Improvement of performance for flexible film dosimeter by incorporating additive agents.

Objective.To evaluate the reduction in energy dependence and aging effect of the lithium salt of pentacosa-10,-12-diynoic acid (LiPCDA) films with additives including aluminum oxide (Al2O3), propyl gallate (PG), and disodium ethylenediaminetetracetate (EDTA).Approach. LiPCDA films exhibited energy dependence on kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) photon energies and experienced deterioration over time. Evaluations were conducted with added Al2O3and antioxidants to mitigate these issues, and films were produced with and without Al2O3to assess energy dependence. The films were irradiated at doses of 0, 3, 6, and 12 cGy at photon energies of 75 kV, 105 kV, 6 MV, 10 MV, and 15 MV. For the energy range of 75 kV to 15 MV, the mean and standard deviation (std) were calculated and compared for the values normalized to the net optical density (netOD) at 6 MV, corresponding to identical dose levels. To evaluate the aging effect, PG and disodium EDTA were incorporated into the films: sample C with 1% PG, sample D with 2% PG, sample E with 0.62% disodium EDTA added to sample D, and sample F with 1.23% disodium EDTA added to sample D.Main results. Films containing Al2O3demonstrated a maximum 15.8% increase in mean normalized values and a 15.1% reduction in std, reflecting a greater netOD reduction at kV than MV energies, which indicates less energy dependence in these films. When the OD of sample 1-4 depending on the addition of PG and disodium EDTA, was observed for 20 weeks, the transmission mode decreased by 8.7%, 8.3%, 29.3%, and 27.3%, respectively, while the reflection mode was 5.4%, 3.0%, 37.0%, and 34.5%, respectively.Significance. Al2O3effectively reduced the voltage and MV energy dependence. PG was more effective than disodium EDTA in preventing the deterioration of film performance owing to the aging effect.

Ameliorative Effect of Myricetin on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in ob/ob Mice.

Obesity, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress are important risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed at determining the beneficial effects of myricetin against NAFLD in ob/ob mice. C57BL/6-Lepob/ob mice (n = 21) were fed an AIN-93G diet (ob/ob control group) or diet containing 0.04% (low myricetin; LMTN group) or 0.08% (high myricetin; HMTN group) myricetin, and lean heterozygous littermates (lean control group, n = 7) were fed AIN-93G diet for 10 weeks. HMTN consumption significantly lowered serum glucose levels and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance values in ob/ob mice. In addition to reducing serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels, HMTN significantly decreased total hepatic lipid and TG levels partly through downregulation of carbohydrate response element-binding protein and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c expression. The reduction in the levels of hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances by HMTN likely resulted from the elevation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 expression. Tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 expressions were reduced by LMTN and HMTN, and HMTN also decreased interleukin-6 expression. These results suggest that myricetin has beneficial effects against NAFLD by regulating the expression of transcription factors of hepatic lipid metabolism, the antioxidant system, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Identification of anthocyanin compositions in black seed coated Korean adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) by NMR and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS and screening for their antioxidant properties using different solvent systems.

The aim of the present research was to investigate the antioxidant properties and anthocyanin profiles in the black seed coated adzuki bean (Vigna angularis, Geomguseul cultivar). The acidic 60% methanol extract (40 µg/mL) contains the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents (486 ± 3 mg GAE/100 g; 314 ± 10 mg CE/100 g) with potent antioxidant properties (trolox equivalent 1272 ± 26 and 662 ± 24 mg TE/100 g) against ABTS and DPPH radicals compared to other methanol-water ratios (20, 40, 80, and 100%). Ten anthocyanin components were identified in this extract including delphinidin-3,5-O-digalactoside (1), delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (2), delphinidin-3-O-galactoside (3), delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (4), delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside (5), delphinidin-3-O-(p-coumaroyl)glucoside (6), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (7), petunidin-3-O-galactoside (8), petunidin-3-O-glucoside (9) and petunidin-3-O-(p-coumaroyl)glucoside (10) via NMR spectroscopy and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS analysis. The key anthocyanins 3 and 4 of delphinidin type were isolated by reversed phase C-18 MPLC. Our results indicate that the anthocyanin profiles as well as the high phenolic and flavonoid contents are important factors determining the antioxidant effects of black adzuki bean.

Saururus chinensis Baill inhibits proliferation and invasion of human renal cell carcinoma cells through inhibition of inhibitor of apoptosis protein.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effect of Saururus chinensis Baill on cell viability, apoptosis, invasion capacity and the mechanism involved in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. METHODS: After treating A498 and ACHN cells with Saururus chinensis Baill extract (0, 25, 50 µg/mL), inhibitory effect of Saururus chinensis Baill were evaluated using tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay, flfl ow cytometry analysis, and in vitro Matrigel invasion assay, respectively. To determine the molecular mechanisms of Saururus chinensis Baill, expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) were assessed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The levels of cytochrome C and caspase-3 proteins were assessed by Western blot. RESULTS: Saururus chinensis Baill suppressed cell viability and invasion capacity and induced apoptosis of A498 and ACHN cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that Saururus chinensis Baill inhibited the expressions of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP)-1, cIAP-2, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, and survivin. This was accompanied by the release of cytochrome C and activation of caspase-3 proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Saururus chinensis Baill can inhibit human RCC cell growth by inducing cancer cell apoptosis, and these effects are mediated by the down-regulation of IAP proteins and subsequent release of cytochrome C and activation of caspase-3.

Treatment of Persistent Facial Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation With Novel Pulse-in-Pulse Mode Intense Pulsed Light.

BACKGROUND: Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hypermelanosis induced by various causes including inflammatory dermatoses, injury, or cosmetic procedures, such as lasers or chemical peels, and it tends to affect dark-skinned people with greater frequency and severity. There are a variety of treatment options for PIH, including topical agents, chemical peels, laser, and light therapy. However, the results are not up to expectation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical efficacy and safety of novel pulse-in-pulse mode intense pulsed light (IPL) for the treatment of persistent facial PIH in Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five Korean female patients (Fitzpatrick skin types III-V) with persistent facial PIH were enrolled in the study. The patients were treated with novel pulse-in-pulse mode IPL for 4 sessions at 1-week interval and 4 sessions at 2-week intervals. Treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction were evaluated using photographs and questionnaires. RESULTS: After 2 months of all treatments, 23 patients (92%) had more than 50% improvement and 22 patients (88%) were satisfied with the treatments. No adverse effects or aggravations were reported. CONCLUSION: The pulse-in-pulse mode IPL treatment is effective and safe for persistent facial PIH in dark-skinned patients.

Dosimetric perturbations due to an implanted cardiac pacemaker in MammoSite(®) treatment.

PURPOSE: To investigate dose perturbations for pacemaker-implanted patients in partial breast irradiation using high dose rate (HDR) balloon brachytherapy. METHODS: Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to calculate dose distributions involving a pacemaker in Ir-192 HDR balloon brachytherapy. Dose perturbations by varying balloon-to-pacemaker distances (BPD = 50 or 100 mm) and concentrations of iodine contrast medium (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% by volume) in the balloon were investigated for separate parts of the pacemaker (i.e., battery and substrate). Relative measurements using an ion-chamber were also performed to confirm MC results. RESULTS: The MC and measured results in homogeneous media without a pacemaker agreed with published data within 2% from the balloon surface to 100 mm BPD. Further their dose distributions with a pacemaker were in a comparable agreement. The MC results showed that doses over the battery were increased by a factor of 3, compared to doses without a pacemaker. However, there was no significant dose perturbation in the middle of substrate but up to 70% dose increase in the substrate interface with the titanium capsule. The attenuation by iodine contrast medium lessened doses delivered to the pacemaker by up to 9%. CONCLUSIONS: Due to inhomogeneity of pacemaker and contrast medium as well as low-energy photons in Ir-192 HDR balloon brachytherapy, the actual dose received in a pacemaker is different from the homogeneous medium-based dose and the external beam-based dose. Therefore, the dose perturbations should be considered for pacemaker-implanted patients when evaluating a safe clinical distance between the balloon and pacemaker.

Preventive effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) on diabetic nephropathy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of Camellia sinensis var. assamica (CSVA) on diabetic nephropathy in in vitro and in vivo models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDCK cells were incubated with 1 mM of oxalate with or without different concentrations of CSVA, then MTT and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays were performed to investigate the preventive effects of CSVA on oxalate-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Thirty male db/db mice were divided into three groups. Group 1 were fed AIN-93G ad libitum; group 2 were fed AIN-93G mixed with 10% fermented CSVA ad libitum; group 3 were fed AIN-93G mixed with 10% non-fermented CSVA ad libitum. The mice were sacrificed 14 weeks later, and the serum glucose level, 24-hour urine chemistry, and morphological changes in the kidneys were examined. RESULTS: As CSVA concentrations increased, viable MDCK cells increased in concentration. MDA production decreased over time in the CSVA treated group. The creatinine clearance of group 3 was lower than those of groups 1 and 2. The amount of urine microalbumin and protein in group 1 were higher than those in groups 2 and 3. Also, more glomerulus basement membrane foot processes were preserved in groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CSVA has beneficial preventive tendencies towards diabetic nephropathy in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Purification and structure determination of gelatinase and collagenase inhibitors from Viola patrinii fermentation extracts.

Investigation of collagenase and gelatinase inhibitory natural components afforded two isoflavonoids. Two isoflavonoids, tectorigenin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside (1) and luteolin-7-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranoside (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Viola patrinii fermentation extracts (VPFE). Of these, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited collagenase inhibitory activity (IC(50)) at a concentration of less than 1.5 µM, and compound 2 showed gelatinases A and B inhibitory activity (IC(50)) at 0.3 µM and 0.8 µM, respectively.

Pinitol from soybeans reduces postprandial blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The effect of 3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol (D-pinitol), purified from soybean, on the postprandial blood glucose response in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was examined. Fifteen Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (seven men, eight women; 60.3 +/- 3.1 years old) ingested cooked white rice containing 50 g of available carbohydrate with or without prior ingestion of soy pinitol. Pinitol was given either as a 1.2 g dose at 0, 60, 120, or 180 minutes prior to rice ingestion, or as a 0.6 g dose at 60 minutes prior to rice ingestion. Capillary blood glucose levels were monitored for 4 hours after rice consumption. The ingestion of 1.2 g of pinitol 60 minutes prior to rice consumption controlled postprandial capillary blood glucose most effectively, significantly diminishing the postprandial increase in plasma glucose levels measured at 90 and 120 minutes after rice consumption (P < .05). The incremental area under the plasma glucose response curve for subjects who consumed both pinitol and rice was significantly lower than that for subjects who consumed only rice (P < .05), but pinitol had no apparent effect on postprandial insulin levels. Therefore, soybean-derived pinitol may be useful in controlling postprandial increases in blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of green tea on urinary stone formation: an in vivo and in vitro study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a main constituent of green tea polyphenols, could protect against cellular toxicity by oxalate and whether green tea supplementation attenuates the development of nephrolithiasis in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells of the NRK-52E line were incubated with different concentrations of oxalate with and without EGCG, and toxicity and malondialdehyde assays were done to investigate the cytotoxic effect of oxalate and the anti-oxalate effect of EGCG.. In a second series of experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 animals (controls) were fed regular chow and drank water ad libitum; group 2 animals were fed chow containing 3% sodium oxalate with the administration of gentamicin (40 mg/kg) and drank water ad libitum; group 3 animals were fed the same diet as group 2 with gentamicin administration and drank only green tea. Rats were killed 4 weeks later after a 24-hour urine collection, and the kidneys were removed for morphologic examination. RESULTS: As oxalate concentrations increased, the number of surviving cells decreased, and the formation of free radicals increased. The administration of EGCG inhibited free-radical production induced by oxalate. Green tea supplementation decreased the excretion of urinary oxalate and the activities of urinary gammaglutamyltranspeptidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase. The number of crystals within kidneys in group 3 was significantly lower than in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Green tea has an inhibitory effect on urinary stone formation, and the antioxidative action of EGCG is considered to be involved.

Oral exposure to Microcystis increases activity-augmented antioxidant enzymes in the liver of loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) and has no effect on lipid peroxidation.

Recently, eutrophication has induced severe cyanobacterial blooms in the Naktong River, the second largest river of Korea. In the present study, lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were evaluated in the liver of loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) that were orally exposed to a low dose of Microcystis through dietary supplementation with bloom scum. Loach received 75 mg of dry cells/kg body weight mass (equal to 10 microg microcystin-RR/kg body mass), for 28 days under controlled conditions. Antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation were measured after termination of exposure. The activities of antioxidant enzyme were significantly increased in the livers of toxin-exposed loach after 28 days of exposure, as compared to control fish. However, lipid peroxidation remained stable in both groups. These results suggest that antioxidant enzymes were able to eliminate oxidative stress induced by low concentrations of microcystins and to prevent increased lipid peroxidation in the liver of loach.

Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase hydrolysis of native starch granules as a function of granule surface area.

Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase activity on native starch granules is more accurately described as a function of surface area of the granules rather than of substrate concentration. The apparent K(m) of alpha-amylolysis of native starch from potato, maize, and rice expressed as a function of substrate concentration was largest for potato with a single value of V(max). However, the ratio of the slope of a Lineweaver-Burk plot to that of rice for enzymatic hydrolysis of native potato and maize starch were 7.78 and 2.58, respectively, which were very close to the ratio of surface area per mass of the two starch granules to that of rice. Therefore, the reciprocal of initial velocity was a linear function of the reciprocal of surface area for each starch granule. Surface area was calculated assuming the starch granules were spherical. The values obtained by this calculation were in good agreement with the value obtained by the photomicrographic method. By comparing enzymatic digestion of native maize granules to that of rice granules, it was concluded that the presence of pores in maize granules appeared to significantly affect overall rate of digestion after sufficient reaction time, but not at the very initial stage of hydrolysis.