• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.291-298
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• 2016

In this study, zwitterionic surfactants were added to liposome systems at different pH conditions to understand the effect of surfactants on liposome characteristics. For this purpose, amine oxide surfactants having different hydrocarbon chain lengths were synthesized and the structure of the resulting product was elucidated by using $^1H$ NMR, $^{13}C$ NMR, and FT-IR. In addition, the physical properties of newly synthesized surfactants such as critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension and isoelectric point were measured. The stability characteristics of liposome systems including average particle sizes and zeta potentials were measured by varying pH and hydrocarbon chain lengths of an amine oxide surfactant. Effects of the pH and hydrocarbon chain length of an amine oxide surfactant on fluidity of a liposome membrane were also examined by measuring the deformability and the binding degree between the surfactant and liposome.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.491-503
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• 2017

The effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were evaluated on growth inhibition of intracellular Toxoplasma gondii in host ARPE-19 cells. The number of tachyzoites per parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) was counted after treatment with TKIs. T. gondii protein expression was assessed by western blot. Immunofluorescence assay was performed using Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) and T. gondii GRA3 antibodies. The TKIs were divided into 3 groups; non-epidermal growth factor receptor (non-EGFR), anti-human EGFR 2 (anti-HER2), and anti-HER2/4 TKIs, respectively. Group I TKIs (nintedanib, AZD9291, and sunitinib) were unable to inhibit proliferation without destroying host cells. Group II TKIs (lapatinib, gefitinib, erlotinib, and AG1478) inhibited proliferation up to 98% equivalent to control pyrimethamine ($5{\mu}M$) at $20{\mu}M$ and higher, without affecting host cells. Group III TKIs (neratinib, dacomitinib, afatinib, and pelitinib) inhibited proliferation up to 98% equivalent to pyrimethamine at $1-5{\mu}M$, but host cells were destroyed at $10-20{\mu}M$. In Group I, TgHSP90 and SAG1 inhibitions were weak, and GRA3 expression was moderately inhibited. In Group II, TgHSP90 and SAG1 expressions seemed to be slightly enhanced, while GRA3 showed none to mild inhibition; however, AG1478 inhibited all proteins moderately. Protein expression was blocked in Group III, comparable to pyrimethamine. PDCD4 and GRA3 were well localized inside the nuclei in Group I, mildly disrupted in Group II, and were completely disrupted in Group III. This study suggests the possibility of a vital T. gondii TK having potential HER2/4 properties, thus anti-HER2/4 TKIs may inhibit intracellular parasite proliferation with minimal adverse effects on host cells.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.124-133
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• 2000

This study evaluated the effects of chronic ethanol consumption and/or taurine supplementation on hepatic total, phospholipid fatty acid composition and the metabolism of rats fed one of three purified liquid diets for 8 weeks. the rats followed either the control diet (CD, ethanol-free and taurine-free diet); ethanol diet (ED, CD+ 50g ethanol/L) or ethanol-taurine diet (ETD, ED+3.75g taurne/L). Chronic ethanol consumption and/or dietary taurine supplementation were associated with altered hepatic total and phospholipid fatty acid composition. compared to the values for the control rats, ED or ETD significantly decreased the percentage of total monounsaturated fatty acids ($\Sigma$MUFA), and increased the percentage of total polyunsaturated fatty acids ($\Sigma$PUFA) of hepatic total lipids(p〈0.01). Percentages of 14:0(P〈0.01) and 16:0(p〈0.001) were sigificantly lower, and those of 18:0(p〈0.01), 20:0(p〈0.001), 20:3$\omega$6(p〈0.01) and 22:4$\omega$6(p〈0.01) in hepatic total fatty acid compositions were oserved in rats fed ETD versus those fed ED or ETD. No significant differences in hepatic total fatty acid compositions were observed in rats fed ETD versus those fed ED. Percentages of 24:0(p〈0.01), 16:1(p〈0.05), 20:1(p〈0.01), 18:2$\omega$6(p〈0.01) and 18:3$\omega$3(p〈0.05) in hepati phospholipids were significantly higher, and those of 14:0(p〈0.01), 16:0(p〈0.001), 20:3$\omega$3(p〈0.05) in hepatic phospholipids were significantly higher, and those of 14:0(p〈0.01), 16:0(p〈0.001), 20:3$\omega$3(p〈0.001), 22:6$\omega$3(p〈0.001) and $\Sigma$$\omega$3(P〈0.001) were significantly lower in rats fed ED or ETD compared to the values for the control rats. The Δ5 desaturation index(20:3$\omega$6⇒20:4$\omega$6) and elongation index (20:5$\omega$3⇒22:5$\omega$3) of hepatic phospholipid index (20:3$\omega$6⇒20:4$\omega$6) and decreased Δ4 desaturation index (22:5$\omega$3⇒22:6$\omega$3) compared to the values for the ED rats. These changes in hepatic fatty acid composition induced by chronic ethanol consumption and/or taurine supplementation might be associated with the modulations of physical properties of the hepatic cell membrane and its sensitivity to peroxidation damage.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.255-259
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• 2006

The biodegradable hyaluronic acid(HA) membranes cross-linked with lactide using the crosslinking agent, 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide(EDC) were prepared as a potential biocompatible material for tissue engineering. HA membranes having different mechanical properties were synthesised by varying degree of the mole ratio of lactide to HA, EDC concentration, and crosslinking temperature. HA membranes were degradable in water solution and the degradation became slower with the increasing mole ratio of lactide to HA. HA membranes were sterilized using ethylene oxide gas and extracted with cell culture medium for 24 h at $37^{\circ}C$ and 200 rpm. Cytotoxicity of the extract was tested using NIH/3T3 mouse embryo fibroblast as a model cell. Growth inhibition was not observed in the extracts of HA membranes with the mole ratios of lactide to HA, 5 or 10, and 10% EDC concentration, however 11% of growth inhibition was observed in the extract with the mole ratio of 13. Growth inhibition was not observed in the extracts of HA membranes prepared with 5% EDC or 10% EDC and the mole ratio of lactide to HA, 10, however 12% of growth inhibition was observed in the extract with 20% EDC. Cytotoxicity was not observed in the extracts of HA membranes prepared at varying crosslinking temperatures, $15^{\circ}C,\;25^{\circ}C,\;and\;28^{\circ}C$ with the mole ratio of lactide to HA, 10 and 10% EDC.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.302-311
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• 2004

Comamonas testosteroni (formerly Pseudomonas sp.) NCIMB 10643 can grow on biphenyl and alkylbenzenes $(C_2-C_7)$ via 3-substituted catechols. Thus, to identify the genes encoding the degradation, transposon-mutagenesis was carried out using pAG408, a promoter-probe mini-transposon with a green fluorescent protein (GFP), as a reporter. A mutant, NT-1, which was unable to grow on alkylbenzenes and biphenyl, accumulated catechols and exhibited an enhanced expression of GFP upon exposure to these substrates, indicating that the gfp had been inserted in a gene encoding a broad substrate range catechol 2,3-dioxygenase. The genes (2,826 bp) flanking the gfp cloned from an SphI-digested fragment contained three complete open reading frames that were designated bphCDorfl. The deduced amino acid sequences of bphCDorfl were identical to 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl 1,2-dioxygenase (BphC), 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-phenylhexa-2,4-dienoate hydrolase (BphD), and OrfI, respectively, that are all involved in the degradation of biphenyl/4-chlorobiphenyl (bph) by Ralstonia oxalatica A5. The deduced amino acid sequence of the orfl revealed a similarity to those of outer membrane proteins belonging to the OmpW family. The introduction of the bphCDorfl genes enabled the NT-l mutant to grow on aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition, PCR analysis indicated that the DNA sequence and gene organization of the bph operon were closely related to those in the bph operon from Tn4371 identified in strain A5. Furthermore, strain A5 was also able to grow on a similar set of alkylbenzenes as strain NCIMB 10643, demonstrating that, among the identified aromatic hydrocarbon degradation pathways, the bph degradation pathway related to Tn4371 was the most versatile in catabolizing a variety of aromatic hydrocarbons of mono- and bicyclic benzenes.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.362-366
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• 1999

Membranes for biosensor were prepared from poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)l derivatives using the solution casting method, and their gas permeabilities were studied. The polymer membranes dried slowly in air showed higher permeability coefficients than those dried in vacuum. The permeabilily coefficients of carboxylated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) membranes for $O_2$ and $CO_2$ decreased as the pressure of the feed gas increased. The addition of dioctylphthalate (DOP) enhanced the permeation rates for $O_2$ and $CO_2$. For example, the permeability coefficients of CPVC membranes containing 30 wt. % DOP for $O_2$ and $CO_2$ at 100 psig were 2.03 and 0.96 Barrer, respectively, which were about 4~5 times higher than those of the membranes without DOP. Poly(vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate-co-vinyl alcohol) (Syn-PVCAcAl) obtained by hydrolysis of poly(vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate (PVCA) showed a higher permeability coefficient for $CO_2$ in the presence of DOP than that for commercial PVCAcAl, but did not show any significant difference in permeability for $O_2$.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.379-385
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• 2020

Phlojodicarpus sibiricus and Artemisia kruhsiana Besser are medicinal plants traditionally used in Russia. Phlojodicarpus sibiricus extracts (PSE) have been shown to have anti-obesity properties, and Artemisia kruhsiana Besser extracts (AKBE) contain terpenoid compounds that exert various medicinal effects. Here, we investigated the potential pro-apoptotic effects of PSE and AKBE in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and elucidated the underlying mechanism. PSE and AKBE treatment of six DLBCL cell lines with various genetic abnormalities effectively reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, while having a minimal impact on the survival of normal murine bone marrow cells and splenocytes. This suggests that the cytotoxic effects of PSE and AKBE are specific to DLBCL cells. Therefore, we expect limited side effects when these plant extracts are administered to DLBCL patients. Our JC-1 assays demonstrate that the pro-apoptotic effects of these plant extracts are produced by a reduction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and, thereby, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, PSE and AKBE induce cell death independently of Myc, whose abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with DLBCL and are associated with poor prognosis. Our findings reveal hitherto uncharacterized pro-apoptotic effects of PSE and AKBE in DLBCL. Isolation of single compounds with anti-lymphoma activities should be pursued further.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.1146-1151
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• 1998

To prevent deterioration of the jujube wine quality by using heat sterilization while commercial production, ultrafiltration and microfiltration were applied. The permeate flux and physicochemical properties of jujube wine determined by MF and UF membrane ($0.2\;{\mu}m$ pore size and 50 K dalton cut off) were investigated. The permeate flux increasing caused the increased operating pressure. The Hunter L value of jujube wine treated MF and UF was increased and that of b value was decreased. The turbidity of jujube wine treated MF and UF was largely decreased. And the values of pH, ethanol, total acid and soluble solid were decreased or were at the same level comparing with untreated jujube wine. Retention percentage of sugar and organic acid was more than 80% and was not influenced by operating pressure. Results of sensory evaluation indicated that the color of UF was superior to un-treatment and commercial ones. And the flavor and taste were not significantly different with untreated jujube wine. The quality deterioration of commercial jujube wine could be improved by MF and UF. According to the sensory evaluation, there was also not difference between MF and UF for preference test. Therefore, the quality of jujube wine could be improved by MF having better separation yield efficiency than UF.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.263-268
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• 2004

Two species of halophilic bacteria were isolated from five salted seafoods and identified by 16S rDNA sequenc­ing homology. One was identified as Halomonas subglaciescola and other four strains were belong to Halomo­nas marina. The identity of all isolates with standard organisms was above $95\%.$ H. subglaciescola, H. marina IN, and H. marina SH-2 grew in salinity condition from $3%\;to\;18\%$ NaCl but growth of H. marina SQ and H. marina SH-l grew in salinity environment from $8\%\;to\;17\%.$ Maximum biomass of H. subglaciescola, H. marina IN, H. marina SQ, H. marina SH-1, and H. marina SH-2 growing in LB medium containing $15\%$ NaCl were about 3.2, 4.5, 4.5, 5.7, and 4.2, however the maximum biomass in LB medium containing $5\%$ NaCl were about 2.2, 1.1, 0.7, 0.2, and 2.4 as optical density at 660 nm, respectively. In scanning electron micrograph, unknown material (mucus) attached to outer membrane of all isolates was observed. When mucus isolated from halophilic bacterial cell was added to culture of E. coli, E. coli grew in medium containing $15\%$ NaCl.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 1999

The pathogenesis of endometriosis is unknown, but retrograde menstruation is widely accepted as an etiology. Refluxed endometrium from endometriosis patients is more prone to implant and invade peritoneum possibly through the action of extracellular proteolysis. This proteolytic action may involve plasminogen activators and the collagenase system. Plasminogen activators (PAs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in the breakdown of extracellular matrix components and basement membrane in the processes of implantation and tumor invasion. PAs are inhibited by plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) and MMPs activity is inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP). To test the hypothesis that lower expression of PAI-1 and TIMP-3 in endometrium from women with endometriosis, we investigated their PAI-1 and TIMP-3 expression by quantitative competitive RT PCR in endometrium from women with and without endometriosis. Endometrial tissues were obtained from 14 patients with severe endometriosis and 14 patients without endometriosis. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA, and quantitative competitive PCR (QC PCR) was performed to evaluate PAI-1 and TIMP-3 mRNA expression. Endometrium from patients with endometriosis showed decreased expression of PAI-1 and TIMP-3 mRNA compared to endometrium from control in luteal phase (p<0.05). Our results suggest that endometrium from women with endometriosis expresses lower levels of PAI-1 and TIMP-3 than endometrium from normal women. Endometrium from endometriosis patients may be more invasive and prone to peritoneal implantation than control because of higher PA and MMP enzymatic activity. Thus, increased proteolytic activity may be one of the reasons for the invasive properties of the endometrium resulting in the development of endometriosis.