CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of T-cell activation, and its inhibitory effects can be accomplished either by competition with CD28 or by transmitting negative signals through its intracellular domain. To utilize the cytoplasmic domain of CTLA-4 to suppress allergic inflammation, we fused it to a novel protein-transduction domain in the human transcriptional factor Hph-1. Transduction efficiency was verified in vitro and in vivo after ocular, intranasal and intradermal administration. After transduction into T cells, the Hph-1-ctCTLA-4 fusion protein inhibited the production of interleukin (IL)-2, and downregulated CD69 and CD25. Intranasal administration of Hph-1-ctCTLA-4 resulted in markedly reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, secretion of T helper type 2 (T(H)2) cytokines, serum IgE levels and airway hyper-responsiveness in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. These results indicated that Hph-1-ctCTLA-4 constitutes an effective immunosuppressive protein drug for potential use in the treatment of allergic asthma, via nasal administration.

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1,4-Disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles were obtained in excellent yields from azides and terminal alkynes in H(2)O in the presence of catalytic amount of β-cyclodextrin as a phase transfer catalyst. Also, a one-pot CuAAC reaction was carried out successfully, affording 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles in good to high yields starting from an alkyl bromide, sodium azide, and terminal alkyne.

The interesterified fats showed desirable physical properties and suitable crystal form (beta' polymorph) for possible use as a spreadable margarine stock. Therefore, our result suggested that the interesterified fat without trans fatty acid could be used as an alternative to partially hydrogenated fat.

Modified-butterfat (MBF) was synthesized with four blends (8:6:6, 6:6:8, 6:6:9, and 4:6:10, by weight) of anhydrous butterfat (ABF), palm stearin (PS) and flaxseed oil (FSO) through enzymatic interesterification in a continuous packed-bed reactor. Flow rate effect of 3, 5, 8 and 10 mL/min on enzymatic interesterification was investigated. By increasing the enzyme contact time with substrates (decreased flow rates), not only did melting and crystallization points shift to lower temperature but also the equivalent carbon number, ECN 36-38 from FSO decreased. Further all reactions were performed at flow rate of 5 mL/min (contact time 140 min) in a continuous reactor packed with 150 g of Lipozyme RM IM. After short path distillation, alpha-linolenic acid composition (%) of 8:6:6, 6:6:8, 6:6:9, and 4:6:10 MBFs were 16, 21, 23 and 25%, respectively. The contents of ECN 36-38, and ECN 48-50 decreased in the blends and MBFs for each substrate ratio. ECN 42-46 in the newly produced TAG increased. Melting points of MBFs were 38 degrees C (8:6:6), 35.5 degrees C (6:6:8), 34 degrees C (6:6:9), and 32 degrees C (4:6:10). MBFs interesterified with FSO contained phytosterols (17-36 mg/100 g) and tocopherols (116-173 microg/g). The products of 8:6:6, 6:6:8, 6:6:9 and 4:6:10 MBFs were softer (69, 88, 80, and 92%, respectively) than pure butterfat at refrigeration temperature. The polymorphic form changed from beta form (blends) to desirable crystalline structure of beta' form (MBFs). Crystal morphology of MBFs also changed and was composed of small spherulites of varying density.

Background/AimsFew studies have evaluated the use of a smartphone application (app) for educating people undergoing colonoscopy and optimizing bowel preparation. Therefore, this study was designed to develop a smartphone app for people to use as a preparation guide and to evaluate the efficacy of this app when used prior to colonoscopy.MethodsIn total, 142 patients (male:female=84:58, mean age=43.5±9.3 years), who were scheduled to undergo a colonoscopy at Myongji Hospital, were enrolled in this study. Seventy-one patients were asked to use a smartphone app that we had recently developed to prepare for the colonoscopy, while the 71 patients of the sex and age-matched control group were educated via written and verbal instructions.ResultsThe quality of bowel cleansing, evaluated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, was significantly higher in the smartphone app group than in the control group (7.70±1.1 vs. 7.24±0.8, respectively, p=0.007 by t-test). No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding work-up time and the number of patients with polyps.ConclusionsIn this study, targeting young adults (≤50 years), the bowel preparation achieved by patients using the smartphone app showed significantly better quality than that of the control group.

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