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Tumor microenvironment-sensitive nanoliposomes (TMS-NLs) were prepared as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)-specific carriers for synergistic therapeutics. The NLs shed polyethylene glycol (PEG)...

BACKGROUND: Preterm labor is a leading risk factor for neonatal death and long-term impairment and linked closely with inflammation. Non-obstetric surgery is occasionally needed during pregnancy and the anesthetic drugs or surgery itself can give rise to inflammation. Here, we examined the influence of propofol pretreatment on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In addition, we evaluated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). METHODS: Human amnion-derived WISH cells were used to investigate the effect of propofol on the LPS-induced expression of inflammatory substances involved in preterm labor. For the experiment, WISH cells were pretreated with various concentrations propofol (0.01–10 μg/ml) for 1 h and then treated with LPS (1 μg/ml) for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assay. PGE(2) concentration was assessed by ELISA. Protein expressions of COX-2, PGE(2) and NF-κB were analyzed by western blotting analysis. RT-PCR was used for analysis of mRNA expression of COX-2, PGE(2), interlukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. RESULTS: Propofol showed no cytotoxicity on the WISH cells. LPS-induced PGE(2) production and COX-2 and PGE(2) expression were decreased after propofol pretreatment. Propofol also attenuated the LPS-induced mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. Moreover, the activation of NF-κB was inhibited by propofol pretreatment on LPS-stimulated WISH cells. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that propofol suppresses the expression of inflammatory substances enhanced by LPS stimulation. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect of propofol on the inflammatory substance expression is mediated by suppression of NF-κB activation.

Alismatis rhizoma (AR), the dried rhizome of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep, is a well-known, traditional medicine that is used for the various biological activities including as a diuretic, to lower cholesterol and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential toxicity of the Alismatis rhizoma aqueous extract (ARAE) following 90-day repeated oral administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. ARAE was administered orally to male and female rats for 90 days at 0 (control), 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day (n = 10 for male and female rats for each dose). Additional recovery groups from the control group and high dose group were observed for a 28-day recovery period. Chromatograms of ARAE detected main compounds with four peaks. Treatment-related effects including an increase in the red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, total protein, and urine volume were observed in males of the 2,000 mg/kg/day group (p < 0.05). However, the diuretic effect of ARAE was considered, a major cause of hematological and serum biochemical changes. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the ARAE was > 2,000 mg/kg/day in both genders, and no target organs were identified.

Natural inorganic/organic nanohybrids are a fascinating model in biomaterials design due to their ultra-microstructure and extraordinary properties. Here, we report unique-structured nanohybrids through self-assembly of biomedical inorganic/organic nanounits, composed of bioactive inorganic nanoparticle core (hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, or mesoporous silica) and chitosan shell - namely Chit@IOC. The inorganic core thin-shelled with chitosan could constitute as high as 90%, strikingly contrasted with the conventional composites. The Chit@IOC nanohybrids were highly resilient under cyclic load and resisted external stress almost an order of magnitude effectively than the conventional composites. The nanohybrids, with the nano-roughened surface topography, could accelerate the cellular responses through stimulated integrin-mediated focal adhesions. The nanohybrids were also able to load multiple therapeutic molecules in the core and shell compartment and then release sequentially, demonstrating controlled delivery systems. The nanohybrids compartmentally-loaded with therapeutic molecules (dexamethasone, fibroblast growth factor 2, and phenamil) were shown to stimulate the anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic and osteogenic events of relevant cells. When implanted in the in vivo calvarium defect model with 3D-printed scaffold forms, the therapeutic nanohybrids were proven to accelerate new bone formation. Overall, the nanohybrids self-assembled from Chit@IOC nanounits, with their unique properties (ultrahigh inorganic content, nano-topography, high resilience, multiple-therapeutics delivery, and cellular activation), can be considered as promising 3D tissue regenerative platforms.

Bacterial infection raises serious concerns in tissue repair settings involved with implantable biomaterials, devastating the regenerative process and even life-threatening. When hard tissues are infected with bacteria (called ‘osteomyelitis’), often the cases in open fracture or chronic inflammation, a complete restoration of regenerative capacity is significantly challenging even with highly-dosed antibiotics or surgical intervention. The implantable biomaterials are thus needed to be armored to fight bacteria then to relay regenerative events. To this end, here we propose a nanoglass paste made of ~200-nm-sized silicate-glass (with Ca, Cu) particles that are hardened in contact with aqueous medium and multiple-therapeutic, i.e., anti-bacterial, pro-angiogenic and osteopromotive. The nanoglass paste self-hardened via networks of precipitated nano-islands from leached ions to exhibit ultrahigh surface area (~300 m2/g), amenable to fill tunable defects with active biomolecular interactions. Also, the nanoglass paste could release multiple ions (silicate, calcium, and copper) at therapeutically relevant doses and sustainably (for days to weeks), implying possible roles in surrounding cells/tissues as a therapeutic-ions reservoir. The osteopromotive effects of nanoglass paste were evidenced by the stimulated osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Also, the nanoglass paste promoted angiogenesis of endothelial cells in vitro and vasculature formation in vivo. Furthermore, the significant bactericidal effect of nanoglass paste, as assessed with E. coli and S. aureus, highlighted the role of copper played in elevating ROS level and destroying homeostasis, which salvaged tissue cells from co-cultivated bacteria contamination. When administered topically to rat tibia osteomyelitis defects, the nanoglass paste enhanced in vivo bone healing and fracture resistance. The developed nanoglass paste, given its self-setting property and the coordinated therapeutic actions, is considered to be a promising drug-free inorganic biomaterial platform for the regenerative therapy of bacteria-infected hard tissues.

O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is an enzyme that catalyzes the O-GlcNAc modification of nucleocytoplasmic proteins and is highly expressed in many types of cancer. However, the mechanism regulating its expression in cancer cells is not well understood. This study shows that OGT is a substrate of the E3 ubiquitin ligase X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) which plays an important role in cancer pathogenesis. Although LSD2 histone demethylase has already been reported as an E3 ubiquitin ligase in lung cancer cells, we identified XIAP as the main E3 ubiquitin ligase in colon cancer cells. Interestingly, OGT catalyzes the O-GlcNAc modification of XIAP at serine 406 and this modification is required for the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of XIAP toward specifically OGT. Moreover, O-GlcNAcylation of XIAP suppresses colon cancer cell growth and invasion by promoting the proteasomal degradation of OGT. Therefore, our findings regarding the reciprocal regulation of OGT and XIAP provide a novel molecular mechanism for controlling cancer growth and invasion regulated by OGT and O-GlcNAc modification.

A facile and low-cost fabrication route, inspired by the adhesive proteins secreted by mussels, has been developed to prepare a clay-based composite hydrogel (DHG(Cu)) containing hexacyanoferrate (HCF) nanoparticles for the selective removal of Cs+ from contaminated water. Initially, montmorillonite was exfoliated prior to coating with a thin layer of polydopamine (PDOPA) via the self-polymerization of dopamine. Mixing the composite (D-clay) with the HCF precursor, followed by the addition of copper ions, led to the self-assembly of the polymer-coated exfoliated clay nanosheets into a three-dimensional network and in situ growth of KCuHCF nanoparticles embedded within the gel structure. Analytical characterization verified the fabrication route and KCuHCF immobilization by a copper-ligand complexation. Rheology testing revealed the composite hydrogel to be elastic under low strain and exhibited reversible, self-healing behavior following high strain deformation, providing a good retention of KCuHCF nanoparticles in the membrane. The adsorbent DHG(Cu) showed a superior Cs+ adsorption capacity (∼173 mg/g), with the performance maintained over a wide pH range, and an excellent selectivity for Cs+ when dispersed in seawater at low concentrations of 0.2 ppm. On the basis of its excellent mechanico-chemical properties, the fabricated hydrogel was tested as a membrane in column filtration, showing excellent removal of Cs+ from Milli-Q water and seawater, with the performance only limited by the fluid residence time. For comparison, the study also considered other composite hydrogels, which were fabricated as intermediates of DHG(Cu) or fabricated with Fe3+ as the cross-linker and reactant for HCF nanoparticle synthesis.

Background: Diabetes damages the collagen in the skin. No study has investigated the relationship between the treatment initiation time and the degree of collagen recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the initiation time of glycemic control on collagen recovery and to determine the basic molecules mediating the process. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were divided into five groups: normal controls (C), those with untreated diabetes (DM), and those with diabetes treated with daily insulin injections from 7 weeks (7W), 10 weeks (10W), and 13 weeks (13W) after diabetes induction. The levels of collagen and several molecules were compared among skin tissues collected at 14 weeks. Results: The amounts of total collagen, collagen 1, and collagen 3 were significantly lower in DM than in C. Among the treated groups, recovery reaching normal levels was only observed in 7W and 10W. The earlier the treatment began, the greater was the collagen recovery. Similar to that of collagen, the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) significantly decreased in DM compared with that in C. Higher recovery of TGF-β1 and VEGF was detected in groups with earlier treatment, whereas the IGF-1R level was identically elevated in all treated groups. The results suggest that these molecules affect collagen recovery at different time points during glycemic control. Conclusion: The initiation time of glycemic control is expected to have a considerable effect on collagen recovery in the diabetic skin through modulation of TGF-β1, VEGF, and IGF-1R.

Chitosan (CS) is a well-known natural polysaccharide with good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Graft copolymerization of poly (methyl vinyl ketone) (PMVK) onto chitosan was conducted by free...

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor and plays important roles in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and inflammation. Many PPARγ agonists bind to the canonical ligand-binding pocket near the activation function-2 (AF-2) helix (i.e., helix H12) of the ligand-binding domain (LBD). More recently, an alternate ligand-binding site was identified in PPARγ LBD; it is located beside the Ω loop between the helices H2' and H3. We reported previously that the chirality of two optimized enantiomeric PPARγ ligands (S35 and R35) differentiates their PPARγ transcriptional activity, binding affinity, and inhibitory activity toward Cdk5 (cyclin-dependent kinase 5)-mediated phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser245 (in PPARγ1 numbering; Ser273 in PPARγ2 numbering). S35 is a PPARγ phosphorylation inhibitor with promising glucose uptake potential, whereas R35 behaves as a potent conventional PPARγ agonist. To provide a structural basis for understanding the differential activities of these enantiomeric ligands, we have determined crystal structures of the PPARγ LBD in complex with either S35 or R35. S35 and R35 bind to the PPARγ LBD in significantly different manners. The partial agonist S35 occupies the alternate site near the Ω loop, whereas the full agonist R35 binds entirely to the canonical LBP. Alternate site binding of S35 affects the PPARγ transactivation and the inhibitory effect on PPARγ Ser245 phosphorylation. This study provides a useful platform for the development of a new generation of PPARγ ligands as anti-diabetic drug candidates.

Paraffin wax-type mating disruption dispensers have been increasingly used in field applications to effectively prevent population growth of Grapholita molesta (GM) insect larvae, in which the duration of pheromone release is relatively short. Ester waxes (e.g., bees, Japan and carnauba) have been studied as dispenser materials, focusing on the pheromone release pattern. The solubility of the GM pheromone in bees and Japan ester waxes was comparable in a differential scanning calorimetry analysis, but the pheromone was not soluble in paraffin wax and was degraded in carnauba wax. The 5% GM pheromone weight concentration in Japan wax significantly reduced the crystalline state as observed by X-ray diffraction. A head-space analysis and GM pheromone release test using bees and Japan waxes conducted in a 30 °C incubator resulted in a zero-order release rate during sustained release of the GM pheromone.

본 연구에서, 비발효(ARE) 및 발효(ARE-F) 배초향 잎 열수 추출물의 피부 항산화 및 항염증 효능을 비교함으로써 프로바이오틱 발효의 효과를 검토하였다. ARE-F는 Lactobacillus rhamnosus HK-9 발효에 의하여 ARE로부터 제조되었다. In vitro 항염증 효능은 지질다당류(LPS)에 의하여 자극된 HaCaT 각질세포에서 일산화질소(NO), 활성산소종(ROS) 및 유도형 일산화질소 합성효소(iNOS) 분석에 의하여 평가되었다. In vitro antiradical 활성은 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) 소거 측정법에 의하여 평가되었다. LPS 자극에 의하여 증가된 NO, ROS 및 iNOS 수준에 미치는 ARE-F의 감소효과가 ARE에 의한 효과보다 현저히 강하였다. 그러나, ARE와 ARE-F의 DPPH 소거 효능에는 차이가 발견되지 않았다. ARE-F가 증강된 피부 항산화 및 항염증 효능을 갖고 있는데, 이 결과는 프로바이틱 세균 발효가 배초향 잎의 일부 약리학적 효능을 증가시키는 효과적인 방법일 수 있음을 암시해 주고 있다. 요약하면, 배초향 잎 추출물의 피부 항산화 및 항염증 활성이 프로바이오틱 세균인 L. rhamnosus HK-9에 의한 발효에 의하여 증강한다.

Excess reactive oxygen species are detrimental to wound repair. Remifentanil decreases reactive oxygen species generation and inflammatory response; however, its effects on oxidative cell injury are not completely understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of remifentanil on human keratinocytes under hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and the correlation of these effects with autophagy.Human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) were randomly assigned to four groups: control, hydrogen peroxide, remifentanil pretreatment + hydrogen peroxide, and 3-methyladenine + remifentanil pretreatment + hydrogen peroxide. The MTT assay was performed to analyze cell viability. Apoptotic cell death was measured by Hoechst staining. A scratch assay was used to measure cell migration. The role of autophagy was ascertained by autophagosome staining and western blot analysis of autophagy-related proteins.Compared with the control group, the hydrogen peroxide group showed decreased cell viability, which was improved by remifentanil pretreatment. Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death and delayed cell migration were also improved by remifentanil pretreatment. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of autophagy-related proteins significantly increased in the remifentanil pretreatment + hydrogen peroxide group compared with that in the hydrogen peroxide group.This study demonstrated that remifentanil pretreatment ameliorates hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury in human keratinocytes. In addition, our results show that the antioxidative effect of remifentanil against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury was mediated by autophagy.

Scaffolds that can load and deliver growth factors are promising for the regeneration of tissues. High loading and long-term delivery of the molecules are generally considered key aspects in optimizing the therapeutic outcome of the growth factor-delivering scaffolds. Here we report nanocomposite scaffolds incorporating nanoparticles that have exceptionally high capacity to load proteins/growth factors and release them in a sustainable manner. Bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGn) in a mesoporous form were added to a degradable polymer (polylactic acid; PLA) up to 200% (BGn/PLA by weight), which was formed into highly porous scaffolds. The specific surface area and hydrophilicity of the scaffolds were significantly enhanced by BGn incorporation. The BGn/PLA scaffolds adsorbed proteins at high quantities with respect to pure PLA scaffolds, ∼20 times for cytochrome C and ∼5 times for lysozyme, and the protein adsorption was largely charge-dependent (i.e., selectively adsorbed positively-charged proteins due to a negatively-charged BGn). The loaded protein was released from the BGn/PLA scaffolds in a highly sustainable manner over weeks, which was contrasted to the abrupt protein release (almost complete within one week) observed in pure PLA scaffolds. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was used as the representative growth factor that was involved in cell mitosis and tissue repair for biological efficacy. The FGF2 release continued over 4 weeks with an almost linear release pattern after the initial 3 days. The scaffolds that release FGF2 slowly demonstrated significantly stimulated proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells with respect to those without FGF2, with continuous biological effects over 3 weeks. The BGn/PLA nanocomposite scaffolds, proven to be effective in loading specific growth factors at high quantity and delivering sustainably over weeks to months, may be potentially useful in tissue repair and regeneration processes.

Background Reactive oxygen species play critical roles in homeostasis and cell signaling. Dexmedetomidine, a specific agonist of the α2-adrenoceptor, has been commonly used for sedation, and it has been reported to have a protective effect against oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether dexmedetomidine has a protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and the mechanism of H2O2-induced cell death in normal human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells. Methods Cells were divided into three groups: control group-cells were incubated in normoxia without dexmedetomidine, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) group-cells were exposed to H2O2 (200 µM) for 2 h, and Dex/H2O2 group-cells were pretreated with dexmedetomidine (5 µM) for 2 h then exposed to H2O2 (200 µM) for 2 h. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated. Osteoblast maturation was determined by assaying bone nodular mineralization. Expression levels of bone-related proteins were determined by western blot. Results Cell viability was significantly decreased in the H2O2 group compared with the control group, and this effect was improved by dexmedetomidine. The Hoechst 33342 and Annexin-V FITC/PI staining revealed that dexmedetomidine effectively decreased H2O2-induced hFOB cell apoptosis. Dexmedetomidine enhanced the mineralization of hFOB cells when compared to the H2O2 group. In western blot analysis, bone-related protein was increased in the Dex/H2O2 group. Conclusions We demonstrated the potential therapeutic value of dexmedetomidine in H2O2-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing osteoblast activity. Additionally, the current investigation could be evidence to support the antioxidant potential of dexmedetomidine in vitro.

SiC crystal growth using the top seeded solution growth (TSSG) method involves the precipitation of solid SiC from carbon that is dissolved in a silicon melt. The growth rate of SiC is strongly influenced by the solubility of C in liquid Si, which is quite low. In this study, the dissolution of C from graphite to the Si melt was explored by observing the formation of an SiC interlayer at a graphite – Si liquid interface. The SiC interlayer was observed to become thickened during the several hours needed to reach a certain thickness at 1500 °C. Assuming that the SiC interlayer is a direct C source, a pre-formed SiC layer was coated on the graphite crucible to evaluate its effect on the concentration of C in the Si melt. As a result, the concentration of C in the Si melt increased within a short time, especially at low temperatures. By applying the SiC coated crucible to the TSSG process for SiC crystal growth, we confirmed that the development of a pre-formed SiC layer enhanced the growth rate of SiC crystals, especially at the initial stage of crystal growth at low temperatures.

Tetramethylsilane (TMS) was recently proposed as a safe precursor for SiC single crystal growth through high temperature chemical vapor deposition (HTCVD). Because the C content of TMS is much higher than Si, the exhaust gas from the TMS-based HTCVD contains large amounts of C which is condensed in the outlet. Because the condensed C close to the crystal growth front will influence on the thermodynamic equilibrium in the crystal growth, an optimal reactor design was highly required to exclude the effect of the condensed carbon. In this study, we report on a mass/heat transfer analysis using the finite element method (FEM) in an attempt to design an effective reactor that will minimize the effect of carbon condensation in the outlet. By applying the proposed reactor design to actual growth experiments, single 6H–SiC crystals with diameters of 50 mm were successfully grown from a 6H–SiC seed. This result confirms that the proposed reactor design can be used to effectively grow 6H–SiC crystals using TMS-based HTCVD.

Background: Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a traditional herbal medicine used worldwide today. Ginsenoside Rd (Rd), one of its main ginsenosides, has been ascertained to have various pharmacological efficacies including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Objectives: This work assesses the antioxidant and protective potentials of Rd against ultraviolet (UV)-B-induced skin photooxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes. Materials and Methods: Cell viability was detected using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Promatrix metalloproteinase-2 (proMMP-2) activity and protein were detected using gelatin zymography and western analysis. Total glutathione (GSH) content and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were spectrophotometrically determined. Results: Rd, at varying concentrations non-toxic to HaCaT keratinocytes, attenuated the UV-B-induced ROS generation. Rd at 5, 12, and 30 μM attenuated the UV-B-induced proMMP-2 gelatinolytic activities to 59.3% ± 9.5%, 41.3% ± 9.5%, and 13.1% ± 8.9%, respectively, of those of the non-treated control cells. It could also diminish the UV-B-induced proMMP-2 protein levels. Rd at 5, 12, and 30 μM augmented the UV-B-reduced total SOD activities to 1.6 ± 0.2-, 2.4 ± 0.3-, and 3.2 ± 0.2-fold of those of the non-treated control cells, respectively. Rd could up-regulate the UV-B-reduced total GSH. Conclusion: Rd has counteracting properties against elevated ROS and proMMP-2 and attenuated GSH and SOD under UV-B irradiation, implying that it possesses a protective activity against photoaging possibly through up-regulating antioxidant components. These findings suggest that Rd can be considered as a novel natural resource for anti-photoaging functional cosmetics.

Biodegradable polyfumarateurethane (PFU) for use as a bupivacaine delivery vehicle, synthesized using di-(2-hydroxypropyl fumarate) (DHPF), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), was designed to be degradable through the hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation of the ester bonds in its polymer backbone. Using a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion techniques, nanoparticles encapsulating water or fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) were fabricated to avoid the immune system owing to the presence of PEG on their surface. The morphologies of these nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, TEM, FE-SEM, and fluorescent microscopies. The present study explored the encapsulation, loading efficiency and in vitro drug release of bupivacaine encapsulated with biodegradable PFU nanoparticles for the treatment of local anesthesia. Various concentrations of bupivacaine were encapsulated into nanoparticles and their encapsulation efficiencies and drug loading were investigated. Encapsulation efficiency was highest when 2.5% bupivacaine was encapsulated. Drug release behavior from the bupivacaine-loaded PFU nanoparticles followed a sustained release profile.

Remifentanil is commonly used in operating rooms and intensive care units for the purpose of anesthesia and sedation or analgesia. Although remifentanil may significantly affect the bone regeneration process in patients, there have been few studies to date on the effects of remifentanil on bone physiology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of remifentanil on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were cultured for 4 days in remifentanil concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 ng/ml, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) alone, or in osteoclastogenic medium to induce the production of mature osteoclasts. To determine the degree of osteoclast maturity, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed. RT-PCR and western blotting analyses were used to determine the effect of remifentanil on the signaling pathways involved in osteoclast differentiation and maturation. Bone resorption and migration of BMMs were analyzed to determine the osteoclastic activity. Remifentanil reduced the number and size of osteoclasts and the formation of TRAP-positive multinuclear osteoclasts in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of c-Fos and NFATC1 was most strongly decreased in the presence of RANKL and remifentanil, and the activity of ERK was also inhibited by remifentanil. In the bone resorption assay, remifentanil reduced bone resorption and did not significantly affect cell migration. This study shows that remifentanil inhibits the differentiation and maturation of osteoclasts and reduces bone resorption.

Magnesium refining processes re typically based on the use of fluxes, most of which contain MgCl2, KCl, NaCl, CaCl2, or HaCl(2). These fluxes separate the surface oxides, gases, or other contaminates from the metal, The most important physical and chemical properties of a salt melt are the fusibility, density in the operating temperature range (920-1023 K), and viscosity. Therefore, in this study, the physical and chemical properties of various molten salts were examined to find a new refining flux with a low melting point, low viscosity, high reactivity, and good melt protection using thermodynamic calculations and various experiments using inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the effects of the chemical composition of the flux, amount of flux, fluxing temperature, and stirring time and intensity on the relining process of molten magnesium were studied. The optimized conditions for the Mg refining process resulted in a ternary flux system with 31 mass% MgCl2, 60 mass% KCl, and 9 mass% NaCl, through the addition of 1 mass% CaF2 and 5 mass% MgO, and stirring at 150 RPM for 15 min at 953 K.

Grapholita molesta (GM) has been considered as a major problem to apple and peach orchards. Mating disrupters have been applied to control the pest over the world as an Integrated Pest Management [IPM] tool. Various types of dispensers releasing mating disrupters have been developed with different formulation of wax, polyethylene tube and aerosol. In this study, the dispensers that were composed of ester waxes and polypropylene (PP) film were used as dispenser materials to analyze release pattern of GM pheromone compared with paraffin wax and polyethylene (PE) film. The release pattern in PP film group was consistent with time while PE film group irregular. Based on these results, Japan wax_PP film dispenser (Japan_PP) was manufactured and showed the mating disruption effect of 98% during 5months in peach orchard.

Background: Csd6 is one of the cell shape-determining proteins in H. pylori. Results: The active site of Csd6 is tailored to function as an l,d-carboxypeptidase in the peptidoglycan-trimming process. Conclusion: Csd6 constitutes a new family of l,d-carboxypeptidase. Significance: The substrate limitation of Csd6 is a strategy that H. pylori uses to regulate its helical cell shape and motility., Helicobacter pylori causes gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. Its high motility in the viscous gastric mucosa facilitates colonization of the human stomach and depends on the helical cell shape and the flagella. In H. pylori, Csd6 is one of the cell shape-determining proteins that play key roles in alteration of cross-linking or by trimming of peptidoglycan muropeptides. Csd6 is also involved in deglycosylation of the flagellar protein FlaA. To better understand its function, biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterizations were carried out. We show that Csd6 has a three-domain architecture and exists as a dimer in solution. The N-terminal domain plays a key role in dimerization. The middle catalytic domain resembles those of l,d-transpeptidases, but its pocket-shaped active site is uniquely defined by the four loops I to IV, among which loops I and III show the most distinct variations from the known l,d-transpeptidases. Mass analyses confirm that Csd6 functions only as an l,d-carboxypeptidase and not as an l,d-transpeptidase. The d-Ala-complexed structure suggests possible binding modes of both the substrate and product to the catalytic domain. The C-terminal nuclear transport factor 2-like domain possesses a deep pocket for possible binding of pseudaminic acid, and in silico docking supports its role in deglycosylation of flagellin. On the basis of these findings, it is proposed that H. pylori Csd6 and its homologs constitute a new family of l,d-carboxypeptidase. This work provides insights into the function of Csd6 in regulating the helical cell shape and motility of H. pylori.

Background Directly measured low density lipoprotein cholesterol (DLDLC) has been reported to be more accurate than calculated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (CLDLC) using the Friedewald equation. However, some limitations of DLDLC have been reported. In this study, we evaluated differences between CLDLC and DLDLC measured using HiSens reagents. Methods Data were collected from 582 persons undergoing routine physical examinations at a general hospital. LDLC measurements were made directly or estimated using the Friedewald formula, and were classified according to the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. The relationship between these differences and other clinically relevant factors, such as triglyceride (TG) levels, were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results The DLDLC and CLDLC were strongly correlated according to simple linear regression analysis (r=0.917, P0.5). Conclusion Unlike other studies, DLDLC was significantly lower than CLDLC and the large differences in LDLC concentrations were not dependent on TG concentration. Our work suggests that verification of DLDLC accuracy is needed and differences in LDLC measurements should be accounted for in making clinical decisions.

The purpose of this study was to perform a functional component analysis to optimize the recipes for Korean beef main bone area. To optimize the recipes for beef leg bone broth, beef feet broth and tail broth, the quality and physiochemical properties of the dishes were comparatived and investigated. Crude protein, crude fat and moisture showed significant differences among the beef leg bone broth, Beef feet broth and tail broth (p

This study aimed to investigate the effects of silk fibroin on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized control (OVX), alendronate (OVX+ALEN, 10 mg/kg body weight/d), low silk fibroin (OVX+SF100, 100 mg/kg body weight/d), and high silk fibroin (OVX+SF300, 300 mg/kg body weight/d) groups. All the rats were fed by gavage for 12 wk. At the end of 12 wk, blood and urine were collected for analysis of bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by micro-computed tomography. The results show that the OVX group (p < 0.05) displayed the highest mean body weight gain. Among the five groups, serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urine levels of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were highest in the OVX group (p < 0.05). Bone ALP levels in the ALEN group were significantly lower than that of the silk-treated groups. On the other hand, DPD levels were not significantly different between the ALEN and silk-fibroin-treated groups ( p < 0.05). The trabecular BMD was significantly higher in the ALEN and silk-treated groups compared to the OVX group ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that silk fibroin has similar effects as alendronate, which is used in osteoporosis medication. Therefore silk fibroin might be a new candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients.

Background: Ischemia-reperfusion of bone occurs in a variety of clinical conditions, such as orthopedic arthroplasty, plastic gnathoplasty, spinal surgery, and amputation. Usually, cellular models of hypoxia-reoxygenation reflect in vivo models of ischemia-reperfusion. With respect to hypoxia-reoxygenation conditions, the effects of remifentanil on osteogenesis have received little attention. Therefore, we investigated the effects of remifentanil on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts during hypoxic-reoxygenation. Methods: After remifentanil (0.1, 1 ng/mL) preconditioning for 2 hours, human osteoblasts were cultured under 1% oxygen tension for 24 hours. Thereafter, the cells were reoxygenated for 12 hours at 37 °C. The naloxone groups were treated with naloxone for 30 minutes before remifentanil treatment. We measured cell viability via MTT assay. Osteoblast maturation was determined by assay of bone nodular mineralization. Quantitative PCR and western blot methods were used to determine BMP-2, osteocalcin, Akt, type I collagen, osterix, TGF-β1, HIF-1α, and RUNX2 expression levels. Results: Osteoblast viability and bone nodular mineralization by osteoblasts is recovered by remifentanil preconditioning from hypoxia-reoxygenation insult. During hypoxic-reoxygenation condition, remifentanil preconditioning induced the expression of BMP-2, osteocalcin, Akt, type I collagen, osterix, TGF-β1, HIF-1α, and RUNX2 in osteoblasts. Conclusions: Under hypoxia-reoxygenation conditions, remifentanil preconditioning enhanced the cell viability and maturation of osteoblasts, and stimulated the expression of proteins associated with osteoblast proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblast. Our results suggest that remifentanil may help in the treatment of bone stress injuries.

Background The skin consists of tightly connected keratinocytes, and prevents extensive water loss while simultaneously protecting against the entry of microbial pathogens. Excessive cellular levels of reactive oxygen species can induce cell apoptosis and also damage skin integrity. Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) has antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated how propofol influences intracellular autophagy and apoptotic cell death induced by oxidative stress in human keratinocytes. Method The following groups were used for experimentation: control, cells were incubated under normoxia (5% CO2, 21% O2, and 74% N2) without propofol; hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), cells were exposed to H2O2 (300 µM) for 2 h; propofol preconditioning (PPC)/H2O2, cells pretreated with propofol (100 µM) for 2 h were exposed to H2O2; and 3-methyladenine (3-MA)/PPC/H2O2, cells pretreated with 3-MA (1 mM) for 1 h and propofol were exposed to H2O2. Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration capability were evaluated. Relation to autophagy was detected by western blot analysis. Results Cell viability decreased significantly in the H2O2 group compared to that in the control group and was improved by propofol preconditioning. Propofol preconditioning effectively decreased H2O2-induced cell apoptosis and increased cell migration. However, pretreatment with 3-MA inhibited the protective effect of propofol on cell apoptosis. Autophagy was activated in the PPC/H2O2 group compared to that in the H2O2 group as demonstrated by western blot analysis and autophagosome staining. Conclusion The results suggest that propofol preconditioning induces an endogenous cellular protective effect in human keratinocytes against oxidative stress through the activation of signaling pathways related to autophagy.

Sulfuryl fluoride (SF) is used as a broad-spectrum fumigant due to toxicity against target pests, good dispersion, and a good penetrating ability. An analytical method for SF quantification in agricultural products was developed and validated to ensure food safety. SF residues were extracted from agricultural product samples using water in an airtight blender jar. Subsequently, an aliquot of the headspace was analyzed using capillary GC with an electron capture detector. Results were confirmed using GC-MS. The linear range of SF was 0.01–1.0 μg/mL with a correlation coefficient (r 2) of 0.999. Average SF recovery values ranged from 74.1 to 108.9% from spiked levels of 0.04–2.0 mg/kg, and the relative standard deviation was 0.5–6.8%. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.01 and 0.04 mg/L, respectively.

The aim of this study was to determine the beneficial effect of propofol on human keratinocytes that have undergone hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) injury and to investigate whether autophagy is associated with the protective mechanism. Thus, we evaluated how propofol influences the intracellular autophagy and apoptosis during the H/R process in the HaCaT cells. The cultured human keratinocyte cells were exposed to 24 h of hypoxia (5% CO2, 1% O2, 94% N2) followed by 12 h of reoxygenation (5% CO2, 21% O2, 74% N2). The experiment was divided into 4 groups: (1) Control=Normoxia ; (2) H/R=Hypoxia Reoxygenation ; (3) PPC+H/R=Propofol Preconditioning+Hypoxia Reoxygenation; (4) 3-MA+PPC+ H/R=3-MA-Methyladenine+Propofol Preconditioning+ Hypoxia Reoxygenation. In addition, Western blot analysis was performed to identify the expression of apoptotic pathway parameters, including Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3 involved in mitochondrial-dependent pathway. Autophagy was determined by fluorescence microscopy, MDC staining, AO staining, and western blot. The H/R produced dramatic injuries in keratinocyte cells. In our study, the viability of Propofol in H/R induced HaCaT cells was first studied by MTT assay. The treatment with 25, 50, and 100 μM Propofol in H/R induced HaCaT cells enhanced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and 100 μM was the most effective dose. The Atg5, Becline-1, LC3-II, and p62 were elevated in PPC group cells, but H/R-induced group showed significant reduction in HaCaT cells. The Atg5 were increased when autophagy was induced by Propofol, and they were decreased when autophagy was suppressed by 3-MA. These data provided evidence that propofol preconditioning induced autophagy and reduced apoptotic cell death in an H/R model of HaCaT cells, which was in agreement with autophagy playing a very important role in cell protection.

The jhp0933 gene in the plasticity region of Helicobacter pylori J99 encodes a hypothetical protein (JHP933), which may play some roles in pathogenesis. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of JHP933 at 2.17 A. It represents the first crystal structure of the DUF1814 protein family. JHP933 consists of two domains: an N-terminal domain of the nucleotidyltransferase (NTase) fold and a C-terminal helix bundle domain. A highly positively charged surface patch exists adjacent to the putative NTP binding site. Structural similarity of JHP933 to known NTases is very remote, suggesting that it may function as a novel NTase. Proteins 2014; 82:2275–2281. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This study considered the removal of strontium (Sr2+) from contaminated water using a filtration membrane that exhibits good mechanical strength, high adsorption capacity, and the ability to be regenerated and reused. Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel membranes were prepared by crosslinking with sulfosuccinic acid in different ratios (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mol% relative to the PVA monomer), named as PSA2.5, PSA5, PSA10 and PSA20. All PSA membranes showed good Sr2+ adsorption over a wide pH range (pH 2–12), and maintained rapid removal kinetics (> 95% Sr2+ recovered from 5 ppm Sr2+ within 4 h). Furthermore, the Sr2+ adsorption capacities of PSA2.5, PSA5, PSA10 and PSA20 were 27.6, 45.8, 56.3, and 55.3 mg/g, respectively, based on the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. From the four PSA membranes, PSA5 was selected for further filtration studies due to its favorable mechanical and adsorption properties. When filtering 5 ppm Sr2+ and 250 ppm Ca2+, corresponding to the Ca2+ concentration in the wastewater at the Fukushima nuclear plant, 87% Sr2+ was removed using the PSA5 membrane following multiple cycles of regeneration and reuse. Moreover, the tensile strength of the PSA5 membrane remained high (> 100 MPa) following five consecutive uses.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and histological changes induced by dietary omega-3 fatty acid and γ-linoleic acid in acne vulgaris. A 10-week, randomised, controlled parallel dietary intervention study was performed in 45 participants with mild to moderate acne, which were allocated to either an omega-3 fatty acid group (2,000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), a γ-linoleic acid group (borage oil containing 400 mg γ-linoleic acid), or a control group. After 10 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid or γ-linoleic acid supplementation, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly. Patient subjective assessment of improvement showed a similar result. Heamatoxylin & eosin staining of acne lesions demonstrated reductions in inflammation and immunohistochemical staining intensity for interleukin-8. No severe adverse effect was reported. This study shows for the first time that omega-3 fatty acid and γ-linoleic acid could be used as adjuvant treatments for acne patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bone formation ability and bone-implant adhesion over time when microgrooves are present on the surface of cylindrical titanium implants. Eight New Zealand White rabbits with a weight of approximately 3.5 kg were used. Cylindrical titanium implants with a smooth surface (NE0), acidetched rough surface (E0), and microgroove surface (NE60/10) were placed in each rabbit’s skull, with one implant of each type placed in each skull. Experimental animals were sacrificed after 2 and 4 weeks, and tissue specimens were processed for histomorphometric analysis of bone formation by measuring bone-implant contact (BIC) and the degree of differentiation. The bone-implant contact ratio at 2 and 4 weeks was 15.9% and 29.6% (NE0), 15.6% and 34.5% (E0), and 15.3% and 52.7% (NE60/10), respectively. Good bone regeneration was observed in all experimental groups; at 4 weeks, in particular, the NE60/10 group showed high bone contact relative to the control group (p < 0.05), and other groups showed stable and mature bone. On the basis of the observed increase in bone-implant adhesion at the titanium surface, microgrooves with a width of 60 μm and depth of 10 μm are considered to promote implant osseointegration.

The crystal structure of the complex between the C-terminal domain of Streptococcus pyogenes β-NAD+ glycohydrolase and an endogenous inhibitor for SPN was determined at 1.70 Å. It reveals that the interface between the two proteins is highly rich in water molecules., One of the virulence factors produced by Streptococcus pyogenes is β-NAD+ glycohydrolase (SPN). S. pyogenes injects SPN into the cytosol of an infected host cell using the cytolysin-mediated translocation pathway. As SPN is toxic to bacterial cells themselves, S. pyogenes possesses the ifs gene that encodes an endogenous inhibitor for SPN (IFS). IFS is localized intracellularly and forms a complex with SPN. This intracellular complex must be dissociated during export through the cell envelope. To provide a structural basis for understanding the interactions between SPN and IFS, the complex was overexpressed between the mature SPN (residues 38–451) and the full-length IFS (residues 1–161), but it could not be crystallized. Therefore, limited proteolysis was used to isolate a crystallizable SPNct–IFS complex, which consists of the SPN C-terminal domain (SPNct; residues 193–451) and the full-length IFS. Its crystal structure has been determined by single anomalous diffraction and the model refined at 1.70 Å resolution. Interestingly, our high-resolution structure of the complex reveals that the interface between SPNct and IFS is highly rich in water molecules and many of the interactions are water-mediated. The wet interface may facilitate the dissociation of the complex for translocation across the cell envelope.

The biological half-life and final residue levels of indoxacarb and pyridalyl were determined in cauliflower over a 10-day cultivation period following applications of a standard (100 g a.i.ha–1 and 200 g a.i.·ha–1, respectively) and double dose (200 g a.i.·ha–1 and 400 g a.i.·ha–1, respectively). The residue levels were analyzed by gas chromatography with recovery ranging from 92.1% to 109.7%. The biological half-lives of indoxacarb and pyridalyl were 6.33 and 7.74 days for the standard dose, and 6.26 and 7.44 days for the double dose, respectively. The initial and persisting concentrations of indoxacarb and pyridalyl were all below the Korean maximum residue limits for broccoli of 1.0 mgkg–1 and 3.0 mgkg–1, respectively.

Ji Young Yoon,1 Keum-Jin Yang,2 Shi-Nae Park,3 Dong-Kee Kim,3 Jong-Duk Kim1 1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, BK 21 Plus Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Guseong-Dong, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 2Clinical Research Institute, St Mary’s Hospital, Daejeon, 3Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea Abstract: Dexamethasone (Dex)-loaded PHEA-g-C18-Arg8 (PCA) nanoparticles (PCA/Dex) were developed for the delivery of genes to determine the synergistic effect of Dex on gene expression. The cationic PCA nanoparticles were self-assembled to create cationic micelles containing an octadecylamine (C18) core with Dex and an arginine 8 (Arg8) peptide shell for electrostatic complexation with nucleic acids (connexin 26 [Cx26] siRNA, green fluorescent protein [GFP] DNA or brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] pDNA). The PCA/Dex nanoparticles conjugated with Arg8, a cell-penetrating peptide that enhances permeability through a round window membrane in the inner ear for gene delivery, exhibited high uptake efficiency in HEI-OC1 cells. This potential carrier co-delivering Dex and the gene into inner ear cells has a diameter of 120–140nm and a zeta potential of 20–25mV. Different types of genes were complexed with the Dex-loaded PCA nanoparticle (PCA/Dex/gene) for gene expression to induce additional anti-inflammatory effects. PCA/Dex showed mildly increased expression of GFP and lower mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL1b, IL12, and INFr) than did Dex-free PCA nanoparticles and Lipofectamine® reagent in HEI-OC1 cells. In addition, after loading Cx26 siRNA onto the surface of PCA/Dex, Cx26 gene expression was downregulated according to real-time polymerase chain reaction for 24h, compared with that using Lipofectamine reagent. After loading BDNF DNA into PCA/Dex, increased expression of BDNF was observed for 30h, and its signaling pathway resulted in an increase in phosphorylation of Akt, observed by Western blotting. Thus, Dex within PCA/Dex/gene nanoparticles created an anti-inflammatory effect and enhanced gene expression. Keywords: cell-penetrating peptide, nanoparticle, dexamethasone, gene delivery, brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Ginsenoside Rc (Rc) is a major ginsenoside isolated from Panax ginseng, and has exhibited pharmacological effects on skin cells. The present study aimed to investigate the putative skin‑protective properties of Rc, including its anti‑photoaging and barrier function‑protective effects, in human HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation. The protective properties of Rc were evaluated through the assessment of keratinocyte viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, total glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, caspase‑14, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and ‑9 activity, and MMP‑2, MMP‑9 and filament aggregating protein (filaggrin) expression following UVB irradiation. Treatment with Rc was revealed to prevent the UVB‑induced increase in ROS production and pro‑MMP‑2 and ‑9 levels in HaCaT keratinocytes. In addition, treatment with Rc resulted in enriched GSH contents and enhanced SOD activity following exposure to UVB radiation. Furthermore, Rc treatment enhanced caspase‑14 activity and counteracted the UVB‑induced downregulation in filaggrin expression. However, no significant difference was identified between Rc‑treated and normal groups in terms of keratinocyte viability, regardless of exposure to radiation. The present findings suggested that Rc may exert anti‑photoaging and barrier function‑protective effects in keratinocytes, and thus protect the skin against photooxidative stress induced by exposure to UV radiation.

Lung cancer has high mortality and incidence rates. The leading causes of lung cancer are smoking and radon exposure. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized radon as a carcinogenic substance causing lung cancer. Radon is a natural, radioactive substance; it is an inert gas that mainly exists in soil or rock. The gas decays into radioactive particles called radon progeny that can enter the human body through breathing. Upon entering the body, these radioactive elements release α-rays that affect lung tissue, causing lung cancer upon long-term exposure thereto. Epidemiological studies first outlined a high correlation between the incidence rate of lung cancer and exposure to radon progeny among miners in Europe. Thereafter, data and research on radon exposure and lung cancer incidence in homes have continued to accumulate. Many international studies have reported increases in the risk ratio of lung cancer when indoor radon concentrations inside the home are high. Although research into indoor radon concentrations and lung cancer incidence is actively conducted throughout North America and Europe, similar research is lacking in Korea. Recently, however, studies have begun to accumulate and report important data on indoor radon concentrations across the nation. In this study, we aimed to review domestic and foreign research into indoor radon concentrations and to outline correlations between indoor radon concentrations in homes and lung cancer incidence, as reported in ecological studies thereof. Herein, we noted large differences in radon concentrations between and within individual countries. For Korea, we observed tremendous differences in indoor radon concentrations according to region and year of study, even within the same region. In correlation analysis, lung cancer incidence was not found to be higher in areas with high indoor radon concentrations in Korea. Through our review, we identified a need to implement a greater variety of statistical analyses in research on indoor radon concentrations and lung cancer incidence. Also, we suggest that cohort research or patient-control group research into radon exposure and lung cancer incidence that considers smoking and other factors is warranted.

Objectives : Cosmeceutical activities such as anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects of the Doinseunguitang and its composition, a traditional prescription, were evaluated.Methods : We performed MTT assay, melanin synthesis inhibition assay, DPP H free radical scavenging assay, SOD-like activity, xanthine oxidase inhibition assay, astringen t activity assay, tyrosinase inhibition assay, elastase and collagenase inhibition assay.Results : The results were obtained as follows : DPPH free radical scavenging of water extract Doinseunguitang (DISG) and ethanol extract DISG was 60% and 50% at 1,000ppm. Xanthine oxidase inhibition effect of ethanol extract showed more than 80% at 500 ppm. Tyrosinase inhibition and inhibition melanin synthesis activities were measured in 40% and 50% at 1,000 ppm and 100 ppm. Elastase and collagenase inhibition rate of ethanol extracts DISG 40% and 80% at 1,000 ppm. It was concluded that compositive ingredients (Persicae Seman, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Rhei Rhizoma) influenced the most results.Conclusions : The results indicated that, ethanol extract which is superior in its anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects is useful to be applied in herbal cosmetic industry.Key words : Doinseunguitang, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, herbal cosmetic, com positive ingredients

The purpose of this study was to research about the ingredients for anti-oxidation and anti-wrinkle effects of the solvent fractions from Agrimonia pilosa L. hot water (AW) and 70% ethanol (AE) extracts. The electron donating ability of the solvent fractions from AW and AE extracts showed 84.9, 92.5% in ethyl acetate layer of AW and AE at 1,000 ppm. The superoxide dismutase like activity of solvent fractions from AW and AE extracts showed 61.8% in ethyl acetate layer of AW extracts and 58.0% in buthanol layer of AE extracts at 1,000 ppm. For anti-wrinkle effect, elastase inhibition effect of the solvent fractions from AW and AE extracts showed 55.2, 70.1% in ethyl acetate layer of AW and AE extracts at 1,000 ppm. And collagenase inhibition effect of the solvent fractions from AW and AE extracts showed highest inhibition effect as 90.6% in ethyl acetate layer of AW extract and 88.6% in n-butyl alcohol layer AE extract at 1,000 ppm. All these findings suggested that solvent fractions from AW and AE extracts has an anti-oxidation and antiwrinkle effects.

The purpose of this study was to research the cosmeceutical activity of 70% ethanol extracts when Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck (BO) was dried under red lighting (RLD), blue lighting (BLD), red+blue lighting (RBLD), or white lighting (WLD). The electron-donating abilities of 70% ethanol extracts from drying BO under RLD, BLD, RBLD, and WLD were 62.8%, 68.1%, 60.9%, and 69.9%, respectively, at a concentration of 500 ppm. The superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities of 70% ethanol extracts from drying BO under RLD, BLD, RBLD, and WLD were 39.2%, 47.2%, 19.6%, and 21.6%, respectively, at a concentration of 1,000 ppm. In terms of xanthine oxidase inhibition effects, the proportions of 70% ethanol extracts after drying BO under RLD, BLD, RBLD, and WLD were 45.1%, 56.2%, 38.8%, and 53.3%, respectively, at a concentration of 1,000 ppm. The tyrosinase inhibition effects of 70% ethanol extracts when BO was dried under RLD, BLD, RBLD, and WLD were 21.0%, 13.1%, 26.0%, and 19.1%, respectively, at a concentration of 1,000 ppm. The collagenase inhibition effect of 70% ethanol extracts when BO was dried under RLD, BLD, RBLD, and WLD were 47.4%, 20.8%, 54.6%, and 37.2%, respectively, at a concentration of 1,000 ppm. The astringent inhibition effects of 70% ethanol extracts when BO was dried under RLD, BLD, RBLD, and WLD were 21.5%, 39.6%, 40.0%, and 51.6%, respectively, at a concentration of 5,000 ppm. All of these findings suggest that BO extracts dried under RLD, BLD, RBLD, and WLD have great potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient with good biological activity.

The biological half-life and final residue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were examined in peaches over a 14-day cultivation period. The residue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were analyzed by chromatographic method with recovery ranging from 84.0% to 96.6%. The biological half-lives of buprofezin andteflubenzuron were 4.88 and 11.49 days at the standard dose, and 4.40 and 10.86 days at a triple dose, respectively. The initial concentration of buprofezin exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) set in Korea, but the concentration decreased to below the MRL within 6 days after application. The initial and persisting concentrations of teflubenzuron were all below the prescribed MRL. The final residue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were 0.17 and 0.10 mg·kg﹣1 following a standard single dose, and 0.20 and 0.23 mg·kg﹣1 following a triple dose, respectively. The final re-sidue levels of buprofezin and teflubenzuron were also compared with the good agricultural practices standards of the United States and Italy.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the skin whitening effect of the extracts, Lycii fructus (LF), Dry-L. foilum (DLF) and Fresh-L. folium (FLF). Tyrosinase inhibition activities was 44% in DLF ethanol extracts at a 500 µg/mL. When the tyrosinase activities in B16F10 murine melanoma cell were tested, the activities in DLF ethanol extracts was 14% at a 50 µg/mL concentration. The protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase related protein 1 (TRP-1), TRP-2, and tyrosinase, which are all melanin related factors, showed that LF, DLF and FLF extracts inhibited the protein bio-synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cell. Especially the DLF extract showed greater decrease of protein expressions. Results indicate that the DLF extract tested in the present study had skin whitening activity and can be used as a function a ingredients for food and cosmetic compositions.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa guanidinobutyrase (GbuA) and guanidinopropionase (GpuA) catalyze the hydrolysis of 4-guanidinobutyrate and 3-guanidinopropionate, respectively. They belong to the ureohydrolase superfamily, which includes arginase, agmatinase, proclavaminate amidinohydrolase, and formiminoglutamase. In this study, we have determined the crystal structures of GbuA and GpuA from P. aeruginosa to provide a structural insight into their substrate specificity. Although GbuA and GpuA share a common structural fold of the typical ureohydrolase superfamily, they exhibit significant variations in two active site loops. Mutagenesis of Met161 of GbuA and Tyr157 of GpuA, both of which are located in the active site loop 1 and predicted to be involved in substrate recognition, significantly affected their enzymatic properties, implying their important roles in catalysis.

There has been considerable interest in virulence genes in the plasticity region of Helicobacter pylori , but little is known about many of these genes. JHP940, one of the virulence factors encoded by the plasticity region of H. pylori strain J99, is a proinflammatory protein that induces tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8 secretion as well as enhanced translocation of NF-κB in cultured macrophages. Here we have characterized the structure and function of JHP940 to provide the framework for better understanding its role in inflammation by H. pylori . Our work demonstrates that JHP940 is the first example of a eukaryotic-type Ser/Thr kinase from H. pylori . We show that JHP940 is catalytically active as a protein kinase and translocates into cultured human cells. Furthermore, the kinase activity is indispensable for indirectly up-regulating phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 at Ser276. Our results, taken together, contribute significantly to understanding the molecular basis of the role of JHP940 in inflammation and subsequent pathogenesis caused by H. pylori . We propose to rename the jhp940 gene as ctkA ( c ell t ranslocating k inase A ).