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The beneficial effects of adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) on skin regeneration have been reported. Although the mechanism of how ADSC-CM promotes skin regeneration is unclear, ADSC-CM contained various growth factors and it is an excellent raw material for skin treatment. ADSC-CM produced in a hypoxia condition of ADSC-in other words, Advanced Adipose-Derived Stem cell Protein Extract (AAPE)-has great merits for skin regeneration. In this study, human primary keratinocytes (HKs), which play fundamental roles in skin tissue, was used to examine how AAPE affects HK. HK proliferation was significantly higher in the experimental group (1.22 mu g/mL) than in the control group. DNA gene chip demonstrated that AAPE in keratinocytes (p

Widdrol is an odorant compound isolated from Juniperus chinensis. We previously reported that widdrol induces Gap 1 (G1) phase cell cycle arrest and leads to apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cells. It was also reported that this cell cycle arrest is associated with the induction of checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2), p53 phosphorylation and cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21 expression. In this paper, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of widdrol on the activation of G1 DNA damage checkpoint at early phase when DNA damages occurred in HT29 cells. First of all, we examined that widdrol breaks DNA directly or not. As the results of DNA electrophoresis and formation of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) foci in HT29 cells, widdrol generates DNA double-strand breaks directly within 0.5 h both in vitro and in vivo. Based on this result, the change of proteins related in checkpoint pathway was examined over a time course of 0.5-24 h. Treatment of HT29 cells with widdrol elicits the following: (1) phosphorylation of Chk2 and p53, (2) reduction of cell division cycle 25A (Cdc25A) expression, (3) increase of Cdk inhibitor p21 expression, and (4) decrease of the levels of Cdk2 and cyclin E expression in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, only the expression level of mini-chromosome maintenance 4 (MCM4) protein, a subunit of the eukaryotic DNA replicative helicase, is rapidly down-regulated in HT29 cells treated with widdrol over the same time course, but those of the other MCM proteins are unchanged. Overall, our results indicated that widdrol breaks DNA directly in HT29 cells, and this DNA damage results in checkpoint activation via Chk2-p53-Cdc25A-p21-MCM4 pathway and finally cells go to G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

This study examined the in vitro cytotoxic activity and in vivo antitumor activity as well as intracellular apoptotic capacities of a prenylated flavonol, sophoflavescenol from Sophora flavescens, to evaluate prospective anti-tumorigenic drugs, and antitumor potential. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities were evaluated. Despite the small effect on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), sophoflavescenol showed cytotoxicity against human leukaemia (HL-60), Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), and human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial (A549) cells. Interestingly, it also exerted potent in vivo antitumor activity by tumor growth inhibition in the LLC tumor model as well as apoptotic activity by caspase-3 activation in HL-60 cells. In addition, it exhibited potent antioxidant activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radicals and lipid peroxidation assays. Sophoflavescenol exerted notable anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide generation and tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced ROS generation rather than inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B activation in RAW 264.7 cells. The findings show that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic activities of sophoflavescenol might contribute to the antitumor activity without severe side effects, highlighting its potential for chemoprevention and/or anticancer drugs due to multi-effective targets in almost all stages of tumorigenesis, including initiation, promotion, and progression.

In this study, a UV-curable glycidyl methacrylate–methyl methacrylate (GMA–MMA) copolymer with an acrylic acid (AA) pendant group was synthesized via simple radical polymerization. The procedure for forming the backbone (GMA–MMA) consisted of two polymerization steps; step 1 was performed under excess solvent and step 2 involved the introduction of additional monomer except solvent owing to the high degree of polymerization at a minimum solvent. The use of these separate steps during GMA–MMA polymerization improved the degree of conversion (DC) during polymerization optimization. The DC was estimated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR) spectroscopy. The behaviors of AA and GMA in the copolymer were interpreted on the basis of the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the molecular weight (Mw).The hardness and flexibility of the film were monitored with respect to the molar ratios of GMA/MMA and AA/GMA, respectively; the optimized molar ratios of GMA/MMA and AA/GMA were 1.6 and 1.8, respectively. The copolymer fabricated in this study was applied as a UV-curable thin layer via a coating method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 271–279, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20250

본 연구에서는 무배향 PLA 필름의 어닐링(annealing) 단계를 통하여 온도별 PLA 필름의 avrami 결정화 속도식을 도출하고 결정화 속도상수(k)를 비교함으로써 최적화된 어닐링 온도를 제안하였다. 120, 130, $140^{\circ}C$ 온도에서 결정화된 필름의 결정화 속도상수(k)는 각각 1.64, 1.68, 1.26이었다. 필름표면에 대한 어닐링은 필름의 표면조도와 동마찰계수에 영향을 주는데 80, 110, 120, 130, $140^{\circ}C$ 의 온도조건에서 표면조도(Ra)는 각각 0.006, 0.009, 0.015, 0.027, 0.029 ${\mu}m$ 로 높아졌고 동마찰계수( ${\mu}_k$ )는 0.45, 0.43, 0.33, 0.31, 0.27로 낮아졌다. 탈크를 1, 3, 5 wt%씩 첨가하는 경우 PLA 필름의 결정화 속도상수(k)는 0.58, 0.46, 0.39로 낮아졌다. 【In the study, annealing temperature was optimized by comparing with avrami crystallization rate and constant (k) using non-oriented PLA film as a base film. Crystallization rate constant of PLA film was 1.64, 1.68, and 1.26 at $120^{\circ}C$ , $130^{\circ}C$ , and $140^{\circ}C$ , respectively. Annealing temperature was mainly affected on the surface properties such as rougnness (Ra) and kinetic friction coefficient ( ${\mu}_k$ ). Roughness of PLA film was 0.006 ${\mu}m$ at $80^{\circ}C$ and increased to 0.009 ${\mu}m$ 0.015 ${\mu}m$ , 0.027 ${\mu}m$ , and 0.029 ${\mu}m$ at $110^{\circ}C$ , $120^{\circ}C$ , $130^{\circ}C$ and $140^{\circ}C$ , respectively. Kinetic friction coefficient decreased 0.45 to 0.43, 0.33, 0.31, 0.27 as annealing temperature was at $80^{\circ}C$ , $110^{\circ}C$ , $120^{\circ}C$ , $130^{\circ}C$ , and $140^{\circ}C$ , respectivly. In addition, rate constant (k) was 0.58, 0.46, and 0.39 with adding 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt% talc, respectively.】

산두근(Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep)은 예로부터 동양지역에서 전통적인 약용식물로 사용되어 왔다. 본 연구에서는 3T3-L1 지방전구세포의 성숙지방세포로의 분화와 세포 내 지방생성에 대한 산두근 메탄올 추출물((STME)의 효과와 메커니즘에 대해 조사하였다. STME를 0-200 μg/ml의 농도로 처리한 다음, Oil Red O 염색으로 세포 내 축적되는 지방구와 지질의 양을 측정한 결과 농도의존적으로 크게 감소됨을 확인하였으며 3T3-L1 지방전구세포의 분화와 관련된 단백질의 발현의 변화를 조사하였다. 지방세포의 특이적 marker인 peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymine (CCAAT)/enhancerbinding proteins α, β (C/EBPα, C/EBPβ) 그리고 sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)의 발현이 STME를 처리하였을 때 현저하게 저해됨을 확인하였다. 세포주기의 변화를 분석한 결과 STME는 지방세포 분화 초기 단계인 mitotic clonal expansion 단계에서 G1기로 세포주기를 정지시켰다. 더불어 G1 arrest와 관련된 단백질의 변화를 조사 한 결과, 3T3-L1 세포에 STME를 처리하였을 때 p21의 발현량이 확연하게 증가하였으며, Cdk2, E2F-1 그리고 phosphor-Rb의 발현량은 농도의존적으로 감소하였다. 이러한 결과들에 의하여 STME은 메탄올 추출물임에도 불구하고 3T3-L1 지방전구세포가 성숙지방세포로 분화할 때 G1 arrest를 통하여 지방세포 분화를 억제하며 관련 유전자의 발현 억제도 확연하게 확인할 수 있었으며, 이러한 결과는 항 비만 천연물 소재 탐구의 기초자료로 유용하게 쓰일 것으로 사료된다.

We investigated the fruits of Rubus crataegifolius Bge, a plant which has been traditionally used in Korea in phytotherapy, to describe antioxidant materials from plant sources. R. crataegifolius fruits were extracted with methanol and further fractionated into n-hexane, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate. The antioxidant activity of each fraction and the residue was assessed using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H 2 O 2 radical scavenging method, and their cytotoxicity on human primary kerationcyte (HK) was determined by an MTS assay. The R. crataegifolius fruit methanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity (75.04%, 50%) compared with vitamin C (79.9%, 54.1%) by the DPPH, and H2O2 method, respectively. The measured activity from the subsequent extracts of the methanol extract were 20.3% for n-hexane fraction (HF), 68.8% for diethyl ether fraction (DF), 67.1% for ethyl acetate fraction (EF), and 67.1% for the residue fraction (RE) by DPPH and 2.2% for HF, 1.6% for DF, 10% for EF, and 50% for the RE by H 2 O 2 assay. An oxidative stress model of HK was established under a suitable concentration (1 mM). The cell viability of the RE treated group increased and the percentage of apoptotic cells decreased at concentrations of 0.005-0.02% RE compared with the H 2 O 2 treated group. Fruit extracts of the medicinal plant R. crataegifolius showed potent antioxidant activity and the ability to relieve cell damage from H 2 O 2 induced injury to HK.

An agar-degrading enzyme-producing strain was isolated from seawater. The isolate was identified as Microbulbifer sp. SD-1 by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The optimal pH and temperature for growth were 6.0 and 30°C, respectively, and growth was pos- sible at pH 9.0 and 60°C. The isolate required 5% NaCl for optimal growth and showed 45% growth activity without NaCl. Agar concentrations of 0-0.4% in the medium did not affect growth. Thin-layer chromatography analysis revealed that this strain could degrade agar into a monosaccharide and oligosaccharide, which may have industrial applications.

The unicellular green microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, has been examined as a microbial source for the production of astaxanthin, which has been suggested as a food supplement for humans and is also prescribed as an ingredient in eye drops because of its powerful anti-oxidant properties. In this study, we estimated the effects of the slope of a V-shaped bottom design, the volumetric flow rate of air, height/diameter (H/D) ratio, and diameter of an air sparger on the performance of a photo-bioreactor. These parameters were selected because they are recognized as important factors effecting the mixing that produces increased cell density in the reactor. The mixing effect can be measured by changes in optical density in the bioreactor over a period of time. A 6 L indoor photo-bioreactor was prepared in a short time period of 24 h for the performance study. A bioreactor designed with a V-shaped bottom with a slope of 60° showed an optical density change of 0.052 at 680 nm, which was sixfold less than the change in a photo-bioreactor designed with a flat bottom. Studies exploring the effects of bioreactor configuration and a porous metal sparger with a 10 μm pore size showed the best performance at an H/D ratio of 6:1 and a sparger diameter of 1.3 cm, respectively. The optimal rate of air flow was 0.2 vvm. The indoor culture of microalgae in the photo-bioreactor was subsequently carried for an application study using the optimal values established for the important factors. The indoor culture system was composed of a light source controlled according to cell phase, a carbon dioxide feeder, a bag-type reactor with an H/D ratio of 6:1, and a temperature controller. Results demonstrated the efficient production of microalgal cells and astaxanthin in the amounts of 2.62 g/L and 78.37 mg/L, respectively, when using adequate hydrodynamic mixing. Furthermore, the optimal design of a photo-bioreactor can be applied for the phototropic culturing of other microalgae for mass production.

The molar substitution of an acrylic acid (AA) pendant group on a glycidyl methacrylate–methyl methacrylate copolymer was investigated to evaluate its affects on mechanical properties and thermal stability under UV curing. Structural analysis was conducted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) to study the synthetic route of the acrylate copolymer. The mechanical behaviors of AA substituted copolymers were interpreted in terms of both their loss tangent and elongation at the break point, because AA increases the cross-linking density, which is directly proportional to the degree of homopolymerization; this relationship was monitored by 1H-NMR with various molar substitutions. In addition, the optical and mechanical properties of the copolymers were also characterized by the extent of AA molar substitution. The optimal behavior was obtained at a molar substitution of 94.3% (equivalent to an AA/GMA molar ratio of 1.4) and satisfied both the transparency (>89.3%) and elongation (>7.4%) requirements for the complex-shaped coatings.

Parkinson disease (PD) involves the selective loss of midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons and is a possible target disease for stem cell-based therapy. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a potentially unlimited source of patient-specific cells for transplantation. However, it is critical to evaluate the safety of hiPSCs generated by different reprogramming methods. Here, we compared multiple hiPSC lines derived by virus- and protein-based reprogramming to human ES cells (hESCs). Neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) and dopamine (DA) neurons delivered from lentivirus-based hiPSCs exhibited residual expression of exogenous reprogramming genes, but those cells derived from retrovirus- and protein-based hiPSCs did not. Furthermore, NPCs derived from virus-based hiPSCs exhibited early senescence and apoptotic cell death during passaging, which was preceded by abrupt induction of p53. In contrast, NPCs derived from hESCs and protein-based hiPSCs were highly expandable without senescence. DA neurons derived from protein-based hiPSCs exhibited gene expression, physiological, and electrophysiological properties similar to those of mDA neurons. Transplantation of these cells into rats with striatal lesions, a model of PD, significantly rescued motor deficits. These data support the clinical potential of protein-based hiPSCs for personalized cell therapy of PD.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used as a source food as well as a traditional folk medicine ingredient since ancient times. Aged black garlic is a type of fermented garlic and is expected to have stronger anticancer and antioxidant activities than raw garlic. However, the mechanisms of their inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis are poorly understood. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of water extracts of raw garlic (WERG) and aged black garlic (WEABG) on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were investigated. Treatment with WEABG significantly suppressed terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner as confirmed by a decrease in lipid droplet number and lipid content through Oil Red O staining, however WERG had no such effect. In addition, WEABG reduced accumulation of cellular triglyceride, which is associated with a significant inhibition of key pro-adipogenic transcription factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine- thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer binding proteins α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPβ. Taken together, these results provide important new insight that aged black garlic might inhibit adipogenesis by suppressing the pro-adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and further studies will be needed to identify the active compounds that confer the anti-obesity activity of aged black garlic.

Objectives Modified Bo-Yang-Hwan-O-Tang (mBHT) is an improved herbal formula of BHT, which has been widely used to treat ischaemic stroke in East Asia, by the addition of five herbs having anti-ischaemic properties. In this study, we investigated whether mBHT would reduce cerebral ischaemic injury in rats. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to a 90-min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and subsequent 22-h reperfusion. mBHT was administered either intraperitoneally twice 15 min before and 15 min after, or orally once 30 min or 120 min after the onset of MCAO (50 or 200 mg/kg each). Key findings Intraperitoneal administration of mBHT markedly reduced the cerebral infarct size and neurological deficit caused by MCAO/reperfusion. mBHT treatment also significantly improved long-term survival rate after cerebral ischaemic injury. Oral administration of mBHT 30 min after ischaemia also markedly reduced the infarct size after cerebral ischaemia. The anti-ischaemic effect of mBHT was significantly, but not fully, reduced when mBHT-induced hypothermia was abolished. In cultured cortical neurons, we further found that mBHT decreased oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-evoked neuronal injury by inhibiting production of reactive oxygen species, decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and activation of caspase-3. However, mBHT did not inhibit N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity. Conclusions Taken together, our data suggest that mBHT has multiple anti-ischaemic properties and would be a good therapeutic herbal prescription for the treatment of cerebral ischaemic stroke.

The effects of reduction temperature and reaction temperature, pressure and space velocity on iron-based K/FeCuAlO x Fischer–Tropsch catalysts prepared by co-precipitation were investigated. The catalyst reduced at 150 °C deactivated quickly due to an abundance of unreduced iron species. With increasing reduction temperature, the iron oxide’s phase transformed from hematite (α-Fe2O3) to magnetite (Fe3O4) and finally to metallic iron (α-Fe). The induction period to reach steady-state catalytic activity was reduced at increased reduction temperatures due to in situ reduction by syngas during reaction. CO conversion increased with increasing reaction temperature, and selectivity to C5+ decreased with increasing reaction pressure and space velocity. At reaction temperatures up to of 300 °C, CO2 formation by the water–gas shift reaction was linearly correlated with the extent of CO conversion, and CO2 formation was slightly suppressed at ≥350 °C by a reverse water–gas shift reaction. The effects of reduction temperature and reaction temperature, pressure and space velocity on iron-based K/FeCuAlOx Fischer–Tropsch catalysts prepared by co-precipitation were investigated. The catalyst reduced at 150 °C deactivated quickly due to an abundance of unreduced iron species. With increasing reduction temperature, the iron oxide’s phase transformed from hematite (α-Fe2O3) to magnetite (Fe3O4) and finally to metallic iron (α-Fe). The induction period to reach steady-state catalytic activity was reduced at increased reduction temperatures due to in situ reduction by syngas during reaction. CO conversion increased with increasing reaction temperature, and selectivity to C5+ decreased with increasing reaction pressure and space velocity. At reaction temperatures up to of 300 °C, CO2 formation by the water–gas shift reaction was linearly correlated with the extent of CO conversion, and CO2 formation was slightly suppressed at ≥350 °C by a reverse water–gas shift reaction.

Rock-crawlers (Grylloblattodea: Grylloblattidae) in northeastern Asia are low-vagility insects that are restricted to cool temperate forests and mountainous regions. Morphologically distinguishable species are similar ecologically and show narrow endemism and a patchy distribution. As a result, grylloblattids are hypothesized to be relict species that have persisted in situ over long periods of climatic and geological change (Storozhenko and Oliger 1984). We investigate whether the diversification pattern of Asian grylloblattids reflects long-term persistence and divergence due to geological events, or more recent diversification in response to climatic change. Using multilocus genetic data, we examine the phylogenetic relationship to other Asian Grylloblattidae and the geographic pattern of diversification of Korean rock-crawlers, Galloisiana Caudell & King (1924) and Namkungia Storozhenko & Park (2002). Our analysis reveals a monophyletic grouping of Korean species, with multiple cryptic lineages and restricted geographical distributions. Based on genetic data, Korean species are closely related to Japanese Galloisiana. Using a Bayesian relaxed clock model calibrated with a mitochondrial substitution rate, the age of the most recent common ancestor of the Korean—Japanese lineage is estimated within the Miocene epoch. This provides evidence for a diversification event closely tied to the geological events separating the Japanese archipelago from the Korean peninsula.

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) for the co-production of C2–C4 olefins and clean fuels such as gasoline and middle distillate from syngas was investigated on four different iron-based catalysts in a fixed-bed and a bubbling fluidized-bed reactor. The catalysts were prepared by wet-impregnation using the Al2O3, SiO2 and iron ore (FeOx) supports with the active components of Fe, K and (or) Cu, and each K/FeCuAlOx catalyst was prepared by a co-precipitation method. Except for the catalyst impregnated on SiO2, CO conversion of the other catalysts is similar regardless of the type of reactor. However, the yield of light olefins in the range of C2–C4 hydrocarbons and clean fuels is closely related to the formation of active iron carbide species and to surface acidity. The impregnated K/FeOx catalyst is found to be one of the promising catalysts to be applied in a bubbling fluidized-bed reactor for middle temperature FTS reaction due to its high resistance to catalyst attrition with a high catalytic performance.

In this paper, we prepared the carbon-doped TiO2 (C-TiO2) film to enhance photodegradation efficiency (PE) of gaseous toluene under UV light. PE was affected by thickness of TiO2 film, specific surface area of TiO2, and carbon content doped on TiO2. The highest value of PE was 76% with 3.2-μm-thick film. By adding 0.435 g HPC, the maximum specific surface area of TiO2 was 230 m2 g−1 and PE with porous TiO2 film was 85–87% in 30 min. The specific surface area of conventional TiO2 was 55 m2 g−1 and PE with normal TiO2 film was 77–79%. To increase higher photodegradation capability of TiO2 under UV light, carbon was doped on TiO2 by sol–gel and combustion method. PE of gaseous toluene with porous carbon-doped TiO2 was 91–94% in 30 min and this was more enhanced by 18–19% than that with conventional TiO2. By-products derived from the photocatalytic oxidation of toluene were mostly amyl formate and ethyl formate, which are non-toxic.

The methanol extracts of 19 commercial herb medicines was analyzed to antibacterial activities against Edwardsiella tarda, causing several fish diseases. Rhus javanica showed most strong antibacterial activity against E. tarda and Escherichia coli. Methanol extract of R. javanica was further extracted using several organic solvents having different polarity. Extract from ethyl acetate fraction showed strong activity against E. tarda as well as E. coli. Minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC of R. javanica extract was measured and resulted showing for E. tarda and for E. coli. It is needed that, from these results, further purification and isolation of reposible compound of these activities and further study on the synergy effect using combination with antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria.

Sungchul Hong and Byung-Woo KimDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 300 Chungchun-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi 440-746, Korea*Bio/Nano-Fusion Material Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, 300 Chungchun-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi 440-746, Korea(Received 10 July 2010; accepted 31 August 2010)

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) that modulate gene expression by inhibiting HDAC enzymes may contribute to the survival of immature hippocampal neurons. However, it remains unknown how and when HDACIs regulate the survival of newly generated immature hippocampal neurons. In the present study, if the treatment of valproic acid (VPA) and sodium butyrate (SBt) in the specific time window during the development of newly generated n eurons r esulted in the i ncreased survival of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)(+) neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus in mice was investigated. It was found that the number of BrdU(+) cells, the expressions of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and pCREB [D1] were increased by HDACIs when HDACIs were treated no later than 2-3 weeks after BrdU labeling. This suggests that epigenetic modification within a specific time window is critical for the survival of newborn hippocampal neurons by inhibiting the apoptotic pathway.

The present study was designed to investigate the question of whether or not astaxanthin improves stem cell potency via an increase in proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Treatment with astaxanthin significantly increased proliferation and colony formation of NPCs. For identification of possible activated signaling molecules involved in active cell proliferation occurring after astaxanthin treatment, total protein levels of several proliferation-related proteins, and expression levels of proliferation-related transcription factors, were assessed in NPCs. In Western blot analysis, astaxanthin induced significant activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its downstream mediators in a time‑dependent manner. Results of RT-PCR analysis showed upregulation of proliferation‑related transcription factors and stemness genes. To estimate the relevance of PI3K and mitogen-activated protein, or extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) signaling pathways in cell growth of astaxanthin‑treated NPCs, inhibition assays were performed with LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, and PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK, respectively. These results clearly showed that astaxanthin induces proliferation of NPCs via activation of the PI3K and MEK signaling pathways and improves stem cell potency via stemness acting signals.

$\alpha$ -MSH는 세포내 cAMP를 증폭시켜 멜라닌세포의 증식과 색소 증가에 관여한다. 본 연구에서는 $\alpha$ -MSH로 자극한 B16F10 세포에서 세신추출물의 hypopigmenting 효과를 조사하고 그 억제기전에 대하여 조사하였다. 세신추출물은 $\alpha$ -MSH에 의해 유도된 tyrosinase 활성과 멜라닌생성을 효과적으로 ...

Composites of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and Ag particles were prepared by electrochemical polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and the simultaneous electrochemical reduction of AgNO3 in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizer. The formation of Ag particles with PVP of various molecular weights and an electrochemical method was investigated. When the high PVP molecular weight was added to the Ag/PEDOT film, the average size of the Ag particles was high. Homogenous spherical Ag particles were observed when cyclic voltammetry was used in the reaction system, whereas chronoamperometry revealed aggregated Ag particles. UV-visible spectroscopy revealed the synchronized formation of Ag particles and PEDOT. The morphology and dispersion of the Ag particles in PEDOT were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. These results suggest that well dispersed homogenous Ag particles can be obtained by applying the proper electrochemical methods or by selecting the optimum PVP molecular weight.

To examine the potency of biosorbent, the adsorption capacity of Pseudomonas cepacia H42 isolated from fresh water plant root was compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEY2102 on bases of biomass, concentration of heavy metal, presence of light metals, immobilized cell, and ion exchange resin. P. cepacia H42 biomass of 0.05-0.5 g/L increased adsorption and above 1.0 g/L of yeast biomass was the most effective in adsorption. By applying the same amount of biomass, lead showed the highest adsorption on two strains and the adsorption strength was lead>copper>cadmium on both strains. The high heavy metal concentration induced the high adsorption capacity. P. cepacia H42 adsorption was in the order of copper>lead>cadmium and lead>copper>cadmium by yeast in 10 mg/L. Both strain showed same adsorption strength in the order of lead>copper>cadmium in 100 mg/L and 1000 mg/L. The adsorption capacity of both yeast and P. cepacia H42 was decreased in the presence of light metals and the order of cadmium>copper>lead. Mg 2+ induced the least adsorption while Na + induced highest adsorption. The adsorption capacity of immobilized yeast and P. cepacia H42 was detected between 200-400 mL in flow volume and decreased in the presence of light metals. Ion exchange containing light metals caused 30-50% adsorption reduction on both strains.

Objectives: This investigation was conducted to evaluate current education status of pharmacopuncture in Korean traditional medicine schools and suggest improvement in the structure of pharmacopuncture education. Methods: Among the eleven Korean traditional medicine schools in the country, six schools participated in the survey. 252 students in fifth and sixth year whom have finished pharmacopuncture studies completed were given questionnaire developed for the purpose and survey results were analyzed. Results : 1. For the question pertaining to the text used for the pharmacopuncture lecture, a significant difference was witnessed suggesting that few schools were not utilizing common textbooks. 2. For the item pertaining to the lecture progression, each school showed significant difference and student satisfaction rate differed vastly between schools. 3. Lecture hours and lecture materials were also significantly different between schools and overall satisfaction rate was low. 4. All of students participated in the survey had high expectation in the clinical applications of pharmacopuncture treatment. Conclusions: Above findings indicate that students at Korean traditional medicine schools throughout the nation have high expectation for pharmacopuncture, but lack of standardized education system and materials and qualified instructors calls for immediate modification in the education of pharmacopuncture studies.

The present study tested the cytoprotective effect of methyleugenol in an in vivo ischemia model (i.e. middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1.5 h and subsequent reperfusion for 24 h) and further investigated its mechanism of action in in vitro cerebral ischemic models. When applied shortly after reperfusion, methyleugenol largely reduced cerebral ischemic injury. Methyleugenol decreased the caspase-3 activation and death of cultured cerebral cortical neurons caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 1 h and subsequent re-oxygenation for 24 h. Methyleugenol markedly reduced superoxide generation in the ischemic brain and decreased the intracellular oxidative stress caused by OGD/re-oxygenation. It was found that methyleugenol elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Further, methyleugenol inhibited the production of nitric oxide and decreased the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Methyleugenol down-regulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the ischemic brain as well as in immunostimulated mixed glial cells. The results indicate that methyleugenol could be useful for the treatment of ischemia/inflammation-related diseases.

We investigated the anti-cancer effects of two dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, gomisin A and gomisin N, isolated from Schizandra chinensis Baill, in human promyelocytic U937 cells. Gomisin N, but not gomisin A, inhibited cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of G1 arrest of the cell cycle. G1 arrest induced by gomisin N was correlated with down-regulation of cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 2 and Cdk4, and a concomitant up-regulation of Cdk inhibitors such as p16 (INK4A) and p21 (WAF1/CIP1). Furthermore, gomisin N inhibited phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and p130, and expression of transcription factor E2Fs. The results indicated that growth inhibition by gomisin N is related to cell cycle arrest at G1 in U937 cells and these findings suggest that gomisin N may be a useful chemotherapeutic agent.

Two diallelic markers at candidate gene loci, the prolactin receptor 3 (PRLR3) gene and the retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene were evaluated for their association with growth and litter size traits in Berkshire. Genetic evaluation was conducted for 5,919 pigs with pedigree information, which included 3,480 growth performance records and 775 litter size records of 224 sows. From the same herd, genotyping was carried out on 144 and 156 animals for PRLR3 and RBP4, respectively. After assigning a genotype to subjects in which both parents had a homozygous genotype, numbers of genotyped animals increased to 474 and 338, for the PRLR3 gene and RBP4 gene, respectively. The genotype effects of two markers were estimated with breeding values of the genotyped animals. The additive effects of total number of piglets born and number of piglets born alive in the PRLR3 locus were -0.28 and -0.13, respectively. The dominance effect of the RBP4 locus on average daily gain was -10.58 g. However, the polymorphism of the RBP4 locus in total number of piglets born and number of piglets born alive has shown -0.34 and -0.33 of the additive genetic effects. In view of the results, MAS (marker-assisted selection) favoring B alleles of RBP4 and PRLR3 loci could potentially accelerate the rate of the genetic improvement in the litter size traits.

The oxidative damage of lipids, protein, and DNA is known to be involved in not only chronic inflammations such as arthritis, hepatitis, nephritis, gastritis, colitis, and periodontitis but also metastasis. It has given impetus to searching for natural compounds without toxicity, which prevent the development of these diseases. The direct scavenging effects of aged black garlic extract (ABGE) were evaluated in vitro on DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and genomic DNA damage related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, its antioxidant effect on lipid peroxidation was investigated in human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080), which were exposed to the hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction. It was observed that ABGE exhibited a greater inhibitory effect on hydrogen peroxide than other reactive oxygen species, and also blocked DNA oxidation and lipid peroxidation induced by the hydroxyl radical. The oxidative stress in live cells was also inhibited in the presence of ABGE. In addition, its inhibitory effects on the activity and expression of MMP-2 and -9 related to metastasis were determined using gelatin zymography and western blot. The data showed that it inhibited MMP-2 and -9 in PMA-stimulated HT1080 cells. Therefore, these results suggest that ABGE show potential as an excellent agent for prevention of metastasis related to oxidative stress.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Sea Tangle supplementation and exercise training on blood glucose and lipid profile in rats. Twenty seven, 4-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the control group (C, n=9), sea tangle group (D, n=9) and sea tangle+exercise group (D+T, n=9). Exercise training was performed 5 days a week using a treadmill running program for 6 weeks (5 m/min, 0% grade, 30 min). There was no difference in blood glucose (C: 175.9±47.5, D: 173.9±34.0, D+T: 165.0±38.0 ㎎/㎗) and triglyceride (C: 251.1±91.8, D: 215.0±90.0, D+T: 200.0±89.3 ㎎/㎗) among the groups. Total cholesterol value of the D+T group (81.8±11.2 ㎎/㎗) was significantly lower than that of the C (103.0±13.5 ㎎/㎗) and D (102.1±14.5 ㎎/㎗) groups. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly high in the D+T (40.9±9.7 ㎎/㎗) group compared with the C (32.6±3.8 ㎎/㎗) group and D (31.7±7.3 ㎎/㎗) group. The value of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for the D (98.0±41.0 ㎎/㎗) group was statistically lower than the C (114.5±41.8 ㎎/㎗) group, and higher than the D+T (91.2±41.7 ㎎/㎗) group. In conclusion, sea tangle injection and exercise had a positive effect on blood lipid profiles.

Autoimmune regulator gene (Aire) is expressed in the thymus and controls the expression of peripheral self-antigens, known as promiscuous genes. Aire and promiscuous genes are involved in T cell tolerance and autoimmunity in the thymus. Here, we identified Aire-expressing fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC), which was derived from mouse lymph node and also expressed in insulin promiscuous antigen. The expression of insulin was increased in cultured FRC over-expressed with Aire. These data suggest that Aire regulates promiscuous gene expression in FRC, and that this function might be under peripheral selection control.

Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a disease created by a buildup of uric acid inside of the blood and other tissue such as liver and kidney. Research to develop alternative medicines for hyperuricemia and gout has focused on the screening of natural substances due to the adverse side effects of allopurinol, which remains the only prescription for the disease. The oriental herb extract mixture (OHEM) is a mixture of water extract of Korean native herbs, Lonicera japonica, Cassia obtusifolia L., Adenophora triphylla var. japonica, Rhynchosia nulubilis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra. OHEM was found to possess xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity as well as a high level of functional phytochemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids. The toxicity of OHEM was barely detected in both cell culture and animal study. XO and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activities in liver tissues were reduced by 95% following OHEM pretreatment. The oral administration of OHEM also demonstrated a protective effect on liver tissues against damage caused by the induction of hyperuricemia. Indeed, the size of gouty edema was significantly reduced (62%) following oral OHEM pretreatment. These observations demonstrated the positive effect of OHEM pretreatment on the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.

Actual evapotranspiration (AET) in the Suyeong-gu was estimated and correlations between AET and meteorological factors were analyzed. The study area was Suyeong-gu lay at the east longitude 05' 40" ~ 129 08' 08" and north latitude 07' 59" ~ 11' 01". The Kumryun mountain, the Bae mountain, the Suyeong river and the Suyeong bay are located on west, north, northeaster and south side in the study area, respectively. AET was estimated using precipitation (P), potential evapotranspiration (PET) and plant-available water coefficient. Meteorological factors to estimate PET were air temperature, dewpoint temperature, atmospheric pressure, duration of sunshine and mean wind speed (MWS). PET and AET were estimated by a method of Allen et al. (1998) and Zhang et al. (2001), respectively. PET was the highest value (564.45 mm/yr) in 2002 year, while it was the lowest value (449.95 mm/yr) in 2003 year. AET was estimated highest value (554.14 mm/yr) in 2002 year and lowest value (427.91 mm/yr) in 2003 year. Variations of PET and AET were similar. The linear regression function of AET as PET using monthly data was AET=0.87PET+3.52 and coefficient of determination was high, 0.75. In order to analyze relationship between the evapotranspiration and meteorological factors, correlation analysis using monthly data were accomplished. Correlation coefficient of AET-PET was 0.96 high, but they of AET-P and PET-P were very low. Correlation coefficients of AET-MWS and PET-MWS were 0.67 and 0.73, respectively. Thus, correlation between evapotranspiration and MWS was the highest among meteorological factors in Suyong-gu. This means that meteorological factor to powerfully effect for the variation of evapotranspiration was MWS. The linear regression function of AET as MWS was AET=84.73MWS+223.05 and coefficient of determination was 0.54. The linear regression function of PET as MWS was PET=83.83MWS+203.62 and coefficient of determination was 0.45.

Himalphalangium spinulatum (Roewer, 1911) collected from Gijang-gun, Busan-city, Korea is redescribed with spination of leg, detailed illustrations including SEM photographs for the first time. Bidentolophus bidens (Simon, 1880) as a junior synonym of Opilio koreanus Charitonov, 1957 from North Korea is additionally reported in the Korean fauna. Also, a key to the species of Korean subfamily Opilioninae is provided.

Electricity generation using a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was investigated with acetate as the fuel and Geobacter sulfurreducens as the biocatalyst on the anode electrode. The voltage and power density behaviors at various external resistances were observed, as were the coulombic efficiency and energy recovery behaviors at various acetate concentrations. A high voltage production was obtained when the pH in the cathode chamber was maintained in the range of 7–8, which is similar to that used in other MFC studies. After 72 hours of operation, the voltage production was decreased by 11.5% with 30 mM tris-HCl and by 33.7% with 10 mM tris-HCl.

Juniperus chinensis is a well-known folk remedy in Korea, shown to exhibit anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, abortifacient, anti-platelet, vasorelaxing, and anti-viral activities. In this study, we report the cytotoxic activity as well as the apoptotic mechanism of widdrol extracted from Juniperus chinensis against the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT29. Treatment of HT29 cells with various concentrations of widdrol inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by cell viability, chromatin condensation, and sub-G1 phase accumulation. Western blot analysis revealed that apoptosis of HT29 cells was associated with release of cytochrome C from mitochondria into the cytosol, activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9, and proteolytic cleavage of PARP. These results suggest that widdrol exhibits an anti-proliferative effect on HT29 cells via apoptosis and can be a potential candidate in the field of anti-cancer drug discovery.

It was previously reported that certain lavandulylated flavanones from Sophora flavescens are β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitors; however, based upon their levels within the extract, their inhibitory effects should be higher than expected. Moreover, chalcones and flavonols were reported to exert higher bioactivities than flavanones. These findings have led to a further search for other possible constituents potentially contributing to the strong inhibitory activity of the S. flavescens extract. In this study, BACE1 activities were significantly inhibited by 8-lavandulylkaempferol (IC50 7.29 μM), kuraridinol (IC50 7.10 μM), kuraridin (IC50 6.03 μM), and kushenol C (IC50 5.45 μM) from the ethyl acetate fraction, along with desmethylanhydroicaritin (IC50 1.86 μM), xanthohumol (IC50 7.19 μM), and leachianone G (IC50 8.56 μM) from the dichloromethane fraction of the extract. The results indicate that the prenyl group, rather than the lavandulyl group, and the flavonols and chalcones, rather than flavanones, might make predominant contributions to BACE1 inhibition. In particular, 8-lavandulylkaempferol exhibited significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 7.10 and 8.11 μM for butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase, respectively, when compared to its counterpart, desmethylanhydroicaritin. This indicates that the lavandulyl group might play a predominant role in both cholinesterase inhibitions. This is the first study indicating that prenylated flavonoids exert varying degrees of inhibition primarily through their skeleton (flavonols, chalcones, flavanones), as well as their lipophilic chain length (prenyl and lavandulyl groups). Therefore, S. flavescens and its prenylated flavonoids, possessing low molecular weights and lipophilic moieties may be potent preventive and therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer's disease.

Terpolymerizations of CO2/propylene oxide (PO)/cyclohexene oxide (CHO), CO2/PO/1-hexene oxide (HO), and CO2/PO/1-butene oxide (BO) were carried out without the formation of cyclic carbonates and ether linkages with a cobalt(III) complex of a Salen-type ligand tethered by four quaternary ammonium salts (1). The activities were excellent, in the range of (0.62−1.6) × 106 g/mol-Co (TOF, 4400−14 000 h−1). In all three of terpolymerizations, the data for the PO mole fractions in the feed (fPO) and the polymers (FPO) fit the Fineman−Ross plot well to determine the monomer reactivity ratios. The linear dependencies of the Tg’s of the polymers on the mole fractions of the third monomers (FCHO, FHO, and FBO) were observed with the relationships of “Tg (°C) = 81 × FCHO + 40”, “Tg (°C) = −62 × FHO + 38”, and “Tg (°C) = −27 × FBO + 38”, respectively. The decomposition temperature of the resin increased when the third monomer was employed. The GPC data indicated that the polymer chains grew in an immortal passion from...

Gold icosahedra with an average diameter of about 600 nm were easily prepared by heating an aqueous solution of the amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide){sub 20}-poly(propylene oxide){sub 70}-poly(ethylene oxide){sub 20} (Pluronic P123), and hydrogen tetrachloroaurate(III) trihydrate (HAuCl{sub 4}.3H{sub 2}O) at 60 deg. C for 25 min. When sodium chloride (NaCl:HAuCl{sub 4} molar ratio=10:1) was added to this aqueous solution, gold nanoplates were produced. The chloride ion was found to be a key component in the formation of the gold nanoplates by facilitating the growth of {l_brace}111{r_brace} oriented hexagonal/triangular gold nanoplates, because similar gold nanoplates were produced when LiCl or KCl was added to the aqueous solution instead of NaCl, while gold nanocrystals having irregular shapes were produced when NaBr or NaI was added. - Graphical abstract: Gold icosahedra were prepared by heating an aqueous solution of Pluronic P123 and HAuCl{sub 4}. When NaCl was added to this solution, gold nanoplates were produced.

Two new species of the genus Alloclubionoides from two National Parks of Korea are described with detailed illustrations, leg spination, trichobothrium patterns and scanning electron micrographs. Alloclubionoides wolchulsanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other Alloclubionoides spiders by a heart-shaped conductor with rounded base in the male palp and a large genital opening situated in the middle of the atrium, and a broadly cylinder-like copulatory duct in female. Alloclubionoides jirisanensis sp. nov. resembles Alloclubionoides napolovi (Ovtchinnikov, 1999) but can be distinguished from it by the ‘Y’-shaped conductor dorsal apophysis and wound distal part of conductor.

The traditional ball shear test is not suitable for evaluating joint reliability under drop loading, since the applied test speeds, usually lower than 5 mm/s, are well below the impact velocity applied to the solder joint in a drop test. The present study expands recently reported research by investigating the effect of thermal aging on the joint strength and fracture mode of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu ball grid arrays during high-speed shear testing, with a shear height of 50 μm and a shear speed ranging from 0.01 m/s to 3 m/s. The test specimens were aged at 393 K for 1000 h. After reflow, a (Ni,Cu)3Sn4 intermetallic compound (IMC) layer was observed at the solder/Ni-P interface and the thickness of the IMC layer was increased through the aging process. The shear strength increased with increasing shear speed. The fracture surface of the solder joints showed three different fracture modes according to the shear speed and aging time. The fracture mode changed from ductile fracture to brittle fracture with increasing shear speed.

Cordyceps militaris is well known as a traditional medicinal mushroom and is a potentially interesting candidate for use in cancer treatment. In this study, the potential of the water extract of C. militaris (WECM) to induce apoptosis in human lung carcinoma A549 cells and its effects on telomerase activity were investigated. The growth inhibition and apoptosis induction by WECM treatment in A549 cells was associated with the induction of Fas, catalytic activation of caspase-8, and Bid cleavage. Activation of caspases, downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, and upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax protein were also observed in WECM-treated cells. However, the cytotoxic effects and apoptotic characteristics induced by WECM were significantly inhibited by z-DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, which demonstrates the important role that caspase-3 plays in the process. In addition, WECM exerted a dose-dependent inhibition of telomerase activity via downregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), c-myc and Sp1 expression. Taken together, the data from this study indicate that WECM induces the apoptosis of A549 cells through a signaling cascade of death receptor-mediated extrinsic and mitochondria-mediated intrinsic caspase pathways. It was also conclude that apoptotic events due to WECM were mediated with diminished telomerase activity through the inhibition of hTERT transcriptional activity.

In modern oriental medicine, bee venom therapy is being used for aqua-acupuncture to relieve pain and to cure inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Bee venom therapy has been processed and reported in many experimental studies, with regard to its effects on pain alleviation, anti-inflammation, removal of fever, anti-convulsion, suppression of tumor and immunity strengthening, etc., however, its mechanism of action, molecular targeting on prostaglandin () production and telomere length regulation in human cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of bee venom on the levels of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and telomere regulatory components of A549 human lung cancer cells. Bee venom-induced anti-proliferative effects of A549 cells were associated with the inhibition of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as well as human telomerase RNA (hTR), transcription factor c-myc and the activity of telomerase. In addition, bee venom treatment markedly decreased the levels of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression without significant changes in the expression of COX-1, which was correlated with a decrease in synthesis. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights into the possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of bee venom.

Several different designs for a header type were numerically studied to achieve uniform distribution of gas phase flow in the header of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The different geometries included the position and shape of the inlet nozzle, number of outlet tubes, and length. In numerical calculations, the k-epsilon realizable turbulent model was employed. Standard deviation was used to evaluate the uniformity of the velocity distribution among the whole outlets of the header. As a result, flow patterns in the header could be visualized by using post-processing of numerical results. The uniformity of flow distribution increased with header length, whereas it decreased with gas flow rate. Furthermore, the optimum position and shape of the inlet nozzle could be proposed for a uniform distribution of a 1.3 m-length header, the very same used for the heat exchange of the commercially viable allyl chloride process.

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were prepared by the liquid-phase reduction of tetraammineplatinum (II) chloride ([Pt(NH3)4]Cl2) using Nafion as a stabilizer under various conditions of the Nafion phase. This method is novel in its use of electrostatic interactions between the Pt complex ions and sulfonic groups in the hydrated Nafion molecules. The synthesized Pt nanoparticles of the recast film system had a cubic shape. In the case of the Nafion solution system, the Pt nanoparticles mainly had a spherical shape. The shapes and sizes of the Pt nanoparticles were strongly influenced by the Nafion phase.

Esculetin, a coumarin compound, has been known to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in several types of human cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in esculetin-induced apoptosis are still uncharacterized in human leukemia cells. In this study, we have investigated whether esculetin exerts anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on human leukemia U937 cells. It was found that esculetin could inhibit cell viability in a time-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death such as increased populations of apoptotic- sub G1 phase. Apoptosis of U937 cells by esculetin was associated with an inhibition of Bcl-2/Bax binding activity, formation of tBid, down-regulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptotic protein (XIAP) expression, and up-regulation of death receptor 4 (DR4) and FasL expression. Esculetin treatment also induced the degradation of -catenin and DNA fragmentation factor 45/inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase (DFF45/ICAD). Furthermore, a caspase-3 specific inhibitor, z-DEVD-fmk, significantly inhibited sub-G1 phase DNA content, morphological changes and degradation of -catenin and DEE45/ICAD. These results indicated that a key regulator in esculetin-induced apoptosis was caspase-3 in human leukemia U937 cells.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been identified as a significant biomarker for prostate cancer screening. Heavily-doped porous silicon, etched to form a Fabry-Perot fringe pattern, can be applied to an interferometric sensing for detecting PSA bound with PSA-antibody. In the previous works, a calyx crown derivative (Prolinker-A) was used as an alternative biolinker on the porous silicon surface for interferometric biosensing of DNA-damaging chemical instead of employing the conventional biomolecular affinity method using biotin, which resulted in a denser linker formation. In this study, G5 amineterminated PAMAM (poly amidoamine) dendrimer as a biolinker, was applied to an interferometric sensing of PSA by using porous silicon, which shows the enhancement of adhesion capability and increase of functional groups more than those with Prolinker-A. Considerably low level down to 1 ng/mL of PSA could be detected by this sensing system.