Luciferase Assay to Screen Tumour-specific Promoters in Lung Cancer

Xu, Rong,Guo, Long-Jiang,Xin, Jun,Li, Wen-Mao,Gao, Yan,Zheng, You-Xian,Guo, You-Hong,Lin, Yang-Jun,Xie, Yong-Hua,Wu, Ya-Qing,Xu, Rui-An Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Objective: Specific promoters could improve efficiency and ensure the safety of gene therapy. The aim of our study was to screen examples for lung cancer. Methods: The firefly luciferase gene was used as a reporter, and promoters based on serum markers of lung cancer were cloned. The activity and specificity of seven promoters, comprising CEACAM5 (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA), GRP (Gastrin-Releasing Peptide), KRT19 (cytokeratin 19, KRT), SFTPB (surfactant protein B, SP-B), SERPINB3 (Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen, SCCA), SELP (Selectin P, Granule Membrane Protein 140kDa, Antigen CD62, GMP) and DKK1 (Dickkopf-1) promoters were compared in lung cancer cells to obtain cancer-specific examples with strong activity. Results: The CEACAM5, DKK1, GRP, SELP, KRT19, SERPINB3 and SFTPB promoters were cloned. Furthermore, we successfully constructed recombinant vector pGL-CEACAM5 (DKK1, GRP, SELP, KRT19, SERPINB3 and SFTPB) contained the target gene. After cells were transfectedwith recombinant plasmids, we found that the order of promoter activity from high to low was SERPINB3, DKK1, SFTPB, KRT19, CEACAM5, SELP and GRP and the order for promoters regarding specificity and high potential were SERPINB3, DKK1, SELP, SFTPB, CEACAM5, KRT19 and GRP. Conclusion: The approach adopted is feasible to screen for new tumour specific promoters with biomarkers. In addition, the screened lung-specific promoters might have potential for use in lung cancer targeted gene therapy research.

Synthesis of a Novel Phosphorus-containing Flame Retardant for Epoxy Resins

Xu, Hong-Jun,Jin, Fan-Long,Park, Soo-Jin Korean Chemical Society 2009 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.30 No.11

In this study, a novel phosphorus-containing flame retardant copolymer of spirocyclic pentaerythritol di(phosphate monochloride) and bisphenol S (SPD-BS) was successfully synthesized and used as a flame retardant in diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resins. The chemical structure of the SPD-BS was characterized using FT-IR and $^1H$ NMR spectra. The thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of SPD-BS and nano-$CaCO_3$ on the flame-retardant properties of DGEBA/SPD-BS systems were evaluated by measurement of the burning rate. As a result, the thermal stabilities of the DGEBA/SPD-BS systems were decreased with increasing SPD-BS content. The flame-retardant properties and char yields of the systems were significantly increased when SPD-BS content increased. The synergism of nano-$CaCO_3$ incorporation on flame retardancy was found for the DGEBA/SPD-BS systems.

Synthesis of a Novel Phosphorus-containing Flame Retardant for Epoxy Resins

Hong-Jun Xu,Fan-Long Jin,박수진 대한화학회 2009 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.30 No.11

In this study, a novel phosphorus-containing flame retardant copolymer of spirocyclic pentaerythritol di(phosphate monochloride) and bisphenol S (SPD-BS) was successfully synthesized and used as a flame retardant in diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resins. The chemical structure of the SPD-BS was characterized using FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra. The thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of SPD-BS and nano-CaCO3 on the flame-retardant properties of DGEBA/SPD-BS systems were evaluated by measurement of the burning rate. As a result, the thermal stabilities of the DGEBA/SPD-BS systems were decreased with increasing SPD-BS content. The flame-retardant properties and char yields of the systems were significantly increased when SPD-BS content increased. The synergism of nano-CaCO3 incorporation on flame retardancy was found for the DGEBA/SPD-BS systems.

Metastasis associated genomic aberrations in stage II rectal cancer

Hong Zhao,Zhi-Zhou Shi,Rui Jiang,Dong-Bing Zhao,Hai-Tao Zhou,Jian-Wei Liang,Xin-Yu Bi,Jian-Jun Zhao,Zhi-Yu Li,Jian-Guo Zhou,Zhen Huang,Ye-Fan Zhang,Jian Wang,Xin Xu,Yan Cai,Ming-Rong Wang,Yu Zhang 한국유전학회 2016 Genes & Genomics Vol.38 No.11

Genomic aberrations of rectal carcinoma, especially DNA copy number changes associated with metastasis were largely unclear. We aim to identify the metastasis associated biomarkers in stage II rectal cancer. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissues of stage II rectal carcinoma were analyzed by array-based comparative genomic hybridization, and genomic aberrations were identified by Genomic Workbench and SAM software. Copy number changes and mRNA expressions were validated by Real-time PCR in an independent rectal cancer samples. The results showed that the most frequent gains in stage II rectal cancer were at 1q21.2-q23.1, 3p21.31, 11q12.2-q23.3, 12q24.11-q24.31, 12q13.11-q14.1 and losses in 18q11.2-q23, 17q21.33-q22, 13q31.1-q31.3, 21q21.1-q21.3, 8p23.3-p23.1 and 4q22.1-q23. Twenty-two amplifications and five homozygous deletions were also identified. We further found that S100A1 (1q21.3-q23.1), MCM7 (7q22.1) and JUND (19p13.11) were amplified and overexpressed in stage II rectal cancer. Interestingly, the genomic aberrations affected 14 signaling pathways including VEGF signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism. Most importantly, loss of 13q31.1-q34 and gain of 1q44 were associated with distant metastasis. Our results indicated that these metastasis associated genomic changes may be useful to reveal the pathogenesis of rectal cancer metastasis and identify candidate biomarkers.

Emodin prevents intima thickness via Wnt4/Dvl-1/β-catenin signaling pathway mediated by miR-126 in balloon-injured carotid artery rats

Jun-yi Hua,Yu-zhou He,Yun Xu,Xu-hong Jiang,Wu Ye,Zhi-min Pan 생화학분자생물학회 2015 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.47 No.-

Neointimal proliferation after vascular injury is a key mechanism of restenosis, a major cause of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty failure and artery bypass occlusion. Emodin, an anthraquinone with multiple physiological activities, has been reported to inhibit proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that might cause intimal arterial thickening. Thus, in this study, we established a rat model of balloon-injured carotid artery and investigated the therapeutic effect of emodin and its underlying mechanism. Intimal thickness was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of Wnt4, dvl-1, β-catenin and collagen was determined by immunohistochemistry and/or western blotting. The proliferation of VSMC was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and electron microscopy. MicroRNA levels were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Emodin relieved injury-induced artery intimal thickness. Results of western blots and immunohistochemistry showed that emodin suppressed expression of signaling molecules Wnt4/Dvl-1/β-catenin as well as collagen protein in the injured artery. In addition, emodin enhanced expression of an artery injury-related microRNA, miR-126. In vitro, MTT assay showed that emodin suppressed angiotensin II (AngII)-induced proliferation of VSMCs. Emodin reversed AngII-induced activation of Wnt4/Dvl-1/β-catenin signaling by increasing expression of miR-126 that was strongly supported by transfection of mimic or inhibitor for miR-126. Emodin prevents intimal thickening via Wnt4/Dvl-1/β-catenin signaling pathway mediated by miR-126 in balloon-injured carotid artery of rats.

Liver Cancer Mortality Trends during the Last 30 Years in Hebei province: Comparison Results from Provincial Death Surveys Conducted in the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's and 2004-2005

Xu, Hong,He, Yu-Tong,Zhu, Jun-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Background and Aims: Liver cancer is a major health problem in low-resource countries. Approximately 55% of all liver cancer occurs in China. Hebei Province is one of the important covering nearly 6% of the population of China. The aim of this paper was to explore liver cancer mortality trends during past 30 years, and provide basic information on prevention strategies. Methods: Hebei was covered covered all the three national surveys during 1973-1975, 1990-1992, and 2004-2005 and one provincial survey during 1984-1986. Subjects included all cases dying from liver cancer in Hebei Province. Liver cancer mortality trend and geographic differences across cities and counties were analyzed. Results: There were 82,878 deaths in Hebei Province during 2004-2005 with an average mortality rate was 600.9/10,000, and an age-adjusted rate of 552.3/10,000. Those dying of cancer were 18,424 cases, accounting for 22.2% of all deaths, second only to cerebrovascular disease as a cause of death. Cancer mortality was 133.6/100,000 (age-adjusted rate was 119.2/100,000). Liver cancer ranked fourth in this survey with a mortality rate of 21.0/100,000, 28.4/100,000 in males and 13.35/10,000 in females, accounting for 15.7%, 17.1% and 13.4% of the total number of cancer deaths and in males and females, respectively. The sex ratio was 2.13. Since the 1970s, liver cancer deaths of Hebei province have been increasing slightly. The crude mortality rates in the four surveys were 11.3, 16.0, 17.4, 21.0 per 100,000, respectively, with age-adjusted rates fluctuating during the past 30 years, but the trend also being upwards. There is a tendency for the mortality rates to be higher in coastal than mountain areas, and is relative lower in the plain area, with crude mortality rates of 25.3, 22.1, and 19.1 per 100,000, respectively. There were no notable differences in cride data between urban and rural, but the age-adjusted mortality rate in rural was much higher. Conclusion: Our study indicated that the mortality of liver cancer in Hebei Province is lower than the national average level. There is a slightly increase trend, especially in some counties. Liver cancer is a major health problem and it is necessary to further promote prevention strategies in Hebei province.

Research on the Formulation and Properties of a High-Performance Geopolymer Grouting Material Based on Slag and Fly Ash

Jun Xu,Ai Hong Kang,Zheng Guang Wu,Peng Xiao,Bo Li,Yi Miao Lu 대한토목학회 2021 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.25 No.9

In this paper, a high-performance geopolymer grouting material based on slag and fly ash was developed and the properties were investigated. The fluidity, setting time, compressive strength, water resistance and drying shrinkage were studied to evaluate the workability and mechanical properties of geopolymer grouting material (GGM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze the microstructural performance of GGM. The results show that the concentration of alkaline activator and slag content plays a significant role in properties of GGM and the optimum formula has been obtained. In the course of the study, the effect of concentration of alkaline activator and the content of slag on the workability and mechanical performance of GGM is different. All properties of geopolymer were considered comprehensively, the slag content and concentration of alkaline activator were 70% and 37%, which indicated that the geopolymer grouting material made from slag and fly ash could meet the requirements of concrete reinforcement well and was friendly to the environment.

Effects of Lignocellulose-derived Inhibitors on Growth and Succinic Acid Accumulation by Corynebacterium glutamicum

Hong-Tao Xu,Chen Wang,Zhi-Hui Zhou,Zhong-Jun Chen,Heng Cai 한국생물공학회 2015 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.20 No.4

Succinic acid production by genetically engineered C. glutamicum from lignocellulosic biomass requires the hydrolysis of carbohydrate polymers into fermentable syrup. A variety of toxic compounds are produced such as aldehydes and organic acids, while the hydrolysis of hemicellulose with dilute acid. In this study, we have investigated the toxicity of representative aldehydes (furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, syringaldehyde, and vanillin) and organic acids (ferulic, 4-hydroxybenzic, vanillic, protocatechuic acid) on growth and succinic acid accumulation of C. glutamicum NC-1. In the presence of various inhibitors of growth experiment, furfural, 5- hydroxymethylfurfural appeared less toxic to growth of C. glutamicum NC-1, syringaldehyde almost completely inhibitor growth of C. glutamicum NC-1, vanillin has inhibited the growth of 67%, of organic acids, only ferulic appeared toxic to growth of C. glutamicum NC-1. Of succinic acid accumulation experiment under oxygen deprivation, all the organic acids compounds showed little inhibition on the glocuse consumption and succinic acid accumulation of C. glutamicum NC-1, but furfural, 5- hydroxymethylfurfural and vanillic have decreased the production of succinic acid. In addition, the actual inhibitor mixtures from the acid hydrolysate of corn cobs have reduced the accumulation of succinic acid. Across further research showed, a reason of succinic acid yield decrease was the malic enzyme activity was inhibited.

Thickness-controllable electrospun fibers promote tubular structure formation by endothelial progenitor cells

Hong, Jong Kyu,Bang, Ju Yup,Xu, Guan,Lee, Jun-Hee,Kim, Yeon-Ju,Lee, Ho-Jun,Kim, Han Seong,Kwon, Sang-Mo Dove Medical Press 2015 International journal of nanomedicine Vol.10 No.-

<P>Controlling the thickness of an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold by altering its pore size has been shown to regulate cell behaviors such as cell infiltration into a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold. This is of great importance when manufacturing tissue-engineering scaffolds using an electrospinning process. In this study, we report the development of a novel process whereby additional aluminum foil layers were applied to the accumulated electrospun fibers of an existing aluminum foil collector, effectively reducing the incidence of charge buildup. Using this process, we fabricated an electrospun scaffold with a large pore (pore size >40 μm) while simultaneously controlling the thickness. We demonstrate that the large pore size triggered rapid infiltration (160 μm in 4 hours of cell culture) of individual endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and rapid cell colonization after seeding EPC spheroids. We confirmed that the 3D, but not two-dimensional, scaffold structures regulated tubular structure formation by the EPCs. Thus, incorporation of stem cells into a highly porous 3D scaffold with tunable thickness has implications for the regeneration of vascularized thick tissues and cardiac patch development.</P>

GROWTH AND FIXED POINTS OF MEROMORPHIC SOLUTIONS OF HIGHER-ORDER LINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Xu, Jun-Feng,Yi, Hong-Xun Korean Mathematical Society 2009 대한수학회지 Vol.46 No.4

In this paper, we investigate the growth and fixed points of meromorphic solutions of higher order linear differential equations with meromorphic coefficients and their derivatives. Because of the restriction of differential equations, we obtain that the properties of fixed points of meromorphic solutions of higher order linear differential equations with meromorphic coefficients and their derivatives are more interesting than that of general transcendental meromorphic functions. Our results extend the previous results due to M. Frei, M. Ozawa, G. Gundersen, and J. K. Langley and Z. Chen and K. Shon.