Kim Y, et al. Immune Netw. 2013 Apr;13(2):70-74. https://doi.org/10.4110/in.2013.13.2.70

Porous silicon has been utilized within a wide spectrum of industries, as well as being used in basic research for engineering and biomedical fields. Recently, surface modification methods have been constantly coming under the spotlight, mostly in regard to maximizing its purpose of use. Within this review, we will introduce porous silicon, the experimentation preparatory methods, the properties of the surface of porous silicon, and both more conventional as well as newly developed surface modification methods that have assisted in attempting to overcome the many drawbacks we see in the existing methods. The main aim of this review is to highlight and give useful insight into improving the properties of porous silicon, and create a focused description of the surface modification methods.

Objectives: Because red ginseng and vitamin C have immunomodulatory function and anti-viral effect, we investigated whether red ginseng and vitamin C synergistically regulate immune cell function and suppress viral infection. Methods: Red ginseng and vitamin C were treated to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-infected BCBL-1, and administrated to Gulo(−/−) mice, which are incapable of synthesizing vitamin C, with or without influenza A virus/H1N1 infection. Key findings: Red ginseng and vitamin C increased the expression of CD25 and CD69 of PBMCs and natural killer (NK) cells. Co-treatment of them decreased cell viability and lytic gene expression in BCBL-1. In Gulo(−/−) mice, red ginseng and vitamin C increased the expression of NKp46, a natural cytotoxic receptor of NK cells and interferon (IFN)-γ production. Influenza infection decreased the survival rate, and increased inflammation and viral plaque accumulation in the lungs of vitamin C-depleted Gulo(−/−) mice, which were remarkably reduced by red ginseng and vitamin C supplementation. Conclusions: Administration of red ginseng and vitamin C enhanced the activation of immune cells like T and NK cells, and repressed the progress of viral lytic cycle. It also reduced lung inflammation caused by viral infection, which consequently increased the survival rate.

Kim H, et al. Immune Netw. 2012 Feb;12(1):18-26. https://doi.org/10.4110/in.2012.12.1.18

A fluorescent molecular probe for the identification of glioblastoma is developed. The probe allows the tracing of the cysteine (Cys) level, which is recognized as a new biomarker of GBM.

Choi J, et al. Immune Netw. 2015 Dec;15(6):291-303. https://doi.org/10.4110/in.2015.15.6.291