Downregulation of lysyl oxidase and lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 suppressed the migration and invasion of trophoblasts by activating the TGF-β/collagen athway in preeclampsia

Xiang-Hong Xu,Yuanhui Jia,Xinyao Zhou,Dandan Xie,Xiaojie Huang,Linyan Jia,Qian Zhou,Qingliang Zheng,Xiangyu Zhou,Kai Wang,Li-Ping Jin 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder that is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality with a prevalence of 6–8% of pregnancies. Although impaired trophoblast invasion in early pregnancy is known to be closely associated with preeclampsia, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we revealed that lysyl oxidase (LOX) and LOX-like protein 2 (LOXL2) play a critical role in preeclampsia. Our results demonstrated that LOX and LOXL2 expression decreased in preeclamptic placentas. Moreover, knockdown of LOX or LOXL2 suppressed trophoblast cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, collagen production was induced in LOX- or LOXL2-downregulated trophoblast cells through activation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Notably, inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway could rescue the defects caused by LOX or LOXL2 knockdown, thereby underlining the significance of the TGF-β1/ Smad3 pathway downstream of LOX and LOXL2 in trophoblast cells. Additionally, induced collagen production and activated TGF-β1/Smad3 were observed in clinical samples from preeclamptic placentas. Collectively, our study suggests that the downregulation of LOX and LOXL2 leading to reduced trophoblast cell migration and invasion through activation of the TGF-β1/Smad3/collagen pathway is relevant to preeclampsia. Thus, we proposed that LOX, LOXL2, and the TGF-β1/Smad3/collagen pathway can serve as potential markers and targets for clinical diagnosis and therapy for preeclampsia.

Vibration attenuation in periodic composite Timoshenko beams on Pasternak foundation

Hong-Jun Xiang,Zhi-Fei Shi 국제구조공학회 2011 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.40 No.3

Periodic and quasi-periodic Timoshenko beams on Pasternak foundation are investigated using the differential quadrature method. Not only band gaps in the beams but also the dynamic response of them is analyzed. Numerical results show that vibration in periodic beams can be dramatically attenuated when the exciting frequency falls into band gaps. Different from the band structures of periodic beams without foundation, the so-called critical frequency was found because of the Pasternak foundation. Its physical meaning was explained in detail and a useful formula was given to calculate the critical frequency. Additionally, a comprehensive parameter study is conducted to highlight the influence of foundation modulus on the band gaps.

Vibration attenuation in periodic composite Timoshenko beams on Pasternak foundation

Xiang, Hong-Jun,Shi, Zhi-Fei Techno-Press 2011 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.40 No.3

Periodic and quasi-periodic Timoshenko beams on Pasternak foundation are investigated using the differential quadrature method. Not only band gaps in the beams but also the dynamic response of them is analyzed. Numerical results show that vibration in periodic beams can be dramatically attenuated when the exciting frequency falls into band gaps. Different from the band structures of periodic beams without foundation, the so-called critical frequency was found because of the Pasternak foundation. Its physical meaning was explained in detail and a useful formula was given to calculate the critical frequency. Additionally, a comprehensive parameter study is conducted to highlight the influence of foundation modulus on the band gaps.

Removal of Cs+, Sr2+, and Co2+ Ions from the Mixture of Organics and Suspended Solids Aqueous Solutions by Zeolites

Xiang-Hong Fang,Fang Fang,Chun-Hai Lu,Lei Zheng 한국원자력학회 2017 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.49 No.3

Serving as an excellent adsorbent and inorganic ion exchanger in the water purification field, zeolite 4A has in this work presented a strong capability for purifying radioactive waste, such as Sr2+, Csþ, and Co2+ in water. During the processes of decontamination and decommissioning of suspended solids and organics in low-level radioactive wastewater, the purification performance of zeolite 4A has been studied. Under ambient temperature and neutral condition, zeolite 4A absorbed simulated radionuclides such as Sr2+, Csþ, and Co2+ with an absorption rate of almost 90%. Additionally, in alkaline condition, the adsorption percentage even approached 98.7%. After conducting research on suspended solids and organics of zeolite 4A for the treatment of radionuclides, it was found that the suspended clay was conducive to absorption, whereas the absorption of organics in solution was determined by the species of radionuclides and organics. Therefore, zeolite 4A has considerable potential in the treatment of radioactive wastewater.

Expression of Fatty Acid Synthase Negatively Correlates with PTEN and Predicts Peritoneal Dissemination of Human Gastric Cancer

Xiang, Hong-Gang,Hao, Jun,Zhang, Wen-Jie,Lu, Wen-Jie,Dong, Ping,Liu, Ying-Bin,Chen, Lei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.16

Background: This study aimed to examine the clinical significance of fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression in gastric cancer (GC), and investigate any prognostic role. Materials and Methods: FASN expression was assessed in gastric cancers by immunohistochemistry using 60 paraffin-embedded tissue specimens, and clinical data were collected by retrospective chart review. Moreover, FASN mRNA expression in 15 fresh resected specimens was evaluated by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemical staining of PTEN was performed to assess the correlation of PTEN with FASN in gastric cancer. Results: Increased expression of FASN was noted in gastric cancers. The frequency of FASN gene amplification was also significantly higher in gastric cancer than in adjacent normal tissue. FASN expression in human gastric cancer tissues was significantly correlated with patient TNM stage and peritoneal dissemination (p<0.05). Moreover, higher FASN expression significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (p<0.05). Here, upregulation of FASN negatively correlated with PTEN expression in gastric cancer. Conclusions: These findings indicate that FASN expression is upregulated in gastric cancer, and increased FASN may be critical to th peritoneal metastasis and survival. Our results suggest that FASN upregulation and PTEN downregualtion may be involved in peritoneal dissemination for gastric cancer progression.

Variation in Antioxidant Activity and Flavonoid contents in Leaves and Fruits of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Germplasm

Xiang-Min Piao,Jong-Wook Chung,Gi-An Lee,Hong-Jae Park,Kyung-Ho Ma,Jung-Ro Lee,Hee-kyoung Kang,Yeon-Gyu Kim,Sok-Young Lee 한국육종학회 2014 한국육종학회 심포지엄 Vol.2014 No.07

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an excellent source of vitamin A and C as well as flavonoid compounds, which are important antioxidant components that may reduce the risk of diseases. In this study, we investigated ABTS, DPPH activity and flavonoid contents in eggplant leaves and fruits to identify genetic resources with high antioxidant capacity for use in food or as feed additives. A total of 102 eggplant accessions were classified into four groups by latitude of their origins: 0°~15° N (8 accessions), 15°~30° N (19 accessions), 30°~45° N (34 accessions), and 45°~60° N (41 accessions). The accessions originated from 45°~60°N showed the highest flavonoid contents (AVG. = 15.4 μg mg-1) followed by accessions originated from 30°~45° N (AVG. = 13.0 μg mg-1), 15°~30°N (AVG. = 11.0 μg mg-1) and 0°~15°N (AVG. = 9.5 μg mg-1). Same pattern was also found in ABTS and DPPH antioxidant activities. High ABTS, DPPH activity and flavonoid contents were found in the early-flowering accessions. All flavonoids of the greenish violet leaves were significantly higher than those in green leaves. The flavonoid concentration in eggplant leaves with an average of 15.6 μg mg-1 increased from 10- to 20-fold as compared with their fruit (AVG.=0.9 μg mg-1). In conclusion, eggplant leaves represent a potential source of natural antioxidants due to their very high flavonoid contents.

Causal Relations between Exposome and Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Hong-Qi Li,Yi-Wei Feng,Yu-Xiang Yang,Xin-Yi Leng,Prof Can Zhang,Shi-Dong Chen,Kevin Kuo,Shu-Yi Huang,Xue-Qing Zhang,Yi Dong,Xiang Han,Xin Cheng,Mei Cui,Lan Tan,Qiang Dong,Jin-Tai Yu 대한뇌졸중학회 2022 Journal of stroke Vol.24 No.2

Background and Purpose To explore the causal relationships of elements of the exposome with ischemic stroke and its subtypes at the omics level and to provide evidence for stroke prevention. Methods We conducted a Mendelian randomization study between exposure and any ischemic stroke (AIS) and its subtypes (large-artery atherosclerotic disease [LAD], cardioembolic stroke [CE], and small vessel disease [SVD]). The exposure dataset was the UK Biobank involving 361,194 subjects, and the outcome dataset was the MEGASTROKE consortium including 52,000 participants. Results We found that higher blood pressure (BP) (systolic BP: odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.04; diastolic BP: OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05; pulse pressure: OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.06), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.25), and diabetes (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.18) were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Importantly, higher education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.79) decreased the risk of ischemic stroke. Higher systolic BP (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10), pulse pressure (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.14), diabetes (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.45), and coronary artery disease (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.00) could cause LAD. Atrial fibrillation could cause CE (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.71 to 2.11). For SVD, higher systolic BP (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.07), diastolic BP (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.12), and diabetes (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.36) were causal factors. Conclusions The study revealed elements of the exposome causally linked to ischemic stroke and its subtypes, including conventional causal risk factors and novel protective factors such as higher education.

Radiological gastrostomy: A comparative analysis of different image-guided methods

Hong-Tao Hu,Hang Yuan,Chen-Yang Guo,Quan-Jun Yao,Xiang Geng,Hong-Tao Cheng,Jun-Li Ma,Yan Zhao,Li Jiang,Yu-Qing Zhao,Hai-Liang Li 소화기인터벤션의학회 2021 Gastrointestinal Intervention Vol.10 No.2

Background: Radiographic guided percutaneous gastrostomy has become a safe and effective enteral nutrition method for patients who can not eat by mouth. Fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam CT have been routinely used clinically. The aim of this study was to compare the advantages and disadvantages of percutaneous gastrostomy using different radiographic guided methods. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 538 patients undergoing percutaneous gastrostomy in our department. According to the image guidance method used in gastrostomy, the patients were divided into groups A by fluoroscopy guidance, group B by fluoroscopy combined with C-arm CT guidance, and group C with the whole process CT guidance. The gastrostomy success rate, complication rate, procedure time, and patient radiation dose were analyzed in the three groups. Results: Among 538 patients, 534 were successful and the success rates are 94.3%, 99.3%, and 100% in group A, B, and C, respectively (P > 0.05). There were 3 cases occurred postoperative bleeding as serious adverse events and transferred to surgical gastrostomy. The minor complications include local infection, hyperplasia of granulation tissue, tube obstruction or prolapse, and local pain of the ostomy. The minor complication rates were 10.5%, 10.4%, and 7.7% in group A, B, and C, respectively (P > 0.05). The average procedure time was 25.57 ± 5.99 minutes, 29.01 ± 6.63 minutes, and 45.47 ± 8.98 minutes, respectively (χ2 = 87.98, P < 0.001). The average radiation dosage was 27.30 ± 19.27 mGy, 145.07 ± 106.08 mGy, and 2,590.26 ± 1,088.22 mGy, respectively (χ2 = 204.44, P < 0.001). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the success rates and complication rates of gastrostomy under the three guiding methods. For difficult cases, CT-guided gastrostomy may be a very useful supplemental method.

Comparison of Some Ornamental Characters between Malus Spectabilis (Aiton) Borkh and Crabapple cv. Royalty

Hong-xiang Shen,Yun-cong Yao 한국원예학회 2006 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Continuous Cooling Transformation Behavior and Impact Toughness in Heat-Affected Zone of Nb-Containing Fire-Resistant Steel

Hong Hong Wang,Zhan Peng Qin,Xiang Liang Wan,Ran Wei,Kai Ming Wu,Devesh Misra 대한금속·재료학회 2017 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.23 No.5

Simulated heat-affected zone continuous cooling transformation diagram was developed for advanced fireresistantsteel. Over a wide range of cooling rates, corresponding to t8/5 from 6 s to 150 s, granular bainite was thedominant transformation constituent, while the morphology of less dominant martensite-austenite (M-A) constituentchanged from film-like to block-type constituent; but the hardness remained similar to the average value of 190-205 HV (0.2). The start and finish transformation temperature was high at 700 °C and 500 °C, and is different fromthe conventional high strength low alloy steels. It is believed that the high-content (0.09 wt%) of Nb may promotebainite transformation at relatively high temperatures. Martenistic matrix was not observed at high cooling rateand the film-like M-A constituent and blocky M-A constituent with thin film of retained austenite and lath martensitewere observed on slow cooling. Excellent impact toughness was obtained in the heat-affected zone with15-75 kJ/cm welding heat input.