Lignin Based Flexible Electromagnetic Shielding PU Synergized with Graphite

Jia Zhang,Yunxia Qi,Yumei Zhang,Jinchi Duan,Bairun Liu,Baijun Liu,Zhaoyan Sun,Yiquan Xu,Wei Hu,Niaona Zhang 한국섬유공학회 2021 Fibers and polymers Vol.22 No.1

In this paper, lignin (L)-based polyurethane (FeGLPU) with excellent electromagnetic shielding properties wasprepared and studied. The modified reduced iron powder was modified with KH550, and then the obtained modified reducediron powder (Fe) was mixed with lignin, polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and graphite(G) to in-situ synthesize the FeGLPU. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, electronic conductivity, and morphologyof the composite FeGLPU were characterized in detail. The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) ofFeGLPU was tested in the frequency range of 8.2-26.5 GHz. When the content of Fe and G was fixed at 10 % and the lignincontent was 5 %, the maximum EMI SE was 21.6 dB, and the frequency width of EMI SE greater than 10 dB was 18.3 GHz. The conductivity was 4.27×10-4 S/m, and the tensile strength of Fe10G10L5PU reached 11.7 MPa. When the lignin contentincreased to be 20 %, the maximum EMI SE was 22.5 dB, and the frequency width of EMI SE greater than 10 dB was18.3 GHz. The conductivity was 1.06×10-2 S/m, and the thermal decomposition temperature T5 (5 % weight loss) reached234 °C. The obtained excellent EMI SE should be due to the synergistic effect of Fe, G and lignin. It can be observed fromthe SEM observation that the G and Fe are uniformly dispersed in PU matrix with strong interfacial interaction. It wasillustrated that the prepared FeGLPU was with efficient electromagnetic shielding properties, good mechanical properties,and high thermal stability. This lignin based electromagnetic shielding PU was proposed to have broad application prospectsdue to its low expenses and ecology friendliness.

Which Indicator Among Lumbar Vertebral Hounsfield Unit, Vertebral Bone Quality, or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Measured Bone Mineral Density Is More Efficacious in Predicting Thoracolumbar Fragility Fractures?

Bo Zhang,Lu-Ping Zhou,Xian-Liang Zhang,Dui Li,Jia-Qi Wang,Chong-Yu Jia,Hua-Qing Zhang,Liang Kang,Ren-Jie Zhang,Cai-Liang Shen 대한척추신경외과학회 2023 Neurospine Vol.20 No.4

Objective: Hounsfield units (HU), vertebral bone quality (VBQ), and bone mineral density (BMD) can all serve as predictive indicators for thoracolumbar fragility fractures. This study aims to explore which indicator provides better risk prediction for thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Methods: Patients who have received medical attention from The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University for thoracolumbar fragility fractures were selected. A total of 78 patients with thoracolumbar fragility fractures were included in the study. To establish a control group, 78 patients with degenerative spinal diseases were matched to the fracture group on the basis of gender, age, and body mass index. The lumbar vertebral HU, the VBQ, and the BMD were obtained for all the 156 patients through computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The correlations among these parameters were analyzed. The area under curve (AUC) analysis was employed to assess the predictive efficacy and thresholds of lumbar vertebral HU, VBQ, and BMD in relation to the risk of thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Results: Among the cohort of 156 patients, lumbar vertebral HU exhibited a positive correlation with BMD (p < 0.01). Conversely, VBQ showed a negative correlation with HU, BMD (p < 0.05). HU and BMD displayed a favorable predictive efficacy for thoracolumbar fragility fractures (p < 0.01), with HU (AUC = 0.863) showcasing the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the DEXA-measured BMD (AUC = 0.813). VBQ (AUC = 0.602) ranked lowest among the 3 indicators. The thresholds for predicting thoracolumbar fragility fractures were as follows: HU (88),VBQ (3.37), and BMD (0.81). Conclusion: All 3 of these indicators, HU, VBQ, and BMD, can predict thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Notably, lumbar vertebral HU exhibits the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the BMD obtained through DEXA scanning, with VBQ demonstrating the lowest predictive efficacy.

Associations of TNF-RII rs1061622 With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Their Interplays on Serum Lipids Levels in Adolescents

Ji Cheng Zhang,Jin Hua Wang,Jun Yi Liu,Qi Wei Guo,Jia Lin,Yi Lin Shen,Ke Xin Jia,Jia Jing Cai,Guo Ming Su,Ding Zhi Fang 대한신경정신의학회 2023 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.20 No.11

Objective To verify effects of rs1061622 at tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II (TNF-RII) gene (<i>TNF-RII</i>) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its interactive effects with PTSD on serum lipids levels in adolescents.Methods PTSD was measured by PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) in 699 adolescent survivors at 6 months after Wenchuan earthquake in China. A polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay were utilized for <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 genotyping followed by verification using DNA sequencing. Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were tested using routine methods.Results G (deoxyguanine) allele carriers had higher PCL-C scores than TT (deoxythymidine) homozygotes in female subjects. Female adolescents had higher PCL-C scores than male subjects in TT homozygotes. Predictors of PTSD prevalence and severity were different between G allele carriers and TT homozygotes. Subjects with PTSD had lower TG, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and higher HDL-C than adolescents without PTSD in male G allele carriers. G allele carriers had higher TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C than TT homozygotes in male adolescents without PTSD, and lower TG and TG/HDL-C in male PTSD patients. G allele carriers had higher TG than TT homozygotes only in female adolescents without PTSD.Conclusion These results suggest reciprocal actions of <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 with other factors on PTSD severity, interplays of <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 with PTSD on serum lipid levels, and novel treatment strategies for PTSD and comorbidities of PTSD with hyperlipidemia among adolescents with different genetic backgrounds of <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 after experiencing traumatic events.

Effect of humidity on mechanical properties of dissolving microneedles for transdermal drug delivery

Qi Lei Wang,Jia Wei Ren,Bo Zhi Chen,Xuan Jin,Can Yang Zhang,Xin Dong Guo 한국공업화학회 2018 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.59 No.-

Dissolving microneedles (DMNs) prepared from soluble polymers has been being widely investigated as a safe and effective transdermal delivery system for drug and vaccine. Limited by the materials, the air humidity would probably affect the mechanical property of DMNs, which is essential for the effective needle insertions and drug delivery. In this study, four kinds DMNs prepared by polyvinyl alcohol, sodium hyaluronate (HA), chitosan and gelatin are studied on the mechanical strength and insertion ability under varying humidity conditions. Based on these investigations, we hope to provide the effective time of DMNs to ensure a successful insertion and drug delivery.

Phenylpropanoids and Lignanoids from Euonymus acanthocarpus

Jia Xian Zhu,Hui Zi Jin,Jie Ren,Jiang Jiang Qin,Xiangrong Cheng,Qi Zeng,Fei Zhang,Shi Kai Yan,Wei Dong Zhang 대한약학회 2012 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.35 No.10

A new phenylpropanoid derivative (1), along with five phenylpropanoids (2-6), two monoepoxy lignans (8-9), one bisepoxy lignan (10), two cyclolignans (11-12), six neolignans (7, 13-17), two mixed lignan-neolignans (18-19), two lignan glycosides (20-21), and four flavonolignans (22-25), were isolated from the stems and twigs of Euonymus acanthocarpus. Compounds 2-3, 6-8, 12,and 14-25 were obtained from Celastraceae family for the first time, and compounds 5 and 9 were isolated from Euonymus genus for the first time. All the compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against SK-OV-3 and MCG-803 human tumor cell lines. Compounds 3, 10, 12, and 18 showed weak cytotoxicity against SK-OV-3 cell line, and compounds 3-4, 10-13, and 19 showed weak cytotoxicity against MCG-803 cell line.

Metrological performance investigation of swirl flowmeter affected by vortex inflow

Qi Liu,Jia-hui Ye,Guang Zhang,Zhe Lin,Hong-guang Xu,Zu-chao Zhu 대한기계학회 2019 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.33 No.6

In fluid transportation industries, long straight transition pipelines upstream of flowmeters are required to eliminate the influence of disturbed inflow on flow metering accuracy. To ensure an accurate flow measurement, the straight transition pipeline, which is often lengthy, can be shortened, particularly when the installation space is limited. However, the characteristics of disturbed flow (mainly characterized by vortex inflow) evolving along the straight transition pipeline to affect the metrological performance must be investigated for optimizing the pipeline length. The objective of this study was to investigate the metrological performance of a swirl flowmeter affected by the vortex inflow caused by flow regulation with a sleeve valve. The effect of a straight transition pipeline length upstream of a swirl flowmeter on the evolving characteristics of the vortex inflow was investigated experimentally and by conducting a numerical simulation under flow regulation parameters, including valve openings and flow velocities. The flow coefficients for different straight transition pipeline lengths were investigated to verify the flow simulation. The periodic pressure variation in the swirl flowmeter was monitored and its corresponding characteristic frequency was analyzed. It was found that the metrological characteristics of the swirl flowmeter were extremely affected by a smaller valve opening, which can be improved by lengthening the straight transition pipeline. By analyzing the velocity vector and vorticity in the internal flow field, the vortex inflow was found to be vulnerable to dissipation within a longer straight transition pipeline. The average vorticity at the cross-section of the entrance to the swirl flowmeter was adopted to evaluate the inflow vortex intensity. Additionally, a power curve model was established to assess the critical characteristic frequency determined by the maximum unaffected inflow vorticity for different straight transition pipeline lengths. This study can provide helpful insights to the metrological performance and pipeline arrangement in the field of fluid transportation engineering.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Changes in the Bovine Whey Proteome during the Transition from Colostrum to Milk

Zhang, Le-Ying,Wang, Jia-Qi,Yang, Yong-Xin,Bu, Deng-Pan,Li, Shan-Shan,Zhou, Ling-Yun Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2011 Animal Bioscience Vol.24 No.2

Bovine whey protein expression patterns of colostrum are much different from that of milk. Moreover, bovine colostrum is an important source of protective, nutritional and developmental factors for the newborn. However, to our knowledge, no research has been performed to date using a comparative proteomic method on the changes in the bovine whey proteome during the transition from colostrum to milk. This study therefore separated whey protein of days 1, 3, 7 and 21 after calving using two dimension electrophoresis. Differentially expressed proteins at different collection times were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in order to understand the developmental changes in the bovine whey proteome during the transition from colostrum to milk. The expression patterns of whey protein of days 1 and 3 post-partum were similar except that immunoglobulin G was down-regulated on day 3, and four proteins were found to be down-regulated on days 7 and 21 compared with day 1 after delivering, including immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, albumin, and lactotransferrin, which are involved in immunity and molecule transport. The results of this study confirm the comparative proteomic method has the advantage over other methods such as ELISA and immunoassays in that it can simultaneously detect more differentially expressed proteins. In addition, the difference in composition of milk indicates a need for adjustment of the colostrum feeding regimen to ensure a protective immunological status for newborn calves.

— Invited Review — Understanding the functionality of the rumen microbiota: searching for better opportunities for rumen microbial manipulation

Qi Wenlingli,Xue Ming-Yuan,Jia Ming-Hui,Zhang Shuxian,Yan Qiongxian,Sun Hui-Zeng 아세아·태평양축산학회 2024 Animal Bioscience Vol.37 No.2

Rumen microbiota play a central role in the digestive process of ruminants. Their remarkable ability to break down complex plant fibers and proteins, converting them into essential organic compounds that provide animals with energy and nutrition. Research on rumen microbiota not only contributes to improving animal production performance and enhancing feed utilization efficiency but also holds the potential to reduce methane emissions and environmental impact. Nevertheless, studies on rumen microbiota face numerous challenges, including complexity, difficulties in cultivation, and obstacles in functional analysis. This review provides an overview of microbial species involved in the degradation of macromolecules, the fermentation processes, and methane production in the rumen, all based on cultivation methods. Additionally, the review introduces the applications, advantages, and limitations of emerging omics technologies such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics, in investigating the functionality of rumen microbiota. Finally, the article offers a forward-looking perspective on the new horizons and technologies in the field of rumen microbiota functional research. These emerging technologies, with continuous refinement and mutual complementation, have deepened our understanding of rumen microbiota functionality, thereby enabling effective manipulation of the rumen microbial community.

The evaluation of online course of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Medical Bachelor, Bachelor of Surgery international students during the COVID-19 epidemic period

Zhang Qing,He Yi-Jing,Zhu Yu-Hang,Dai Min-Chen,Pan Man-Man,Wu Jia-Qi,Zhang Xian,Gu Ying-Er,Wang Fang-Fang,Xu Xiang-Rong,Qu Fan 한국한의학연구원 2020 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.9 No.3

Background: During the COVID-19 epidemic period, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) course for international students of Medical Bachelor, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in Zhejiang University has shifted from traditional classroom to online environment. This study aimed to investigate MBBS international students’ perception on online TCM course, and to assess the online learning efficacy. Methods: A total of 84 MBBS international students attending course of “Basic Traditional Chinese Medicine” during 2020 academic years at Zhejiang University were enrolled in this study. A quantitative questionnaire was respectively completed before and after the TCM course using a pretest–post-test design. By means of two online learning platforms, Learning in ZJU and DingTalk, TCM course was broadcast in both live and archived format to students. Results: A total of 48 participants completed both baseline and follow-up questionnaires. The majority of participants preferred face-to-face classroom learning (26, 54.17% of total) when compared with online learning. Students felt that the course had brought in much benefits (mean 3.88, SD 0.87), and they were satisfied with the course content (mean 3.83, SD 0.95). Students’ TCM related knowledge and their behaviors of discussion and consulting were significantly improved by online TCM course (all P < 0.001). Students’ awareness of the necessity of TCM education and their feeling of difficulty in learning TCM were significantly strengthened (P = 0.042, 0.025, respectively). Conclusion: Online learning is a good alternative for TCM course of MBBS international students when classroom learning is suspended, whereas it cannot replace the need for onsite and face-to-face learning.

Recombinant Human Thioredoxin-1 Protects Macrophages from Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Foam Cell Formation and Cell Apoptosis

Zhang, Hui,Liu, Qi,Lin, Jia-Le,Wang, Yu,Zhang, Ruo-Xi,Hou, Jing-Bo,Yu, Bo The Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology 2018 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.26 No.2

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage foam cell formation and apoptosis play critical roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx) is an antioxidant that potently protects various cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death. However, the protective effect of Trx on ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation and apoptosis has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the effect of recombinant human Trx (rhTrx) on ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and elucidate the possible mechanisms. RhTrx significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation and apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages. RhTrx also suppressed the ox-LDL-induced overproduction of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1), Bax and activated caspase-3, but it increased the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, rhTrx markedly inhibited the ox-LDL-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Furthermore, anisomycin (a p38 MAPK activator) abolished the protective effect of rhTrx on ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) exerted a similar effect as rhTrx. Collectively, these findings indicate that rhTrx suppresses ox-LDL-stimulated foam cell formation and macrophage apoptosis by inhibiting ROS generation, p38 MAPK activation and LOX-1 expression. Therefore, we propose that rhTrx has therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.