Phenol-Derived Carbon Sealant Inspired by a Coalification Process.

Recently, emerging functions utilizing phenolic molecules, such as surface functionalizing agents or bioadhesives, have attracted significant interest. However, the most important role of phenolic compounds is to produce carbonized plant matter called "coal", which is widely used as an energy source in nearly all countries. Coalification is a long-term, high-temperature process in which phenols are converted into conducting carbonized matter.

The balance between efficient anti-inflammatory treatment and neuronal regeneration in the olfactory epithelium.

The sense of smell is important for human quality of life. This sophisticated sensorial system relies on the detection of odorant molecules that engage receptors expressed in the cilia of dedicated neurons that constitute the olfactory epithelium (OE). Importantly, the OE is a highly active site of adult neurogenesis where short-lived neurons are efficiently replenished, even after massive neuronal cell loss.

Topical Dexamethasone Administration Impairs Protein Synthesis and Neuronal Regeneration in the Olfactory Epithelium.

Chronic inflammatory process in the nasal mucosa is correlated with poor smell perception. Over-activation of immune cells in the olfactory epithelium (OE) is generally associated with loss of olfactory function, and topical steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been largely used for treating such condition. Whether this therapeutic strategy could directly affect the regenerative process in the OE remains unclear.

DhITACT: DNA Hydrogel Formation by Isothermal Amplification of Complementary Target in Fluidic Channels.

DNA hydrogel formation by isothermal amplification of complementary targets in microfluidic channels (DhITACT) is a new platform for rapid and accurate detection of infectious pathogens. DNA hydrogel is formed in situ within microfluidic channels by the isothermal rolling circle amplification process upon the selective binding of target strands from the biological fluid. Once the volume of DNA hydrogel sufficiently enlarges, it can selectively block the matching channels with target pathogens.

A prospective, split-face, randomized study of the efficacy and safety of a novel fractionated intense pulsed light treatment for melasma in Asians.

Background: Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been reported to effectively treat melasma in previous studies, but an aggravation of pigmentation was noted. Fractionated IPL is a novel technique in which microsecond-domain fractionated pulses are delivered to the target area.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of low-fluency, frequently scheduled fractionated IPL and conventional IPL for melasma treatment.

Improved cosmetic activity by optimizing the Lithospermum erythrorhizon extraction process.

This study was conducted to expand the use of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, which is a good source of natural dye, in skin whitening and immune activation cosmetics. The goal was to provide cosmeceutical data about the extraction yield and shikonin contents of this plant by optimizing the ultrasonic extraction and high pressure extraction conditions. Under optimal extraction conditions, which consisted of 500 MPa for 60 min and 120 kHz for 90 min, 27.

Effect of Nanoencapsulated Vitamin B1 Derivative on Inhibition of Both Mycelial Growth and Spore Germination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani.

Nanoencapsulation of thiamine dilauryl sulfate (TDS), a vitamin B1 derivative, was proved to effectively inhibit the spore germination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani (F.

Stable isolation of phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis associated with high-pressure extraction process.

A method for stably purifying a functional dye, phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis was developed by a hexane extraction process combined with high pressure. This was necessary because this dye is known to be very unstable during normal extraction processes. The purification yield of this method was estimated as 10.

The effect of ultrasonication on the immunomodulatory activity of low-quality ginseng.

This study investigated the effects of ultrasonication extraction (UE) on the immunomodulatory activity of low-quality ginseng. The results indicate that the optimal conditions for extracting low-quality ginseng are ultrasonication at 60 kHz and 85°C for 60 min. The extraction yield from the UE was 20% higher than that of the water extraction (WE) at 100°C.

Enhanced immunomodulatory activity of gelatin-encapsulated Rubus coreanus Miquel nanoparticles.

The aim of this work was to investigate the immunomodulatory activities of Rubus coreanus Miquel extract-loaded gelatin nanoparticles. The mean size of the produced nanoparticles was 143 ± 18 nm with a bandwidth of 76 nm in the size distribution and a maximum size of ~200 nm, which allows effective nanoparticle uptake by cells. Confocal imaging confirmed this, since the nanoparticles were internalized within 30 min and heterogeneously distributed throughout the cell.

Enhancement of the skin-protective activities of Centella asiatica L. Urban by a nano-encapsulation process.

Aqueous extracts of Centella asiatica L. Urban were encapsulated by an edible biopolymer, gelatin, which has no effect on their cosmetic activities. The nanoparticles were w/o-type spherical liposomes that had an average diameter of 115.

Long-term outdoor cultivation by perfusing spent medium for biodiesel production from Chlorella minutissima.

A unique perfusion process was developed to maintain high concentrations of marine alga, Chlorella minutissima. This method is based on recycling cells by continuous feeding with warm spent sea water from nuclear power plants, which has very similar properties as sea water. A temperature of at least 30 degrees C in a 200 L photo-bioreactor was maintained in this system by perfusion of the thermal plume for 80 days in the coldest season.