• Environmental Engineering Research
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.345-353
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• 2018

This paper summarizes results of research on the electrochemical (EC) degradation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) and iodine-containing contrast media (ICMs), with the focus on EC reductive dehalogenation. The efficiency of EC dehalogenation of DBPs increases with the number of halogen atoms in an individual DBP species. EC reductive cleavage of bromine from parent DBPs is faster than that of chlorine. EC data and quantum chemical modeling indicate that the EC reduction of iodine-containing DBPs (I-DBPs) is characterized by the formation of active iodine that reacts with the organic substrate. The occurrence of ICMs has attracted attention due to their association with the generation of I-DBPs. Indirect EC oxidation of ICMs using anodes that produce reactive oxygen species can result in a complete degradation of these compounds yet I-DBPs are formed in the process. Reductive EC deiodination of ICMs is rapid and its overall rate is diffusion-controlled yet I-DBPs are also produced in this reaction. Further progress in practically feasible EC methods to remove DBPs, ICMs and other trace-level organic contaminants requires the development of novel electrocatalytic materials, elimination of mass transfer limitations via innovative design of 3D electrodes and EC reactors, and further progress in the understanding of intrinsic mechanisms of EC reactions of DBPs and TrOC at EC interfaces.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.283-294
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• 2021

A genetic etiology of male infertility is identified in fewer than 25% of infertile men, while 30% of infertile men lack a clear etiology, resulting in a diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility. Advances in reproductive genetics have provided insights into the mechanisms of male infertility, and a characterization of the genetic basis of male infertility may have broad implications for understanding the causes of infertility and determining the prognosis, optimal treatment, and management of couples. In a substantial proportion of patients with azoospermia, known genetic factors contribute to male infertility. Additionally, the number of identified genetic anomalies in other etiologies of male infertility is growing through advances in whole-genome amplification and next-generation sequencing. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview of the indications for appropriate genetic tests, summarize the characteristics of chromosomal and genetic diseases, and discuss the treatment of couples with genetic infertility by microdissection-testicular sperm extraction, personalized hormone therapy, and in vitro fertilization with pre-implantation genetic testing.

• 한국축산식품학회지
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2020

Various processing methods have a great impact on the physiochemical and nutritional properties of meat that are of health concern. Hence, the postmortem processing of meat by different methods is likely to intensify the potential effects on protein oxidation. The influence of meat protein oxidation on the modulation of the systemic redox status and underlying mechanism is well known. However, the effects of processed meat proteins isolated from different sources on gut microbiota, oxidative stress biomarkers, and metabolomic markers associated with metabolic syndromes are of growing interest. The application of advanced methodological approaches based on OMICS, and mass spectrometric technologies has enabled to better understand the molecular basis of the effect of processed meat oxidation on human health and the aging process. Animal studies indicate the involvement of dietary proteins isolated from different sources on health disorders, which emphasizes the impact of processed meat protein on the richness of bacterial taxa such as (Mucispirillum, Oscillibacter), accompanied by increased expression of lipogenic genes. This review explores the most recent evidences on meat processing techniques, meat protein oxidation, underlying mechanisms, and their potential effects on nutritional value, gut microbiota composition and possible implications on human health.

• 셀메드
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.10.1-10.10
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• 2017

The Maasai community from Kenya is highly esteemed for their strong adherence to traditional cultures and ethno medicine. This is attributed to their age-old traditional mechanisms of passing down knowledge to the younger generation. Adoption to new socio-economic lifestyle and urbanization has been associated with development of diabetes, which has been reported among some indigenous pastoral communities in Kenya. Documentation of traditional methods of treatment and management of diabetes by the Maasai has not yet been reported, yet it is noteworthy. Thirty traditional healers from Narok County were purposively selected and interviewed about traditional knowledge of antidiabetic medicinal plants, parts used, preparation dosage and administration. A total of 14 antidiabetic plant species distributed within 13 genera and 12 families were identified and documented as herbal medicine used in the management of diabetes. The most highly cited plant species was Dovyalis abyssinica (20%), the plant family Flacourtiaceae and Rhamnaceae (2 plant species each) recorded the highest number of plant species while the most frequently used plant part was the roots (46%). Literature review revealed that some of the cited plants have known phytochemicals with antidiabetic activity; the study recommends further scientific investigation to validate their efficacy and safety.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.4.1-4.22
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• 2022

In the era of immunotherapeutic control of cancers, many advances in biotechnology, especially in Ab engineering, have provided multiple new candidates as therapeutic immuno-oncology modalities. Bispecific Abs (BsAbs) that recognize 2 different antigens in one molecule are promising drug candidates and have inspired an upsurge in research in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Among several BsAbs, T cell engaging BsAb (TCEB), a new class of therapeutic agents designed to simultaneously bind to T cells and tumor cells via tumor cell specific antigens in immunotherapy, is the most promising BsAb. Herein, we are providing an overview of the current status of the development of TCEBs. The diverse formats and characteristics of TCEBs, in addition to the functional mechanisms of BsAbs are discussed. Several aspects of a new TCEB-Blinatumomab-are reviewed, including the current clinical data, challenges of patient treatment, drawbacks regarding toxicities, and resistance of TCEB therapy. Development of the next generation of TCEBs is also discussed in addition to the comparison of TCEB with current chimeric antigen receptor-T therapy.

• Advances in environmental research
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• 제4권2호
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• pp.105-117
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• 2015

The groundwater is a very important part of the environment and must be protected for the benefit of the present and future generation. The contamination of soil and groundwater by chemicals has become an increasing concern in the recent past. These chemicals enter the groundwater system by a wide variety of mechanisms, including accidental spills, land disposal of domestic and industrial wastes and application of agricultural fertilizers. Once introduced into an aquifer, these contaminants will be transported by flowing groundwater and may degrade water quality at nearby wells and streams. For improving the management and protection of groundwater resources, it is important to first understand the various processes that control the transport of contaminants in groundwater. Predictions of the fate of groundwater contaminants can be made to assess the effect of these chemicals on local water resources and to evaluate the effectiveness of remedial actions. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the behaviour of solute transport through porous media using laboratory experiments. Sodium chloride was used as a conservative chemical in the experiment. During the experiment, pulse boundary condition and continuous boundary conditions were used. Experimental results have been presented for conservative solute transport in the sand. The pattern of the break through curve remains almost same in all the cases of varying flow rate and initial concentration of conservative chemical.

• 수면정신생리
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.133-137
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• 1995

The author reviews current knowledge about what REM sleep is and where and how it is generated. REM sleep is the state in which our most vivid dreams occur. REM sleep is identified by the simultaneous presence of a desynchronized cortical EEG, an absence of activity in the antigravity muscles(atonia), and periodic bursts of rapid eye movements. Another characteristic phenomena of REM sleep are the highly synchronized hippocampal EEG of theta frequency and the ponto-geniculo-occipital(PGO) spike. All these phenomena can be explained in terms of changes in neuronal activity. Transection studies have determined that the pons is sufficient for generating REM sleep. Lesion studies have identified a small region in the lateral pontine tegmentum corresponding to lateral portions of the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis(RPO) and the region immediately ventral to the locus coeruleus, which is required for REM sleep. Unit recording studies have found a population of cells within this region that is selectively active in REM sleep. Cholinergic neurons of the giant cell field of pontine tegmentum(ETG), which is 'REM a sleep-on cells', has shown to be critically involved in the generation of REM sleep. Noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus and serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe, which are called 'REM sleep-off cells', appear to act in a reciprocal manner to the cholinergic neurons. It is proposed that the periodic cessations of discharge of 'REM sleep-off cells' during REM sleep might be significant for the prevention of the desensitization of receptors of these neurons.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.718-725
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• 2003

The present study addresses the distortion of the compression wave reflected from an open end of a shock tube. An experiment is carried out using the simple shock tube with an open end Computational work is also performed to represent the experimented flows. The second-order Total Variation Diminishing scheme is employed to numerically solve the unsteady, axisy-mmetric, inviscid, compressible governing equations. Both the experimented and predicted results are in good agreement. The generation and development mechanisms of the compression wave, which Is reflected from the open end of the shock tube, are obtained in detail from the present computations. The effect of size of the baffle plate at the open-end that causes the reflection of the incident expansion wave is found negligible. A good correlation is obtained for transition of the reflected compression wave to a shock wave inside the tube. The present data show that for a given wave length of the incident expansion wave the transition of the reflected compression wave to a shock wave can be predicted with good accuracy.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.14-21
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• 2024

Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) refers to congenital forms of nystagmus that are present at birth or during infancy. This syndrome may be caused by afferent visual system disorders or abnormal development of the ocular motor system. INS is a genetically heterogeneous disorder for which there are more than 100 causative genes. Since applying clinical tests for the differential diagnosis of INS can be challenging in early infancy and children, genetic testings such as next-generation sequencing are becoming more important for achieving accurate diagnoses. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of INS may also lead to the development of gene-based therapies for INS. These advantages of genetic testing have the potential to change the diagnostic paradigm of patients with INS. However, the diagnostic pathway based on genetic testing still has several limitations in terms of the therapeutic effect and methodology. This review summarizes genetic and clinical features of INS, and discusses the promise and pitfalls of genetic testing in INS.

• BMB Reports
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.214-219
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• 2017

Mitochondria play pivotal roles in the ATP production, apoptosis and generation of reactive oxygen species. Although dynamic regulation of mitochondria morphology is a critical step to maintain cellular homeostasis, the regulatory mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we identified miR-200a-3p as a novel regulator of mitochondrial dynamics by targeting mitochondrial fission factor (MFF). We demonstrated that the ectopic expression of miR-200a-3p enhanced mitochondrial elongation, mitochondrial ATP synthesis, mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption rate. These results indicate that miR-200a-3p positively regulates mitochondrial elongation by downregulating MFF expression.