Biodegradable cross-linked poly(L-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) networks for ureteral stent formed by gamma irradiation under vacuum

Xiliang Liu,Song Liu,Youkun Fan,Jin Qi,Xin Wang,Wei Bai,Dongliang Chen,Chengdong Xiong,Lifang Zhang 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.104 No.-

The poly(L-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) (PLCL) ureteral stent creeps and loses shape stability, increasingthe risk of stent tube dislocation. The rubbery biodegradable cross-linked PLCL networks were preparedthrough gamma irradiation under vacuum in the presence of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA),pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PET4A), and pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA). At a standard sterilizationdose of 25 kGy, the gel content and network density of PLCL networks increased with increasingcrosslinking agent content (1, 3, 5, 7 wt%), and crosslinking efficiency decreased in the order ofPETA > PET4A > TMPTA. The average molecular weight (Mc ) between two crosslinks ranged from 2000to 105 g/mol. To perform the beneficial semi-interpenetrated polymer network and characterized bythe principle, the networks were processed in several doses (25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 kGy). In place ofthe Charlesby-Pinner equation, the irradiation cross-linking followed the Chen-Liu-Tang equation. ThePLCL network with 7 wt% PETA had a gel fraction of 83%, tensile strength of 34.7 MPa, and tensile setvalue as low as 5%. Furthermore, degradation in vitro was slowed down. Thus, PLCL networks with appropriateelasticity and flexibility, inherent biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility can provide apromising alternative method for soft tissue repair engineering, such as ureteral stents.

Self-assembled wide bandgap nanocoatings enabled outstanding dielectric characteristics in the sandwich-like structure polymer composites

Wang Tian-Yu,Li Xiao-Fen,Liu Shu-Ming,Liu Bai-Xin,Liang Xi-Dong,Li Shunning,Zhang Gui-Xin,Liu Jian-Bo,Dang Zhi-Min 나노기술연구협의회 2022 Nano Convergence Vol.9 No.55

Polymer dielectrics are insulators or energy storage materials widely used in electrical and electronic devices. Polymer dielectrics are needed with outstanding dielectric characteristics than current technologies. In this study, the self-assembly of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) was applied to form an inorganic–organic nanocoating on various common polymer dielectrics. It is inexpensive and easy to fabricate this thin coating on a large scale. The coating has a wide bandgap and thus can significantly improve the breakdown strength of polymer dielectrics. The charge characteristics and trapping parameters of nano-domains on the surfaces of polymer dielectrics were measured, and the coating had shallow trap levels. This facilitated the dissipation of surface charges and thus greatly increased the flashover voltage. The coating also effectively improved the temperature stability and dielectric constant of the polymer dielectric. This nanocoating shows potential as a method to effectively improve the dielectric characteristics of polymer dielectrics and outperform existing composite polymer dielectrics, which are crucial for large-scale applications in energy storage and power and electronic devices.

RNA binding protein QKI contributes to WT1 mRNA and suppresses apoptosis in ST cells

Xin Liu,Jia Guo,Mengjiao Zhou,Yuwei Yang,Mengdi Liang,Chunyan Bai,Zhihui Zhao,Boxing Sun 한국유전학회 2017 Genes & Genomics Vol.39 No.9

The RNA binding protein quaking (QKI), a key member of the STAR family, as an upstream gene could involve in much process including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and so on. However, the roles of QKI in germ cell, especially in swine testis (ST) cells, was not clear currently. And apoptosis plays important roles in the growth and development. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the relationship between QKI and apoptosis in ST cells. Firstly, our results showed that pEF1α- QKI and shQKI3 have clear effects on expression levels of QKI. Secondly, we established that QKI directly binds to WT1 3′UTR by binding with QRE-1 (2046–2052 bp, ACT AAC ) only. Furthermore, QKI overexpression significantly increased the expression levels of WT1 and Bcl-2. QKI also has the effect on delaying the degradation of WT1 mRNA. In addition, we verified that QKI had a significantly suppressed apoptosis in ST cells. Finally, pBI-WT1 could make up for shQKI3-induced decrease in WT1, Bcl-2 mRNA levels and suppress apoptosis in ST cells. The results demonstrated that QKI was an important regulatory factor that affects apoptosis by targeting WT1 gene.

Coupling conversion of methanol and 1-butylene to propylene on HZSM-5 molecular sieve catalysts prepared by different methods

Xin Zhang,Ting Bai,Xiling Liu,Tengfei Chen,Wentao Fan 한국화학공학회 2016 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.33 No.7

A series of HZSM-5 catalysts were synthesized by different methods. The physicochemical properties of the HZSM-5 catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, N2 isothermal adsorption-desorption, NH3-TPD, Py-IR and TGA, respectively. The results indicated that different preparation conditions lead to different morphologies, textures and the distribution of acid sites. The nanosized HZSM-5 catalysts exhibited better catalytic reactivity and coke capacity than the micro-sized HZSM-5 because nanosized HZSM-5 had larger specific surface area, higher pore volume, more exposed channels and more accessible acid sites. The large particles of NZ-3 in a reasonable range and the smooth surface were conducive to product diffusion; therefore, NZ-3 exhibited higher specific propylene yield and stability than the other nanosized catalysts. The moderate density and distribution of acid sites on NZ-3 also favored the formation of propylene.

Promoter demethylation mediates the expression of ZNF645, a novel cancer/testis gene

( Gang Bai ),( Yun Qiang Liu ),( Hao Zhang ),( Dan Su ),( Da Chang Tao ),( Yuan Yang ),( Yong Xin Ma ),( Si Zhong Zhang ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.6

Cancer/testis (CT) antigens exhibit highly tissue-restricted expression and are considered promising targets for cancer vaccines. Here we identified a novel CT gene ZNF645 which restrictively expresses in normal human testes and lung cancer patients (68.3%). To investigate the promoter methylation status of ZNF645, we carried out bisulfite genomic sequencing and found that the CpG island in its promoter was heavily methylated in normal lung tissues without the expression of ZNF645, whereas there was high demethylation in normal human testes and lung carcinoma tissues with its expression. Also ZNF645 could be remarkably activated in A549 and HEK293T cells treated by DNA demethylation agent 5`-aza-2`-deoxycytidine. And the dual luciferase assay revealed that the promoter activity of the ZNF645 was inhibited by methylation of the CpG island region. Therefore, we proposed that ZNF645 is a CT gene and activated in human testis and lung cancers by demethylation of its promoter region. [BMB reports 2010; 43(6): 400-406]

Wnt/β-Catenin Promotes the Osteoblastic Potential of BMP9 Through Down-Regulating Cyp26b1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Yao Xin-Tong,Li Pei-pei,Liu Jiang,Yang Yuan-Yuan,Luo Zhen-Ling,Jiang Hai-Tao,He Wen-Ge,Luo Hong-Hong,Deng Yi-Xuan,He Bai-Cheng 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2023 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.20 No.5

BACKGROUND: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) promotes the osteogenic differentiation induced by bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9), but the intrinsic relationship between BMP9 and ATRA keeps unknown. Herein, we investigated the effect of Cyp26b1, a critical enzyme of ATRA degradation, on the BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and unveiled possible mechanism through which BMP9 regulates the expression of Cyp26b1. METHODS: ATRA content was detected with ELISA and HPLC–MS/MS. PCR, Western blot, and histochemical staining were used to assay the osteogenic markers. Fetal limbs culture, cranial defect repair model, and micro–computed tomographic were used to evaluate the quality of bone formation. IP and ChIP assay were used to explore possible mechanism. RESULTS: We found that the protein level of Cyp26b1 was increased with age, whereas the ATRA content decreased. The osteogenic markers induced by BMP9 were increased by inhibiting or silencing Cyp26b1 but reduced by exogenous Cyp26b1. The BMP9-induced bone formation was enhanced by inhibiting Cyp26b1. The cranial defect repair was promoted by BMP9, which was strengthened by silencing Cyp26b1 and reduced by exogenous Cyp26b1. Mechanically, Cyp26b1 was reduced by BMP9, which was enhanced by activating Wnt/b-catenin, and reduced by inhibiting this pathway. b-catenin interacts with Smad1/5/9, and both were recruited at the promoter of Cyp26b1. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested the BMP9-induced osteoblastic differentiation was mediated by activating retinoic acid signalling, viadown-regulating Cyp26b1. Meanwhile, Cyp26b1 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of bone-related diseases or accelerating bone-tissue engineering.

Effect of passivator DHJ-C on the growth and cadmium accumulation of Brassica napus in Cd-contaminated soil

Wang Xin,Liu Qian,Wan Yunbao,Cao Chenxi,Bai Jiuyuan,Wang Rui,Zhao Yun 한국응용생명화학회 2021 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.64 No.2

The farmland polluted by cadmium is increasing drastically, which seriously threatened agricultural production and food safety. Nowadays, efficient and convenient way to solve the problem is urgently needed. In this experiment, a particular compound passivator DHJ-C was applied for soil remediation by pot experiment and the effect on both soil and plant was evaluated. The DHJ-C reduced the toxicity of Cd on soil enzyme activity and growth inhibition on Brassica napus. The soil urease and sucrase activity were significantly increased. The dry weight of mature oilseed rape increased by 14.6–36.0% and the yield of seeds increased by 14.1–52% per plant, which suggested that the passivator effectively reduced the detrimental effects on rape. Similarly, the results of physiology and biochemistry also indicated that DHJ-C can distinctly alleviate the inhibitory effect of Cd on plant growth. Such as the MDA content in plant was reduced by 52.1% in 10 mg/kg Cd treatment. Compared with control, Cd accumulation in seedling stage and mature period was significantly reduced as the concentration of Cd in aboveground part even decreased by 18.4 and 32.0% respectively. Overall, DHJ-C hold sufficient ability to be applied as an excellent passivator to reduce Cd toxicity in contaminated soil and significantly increase the yield of rapeseed.

UHPLC–HRMS based saponins profiling of three morphological regions in American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) and their correlation with the antioxidant activity

Yuxin Bai,Guangzhi Cai,Na Guo,Xin Huang,Jiyu Gong,Shu-Ying Liu,Yun-Long Guo,Wei Wang 한국식품과학회 2024 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.33 No.7

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) is used as tonic plant and high-grade nourishment. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS) method was established for identifying the chemical constituent in three morphological regions of American ginseng, including main root (MR), rhizome (RH) and lateral root (LR). The 63 saponins was identified in different morphological regions of 10 American ginseng samples. The chemical maker compounds in corresponding morphological region, while the major compounds of MR (malonyl-ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rd, Rs2 and pseudo-RC1), LR (stipuleanoside R2, ginsenoside Re and malonyl-ginsenoside Rc), and RH (malonyl-ginsenoside Rd, Rb3, and chikusetsu saponin II) were discovered. Correlation analysis showed that 11 compounds were positively correlated with the antioxidant activity of American ginseng.

miR-27a as an Oncogenic microRNA of Hepatitis B Virus-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Wu, Xin-Jun,Li, Yan,Liu, Dong,Zhao, Lun-De,Bai, Bin,Xue, Ming-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.2

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional interactions with mRNA. miRNAs have recently emerged as key regulators of various cancers. Although miR-27a has been implicated in several other cancers, its role in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. In this study, we showed miR-27a to be frequently up-regulated in HCC tissues and HCC cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7). Overexpression of miR-27a enhanced cell proliferation, promoted migration and invasion, and activated cell cycling in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. In summary, our results suggest that up-regulation of miR-27a may play an oncogenic role in the development of HCC and might thus be a new therapeutic target in HCC patients.

miR-375 down-regulation of the rearranged L-myc fusion and hypoxia-induced gene domain protein 1A genes and effects on Sertoli cell proliferation

Guo, Jia,Liu, Xin,Yang, Yuwei,Liang, Mengdi,Bai, Chunyan,Zhao, Zhihui,Sun, Boxing Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.8

Objective: This study aimed to screen and identify the target genes of miR-375 in pig Sertoli (ST) cells and to elucidate the effect of miR-375 on the proliferation of ST cells. Methods: In this study, bioinformatics software was used to predict and verify miR-375 target genes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the relationship between miR-375 and its target genes in ST cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of rearranged L-myc fusion (RLF) and hypoxia-induced gene domain protein 1A (HIGD1A) was performed on porcine ST cells, which were transfected with a miR-375 mimics and inhibitor to verify the results. Dual luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to assess the interactions among miR-375, RLF, and HIGD1A. The effect of miR-375 on the proliferation of ST cells was analyzed by CellTiter 96 AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS). Results: Five possible target genes of miR-375, including RLF, HIGD1A, colorectal cancer associated 2, POU class 3 homeobox 1, and WW domain binding protein 1 like, were found. The results of quantitative PCR suggested that mRNA expression of RLF and HIGD1A had a negative correlation with miR-375, indicating that RLF and HIGD1A are likely the target genes of miR-375. The ELISA results revealed that RLF and HIGD1A were negatively correlated with the miR-375 protein level. The luminescence results for the miR-375 group cotransfected with wild-type RLF and HIGD1A vector were significantly lower than those of the miR-375 group co-transfected with the blank vector or mutant RLF and HIGD1A vectors. The present findings suggest that RLF and HIGD1A are target genes of miR-375 and that miR-375 inhibits ST cell proliferation according to MTS analysis. Conclusion: It was speculated that miR-375 affects cell proliferation through its target genes, which play an important role in the development of testicular tissue.