Effect of a Mangosteen Dietary Supplement on Human Immune Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Yu-Ping Tang,Peng-Gao Li,Miwako Kondo,Hong-Ping Ji,Yan Kou,Boxin Ou 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.4

The effect of a mangosteen product containing multivitamins and essential minerals was tested on immune function and well-being in healthy adults. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 59 healthy human subjects (40–60 years old). Changes from baseline immune function were measured after a 30-day consumption of the mangosteen product and the placebo. The subjects' self-appraisal of their health status was also surveyed. A xanthone-rich mangosteen product intake increased mean values for peripheral T-helper cell frequency (P=.020) and reduced the serum C-reactive protein concentration (P=.014). Increases in peripheral CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) T-cell frequency and serum complement C3, C4, and interleukin (IL)-1α concentrations were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the placebo group (DP, P=.038; C3, P=.017; C4, P=.031; IL-1α, P=.006). At the end of study, serum IL-1α and IL-1β concentrations in the study group were significantly higher than that in the placebo group (IL-1α, P=.033; IL-1β, P=.04). Furthermore, more participants in the experimental group reported greatly improved overall health status compared with participants receiving placebo (P=.001). The results indicated that the intake of an antioxidant-rich product significantly enhanced immune responses and improved the subject's self-appraisal on his or her overall health status.

Adsorption of metal ions with biochars derived from biomass wastes in a fixed column: Adsorption isotherm and process simulation

Yu Ping Zhang,Vincentius Surya Kurnia Adi,Hsin-Liang Huang,Hong-Ping Lin,Zi-Hao Huang 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.76 No.-

Biochars were derived from wood and water caltrop shell waste for the adsorption of Cr(III) and Cu(II) insolutions. In the competitive adsorption, Cu(II) had a good affinity for the water caltrop shell and blendedbiochars. The blended biochar was a mixture of wood and water caltrop shell biochars. Each biocharadsorption equilibrium datafit well with the Freundlich model. The effectiveness of the adsorption of Cr(III) and Cu(II) solutions utilizing biochar is proven to be effective in continuous adsorption columns, andthe adsorption performance is verified with model simulation.

Cytokeratin 15 is an Effective Indicator for Progression and Malignancy of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Shen, Yu-Hong,Xu, Cui-Ping,Shi, Zhi-Meng,Zhang, Yan-Jiao,Qiao, Ya-Guang,Zhao, He-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.9

Purpose: To compare the expression level of CK 15 in normal esophageal and esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and analyse possible functions of CK15 in occurrence and development. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to compare CK14, CK15 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression levels in ESCCs. Expression level of CK15 was also assessed by Western blotting. In addition, levels of CK15, cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA21-1) and PCNA were detected in serum by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence methods. Relationships between clinicopathological parameters and CK14 and CK15 expression were then analyzed. Results: According to immunohistochemistry, in esophageal and intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) tissues, the expression of CK14, CK15 and PCNA localized to basal layer of the epithelium. CK14 and CK15 levels were higher in normal esophageal squamous epithelial tissue than in SIN and ESCC, and greater in highly differentiated than poorly differentiated carcinoma tissue. By Western blotting, we found more pronounced expression of CK15 in normal esophageal tissue, compared with carcinoma tissue. The specificity of changed CK15 and CYFRA21-1 expression was respectively 90.0% and 96.7% in serum of ESCC patients. Joint detection could improve the sensitivity of esophageal carcinoma diagnosis. Relationships between CK14, CK15 expression and clinical parameters were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Postoperative survival in patients of CK14, CK15 positive expression was longer than with negative expression ($x^2=4.35$, P=0.037; $x^2=9.852$, P=0.002). Conclusions: CK15 expression decreased in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue and serum of esophageal squamous carcinoma patients. We infer that CK15 may play an important role for the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. In the future, CK15 may be used for the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic evaluation of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma.

Effect of a Mangosteen Dietary Supplement on Human Immune Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Tang, Yu-Ping,Li, Peng-Gao,Kondo, Miwako,Ji, Hong-Ping,Kou, Yan,Ou, Boxin The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.4

The effect of a mangosteen product containing multivitamins and essential minerals was tested on immune function and well-being in healthy adults. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 59 healthy human subjects (40.60 years old). Changes from baseline immune function were measured after a 30-day consumption of the mangosteen product and the placebo. The subjects' self-appraisal of their health status was also surveyed. A xanthone-rich mangosteen product intake increased mean values for peripheral T-helper cell frequency (P=.020) and reduced the serum C-reactive protein concentration (P=.014). Increases in peripheral CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) T-cell frequency and serum complement C3, C4, and interleukin (IL)-$1{\alpha}$ concentrations were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the placebo group (DP, P=.038; C3, P=.017; C4, P=.031; IL-$1{\alpha}$, P=.006). At the end of study, serum IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ concentrations in the study group were significantly higher than that in the placebo group (IL-$1{\alpha}$, P=.033; IL-$1{\beta}$, P=.04). Furthermore, more participants in the experimental group reported greatly improved overall health status compared with participants receiving placebo (P=.001). The results indicated that the intake of an antioxidant-rich product significantly enhanced immune responses and improved the subject's self-appraisal on his or her overall health status.

Regulatory Role of cAMP Receptor Protein over Escherichia coli Fumarase Genes

Yu-Pei Chen,Hsiao-Hsien Lin,Chi-Dung Yang,Shin-Hong Huang,Ching-Ping Tseng 한국미생물학회 2012 The journal of microbiology Vol.50 No.3

Escherichia coli expresses three fumarase genes, namely, fumA, fumB, and fumC. In the present study, catabolite repression was observed in the fumA-lacZ and fumC-lacZ fusion strains, but not in the fumB-lacZ fusion strain. The Crp-binding sites in fumA and fumC were identified using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and footprint analysis. However, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay did not detect band shifts in fumB. Fnr and ArcA serve as transcription regulators of fumarase gene expression. In relation to this, different mutants, including Δcya, Δcrp, Δfnr, and ΔarcA, were used to explore the regulatory role of Crp over fumA and fumC. The results show that Crp is an activator of fumA and fumC gene expression under various oxygen conditions and growth rates. ArcA was identified as the dominant repressor, with the major repression occurring at 0–4% oxygen. In addition, Fnr was confirmed as a repressor of fumC for the first time. This study elucidates the effects of Crp on fumarase gene expression.

DESIGN STRATEGIES IN A TRANSITIONAL ECONOMY: THE CASE OF CHINESE UNDERWEAR ENTERPRISE AIMER GROUP, LTD.

Hong Yu,Ping Zhao,Jingjing Xia 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2014 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2014 No.7

Introduction Over the past 30 years, Chinese textile and clothing manufacturers have successfully established themselves as leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for world markets. This reputable position requires dedicated cost management; however, incremental increases in labor, land prices, rent, and production costs in China threaten and may eventually eliminate their OEM advantage (Yam, Lo, Sun, & Tang, 2003). The worldwide economic and business recession has intensified cost cutting measures as the essential survival tool for maintaining competitiveness. Since the mid-1990s, many Chinese companies have begun to recognize the importance of developing their own global brands and moving up the value-creation ladder (Fan, 2006). One such company is Aimer Group, Ltd., a vertically integrated premium underwear manufacturer. Initially founded in 1993 as an OEM, Aimer quickly transitioned to establish its own brands in domestic markets and, in recent years, has ventured into international markets. Currently, Aimer and its umbrella product lines are among the most recognized underwear brands in China with a manufacturing capacity of 10 million pieces. Their merchandise includes an array of women’s, men’s, teen girl’s and children’s lines as well as custom-made lingerie. According to the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Aimer Group has maintained the highest market share and the largest sales volume in the underwear sector for several years in China’s markets (Aimer, 2011). Objectives The purpose of the study was to investigate the design strategies implemented by Aimer to support their successful branding efforts. Specifically, the researchers seek to find: (a) the core elements in Aimer’s design strategies; (b) Aimer designers’ approach to product development; and (c) How design strategies support Aimer’s overall branding and marketing strategies. Findings will provide valuable implications for other Chinese apparel manufacturers who strive to integrate design innovation in order to remain competitive. Research Method A case study method was implemented which included: on-site visits to Aimer Group’s headquarters, manufacturing facility, and retail stores in Beijing; in-depth interviews with Aimer Groups’ Chairman, senior management, Chief Design Officer, designers, retail store managers, and the general manger of the Beijing manufacturing facility; and a review of the company website and other internal documents, as well as an extensive external search of relevant news reports, social media contents, industry information, and academic literature. A qualitative data analysis method was utilized. Findings Aimer brands have grown and matured along with the Chinese consumers. Until the late 1990s, consumers passively accepted whatever the industry provided for them. Today, 15 years later, consumers have become keenly aware of what they want in underwear and that desire drives the industry’s new product development. Aimer’s design strategies are consumer-centric but also a reflection of its internal strategic direction. Its core elements include the following: (1) Understanding consumer lifestyles: Extensive fashion industry trend analysis, consumer research, and market/sale feedback are just starting points for product development at Aimer. In addition, they use broader consumer lifestyle analysis, including an examination of new technology trends, consumer preferences for jewelry, cosmetics, car and cell phone designs, popular video/computer games, consumers’ financial management behaviors, and societal hot topics as a way of guiding product design. (2) Innovation: Innovation is of paramount importance in Aimer’s product development. They have maintained active partnerships with international suppliers and Research & Development teams to ensure the latest fiber discoveries, fabric developments, and pattern engineering technology are incorporated into new product design. (3) Tradition preserved and reinvented: Aimer brands keep certain essential elements integral to their overall style, reinventing and integrating heritage elements into new designs. By doing so, brand history is enriched and continuity sustained. Aspers (2010) suggests that product development must embrace contextual knowledge: the designer’s general knowledge of fashion and their lifeworld. Each domain is used to interpret fashion. A designer’s lifeworld comprises their inherent values and beliefs, presenting challenges when creating products for consumers who live in different lifeworld. Aimer’s solutions to the challenge include the following: (1) Designers as entrepreneurs: Designers are trained to be entrepreneurs who must think of design not only from creative aspects but also within a business context. The company has established effective protocols for new product design and adoption procedures and standards; meanwhile, designers are provided with weekly sales records as market feedback to guide their future design directions. They are also given opportunities on a regular basis to travel to various international and domestic markets to gain first-hand experience and knowledge of fashion trends and consumers. (2) Teamwork: Designers from various regions of China and internationally are grouped in teams and assigned to work together on brands. This provides ample opportunity for them to interact and learn from each other so that their lifeworld is expanded. Branding literature suggests that consumer’s individual and shared brand experiences affect a consumer-brand relationship (Chang, Long, Chieng, & Hua, 2006) which is of critical importance to brand loyalty. Aimer’s design strategies support its branding and marketing strategies by: (a) contributing to consumers’ positive, consistent, and multi-dimensional brand knowledge as a part of the brand-leveraging process (Keller, 2003); (b) providing value-added product and service features to enhance brand-augmentation (Magrath, 1997); and (c) offering strong and effective design capacity for brand tiering (Magrath, 1997). Implications Based on the findings, implications for Chinese apparel manufacturers who strive to upgrade with design innovation will be discussed.

Gene cloning and expression analysis of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase reveal the glycometabolism in the diapause process of Aphidius gifuensis

Hong Zhi Zhang,Meng Qing Wang,Ying Qiang Xie,Mei Xiang,Ping Li,Yu Yan Li,Li Sheng Zhang 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.3

Aphidius gifuensis is an important biological control agent of aphid. It stores sugar as energy reserves before the onset of diapause, a form of dormancy that occurs when environmental conditions become unfavorable for development. In this study, cDNA of three relevant enzymes, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), glycogen synthase (GYS) and glycogen phosphorylase (GP) were cloned, and their expression profiles in the preparation and maintenance of diapause, and post-diapause development were analyzed. The results showed that AgTPS, AgGYS and AgGP encoded proteins consisting of 807, 690 and 844 amino acids respectively. The expression profiles of three genes were significantly affected by diapause-inducing condition. The increase of transcription of AgGYS and AgGP were followed by the up-regulate of AgTPS expression in the preparation of diapause, expression of all three genes were inhibited while diapause is maintained, and expression of AgGYS was upregulated when diapause was terminated. These results suggested that trehalose is accumulated before initiation of diapause and glycogen may play an important role in post-diapause development.

Extracellular Vesicles-Encapsulated miR-153-3p Potentiate the Survival and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Hongli Cao,Ping Zhang,Hong Yu,Jianing Xi 한국분자세포생물학회 2022 Molecules and cells Vol.45 No.6

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in the communication between cells and the tumor micro­environment. However, the effect of tumor-derived EVs on the growth and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains to be explored. This study aimed to elucidate the role of miR-153-3p-EVs in the invasion and migration capabilities of LUAD cells and explore its mechanism through in vivo and in vitro experiments. We found that miR-153-3p was specifically and highly expressed in LUAD and its secreted EVs. Furthermore, the expression of BANCR was negatively regulated by miR-153-3p and identified as a target gene of miR-153-3p using luciferase reporter assays. Through further investigation, we found that the downregulation of BANCR activates the PI3K/AKT pathway and accelerates the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which ultimately leads to the aggravation of LUAD. The orthotopic xenograft mouse model was established to illustrate the effect of miR-153-3p-EVs on LUAD. Animal studies showed that miR-153-3p-EVs accelerated tumor growth in mice. Besides, we found that miR-153-3p-EVs could damage the respiratory ability of mice and produce a mass of inflammatory cells around the lung tissue of mice. Nevertheless, antagomir-153-3p treatment could inhibit the deterioration of respiratory function and inhibit the growth of lung tumors in mice. In conclusion, our study reveals the potential molecular mechanism of miR-153-3p-EVs in the development of LUAD and provides a potential strategy for the treatment of LUAD.

Adenovirus vector-mediated FAM176A overexpression induces cell death in human H1299 non-small cell lung cancer cells

( Hong Xie ),( Jia Hu ),( Huan Pan ),( Ya Xin Lou ),( Ping Lv ),( Ying Yu Chen ) 생화학분자생물학회 2014 BMB Reports Vol.47 No.2

FAM176A (family with sequence similarity 176 member A) is a novel molecule related to programmed cell death. A decreased expression of FAM176A has been found in several types of human tumors in including lung cancers. In the present study, we investigated the biological activities of FAM176A on the human non-small cell lung cancer cell line H1299 cells. We constructed a recombinant adenovirus 5-FAM176A vector (Ad5-FAM176A) and evaluated the expression and anti-tumor activities in vitro. Cell viability analysis revealed that the adenovirus-mediated increase of FAM176A inhibited the growth of the tumor cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was mediated by both autophagy and apoptosis that involved caspase activation. In addition, cell cycle analysis suggested that Ad5-FAM176A could induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, all of which suggested that adenovirus-mediated FAM176A gene transfer might present a new therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(2): 104-109]

Primary survey of avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus infection in wild birds in some areas of Heilongjiang Province,China

Yu-Ping Hua,Hong-Liang Chai,Si-Yuan Yang,Xiang-Wei Zeng,Ying Sun 대한수의학회 2005 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.6 No.4

Two hundred thirty specimens of wild birds were collected from some areas in Heilongjiang Province during the period of 2003~2004, including two batches of specimens collected randomly from a same flock of mallards in Zhalong Natural Reserve in August and December, 2004, respectively. Primary virus isolation and identification for avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were performed. The results showed that only two specimens of young mallards collected from Zhalong Natural Reserve in August, 2004 were positive to AIV (isolation rate 0.9%), and one strain (D57) of these two virus isolates was identified to be H9 subtype by hemagglutination inhibition test. Meanwhile, the two batches of blood serum samples of mallards from Zhalong were also examined for antibodies against AIV and NDV. Among 38 blood serum samples collected in August, antibodies against the hemagglutinin of H1, H3, H5, H6 and H9 subtypes of AIV were found in 1, 0, 2, 0 and 8 samples, respectively; and 11 samples were found with antibody against NDV. Whereas the NDV isolation in both two batches of specimens of mallard was negative, all of the 32 blood serum samples collected in December were negative for antibodies against AIV and NDV.