Development of a Serum-Free Culture Method for Endothelial Cells of the Stria Vascularis and Their Pro-inflammatory Secretome Changes Induced by Oxidative Stress

Ying Yi,Shu-Bin Fang,Guan-Xia Xiong,Xian-Ren Wang,Hui-Ting Chen,Wan-Yi Huang,Li-Xuan Feng 대한이비인후과학회 2023 Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Vol.16 No.1

Objectives. Reactive oxygen species in the stria vascularis (SV) of the cochlea may be involved in the pathogenesis of sen-sorineural hearing loss. However, the effects of oxidative stress on SV endothelial cells (SV-ECs) remain largely un-known, and no feasible in vitro cell culture model exists for the functional study of SV-ECs. Methods. We isolated primary SV-ECs from the SV of neonatal mice. The apoptosis-reducing effects of fibronectin in SV-ECs cultured with serum-free medium were determined using β-galactosidase staining and flow cytometry. SV-ECsincubated in serum-free medium were treated with various H2O2 concentrations to evaluate the effects of H2O2 ontheir viability. The secretome of SV-ECs treated with or without H2O2 (100 μM or 500 μM) was analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The function of the SV-EC secretome was evaluated by a macrophage assay. Results. We successfully isolated and characterized the SV-ECs. Treatment with H2O2 at concentrations up to 500 μM for2 hours and further incubation with serum-free medium in plates precoated with fibronectin showed no significanteffect on apoptosis. Compared to the control SV-ECs, the amount of differential proteins in the secretome of SV-ECsstimulated with 500 μM H2O2 was much higher than in those treated with 100 μM H2O2. Kyoto Encyclopedia ofGenes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses suggested that the proteins differentially expressed in SV-ECstreated with 500 μM H2O2 were involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways and cellular processes. Thesecretome of H2O2-stimulated SV-ECs exhibited significant pro-inflammatory effects on macrophages. Conclusion. We successfully established an in vitro serum-free culture method, identified the differential proteins releasedby oxidative stress-induced ECs and their functions, and revealed the pro-inflammatory effects of the secretome ofH2O2-stimulated SV-ECs. Therefore, SV-ECs might elicit immunoregulatory effects on bystander cells in the microen-vironment of oxidative stress-induced cochlea, especially cochlear macrophages.

Flexible piezoresistive strain sensor based on CNTs–polymer composites: a brief review

Yi Ying,Wang Bo,Liu Xingyue,Li Changping 한국탄소학회 2022 Carbon Letters Vol.32 No.3

This article presents recent advancements in the development of flexible piezoresistive strain sensors based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs)–polymer composites, with particular attention to their electromechanical properties. Various fabrication approaches and material preparation of CNTs–polymer composites with improved piezoresistive performance are introduced. Moreover, the article presents the working principle of the piezoresistive sensors in terms of the tunneling effect and disconnection-reconnection mechanism. The sensing performances of recently reported applications are studied. This work also reveals that the CNTs–polymer composites have great potential for flexible, skin-mountable, and wearable electronics applications. Finally, possible challenges for the future developments of CNTs–polymer composites are discussed.

Ginsenoside Rg3 in combination with artesunate overcomes sorafenib resistance in hepatoma cell and mouse models

Ying-Jie Chen,Jia-Ying Wu,Yu-Yi Deng,Ying Wu,Xiao-Qi Wang,Amy Sze-man Li,Lut Yi Wong,Xiuqiong Fu,Zhi-Ling Yu,Chun Liang 고려인삼학회 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.3

Sorafenib is effective in treating hepatoma, but most patients develop resistance to it. STAT3signaling has been implicated in sorafenib resistance. Artesunate (ART) and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3)have anti-hepatoma effects and can inhibit STAT3 signaling in cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluatethe effects of Rg3 in combination with ART (Rg3-plus-ART) in overcoming sorafenib resistance, and toexamine the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects. Methods: Sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2-SR) were used to evaluate the in vitro anti-hepatomaeffects of Rg3-plus-ART. A HepG2-SR hepatoma-bearing BALB/c-nu/nu mouse model was used to assessthe in vivo anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. CCK-8 assays and Annexin V-FITC/PI double stainingwere used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Immunoblotting was employed toexamine protein levels. ROS generation was examined by measuring DCF-DA fluorescence. Results: Rg3-plus-ART synergistically reduced viability of, and evoked apoptosis in HepG2-SR cells, andsuppressed HepG2-SR tumor growth in mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that Rg3-plus-ART inhibitedactivation/phosphorylation of Src and STAT3 in HepG2-SR cultures and tumors. The combination alsodecreased the STAT3 nuclear level and induced ROS production in HepG2-SR cultures. Furthermore, overactivation of STAT3 or removal of ROS diminished the anti-proliferative effects of Rg3-plus-ART, andremoval of ROS diminished Rg3-plus-ART's inhibitory effects on STAT3 activation in HepG2-SR cells. Conclusions: Rg3-plus-ART overcomes sorafenib resistance in experimental models, and inhibition of Src/STAT3 signaling and modulation of ROS/STAT3 signaling contribute to the underlying mechanisms. Thisstudy provides a pharmacological basis for developing Rg3-plus-ART into a novel modality for treatingsorafenib-resistant hepatoma.

Chinese patent herbal medicine (Shufeng Jiedu capsule) for acute upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ying-ying Zhang,Ru-yu Xia,Shi-bing Liang,Xiao-yang Hu,Meng-yuan Dai,Yi-lin Li,Le-yi Zhao,Michael Moore,Yu-tong Fei,Jian-ping Liu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.3

Background: Shufeng Jiedu capsule has been widely used in China for acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness and safety for AURTIs. Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing SFJD with conventional drug for patients with AURTIs were included. Eight databases were searched from their inceptions to February 2021. Data was synthesized using risk ration (RR) or mean difference (MD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was resolution time of typical symptoms. Results: Twenty-five RCTs involving 3410 patients were included. SFJD in combination with conventional drug was associated with; in common cold shortening the duration of fever (MD −1.54 days, 95% CI [−2.15,−0.92], I2 = 80%, n = 385, 3 trials) and cough (MD −1.22 days, 95% CI [−1.52, −0.93]); in herpangina, shortening the duration of fever (MD -0.68 days, 95% CI [−1.15, −0.21], I2 = 68%, n = 140, 2 trials) and blistering (MD −0.99 days, 95% CI [−1.23, −0.76], n = 386, 3 trials); in acute tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis shortening the duration of fever (MD −1.13 days, 95% CI [−1.36, −0.90], I2 = 33%, n = 688, 7 trials) and sore throat (MD −1.13 days, 95% CI [−1.40, −0.86], I2 = 84.1%, n = 1194, 10 trials). SFJD also improving their cure rate with a range (1–5 days). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Low certainty evidence suggests that SFJD appears to shorten the duration of symptoms in AURTIs, improve cure rate and seems safe for application. However, high quality placebo controlled trials are warranted to confirm its benefit.

Micro-scale PLA Fibrous Membranes for Adsorption of Cigarette Smoke

Yi-qing Gu,Zhe Wang,Ying Sun,Yi-Kai Wang,Zhi-juan Pan 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.3

Porous PLA fibrous membranes with different morphologies were successfully fabricated by varying the relative humidity. When the relative humidity was higher than 45 %, nanopores morphology appeared on the surface of PLA fibers. The micro-structures of PLA fibers and the packing densities and through-pore sizes of the PLA fibrous membranes were measured and found to greatly influence the smoke adsorption properties. The smoke adsorption was recorded in photos, and the process of how smoke adsorbed on the membranes was observed by SEM. The max removal efficiencies of nicotine, tar, water vapor, and carbon monoxide were 40.0 %, 36.9 %, 5.8 % and 13.6 % measured by a cigarette-smoking machine, and sensory evaluation was conducted to assess the practical application of fibrous membranes for smoke adsorption.

Upregulation of PITX2 Promotes Letrozole Resistance Via Transcriptional Activation of IFITM1 Signaling in Breast Cancer Cells

Ying-ying Xu,Hai-ru Yu,Jia-yi Sun,Zhao Zhao,Shuang Li,Xin-feng Zhang,Zhi-xuan Liao,Ming-ke Cui,Juan Li,Chan Li,Qiang Zhang 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.2

Purpose Although the interferon  (IFN) signaling and the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) have both been implicated in the progression of breast cancer (BCa), it remains obscure whether these two pathways act in a coordinated manner. We therefore aimed to elucidate the expression and function of PITX2 during the pathogenesis of endocrine resistance in BCa. Materials and Methods PITX2 expression was assessed in BCa tissues using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry and in experimentally induced letrozole-resistant BCa cells using RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. Effects of PITX2 deregulation on BCa progression was determined by assessing MTT, apoptosis and xenograft model. Finally, using multiple assays, the transcriptional regulation of interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) by PITX2 was studied at both molecular and functional levels. Results PITX2 expression was induced in letrozole-resistant BCa tissues and cells, and PITX2 induction by IFN signaling powerfully protected BCa cells against letrozole insult and potentiated letrozole-resistance. Mechanistically, PITX2 enhanced IFN-induced AKT activation by transactivating the transcription of IFITM1, thus rendering BCa cells unresponsive to letrozoleelicited cell death. Additionally, ablation of IFITM1 expression using siRNA substantially abolished IFN-elicited AKT phosphorylation, even in the presence of PITX2 overexpression, thus sensitizing BCa cells to letrozole treatment. Conclusion These results demonstrate that constitutive upregulation of PITX2/IFITM1 cascade is an intrinsic adaptive mechanism during the pathogenesis of letrozole-resistance, and modulation of PITX2/IFITM1 level using different genetic and pharmacological means would thus have a novel therapeutic potential against letrozole resistance in BCa.

Multicultural Mind versus Multicultural Self : Linking Culture, Cognition, and Identity

Ying-yi Hong 인하대학교 다문화융합연구소 2018 다문화와 교육 Vol.3 No.1

In the face of rapid globalization, many individuals are being exposed to multiple cultural traditions and practices. Although multiple cultural exposures have been shown to have beneficial effects (such as enhancing cultural frame switching and creativity), it could also threaten individuals’ own cultural identity. To understand the interplay between these two opposing consequences, I will delineate the concepts of Multicultural Mind and Multicultural Self. Multicultural mind entails acquiring and applying knowledge of new cultures. This process could benefit creativity and even reduce prejudice and discrimination. By contrast, multicultural self entails using cultural traditions to define the self, a process that could lead to negative reactions toward new cultures if individuals endorse racial essentialism (believing that race has biological essence rather than it is a social construction). In my talk, I will first present empirical findings of multicultural mind and multicultural self, and then discuss the latest extension to cultural mixing and cultural attachment.

An integrated dendrite-free zinc metal electrode for corrosion inhibition in aqueous system

Yi-Fan Hu,Li-Feng Zhou,He Gong,He Jia,Peng Chen,Yi-Song Wang,Li-Ying Liu,Tao Du 한국화학공학회 2022 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.39 No.9

Zinc ion batteries have gotten increasing attention as a potential candidate for lithium-ion batteries, due totheir high specific capacity (820 mAh·g1), energy density, and safety. Inevitably, dendrite and corrosion create sometrouble for this system. Herein, an integrated Zn electrode coated by Zn-Al metal oxides prepared by a simple spincoatingmethod was utilized to increase the rechargeability for aqueous zinc ion batteries. By coating the Zn anodewith an artificial electrolyte interface, the wettability of Zn anodes was improved and impedance was reduced. Thecoating suppressed not only the appearance of dendrite but also the formation of corrosion products. The symmetricalcells with coating have a low overpotential (43mV) and an excellent life span. Meanwhile, the applied full batteriesexhibit an improved capacity retention rate (86.67% after 120 cycles), great rate performance and low apparent activationenergy (24.6 KJ·mol1). The simple production methods and superior corrosion suppression effects provide newideas for the anode protection of aqueous system batteries.

Novel Deadlock Control for Smartphone Manufacturing Systems Using Petri Nets

Yi-Nan Lin,Sheng-Kuan Wang,Gwo-Jen Chiou,Cheng-Ying Yang,Victor R. L. Shen,Tony Tong-Ying Juang,Ting-Jui Huang 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2022 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.20 No.3

Currently, the marketing strategy in the manufacturing industry is becoming more and more competitive. Thus, the production efficiency becomes the main developing trend, which many people are now pursuing. However, the automatic production might cause resource conflicts and system deadlocks. In this study, Petri net models and analysis were used to effectively avoid deadlocks and to achieve the goal of lean production. The iPhone XS device developed by Apple is now a popular product. Consequently, this paper aims to describe its manufacturing system by using Petri net models. Meanwhile, the siphon property of Petri nets can be used to detect the deadlock in the manufacturing processes and to avoid it from occurring. Two simulation software tools, WoPeD and PIPE, were applied to conduct the experiments. The experimental results have indicated that our proposed approach is more feasible and acceptable than other existing ones.

Research on Behavior of Capital Flight based on Evolutionary Game Theory

Yi-rong Ying,Ying Ye 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Hybrid Information Techno Vol.9 No.11

Through the establishment of the capital flight model of asymmetric evolutionary game, this paper focuses on the study of game relationship among perpetrators, perpetrator assistants and government, and analyzes the evolutionary stable process under different conditions by three-dimensional figures. This paper also analyzes and compares features between the two parties’ model and the three parties’ model, connecting the two kinds of evolutionary games and providing a theoretic basis for a better understanding of the mechanism of capital flight and motivation of all groups. The result shows that by making use of expectation, government can control the ESS of capital flight groups by adjusting relative benefits and punishment in different regulation modes. It can also expand the strategy space that is in favor of capital control through the adjustment. In the end, this paper will propose policy suggestions for the control of capital flight according to the research findings above.