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Prostate cancer continues to pose a global health challenge as one of the most prevalent malignancies. Mutations of the Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) gene have been linked to unique oncogenic features in prostate cancer. In this study, we aimed to unravel the intricate molecular characteristics of FOXA1 mutant prostate cancer through comprehensive in silico analysis of transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A comparison between FOXA1 mutant and control groups unearthed 1525 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which map to eight intrinsic and six extrinsic signaling pathways. Interestingly, the majority of intrinsic pathways, but not extrinsic pathways, were validated using RNA-seq data of 22Rv1 cells from the GEO123619 dataset, suggesting complex biology in the tumor microenvironment. As a result of our in silico research, we identified novel therapeutic targets and potential drug candidates for FOXA1 mutant prostate cancer. KDM1A, MAOA, PDGFB, and HSP90AB1 emerged as druggable candidate targets, as we found that they have approved drugs throughout the drug database CADDIE. Notably, as most of the approved drugs targeting MAOA and KDM1A were monoamine inhibitors used for mental illness or diabetes, we suggest they have a potential to cure FOXA1 mutant primary prostate cancer without lethal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to analyse how human resources for Industry-University collaboration achieves technology transfer and start-up development through three collaboration outputs (funding from Industry, research paper publication, patent applications, and registrations). The results of this empirical study showed that human resources for Industry-University linkage had a significant positive effect on funding from Industry, research paper publication, patent development, technology transfer and start-up development. Furthermore, funding from industry had a positive effect on research paper and patent applications and registrations. Additionally, patents had a positive effect on technology transfer and start-up creation development, while research paper development had a positive effect on technology transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to analyse the relationship between a firm's resources, innovation-oriented culture, dynamic capabilities, and cooperation performance – in partnerships between firms and Public Research Institutions (PRIs). Based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Perspective (DCP), a framework for innovation, and business performance in Industry-Public Research Institutions (I-PRIs) cooperation was developed and used. Data from 167 firms with experience in I-PRIs cooperation in Korea – were collected using a questionnaire survey. The results show that – a firm's financial and human resources are important factors to increase dynamic capabilities. In particular, a firm's innovation-oriented culture is a key factor in improving dynamic capabilities. On the other hand, a firm's physical resources did not significantly affect dynamic capabilities. However, a firm's 'dynamic capabilities' are important factors in determining I-PRIs cooperation innovation performance, while I-PRIs cooperation innovation performance is a key factor in determining I-PRIs cooperation business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ETS-related gene (ERG) fusion affects prostate cancer depending on the degree of expression of ERG. Solute Carrier Family 45 Member 3 (SLC45A3) is the second-most common 5′ partner gene of ERG rearrangement. However, the molecular pathological features of SLC45A3:ERG (S:E) fusion and therapeutic methods have not been studied at all. S:E fusion-positive cancers (n = 10) were selected from the Tumor Fusion Gene Data Portal website. Fusion-negative cancers (n = 50) were selected by sorting ERG expression level in descending order and selecting the bottom to 50th sample. Totally, 1325 ERG correlated genes were identified by a Pearson correlation test using over 0.3 of absolute correlation coefficiency (|R| > 0.3). Pathway analysis was performed using over-representation analysis of correlated genes, and seven cancer-related pathways (focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, Notch, receptor tyrosine kinase/PDGF, TGF-β, VEGFA, and Wnt signaling) were identified. In particular, focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/PI3K-Akt signaling and JAK-STAT signaling were significantly enriched in S:E fusion-positive prostate cancer. We further identified therapeutic targets and candidate drugs for S:E fusion-positive prostate cancer using gene–drug network analysis. Interestingly, PDGFRA and PDGFRB were the most frequently predicted therapeutic targets, and imatinib targeted both genes. In this study, we provide extensive information on cellular signaling pathways involved in S:E fusion-positive prostate cancer and also suggest therapeutic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, mung bean-based nanoporous activated carbons with different pore properties were prepared by varying the mass ratio of activating agent (KOH) and activation temperature. The low-temperature nitrogen adsorption analysis was used to characterize the effect of the KOH ratios and the activation temperatures on the textural properties and surface heterogeneity. The prepared ACs were further used to measure the adsorption capacity of CO2, CH4, and N2. We found that the adsorption amounts were highly dependent on the ultra-micropore volume (VD<0.8nm) rather than the surface area. Their adsorption characteristics were well explained by the polarizability and the adsorption energy distribution. The experimental adsorption isotherm data were well fitted to the Sips equation. The ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) was further applied to predict the adsorption selectivity of binary mixtures CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and CH4/N2 at 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a known steroid hormone, cortisol is involved in gluconeogenesis. Uninterrupted cortisol secretion has fatal effects, both physically and psychologically, because cortisol counteracts the immune response. Moxibustion (Mox) treatment is a traditional technique used in East Asia, which therapeutically transfers heat to certain points on the body surface. In the present study, the effect of Mox treatment on stress hormone secretion was investigated using a mouse model of starvation, in which Mox was applied on the Zhongwan acupoint (CV12). First, high cortisol levels induced by starvation were dose-dependently reduced by Mox treatment. In addition, the stress-induced decline in lymphoid progenitor cell production accompanied by altered cellularity in the thymus, bone marrow, and spleen was also significantly recovered by Mox treatment. Taken together, these findings indicated that Mox treatment reduces stress hormone secretion, which may rescue stress-induced lymphopoiesis impairment. These observations also suggested that enhanced resistance to stress may be one of the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of Mox treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although modular construction benefits from standardized and repeatable modules, clients for housing projects seek tailor-made designs, making mass customization necessary. However, challenges persist in promptly identifying and satisfying these unique client needs during the early design phase, despite previous research efforts to address this limitation. This paper introduces the Client-engaged Modular Housing Platform (CEMHP), a collaborative design framework for the early phase of modular housing projects that supports the capture of client requirements, their analysis, the creation of visual content, and the reception of feedback from clients in an integrated manner. The results indicate that CEMHP enhances client decision-making, improves collaboration, and reduces unnecessary repetition. However, further data collection from clients and the enhancement of an algorithm for recommending suitable design samples based on this data remain necessary. • Accommodating customized clients' requirements and preferences has become critical for modular housing projects. • Existing studies lack enhanced architectural collaboration and decision-making between clients and designers. • Client-Engaged Modular Housing Platform (CEMHP) is proposed for real-time collaboration between clients and designers. • CEMPH provides pre-set housing samples using the self-organizing map algorithm during the pre-design phase. • CEMPH facilitates client decision-making, reduces repetition, and increases client satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, and the majority of HE-associated defects occur due to qualitative and quantitative defects in the RBC membrane skeleton proteins α-spectrin, β-spectrin, or protein 4.1R. The complex EPB41 gene encodes a diverse family of protein 4.1R isoforms which are key components of the erythroid membrane skeleton that regulates red cell morphology and mechanical stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genome of a Korean patient with HE to discover the causative gene mutation using gene panel sequencing. Methods: An 89-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department and was diagnosed with pancreatitis and gallstones. A peripheral blood smear revealed that approximately 60% of the RBCs were abnormally shaped and appeared oval or elongated, from slightly egg-shaped to rod or pencil forms (elliptocytes). Targeted gene panel sequencing consisting of 33 genes related to inherited RBC disorders and Sanger sequencing were performed. Results: A heterozygous c.2112G > A of the EPB41 gene leading to premature termination codon (NM_001166005.1:c.2112G > A, p.Trp704*) was identified. This variant, which had not been previously reported to be related to HE, was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Thus, the patient's diagnosis of HE-1 was genetically confirmed. Conclusion: The present study confirmed a novel mutation of the EPB41 gene that plays an important role in expanding the mutational distribution in HE-1. It could also be helpful for understanding the correlation between the genotype and phenotype in HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sword bean has been known as a traditional medicinal plant to treat cancer, sinus infection, and suppurative disease. It also possesses hypertension-relieving, antioxidation, and antibacterial effects. However, studies on the efficacy of sword bean are limited to mature beans. Few studies have focused on immature sword bean pod (ISBP). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of ISBP in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were treated with ISBP at concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, and 5 mg/mL), levels of nitrite oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, protein, and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inflammatory cytokine secretion level, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity were determined. Under inflammatory conditions induced by LPS, ISBP reduced levels of inflammatory mediators NO and PGE2 by 60% and 23%, respectively. It also decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 known to synthesize inflammatory mediators. Inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, levels were decreased, while interferon gamma level was increased by ISBP based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real time-polymerase chain reaction results. Finally, ISBP showed the ability to inhibit NF-κB activity. In conclusion, ISBP can alleviate inflammation by controlling inflammation-related substances, and may have efficacy as a healthful functional food and natural anti-inflammatory drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate implant survival rate, any complications, and changes in residual alveolar bone height (RABH) using saline or platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) filling after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting. Methods: Dental implants were placed after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting and the filling of saline (20 patients) or PRF (20 patients). Outcome measurements were implant survival, any complications, and RABH changes. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken and compared preoperatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), at 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months postoperatively (T4), respectively. Results: In a total of 40 patients, 45 implants with a mean length of 10.4 ± 0.8 mm were placed in posterior maxilla of a mean RABH of 6.8 ± 1.1 mm. The increase in RABH peaked at T1, and continuous drooping of the sinus membrane was observed but stabilized at T3. Meanwhile, the gradual increase in the radiopacities was found below the lifted sinus membrane. The PRF filling induced the radiographic intrasinus bone gain of 2.6 ± 1.1 mm, which was significantly more than 1.7 ± 1.0 mm of saline filling at T4 (p <.05). All the implants were in function with no significant complications over the one‐year follow‐up period. Conclusions: In this randomized case–control study, the feasibility of hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting without bone graft was confirmed and PRF might be a better filler to support the elevated sinus membrane. However, adjunctive bone grafting should still be indicated for cases requiring more than 2–3 mm of intrasinus bone gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Environmental pollutants may alter neuronal and cardiac development. • Mouse ESCs can be a useful tool to investigate early developmental toxicities. • This review suggests how they act on the viability of ESCs and/or early stages of cardiac and neuronal development. Pesticides, antibiotics, and industrial excipients are widely used in agriculture, medicine, and chemical industry, respectively. They often end up in the environment, not only being not easily decomposed but also being accumulated. Moreover, they may cause serious toxic problems such as reproductive and developmental defects, immunological toxicity, and carcinogenesis. Hence, they are called environmental pollutants. It is known that the environmental pollutants easily enter the body through various channels such as respiration, ingestion of food, and skin contact etc. in everyday life. If they enter the mother through the placenta, they can cause the disturbance in embryo development as well as malfunction of organs after birth because early prenatal developmental process is highly sensitive to toxic chemicals and stress. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that consist of inner cell mass of blastocyst differentiate into distinct cell lineages via three germ layers such as the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm due to their pluripotency. The differentiation process initiated from ESCs reflects dynamic nature of embryonic development. Therefore, ESCs have been used as a useful tool to investigate early developmental toxicities of a variety of stress. Based on relatively recent scientific results, this review would address toxicity of a few chemical substances that have been widely used as pesticide, antibiotics, and industrial excipient on ESCs based-prenatal developmental process. This review further suggests how they act on the viability of ESCs and/or early stages of cardiac and neuronal development derived from ESCs as well as on expression of pluripotency and/or differentiation markers through diverse mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is caused by an energy imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, and has detrimental effects on human health. Platycodon (Platycodon grandiflorum) widely grows in Korea, Japan, and China. It has long been used for food and as a medicinal product. However, the mechanism of the improvement of obesity by platycodon was still not clear. Therefore, we investigated the detailed mechanisms of the antiobesity activity of platycodon extracts. Twenty mice (C57BL/6J) were placed into five groups. The test group received 1 g/kg platycodon extracts. The positive control group received 10 mg/kg orlistat, while the negative control and normal control groups received phosphate-buffered saline. The extracts were given orally daily for 8 weeks. The in vivo treatment of platycodon extracts reduced body weight gain by 7.5%, improved plasma lipid profiles. In the groups given platycodon extracts, leptin was significantly decreased whereas adiponectin was increased. Furthermore, platycodon extracts downregulated lipogenic gene (e.g., lipoprotein lipase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase) expression and increased lipolysis genes (e.g., carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α, hormone-sensitive lipase, and uncoupling proteins 2) in liver and white adipose tissue. In addition, platycodon extracts inhibited the expression of key adipogenic transcriptional factors. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that platycodon extracts ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity and its related metabolic disease by regulating multiple pathways. Dietary supplementation of platycodon extracts as a functional food and medicinal ingredients may be suitable for prevention and treatment of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the possible dialogue between Catholic Philosopher Lonergan and Zen (Seon) Master Chinul in the light of enlightenment or conversion as 'Christian enlightenment'. Keeping in mind that Zen Buddhism puts much stress on 'direct cutting' or 'intuition' rather than language or knowing, this comparative study examines Lonergan's 'transcendental epistemology' in which he shows how humans could reach 'conversion' (Metanoia) or 'Christian enlightenment' with Chinul's idea of Buddha-nature as 'mystical or spiritual knowing'(靈智). Such 'enlightenment-centered' comparison will suggest a 'deeper dialogue' on the level of fundamental human consciousness, such that this study could be a suggestion or even a challenge for both Eastern and Western religious traditions by expanding the horizon of interreligious dialogue for a new and deeper way of promoting such dialogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issues over increases in energy demand and environmental pollution attributed to excessive use of fossil fuel have been the driving forces of the exploration for eco-friendly resource. Lignocellulosic biomass consisting of carbohydrates and lignin can be a renewable feedstock for replacing fossil fuels in the future because it is a plentiful and carbon neutral material. Especially, lignin, cross-linked phenolic polymers, is a topic of interest owing to its abundant production from pulp/paper industries as well as lignocellulose based biorefinery. The large potential of platform chemicals and biofuels from lignin has opened up an extensive range of opportunities to develop thermal and catalytic conversion technology. Over a few decades, several lignin conversion processes including catalytic pyrolysis, catalytic depolymerization, and catalytic oxidation have been developed to improve target products yields and to suppress side reactions. More recently, lignin-first approaches which maintain carbohydrates intact by selective extraction of lignin as valuable phenolics from whole biomass has been suggested. This review introduces recent ten years progress on thermal and catalytic conversion technology in terms of process type, catalyst development, and target products. This review is expected to offer an influential information for future research into the thermal and catalytic conversion of lignin as well as lignocellulosic feedstock. • Recent discoveries in thermal and catalytic lignin conversion are introduced. • A proper conversion process should be considered depending on the lignin type. • Catalyst plays a decisive role in product distribution and selectivity in process. • The challenges and future perspective of each process is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed low temperature-aged garlic (LTAG) to remove its unique and spicy flavor and evaluated the anti-fatigue properties of LTAG against exercise-induced fatigue in mice. In the results, the treadmill running time to exhaustion in the mice fed LTAG was prolonged compared with the control. There was significant difference in blood parameters of glucose, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and free fatty acid (FFA) concentration between the LTAG-fed mice and the control. In addition, LTAG effectively increased the content of glycogen and creatine kinase and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the muscle. The mechanism underlying the anti-fatigue activity of LTAG is hypothesized to involve increase in postexercise tissue glycogen accumulation to improve the aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity. LTAG may have an ergogenic effect on endurance exercise while decreasing the levels of FFA, LDH, and lactate, which are associated with the anti-fatigue effect. Thus, LTAG has potential as a pharmacological anti-fatigue agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption characteristics of light gases on basalt rock-based zeolite 4A (BR zeolite-4A) were systematically investigated to evaluate its potential application as an alternative adsorbent for adsorption-based separation processes. We used alkali fusion and hydrothermal procedure to prepare the nanostructured adsorbent, BR zeolite-4A, which was characterized with field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and carbon dioxide adsorption apparatus. The single component adsorption equilibrium for CO2, CH4, N2 and H2 on the BR zeolite-4A was volumetrically determined using a nanoPOROSITY adsorption analyzer at the temperature range from (288.15 to 308.15) K and pressure range from (0.1 to 110) kPa. The experimental results indicate that BR zeolite-4A showed higher adsorption capacities for CO2 compared to other light gases, indicating the suitable porous material for selective separation by adsorption. Three different isotherm equations, Langmuir, Toth, and Sips, were used to correlate the adsorption isotherm data and the most reasonable results obtained from the Sips model irrespective of the adsorption isotherm types. Isosteric heat of adsorption and adsorption energy distribution function values were calculated and used to further examine the surface energetic heterogeneity of BR zeolite-4A. The pure component adsorption isotherm results were also used to predict the adsorption selectivity for CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, CO2/H2, and CH4/H2 binary mixtures (50:50) at different pressure ranges using ideal adsorbed solution theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Academic ethical awareness is an important aspect especially for nursing students who will provide ethical nursing care to patients in future or try to tread the path of learning toward professional acknowledgement in nursing scholarship. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore academic ethical awareness and its related characteristics among undergraduate nursing students. Methods: This study commenced the survey with cross-sectional, descriptive questions and enrolled convenient samples of 581 undergraduate nursing students from three universities in South Korea. It was investigated with structured questionnaires including general characteristics and academic ethical awareness related. Ethical considerations: This study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at National University. Findings: Academic ethical awareness was the highest regarding behaviors violating the respect or confidentiality of patients and cheating on exams, while it was the lowest for inappropriate behaviors in class. From the result of general characteristics difference, male students showed higher score than female students in relative; first-year students showed higher score than other year students; the higher score was rated from students who were highly satisfied with their major than the other not satisfied with their major; and students with low academic stress showed higher ethical awareness score than persons with higher stress. Conclusion: Personal behaviors were rated with low ethical awareness in relative, but items related to public rules and actual effects on patients or others were rated with higher score. Nursing satisfaction and academic stress are main factors on ethical awareness. To improve overall ethical awareness level of nursing students, it is required to provide more education about the importance of personal behaviors in class and need to improve the understanding of how it will be connected with future situation and effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is an unusual disease occurring in pregnancy that originates from abnormal trophoblastic cells and comprises a group of diseases with different properties of invasion, metastasis and recurrence. The GTD group includes hydatidiform moles and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (GTNs), with GTNs being divided into invasive moles, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumors and epithelioid trophoblastic tumors. The present review focuses on current effective treatments for GTD, including conventional and novel promising direct enzyme prodrug therapies (DEPTs). Conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and hysterectomy, are currently used in a clinical setting; however, the use of diverse DEPTs, including antibody-DEPT and gene-DEPT is also being attempted to cure GTNs. In addition, gene delivery tools using genetically engineered neural stem cells (NSCs) are presently being examined for the treatment of GTNs. The tumor-tropism of NSCs by chemoattractant factors is a unique characteristic of these cells and can serve as a vehicle to deliver anticancer agents. Previous studies have demonstrated that injection with NSC-expressing suicide genes into xenograft animal models has a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Stem cells can be genetically engineered to express anticancer genes, which migrate to the metastatic sites and selectively target cancer cells, and are considered to effectively target metastatic GTNs. However, the safety issue of stem cell therapy, such as tumorigenesis, remains a challenge. Novel therapies comprising a combination of conventional and novel promising treatments are anticipated to be definitive treatments for metastasized and/or recurrent patients with GTNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to obtain sustainable H 2 , the catalytic steam reforming of acetic acid derived from biomass was performed by using the catalysts modified with basic promoters (Mg, La, Cu, and K). La and K increased the total basicity of Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 by 30.6% and 93.4%, respectively, which could induce ketonization, producing acetone. In contrast, Mg reduced the number of middle and strong basic sites by 17.2% and improved the number of weak basic sites by 5% for Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 , which promoted the steam reforming of acetic acid (ca. 100% of H 2 and carbon selectivity at even 450 °C) without ketonization. Moreover, the amount of carbon deposited on Ni/Mg/γ-Al 2 O 3 was 55.1% less than that deposited on Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3. When Cu was employed, the conversion was ca. 60% with less than 70% of H 2 selectivity, at all temperatures considered herein. Highlights • A Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 modified by basic metals for sustainable hydrogen production in catalytic steam reforming of acetic acid. • Ni/Mg/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst presented the best performance for production of hydrogen and suppression of coking. • H 2 and carbon selectivity have achieved 100% in the steam reforming of acetic acid over Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 modified by Mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common type of arthritis, which is caused by degenerative damage of the cartilage, which primarily protects the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo and in vitro effects of treatment with ZPE-LR (90% EtOH extract of Zanthoxylum piperitum ) on pain severity and inflammation. When using an in vivo OA model MIA (monosodiumidoacetate-induced arthritis) rats, ZPE-LR (100 mg/kg) oral-administratio significantly inhibited MIA-induced change in loaded weight ratio on the left foot, and articular cartilage thickness. To confirm the positive effects on pain relief, acetic acid, heat and formalin-induced pain were remarkably decreased by 50 and 100 mg/kg ZPE-LR oral-administration. Pain related KCNJ6 mRNA expression as well as K + current was increased after ZPE-LR treatment in BV-2 cells. To confirm the positive effects on inflammation, TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) induced inflammation measured by mouse ear thickness and biopsy punch weight and TPA-induced iNOS, COX-2 mRNA and protein expression were remarkably suppressed by 50 and 100 mg/kg ZPE-LR oral-administration. In addition, TPA-induced iNOS, COX-2 mRNA level and protein expression were reduced. Acetic acid, heat and formalin-induced pain were remarkably decreased by 50 and 100 mg/kg ZPE-LR oral-administration. We examined in vitro ZPE-LR effects in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. LPS-induced p65 translocation to the nucleus was prohibited by ZPE-LR 100 μg/ml oral administration. Moreover, ROS generation by LPS was significantly inhibited by ZPE-LR 50 and 100 μg/ml treatment. To investigate new ZPE-LR activating mechanisms, the gene fishing method (not a typical term, should probably use PCR based genetic screening) was used. LPS-induced HPRT1 (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1) was decreased by ZPE-LR. However, RPL8 (Ribosomal protein L8) which showed no change in mRNA expression due to LPS, did show increased mRNA levels after ZPE-LR treatment. Our data elucidate mechanisms underlying ZPE-LR and suggest ZPE-LR may be a potential therapeutic agent to modulate osteoarthritis inflammation and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Accurate assessment of the presence and progression of bone metastases will guide individual treatment plans. Sophisticated cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), have gained favor due to their superior soft tissue contrast and resolution without the need for ionizing radiation. Many DWIS are available on clinical scanners, which show promise for objective assessment of bone metastases. Background: The purpose of this study is to compare turbo spin echo diffusion-weighted images in radial trajectory (BLADE DWI) with multi-shot echoplanar imaging (RESOLVE DWI) for imaging the metastatic lesion in the pelvic bone to find a correlation between ADC values and standardized uptake values (SUVs) of FDG uptake in PET/CT. The study also seeks to compare the values of metastatic lesions with those of benign bone lesions, specifically red marrow hyperplasia. Methods: The retrospective IRB-approved study included patients with bone metastasis and red marrow hyperplasia in the pelvic bone who underwent 3.0 T MRI with BLADE/RESOLVE DWI sequences and F-18 FDG PET/CT within one month. BVC (best value comparator) was used in determining the nature of bone lesions. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and standardized uptake value (SUV) were measured by a radiologist and a nuclear medicine physician. MRI image quality was graded with a Likert scale regarding the visualization of the sacroiliac joint, sacral neural foramen, hamstring tendon at ischial tuberosity, and tumor border. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and imaging time were compared between the two DWIs. Mean, peak, and maximum SUVs between metastatic and benign red marrow lesions were compared. SUVs and ADC values were compared. AUROC analyses and cut-off values were obtained for each parameter. Mann–Whitney U, Spearman's rho, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests were applied using SPSS. Results: The final study group included 58 bone lesions (19 patients (male: female = 6:13, age 52.5 ± 9.6, forty-four (75.9%) bone metastasis, fourteen (24.1%) benign red marrow hyperplasia). ADCs from BLADE and RESOLVE were significantly higher in bone metastasis than red marrow hyperplasia. BLADE showed higher ADC values, higher anatomical scores, and higher SNR than RESOLVE DWI (p < 0.05). Imaging times were longer for BLADE than RESOLVE (6 min 3 s vs. 3 min 47 s, p < 0.05). There was a poor correlation between ADC values and SUVs (correlation coefficient from 0.04 to 0.31). The AUROC values of BLADE and RESOLVE MRI ranged from 0.892~0.995. Those of PET ranged from 0.877~0.895. The cut-off ADC values between the bone metastasis and red marrow hyperplasia were 355.0, 686.5, 531.0 for BLADE min, max, and average, respectively, and 112.5, 737.0, 273.0 for RESOLVE min, max, and average, respectively. The cut-off SUV values were 1.84, 5.01, and 3.81 for mean, peak, and max values, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with RESOLVE DWI, BLADE DWI showed improved image quality of pelvic bone MRI in the aspect of anatomical depiction and SNR, higher ADC values, albeit longer imaging time. BLADE and RESOLVE could differentiate bone metastasis and red marrow hyperplasia with quantifiable cut-off values. Further study is necessary to evaluate the discrepancy between the quantifiers between PET and MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot reaction was performed to produce oxygen-free saturated hydrocarbons via the catalytic deoxygenation and hydrogenation of waste soybean oil over a hybrid catalyst (Pd/C and NiO/γ-Al2O3). We utilized in situ hydrogen generated from a reforming reaction of glycerol, a byproduct of triglyceride hydrolysis, for the one-pot reaction to produce hydrocarbons. When NiO/γ-Al2O3 (2 g) was used along with Pd/C (1 g), most of the unsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) were hydrogenated into saturated FFAs, and the percentage of desirable hydrocarbons in the liquid product increased, in contrast to the case when only Pd/C (1 g) was used. This result means that using a hybrid catalyst is better for promoting the catalytic deoxygenation reaction than increasing the degree of loading of Pd/C, and suggests that it should be possible to decrease the amount of precious metal catalysts to be used for deoxygenation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels are regarded as one of the most viable options for reduction of CO 2 emissions in the transport sector. However, conventional plant-based biofuels (e.g., biodiesel, bioethanol)’s share of total transportation-fuel consumption in 2016 was very low, about 4%, due to several major limitations including shortage of raw materials, low CO 2 mitigation effect, blending wall, and poor cost competitiveness. Advanced biofuels such as drop-in, microalgal, and electro biofuels, especially from inedible biomass, are considered to be a promising solution to the problem of how to cope with the growing biofuel demand. In this paper, recent developments in oxy-free hydrocarbon conversion via catalytic deoxygenation reactions, the selection of and lipid-content enhancement of oleaginous microalgae, electrochemical biofuel conversion, and the diversification of valuable products from biomass and intermediates are reviewed. The challenges and prospects for future development of eco-friendly and economically advanced biofuel production processes also are outlined herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine readily adsorbs onto almost all kinds of surfaces and develops cohesive strength through self-polymerization; hence, aqueous solutions of dopamine can be used as adhesives. These properties were used to prevent the degradation in the mechanical properties of recycled PLA fabricated by 3D printer. The mechanical properties of 3D printed PLA play a critical role in determining its applications. To reduce the manufacturing cost as well as environmental pollutants, recycling of 3D printed materials has attracted many attentions. However, recycling of polymeric materials causes the degradation of the mechanical properties. Our study is aimed at advancing the current knowledge on the adhesion behavior of polydopamine coatings on PLA pellets used in 3D printing process. Polydopamine was synthesized by oxidative polymerization and used to coat PLA specimens. The adhesion behavior and mechanical properties of the 3D printed specimens were evaluated by tensile tests. It was found that the mechanical properties of recycled specimen with polydopamine coating have been improved. Microstructural and chemical characterization of the coated specimens was carried out using FE-SEM, FTIR, and XPS analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with normal functions of natural hormones in the body, leading to a disruption of the endocrine system. Specifically, EDCs have the potential to cause formation of several hormone-dependent cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by which epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion and acquire mesenchymal phenotype is closely associated with malignant transformation and the initiation of cancer metastasis. As a key epithelial marker responsible for adherens junction, E-cadherin enables the cells to maintain epithelial phenotypes. EMT event is induced by E-cadherin loss which can be carried out by many transcription factors (TFs), including Snail, Slug, ZEB1, ZEB2, Kruppel-like factor 8 (KLF8), and Twist. N-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin are mesenchymal markers needed for cellular migration. The EMT process is regulated by several signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Wnt–β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and receptor tyrosine kinases. In the present article, we reviewed the current understanding of cancer progression effects of synthetic chemical EDCs such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, tetrachlorodibenzo -p- dioxin (TCDD), and triclosan by focusing their roles in the EMT process. Collectively, the majority of previous studies revealed that BPA, phthalates, TCDD, and triclosan have the potential to induce cancer metastasis through regulating EMT markers and migration via several signaling pathways associated with the EMT program. Therefore, it is considered that the exposure to these EDCs can increase the risk aggravating the disease for the patients suffering cancer and that more regulations about the use of these EDCs are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a phytoestrogen, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) plays a chemopreventive role by inhibiting cancer progression. In this study, we examined the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2), two endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), triclosan (TCS) and bisphenol A (BPA), and DIM on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic behaviors of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. An in vitro assay revealed that E2 (10 −9 M), TCS (10 −5 –10 −7 M), and BPA (10 −5 –10 −7 M) induced MCF-7 cell proliferation compared to a control through the ER pathway. In addition, E2, TCS, and BPA changed the cell morphology from the epithelial to the mesenchymal phenotype and increased the migration and invasion capacity of MCF-7 cells via ER; however, co-treatment with DIM (20 μM) effectively suppressed E2, TCS, and BPA-induced cell proliferation, EMT, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 cells. Western blot assay revealed that DIM regulated the protein expression of EMT- and metastasis-related genes toward the inhibition of these processes. Moreover, E2, TCS, and BPA increased the protein expression of CXCR4, which is a receptor of chemokine CXCL12 that is positively involved in breast cancer metastasis via an ER-dependent pathway. Conversely, DIM and a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) decreased CXCR4 protein expression, which led to inhibition of the EMT process, indicating that DIM may suppress E2, TCS or BPA-induced EMT, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by suppressing CXCR4 protein expression. These in vitro effects of E2, TCS, BPA, and DIM were also identified in a xenografted mouse model transplanted with MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Taken together, DIM is a potent chemopreventive compound for preventing metastatic behaviors of breast cancer cells induced by EDCs with cancer-related toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared a disc-shaped porous stainless steel (PSS) support for hydrogen separation Pd membrane via metal injection molding (MIM) method to facilitate the mass production of porous substrates. MIMed PSS supports obtained in a batch showed relatively higher apparent porosity (from 32.75% to 39.28%) than that reported for commercially available PSS substrate. In addition, the surface morphologies of the MIMed PSS, surface roughness of 1.119 μm and pore depth of 8.6 μm, indicate its suitability as a membrane support than the commercially available one. Pd membrane prepared over MIMed PSS, which was modified by a simple axial pressing method to control the surface morphologies, had a thinner Pd layer, 2.94 μm, and showed an extremely higher ideal H 2 /N 2 selectivity with a hydrogen permeation flux of 21.3 ml/min/cm 2 at del-P = 1 bar and 400 °C, compared with Pd membrane over MIMed PSS modified with conventional surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sol-gel nanoporous capturing technology represents a powerful approach where the sol-gel matrix constrains the motion of the encapsulated biomolecules (proteins, peptides, chemicals, antibodies, nucleotides, etc.) without physical adsorption or any modifications. This technology can be applied to multiplex immunoassay platform because several disease markers can be immobilized and tested at once. In this study, we have tested several thousand specimens using Hi3-1 Multiplex human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) 1/2 and hepatitis C virus ( HCV) antibody detection kit at two clinical trials institutes. These results showed a highest sensitivity (100%, n = 500 HIV-positive specimens and n = 400 HCV-positive) and specificity (99.99% for HIV and 99.83% for HCV, n = 7706 negative specimens) by using Hi3-1 kit, which screens HIV1/2 and HCV antibodies simultaneously. Finally, we suggested that our screening technology was successfully utilized as a multiplex HIV and HCV diagnostic tool for blood bank screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thin and highly selective Pd/ZrO 2 /Ni membrane (Pd layer: 3.4–3.7 μm) was fabricated using repetitive cycles of sputtering and polishing processes without any further thermal treatment. Based on the results of a vacuum leak test through the membrane, the polishing step could effectively eliminate some of the defects formed between Pd columns by filling and surface flattening. The prepared Pd membrane exhibited a high hydrogen permeation flux (31.7 ml/min/cm 2 ) and a significantly high H 2 /N 2 selectivity at del-P = 1 bar and 400 °C. The membrane selectivity remained significantly high (24,157 at del-P = 20 bar) even under a large pressure difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic deoxygenation reaction of crude Jatropha oil (CJO) was carried out to produce oxy-free hydrocarbons in assistance with hydrogen in-situ produced from formic acid solution (30%) and addition effect of formic acid was discussed on the deoxygenation reaction and product distribution. Mixing of formic acid with reactant yielded higher oil conversion and higher selectivity to normal hydrocarbon (mainly C 15 and C 17 ) than those of the other cases (no mixing or water addition). Total surface area and total pore volume of used catalysts in the batch reactor followed the order Pd/C–formic acid solution > Pd/C–water > Pd/C–no co-reactant under constant conditions. Moreover, significantly higher degree of deoxygenation with a high initial resistance to catalyst deactivation was observed on Pd/C catalyst in the presence of formic acid during the continuous catalytic reaction. This means that addition of formic acid solution as the hydrogen donor is favorable the deoxygenation reaction and the initial deactivation of catalyst. As results of continuous deoxygenation reaction using the mixture of oil and formic acid, normal hydrocarbon in the liquid product was main product, about 97%, and the degree of deoxygenation was about 99.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in tumor progression. The cells undergoing EMT upregulate the expression of cell motility-related proteins and show enhanced migration and invasion. The hallmarks of EMT in cancer cells include changed cell morphology and increased metastatic capabilities in cell migration and invasion. Therefore, prevention of EMT is an important tool for the inhibition of tumor metastasis. A novel preventive therapy is needed, such as treatment of natural dietary substances that are nontoxic to normal human cells, but effective in inhibiting cancer cells. Phytoestrogens, such as genistein, resveratrol, kaempferol and 3,31-diindolylmethane (DIM), can be raised as possible candidates. They are plant-derived dietary estrogens, which are found in tea, vegetables and fruits, and are known to have various biological efficacies, including chemopreventive activity against cancers. Specifically, these phytoestrogens may induce not only anti-proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, but also anti-metastasis by inhibiting the EMT process in various cancer cells. There have been several signaling pathways found to be associated with the induction of the EMT process in cancer cells. Phytoestrogens were demonstrated to have chemopreventive effects on cancer metastasis by inhibiting EMT-associated pathways, such as Notch-1 and TGF-beta signaling. As a result, phytoestrogens can inhibit or reverse the EMT process by upregulating the expression of epithelial phenotypes, including E-cadherin, and downregulating the expression of mesenchymal phenotypes, including N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, and vimentin. In this review, we focused on the important roles of phytoestrogens in inhibiting EMT in many types of cancer and suggested phytoestrogens as prominent alternative compounds to chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The condensation heat transfer efficiencies of superhydrophobic surfaces that have ∼160° contact angle under atmospheric conditions were investigated experimentally. The departing diameter and the contact angle hysteresis of droplets were measured by capturing front and tilted side views of condensation phenomena with a high speed camera and an endoscope, respectively. Condensation behaviors on the surface were observed at the micro-scale using an Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Apparently-spherical droplets formed at very low heat flux q″ ∼20 kW/m but hemispherical droplets formed at high q″ ∼440 kW/m. At high q″, heat transfer coefficients were lower on the superhydrophobic surface than on a hydrophobic surface although the superhydrophobic surface is water repellent so droplets roll off. The results of contact angle hysteresis and ESEM image revealed that the reduced heat transfer of the surface can be attributed to the large size of departing droplets caused by adhesive condensed droplets at nucleation sites. The results suggest that the effect of q″ or degree of sub-cooling of a condensation wall determine the droplet shape, which is closely related to removal rates of condensates and finally to the heat transfer coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the primary female sex steroid hormones, estrogens and progesterone play important roles to regulate growth, differentiation, and function of a broad range of target tissues in the human body and maintain the function of female reproductive tissues. Ovarian cancer is the most cause of cancer death in gynecological malignancy. Despite enormous outcomes in the understanding of ovarian cancer pathology, this disease has resulted in poor survival rates since most patients are asymptomatic until the disease has been metastasized. The exact molecular events leading to metastasis of ovarian tumor cells have not yet been well elucidated, although it is recognized that the acquisition of capacity for migration and invasiveness would be a necessary prerequisite. During metastasis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process, in which epithelial cells lose their intracellular adhesion and cell polarity and acquire increased motility and invasive properties to become mesenchymal like cells. The process of cancer cells to undergo EMT is regulated through the up- and down- regulation of a multiple cellular markers and signaling proteins. In this review, we focused the roles of women sex steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in ovarian cancer, especially the ovarian cancer undergoing EMT and metastatic process. All things considered, we may suggest that progesterone is a potent hormone which inhibits the growth of human ovarian cancer cells and development to metastasis whereas estrogen may act as a risk factor of ovarian cancer progression and that progesterone therapy may be an alternative clinically effective tool for the treatment of human ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was done to investigate the effects of comprehensive care program on cardiopulmonary function, muscle strength, immune response, and quality of life in ovarian cancer survivors. Participants were 40 ovarian cancer survivors, 20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group, at C university hospital gynecological cancer center from May 2009, to December 2010. The treatment was a comprehensive care program for 8 weeks consisting of group education and self-help group support, home-based exercise, and relaxation. Data were analyzed by t test and repeated-measures ANOVA. Cardiopulmonary function, measured by 12-min walk distance; muscle strength, measured by the chair-stand test; and quality of life were more increased in the experimental group. But immune response was not statistically significant. These results indicate that the comprehensive care program is an effective nursing intervention to improve cardiopulmonary function, muscle strength, and quality of life in ovarian cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a phytoestrogen, kaempferol (Kaem) is one of bioflavonoids, which are found in a variety of vegetables including broccoli, tea and tomato. In this study, the antiproliferative effects of Kaem in triclosn (TCS)-induced cell growth were examined in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. TCS promoted the cell viability of MCF-7 cells via estrogen receptor α (ERα) as did 17β-estradiol (E2), a positive control. On the other hand, Kaem significantly suppressed E2 or TCS-induced cell growth. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of TCS and Kaem, alterations in the expressions of cell cycle, apoptosis and metastasis-related genes were identified using western blot assay. The treatment of the cells with TCS up-regulated the protein expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin E and cathepsin D, while down-regulated p21 and bax expressions. Kaem reversed TCS-induced gene expressions in an opposite manner. The phosphorylation of IRS-1, AKT, MEK1/2 and ERK was increased by TCS, indicating that TCS induced MCF-7 cell proliferation via nongenomic ER signaling pathway associated with IGF-1R. Kaem presented an antagonistic activity on this signaling by down-regulating the protein expression of pIRS-1, pAkt and pMEK1/2 promoted by E2 or TCS. In an in vivo xenografted mouse model, tumor growth was induced by treatment with E2 or TCS, which was identified in the measurement of tumor volume, hematoxylin and eosin staining, bromodeoxyuridine and immunohistochemistry assay. On the contrary, E2 or TCS-induced breast tumor growth was inhibited by co-treatment with Kaem, which is consistent with in vitro results. Taken together, these results revealed that Kaem has an anticancer effect against procancer activity of E2 or TCS, a xenoestrogen, in breast cancer and may be suggested as a prominent agent to neutralize breast cancer risk caused by TCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, discolored silver grid lines in crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, known as snail trails, have been an enormous concern to the solar industry even they do not appear to compromise the electrical performance of the module. In this study, the chemical and structural origins of the snail trail, especially focusing on the silver grid lines, have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive analysis method was applied. It was proved that Raman spectroscopy is powerful tool for non-destructive failure analysis. It was found that brownish or dark discolored silver fingers are due to the formation of silver acetate as well as its reaction with encapsulant. Silver acetate was synthesized by silver carbonate originated from the reaction of Ag ions and carbon dioxide and acetic acid that originated from the degradation of the encapsulant. In order to verify analysis results, the reproduction of snail trails were performed under lab environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tailor-made DPSS (disc-shaped porous stainless steel substrate) for a thin and dense hydrogen membrane with high performance was fabricated by molding pre-treated metal powder, sintering an ingot and then slicing by electrical discharge machining. The sliced DPSS has a diameter of 50.8 mm and a thickness of 1.6 mm. In comparison with commercially produced support (DPSS-M), the sliced DPSS, having surface roughness of 2.7, maximum surface pore size of about 2 μm, porosity of 33.1% and average pore diameter of 0.58 μm, is more suitable as the support for the thinner Pd membrane. The hydrogen membrane with Pd layer of 4.4 μm was prepared and its performance was evaluated. It was shown that the Pd/DPSS membrane had a higher H 2 /N 2 selectivity (3825) with a hydrogen flux of 24.7 ml/min/cm 2 , than that of Pd/DPSS-M (1821), at del-P = 1 and 400 °C, even though the surface morphologies of DPSS had been modified with less steps than DPSS-M. For CO 2 /H 2 separation, the Pd/DPSS membrane enriched 40% CO 2 to 90.8% and separated 60% H 2 to 99.8% at 400 °C and del-P = 20 bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic conversion of non-edible oil was carried out over a Pd-based zeolite catalyst in a single-step process (SSP) with no added hydrogen to examine the possibility of the direct production of hydrocarbons in the ranges of jet fuel. The conversion of stearic acid, a model fatty acid compound, reached 100% and the proportion of hydrocarbons in the jet-fuel range was 69.3% over a Pd/beta-zeolite catalyst at 270 °C in a SSP. In addition, the obtained jet-fuel was composed of normal, isomer, and aromatic hydrocarbons, all of which were oxygen-free compounds. Through the catalytic conversion of raw materials, waste soy bean oil (SBO) and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD), a high-quality jet-fuel product was also obtained in a SSP. The degree of oxygen removal was approximately 95% for the conversions of SBO and PFAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the adsorption behavior of typical dyestuffs (methylene blue and reactive black 5) on hollow activated carbon fibers (ACFs) obtained from Kapok- and Hasuo-seed based biomass. It was found that the adsorption of dyestuffs on ACFs increased with increasing pH and temperature. In addition, the Hasuo-seed based ACFs showed higher adsorption capacities than the Kapok-seed based ACFs for dyestuffs. It was also determined from the adsorption energy distribution results that the ACFs are having energetically heterogeneous surfaces. The results clearly indicated that the prepared ACF in this study could efficiently remove dyes dissolved in water. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Scrub typhus, transmitted through chigger mite bites, is a febrile disease associated with agricultural activities and primarily occurs in autumn. To address the increasing number of cases with scrub typhus over the past 3 years, we analyzed activity, visit history, and occupation data of 12,462 cases reported to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) between January 2019 and December 2021. We examined changes in incidence and general characteristics by visualizing the incidence and eschar bite locations using population data and a geographic information system. Gyeongsangnam‐do had the highest overall incidence rate (22.7%), followed by Jeollanam‐do (19.0%) and Jeollabuk‐do (11.2%), during the study period. However, when considering the incidence rate per 100,000 people, Jeollanam‐do had the highest number of cases at 129.1, followed by Gyeongsangnam‐do (85.1 cases) and Jeollabuk‐do (78.1 cases). Most cases were women (61.0%) in their 70s (28.4%), and the highest incidence occurred in the agricultural worker group during autumn (October–December). Bites occurred most frequently in the abdomen (18.1%), and fever (79.2%) and muscle pain (49.8%) were the main symptoms. We also found a positive correlation (r = 0.848) between chigger mite populations and disease outbreaks over 3 years. In conclusion, it is crucial to provide education on identifying the habitats of chigger mites and rodents (vectors), as well as the appropriate application of repellents. Promoting awareness and preventive measures against infectious diseases is of utmost importance for rural areas and the general public who frequently come into contact with natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoestrogens are phenolic compounds derived from plants and exert an estrogenic as well as an antiestrogenic effect and also various biological efficacies. Chemopreventive properties of phytoestrogens has emerged from epidemiological observations indicating that the incidence of some cancers including breast and prostate cancers is much lower in Asian people, who consume significantly higher amounts of phytoestrogens than Western people. There are 4 main classes of phytoestrogens: isoflavones, stilbenes, coumestans, and lignans. Currently, resveratrol is recognized as another major phytoestrogen present in grape and red wine and has been studied in many biological studies. Phytoestrogens have biologically diverse profitabilities and advantages such as low cytotoxicity to patients, lack of side effects in clinical trials, and pronounced benefits in a combined therapy. In this review, we highlighted the effects of genistein, daidzein, and resveratrol in relation with their anticarcinogenic activity. A lot of in vitro and in vivo results on their chemopreventive properties were presented along with the underlying mechanisms. Besides well-known mechanisms such as antioxidant property and apoptosis, newly elucidated anticarcinogenic modes of action including epigenetic modifications and topoisomerase inhibition have been provided to examine the possibility of phytoestrogens as promising reagents for cancer chemoprevention and/or treatment and to suggest the importance of plant-based diet of phytoestrogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor that dimerizes with aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT). This complex binds to xenobiotics response element (XREs), and then starts the expressions of downstream genes including cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 family members: CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1. Role of CYP1 family is involved in the metabolism of endogenous hormones, xenobiotics and drug. The expression of CYP1 family is regulated by estradiol (E2) or xenobiotics in diverse cancers. In breast cancers expressing estrogen receptors (ERs), level of CYP1B1 is increased by E2 and reversed by an estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182,780 or 4-hydrotamoxifen, which indicates that the expression of CYP1 family in downstream region of AhR is regulated by an activation of ERα. In metabolic pathways, E2 is converted into 4-hydroxyestradiol by CYP1B1, which can be converted into mainly estradiol-3,4-quinone, a potential carcinogen, by peroxidase. Increased expression of CYP1 family indicates the possibility of carcinogenesis by exposure of xenobiotics in endometrial and ovarian cancers. Apart from roles of CYP1 family in relation with ER pathway, CYP1 family is over-expressed in ER independent cancers. CYP1A1 exhibits hydroxylase activity in oxidation of arachidonic acid, which has been transformed to 12(R)-hydrxyeicosatetraenoic (HETEs), a potent activator of AhR activity. On the basis of results, phytoestrogens and dexamethasone are provided as cancer therapy regulating the expression of CYP1 family. Thus, this review focuses on the role(s) of CYP1 family in ER-dependent or ER-independent cancers and the potential for cancer therapy to target CYP1 family in these cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil is a common cooking ingredient used in the commercial food industry as the second largest consumed vegetable oil in the world. Because of its lower cost and highly saturated nature, it usually maintains a solid form at room temperature and is used as a cheap substitute for butter. However, there has been a growing health concern about palm oil because of the link between dietary fats and coronary heart disease. Palm oil contains ∼49% saturated fat, a relatively high concentration compared with other vegetable oils. Consequently, high intakes of saturated fat from palm oil induce a larger increase in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins. In the present study, we examined the hyperlipidemia of palm oil and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using a rat model in comparison with sunflower oil with a relatively low level of saturated fat. On in vivo examination using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for 22 days, there were no significant differences in serum lipid levels, suggesting that palm oil may not cause hyperlipidemia and elevate CVD risk. However, liver samples obtained from SD rats fed with palm oil showed a lot of large lipid inclusions stained with the Oil Red O working solution, but not much lipid accumulation was observed in rats treated with sunflower oil. In addition, lipid accumulation in the mixed oil group fed the combination of palm and sunflower (1:1) oil was shown to be at an intermediary level between the palm oil group and sunflower oil group. Taken together, these results indicate that palm oil, a highly saturated form of vegetable oil, may induce dysfunction of the liver lipid metabolism before affecting serum lipid levels. On the other hand, sunflower oil, a highly unsaturated vegetable oil, was shown to be well metabolized in liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a global health concern in human males. Recently, it has been known that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may act as an exogenous factor to enhance cancer progression. Triclosan (TCS) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1) were reported to bioaccumulate in human bodies through the skin absorption. However, there has been insufficient evidence on the findings that the intervention of EDCs may promote the cancer progression in PCa. In the present study, to verify the risk of TCS and BP-1 to a PCa progression, cancer cell proliferation and migration were investigated in LNCaP PCa cells. TCS and BP-1 increased LNCaP cell proliferative activity and migration as did dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This phenomenon was reversed by the treatment with bicalutamide, a well known AR antagonist, suggesting that TCS and BP-1 acted as a xenoandrogen in LNCaP cells via AR signaling pathway by mimicking the action of DHT. A Western blot assay was performed to identify the alterations in the translational levels of cell growth- and metastasis-related markers, i.e., c-fos, cyclin E, p21, and cathepsin D genes. The expressions of genes related with G1/S transition of cell cycle and metastasis were increased by DHT, TCS, and BP-1, while the expression of p21 protein responsible for cell cycle arrest was reduced by DHT, TCS, and BP-1. Taken together, these results indicated that TCS and BP-1 may enhance the progression of PCa by regulating cell cycle and metastasis-related genes via AR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let K = { k 1 , k 2 , … , k r } and L = { l 1 , l 2 , … , l s } be disjoint subsets of { 0 , 1 , ⋯ p − 1 } , where p is a prime and F = { F 1 , F 2 , … , F m } be a family of subsets of [ n ] such that | F i | (mod p ) ∈ K for all F i ∈ F and | F i ∩ F j | (mod p ) ∈ L for i ≠ j . In 1991 Alon, Babai and Suzuki conjectured that if n ≥ s + max 1 ≤ i ≤ r k i , then | F | ≤ n s + n s − 1 + ⋯ + n s − r + 1 . In this paper we prove this conjecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have investigated the light-penetration and light-scattering effects in a dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) that consists of a bilayer structure of normal and light-scattering layers (LSLs). The LSL is located at the backside of the DSSC to reflect light. The photovoltaic performance of the LSL-DSSC is improved by the light reflection from the layer, which significantly increases the reabsorbing ability of the dye. However, the intensity of the penetrated light was reduced when the concentration of the adsorbed dye was increased, indicating that light scattering and light penetration are hindered by the adsorbed dye. In order to obtain a relatively inexpensive, but highly efficient DSSC, the relationship between the dye concentration and the conversion efficiency was investigated to maximise the light-scattering effect using a minimal amount of adsorbed dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-breast cancer monoclonal antibody (m Ab) BR55 was expressed in the baculovirus-insect cell expression system, which is advantageous because of its high production capacity, cell culture flexibility and glycosylation capability. The baculovirus-insect cell expression system was successfully established for production of m Ab BR55 and m Ab BR55 fused with the KDEL ( Lys- Asp- Glu- Leu) endoplasmic reticulum ( ER) retention signal (m Ab BR55K). The heavy chain ( HC) and light chain ( LC) genes of m Ab BR55 were cloned under the control of the polyhedrin ( PPH) and P10 promoters, respectively, in the p Fast Bac Dual vector. The antibody gene-expression cassettes carrying both the HC and LC genes were transferred into a bacmid in Escherichia coli ( DH10Bac). The bacmid carrying the expression cassettes was transfected into Sf 9 insect cells to generate baculovirus expressing m Ab BR55 and BR55K. Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of m Ab BR55 and BR55K in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Cell direct enzyme linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) showed that both m Abs from insect cell lysates or cell culture medium bound to MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Both m Ab BR55 and BR55K were successfully purified using a Protein A affinity column. Collectively, these results suggest that the anti-breast cancer m Ab BR55 can be expressed, properly assembled and purified from the baculovirus expression system, which can serve as an alternative system for antibody production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various hollow metal oxide micro-tubes (SnO2, ZrO2, ZnO, and NiO) were prepared by a simple impregnation method using Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (kapok) as a biomaterial template. Calcination heat treatment was successfully used for the removal of the kapok template. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to study the uniform morphology of the hollow metal oxide micro-tubes, which had an average diameter of 15-20 μm. The hollow metal oxide micro-tubes were further characterized by thermal gravity analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS). This synthesis method provides a new facile route for the fabrication of hollow metal oxide micro-tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hollow cerium dioxide structures (HCSs) were prepared by a simple manufacturing method using Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (kapok) fibers as a natural biomass template. The heat decomposition of the kapok template and the subsequent formation of a nanocrystalline phase of CeO2 in HCSs were studied by thermal gravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. The uniform morphology of the obtained HCSs with a diameter of 10–15μm was investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Despite the micrometer size of the HCSs, the walls had a high specific surface area and mesopores that were well developed, as determined by N2 gas adsorption–desorption analysis. Further, X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the formation of HCSs was largely influenced by the calcination temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We experimentally research including a very low mass flux of 88.4kg/(m2 s) to consider loss of coolants accidents in nuclear power plants. [•] We present suggestions to estimate flow boiling heat transfer coefficients and dryout quality in helically coiled tubes. [•] The modified dryout correlations are suggested to cover the extended mass flux and pressure range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]