Cyclic AMP Responsive Element Binding Protein 3-like 4/AarF Domain Containing Kinase 5 Axis Facilitates Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Modulating the TGFβ Pathway

Cheng Ai,Tenghao Rong,Zhengyu Chen,Wang Shen,Kaili Huang,Qiang Li,Jing Xiong,Wen Li 한국생물공학회 2023 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.28 No.1

Cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein 3-like 4 (CREB3L4) has been reported as a transcription factor showing high expression in various cancers, whereas the mechanism of CREB3L4 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression remains unclear yet. Expression levels of CREB3L4 and its downstream target gene AarF Domain Containing Kinase 5 (ADCK5) in LUAD tissues were analyzed by bioinformatics methods and were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction at cellular level. The signaling pathways in which the downregulated ADCK5 enriched were analyzed via Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. The regulatory relationship between CREB3L4 and ADCK5 was identified by ChIP and dual luciferase reporter assay. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were utilized to evaluate LUAD cell proliferation. Transwell was utilized to measure migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Western blot was employed to check expression changes of CREB3L4, ADCK5, TGFβ pathway proteins and Epithelial- Mesenchymal Transition related proteins. Compared with paracancer tissues, CREB3L4 and ADCK5 were highly expressed in LUAD tissues, while silencing CREB3L4 could dramatically hinder invasion, proliferation and migration of LUAD cells. ADCK5 was the downstream target gene of CREB3L4, and CREB3L4 promoted the transcription of ADCK5. ADCK5 was markedly enriched in the TGFβ pathway, which stimulated the malignant development of LUAD cells by activating this pathway. In addition, the rescue assay verified that CREB3L4 regulated the TGFβ pathway by activating ADCK5, thereby accelerating LUAD cell malignant phenotypes. This study revealed the mechanism of CREB3L4/ADCK5 axis facilitating malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells, and bred new insights into the LUAD treatment.

Antidepressant-Like Behavioral, Anatomical, and Biochemical Effects of Petroleum Ether Extract from Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Mice Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

Zhong Ai,Ai-Fang Cheng,Yuan-Tao Yu,Wenwen Jin 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.5

Maca has been consumed as a medical food in Peru for thousands of years, and exerts anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Our present study aimed to evaluate the behavior and anatomical and biochemical effects of petroleum ether extract from maca (ME) in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression in mice. Three different doses of maca extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) were orally administrated in the six-week CUMS procedure. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) was used as a positive control drug. Maca extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly decreased the duration of immobility time in the tail suspension test. After treatment with maca extract (250 and 500 mg/kg), the granule cell layer in the dentate gyrus appeared thicker. Maca extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) also induced a significant reduction in corticosterone levels in mouse serum. In mouse brain tissue, after six weeks of treatment, noradrenaline and dopamine levels were increased by maca extract, and the activity of reactive oxygen species was significantly inhibited. Serotonin levels were not significantly altered. These results demonstrated that maca extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) showed antidepressant-like effects and was related to the activation of both noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems, as well as attenuation of oxidative stress in mouse brain.

A single-walled carbon nanotube thin film-based pH-sensing microfluidic chip

Li, Cheng Ai,Han, Kwi Nam,Pham, Xuan-Hung,Seong, Gi Hun The Royal Society of Chemistry 2014 The Analyst Vol.139 No.8

<P>A novel microfluidic pH-sensing chip was developed based on pH-sensitive single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). In this study, the SWCNT thin film acted both as an electrode and a pH-sensitive membrane. The potentiometric pH response was observed by electronic structure changes in the semiconducting SWCNTs in response to the pH level. In a microfluidic chip consisting of a SWCNT pH-sensing working electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode, the calibration plot exhibited promising pH-sensing performance with an ideal Nernstian response of 59.71 mV pH<SUP>−1</SUP> between pH 3 and 11 (standard deviation of the sensitivity is 1.5 mV pH<SUP>−1</SUP>, <I>R</I><SUP>2</SUP> = 0.985). Moreover, the SWCNT electrode in the microfluidic device showed no significant variation at any pH value in the range of the flow rate between 0.1 and 15 μl min<SUP>−1</SUP>. The selectivity coefficients of the SWCNT electrode revealed good selectivity against common interfering ions.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>A novel microfluidic pH-sensing chip integrated with a pH-sensing SWCNT electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode was developed. The SWCNT thin film acted both as an electrode and a pH-sensitive membrane. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c3an02195e'> </P>

Membrane-based electrochemical device for monitoring nanowires in aqueous samples

Li, Cheng Ai,Kim, Duk Hwan,Park, Jeunghee,Kim, Duckjong Elsevier 2017 Sensors and actuators. B Chemical Vol.242 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We report a membrane-based electrochemical detection of nanowires in aqueous sample. A gold-coated membrane is used both as a membrane filter and a working electrode. Using filtration method, it is possible to concentrate silver and zinc oxide nanowires on the gold working electrode on top of the membrane and the nanowires on the electrode can be differentiated and quantified by differential pulse voltammetry. Moreover, the new method shows better reproducibility in comparison with conventional immersion method, without modification of electrode surface according to the nanomaterial to be detected.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Membrane-based electrochemical device was developed for nanowire detection. </LI> <LI> Nanomaterials are concentrated and electrochemically quantified in one device. </LI> <LI> Silver and zinc oxide nanowires were successfully quantified by using the device. </LI> <LI> The new method shows distinct improvement in measurement reproducibility. </LI> </UL> </P>

Morphology-controlled synthesis and electrocatalytic characteristics of platinum structures on micro-patterned carbon nanotube platforms

Li, Cheng Ai,Han, Kwi Nam,Bui, Minh-Phuong Ngoc,Pham, Xuan-Hung,Hong, Myung Hyo,Irfan, Muhammad,Kim, Yong Shin,Seong, Gi Hun Springer-Verlag 2011 Journal of applied electrochemistry Vol.41 No.12

A Meta-analysis of the Effectiveness of Spelling-related Interventions for Children with Spelling Difficulties : 맞춤법 장애 아동을 위한 맞춤법 능력에 영향을 미치는 변인에 대한 메타 분석

줄리아 아이 쳉 리(Julia Ai Cheng Lee),이승진(Seungjin Lee) 전남대학교 교육문제연구소 2021 교육연구 Vol.43 No.2

본 연구에서는 맞춤법 학습 장애를 가지고 있는 학생을 대상으로 맞춤법 능력에 영향을 미치는 중재(interventions) 치료 효과 크기(effect size) 메타 분석을 시행하였다. 7개의 연구에서 맞춤법 능력에 영향력을 미치는 중재 치료 효과 크기 30개 통계치를 계산했다. 30개 중재 치료 효과 크기는 학생들의 나이와는 부적 상관관계를 나타냈으나 중재 치료 기간과는 2차 부적 관계를 나타냈다. 즉, 중재 치료 37시간까지 학생들의 맞춤법 능력은 향상했지만, 그 이후부터는 치료 효과는 감소 하였다. 마지막으로 중재(interventions) 치료 설계 과정이 자세하게 기술된 연구일수록 그렇지 않은 연구보다 중재 치료 효과가 높은 것으로 나타났다. A meta-analysis of spelling interventions for students at risk for becoming poor spellers or with learning disabilities was conducted. Spelling outcomes were found in seven studies with a total of 30 effect sizes. Age was negatively related to effect size. Duration showed a quadratic negative relationship with effect size. For every additional hour of intervention, effect sizes increased until the duration was 37 hours and decreased after that. The magnitudes of effect sizes were also significantly different across levels of treatment fidelity. The effect size of 0.11 in studies which described a high level of treatment fidelity was significantly larger than the effect size of -0.27 in studies which did not give information on treatment fidelity.

Nonlinear dynamics and failure wind velocity analysis of urban trees

Ai, Xiaoqiu,Cheng, Yingyao,Peng, Yongbo Techno-Press 2016 Wind and Structures, An International Journal (WAS Vol.22 No.1

With an aim to assess the wind damage to urban trees in more realistic conditions, the nonlinear dynamics of structured trees subjected to strong winds with different levels is investigated in the present paper. For the logical treatment of dynamical behavior of trees, material nonlinearities of green wood associated with tree biomechanics and geometric nonlinearity of tree configuration are included. Applying simulated fluctuating wind velocity to the numerical model, the dynamical behavior of the structured tree is explored. A comparative study against the linear dynamics analysis usually involved in the previous researches is carried out. The failure wind velocity of urban trees is then defined, whereby the failure percentages of the tree components are exposed. Numerical investigations reveal that the nonlinear dynamics analysis of urban trees results in a more accurate solution of wind-induced response than the classical linear dynamics analysis, where the nonlinear effect of the tree behavior gives rise to be strengthened as increasing of the levels of wind velocity, i.e., the amplitude of 10-min mean wind velocity. The study of relationship between the failure percentage and the failure wind velocity provides a new perspective towards the vulnerability assessment of urban trees likely to fail due to wind actions, which is potential to link with the practical engineering.

Catalysis Reaction Engineering, Industrial Chemistry : Synthesis and Catalytic Application of Ni-Supported Carbon Nanotubes for n-Heptane Cracking

( Ai Min Zhang ),( Dong Cheng Han ),( Zhi Qing Zhu ),( Jung Woo Lee ),( Hyun Ku Rhee ) 한국화학공학회 2003 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.20 No.4

Carbon nanotubes were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition and subsequently purified and oxidized by repeated treatment with nitric acid. After acid treatment the walls of carbon nanotubes became thinner and the surface area increased. The Ni-supported carbon nanotubes prepared by impregnation were applied to the cracking of nheptane to show an excellent activity. This indicates that the carbon nanotubes can serve as a good catalyst support with high dispersion of metallic components. The optimum Ni loading turned out to be about 5.2 mmol/g. The cracking product was found to contain mainly small hydrocarbons; thus the Ni-supported carbon nanotubes may be applied as a potential catalyst to the cracking of heavy hydrocarbons.

Correlation between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Visceral Adipose Tissue in Non-Obese Chinese Adults: A CT Evaluation

Ai-Hong Yu,Yang-Yang Duan-Mu,Yong Zhang,Ling Wang,Zhe Guo,Yong-Qiang Yu,Yu-Sheng Wang,Xiao-Guang Cheng 대한영상의학회 2018 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.19 No.5

Objective: To investigate the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and visceral adipose tissue in non-obese Chinese adults using computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: The study included 454 subjects undergoing abdominal CT scan. Degree of CT attenuation in liver and spleen, and the degree of fat infiltration in liver were evaluated according to three indices: the attenuation value of liver parenchyma (CTLP), the attenuation ratio of liver and spleen (LSratio) and the attenuation difference between liver and spleen (LSdif). Visceral fat area (VFA) and total fat area (TFA) at L2/3 and L4/5 levels were measured, and the abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA) was calculated. Bivariate correlation analysis was carried out to determine the correlation among these factors. Results: In men, VFA, SFA and TFA at L2/3 and L4/5 levels showed significant differences in terms of the three indices to distinguish fatty liver from non-fatty liver (all, p < 0.001). In men, all the three indices showed negative correlation with TFA, SFA and VFA (all, p < 0.001). The negative correlation between the three indices and VFA at the L2/3 level was higher than at L4/5 level (r = -0.476 vs. r = -0.340 for CTLP, r = -0.502 vs. r = -0.413 for LSratio, r = -0.543 vs. r = -0.422 for LSdif, p < 0.001, respectively). The negative correlation between LSratio, LSdif and VFA at L2/3 and L4/5 levels was higher than SFA at the corresponding level. In women, all the three indices showed negative correlation with VFA and TFA at L2/3 and L4/5 levels, and the negative correlation between CTLP and VFA was higher at L2/3 level than at L4/5 level (r = -0.294 vs. r = -0.254, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In non-obese Chinese adults, the degree of hepatic fatty infiltration showed a strong correlation with abdominal fat on CT. VFA at L2/3 level was more closely related to fatty liver compared with VFA at L4/5 level.

Neutropenia during the First Cycle of Induction Chemotherapy Is Prognostic for Poor Survival in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Real-World Study in an Endemic Area

Cheng Xu,Shi-Ping Yang,Yuan Zhang,Ling-Long Tang,Guan-Qun Zhou,Xu Liu,Yan-Ping Mao,Rui Guo,Wen-Fei Li,Lei Chen,Ai-Hua Lin,Ying Sun,Jun Ma 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of neutropenia during the first cycle of induction chemotherapy (IC-1) on survival in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). Materials and Methods Eligible patients (n=545) with LANPC receiving IC+concurrent chemoradiotherapy were included. Based on nadir neutrophil after IC-1, all patients were categorized into three groups: no/grade 1-2/grade 3-4 neutropenia. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between groups and subgroups stratified by IC regimen. We also explored the occurrence of IC-1–induced myelosuppression events and the minimal value of post-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (post-NLRmin). Univariate/multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the effect of IC-1–induced neutropenia, timing of neutropenia, number of myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin on OS/DFS. Results Grade 1-2/grade 3-4 neutropenia were associated with poorer OS/DFS than no neutropenia (all p < 0.05); OS/DFS were not significantly different between patients experiencing grade 1-2 vs. 3-4 neutropenia. Neutropenia had no significant effect on OS/DFS in patients receiving docetaxel–cisplatin–5-fluorouracil (TPF). Grade 1-2 (grade 3-4) neutropenia negatively influenced OS/DFS in patients receiving cisplatin–5-fluorouracil (PF) (PF and docetaxel– cisplatin [TP]; all p < 0.05). Neutropenia, two/three myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin ( 1.33) was most frequent on days 5-10, second and third week of IC-1, respectively. After adjustment for covariates, IC-1–induced neutropenia, two/three myelosuppression events, and post-NLRmin  1.33 were validated as negative predictors of OS/DFS (all p < 0.05); timing of neutropenia had no significant effect. Conclusion Occurrence of neutropenia, number of myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin during PF/TP IC-1 have prognostic value for poor survival in LANPC.