Elevated Serum Levels of Visfatin in Patients with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

( Na Cao ),( Tao Chen ),( Zai Pei Guo ),( Meng Meng Li ),( Xiao Yan Jiao ) 대한피부과학회 2014 Annals of Dermatology Vol.26 No.3

Background: Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an immune complex-mediated disease predominantly characterized by the deposition of circulating immune complexes containing immunoglobulin A (IgA) on the walls of small vessels. Although the pathogenesis of HSP is not yet fully understood, some researchers proposed that B-cell activation might play a critical role in the development of this disease. Objective: To investigate the serum levels of visfatin (pre-B-cell colony- enhancing factor), B-cell-activating factor (BAFF), and CXCL13, and to analyze their association with disease severity. Methods: The serum levels of visfatin, BAFF, and CXCL13 were measured by using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 43 patients with HSP and 45 controls. The serum levels of IgA anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were detected by using a double-antigen sandwich ELISA. Results: Levels of visfatin but not BAFF and CXCL13 were significantly elevated in the sera of patients with HSP in the acute stage, and restored to normal levels in the convalescent stage. Furthermore, serum levels of visfatin were significantly higher in patients with HSP having renal involvement than in those without renal involvement. Serum levels of visfatin were correlated with the severity of HSP and serum concentration of ACA-IgA. Conclusion: We show for the first time that the serum levels of visfatin are abnormally elevated in patients with HSP. Visfatin may be associated with the pathogenesis of HSP. (Ann Dermatol 26(3) 303∼307, 2014)

Fabrication and Characterization of Graphene Enriched Polysulfon Amide Nanocomposites by Electrospinning System

Na Meng,Yuansheng Zheng,Binjie Xin 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.2

In this paper, we report on the fabrication and characterization of poly(sulfone amide)/graphene (PSA/G) nonwoven based nanocomposite mat assembled via electrospinning technique. Different types of nanocomposite mats were electrospun by varying the weight percentage of graphene in the polymer solution. The surface morphologies, chemical structural, thermal, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated systematically. The morphology of the PSA/G nanocomposites exhibited that mesh-like ultrafine nanofibers were densely aligned. Thermal stability and electrical properties of the PSA/G composites could be improved obviously with the addition of graphene. And the thickness uniformity of the nanocomposite mat was improved by using an electrospinning system. Our experimental results suggested that the PSA/G nanocomposites have potential to serve in many different applications, especially in the area of electronic components.

Preparation and characterization of merlinoite for potassium extraction from seawater

Na Jin,Jin Hou,Chunxia Meng 한국공업화학회 2014 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.20 No.4

The preparation of zeolites for potassium extraction was extensively investigated by hydrothermal method without organic template. The K+ ion-exchange capacities of synthetic zeolites in seawater were tested. Merlinoite with high ion-exchange capacity was successfully synthesized in the synthesis gel with the molar composition of 15K2O:12SiO2:Al2O3:570H2O. The K+ ion-exchange capacity of merlinoite is 58.7 mg/g in seawater, and therefore it can be used to extract potassium selectively from seawater. Merlinoite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy. Merlinoite crystal which is mainly composed of Si, Al, K and O exhibits a square pillar shape.

Cloning of α-Farnesene Synthase cDNA and its Expression in Relation to α-Farnesene Synthesis in ‘White Pearman’ Apple

Meng Li,Yuan-Hu Zhang,Na Sui 한국원예학회 2006 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Facile Fabrication of Electrospun Silica Nanofibrous Membrane with Hydrophobic, Oleophilic and Breathable Performances

Meng-Jie Chang,Xiao-Jiao Chai,Wen-Na Cui,Jun Liu 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.4

We report a simple and versatile method to prepare hydrophobic composite SiO2 membrane. The electrospun SiO2 membrane was selected due to its good flexibility and thermal stability. The hydrophobic SiO2 membrane was succussfully prepared by simply evaporating a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer on the fiber surface. The characterization results show that the PDMS layer is too thin to be observed. The PDMS coating has no influence on the porous structure of the fibrous membrane, but imparts the good hydrophobicity and oleophilicity to the SiO2 nanofibers. As demonstration, the hydrophobic SiO2-PDMS membrane displays good oil absorption performance from the oil/water mixture, as well as filtration membrane for oil/water separation. Additionally, due to the proper pore size and hydrophobic surface, the SiO2- PDMS membrane shows good waterproof performance and breathability at the same time.

ACOX1 destabilizes p73 to suppress intrinsic apoptosis pathway and regulates sensitivity to doxorubicin in lymphoma cells

( Fei-meng Zheng ),( Wang-bing Chen ),( Tao Qin ),( Li-na Lv ),( Bi Feng ),( Yan-ling Lu ),( Zuo-quan Li ),( Xiao-chao Wang ),( Li-ju Tao ),( Hong-wen Li ),( Shu-you Li ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2019 BMB Reports Vol.52 No.9

Lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer. However, drug resistance is the main challenge faced in lymphoma treatment. Peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid β-oxidation. Deregulation of ACOX1 has been linked to peroxisomal disorders and carcinogenesis in the liver. Currently, there is no information about the function of ACOX1 in lymphoma. In this study, we found that upregulation of ACOX1 promoted proliferation in lymphoma cells, while downregulation of ACOX1 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. Additionally, overexpression of ACOX1 increased resistance to doxorubicin, while suppression of ACOX1 expression markedly potentiated doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, downregulation of ACOX1 promoted mitochondrial location of Bad, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and provoked apoptosis by activating caspase-9 and caspase-3 related apoptotic pathway. Overexpression of ACOX1 alleviated doxorubicin-induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Importantly, downregulation of ACOX1 increased p73, but not p53, expression. p73 expression was critical for apoptosis induction induced by ACOX1 downregulation. Also, overexpression of ACOX1 significantly reduced stability of p73 protein thereby reducing p73 expression. Thus, our study indicated that suppression of ACOX1 could be a novel and effective approach for treatment of lymphoma. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(9): 566-571]

Lack of Effects of Dietary Folate Intake on Risk of Breast Cancer: An Updated Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies

Liu, Meng,Cui, Lian-Hua,Ma, Ai-Guo,Li, Na,Piao, Jin-Mei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Background: Epidemiological findings are controversial relating to the relationship between dietary folate intake and the risk of breast cancer. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to clarify this association. Materials and Methods: PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases were searched for all relevant literature published in English from January 1, 1966 to August 2013. Summary relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed or random effects model. Results: Dietary folate intake was not significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer. The combined RR with 95%CI for the highest vs. lowest category dietary intake of folate [fifteen studies; 1,836,566 participants and 24,083 patients with breast cancer] was 0.98 (0.90-1.05). Among subgroup analysis by menstrual status, hormonal status and the consumption of alcohol, methionine and vitamin B12, no significant association was observed for the dietary intake of folate and the risk of breast cancer. Dose-response analysis showed that a 220 ${\mu}g/day$ increment in dietary folate intake was not associated with the risk of breast cancer. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that dietary folate intake has no significant effect on the risk of breast cancer.

Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of a New Phytase from the Phytopathogenic Bacterium Pectobacterium wasabiae DSMZ 18074

( Shao Na ),( Huo Qing Huang ),( Kun Meng ),( Hui Ying Luo ),( Ya Ru Wang ),( Pei Long Yang ),( Bin Yao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2008 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.18 No.7

Gut Microbiota Alteration Influences Colorectal Cancer Metastasis to the Liver by Remodeling the Liver Immune Microenvironment

Yuan Na,Li Xiaoyan,Wang Meng,Zhang Zhilin,Qiao Lu,Gao Yamei,Xu Xinjian,Zhi Jie,Li Yang,Li Zhongxin,Jia Yitao 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2022 Gut and Liver Vol.16 No.4

Background/Aims:This study aimed to explore the effect of gut microbiota-regulated Kupffer cells (KCs) on colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis. Methods: A series of in vivo and in vitro researches were showed to demonstrate the gut microbiota and its possible mechanism in CRC liver metastasis. Results: Fewer liver metastases were identified in the ampicillin-streptomycin-colistin and colistin groups. Increased proportions of Parabacteroides goldsteinii, Bacteroides vulgatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, and Bacteroides uniformis were observed in the colistin group. The significant expansion of KCs was identified in the ampicillin-streptomycin-colistin and colistin groups. B. vulgatus levels were positively correlated with KC levels. More liver metastases were observed in the vancomycin group. An increased abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis and Proteus mirabilis and an obvious reduction of KCs were noted in the vancomycin group. P. mirabilis levels were negatively related to KC levels. The number of liver metastatic nodules was increased in the P. mirabilis group and decreased in the B. vulgatus group. The number of KCs decreased in the P. mirabilis group and increased in the B. vulgatus group. In vitro, as P. mirabilis or B. vulgatus doses increased, there was an opposite effect on KC proliferation in dose- and time-dependent manners. P. mirabilis induced CT26 cell migration by controlling KC proliferation, whereas B. vulgatus prevented this migration. Conclusions: An increased abundance of P. mirabilis and decreased amount of B. vulgatus play key roles in CRC liver metastasis, which might be related to KC reductions in the liver.

Development of Phonological Representation in Typically Developing Preschoolers

김나연(Na-Yeon Kim),권상남(Sang-Nam Kwon),정일권(Il-Kwon Jeong),맹현수(Hyun-Su Meng),하지완(Ji-Wan Ha) 한국언어청각임상학회 2013 Communication Sciences and Disorders Vol.18 No.3

배경 및 목적: 장기기억 속에 저장되어 있는 단어의 음운정보인 음운표상은 연령이 높아지면서 더욱 세분화, 정교화되고, 이에 따라 어휘 각각에 음운적 뚜렷함과 변별성이 생기게 된다. 음운표상의 결함은 어휘 습득 및 인출 문제, 읽기장애, 말소리장애 등과 같은 여러 말-언어장애를 초래하는 요인일 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 학령전기 일반아동들을 대상으로 음운표상의 발달과정을 살펴보고, 음운표상의 정확성을 발달시키기 위하여 아동들이 어떠한 음운적 정보를 활용하는지 알아보고자 하였다. 방법: 4, 5, 6세 일반아동 54명을 대상으로, 음운표상 판단과제를 실시하여 정반응 점수와 반응시간을 측정하였다. 그리고 조작된 말소리 조건에 따라 대상자들의 정반응 점수에 차이가 있는지를 알아보기 위하여, 음운 단위, 단어 및 음절 내 분절음 위치, 변별자질과 같은 여러 가지 면을 고려하여 다양한 방법으로 말소리들을 조작하였다. 결과: 연령이 증가함에 따라 음운표상 판단과제를 수행하는 데에 판단의 정확도는 증가하였고, 반응시간은 빨라졌다. 그리고 이러한 수행력의 차이는 4세 집단과 6세 집단 간 통계적으로 유의하였다. 또한 음소 단위의 조작보다 음절 단위의 조작에서, 한 음소의 조작보다 두 음소의 조작에서, 종성 조작보다 초성 조작에서 아동의 판단 수행력이 유의하게 좋았다. 논의 및 결론: 연령이 높아짐에 따라 유사한 음운표상 간의 음운적 변별성을 판단하는 능력이 높아졌다는 본 연구의 결과는 연령이 높아질수록 음운적 뚜렷함, 즉, 음운표상의 질(quality of phonological representation)이 견고해진다는 것을 시사한다. 그리고 조작된 말소리 조건에 따른 아동들의 음운표상 판단과제 수행 결과를 종합하여 볼 때, 아동들은 음소 단위의 음향-음성학적 명료성에 근거하여 음운표상의 정확성을 발달시켜 나가는 것으로 판단된다. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the process of development of phonological representations and to determine what kinds of phonological information children use to develop accuracy in phonological representations in typically developing preschoolers. Methods: Phonological representation judgment tasks (PR judgment task) were given to 54 children aged 4-6 years and their phonological representation abilities were examined in correct response scores and reaction time. To examine whether the subjects' correct responses vary with manipulated phonological conditions, stimuli were manipulated in diverse methods considering various aspects, such as phonological units, segment positions in words and syllables, and distinctive features. Results: The accuracy in the performance of PR judgment tasks increased, and reaction time was shortened with increasing age. These differences in the ability to perform the tasks were statistically significant between the four-year-old children group and the six-year-old children group. The ability to perform judgment was significantly better in conditions manipulated by syllable than by phoneme, in conditions manipulated by two phonemes than by one phoneme, and in conditions manipulated by syllable-initial consonants than by syllable-final consonants. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that phonological distinctiveness, that is, the quality of phonological representations is improved over time. When the results of children's performance of PR judgment tasks under different manipulated stimuli are comprehensively considered, children are thought to develop accuracy in phonological representations based on acoustic-phonetic clarity of phoneme units.