Controlling the interchain packing and photovoltaic properties via fluorine substitution in terpolymers based on benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione and benzothiadiazole units

Kini, Gururaj P.,Choi, Jun Young,Jeon, Sung Jae,Suh, Il Soon,Moon, Doo Kyung Elsevier 2018 Polymer Vol.148 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We present a series of three terpolymers involving benzo [1,2-c:4,5-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione (BDD) and benzothiadiazole (BT) as acceptor units, and oligothiophene as the donor unit (PBDD-TnFBT terpolymers). We optimized the structures of these terpolymers by varying the number of fluorine (F) atoms on the BT unit and studied its effects on photovoltaic performance (<B>P1</B> (BT), <B>P2</B> (FBT), and <B>P3</B> (2FBT)). Density functional theory analysis, optical-electrochemical analysis, and X-ray diffraction study revealed that the fluorination of BT significantly decreased frontier energy levels, enhanced both intermolecular interactions and planarization of polymer backbone in the resulted polymers. As a result, <B>P3,</B> having two F substituents on BT, exhibited stronger intermolecular interactions, predominant face-on orientation with a shorter π-π stacking distance of 3.51 Å, high hole mobility, and optimal nanoscale morphology compared to single F substituent (<B>P2</B>) and zero F substituent (<B>P1</B>) counterparts. Consequently, polymer solar cells based on <B>P3</B> demonstrated higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.2% than those based on <B>P1</B> and <B>P2</B> (1.4 and 1.7% respectively). This study illustrates the interrelation between the degree of fluorination and photovoltaic performance and effectively contributes to the design of high-PCE polymer donors for photovoltaic application.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Three terpolymers involving BDD and BT with the different number of fluorine (F) atoms were introduced. </LI> <LI> The interrelation between the degree of fluorination with charge transport behavior and polymer performance in PSC were investigated. </LI> <LI> Fluorination of BT significantly decreased frontier energy levels and enhanced intermolecular interactions in polymers. </LI> <LI> The PCE of PSCs was greatly improved from P1 (BT) 1.4% to 6.2 % P3 (2FBT) by the addition of F-atoms. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Foxp3 is a key downstream regulator of p53-mediated cellular senescence

Kim, J-E,Shin, J-S,Moon, J-H,Hong, S-W,Jung, D-J,Kim, J H,Hwang, I-Y,Shin, Y J,Gong, E-Y,Lee, D H,Kim, S-M,Lee, E Y,Kim, Y S,Kim, D,Hur, D,Kim, T W,Kim, K-p,Jin, D-H,Lee, W-J Macmillan Publishers Limited 2017 Oncogene Vol.36 No.2

<P>The downstream events and target genes of p53 in the process of senescence are not fully understood. Here, we report a novel function of the forkhead transcription factor Foxp3, which is a key player in mediating T-cell inhibitory functions, in p53-mediated cellular senescence. The overexpression of Foxp3 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) accelerates senescence, whereas Foxp3 knockdown leads to escape from p53-mediated senescence in p53-expressing MEFs. Consistent with these results, Foxp3 expression resulted in the induction of senescence in epithelial cancer cells, including MCF7 and HCT116 cells. Foxp3 overexpression also increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine rescued cells from Foxp3-expression-induced senescence. Furthermore, the elevated ROS levels that accompanied Foxp3 overexpression were paralleled by an increase in p21 expression. Knockdown of p21 in Foxp3-expressing MEFs abrogated the Foxp3-dependent increase in ROS levels, indicating that Foxp3 acts through the induction of p21 and the subsequent ROS elevation to trigger senescence. Collectively, these results suggest that Foxp3 is a downstream target of p53 that is sufficient to induce p21 expression, ROS production and p53-mediated senescence.</P>

p34 is a novel regulator of the oncogenic behavior of NEDD4-1 and PTEN

Hong, S-W,Moon, J-H,Kim, J-S,Shin, J-S,Jung, K-A,Lee, W-K,Jeong, S-Y,Hwang, J J,Lee, S-J,Suh, Y-A,Kim, I,Nam, K-Y,Han, S,Kim, J E,Kim, K-p,Hong, Y S,Lee, J-L,Lee, W-J,Choi, E K,Lee, J S,Jin, D-H,Kim, Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014 CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION Vol.21 No.1

PTEN is one of the most frequently mutated or deleted tumor suppressors in human cancers. NEDD4-1 was recently identified as the E3 ubiquitin ligase for PTEN; however, a number of important questions remain regarding the role of ubiquitination in regulating PTEN function and the mechanisms by which PTEN ubiquitination is regulated. In the present study, we demonstrated that p34, which was identified as a binding partner of NEDD4-1, controls PTEN ubiquitination by regulating NEDD4-1 protein stability. p34 interacts with the WW1 domain of NEDD4-1, an interaction that enhances NEDD4-1 stability. Expression of p34 promotes PTEN poly-ubiquitination, leading to PTEN protein degradation, whereas p34 knockdown results in PTEN mono-ubiquitination. Notably, an inverse correlation between PTEN and p34/NEDD4-1 levels was confirmed in tumor samples from colon cancer patients. Thus, p34 acts as a key regulator of the oncogenic behavior of NEDD4-1 and PTEN.

Genetic diversity and natural selection of Duffy binding protein of Plasmodium vivax Korean isolates

Ju, H.L.,Kang, J.M.,Moon, S.U.,Bahk, Y.Y.,Cho, P.Y.,Sohn, W.M.,Park, Y.K.,Park, J.W.,Kim, T.S.,Na, B.K. Verlag für Recht und Gesellschaft ; Elsevier 2013 Acta tropica Vol.125 No.1

Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) is a micronemal type I membrane protein that plays an essential role in erythrocyte invasion of merozoites. PvDBP is a prime blood stage vaccine candidate antigen against P. vivax, but its polymorphic nature represents a major obstacle to the successful design of a protective vaccine against vivax malaria. In this study, we analyzed the genetic polymorphism and natural selection at the N-terminal cysteine-rich region of PvDBP (PvDBPII) among 70 P. vivax isolates collected from Korean patients during 2005-2010. Seventeen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), which resulted in 14 non-synonymous and 3 synonymous mutations, were found in PvDBPII among the Korean P. vivax isolates. Sequence analyses revealed that 13 different PvDBPII haplotypes, which were clustered into 3 distinct clades, were identified in Korean P. vivax isolates. The difference between the rates of nonsynomyous and synonymous mutations suggested that the region has evolved under natural selection. High selective pressure preferentially acted on regions identified or predicted to be B- and T-cell epitopes and MHC binding regions of PvDBPII. Recombination may also contribute to genetic diversity of PvDBPII. Our results suggest that PvDBPII of Korean P. vivax isolates display a limited genetic polymorphism and are under selective pressure. These results have significant implications for understanding the nature of the P. vivax population circulating in Korea and provide useful information for development of malaria vaccines based on this antigen.

개의 실험적 췌외분비부전에서 단백과 탄수화물의 흡수가 지방 흡수에 미치는 영향

정준표,정재복,박승우,이세준,문병수,송시영,이관식,이상인,문영명,강진경,Eugene, P. Dimagno 대한소화기학회 2002 대한소화기학회지 Vol.40 No.2

목적: 췌외분비부전에 의한 지방변의 치료는 아직 난제로서 이를 해결하기 위해서는 지방 흡수에 영향을 미치는 요인을 밝히는 것이 필요하다. 식이가 지방 흡수에 영향을 미치는 것으로 알려져 있으나, 아직 지방, 단백 및 탄수화물 등의 흡수에 있어서 상호 관련성 여부에 대해서는 잘 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구에서는 개의 실험적 췌외분비부전에서 지방, 단백 및 탄수화물 등의 흡수가 효소 제제(세균성 리파제, 돼지 췌효소제) 및 용량 의존적인지, 지방 흡수가 단백 및 탄수화물의 흡수와 연관되는지 등을 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 20 ㎏ 내외의 암컷 mongrel 개 5마리를 사용하였고, 주-부췌관을 결찰-분리하여 췌외분비 부전을 유발하였다. 효소제의 제형은 모두 분말을 사용하였으며, 용량은 세균성 리파제와 돼지 췌효소제 각각 7.500, 15,000, 30,000 IU을 사용하여 무순서로 실험하였고, 무치료 대조실험도 시행하였다. 실험식이로는 고지방식이{850 Cal, 지방 43% (80.2 g), 단백질 36% (151.6 g), 탄수화물 21% (98.2 g)}를 사용하였다. 72시간 동안 대변을 수집하여 대변내 지방, 단백 및 탄수화물의 양을 측정하였고, g/24 hr로 환산하였다. 지방, 단백 및 탄수화물의 coefficient of fat absorption (CFA), coefficient of protein absorption (CPA) 및 coefficient of carbohydrate absorption (CCA)을 계산하였으며, 다중회귀분석을 이용하여 통계 처리하였다. 결과: CFA, CPA 및 CCA 모두 췌효소제의 용량 의존적으로 증가하였으며(각각 p<0.001), CFA와 CPA는 돼지 췌효소제가 세균성 리파제보다 더 컸으나(각각 p=0.002 및 p<0.001), CCA는 효소제의 종류와는 무관하였다. CPA가 증가할수록 CFA는 증가하였으며(p<0.001), CCA가 증가하여도 CFA는 증가하였다(p<0.001). 결론: 개의 실험적 췌외분비부전에서 지방, 단백 및 탄수화물의 흡수는 췌효소의 용량 의존적으로 증가하고, 돼지 췌효소제가 세균성 리파제보다 지방 및 단백의 흡수에 유리하며, 단백과 탄수화물의 증가는 지방의 흡수를 증가시킨다. 따라서 단백과 탄수화물의 흡수를 극대화하도록 식이를 조절하면 지방 흡수를 증가시킬 수 있을 것으로 생각된다. Background/Aims: Interactions among fat, protein, and carbohydrate absorption may play a role in the treatment of steatorrhea. We determined in canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) whether fat, protein, and carbohydrate absorptions are dependent on the pancreatic enzyme preparation (bacterial lipase, BL; porcine lipase, PL) and whether absorption of fat is related to absorptions of protein and carbohydrate. Methods: Five dogs underwent ligation of pancreatic ducts. Then, seventy two-hour fecal balance studies were performed while a high fat meal (fat 43%) was given. Powdered BL or PL was given at doses of 0, 7,500, 15,000, and 30,000 IU. Stool fat, protein, and carbohydrate were measured and coefficients of fat (CFA), protein (CPA), and carbohydrate (CCA) absorptions were calculated. Multiple regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: CFA and CPA increased preparation (PL is better than BL) and dose dependently. However, CCA increased dose-dependently but not preparation-dependently. Fat absorption increased as protein and carbohydrate absorption increased (p<0.001). Conclusions: In dogs with EPI fed a high fat diet, porcine pancreatic enzyme increases fat and protein absorption greater than bacterial lipase, and the increase of fat absorption is related to the increase of protein and carbohydrate absorptions.

Pollen morphology of the tribe Sorbarieae (Rosaceae)

Song, J. H.,Moon, H. K.,Hong, S. P. Springer Science + Business Media 2016 Plant systematics and evolution Vol.302 No.7

<P>The pollen morphology of the tribe Sorbarieae (Adenostoma, Chamaebatiaria, Sorbaria, and Spiraeanthus) and two related genera Gillenia and Lyonothamnus was investigated by light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. Sorbarieae pollen was monad, tri-colporate, small to medium in size (P = 10.2-40.0 mu m, E = 10.8-32.4 mu m), and oblate to prolate in shape (P/E = 0.74-1.88). The sexine ornamentation was striate, but four different types could be divided: striate-psilate, striate-plicate, striate-microechinate, and striate-perforate. The pollen wall stratification typically consisted of unbranched columellae and a continuous endexine. As an additional palynological characteristic, orbicules (small sporopollenin granules) were observed in all taxa and thus a possible synapomorphic character of Sorbarieae as a whole. The pollen characteristics are useful to recognize certain taxa. Gillenia is the only genus with both a pore flap on the aperture and the perforated sexine. Lyonothamnus has a significantly thick exine and relatively larger pollen grains, which is compared to that of Sorbarieae. Some quantitative characteristics (e.g., pollen and colpus size, exine thickness, and ridge width of striae) identified using principal components analysis (PCA) may have diagnostic importance among the taxa in the tribe.</P>

The Edible Red Alga Porphyra yezoensis Promotes Neuronal Survival and Cytoarchitecture in Primary Hippocampal Neurons

Mohibbullah, M.,Bhuiyan, M. M.,Hannan, M. A.,Getachew, P.,Hong, Y. K.,Choi, J. S.,Choi, I. S.,Moon, I. S. Springer Science + Business Media 2016 Cellular and molecular neurobiology Vol.36 No.5

<P>The edible red alga Porphyra yezoensis is among the most popular marine algae and is of economic and medicinal importance. In the present study, the neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities of the ethanol extract of P. yezoensis (PYE) were investigated in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Results revealed that PYE significantly increased neurite outgrowth at an optimal concentration of 15 A mu g/mL. PYE dose-dependently increased viable cells, significantly accelerated the rate of neuronal differentiation in cultures, promoted axodendritic arborization, and eventually induced synaptogenesis. In addition to morphological development, PYE also promoted functional maturation as indicated by the staining of live cultures with FM 1-43. Moreover, PYE increased neuronal survivability, which was attributed to reduced apoptosis and its ROS scavenging activity. Taurine, a major organic acid in PYE (2.584/100 mg of dry PYE) promoted neurite outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner, and this promotion was suppressed by the taurine antagonist isethionic acid. The study indicates that PYE and its active component, taurine, facilitate neuronal development and maturation and have a neuroprotective effect.</P>

Effect of Lactobacillus mucosae on In vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Dried Brewers Grain, Methane Production and Bacterial Diversity

Soriano, Alvin P.,Mamuad, Lovelia L.,Kim, Seon-Ho,Choi, Yeon Jae,Jeong, Chang Dae,Bae, Gui Seck,Chang, Moon Baek,Lee, Sang Suk Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.11

The effects of Lactobacillus mucosae (L. mucosae), a potential direct fed microbial previously isolated from the rumen of Korean native goat, on the rumen fermentation profile of brewers grain were evaluated. Fermentation was conducted in serum bottles each containing 1% dry matter (DM) of the test substrate and either no L. mucosae (control), 1% 24 h broth culture of L. mucosae (T1), or 1% inoculation with the cell-free culture supernatant (T2). Each serum bottle was filled anaerobically with 100 mL of buffered rumen fluid and sealed prior to incubation for 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h from which fermentation parameters were monitored and the microbial diversity was evaluated. The results revealed that T1 had higher total gas production (65.00 mL) than the control (61.33 mL) and T2 (62.00 mL) (p<0.05) at 48 h. Consequently, T1 had significantly lower pH values (p<0.05) than the other groups at 48 h. Ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3$-N), individual and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration and acetate:propionate ratio were higher in T1 and T2 than the control, but T1 and T2 were comparable for these parameters. Total methane ($CH_4$) production and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) were highest in T1. The percent DM and organic matter digestibilities were comparable between all groups at all times of incubation. The total bacterial population was significantly higher in T1 (p<0.05) at 24 h, but then decreased to levels comparable to the control and T2 at 48 h. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profile of the total bacterial 16s rRNA showed higher similarity between T1 and T2 at 24 h and between the control and T1 at 48 h. Overall, these results suggest that addition of L. mucosae and cell-free supernatant during the in vitro fermentation of dried brewers grain increases the VFA production, but has no effect on digestibility. The addition of L. mucosae can also increase the total bacterial population, but has no significant effect on the total microbial diversity. However, inoculation of the bacterium may increase $CH_4$ and $CO_2$ in vitro.

A Call for a Rational Polypharmacy Policy: International Insights From Psychiatrists

Yukako Nakagami,Kohei Hayakawa,Toru Horinouchi,Victor Pereira-Sanchez,Marcus P,J,Tan,Seon-Cheol Park,Yong Chon Park,Seok Woo Moon,Tae Young Choi,Ajit Avasthi,Sandeep Grover,Roy Abraham Kallivayalil,Yu 대한신경정신의학회 2021 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.18 No.11

Objective Recently, rational polypharmacy approaches have been proposed, regardless of the lower risk and cost of monotherapy. Considering monotherapy as first-line treatment and polypharmacy as rational treatment, a balanced attitude toward polypharmacy is recommended. However, the high prevalence of polypharmacy led the Japanese government to establish a polypharmacy reduction policy. Based on this, the association between the policy and psychiatrists’ attitude toward polypharmacy has been under debate. Methods We developed an original questionnaire about Psychiatrists’ attitudes toward polypharmacy (PAP). We compared the PAP scores with the treatment decision-making in clinical case vignettes. Multiple regression analyses were performed to quantify associations of explanatory variables including policy factors and PAP scores. The anonymous questionnaires were administered to psychiatrists worldwide. Results The study included 347 psychiatrists from 34 countries. Decision-making toward polypharmacy was associated with high PAP scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that low PAP scores were associated with the policy factor (β=-0.20, p=0.004). The culture in Korea was associated with high PAP scores (β=0.34, p<0.001), whereas the culture in India and Nepal were associated with low scores (β=-0.15, p=0.01, and β=-0.17, p=0.006, respectively). Conclusion Policy on polypharmacy may influence psychiatrists’ decision-making. Thus, policies considering rational polypharmacy should be established.

Natural Toxin의 안전성 평가연구 : Ochratoxin A의 표적장기독성 Target organ toxicity of ochratoxin A

서경원,김효정,김준규,조대현,박창원,이윤숙,김태완,정세영,이인수,김정구,문화회 식품의약품안전청 1997 식품의약품안전청 연보 Vol.1 No.-

곰팡이 독소인 ochratoxin A(OTA)는 신장독성, 최기형성, 발암성 및 면역독성을 나타내며, 식품, 곡류 및 정육등에 잔류한다고 알려져 있다. 최근 우리나라의 된장, 간장 등 발효식품에서도 OTA의 전반적인 위해성 평가의 일환으로 OTA의 독성 표적장기인 신장에 초점을 맞추어 신장독성 감소 방법을 제시하고자 한다. 신장독서을 감소시키기위한 대상물질로는 1) 기존에 독성 감소 물질로 알려진 phenylalanine(Phe)2) phenylalanine과 aspartic acid로 구성된 가미료인 아스파탐(Asp),3)녹차의 성분이며 free radical scavenger 및 antioxdant 작용이 있는 polyphenol 70ㄴ(PP),4)최근수명연장 효과가 있고 특히 신장질환에 대한 예방효과가 있다고 알려진 알로에 추출물(AE)을 선택하였다. 신장독성을 유발시키기 위하여 OTA를 2.0mg/kg의 용량으로 2주간 연속 경구추여하였다. Phe (40mg/kg,i.p.)과 Asp(25mg/kg,p.o)은 OTA(2.0mg/kg,p.o)와 병용투여하였으며, PP(200mg/kg,p.o.)는 OTA 투여 2주전부터 AE (501ng/kg, i.v.)은 3일전부터 전처리하여 OTA (2.Omg간9, f.a)와 2주간 병용투여하였다. 신장독성의 확안은.혈청중 BUN, creatinine치 및 뇨중 y-glutamyltranspeptidase와 』ㄴacetyl-,5-D-slucoaarninidase의 팔성을 측정하였고 신장에 대한 조직병리 검사를 실시하였다. 실험결과, OTA를 2주간 2.Omg/kg용량으로 투여한 결과 신장 독성이 유발되었으며,독성 감소물질로 사용한 4개의 화합물 모두 혈액 및 뇨 중 신장독성 지표를 유의성 있게 감소시켰다. 조직병리 검사 결과 OTA에 좌하여 신장의 근위세뇨관에 변성이 유발되었으며, 4개의 화합물 처리군에서는 변성이 관찰되지 않았다. 이러한 결과펄부터 Phe, Asp, PP 및 A료는 모두 OTA에 의한 신장독성을 감소션킬 수 있으며, OTA에 의한 신장독성 유발에는 Phe콘 대한 경쟁작용 및 free radical 생성치 관여되어 있음을 확글할 수 있었다. Oehratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by f3rergiffHa ocaraceHs as well ar molds. It is a natural contaminant of mouldy food and feed. OTA has a number of toxic effects,premiBant being nephrotoxicity. Futherraore, OTA is immubosuppressiue, genotoxic,impossible to avoid contamin,ation of foodstuffs by toBic fungi, detoxification and detoxication of OTA are needed. In this study we investigated the protective effects of aspartame (Asp), phenylalanine(Phe), polrphenoB 705(PP) and aloe estract (AE ) on the nephrotoxicity induced by subacute exrolurewere admiai'ftered to Spragu,e-Dawley rats simultaneously with 07,c, (2.Omg/kg, f.a) for 2 weeks. PP (200mg/kg, f,o.) and AE (SOmg/Etg, i. u.) were pretreated before adminfstration of OTA, for 2 weeks and3 days, respectivelf. Using e]Ixymuria, BUN level, creatfneinia and histophathologic examination as indices of renal damage, we observed that all of four compvnds preveBted the nephrotoxic effects inducedby OTA. It seems that stnlct,ural analogues of OTA such as Asp and Phe have better protective effecton the nephrotoxicity of OTf. than aBtioxidants. These results indicate that 1) formation of free radicaland lipid peroxidation are like?y to be involved in the nephrotoxicity of OTA in vivo,2) Asp, PP and AEare might be used for prevent,ion of renal lesions in cases of ochratoxicosis.