Prognostic Impact of Mucin Expression in Curatively Resected Ampulla of Vater Cancer.

Introduction: Mucins play a pivotal role in epithelial carcinogenesis; however, their role remains elusive in ampulla of Vater (AoV) cancer, regardless of histological subtype. Therefore, we investigated the clinical significance of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 expression in AoV cancer. Methods: Using samples from 68 patients with AoV cancer, we performed immunohistochemical staining for MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 using a tissue microarray. Subsequently, we analyzed their expression patterns in relation to clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes. Results: Of the patients, 98.5% exhibited positive expression for MUC1, while MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were expressed in 44.1%, 47.1%, and 41.2% of the patients, respectively. Correlation analyses between mucin expression and clinicopathological factors revealed no significant associations, except between MUC5AC expression and N stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated significant associations between MUC5AC expression and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis further confirmed that MUC5AC expression was a significant predictor of OS, along with the N stage. However, MUC5AC expression was not meaningfully associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS). The patients positive for MUC5AC expression had a considerably shorter OS than those with negative expression. Conclusions: Our study provides insights into the clinical impact of mucins on AoV cancer, regardless of the histological subtype. Although MUC1 expression is universal, MUC5AC expression is a significant prognostic indicator that correlates with lymph node metastasis and poor OS. These results emphasize the possible utility of MUC5AC as a biomarker for extensive lymph node dissection and the prognostic evaluation of patients with AoV cancer.

Removal of intrahepatic bile duct stone could reduce the risk of cholangiocarcinoma: A single-center retrospective study in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic duct (IHD) stones are among the most important risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma (CCC). Approximately 10% of patients with IHD stones develop CCC; however, there are limited studies regarding the effect of IHD stone removal on CCC development. AIM: To investigate the association between IHD stone removal and CCC development. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 397 patients with IHD stones at a tertiary referral center between January 2011 and December 2020. RESULTS: CCC occurred in 36 of the 397 enrolled patients. In univariate analysis, chronic hepatitis B infection (11.1% vs 3.0%, P = 0.03), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9, 176.00 vs 11.96 II/mL, P = 0.010), stone located in left or both lobes (86.1% vs 70.1%, P = 0.042), focal atrophy (52.8% vs 26.9%, P = 0.001), duct stricture (47.2% vs 24.9%, P = 0.004), and removal status of IHD stone (33.3% vs 63.2%, P < 0.001) were significantly different between IHD stone patients with and without CCC. In the multivariate analysis, CA19-9 > upper normal limit, carcinoembryonic antigen > upper normal limit, stones located in the left or both lobes, focal atrophy, and complete removal of IHD stones without recurrence were independent factors influencing CCC development. However, the type of removal method was not associated with CCC risk. CONCLUSION: Complete removal of IHD stones without recurrence could reduce CCC risk.

Uncovering the colorectal cancer immunotherapeutic potential: Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) root extract and its active compound oenothein B targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel class of immunotherapy drugs, represents a major breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy, substantially improving patient survival post-treatment. Blocking programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) has demonstrated promising clinical results in various human cancer types. The US FDA has recently permitted only monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based PD-L1 or PD-1 blockers. Although these antibodies exhibit high antitumor efficacy, their size- and affinity-induced side effects limit their applicability. PURPOSE: As small-molecule-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockers capable of reducing the side effects of antibody therapies are needed, this study focuses on exploring natural ingredient-based small molecules that can target hPD-L1/PD-1 using herbal medicines and their components. METHODS: The antitumor potential of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) root extract (EPRE), a globally utilized traditional herbal medicine, folk remedy, and functional food, was explored. A coculture system was established using human PD-L1-expressed murine MC38 cells (hPD-L1-MC38s) and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs) expressing humanized PD-1. The in vivo experiments utilized a colorectal cancer (CRC) C57BL/6 J mouse model bearing MC38 cells expressing humanized PD-L1 and PD-1 proteins. RESULTS: EPRE and its active compound oenothein B effectively hindered the molecular interaction between hPD-L1 and hPD-1. EPRE stimulated tumor-specific T lymphocytes of a hPD-L1/PD-1 CRC mice. This action resulted in the elevated infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+T lymphocytes and subsequent tumor growth reduction. Moreover, the combined therapy of oenothein B, a PD-1/PD-L1 blocker, and FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin) cooperatively suppressed hPD-L1-MC38s growth in the ex vivo model through activated CD8+ TIL antitumor immune response. Oenothein B exhibited a high binding affinity for hPD-L1 and hPD-1. We believe that this study is the first to uncover the inhibitory effects of EPRE and its component, oenothein B, on PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. CONCLUSION: This study identified a promising small-molecule candidate from natural products that blocks the hPD-L1/PD-1 signaling pathway. These findings emphasize the potential of EPRE and oenothein B as effective anticancer drugs.

Adaptive laboratory evolution and transcriptomics-guided engineering of Escherichia coli for increased isobutanol tolerance.

As a renewable energy from biomass, isobutanol is considered as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. To biotechnologically produce isobutanol, strain development using industrial microbial hosts, such as Escherichia coli, has been conducted by introducing a heterologous isobutanol synthetic pathway. However, the toxicity of produced isobutanol inhibits cell growth, thereby restricting improvements in isobutanol titer, yield, and productivity. Therefore, the development of robust microbial strains tolerant to isobutanol is required. In this study, isobutanol-tolerant mutants were isolated from two E. coli parental strains, E. coli BL21(DE3) and MG1655(DE3), through adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) under high isobutanol concentrations. Subsequently, 16 putative genes responsible for isobutanol tolerance were identified by transcriptomic analysis. When overexpressed in E. coli, four genes (fadB, dppC, acs, and csiD) conferred isobutanol tolerance. A fermentation study with a reverse engineered isobutanol-producing E. coli JK209 strain showed that fadB or dppC overexpression improved isobutanol titers by 1.5 times, compared to the control strain. Through coupling adaptive evolution with transcriptomic analysis, new genetic targets utilizable were identified as the basis for the development of an isobutanol-tolerant strain. Thus, these new findings will be helpful not only for a fundamental understanding of microbial isobutanol tolerance but also for facilitating industrially feasible isobutanol production.

Cheong-sang-bang-pung-san alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo.

Introduction: The occurrence of fatty liver disease, resulting from the accumulation of excessive fat within the liver, has been showing a significant and rapid increase. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Cheong-sang-bang-pung-san extract (CB) on fatty liver disease, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: We used a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed fatty liver mice and free fatty acid (FFA) induced HepG2 cell lipid accumulation model. The levels of serum, hepatic, and intracellular lipid content were assessed. Histopathological staining was used to evaluate the extent of hepatic lipid accumulation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were conducted to examine the expression of factors associated with lipid metabolism. Results: We demonstrated that treatment with CB dramatically reduced body weight, liver weight, and fat mass, and improved the serum and hepatic lipid profiles in HFD-induced fatty liver mice. Additionally, CB alleviated lipid accumulation in HFD-fed mice by controlling lipid metabolism, including fatty acid uptake, triglyceride and cholesterol synthesis, and fatty acid oxidation, at the mRNA as well as protein levels. In free fatty acid-treated HepG2 cells, CB significantly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism via the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Conclusion: These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying CB's effects on liver steatosis and position of CB as a potential therapeutic candidate for managing lipid metabolic disorders.

An optimized herbal medicine containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Alisma orientale Juzepzuk, and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi has potent antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities.

Background and aim: Platelet-derived thrombosis is important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. HTB is an optimized herbal medicine including Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Alisma orientale Juzepzuk, and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi. It is widely used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, its antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities have not been completely validated. The current study aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of the novel herb formula HTB against platelet activation and thrombus formation. Experimental procedure: The antiplatelet activities of HTB via platelet aggregation, granule secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular calcium mobilization were evaluated. Moreover, the antithrombotic effect of HTB via FeCl3-induced arterial thrombus formation in vivo in mice was assessed. The inhibitory effect of HTB against primary hemostasis was investigated based on transection tail bleeding time. Results and conclusion: HTB treatment significantly inhibited glycoprotein VI-mediated platelet aggregation, granule secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular calcium mobilization. Biochemical studies revealed that HTB inhibited glycoprotein VI-mediated platelet signal transduction during cell activation. Further, its antioxidant effect might be derived by reducing the phosphorylation of the p47phox/Hic5 axis signalosome. Oral HTB treatment was effective in decreasing FeCl3-induced arterial thrombus formation without prolonging the tail bleeding time. HTB can be an effective therapeutic agent against thrombotic diseases.

Anti-Atopic Effect of Isatidis Folium Water Extract in TNF-α/IFN-γ-Induced HaCaT Cells and DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Mouse Model.

Isatidis folium or Isatis tinctoria L. is a flowering plant of the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as woad, with an ancient and well-documented history as an indigo dye and medicinal plant. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) effects of Isatidis folium water extract (WIF) using a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like mouse model and to investigate the underlying mechanism using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-activated HaCaT cells. Oral administration of WIF reduced spleen weight, decreased serum IgE and TNF-α levels, reduced epidermal and dermal thickness, and inhibited eosinophil and mast cell recruitment to the dermis compared to DNCB-induced control groups. Furthermore, oral WIF administration suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase protein expression levels, p65 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and mRNA expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-13 in skin lesion tissues. In HaCaT cells, WIF suppressed the production of regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), MCP-1, and MIP-3a, which are inflammatory cytokines and chemokines related to AD, and inhibited the mRNA expression of RANTES, TARC, and MDC in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. Overall, the results revealed that WIF ameliorated AD-like skin inflammation by suppressing proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production via nuclear factor-κB pathway inhibition, suggesting WIF as a potential candidate for AD treatment.

Calculation of exciton couplings based on density functional tight-binding coupled to state-interaction state-averaged ensemble-referenced Kohn-Sham approach.

We introduce the combination of the density functional tight binding (DFTB) approach, including onsite correction (OC) and long-range corrected (LC) functional and the state-interaction state-averaged spin-restricted ensemble-referenced Kohn-Sham (SI-SA-REKS or SSR) method with extended active space involving four electrons and four orbitals [LC-OC-DFTB/SSR(4,4)], to investigate exciton couplings in multichromophoric systems, such as organic crystals and molecular aggregates. We employ the LC-OC-DFTB/SSR(4,4) method to calculate the excitonic coupling in anthracene and tetracene. As a result, the LC-OC-DFTB/SSR(4,4) method provides a reliable description of the locally excited (LE) state in a single chromophore and the excitonic couplings between chromophores with reasonable accuracy compared to the experiment and the conventional SSR(4,4) method. In addition, the thermal fluctuation of excitonic couplings from dynamic nuclear motion in an anthracene crystal with LC-OC-DFTB/SSR(4,4) shows a similar fluctuation of excitonic coupling and spectral density with those of first-principle calculations. We conclude that LC-OC-DFTB/SSR(4,4) is capable of providing reasonable features related to LE states, such as Frenkel exciton with efficient computational cost.

Sinomenium acutum Modulates Platelet Aggregation and Thrombus Formation by Regulating the Glycoprotein VI-Mediated Signalosome in Mice.

Sinomenium acutum (SA) has long been used as a traditional medicine in China, Japan, and Korea to treat a wide range of diseases. It has been traditionally used to ameliorate inflammation and improve blood circulation. However, its role in platelet activation has not been thoroughly investigated. Hence, we conducted this study to assess the potential inhibitory effect of SA on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. The antiplatelet activities of SA were evaluated by assessing platelet aggregation, granular secretion, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, and the Glycoprotein (GP) VI-mediated signalosome. The thrombosis and bleeding time assays were used to investigate the effect of SA (orally administered at 50 and 100 mg/kg for seven days) in mice. SA treatment at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL significantly reduced GPVI-mediated platelet aggregation, granular secretion, and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Further biochemical studies revealed that SA inhibited spleen tyrosine kinase, phospholipase Cγ2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and AKT phosphorylation. Interestingly, oral administration of SA efficiently ameliorated FeCl3-induced arterial thrombus formation without prolonging the tail bleeding time. These findings suggest that SA has beneficial effects in thrombosis and hemostasis. Therefore, SA holds promise as an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Synthesis of Vacancy-Controlled Copper Iodide Semiconductor for High-Performance p-Type Thin-Film Transistors.

Copper iodide (CuI) has emerged as a promising p-type semiconductor material owing to its excellent carrier mobility, high transparency, and solution processability. Although CuI has potential for numerous applications, including perovskite solar cells, photovoltaic devices, and thin-film transistors (TFTs), the close relationship between the anion vacancy generation and the charge transport mechanism in CuI-based devices is underexplored. In this study, we propose solution-processed p-type CuI TFTs which were subject to the thermal annealing process in air and vacuum atmospheres at temperatures of 100, 200, and 300 °C. The chemical states and surface morphologies of the CuI thin films were systematically investigated, revealing the generation of iodine vacancy states and the reduction of carrier concentration, as well as increased film density and grain size according to the annealing condition. Further, the effective role of the Al2O3 passivation layer on the electrical characteristics of the solution-processed CuI TFTs is demonstrated for the first time, where the Al2O3 precursor greatly enhanced the electrical performance of the CuI TFTs, exhibiting a field-effect mobility of 4.02 cm2/V·s, a subthreshold swing of 0.61 V/decade, and an on/off current ratio of 1.12 × 104, which exceed the values of CuI TFTs reported so far. Based on the synergistic effects of the annealing process and the passivation layer that engineered the iodine vacancy state and morphology of CuI, the proposed CuI TFTs with the Al2O3 passivation layer showed excellent reliability under 100 times repeated operation and long-term stability over 216 h, where the transfer curves slightly shifted in the positive direction of 1.36 and 1.88 V measured at a current level of 10-6 A for the reliability and stability tests, respectively. Thus, this work opens a new window for solution-processed p-type CuI TFTs with excellent stability for developing next-generation complementary logic circuits.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Properties of Vignae Radiatae Semen in Neuronal HT22 and Microglial BV2 Cell Lines.

The important factors in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders include oxidative stress and neuron-glia system inflammation. Vignae Radiatae Semen (VRS) exhibits antihypertensive, anticancer, anti-melanogenesis, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the neuroprotective effects and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of VRS ethanol extract (VRSE) remained unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of VRSE against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neuronal cell death in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial activation, respectively. This study revealed that VRSE pretreatment had significantly prevented H2O2-induced neuronal cell death and attenuated reactive oxygen species generations in HT22 cells. Additionally, VRSE attenuated the apoptosis protein expression while increasing the anti-apoptotic protein expression. Further, VRSE showed significant inhibitory effects on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglia. Moreover, VRSE pretreatment significantly activated the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B/cAMP response element-binding protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathways in HT22 cells exposed to H2O2 and inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB mechanism in BV2 cells stimulated with LPS. Therefore, VRSE exerts therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases related to oxidative stress and pathological inflammatory responses.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Arecae Pericarpium against Glutamate-Induced HT22 Cell Cytotoxicity.

Arecae Pericarpium has been found to exert anti-migraine, antidepressant, and antioxidative effects. However, the mechanisms involved are unclear. This study explored the possibility that Arecae Pericarpium ethanol extract (APE) exerts neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death. Since glutamate excitotoxicity has been implicated in the pathogenesis and development of several neurodegenerative disorders, we explored the mechanisms of action of APE on oxidative stress-induced by glutamate. Our results revealed that pretreatment with APE prevents glutamate-induced HT22 cell death. APE also reduced both the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the apoptosis of cells, while maintaining glutamate-induced mitochondrial membrane potentials. Western blotting showed that pretreatment with APE facilitates the upregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation; the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2); and the production of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunits, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and heme oxygenase (HO)-1. The administration of LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, attenuated the neuroprotective effects of APE on oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell damage. This allowed us to infer that the protective effects of APE on oxidative damage to cells can be attributed to the PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Selaginella tamariscina Inhibits Glutamate-Induced Autophagic Cell Death by Activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways.

Glutamate-induced neural toxicity in autophagic neuron death is partially mediated by increased oxidative stress. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress in the brain is critical for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Selaginella tamariscina is a traditional medicinal plant for treating gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, leucorrhea, inflammation, chronic hepatitis, gout, and hyperuricemia. We investigate the inhibitory effects of Selaginella tamariscina ethanol extract (STE) on neurotoxicity and autophagic cell death in glutamate-exposed HT22 mouse hippocampal cells. STE significantly increased cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased the expression of reactive oxygen species, lactate dehydrogenase release, and cell apoptosis in glutamate-exposed HT22 cells. In addition, while glutamate induced the excessive activation of mitophagy, STE attenuated glutamate-induced light chain (LC) 3 II and Beclin-1 expression and increased p62 expression. Furthermore, STE strongly enhanced the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation activation. STE strongly inhibited glutamate-induced autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In contrast, the addition of LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, remarkably suppressed cell viability and p-Akt and p62 expression, while markedly increasing the expression of LC3 II and Beclin-1. Our findings indicate that autophagy inhibition by activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR phosphorylation levels could be responsible for the neuroprotective effects of STE on glutamate neuronal damage.

Charge Transfer Dynamics of Doped Graphene Electrodes for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

Atomically thin graphene has attracted immense attention as a future transparent electrode for flat-panel displays owing to its excellent conductivity, optical transparency, and flexibility. In particular, a graphene doping process is essential for implementing graphene-based high-performance devices, and the development of a transparent cathode with a low work function is required to simplify the integration process of thin-film transistors and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) into active matrix displays. In this study, a transparent n-doped graphene cathode is proposed for implementing inverted OLEDs through two types of cesium (Cs)-based doping techniques: a dipping method using wet chemicals and an evaporation method under a vacuum atmosphere. The changes in the chemical structures and work functions of the n-doped graphene electrodes, as well as their surface morphologies and transmittances, were systematically investigated. The n-type doping mechanism of graphene was investigated, and a close relationship between the electrical charge transfer characteristics of graphene transistors and the formation of C-O-Cs complexes was revealed. Finally, an effective Cs-doped graphene electrode was developed, exhibiting a dramatically decreased work function while maintaining high transmittance; therefore, the Cs-doped graphene cathode was successfully integrated with inverted OLEDs with a bottom-light emission structure that exhibited enhanced external quantum efficiency of graphene cathode-based OLEDs. Thus, our findings provide a better understanding of the doping strategies and potential of n-doped graphene as a transparent cathode for developing high-performance future displays.

Inhibitory effect of Isatis tinctoria L. water extract on DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice and HaCaT cells.

BACKGROUND: Isatis tinctoria L (PLG) is a medicinal herb from the roots of Isatis indigotica Fort (Family Cruciferae). Previous studies have shown that PLG has anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects against conditions such as acute and chronic hepatitis, various respiratory inflammations, and cancer. The purpose of this study was to define the pharmacological effects of PLG on inflammatory reactions and skin hyperkeratosis, which are the main symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD), in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: For the AD in vivo experiment, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) induction and oral administration of PLG were performed on male BALB/c mice for four weeks. For in vitro experiments, keratinocytes were activated using TNF-α/IFN-γ in cultured human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. PLG inhibited inflammatory chemokine production and blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in activated keratinocytes. RESULTS: As a result of oral administration of PLG, dermis and epidermis thickening, as well as eosinophil and mast cell infiltration, were attenuated in AD skin lesions. In addition, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway were decreased in serum and dorsal skin tissues. Furthermore, PLG inhibited inflammatory chemokine production and blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in activated keratinocytes. In addition, epigoitrin and adenosine, the standard compounds of PLG, were identified as candidate AD compounds. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that PLG is a potent therapeutic agent for attenuating symptoms of AD.

Singlet Oxygen Generation from Polyaminoglycerol by Spin-Flip-Based Electron Transfer.

Reactive oxygen species have drawn attention owing to their strong oxidation ability. In particular, the singlet oxygen (1O2) produced by energy transfer is the predominant species for controlling oxidation reactions efficiently. However, conventional 1O2 generators, which rely on enhanced energy transfer, frequently suffer from poor solubility, low stability, and low biocompatibility. Herein, we introduce a hyperbranched aliphatic polyaminoglycerol (hPAG) as a 1O2 generator, which relies on spin-flip-based electron transfer. The coexistence of a lone pair electron on the nitrogen atom and a hydrogen-bonding donor (the protonated form of nitrogen and hydroxyl group) affords proximity between hPAG and O2. Subsequent direct electron transfer after photo-irradiation induces hPAG•+-O2 •- formation, and the following spin-flip process generates 1O2. The spin-flip-based electron transfer pathway is analyzed by a series of photophysical, electrochemical, and computational studies. The 1O2 generator, hPAG, is successfully employed in photodynamic therapy and as an antimicrobial reagent.

Synergistic effects of novel herbal decoctions from Panax ginseng and Morus alba on tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in vitro.

Many medicinal plants such as a Panax ginseng and Morus alba (mulberry tree) have been widely used as depigmenting agents in Asia. To maximize their synergistic effects on melanogenesis, new herbal decoctions were created by mixing Ginseng Radix Alba (GR) and Mori Radicis Cortex (MC) at a ratio of 3:2 which called GMC decoction. A decoction of GR and Mori Ramulus (MR), which called GMR, was also formulated in order to compare the anti-melanogenic capacity. Combined decoctions, GMC and GMR, significantly decreased mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro; however, single extracts, including MC and MR, showed weaker inhibitory activity. Melanin content assay and Fontana-Masson staining confirmed that two decoctions showed stronger inhibitory effects on the forskolin-induced melanin level in B16 cells, without cytotoxicity. Our findings suggest that ginseng in combination with mulberry tree enhances the anti-melanogenic effect in vitro.

Indigo Pulverata Levis (Chung-Dae, Persicaria tinctoria) Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-like Inflammatory Responses In Vivo and In Vitro.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with a type 2 T helper cell (Th2) immune response. The IndigoPulverata Levis extract (CHD) is used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine; however, its beneficial effects on AD remain uninvestigated. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic effects of CHD in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced BALB/c mice and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α- and interferon gamma (IFN)-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. We evaluated immune cell infiltration, skin thickness, and the serum IgE and TNF-α levels in DNCB-induced AD mice. Moreover, we measured the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the mice dorsal skin. We also studied the effect of CHD on the translocation of NF-κB p65 and inflammatory chemokines in HaCaT cells. Our in vivo results revealed that CHD reduced the dermis and epidermis thicknesses and inhibited immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, it suppressed the proinflammatory cytokine expression and MAPK and NF-κB phosphorylations in the skin tissue and decreased serum IgE and TNF-α levels. In vitro results indicated that CHD downregulated inflammatory chemokines and blocked NF-κB p65 translocation. Thus, we deduced that CHD is a potential drug candidate for AD treatment.

Coupled- and Independent-Trajectory Approaches Based on the Exact Factorization Using the PyUNIxMD Package.

We present mixed quantum-classical approaches based on the exact factorization framework. The electron-nuclear correlation term in the exact factorization enables us to deal with quantum coherences by accounting for electronic and nuclear nonadiabatic couplings effectively within classical nuclei approximation. We compare coupled- and independent-trajectory approximations with each other to understand algorithms in description of the bifurcation of nuclear wave packets and the correct spatial distribution of electronic wave functions along with nuclear trajectories. Finally, we show numerical results for comparisons of coupled- and independent-trajectory approaches for the photoisomerization of a protonated Schiff base from excited state molecular dynamics (ESMD) simulations with the recently developed Python-based ESMD code, namely, the PyUNIxMD program.

Chrysanthemum indicum Prevents Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Neurotoxicity by Activating the TrkB/Akt Signaling Pathway in Hippocampal Neuronal Cells.

Oxidative stress-mediated neuronal damage is associated with the pathogenesis and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Chrysanthemum indicum has antioxidant properties. However, the neuroprotective effects and the cellular mechanism of C. indicum ethanol extract (CIE) against oxidative damage in hippocampal neuronal cells have not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, this study investigated whether CIE has protective effects against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative toxicity in HT22 cells. CIE pretreatment significantly improved neuronal cell viability. Moreover, the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and apoptotic bodies, and mitochondrial depolarization were significantly reduced in HT22 cells with H2O2-induced oxidative toxicity. Furthermore, CIE increased the phosphorylation of tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB), protein kinase B (Akt), cAMP response element-binding protein, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, antioxidant enzymes, and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 by activating the TrkB/Akt signaling pathway. In contrast, the addition of K252a, a TrkB inhibitor, or MK-2206, an Akt-selective inhibitor, reduced the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of CIE. Taken together; CIE exhibits neuroprotective and antioxidant effects against oxidative damage. Therefore, it can be a potential agent for treating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.