We investigated the effects of unripe black raspberry water extract (UBR-W) and oxidation-LDL treatment on cholesterol levels. Experiments using an established human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) showed a time-dependent increase in expression of LDL receptor after UBR-W treatment. Expression of LDL receptor-related genes, such as SREBP1 and 2, increased upon UBR-W treatment. However, expression of HDL-related genes was unaffected by UBR-W. HMG-CoA reductase activity was reduced by UBR-W treatment, whereas HMG-CoA mRNA expression significantly increased. In addition, the ApoB/ApoA1 mRNA level, which is a predictor of cardiovascular risk, was reduced in a time-dependent manner by UBR-W treatment. Macrophage-like cells (RAW 264.7) showed increased expression of ox-LDL-related genes, such as CD36, scavenger receptor-A, adipophilin, and PPAR-gamma, upon ox-LDL treatment compared to untreated control cells, and quantitative lipid analysis indicated a dramatic increase in lipid accumulation. However, UBR-W treatment significantly reduced expression of ox-LDL-related genes and largely prevented lipid accumulation. The results indicate that UBR-W mediates a cholesterol-lowering effect via inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and induction of LDL uptake through SREBP.

The 'Imjin System' (or Rimjin System) was established in 1962 as a new stratigraphic unit

A subcapsular splenic hematoma is a very rare hemorrhagic complication of pancreatitis. We report here on a case of pseudocyst with a large subcapsular splenic hematoma in a 43-year-old man who presented with severe left flank pain for one week. Despite the initial conservative treatment consisting of pain control, bowel rest, intravenous fluids and antibiotics, the pain was not relieved. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed, and it showed a pseudocyst that was increasing in size with a large subcapsular splenic hematoma measuring 6×13 cm compared to the images at admission. Ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous drainage was performed without any complications, and splenectomy was avoided. After the discharge, the patient remained asymptomatic for eight months. We suggest that percutaneous drainage of a large subcapsular hematoma complicating pancreatitis might be a useful treatment option in selected patients. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2011;57:258-261)

The Baegdusan volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in northeastern Asia, and the 10th century eruption was the most voluminous eruption in the world in recent 2,000 years. During the period from 2002 to 2005, volcanic earthquakes and abnormal surface distortions by suspected subsurface magma intrusion beneath the volcano were observed in the Baegdusan area. Seismic activity has gradually increased with earthquake swarms during 2002-2003 and hundreds of seismic event in a day, especially annual peak of 2,100 in 2003. Then the number of seismic activity has declined since 2006 to the background level in 1999-2001. According to the typical frequency of volcanic earthquakes in the Baegdusan volcano, the frequency distribution of typical volcanic earthquakes between 2002 and 2005 indicates that all the main frequency of the earthquakes basically falls down less than 5 Hz and 5-10 Hz. These events are all the VT-B and LP events caused by the shallow localized fracture and intrusion of

This study considers the historical eruption record in 1702 from the volcanological point of view, which is presumed to have occurred from Mt. Baegdusan volcano. The minium volume of erupted materials is estimated to be 1.2 km 3 when calculated with an empirical formula using an isopach line obtained from two points 140 km away from the vent. The 1702 eruption was a paroxysmal one with VEI of 5. The historical record described a deposition of wind-modified fallout ash by movement of hot ash cloud. To prepare for the future eruption, we have to analyze historical literatures and understand characteristics of volcano.