Lipolysis Effect of Daucosterol Isolated from Mulberry (Morus alba) Leaves

Ke Li1(이커),Mi Lim Lee(이미림),Lu Que(루쿼),Mae Li(이매),Jum Soon Kang(강점순),Yung Hyun Choi(최영현),Kyung Mi Kim(김경미),Jae-Chul Jung(정재철),Dae Youn Hwang(황대연),Young Whan Choi(최영환) 한국생명과학회 2017 생명과학회지 Vol.27 No.12

뽕나무는 약 40여 속과 1,000여 종이 있는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 항염증, 항진정, 지사작용, 노화억제 및 신경보호작용이 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 아시아 지역에서 전통 한약재로 사용되는 뽕 나무 잎의 지방분해 활성에 관여하고 있는 물질을 스크린하기 위하여 뽕잎 분말을 헥산, 에틸 아세테이트 및 메탄올로 순차 추출하였다. 뽕 잎의 EtOAc 추출물로부터 daucosterol이 순수분리 되었으며, 그 구조는 1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC 및 HMBC 등의 NMR스펙트럼 분석에 의해 밝혀졌다. Daucosterol은 농도 의존적으로 지질분해 효과를 나타내었는데, 본 연구의 결과로부터 뽕나무 잎으로부터 순수분리한 daucosterol의 지분분해 활성은 다양한 질병을 치료하기 위한 천연물 소재 또는 지표성분으로서 활용이 가능할 것으로 생각된다. 그러나 보다 효율적으로 이용하기 위해서는 daucosterol의 비만에 관한 생리활성 기작에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요할 것이다. Plants are reservoirs of naturally occurring chemical compounds and of structurally diverse bioactive molecules. The aim of this investigation was to screen for the presence of phytochemicals responsible for the lipolysis activity in mulberry (Morus alba) leaves, which are important in traditional Asian medicinal plants. Powdered mulberry leaves were extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Daucosterol was isolated from the EtOAc extract of mulberry leaves, and its structure was elucidated by NMR spectral analyses. The NMR assignments for the compound were determined using 1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC, and HMBC NMR spectral data. Daucosterol showed a concentration-dependent lipolysis activity that may impart medicinal properties that can be exploited by medical practitioners for the treatment of various diseases. However, further studies should be conducted to elucidate additional mechanisms of daucosterol.

Biochar-supported nZVI (nZVI/BC) for contaminant removal from soil and water: A critical review

Wang, Shengsen,Zhao, Mingyue,Zhou, Min,Li, Yuncong C.,Wang, Jun,Gao, Bin,Sato, Shinjiro,Feng, Ke,Yin, Weiqin,Igalavithana, Avanthi Deshani,Oleszczuk, Patryk,Wang, Xiaozhi,Ok, Yong Sik Elsevier 2019 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.373 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The promising characteristics of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) have not been fully exploited owing to intrinsic limitations. Carbon-enriched biochar (BC) has been widely used to overcome the limitations of nZVI and improve its reaction with environmental pollutants. This work reviews the preparation of nZVI/BC nanocomposites; the effects of BC as a supporting matrix on the nZVI crystallite size, dispersion, and oxidation and electron transfer capacity; and its interaction mechanisms with contaminants. The literature review suggests that the properties and preparation conditions of BC (e.g., pore structure, functional groups, feedstock composition, and pyrogenic temperature) play important roles in the manipulation of nZVI properties. This review discusses the interactions of nZVI/BC composites with heavy metals, nitrates, and organic compounds in soil and water. Overall, BC contributes to the removal of contaminants because it can attenuate contaminants on the surface of nZVI/BC; it also enhances electron transfer from nZVI to target contaminants owing to its good electrical conductivity and improves the crystallite size and dispersion of nZVI. This review is intended to provide insights into methods of optimizing nZVI/BC synthesis and maximizing the efficiency of nZVI in environmental cleanup.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Aggregation and passivation of nZVI can be alleviated by surfactants and doping methods. </LI> <LI> BC hinders corrosion and improves the dispersion and electron transfer of nZVI. </LI> <LI> Properties of nZVI depend on those of the BC, feedstock and pyrogenic temperature. </LI> <LI> BC enhances electron transfer from nZVI to the contaminants due to the presence of quinone and graphene moieties. </LI> <LI> nZVI/BC shows strong ability to remove HMs, nitrates, and organic contaminants in soil and water. </LI> </UL> </P>

Ash formation characteristics of two Indonesian coals and the change of ash properties with particle size

Ke, Xiwei,Li, Dongfang,Zhang, Man,Jeon, Chung-hwan,Cai, Runxia,Cai, Jin,Lyu, Junfu,Yang, Hairui Elsevier Scientific Pub. Co. 2019 Fuel processing technology Vol.186 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>It is difficult to maintain enough high circulating ash rate in circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers if they burn the Indonesian coals due to their low ash content. Hence, the ash formation data for these coals is of significance to assessing mass balance in CFB boilers. Two kinds of Indonesian coal that were burned in the 550 MW supercritical CFB boilers in Korea, Kideco and KCH, were tested with static combustion and cold sieving method to study their ash formation characteristics. Results showed that the average primary ash particle size of these two coals is quite fine overall and nearly no gangue exists. Besides, their attrition rate constant <I>K</I> <SUB>af</SUB> is much higher than that of some other bituminous or lean coals, and with the increase of particle size, the <I>K</I> <SUB>af</SUB> decays exponentially for Kideco, while it initially increases and then decreases for KCH. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of these two Indonesian coals' ash obviously change in particle size, including density, pore structure, chemical composition, etc. The larger ash particles are composed of some hard materials, such as quartz (SiO<SUB>2</SUB>) and mullite (Al<SUB>6</SUB>Si<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>13</SUB>). While some other materials with lower hardness value, like hematite (Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB>) and gehlenite (Ca<SUB>2</SUB>Al<SUB>2</SUB>SiO<SUB>7</SUB>), become major mineral components of smaller and softer ash particles. These results indicate that the difference of chemical compositions results in the discrepancy of attrition capability for different size ash particles.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Two kinds of Indonesian coal were tested to obtain their ash formation data. </LI> <LI> The ash properties obviously change in particle size. </LI> <LI> The difference of chemical compositions may result in the discrepancy of attrition rate for different size ash particles. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>The ash attrition rate of low-rank coals including these two Indonesian coals is much higher than that of some other bituminous or lean coals, and larger ash particles are more difficult to be worn.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Stress-induced expression of the sweetpotato gene <i>IbLEA14</i> in poplar confers enhanced tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses

Ke, Qingbo,Park, Sung-Chul,Ji, Chang Yoon,Kim, Ho Soo,Wang, Zhi,Wang, Shiwen,Li, Hongbing,Xu, Bingcheng,Deng, Xiping,Kwak, Sang-Soo Elsevier 2018 Environmental and experimental botany Vol.156 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are small, highly hydrophilic proteins that act as protectors of macromolecules and increase abiotic stress tolerance in plants. We previously reported that overexpressing sweetpotato <I>IbLEA14</I> under the control of the <I>CaMV 35S</I> promoter increased osmotic and salt stress tolerance in transgenic sweetpotato calli. In this study, we generated transgenic poplar plants (<I>Populus alba × P. glandulosa</I>) expressing <I>IbLEA14</I> under the control of the oxidative stress-inducible <I>SWPA2</I> promoter (referred to as SL plants). Among the 15 SL plants obtained, three lines (SL2, SL7, and SL12) were established based on <I>IbLEA14</I> transcript levels, tolerance to salt stress and Southern blot analysis. The SL plants exhibited less damage in response to methyl viologen-mediated oxidative stress than non-transgenic (NT) plants. SL plants also showed enhanced tolerance to drought, salt, and heat stress, which was associated with higher photosystem II efficiency and lower malondialdehyde levels compared with NT plants. Furthermore, SL plants had higher levels of monolignol biosynthesis-related gene transcripts under drought stress compared with NT plants. Finally, SL plants exhibited increased tolerance to heat stress, which is associated with the high thermostability of IbLEA14 protein. SL plants might be useful for reforestation on global marginal lands, including desertification and reclaimed areas.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> <I>IbLEA14</I> gene was transformed into poplar plants. </LI> <LI> Transgenic poplars exhibit increased tolerance to MV-mediated oxidative, drought, salt and heat stress. </LI> <LI> Overproduction of IbLEA14 affects lignification and thermostability of transgenic poplars. </LI> </UL> </P>

Overexpression of alfalfa <i>Orange</i> gene in tobacco enhances carotenoid accumulation and tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses

Wang, Zhi,Xu, Weizhou,Kang, Jiyue,Li, Min,Huang, Jin,Ke, Qingbo,Kim, Ho Soo,Xu, Bingcheng,Kwak, Sang-Soo Elsevier 2018 Vol. No.

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The multifunctional Orange (Or) protein plays crucial roles in carotenoid homeostasis, photosynthesis stabilization, and antioxidant activity in plants under various abiotic stress conditions. The <I>Or</I> gene has been cloned in several crops but not in alfalfa (<I>Medicago sativa</I> L.). Alfalfa is widely cultivated across the world; however, its cultivation is largely limited by various abiotic stresses, including drought. In this study, we isolated the <I>Or</I> gene from alfalfa (<I>MsOr</I>) cv. Xinjiang Daye. The amino acid sequence of the deduced MsOr protein revealed that the protein contained two trans-membrane domains and a DnaJ cysteine-rich zinc finger domain, and showed a high level of similarity with the Or protein of other plants species. The MsOr protein was localized in leaf chloroplasts of tobacco. The expression of <I>MsOr</I> was the highest in mature leaves and was significantly induced by abiotic stresses, especially drought. To perform functional analysis of the <I>MsOr</I> gene, we overexpressed <I>MsOr</I> gene in tobacco (<I>Nicotiana benthamiana</I>). Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, transgenic tobacco lines showed higher carotenoid accumulation and increased tolerance to various abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, salt, and methyl viologen-mediated oxidative stress. Additionally, contents of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were lower in the transgenic lines than in WT plants, suggesting superior membrane stability and antioxidant capacity of TOR lines under multiple abiotic stresses. These results indicate the <I>MsOr</I> gene as a potential target for the development of alfalfa cultivars with enhanced carotenoid content and tolerance to multiple environmental stresses.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Orange (<I>MsOr</I>) gene from alfalfa was isolated and characterized in transgenic tobacco. </LI> <LI> <I>MsOr</I> gene was localized to chloroplasts and strongly induced by abiotic stresses including drought. </LI> <LI> <I>MsOr</I> expressing tobacco plants showed enhanced tolerance to drought, heat, salt and oxidative stress. </LI> </UL> </P>

Diagnostic Value of Endorectal Ultrasound in Preoperative Assessment of Lymph Node Involvement in Colorectal Cancer: a Meta-analysis

Li, Li,Chen, Shi,Wang, Ke,Huang, Jiao,Liu, Li,Wei, Sheng,Gao, Hong-Yu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Background: Nodal invasion by colorectal cancer is a critical determinant in estimating patient survival and in choosing appropriate preoperative treatment. The present meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of endorectal ultrasound (EUS) in preoperative assessment of lymph node involvement in colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for relevant studies published on or before December 10th, 2014. The sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the summary receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were assessed to estimate the diagnostic value of EUS. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore heterogeneity across studies. Results: Thirty-three studies covering 3,016 subjects were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.69 (95%CI: 0.63-0.75) and 0.77 (95%CI: 0.73-0.82), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.09 (95%CI: 2.52-3.78) and 0.39 (95%CI: 0.32-0.48), respectively. The DOR was 7.84 (95%CI: 5.56-11.08), and AUC was 0.80 (95%CI: 0.77-0.84). Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated that EUS has moderate diagnostic value in preoperative assessment of lymph node involvement in colorectal cancer. Further refinements in technology and diagnostic criteria are necessary to improve the diagnostic accuracy of EUS.

Approach of Self-mixing Interferometry Based on Particle Swarm Optimization for Absolute Distance Estimation

Li Li,Xingfei Li,Ke Kou,Tengfei Wu 한국광학회 2015 Current Optics and Photonics Vol.19 No.1

To accurately extract absolute distance information from a self-mixing interferometry (SMI) signal, inthis paper we propose an approach based on a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm instead offrequency estimation for absolute distance. The algorithm is utilized to search for the global minimumof the fitness function that is established from the self-mixing signal to find out the actual distance. Aresolution superior to 25 μm in the range from 3 to 20 cm is obtained by experimental measurement,and the results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach in comparison with interpolated FFT. The influence of different external feedback strength parameters and different inertia weights in thealgorithm is discussed as well

Six new dammarane-type triterpene saponins from Panax ginseng flower buds and their cytotoxicity

Li, Ke-Ke,Li, Sha-Sha,Xu, Fei,Gong, Xiao-Jie The Korean Society of Ginseng 2020 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.44 No.2

Background: Panax ginseng has been used for a variety of medical purposes in eastern countries for more than two thousand years. From the extensive experiences accumulated in its long medication use history and the substantial strong evidence in modern research studies, we know that ginseng has various pharmacological activities, such as antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and cardiovascular system-protective effects. The active chemical constituents of ginseng, ginsenosides, are rich in structural diversity and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Methods: Ginsenoside constituents from P. ginseng flower buds were isolated and purified by various chromatographic methods, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the reported data. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H- tetrazolium bromide method was used to test their cytotoxic effects on three human cancer cell lines. Results: Six ginsenosides, namely 6'-malonyl formyl ginsenoside F₁ (1), 3β-acetoxyl ginsenoside F₁ (2), ginsenoside Rh₂₄ (6), ginsenoside Rh₂₅ (7), 7β-hydroxyl ginsenoside Rd (8) and ginsenoside Rh₂₆ (10) were isolated and elucidated as new compounds, together with four known compounds (3-5 and 9). In addition, the cytotoxicity of these isolated compounds was shown as half inhibitory concentration values, a tentative structure-activity relationship was also discussed based on the results of our bioassay. Conclusion: The study of chemical constituents was useful for the quality control of P. ginseng flower buds. The study on antitumor activities showed that new Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against HL-60, MGC80-3 and Hep-G2 with half inhibitory concentration values of 16.74, 29.51 and 20.48 μM, respectively.

Six new dammarane-type triterpene saponins from Panax ginseng flower buds and their cytotoxicity

Ke-Ke Li,Sha-Sha Li,Fei Xu,Xiao-Jie Gong 고려인삼학회 2020 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.44 No.2

Background: Panax ginseng has been used for a variety of medical purposes in eastern countries formore than two thousand years. From the extensive experiences accumulated in its long medication usehistory and the substantial strong evidence in modern research studies, we know that ginseng hasvarious pharmacological activities, such as antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and cardiovascularsystemeprotective effects. The active chemical constituents of ginseng, ginsenosides, are rich instructural diversity and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Methods: Ginsenoside constituents from P. ginseng flower buds were isolated and purified by variouschromatographic methods, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis and comparisonwith the reported data. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H- tetrazolium bromidemethod was used to test their cytotoxic effects on three human cancer cell lines. Results: Six ginsenosides, namely 6’emalonyl formyl ginsenoside F1 (1), 3beacetoxyl ginsenoside F1 (2),ginsenoside Rh24 (6), ginsenoside Rh25 (7), 7behydroxyl ginsenoside Rd (8) and ginsenoside Rh26 (10)were isolated and elucidated as new compounds, together with four known compounds (3e5 and 9). Inaddition, the cytotoxicity of these isolated compounds was shown as half inhibitory concentration values,a tentative structureeactivity relationship was also discussed based on the results of our bioassay. Conclusion: The study of chemical constituents was useful for the quality control of P. ginseng flowerbuds. The study on antitumor activities showed that new Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicactivities against HL-60, MGC80-3 and Hep-G2 with half inhibitory concentration values of 16.74, 29.51and 20.48 mM, respectively.

High-j Proton h11/2 and g7/2 Intruder Bands in 113In

Ma Ke Yan,Lu Jing Bin,Ma Ying Jun,Li Jian,Yang Dong,Sun Wu Ji,Wang Hao,Pan Hao Nan,Wang Jia Qi,Yang Qing Yu,Zhang Da Ming,Zhu Li Hua,Wu Xiao Guang,Zheng Yun,Li Cong Bo 한국물리학회 2020 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.76 No.12

Excited states of 113In have been populated through the heavy-ion fusion evaporation reaction 110Pd(7Li, 4n)113In. A new band with the configuration of a proton d5/2 orbital is identified. Two ΔI = 2 intruder bands, built on the πh11/2 and the πg7/2 orbitals, have been extended to spins (63/2-)ħ and (55/2+)ħ, respectively. The negative-parity πh11/2 intruder band shows a smooth increase in aligned spin, which is attributed to a strong proton-neutron interaction. The properties of the positive-parity πg7/2 band are discussed based on tilted axis cranking model calculations, and the features of the antimagnetic rotation for this band are shown after backbend. Furthermore, the contributions of the two-shears-like mechanism, the neutron (gd)ν shell and the core rotation are investigated for the positive-parity πg7/2 band.