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N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (acetaminophen, APAP) is a well-known component of analgesic and antipyretic monotherapy products. However, exceeding the recommended dose can lead to serious injury to the liver. We conducted this study to determine the potential of Centella asiatica as a natural substance to protect against APAP-induced liver injury. When acute hepatotoxicity was induced in mice by APAP overdose, their liver weight decreased significantly (p

Hydrogen energy is a potential next-generation energy source for fossil fuel replacement. The development of high-efficiency materials and catalysts for storage and transportation of hydrogen energy must be achieved to realize hydrogen economy. Recently, catalyst systems such as Pd nanoclusters (Pd NCs) supported on nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) have been reported to have advantages, including effective suppression of CO production and efficiency enhancement of HCOOH dehydrogenation. However, the reaction mechanism and multi-metallic interface system design of such systems have not been elucidated. Therefore, various Ni(OH)2 surfaces supported on a graphene system were designed through density functional theory calculations, and the support material was combined with Pd38NC (Pd38NC/Ni(OH)2-G). Subsequently, the adsorption behavior of HCOOH dehydrogenation intermediates was analyzed. We found a new adsorption configuration in which HCOOH* (where * and a single underline indicates the adsorbed species and adsorbed atom, respectively) was adsorbed in a more stable manner (adsorption energy, Eads= −1.22eV) on the system than HCOOH* (Eads=−1.10eV) owing to the presence of Ni(OH)2-G. This affected the next step in HCOOH dehydrogenation, i.e., formation of HCOO* species, and showed a positive effect on the HCOOH dehydrogenation. To fundamentally understand this phenomenon, electronic structure (d-band center and density of states) and stability (vacancy formation energy) analyses were performed.

The objective of this study was to report the preparation of a highly efficient hematite nanorod photoanode by H2 treatment of the β-FeOOH nanorod with subsequent quenching in air at lower temperature activation for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. The hematite nanorod photoanode (H650) prepared by thermally treating the β-FeOOH nanorod at 360 °C for 1 h under H2 flow and quenching at 650 °C for 10 min in air exhibited a remarkable photocurrent of 1.17 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, which was 20 times higher than that of hematite quenched at the same temperature without H2 treatment. Such enhanced PEC performance was attributed to high Sn4+ diffusion from the fluorine doped SnO2 (FTO) substrate via H2 treatment and Sn4+ doping by subsequent lower temperature quenching. Our density functional theory (DFT) calculation supports our experimental results and proposed mechanism in that the Sn replacement reaction of magnetite (Fe3O4, H2-reduced β-FeOOH) occurs at a lower temperature and requires a smaller energy than that of akaganeite (β-FeOOH).

This study aimed to optimize the emulsification of olive oil in chicken sausage production at varying cutting times (30, 45, and 60 s) and cooking temperatures (63, 73, and 83°C). Pork backfat sausages were prepared as controls, using the same variables. The quality attributes of the sausages were analyzed, and the distribution of lipid droplets was identified using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The combinations of cutting time and cooking temperature in olive oil sausages showed different emulsifying characteristics. Meat emulsion with olive oil at a cutting time of 60 s and cooking temperature of 73°C showed the highest emulsion stability with lowest water and lipid loss (2.49%, P < 0.05). The pH values were lower for olive oil samples than for the controls (5.9 vs. 6.2, P < 0.05). Cutting time of 60 s and cooking temperature of 73°C generated higher hardness, gumminess, and chewiness in olive oil sausages (P < 0.05). The replacement of pork backfat with olive oil resulted in a higher b*, C*, and h values, as well as lower lipid oxidation (P < 0.05). In addition, microstructural images exhibited a finer distribution of lipid droplets in olive oil sausages with a cutting time of 60 s. In conclusion, chicken sausage at a cooking temperature of 73°C and cutting time of 60 s was optimal for producing sausages with olive oil. Given the condition, the sausages produced from olive oil had better emulsion and oxidative stability than sausages produced from pork backfat.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of Galla Rhois (GR) on obesity and gene expression. We prepared a GR extract and various solvent fractions and evaluated the degree to which they inhibited adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in vitro. Among them, the GR ethyl acetate fraction (GE) had the lowest EC50 for adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis and thus was selected for in vivo experiments. We induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice by providing them a high-fat diet (HFD). Then, GE (10-40 mg/kg) or orlistat (positive control, 4 mg/kg) was orally administered daily for six weeks. Mean body weights and weight gain were significantly lower in the GE40 group (40 mg/kg of GE) compared with the HFD group (p < 0.05). The most significant changes in serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were confirmed in the GE40 group (p < 0.05). Epididymal fat was weighed and stained for body fat measurement, and significant differences were recorded from GE10 to GE40 (p < 0.05). Finally, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were treated with GE, and cDNA from these cells was used for microarray analysis and qRT-PCR. Microarray analysis revealed 13 genes up-regulated and 21 genes down-regulated by GE. From the qRT-PCR analysis, we found that GE altered the mRNA expression of eosinophil peroxidase, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor, and apolipoprotein B. Based on this study, we suggest that GR could be developed as an anti-obesity therapeutic agent.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease associated with low bone mineral density. It is the process of bone loss and is most commonly caused by decreased estrogen production in women, particularly after menopause. Pueraria lobata, which contains various metabolites, especially isoflavone, is widely known as regulator for bone mineral contents. In this study, the effects of the P. lobata extract (PE) with or without fermentation with Lactobacillus paracasei JS1 (FPE) on osteoporosis were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The effects of PE and FPE on human osteoblastic MG63 cells, RAW 264.7 cells, and ovariectomized (OVX)-induced model mice were analyzed at various ratios. We found that FPE increased calcium deposition and inhibited bone resorption by in vitro assay. Furthermore, treatment with PE and FPE has significantly restored destroyed trabecular bone in the OVX-induced bone loss mouse model. Overall, FPE demonstrated bioactivity to prevent bone loss by decreasing bone turnover.

Although the dried root of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. (Umbelliferae) is a popular medicinal plant in East Asia, there has been no systemic toxicological evaluation of a water extract of Saposhnikoviae Radix (SRE). In this experiment, an oral acute and 13-week subchronic toxicological evaluations of SRE (500–5,000 mg/ kg body weight) were performed in both sexes of Crl:CD(SD) rats. Based on the results from mortality, clinical signs, effects on body weight and organ weight, clinical biochemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and histopathology, significant acute, 4-week repeated dose range finding (DRF) and 13-week subchronic toxicity of SRE was not observed in either sex of rats; thus, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 5,000 mg (kg/day). To identify anti-hyperuricemia potential of SRE, the suppressive effect of SRE was determined in mice challenged with potassium oxonate (PO; 250 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection for 8 days (each group; n = 7). SRE supplementation suppressed the uric acid level in urine through significant xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. Kidney dysfunctions were observed in PO-challenged mice as evidenced by an increase in serum creatinine level. Whereas, SRE supplementation suppressed it in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, SRE was safe up to 5,000 mg (kg/day) based on NOAEL found from acute and 13-week subchronic toxicological evaluations. SRE had anti-hyperuricemia effect and lowered the excessive level of uric acid, a potential factor for gout and kidney failure.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was used as a feedstock for ethanol production. The optimal hyper-thermal (HT) acid hydrolysis conditions were 8% (w/v) slurry content, 200 mM H2SO4, at 160 °C for 20 min and enzymatic saccharification for 48 h using an enzyme mixture of 20 units/mL Viscozyme L and Cellic C Tec2. After pretreatment, 48.2 g/L monosaccharides were obtained. Fermentation was conducted with wild and adapted Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia stipitis and Candida lusitaniae. Wild-type S. cerevisiae, P. stipitis, and C. lusitaniae produced 15.3, 19.5 and 22.7 g/L of ethanol, respectively. Adaptive evolution was carried out on 6% (w/v) xylose. S. cerevisiae, P. sipitis and C. lusitaniae adapted to xylose produced 15.3, 21.4 and 23.9 g/L of ethanol with YEtOH of 0.32, 0.44 and 0.49, respectively. These results indicate that water hyacinth has potential as a feed stock for ethanol.

Background Equol is a major isoflavone metabolite, and equol-producing bacteria have been isolated and characterized; however, fermentation has been performed with soybean-based products as substrates. Pueraria lobata has been reported as a plant with higher content of isoflavones. Results The genome of new equol-producing bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei JS1, was analyzed. Also, the effect of P. lobata extract fermented with L. paracasei JS1 (FPE) on the skin and intestinal immune response was examined. With gene expression analysis, it was proven that seven skin-related proteins, hyaluronan synthase-1, -2, -3, collagen, elastin, epidermal growth factor, and epidermal growth factor receptor were differentially expressed upon FPE treatment. The messenger RNA expression increased with treatment with the FPE, and a skin moisturizing effect was confirmed by a hematoxylin-eosin staining experiment. In addition, such an experiment showed that proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-1β, -4, and -6, were reduced in large intestine when treated with FPE. Conclusion L. paracasei JS1 has the ability to produce equol having beneficial effects on the skin. Moreover, FPE also has an inhibitory effect on inflammation cytokines in the large intestine. Thus, the novel and edible equol-producing L. paracasei JS1 and FPE have thepotential to be developed as nutricosmetic resources. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) frequently affects both infants and adults, impacting on the quality of life of the individual and imposing a significant psychosocial burden. The efficacy against AD-like skin lesions of the fermented form of Korea red ginseng (FRG), that contains ginsenoside metabolites, has not been investigated. FRG was prepared after fermentation of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract in the presence of yeast and probiotics. The effects of FRG on skin allergic inflammation were then investigated by examining the frequency of scratching, and assessing the levels of representative allergic markers in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-challenged Balb/c mice. After two weeks of DNCB challenge, vehicle, dexamethasone (positive control), and FRG (10 and 50 μg/mL) were applied topically on skin lesions for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiment, scratching behavior, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) levels were measured. The status of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were determined by immunoblot analysis in DNCB-treated primary splenocytes. Topical administration of FRG significantly suppressed scratching behavior, serum IgE, and IL-4 levels (P

The aim of this study was to investigate distinct neurometabolites in the right and left thalamus and insula of patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) compared with healthy controls using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), myo-inositol (ml), glutamine (Gln), glycerophosphocholine (GPC), glutathione (GSH), and alanine (Ala) relative to total creatine (tCr) levels, including creatine and phosphocreatine, were determined in the right and left thalamus and insula in 12 patients with CRPS compared with 11 healthy controls using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Levels of NAAG/tCr and Ala/tCr were higher in patients with CRPS than in controls in the left thalamus. NAAG/tCr, ml/tCr, and Gln/tCr levels were higher but NAA/tCr levels were lower in the right insula of patients with CRPS compared with controls. There were negative correlations between GSH/tCr and pain score (McGill Pain Questionnaire) in the left thalamus. These findings are paramount to understand and determine all aspects of the complex pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie CRPS, including involvement of the central and parasympathetic nervous systems as well as oxidative stress and antioxidants. Thus, the distinct metabolites presented herein may be essential to understand a strong diagnostic and prognostic potential for CRPS and to develop effective medical treatments.

Reversible formate (HCOO–) dehydrogenation and bicarbonate (HCO3–) hydrogenation would be desirable for the utilization and storage of hydrogen (H2) as an effective energy carrier. Carbon-supported Pd-based nanoparticles demonstrated enormous competitive advantages for these reactions. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying these reversible reactions have not yet been elucidated. Herein, we report the reaction pathways for reversible reactions on a Pd-based catalyst using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and propose key factors for improving the reaction efficiency. As the first essential step, the difficulty in the conventional DFT modeling, that is simulation of an anion environment caused by HCOO–, was overcome by designing two-sided Pd12 nanoclusters supported on graphene (Pd12NC-G) with extra electrons. Using Pd12NC-G, we demonstrated that the key factor determining the potential limiting steps for the reversible reaction was desorption of hydrogen in HCOO– dehydrogenation (1.24 e...

Sulfide minerals are important in immobilizing toxic contaminants in reducing environments. Iron sulfide (FeS) is ubiquitous in anoxic conditions and is a good scavenger of various organic and redox sensitive contaminants and heavy metals. Despite its contaminant removal capabilities, FeS has not been used as a practical adsorbent in contaminant removal due to its rapid oxidation under atmospheric conditions. To increase its applicability, we developed a method of modifying FeS by the addition of NaBH4 to form the less oxygen-sensitive NaBH4–FeS. We conducted oxidation tests using laboratory batch testing and real-time synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The Fe K-edge XAS results showed that the oxidation rate of NaBH4–FeS was eight times slower than that of unmodified FeS while maintaining comparable contaminant removal capacities for Cr(VI) and As(III). The results of mechanistic density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the oxidation of FeS occurred through electron transfer from sulfur of FeS to an oxidizing agent of oxygen, and that the hydride ion provided by NaBH4 retarded electron transfer from the FeS surface.

During the fast-filling of a high-pressure hydrogen tank, the temperature of hydrogen would rise significantly and may lead to failure of the tank. In addition, the temperature rise also reduces hydrogen density in the tank, which causes mass decrement into the tank. Therefore, it is of practical significance to study the temperature rise and the amount of charging of hydrogen for hydrogen safety. In this paper, the change of hydrogen temperature in the tank according to the pressure rise during the process of charging the high-pressure tank in the process of a 82-MPa hydrogen filling system, the final temperature, the amount of filling of hydrogen gas, and the change of pressure of hydrogen through the pressure reducing valve, and the performance of heat exchanger for cooling high-temperature hydrogen were analyzed by theoretical and numerical methods. When high-pressure filling began in the initial vacuum state, the condition was called the “First cycle”. When the high-pressure charging process began in the remaining condition, the process was called the “Second cycle”. As a result of the theoretical analysis, the final temperatures of hydrogen gas were calculated to be 436.09 K for the first cycle of the high-pressure tank, and 403.55 for the second cycle analysis. The internal temperature of the buffer tank increased by 345.69 K and 32.54 K in the first cycle and second cycles after high-pressure filling. In addition, the final masses were calculated to be 11.58 kg and 12.26 kg for the first cycle and second cycle of the high-pressure tank, respectively. The works of the paper can provide suggestions for the temperature rise of 82 MPa compressed hydrogen storage system and offer necessary theory and numerical methods for guiding safe operation and construction of a hydrogen filling system.

Actin-interacting protein 1 (AIP1), also known as WD repeat-containing protein 1 (WDR1), is ubiquitous in eukaryotic organisms, and it plays critical roles in the dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. However, the biological function and mechanism of AIP1 in mammalian oocyte maturation is still largely unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that AIP1 boosts ADF/Cofilin activity in mouse oocytes. AIP1 is primarily distributed around the spindle region during oocyte maturation, and its depletion impairs meiotic spindle migration and asymmetric division. The knockdown of AIP1 resulted in the gathering of a large number of actin-positive patches around the spindle region. This effect was reduced by human AIP1 (hAIP1) or Cofilin (S3A) expression. AIP1 knockdown also reduced the phosphorylation of Cofilin near the spindle, indicating that AIP1 interacts with ADF/Cofilin-decorated actin filaments and enhances filament disassembly. Moreover, the deletion of AIP1 disrupts Cofilin localization in metaphase I (MI) and induces cytokinesis defects in metaphase II (MII). Taken together, our results provide evidence that AIP1 promotes actin dynamics and cytokinesis via Cofilin in the gametes of female mice.

Although spore-formers and thermopiles are regarded as general contaminants of powdered infant formula (PIF), the source of contamination and the effects of the manufacturing processes on microbial composition are still unclear. Here, total count (TC) and spore count (SC) of mesophilic/thermophilic bacteria, coliforms, and major foodborne pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Cronobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus) were analyzed at different points along the processing lines (raw materials, and during mixing, sterilization, condensation, homogenization, drying) at three different manufacturing plants. Raw material was contamination source of mesophiles and thermophiles detected up to 3.1 and 5.3 log CFU/g, respectively. Heat-sterilization was the key process for inactivating mesophiles in raw materials, but was ineffective against thermophiles. This is likely due to the formation of highly-heat-resistant spores (TC and SC were not significantly different). Thermophilic TCs in post-sterilization steps were higher than mesophiles, suggesting the presence of obligate thermophiles undetectable by general bacterial analysis methods. Mesophiles and thermophiles were detected at all stages, from raw materials to the end-product (0.8–1.2 and 2.0–4.4 log CFU/g or mL, respectively). Coliforms (2.5 log CFU/mL) were detected only after mixing of raw materials, but were eliminated by heat-sterilization. Foodborne pathogens were not detected except for B. cereus. The results of this study present thermophilic spore-former as a major contaminant in the processing lines: 1) highly-heat-resistant spore-forming characteristics allow them to be present in any manufacturing step, 2) thermophilicity highlights the needs on the identification and characterization of isolates available for growth during the processing. Therefore, it is important to predict the impact of bacterial growth in terms of deteriorating product quality or safety, and to develop appropriate countermeasures.

This trial aimed to determine the effect of a standardized Cynanchum wilfordii Radix extract (CWE) on the lipid profiles of individuals with elevated total cholesterol (T-Chol) using a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled design. Ninety-six Korean individuals with elevated T-Chol level (200-240 mg/dL) were recruited and randomly allocated to groups that received VasH300 (300 mg CWE/day, n = 32), VasH600 (600 mg CWE/day, n = 32), or a placebo (n = 32) groups. Primary outcomes included T-Chol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglyceride, and safety (adverse events, biochemical parameters, and hematological parameters). Data were compared using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan's post-hoc tests (among groups) and paired t tests (within groups). Values for T-Chol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly reduced in the VasH300 and groups (VasH300: 4.0 and 6.4%, respectively; VasH600; 3.8 and 5.8% respectively; both p < .05) compared with the placebo group and were not dose-dependent. VasH300 significantly improved the lipid profiles of individuals with elevated T-Chol without any serious side effects. Daily supplementation with VasH might be an alternative strategy with which to modify cholesterol-related parameters, especially in individuals with elevated T-Chol levels.

Purpose Bisphenol A (BPA) has been regarded as a possible risk factor for reproductive health. We examined potential reproductive health benefits of Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract (LCE). Previously, Lespedeza cuneata showed many therapeutic effects. However, the protective effect of LCE on BPA-induced testicular dysfunction and its mechanisms have not been precisely studied. Methods Mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7). Sperm counts and motility were measured by light microscope. Testosterone, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL-cholesterol, glucose, free fatty acids, hs-CRP, Angiotensinogen, Angiotensin II, GOT, GPT, TBARS, GSH, CAT, and SOD1 were measured in mouse serum. The potential protective effects of the LCE on mouse sertoli cells were evaluated. Results Oral administration of LCE in BPA-exposed male mice restored testis weight, sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels by inhibiting markers in serum. In addition, treatment with LCE in BPA-treated TM4 sertoli cells recovered cell viability by attenuating Bax expression and activating caspase 3 and PARP. Conclusions These results indicate that LCE prevented BPA-induced testicular dysfunction and cell viability in BPA-treated TM4 sertoli cells. Our study also suggests that LCE has the potential to protect male reproductive health.

Isoflavone itself is less available in the body without the aid of intestinal bacteria. In this study, we searched for isoflavone-transforming bacteria from human fecal specimens (n = 14) using differential selection media. Isoflavone-transforming activity as the production of dihydrogenistein and dihydrodaidzein was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography and we found Lactobacillus rhamnosus, named L. rhamnosus vitaP1, through 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Extract from Pueraria lobata (EPL) and soy hypocotyl extract were fermented with L. rhamnosus vitaP1 for 24 and 48 h at 37°C. Fermented EPL (FEPL) showed enhanced anti-tyrosinase activity and antioxidant capacities, important suppressors of the pigmentation process, compared with that of EPL (p < 0.05). At up to 500 μg/ml of FEPL, there were no significant cell cytotoxicity and proliferation on B16-F10 melanoma cells. FEPL (100 μg/ml) could highly suppress the content of melanin and melanosome formation in B16-F10 cells. In summary, Lactobacillus rhamnosus vitaP1 was found to be able to biotransform isoflavones in EPL. FEPL showed augmented anti-melanogenic potential.

Context: Cynanchum wilfordii (Maximowicz) Hemsley (Apocynaceae), Arctium lappa L. var. rubescens Frivald (Asteraceae) and Dioscorea opposite Thunb (Dioscoreaceae) root extracts have been widely used as an alternative for intervening obesity. Objectives: The synergistic effect of three-herb mixture of C. wilfordii, A. lappa and D. opposita was determined on aortic and liver inflammatory responses. Materials and methods: CWE, ALE and DOE were prepared from the root of C. wilfordii, A. lappa and D. opposite by 70% ethanol extraction, respectively. CADE was prepared using a powder mixture of 2 CWE:1 ALE:1 DOE. C57BL/6 mice were fed an atherogenic diet combined with 10% fructose (ATHFR) in the presence of 200 mg/kg/day CWE, ALE, DOE or CADE for 8 weeks (each group, n = 6). Biochemical profiles, protein expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on the aorta and liver were determined. Results: CADE could significantly suppress the protein expression of VCAM-1 in both the aorta and liver (80% reduction) compared to ATHFR-fed mice. Impairment of liver function was significantly ameliorated by CADE supplement, as determined by GOT (60% reduction) and GPT (51% reduction) levels. Conclusions: CADE should be considered when developing medications to suppress the vascular and liver inflammatory responses for individuals who are either non-responsive or resistant to lipid-lowering drugs.

Background Extracts from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge have been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat coronary heart disease, chronic renal failure, atherosclerosis, myocardial infraction, angina pectoris, myocardial ischemia, dysmenorrheal, neurasthenic insomnia, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-RANK signal effect of the combination of S.miltiorrhiza Bunge (SME) and liquefied calcium (LCa) supplement with ovariectomized (OVX-SML) mice, a osteoporosis animal model. Results were compared to 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment. Methods A total of 70 female ICR strain mice (7 weeks) were randomly divided into 10 groups with 7 mice in each group as follows: (1) sham-operated control mice (sham) received daily oral phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) of equal volumes through oral administration. (2) OVX mice received a daily oral administration of PBS (OVX). (3) OVX mice treated daily with 50 mg/kg b.w./ day of SME (4) with 100 mg/kg b.w./day of SME or (5) with 200 mg/kg b.w./day of SME via oral administration. (6) OVX mice treated daily with 50 mg/kg b.w./day of SML (7) with 100 mg/kg b.w./day of SML or (8) with 200 mg/kg b.w./day of SML via oral administration. (9) OVX mice treated daily with 10 ml/kg b.w./day of LCa (10) OVX mice received i.p. injections of 17β-estradiol (E2) (0.1 mg/kg b.w./day) three times per week for 12 weeks. Results micro-CT analysis revealed that oral administration of SML inhibited tibial bone loss, sustained trabecular bone state, and ameliorated bone biochemical markers. In addition, SML administration compared to SEM and LCa reduced serum levels of RANKL, osteocalcin and BALP through increased serum levels of OPG and E2 in OVX mice. SML also had more beneficial effects on protection of estrogen-dependent bone loss through blocking expression of TRAF6 and NFTAc1 and produces cathepsin K and calcitonin receptor to develop osteoclast differentiation. Conclusion These data suggest that S. miltiorrhiza Bunge combined with liquefied calcium supplement has an inhibitory activity in OVX mice. This result implies the possibility of a pharmacological intervention specifically directed toward a disease such as osteoporosis where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-017-2047-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

First-principles study explores the catalytic performance of the Cu(1 1 1) and Cu/G catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction using computational hydrogen electrode model. Two different pathways, determined based on the initially generated intermediates (COOH* and HCOO*), as well as successive intermediates and the end products, were investigated. Although the two catalysts promote both pathways, Cu(1 1 1) surface favors “COOH pathway” and Cu/G catalyst strongly promotes the “HCOO pathway” with an free energy barrier of 0.83 eV (CO* → CHO*) and 0.87 eV (HCOO* → H2COO*). Electronic properties and binding nature of the final intermediate (CH3O*) on both catalysts sheds light on the fundamental reason for the selective end products (CH4 on the Cu(1 1 1) surface and CH3OH on the Cu/G catalyst). CH3OH is predominantly produced with the Cu/G catalyst because the C O bond of CH3O* is stronger than the bond between the single Cu atom and O of CH3O*, given that the energy of the d-band center of the single Cu atom is relatively highly negative. The current study explores the different electrochemical reduction pathways on the Cu(1 1 1) and Cu/G catalyst, providing insight for the design of highly efficient catalysts that afford selective end products.

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into usable hydrocarbon fuels is important for recycling carbon resources and mitigating environmental problems. However, converting CO2, which is a stable compound, requires a high additional energy. Therefore, it is essential to understand the electrochemical reduction mechanisms of CO2 and develop more efficient catalysts. In this study, density functional theory calculations were performed to examine electrochemical CO2 reduction on copper nanoclusters (NCs) (Cu13 NCs and Cu55 NCs) and the Cu(1 1 1) surface to verify the effect of the surface geometry and size of the NCs on the conversion of CO2 into CH4. The highest energy barriers to CO2 reduction (i.e., the potential-limiting step) on the Cu13 NCs (0.64 eV), Cu55 NCs (0.83 eV), and Cu(1 1 1) surface (0.86 eV) lie in the CO∗ → CHO∗ step. The formation of an adsorbed CHO intermediate depending on the catalyst surface geometry may significantly influence the energy barrier, as demonstrated by analyses of the electronic properties, such as the density of states, charge density difference, and highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital band gap.

Three phenylpropanoids were isolated from the flowers of Lilium Asiatic hybrids through repeated silica gel or octadecyl silica gel column chromatographies. The chemical structures were determined to be 1-O-trans-caffeoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), regaloside A (2), and regaloside B (3), based on spectroscopic data gathered from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI/MS), polarimetry, and infrared spectroscopy (IR) experiments. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity of 60.1 and 58.0% at 160 ppm, respectively, compared with the 62.0% activity of the positive control, α-tocopherol. At a concentration of 50 μg/mL, compounds 1–3 inhibited the expression of iNOS to 4.1 ± 0.01, 70.3 ± 4.07, and 26.2 ± 0.63, respectively, and decreasing COX-2 expression to 67.8 ± 4.86, 131.6 ± 8.19, and 98.9 ± 4.99. Also, at the same concentration, compounds 1–3 decreased the ratio of p-p65/p-65 to 43.8 ± 1.67, 40.7 ± 1.30, and 43.2 ± 1.60, respectively, and the expression of VCAM-1 to 42.1 ± 2.31, 48.6 ± 2.65, and 33.8 ± 1.74, respectively.

We provide a method for obtaining graphitic porous carbon, with commercially viable specific capacitance and high specific surface area, from pitch pine ( Pinus rigida ) biomass. Chemically treated biomass was used to prepare porous carbon with a partially graphitic structure and high surface area via KOH activation. Biomass immersed in NH 4 OH solution was structurally separated due to swelling phenomena. It allowed for the separation of representative components comprising biomass; cellulose and hemicellulose contribute to its porous structure, while lignin contributes to the partially graphitic structure after activation. The partially graphitic porous carbon simultaneously provides electron pathway and energy storage capabilities. The biomass-derived partially graphitic porous carbon exhibited a high specific capacitance (150 F g −1 ) and high rate capability (91% at 50 mA cm −2 ), both ideal qualities for ultracapacitor materials. Effective utilization of abandoned biomass is beneficial in terms of economic, environmental, and energy saving concerns. Thus, abandoned biomass-derived partially graphitic porous carbon obtained from structurally separated components with different properties from one biomass represents a promising solution for obtaining energy efficient materials for storage devices.

Chemical treatments were used to synthesize high-purity silica from rice husk. A comparative study was carried out by using four chemicals: sulfuric acid, hydrogen chloride, oxalic acid, and ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate). The ash content significantly increased in sulfuric-acid and the ionic liquid treatments with the removal of both cellulose and hemicellulose. Drastic increases of silica purity were observed in samples treated with sulfuric acid and the ionic liquid at 99.6% and 99.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the ionic liquid treatment increased the surface area and pore volume by 1.9 times and 2.4 times, respectively, with respect to the sample not subjected to chemical treatment.

Transition metal nitrides possessing superior electrical conductivity and outstanding oxidation and corrosion resistance have been described as good substitutes for carbon support materials which are vulnerable during proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operation due to corrosion and poor life cycles. A closer theoretical inspection of the stability and electronic properties of titanium nitride-supported Pt in comparison with carbon-supported Pt (using graphite and graphene) has been conducted using density functional theory calculations. A single Pt atom adsorbed more strongly to the TiN surface than to both graphite and graphene, causing a larger degree of charge transfer between Pt and TiN.

Carbon-based nanomaterials are frequently used as a support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalysts, due to their high electrical conductivity and large surface area; however, the limited long-term stability of carbon-based catalysts under PEMFC operation causes huge problems in practical applications. Here we report the use of vanadium nitride (VN) nanofiber membrane as a highly durable catalyst support for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Nanofibrous VN was prepared using a simple electrospinning process, followed by sequential heat treatments in air and NH 3 . The NH 3 treatment temperature affected the crystallinity as well as the crystal size of VN, which ultimately affected the catalytic ORR activity of Pt-decorated catalysts. The optimized Pt/VN catalysts exhibited excellent ORR activity and durability in acid electrolyte. Much higher durability of Pt/VN than Pt/C was verified by chrono-amperometry analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided further evidence of the strong interaction of Pt and VN, which contributed to the high stability of the catalyst.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the macular vessel density layer-by-layer and compare the diagnostic value of each in diagnosing glaucoma. Methods This was a prospective comparative cross-sectional study, and the setting was glaucoma referral practice. The study participants were patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing treatment with drugs, and age-matched normal controls who visited our clinic for regular eye examinations for refractive errors. All participants were investigated using macular optical coherence tomographic angiography, fundus photography, and 24-2 visual field (VF) testing. Average vessel densities in the retinal nerve fiber-ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (IPL), retinal nerve fiber-ganglion cell layer (GCL), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell-IPL, GCL, and IPL segments on optical coherence tomographic angiography. Results Fifty-eight glaucomatous eyes of 58 participants and 52 healthy eyes of 52 normal subjects were included in the study. The average vessel densities of all segments, except the RNFL in the glaucoma group, were significantly lower than that in normal subjects. The average vessel density in the ganglion cell-IPL showed the highest correlation with the mean deviation and VF index of the VF (r = 0.515 and 0.538, respectively) and the best area under receiver operating characteristic curve to discriminate between patients with glaucoma and patients with normal eyes (0.750). Conclusions The present study demonstrated that macular vessel density in the ganglion cell-IPL has a higher diagnostic ability and better correlation with functional damage in glaucoma than that in the superficial vascular plexus. Translational relevance These findings suggest that the macular vessel density in the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer is better than that in the conventional superficial vascular plexus for detecting glaucoma.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant health problem, with a worldwide prevalence of about 170 million. Recently, the development of direct acting antiviral (DAA) as a therapeutic agent for HCV has been rapidly increasing. However, DAA has a side effect and is costly. Therefore, it is still necessary to develop a therapeutic agent to treat HCV infection using products. Agrimonia pilosa (AP) and Galla rhois (RG) are traditional medicines and are known to display therapeutic activity on various diseases. Notably, they have been reported to have an anti-viral effect on HBV and influenza virus infections. It is expected that anti-viral activity will increase when two extracts are mixed. To investigate their anti-viral activity, the expression level of HCV Core 1b and NS5A was measured. Remarkably, AP, RG, and their mixed compound (APRG64) strongly inhibited the expression of viral proteins, which led us to identify their metabolites. A total of 14 metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). These metabolites were evaluated for their anti-HCV activity to identify active ingredients. In conclusion, our results unveiled that anti-HCV activity of Agrimonia pilosa and Galla rhois extract mixture could lead to the development of a novel therapy for HCV infection.

The hydrogen compression cycle system recycles hydrogen compressed by a compressor at high pressure and stores it in a high-pressure container. Thermal stress is generated due to increase in the pressure and temperature of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank during the fast filing process. For the sake of safety, it is of great practical significance to predict and control the temperature change in the tank. The hydrogen charging process in the storage tank of the hydrogen charging station was studied by experimentation and simulation. In this paper, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for non-adiabatic real filling of a 50 MPa hydrogen cylinder was presented. In addition, a shear stress transport (k-ω) model and real gas model were used in order to account for thermo-fluid dynamics during the filling of hydrogen storage tanks (50 MPa, 343 L). Compared to the simulation results with the experimental data carried out under the same conditions, the temperatures calculated from the simulated non-adiabatic condition results were lower (by 5.3%) than those from the theoretical adiabatic condition calculation. The theoretical calculation was based on the experimentally measured pressure value. The calculated simulation mass was 8.23% higher than the theoretical result. The results of this study will be very useful in future hydrogen energy research and hydrogen charging station developments.

During the fast filing process, thermal stress is generated due to the increase in the pressure and temperature of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank. For its safety purpose, it is necessary to predict and control the temperature change in the tank. The aim of this study is quantitative analysis of the final temperature and the mass of the hydrogen in the tank through experimental and theoretical methods. In this paper; Theoretical model for adiabatic and non-adiabatic real filling processes of high pressure hydrogen cylinder has been proposed. The cycle of filling process from the initial vacuum state is called the “First cycle.” After the first cycle is completed, there is a certain residual pressure in the tank. Then the second filling process called “Second cycle” begins. The final temperature in fast filling of hydrogen storage cylinders depends on targeted pressure, initial pressure and temperature, and mass filling rate. The final temperature of hydrogen in the tank was calculated from the real gas equation of state, mass and energy conservation equations. As a result of the analysis, based on the first cycle analysis of high pressure tank, the final temperatures were calculated to be 442.11 K for the adiabatic filling process, and 422.37 K for the non-adiabatic process. Based on the second cycle analysis of high pressure tank, the final temperature were obtained as 397.12 K and 380.8 K for the adiabatic and non-adiabatic processes, respectively. The temperatures calculated from the theoretical non-adiabatic condition were lower than those from the adiabatic condition by 5%. The results of this study can provide a reference basis in terms of how to control the temperature in the actual hydrogen storage tank during the fast filling process and how to improve safety.

This study investigated the surface modification of the oxide layer of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) followed by post treatment using oxalate ions. The samples were treated by PEO in alkaline-aluminate electrolyte with and without Na2C2O4. The post treatment was performed additionally by immersing the PEO-treated sample into Na2C2O4 solution. Upon PEO, the existence of oxalate ions would minimize the structural micro-defects. This was attributed to the formation of an oxalate-adsorption thin-film, generating soft plasma sparks after breakdown. Moreover, the oxide layer after post treatment using Na2C2O4 solution exhibited the crack-free structure desirable for suppressing the corrosion rate.

A facile butanol bioproduction process was developed using planetary milling, and Pinus rigida wood waste as a model substrate for fermentable sugars. The use of planetary milling as the pretreatment eliminates the need for washing and transfer of the biomass prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. Moreover, using this pretreatment process resulted in the production of only 0.072 ± 0.003 g/L soluble phenolic compounds, a concentration that was not inhibitory towards Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. As the milling was performed in a compatible buffer (50mM acetate, pH 4.8), the enzymatic hydrolysis step was initiated by simply adding the cellulase cocktail powder directly to pretreated biomass without washing the biomass or exchanging the buffer, resulting in a glucose yield of 31 g/L (84.02%). Fermentation of the hydrolysate samples by C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 gave slightly better butanol yields than cultures grown in a typical lab media (P2), with final concentrations of 6.91 and 6.66 g/L, respectively.

Recetly, Many industry have used unknown composition gases and no information gases. These gases were used increasing. As use increases, The more important software that can predict dispersion region and speed. It is very difficult to predict the dispersion of new gases. Because, it is predict from existing database. In this study, we propose to esimate dispersion region and speed of some gases, using a FLACS software and equivalent gas.

In this study, Ascophyllum nodosum was studied as a biomass for ethanol production. A. nodosum was degraded to monosaccharide by hyper-thermal (HT) acid hydrolysis and enzymatic saccharification and analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM) and the Michaelis–Menten equation. Maximum monosaccharide concentrations of 20.3 g/L glucose and 7.0 g/L mannitol were obtained from HT acid hydrolysis and enzymatic saccharification from 8%(w/v) of A. nodosum. Fermentation was conducted using Pichia stipitis and P. angophorae adapted to high mannitol concentrations. Neither non-adapted P. stipitis and P. angophorae nor adapted P. stipitis could ferment all mannitol in the A. nodosum hydrolysate. Adapted P. angophorae produced the highest ethanol concentration among various yeasts, with ethanol production reaching 13.6 g/L with an ethanol yield (YEtOH) of 0.50. Optimization of HT acid hydrolysis and enzymatic saccharification, in combination with the use of adapted yeast, could enhance overall A. nodosum ethanol fermentation yields.

Ojjective The aim of this study was to find peripheral biomarkers and central metabolites affecting neuroinflammation in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) patients using [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Methods Using MRS and PET, we measured associations between neurometabolites and neuroinflammation in 12 CRPS patients and 11 healthy controls. Also, we investigated various peripheral parameters that may affect neuroinflammation in CRPS. Results We found positive correlations of Lipid (Lip)13a/total creatine (tCr) and Lip09/tCr with neuroinflammation, the distribution volume ratio (DVR) of [11C]-(R)-PK11195 in the right and left insula in CRPS patients. However, these correlations were not found in controls. High hemoglobin levels correlated with decreased neuroinflammation (the DVR of [11C]-(R)-PK11195) in the right thalamus and left insula in healthy controls. We found that high levels of glucose and pH correlated with increased neuroinflammation, but high levels of CO2, basophil, and creatinine were associated with decreased neuroinflammation in the left thalamus and the right and left insula in CRPS patients. Conclusions This is the first report indicating that elevated neuroinflammation levels are associated primarily with lipids in the brain and pH, glucose, CO2, basophil, and creatinine in the peripheral parameters in CRPS patients. Our results suggest that characterizing the peripheral biomarkers and central metabolites affecting neuroinflammation is essential to understanding the pathophysiology of CRPS.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Recently, investigators have focused on the gut microbiota, which is thought to be an environmental factor that affects the development of RA. Metabolites secreted by the gut microbiota maintain homeostasis in the gut through various mechanisms [e.g., butyrate, which is one of the major metabolites of gut microbiota, exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by activating G-protein-coupled receptors and inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs)]. Here, we focused on the inhibition of the HDACs by butyrate in RA. To this end, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of butyrate in an animal model of autoimmune arthritis. The arthritis score and incidence were lower in the butyrate-treated group compared to the control group. Also, butyrate inhibited HDAC2 in osteoclasts and HDAC8 in T cells, leading to the acetylation of glucocorticoid receptors and estrogen-related receptors α, respectively. Additionally, control of the TH17/Treg cell balance and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis were confirmed by the changes in target gene expression. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) produced by butyrate-induced expanded Treg cells was critical, as treatment with butyrate did not affect inflammatory arthritis in IL-10-knockout mice. This immune-cell regulation of butyrate was also detected in humans. These findings suggest that butyrate is a candidate agent for the treatment of RA.

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of coronary heart disease. As a result of the development of atherosclerotic lesions, the walls of blood vessels become thicker and inhibit blood circulation. Atherosclerosis is caused by a high-fat diet and vascular injury. Chronic arterial inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In particular, secretion of the pro-atherogenic cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α induces expression of endothelial adhesion molecules including P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), which mediate attachment of circulating monocytes and lymphocytes. In this study, we examined the anti-atherosclerotic effect of sorghum, which is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. A 50% ethanol extract of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench fermented with Aspergillus oryzae NK (fSBE) was used for experiments. In vitro expression of endothelial adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and pro-inflammatory factor cyclooxygenase-2 was significantly decreased and that of the anti-atherogenic factor heme oxygenase-1 significantly increased by fSBE (P

Primary osteoporosis is a disease related to excessive bone resorption due to estrogen insufficiency that occurs postmenopause. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), or 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, is a common compound present in numerous plants. Although numerous biological activities of PCA have been identified, its antiosteoporotic function has not been well established. In this study, the antiosteoporotic activity of PCA supplementation was determined in ovariectomized (OVX) female ICR mice at 12 weeks after OVX. The biomechanical properties of a bone were evaluated by microcomputed tomography. The signaling molecules associated with osteoclast differentiation were determined in bone marrow cells through immunoblot or RT-PCR. Oral supplementation with PCA (20 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorated the OVX-mediated stimulation of osteoclast activity based on decreases in serum levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), osteocalcin, and bone alkaline phosphatase and increase in serum osteoprotegerin (each group, n=6; p<0.05). In addition, the OVX-induced decreases in mRNA expression levels of cathepsin K, calcitonin receptor, nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6) in bone marrow cells were significantly attenuated (each group, n=6; p<0.05). Finally, the loss of trabecular bone and changes in biomechanical properties of a bone were significantly improved by supplementation with 20 mg/kg PCA (each group, n=6; p<0.05). Collectively, our results show that PCA supplement suppressed trabecular bone loss in OVX mice and therefore might be an effective alternative approach for preventing the progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Cucurbitacin E (CuE) is a biochemical compound found in plants that are members of the family CuE has been studied for its roles in anti-inflammation and the inhibition of angiogenesis as well as for its properties as an antioxidant. CuE is a new agent that was identified as a selective inhibitor of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-related pathway. STAT3, a pivotal transcription factor for Th17 differentiation, is critical for T cell alloactivation in acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). We investigated whether CuE attenuates the development of aGvHD through the suppression of Th17 cells. The alloreactive proliferation of mouse and human T cells was reduced by CuE treatment. CuE also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17 and IFN-γ, in alloreactive T cells. STAT3-responsive and IL-17A-promoter activities were also suppressed by CuE treatment, confirming that activated STAT3 was decreased by CuE treatment. To construct an aGvHD-induced mouse line, splenocytes and bone marrow cells from C57BL/6 mice were transplanted into BALB/c mice with complete mis-matched major histocompatibility complex molecules. CuE was administered to aGvHD animals 3 days per week via intraperitoneal injection. CuE attenuated the severity of aGvHD disease-related scores compared to the vehicle group. CuE inhibited skin inflammation and fibrosis, as evidenced by the expression of α-Sma and Col-I in aGvHD mice compared to the vehicle group. Additionally, aGvHD mice treated with CuE showed improved histopathological features in the small and large intestines, whereas the vehicle group showed collapsed villi in the small intestine and cryptic structures in the large intestine. We also observed a marked reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal tissue. Collectively, our data suggest that CuE could serve as a therapeutic agent for patients with aGvHD.

Equol is a nonsteroidal estrogen that is produced by intestinal bacterial metabolism. Equol and equol-producing bacteria have been extensively investigated with soybean-based materials under anaerobic condition. In this study, an under-appreciated plant material, Pueraria lobata, was used to find new bacterial strains that produce equol under aerobic conditions. Three new intestinal bacteria, CS1, CS2, and CS3, were isolated, and internal transcribed spacer analysis revealed that belonging to genus Pediococcus and Lactobacillus. HPLC analysis showed that these strains produced equol or its related intermediates when fermenting P. lobata extract. In comparison to fermentation of P. lobata extract, soybean germ extract was also fermented. While the isolated strains did not produce equol in this extract, they produced other equol-related precursors. To test the modularity effect of these fermentation mixtures with the newly isolated bacteria, MCF-7 cell proliferation assay was performed, which showed that all extracts fermented with those strains has a modularity effect. Fermenting P. lobata extract with strain CS1 demonstrated the best modularity effect.

One new phenylglycoside, 1-hydroxy-3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-1-O-[6′-O-(4″-carboxy-1″ ,3″ ,5″ - trihydroxy)phenyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), along with eight known ones, isosalicin (2), vanilloloside (3), (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), crenatin (5), hydrageifolin I (6), tachioside (7), isotachioside (8), and koaburside (9), were isolated from the stems of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora. The chemical structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data such as NMR, FAB-MS, and IR. All these compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Chitosan hydrogels (CSH) formed through ionic interaction with an anionic molecule are suitable as a drug carrier and a tissue engineering scaffold. However, the initial burst release of drugs from the CSH due to rapid swelling after immersing in a biofluid limits their wide application as a drug delivery carrier. In this study, alginate layering on the surface of the doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded and I-131-labeled CSH (DI-CSH) was performed. The effect of the alginate layering on drug release behavior and radiolabeling stability was investigated. Chitosan was chemically modified using a chelator for I-131 labeling. After labeling of I-131 and mixing of Dox, the chitosan solution was dropped into tripolyphosphate (TPP) solution using an electrospinning system to prepare spherical microhydrogels. The DI-CSH were immersed into alginate solution for 30 min to form the crosslinking layer on their surface. The formation of alginate layer on the DI-CSH was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and zeta potential analysis. In order to investigate the effect of alginate layer, studies of in vitro Dox release from the hydrogels were performed in phosphate buffered in saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at 37 °C for 12 days. The radiolabeling stability of the hydrogels was evaluated using ITLC under different experimental condition (human serum, normal saline, and PBS) at 37 °C for 12 days. Formatting the alginate-crosslinked layer on the CSH surface did not change the spherical morphology and the mean diameter (150 ± 10 μm). FT-IR spectra and zeta potential values indicate that alginate layer was formed successfully on the surface of the DI-CSH. In in vitro Dox release studies, the total percentage of the released Dox from the DI-CSH for 12 days were 60.9 ± 0.8, 67.3 ± 1.4, and 71.8 ± 2.5 % for 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mg Dox used to load into the hydrogels, respectively. On the other hand, after formatting alginate layer, the percentage of the released Dox for 12 days was decreased to 47.6 ± 1.4, 51.1 ± 1.4, and 57.5 ± 1.6 % for 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mg Dox used, respectively. The radiolabeling stability of DI-CSH in human serum was improved by alginate layer. The formation of alginate layer on the surface of the DI-CSH is useful for improving the drug release behavior and radiolabeling stability.