Protocatechuic Aldehyde Represses Proliferation and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells through Targeting C-terminal Binding Protein 1

Yu Deng,Wanjun Guo,Guancheng Li,Shuang Li,Hong Li,Xinyan Li,Bei Niu,Mingzhu Song,Yamei Zhang,Zhijian Xu,Fulun Li 한국유방암학회 2020 Journal of breast cancer Vol.23 No.1

Purpose: C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1) is a transcriptional co-repressor that is overexpressed in many cancers. CtBP1 transcriptionally represses a broad array of tumor suppressors, which promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that CtBP1 is a potential target for cancer therapy. This study was designed to screen for compounds that potentially target CtBP1. Methods: Using a structure-based virtual screening for CtBP1 inhibitors, we found protocatechuic aldehyde (PA), a natural compound found in the root of a traditional Chinese herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza, that directly binds to CtBP1. Microscale thermophoresis assay was performed to determine whether PA and CtBP1 directly bind to each other. Further, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated Cas9 nuclease-mediated CtBP1 knockout in breast cancer cells was used to validate the CtBP1 targeting specificity of PA. Results: Functional studies showed that PA repressed the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, PA elevated the expression of the downstream targets of CtBP1, p21 and E-cadherin, and decreased CtBP1 binding affinity for the promoter regions of p21 and E-cadherin in breast cancer cells. However, PA did not affect the expression of p21 and E-cadherin in the CtBP1 knockout breast cancer cells. In addition, the CtBP1 knockout breast cancer cells showed resistance to PA-induced repression of proliferation and migration. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that PA directly bound to CtBP1 and inhibited the growth and migration of breast cancer cells through CtBP1 inhibition. Structural modifications of PA are further required to enhance its binding affinity and selectivity for CtBP1.

Berberine Prevents Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Damage During Early Phase of Sepsis in Rat through the Toll-Like Receptors Signaling Pathway

Li, Guo-Xun,Wang, Xi-Mo,Jiang, Tao,Gong, Jian-Feng,Niu, Ling-Ying,Li, Ning The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2015 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.19 No.1

Our previous study has shown berberine prevents damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier during early phase of sepsis in rat through mechanisms independent of the NOD-like receptors signaling pathway. In this study, we explored the regulatory effects of berberine on Toll-like receptors during the intestinal mucosal damaging process in rats. Male Sprague-Dawlay (SD) rats were treated with berberine for 5 d before undergoing cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce polymicrobial sepsis. The expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR 2), TLR 4, TLR 9, the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), the levels of selected cytokines and chemokines, percentage of cell death in intestinal epithelial cells, and mucosal permeability were investigated at 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after CLP. Results showed that the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) level were significantly lower in berberine-treated rats compared to the control animals. Conversely, the expression level of tight junction proteins, percentage of cell death in intestinal epithelial cells and the mucosal permeability were significantly higher in berberine-treated rats. The mRNA expression of TLR 2, TLR 4, and TLR 9 were significantly affected by berberine treatment. Our results indicate that pretreatment with berberine attenuates tissue injury and protects the intestinal mucosal barrier in early phase of sepsis and this may possibly have been mediated through the TLRs pathway.

An Adjustment Technique for Tensions in the Cables of Concrete Cable-Stayed Bridges considering the Effect of Cable-Girder Temperature Difference

Niu-Jing Ma,Li-Xiong Gu,Chang-Li Peng 대한토목학회 2021 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.25 No.5

To make sure the tension adjustment in the cables of concrete cable-stayed bridges is conducted successfully, a new adjustment technique for the tension adjustment is presented, with the cable-girder temperature difference taken into account. The tensions are measured via frequency method. Prior to the tension adjustment, tensions and temperatures of all cables and girders are measured when the ambient temperature is stable, and this set of tensions is taken as reference tensions. During the tension adjustment, the relative variable quantities of the tensions are regarded as the control values, while the vertical displacement in the mid-span section of the main span is regarded as the verification value. After each pair of cables is adjusted, it is required to measure the temperatures of cables and girders as well as the vertical displacement variation in the mid-span section of the main span. To guarantee the structural behavior of entire bridge is controlled, at one-third cable points, two-third cable points and the farthest cable points, the frequencies of each pair of cables as well as the temperatures of each pair of cables and girders should be measured so as to recalculate the cable tensions. After that, these cable tensions are compared with the theoretical ones to ensure the structural behavior of entire bridge in control. Finally, Furong bridge, a concrete cable-stayed bridge with double inclined pylons, is taken as a sample application of this proposed technique. The results of cable tensions in this bridge illustrate the new adjustment technique is both accurate and efficient.

Comparative effectiveness of Chinese herbal injections treating for rotavirus enteritis in children: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Li-Qing Niu,Lu Xiao,Qiu-Han Cai,Yu-Yi Wu,Si-Yuan Hu,Sheng-Xuan Guo,Yu-Ling Tian,Qiu-Rong Wang 한국한의학연구원 2023 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.12 No.2

Background: Rotavirus enteritis (RVE) accounts for 37% of all death in children (<5 years) with diarrhea. Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) have drawn more attention from practitioners because of the valid effects for RVE. However, the most beneficial one has not yet been determined. Methods: Eight databases were searched from their inception up to September 3, 2022. The primary outcome was clinical effective rate and the secondary outcomes were time for disappearance of diarrhea, time of defervescence, time for disappearance of vomiting, and adverse drug reactions or adverse drug events. OpenBUGS 3.2.3 and STATA 14.0 software were employed to carry out the NMA. Results: 58 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 6436 child patients were included in this Bayesian NMA. Four CHIs were investigated including Yanhuning injection (YHN), Xiyanping injection (XYP), Reduning injection (RDN), and Zedoary Turmeric Oil injection (ZTO). The results showed that YHN [OR=6.16, 95% CI (4.39, 8.77)] had a superior effect in improving clinical effective rate compared to Ribavirin based on Western medicine (WM). According to SUCRA values, YHN (84.1%) ranked highest. As for the secondary outcomes, XYP was the better intervention in shortening the time for disappearance of diarrhea. Regarding time for defervescence, RDN had obvious advantages and also performed well in time for disappearance of vomiting. Conclusions: CHIs combined with WM could be beneficial than Ribavirin in improving clinical effective rate, and YHN was the optimum treatment. From the comprehensive evaluations of both the clinical effective rate and other outcomes, YHN also indicated a favorable therapeutic effect in RVE. Study registration: This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022357149).

ASYMPTOTIC NORMALITY OF ESTIMATOR IN NON-PARAMETRIC MODEL UNDER CENSORED SAMPLES

Niu, Si-Li,Li, Qlan-Ru Korean Mathematical Society 2007 대한수학회지 Vol.44 No.3

Consider the regression model $Y_i=g(x_i)+e_i\;for\;i=1,\;2,\;{\ldots},\;n$, where: (1) $x_i$ are fixed design points, (2) $e_i$ are independent random errors with mean zero, (3) g($\cdot$) is unknown regression function defined on [0, 1]. Under $Y_i$ are censored randomly, we discuss the asymptotic normality of the weighted kernel estimators of g when the censored distribution function is known or unknown.

Adaptive Multiple MPC for a Wind Farm with DFIG: a Decentralized-Coordinated Approach

LI, Xiao-ming,ZHANG, Xi,LIN, Zhong-wei,NIU, Yu-guang,LI, Ming-yang,Nathan, Noel Vishal The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers 2016 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.11 No.5

Recent advance of single atom-based photocatalysts for energy conversion and environmental purification

Niu Yaling,Yue Chengcai,Li Shuqi,Che Guangbo,Su Nan,Dong Hongjun,Li Chunmei 한국탄소학회 2023 Carbon Letters Vol.33 No.4

Developing the high-performance semiconductor photocatalytic materials is an eternal topic under the background of the current energy and environment requirements. In recent years, single-atom photocatalysts (SAPCs) have been brought a lot of attention in energy conversion and environmental purification because of their unique characteristics and properties, including the unique coordination patterns, outstanding atomic utilization, quantum confinement effects, high catalytic activity, etc. Hence, this critical review focuses on the summarized various synthetic methods and the recent important applications of SAPCs, including photocatalytic H2 evolution (PHE) from water splitting, photocatalytic CO2 reduction, photodegradation of organic pollutants, etc. The prospects and challenges for future research topics of SAPCs with excellent activity and stability for various photocatalytic applications are prospected at the end of this review. We sincerely expect that this critical review can promote deep-level insight into the SAPCs subject for the future significant applications in other fields.

Sulphonated Reduced Graphene Oxide: A High Performance Anode Material for Lithium Ion Battery

Haibo Li,Rui Niu,Sen Liang,Yulong Ma,Min Luo,Jin Li,Lijun He 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2015 NANO Vol.10 No.4

In this work, the sulfonated reduced graphene oxide (SRGO) was synthesized and proposed as an enhanced anode material for lithium ion battery (LIB). The result shows that the SRGO has an improved battery performance (i.e., ~341.7 mAh/g and ~190.6 mAh/g corresponds to SRGO and RGO at the 100th cycle with a current density of 200 mA/g) and superior cycling stability compared with pristine reduced graphene oxide (RGO). These are attributed to the improved specific surface area (448.35 m2 /g) and conductivity (2.5 x 10-4 S/m). Further, the SRGO exhibits good rate capability and excellent energy density at various current densities ranging from 50 mAh/g to 2000 mAh/g, suggesting that SRGO could be a promising anode material for high capacity LIB.

Oviduct-specific Glycoprotein 1 Locus is Associated with Litter Size and Weight of Ovaries in Pigs

Niu, B.Y.,Xiong, Y.Z.,Li, F.E.,Jiang, S.W.,Deng, C.Y.,Ding, S.H.,Guo, W.H.,Lei, M.G.,Zheng, R.,Zuo, B.,Xu, D.Q.,Li, J.L. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2006 Animal Bioscience Vol.19 No.5

Oviduct-specific glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) is implicated in playing a role in fertilization and early embryo development. In this study, we have obtained the sequence of intron 9 of OVGP1 gene in swine. Comparative sequencing of Meishan (a native Chinese breed) and Large White pig breeds revealed an A/T substitution at position 943. A PCR-EcoRI-RFLP assay was developed to detect this mutation. Polymorphism analysis in Qingping animals showed that pigs with BB genotype had lower number of piglets born alive (NBA) in multiple parities than pigs with AA (p<0.05) and AB genotype (p<0.01). In Large $White{\times}Meishan$ ($LW{\times}M$) $F_2$ offspring, the weight of both ovaries (OW) of the BB genotype was significantly lighter than that of AB (p = 0.05) and AA (p<0.01) genotypes. Analysis of the data also revealed that the mutation locus affected these two traits mostly by additive effects. These studies indicated that the polymorphism was associated with NBA and OW in two distinct populations and further investigations in more purebreds or crossbreds are needed to confirm these results.

Solidification of uranium mill tailings by MBS-MICP and environmental implications

Niu Qianjin,Li Chunguang,Liu Zhenzhong,Li Yongmei,Meng Shuo,He Xinqi,Liu Xinfeng,Wang Wenji,He Meijiao,Yang Xiaolei,Liu Qi,Liu Longcheng 한국원자력학회 2022 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.54 No.10

Uranium mill tailing ponds (UMTPs) are risk source of debris flow and a critical source of environmental U and Rn pollution. The technology of microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been extensively studied on reinforcement of UMTs, while little attention has been paid to the effects of MICP on U & Rn release, especially when incorporation of metakaolin and bacillus subtilis (MBS). In this study, the reinforcement and U & Rn immobilization role of MBS -MICP solidification in different grouting cycle for uranium mill tailings (UMTs) was comprehensively investigated. The results showed that under the action of about 166.7 g/L metakaolin and ~50% bacillus subtilis, the solidification cycle of MICP was shortened by 50%, the solidified bodies became brittle, and the axial stress increased by up to 7.9%, and U immobilization rates and Rn exhalation rates decrease by 12.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Therefore, the incorporation of MBS can enhance the triaxial compressive strength and improve the immobilization capacity of U and Rn of the UMTs bodies solidified during MICP, due to the reduction of pore volume and surface area, the formation of more crystals general gypsum and gismondine, as well as the enhancing of coprecipitation and encapsulation capacity