• Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.404-413
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• 2018

Background: Dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in nonuremic patients. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity and their associations with CVD risk factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: All eligible PD patients in Tehran peritoneal dialysis centers were included in this cross-sectional study. Skeletal muscle mass and fat mass were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength and physical performance were determined using hand grip strength and a 4-meter walk gait speed test, respectively. In addition, a 5-mL blood sample was obtained from each patient. Results: The prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity were 11.4% and 3.8% in PD patients, respectively. Serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher in PD patients with dynapenic obesity than in dynapenic nonobese and nondynapenic nonobese patients. Similarly, serum concentrations of CVD risk factors in PD patients with sarcopenic obesity were higher than in nonsarcopenic nonobese patients, but these differences were statistically significant only for serum hs-CRP and triglyceride. In addition, muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass percentage were negatively associated with markers of inflammation and dyslipidemia, whereas body fat percentage was positively associated with these CVD risk factors. Conclusion: This study indicates that although the prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity are relatively low in PD patients, these disorders may be associated with CVD risk factors.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.10
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• pp.516-521
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• 2021

Although arginase primarily participates in the last reaction of the urea cycle, we have previously demonstrated that arginase II is an important cytosolic calcium regulator through spermine production in a p32-dependent manner. Here, we demonstrated that rhaponticin (RPT) is a novel medicinal-plant arginase inhibitor and investigated its mechanism of action on Ca²⁺-dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation. RPT was uncompetitively inhibited for both arginases I and II prepared from mouse liver and kidney. It also inhibited arginase activity in both aorta and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using both microscope and FACS analyses, RPT treatments induced increases in cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels using Fluo-4 AM as a calcium indicator. Increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ elicited the phosphorylations of both CaMKII and eNOS Ser1177 in a time-dependent manner. RPT incubations also increased intracellular L-arginine (L-Arg) levels and activated the CaMKII/AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling cascade in HUVECs. Treatment of L-Arg and ABH, arginase inhibitor, increased intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations and activated CaMKII-dependent eNOS activation in ECs of WT mice, but, the effects were not observed in ECs of inositol triphosphate receptor type 1 knockout (IP3R1^-/-) mice. In the aortic endothelium of WT mice, RPT also augmented nitric oxide (NO) production and attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In a vascular tension assay using RPT-treated aortic tissue, cumulative vasorelaxant responses to acetylcholine (Ach) were enhanced, and phenylephrine (PE)-dependent vasoconstrictive responses were retarded, although sodium nitroprusside and KCl responses were not different. In this study, we present a novel mechanism for RPT, as an arginase inhibitor, to increase cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration in a L-Arg-dependent manner and enhance endothelial function through eNOS activation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.9
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• pp.458-463
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• 2021

Cytokines activate inflammatory signals and are major mediators in progressive β-cell damage, which leads to type 1 diabetes mellitus. We recently showed that the cell-permeable Tat-CIAPIN1 fusion protein inhibits neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress. However, how the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein affects cytokine-induced β-cell damage has not been investigated yet. Thus, we assessed whether the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein can protect RINm5F β-cells against cytokine-induced cytotoxicity. In cytokine-exposed RINm5F β-cells, the transduced Tat-CIAPIN1 protein elevated cell survivals and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA fragmentation levels. The Tat-CIAPIN1 protein reduced mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB activation levels and elevated Bcl-2 protein, whereas Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 proteins were decreased by this fusion protein. Thus, the protection of RINm5F β-cells by the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein against cytokine-induced cytotoxicity can suggest that the Tat-CIAPIN1 protein might be used as a therapeutic inhibitor against RINm5F β-cell damage.

• Composites Research
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.299-303
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• 2018

In order to improve the interfacial bonding force and reaction polymerization degree of the carbon fiber reinforced nylon 6 composite material, the surface of the existing epoxy-sizing carbon fiber was desized to remove the epoxy and treated with urethane, nylon and phenoxy sizing agent, was observed. The interfacial bond strength of the resized carbon fiber was confirmed by IFSS (Interfacial Shear Strength) and the fracture surface was observed by scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the interfacial bonding strength of the carbon fiber treated with nylon and phenoxy sizing agents was higher than that of urethane - based sizing. It has been found that the urethane - type resizing carbon fiber has lower interfacial bonding strength than the conventional epoxy - sizing carbon fiber. This result shows that the interfacial bonding between carbon fiber and nylon 6 is improved by removing low activity and smoothness of existing carbon fiber.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.179-185
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• 2019

Background: Oxidative stress induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play important causative roles in various pathological conditions. Black ginseng (BG), a type of steam-processed ginseng, has drawn significant attention due to its biological activity, and is more potent than white ginseng (WG) or red ginseng (RG). Methods: We evaluated the protective effects of BG extract (BGE) against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, in comparison with WG extract (WGE) and RG extract (RGE) in a cell culture model. Ethanolic extracts of WG, RG, and BG were used to evaluate ginsenoside profiles, total polyphenols, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity. Using AML-12 cells treated with $H_2O_2$, the protective effects of WGE, RGE, and BGE on cellular redox status, DNA, protein, lipid damage, and apoptosis levels were investigated. Results: BGE exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant potential, as well as total flavonoid and polyphenol contents. ATP levels were significantly higher in BGE-treated cells than in control; ROS generation and glutathione disulfide levels were lower but glutathione (GSH) and NADPH levels were higher in BGE-treated cells than in other groups. Pretreatment with BGE inhibited apoptosis and therefore protected cells from oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, probably through ROS scavenging. Conclusion: Collectively, our results demonstrate that BGE protects AML-12 cells from oxidative stress-induced cellular damages more effectively than WGE or RGE, through ROS scavenging, maintenance of redox status, and activation of the antioxidant defense system.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.2012-2022
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• 2021

Objective: In most retail centers, primal pork cuts for sale are usually prepared into retail-ready slices and overwrapped with air-permeable plastic film. Also, meat of Korean native black pig (KNP) is reputed for its superior quality, however, its shelf life during retail display has not been studied. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate shelf life of prepackaged retail-ready KNP belly and shoulder butt slices during refrigerated display. Methods: Bellies and shoulder butt obtained at 24 h post-mortem from finishing KNP were used. Each belly or shoulder butt was manually cut into 1.5 cm-thick slices. The slices in each cut type were randomly taken and placed on white foam tray (2 slices/tray) overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film. The retail-ready packages were then placed in a retail display cabinet at 4℃. Shelf life and sensory quality of the samples were evaluated on day 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 of display. Results: The shoulder butt reached the upper limit (20 mg/100 g) of volatile basic nitrogen for fresh meat after 9 days while, the belly remained within this limit throughout the display time (15 days). Both the cuts reached a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level of above 0.5 mg malondialdehyde/kg after 9 days. The a^* (redness) values remained unchanged during first 9 days in both cuts (p>0.05). After 9 days, off-flavor was not found in either cut, but higher off-flavor intensity was found in shoulder butt after 12 days. The shoulder butt was unacceptable for overall eating quality after 12 days while, belly still was acceptable after 12 days. Conclusion: The belly showed a longer shelf life compared to the shoulder butt, and a shelf life of 9 and 12 days is recommended for the prepackaged retail-ready KNP shoulder butt and belly slices, respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2021

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOXs) are the major enzymatic source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NOX2 and NOX4 are expressed in the heart but its role in hypoxia-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion is unclear. This study investigated the effect of NOX on ANP secretion induced by hypoxia in isolated beating rat atria. The results showed that hypoxia significantly upregulated NOX4 but not NOX2 expression, which was completely abolished by endothelin-1 (ET-1) type A and B receptor antagonists BQ123 (0.3 μM) and BQ788 (0.3 μM). ET-1-upregulated NOX4 expression was also blocked by antagonists of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2; varespladib, 5.0 μM) and cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2; CAY10650, 120.0 nM), and ET-1-induced cPLA2 expression was inhibited by varespladib under normoxia. Moreover, hypoxia-increased ANP secretion was evidently attenuated by the NOX4 antagonist GLX351322 (35.0 μM) and inhibitor of ROS N-Acetyl-D-cysteine (NAC, 15.0 mM), and hypoxia-increased production of ROS was blocked by GLX351322. In addition, hypoxia markedly upregulated Src expression, which was blocked by ET receptors, NOX4, and ROS antagonists. ET-1-increased Src expression was also inhibited by NAC under normoxia. Furthermore, hypoxia-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt) were completely abolished by Src inhibitor 1 (1.0 μM), and hypoxia-increased GATA4 was inhibited by the ERK1/2 and Akt antagonists PD98059 (10.0 μM) and LY294002 (10.0 μM), respectively. However, hypoxia-induced ANP secretion was substantially inhibited by Src inhibitor. These results indicate that NOX4/Src modulated by ET-1 regulates ANP secretion by activating ERK1/2 and Akt/GATA4 signaling in isolated beating rat hypoxic atria.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.260-266
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• 2022

Cellulose fiber is a material used in various fields. It is the most used type of fiber because of its excellent hygroscopicity and dyeability. Recently, as natural fiber materials have been highlighted due to the influence of eco-friendliness and well-being, bamboo fiber has become a commonly used eco-friendly fiber. Cellulose fibers are part of the -OH hydroxyl group, which means they are more chemically reactive than synthetic fibers. In this study, the cationization properties of bamboo-cotton blended fabrics cationized using CHPTAC (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) in the PDC (padding-drying-curing) method were investigated. Various characteristics according to cationization were studied through elemental analysis, FT-IR (fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, TGA (thermogravimetric) analysis, and SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis. The nitrogen content of the cationized bamboo-cotton blended fabric increased with an increase in the concentration of the cationizing agent CHPTAC, and it was seen to be highly bound to cellulose molecules. As a result of the FT-IR analysis, both 100% pure cotton fabrics and CHPTAC-0 and CHPTAC-150 fabrics were seen to be typical cellulose. As a result of the X-ray diffraction analysis, both 100% pure cotton fabrics and CHPTAC-0 and CHPTAC-150 fabrics showed typical cellulose I structures. As a result of the X-ray diffraction analysis, both 100% pure cotton fabrics and CHPTAC-0 and CHPTAC-150 fabrics showed typical cellulose I structures. As the cationization progressed, micropores appeared on the surface of the blended fabric.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.305-315
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• 2021

An intermeshing corotating twin screw extruder is mainly used for compounding polymeric materials. Twin screw extruder can adopt modular-type screw configurations, which directly controls the quality and productivity of the products. The types, shapes, and specifications of the screw and kneading elements are summarized, and the effects of screw configuration on the processabiliy of the materials are discussed. The principles of screw configuration universally applied to mass production of general-purpose resins are explained, and the guidelines of screw combination according to the roles of feeding, melt mixing, and metering zones are listed. The strategies of screw combination suitable for various cases, such as side feeding of liquid additives or inorganic fillers, reactive extrusion, devolatilization process, production of products requiring bright color and transparency, and processing of materials with low apparent specific gravity, are presented.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.33-38
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• 2014

Objectives : Inflammation is mediated by cellular components, such as leukocytes and microglia, and molecular components, including cytokines, extracellular proteases, and reactive oxygen species. Cnidium Rhizoma effects the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, suppression of the microglia activation and protection of the nerve cell injury. For this reason, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Method : ICH was induced by the stereotaxic intracerebral injection of bacterial collagenase type IV (0.23 $U/{\mu}{\ell}$, 0.1 ${\mu}{\ell}/min$) in Sprague-Dawley rats. We orally administrated once 3 hours after ICH, then 2 times at 24-hour intervals the water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma (500 mg/kg), myeloperoxidase (MPO) was observed by using immunofluorescense and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and microglia were observed by using immunohistochemistry. Results : Infiltration of MPO expressing neutrophil, expression of iNOS and TNF-${\alpha}$ and activated microglia were significantly reduced in peri-hematoma of the rats fed with water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma suppressed an inflammatory reaction through inhibition of MPO, iNOS and TNF-${\alpha}$ positive cell and activated microglia number in peri-hematoma of ICH-induced rats.