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Mg is a potential material for orthopedic and craniofacial implants. However, the failure of peri-implant osseointegration often occurs because pure Mg corrodes rapidly and has low mechanical strength. This study aimed to overcome these limitations via the development of various Mg-35Zn-xCa alloys. Electrochemical and immersion corrosion of these alloys were examined in simulated body fluid, and their cytotoxicity (cell proliferation and morphology) was assessed in a mouse osteoblast cell (MC3T3-E1). Structural analysis revealed that the Mg–35Zn–xCa alloys had a dendritic composition. The volume fractions of the second phases (Mg2Ca and Ca2Mg6Zn3) in the alloys increased with an increase in Ca concentration. The Mg–35Zn–xCa (x = 2, 3) alloys displayed greater hardness values (p

Radiotherapy is one of the most efficient ways to treat cancer. However, deleterious effects, such as acute and chronic toxicities that reduce the quality of life, may result. Naturally occurring compounds have been shown to be non-toxic over wide dose ranges and are inexpensive and effective. Additionally, pharmacological strategies have been developed that use radioprotectors to inhibit radiation-induced toxicities. Currently available radioprotectors have several limitations, including toxicity. In this review, we present the mechanisms of proven radioprotectors, ranging from free radical scavenging (the best-known mechanism of radioprotection) to molecular-based radioprotection (e.g., upregulating expression of heat shock proteins). Finally, we discuss naturally occurring compounds with radioprotective properties in the context of these mechanisms.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss. We searched electronic databases, including Embase, PubMed, CENTRAL, RISS, KISS and CNKI, for randomized controlled trials that used acupuncture to treat obesity before June 2017. We found 27 trials involving 32 intervention arms and 2,219 patients. Acupuncture plus lifestyle modification (LM) was more effective than LM alone (Hedges' g = 1.104, 95% CI = 0.531-1.678) and sham acupuncture plus LM (Hedges' g = 0.324, 95% CI = 0.177-0.471), whereas acupuncture alone was not more effective than sham acupuncture alone and no treatment. Auricular acupuncture (Hedges' g = 0.522, 95% CI = 0.152-0.893), manual acupuncture (Hedges' g = 0445, 95% CI = 0.044-0.846) and pharmacopuncture (Hedges' g = 0.411, 95% CI = 0.026-0.796) favoured weight loss. Finally, acupuncture treatment was effective only in subjects with overweight (25 ≤ body mass index < 30, Hedges' g = 0.528, 95% CI = 0.279-0.776), not in subjects with obesity (body mass index ≥30). Our study suggests that the effect of acupuncture on weight loss may be maximized when auricular and manual acupuncture or pharmacopuncture treatment is combined with LM in patients with overweight.

This study examines how East Asian countries have responded to the challenges that the trade–environment nexus presents. A total of 85 free trade agreements (FTAs) concluded by 15 East Asian economies are analyzed by using ordered logistic regression and generalized ordered logistic regression techniques. The results show that East Asian countries incorporate strong and specific environmental provisions in their bilateral FTAs when they share concern about environmental issues. These findings reject the view that East Asian countries have adhered to collective ideas that favor weaker and ill-defined environmental commitments related to trade. It is notable that environmentally conscious East Asian countries have responded positively to trade–environment linkages with like-minded partners. Meanwhile, the results partially support the conventional view that an environmentally conscious big country can bully environmentally less conscious small countries into making strong and specific environmental concessions.

Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a cysteine protease that is thought to play a role in many physiological and pathological processes including tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis; it has been identified as a radiation response gene. Here, we examined the role of CTSS in regulating the DNA damage response in breast cancer cells. Activating CTSS (producing the cleavage form of the protein) by radiation induced proteolytic degradation of BRCA1, which ultimately suppressed DNA double-strand break repair activity. Depletion of CTSS by RNAi or expression of a mutant type of CTSS enhanced the protein stability of BRCA1 by inhibiting its ubiquitination. CTSS interacted with the BRCT domain of BRCA1 and facilitated ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic degradation of BRCA1, which was tightly associated with decreased BRCA1-mediated DNA repair activity. Treatment with a pharmacological CTSS inhibitor inhibited proteolytic degradation of BRCA1 and restored BRCA1 function. Depletion of CTSS by shRNA delayed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model, only in the presence of functional BRCA1. Spontaneously uced rat mammary tumors and human breast cancer tissues with high levels of CTSS expression showed low BRCA1 expression. From these data, we suggest that CTSS inhibition is a good strategy for functional restoration of BRCA1 in breast cancers with reduced BRCA1 protein stability.

The current research investigates a specific type of customer engagement behavior (CEB), inter-customer helping. Specifically, the current research investigates (1) the antecedents (e.g. how receiv...

Radiotherapy is one of the most efficient ways to treat cancer. However, deleterious effects, such as acute and chronic toxicities that reduce the quality of life, may result. Naturally occurring compounds have been shown to be non-toxic over wide dose ranges and are inexpensive and effective. Additionally, pharmacological strategies have been developed that use radioprotectors to inhibit radiation-induced toxicities. Currently available radioprotectors have several limitations, including toxicity. In this review, we present the mechanisms of proven radioprotectors, ranging from free radical scavenging (the best-known mechanism of radioprotection) to molecular-based radioprotection (e.g., upregulating expression of heat shock proteins). Finally, we discuss naturally occurring compounds with radioprotective properties in the context of these mechanisms.

Sprouts harbor high levels of bacteria and have been implicated in massive outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The elucidation of microbial profiles in sprouts is important; however, little is known about the changes in the microbial composition during production. The present study aimed to define the microbial ecology of sprouts during the stages of production using 16S rRNA metagenome sequencing and culture-dependent methods. Samples of three types of sprouts (alfalfa, radish, and rapeseed) were collected from each stage of production (seed, soaking, germination 1 (Germ 1), germination 2 (Germ 2), sprouting, unwashed, and washed sprouts; n = 105) and subjected to microbiome analyses as well as quantitative and qualitative analyses. Aerobic plate count (APC) and coliforms levels significantly increased within one day (Germ 1) by 3.9-4.4 and 4.2-5.2 log CFU/g, respectively, and levels up to 8.0-9.0 and 6.9-9.0 log CFU/g, respectively, were recorded at the final stage. During production, the microbial communities in alfalfa sprouts simplified into Enterobacteriaceae (80.97-99.29%), whereas the radish and rapeseed sprouts were dominated by microbial communities belonging to two families, the Enterobacteriaceae (radish: 32-43.4%, rapeseed: 24.11-38.39%) and Pseudomonadaceae (radish: 30.53-46.45%, rapeseed: 41.51-57.34%). This suggests that the sprout manufacturing conditions could promote the growth of particular bacterium. Alpha diversity analysis revealed a diverse bacterial community structure in the seeds; however, the diversity sharply declined until Germ 1 and recovered during the production steps thereafter. Beta diversity results suggested that the pattern of microbial composition, and the major shifts in composition, differed by seed type. Significant changes in the bacterial community were observed during the soaking (alfalfa), Germ 1 (radish), and Germ 2 (rapeseed) stages. The present study is the first fundamental report to investigate microbial changes by during the various stages of the sprouting process. The results highlight the potential risk of sprouts regarding foodborne illness and facilitate the determination of effective intervention points during sprout production.

The energy demand of the commercial building sector is largely for cooling and heating and will eventually result in energy and environmental crises; therefore, enhancing the performance of the cooling and heating systems used in buildings is paramount. In response to this need, focus was set on the gas engine-driven heat pump-combined system (GHPC)—consisting of a gas engine, single-stage vapour compression system, and single-effect absorption system— that saves more energy as compared to a conventional gas engine-driven heat pump. However, so far, only the performance and transient characteristics of a fabricated GHPC have been investigated. Therefore, to ascertain the characteristics of the GHPC start-up dynamics under unsteady state operations so as to achieve efficient and stable start-up operation, experiments and simulations were attempted in this study. The transient behaviour from the start-up of this combined system in cooling and heating operating modes was also scrutinized. Accordingly, it was found that simulation results agreed well with experimental data. It was concluded that there were no large delayed responses in the absorption system during start-up operation when start-up of the absorption system is considered based on the system cooling capacity response after the solution pump starts.

An association between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and hepatic tumors was suggested, but the employment of high-dose levels raises questions about its relevance to human health. Here, we demonstrate that submicromolar concentrations of BPA induce the proliferation and DNA damage in human hepatocyte cell lines. In HepG2 and NKNT-3, undifferentiated and differentiated hepatocyte cell lines, respectively, submicromolar BPA concentrations promoted the cell proliferation, as indicated by enhanced DNA synthesis and elevated expression of cell-cycle proteins. At concentrations higher than 10 μM, these effects disappeared, reflecting a non-monotonic dose-response relationship. Notably, histone H2AX was activated following exposure to BPA, which is a sensitive marker of DNA damage. Importantly, proliferative foci and DNA damage were also observed in liver tissue of rats orally exposed to BPA at 0.5 mg/kg for 90 days, from juvenile age (postnatal day 9) through adulthood. Reactive oxygen species appeared to play a role in the BPA-induced proliferation and DNA damage, as evidenced by a partial reversal of both processes upon pretreatment with an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine. Collectively, these results demonstrate that submicromolar BPA concentrations induce the DNA damage and promote the cell proliferation in the liver, which may support its role as a risk factor for hepatocarcinogenicity.

Heavy metal contamination has become a major problem that causes severe environmental and health issues due to their biosorption, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. This study was designed to evaluate heavy metal chelating abilities of alginic acid (AA) extracted from the brown seaweed Ecklonia cava and two of its derivatives prepared by the partial oxidation of the 2° OH groups (OAA) and partial carboxylation of the monomeric units (CAA) upon reducing the heavy metal biosorption in zebrafish (Danio rerio) modal. Metal ions were quantified using ICP-OES and biopolymers were characterized by FTIR and XRD analysis. All investigated biopolymers indicated potential ability for chelating Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, As3+, and Ag+. The sorption capacities were in the order of CAA>OAA>AA. All biopolymers indicated a comparatively higher chelation towards Pb2+. AA, OAA, and CAA could effectively reduce Pb2+ induced toxicity and Pb2+ stress-induced ROS production in zebrafish embryos. Besides, they could reduce the biosorption of Pb2+ in adult zebrafish which could lead to bioaccumulation. Since alginic acid purified from E. cava and its derivatives could be utilized as seaweed derived biopolymers to purify heavy metals contaminated water and as a dietary supplement to reduce heavy metal biosorption in organisms.

Obesity is known as metabolic syndrome and it affects many tissues including adipose tissue, liver, and central nervous system (CVS). Gambi-jung (GBJ) is a modified prescription of Taeumjowi-tang (TJT), which has been used to treat obesity in Korea. GBJ is composed of 90% Ephedra sinica Stapf (ES). Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the antiobesity effects of GBJ and to compare the effects of GBJ and ES on obesity. GBJ administration remarkably reduced the body weight, Body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage compared to the ES administration in human subjects. GBJ-treated mice had lower white adipose tissue (WAT) amounts than ES-treated mice. GBJ and ES administration enhanced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, epididymal WAT and liver of HFD-induced obese mice. Moreover, GBJ and ES reduced food intake by suppressing the mRNA levels of orexigenic peptides, agouti-related protein (AgRP) and neuropeptide-Y (NPY), as well as AMPK in the brain of HFD-induced obese mice. Furthermore, GBJ-treated mice had dramatically lower expression of macrophage marker F4/80 in epididymal WAT than those of ES-treated mice. Based on these results, we suggest the use of GBJ as a natural drug to control weight gain.

Red tide Heterosigma akashiwo (H. akashiwo), a microscopic alga of the class Raphidophyceae, causes extensive damage to all marine ecosystems. It is essential to reduce the damage to marine ecosystems for them to be used as a resource. In this study, we used organic solvent fractionation to obtain an ethyl acetate-methanol extract from H. akashiwo (HAEM80) and then evaluated its anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and a zebrafish model. HAME80 markedly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). It also down-regulated the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and decreased the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. HAME80 reduced yolk edema and improved the survival rate of LPS-stimulated zebrafish embryos; in addition, the extract significantly reduced the production of ROS and NO and attenuated cell death in this model. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the extract was used to confirm the identity of peaks 1-20. Taken together, our data suggest that H. akashiwo is a beneficial anti-inflammatory agent.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that customer engagement behavior may not always be a positive experience for customers. Specifically, the paper examines the effect of sources of help (employee vs customer) on customer satisfaction, and the underlying mechanism behind such an effect. Design/methodology/approach Three studies were conducted to test the hypotheses, and bootstrapping was used to analyze the proposed mediation and moderation models. Findings The results from the studies demonstrated the effect of sources of help (employee vs customer) on customer satisfaction. Specifically, compared to those who have received help from employees, customers who have received help from other customers showed lower satisfaction toward the firm. The relationship between sources of help and satisfaction was mediated by an affective factor, embarrassment, and a cognitive factor, altruistic motivation. In addition, the relationship between embarrassment and satisfaction was moderated by concern for face. Practical implications Firms should devote more resources toward minimizing customers’ embarrassment during service encounters and demonstrate altruistic motivation to provide voluntary help to lead customers to reciprocate helping. Originality/value The current research provides a new perspective on customer engagement behavior during service encounters. This research highlights the negative outcomes of receiving help from other customers.

Coniferyl aldehyde (1) is previously reported as a potent inducer of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). Here, we further examined the active pharmacophore of 1 for activation of HSF1 using the derivatives coniferyl alcohol (2), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylpropanal (3), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylpropanol (4). Both 1 and 2 resulted in increased survival days after a lethal radiation (IR) dose. The decrease in bone marrow (BM) cellularity and Ki67-positive BM cells by IR was also significantly restored by 1 or 2 in mice. These results suggested that the vinyl moiety of 1 and 2 is necessary for inducing HSF1, which may be useful for developing small molecules for cytoprotection of normal cells against damage by cytotoxic drugs and radiation.

Purpose This study aims to examine how social exclusion and the social status of a rejecter affect consumers’ purchase intentions toward ordinary products. Design/methodology/approach Three experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings The status of a rejecter, whether high or low, had a significant influence on individuals’ evaluations of ordinary products. Results showed that individuals who were rejected by a low status source had higher purchase intentions toward the ordinary (vs unique) products compared to those who were rejected by a high status source due to threatened self-concept. Practical implications With the increased number of lonely consumers in the market today, firms should pay closer attention to the behavioral patterns of consumers who are socially excluded. In addition, firms should be aware that consumers’ purchase intentions vary depending on the sources of social exclusion. Originality/value This paper addresses the significant impact of sources of social exclusion on consumers’ evaluation of ordinary products. Moreover, this study focuses on a relatively neglected definition of social status, namely, the sociometric status, to fill the gap in the social status literature.

Sargassum horneri is a nutrient rich edible brown seaweed with numerous biological properties found in shallow coastal areas of Korean peninsula. S. horneri traditionally used as a medicinal ingredient to treat several disease conditions such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, heart disease, and inflammatory diseases (furuncle). However, to utilize S. horneri as an active ingredient for functional foods and human health applications requires to conform the bioactive properties and underlying mechanisms of those activities.Here, we investigated anti-inflammatory mechanisms of commercial grade 70% ethanol extract separated from S. horneri (SHE) on inflammatory response in particulate matter (PM)-induced MH-S lung macrophages; where PM in breathable air one of the major health concern in Korea.We compared the anti-inflammatory effects of SHE on the activity of toll-like receptors (TLR) activation, NF-κB, MAPKs, and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in MH-S lung macrophages exposed to PM as a lung inflammation model.According to the results, PM-stimulation, induced the levels of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and COX2 (P 0.05) in MH-S macrophages. In addition, phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and MAPKs were also increased with the PM stimulation through the upregulated expression of TLR. However, SHE treatment significantly repressed the secretions of inflammatory cytokines and reduced protein expression such as PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NF-κB, and MAPKs from PM-activated macrophages. Specifically, SHE inhibited the upregulated mRNA expression levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 in PM-induced MH-S cells; known biomarkers of downstream activation of NF-κB and MAPKs.These results suggested that SHE is a potential inhibitor of PM-induced inflammatory responses in lung macrophages. Thus, SHE could inhibit PM-induced chronic inflammation in lungs via blocking TLR/NF-κB/MAPKs signal transduction. Therefore, it was concluded that SHE may be a useful substance to develop as functional product to reduce inflammation against PM-induced inflammation.

We investigated the protective effect of the bioactive compound eckol on inflammatory-related skin lesions in vitro. HaCaT cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) mixture, and treated with various concentration of eckol (25, 50, and 100 µg/ml). The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways regulate immune and inflammation responses. Phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB, indicating activation of respective signaling pathways, was examined by western blot analysis. Treatment of TNF-α and IFN-γ promoted the mRNA expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in HaCaT cells. However, eckol significantly suppressed the these mediators. Furthermore, activation of TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by eckol treatment. Eckol also hampered the TNF-α/IFN-γ-mediated nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in HaCaT cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that eckol shows effective protective activity against TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced skin inflammation.

Brown seaweeds are well-known source of bioactive compounds, which are producing a variety of secondary metabolites with promising bioactive properties. Traditionally, seaweeds used as ingredients in medicine for many centuries in Asian countries. However, the protective mechanisms of many metabolites found in seaweeds are remains to be determined. Thus, applications of seaweeds are limited because of poor understanding of their structural features and mechanisms responsible for their bioactive properties. In the present study, anti-inflammatory properties of fucoidan isolated from the brown seaweed Padina commersonii (PCF) was evaluated against LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. PCF was characterized using NMR, FT-IR, and HPAE-PAD spectrum (for mono sugar composition). It was observed that PCF is rich in fucose and sulfate as well as a similar structure to the commercial fucoidan. Western blots and RT-qPCR analysis were used to determine the protective effects of PCF after LPS challenge using RAW 264.7 macrophages. According to the results, PCF significantly down-regulated LPS-activated mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, and MyD88 which are known inducers/activators of NF-κB transcriptional factors. The results, obtained from this study demonstrated PCF has a potential to inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses via blocking TLR/MyD88/ NF-κB signal transduction.

Background Hydrogen gas formed by magnesium (Mg) screw corrosion can accumulate around the implant and create bone cysts, long-term osteolysis lesions, and bone healing delay. Thus, several authors currently do not recommend Mg implants for clinical use. In contrast, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-2 have a very strong osteoinductive activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rhBMP-2/hydroxyapatite (HA) inside specially designed Mg cannulated screws in a rabbit femur model for hydrogen gas formation avoidance. Methods Fifteen rabbits underwent randomly different cannulated Mg screw implantation in both distal femora; 30 femora were divided into three groups depending on the materials fill in the cannulated Mg screw: control group (Mg screw with no treatment), HA group (Mg screw with HA), and BMP-2/HA group (Mg screw with a composite BMP-2/HA). Plain radiography, micro-CT, and histological analysis were accomplished, and the ability to release BMP-2 of the screws was evaluated by immersion of both the screw with no treatment and screw with a composite BMP-2/HA into the SBF for up to 7 days. Results X-ray assessment found the gas shadow around the implant was slightly smaller in the BMP-2/HA group than the HA and control groups at 8 weeks. Micro-CT analysis demonstrated statistically significant higher new bone formation in the BMP-2/HA group than the other groups, respectively, which also correlated with a decreased gas volume. Histological analysis showed higher osteointegration between implants and host femurs in the BMP-2/HA group than the HA and control groups at 12 weeks. Conclusions This study indicates that the combination of BMP-2/HA within Mg screws enhances new bone formation and therefore has the potential to decrease the complications of hydrogen gas formation around these implants.

Background Portion control is a useful component of weight reduction interventions and meal replacement (MR) plans represent a promising strategy for portion control. Research performed with pooled data on the effect of MR plans according to various characteristics of MR interventions remains scarce. Objective Our aim was to assess the effects of MR-based diets compared with food-based diets on weight loss, according to calorie-restriction types and energy intake proportions from MR. Methods Electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Research Information Sharing Service) were searched for randomized controlled trials on weight loss results of MR-based calorie-restricted diets compared with food-based calorie-restricted diets from January 2000 to May 2020. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) from all study outcomes were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified by Q test and I2. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and a trim and fill method. Both interventions (MR and control) were separated into very-low-energy diets and low-energy diets (LEDs). A meta-analysis of variance was conducted by dividing patient-related factors and treatment-related factors into subgroups. In multivariable meta-regressions, background variables were selected first, after which main independent variables were included. Results Twenty-two studies involving 24 interventions and 1,982 patients who were overweight or obese were included. The effect size in which MR-based LED was compared with food-based LED for weight loss was small, favoring MR (Hedges' g = 0.261; 95% CI 0.156 to 0.365; I2 = 21.9; 95% CI 0.0 to 53.6). Diets including ≥60% of total daily energy intake from MR had a medium effect size favoring MR with regard to weight loss among the groups (Hedges' g = 0.545; 95% CI 0.260 to 0.830; I2 = 42.7; 95% CI 0.0 to 80.8). Conclusions The effect of MR-based LED on weight loss was superior to the effect of food-based LED, and receiving ≥60% of total daily energy intake from MR had the greatest effect on weight loss.

Service recovery through inter-customer helping is especially meaningful in the self-service technology (SST) failure context because SSTs are associated with a high risk of failure due to the lack of face-to-face contacts with employees. In understanding the phenomenon of inter-customer helping, two fundamental questions are investigated in the current research: (1) does social influence play a role in customers’ helping decisions? and (2) what are the motives for helping? Through two experimental studies, we provide evidence that two different forms of social influence play a role in helping others during SST failures, and customers have self-centered (vs. other-centered) motives. Results from Study 1 showed that individuals in the private environment indicated more willingness to help than individuals in the public environment did due to heightened perceived responsibility. Study 2 revealed that tie strength influenced willingness to help via a dual pathway: perceived responsibility and social approach motives. Finally, we discuss and highlight the positive influence that self-centered motives can exert in the SST failure scene.

Various surface treatments are used to enhance the biological activity of titanium. Alkali and heat treatments promote the formation of hydroxyl apatite (HAp), which increases the bone-bonding ability in simulated body fluid (SBF). The sodium titanate layer is converted to the more bioactive layer, with sodium-ion removal from alkali- and heat-treated surfaces, via a water treatment. The anatase phase resulting by water treatment is effective in generating apatite nuclei in SBF. In this study, two types of surface treatment were performed to improve the bioactivity of alkali and heat-treated TiO 2 nanotubes: One is the only water treatment for 48 h. Another is the combination of the acid-solution (10 and 50 mM of HCl or HNO 3 ) treatment for 24 h and the water treatment for 24 h. Each treatment was conducted after the fabrication of alkali-treated TiO 2 nanotubes via anodization and an alkali treatment in 5 M NaOH. Finally, all of the treated groups were all heated at 550 °C. The properties, bioactivity, and cytotoxicity of the alkali-heat treated TiO 2 nanotubes were determined after the water or acid treatment. In addition, histological samples were evaluated by inserting implants into bilateral rat tibia for 3 and 6 weeks. The concentration of O ions and the amount of anatase phase increased after the HCl treatment. Furthermore, the apatite-forming ability was greatly enhanced with an increase in the amount of anatase phase, especially in the 50 mM HCl-treated group. The surface of the water- or 50 mM HCl-treated group promoted osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation, thereby allowing effective osteointegration. In the 6-week implant, the uniform new bone layer grew in the case of the HC50 group only. Therefore, we conclude that the HCl treatment constitutes the most favorable surface-modification method for improving the bioactivity of alkali- and heat-treated TiO 2 nanotubes.

The aim of this study was to analyze antioxidant properties of a polysaccharide isolated from Psidium guajava leaves (PS-PGL) in vitro including its radical scavenging activities and protective effects against damage to cells as well as in vivo in zebrafish. The water extract of P. guajava leaves (WE-PGL) and PS-PGL showed strong radical scavenging effects in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and alkyl radical. Compared to WE-PGL, PS-PGL enhanced all scavenging activities and in particular strongly scavenged the hydroxyl radical (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50], 0.02mg/mL). In addition, PS-PGL exerted a protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and against toxicity to Vero cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments using zebrafish embryos indicated that treatment with hydrogen peroxide decreased the survival rate and heart-beating rate of zebrafish embryos, whereas these problems were reduced by PS-PGL treatment. Moreover, PS-PGL inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Taken together, these results suggest that PS-PGL may be useful as a beneficial antioxidant material in the food and cosmetic industries.

This study examines, using actual driving and simulations, transient operation characteristics and control methods for a combined system. It consists of both single-stage compression-type and single-effect absorption-type refrigerators and is driven by the shaft power and waste heat from a gas engine. Given the complicated nature of the system, determining the unsteady-state performance and control characteristics of the entire system is difficult. Hence, it must be equipped with an adequate control system to maintain acceptable system performance. Our results reveal that this system is controlled, as predicted, under unsteady-state conditions by using a novel control method. The unsteady-state simulation model is validated by comparing the driving results with the simulated results. Thus, gas-engine-driven combined air-conditioning systems possess a response time similar to absorption-type refrigerators. This indicates that the transient response of the entire system is governed by the absorption-type re...

Obesity is a serious global health problem. Natural substances that could be effective remedies for treatment of obesity, and which are relatively safe, are desired. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-obesity effect and the mechanism of ramalin in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. In this study, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with various concentrations of ramalin (1, 5, and 10 μg/ml). Ramalin reduced the accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, ramalin inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by blocking adipogenic gene expression including CCAAT enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ), adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2), and leptin. The suppression of adipogenesis by ramalin was mediated through the inhibition of MAPK pathways. Ramalin also reduced the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oral administration of ramalin (50 and 100 mg/kg) to HFD-fed mice reduced body weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation without changes in food intake. Ramalin also attenuated organ weight and basal serum level by inhibiting Iiver X receptors (LXRs), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA expression in HFD-fed mice. Taken together, these results indicate that ramalin inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and prevents HFD-induced obesity. The present study also provides insight into the mechanisms underlying the anti-obesity activity of ramalin and suggests that ramalin has the potential to prevent obesity.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the factors related to upper extremity functional improvement following inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in stroke patients. METHODS Forty-one stroke patients received low-frequency rTMS over the contralesional hemisphere according to a standard protocol, in addition to conventional physical and occupational therapy. The rTMS-treated patients were divided into two groups according to their responsiveness to rTMS measured by the self-care score of the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI): responded group (n=19) and non-responded group (n=22). Forty-one age-matched stroke patients who had not received rTMS served as controls. Neurological, cognitive and functional assessments were performed before rTMS and 4 weeks after rTMS treatment. RESULTS Among the rTMS-treated patients, the responded group was significantly younger than the non-responded group (51.6±10.5 years and 65.5±13.7 years, respectively; p=0.001). Four weeks after rTMS, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, the Brunnstrom recovery stage and upper extremity muscle power scores were significantly more improved in the responded group than in the control group. Besides the self-care score, the mobility score of the K-MBI was also more improved in the responded group than in the non-responded group or controls. CONCLUSION Age is the most obvious factor determining upper extremity functional responsiveness to low-frequency rTMS in stroke patients.

The popular edible seaweed, Gelidium amansii is broadly used as food worldwide. To determine whether G. amansii extract (GAE) has protective effects on obesity, mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) treated with GAE (1 and 3 %) were studied. After 12 weeks of GAE treatment, body weight was greatly decreased in mice fed a high-fat diet. This effect could be due to decreased adipogenesis, as evidenced by the fact that GAE suppressed adipogenic gene expression in adipocytes. In addition, blood glucose and serum insulin levels were reduced by GAE treatment in mice fed a high-fat diet, suggesting improvement in glucose metabolism. GAE supplementation also led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These data are further confirmed by H&E staining. Our findings indicate that Gelidium amansii prevents against the development of diet-induced obesity, and further implicate that GAE supplementation could be the therapeutical option for treatment of metabolic disorder such as obesity.

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) requires effective treatment as it may cause aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, or malnutritution, which can increase the length of hospital stay as well as mortality. In the field of stroke, electroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used, and a number of clinical research papers have been published regarding its effects. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of EA for the treatment of PSD. Methods: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of EA in PSD will be included in this meta-analysis. The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to July 31, 2020, using terms relating to EA and PSD: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Excerpta Medica Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Korean Medical Database, KoreaMed, the National Digital Science Library, and the Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System. Two reviewers will independently search these databases, select studies for inclusion, and evaluate the quality of the studies. Methodological quality will be assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (version 6.0). The primary outcome will be the total effective rate; secondary outcomes will include results of other assessments of dysphagia such as the water drinking test scale and videofluoroscopic swallowing study. We will also investigate the number and severity of adverse events. The Cochrane Review Manager (RevMan) software (version 5.3.5) will be employed to assess bias risk, data integration risk, and meta-analysis risk. Mean difference and standardized mean difference will be used to represent continuous data, while risk ratios will be used for pooled binary data. Results: This study will provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of EA as a treatment for PSD. Conclusion: This study will clarify whether EA could be an effective and safe treatment for PSD.

Initial corrosion resistance and bioactivity of biodegradable magnesium are major success factors for implant applications. Electrodeposition containing Ce prevent material damage and local corrosion resulting from implantation, and Ce penetrates hydrogels and consequently maximizes surface self-healing. Ce(NO3) was used to form an electrodeposition layer on magnesium, and hyaluronic acid(HA) was coated through hydrothermal treatment, which created a composite layer consisting of a polymer compound with Ce and a thick and stable MgO layer. The morphology, chemical structure, and scratch tests conducted on various surface treatments showed hydrothermally treated Ce to be the most effective self-healing and corrosion-resistance. In the electrodeposition of Ca/Ce, relatively reactive Ce quickly adhered to the surface, and according to the hydrothermal process, Ca and Ce ions diffused inward as water and HA penetrated the irregular layers. The cell viability of osteoblasts showed no toxicity with Ce, and the osteoblasts were showed the highest differentiation especially in treated with the HA hydrothermal group. Implantation into rat tibias resulted in stable bone marrow and osteoblast growth in the hydrothermal treatment group containing Ce. Consequently, Ce(OH)3/CeO2 penetrating the natural polymer HA had a self-healing ability and resistance to initial corrosion, local damage, and the biodegradation of the magnesium implant.

Consumer robots are predicted to be employed in a variety of customer-facing situations. As these robots are designed to look and behave like humans, consumers attribute human traits to them—a phenomenon known as the “Eliza Effect.” In four experiments, we show that the anthropomorphism of a consumer robot increases psychological warmth but decreases attitudes, due to uncanniness. Competence judgments are much less affected and not subject to a decrease in attitudes. The current research contributes to research on artificial intelligence, anthropomorphism, and the uncanny valley phenomenon. We suggest to managers that they need to make sure that the appearances and behaviors of robots are not too human-like to avoid negative attitudes toward robots. Moreover, managers and researchers should collaborate to determine the optimal level of anthropomorphism.

Campylobacter as an inhabitant of the poultry gastrointestinal tract has proven to be difficult to reduce with most feed additives. In-feed antibiotics have been taken out of poultry diets due to the negative reactions of consumers along with concerns regarding the generation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Consequently, interest in alternative feed supplements to antibiotics has grown. One of these alternatives, prebiotics, has been examined as a potential animal and poultry feed additive. Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients by host enzymes that enhance growth of indigenous gastrointestinal bacteria that elicit metabolic characteristics considered beneficial to the host and depending on the type of metabolite, antagonistic to establishment of pathogens. There are several carbohydrate polymers that qualify as prebiotics and have been fed to poultry. These include mannan-oligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides as the most common ones marketed commercially that have been used as feed supplements in poultry. More recently, several other non-digestible oligosaccharides have also been identified as possessing prebiotic properties when implemented as feed supplements. While there is evidence that prebiotics may be effective in poultry and limit establishment of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract, less is known about their impact on Campylobacter. This review will focus on the potential of prebiotics to limit establishment of Campylobacter in the poultry gastrointestinal tract and future research directions.

Campylobacter as an inhabitant of the poultry gastrointestinal tract has proven to be difficult to reduce with most feed additives. In-feed antibiotics have been taken out of poultry diets due to the negative reactions of consumers along with concerns regarding the generation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Consequently, interest in alternative feed supplements to antibiotics has grown. One of these alternatives, prebiotics, has been examined as a potential animal and poultry feed additive. Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients by host enzymes that enhance growth of indigenous gastrointestinal bacteria that elicit metabolic characteristics considered beneficial to the host and depending on the type of metabolite, antagonistic to establishment of pathogens. There are several carbohydrate polymers that qualify as prebiotics and have been fed to poultry. These include mannan-oligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides as the most common ones marketed commercially that have been used as feed supplements in poultry. More recently, several other non-digestible oligosaccharides have also been identified as possessing prebiotic properties when implemented as feed supplements. While there is evidence that prebiotics may be effective in poultry and limit establishment of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract, less is known about their impact on Campylobacter. This review will focus on the potential of prebiotics to limit establishment of Campylobacter in the poultry gastrointestinal tract and future research directions.

Seahorses, Hippocampus abdominalis, have a long history in traditional Chinese medicine as an important healthy ingredient in foods. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of an enzymatic hydrolysate prepared from a seahorse bred in Jeju, South Korea. Experiments were performed in vitro using electron spin resonance spectrometry (ESR) to determine the free radical scavenging activity and in vivo using a zebrafish model to determine the protective effects against 2,2-azobis hydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage. H. abdominalis protein hydrolysate (HPH) exhibited peroxyl radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.58 mg/ml) generated by the water-soluble AAPH (azo initiator of peroxyl radicals). HPH reduced dose-dependently both intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in AAPH-induced cells and cell death in AAPH-induced zebrafish embryos. The antioxidant peptide purified from HPH was identified as a tripeptide (alanine-glycine-aspartic acid) using Q-TOF ESI mass spectroscopy. Thus, this study demonstrated that HPH contains antioxidant peptides that exhibit a strong antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hippocampus abdominalis is one of the largest seahorse species and cultivated in many countries. Because of its large body size compared to other seahorse species, H. abdominalis has acquired considerable consumer attraction in the global market. Owing to its biologically useful properties, it recently gained attention as the natural products obtained from H. abdominalis have varied applications in the field of medicine, health care products, and functional foods. Thus, commercial products of this particular seahorse species are popular among customers, especially in China. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant property of H. abdominalism, cultured in a commercial seahorse farm in Jeju Island. Owing to its prominent antioxidant activity, it could be used as an ingredient in medicinal preparations, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.