Involvement of Nuclear Related Factor 2 Signaling Pathway in the Brain of Obese Rats and Obesity-Resistant Rats Induced by High-Fat Diet

Weiwei Ma,Bingjie Ding,Li-Jing Wang,Yi Shao,Rong Xiao 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.4

We aimed to investigate the mechanism of brain damage in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats and diet-resistant (DR) rats from the viewpoint of redox state and nuclear related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to obtain the DIO and DR rats. d-Galactose was injected subcutaneously through the back of the neck for 10 weeks to establish oxidative stress model rats. Then, the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the level of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum and brain tissue were measured by using enzymatic assay kits. The levels of cholecystokinin and peptide YY in the brain tissue were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. In addition, the protein expression of Nrf2 and its downstream factors such as heme oxygenase 1, manganese superoxide dismutase, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the brain tissue were measured by Western blotting. In the brain of DIO rats, the level of GSH and ratio of GSH/GSSG were lower, whereas the GSH-Px concentration was higher compared with DR rats significantly. On the other hand, the GSSG level was higher in the serum of DIO rats compared with the DR rats. The oxidative stress state in the brain of DIO rats, but not in DR rats, were observed. In addition, the protein expressions of Nrf2 and NQO1 were downregulated in the brain of DR rats compared with that in DIO rats. Our data suggest that the Nrf2/NQO1 signaling pathway and redox state were involved in the pathogenesis of the rats prone to obesity, but not the DR rats resistant to obesity.

Genistein Alleviates β-Amyloid-Induced Inflammatory Damage Through Regulating Toll-Like Receptor 4/Nuclear Factor κB

Weiwei Ma,Bingjie Ding,Huanling Yu,Linhong Yuan,Yuandi Xi,Rong Xiao 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.3

Genistein (GEN), a major soybean isoflavone (SIF), might possess neuroprotective properties through its antiinflammatory activity. We hypothesized that GEN could prevent the inflammatory damage detected in C6 cells induced by β-amyloid peptides 25-35 (Aβ25-35). Accordingly, we evaluated the inflammatory damage induced by Aβ25-35 and the protective effect of GEN against Aβ25-35 in C6 cells. In our study, the C6 glial cells (rats glioma cell lines) were preincubated with or without GEN for 2 h following incubation with Aβ25-35 for another 24 h. Then, methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to assess the cell viability. Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the C6 cells. Inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were analyzed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed to assess the expression of Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), inhibitor of kappaB-alpha (IκB-α). The current results showed that GEN could alleviate Aβ25-35-induced cell apoptosis and prevent Aβ25-35-induced TNF-α and IL-1β release from C6 cells. In addition, GEN prevented Aβ25-35-induced upregulation of the gene and protein expression of TLR4, and GEN significantly upregulated the expression of IκB-α in C6 cells damaged by Aβ25-35. These results suggest that GEN can alleviate the inflammatory stress caused by Aβ25-35 treatment, which might be associated with the neuroprotective effect of GEN regulating the TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway.

An Empirical Study of Determinants Influencing Hotel Booking Satisfaction Among Chinese Tourists in Korea: Insights from Ctrip’s E-commerce Platform Data

Ma Weiwei 한중경제문화학회 2023 한중경제문화연구 Vol.24 No.-

Based on the data of Ctrip. com, this study analyzes the satisfaction of China tourists after booking hotels online when they travel to South Korea. Extract the online word-of-mouth data of Ctrip, analyze the comment data based on grounded theory, extract the keywords in the comments and sort them out to form the influencing factors of tourists’ hotel booking, split the comment sentences with python, analyze the keywords in the sentences, conduct emotional analysis with Python, score the emotional analysis of each influencing factor corresponding to each sentence, and finally get the satisfaction score of each factor. According to the score, it is proposed that Korean hotels should use more platforms for China tourists and China tourists to carry out targeted marketing activities, pay attention to language communication in service, and pay attention to the improvement of hotel facilities decoration with the change of tourists in China

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fibers/Epoxy Composites: Effect of Fiber Treatment on Properties

Weiwei Li,Ming Feng,Xiaojing Liu,Momo Huang,Renliang Ma 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.2

The properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced epoxy resin composites were studied and the effects of the fiber surface treatment were investigated. The results showed that the surface treatment increased the roughness, O-containing groups (especially -OH groups), crystallinity and improved the wettability ofUHMWPE fibers. The impact strength of the treated UHMWPE fibers/epoxy composites reached the maximum of 92.6 kJ/m2, which was higher than that of pure epoxy and as-received fiber composites. The tensile strength of both as-received and treated fiber composites showed lower than the pure epoxy. However, the tensile modulus was observably increased. The bending strength and modulus of the treated UHMWPE fibers/epoxy composites were 26.2 % and 26.0 %, higher than those of pure epoxy, respectively. The friction coefficients of the two types of composites were both increased. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that Tg shifted toward higher temperatures and the reduction of tan δ peak of the treated UHMWPE fibers/epoxy composites indicated the adhesion of treated fiber with resin matrix was better than that of as-received fibers, which was in accord with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The adding of the treated UHMWPE fibers to the epoxy matrix offered a stabilizing effect against the decomposition.

High Preoperative Fibrinogen and Systemic Inflammation Response Index (F-SIRI) Predict Unfavorable Survival of Resectable Gastric Cancer Patients

Weiwei Gao,Fei Zhang,Tai Ma,Jiqing Hao 대한위암학회 2020 Journal of gastric cancer Vol.20 No.2

Purpose: This study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the preoperative fibrinogen and systemic inflammation response index (F-SIRI) in a Chinese cohort of resectable gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Baseline characteristics, preoperative fibrinogen levels and peripheral neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts were retrospectively reviewed in 240 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy. The optimal cut-off values for fibrinogen and SIRI were defined as 4.0 g/L and 1.2. Then patients with hyperfibrinogenemia (≥4.0 g/L) and high SIRI (≥1.2) were assigned with an F-SIRI of 2 (both of these hematological abnormalities), 1 (one of these abnormalities), and 0 (neither abnormality), respectively. The prognostic value was examined by univariate and multivariate survival analysis. Results: Preoperative F-SIRI was significantly correlated with tumor size, fibrinogen level, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Whereas there was no significant difference in age, gender, tumor location or other characteristics between groups. In addition, high preoperative F-SIRI was significantly associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.299; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.482–3.566; P<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 2.461; 95% CI, 1.584–3.824; P<0.001) by univariate survival analysis. Moreover, it remained an independent predictor for impaired DFS (HR, 2.023; 95% CI, 1.273–3.215; P=0.003) and OS (HR, 2.341; 95% CI, 1.480–3.705; P<0.001) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: Preoperative F-SIRI could serve as a significantly prognostic marker for long-term survival in Chinese patients who underwent radical gastrectomy.

Sports injury treatment and sports rehabilitation employing the Nanoparticles containing zinc oxide

Zhichao Ma,Jie Qi,Weiwei Xun,Yaonan Li Techno-Press 2023 Advances in nano research Vol.15 No.1

The combination of physical activities and individual skills in sports creates an entertaining and competitive environment governed by a set of rules. In today's world, sports attract significant attention and are approached differently by various groups. Inevitably, injuries occur in sports, significantly impacting an athlete's performance and ability to participate in exercises and competitions. Addressing this issue, one of the crucial measures involves restoring the athlete's ability to engage in sports and compete. Sports rehabilitation serves as a treatment to mitigate the effects of injuries, and when combined with surgery, it can expedite the recovery process. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to utilize a biocompatible technology for synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in sports rehabilitation, ensuring minimal harm to the environment.

Vibration and noise analysis of multiphysical coupling systems

Fuyin Ma,Jiu Hui Wu,Weiwei Wu 대한기계학회 2014 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.28 No.8

Vibration and noise analysis of complex mechanical systems is very difficult by traditional technologies. We present a novel technologyto analyze the vibration and noise of complex structures. This technology can be divided into three stages step by step. First, it isnecessary to process the load simplification, modal analysis, vibration and noise testing in the preparation stage. Then, in the vibrationanalysis stage, a virtual far-field excitation method is presented to obtain more accurate vibration response results in the near-field andfar-field response points, of which the nonlinear behaviors need not be considered. And the solver error caused by the distance betweenthe excitation point and response points could be reduced. Last, in the noise analysis stage, a modal partition method is put forward tosolve the structure radiated noise according to the distributions of the low-level modal shapes, which is a rapid and efficient method toobtain a radiated noise distribution for the complex structures. On the whole, this technology has potential applications in vibro-acousticproblems solving for the complex systems in practical engineering.

High Preoperative Fibrinogen and Systemic Inflammation Response Index (F-SIRI) Predict Unfavorable Survival of Resectable Gastric Cancer Patients

Gao, Weiwei,Zhang, Fei,Ma, Tai,Hao, Jiqing The Korean Gastric Cancer Association 2020 Journal of gastric cancer Vol.20 No.2

Purpose: This study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the preoperative fibrinogen and systemic inflammation response index (F-SIRI) in a Chinese cohort of resectable gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Baseline characteristics, preoperative fibrinogen levels and peripheral neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts were retrospectively reviewed in 240 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy. The optimal cut-off values for fibrinogen and SIRI were defined as 4.0 g/L and 1.2. Then patients with hyperfibrinogenemia (≥4.0 g/L) and high SIRI (≥1.2) were assigned with an F-SIRI of 2 (both of these hematological abnormalities), 1 (one of these abnormalities), and 0 (neither abnormality), respectively. The prognostic value was examined by univariate and multivariate survival analysis. Results: Preoperative F-SIRI was significantly correlated with tumor size, fibrinogen level, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Whereas there was no significant difference in age, gender, tumor location or other characteristics between groups. In addition, high preoperative F-SIRI was significantly associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.299; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.482-3.566; P<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 2.461; 95% CI, 1.584-3.824; P<0.001) by univariate survival analysis. Moreover, it remained an independent predictor for impaired DFS (HR, 2.023; 95% CI, 1.273-3.215; P=0.003) and OS (HR, 2.341; 95% CI, 1.480-3.705; P<0.001) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: Preoperative F-SIRI could serve as a significantly prognostic marker for long-term survival in Chinese patients who underwent radical gastrectomy.

Lactobacillus casei Zhang Prevents Jejunal Epithelial Damage to Early-Weaned Piglets Induced by Escherichia coli K88 via Regulation of Intestinal Mucosal Integrity, Tight Junction Proteins and Immune Factor Expression

( Yuying Wang ),( Xue Yan ),( Weiwei Zhang ),( Yuanyuan Liu ),( Deping Han ),( Kedao Teng ),( Yunfei Ma ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2019 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.29 No.6

Farm animals such as piglets are often affected by environmental stress, which can disturb the gut ecosystem. Antibiotics were commonly used to prevent diarrhea in weaned piglets, but this was banned by the European Union due to the development of antibiotic resistance. However, the use of probiotics instead of antibiotics may reduce the risk posed by pathogenic microorganisms and reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus casei Zhang on the mechanical barrier and immune function of early-weaned piglets infected using Escherichia coli K88 based on histomorphology and immunology. Fourteen-day-old weaned piglets were divided into a control group and experimental groups that were fed L. casei Zhang and infected with E. coli K88 with or without prefeeding and/or postfeeding of L. casei Zhang. The L. casei Zhang dose used was 107 CFU/g diet. Jejunum segments were obtained before histological, immunohistochemical, and western blot analyses were performed. In addition, the relative mRNA expression of toll receptors and cytokines was measured. Piglets fed L. casei Zhang showed significantly increased jejunum villus height, villus height-crypt depth ratio, muscle thickness, and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. The use of L. casei Zhang effectively reduced intestinal inflammation after infection. We found that L. casei Zhang feeding prevented the jejunum damage induced by E. coli K88, suggesting that it may be a potential alternative to antibiotics for preventing diarrhea in early-weaned piglets.

Controlling Major Cellular Processes of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells using Microwell Structures

Xu, Xun,Wang, Weiwei,Kratz, Karl,Fang, Liang,Li, Zhengdong,Kurtz, Andreas,Ma, Nan,Lendlein, Andreas Wiley (John WileySons) 2014 Advanced healthcare materials Vol.3 No.12

<P>Directing stem cells towards a desired location and function by utilizing the structural cues of biomaterials is a promising approach for inducing effective tissue regeneration. Here, the cellular response of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) to structural signals from microstructured substrates comprising arrays of square-shaped or round-shaped microwells is explored as a transitional model between 2D and 3D systems. Microwells with a side length/diameter of 50 관m show advantages over 10 관m and 25 관m microwells for accommodating hADSCs within single microwells rather than in the inter-microwell area. The cell morphologies are three-dimensionally modulated by the microwell structure due to differences in focal adhesion and consequent alterations of the cytoskeleton. In contrast to the substrate with 50 관m round-shaped microwells, the substrate with 50 관m square-shaped microwells promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of hADSCs but reduces the cell migration velocity and distance. Such microwell shape-dependent modulatory effects are highly associated with Rho/ROCK signaling. Following ROCK inhibition, the differences in migration, proliferation, and osteogenesis between cells on different substrates are diminished. These results highlight the possibility to control stem cell functions through the use of structured microwells combined with the manipulation of Rho/ROCK signaling.</P>