Controllable Synthesis of Co-Doped Spinel LiMn2O4 Nanotubes as Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Li-Xin Zhang,Yuan-Zhong Wang,Hong-Fang Jiu,Ya-Lei Wang,Yi-Xin Sun,Zhenzhong Li 대한금속·재료학회 2014 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.10 No.2

Spinel Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes have been synthesized via solid state reaction using α-MnO2 nanotubes as selftemplates. The as-prepared powders were investigated by XRD, TEM, and galvanostatic discharge/charge analysis. The optimal doping amount was confirmed by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The results indicate that about 67% of initial capacity (115 mAh/g) of LiMn2O4 nanotubes can be retained after 50 cycles. For Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes, the initial reversible capacity is 126.6 mAh/g and 100 mAh/g can be maintained after 50 cycles. The capacitance retention rate of Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes is as high as 79%. These results indicate that the doping Co can effectively improve circle stability and electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 nanotubes.

Risk Factors for Anxiety in Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Li-Min Xin,Lin Chen,Zhen-Peng Ji,Suo-Yuan Zhang,Jun Wang,Yan-Hong Liu,Da-Fang Chen,Fu-De Yang,Gang Wang,Yi-Ru Fang,Zheng Lu,Hai-Chen Yang,Jian Hu,Zhi-Yu Chen,Yi Huang,Jing Sun,Xiao-Ping Wang,Hui-Chun 대한정신약물학회 2015 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.13 No.3

Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors related to anxiety in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: This study involved a secondary analysis of data obtained from the Diagnostic Assessment Service for People with Bipolar Disorders in China (DASP), which was initiated by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry (CSP) and conducted from September 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011. Based on the presence or absence of anxiety-related characteristics, 1,178 MDD patients were classified as suffering from anxious depression (n=915) or non-anxious depression (n=263), respectively. Results: Compared with the non-anxious group, the anxious-depression group had an older age at onset (t=−4.39, p<0.001), were older (t=−4.69, p<0.001), reported more lifetime depressive episodes (z=−3.24, p=0.001), were more likely to experience seasonal depressive episodes (χ2=6.896, p=0.009) and depressive episodes following stressful life events (χ2=59.350, p <0.001), and were more likely to have a family history of psychiatric disorders (χ2=6.091, p=0.014). Their positive and total scores on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the 32-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) (p<0.05) were also lower. The logistic regression analysis indicated that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.03, p<0.001), a lower total MDQ score (OR=0.94, p=0.011), depressive episodes following stressful life events (OR=3.04, p<0.001), and seasonal depressive episodes (OR=1.75, p=0.039) were significantly associated with anxious depression. Conclusion: These findings indicate that older age, fewer subclinical bipolar features, an increased number of depressive episodes following stressful life events, and seasonal depressive episodes may be risk factors for anxiety-related characteristics in patients with MDD.

Preventive effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury in mice

Li Fang,Sun Hailan,Ran Guangjun,Liu Xinhong,Yi Ruokun,Tan Fang,Zhao Xin,Liu Huazhi 한국응용생명화학회 2020 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.63 No.5

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 on gastric injury induced by HCl/ ethanol in Kunming mice. The results showed that HFY09-H inhibited any increases in gastric juice volume, maintained the normal pH value of gastric acid, and reduced the damage caused to the gastric mucosa and gastric wall, the inhibition rate on the injury area reaches 63.70%. Compared with the negative control group, HFY09 increased the levels of serum somatostatin (SS) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and also decreased the levels of substance P (SP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In addition, real time fluorescent quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) also confirmed that high-dose HFY09 ( 109 CFU/kg/ day) upregulated the mRNA expression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), catalase (CAT), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). At the same time, the results of the HFY09 treatment group were similar to those of the ranitidine treatment group. These results indicate that HFY09 can prevent gastric injury induced by HCl/ethanol in vivo. Therefore, HFY09 may play a potential role in the treatment of gastric diseases.

Implantation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Small Intestinal Submucosa Improves Bile Duct Injury in Rabbits

Li Ying,Wang Piao,Hu Xiao-dong,Zeng Jing-da,Fang Cheng,Gan Yu,Peng Fang-yi,Yang Xiao-li,Luo De,Li Bo,Su Song 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2021 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.18 No.5

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI), which may occur during cholecystectomy procedures and living-donor liver transplantation, leads to life-altering complications and significantly increased mortality and morbidity. Tissue engineering, as an emerging method, has shown great potential to treat BDI. Here, we aimed to explore the application of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) matrix composites with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to treat BDI in a rabbit model. METHODS: Rabbit-derived BMSCs were used as seed cells. Porcine SIS was used as the support material. Five centimetres of the common bile duct was dissected, and 1/3–1/2 of the anterior wall diameter was transversely incised to construct the rabbit BDI model. Then, SIS materials without/with BMSCs were inserted into the common bile duct of the BDI rabbits. After 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of implantation, the common bile duct was removed. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess pathological alterations in the common bile duct, while immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were used to detect expression of the epithelial cell markers CK19 and E-cadherin. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate BMSC growth. RESULTS: Compared with BMSCs alone, SIS-attached BMSCs had increased growth. HE staining showed that the injured bile duct healed well and that the complex gradually degraded as the time from implantation increased. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting showed that compared with the control group, the in vivo complex group had significantly elevated expression levels of CK19 and E-cadherin. CONCLUSION: BMSC implantation into SIS could improve BDI in rabbits, which might have clinical value for BDI treatment. BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI), which may occur during cholecystectomy procedures and living-donor liver transplantation, leads to life-altering complications and significantly increased mortality and morbidity. Tissue engineering, as an emerging method, has shown great potential to treat BDI. Here, we aimed to explore the application of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) matrix composites with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to treat BDI in a rabbit model. METHODS: Rabbit-derived BMSCs were used as seed cells. Porcine SIS was used as the support material. Five centimetres of the common bile duct was dissected, and 1/3–1/2 of the anterior wall diameter was transversely incised to construct the rabbit BDI model. Then, SIS materials without/with BMSCs were inserted into the common bile duct of the BDI rabbits. After 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of implantation, the common bile duct was removed. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess pathological alterations in the common bile duct, while immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were used to detect expression of the epithelial cell markers CK19 and E-cadherin. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate BMSC growth. RESULTS: Compared with BMSCs alone, SIS-attached BMSCs had increased growth. HE staining showed that the injured bile duct healed well and that the complex gradually degraded as the time from implantation increased. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting showed that compared with the control group, the in vivo complex group had significantly elevated expression levels of CK19 and E-cadherin. CONCLUSION: BMSC implantation into SIS could improve BDI in rabbits, which might have clinical value for BDI treatment.

An update of preimplantation genetic diagnosis in gene diseases, chromosomal translocation, and aneuploidy screening

Chang, Li-Jung,Chen, Shee-Uan,Tsai, Yi-Yi,Hung, Chia-Cheng,Fang, Mei-Ya,Su, Yi-Ning,Yang, Yu-Shih The Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine 2011 Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine Vol.38 No.3

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is gradually widely used in prevention of gene diseases and chromosomal abnormalities. Much improvement has been achieved in biopsy technique and molecular diagnosis. Blastocyst biopsy can increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce allele dropout. It is cost-effective and currently plays an important role. Whole genome amplification permits subsequent individual detection of multiple gene loci and screening all 23 pairs of chromosomes. For PGD of chromosomal translocation, fluorescence $in-situ$ hybridization (FISH) is traditionally used, but with technical difficulty. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) can detect translocation and 23 pairs of chromosomes that may replace FISH. Single nucleotide polymorphisms array with haplotyping can further distinguish between normal chromosomes and balanced translocation. PGD may shorten time to conceive and reduce miscarriage for patients with chromosomal translocation. PGD has a potential value for mitochondrial diseases. Preimplantation genetic haplotyping has been applied for unknown mutation sites of single gene disease. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) using limited FISH probes in the cleavage-stage embryo did not increase live birth rates for patients with advanced maternal age, unexplained recurrent abortions, and repeated implantation failure. Polar body and blastocyst biopsy may circumvent the problem of mosaicism. PGS using blastocyst biopsy and array CGH is encouraging and merit further studies. Cryopreservation of biopsied blastocysts instead of fresh transfer permits sufficient time for transportation and genetic analysis. Cryopreservation of embryos may avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and possible suboptimal endometrium.

IL-13 R110Q, a Naturally Occurring IL-13 Polymorphism, Confers Enhanced Functional Activity in Cultured Human Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells

Ya-fang He,Li Hua,Yi-xiao Bao,Quan-hua Liu,Yi Chu,Ding-zhu Fang 대한천식알레르기학회 2013 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.5 No.6

Purpose: Interleukin (IL)-13, a Th2-type cytokine, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of asthma through its direct effects on airway smoothmuscles. A naturally occurring IL-13 polymorphism, R110Q, is strongly associated with increased total serum IgE levels and asthma. In the presentstudy, we aimed to determine whether the IL-13 R110Q variant would display different biochemical properties or altered functions in comparisonwith wild-type (WT) IL-13 in cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs). Methods: Culture supernatants and cell proteins were collectedfrom cultured hBSMCs that were treated with 50 ng/mL IL-13 or IL-13 R110Q for 24 h. Eotaxin released into hBSMC culture medium was determinedby ELISA. The expression levels of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) α-chain, smooth muscle-specific actin alpha chain (α-SMA), smoothmuscle myosin heavy chain (SmMHC), and calreticulin in the cells were measured on Western blots. Results: Compared with WT IL-13, treatmentwith the IL-13 R110Q variant resulted in a significant increase in eotaxin release as well as significant, although modest, increases in the expressionlevels of α-SMA, SmMHC, calreticulin, and FcεRI α-chain. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggenst that the IL-13 R110Q variantmay enhance enhanced functional activities in hBSMCs.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of MIKC-type MADS-box genes expression in Chimonanthus salicifolius

Gui Fang-Fang,Jiang Ge-Ge,Bin Dong,Zhong Shi-Wei,Xiao Zheng,Qiu Fang,Wang Yi-Guang,Yang Li-Yuan,Zhao Hongbo 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.9

Background MIKC type MADS-box transcription factors are one of the largest gene families and play a pivotal role in flowering time and flower development. Chimonanthus salicifolius belongs to the family Calycanthaceae and has a unique flowering time and flowering morphology compared to other Chimonanthus species, but the research on MIKC type MADS-box gene family of C. salicifolius has not been reported. Objective Identification, comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, the expression pattern of MIKC-type MADS-box gene family from different tissues of C. salicifolius. Methods Genome-wide investigation and expression pattern under different tissues of the MIKC-type MADS-box gene family in C. salicifolius, and their phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary characteristics, gene structure, motif distribution, promoter cis-acting element were performed. Results A total of 29 MIKC-type MADS-box genes were identified from the whole genome sequencing. Interspecies synteny analysis revealed more significant collinearity between C. salicifolius and the magnoliids species compared to eudicots and monocots. MIKC-type MADS-box genes from the same subfamily share similar distribution patterns, gene structure, and expression patterns. Compared with Arabidopsis thaliana, Nymphaea colorata, and Chimonanthus praecox, the FLC genes were absent in C. salicifolius, while the AGL6 subfamily was expanded in C. salicifolius. The selectively expanded promoter (AGL6) and lack of repressor (FLC) genes may explain the earlier flowering in C. salicifolius. The loss of the AP3 homologous gene in C. salicifolius is probably the primary cause of the morphological distinction between C. salicifolius and C. praecox. The csAGL6a gene is specifically expressed in the flowering process and indicates the potential function of promoting flowering. Conclusion This study offers a genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the MIKC-types MADS-box genes in the C. salicifolius, and establishes the foundation for screening flowering development genes and understanding the potential function of the MIKC-types MADS-box genes in the C. salicifolius.

Schisandrin B Improves the Hypothermic Preservation of Celsior Solution in Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Zhang Ying,Wang Peng,Jin Mei-xian,Zhou Ying-qi,Ye Liang,Zhu Xiao-juan,Li Hui-fang,Zhou Ming,Li Yang,Li Shao,Liang Kang-yan,Wang Yi,Gao Yi,Pan Ming-xin,Zhou Shu-qin,Peng Qing 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2023 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.20 No.3

BACKGROUND: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) have emerged as promising therapy for immune and inflammatory diseases. However, how to maintain the activity and unique properties during cold storage and transportation is one of the key factors affecting the therapeutic efficiency of hUCMSCs. Schisandrin B (SchB) has many functions in cell protection as a natural medicine. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SchB on the hypothermic preservation of hUCMSCs. METHODS: hUCMSCs were isolated from Wharton’s jelly. Subsequently, hUCMSCs were exposed to cold storage (4 C) and 24-h re-warming. After that, cells viability, surface markers, immunomodulatory effects, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis-related and antioxidant proteins expression level were evaluated. RESULTS: SchB significantly alleviated the cells injury and maintained unique properties such as differentiation potential, level of surface markers and immunomodulatory effects of hUCMSCs. The protective effects of SchB on hUCMSCs after hypothermic storage seemed associated with its inhibition of apoptosis and the anti-oxidative stress effect mediated by nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 signaling. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate SchB could be used as an agent for hypothermic preservation of hUCMSCs.

Sweet Olive Extract Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Li-Shian Shi,Po-Chen Liu,Yu-Fang Tseng,Yu-Ling Chen,Yi-Ling Ye 한국식품영양과학회 2018 Journal of medicinal food Vol.21 No.12

Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans flowers) is used to treat dysentery and reduce phlegm and stasis in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, we found that verbascoside, the major component in the sweet olive ethanolic extract (OFE), inhibited IL-8 secretion in human colorectal adenocarcinoma WiDr cells. However, evidence-based treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the extract is yet to be performed. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of OFE, we measured IL-8 suppression by OFE and verbascoside in a WiDr cell culture assay. In the IL-8 secretion assay, both OFE (100 μg/mL) and verbascoside (10 μM) significantly inhibited IL-8 production in WiDr cells. Furthermore, we designed cotreated (dextran sulfate sodium [DSS]+OFE-treated) and post-treated (DSS–OFE-treated) protocols to access the therapeutic effects of OFE in vivo. Mice treated with 500 mg/kg per day OFE exhibited significant improvement in IBD symptoms, including disease activity index score, body weight, and colon length maintenance. The suppressive effects on myeloperoxidase expression and lower histopathology scores (including neutrophil infiltration) for the colon were also found. These findings suggest that OFE exerts anti-inflammatory effect on DSS-induced colitis.

Mll3 Genetic Variants Affect Risk of Gastric Cancer in the Chinese Han Population

Li, Bing,Liu, Hong-Yi,Guo, Shao-Hua,Sun, Peng,Gong, Fang-Ming,Jia, Bao-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.7

It is reported that the expression level of MLL3 in gastric cancer tissue highly correlates with tumor progression. However, whether MLL3 genetic variants are associated with the risk of gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a genotyping analysis for MLL3 in 314 cases of gastric cancer and 322 controls from the Chinese Han population. 4 SNPs (rs6943984, rs4725443, rs3800836, rs6464211) were selected for the present analysis. We found 2 SNPs (rs6943984, rs4725443) of MLL3 gene were significantly associated with the risk of gastric cancer : the rs6943984 with the minor allele A and rs4725443 with the minor allele C revealed strong associations with increased gastric cancer risk [P < 0.001, OR=1.97, 95% CI=1.48~2.64 and P <0.001, OR=2.23, 95% CI=1.54~3.24]. Haplotype analysis of the four SNPs showed that haplotype A-T-A-C, G-T-G-C, and G-C-A-C increased the risk of gastric cancer (P <0.001, P=0.18, and P<0.001, respectively), while haplotype G-T-A-C significantly reduced the risk of gastric cancer (P <0.001). We concluded that MLL3 variants are significantly associated with gastric cancer risk. Our results for the first time provided new insight into susceptibility factors of MLL3 gene variants in carcinogenesis of gastric cancer of the Chinese Han population.