White-Matter Hyperintensities and Lacunar Infarcts Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Elderly in China

Shuai Ye,Shuyang Dong,Jun Tan,Le Chen,Hai Yang,Yang Chen,Zeyan Peng,Yingchao Huo,Juan Liu,Mingshan Tang,Yafei Li,Huadong Zhou,Yong Tao 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.1

Background and Purpose This study investigated the contribution of white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) and lacunar infarcts (LI) to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in an elderly cohort in China. Methods Older adults who were initially cognitively normal were examined with MRI at baseline, and followed for 5 years. WMH were classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and LI were classified into a few LI (1 to 3) or many LI (≥4). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination and the Activities of Daily Living scale. Results Among the 2,626 subjects, 357 developed AD by the end of the 5-year follow-up period. After adjusting for age and other potential confounders, having only WMH, having only LI, and having both WMH and LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with having neither WMH nor LI. Moderate and severe WMH were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with no WMH. Furthermore, patients with many LI had an increased risk of developing AD compared with no LI. Conclusions Having moderate or severe WMH and many LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD, with this being particularly striking when both WMH and LI were present.

Peri-implantitis, systemic inflammation, and dyslipidemia: a cross-sectional biochemical study

Carlota Blanco,Antonio Liñares,Jose Dopico,Alex Pico,Tomás Sobrino,Yago Leira,Juan Blanco 대한치주과학회 2021 Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science Vol.51 No.5

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the inflammatory and lipid profile of patients with and without peri-implantitis. Methods: A cross-sectional biochemical study was carried out in which blood samples were collected from 16 patients with peri-implantitis and from 31 subjects with healthy implants. Clinical peri-implant parameters were obtained from all subjects. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured in serum. Lipid fractions, glucose and creatinine levels, and complete blood count were also assessed. Results: After controlling for a history of periodontitis, statistically significant differences between peri-implantitis patients and controls were found for total cholesterol (estimated adjusted mean difference, 76.4 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 39.6, 113.2 mg/dL; P<0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (estimated adjusted mean difference, 57.7 mg/dL; 95% CI, 23.8, 91.6 mg/dL; P<0.001), white blood cells (WBC) (estimated adjusted mean difference, 2.8×103/μL; 95% CI, 1.6, 4.0×103/μL; P<0.001) and IL-10 (estimated adjusted mean difference, −10.4 pg/mL; 95% CI, −15.8, −5.0 pg/mL; P<0.001). The peri-implant probing pocket depth (PPD) was modestly positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.512; P<0.001), LDL cholesterol (r=0.463; P=0.001), and WBC (r=0.519; P<0.001). A moderate negative correlation was observed between IL-10 and PPD (r=0.609; P<0.001). Conclusions: Otherwise healthy individuals with peri-implantitis showed increased low-grade systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia.

Alantolactone selectively suppresses STAT3 activation and exhibits potent anticancer activity in MDA-MB-231 cells

Chun, Jaemoo,Li, Rui-Juan,Cheng, Mao-Sheng,Kim, Yeong Shik Elsevier 2015 Cancer letters Vol.357 No.1

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The important goal of cancer drug discovery is to develop therapeutic agents that are effective, safe, and affordable. In the present study, we demonstrated that alantolactone, which is a sesquiterpene lactone, has potential activity against triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by suppressing the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Alantolactone effectively suppressed both constitutive and inducible STAT3 activation at tyrosine 705. Alantolactone decreased STAT3 translocation to the nucleus, its DNA-binding, and STAT3 target gene expression. Alantolactone significantly inhibits STAT3 activation with a marginal effect on MAPKs and on NF-κB transcription; however, this effect is not mediated by inhibiting STAT3 upstream kinases. Although SHP-1, SHP-2, and PTEN, which are protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), were not affected by alantolactone, the treatment with a PTP inhibitor reversed the alantolactone-induced suppression of STAT3 activation, indicating that PTP plays an important role in the action of alantolactone. Finally, alantolactone treatment resulted in the inhibition of migration, invasion, adhesion, and colony formation. The <I>in vivo</I> administration of alantolactone inhibited the growth of human breast xenograft tumors. These results provide preclinical evidence to continue the development of alantolactone as a STAT3 inhibitor and as a potential therapeutic agent against breast cancer.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> STAT3 is a transcription factor that is a potent regulator of tumorigenesis. </LI> <LI> Alantolactone suppresses constitutive and inducible STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. </LI> <LI> Alantolactone inhibits NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. </LI> <LI> Alantolactone inhibits cell migration, invasion, adhesion, and colony formation. </LI> <LI> Alantolactone inhibits the tumor growth of MDA-MB-231 xenografts in mice. </LI> </UL> </P>

Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Intraocular Cysticercosis

Juan-Juan Li,Li-Wei Zhang,Hua Li,Zhu-Lin Hu 대한기생충학열대의학회 2013 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.51 No.2

Partially reduced SnO₂ nanoparticles anchored on carbon nanofibers for high performance sodium-ion batteries

Liu, Zhiming,Song, Taeseup,Kim, Joo Hyun,Li, Zhangpeng,Xiang, Juan,Lu, Tianchi,Paik, Ungyu Elsevier Inc. 2016 Electrochemistry Communications Vol.72 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>One-dimensional (1-D) carbon nanofibers anchored with partially reduced SnO<SUB>2</SUB> nanoparticles (SnO<SUB>2</SUB>/Sn@C) were successfully synthesized through a simple electrospinning method followed by carbon coating and thermal reduction processes. The partially reduced Sn frameworks, combined with the carbon fibers, provide a more favorable mechanism for sodiation/desodiation than SnO<SUB>2</SUB>. As a result, SnO<SUB>2</SUB>/Sn@C exhibits a high reversible capacity (536mAhg<SUP>−1</SUP> after 50cycles) and an excellent rate capability (396mAhg<SUP>−1</SUP> even at 2C rate) when evaluated as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The partially reduced Sn framework provides both favorable Na-ion diffusion dynamics and high specific capacity. </LI> <LI> The conductive Sn framework, bonded with carbon fiber, provides an efficient pathway for electron transport. </LI> <LI> The discrete SnO<SUB>2</SUB>/Sn nanoparticles provide sufficient space to accommodate the large volume expansion. </LI> <LI> The strategy of partial reduction may open up new ways to improve the electrochemical performance of metal oxides. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Well-designed Te/SnS₂/Ag artificial nanoleaves for enabling and enhancing visible-light driven overall splitting of pure water

Yan, Changzeng,Xue, Xiaolan,Zhang, Wenjun,Li, Xiaojie,Liu, Juan,Yang, Songyuan,Hu, Yi,Chen, Renpeng,Yan, Yaping,Zhu, Guoyin,Kang, Zhenhui,Kang, Dae Joon,Liu, Jie,Jin, Zhong unknown 2017 Nano energy Vol.39 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>To produce hydrogen and oxygen from photocatalytic overall splitting of pure water provides a promising green route to directly convert solar energy to clean fuel. However, the design and fabrication of high-efficiency photocatalyst is challenging. Here we present that by connecting different nanostructures together in a rational fashion, components that cannot individually split water into H<SUB>2</SUB> and O<SUB>2</SUB> can work together as efficient photocatalyst with high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) energy conversion efficiency and avoid the use of any sacrificial reagent. Specifically, Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB>/Ag artificial nanoleaves (ANLs) consist of ultrathin SnS<SUB>2</SUB> nanoplates grown on Te nanowires and decorated with numerous Ag nanoparticles. The appropriate band structure of Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB> p-n junctions and the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles synergistically enhance the quantum yield and separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs. As a result, Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB>/Ag ANLs enable visible-light driven overall water-splitting without any sacrificial reagent and exhibit high H<SUB>2</SUB> and O<SUB>2</SUB> production rates of 332.4 and 166.2μmolh<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. Well-preserved structure after long-term measurement indicates its high stability. It represents a feasible approach for direct H<SUB>2</SUB> production from only sunlight, pure water, and rationally-designed ANL photocatalysts.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB>/Ag ANLs heterostructure is prepared to catalyze overall water splitting. </LI> <LI> The catalyst show impressive H<SUB>2</SUB> and O<SUB>2</SUB> production rate under visible light. </LI> <LI> The structure and efficiency of catalyst shows no degradation after 10 days. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Celastrol, produced by Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. enhances defense response in cucumber seedlings against diverse environmental stresses

Li-jun Zhu,Xing-guang Deng,Li-juan Zou,Peng-xu Li,Jun-qiang Wu,Da-wei Zhang,Honghui Lin 한국식물학회 2017 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.60 No.1

Celastrol is an active triterpenoid compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F.. Many reports have highlighted that celastrol is an effective, safe and desirable approach to the treatment of cancers. However, their biological function during environmental stresses in plants is rarely reported. In the present study, the effects of celastrol on the tolerance against high light (HL), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cold stress in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were investigated. Celastrol pretreatment could enhance cucumber seedlings stress tolerance at a concentration of 1 μg ml–1. The results showed that pretreatment with 1 μg ml–1 celastrol clearly induced the activities of antioxidative enzymes, which subsequently alleviated stress-induced oxidative damage in plant cells. We also provided evidence that celastrol upregulated ABA biosynthetic gene NCED2 expression and ABA accumulation in cucumber seedlings, which resulted to the enhanced tolerance in response to environmental stresses. Furthermore, the celastrol-pretreated seedlings showed less photosystem damaged caused by the stress conditions, when compared with the control. Therefore, our findings provide a novel role of celastrol in plant against environmental stresses and indicate that the celastrol-induced activities of antioxidative enzymes and ABA content might contribute to the stress tolerance.

Evaluation of Anterior Ethmoidal Artery by 320-Slice CT Angiography with Comparison to Three-Dimensional Spin Digital Subtraction Angiography: Initial Experiences

Juan Ding,Gang Sun,Yang Lu,Bing-bing Yu,Min Li,Li Li,Guo-ying Li,Zhao-hui Peng,Xu-Ping Zhang 대한영상의학회 2012 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.13 No.6

Objective: To explore the usefulness of 320-slice CT angiography (CTA) for evaluating the course of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) and its relationship with adjacent structures by using three-dimensional (3D) spin digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as standard reference. Materials and Methods: From December 2008 to December 2010, 32 patients with cerebrovascular disease, who underwent both cranial 3D spin DSA and 320-slice CTA within a 30 day period from each other, were retrospectively reviewed. AEA course in ethmoid was analyzed in DSA and CTA. In addition, adjacent bony landmarks (bony notch in medial orbital wall, anterior ethmoidal canal, and anterior ethmoidal sulcus) were evaluated with CTA using the MPR technique oriented along the axial, coronal and oblique coronal planes in all patients. The dose length product (DLP) for CTA and the dose-area product (DAP) for 3D spin DSA were recorded. Effective dose (ED) was calculated. Results: The entire course of the AEA was seen in all 32 cases (100%) with 3D spine DSA and in 29 of 32 cases (90.1%) with 320-slice CTA, with no significant difference (p = 0.24). In three cases where AEA was not visualized on 320-slice CTA, two were due to the dominant posterior ethmoidal artery, while the remaining case was due to diminutive AEA. On MPR images of 320-slice CT, a bony notch in the orbital medial walls was detected in all cases (100%, 64 of 64); anterior ethmoidal canal was seen in 28 of 64 cases (43.8%), and the anterior ethmoidal sulcus was seen in 63 of 64 cases (98.4%). The mean effective dose in CTA was 0.6 ± 0.25 mSv, which was significantly lower than for 3D spin DSA (1.3 ± 0.01 mSv) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: 320-slice CTA has a similar detection rate for AEA to that of 3D spin DSA; however, it is noninvasive, and may be preferentially used for the evaluation of AEA and its adjacent bony variations and pathologic changes in preoperative patients with paranasal sinus diseases. Objective: To explore the usefulness of 320-slice CT angiography (CTA) for evaluating the course of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) and its relationship with adjacent structures by using three-dimensional (3D) spin digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as standard reference. Materials and Methods: From December 2008 to December 2010, 32 patients with cerebrovascular disease, who underwent both cranial 3D spin DSA and 320-slice CTA within a 30 day period from each other, were retrospectively reviewed. AEA course in ethmoid was analyzed in DSA and CTA. In addition, adjacent bony landmarks (bony notch in medial orbital wall, anterior ethmoidal canal, and anterior ethmoidal sulcus) were evaluated with CTA using the MPR technique oriented along the axial, coronal and oblique coronal planes in all patients. The dose length product (DLP) for CTA and the dose-area product (DAP) for 3D spin DSA were recorded. Effective dose (ED) was calculated. Results: The entire course of the AEA was seen in all 32 cases (100%) with 3D spine DSA and in 29 of 32 cases (90.1%) with 320-slice CTA, with no significant difference (p = 0.24). In three cases where AEA was not visualized on 320-slice CTA, two were due to the dominant posterior ethmoidal artery, while the remaining case was due to diminutive AEA. On MPR images of 320-slice CT, a bony notch in the orbital medial walls was detected in all cases (100%, 64 of 64); anterior ethmoidal canal was seen in 28 of 64 cases (43.8%), and the anterior ethmoidal sulcus was seen in 63 of 64 cases (98.4%). The mean effective dose in CTA was 0.6 ± 0.25 mSv, which was significantly lower than for 3D spin DSA (1.3 ± 0.01 mSv) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: 320-slice CTA has a similar detection rate for AEA to that of 3D spin DSA; however, it is noninvasive, and may be preferentially used for the evaluation of AEA and its adjacent bony variations and pathologic changes in preoperative patients with paranasal sinus diseases.

Multiple Gene Genealogical Analyses of a Nematophagous Fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus from China

Juan Li,Heng Li,Xiaoxu Bi,Ke-Qin Zhang 한국미생물학회 2013 The journal of microbiology Vol.51 No.4

Paecilomyces lilacinus is a geographically widespread nematophagous fungus and a promising biological control agent against plant parasitic nematodes. However, relatively little is known about its patterns of genetic variation through its broad geographic and ecological contexts. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variation of 2 virulence-associated genes (PLS and PLC) and 4 housekeeping gene fragments (ITS,RPB1, RPB2, and β-tubulin) among 80 P. lilacinus specimens collected from 7 locations in China. Various degrees of polymorphism and haplotype diversity were observed among the six gene fragments. However, no genetic differentiation was observed among the geographic populations, consistent with extensive gene flow among these geographic populations of P. lilacinus in China. Our analysis also suggested that clonal reproduction was the predominant mode of reproduction in natural populations of P. lilacinus.

Proanthocyanidins accelerate the germination of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds

Li-jun Zhu,Xing-guang Deng,Li-juan Zou,Jun-qiang Wu,Da-wei Zhang,Honghui Lin 한국식물학회 2016 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.59 No.2

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are the end products of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in many seeds, but their biological function is rarely unknown during seed germination. In the present study, we observed that PAs pretreatment accelerated cucumber seeds germination with maximum efficiency at 0.15% by measuring germination percentage and radical length. Using inhibitors of abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellins (GA) and alternative oxidase (AOX) and H2O2 scavenger pretreatment and gene expression analysis, we found that the accelerated effect of 0.15% PAs on seed germination was due to the decreased ABA biogenesis and enhanced GA production. ROS are induced by PAs pretreatment. Then, the enhanced ROS contributed to GA and ethylene accumulation and ABA decrease in seeds. Moreover, the improvement of GA was involved in the further induction of antioxidant enzymes activities. Therefore, our findings uncover a novel role of PAs in seed germination and clarify the relationships between ROS, ABA, GA and ethylene during seed germination.