• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.8
• /
• pp.3471-3476
• /
• 2014

Background: Aberrant expression of the microRNA-29 family is associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. As transport carriers, tumor-derived exosomes are released into the extracellular space and regulate multiple functions of target cells. Thus, we assessed the possibility that exosomes could transport microRNA-29c as a carrier and correlations between microRNA-29c and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 cancer and adjacent tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry to detect BCL-2 and MCL-1 expression. Disease was Ta-T1 in 12 patients, T2-T4 in 16, grade 1 in 8, 2 in 8 and 3 in 12. The expression of microRNA-29c in cancer tissues was detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (QRT-PCR). An adenovirus containing microRNA-29c was used to infect the BIU-87 human bladder cancer cell line. MicroRNA-29c in exosomes was measured by QRT-PCR. After BIU-87 cells were induced by exosomes-derived microRNA-29c, QRT-PCR was used to detect the level of microRNA-29c. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and BCL-2 and MCL-1 mRNA expressions were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of BCL-2 and MCL-1. Results: The expressions of BCL-2 and MCL-1 protein were remarkably increased in bladder carcinoma (p<0.05), but was found mainly in the basal and suprabasal layers in adjacent tissues. The expression of microRNA-29c in cancer tissues was negatively correlated with the BCL-2 and MCL-1. The expression level of microRNA-29c in exosomes and BIU-87 cells from the experiment group was higher than that in control groups (p<0.05). Exosome-derived microRNA-29c induced apoptosis (p<0.01). Although only BCL-2 was reduced at the mRNA level, both BCL-2 and MCL-1 were reduced at the protein level. Conclusions: Human bladder cancer cells infected by microRNA-29c adenovirus can transport microRNA-29c via exosomes. Moreover, exosome-derived microRNA29c induces apoptosis in bladder cancer cells by down-regulating BCL-2 and MCL-1.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.7
• /
• pp.3431-3436
• /
• 2016

Background: Carcinogenesis is a multifaceted intricate cellular mechanism of transformation of the normal functions of a cell into neoplastic alterations. Metastasis may result in failure of conventional treatment and death Hence, research on metastatic suppressors in cancer is a high priority. The metastatic suppressor gene CD82, also known as KAI1, is a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily which was first identified in carcinoma of prostate. Little work has been done on this gene in breast cancer. Herein, we aimed to determine the gene and protein level expression of CD82/KAI1 in breast cancer and its role as a prognosticator. Materials and Methods: In this study, 83 histologically proven cases of breast cancer and a similar number of controls were included. Patient age ranged from 18-70 years. Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-RT PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to investigate KAI1 expression at gene and protein levels, respectively. Statistical analysis was done to correlate expression of KAI1 and clinicopathological parameters. Results: It was revealed that: (i) KAI1 was remarkably diminished in metastatic vs non metastatic breast cancer both at the gene and the protein levels (P < .05); (ii) KAI1 expression levels were strongly correlated with TNM staging, histological grade and advanced stage (p<0.001) and no association was found with any other studied parameter; (iii) Lastly, a significant correlation was observed between expression of KAI1 and overall median survival of BC patients (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Our results suggest that lack of expression of the KAI1 might indicate a more aggressive form of breast cancer. Loss of KAI1 may be considered a significant prognostic marker in predicting metastatic manifestation. When evaluated along with the clinical and pathological factors, KAI1 expression may be beneficial to tailor aggressive therapeutic strategies for such patients.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.235-242
• /
• 2010

Froth flotation using the residual water in the end of flotation process has been performed through controlling of pH. IEP (isoelectric point) of molybdenite and quartz in distilled water was below pH 3 and pH 2.7, respectively and the stabilized range was pH 5~10. In case of a suspension in reusing water, zeta potential of molybdenite decreased to below -10 mV or less at over pH 4 due to residual flocculants. As result of pH control, flotation efficiency in the alkaline conditions was deteriorated by flocculation, resulting from expanded polymer chain, ion bridge of the divalent metal cations ($Ca^{2+}$), and hydrophobic interactions between the nonpolar site of polymer/the hydrophobic areas of the particle surfaces. However, the weak acid conditions (pH 5.5~6) improved the efficiency of flotation as hydrogen ions neutralize polymer chains and then weakened its function. In cleans after rougher flotation, the Mo grade of 52.7% and recovery of 90.1% could be successfully obtained under the conditions of 20 g/t kerosene, 50 g/t AF65, 300 g/t $Na_2SiO_3$, pH 5.5 and 2 cleaning times. Hence, we developed a technique which can continuously supply waste water filtered from tailings into the grinding-rougher-cleaning processes.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.460-464
• /
• 2011

Poly(ether-block-amide)(PEBA, $PEBAX^{TM}$) resin is a thermoplastic elastomer combining linear chains of hard-rigid polyamide block interspaced soft-flexible polyether block. It was believed that the hard polyamide block provides the mechanical strength and permeation selectivity, whereas gas transport occurs primarily through the soft polyether block. The objective of this work was to investigate the gas permeation properties of carbon dioxide and methane for $PEBAX^{TM}$-1657 membrane and compare with those obtained for other grade of $PEBAX^{TM}$, $PEBAX^{TM}$-2533. And the organic/inorganic hybrid membranes were prepared using $PEBAX^{TM}$ and TEOS(tetraethoxysilane) by sol-gel process, and gas permeation properties were studied. $PEBAX^{TM}$-2533 membrane exhibited higher gas permeability coefficients than $PEBAX^{TM}$-1657 membrane. This was explained by the increase of chain mobility. The permeability coefficients for $PEBAX^{TM}$/TEOS hybrid membranes were higher than pure $PEBAX^{TM}$ membranes. This results were explained by the reduction of crystallinity of polyamide block by the introduction of TEOS. Ideal separation factor of hybrid membranes does not change much. This might be due to the increase of solubility selectivity.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.205-209
• /
• 2014

Medical polymers require sterilization and must be able to maintain material properties for a specified shelf life. Sterilization can be achieved by using gamma or e-beam exposure. In this study, accelerated aging tests of poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) copolymer samples is presented. PEBA copolymer samples with different polyether content that result in Shore hardness of 35D to 72D, were sterilized using e-beam radiation followed by accelerated aging at $55^{\circ}C$. E-beam sterilization effect on molecular weight and mechanical property has performed and analyzed. The average molecular weight significantly reduced as a result of ageing. The enlarged proportion of low molecular weight chains in the aged samples is consistent with the generation of degradation products produced by oxidative chain scission. Also E-beam materials have shown decreased tensile strength and elongation. Overall, this study demonstrated that the medical grade PEBA was significantly affected by radiation exposure over aging time, particularly at high irradiation doses. For medical use in case of radiation sterilization required, it is recommended to avoid Pebax material. If Pebax material must be in use for medical device, recommend to use alternate sterilization method such as Ethylene Oxide sterilization.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.440-447
• /
• 2013

The ecological health, based on the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) was evaluated in 10 stream sites of Southern Han River. Eleven parameters of 12 parameters (Karr 1981) were modified for the application of regional Korean circumstance. The ecological health, based on IBI grade, was in "good condition" and the IBI score ranged from 33 to 47. Nine parameters of the original 12-parameter metrics in QHEI model (Plafkin et al. 1989) were applied in the habitat assessment. The mean QHEI model values were judged as "partially supporting" and ranged from 75 (non-supporting) to 109 (supporting). Comparative analyses revealed that values of IBI and QHEI models were greater in Gj stream than Ig- and Dn streams. The analysis of fish compositions showed that the proportions of insectivore, omnivore, and carnivore were 61.9%, 19%, and 9.5%, respectively. According to tolerance guild analysis, sensitive species and tolerant species were 76.1% and 4.7%, respectively, indicating a healthy trophic state in terms of food chain. The analysis by habitat guild type indicated that riffle benthic species dominated (57.1%) when compared to water column species (28.5%). The introduced species and individuals with diseases or external abnormality were not observed. Overall, the model values of IBI and QHEI suggested that the ecological health was maintained well in this upstream region.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.38 no.10
• /
• pp.880-894
• /
• 2005

The purposes of this study were to a) measure the IC identified of CFMC (contract foodservice management company) ,b) examine IC circumstance of CFMC, c) evaluate practically IC measurement tool of CFMC, and d) present information for selecting an adequate CFMC to clients. The questionnaires of IC measurement were handed out to 108 CFMCs, there composing of main office employees, foodservice managers, customers, and clients of 207 school,38 hospital, and 86 husiness/industry foodservices. The statistical data analysis was completed using SPSS Win (ver 12.0) for descriptive analysis, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test. First, CFMCs had operational experience for an average of 8 years and 8 months, and served an average of 38,540 meals a day. Most of the respondent companies specialized in the school foodservice field and managed an average of 66 clients for the contract period of 2 years and 3 months. Second, the respondent companies had gotten a score of 77.78 points for the total average, 77.7 points in the large enterprise group and 78.1 points in the small and medium-sized enterprise group. Therefore, the minimum number of points for the accrediting license on Qualification is suggested to be over 70 out of a 100 point scale; this study would be serve as reference for the certification license on qualification. On the level of evaluation category, the scores were 14.15 to 20 points on $\ulcorner$finance$\urcorner$, 19.24 to 25 points on $\ulcorner$customer$\urcorner$, 19.33 to 25 points on $\ulcorner$process$\urcorner$, 14.31 to 20 points on $\ulcorner$human resource$\urcorner$, and 8.6 to 10 point on $\ulcorner$renewal and development$\urcorner$ . $\ulcorner$Renewal and development$\urcorner$ and $\ulcorner$customer focus$\urcorner$ received better grades than other evaluation categories. Third, $\ulcorner$Finance$\urcorner$ indicated similar distribution overall. Small and medium-sized companies had lower grades than large companies on 'market ability' of $\ulcorner$customer$\urcorner$ , but, clients of small and medium-sized companies had higher grade for 'client satisfaction' than large companies. Most of the companies supported 'infrastructure support for foodservice operation' of $\ulcorner$process$\urcorner$ by the main office of CFMCs, but, the branch chain offices of CFMCs were not applied efficiently. Large companies made more effort to improve the 'employee ability' of $\ulcorner$human focus$\urcorner$ than small and medium-sized CFMC. The 'research and development cost' of $\ulcorner$renewal and development$\urcorner$ was increased compared to the previous year. In conclusion, if CFMCs were to perform self-evaluation and a routine checkups by utilizing CFMC's IC measuring tool, improvements in CFMC operational capacities as well as foodservice quality can be noted. (Korean J Nutrition 38(10)'880$\sim$894,2005)

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.41-48
• /
• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate effects of corn silage on final fattening performance, carcass characteristics, and gene expression of Hanwoo Longissimus dorsi muscle biopsy. Twenty one steers with initial body weight of control 291.5±6.5kg, corn silage 291.7.0±17.3kg were used for 18 months of fattening period. Average daily gain of corn silage tended to increase compared to control in early fattening period(p=0.092). Feed conversion ratio of corn silage was higher than control in early fattening(p=0.005). The animals in corn silage increased A grade 23% in meat quantity than the control. Myogenic gene expression on the Longissimus dorsi biopsy were compared between corn silage and control. The level of myosin heavy chain(MHC) I, IIX mRNA were greater than the control in the whole period(p<0.05). The level of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ) mRNA was greater than the corn silage(p<0.05). Inconclusion, corn silage will be possible to use as an alternative concentrate feeding system.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.47-65
• /
• 2023

As stakeholder demands and sustainable finance grow, ESG management and ESG evaluation are becoming important. SMEs should also prepare for the trends of ESG rating practices that affects supply chain management and financial transactions. However, SMEs have no choice but to focus on survival first, so there are restrictions on putting into ESG management. In addition, there is a lack of research on the legitimacy of ESG management by SMEs, and volatility in ESG evaluation systems and rating grades is also increasing. Accordingly, it is necessary to review ESG evaluation trends and practical guidelines along with the review of previous studies. As a result of the exploratory study, SMEs need to implement ESG management and make efforts to specialize in ESG related new businesses under conditions in which their survival base is guaranteed in terms of implementation strategies. In addition, it is necessary to focus on the strategic use of various evaluation results along with accumulating information favorable for ESG evaluation through organizational learning and software management. The implications of this study are that various studies such as the classification criteria for SMEs and the relationship between ESG evaluation grades and long-term survival rates are needed in ESG evaluation of SMEs. At the government policy level, it is time to consider the ESG evaluation system exclusively for SMEs so that ESG management can be implemented and ESG evaluation at different levels by industry and size.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.3
• /
• pp.25-48
• /
• 1962

The polysaccharide C prepared from gum tragacanth powder (U. S. P. grade) by the precipitation method with 85% ethanol was a neutral polysaccharide, $[{\alpha}]^{30}_D-72.2$. The polysaccharide C consisted of L-rhamnose, D-xylose, L-arabinose and D-galactose in the molar ratio 2:1:17:9 (Table 1, 2, 3, ). The polysaccharide C was methylated with dimethylsulphate and 40% NaOH, and Purdies regent. The hydrolyzate of fully methlated product ($[{\alpha}]^{22}_D-102$ in chloroform, the methoxy content 40.6%) was composed of 2, 3, 5-tri-O-methyl-L-arabofuranose (I), 3,4-di-O-methyl-L-rhamnopyranose (II), 2,3-di-O-methyl-D-xylose (III), 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-D-galactopyranose (IV), 2,4-di-O-methyl-L-arabopyranose (?), 2,4-di-O-methyl-D-galactose(VI), 2-O-methyl-D-arabinose (VII), and L-arabopyranose(VIII) (Table 4, 5, and Fig. 4). The first partial hydrolysis (A) of the polysaccharide C with 0.05N-HCl for 4.5 hours at $80-85^{\circ}C$ released only L-arabinose: the second hydrolysis (B) with 0.1N-HCl for 5 hours at $80-85^{\circ}C$, L-arabinose and D-galactose; and the third hydrolysis (C) with 0.3N-HCl at $90-95^{\circ}C$ in sealed tube, L-rhamnose, D-xylose, L-arabinose and D-galactose. From the unhydrolyzate A' were found L-rhamnose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, and D-galactose; from B' L-rhamnose, d-xylose, L-arabinose and D-galactose; and from C' D-xylose and D-galactose respectively (Table 6). The periodate consumption and formic acid production of the polysaccharide C were measured at various time intervals. After 120 hours periodat was consumed by 1.23 mole per $C_5H_8O_4$ and formic acid was produced 0.78 mole per $C_5H_8O_4$ (Table 7). Although a definite chemical structure for this polysaccharide C may not be formulated, experimental data, especially, from methylation, partial hydrolysie and determination of its molar ratio, and periodate analysis showed that the polysaccharide C is a highly branched polysaccharide and would be constructed of galactoaraban as a main chain residue and L-arabofuranose, D-galactopyranosyl $(1{\rightarrow}1)$-L-arabofuranose, D-xylopyranosyl $(1{\rightarrow}2)$-L-rhamnopyranosyl $(1{\rightarrow}1)$-L-arabofuranose, and L-rhamnopyranosyl $(1{\rightarrow}1)$-arabofuranose, and D-galactopyranosyl-$(1{\rightarrow}2)$-L-arabopyranosyl-$(1{\rightarrow}1)$-I-arabofuranose as a branch chain or end group (page 21).