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In this study, alkaline pretreatment at a bench scale (15-L capacity) was performed to obtain a higher solid residue for the SSF (simultaneous saccharification and fermentation) of Miscanthus sacchariflorus “Goedae-Uksae 1” (GU) under the following conditions: 1 M NaOH concentration, 150 °C, and 60 min residence time. Compositional analysis and scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the pretreatment to be highly effective for achieving delignification and morphological changes. Spiral impellers were used for the rapid liquefaction of pretreated GU into slurry, and no additional nutrients were added to the fermentation mixture to reduce overall process costs. The SSF was subsequently conducted in a laboratory-scale fermenter (5-L capacity) for 108 to 120 h with 12% and 16% glucan containing pretreated GU. Consequently, 62.8 g/L and 81.1 g/L of ethanol were obtained. Based on these data, the theoretical ethanol yields from 1 kg of GU (dry weight base) were estimated at 164.6 to 171.1 g/L.

The Miscanthus sacchariflorus strain Goedae-Uksae 1 has recently been developed as an energy crop, because of its rapid growth, ease of culture, and large size. In this study, Miscanthus pellets were investigated for further practical use of renewable resources. The pellets were produced on a pilot scale and their characteristics and quality were investigated. Moisture content, density of raw materials, and die ratio (L/D) were determined to be the main factors affecting Miscanthus pelletizing. Thus, a central composite design using response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize conditions for standard grade Miscanthus pellet production. The optimal values predicted by the model equation were confirmed by the experimental data. The optimum ranges of parameters for pellet production were identified as moisture content, 20 to 25%; density of raw materials, 240 to 300 kg/m3; and die ratio, 4.5:1 to 5.0:1. Under these conditions, Miscanthus pellets were produced meeting the standards of qualities, such as size, bulk density, durability, moisture content.

Obesity is associated with systemic chronic inflammation, and it induces central leptin resistance which blocks the appetite-suppressing effect of leptin and leptin resistance in adipocytes. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of Ecklonia cava extract (ECE), which contained rich phlorotannins, on inflammation and leptin resistance in the adipose tissue of a diet-induced obese model. Effects of ECE on fat deposition, inflammation, M1/M2 macrophage, and T-cell infiltrations were investigated, and leptin resistance and SOCS3 were also measured in adipose tissue. Furthermore, ECE attenuated the expression of inflammation-related receptors such as TLR4 and RAGE and leptin resistance by reducing SOCS3 expression, increasing expression of leptin receptor in adipose tissue, and increasing lipolysis. ECE showed antiadiposity and anti-inflammatory effects, attenuated leptin resistance, and increased lipolysis in the diet-induced obese model. This study shows that ECE is a suitable dietary supplement candidate for the prevention or treatment of obesity or obesity-associated diseases, especially inflammation-related diseases.

Excess melanin deposition in the skin causes cosmetic problems. HSP70 upregulation decreases microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression, which eventually decreases tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation upregulates p53, which increases the melanocortin receptor (MC1R) and MITF. Furthermore, HSP70 decreases p53 and radiofrequency irradiation (RF) increases HSP70. We evaluated whether RF increased HSP70 and decreased p53, consequently decreasing the MITF/tyrosinase pathway and melanogenesis in UV-B radiated animal skin. Various RF combinations with 50, 100, and 150 ms and 5, 10, and 15 W were performed on the UV-B radiated mouse skin every 2 d for 28 d. When RF was performed with 100 ms/10 W, melanin deposition, evaluated by Fontana–Masson staining, decreased without skin crust formation in the UV-B radiated skin. Thus, we evaluated the effect of RF on decreasing melanogenesis in the HEMn and UV-B radiated skin at a setting of 100 ms/10 W. HSP70 expression was decreased in the UV-B radiated skin but was increased by RF. The expression of p53, MC1R, and MITF increased in the UV-B radiated skin but was decreased by RF. The expression of p53, MC1R, and MITF increased in the α-MSH treated HEMn but was decreased by RF. The decreasing effects of RF on p53, MC1R, CREB and MITF were higher than those of HSP70-overexpressed HEMn. The decreasing effect of RF on p53, MC1R, CREB, and MITF disappeared in the HSP70-silenced HEMn. MC1R, CREB, and MITF were not significantly decreased by the p53 inhibitor in α-MSH treated HEMn. RF induced a greater decrease in MC1R, CREB, and MITF than the p53 inhibitor. Therefore, RF may have decreased melanin synthesis by increasing HSP70 and decreasing p53, thus decreasing MC1R/CREB/MITF and tyrosinase activity.

It is well known that oxidative stress induces muscle atrophy, which decreases with the activation of Nrf2/HO-1. Fermented oyster extracts (FO), rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and lactate, have shown antioxidative effects. We evaluated whether FO decreased oxidative stress by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 and whether it decreased NF-κB, leading to decreased IL-6 and TNF-α. Decreased oxidative stress led to the downregulation of Cbl-b ubiquitin ligase, which increased IGF-1 and decreased FoxO3, atrogin1, and Murf1, and eventually decreased muscle atrophy in dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced muscle atrophy animal model. For four weeks, mice were orally administered with FO, GABA, lactate, or GABA+Lactate, and then Dexa was subcutaneously injected for ten days. During Dexa injection period, FO, GABA, lactate, or GABA+Lactate were also administered, and grip strength test and muscle harvesting were performed on the day of the last Dexa injection. We compared the attenuation effect of FO with GABA, lactate, and GABA+lactate treatment. Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were increased by Dexa but decreased by FO; SOD activity and glutathione levels were decreased by Dexa but increased by FO; NADPH oxidase activity was increased by Dexa but decreased by FO; NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α activities were increased by Dexa were decreased by FO; Cbl-b expression was increased by Dexa but restored by FO; IGF-1 expression was decreased by Dexa but increased by FO; FoxO3, Atrogin-1, and MuRF1 expressions were increased by Dexa but decreased by FO. The gastrocnemius thickness and weight were decreased by Dexa but increased by FO. The cross-sectional area of muscle fiber and grip strength were decreased by Dexa but increased by FO. In conclusion, FO decreased Dexa-induced oxidative stress through the upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1. Decreased oxidative stress led to decreased Cbl-b, FoxO3, atrogin1, and MuRF1, which attenuated muscle atrophy.

Abstract Background Much evidence indicates receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) related inflammation play essential roles during aging. However, the majority of studies have focused on advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and not on other RAGE ligands. In the present study, the authors evaluated whether the accumulation of RAGE ligands and binding intensities between RAGE and its ligands differ in kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle during aging. Results In C57BL/6 N mice aged 12 weeks, 12 months, and 22 months, ligands accumulation, binding intensities between RAGE and its ligands, activated macrophage infiltration, M1/M2 macrophage expression, glyoxalase-1expression, and signal pathways related to inflammation were evaluated. The RAGE ligands age-associated accumulation patterns were found to be organ dependent. Binding intensities between RAGE and its ligands in kidney and liver increased with age, but those in skeletal muscle were unchanged. Infiltration of activated macrophages in kidney and liver increased with age, but infiltration in the skeletal muscle was unchanged. M1 expression increased and M2 and glyoxalase-1 expression decreased with age in kidney and liver, but their expressions in skeletal muscle were not changed. Conclusion These findings indicate patterns of RAGE ligands accumulation, RAGE/ligands binding intensities, or inflammation markers changes during aging are organs dependent.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which promotes serious health problems, is related to the increase in the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and pyroptosis by a high-fat diet (HFD). Whether dieckol (DK), a component of Ecklonia cava extracts (ECE), attenuated NAFLD in an HFD-induced NAFLD animal model was evaluated. The expression of high mobility group box 1/Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB, which initiated the NLRP3 inflammasome, was increased in the liver of HFD-fed animals and significantly decreased with ECE or DK administration. The expression of NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1, which are components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the number of pyroptotic cells were increased by HFD and decreased with ECE or DK administration. The accumulation of triglycerides and free fatty acids in the liver was increased by HFD and decreased with ECE or DK administration. The histological NAFLD score was increased by HFD and decreased with ECE or DK administration. The expression of lipogenic genes (FASN, SREBP-2, PPARγ, and FABP4) increased and that of lipolytic genes (PPARα, CPT1A, ATGL, and HSL) was decreased by HFD and attenuated with ECE or DK administration. In conclusion, ECE or DK attenuated NAFLD by decreasing the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis.

Leptin resistance in the hypothalamus has an essential role in obesity. Saturated fatty acids such as palmitate bind to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and lead to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and leptin resistance. In this study, we evaluated whether extracts of Ecklonia cava would attenuate the ER stress induced by palmitate and reduce leptin resistance in hypothalamic neurons and microglia. We added palmitate to these cells to mimic the environment induced by high-fat diet in the hypothalamus and evaluated which of the E. cava phlorotannins—dieckol (DK), 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PHB), pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB), or phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFFA)—had the most potent effect on attenuating leptin resistance. TLR4 and NF-κB expression induced by palmitate was attenuated most effectively by PPB in both hypothalamic neurons and microglia. ER stress markers were increased by palmitate and were attenuated by PPB in both hypothalamic neurons and microglia. Leptin resistance, which was evaluated as an increase in SOCS3 and a decrease in STAT3 with leptin receptor expression, was increased by palmitate and was decreased by PPB in hypothalamic neurons. The culture medium from palmitate-treated microglia increased leptin resistance in hypothalamic neurons and this resistance was attenuated by PPB. In conclusion, PPB attenuated leptin resistance by decreasing ER stress in both hypothalamic neurons and microglia.

The hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury causes serious complications after the blood supply to the kidney is stopped during surgery. The main mechanism of I/R injury is the release of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) from injured tubular epithelial cells (TEC, TCMK-1 cell), which triggers TLR4 or RAGE signaling, leading to cell death. We evaluated whether the extracts of Ecklonia cava (E. cava) would attenuate TEC death induced by H/R injury. We also evaluated which phlorotannin—dieckol (DK), phlorofucofuroeckol A (PFFA), pyrogallol phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB), or 2,7-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PHB)—would have the most potent effect in the context of H/R injury. We used for pre-hypoxia treatment, in which the phlorotannins from E. cava extracts were added before the onset of hypoxia, and a post- hypoxia treatment, in which the phlorotannins were added before the start of reperfusion. PPB most effectively reduced HMGB1 release and the expression of TLR4 and RAGE induced by H/R injury in both pre- and post-hypoxia treatment. PPB also most effectively inhibited the expression of NF-kB and release of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in both models. PPB most effectively inhibited cell death and expression of cell death signaling molecules such as Erk/pErk, JNK/pJNK, and p38/pp38. These results suggest that PPB blocks the HGMB1−TLR4/RAGE signaling pathway and decreases TEC death induced by H/R and that PPB can be a novel target for renal H/R injury therapy.

The article focuses on the problem concerning the agricultural policy adjustment in South Korea and Japan, in the aftermath of the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture (URAA) and the establishment of the World Trade Organization. It indicates the assertion of the two countries regarding the need of Non-Trade Concerns, such as food security, to be recognized as legitimate rural or agricultural sector policy objectives. It explores the development of a new multifunctionality (MF) policy paradigm. It also cites the concept of the said policy.

We report herein a case of benign cardiac schwannoma in the interatrial septum. A 42-year-old woman was transferred from a clinic because of cardiomegaly as determined by chest X-ray. A transthoracic echocardiography and chest computed tomography examination revealed a huge mass in the pericardium compressing the right atrium, superior vena cava (SVC), left atrium, and superior pulmonary vein. To confirm that the tumor originated from either heart or mediastinum, cine magnetic resonance imaging was performed, but the result was not conclusive. To facilitate surgical planning, we used 3D printing. Using a printed heart model, we decided that tumor resection under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) through sternotomy would be technically feasible. At surgery, a huge tumor in the interatrial septum was confirmed. By incision on the atrial roof between the aorta and SVC, tumor enucleation was performed successfully under CPB. Pathology revealed benign schwannoma. The patient was discharged without complication. 3D printing of the heart and tumor was found to be helpful when deciding optimal surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac myxomas are the most common type of benign cardiac tumors and most of them occur in the left atrium but the biatrial myxoma is uncommon. We present a rare case of giant biatrial myxoma nearly obstructing the orifice of the inferior vena cava. A 58-year old woman presented with exertional dyspnea and intermittent chest discomfort. The non-pedunculated tumor involved most of the interatrial septum and extended from the orifice of the inferior vena cava to the displaced mitral annulus and the lower left pulmonary vein. The resected specimen weighed 76 gram and measured 80 × 40 × 30 mm. She did not complain of dyspnea or show any sign of recurrence by echocardiography during the 2-year follow-up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor commenting on the article "Bacterial Nanocellulose as a New Patch Material for Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects in a Pig Model," by Nora Lung and colleagues is presented.

New onion cultivar 'Sinseonhwang' with mild taste and shipping quality was developed by the Allium vegetable crop breeding team of the Bioenergy Crop Research Center, NICS, RDA in 2006. The 'Sinseonhwang' was selected from 'Paechonghwang' population, an early maturation cultivar. Line selection was conducted from 1995 to 2001. As a mild taste cultivar, it has lower pyruvic acid concent of 2.16 μmol/g F.W and a bolting percentage of 6.0% whereas the check cultivar 'Marusino 330' contains 2.60 μmol/g F.W of pyruvic acid and 19.9%, of bolting respectively. The bulb has dark yellow skin color, globe shape and large size type. Lodging date of this cultivar was April 30 which was similar to check cultivar. It is moderately resistance to downy mildew and soft rot compared to check cultivar. The fresh weight of bulb was 254g and the average yield was 6,176kg/10a in ordinary culture of local adaptability test. 'Sinseonhwang' will be highly adaptable to the south area in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Yeomyeong', a new welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) variety, is developed by the Bioenergy Crop Research Center, NICS, RDA in 2004. This variety, as interspecific F1 hybrid, is developed by a cross between onion (Allium. cepa L.) and welsh onion (A. fistulosum L). The first cross was conducted in 2003 between MOS8, onion male sterile line and G2, welsh onion inbred line. Horticultural and yield characteristics of this hybrid F1 line was investigated in greenhouse for 2 years from 2004 to 2005 with fall cropping cultivation. It has a single pseudostem plant type, anthocyanin-colored pseudostem, and male sterile umbel. It showed intermediate plant type of the maternal parents in overall plant characteristics. 'Yeomyeong' is fall sawing variety and has higher plant height and pseudostem length than that of check variety 'Gumjang'. The yield potential of this variety was about 130.1MT/ha in greenhouse in spring harvseting season. This variety would be adaptable to the fall sowing cultivation in green house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new intermediate parent 'Wonye 30002' (Allium cepa L.) was developed by Bioenergy Crop Research Center, NICS in 2009. As a male sterile line, 'Wonye 30002' can be used to hybrid seed production by crossing with pollen parent. The first cross was conducted between male sterile plants of 402AC203 and M1 in 2002. The male sterile line 'Wonye 30002' has circular bulb and bulb weight is 283 g. As early maturing type, lodging date is May 6. Plant height and pseudostem diameter are 43 cm and 15.5 mm, respectively. In seed harvesting characteristics, number of flower stalks and the length are 43 cm and 110 cm, respectively. The flowering date of 'Wonye 30002' is around May 24 and is completely male sterile. 'Wonye 30002' is a promising male sterile line for hybrid bulb onion seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new intermediate parent 'Wonye 30001' (Allium cepa L.) was developed by Bioenergy Crop Research Center, NICS in 2009. As a male sterile line, 'Wonye 30001' could be used for hybrid seed production by crossing with pollen parent. The first cross was conducted in 2000. Male sterile plants were selected from 'Ginque' breeding lines and fertile plants were selected from YG-1-1. The male sterile line 'Wonye 30001' has circular bulb and bulb weight of 260 g. As mid-late maturing type, lodging date is around May 20. Plant height and stem diameter are 57 cm and 15.9 mm, respectively. In seed harvesting characteristics, number of flower stalks and the length are 6 and 135cm, respectively. Flowering date of 'Wonye' is May 23 and is completely male sterile. 'Wonye 30001' is a promising male sterile line for hybrid bulb onion seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New onion hybrid cultivar, "Yeongpunghwang" was developed from cross between "MOS8", male sterile line and "Mokpo 11", pollen line by Mokpo Sub-Station, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA in 2008. The crossing line was performed yield test in 2003. IT was evaluated as "Mokpo 11" in the regional yield trial test(RYT) from 2006 to 2008 during three years. This line is semi-erect plant growth type and has green leaf colour. It has broad ovate bulb shape and yellow skin colour in bulb characteristics. Plant height, leaf number, and bolting rate was 78cm, 7.9, and 3.9%, respectively. Lodging date as harvesting indicator was on 26 May. The yield potential of "Yeongpunghwang" was out-yielding 6% compare to check variety ("Sunpower") by with 8,344 kg/10a in RYT. It showed moderated cold hardness in all regional location which was conducting RYT, including Muan, Goheung, Changyeong and Andong. So this variety was recommend as a leading variety at southern area of korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 27-year-old female patient was referred due to an edematous left lower extremity. Both saphenous veins had been ablated with an endovenous laser procedure used to treat varicose veins. Venography revealed that the left common femoral vein had been divided and that thrombosis was present at the site of division. No veins were available around the thighs. The patient was treated using a staged procedure. During the first stage, a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft was used to repair the common femoral vein, and an arteriovenous fistula was constructed from the femoral artery to the graft using a short segment of cephalic vein to increase graft patency. The edema was relieved postoperatively and the graft was patent. During the second stage, which was performed 6 months later, the fistula was occluded by coil embolization. The staged procedure described herein provides an alternative for venous reconstruction when autologous vein is unavailable.

Hematemesis is a rare manifestation of a ruptured bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) in the mediastinum. It is difficult to diagnose a ruptured BAA presenting as hematemesis, because it can be confused with other diseases, such as Boerhaave’s syndrome, variceal disease, or a perforated ulcer. In this report, we describe a case of BAA resulting in hematemesis and mediastinal hemorrhage.

The aim of this work was to evaluate several flavor attributes involving pungency and sweetness in seven breeding lines/cultivars which were three brown skin color cultivars ('Sunpower', 'Marusino310', 'Romang'), one red skin color cultivar ('Chenjujek'), one white skin color breeding line ('10-237'), and two yellowish skin color ('chartreus') breeding lines ('Y-3', 'Y-8'). In this study, sugars content (glucose, fructose, Sucrose), pungency (pyruvic acid) and soluble solid content (SSC) were investigated. Yellowish skin colored lines showed significant differences, compared to others. Especially SSC, sugars content and TSC were higher than other skin colored lines. Bulb SSC of two lines were 12.00%, 12.71% and total sugar contents (TSC) were 75.57 ± 2.40, 73.59 ± 2.31g L-1, respectively. The SSC was correlated with fructose, glucose, sucrose but bulb weight and pungency did not significant to other traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]