The Prognostic Significance of Vitamin D Deficiency in Korean Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common among patients with multiple myeloma. The prognostic significance of vitamin D deficiency in Asian patients with multiple myeloma remains unevaluated. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of vitamin D levels in this Korean patient population. METHODS: From September 2017 to May 2020, 98 patients were enrolled in the study. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of less than 10 ng/mL. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (36.7%) had vitamin D deficiency. These patients had significantly lower 2-year progression-free survival rates (44.8% vs. 66.9%, P = .008) and overall survival (OS) rates (2-year OS 47.2% vs. 74.2%, P = .024) compared with those without deficiency. Furthermore, patients who received vitamin D supplementation showed a trend towards improved OS compared with those who did not, with a 2-year OS rate of 51.9% vs. 33.3% (P = .14). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that vitamin D levels are a significant prognostic factor in patients with multiple myeloma.

Perceptions of optimal end-of-life care in hospitals: A cross-sectional study of nurses in three locations.

AIM: To examine whether nurses' location of employment, demographics, or training influences their perceptions of what constitutes optimal care for dying patients in hospital. DESIGN: Questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Between December 2016-June 2018, 582 registered or enrolled nurses from Australia (N = 153), South Korea (N = 241), and Hong Kong (N = 188) employed in a variety of hospital care units rated the extent to which they agreed with 29 indicators of optimal end-of-life care across four domains: patient, family, healthcare team, and healthcare system. Latent class analysis identified classes of respondents with similar responses. RESULTS: Top five indicators rated by participants included: 'physical symptoms managed well'; 'private rooms and unlimited visiting hours'; 'spend as much time with the patient as families wish'; 'end-of-life care documents stored well and easily accessed' and 'families know and follow patient's wishes'. Four latent classes were generated: 'Whole system/holistic' (Class 1); 'Patient/provider-dominated' (Class 2); 'Family-dominated' (Class 3) and 'System-dominated' (Class 4). Class 1 had the highest proportion of nurses responding positively for all indicators. Location was an important correlate of perceptions, even after controlling for individual characteristics. CONCLUSION: Nurses' perceptions of optimal end-of-life care are associated with location, but perhaps not in the direction that stereotypes would suggest. Findings highlight the importance of developing and implementing location-specific approaches to optimize end-of-life care in hospitals. IMPACT: The findings may be useful to guide education and policy initiatives in Asian and Western countries that stress that end-of-life care is more than symptom management. Indicators can be used to collect data that help quantify differences between optimal care and the care actually being delivered, thereby determining where improvements might be made.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Sanguisorbae Radix on Contact Dermatitis Induced by Dinitrofluorobenzene in Mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-inflflammatory effects of Sanguisorbae Radix on contact dermatitis (CD). METHODS: Mice were sensitized by painting 30 µL of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) onto each ear for 3 days. Four days later, mice were challenged by painting with 50 µL of DNFB onto the shaved dorsum every 2 days. Sanguisorbae Radix methanol extract (MESR) was applied onto the shaved dorsum every 2 days. The effects of MESR on skin thickness, skin weights, histopathological changes, skin lesions and cytokine production in DNFB-induced CD mice were investigated, as well as its effects on body weights and spleen/body weight ratio. RESULTS: Topical application of MESR effectively inhibited enlargement of skin thickness and weight (P<0.05). MESR treatment also inhibited hyperplasia, spongiosis and immune cell infiltration induced by DNFB in inflamed tissues and improved lesions on dorsum skin in CD mice. Moreover, treatment with MESR suppressed the increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α,P<0.01) and interferon γ (IFN-γ,P<0.05), respectively. Finally, MESR had no effect on body weight gain or spleen/body weight ratio. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that MESR acts as an anti-inflflammatory agent that decreases the production of TNF-α and IFN-γ, resulting in reductions of skin lesions and histopathological changes in inflamed skin tissues.

Immunization With Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigens Encapsulated in Phosphatidylserine Liposomes Improves Protection Afforded by BCG.

Liposomes have been long considered as a vaccine delivery system but this technology remains to be fully utilized. Here, we describe a novel liposome-based subunit vaccine formulation for tuberculosis (TB) based on phosphatidylserine encapsulating two prominent TB antigens, Ag85B, and ESAT-6. We show that the resulting liposomes (Lipo-AE) are stable upon storage and can be readily taken up by antigen presenting cells and that their antigenic cargo is delivered and processed within endosomal cell compartments. The Lipo-AE vaccine formulation combined with the PolyIC adjuvant induced a mixed Th1/Th17-Th2 immune response to Ag85B but only a weak response to ESAT-6. An immunization regimen based on systemic delivery followed by mucosal boost with Lipo-AE resulted in the accumulation of resident memory T cells in the lungs. Most importantly though, when Lipo-AE vaccine candidate was administered to BCG-immunized mice subsequently challenged with low dose aerosol Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we observed a significant reduction of the bacterial load in the lungs and spleen compared to BCG alone. We therefore conclude that the immunization with mycobacterial antigens delivered by phosphatidylserine based liposomes in combination with Poly:IC adjuvant may represent a novel BCG boosting vaccination strategy.

Increased risk of appendectomy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: A nested case-control study using a national sample cohort.

The purpose of this study is to confirm and complement previous data regarding an association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and appendectomy.The Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort includes data from people ≥ 20 years old collected from 2002 to 2013. A total of 13,484 participants who received an appendectomy were matched with 53,936 controls at a 1:4 ratio. We analyzed the previous histories of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the appendectomy and control groups. Appendectomies were identified using operation codes (Q2860-Q2863) exclusive for appendicitis (International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10): K35). GERD was defined using the ICD-10 (K21), and patients who were treated ≥ 2 times and were prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for ≥ 2 weeks were included. Crude (simple) and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for GERD and appendectomy were analyzed using conditional logistic regression analyses.A higher GERD rate was detected in the appendectomy group (11.4% [1,713/15,062]) than in the control group (8.2% [4,947/60,248], P < .001). Adjusted ORs for GERD were 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30-1.45) (P < .001). Subgroup analyses stratified according to age and sex revealed consistent findings. The adjusted OR for GERD in participants prescribed PPIs for ≥ 30 days was 1.31 (95% CI = 1.20-1.43), and the adjusted OR for GERD in participants prescribed PPIs for ≥ 60 days was 1.30 (95% CI = 1.15-1.48).The Odds for GERD were higher in the appendectomy group than in the control group.

Turo (Qi Dance) Program for Parkinson's Disease Patients: Randomized, Assessor Blind, Waiting-List Control, Partial Crossover Study.

CONTEXT: Qigong, Tai-chi and dancing have all been proven effective for Parkinson's disease (PD); however, no study has yet assessed the efficacy of Turo, a hybrid qigong dancing program developed to relieve symptoms in PD patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Turo may provide benefit in addressing the symptoms of PD patients. DESIGN: Randomized, assessor blind, waiting-list control, partial crossover study. SETTING: Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 32 PD patients (mean age 65.7 ± 6.8). INTERVENTION: Participants were assigned to the Turo group or the waiting-list control group. The Turo group participated in an 8-week Turo training program (60-minute sessions twice a week). The waiting-list control group received no additional treatment during the same period; then underwent the same 8-week Turo training. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was a score on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the secondary outcomes included the perceived health status assessed using the Parkinson's disease Quality of Life questionnaire (PDQL), balance function as assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the results of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The Turo group showed statistically significant improvements in the UPDRS (P < 0.01) and PDQL (P < 0.05) as compared to the control group. The changes in BBS scores displayed a tendency toward improvement, but was not statistically significant (P = 0.051). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Turo PD training might improve the symptoms of PD patients.

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation With Functional Electrical Stimulation Improves Upper Extremity Function in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare virtual reality (VR) combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) with cyclic FES for improving upper extremity function and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: A pilot, randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. SETTING: Stroke rehabilitation inpatient unit. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=48) with hemiplegia secondary to a unilateral stroke for >3 months and with a hemiplegic wrist extensor Medical Research Council scale score ranging from 1 to 3. INTERVENTIONS: FES was applied to the wrist extensors and finger extensors. A VR-based wearable rehabilitation device was used combined with FES and virtual activity-based training for the intervention group. The control group received cyclic FES only. Both groups completed 20 sessions over a 4-week period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were changes in Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity and Wolf Motor Function Test scores. Secondary outcome measures were changes in Box and Block Test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and Stroke Impact Scale scores. Assessments were performed at baseline (t0) and at 2 weeks (t1), 4 weeks (t4), and 8 weeks (t8). Between-group comparisons were evaluated using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Forty-one participants were included in the analysis. Compared with FES alone, VR-FES produced a substantial increase in Fugl-Meyer Assessment-distal score (P=.011) and marginal improvement in Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test-gross score (P=.057). VR-FES produced greater, although nonsignificant, improvements in all other outcome measures, except in the Stroke Impact Scale-activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living score. CONCLUSIONS: FES with VR-based rehabilitation may be more effective than cyclic FES in improving distal upper extremity gross motor performance poststroke.

Expression and assembly of cholera toxin B subunit and domain III of dengue virus 2 envelope fusion protein in transgenic potatoes.

The rates of mosquito-transmitted dengue virus infection in humans have increased in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Domain III of dengue envelope protein (EDIII) is involved in cellular receptor binding and induces serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies. EDIII fused to the B subunit of Vibrio cholera (CTB-EDIII) was expressed in potatoes to develop a plant-based vaccine against dengue virus type 2. CTB-EDIII fused to an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal, SEKDEL, was introduced into potatoes by A. tumefaciens-mediated gene transformation. The integration of the CTB-EDIII fusion gene into the nuclear genome of transgenic plants was confirmed by genomic DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and mRNA transcripts of CTB-EDIII were detected. CTB-EDIII fusion protein was expressed in potato tubers and assembled into a pentameric form capable of binding monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1). The level of expression was determined to be ∼0.005% of total soluble protein in potato tubers. These results suggest that dengue virus antigen could be produced in potatoes, raising the possibility that edible plants are employed in mucosal vaccines for protection against dengue infection.

The ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevented colitis-associated carcinogenesis through blocking dissociation of ß-catenin complex, inhibiting COX-2 through repressing NF-κB, and inducing 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that diets containing an increased ratio of ω-6 : ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a risk factor for colon cancer and might affect tumorigenesis. Therefore, dietary ω-3 PUFA administration may be a preventive strategy against colon cancer. Until now, the exact molecular mechanisms and required dietary doses of ω-3 PUFAs for cancer prevention were unknown. In this study, we explored the anti-tumorigenic mechanisms of ω-3 PUFAs against a colitis-associated cancer (CAC) model. Through in vitro cell models involving docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) administration, down-regulation of survivin and Bcl-2, and up-regulation of Bax, accompanied by blockage of ß-catenin complex dissociation, the main mechanisms responsible for DHA-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells were determined. Results included significant reduction in azoxymethane-initiated, dextran sodium sulfate-promoted CACs, as well as significant preservation of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) and significant inhibition of Cyclooxyganase-2 (COX-2) and Prostaglandin E2(P < 0.01). Additional mechanisms and significant induction of apoptosis in both tumor and non-tumor tissues were also noted in fat-1 transgenic (TG) mice. The lipid profiles of colon tissues measured in all specimens revealed that intake greater than 3 g ω-3 PUFA/60 kg of body weight showed tissue levels similar to those seen in fat-1 TG mice, preventing cancer. Our study concluded that COX-2 inhibition, 15-PGDH preservation, apoptosis induction, and blockage of ß-catenin complex dissociation contributed to the anti-tumorigenesis effect of ω-3 PUFAs, and an intake higher than 3g ω-3 PUFAs/60 kg of body weight can assist in CAC prevention.

Effects of Smart-Tablet-Based Neurofeedback Training on Cognitive Function in Children with Attention Problems.

We sought to determine whether smart-tablet-based neurofeedback could improve executive function-including attention, working memory, and self-regulation-in children with attention problems. Forty children (10-12 years old) with attention problems, as determined by ratings on the Conners Parent Rating Scale, were assigned to either a neurofeedback group that received 16 sessions or a control group. A comprehensive test battery that assessed general intelligence, visual and auditory attention, attentional shifting, response inhibition and behavior rating scales were administered to both groups before neurofeedback training. Several neuropsychological tests were conducted at posttraining and follow-up assessment. Scores on several neuropsychological tests and parent behavior rating scales showed significant improvement in the training group but not in the controls. The improvements remained through the follow-up assessment. This study suggests that the smart-tablet-based neurofeedback training program might improve cognitive function in children with attention problems.

Novel vaccination approach for dengue infection based on recombinant immune complex universal platform.

Dengue infection is on the rise in many endemic areas of the tropics. Vaccination remains the most realistic strategy for prevention of this potentially fatal viral disease but there is currently no effective vaccine that could protect against all four known serotypes of the dengue virus. This study describes the generation and testing of a novel vaccination approach against dengue based on recombinant immune complexes (RIC). We modelled the dengue RIC on the existing Ebola RIC (Phoolcharoen, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2011;108(Dec (51)):20695) but with a key modification that allowed formation of a universal RIC platform that can be easily adapted for use for other pathogens. This was achieved by retaining only the binding epitope of the 6D8 ant-Ebola mAb, which was then fused to the consensus dengue E3 domain (cEDIII), resulting in a hybrid dengue-Ebola RIC (DERIC). We expressed human and mouse versions of these molecules in tobacco plants using a geminivirus-based expression system. Following purification from the plant extracts by protein G affinity chromatography, DERIC bound to C1q component of complement, thus confirming functionality. Importantly, following immunization of mice, DERIC induced a potent, virus-neutralizing anti-cEDIII humoral immune response without exogenous adjuvants. We conclude that these self-adjuvanting immunogens have the potential to be developed as a novel vaccine candidate for dengue infection, and provide the basis for a universal RIC platform for use with other antigens.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius slough shed on contact dermatitis induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in mice.

BACKGROUND: The slough shed of Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius is widely used to treat skin diseases in China, Japan, and Korea. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of C. atrata on contact dermatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of C. atrata methanol extract (MECA) on ear swelling, histophathological changes and cytokine production in 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis (CD) mice. RESULTS: Topical application of MECA effectively inhibited enlargement of ear swelling (30 and 100 µ/ear, P < 0.05; 300 µg/ear, P < 0.01). MECA treatment also inhibited hyperplasia, spongiosis (100 and 300 µg/ear, P < 0.001), and immune cell infiltration (30 µg/ear, P < 0.05; 100 and 300 µg/ear, P < 0.001) induced by DNFB. In addition, treatment with MECA suppressed the increase in the levels of TNF-α (P < 0.05), IFN-g (3, 100 µg/ear, P < 0.05; 300 µg/ear, P < 0.01), and IL-6 (100 µg/ear, P < 0.05; 300 µg/ear, P < 0.01) production. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that MECA has the potential for use in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, including CD. Moreover, the results presented herein indicate that anti-inflammatory actions of MECA are mediated by decreasing production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 in inflamed tissues.

Protective effects of Pogostemon cablin Bentham water extract on inflammatory cytokine expression in TNBS-induced colitis in rats.

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colon epithelial cells express a variety of inflammatory mediators, including chemokines, which perpetuate inflammatory response. In the current study, we report that water extract of Pogostemon cablin Bentham aerial parts (PCW), which has traditionally been used for treatment of the common cold and infectious disease, suppressed colon inflammation. Treatment with PCW resulted in effective inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced adhesion of monocytes to HT-29 human colonic epithelial cells. In a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat model of IBD, PCW suppressed clinical signs of colitis, including weight loss, colon tissue myeloperoxidase activity, a marker for inflammatory cell infiltration, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, PCW suppressed TNBS-induced mRNA expression of IL-8, MCP-1, and IL-6 in rat colon. The nuclear level of NF-κB in TNBS-treated rat colon and NF-κB luciferase reporter gene activity in TNF-α-treated HT-29 cells were significantly inhibited by PCW. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that PCW suppressed colon inflammation via suppression of NF-κB-dependent expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Comparison of whole blood collection and double-unit erythrocytapheresis in preoperative autologous blood donation.

INTRODUCTION: We compared preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) using serial manual whole blood (WB) and PABD using a single session, double-unit erythrocytapheresis in terms of the hemodynamic recovery and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 56 donors in the WB PABD group and 117 donors in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group. All subjects were men with body weight >70 kg, Hb level >13.3g/dL, Hct >40%, and who were scheduled for oral and maxillofacial surgery. Three cycles of manual WB collection for PABD or a single session, double-unit erythrocytapheresis using the Alyx was performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in donor demographic variables including age, height, weight, Hb, Hct, or red cell mass between the 2 groups. The double-unit erythrocytapheresis was completed earlier than the last manual WB PABD (at 15.3 ± 4.7 days and 6.5 ± 3.2 days before surgery, p<0.001). Hct values before surgery were higher in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group than in the manual WB PABD group (39.7 ± 3.2 vs. 38.6 ± 2.7, p=0.024). ΔHct and %ΔHct before the first PABD and before surgery were lower in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group than in the manual WB PABD group (-5.6 ± 2.8 vs. -6.8 ± 2.7, p=0.010 and -12.3 ± 5.9 vs. -14.8 ± 5.6, p=0.008, respectively). The incidence of additional allogeneic blood transfusions during or after surgery and the post-operative Hb and Hct values were similar in the 2 groups. The length of hospital stay after surgery was significantly longer in the manual WB PABD group than in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis group (6.1 ± 2.5 vs. 5.4 ± 1.9, p=0.043). Of the 33 donors in the double-unit erythrocytapheresis PABD group, 7 (21.2%) reported discomforts related to the procedure, and 6 graded the discomforts (hypocalcemia, perioral tingling sense, paresthesia, dizziness, stuffiness, pain on the intravenous site, and muscle tension) as mild. CONCLUSION: The single session, double-unit erythrocytapheresis prolonged the time interval between PABD and surgery and led to better hemodynamic recovery than the serial manual WB PABD, and hypocalcemic symptoms were mild.

Anti-inflammatory activities of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., root bark on allergic contact dermatitis induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. is widely used as a medicinal herb for treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, pruritus and urticaria in China, Japan and Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of methanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., root bark (MEDD) on ear thickness, ear weights, histopathological changes such as hyperplasia, edema, spongiosis and immune cell infiltration and cytokine productions in 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis (CD) mice. We also investigated its effects on degranulation of histamine and ß-hexosaminidase and related mechanisms using RBL-2H3 cells. RESULTS: Topical application of MEDD effectively inhibited enlargement of ear thickness and weight (P<0.05). MEDD treatment also inhibited hyperplasia, edema and spongiosis induced by DNFB. Treatment with 300 µg/ear of MEDD suppressed the increase in IFN-γ and TNF-α levels (P<0.05). In addition, treatment with >50 µg/mL MEDD reduced the level of ß-hexosaminidase release, while >100 µg/mL MEDD lowered the level of histamine release in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Finally, MEDD treatment prevented phosphorylation of p38 MAPK induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187 in RBL-2H3 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. has the potential for use in the treatment of allergic skin diseases. Furthermore, they suggest that root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. is involved in decreasing degranulation of MCs via inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway as well as in the inhibition of Th1 skewing reactions.

Effect of lithospermi radix on contact dermatitis induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. (Lithospermi Radix, LR) is a kind of heat clearing and blood cooling medicinal herbs. It can clear away heat and cool the blood, reduce toxins and disperse maculae. LR has long been used as efficacious therapy for inflammation, burns, frostbite and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. METHODS: In the present study, we investigate anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of LR by using the 1-fluoro-2, 4- dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis mouse model. RESULTS: Topical application of 10 mg/mL of LR effectively inhibited skin lesions induced by repeated paintings with DNFB. Topical application of LR also inhibited hyperplasia, edema, spongiosis and infiltrations of mononuclear cells. In addition, production levels of total immunoglobulin and IgG1 in serum were decreased by using LR in vivo. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that LR acts as an antiinflammatory agent, improving skin lesions in CD mice.

Anti-obesity and antioxidative effects of purple sweet potato extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro.

The purpose of the current study was to determine the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of an extract of purple sweet potatoes (PSPs) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. For this purpose, differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with a PSP extract at concentrations of 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 µg/mL for 24 hours. Then, we measured the changes in the sizes of the adipocytes, the secretion of leptin, and the mRNA/protein expression of lipogenic, inflammatory, and lipolytic factors after the treatment with the PSP extract. The PSP extract diminished leptin secretion, indicating that growth of fat droplets was suppressed. The extract also suppressed the expression of mRNAs of lipogenic and inflammatory factors and promoted lipolytic action. The antioxidative activity of the PSP extract was also measured using three different in vitro methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing ability potential assay, and chelating activity of transition metal ions. Taken together, our study shows that PSP extract has antilipogenic, anti-inflammatory, and lipolytic effects on adipocytes and has radical scavenging and reducing activity.

Protective effect of components isolated from Lindera erythrocarpa against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

Eight compounds were isolated from the methanol fraction of Lindera erythrocarpa and assessed for their ability to protect H9c2 cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress-induced cell death. Three of the compounds significantly reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase from H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine and reduced the uptake of propidium iodide by these cells. These effects were concentration-dependent. The three inhibitory compounds were identified as (-)-epicatechin, avicularin and quercitrin by spectroscopic techniques including one- and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectroscopy.

Cholera toxin B subunit-domain III of dengue virus envelope glycoprotein E fusion protein production in transgenic plants.

Envelope glycoprotein E of the dengue virus, which plays a crucial role in its entry into host cells, has an immunogenic domain III (EIII, amino acids 297-394), which is capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies. However, mice immunized with EIII protein without adjuvant elicited low immune responses. To improve low immune responses, a DNA fragment, consisting of cholera toxin B subunit and EIII gene (CTB-EIII), was constructed and introduced into tobacco plant cells (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. MD609) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation methods. The integration and transcription of CTB-EIII fusion gene were confirmed in transgenic plants by genomic DNA PCR amplification and Northern blot analysis, respectively. The results of immunoblot analysis with anti-CTB and anti-dengue virus antibodies showed the expression of the CTB-EIII fusion protein in transgenic plant extracts. Based on the G(M1)-ELISA results, the CTB-EIII protein expressed in plants showed the biological activity for intestinal epithelial cell membrane glycolipid receptor, G(M1)-ganglioside, and its expression level was up to about 0.019% of total soluble protein in transgenic plant leaf tissues. The feasibility of using a plant-produced CTB-EIII fusion protein to generate immunogenicity against domain III will be tested in future animal experiments.

Large-scale assembly of highly flexible low-noise devices based on silicon nanowires.

Recently, integrated flexible devices based on silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) have received significant attention as high performance flexible devices. However, most previous assembly methods can generate only specifically-shaped devices and require unconventional facilities, which has been a major hurdle for industrial applications. Herein, we report a simple but very efficient method for assembling Si-NWs into virtually generally-shape patterns on flexible substrates using only conventional microfabrication facilities, allowing us to mass-produce highly flexible low-noise devices. As proof of this method, we demonstrated the fabrication of highly bendable top-gate transistors based on Si-NWs. These devices showed typical n-type semiconductor behaviors, and exhibited a much lower noise level compared to previous flexible devices based on organic conductors or other nanowires. In addition, the gating behaviors and low-noise characteristics of our devices were maintained, even under highly bent conditions.