Structural Transcription of Organogels to Mesoporous Silicas: A Chain-length Dependent Morphology and Pore Texture

Yaqun Huang 대한화학회 2012 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.33 No.11

Here, we report a chain-length dependent morphology and pore structure tailing of mesoporous silica templated from organogels, which is formed by primary alkylamine and ethylene glycol at room temperature. As the chain length of alkylamine changes from 12 to 18, the resulted materials exhibit a morphology change from layers to spheres and platelets, respectively. SEM and TEM observation revealed that these shapes appear to be inherited from their parent organogels. Further pore structure characterization by nitrogen sorption analysis demonstrates that all the resulted silicas exhibit typical IV isotherms indicative of uniform mesopores, and their pore sizes are dependent on the chain length of alkylamine used.

Prostaglandin D₂ contributes to cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rats via DP2 receptor in the spinal cord

( Yaqun Li ),( Woong Mo Kim ),( Seung Hoon Kim ),( Hyun Eung You ),( Dong Ho Kang ),( Hyung Gon Lee ),( Jeong Il Choi ),( Myung Ha Yoon ) 대한통증학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.34 No.1

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major reason for stopping or changing anticancer therapy. Among the proposed pathomecha-nisms underlying CIPN, proinflammatory processes have attracted increasing attention. Here we assessed the role of prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) signaling in cisplatininduced neuropathic pain. Methods: CIPN was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin 2 mg/kg for 4 consecutive days using adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. PGD₂ receptor DP1 and/or DP2 antagonists were administered intrathecally and the paw withdrawal thresholds were measured using von Frey filaments. Spinal expression of DP1, DP2, hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS), and lipocalin PGD synthase (L-PGDS) proteins were analyzed by western blotting. Results: The DP1 and DP2 antagonist AMG 853 and the selective DP2 antagonist CAY10471, but not the DP1 antagonist MK0524, significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold compared to vehicle controls (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). Western blotting analyses revealed comparable protein expression levels in DP1 and DP2 in the spinal cord. In the CIPN group the protein expression level of L-PGDS, but not of H-PGDS, was significantly increased compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings presented here indicate that enhanced PGD₂ signaling, via upregulation of L-PGDS in the spinal cord, contributes to mechanical allodynia via DP2 receptors in a cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain model in rats, and that a blockade of DP2 receptor activation may present a novel therapeutic target for managing CIPN.

Systemically administered neurotensin receptor agonist produces antinociception through activation of spinally projecting serotonergic neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla

( Yaqun Li ),( Dong Ho Kang ),( Woong Mo Kim ),( Hyung Gon Lee ),( Seung Hoon Kim ),( Hyun Eung You ),( Jeong Il Choi ),( Myung Ha Yoon ) 대한통증학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.34 No.1

Background: Supraspinal delivery of neurotensin (NTS), which may contribute to the effect of a systemically administered agonist, has been reported to be either pronociceptive or antinociceptive. Here, we evaluated the effects of systemically administered NTSR1 agonist in a rat model of neuropathic pain and elucidated the underlying supraspinal mechanism. Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced by L5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of intraperitoneally administered NTSR1 agonist PD 149163 was assessed using von Frey filaments. To examine the role of 5-HT neurotransmission, a serotonin (5-HT) receptor antagonist dihydroergocristine was pretreated intrathecally, and spinal microdialysis studies were performed to measure the change in extracellular level of 5-HT in response to PD 149163 administration. To investigate the supraspinal mechanism, NTSR1 antagonist 48692 was microinjected into the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) prior to systemic PD 149163. Additionally, the effect of intrathecal DHE on intra-RVM PD 149163 was assessed. Results: Intraperitoneally administered PD 149163 exhibited a dose-dependent attenuation of mechanical allodynia. This effect was partially reversed by intrathecal pretreatment with dihydroergocristine and was accompanied by an increased extracellular level of 5-HT in the spinal cord. The PD 149163-produced antinociception was also blocked by intra-RVM SB 48692. Direct injection of PD 149163 into the RVM mimicked the maximum effect of the same drug delivered intraperitoneally, which was reversed by intrathecal dihydroergocristine. Conclusions: These observations indicate that systemically administered NTSR1 agonist produces antinociception through the NTSR1 in the RVM, activating descending serotonergic projection to release 5-HT into the spinal dorsal horn.

Structural Transcription of Organogels to Mesoporous Silicas: A Chain-length Dependent Morphology and Pore Texture

Huang, Yaqun Korean Chemical Society 2012 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.33 No.11

Here, we report a chain-length dependent morphology and pore structure tailing of mesoporous silica templated from organogels, which is formed by primary alkylamine and ethylene glycol at room temperature. As the chain length of alkylamine changes from 12 to 18, the resulted materials exhibit a morphology change from layers to spheres and platelets, respectively. SEM and TEM observation revealed that these shapes appear to be inherited from their parent organogels. Further pore structure characterization by nitrogen sorption analysis demonstrates that all the resulted silicas exhibit typical IV isotherms indicative of uniform mesopores, and their pore sizes are dependent on the chain length of alkylamine used.

From an Entrepreneur to a Sustainopreneur: Extracting Facts about Sustainopreneurship

Sara Majid,Yi Yaqun 한국유통과학회 2016 Asian Journal of Business Environment (AJBE) Vol.6 No.2

Purpose – Entrepreneurship has started to emerge. There are huge technology startups from the past few decades. Current scenario demands entrepreneurship and there is an immense need to start green ventures where Eco-Entrepreneurs, Sustainable Entrepreneurs/ Sustainopreneurs strive together to make world a better place. But the latest Five-Year Plan is green, at least in theory regarding developing countries. The paper explores what factors turn entrepreneurs into Sustainopreneurs. Research Design, Data, and Methodology – Research design is followed by the interviews from fifteen sustainopreneurs and entrepreneurs who are actively involved in green businesses. The interviews have been analyzed by categorization method to find out factors which turned them to be sustainable entrepreneurs. Results – The results have shown the factors which helps in leading entrepreneurs to become Sustainopreneurs. These factors are present in the entrepreneurs which lead them to start a venture for a cause. Conclusions – The proposed findings are helpful in further study of Sustainopreneurship and the fact that there should be some steps taken by policy makers, and sustainopreneurs to promote eco-businesses.

Fabrication of Cu2Zn(Sn,Si)S4 Thin Films Using a Two-Step Method for Solar Cell Applications

Jiaxiong Xu,Yaqun Liu,Yuanzheng Yang 대한금속·재료학회 2016 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.12 No.6

To explore Cu2ZnSnS4-based materials for solar cell applications, for thefirst time, Cu2Zn(Sn,Si)S4 thin films were fabricated using a two-stepmethod that consists of sputtering and post-sulfurization. The films werecharacterized and then incorporated into solar cells. X-ray diffractionand Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation of Cu2Zn(Sn,Si)S4structure with traces of a secondary phase after sulfurization treatments. The degree of sulfurization was enhanced as the temperature wasincreased. In addition, these techniques revealed that there was nosilicon or silicide phase present. The Si/Sn atomic ratio was 0.04-0.10. The thin films exhibited Cu-poor and Zn-rich characteristics and highabsorption coefficients. The direct optical band gap of the thin filmsranged between 1.42 and 1.52 eV. Heterojunction solar cells (glass/Mo/Cu2Zn(Sn,Si)S4/CdS/i-ZnO/ZnO:Al/Al) were fabricated and exhibitedthe highest conversion efficiency of 0.427%. This study showed thefeasibilities of fabricating Cu2Zn(Sn,Si)S4 thin films by a two-stepmethod and using Cu2Zn(Sn,Si)S4 thin films as an absorber layer withina solar cell.

Effective leaching and extraction of valuable metals from electrode material of spent lithium-ion batteries using mixed organic acids leachant

Yuanpeng Fu,Yaqun He,Hangchao Chen,Cuiling Ye,Qichang Lu,Rongnian Li,Weining Xie,Jie Wang 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.79 No.-

The present work focuses on simultaneous recycling of Li and Co from crushed products of mixedelectrode materials using mixed organic acids, in which benzenesulfonic acid and formic acid werecooperatively used as the leaching reagents. Results show that the optimal leaching efficiency of 97% Coand 99% Li were obtained under the conditions of 1.3 mol/L benzenesulfonic acid, 1.5 mol/L formic acid, asolid to liquid (S/L) ratio of 30 g/L, and 40 min reaction time at 50 C. Meanwhile, the leaching of Li and Cofits well to logarithmic rate model with apparent activation energy of 32.7 and 47.0 kJ/mol in this givenleaching system, respectively. Besides, cobalt was directly recovered from the leach liquor as pure cobaltbenzene sulfonic with the recovery efficiency of 99%, and lithium can be entirely precipitated by addingphosphoric acid. Further, the reaction mechanism involves the leaching-hydrating-complexing model ofLiCoO2 particles was proposed based on the dissolution behavior of metals and then verified bymorphological and phase characterization (i.e. FT-IR, XRD and SEM-EDS) of the recycling product. Thewhole process is found to be effective and sustainable for recovery of Li, Co and graphite from mixedindustrial crushing product of spent LIBs.

Porcine circovirus type 2 increases interleukin-1beta and interleukin-10 production via the MyD88–NF-kappa B signaling pathway in porcine alveolar macrophages in vitro

Junyuan Han,Shuxia Zhang,Yaqun Zhang,Mengmeng Chen,Yingjun Lv 대한수의학회 2017 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.18 No.2

Porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) represent the first line of defense in the porcine lung after infection with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) via the respiratory tract. However, PCV2 infection impairs the microbicidal capability of PAMs and alters cytokine production and/or secretion. At present, the reason for the imbalance of cytokines has not been fully elucidated, and the regulatory mechanisms involved are unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression levels and regulation of interleukin-1beta (IL-1b) and IL-10 in PAMs following incubation with PCV2 in vitro. Levels of IL-1b and IL-10 increased in PAM supernatants, and the distribution of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) p65 staining in nucleus, expression of MyD88 and p-IkB in cytoplasm, and DNA-binding activity of NF-kB increased after incubation with PCV2, while p65 expression in PAM cytoplasm decreased. However, when PAMs were co-incubated with PCV2 and small interfering RNA targeting MyD88, those effects were reversed. Additionally, mRNA expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-2, -3, -4, -7, -8, and -9 increased when PAMs were incubated with PCV2. These results show that PCV2 induces increased IL-1b and IL-10 production in PAMs, and these changes in expression are related to the TLR–MyD88–NF-kB signaling pathway.

TFPI inhibits breast cancer progression by suppressing ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway

Xing Mengying,Yang Ying,Huang Jiaxue,Fang Yaqun,Jin Yucui,Li Lingyun,Chen Xiang,Zhu Xiaoxia,Ma Changyan 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.7

Background: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-1 (TFPI) is a serine protease inhibitor, which is responsible for inactivating TF-induced coagulation. Recently, increasing studies revealed that TFPI was lowly expressed in tumor cells and exhibited the antitumor activity. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of TFPI in breast cancer. Methods: The expression and prognostic value of TFPI were analyzed using UALCAN and Kaplan-Meier plotter website. The expression level of TFPI in breast cancer tissues and cells was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot analysis, respectively. Cellular proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. The methylation level of TFPI promoter was determined by methylation-specific PCR. Results: TFPI expression was significantly lower in breast cancer tissues and cells compared to normal breast tissues and normal breast cells. Patients with low TFPI levels showed worse overall survival (OS). Furthermore, overexpression of TFPI significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Conversely, knockdown of TFPI promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, TFPI inhibited the ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in breast cancer. Moreover, DNA hypermethylation of TFPI promoter was responsible for the downregulation of TFPI in breast cancer cells. Conclusion: TFPI inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion through inhibition of the ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting that TFPI may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Improving the Microbial Production of Amino Acids: From Conventional Approaches to Recent Trends

Guoqing Zhang,Xueni Ren,Xiuhong Liang,Yaqun Wang,Dexin Feng,Yujun Zhang,Mo Xian,Huibin Zou 한국생물공학회 2021 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.26 No.5

Variable industrial strains have been applied in the fermentation of bulk amino acids. Strain discovery and evolution, process optimization are traditional approaches to improve the yield and efficiency of the bio-production process, hence to compete with chemical or enzymatic process in amino acids production. With the fast development of bioengineering and synthetic biology, the strains can be rationally engineered to achieve better performance and gain the capacity in the fermentation of broader range of amino acids, especially for value-added amino acids. This proposed review aims to summarize traditional and recent strains in the microbial production of amino acids, characterize their metabolic pathways and present potential objectives for rational evolution. In addition, this proposed review prospect the recent opportunities and challenges in the microbial production of value-added amino acids (rare amino acids, non-canonical amino acids, and unnatural amino acids).