Analysis of Optimal Treatment Starting Time for Photothermal Therapy Through Analysis of Diffusion Behavior of Gold Nanoparticles.

Introduction: Due to its distinct advantage of non-invasive application in treatment, photothermal therapy (PTT) is being studied by many researchers to reduce the need for surgical incisions. It is characterized by the injection of nanoparticles into biological tissue as photothermal agents (PTAs) which diffuse within the tissue. In this study, the diffusion behavior of various doses of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) injected into tumor tissues is analyzed and the effectiveness of PTT at each elapsed time after injection is confirmed by numerical analysis. Methods: The diffusion behavior of AuNPs within biological tissues is assessed using the convection-diffusion equation, while the temperature distribution is determined using the Pennes bioheat transfer equation. In addition, the effect of the diffusion behavior of AuNPs on the effectiveness of PTT is quantitatively confirmed by analyzing the temperature distribution in the medium through the apoptotic variable. Numerical simulation parameters are selected with doses ranging from 100 to 400 µg/mL, elapsed time after injection from 1 min to 24 h, and laser power ranging from 0 to 1 W. Results: After evaluating PTT's efficacy in every situation, it was discovered that a dosage of 100-300 µg/mL produced the best therapeutic result, with the highest impact occurring 12 hours after injection. In contrast, when the dosage was 400 µg/mL, the highest therapeutic effect was achieved after 18 hours post-injection. Additionally, it was discovered that the ideal laser power at each injection dose was 0.22, 0.14, 0.12, and 0.12 W, respectively. Conclusion: The conditions required to achieve the optimal treatment effect at each dosage, presented here, are expected to accelerate the commercialization of PTT.

Ameliorative effects of Kyung-Ok-Ko and its mixture with Pueraria lobata Ohwi on postmenopausal osteoporosis by promoting phytoestrogenic activity in rats.

Introduction: Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK) is a popular traditional medicine used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for treating postmenopausal symptoms in Asia. Pueraria lobata Ohwi (P. lobata) is rich in isoflavones and has been traditionally used in combination with other herbs to produce synergistic and pharmaceutical effects via a multi-target approach for disease treatment. We aimed to investigate the phytoestrogenic effects of KOK extract against postmenopausal symptoms in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and confirm its efficacy by mixing KOK and P. lobata extracts. Methods: OVX rats were daily oral administrated with KOK and KOK + P. lobata mixture extracts (300-400 mg/kg) and their body weight and tail temperature were monitored for 12 weeks. The biochemical parameters, estradiol levels, and bone turnover markers were measured in the serum samples. Moreover, the estrogen receptor, ER-α and ER-ß expression in the uterus and the uterus morphology were evaluated. AMPK, ATG1/ULK1, and mTOR protein expression in the liver were assessed. Results: The 12-week treatment with KOK and KOK + P. lobata mixture extracts did not cause liver damage or hormonal changes in the OVX rats. The treatments reduced the high lipid accumulation-related body weight gain and the tail temperature increase that was induced by ovariectomy. Further, it exhibited protective effects against hyperlipidemia and osteoporosis. No significant difference was observed in uterine weight compared to the OVX-treated group, while endometrial thickness reduction inhibition was observed due to ovariectomy. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum osteocalcin levels, which decreased in OVX rats, increased with both treatments. Western blotting analysis showed that ER-α and ER-ß were not expressed in the treated rats, whereas these proteins were expressed in Sham-operated rats. No significant differences in the phosphorylation of AMPK were observed; however, the ATG1/ULK1 and mTOR protein phosphorylation levels were upregulated and downregulated in the treated rats compared to those of OVX rats, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first in vivo study observing the efficacy and synergistic effects of the mixture of KOK and P. lobata. Our results suggest the potential of KOK and KOK + P. lobata mixture as an alternative therapy for alleviating menopausal symptoms.

Effect of gold nanoparticles distribution radius on photothermal therapy efficacy.

Lasers are used in various fields, however, in the medical field, they are mainly used for incision or chemotherapy. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an anti-cancer treatment technique that uses lasers and the photothermal effect to increase the temperature of tumor tissue and induce its death. In this study, the therapeutic effect of PTT using gold nanoparticles as a photothermal converter was analyzed numerically for the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma inside a skin section consisting four layers. Numerical modeling was implemented to calculate the temperature distribution inside the biological tissue while varying the distribution radius of gold nanoparticles in the tumor tissue, the number of injections, and the intensity of the irradiating laser. For the given situation, the optimal treatment effect was observed when the distribution radius ratio of the injected gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was 1, the number of injections was 7, and the intensity of the irradiated laser was 52 mW. Three apoptotic variables were used to quantitively evaluate the effect of PTT in each case and thus suggest the optimal treatment effect. However, although the temperature range at which apoptosis occurs is known, the maintenance of that temperature range is still under research and the temporal influence of apoptosis remains to be determined.

KAAACI Allergic Rhinitis Guidelines: Part 2. Update in Non-pharmacological Management.

Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Various upper airway symptoms lower quality of life, and due to the recurrent symptoms, multiple treatments are usually attempted rather than one definitive treatment. There are alternatives to medical (medication-based) and non-medical treatments. A guideline is needed to understand allergic rhinitis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. We have developed guidelines for medical treatment based on previous reports. The current guidelines herein are associated with the "KAAACI Evidence-Based Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis in Korea, Part 1: Update in pharmacotherapy" in which we aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the medical treatment of allergic rhinitis. Part 2 focuses on non-pharmacological management, including allergen-specific immunotherapy, subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy, nasal saline irrigation, environmental management strategies, companion animal management, and nasal turbinate surgery. The evidence to support the treatment efficacy, safety, and selection has been systematically reviewed. However, larger controlled studies are needed to elevate the level of evidence to select rational non-medical therapeutic options for patients with allergic rhinitis.

Study on the Optimal Treatment Condition Control of Photothermal Therapy under Various Cooling Time Ratios of Lasers.

Photothermal therapy is a treatment technique that has attracted attention as an alternative to conventional surgical techniques. It is based on the photothermal effect, wherein light energy is converted into thermal energy, and facilitates rapid recovery after treatment. This study employed various laser irradiation conditions and presented conditions with the optimal treatment effects through a numerical analysis based on heat transfer. A skin layer comprising four stages containing squamous cell carcinoma was targeted, and the treatment effect was confirmed by varying the heating conditions of the laser and volume fraction of gold nanoparticles. The therapeutic effect was confirmed through both the apoptosis retention ratio, which quantitatively estimated the degree of maintenance of the apoptosis temperature range within the tumor, and the thermal hazard retention value, which quantitatively calculates the amount of thermal damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Finally, the optimal treatment conditions were determined based on the laser intensity, cooling time ratio, and volume fraction of injected gold nanoparticles through numerical analysis.

Optimization of Photothermal Therapy Treatment Effect under Various Laser Irradiation Conditions.

The photothermal effect refers to a phenomenon in which light energy is converted into heat energy, and in the medical field, therapeutics based on this phenomenon are used for anticancer treatment. A new treatment technique called photothermal therapy kills tumor tissue through a temperature increase and has the advantages of no bleeding and fast recovery. In this study, the results of photothermal therapy for squamous cell carcinoma in the skin layer were analyzed numerically for different laser profiles, intensities, and radii and various concentrations of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). According to the heat-transfer theory, the temperature distribution in the tissue was calculated for the conditions under which photothermal therapy was performed, and the therapeutic effect was quantitatively confirmed through three apoptotic variables. In addition, the laser intensity and the volume fraction of AuNPs were optimized, and the results provide useful criteria for optimizing the treatment effects in photothermal therapy.

Case Report: Acute Kidney Injury Due to Chronic Milk-Alkali Syndrome in a Patient With Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Common causes of hypercalcemia include primary hyperparathyroidism and paraneoplastic syndrome of malignancy. Because of this, physicians can easily miss extrinsic causes of hypercalcemia such as milk-alkali syndrome in patients with cancer. We successfully treated a case of acute kidney injury due to severe hypercalcemia caused by milk-alkali syndrome due to long-term milk drinking in a patient with colon cancer. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old man was referred to nephrology for hypercalcemia and azotemia that was found during preoperative evaluation for colon cancer surgery. The patient had experienced several months of dizziness and anorexia. We started hemodialysis because hypercalcemia and azotemia were not improved despite large amounts of hydration and diuretics. We suspected paraneoplastic syndrome because of concomitant colon cancer and low intact parathyroid hormone (PTH). Renal microcalcifications were observed on ultrasonography. Metastatic calcifications of the lung and stomach were present, but no malignant metastasis appeared on bone scans. There was no evidence of metastatic malignant lesions on chest or abdominal enhanced computed tomography. PTH-related peptide was not detected. Thus, other causes of hypercalcemia beyond malignancy were considered. On history-taking, the patient reported consuming 1,000 to 1,200 mL of milk daily for the prior 3 months. Hypercalcemia was due to chronic milk-alkali syndrome. We advised withdrawal of milk and nutritional pills. Hemodialysis was stopped after 2 weeks since azotemia and hypercalcemia were resolving. Acute kidney injury was improved, and mild hypercalcemia remained when he underwent hemicolectomy after 1 month. Thereafter, serum calcium and creatinine remained normal at discharge and follow-up for 1 year in the outpatient clinic. However, lung calcifications still remained on bone scan after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic milk-alkali syndrome is a rare condition resulting from excessive calcium and alkali intake through various routes, like milk, nutritional supplements, and medicines for osteoporosis. Therefore, early management for hypercalcemia should include precise history taking including diet, previous diagnoses, and current medications.

Dynamic bacterial community response to Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyceae) bloom in indoor marine microcosms.

We investigated the dynamics of the bacterial composition and metabolic function within Akashiwo sanguinea bloom using a 100-L indoor microcosm and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. We found that the bacterial community was classified into three groups at 54% similarity. Group I was associated with "during the A. sanguinea bloom stage" and mainly consisted of Alphaproteobacteria, Flavobacteriia and Gammaproteobacteria. Meanwhile, groups II and III were associated with the "late bloom/decline stage to post-bloom stage" with decreased Flavobacteriia and Gammaproteobacteria in these stages. Upon the termination of the A. sanguinea bloom, the concentrations of inorganic nutrients (particularly PO43-, NH4+ and dissolved organic carbon) increased rapidly and then decreased. From the network analysis, we found that the A. sanguinea node is associated with certain bacteria. After the bloom, the specific increases in NH4+ and PO43- nodes are associated with other bacterial taxa. The changes in the functional groups of the bacterial community from chemoheterotrophy to nitrogen association metabolisms were consistent with the environmental impacts during and after A. sanguinea bloom. Consequently, certain bacterial communities and the environments dynamically changed during and after harmful algal blooms and a rapid turnover within the bacterial community and their function can respond to ecological interactions.

Improvement of the Bonding Properties of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate by Elastin-Like Polypeptide Supplementation.

INTRODUCTION: Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) supplementation was previously reported to enhance the physical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ELP supplementation on the bonding properties of MTA to dentin. METHODS: Two types of ELPs were synthesized and mixed with MTA in a 0.3 liquid/powder ratio. The push-out bond strength test and interfacial observation with scanning electron microscopy were performed for ELP-supplemented MTA. The porosity of MTA fillings in the cavity was observed with microcomputed tomography. The stickiness, flow rate, and contact angle were additionally measured for potential increased bonding properties. RESULTS: ELP supplementation improved the bond strength of MTA to dentin. MTA supplemented by a specific ELP exhibited a less porous structure, higher stickiness, and higher flow rate. ELPs also decreased the contact angle to dentin. CONCLUSIONS: This research data verifies that ELP improves the bonding properties of MTA to a tooth structure. The sticky and highly flowable characteristics of ELP-supplemented MTA may provide intimate contact with dentin and supply a less porous cement structure, which might improve the bonding properties of MTA.

Pretreatment of Populus tomentiglandulosa protects hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from ischemia-reperfusion injury in gerbils via increasing SODs expressions and maintaining BDNF and IGF-I expressions.

To examine the effects of Populus tomentiglandulosa (PT) extract on the expressions of antioxidant enzymes and neurotrophic factors in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the hippocampus at 5 min after inducing transient global cerebral ischemia (TGCI) in gerbils, TGCI was induced by occlusion of common carotid arteries for 5 min. Before ischemic surgery, 200 mg·kg-1 PT extract was orally administrated once daily for 7 d. We performed neuronal nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B staining. Furthermore, we determined in situ production of superoxide anion radical, expression levels of SOD1 and SOD2 as antioxidant enzymes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as neurotrophic factors. Pretreatment with 200 mg·kg-1 PT extract prevented neuronal death (loss). Furthermore, pretreatment with 200 mg·kg-1 PT extract significantly inhibited the production of superoxide anion radical, increased expressions of SODs and maintained expressions of BDNF and IGF-I. Such increased expressions of SODs were maintained in the neurons after IRI. In summary, pretreated PT extract can significantly increase levels of SODs and protect the neurons against TGCI, suggesting that PT can be a useful natural agent to protect against TGCI.

Oenanthe Javanica Extract Protects Mouse Skin from UVB Radiation via Attenuating Collagen Disruption and Inflammation.

In recent years, the use of botanical agents to prevent skin damage from solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has received considerable attention. Oenanthe javanica is known to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study investigated photoprotective properties of an Oenanthe javanica extract (OJE) against UVB-induced skin damage in ICR mice. The extent of skin damage was evaluated in three groups: control mice with no UVB, UVB-exposed mice treated with vehicle (saline), and UVB-exposed mice treated with 1% extract. Photoprotective properties were assessed in the dorsal skin using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting to analyze the epidermal thickness, collagen expression, and mRNA and protein levels of type I collagen, type III collagen, and interstitial collagenases, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. In addition, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein levels were also assessed. In the UVB-exposed mice treated with extract, UV-induced epidermal damage was significantly ameliorated. In this group, productions of collagen types I and III were increased, and expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were decreased. In addition, TNF-α and COX-2 expressions were reduced. Based on these findings, we conclude that OJE displays photoprotective effects against UVB-induced collagen disruption and inflammation and suggest that Oenanthe javanica can be used as a natural product for the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Does Risk-Adapted Proton Beam Therapy Have a Role as a Complementary or Alternative Therapeutic Option for Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

To evaluate the role of risk-adapted proton beam therapy (PBT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, a total of 243 HCC patients receiving risk-adapted PBT with three dose-fractionation regimens (regimen A [n = 40], B [n = 60], and C [n = 143]) according to the proximity of their gastrointestinal organs (<1 cm, 1⁻1.9 cm, and ≥2 cm, respectively) were reviewed: The prescribed doses to planning target volume 1 (PTV1) were 50 gray equivalents (GyE) (EQD2 [equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions], 62.5 GyE10), 60 GyE (EQD2, 80 GyE10), and 66 GyE (EQD2, 91.3 GyE10) in 10 fractions, respectively, and those of PTV2 were 30 GyE (EQD2, 32.5 GyE10) in 10 fractions. In all patients, the five-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 87.5% and 48.1%, respectively, with grade ≥3 toxicity of 0.4%. In regimens A, B, and C, the five-year LRFS and OS rates were 54.6%, 94.7%, and 92.4% (p < 0.001), and 16.7%, 39.2%, and 67.9% (p < 0.001), respectively. The five-year OS rates of the patients with the Modified Union for International Cancer Control (mUICC) stages I, II, III, and IVA and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages A, B, and C were 69.2%, 65.4%, 43.8%, and 26.6% (p < 0.001), respectively, and 65.1%, 40%, and 32.2% (p < 0.001), respectively. PBT could achieve promising long-term tumor control and have a potential role as a complementary or alternative therapeutic option across all stages of HCC.

FeIn2S4 Nanocrystals: A Ternary Metal Chalcogenide Material for Ambipolar Field-Effect Transistors.

An ambipolar channel layer material is required to realize the potential benefits of ambipolar complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors, namely their compact and efficient nature, reduced reverse power dissipation, and possible applicability to highly integrated circuits. Here, a ternary metal chalcogenide nanocrystal material, FeIn2S4, is introduced as a solution-processable ambipolar channel material for field-effect transistors (FETs). The highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the FeIn2S4 nanocrystals are determined to be -5.2 and -3.75 eV, respectively, based upon cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and diffraction reflectance spectroscopy analyses. An ambipolar FeIn2S4 FET is successfully fabricated with Au electrodes (EF = -5.1 eV), showing both electron mobility (14.96 cm2 V-1 s-1) and hole mobility (9.15 cm2 V-1 s-1) in a single channel layer, with an on/off current ratio of 105. This suggests that FeIn2S4 nanocrystals may be a promising alternative semiconducting material for next-generation integrated circuit development.

Improvement of physical properties of calcium phosphate cement by elastin-like polypeptide supplementation.

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are synthetic bioactive cements widely used as hard tissue substitutes. Critical limitations of use include their poor mechanical properties and poor anti-washout behaviour. To address those limitations, we combined CPC with genetically engineered elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). We investigated the effect of the ELPs on the physical properties and biocompatibility of CPC by testing ELP/CPC composites with various liquid/powder ratios. Our results show that the addition of ELPs improved the mechanical properties of the CPC, including the microhardness, compressive strength, and washout resistance. The biocompatibility of ELP/CPC composites was also comparable to that of the CPC alone. However, supplementing CPC with ELPs functionalized with octaglutamate as a hydroxyapatite binding peptide increased the setting time of the cement. With further design and modification of our biomolecules and composites, our research will lead to products with diverse applications in biology and medicine.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field induces neural differentiation of hBM-MSCs through regulation of (Zn)-metallothionein-3.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELFEMF) can stimulate neural differentiation in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (hBM-MSCs), and this provides an opportunity for research on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Metallothionein-3 (MT3), an isoform of the metal-binding proteins, metallothioneins, involved in maintaining intracellular zinc (Zn) homeostasis and the deregulation of zinc homeostasis, has separately been implicated in AD. Here, we investigated the effect of ELFEMF-induced neural differentiation of hBM-MSCs on Zn-MT3 homeostatic interaction. Exposure to ELFEMF induced neural differentiation of hBM-MSCs, which was characterized by decreased proliferation and enhanced neural-like morphology. We observed expression of neuronal markers such as ß-tubulin3, pleiotrophin, and neurofilament-M at the mRNA level and MAP2 at the protein level. ELFEMF-induced neural differentiation correlated with decreased expression of metal-response element-transcription factor 1 and MT3, as well as decreased intracellular Zn concentration. In addition, upregulation of dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 was observed, but there was no change in γ-enolase expression. These data indicate a possible regulatory mechanism for MT3 during neural differentiation. Our findings provide considerable insight into molecular mechanisms involved in neural differentiation, which is useful for developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:364-373, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rice Bran Extract Inhibits TMEM16A-Involved Activity in the Neonatal Rat Cochlea.

TMEM16A is a Ca²âº-activated Cl⁻ channel found in secretory glands, GI and respiratory tracts, and sensory organs, playing a major physiological role in fluid secretion, autonomous GI motility, and sensory transduction. In addition, overexpression of TMEM16A has been associated with cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Suppression of upregulated TMEM16A has been proposed as an effective anti-cancer strategy. While searching for a potential TMEM16A inhibitor, components of rice bran attracted our attention due to their anti-cancer potential in colon cancer cells, a type of cells known to overexpressing TMEM16A. Here, it was tested whether rice bran extract exhibits anti-TMEM16A activity. Rice bran extract was tested in the neonatal rat cochlear tissues where TMEM16A-involved spontaneous activity is generated as a part of normal development of the auditory pathway. Rice bran extract readily inhibited the TMEM16A-involved activity in the cochlear tissues and the effect was reversible upon washout. Taken together, rice bran extract appears to contain a putative TMEM16A inhibitor and the rice byproduct might serve as a source of a new anti-cancer agent.

ß-Lapachone Inhibits Lung Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer by Inducing Apoptosis of CT26 Cells.

BACKGROUND: ß-Lapachone is a quinone-containing compound found in red lapacho ( Tabebuia impetiginosa, syn. T avellanedae) trees. Lapacho has been used in traditional medicine by several South and Central American indigenous people to treat various types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimetastatic properties of ß-lapachone and the underlying mechanisms using colon cancer cells. METHODS: This research used metastatic murine colon cancer cell lines, colon 26 (CT26) and colon 38 (MC38). A WST assay, annexin V assay, cell cycle analysis, wound healing assay, invasion assay, western blot analysis, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the effects of ß-lapachone on metastatic phenotypes and molecular mechanisms. The effect of ß-lapachone on lung metastasis was assessed in a mouse experimental metastasis model. RESULTS: We found that the inhibition of proliferation of the colon cancer cell lines by ß-lapachone was due to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. ß-Lapachone induced the apoptosis of CT26 cells through caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation; poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage; and downregulation of the Bcl-2 family in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, a low concentration of ß-lapachone decreased the cell migration and invasion by decreasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, and increased the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 and -2. Moreover, ß-lapachone treatment regulated the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers such as E- and N-cadherin, vimentin, ß-catenin, and Snail in CT26 cells. In the mouse experimental metastasis model, ß-lapachone significantly inhibited the lung metastasis of CT26 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated the inhibitory effect of ß-lapachone on colorectal lung metastasis. This compound may be useful for developing therapeutic agents to treat metastatic cancer.

The Effect of Quercus salicina Leaf Extracts on Vascular Endothelial Function: Role of Nitric Oxide.

Dysfunction of the vascular endothelium is reported as a hallmark of cardiovascular diseases. Many evidences suggest that polyphenols are associated with a decreased global mortality and might be involved in protection against cardiovascular risk. This beneficial effect of polyphenol may be due to many actions as antioxidant that increases bioavailability of nitric oxide, vasodilation or anti-hypertensive properties. To identify new natural medicine candidate for cardiovascular protection, plant extracts used in traditional medicine were evaluated by vascular reactivity system. Porcine coronary artery rings were suspended in organ chambers for the measurement of changes in isometric tension. Screening results indicated that the ethanolic extract of leaf from Quercus salicina (QSE) has been found to exhibit potent vasorelaxant activity. QSE dose-dependently induced endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were abolished by inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (Nomega-nitro-L-arginine). In addition, QSE strongly and dose-dependently activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in porcine coronary artery endothelial cell. Taken together, the present study has demonstrated that QSE is a powerful endothelium-dependentvasodilator and that this effect involves increased nitric oxide bioavailability. In conclusion, QSE could be a cardiovascular protective herbal medicine candidate associated with cardiovascular diseases and endothelial dysfunction.

Effect of bacteria on the transport and deposition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in saturated porous media.

The influence of bacteria on the transport and deposition behaviors of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in quartz sand was examined in both NaCl (5 and 25 mM ionic strength) and CaCl2 (0.3 and 1.2 mM ionic strength) solutions at unadjusted pH (5.6-5.8) by direct comparison of both breakthrough curves and retained profiles in both the presence and absence of bacteria. Two types of widely utilized CNTs, i.e., carboxyl- and hydroxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT-OH, respectively), were employed as model CNTs and Escherichia coli was utilized as the model bacterium. The results showed that, for both types of MWCNTs under all examined conditions, the breakthrough curves were higher in the presence of bacteria, while the retained profiles were lower, indicating that the co-presence of bacteria in suspension increased the transport and decreased the deposition of MWCNTs in porous media, regardless of ionic strength or ion valence. Complementary characterizations and extra column tests demonstrated that competition by bacteria for deposition sites on the quartz sand surfaces was a major (and possibly the sole) contributor to the enhanced MWCNTs transport in porous media.

Vascular Protective Effect of an Ethanol Extract of Camellia japonica Fruit: Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation of Coronary Artery and Reduction of Smooth Muscle Cell Migration.

Camellia japonica is a popular garden plant in Asia and widely used as cosmetic sources and traditional medicine. However, the possibility that C. japonica affects cardiovascular system remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate vascular effects of an extract of C. japonica. Vascular reactivity was assessed in organ baths using porcine coronary arteries and inhibition of proliferation and migration were assessed using human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). All four different parts, leaf, stem, flower, and fruits, caused concentration-dependent relaxations and C. japonica fruit (CJF) extract showed the strongest vasorelaxation and its effect was endothelium dependent. Relaxations to CJF were markedly reduced by inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inhibitor of PI3-kinase, but not affected by inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated response. CJF induced activated a time- and concentration-dependent phosphorylation of eNOS in endothelial cells. Altogether, these studies have demonstrated that CJF is a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator and this effect was involved in, at least in part, PI3K-eNOS-NO pathway. Moreover, CJF attenuated TNF-α induced proliferation and PDGF-BB induced migration of VSMCs. The present findings indicate that CJF could be a valuable candidate of herbal medicine for cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.