Application of Biodegradable Microcrystalline Cellulose to Improve the Crystallization Behavior of Isotactic Polybutene-1

Fu-hua Lin,Bo Wang,Shuang-dan Mao,Xiang-yang Li,Yu-ying Zhao,Ying-Hui Wei 한국고분자학회 2021 폴리머 Vol.45 No.5

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was used for inducing crystallization of the isotactic polybutene-1 (iPB) and the maleic anhydride grafted polybutene-1 (MAPB) was used as a compatibilizer. The crystallization behavior of the composite demonstrated that the addition of MCC could significantly accelerate the crystallization rate of iPB and the addition of MAPB could improve the compatibility between MCC and iPB. Moreover, the properties of the composites with MAPB were better than those without MAPB. The crystal transformation had been completed after storage for 5 days and the form I was formed after storage for 3 days which was faster than pure iPB. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics data of the composites indicated that the modified Avrami equation could describe the non-isothermal crystallization process of the iPB/MCC composite and the t1/2 of the composites was shortened for 24.32% and 40.27% which indicated that MCC could promote the crystallization of iPB.

NANOTOXICITY OF MULTIWALL CARBON NANOTUBES TO A549 CELLS IN VITRO

FU-DE WANG,Ying Tang,Yong Ji Yang,CHAN JIN,HUA ZHANG,HAO LIANG 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2014 NANO Vol.9 No.2

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been widely applied in many ¯elds due to theexcellent physical and chemical properties. As the production and applications of nanotubesexpand, public concern about their potential risks to human health has also raised. Cytotoxicityof MWCNTs was evaluated in this study using a cultured human epithelial cell line A549. Uptakeof MWCNTs by cultured A549 cells was observed by TEM imaging. Dose-dependent decrease ofcell viability showed the cytotoxicity of MWCNTs. Signi¯cant reactive oxygen species (ROS)generation and GSH depletion which reduced the cellular antioxidant level could be the majorfactor of cytotoxicity induced by MWCNTs. MWCNTs seemed to trigger the activation of cellautophagy with the intracellular ATG16L1 level increase as a defense mechanism.

Distal Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance Predicts Pathological Reflux of Isolated Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms

Hua-Nong Luo,Chen-Chi Wang,Ying-Cheng Lin,Chun-Yi Chuang,Yung-An Tsou,Ja-Chih Fu,Sheng-Shun Yang,Chi-Sen Chang,Han-Chung Lien 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.2

Background/AimsDiagnosis of isolated laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms (ILPRS), ie, without concomitant typical reflux symptoms (CTRS), remains difficult. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) reflects impaired mucosal integrity. We determined whether esophageal MNBI could predict pathological esophagopharyngeal reflux (pH+) in patients with ILPRS. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study conducted in Taiwan, non-erosive or low-grade esophagitis patients with predominant laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms underwent combined hypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring when off acid suppressants. Participants were divided into the ILPRS (n = 94) and CTRS (n = 63) groups. Asymptomatic subjects without esophagitis (n = 25) served as healthy controls. The MNBI values at 3 cm and 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the proximal esophagus were measured. ResultsDistal but not proximal esophageal median MNBI values were significantly lower in patients with pH+ than in those with pH– (ILPRS in pH+ vs pH–: 1607 Ω vs 2709 Ω and 1885 Ω vs 2563 Ω at 3 cm and 5 cm above LES, respectively; CTRS in pH+ vs pH–: 1476 vs 2307 Ω and 1500 vs 2301 Ω at 3 cm and 5 cm above LES, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). No significant differences of any MNBI exist between any pH– subgroups and healthy controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the ILPRS group were 0.75 and 0.80, compared to the pH– subgroup and healthy controls (P < 0.001 for both), respectively. Interobserver reproducibility was good (Spearman correlation 0.93, P < 0.0001). ConclusionDistal esophageal MNBI predicts pathological reflux in patients with ILPRS.

Cervical Cancer Screening and Analysis of Potential Risk Factors in 43,567 Women in Zhongshan, China

Wang, Ying,Yu, Yan-Hong,Shen, Keng,Xiao, Lin,Luan, Feng,Mi, Xian-Jun,Zhang, Xiao-Min,Fu, Li-Hua,Chen, Ang,Huang, Xiang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish a program model for use in wide-spread cervical cancer screening. :Methods: Cervical cancer screening was conducted in Zhongshan city in Guangdong province, China through a coordinated network of multiple institutes and hospitals. A total of 43,567 women, 35 to 59 years of age, were screened during regular gynecological examinations using the liquid-based ThinPrep cytology test (TCT). Patients who tested positive were recalled for further treatment. Results: The TCT-positive rate was 3.17%, and 63.4% of these patients returned for follow-up. Pathology results were positive for 30.5% of the recalled women. Women who were younger than 50 years of age, urban dwelling, low-income, had a history of cervical disease, began having sex before 20 years of age, or had sex during menstruation, were at elevated risk for a positive TCT test. The recall rate was lower in women older than 50 years of age, urban dwelling, poorly educated, and who began having sex early. Ahigher recall rate was found in women 35 years of age and younger, urban dwelling, women who first had sex after 24 years of age, and women who had sex during menstruation. The positive pathology rate was higher in urban women 50 years of age and younger and women who tested positive for human papillomavirus. Conclusion: An effective model for large-scale cervical cancer screening was successfully established. These results suggest that improvements are needed in basic education regarding cervical cancer screening for young and poorly educated women. Improved outreach for follow-up is also necessary to effectively control cervical cancer.

HCV-Specific Interleukin-21+CD4+ T Cells Responses Associated with Viral Control through the Modulation of HCV-Specific CD8+ T Cells Function in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Guo-Hua Feng,Fu-Sheng Wang,Ji-Yuan Zhang,Qing-Lei Zeng,Lei Jin,Junliang Fu,Bin Yang,Ying Sun,Tianjun Jiang,Xiangsheng Xu,Zheng Zhang,Jinhong Yuan,Liyuan Wu 한국분자세포생물학회 2013 Molecules and cells Vol.36 No.4

Interleukin-21 (IL-21)+CD4+ T cells are involved in the immune response against hepatitis B virus (HBV) by secreting IL-21. However, the role of IL-21+CD4+ T cells in the immune response against chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-21+CD4+ T cells in CHC patients and the potential mechanisms. The study subjects in-cluded nineteen CHC patients who were grouped by viral load (low, < 106 RNA copies/ml, n = 8; high, > 106 RNA copies/ml, n = 11). The peripheral frequency of HCV-specific IL-21+CD4+ T cells was higher in the low viral load group and was negatively correlated with the serum HCV RNA viral load in all CHC patients. Meanwhile, IL-21+ cells accumulated in the liver in the low viral load group. In vitro, IL-21 treatment increased the expression of proliferation markers and cytolytic molecules on HCV-specific CD8+ T cells. In summary, these findings suggest that HCV-specific IL-21+CD4+ T cells might contribute to HCV control by rescuing HCV-specific CD8+ T cells in CHC patients.

QTL mapping and identification of candidate genes for cold tolerance at the germination stage in wild rice

Pan Ying-Hua,Nong Bao-Xuan,Chen Lei,Yang Xing-Hai,Xia Xiu-Zhong,Zhang Zong-Qiong,Qing Dong-Jin,Gao Ju,Huang Cheng-Cui,Li Dan-Ting,Deng Guo-Fu 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.7

Background Cold damage stress significantly affects rice growth (germination and seedling) and causes serious losses in yield in temperate and high-altitude areas around the globe. Objective This study aimed to explore the cold tolerance (CT) locus of rice and create new cold-tolerant germplasm. We constructed a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) with strong CT and fine mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with CT by performing the whole-genome resequencing of CSSL with phenotypes under cold treatment. Methods A chromosome CSSL, including 271 lines from a cross between the cold-tolerant wild rice Y11 (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) and the cold-sensitive rice variety GH998, was developed to map QTLs conferring CT at the germination stage. The whole-genome resequencing was performed on CSSL for mapping QTLs of associated with CT at the germination stage. Results A high-density linkage map of the CSSLs was developed using the whole-genome resequencing of 1484 bins. The QTL analysis using 615,466 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) led to the identification of 2 QTLs related to germination rate at low-temperature on chromosome 8 (qCTG-8) and chromosome 11 (qCTG-11). The qCTG-8 and qCTG-11 explained 14.55% and 14.31% of the total phenotypic variation, respectively. We narrowed down qCTG-8 and qCTG-11 to 195.5 and 78.83-kb regions, respectively. The expression patterns of important candidate genes in different tissues, and of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) in CSSLs, were identified based on gene sequences in qCTG-8 and qCTG-11 cold-induced expression analysis. LOC_Os08g01120 and LOC_Os08g01390 were identified as candidate genes in qCTG-8, and LOC_Os11g32880 was identified as a candidate gene in qCTG-11. Conclusions This study demonstrated a general method that could be used to identify useful loci and genes in wild rice and aid in the future cloning of candidate genes of qCTG-8 and qCTG-11. The CSSLs with strong CT were supported for breeding cold-tolerant rice varieties.

Association between Polymorphisms of Interleukin-17A and Interleukin-17F Genes and Silicosis Susceptibility in Chinese Han People

Chen, Ying,Fan, Xue-Yun,Jin, Yu-Lan,Yao, San-Qiao,Yun, Xiang,Hua, Zheng-Bing,Shen, Fu-Hai Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Background: To explore the relationship between polymorphisms of interleukin17 (IL-17) gene(A-832G 7488A/G) and the susceptibility to silicosis, a risk factor for lung cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 113 silicosis patients and 116 workers without silicosis were enrolled in the case-control study. IL-17A A-832G and IL-17F 7488A/G polymorphisms were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequencies of AA,GG and AG of IL-17A A-832G locus in the case and control groups were 46.9%, 8.0%, 45.1%, and 49.2%, 7.6%, 43.2%, respectively, with no significant differences (p>0.05).The GG genotype in the IL-17F (7488A/G) locus was not found. The frequencies of AA and GA of IL-17F 7488A/G locus in the case and control groups were 84.1%, 15.9% and 66.4%, 33.6%, respectively (p<0.05). Analysis of combined effects showed that the individuals with GG+AG genotype of IL-17A and GG+GA genotype of IL-17F are protected against silicosis (OR=0.469). Conclusions: IL-17F 7488A/G is associated with susceptibility to silicosis, and G allele may have a protective effect. No relationship was found between IL-17A gene polymorphisms at A-832G and silicosis.

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli through oxidative damage

Liu-Hui Fu,Zeng-Zheng Wei,Kang-Di Hu,Lan-Ying Hu,Yan-Hong Li,Xiao-Yan Chen,Zhuo Han,Gai-Fang Yao,Hua Zhang 한국미생물학회 2018 The journal of microbiology Vol.56 No.4

Many studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is both detrimental and beneficial to animals and plants, whereas its effect on bacteria is not fully understood. Here, we report that H2S, released by sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), significantly inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies have shown that H2S treatment stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreases glutathione (GSH) levels in E. coli, resulting in lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. H2S also inhibits the antioxidative enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) and induces the response of the SoxRS and OxyR regulons in E. coli. Moreover, pretreatment with the antioxidant ascorbic acid (AsA) could effectively prevent H2S-induced toxicity in E. coli. Taken together, our results indicate that H2S exhibits an antibacterial effect on E. coli through oxidative damage and suggest a possible application for H2S in water and food processing.

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol Induces Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Apoptosis through a Caspase-Mediated Pathway

Zhang, Hong,Xu, Hua-Li,Fu, Wen-Wen,Xin, Ying,Li, Mao-Wei,Wang, Shuai-Jun,Yu, Xiao-Feng,Sui, Da-Yun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginsenoside isolated from Pananx quinquefolium L., has been shown to inhibit growth and proliferation in several cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate its anticancer activity in human breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were incubated with different concentrations of 20(S)-PPD and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Occurrence of apoptosis was detected by DAPI and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with Rhodamine 123. The Bcl-2 and Bax expression were determined by Western blot analysis. Caspase activity was measured by colorimetric assay. 20(S)-PPD dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation in MCF-7 cells, with an $IC_{50}$ value of $33.3{\mu}M$ at 24h. MCF-7 cells treated with 20(S)-PPD presented typical apoptosis, as observed by morphological analysis in cell stained with DAPI. The percentages of annexin V-FITC positive cells were 8.92%, 17.8%, 24.5% and 30.5% in MCF-7 cells treated with 0, 15, 30 and $60{\mu}M$ of 20(S)-PPD, respectively. Moreover, 20(S)-PPD could induce mitochondrial membrane potential loss, up-regulate Bax expression and down-regulate Bcl-2 expression. These events paralleled activation of caspase-9, -3 and PARP cleavage. Apoptosis induced by 20(S)-PPD was blocked by z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, suggesting induction of caspase-mediated apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, the 20(S)-PPD investigated is able to inhibit cell proliferation and to induce cancer cell death by a caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Prognostic Role of Nucleophosmin in Colorectal Carcinomas

Yang, Yu-Feng,Zhang, Xi-Ying,Yang, Mei,He, Ze-Hua,Peng, Ning-Fu,Xie, Shu-Rui,Xie, Yan-Fang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Aim: Recent research suggests that nucleophosmin (NPM) may be a prognostic marker in colorectal carcinomas (CRC). We here tested its use to predict the survival of CRC patients. Methods: We investigated NPM expression by immunohistochemistry in histologically normal to malignant colorectal tissues and evaluated its association with clinicopathological variables. Overall and disease-free survival after tumor removal were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences in survival curves were analyzed by the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. Results: NPM expression was found significantly upregulated in CRC compared to adjacent colorectal tissue, villous adenoma, tubular adenoma and normal colorectal mucosa (p<0.05 for all). NPM expression was statistically linked to cancer embolus, lymph node metastasis, differentiation grade, and recurrence of CRC. Overall and disease-free survival of NPM-negative CRC patients tended to be better than those for patients with NPM-positive lesions (log-rank statistic, p<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis indicated NPM expression as an independent prognostic indicator for CRC patients (p<0.05 ). Conclusion: Our results suggest that NPM expression can predict the survival of CRC patients. Prognosis of CRC is determined by not only many known prognostic factors but also by NPM expression.