miR-1246 inhibits NFATc1 phosphorylation and regulates Th17 cell activation in the pathogenesis of severe alopecia areata

Si-si Qi,Ying Miao,You-yu Sheng,Rui-ming Hu,Jun Zhao,Qin-ping Yang 대한피부과학회 2023 Annals of Dermatology Vol.35 No.1

Background: We found microRNA (miR)-1246 to be significantly differentially expressedbetween severe active alopecia areata (AA) patients and healthy individuals. Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of miR-1246 in severe AA. Methods: Expression of miR-1246, dual-specific tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase1A (DYRK1A), and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1c (NFATc1) in peripheral CD4+ Tcells and in scalp tissues of patients were detected using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistryassays. Peripheral CD4+ T cells from the AA patients were transfectedwith lentiviral vectors overexpressing miR-1246. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis wereused to measure mRNA or protein expression of retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclearreceptor gamma (ROR-γt), interleukin (IL)-17, DYRK1A, NFATc1, and phosphorylatedNFATc1. Flow cytometry was used to assay the CD4+IL-17+ cells proportion. ELISA wasused to measure cytokine levels. Results: miR-1246 levels decreased and DYRK1A and NFATc1 mRNA levels significantlyincreased in the peripheral CD4+ T cells and scalp tissues of severe active AA samples. NFATc1 protein expression was also significantly increased in the peripheral CD4+ T cellsbut not in the scalp tissues. NFATc1 positive cells were mainly distributed among infiltratinginflammatory cells around hair follicles. In peripheral CD4+ T cells of severe active AA,overexpression of miR-1246 resulted in significant downregulation of DYRK1A, NFATc1,ROR-γt, and IL-17 mRNA and phosphorylated NFATc1 protein, as well as a decrease in theCD4+IL-17+ cells proportion and the IL-17F level. Conclusion: miR-1246 can inhibit NFAT signaling and Th17 cell activation, which may bebeneficial in the severe AA treatment.

Constructing ZnCo2O4@CTP microspheres as a high-energy lithium storage material

Yu-Rui Ji,Si-Yu Qi,Jian-Cang Wang,Pengfei Wang,Ning Ren,Ting-Feng Yi 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.120 No.-

Transition metal oxides are deemed as a promising substitute for graphite anode materials of Li-ion batteries(LIBs) on account of their large specific capacity. Nonetheless, the large volume change in the processof charging and discharging leads to low capacity retention. Herein, a well-designed ZnCo2O4@coaltar pitch based porous carbon (ZCO-CTP) microsphere is prepared to construct the high-performanceanode of LIBs. The coating modification of CTP significantly reduces the polarization and charge transferresistance and improves the migration ability of ions and electrons, thus achieving a superior reversiblecapacity and cycling stability of ZCO-CTP anode. The battery with obtained ZCO-CTP5 provides a largecharge capacity of 406.17 mAh/g at 1000 mA g1 compared with pristine ZCO (only 157.78 mAh/g). Even after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g1, the battery can achieve a charge/discharge capacity of598.46/601.17 mAh/g. We believe that the application of CTP will provide a new perspective for theexploitation of high-performance anode materials for LIBs.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Psychological Effects of Overactive Bladder in Chinese University Students

Yu Liang,Guo Wei Si,Hui Jie Hu,Zhen Wei Zhang,Cui Ping Song,Qi Feng Dou,Jian Guo Wen 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2022 International Neurourology Journal Vol.26 No.4

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of overactive bladder (OAB) in young adults and to explore the influence of OAB on mental health. Methods: Between October 2019 and January 2020, 14,010 anonymous questionnaires were distributed to freshmen at 2 universities in Henan, China. The students came from all over the country. The questionnaire included general items and information necessary to calculate the overactive bladder symptom score, the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, Self-Esteem Scale (SES) score, and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score. The relationships between the prevalence of OAB and its risk factors were evaluated. Results: The overall prevalence of OAB was 6.0%, with 4.3% of participants characterized as having dry OAB and 1.7% as having wet OAB. The prevalence of mild OAB was 5.5%, and that of moderate OAB was 0.5%; no severe OAB was observed. Higher prevalence rates of OAB were found among women, respondents with constipation, and respondents with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) (P <0.05). Compared to healthy controls, the OAB group exhibited a higher mean SDS score (52.12±8.986 vs. 47.71±9.399, P<0.001) and mean PSQI score (5.28±2.486 vs. 4.27±2.431, P<0.001), but a lower mean SES score (27.78±3.599 vs. 29.57±4.109, P<0.001). Conclusions: OAB significantly affects the mental health of young adults. Female sex, constipation, and PNE are risk factors for OAB.

Evidences and magnitude of nighttime transpiration derived from Populus euphratica in the extreme arid region of China

Tengfei Yu,Qi Feng,Jianhua Si,Xiaoyou Zhang,Downey Alec,Chunyan Zhao 한국식물학회 2016 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.59 No.6

Extensive research has found that nighttime transpiration (E n) is positively correlated to the vapour pressure deficit (VPD), that suggested E n was highest during the night under high temperatures and low humidity along with high soil water availability, typically for the riparian forest in the extreme arid region of China. This study used the heat ratio method to measure sap velocity (V s) for mature and saplings Populus euphratica Oliv., and then E n was conservatively calculated as total nocturnal sap flow (F s, the product of V s and sapwood area A s) between 01:00 to 06:00. A gas exchange system was used to measure the leaf transpiration rate (T r) and stomatal conductance (g s) of saplings. For mature trees, nighttime V s was extensive and logarithmic correlated to VPD (similar to daytime). For saplings, g s and T r was extensive in different months, and also a strong logarithmic relationship was found between V s and VPD for both daytime and nighttime periods. Both of stem sap flow and leaf gas exchange suggusted the occurrence of E n, whether mature or sapling trees. E n contribution to daily transpiration (E d) was high just as expected for P. euphratica, which was confirmed by proportional E n to E d (E n/E d) means taken in 2012 (24.99%) and 2013 (34.08%). Compared to mature trees, E n/E d of saplings in 2013 was lower with means of 12.06%, that supported further by the shorter duration times and less T r,n (16.64%) and g s,n (26.45%) of leaf, suggesting that E n magnitude is associated to individual the tree size, that effect to stored water of individual trees, although this hypothesis requires further research.

Factors that Influence the Presciption of Antipsychotics for Patients with Schizophrenia in China

Tian-Mei Si,Liang Shu,Ke-Qing Li,Xie-He Liu,Qi-Yi Mei,Gao-Hua Wang,Pei-Shen Bai,Li-Ping Ji,Xian-Sheng Chen,Cui Ma,Jian-Guo Shi,Hong-Yan Zhang,Hong Ma,Xin Yu 대한정신약물학회 2011 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.9 No.3

Objective: To investigate the patterns of antipsychotic use in China and to analyze the factors that influence antipsychotic prescriptions. Methods: A standardized survey was conducted from May 20 to 24 2002 in five different regions of China with varying economic levels. The patterns of antipsychotic medication use were analyzed in a sample of 4,779 patients with schizophrenia. The survey gathered information on demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, and antipsychotic medications prescribed. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze factors related to patterns of antipsychotic medication use. Results: A plurality of patients with schizophrenia was treated with clozapine (39%); this was followed by risperidone, sulpride,chlorpromazine, perphenazine, and haloperidol. More than 56.3% of patients were treated with only one atypical antipsychotic. The mean daily dose of chlorpromazine was 365±253 mg (mean±standard deviation), and 6.5% of patients were treated with depot injections of typical antipsychotic medications. A total of 73.7% (n=3,523) of patients with schizophrenia received monotherapy,24.8% (n=1,183) received two antipsychotics, 1.1% (n=52) received three antipsychotics, and one received four different antipsychotics. Patients often simultaneously received other classes of medications including anticholinergic agents, benzodiazepines,β-blockers, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Economic status and clinical symptoms were the main factors that contributed to the patterns of antipsychotic prescription. Conclusion: The present study suggests that atypical antipsychotic medications, especially clozapine, are the primary psychiatric treatments of choice in the management of schizophrenia in China. Moreover, the economic status and clinical profile of the patient are the major factors affecting the prescription of antipsychotic medication.

Use of Clozapine for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: Findings of the 2006 Research on the China Psychotropic Prescription Studies

Tian-Mei Si,Yun-shu Zhang,Liang Shu,Ke-Qing Li,Xie-He Liu,Qi-Yi Mei,Gao-Hua Wang,Pei-Shen Bai,Li-Ping Ji,Xian-Sheng Cheng,Cui Ma,Jian-Guo Shi,Hong-Yan Zhang,Hong Ma,Xin Yu 대한정신약물학회 2012 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.10 No.2

Objective: Clozapine is one of the most commonly used antipsychotic drugs in China. To date, few studies have investigated the patterns the prescription of clozapine nationwide. The present study examined these patterns in China in 2006 and identified the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of clozapine. Methods: Using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure, we surveyed 5,898 patients with schizophrenia in 10provinces with differing levels of economic development. Results: Overall, clozapine had been prescribed for 31.9% (n=1,883) of the patients; however we found considerable variation among the 10 provinces. The frequency of clozapine use was highest in Sichuan (39.3%) and lowest in Beijing (17.3%). The mean daily dose of clozapine was 210.36±128.72 mg/day, and 25.1% of the patients were treated with clozapine in combination with other antipsychotics. Compared with the group not receiving clozapine, clozapine-user had been treated for longer durations and had experienced a greater number of relapses and hospitalizations. Furthermore, those in the clozapine-user had lower family incomes, were less able to seek psychiatric services, and more likely to be male and have a positive family history of schizophrenia. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sex, professional help-seeking behaviors, duration of illness, economic status, educational level, and clinical manifestations were associated with the use of clozapine. Conclusion: Clozapine use is common in China. However, use of the antipsychotic varies among provinces, and demographic and clinical factors play important roles in the prescription of clozapine.

GOLPH3, a Good Prognostic Indicator in Early-stage NSCLC Related to Tumor Angiogenesis

Lu, Ming,Tian, Yu,Yue, Wei-Ming,Li, Lin,Li, Shu-Hai,Qi, Lei,Hu, Wen-Si,Gao, Cun,Si, Li-Bo,Tian, Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Background: Golgi phosphoprotein-3 (GOLPH3) is implicated in cancer development and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of GOLPH3 protein and its association with tumor angiogenesis in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine GOLPH3 protein expression and allow assessment of intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) by counting CD-34 positive immunostained endothelial cells. Correlations of expression with MVD, clinicopathologic features and clinical prognosis were analyzed. Results: A notably higher level of GOLPH3 expression was found in early-stage NSCC tissues at the protein level. However, we do not find any correlation between GOLPH3 expression and clinicopathologic features (p>0.05), although higher MVD was positively associated with GOLPH3 overexpression (p<0.001). Expression of GOLPH3 was found to be an independent prognostic factor in early-stage NSCLC patients, those expressing high levels of GOLPH3 exhibiting a substantially lower 5-year overall survival than GOLPH3-negative patients (adjusted HR =1.899, 95% CI: 1.021-3.532, p=0.043). Conclusions: High expression of the GOLPH3 protein is common in early-stage NSCC, and is closely associated with tumor progression, increased tumor angiogenesis, and poor survival. We conclude a possibility of its use as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in early-stage NSCC patients.

The diathermy scratch pad: A cheap and efficient tool for chemical and explosion-related burns

Allen Wei-Jiat Wong,Qi En Hong,Cheryl Li Yu Hui,Si Jack Chong 대한성형외과학회 2019 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.46 No.1

The burn center in our hospital is a national and regional (Southeast Asia) center. Of all admissions, 10% are related to blast explosions, and 8% due to chemical burns. In the acute burn management protocol of Singapore General Hospital, early surgical debridement is advocated for all acute partial-thickness burns. The aim of early surgical debridement is to remove all debris and unhealthy tissue, preventing wound infection and thereby expediting wound healing. In chemical burns, there can be stubborn eschars that are resistant to traditional debridement. We would like to present a novel technique using the diathermy scratch pad as a cheap and efficient tool for the dual purpose of surgical debridement and dermabrasion.

Effect of weaning age on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility and blood-biochemical parameters in Droughtmaster crossbred beef calves

Tao, Hui,Guo, Feng,Tu, Yan,Si, Bing-Wen,Xing, Yu-Chuan,Huang, De-Jun,Diao, Qi-Yu Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.6

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of weaning age on intake, performance, nutrition metabolism and serum parameters of beef calves. Methods: Sixty Droughtmaster crossbred calves were assigned to 5 groups with 12 calves in each group. The calves in control group remained with the dams till the 22-week age, while the calves weaned at 28 d (4 wk), 42 d (6 wk), 56 d (8 wk), and 70 d (10 wk) of age were sent to group 4 wk, group 6 wk, group 8 wk, and group 10 wk, respectively, and then were fed on milk replacer till the 22-week age. Feed intake and body weight and size were record and blood metabolites were measured. And 24 calves of them (6 in each group) were picked randomly for digestion and metabolism trail. Feed, feces and urine sample were taken and measured. Results: Dry matter intake of calves in group 4 wk was significantly lower than those in the remaining groups from wk 17 to 22 (p<0.05). Feed efficiency of the calves was higher in groups 4 wk and 6 wk than those in groups 8 wk and 10 wk from 11 to 13 wk (p<0.05), and calves had higher feed efficiency in group 4 wk, group 6 wk, and group 8 wk than those in group 10 wk from wk 14 to wk 22. Calves in group 4 wk and 6 wk had lower body weight than group 8 wk and group 10 wk and control group at 10-week age (p<0.05) and 13-week age (p<0.05), and calves in group 6 wk had no significant difference in body weight with control group, group 8 wk and 10 wk (p>0.05) but was higher than that of group 4 wk (p<0.05). Calves in group 6 wk had higher final body weight and total gain than group 4 wk, but no difference of total gain with that of groups 8 wk, 10 wk, and control group. And weaning calves at 6-week age brought higher feed efficiency and average daily gain from wk 14 to wk 22, and higher dry matter and organic matter digestibility at 21 wk. Conclusion: It is concluded that the weaning of calves at 6 weeks of age gave positive results.

The diathermy scratch pad: A cheap and efficient tool for chemical and explosion-related burns

Wong, Allen Wei-Jiat,Hong, Qi En,Hui, Cheryl Li Yu,Chong, Si Jack Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surge 2019 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.46 No.1

The burn center in our hospital is a national and regional (Southeast Asia) center. Of all admissions, 10% are related to blast explosions, and 8% due to chemical burns. In the acute burn management protocol of Singapore General Hospital, early surgical debridement is advocated for all acute partial-thickness burns. The aim of early surgical debridement is to remove all debris and unhealthy tissue, preventing wound infection and thereby expediting wound healing. In chemical burns, there can be stubborn eschars that are resistant to traditional debridement. We would like to present a novel technique using the diathermy scratch pad as a cheap and efficient tool for the dual purpose of surgical debridement and dermabrasion.