approaches for non-responsive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which does not respond to practical dose of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in Korea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and the symptom pattern of non-responsive GERD. Methods : : A total of 12 hospitals who were members of a Korean GERD research group joined this study. We used the composite score (CS) as a reflux symptom scale which is a standardized questionnaire based on the frequency and severity of typical symptoms of GERD. We defined "non-responsive GERD" as follows: a subject with the erosive reflux disease (ERD) whose CS was not decreased by at least 50% after standard-dose PPIs for 8 weeks or a subject with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) whose CS was not decreased by at least 50% after half-dose PPIs for 4 weeks. Results : : A total of 234 subjects were analyzed. Among them, 87 and 147 were confirmed to have ERD and NERD, respectively. The prevalence of non-responsive GERD was 26.9% (63/234). The rates of non-responsive GERD were not different between the ERD and NERD groups (25.3% vs. 27.9%, respectively, p=0.664). There were no differences between the non-responsive GERD and responsive GERD groups for sex (p=0.659), age (p=0.134), or BMI (p=0.209). However, the initial CS for epigastric pain and fullness were higher in the non-responsive GERD group (p=0.044, p=0.014, respectively). Conclusion : s: In conclusion, this multicenter Korean study showed that the rate of non-responsive GERD was substantially high up to 26%. In addition, the patients with the non-responsive GERD frequently showed dyspeptic symptoms such as epigastric pain and fullness. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2016;68:16-22)

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been used widely to treat patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, this method can induce various adverse events caused by necrosis of the tumor itself or damage to nontumor tissues. In particular, neurologic side effects such as cerebral infarction and paraplegia, although rare, may cause severe sequelae and permanent disability. Detailed information regarding the treatment process and prognosis associated with this procedure is not yet available. We experienced a case of paraplegia that occurred after conducting TACE through the intercostal artery to treat hepatocellular carcinoma that had metastasized to the rib. In this case, TACE was attempted to relieve severe bone pain, which had persisted even after palliative radiotherapy. A sudden impairment of sensory and motor functions after TACE developed in the trunk below the level of the sternum and in both lower extremities. The patient subsequently received steroid pulse therapy along with supportive care and continuous rehabilitation. At the time of discharge the patient had recovered sufficiently to enable him to walk by himself, although some paresthesia and spasticity remained.

A silver nanoparticle is one of the representative engineered nanomaterials with excellent optical, electrical, antibacterial properties. Silver nanoparticles are being increasingly used for medical products, water filters, and cosmetics, etc. However, silver nanoparticles are known to cause adverse effects on the ecosystem and human health. To utilize silver nanoparticles with minimized negative effects, it is important to understand the behavior of silver nanoparticles released to the environment. In this study, we compared toxicity behaviors of citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol coated silver nanoparticles in two different ionic environments, which are aquatic environments for developing zebrafish embryo. Depending on the composition of the ionic environment, citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles and polyethylene glycol coated silver nanoparticles exhibited different behaviors in dissolution, aggregation, or precipitation, which governed the toxicity of silver nanoparticles on zebrafish embryos.

Trimethyltin (TMT) is known as a potent neurotoxicant that causes neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation, particularly in the hippocampus. Microglial activation is one of the prominent pathological features of TMT neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how microglial activation occurs in TMT intoxication. In this study, we aimed to investigate the signaling pathways in TMT-induced microglial activation using BV-2 murine microglial cells. Our results revealed that TMT generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases the expression of CD11b and nuclear factor-κB- (NF-κB-) mediated nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α in BV-2 cells. We also observed that NF-κB activation was controlled by p38 and JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, TMT-induced ROS generation occurred via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in BV-2 cells. Interestingly, treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin significantly suppressed p38 and JNK phosphorylation and NF-κB activation and ultimately the production of proinflammatory mediators upon TMT exposure. These findings indicate that NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation activated p38 and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which then stimulated NF-κB to release proinflammatory mediators in the TMT-treated BV-2 cells.

The effects of baicalein on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity were evaluated. Intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) injection of 6-OHDA was done to young mice. Baicalein was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before and 90 min after i.c.v. injection. Animals received further injection of bacalein daily for 3 consecutive days. Rotarod performance was assessed, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) Western blotting was performed, and dopamine (DA) levels and peroxidation were determined. High dose of baicalein effectively improved rotarod performance and prevented the reduction of striatal DA levels and TH contents in the striatum and subtantia nigra (SN). In addition, lipid peroxidation level was decreased by baicalein at 3 and 7 days after 6-OHDA injection. These results showed that baicalein effectively prevents the 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic dysfunction through an antioxidative action. Keywords:: 6-hydroxydopamine, baicalein, tyrosine hydroxylase

Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been proposed as a treatment for Parkinson disease (PD). The aim of this study was to monitor the viability of transplanted NSCs expressing the enhanced luciferase gene in a mouse model of PD in vivo. The PD animal model was induced by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The behavioral test using apomorphine-induced rotation and positron emission tomography with [ 18 F]N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2′-carbomethoxy-3′-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane ([ 18 F]FP-CIT) were conducted. HB1.F3 cells transduced with an enhanced firefly luciferase retroviral vector (F3-effLuc cells) were transplanted into the right striatum. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was repeated for 2 weeks. Four weeks after transplantation, [ 18 F]FP-CIT PET and the rotation test were repeated. All 6-OHDA-injected mice showed markedly decreased [ 18 F]FP-CIT uptake in the right striatum. Transplanted F3-effLuc cells were visualized on the right side of the brain in all mice by bioluminescence imaging. The bioluminescence intensity of the transplanted F3-effLuc cells gradually decreased until it was undetectable by 10 days. The behavioral test showed that stem cell transplantation attenuated the motor symptoms of PD. No significant change was found in [ 18 F]FP-CIT imaging after cell transplantation. We successfully established an in vivo bioluminescence imaging system for the detection of transplanted NSCs in a mouse model of PD. NSC transplantation induced behavioral improvement in PD model mice.

Purpose. PillCam SB2 capsule endoscopy, an upgraded version of widely used SB capsule endoscopy, was examined for its performance by comparing with SB. Methods. Examinees with various indications were enrolled for SB2 capsule endoscopy; subjects were also enlisted for the old SB capsule endoscopy. Number of photo images containing papilla of Vater was counted. Shape of the papilla seen in each image was evaluated by scoring 3 (fully observable papilla), 2 (more than half outline), or 1 (less than half outline) points. Images obtained from SB and SB2 were also subjectively compared; resolution and brightness were scored by six experienced endoscopists. Results. Baseline characteristics of two study groups (n=30 each) were not significantly different. Number of images of the papilla revealed to show similar results between SB (3.1±1.1, range 1~5) and SB2 (3.1±1.5, range 1~8) (P=0.62). The maximum points of outline of papilla evaluated from each subject were also similar between two groups. New SB2 revealed to be superior to SB in terms of resolution but not significantly different in brightness. Conclusion. Our study showed that superiority of SB2 over SB is rather marginal on examining duodenal papilla.

The growing demand for high-performance next-generation lithium (Li)- based batteries has brought Li-metal anodes into the spotlight, due to their high theoretical capacity (3,860 mAh g-1) and low electrochemical potential (-3.04 V vs. SHE). However, the practical application of Li-metal anodes faces formidable challenges, primarily associated with dendritic Li growth resulting from non-uniform ion flux. Although previous studies utilizing carbonaceous materials having pores and lithiophilic atoms have demonstrated powerful performances, the complex process involving pore creation and doping with heteroatoms still has limitations in terms of costeffectiveness. This study introduces a lithiophilic nitrogen (N)-doped threedimensional (3D) porous carbon (NLC) by simply reusing and carbonizing NH2-functionalized lignin (NL), an eco-friendly biopolymer derived from waste wood generated during the pulping process. The NLC offers macroporous spaces with a rich array of N-doped sites, capable of accommodating and guiding Li deposition to facilitate uniform Li growth. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the NLC as the Li growth guiding layer in Li-metal batteries. A full cell incorporating the NLC as a Li growth guiding layer, with NCM811 as cathodes, exhibits a remarkable capacity of 145. 57 mAh g-1 even at a high C-rate of 5C and capacity retention of 90.3% (167 mAh g-1) after 150 cycles at 1C. These findings represent significant advancements compared to conventional Li-metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]