Silica nanoparticles as a high-performance filtrate reducer for foam fluid in porous media

Qichao Lv,Zhaomin Li,Binfei Li,Dashan Shi,Chao Zhang,Binglin Li 한국공업화학회 2017 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.45 No.-

During the fracturing operations for oils and gases, not only the oil and gas reservoirs, but also the nearbycivil aquifers are often polluted by the invasion of fracturing fluid filtrates. In this study, we investigatedthe potential of silica nanoparticles as a high-performance filtrate reducer for a foam fluid in a porousmedia. First, the three factors affecting filtration reduction using nanoparticles, i.e., surface rheology,foam slipping, and foam stability, were described. Then, the foam filtration through a porous media inthe core was measured using a dynamic fluid-loss device, and the effects of foam quality, pressure drop,and core permeability on the performance of the filtrate reducer were evaluated. The difficulty ofbubbles flowing from a throat to a pore in a porous media was described by resistance gradientcoefficient Cf, which is a combination of surface tension and viscoelastic modulus and increases byadding nanoparticles. Nanoparticles improve the roughness of the SiO2/sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate foam film surface, thus increasing the slipping resistance Fslip when foams flowon the wall of athroat in a porous media. For the foams in a porous media, the diffusion of bubbles decreased in thepresence of nanoparticles, and the growth rate of gas bubble size also decreased, thus increasing thefoam resistance to gas channeling. The results of core filtration tests indicate that the fluid-loss-controlproperties increased with foam quality ranging from 0 to 85%, and the negative effects of pressure dropand permeability increase to foam filtration were weakened by adding SiO2 nanoparticles. Thus, silicananoparticles can be used as a high-performance filtrate reducer for a foam fluid in a porous media.

Examination of the Effects of Temperature and Pressure on Lipoxygenase Activities in Pork Using Response Surface Methodology

Yechuan Huang,Zhaomin Wu,Yanrong Wang,Feng Li 한국식품과학회 2015 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.24 No.4

To investigate the effects of pressure and temperature on lipoxygenase (LOX) in meat, changes in LOX activities in minced pork and in crude enzyme extracts under different conditions of pressure (131.82- 468.18 MPa), temperature (23.18-56.82oC), and duration (6.59-23.41 min) were evaluated using response surface methodology. LOX activities in extracts exhibited a decrease with an increasing treatment temperature, pressure, or duration. Each of these factors alone had a significant (p<0.05) effect on LOX activities. Activation of LOX in most minced pork treated at less than 400 MPa was observed. Treatment pressure and temperature, and interactions between pressure and temperature and between duration and pressure, significantly (p<0.05) affected LOX activities. LOX showed higher stability in muscles than in extracts during combined pressure-heat treatments. The most important factor affecting LOX was treatment temperature for extracts and treatment pressure for muscles.

Allyl isothiocyanate may reverse the expression of MRP1 in COPD rats via the Notch1 signaling pathway

Jie Wu,Xueqi Wang,Zhaomin Yao,Qingqing Wu,Wei Fang,Zegeng Li,Dianlei Wang 대한약학회 2019 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.42 No.11

In the present study, the roles of AITC in upregulatingthe MRP1 expression and its relationship with theactivation of the Notch1 signaling pathway were investigatedby combining the in vivo and in vitro experiments. AITCwas administered to the COPD model rats and normal ratsto explore the association between Notch1 and MRP1. Thehuman bronchial epithelial cells were treated with DAPT,the Notch1 signaling pathway inhibitor, to verify the effectof Notch1 on the expression of AITC-induced MRP1. Comparedwith the control group, the expressions of Notch1,Hes1 (the target gene of Notch1) and MRP1 in the lung tissueof the COPD model group were significantly inhibited. In contrast to the COPD model group, the expressions ofMRP1, Hes1 and Notch1 dramatically up-regulated followingthe treatment with Low/High doses of AITC. The expressionof MRP1 in the 16 HBE cells was down-regulated bythe inhibition of Notch in a DAPT concentration-dependentmanner. Additionally, the AITC-induced up-regulation ofthe MRP1 expression was markedly impaired following the inhibition of Notch1. The above results indicated that thepulmonary function and the expression of MRP1 in COPDrats could be improved by AITC, which was partly dependenton the Notch1 signaling pathway. Therefore, targetingthe Notch signaling pathway may present as an effectivetherapeutic strategy for COPD treatment.

TGF-β1 suppresses CCL3/4 expression through the ERK signaling pathway and inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration and inflammation-related pain in a rat model

Jian Zhang,Zemin Li,Fan Chen,Hui Liu,Hua Wang,Xiang Li,Xianguo Liu,Jianru Wang,Zhaomin Zheng 생화학분자생물학회 2017 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.49 No.-

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of TGF-β1 on CCL3/4 expression and inflammation-related pain during intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). TGF-β1 and CCL3/4 expression patterns in different degenerative human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues were measured by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the effects of TGF-β1 on CCL3/4 expression were measured by qPCR, ELISA and immunofluorescence. The roles of NF-κB and MAPK in TGF-β1-mediated CCL3/4 promoter activity were studied using siRNAs, western blotting and qPCR. After establishing an IVDD rat model in vivo, we administered intradiscal injections of TGF-β1. The effects of TGF-β1 on IVDD were determined by MRI and histological analyses, and the effects of TGF-β1 on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) inflammation and pain development were determined by IHC staining and pain-behavior testing, respectively. TGF-β1 and CCL3/4 expression was elevated in degenerative NP tissue. CCL4 expression was significantly inhibited by TGF-β1 treatment. Pharmacological inhibition or siRNA knockdown of the ERK1/2 signaling attenuated TGF-β1-mediated suppression of CCL4 expression. In vivo, TGF-β1 injection inhibited the development of degenerative features in the IVDD model. Moreover, TGF-β1 prevented the inflammatory response and pain development. The results of this study show that TGF-β1 downregulates CCL4 expression through ERK1/2 signaling activation in NP cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1 can prevent degenerative processes, inhibit inflammatory responses in the DRG and prevent pain development in the IVDD rat model. The results of this study indicate that TGF-β1 may represent a therapeutic target for the control of inflammation-related pain associated with IVDD.

Combined Effects of High-pressure and Thermal Treatments on Lipid Oxidation and Enzymes in Pork

Yechuan Huang,Yanrong Wang,Zhaomin Wu,Feng Li 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.1

The relationship between lipid oxidation and related enzymes in pork during combined pressure-heat treatments was investigated. Minced pork was treated under a pressure range of 0.1- 750 MPa and a temperature range of 30-60oC for 20 min. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) values and activities of acid lipase (AL), neutral lipase (NL), phospholipase (PL), and lipoxygenase (LOX) in pork were evaluated. NL and LOX were completely inactivated at 600 MPa-50oC and 450 MPa-60oC, and AL at 600MPa-55oC. PL had the greatest stability and was completely inactivated at 600 MPa-60oC and 750 MPa-50oC. PL activity was strongly related to lipid oxidation caused by high pressure, followed by AL and LOX. TBARS values at 600 and 750 MPa were strongly related to the inactivation rate and the ratio of PL during treatment. PL was the most important enzyme related to lipid oxidation induced by pressure.

Grem1 accelerates nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting TGF-β-mediated Smad2/3 phosphorylation

Chen Shunlun,Lei Linchuan,Li Zemin,Chen Fan,Huang Yuming,Jiang Guowei,Guo Xingyu,Zhao Zhuoyang,Liu Hui,Wang Hua,Liu Caijun,Zheng Zhaomin,Wang Jianru 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main cause of low back pain, and inflammatory factors play key roles in its pathogenesis. Gremlin-1 (Grem1) was reported to induce an inflammatory response in other fields. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of Grem1 in the degenerative process of intervertebral discs. Dysregulated genes were determined by analyzing microarray profiles. The expression of Grem1 in 17 human disc samples (male:female = 9:8) and rat models (n = 5 each group) was measured by western blotting (WB), real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The regulatory effects of Grem1 on apoptosis were examined using siRNAs, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence (IF), and WB. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by locally injecting specific Grem1 siRNA into IVDD rats. The expression of Grem1 was significantly increased in human degenerative intervertebral discs; furthermore, the expression of Grem1 positively correlated with the level of intervertebral disc degeneration. Grem1 was significantly overexpressed in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced degenerative NP cells. Apoptosis in degenerative NP cells transfected with siRNA targeting Grem1 was significantly lower than that in the control group. Specific Grem1 siRNA markedly repressed the development of IVDD in surgery-induced IVDD rats. These results indicated that the expression of Grem1 was positively correlated with the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration, and Grem1 siRNA could inhibit Grem1-induced apoptosis and extracellular matrix alterations by mediating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This study may provide a therapeutic strategy for alleviating inflammation-induced apoptosis associated with intervertebral disc degeneration.

Effect of additives and filling methods on whole plant corn silage quality, fermentation characteristics and in situ digestibility

Jiao, Ting,Lei, Zhaomin,Wu, Jianping,Li, Fei,Casper, David P.,Wang, Jianfu,Jiao, Jianxin Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.11

Objective: This project aimed to evaluate the effects of both different additives and filling methods on nutritive quality, fermentation profile, and in situ digestibility of whole plant corn silage. Methods: Whole plant corn forage harvested at 26.72% dry matter (DM) was chopped and treated with two filling methods, i) fill silos at one time (F1), ii) fill silos at three times (F3), packing samples into one/three silo capacity at the first day, another one/three capacity at the second day, then one/three at the third day, three replicates. For each replicate, samples were treated with three additives, i) control (CTRL, no additive), ii) Sila-Max (MAX, Ralco Nutrition Inc., Marshall, MN, USA), and iii) Sila-Mix (MIX, Ralco Nutrition Inc., USA). With three replicates of each secondary treatment, there were nine silos, 54 silos in total. Each silo had a packing density of 137.61 kg of DM/m3. All silos were weighed and stored in lab at ambient temperature. Results: After 60 d of ensiling, all items showed good silage fermentation under MAX filled one time or three times (p<0.01). Higher silage quality for all additives was obtained at filling one time than that filled three times (p<0.01). The highest DM and lowest DM loss rate (DMLR) occurred to MAX treatment at two filling methods (p<0.01); Digestibility of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and curde protein had the same results as silage quality (p<0.01). Yield of digestible DM and digestible NDF also showed higher value under MAX especially for filling one time (p<0.05). Conclusion: All corn silages showed good fermentation attributes (pH<4.0). The forage filled one time had higher silage quality than that filled three times (p<0.01). MAX with homofermentative lactic acid bacteria enhanced the lactic acid fermentation, silage quality and nutrient digestibility, and so improved the digestible nutrient yield.

Risk Factors Associated with Pain Severity in Patients with Non-specific Low Back Pain in Southern China

Shilabant Sen Sribastav,Jun Long,Peiheng He,Wei He,Fubiao Ye,Zemin Li,Jianru Wang,Hui Liu,Hua Wang,Zhaomin Zheng 대한척추외과학회 2018 Asian Spine Journal Vol.12 No.3

Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional study. Purpose: To evaluate the risk factors associated with the severity of pain intensity in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in Southern China. Overview of Literature: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout the world, so a firm understanding of the risk factor associated with NSLBP can provide early and prompt interventions that are aimed at attaining long-term results. Methods: Participants were recruited from January 2014 to January 2016 and were surveyed using a self-designed questionnaire. Anonymous assessments included Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The association between the severity of NSLBP and these potential risk factors were evaluated. Results: A total of 1,046 NSLBP patients were enrolled. The patients with primary school education, high body mass index (BMI), those exposed to sustained durations of driving and sitting, smoking, recurrent LBP had increased VAS and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores with lower SF-36 scores (p <0.01). Workers and drivers compared with waiters and patients who lifted >10 kg objects in a quarter of their work time for >10 years had higher VAS and ODI scores with lower SF-36 scores (p <0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed lower levels of education, LBP for 1–7 days, long-lasting LBP in last year, smoking, long duration driving, and higher BMI were associated with more severe VAS score. Conclusions: The severity of NSLBP is associated with lower levels of education, poor standards of living, heavy physical labor, long duration driving, and sedentary lifestyle. Patients with recurrent NSLBP have more severe pain. Reducing rates of obesity, the duration of heavy physical work, driving or riding, and attenuating the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and smoking may reduce the prevalence of NSLBP.

Circular RNA circ-4099 is induced by TNF-α and regulates ECM synthesis by blocking miR-616-5p inhibition of Sox9 in intervertebral disc degeneration

Hua Wang,Peiheng He,Hehai Pan,Jun long,Jianru Wang,Zemin Li,Hui Liu,Weiying Jiang,Zhaomin Zheng 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in the initiation and development of different diseases. Here, we detected their role in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. An Arraystar human circular RNA microarray assay was used to detect circRNAs in normal and degenerated human IVD nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. The role of circ-4099 in IVDD and its mechanism were evaluated by qRT-PCR and gain-of-function/loss-of-function studies. Interaction networks for competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), miRNAs, and miRNA target gene were detected by bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assay. Expression of seventy-two circRNAs were increased by more than twofold in degenerated NP tissues. qRT-PCR showed that the expression of circ-4099 in NP tissues was consistent with that of the array screening. Over-expression of circ-4099 increased the expression of Collagen II and Aggrecan and decreased the secretion of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, and PGE2. TNF-α treatment increased circ-4099 expression in NP cells. NF-κB/MAPK inhibitors or shRNAs abolished the inductive effects of TNF-α on circ-4099 expression. We further demonstrated that circ-4099 was able to function as a “sponge” by competitively binding miR-616-5p, which reversed the suppression of Sox9 by miR-616-5p. We used DNA pull-down and spectrometry experiments to show that TNF-α can promote circ-4099 transcription through upregulation of GRP78. We provide the first evidence that shows circRNAs are differentially expressed in degenerated and normal NP tissues. Circ-4099 may play a role in a protective mechanism and be part of a compensatory response that maintains the synthesis and secretion of the extracellular matrix in NP cells and might be a protective factor in IVD degeneration as well as restore NP cell function.