Validity Study for Clinical Use of Hand-Held Spirometer in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

A spirometer is a medical device frequently used clinically for the diagnosis and prediction of lung disease. This study aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of a hand-held spirometer (The Spirokit), compared with conventional spirometry in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was conducted from February 2022 to October 2022. Measurements from 80 patients with COPD (male: 53, female: 27) were obtained using The Spirokit and PC-based pulmonary function test equipment, and the resulting values were compared and analyzed. For the concurrent validity comparison of The Spirokit, the intra-class correlation (ICC 2, 1), coefficients of variation (CVME), 95% limits of agreement (95% LOA), and Cohen's Kappa Index were analyzed. The Spirokit showed high agreement (ICC: 0.929-0.989; 95% LOA: -0.525 to 2.559; and CVME: 0.05-0.08) with the PC-based pulmonary function tester. Using the Cohen's kappa coefficients, the device showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy scores of Pa: 0.90, Pc: 0.52, and K: 0.79, respectively, indicating considerable agreement. The Spirokit, a portable pulmonary function test device, is a piece of equipment with high validity and portability, with high potential for replacing PC-based pulmonary function test equipment.

Effects of different levels of dietary crude protein on the physiological response, reproductive performance, blood profiles, milk composition and odor emission in gestating sows.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) levels on the physiological response, reproductive performance, blood profiles, milk composition and odor emission in gestating sows. METHODS: Seventy-two multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) of average body weight (BW), backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of six treatments with 10 or 11 sows per treatment in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets with different CP levels were as follows: i) CP11, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 11% CP; ii) CP12, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 12% CP; iii) CP13, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 13% CP; iv) CP14, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 14% CP; v) CP15, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 15% CP; and vi) CP16: corn‒soybean-based diet containing 16% CP. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the performance of sow or piglet growth when sows were fed different dietary protein levels. Milk fat (linear, p = 0.05) and total solids (linear, p = 0.04) decreased as dietary CP levels increased. Increasing dietary CP levels in the gestation diet caused a significant increase in creatinine at days 35 and 110 of gestation (linear, p = 0.01; linear, p = 0.01). The total protein in sows also increased as dietary CP levels increased during the gestation period and 24 hours postpartum (linear, p = 0.01; linear, p = 0.01). During the whole experimental period, an increase in urea in sows was observed when sows were fed increasing levels of dietary CP (linear, p = 0.01), and increasing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations were observed as well. In the blood parameters of piglets, there were linear improvements in creatinine (linear, p = 0.01), total protein (linear, p = 0.01), urea (linear, p = 0.01), and BUN (linear, p = 0.01) with increasing levels of dietary CP as measured 24 hours postpartum. At two measurement points (days 35 and 110) of gestation, the odor gas concentration, including amine, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, increased linearly when sows fed diets with increasing levels of dietary CP (linear, p = 0.01). Moreover, as dietary CP levels increased to 16%, the odor gas concentration was increased with a quadratic response (quadratic, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Reducing dietary CP levels from 16% to 11% in a gestating diet did not exert detrimental effects on sow body condition or piglet performance. Moreover, a low protein diet (11% CP) may improve dietary protein utilization and metabolism to reduce odor gas emissions in manure and urine in gestating sows.

Correlating Nanoscale Structures with Electrochemical Properties of Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Solid-State Battery Electrodes.

Here, we investigate the nonlinear relationship between the content of solid electrolytes in composite electrodes and the irreversible capacity via the degree of nanoscale uniformity of the surface morphology and chemical composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Using electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), changes of the chemical composition and morphology (Li and F distribution) in SEI layers on the electrodes as a function of solid electrolyte contents are analyzed. As a result, we find that the solid electrolyte content affects the variation of the SEI layer thickness and chemical distributions of Li and F ions in the SEI layer, which, in turn, influence the Coulombic efficiency. This correlation determines the composition of the composite electrode surface that can maximize the physical and chemical uniformity of the solid electrolyte on the electrode, which is a key parameter to increase electrochemical performance in solid-state batteries.

Effects of different levels of dietary crude protein on growth performance, blood profiles, diarrhea incidence, nutrient digestibility, and odor emission in weaning pigs.

OBJECTIVE: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary crude protein (CP) on growth performance, blood profiles, diarrhea incidence, nutrient digestibility, and odor emission in weaning pigs. METHODS: A total of 240 weaning ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) pigs (8.25±0.050 kg body weight [BW]) were assigned to six treatments based on sex and initial BW, with five replicates of eight pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. Experimental diets with different crude protein levels for early and late weaning phases were as follows: i) CP16, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 16%/15% CP; ii) CP17, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 17%/16% CP; iii) CP18, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 18%/17% CP; iv) CP19, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 19%/18% CP; v) CP20, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 20%/19% CP; and vi) CP21, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 21%/20% CP. RESULTS: In the early weaning period, average daily feed intake increased when the dietary CP level decreased (linear, p<0.05). During the entire experimental period, average daily gain and the gain to feed ratio decreased when the dietary CP level increased (linear, p< 0.01). Additionally, a decrease in dietary CP level resulted in a linear increase in final BW (linear, p<0.05). In the early and late weaning periods, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased when the dietary CP level decreased (linear, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in creatinine, glucose, total protein, triglyceride or insulin-like factor-1 levels over the experimental period. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG were not significantly affected by dietary CP levels during the experimental period. In the early weaning period, fecal and urine N decreased when the dietary CP level decreased (linear, p<0.01). No differences in nutrient digestibility among the treatments during the early weaning period were found. Throughout the whole experimental period, when the dietary CP level decreased in the weaning pig diet, the diarrhea incidence decreased linearly (linear, p<0.01). Throughout the whole experimental period, when the dietary CP level decreased in the weaning pig diet, ammonia, amines and hydrogen sulfide decreased linearly (linear, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Reducing dietary CP could decrease diarrhea incidence, the concentration of BUN in serum and odor emission in manure. Furthermore, it could improve N excretion in feces and urine and growth performance in weaning pigs.

Microneedles in Action: Microneedling and Microneedles-Assisted Transdermal Delivery.

Human skin is a multilayered physiochemical barrier protecting the human body. The stratum corneum (SC) is the outermost keratinized layer of skin through which only molecules with less or equal to 500 Da (Dalton) in size can freely move through the skin. Unfortunately, the conventional use of a hypothermic needle for large therapeutic agents is susceptible to needle phobia and the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. As a new approach, a microneedle (MN) can deliver therapeutically significant molecules without apparent limitations associated with its molecular size. Microneedles can create microchannels through the skin's SC without stimulating the proprioceptive pain nerves. With recent technological advancements in both fabrication and drug loading, MN has become a versatile platform that improves the efficacy of transdermally applied therapeutic agents (TAs) and associated treatments for various indications. This review summarizes advanced fabrication techniques for MN and addresses numerous TA coating and TA elution strategies from MN, offering a comprehensive perspective on the current microneedle technology. Lastly, we discuss how microneedling and microneedle technologies can improve the clinical efficacy of a variety of skin diseases.

Effects of Vibrotactile Biofeedback Providing Real-Time Pressure Information on Static Balance Ability and Weight Distribution Symmetry Index in Patients with Chronic Stroke.

Training with visual and auditory biofeedback, in patients with stroke, improved balance ability and asymmetric posture. We developed a new biofeedback training device to prevent falls and improve balance ability in patients with stroke. This device corrects motion errors by collecting the pressure information of patients in real-time. This randomized crossover study aimed to investigate the effect of this biofeedback training on the static balance ability and weight distribution symmetry index in 24 patients with chronic stroke. Pressure sensor-based vibrotactile biofeedback, visual biofeedback providing posture information, and standing without biofeedback were randomly applied for 1 d each with 24 h washout intervals to minimize adaptation. The static balance ability was measured for each biofeedback training type, and the weight distribution symmetry index was calculated using the collected weight-bearing rate data. The static balance ability and weight distribution symmetry index differed significantly according to the type of biofeedback training used. Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in the order of newly developed vibrotactile biofeedback, visual biofeedback, and standing without biofeedback. These findings provide evidence that pressure sensor-based vibrotactile biofeedback improves static balance ability and weight support rates by proposing better intervention for patients with chronic stroke in the clinical environment.

Effects of Lysine Cell Mass Supplementation as a Substitute for L-Lysine·HCl on Growth Performance, Diarrhea Incidence, and Blood Profiles in Weaning Pigs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lysine cell mass (LCM) as an alternative lysine source in diets for weaning pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, and blood profiles. In experiment 1, a total of 200 weaning pigs, with an average body weight (BW) of 6.89 ± 1.04 kg, were allotted into one of five treatments with four replicates of 10 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The dietary treatments were composed of LCM supplementation (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1.0%) with partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl (0 to 0.8% for phase 1 diets and 0 to 0.07% for phase 2 diets). The BW and feed intake were recorded at the end of each phase (d 0 to 14 for phase 1, d 14 to 35 for phase 2), and diarrhea incidence was checked daily throughout the experimental period. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of pigs at 2 weeks and 5 weeks to determine the blood profiles of weaning pigs. In experiment 2, a total of 144 weaning pigs with an average BW of 6.44 ± 1.19 kg were allotted into one of six treatments with six replicates of four pigs per pen in RCBD. The dietary treatments were composed of LCM supplementation (0 to 3.5% for phase 1 diets and 0 to 2.2% for phase 2 diets) with replacement of L-lysine·HCl from 0 to 100%. In experiment 1, partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl with 0 to 1% LCM did not affect growth performance and diarrhea incidence of pigs. An increase in the LCM supplementation from 0 to 1% with partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl had no influence on the blood urea nitrogen concentrations, whereas it resulted in a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in the serum IgG concentrations for 5 weeks. In experiment 2, increasing the dietary level of LCM with replacement of L-lysine·HCl quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) ADG and G-F ratio for phase 2 and G-F ratio for the overall period such that 100% replacement of L-lysine·HCl with LCM decreased ADG and G-F ratio of weaning pigs. An increase in the LCM supplementation with replacement of L-lysine·HCl tended to decrease linearly (p < 0.10) the diarrhea incidence of weaning pigs for the overall period and linearly decrease (p < 0.05) the serum IgG concentrations for 2 weeks. In conclusion, partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl with LCM from 0 to 1% had no negative impacts on the growth performance, but 100% replacement of L-lysine·HCl with LCM decreased the growth performance of weaning pigs. Therefore, LCM could be included in the diets for weaning pigs up to 2.8% and 1.76% for phase 1 and phase 2, respectively, as a substitute for L-lysine·HCl without detrimental effects on the performance of weaning pigs.

Reducing Time to Discovery: Materials and Molecular Modeling, Imaging, Informatics, and Integration.

Multiscale and multimodal imaging of material structures and properties provides solid ground on which materials theory and design can flourish. Recently, KAIST announced 10 flagship research fields, which include KAIST Materials Revolution: Materials and Molecular Modeling, Imaging, Informatics and Integration (M3I3). The M3I3 initiative aims to reduce the time for the discovery, design and development of materials based on elucidating multiscale processing-structure-property relationship and materials hierarchy, which are to be quantified and understood through a combination of machine learning and scientific insights. In this review, we begin by introducing recent progress on related initiatives around the globe, such as the Materials Genome Initiative (U.S.), Materials Informatics (U.S.), the Materials Project (U.S.), the Open Quantum Materials Database (U.S.), Materials Research by Information Integration Initiative (Japan), Novel Materials Discovery (E.U.), the NOMAD repository (E.U.), Materials Scientific Data Sharing Network (China), Vom Materials Zur Innovation (Germany), and Creative Materials Discovery (Korea), and discuss the role of multiscale materials and molecular imaging combined with machine learning in realizing the vision of M3I3. Specifically, microscopies using photons, electrons, and physical probes will be revisited with a focus on the multiscale structural hierarchy, as well as structure-property relationships. Additionally, data mining from the literature combined with machine learning will be shown to be more efficient in finding the future direction of materials structures with improved properties than the classical approach. Examples of materials for applications in energy and information will be reviewed and discussed. A case study on the development of a Ni-Co-Mn cathode materials illustrates M3I3's approach to creating libraries of multiscale structure-property-processing relationships. We end with a future outlook toward recent developments in the field of M3I3.

Nanoscale effects of beverages on enamel surface of human teeth: An atomic force microscopy study.

Dental erosion has become a prevalence disease and attracted increasing attention worldwide. In this research, we quantitatively evaluate the mechanical and morphological changes in the very early stages of softening and weakening of human enamel surfaces induced by soft drinks using atomic force microscopy (AFM). With an increase of the immersion time in soft drinks, we found a significant increase of surface roughness (Rq) of the enamel surface. The prismatic structure of enamel was clearly observed after a 1-h immersion in Coca-Cola®, which shows its strong erosion effect. According to the elastic modulus mapping images obtained by AFM, a considerable decrease of elastic modulus (E) of enamel surface has been found as the enamel surface structures are etched away by soft drinks. A high surface roughness of enamel will result in a high chance of cavities due to easier bacterial adhesion on rougher surface, while a drastic deterioration of the mechanical properties of the enamel will weaken its protection property. Our findings show the serious influence of acidic drinks on enamel surface at the very beginning stage of etching process, which is quite meaningful for people to prevent dental erosion and keep dental health.

Antihypertensive and Renal Protective Effects of Oryeongsan in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Oryeongsan (ORS), a traditional medicine used to regulate body fluids, has a long history of use as a diuretic in Korea, China, and Japan. ORS is commonly thought to lower blood pressure, but high-quality data on its effects are sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine the antihypertensive and renal protective effects of ORS in rats with hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into two groups with similar mean baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Then, 10 mL/kg of vehicle (distilled water) or 200 mg/kg of ORS extract were administered orally once a day for 3 weeks. SBP and DBP were measured at weeks 1, 2, and 3. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected, and kidneys were removed for histology. By the 2nd and 3rd week after initiation of treatment, the ORS-treated group had significantly lower SBP than control-treated rats (191.3 ± 6.5 vs. 206.3 ± 9.8 mmHg, p = 0.022 at the 2nd week; 195.8 ± 7.8 vs. 217.0 ± 8.1 mmHg, p = 0.003 at the 3rd week, respectively). The ORS-treated group trended toward having a lower DBP than control, but there was no significant difference. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) were not different between the ORS-treated and control groups (BUN: 23.7 ± 1.1 vs. 22.7 ± 2.8 mg/dL, p = 0.508; Cr: 19.0 ± 2.2 vs. 21.6 ± 2.1 µM, p = 0.083, respectively). The percentage of renal tissue affected by tubulointerstitial fibrosis was significantly lower in the ORS-treated group (1.68 ± 0.60) compared to controls (3.17 ± 0.96, p = 0.019). These findings suggest that treatment with ORS reduces SBP and ameliorates renal damage in SHR.

Intact Crystalline Semiconducting Graphene Nanoribbons from Unzipping Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes.

Unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may offer a valuable route to synthesize graphene nanoribbon (GNR) structures with semiconducting properties. Unfortunately, currently available unzipping methods commonly rely on a random harsh chemical reaction and thereby cause significant degradation of the crystalline structure and electrical properties of GNRs. Herein, crystalline semiconducting GNRs are achieved by a synergistic, judiciously designed two-step unzipping method for N-doped CNTs (NCNTs). NCNTs are effectively unzipped by damage-minimized, dopant-specific electrochemical unzipping and subsequent sonochemical treatment into long ribbon-like nanostructures with crystalline basal planes. Owing to the nanoscale dimension originating from the dense nucleation of the unzipping reaction at highly NCNTs, the resultant GNRs demonstrate semiconducting properties, which can be exploited for chemiresistor-type gas-sensing devices and many other applications.

Buckled carbon nanotube network thin-film fabricated using chemically swelled elastomer substrates.

We report on the fabrication of buckled carbon nanotube thin-film networks (CNTN) that increases in conductivity with applied tactile pressure. When tactile pressure was applied, the buckled nanotubes collapsed and increased in interconnected density and as a result increased the thin-film conductivity. Unlike conventional methods using mechanically expanded elastomers, we utilize chemically swollen elastomers as the expanded substrate to transfer the CNTN. As the chemical evaporates, it compresses the CNTN causing the thin-film to buckle. The CNTN compression can be controlled by using organic solvents with differing elastomer absorption rates. Our method requires no mechanical instruments and shows in-plane multi-axial uniform strain for the entire substrate surface. Since the buckling was controlled chemically, the buckled CNTN can be produced reliably, furthering the possibility of its application as the active sensing material for highly sensitive tactile pressure sensors.

Effects of membrane thickness on the performance of ionic polymer-metal composite actuators.

In this study, we report the effects of Nafion thickness on the performance of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators. We analyzed the actuation properties of the IPMC actuators, such as displacement and tip force, under external voltage, as a function of their thickness. In order to understand the relationship between thickness and actuation properties, we developed a semi-quantitative model of voltage induced ionic diffusion and its contribution to bending of the Nafion cantilever. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanical properties of the Nafion membranes at sub-micro scale as well as bulk scale, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and tensile test. The results of the two methods indicated opposite trends of elastic modulus and crystallinity as a function of thickness. We hypothesized that the hot-pressed Nafion was composed of three layers with different crystallinity. Our results suggest that for a high performance IPMC actuator, we need better control of the annealing temperature gradient.

Effects of NH4F and distilled water on structure of pores in TiO2 nanotube arrays.

In this study, we report the influences of distilled water and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) on morphology of pores in honeycomb-like titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube arrays. We observed the structure and arrangement of pores in the TiO2 nanotube arrays based on scanning electron microscopy images and analyzed the spatial distribution of the pores using fast Fourier transform and Voronoi diagram. We studied the individual pore properties including pore diameter, wall thickness, and interpore distance and found that locally connected ordering defects decreased with increasing distilled water concentration. Furthermore, we found that the optimum conditions of well-ordered hexagonal pore arrangement were 2 and 10 vol% distilled water with 0.2 and 0.4 wt% NH4F, respectively. Throughout this study, we provide a better understanding about the roles of distilled water and NH4F in forming well-ordered nanoscale pore structure with less ordering defects in the honeycomb-like TiO2 nanotube arrays.

Reduction of oxidative stress may play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect of the novel herbal formulation in a rat model of hydrochloric acid-induced cystitis.

AIMS: We investigated the effect of the multi-herbal medicine, WSY-1075 in an animal model of hydrochloric acid (HCl)-induced cystitis. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham-operated (control), HCl-induced only (HC), and HC treated with WSY-1075 (HC + WT). Oral administration of either distilled water (control, HC) or WSY-1075 (400 mg/kg) was continued for 4 weeks. In HC and HC + WT groups, cystitis was induced with 0.4 M HCl beginning on the 22nd day. Rats in each group underwent cystometrography, and bladders were examined for evidence of inflammation and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Treatment with WSY-1075 decreased the frequency of urination and reduced inflammation of the bladder tissue in a rat model of HCl-induced cystitis. Compared with the control group, the HC group showed severe chronic inflammatory and fibrosis signs, and the inflammatory grades significantly decreased following WSY-1075 treatment in the HC-WT group. The HC + WT group showed a markedly decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the HC group. The level of malondialdehyde was significantly greater in the HC group compared to the control group, and it was significantly reduced in the treated (HC + WT) group. The levels of superoxide dismutase increased in the HC + WT group, which confirmed the anti-oxidant effect of WSY-1075. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that reduction of oxidative stress may play a role in this anti-inflammatory effect.

Spatially digitized tactile pressure sensors with tunable sensitivity and sensing range.

When developing an electronic skin with touch sensation, an array of tactile pressure sensors with various ranges of pressure detection need to be integrated. This requires low noise, highly reliable sensors with tunable sensing characteristics. We demonstrate the operation of tactile pressure sensors that utilize the spatial distribution of contact electrodes to detect various ranges of tactile pressures. The device consists of a suspended elastomer diaphragm, with a carbon nanotube thin-film on the bottom, which makes contact with the electrodes on the substrate with applied pressure. The electrodes separated by set distances become connected in sequence with tactile pressure, enabling consecutive electrodes to produce a signal. Thus, the pressure is detected not by how much of a signal is produced but by which of the electrodes is registering an output. By modulating the diaphragm diameter, and suspension height, it was possible to tune the pressure sensitivity and sensing range. Also, adding a fingerprint ridge structure enabled the sensor to detect the periodicity of sub-millimeter grating patterns on a silicon wafer.

ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic Acid, isolated from the roots of Aralia continentalis, induces activation of Nrf2.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Excessive inflammation can lead to tissue damage and dysfunction of vital organs. Hence, regulating inflammatory response is a viable therapeutic approach. In Asian countries, various inflammatory diseases have often effectively been treated with herbal remedies including the root extract of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa (Araliaceae). Here, we investigated the effect of kaurenoic acid (ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid: KA), a diterpenoid that is extracted from Aralia continentalis Kitagawa root, on inflammation. MATERIALS, METHODS, AND RESULTS: Western blot and RT-PCR analyses show that KA induced the nuclear localization of Nrf2 as low as 1 nM in concentration and that KA treatment induced the expression of Nrf2 dependent genes such as GCLC and HO-1. On the other hand, KA did not affect the degradation of cytoplasmic IκB-α, the nuclear localization of RelA (p65), and NF-κB transcriptional activity in RAW264.7 cells treated with endotoxin. Consistent with these data, KA treatment failed to suppress gene expression of representative pro-inflammatory mediators including COX-2, nitric oxide, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-12, indicating that KA did not have an important impact on NF-κB activation. CONCLUSION: Together, these results show that KA was an effective activator of Nrf2, and suggest that the beneficial effects of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa root extract are, at least in part, mediated by activating Nrf2.

Apoptosis-inducing effect of akebia saponin D from the roots of Dipsacus asper Wall in U937 cells.

Methanol extracts of the root of Dipsacus asper Wall (Dipsacaceae) were found to exhibit apoptosis-inducing activities in U937 (human monocyte-like histiocytic) cells. Investigation of the active n-BuOH fraction led to the isolation of akebia saponin D (ASD). Structure was established by spectroscopic methods. Treatment of U937 cells with ASD induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. ASD exerted strong cytotoxicity against human and murine leukemia cells. It is significantly increased the subG1 cell population and expression of p53 and Bax gene. And also ASD enhanced NO production from RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Taken together, these results strongly indicate that ASD may exert apoptosis-inducing activity via induction of apoptosis through activation chiefly via the nitric oxide and apoptosis-related p53 and Bax gene expression. These data provide scientific evidence that Dipsacus asper Wall can be useful as a chemopreventive agent.

Inhibitory effects of Okbyungpoong-Gamhmi on anaphylactic responses.

We investigated the effect of a herbal formulation Okbyungpoong-Gamhmi (OG) on mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reactions by intra-rectal administration. OG concentration dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis-like response and ear swelling response with doses of 0.01-1g/kg. OG also inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis at the same concentrations. The histamine release induced by compound 48/80 or IgE from the rat peritoneal mast cells was reduced by 64.2 and 63.6%, respectively, at 1g/l. These results provide evidence that intra-rectal therapy of OG may be beneficial in the treatment of anaphylactic response.