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The Korean Journal of Physiology &... Nov 2022The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Arctigenin on cell growth and the mechanism of cell death elicited by Arctigenin were examined in FaDu...
The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Arctigenin on cell growth and the mechanism of cell death elicited by Arctigenin were examined in FaDu human pharyngeal carcinoma cells. To determine the apoptotic activity of Arctigenin in FaDu human pharyngeal carcinoma cells, cell viability assay, DAPI staining, caspase activation analysis, and immunoblotting were performed. Arctigenin inhibited the growth of cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced nuclear condensation and fragmentation. Arctigenin-treated cells showed caspase-3/7 activation and increased apoptosis versus control cells. FasL, a death ligand associated with extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways, was up-regulated by Arctigenin treatment. Moreover, caspase-8, a part of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, was activated by Arctigenin treatments. Expressions of anti-apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, components of the mitochondria-dependent intrinsic apoptosis pathway, significantly decreased following Arctigenin treatment. The expressions of pro-apoptotic factors such as BAX, BAD and caspase-9, and tumor suppressor -53 increased by Arctigenin treatments. In addition, Arctigenin activated caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) induced cell death. Arctigenin also inhibited the proliferation of FaDu cells by the suppression of p38, NF-κB, and Akt signaling pathways. These results suggest that Arctigenin may inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptotic cell death in FaDu human pharyngeal carcinoma cells through both the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic pathway and the death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathway.
PubMed: 36302620
DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2022.26.6.447 -
Forensic Science International Jun 2022The aim of this study was to use instrumental neutron activation analysis and multivariate analysis to determine the provenance of Jamaican Cannabis sativa L....
The aim of this study was to use instrumental neutron activation analysis and multivariate analysis to determine the provenance of Jamaican Cannabis sativa L. Sixty-three samples were collected from various areas in Jamaica, with no other data but their known or self-reported growing regions. The samples were analysed for Al, As, Br, Ca, Cd, Co, Cs, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, V, and Zn. The resulting elemental data were statistically evaluated using agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Cluster analysis was able to group the samples into their known or reported growing regions with a high degree of accuracy. Principal component analysis was also able to elucidate some of the underlying geochemical factors that could explain the clustering. These included the underlying bauxitic geochemistry and the influence of fertilizer inputs. Of the analysed elements, Al, As, Cd, Co, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Sc, Sm, V, and Zn appear to be most significant in identifying the growing regions of the cannabis samples. Results indicate the promise of this methodology with an increased dataset and potentially further refinement of the identifying elements.
Topics: Cadmium; Cannabis; Humans; Jamaica; Neutron Activation Analysis; Pilot Projects; Trace Elements
PubMed: 35430503
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111303 -
Biological Trace Element Research Jun 2021In this study, two kinds of Artemisia plant, Artemisia campestris L. and Artemisia herba-alba Asso., collected from different locations in Djelfa province, Algeria, were...
In this study, two kinds of Artemisia plant, Artemisia campestris L. and Artemisia herba-alba Asso., collected from different locations in Djelfa province, Algeria, were subjected to an instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in order to determine their essential and toxic elements for the first time. The obtained results for both types revealed the existence of twenty-one elements, namely, As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Yb, and Zn, where, the elements K, Ca, Fe, and Na respectively showed a significant concentration. On the other hand, the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of the studied plants for an adult person per day was within the tolerance limits imposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, these findings might therefore be used to offer scientific basis for an optimum usage of the studied plants and so enriches the database of medicinal herbs.
Topics: Adult; Algeria; Artemisia; Humans; Neutron Activation Analysis; Sodium; Trace Elements
PubMed: 32862398
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02358-7 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023Phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) plays an important role in regulating flowering time and morphogenesis of plants. However, the identification and...
Phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) plays an important role in regulating flowering time and morphogenesis of plants. However, the identification and functional analysis of gene in pineapple () have not been systematically studied. The pineapple genome contained 11 PEBP family members, which were subsequently classified into three subfamilies (FT-like, TFL-like and MFT-like) based on phylogenetic relationships. The arrangement of these 11 shows an unequal pattern across the six chromosomes of pineapple the pineapple genome. The anticipated outcomes of the promoter cis-acting elements indicate that the gene is subject to regulation by diverse light signals and endogenous hormones such as ethylene. The findings from transcriptome examination and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) indicate that FT-like members and display a heightened expression level, specifically within the floral structures. The expression of and increases sharply and remains at a high level after 4 days of ethylene induction, while the expression of and decreases gradually during the flowering process. Additionally, , and show specific expression in different floral organs of pineapple. These outcomes imply that members belonging to the FT-like subfamily may have a significant impact on the process of bud differentiation and flower development. Through transcriptional activation analysis, it was determined that possesses transcriptional activation capability and is situated in the nucleus and peripheral cytoplasm. Overexpression of in resulted in the promotion of early flowering by 6-7 days. The protein interaction prediction network identified potential flower regulators, including CO, AP1, LFY and SOC1, that may interact with PEBP proteins. This study explores flower development in pineapple, thereby serving as a valuable reference for future research endeavors in this domain.
PubMed: 37965004
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1277436 -
Applied Radiation and Isotopes :... Apr 2022Radiotracer techniques are extensively used for troubleshooting, measuring hydrodynamic parameters and process visualization in industrial systems because of their many... (Review)
Review
Radiotracer techniques are extensively used for troubleshooting, measuring hydrodynamic parameters and process visualization in industrial systems because of their many advantages over conventional tracer techniques. Most of these techniques are well established, and are routinely used in the industry around the world. This review discusses the general principles of the radiotracer methodology, commonly used applications of radiotracer in the industry, recent advances in the area, and the economic benefits accrued. Each application is illustrated with recently published case studies.
PubMed: 35183851
DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.110076 -
Computer Methods and Programs in... Jun 2017We propose two contributions with novel approaches to fMRI activation analysis. The first is to apply confidence intervals to locate activations in real-time, and second...
We propose two contributions with novel approaches to fMRI activation analysis. The first is to apply confidence intervals to locate activations in real-time, and second is a new metric based on robust regression of fMRI signals. These contributions are implemented in our four proposed methods; Instantaneous Activation Method (IAM), Instantaneous Activation Method with Past Blocks (IAMP) for real-time analysis, Task Robust Regression Distance Method (TRRD) for the new metric with robust regression and Instantaneous Robust Regression Distance Method (IRRD) for both contributions. For comparison, a statistical offline method called Task Activation Method (TAM) and a correlation analysis method are also implemented. The methods are initially evaluated with synthetic data generated using two different approaches; first using varying hemodynamic response function signals to simulate a wide range of stimuli responses, along with a Gaussian white noise, and second using no activity state data of a real fMRI experiment, which removes the need to generate noise. The methods are also tested with real fMRI experiments and compared with the results obtained by the widely used SPM tool. The results show that instantaneous methods reveal activations that are lost statistically in an offline analysis. They also reveal further improvements by robust fitting application, which minimizes the outlier effect. TRRD has an area under the ROC curve of 0,7127 for very noisy synthetic images, is reaching up to 0,9608 as the noise decreases, while the instantaneous score is in the range of 0,6124 to 0,8019 in the same noise levels.
Topics: Brain; Brain Mapping; Computer Simulation; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Normal Distribution; ROC Curve; Regression Analysis
PubMed: 28494993
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2017.03.015 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2019Trace elements play a crucial role in many biochemical processes, mainly as components of vitamins and enzymes. Although small amounts of metal ions have protective... (Review)
Review
Trace elements play a crucial role in many biochemical processes, mainly as components of vitamins and enzymes. Although small amounts of metal ions have protective properties, excess metal levels result in oxidative injury, which is why metal ion homeostasis is crucial for the proper functioning of the brain. The changes of their level in the brain have been proven to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Therefore, it is currently an important application of various analytical methods. This review covers the most important of them: inductively coupled ground mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), flame-induced atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), optical emission spectrometry with excitation in inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and neutron activation analysis (NAA). Additionally, we present a summary of concentration values found by different research groups.
PubMed: 30891444
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00115 -
Applied Radiation and Isotopes :... Dec 2018A Proton Accelerator based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (A-BNCT) facility is under development in Korea. Neutron beams for treatment are produced from a beryllium (Be)...
A Proton Accelerator based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (A-BNCT) facility is under development in Korea. Neutron beams for treatment are produced from a beryllium (Be) target and an 8 mA, 10 MeV proton beam. The purpose of the research is a radiation shielding analysis and an activation analysis for the facility design satisfying the radiation safety requirements as well as obtaining an operating license for the radiation facility according to a domestic nuclear commissioning procedure. The radiation shielding analysis was performed using the MCNPX computational particle transport code. The radiation source terms in the facility were evaluated and utilized in the shielding calculations. The minimum concrete thickness satisfying the designated dose rate of 5 μSv/h for the worker's area and 0.25 μSv/h for the public area were estimated and applied to the design. For an assessment of the radiation safety inside the facility, the dose rates were evaluated at several positions, such as behind the shielding door, around the primary barriers near the radiation sources, and in the penetrations of the ducts. The dose rate distribution was mapped for verification of the radiation safety for the entire facility. An activation analysis was carried out for the concrete walls, air, target assembly, beryllium target, and cooling water using FISPACT-2010 code. Concentrations of the activation products and dose rate induced by the radionuclides after shutdown were evaluated for the purpose of safe operation of the facility. The results were reviewed with the radiation safety regulations in Korea. As a result, it was proved that the final facility design satisfies the safety requirements.
Topics: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; Equipment Safety; Facility Design and Construction; Humans; Licensure; Occupational Exposure; Particle Accelerators; Protons; Radiation Exposure; Radiation Protection; Republic of Korea
PubMed: 30273764
DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.09.022 -
Archaeological and Anthropological... 2023This paper, jointly written by participants of a workshop held in 2021, argues for an increased recognition and application of neutron activation analysis (NAA) in the...
UNLABELLED
This paper, jointly written by participants of a workshop held in 2021, argues for an increased recognition and application of neutron activation analysis (NAA) in the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean. Discussing the methodological strengths and challenges, it highlights the great potential NAA has for collecting proxy data from ceramics in order to develop progressive concepts of archaeological research within and beyond the Mediterranean Bronze and Iron Age, pointing out opportunities to revisit long-held assumptions of scholarship and to refine visual/macroscopic provenance determinations of pottery. To take full advantage of NAA's strengths toward a better understanding of the socioeconomic background of ceramics production, distribution, and consumption, the paper emphasises the need for both interdisciplinary collaboration and basic data publication requirements.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-023-01728-1.
PubMed: 36789354
DOI: 10.1007/s12520-023-01728-1 -
Cytometry. Part B, Clinical Cytometry Jul 2018Conventional data analysis of flow cytometry-based basophil activation testing requires repetitive, labor-intensive analysis that hampers efforts to standardize testing...
BACKGROUND
Conventional data analysis of flow cytometry-based basophil activation testing requires repetitive, labor-intensive analysis that hampers efforts to standardize testing for clinical applications. Using an open-source platform, we developed and implemented a programmatic approach to the analysis of the basophil activation test (BAT) by flow cytometry.
METHODS
Using the BÜHLMANN FlowCAST® assay, peripheral blood from peanut allergic patients undergoing oral immunotherapy was incubated with peanut allergens (Arah1, Arah2, Arah6, whole peanut extract) and stained with fluorescent antibodies to CCR3 and CD63 for the development of a data-driven programmatic analysis using Bioconductor and R. Basophil identification using clustering and classification was validated using manually gated comparisons in an experimental subset. Reproducibility of CD63 upregulation set on unstimulated or anti-FcERI stimulated basophils was compared.
RESULTS
BAT analysis of 294 experiments was successful in 91.5% using the above approach, with a total of 7,166 individual basophil activation tests from 269 experiments. We estimate this represents a net saving of 1340 min of labor by a skilled operator. Medium-based gating correlated to respective manual gating more closely than anti-FcERI based gating (R = 0.96 vs. R = 0.84, P < 0.001). Only 2% of the basophil activation results were significantly different from manual gating. Quality measures of the experiments and other measures of basophil activation were also provided by the analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
We present a novel data-driven flow cytometric platform for the analysis of clinical basophil activation testing, providing a high throughput objective approach to basophil activation analysis. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.
Topics: Algorithms; Basophil Degranulation Test; Child; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Male; Peanut Hypersensitivity
PubMed: 28618453
DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21537