Spatial Distribution of Leaf form and the Self-thinning Exponent are Affected by the Sensitivity of the Response to Abscisic acid in an Arabidopsis thaliana Population

( Yun Wang ),( Jian Ming Deng ),( Tao Li ),( Zhong Kui Xie ),( Ruo Yu Wang ),( Gen Xuan Wang ) 한국식물학회 2008 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.51 No.1

KLF4 Expression Correlates with the Degree of Differentiation in Colorectal Cancer

( Ruo Lei Hu ),( Yan Zuo ),( Li Zuo ),( Chao Liu ),( Su Mei Zhang ),( Qiang Wu ),( Qing Zhou ),( Shu Yu Gui ),( Wei Wei ),( Yuan Wang ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2011 Gut and Liver Vol.5 No.2

Background/Aims: Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is an epithelial-specifi c transcription factor primarily expressed in the gastrointestinal tract that mediates growth arrest in the colonic epithelium. We tried to find whether KLF4 expression is associated with the progression and differentiation of colorectal cancer. Methods: We detected KLF4 expression in 109 colorectal specimens (40 normal appearing mucosa, 7 adenomas, and 62 carcinomas) by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses were also performed. Results: The upregulation of KLF4 expression in carcinoma tissue was statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to normal appearing mucosa. The negative and weak positive staining rates in normal appearing mucosa, adenoma, and carcinoma were 42.5%, 71.4%, and 82.3%, respectively, indicating a decreased degree of KLF4 expression over the course of progressive transformation of normal cells into malignant derivatives. KLF4 protein levels showed no correlation with sex, age, or metastatic state (p>0.05), while KLF4 protein expression correlated with the diagnostic stage (p<0.05). Furthermore, strong KLF4 staining was detected in 22.9% (11/48) and 0% (0/14) of well/moderately and poorly differentiated colorectal cancers, respectively. Our results clearly indicate that KLF4 protein expression signifi cantly correlates with the degree of differentiation in colorectal cancers (p<0.05). KLF4 expression in RKO cells is also upregulated by butyrate, an inducer of differentiation. Conclusions: Downregulation of KLF4 expression may lead to more poorly differentiated tumors. (Gut Liver 2011;5:154-159)

Colloidal Flatlands Confronted with Urge for the Third Dimension

Dong, Ruo-Yu,Wang, Wei,Granick, Steve American Chemical Society 2019 ACS NANO Vol.13 No.8

<P>Two-dimensional sheets are a relatively neglected form of soft matter, interesting because of their capability to deform into the third dimension with little energy cost. Here, we confront colloidal sheets with an abruptly imposed potential tending to produce strings normal to the plane. Experimentally, this is implemented first by using ultrasound-induced acoustic levitation to produce planar sheets and then by abruptly imposing AC electric fields that introduce dipolar interactions. Seeking to identify the microscopic mechanisms underlying the observed collective behavior, we find that the patterns quantified from our fast confocal experimental imaging are reproduced by our Brownian dynamics simulations. We follow the evolution of these patterns, including their structure factor, from start to final steady state, and from successful parametrization we predict simulation phases not yet observed in experiment. The transient-state evolution toward final outcome includes monocrystalline hexagonal lattice, polycrystalline body-centered tetragonal lattice with grain boundaries, interconnected rings, serpentine zigzag chains, and columns vertical to the plane, and a “fat worm” serpentine pattern. To explain the counterintuitive findings presented here, we map dependence on softness of the confining potential.</P> [FIG OMISSION]</BR>

Fabrication of Hierarchical N-doped Carbon Nanotubes for CO2 Adsorption

Hongning Wang,Chao Xu,Yongsheng Zhou,Wenpu Zhao,Jing Zhong,Wei-Qiu Huang,Ruo-Yu Chen 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2019 NANO Vol.14 No.6

Hierarchical N-doped carbon nanotubes (NCTs) with controllable aspect ratios were developed for CO2 adsorption. In this work, NCTs were synthesized by coating different amounts of 3-aminophenol/formaldehyde resin (APF) on the outer layer of silica nanotubes, carbonizing in N2 at 700 ℃ and removing the silica and Ni template by hydrofluoric acid etching. The obtained NCTs were activated by K2CO3. After activation, micropores on the activated N-doped carbon nanotubes (ANCTs) were enriched, the micro-surface area and pore volume of ANCT-1.0 reached 1195 m2 g-1 and 0.45 cm3 g-1, respectively, and the corresponding adsorption capacity increased by 50% (4.50 mmol g -1 at 0 ℃ and 1 bar). Moreover, ANCT-1.0 maintained a high stability throughout consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. The advantages of hierarchical N-doped carbon nanotubes, including their meso–microporous structures, high geometric aspect ratio and good stability, make them valuable and promising materials to capture carbon dioxide.

The Antibacterial Mechanism of Zn(II) Frame Supported on Alginate Membrane

Dan Luo,Ruo-Wei Lu,Cui-Juan Wang,Yan Tong,Cheng Liu,Yu-Mei Xiao,Yan-Xia Chen 대한화학회 2020 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.41 No.11

In order to solve the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria caused by excessive use of antibiotics, herein, an antibacterial membrane composed of natural sodium alginate (ALG), zeolite imidazolate skeleton (ZIF-8) and niflumic acid (NIF) was reported. The membrane serves as a versatile platform for local antibacterial. This report carried out in-depth research on the physical properties and antibacterial mechanism of the synthesized sodium alginate composite film. The data shows that the sodium alginate-based antibacterial film has a continuous antibacterial effect, and the release of antibacterial molecules can be controlled according to changes in the external environment. The results show that the complex has stronger mechanical and bacteriostatic properties. Niflumic acid and Zn(II) have synergistic antibacterial effect. The complex promotes bacterial death by hindering bacterial respiratory metabolism and destroying cell membrane structure.

Increased Frequency of Micronuclei in Binucleated Lymphocytes among Occupationally Pesticide-exposed Populations: A Meta-analysis

Yang, Hai-Yan,Feng, Ruo,Liu, Jing,Wang, Hai-Yu,Wang, Ya-Dong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.16

Background: The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is a standard cytogenetic tool employed to evaluate chromosomal damage subsequent to pesticide exposure. Objectives: To evaluate the pooled levels of total micronuclei (MN) and binucleated cells with micronuclei (MNC) in 1000 binucleated lymphocytes among population occupationally exposed to pesticides and further determine the more sensitive biomarker of CBMN. Materials and Methods: A meta-analysis on the pooled levels of MN and MNC in binucleated lymphocytes among occupationally pesticide-exposed populations was conducted using STATA 10.0 software and Review Manager 5.0.24 in this study. Results: We found significant differences in frequencies of MN and MNC in 1000 binucleated lymphocytes between pesticide-exposed groups and controls, and the summary estimates of weighted mean difference were 6.82 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 4.86-8.78] and 5.08 (95% CI: 2.93-7.23), respectively. However, when we conducted sensitivity analyses further, only the MN remained statistically different, but not the MNC, the summary estimates of weight mean difference were 2.86 (95% CI: 2.51-3.21) and 0.50 (95% CI: -0.16-1.17), respectively. We also observed pesticide-exposed subjects had significantly higher MN frequencies than controls among smokers and nonsmokers, male and female populations, and American, Asian and European countries in stratified analyses. Conclusions: The frequency of MN in peripheral blood lymphocytes might be a more sensitive indicator of early genetic effects than MNC using the CBMN assay for occupationally pesticide-exposed populations.

Chinese herbal medicine for myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Zhu Si-jia,Wang Rui-ting,Yu Ze-yu,Zheng Ruo-Xiang,Liang Chang-Hao,Zheng You-you,Fang Min,Han Mei,Liu Jian-ping 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.2

Background: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a disorder of neuromuscular transmission bringing mild ocular weakness to severe generalized muscle weakness and disability. The conventional treatments have longterm side effects, and Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have shown possible effect and safety for MG patients, but the existing evidence was not robust enough and the results were out of date. Methods: Searching for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted in 7 databases and clinical trial registries until July 2021. The Risk of Bias (ROB) 2 tool was used to assess the study quality and GRADE was used to assess the quality of whole evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted and the results were presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Nineteen RCTs (1283 participants) testing 13 kinds of CHM with adequate randomization were included and six RCTs investigating Compound Huangqi were included in the meta-analyses. In addition to conventional treatment, nine CHMs reduced symptom scores of MG. Compound Huangqi plus conventional treatment (pyridostigmine bromide or prednisone or both) reduced the symptom scores compared with conventional treatment (MD=-3.56, 95%CI -4.86 to -2.26). Less adverse events happened in the CHM groups (3/247 in the CHM groups, 52/245 in the control groups, RR=0.13, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.30, 9RCTs, a total of 492 participants). The effect on quality of life was inconsistent. Conclusion: Nine CHMs could probably bring benefit for MG symptom improvement. Moderate to low certainty of evidence supported Compound Huangqi added-on conventional treatment probably bring extra benefit of improving MG symptoms. Adding CHMs could be safer than giving only conventional treatment. Study registration: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016032718).

Chinese herbal injections in combination with radiotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Yun-Ru Chen,Ruo-Tong Zhao,Yi-Fang Xu,Yin-Jie Ma,Shao-Bo Hu,Xue-Hui Wang,Bing-Bing Fan,Yan-Ji Zhou,Yu-Bei Huang,Nicola Robinson,Jian-ping Liu,Zhao-Lan Liu 한국한의학연구원 2023 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.12 No.4

Background: Advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) is a fatal disease with limited treatment options. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) as adjuvants for radiotherapy (RT) in APC and compare their treatment potentials using network meta-analysis. Methods: We systematically searched three English and four Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to July 25, 2023. The primary outcome was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary outcomes included Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). The treatment potentials of different CHIs were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The Cochrane RoB 2 tool and CINeMA were used for quality assessment and evidence grading. Results: Eighteen RCTs involving 1199 patients were included. Five CHIs were evaluated. Compound Kushen injection (CKI) combined with RT significantly improved ORR compared to RT alone (RR 1.49, 95 % CrI 1.21–1.86). Kanglaite (KLT) plus RT (RR 1.58, 95 % CrI 1.20–2.16) and CKI plus RT (RR 1.49, 95 % CrI 1.16–1.95) were associated with improved KPS score compared to radiation monotherapy, with KLT+RT being the highest rank (SUCRA 72.28 %). Regarding AEs, CKI plus RT was the most favorable in reducing the incidence of leukopenia (SUCRA 90.37 %) and nausea/vomiting (SUCRA 85.79 %). Conclusions: CKI may be the optimal choice of CHIs to combine with RT for APC as it may improve clinical response, quality of life, and reduce AEs. High-quality trials are necessary to establish a robust body of evidence. Protocol registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023396828.

A unique genetic lineage at the southern coast of China in the agar-producing Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Gracilariales, Florideophyceae)

Hu, Zi-Min,Liu, Ruo-Yu,Zhang, Jie,Duan, De-Lin,Wang, Gao-Ge,Li, Wen-Hong The Korean Society of Phycology 2018 ALGAE Vol.33 No.3

Ocean warming can have significant negative impacts on population genetic diversity, local endemism and geographical distribution of a wide range of marine organisms. Thus, the identification of conservation units with high risk of extinction becomes an imperative task to assess, monitor, and manage marine biodiversity for policy-makers. Here, we surveyed population structure and genetic variation of the red seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla along the coast of China using genome-based amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) scanning. Regardless of analysis methods used, AFLP consistently revealed a south to north genetic isolation. Populations at the southern coast of China showed unique genetic variation and much greater allelic richness, heterozygosity, and average genetic diversity than the northern. In particular, we identified a geographical barrier that may hinder genetic exchange between the two lineages. Consequently, the characterized genetic lineage at the southern coast of China likely resulted from the interplay of post-glacial persistence of ancestral diversity, geographical isolation and local adaptation. In particular, the southern populations are indispensable components to explore evolutionary genetics and historical biogeography of G. vermiculophylla in the northwestern Pacific, and the unique diversity also has important conservation value in terms of projected climate warming.

A unique genetic lineage at the southern coast of China in the agar-producing Gracilaria vermiculophylla(Gracilariales, Florideophyceae)

Zi-Min Hu,Ruo-Yu Liu,Jie Zhang,De-Lin Duan,Gao-Ge Wang,Wen-Hong Li 한국조류학회I 2018 ALGAE Vol.33 No.3

Ocean warming can have significant negative impacts on population genetic diversity, local endemism and geographical distribution of a wide range of marine organisms. Thus, the identification of conservation units with high risk of extinction becomes an imperative task to assess, monitor, and manage marine biodiversity for policy-makers. Here, we surveyed population structure and genetic variation of the red seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla along the coast of China using genome-based amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) scanning. Regardless of analysis methods used, AFLP consistently revealed a south to north genetic isolation. Populations at the southern coast of China showed unique genetic variation and much greater allelic richness, heterozygosity, and average genetic diversity than the northern. In particular, we identified a geographical barrier that may hinder genetic exchange between the two lineages. Consequently, the characterized genetic lineage at the southern coast of China likely resulted from the interplay of post-glacial persistence of ancestral diversity, geographical isolation and local adaptation. In particular, the southern populations are indispensable components to explore evolutionary genetics and historical biogeography of G. vermiculophylla in the northwestern Pacific, and the unique diversity also has important conservation value in terms of projected climate warming.