• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.175-183
• /
• 2023

Background: Recently, biological adsorbents have been developed for removing radionuclides from radioactive liquid waste due to their high selectivity, eco-friendliness, and renewability. However, since they can be damaged by radiation in radioactive waste, a method for estimating the bio-adsorbent performance as a time should consider the radiation damages in terms of their renewability. This paper aims to develop a simulation method that applies a deep learning technique to rapidly and accurately estimate the adsorption performance of bio-adsorbents when inserted into liquid radioactive waste. Materials and Methods: A model that describes various interactions between a bio-adsorbent and liquid has been constructed using numerical methods to estimate the adsorption capacity of the bio-adsorbent. To generate datasets for machine learning, Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations were conducted while considering radioactive concentrations in the adsorbent column. Results and Discussion: Compared with the result of the conventional method, the proposed method indicates that the accuracy is in good agreement, within 0.99% and 0.06% for the R² score and mean absolute percentage error, respectively. Furthermore, the estimation speed is improved by over 30 times. Conclusion: Note that an artificial neural network can rapidly and accurately estimate the survival rate of a bio-adsorbent from radiation ionization compared with the MCNP simulation and can determine if the bio-adsorbents are reusable.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.59-66
• /
• 2023

Dictyopteris divaricata, a type of marine brown algae, has been studied for its various biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and whitening effects. However, its potential antiobesity effects have not been extensively explored. This study aimed to examine the impact of D. divaricata ethanol extract (DDE) on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Our results showed that when 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with noncytotoxic concentrations of DDE there was a concentration-dependent decrease in fat accumulation rate and triglycerid production compared with the control. Furthermore, DDE significantly reduced the expression of transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1) and fatty acid transport protein (FABP4), which are crucial for 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. These findings suggest that DDE may exhibit antiobesity effects by suppressing the expression of lipogenic transcription factors and fatty acid transport proteins. Therefore, DDE holds potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.204-215
• /
• 2024

This study was designed to examine the effect of Lactilactobacillus curvatus LB-P9 on hair regeneration. The treatment of LB-P9 conditioned medium increased the proliferation of both hair follicle dermal papilla cells and hair germinal matrix cells (hGMCs). Moreover, the expression levels of hair growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 7 were significantly elevated in hGMCs co-cultured with LB-P9. After time-synchronized depilation, mice were orally administered with either 4×10⁷ colony forming unit (CFU) of LB-P9 (low dose) or 4×10⁸ CFU of LB-P9 (high dose), once daily for 4 weeks. Compared with the vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline)-administrated group, the LB-P9-treated groups exhibited accelerated hair regrowth rate and enhanced hair thickness in a dose-dependent manner. Supporting this observation, both hair follicle numbers and the dermal thickness in skin tissues of the LB-P9-treated groups were increased, compared to those of the vehicle-treated group. These results might be explained by the increased level of β-catenin and number of hair follicle stem cells (CD34⁺ CD49f⁺ cells) in the skin tissues of mice administered with LB-P9, compared to the vehicle-treated mice. Also, increased serum levels of hair growth factors such as VEGF and insulin-like growth factor-1, and superoxide dismutase were found in the LB-P9-treated groups, compared to those of the vehicle-treated group. Taken together, these results might demonstrate that the oral administration of LB-P9 promotes hair regeneration by the enhancement of dermal papilla proliferation through the stimulation of hair growth factor production.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.22-30
• /
• 2024

Purpose: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is one of the most common autosomal dominant diseases caused by heterozygous mutation in the NF1 gene. Mutation detection is complex owing to the large size of the NF1 gene, the presence of a high number of partial pseudogenes, and the great variety of mutations. We aimed to study the mutation spectrum of NF1 gene in Korean patients with NF1. Materials and Methods: We have analyzed total 69 unrelated patients who were clinically diagnosed with NF1. PCR and sequencing of the NF1 gene was performed in all unrelated index patients. Additionally, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) test of the NF1 and SPRED1 gene analysis (sequencing and MLPA test) were performed in patients with negative results from NF1 gene sequencing analysis. Results: Fifty-five different variants were identified in 60 individuals, including six novel variants. The mutations included 36 single base substitutions (15 missense and 21 nonsense), eight splicing mutations, 13 small insertion or deletions, and three gross deletions. Most pathogenic variants were unique. The mutations were evenly distributed across exon one through 58 of NF1, and no mutational hot spots were found. When fulfilling the National Institutes of Health criterion for the clinical diagnosis of NF1, the detection rate was 84.1%. Cafe-au-lait macules were observed in all patients with NF1 mutations. There is no clear relationship between specific mutations and clinical features. Conclusion: This study revealed a wide spectrum and genetic basis of patients with NF1 in Korea. Our results aim to contribute genetic management and counseling.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.49-57
• /
• 2024

While arterial tone is generally determined by the phosphorylation of Ser¹⁹ in myosin light chain (p-MLC2), Thr¹⁸/Ser¹⁹ diphosphorylation of MLC2 (pp-MLC2) has been suggested to hinder the relaxation of smooth muscle. In a dual-wire myography of rodent pulmonary artery (PA) and mesenteric artery (MA), we noticed significantly slower relaxation in PA than in MA after 80 mM KCl-induced condition (80K-contraction). Thus, we investigated the MLC2 phosphorylation and the expression levels of its regulatory enzymes; soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), Rho-A dependent kinase (ROCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase target regulatory subunit (MYPT1). Immunoblotting showed higher sGC-α and ROCK2 in PA than MA, while sGC-β and MYPT1 levels were higher in MA than in PA. Interestingly, the level of pp-MLC2 was higher in PA than in MA without stimulation. In the 80K-contraction state, the levels of p-MLC2 and pp-MLC2 were commonly increased. Treatment with the ROCK inhibitor (Y27632, 10 µM) reversed the higher pp-MLC2 in PA. In the myography study, pharmacological inhibition of sGC (ODQ, 10 µM) slowed relaxation during washout, which was more pronounced in PA than in MA. The simultaneous treatment of Y27632 and ODQ reversed the impaired relaxation in PA and MA. Although treatment of PA with Y27632 alone could increase the rate of relaxation, it was still slower than that of MA without Y27632 treatment. Taken together, we suggest that the higher ROCK and lower MYPT in PA would have induced the higher level of MLC2 phosphorylation, which is responsible for the characteristic slow relaxation in PA.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.41-48
• /
• 2023

BACKGROUND: The function of left atrium (LA) is difficult to assess because of its ventricle-dependent, dynamic movement. The aim of this study was to assess LA function using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and compare LA function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with normal controls. METHODS: Fourteen patients with HCMP (72% male, mean age of 52.6 ± 9.8), 15 hypertensive patients with LVH (88% male, mean age of 54.0 ± 15.3), and 10 age-matched controls (83% male, mean age of 50.0 ± 4.6) were prospectively studied. Echocardiographic images of the LA were analyzed with VVI, and strain rate (SR) was compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: The e' velocity (7.7 ± 1.1; 5.1 ± 0.8; 4.5 ± 1.3 cm/sec, p = 0.013), E/e' (6.8 ± 1.6; 12.4 ± 3.3; 14.7 ± 4.2, p = 0.035), and late diastolic SR at mid LA (-1.65 ± 0.51; -0.97 ± 0.55; -0.82 ± 0.32, p = 0.002) were significantly different among the groups (normal; LVH; HCMP, respectively). The e' velocity, E/e', and late diastolic SR at mid LA were significantly different between normal and LVH (p = 0.001; 0.022; 0.018), whereas LA size was similar between normal and LVH (p = 0.592). The mean late diastolic peak SR of mid LA was significantly correlated with indices of diastolic function (E/e', e', and LA size). CONCLUSIONS: The SR is a useful tool for detailed evaluation of LA function, especially early dysfunction of LA in groups with normal LA size.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.183-204
• /
• 2024

In current investigation, a novel beam finite element model is formulated to analyze the buckling and free vibration responses of functionally graded porous beams resting on Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundations. The novelty lies in the formulation of a simplified finite element model with only three degrees of freedom per node, integrating both C⁰ and C¹ continuity requirements according to Lagrange and Hermite interpolations, respectively, in isoparametric coordinate while emphasizing the impact of z-coordinate-dependent porosity on vibration and buckling responses. The proposed model has been validated and demonstrating high accuracy when compared to previously published solutions. A detailed parametric examination is performed, highlighting the influence of porosity distribution, foundation parameters, slenderness ratio, and boundary conditions. Unlike existing numerical techniques, the proposed element achieves a high rate of convergence with reduced computational complexity. Additionally, the model's adaptability to various mechanical problems and structural geometries is showcased through the numerical evaluation of elastic foundations, with results in strong agreement with the theoretical formulation. In light of the findings, porosity significantly affects the mechanical integrity of FGP beams on elastic foundations, with the advanced beam element offering a stable, efficient model for future research and this in-depth investigation enriches porous structure simulations in a field with limited current research, necessitating additional exploration and investigation.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.145-156
• /
• 2024

Unlike resistant cells, persister cells resist antibiotics due to a decreased cellular metabolic rate and can transition back to normal susceptible cells when the antibiotic is removed. These persister cells contribute to the chronic symptoms of infectious diseases and promote the emergence of resistant strains with continuous antibiotic exposure. Therefore, eliminating persister cells represents a promising approach to significantly enhance antibiotic efficacy. Here, we found that Coicis Semen extract reduced Staphylococcus aureus persister cells at a concentration of 0.5 g/L. Linoleic acid and oleic acid, the major components of Coicis Semen extract, exhibited a comparable reduction in persister cells when combined with three antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, oxacillin, and tobramycin. Conversely, these effects were nullified in the presence of the surfactant Tween 80 (1%), suggesting that the hydrophobic characteristics of linoleic acid and oleic acids play a pivotal role in reducing the number of S. aureus persister cells. Considering the concentration-dependent effects of linoleic acid and oleic acid, the persister-reducing activity of Coicis Semen extract was primarily attributed to these fatty acids. Moreover, Coicis Semen extract, linoleic acid, and oleic acid increased the cell membrane permeability of S. aureus. Interestingly, this effect was counteracted by 1% Tween 80, indicating a close association between the reduction of persister cells and the increase in cell membrane permeability. The identified compounds could thus be used to eliminate persister cells, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and shortening treatment duration. When used in conjunction with antibiotics, they may also mitigate chronic symptoms and significantly reduce the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.227-238
• /
• 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of polyethylene microplastic (PE-MPs) via measuring the growth performance, hematological parameters, and antioxidant responses in Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegelii exposed to waterborne polyethylene microplastic with dimensions of 22-71 ㎛. S. schlegelii (mean weight, 34.55±5.82 g; mean length, 12.59±0.79 cm) were exposed to PE-MPs at concentrations of 0, 400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200 ㎍/L for 10 and 20 days. PE-MPs significantly affected growth performance, hematological parameters, plasma components, and antioxidant responses in a concentration-dependent manner. At a concentration ≥1,600 ㎍/L, PE-MPs significantly decreased body weight gain and specific growth rate, and significantly increased the hepatosomatic index. Hematological parameters showed a significant decrease in total red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Plasma components showed a significant increase in glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase levels, whereas total protein, calcium, and magnesium levels significantly decreased. Exposure to ≥1,600 ㎍/L PE-MPs also induced reactive oxygen species generation in the gill and liver, significantly increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. These findings suggest that exposure to ≥1,600 ㎍/L PE-MPs could significantly change growth performance, hematological parameters, plasma components, and antioxidant responses, resulting in physiological toxicity.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.183-190
• /
• 2023

The global problem of handling radioactive materials is facing limitations. Eco-friendly bioremediation methods using microorganisms are being studied. This study was conducted to screen cesium-resistant microbial strains. M1 strain was selected from the soil sample by enriched culture in R2A medium containing 100 mM CsCl. In liquid medium containing above 40 mM of CsCl, the growth of M1 was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Otherwise, M1 can survive up to 80mM CsCl in solid medium although the growth rate was slow and colony size was small. M1 strain was genetically identified as a strain of the genus Acinetobacter through 16S rRNA sequencing, and radiation resistance (D10 value) of M1 was found to be 0.307 kGy. These results showed that M1 strain is highly resistant to cesium and can grow in radiation environment. It was considered that M1 strain is useful in the field of biological decontamination of cesium.