Anti-inflammatory effects of soyasapogenol I-αa via downregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

Yang, Seung Hwan,Le, Bao,Androutsopoulos, Vasilis P.,Tsukamoto, Chigen,Shin, Tae-Sun,Tsatsakis, Aristides M.,Chung, Gyuhwa Pergamon 2018 Food and Chemical Toxicology Vol. No.

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The crude extract of soyasaponins was reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. We determined the new purity group I saponin, I-αa and I-γa that was isolated from wild soybean (<I>Glycine soja</I>) in terms of its efficacy in protecting RAW 264.7 macrophages from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimuli. Cells were treated with soyasaponin I-αa/I-γa (30–300 μΜ) and LPS (0.1 μg/mL) for 24 h. Soyasaponin I-αa inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production at 100 μg/mL, while soyasaponin I-γa demonstrated this effect at a higher concentration (200 μg/mL). The expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 enzymes were downregulated by both soyasaponins. Soyasaponin I-αa exerted its effect via the TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines. However, soyasaponin I-γa only inhibited the expression of TNF-α. The inflammatory effect of group I soyasaponin was mainly mediated via the phosphorylation of the p38 and JNK proteins. Collectively, these results suggested the potential anti-inflammatory effects of soyasaponins.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Anti-inflammatory effects of a group I saponins from <I>Glycine soja</I> are reported. </LI> <LI> Soyasaponin I-αa inhibited the TNF-α and IL-1β cytokine induced NO generation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. </LI> <LI> Soyasaponin I-γa only inhibited the expression of TNF-α. </LI> <LI> Group I soyasaponin stimulated anti-inflammatory effects via mechanisms related to the p38 and JNK signaling pathways. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Unraveling the Atomistic Sodiation Mechanism of Black Phosphorus for Sodium Ion Batteries by First-Principles Calculations

Hembram, K. P. S. S.,Jung, Hyun,Yeo, Byung Chul,Pai, Sung Jin,Kim, Seungchul,Lee, Kwang-Ryeol,Han, Sang Soo American Chemical Society 2015 The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C Vol.119 No.27

<P>As opposed to the standard graphite anode used for lithium (Li) ion batteries (LIBs), a standard anode material for sodium (Na) ion batteries (NIBs) has not yet been reported. Black phosphorus is potentially very attractive as an anode material for NIBs, as it has a layered structure similar to graphite but a greater interlayer distance. In this work, we propose an atomistic mechanism for the sodiation of black phosphorus, based on first-principles calculations. The layered structure of black phosphorus is maintained up to the composition of Na<SUB>0.25</SUB>P, with <I>one-dimensional</I> sodiation (an intercalation process) occurring in the interlayer spaces of the black phosphorus, resulting in sliding of the phosphorene layers because one Na atom tends to bind to four P atoms. At Na levels beyond Na<SUB>0.25</SUB>P, the intercalation process changes to an alloying process. Sodiation exceeding the critical composition leads to breaking of P–P bonds and eventual formation of an amorphous phase from the layered Na<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>P structure. After the P–P bonds in the layered Na<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>P structure are broken, in a progress in which staggered P–P bonds are preferentially broken rather than planar P–P bonds, P<SUB>2</SUB> dumbbells are generated. As sodiation proceeds further, most of the P<SUB>2</SUB> dumbbells become isolated P atoms. Thus, in the amorphous Na<SUB>3</SUB>P phase, only low-coordinate P components such as isolated atoms (primarily) and dumbbells are found. We expect that our comprehensive understanding of the sodiation mechanism in black phosphorus will provide helpful guidelines in designing new types of black phosphorus anodes to obtain better performing NIBs.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/jpccck/2015/jpccck.2015.119.issue-27/acs.jpcc.5b05482/production/images/medium/jp-2015-054822_0006.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/jp5b05482'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

Determination of N* amplitudes from associated strangeness production in p+p collisions

Mü,nzer, R.,Fabbietti, L.,Epple, E.,Lu, S.,Klose, P.,Hauenstein, F.,Herrmann, N.,Grzonka, D.,Leifels, Y.,Maggiora, M.,Pleiner, D.,Ramstein, B.,Ritman, J.,Roderburg, E.,Salabura, P.,Sarantsev, A.,B North-Holland Pub. Co 2018 Physics letters. Section B Vol.785 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We present the first determination of the energy-dependent amplitudes of N<SUP>⁎</SUP> resonances extracted from their decay in KΛ pairs in p+p → <SUP> pK + </SUP> Λ reactions. A combined Partial Wave Analysis of seven data samples with exclusively reconstructed p+p → <SUP> pK + </SUP> Λ events measured by the COSY-TOF, DISTO, FOPI and HADES Collaborations in fixed target experiments at kinetic energies between 2.14 to 3.5 GeV is used to determine the amplitude of the resonant and non-resonant contributions into the associated strangeness final state. The contribution of seven N<SUP>⁎</SUP> resonances with masses between 1650 MeV/c<SUP>2</SUP> and 1900 MeV/c<SUP>2</SUP> for an excess energy between 0 and 600 MeV has been considered. The Σ–p cusp and final state interactions for the p–Λ channel are also included as coherent contributions in the PWA. The N<SUP>⁎</SUP> contribution is found to be dominant with respect to the phase space emission of the pK Λ + final state at all energies demonstrating the important role played by both N<SUP>⁎</SUP> and interference effects in hadron–hadron collisions.</P>

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>

Development of multifunctional metabolic synergists to suppress the evolution of resistance against pyrethroids in insects that blood feed on humans

Hardstone, Melissa C,Strycharz, Joseph P,Kim, Junheon,Park, Il‐,Kwon,Yoon, Kyong Sup,Ahn, Young Joon,Harrington, Laura C,Lee, Si Hyeock,Clark, J Marshall John Wiley Sons, Ltd 2015 Pest Management Science Vol.71 No.6

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><B>BACKGROUND</B></P><P>Pyrethroids are the insecticides of choice when exposure to humans is likely, such as occurs in vector and public‐health‐related control programs. Unfortunately, the pyrethroids share a common resistance mechanism with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), knockdown resistance (<I>kdr</I>), and prior extensive use of DDT has predisposed the pyrethroids to cross‐resistance via <I>kdr</I>. Given the widespread occurrence of <I>kdr</I>, the use of synergists with pyrethroids is considered to be prudent to guard against the selection of multiply resistant insects.</P><P><B>RESULTS</B></P><P>3‐Phenoxybenzyl hexanoate (PBH) was synthesized as a multifunctional pyrethroid synergist that, besides being a surrogate substrate for sequestration/hydrolytic carboxylesterases, now also functions as a substrate for oxidative xenobiotic metabolism. The addition of PBH to permethrin‐treated females of the ISOP450 strain of <I>Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus</I> resulted in a threefold increase in synergism, as judged by the synergistic ratio. Similarly, PBH synergized the action of deltamethrin sixfold on females of the common bed bug, <I>Cimex lectularius</I>, and was 2.8‐fold more synergistic than piperonyl butoxide (PBO).</P><P><B>CONCLUSIONS</B></P><P>PBH synergized the action of both type I and type II pyrethroids in a mosquito vector (<I>Cx. p. quinquefasciatus</I>) and in a public‐health pest, <I>C. lectularius</I>, respectively, indicating a broad spectrum of action on blood‐feeding insects. PBH appears to have residual properties similar to permethrin and is itself non‐toxic, unlike PBO, and therefore should be compatible with existing pyrethroid formulations used for insecticide‐treated nets and home/residential sprays. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry</P>

Golimumab, a human antibody to tumour necrosis factor α given by monthly subcutaneous injections, in active rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate therapy: the GO-FORWARD Study

Keystone, E C,Genovese, M C,Klareskog, L,Hsia, E C,Hall, S T,Miranda, P C,Pazdur, J,Bae, S-C,Palmer, W,Zrubek, J,Wiekowski, M,Visvanathan, S,Wu, Z,Rahman, M U BMJ Publishing Group 2009 Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Vol.68 No.6

<P><B>Objective:</B></P><P>The phase III GO-FORWARD study examined the efficacy and safety of golimumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite methotrexate therapy.</P><P><B>Methods:</B></P><P>Patients were randomly assigned in a 3 : 3 : 2 : 2 ratio to receive placebo injections plus methotrexate capsules (group 1, n  =  133), golimumab 100 mg injections plus placebo capsules (group 2, n  =  133), golimumab 50 mg injections plus methotrexate capsules (group 3, n  =  89), or golimumab 100 mg injections plus methotrexate capsules (group 4, n  =  89). Injections were administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks. The co-primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with 20% or greater improvement in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) at week 14 and the change from baseline in the health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) score at week 24.</P><P><B>Results:</B></P><P>The proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at week 14 was 33.1% in the placebo plus methotrexate group, 44.4% (p = 0.059) in the golimumab 100 mg plus placebo group, 55.1% (p = 0.001) in the golimumab 50 mg plus methotrexate group and 56.2% (p<0.001) in the golimumab 100 mg plus methotrexate group. At week 24, median improvements from baseline in HAQ-DI scores were 0.13, 0.13 (p = 0.240), 0.38 (p<0.001) and 0.50 (p<0.001), respectively. During the placebo-controlled portion of the study (to week 16), serious adverse events occurred in 2.3%, 3.8%, 5.6% and 9.0% of patients and serious infections occurred in 0.8%, 0.8%, 2.2% and 5.6%, respectively.</P><P><B>Conclusion:</B></P><P>The addition of golimumab to methotrexate in patients with active RA despite methotrexate therapy significantly reduced the signs and symptoms of RA and improved physical function.</P>

Clinical efficacy and safety of abatacept in methotrexate-naive patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and poor prognostic factors

Westhovens, R,Robles, M,Ximenes, A C,Nayiager, S,Wollenhaupt, J,Durez, P,Gomez-Reino, J,Grassi, W,Haraoui, B,Shergy, W,Park, S-H,Genant, H,Peterfy, C,Becker, J-C,Covucci, A,Helfrick, R,Bathon, J BMJ Group 2009 Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Vol.68 No.12

<P><B>Objectives:</B></P><P>To assess the efficacy and safety of abatacept in methotrexate-naive patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and poor prognostic factors.</P><P><B>Methods:</B></P><P>In this double-blind, phase IIIb study, patients with RA for 2 years or less were randomly assigned 1 : 1 to receive abatacept (∼10 mg/kg) plus methotrexate, or placebo plus methotrexate. Patients were methotrexate-naive and seropositive for rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) type 2 or both and had radiographic evidence of joint erosions. The co-primary endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28)-defined remission (C-reactive protein) and joint damage progression (Genant-modified Sharp total score; TS) at year 1. Safety was monitored throughout.</P><P><B>Results:</B></P><P>At baseline, patients had a mean DAS28 of 6.3, a mean TS of 7.1 and mean disease duration of 6.5 months; 96.5% and 89.0% of patients were RF or anti-CCP2 seropositive, respectively. At year 1, a significantly greater proportion of abatacept plus methotrexate-treated patients achieved remission (41.4% vs 23.3%; p<0.001) and there was significantly less radiographic progression (mean change in TS 0.63 vs 1.06; p = 0.040) versus methotrexate alone. Over 1 year, the frequency of adverse events (84.8% vs 83.4%), serious adverse events (7.8% vs 7.9%), serious infections (2.0% vs 2.0%), autoimmune disorders (2.3% vs 2.0%) and malignancies (0.4% vs 0%) was comparable for abatacept plus methotrexate versus methotrexate alone.</P><P><B>Conclusions:</B></P><P>In a methotrexate-naive population with early RA and poor prognostic factors, the combination of abatacept and methotrexate provided significantly better clinical and radiographic efficacy compared with methotrexate alone and had a comparable, favourable safety profile.</P>

Serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor myriocin induces growth inhibition of B16F10 melanoma cells through G₂/M phase arrest

Lee, Y.‐,S.,Choi, K.‐,M.,Choi, M.‐,H.,Ji, S.‐,Y.,Lee, S.,Sin, D.‐,M.,Oh, K.‐,W.,Lee, Y.‐,M.,Hong, J.‐,T.,Yun, Y.‐,P.,Yoo, H.‐,S. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Cell proliferation Vol.44 No.4

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><B>Objectives: </B> Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and it resists chemotherapy. Candidate drugs for effective anti‐cancer treatment have been sought from natural resources. Here, we have investigated anti‐proliferative activity of myriocin, serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor, in the <I>de novo</I> sphingolipid pathway, and its mechanism in B16F10 melanoma cells.</P><P><B>Material and methods: </B> We assessed cell population growth by measuring cell numbers, DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins. Ceramide, sphingomyelin, sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate levels were analysed by HPLC.</P><P><B>Results: </B> Myriocin inhibited proliferation of melanoma cells and induced cell cycle arrest in the G<SUB>2</SUB>/M phase. Expressions of cdc25C, cyclin B1 and cdc2 were decreased in the cells after exposure to myriocin, while expression of p53 and p21<SUP>waf1/cip1</SUP> was increased. Levels of ceramide, sphingomyelin, sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in myriocin‐treated cells after 24 h were reduced by approximately 86%, 57%, 75% and 38%, respectively, compared to levels in control cells.</P><P><B>Conclusions: </B> Our results suggest that inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis by myriocin in melanoma cells may inhibit expression of cdc25C or activate expression of p53 and p21<SUP>waf1/cip1</SUP>, followed by inhibition of cyclin B1 and cdc2, resulting in G<SUB>2</SUB>/M arrest of the cell cycle and cell population growth inhibition. Thus, modulation of sphingolipid metabolism by myriocin may be a potential target of mechanism‐based therapy for this type of skin cancer.</P>

Influence of flowrates to a reverse electro-dialysis (RED) stack on performance and electrochemistry of a microbial reverse electrodialysis cell (MRC)

Kang, Heunggu,Kim, Eojin,Jung, Sokhee P. Elsevier 2017 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.42 No.45

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>An MRC is a bioelectrochemical system combining a microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a RED stack to generate electricity from salinity gradient and organic wastewater with simultaneous treatment. Operating an MRC at an optimum flowrate to RED is important because it is closely related with energy production rate and economic feasibility. However, influence of RED flowrates on MRC electrochemistry and power production have not been investigated. For this purpose, four different flowrates of high concentration and low concentration solutions were tested. Maximum power density was highest in 10 mL/min (3.71 W/m<SUP>2</SUP>) and optimum current density was highest in 7.5 mL/min (5.36 A/m<SUP>2</SUP>). By mere increasing the flowrate to MRC, maximum power and optimum current densities increased by 17.7% and 16.2%. EIS showed that impedances of anode, cathode and full-cell were decreased by 51%, 31% and 19%, respectively. Anode CV showed that peak current density was increased by 25.7%. COD removal and CE were not affected by RED flowrate. Power generation at 7.5 mL/min and 10 mL/min were not so different, but current production was better at 7.5 mL/min. Therefore, considering energy production, the RED flowrate of 7.5 mL/min is a reasonable choice for MRC operation.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> By increasing RED flowrate, P<SUB>max</SUB> increased by 17.7%. </LI> <LI> By increasing RED flowrate, I<SUB>opt</SUB> increased by 16.2%. </LI> <LI> P<SUB>max</SUB> were similar in 7.7 mL/min and 10 mL/min (∼3.7 W/m<SUP>2</SUP>). </LI> <LI> I<SUB>opt</SUB> was highest in 7.5 mL/min (∼5.4 A/m<SUP>2</SUP>). </LI> <LI> 7.5 mL/min was the best flowrate in the tested MRC. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Chemodosimeter functionalized diatomaceous earth particles for visual detection and removal of trace mercury ions from water

Patil, Pravin,Madhuprasad, Pravin,Bhat, Mahesh P.,Gatti, Manasa G.,Kabiri, Shervin,Altalhi, Tariq,Jung, Ho-Young,Losic, Dusan,Kurkuri, Mahaveer Elsevier 2017 Chemical engineering journal Vol.327 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The rhodamine based receptor, P2 has been developed for the detection of environmentally hazardous Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions with a limit of detection, 1.5×10<SUP>−6</SUP> M. The P2 showed a significant colour change from colourless to pink upon binding with Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions. As a result, a new peak at 533nm was observed in UV–vis spectroscopy which was attributed to spirolactum ring opening followed by through bond energy transfer (TBET). In addition, the presence of other competing cations did not interfere the detection of Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions. Further, P2 has been successfully immobilized onto the naturally available and highly porous diatomaceous earth particles (P2D) for removal of Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions from water. The covalently attached organic molecule in P2D forms complex with Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ion present in the water and thus traps the Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions. Based on this, a proof-of-concept cartridge has been developed for water purification. The cartridge having 450mg of P2D was able to purify 30mL of water containing 1ppm Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions. The efficiency of cartridge could be visualized with a colour change from colourless to pink.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Detection and removal of Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> from water using chemodosimeter P2 were realized. </LI> <LI> P2 has been successfully immobilized onto naturally available diatoms (P2D). </LI> <LI> Organic receptor and hazardous Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions were physically contained in diatoms. </LI> <LI> Eco-friendly cartridge containing P2D was developed for the removal of Hg<SUP>2+</SUP> ions. </LI> <LI> Device efficiency (time to replace) could be realized through visual colour change. </LI> </UL> </P>