Chonbuk National University

About: Chonbuk National University is a education organization based out in Jeonju, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Apoptosis & Graphene. The organization has 14820 authors who have published 28884 publications receiving 554131 citations.

Ni&Mn nanoparticles-decorated carbon nanofibers as effective electrocatalyst for urea oxidation

Abstract: Compared to alcohols, urea is considered an interesting hydrogen and electrical energy source as it is available in industrial and municipal wastes. Ni&Mn nanoparticles-decorated carbon nanofibers are introduced as effective and stable electrocatalysts for urea oxidation. The introduced decorated carbon nanofibers were synthesized by calcination of electrospun mats composed of nickel acetate, manganese acetate and poly(vinyl alcohol) in argon atmosphere at 850 °C. The utilized characterization techniques, XRD, TEM, FE SEM and TEM-EDX analyses, confirmed formation of carbon nanofibers decorated by discrete Ni, Mn and NiMn nanoparticles and absence of any oxides. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the introduced nanofibers have good electrocatalytic activity toward urea oxidation as the observed current density was 300 mAcm −2 g −1 with an onset potential of 290 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl). Moreover, the results proved that incorporation of manganese and the nanofibrous morphology distinctly enhance the electrocatalytic activity of nickel toward urea oxidation.

Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Plantarum C29-Fermented Soybean (DW2009) in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Week, Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract: Early intervention using dietary supplements may be effective in alleviating cognitive impairment among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus plantarum C29-fermented soybean (DW2009) as a nutritional supplement for cognitive enhancement. One hundred individuals with MCI were randomly assigned to take DW2009 (800 mg/day, n = 50) or placebo (800 mg/day, n = 50) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was change in the composite score of cognitive functions related to memory and attention, measured by computerized neurocognitive function tests. Associations between changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and cognitive performance for each treatment group were evaluated. Compared to the placebo group, the DW2009 group showed greater improvements in the combined cognitive functions (z = 2.36, p for interaction = 0.02), especially in the attention domain (z = 2.34, p for interaction = 0.02). Cognitive improvement was associated with increased serum BDNF levels after consumption of DW2009 (t = 2.83, p = 0.007). The results of this clinical trial suggest that DW2009 can be safely administered to enhance cognitive function in individuals with MCI. Increased serum BDNF levels after administering DW2009 may provide preliminary insight into the underlying effects of cognitive improvement, which suggests the importance of the gut-brain axis in ameliorating cognitive deficits in MCI.