28-Day inhalation toxicity of graphene nanoplatelets in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Graphene, a two-dimensional engineered nanomaterial, is now being used in many applications, such as electronics, biological engineering, filtration, lightweight and strong nanocomposite materials, and energy storage. However, there is a lack of information on the potential health effects of graphene in humans based on inhalation, the primary engineered nanomaterial exposure pathway in workplaces. Thus, an inhalation toxicology study of graphene was conducted using a nose-only inhalation system for 28 days (6 h/day and 5 days/week) with male Sprague-Dawley rats that were then allowed to recover for 1-, 28-, and 90-day post-exposure period.

DPPA5 Supports Pluripotency and Reprogramming by Regulating NANOG Turnover.

Although a specific group of transcription factors such as OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG are known to play essential roles in pluripotent stem cell (PSC) self-renewal, pluripotency, and reprogramming, other factors and the key signaling pathways regulating these important properties are not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that the PSC marker Developmental Pluripotency Associated 5 (DPPA5) plays an important role in human PSC (hPSC) self-renewal and cell reprogramming in feeder-free conditions. Compared to hPSCs grown on mouse embryonic fibroblasts, cells cultured on feeder-free substrates, such as Matrigel, Laminin-511, Vitronectin, or the synthetic polymer poly[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide], had significantly higher DPPA5 gene expression and protein levels.

Association of Sasang Constitutional Type with Sarcopenia.

Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) is a unique Korean traditional medicine that classifies human beings as four distinct types named Sasang constitutional types (SCTs), based on physiologic, physical, and psychological traits. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that specific constitutional types are associated with chronic diseases, but no study has investigated the relationship between SCTs and sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to examine the association in a large population-based study.

Decreased Serum Epinephrine in Children With Positive Skin Prick Test.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between catecholamine levels and skin prick test results among children.

Methods: Two hundred eight first grade children from one elementary school were invited to participate in this study. Skin prick test (SPT) for six allergens (2 house dust mites, cat, dog, mugwort, and pollen mixture) was performed, and patient demographic information was recorded.

Molecular mechanisms regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Inflammasomes are multi-protein signaling complexes that trigger the activation of inflammatory caspases and the maturation of interleukin-1β. Among various inflammasome complexes, the NLRP3 inflammasome is best characterized and has been linked with various human autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Thus, the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a promising target for anti-inflammatory therapies.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among sasang constitutional types: a population-based study in Korea.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is highly prevalent in populations with metabolic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes. Specific types of Sasang constitution can act as a risk factor for metabolic diseases, but there are no studies addressing the association between the Sasang constitutional types (SCTs) and NAFLD.

Methods: A total of 1184 individuals (508 males, 676 females) that enrolled in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were included in the present study.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Fusidic Acid and Retapamulin against Mupirocin- and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: The in vitro activities of retapamulin and fusidic acid against clinical isolates of mupirocin-resistant and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Korea are not well understood.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the activities of retapamulin and fusidic acid against clinical isolates of mupirocin-resistant MRSA.

Methods: Clinical isolates of mupirocin-resistant MRSA were collected from two tertiary hospitals.

Role of Fillers on Dispersion of MWCNT/Fluoroelastomeric Composites for High Performance Dielectric Energy Storage Application.

Halloysite nanotube (HNT) and clay are introduced into multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/fluoroelastomer (FKM) composites to improve electrical conductivity without harming mechanical and thermal properties. Hence, it has been achieved by combining the fillers (HNT and clay) with MWCNT which restricts the agglomeration of MWCNT in the matrix and allows the uniform dispersion. With just 2 wt% HNT and Clay, electrical conductivity is increased by more than four orders of magnitude (from 10(-8) to 10(-4) S/cm).

Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium bovis Clinical Strain 1595, Isolated from the Laryngopharyngeal Lymph Node of South Korean Cattle.

Mycobacterium bovis strain 1595 was isolated from the lymph node of South Korean native cattle. The complete genome sequence of strain 1595 was determined in 2 contigs and was found to be 4,351,712 bp in size, with a 65.64% G+C content and 4,358 predicted protein-coding genes.

Free-Standing Polyimide Nanotips on Substrates for Preparation of Hollow TiO2 Nanotips.

We report a facile method to fabricate free-standing polyimide (PI) nanotips on substrates by using plasma treatment with oxygen gas. The PI nanotips were prepared from the self-organization of unetchable materials deposited on a PI film during the plasma treatment. This approach provides a single-step process for the preparation of polymer nanotips in a large area (>inch scale).

Identification of novel therapeutic target genes in acquired lapatinib-resistant breast cancer by integrative meta-analysis.

Acquired resistance to lapatinib is a highly problematic clinical barrier that has to be overcome for a successful cancer treatment. Despite efforts to determine the mechanisms underlying acquired lapatinib resistance (ALR), no definitive genetic factors have been reported to be solely responsible for the acquired resistance in breast cancer. Therefore, we performed a cross-platform meta-analysis of three publically available microarray datasets related to breast cancer with ALR, using the R-based RankProd package.

Novel pathogenic variant (c.3178G>A) in the SMC1A gene in a family with Cornelia de Lange syndrome identified by exome sequencing.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital anomaly. Mutations in the NIPBL gene account for a half of the affected individuals. We describe a family with CdLS carrying a novel pathogenic variant of the SMC1A gene identified by exome sequencing.

Complexation of Apoptotic Genes with Polyethyleneimine (PEI)-Coated Poly-(DL)-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles for Cancer Cell Apoptosis.

Methods for delivering genes into the nuclei of cancer cells are desired in various clinical and therapeutic usages of non-viral vectors. The present study describes the production of surface-modified poly-(DL)-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), which facilitated the delivery of specific genes into the cancer cell nuclei. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding Bak and Bak-like (BL) apoptotic genes were generated and successfully delivered into cancer cell nuclei, resulting in apoptosis of the cancer cells.

Nonsurgical management of an enlarging pneumatocele by fibrin sealant injection via pigtail catheter.

Most pneumatoceles disappear spontaneously and do not cause severe symptoms. Treatment alternatives include various conventional or surgical methods. However, an enlarging, complicated pneumatocele with cardiorespiratory instability requires imaging-guided catheter drainage or surgery.

Pulmonary Responses of Sprague-Dawley Rats in Single Inhalation Exposure to Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials.

Graphene is receiving increased attention due to its potential widespread applications in future. However, the health effects of graphene have not yet been well studied. Therefore, this study examined the pulmonary effects of graphene oxide using male Sprague-Dawley rats and a single 6-hour nose-only inhalation technique.

Reduction in oxidative stress biomarkers after adenotonsillectomy.

Objectives: A number of otolaryngic conditions such as chronic tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, and obstructive sleep apnea are associated with oxidative stress and elevated levels of serum oxidants. The objective of this study is to measure changes in urine biomarkers of oxidative stress in children after adenotonsillectomy.

Methods: Twenty-two children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) with tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy were enrolled prior to adenotonsillectomy.

Orphan Nuclear Receptor ERRα Controls Macrophage Metabolic Signaling and A20 Expression to Negatively Regulate TLR-Induced Inflammation.

The orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα; NR3B1) is a key metabolic regulator, but its function in regulating inflammation remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ERRα negatively regulates Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced inflammation by promoting Tnfaip3 transcription and fine-tuning of metabolic reprogramming in macrophages. ERRα-deficient (Esrra(-/-)) mice showed increased susceptibility to endotoxin-induced septic shock, leading to more severe pro-inflammatory responses than control mice.

A Facile Route for Patterned Growth of Metal-Insulator Carbon Lateral Junction through One-Pot Synthesis.

Precise graphene patterning is of critical importance for tailor-made and sophisticated two-dimensional nanoelectronic and optical devices. However, graphene-based heterostructures have been grown by delicate multistep chemical vapor deposition methods, limiting preparation of versatile heterostructures. Here, we report one-pot synthesis of graphene/amorphous carbon (a-C) heterostructures from a solid source of polystyrene via selective photo-cross-linking process.

Aquatic Toxicity Comparison of Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Nanowires.

To better understand the potential ecotoxicological impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) released into freshwater environments, the toxicities of these nanomaterials were assessed and compared using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines, including a "Daphnia sp., acute immobilization test," "Fish, acute toxicity test," and "freshwater alga and cyanobacteria, growth inhibition test." Based on the estimated median lethal/effective concentrations of AgNPs and AgNWs, the susceptibility to the nanomaterials was different among test organisms (daphnia > algae > fish), suggesting that the AgNPs are classified as "category acute 1" for Daphnia magna, "category acute 2" for Oryzias latipes, and "category acute 1" for Raphidocelis subcapitata, while the AgNWs are classified as "category acute 1" for Daphnia magna, "category acute 2" for Oryzias latipes, and "category acute 2" for Raphidocelis subcapitata, according to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals).

Topological network analysis of differentially expressed genes in cancer cells with acquired gefitinib resistance.

Background/aim: Despite great effort to elucidate the process of acquired gefitinib resistance (AGR) in order to develop successful chemotherapy, the precise mechanisms and genetic factors of such resistance have yet to be elucidated.

Materials And Methods: We performed a cross-platform meta-analysis of three publically available microarray datasets related to cancer with AGR. For the top 100 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we clustered functional modules of hub genes in a gene co-expression network and a protein-protein interaction network.

Methyl gallate from Acer barbinerve decreases melanin synthesis in Mel-Ab cells.

Methyl gallate (MG) was isolated from the bark of Acer barbinerve, which has traditionally been used in Oriental medicine. In the present study, we examined the effects of MG on melanin synthesis in Mel-Ab melanocyte cells. MG decreased melanin pigmentation in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not directly inhibit tyrosinase activity.

Microstructure and properties of silicon-incorporated DLC film fabricated using HMDS gas and RF-PECVD process.

The microstructure and characteristics of silicon-incorporated diamond-like carbon film, fabricated using a radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process with hexamethyldisilane [(CH3)3,Si x Si(CH3)3:HMDS] gas as a silicon source, were investigated. Diamond-like carbon films with silicon compositions from 0 to 5 atomic percent were deposited onto ultra-fine grained AZ31 magnesium alloy substrate as buffer layers or multilayers. Si doping led not only to an increase in the bonding ratio (sp3/sp2), but improvements in hardness, critical adhesion, and corrosion resistance.

Anisotropic pattern transfer in ultrananocrystalline diamond films by inductively coupled plasma etching.

High density plasma etching of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films wasperformed in O2 and O2/Ar inductively coupled plasma (ICP) discharges. The O2/Ar ICP discharges produced higher etch rates due to enhanced physical component of the etching, and a maximum etch rate of -280 nm/min was obtained in 10 sccm O2/5 sccm Ar discharges. Very high etch selectivities up to -140:1 were obtained for the UNCD over Al mask layer.