Circadian disruption reduces MUC4 expression via the clock molecule BMAL1 during dry eye development

Zeng Hao,Yang Xue,Liao Kai,Zuo Xin,Liang Lihong,He Dalian,Ju Rong,Wang Bowen,Yuan Jin 생화학분자생물학회 2024 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.56 No.-

Circadian disruption, as a result of shiftwork, jet lag, and other lifestyle factors, is a common public health problem associated with a wide range of diseases, such as metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. In the present study, we established a chronic jet lag model using a time shift method every 3 days and assessed the effects of circadian disruption on ocular surface homeostasis. Our results indicated that jet lag increased corneal epithelial defects, cell apoptosis, and proinflammatory cytokine expression. However, the volume of tear secretion and the number of conjunctival goblet cells did not significantly change after 30 days of jet lag. Moreover, further analysis of the pathogenic mechanism using RNA sequencing revealed that jet lag caused corneal transmembrane mucin deficiency, specifically MUC4 deficiency. The crucial role of MUC4 in pathogenic progression was demonstrated by the protection of corneal epithelial cells and the inhibition of inflammatory activation following MUC4 replenishment. Unexpectedly, genetic ablation of BMAL1 in mice caused MUC4 deficiency and dry eye disease. The underlying mechanism was revealed in cultured human corneal epithelial cells in vitro, where BMAL1 silencing reduced MUC4 expression, and BMAL1 overexpression increased MUC4 expression. Furthermore, melatonin, a circadian rhythm restorer, had a therapeutic effect on jet lag-induced dry eye by restoring the expression of BMAL1, which upregulated MUC4. Thus, we generated a novel dry eye mouse model induced by circadian disruption, elucidated the underlying mechanism, and identified a potential clinical treatment.

Seismic Stability Analysis of Slope Reinforced by Frame Anchors Considering Prestress

Hao Zeng,Shuaihua Ye,Jun Zhang 대한토목학회 2024 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.28 No.4

Taking the slope reinforced by frame anchors as the research object, it is assumed that the potential sliding surface of the slope is an arc. Based on the limit equilibrium theory, the seismic stability analysis model of frame anchor reinforced slope considering anchor prestress is established. This study considers prestress as uniformly distributed forces acting on the slope surface and calculates the additional stress induced by prestressing within the slope to investigate its reinforcement effect on slopes. Thus, the stability of the slope is analyzed and calculated. On this basis, the functional relationship between the center position coordinates of the potential sliding surface and the safety factor is established. Using the optimization algorithm toolbox in Matlab, the possible center position area is dynamically searched, and the minimum safety factor and its corresponding center position coordinates are obtained. Taking slope engineering as an example, the calculated results are compared with the finite element calculation results. The results show that the calculation result regarding the anchor prestress as the uniformly distributed force is reliable, and the anchor prestress can significantly enhance slope stability. This calculation method applies to slope engineering in homogeneous soil with circular sliding surfaces.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND PREDICTION OF NEGATIVE STORM SURGE IN THE YANGTZE RIVER ESTUARY

Zeng Hao Qin,Yi Hong Duan,De Bao Hu,Mao Xing Gong 한국해안해양공학회 1999 학술강연회 발표논문초록집 Vol.1 No.1

An attempt is made by using both statistical model and multi-layer simplified ECOM-Si model with temperature and salinity effects neglected to investigate numerically the negative storm surge (SS) in the Yangtze River estuary. An operational system for predicting the negative SS are constructed in conjunction of ECOM-Si model with the operational limited-area fine-mesh numerical weather prediction (NWP) model developed by the Shanghai Typhoon Institute(STI).To test the reliability of ECOM-Si model and to understand the computational feature of the model in simulating sea surface elevation, both semi-diurnal tide computation at the river mouth tidal station and numerical SS simulations under the action of idealized easterly and westerly winds are completed. Based on these experiments, a series of negative SS simulations induced by the cold wave, tropical and extratropical cyclones are carried out respectively, in which the objective analysis data of atmospheric forcings on the sea surface are offered by STI NWP model. Case experiments show that the predicted peak negative SS are coincident with the real ones and the phase differences between them are within a acceptable limit. The system is hopeful in operational use for predicting negative SS in the Yangtze River estuary.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete Under the Single-Side Salt-Freezing–Drying–Wetting Cycles

Hao Zeng,Jin Zhang,Yang Li,Xin Su,CongZhi Gu,Kai Zhang 한국콘크리트학회 2022 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.16 No.6

In the past, the salt freezing test does not often accord with the actual service environment of engineering, thus, we designed a test method of single-side salt-freezing–drying–wetting cycles. The mechanical properties and microstructure of ordinary concrete and basalt fiber reinforced concrete were studied. The mechanical property test is aimed at the splitting tensile strength and compressive strength of concrete after different cycles. The microstructure test is to study the hydration products by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the pore structure of concrete by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test. The results indicate that the addition of basalt fiber can improve the compactness and pore structure of concrete. It is beneficial to enhance the durability of concrete under single-side salt-freezing–drying–wetting cycles. The improving effect of basalt fiber is better on the splitting tensile strength of concrete than the compressive strength. Basalt fiber exerts the best effect on reducing harmful holes in concrete. However, there is an optimal range of basalt fiber content, the performance of concrete will deteriorate with excessive fiber content. The cycles will destroy the hydration products of concrete and the synergistic effect between hydration products and fibers, but has little effect on the three-dimensional network constructed by basalt fibers. The pore structure of concrete is correlated with the mechanical properties of it under cyclic conditions, which is worth further study.

RESEARCH OF AN ACTIVE FILTER BASED BALANCED POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR RAIL WAY TRACTION

Zeng Guohong,Hao Rongtai 전력전자학회 1998 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.- No.-

This paper presents a balanced 3/1 supply scheme for electric railway By employing an active filter, the current of the three-phrase delivery system is balanced while the load is single phrase, which makes it possible for the traction system to behave like a pure-resistance load, with unity power factor and no harmonics. Simulation results are present to verify the scheme's topology and control strategies.<br/>

Seepage characteristics of the leaching solution during in situ leaching of uranium

Zeng Sheng,Song Jiayin,Sun Bing,Wang Fulin,Ye Wenhao,Shen Yuan,Li Hao 한국원자력학회 2023 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.55 No.2

Investigating the seepage characteristics of the leaching solution in the ore-bearing layer during the in situ leaching process can be useful for designing the process parameters for the uranium mining well.We prepared leaching solutions of four different viscosities and conducted experiments using a selfdeveloped multifunctional uranium ore seepage test device. The effects of different viscosities of leaching solutions on the seepage characteristics of uranium-bearing sandstones were examined using seepage mechanics, physicochemical seepage theory, and dissolution erosion mechanism. Results indicated that while the seepage characteristics of various viscosities of leaching solutions were the same in rock samples with similar internal pore architectures, there were regular differences between the saturated and the unsaturated stages. In addition, the time required for the specimen to reach saturation varied with the viscosity of the leaching solution. The higher the viscosity of the solution, the slower the seepage flow from the unsaturated stage to the saturated stage. Furthermore, during the saturation stage, the seepage pressure of a leaching solution with a high viscosity was greater than that of a leaching solution with a low viscosity. However, the permeability coefficient of the high viscosity leaching solution was less than that of a low viscosity leaching solution.

Encapsulation, Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Interferon α-2b Liposomes after Intramuscular Injection to Rats

Hao Li,Li Yang,Gang Cheng,Hong-Yan Wei,Qun Zeng 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.6

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of liposome-encapsulation and liposome-size on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of interferon α-2b (IFNα-2b) following i.m. administration to rats, and whether there was any liver-targeting of these liposomes. Since liposomes of different sizes can be obtained by homogenization, the effect of homogenization on the IFNα-2b activity was also investigated. The pharmacokinetics of IFNα-2b solution (12.8 μg/kg) and IFNα-2b prepared in liposomes, including three mean sizes of 172 nm (12.2 μg/kg), 113 nm (44.2, 11.0, and 2.8 μg/kg, respectively), and 82 nm (13.1 μg/kg), were studied after a single i.m. dose to rats. Compared to a solution of IFNα-2b. administration of liposomal IFNα-2b resulted in a significantly prolonged t_max, the apparent elimination half life (t_(1/2β)) was 2.3 times longer, both AUC_(0-∞) and MRT_(0-∞) were also clearly enhanced and greater accumulation was obtained in the liver (p < 0.05). The AUC_(0-∞) increased proportionally to the administered dose of IFNα-2b liposomes. Moreover, the size of liposomes ranging from 82 nm to 172 nm had no significant difference on the pharmacokinetic behavior in vivo (p > 0.05). In sum, compared with the free form, IFNα-2b encapsulated in liposomes can alter strikingly the pharmacokinetics properties following i.m. injection and if a liposomal size ranging from 82 nm to 172 nm was used, consistent pharmacokinetic behaviors of IFNα-2b was exhibited. The liposomal formulation apparently targeted the liver, offering a potential advantage for hepatitis B treatment.

Ginsenosides Rg1 regulate lipid metabolism and temperature adaptation in Caenorhabditis elegans

Hao Shi,Jiamin Zhao,Yiwen Li,Junjie Li,Yunjia Li,Jia Zhang,Zhantu Qiu,Chaofeng Wu,Mengchen Qin,Chang Liu,Zhiyun Zeng,Chao Zhang,Lei Gao 고려인삼학회 2023 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.47 No.4

The effect of canagliflozin on gut microbiota and metabolites in type 2 diabetic mice

Zeng Li,Ma Jideng,Wei Tiantian,Wang Hao,Yang Guitao,Han Chongxiang,Zhu Tao,Tian Haoming,Zhang Min 한국유전학회 2024 Genes & Genomics Vol.46 No.5

Background Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) represent a new type of hypoglycemic medicine that can cause massive loss of glucose from the urine, which have several benefits of reducing body weight and improving the prognosis of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Although they are oral medicated hypoglycemic agents, their effects on the gut microbiome and function have been unclear. Objective In order to describe the effects of canagliflozin on intestinal flora and metabolites, diabetic mice were randomized to receive canagliflozin or isoconcentration carboxymethylcellulose sodium by gavage for 8 weeks. Feces were collected for 16 S rRNA gene and LC-MS/MS analysis and enriched metabolic pathways through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Liver, muscle, intestinal, fat were collected for qRT-PCR according to KEGG enriched metabolic pathways. Results Our results showed that canagliflozin significantly increased GLP-1 level and impacted on the composition of gut microbiota and metabolites. It mainly increased Muribaculum, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, Lachnospiraceae-UCG-001, decreased ursodeoxycholic acids (UDCA) and hyodeoxycholic acids (HDCA), and increased fatty acids metabolites in feces. Conclusion In conclusion, we analyzed the changes of intestinal microbial composition and metabolites in diabetic mice after canagliflozin intervention and found that canagliflozin influenced intestinal fatty acid and bile acid (BA) metabolism. This study will provide reference for subsequent SGLT2i and intestinal related research. Background Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) represent a new type of hypoglycemic medicine that can cause massive loss of glucose from the urine, which have several benefits of reducing body weight and improving the prognosis of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Although they are oral medicated hypoglycemic agents, their effects on the gut microbiome and function have been unclear. Objective In order to describe the effects of canagliflozin on intestinal flora and metabolites, diabetic mice were randomized to receive canagliflozin or isoconcentration carboxymethylcellulose sodium by gavage for 8 weeks. Feces were collected for 16 S rRNA gene and LC-MS/MS analysis and enriched metabolic pathways through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Liver, muscle, intestinal, fat were collected for qRT-PCR according to KEGG enriched metabolic pathways. Results Our results showed that canagliflozin significantly increased GLP-1 level and impacted on the composition of gut microbiota and metabolites. It mainly increased Muribaculum, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, Lachnospiraceae-UCG-001, decreased ursodeoxycholic acids (UDCA) and hyodeoxycholic acids (HDCA), and increased fatty acids metabolites in feces. Conclusion In conclusion, we analyzed the changes of intestinal microbial composition and metabolites in diabetic mice after canagliflozin intervention and found that canagliflozin influenced intestinal fatty acid and bile acid (BA) metabolism. This study will provide reference for subsequent SGLT2i and intestinal related research.

Smooth Torque Speed Characteristic of Switched Reluctance Motors

Zeng, Hui,Chen, Zhe,Chen, Hao The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2014 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.14 No.2

The torque ripple of switched reluctance motors (SRMs) is the main disadvantage that limits the industrial application of these motors. Although several methods for smooth-toque operation (STO) have been proposed, STO works well only within a certain torque and speed range because of the constraints of the supply voltage and peak current. Based on previous work that sought to expand the STO range, a scheme is developed in this study to determine the maximum smooth torque range at each speed. The relationship between the maximum smooth torque and speed is defined as the smooth torque speed characteristics (STSC), a concept similar to torque speed characteristics (TSC). STSC can be utilized to evaluate torque utilization by comparing it with TSC. Thus, the concept benefits the special design of SRMs, especially for the generation of smooth torque. Furthermore, the torque sharing function (TSF) derived from the proposed method can be applied to STO, which produces a higher smooth torque over a wider speed range in contrast to four typical TSFs. TSimulation and experimental results verify the proposed method.