The Molecular Mechanism of Long Non-Coding RNA MALAT1-Mediated Regulation of Chondrocyte Pyroptosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Wei Chen,Feilong Wang,Jiangtao Wang1,Fuyu Chen,Ting Chen 한국분자세포생물학회 2022 Molecules and cells Vol.45 No.6

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be important regulators in the progression of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity of lncRNAs plays crucial roles in osteogenesis. We identified the mechanism of the differentially expressed lncRNA MALAT1 in AS using bioinformatic analysis and its ceRNA mechanism. The interaction of MALAT1, microRNA-558, and GSDMD was identified using integrated bioinformatics analysis and validated. Loss- and gain-of-function assays evaluated their effects on the viability, apoptosis, pyroptosis and inflammation of chondrocytes in AS. We found elevated MALAT1 and GSDMD but reduced miR-558 in AS cartilage tissues and chondrocytes. MALAT1 contributed to the suppression of cell viability and facilitated apoptosis and pyroptosis in AS chondrocytes. GSDMD was a potential target gene of miR-558. Depletion of MALAT1 expression elevated miR-558 by inhibiting GSDMD to enhance cell viability and inhibit inflammation, apoptosis and pyroptosis of chondrocytes in AS. In summary, our key findings demonstrated that knockdown of MALAT1 served as a potential suppressor of AS by upregulating miR-558 via the downregulation of GSDMD expression.

Spine Surgical Robotics: Current Status and Recent Clinical Applications

Jiangtao Wang,Junxian Miao,Yi Zhan,Yongchao Duan,Yuanshun Wang,Dingjun Hao,Biao Wang 대한척추신경외과학회 2023 Neurospine Vol.20 No.4

With the development of artificial intelligence and the further deepening of medical-engineering integration, spine surgical robot-assisted (RA) technique has made significant progress and its applicability in clinical practice is constantly expanding in recent years. In this review, we have systematically summarized the majority of literature related to spine surgical robots in the past decade, and not only classified robots accordingly, but also summarized the latest research progress in RA technique for screw placement such as cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pedicle screws, cortical bone trajectory screws, cervical lateral mass screws, and S2 sacroiliac screws; guiding targeted puncture and placement of endoscope via the intervertebral foramen; complete resection of spinal tumor tissue; and decompressive laminectomy. In addition, this report also provides a detailed evaluation of RA technique’s advantages and disadvantages, and clarifies the accuracy, safety, and practicality of RA technique. We consider that this review can help clinical physicians further understand and familiarize the current clinical application status of spine surgical robots, thereby promoting the continuous improvement and popularization of RA technique, and ultimately benefiting numerous patients.

Response of Photosynthetic Characteristics to Different Salicylic Acid Concentrations in Relation to Waterlogging Resistance in Zanthoxylum armatum

Peiyun Wang,Chengyi Su,Jiaojiao Wu,Yuxin Xie,Jiangtao Fan,Jingyan Wang,Wenkai Hui,Hua Yang,Wei Gong 한국원예학회 2023 원예과학기술지 Vol.41 No.4

Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae) is an important spice and a traditional medicinal plant in southwest China. Owing to its shallow root system, it is highly susceptible to waterlogging stress. To evaluate how an exogenous salicylic acid (SA) application reduces photosynthetic damage in Z. armatum under waterlogging stress conditions, the content of photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were studied under different SA concentrations (0, 1 and 2 mM) and different numbers of waterlogging days (1, 2 and 3 d) to identify the mechanisms underlying the seedlings’ waterlogging response. The results showed that waterlogging significantly affects the photosynthetic characteristics in leaves. An exogenous SA application increased the contents of photosynthetic pigments as well as the transpiration rate (Tr), net leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), water use efficiency (WUE), actual quantum efficiency (ΦPSII), photosystem II (PSII) maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), PSII photochemical efficiency in light (Fv'/Fm'), and electron transport rate (ETR), whereas the treatment decreased the intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) and minimum fluorescence (Fo). Therefore, the SA application helps improve the photosynthetic efficiency and reduce photodamage to Z. armatum in the event of waterlogging stress.

A Comparative Study of 2 Techniques to Avoid Bone Cement Loosening and Displacement After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Treating Unstable Kummell Disease

Jie Guo,Yesheng Bai,Liang Li,Jiangtao Wang,Yuhang Wang,Dingjun Hao,Biao Wang 대한척추신경외과학회 2024 Neurospine Vol.21 No.2

Objective: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is currently the most common surgical procedure for unstable Kummell disease (KD), but cement loosening or displacement often occurs after PVP. We had been using percutaneous pediculoplasty (PPP) or a self-developed bone cement bridging screw system to avoid this severe complication. This study intends to compare these novel surgical procedures through a 2-year follow-up evaluation. Methods: From May 2017 to May 2021, 77 patients with single-level unstable KD were included in the PPP group, and 42 patients received the PVP-bone cement bridging screw system were included in the screw group. The changes in the vertebral body index (VBI), bisegmental Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the cement loosening rate and displacement rate at different follow-up time points were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Results: There was no significant difference in VBI or bisegmental Cobb angle between the 2 groups (p > 0.05) before operation, immediately after operation and at 6-month followup, while at 1-year and 2-year postoperative evaluations, the screw group had higher VBI and bisegmental Cobb angle than the PPP group (p < 0.05). Before operation, immediately after operation, at 6-month and 1-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in VAS or ODI score between the 2 groups (p > 0.05), while at 2-year follow-up, the screw group still had higher VAS and ODI scores than the PPP group (p < 0.05). No bone cement displacement occurred in both groups, but the rate of bone cement loosening was 14.29% in group PPP, and 0 in screw group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This 2-year follow-up study shows that the PVP-bone cement bridging screw system combined therapy had better midterm treatment efficacy than the PVP-PPP combined therapy in patients with unstable KD, and the bone cement bridging screw system is a preferred therapy with better anti cement loosening ability.

Responses of Antioxidant Enzyme Activity to Different Fertilizer and Soil Moisture Conditions in Relation to Cold Resistance in Zanthoxylum armatum

Jiangtao Fan,Jingyan Wang,Xianzhi Liu,Changping Zhao,Chaobing Zhou,Tasheen Saba,Jiaojiao Wu,Wenkai Hui,Wei Gong 한국원예학회 2022 원예과학기술지 Vol.40 No.3

Zanthoxylum armatum, known as green prickly ash, is a major condiment species planted on a large scale in southwest China. However, its limited cold tolerance has been a significant disadvantage for its cultivation in low-temperature regions. To better understand the antioxidant enzyme activities related to cold resistance, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content were investigated under 16 fertilizer and soil moisture treatments to explore the cold resistance response mechanism in Z. armatum. The results showed that low temperatures could significantly affect antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaves of Z. armatum seedlings. The antioxidant enzyme activities of seedlings treated with soil moisture and fertilizer treatments were significantly higher than those without fertilizer. Furthermore, the comprehensive evaluation index (CEI) was positively correlated with SOD, POD, and CAT activities but negatively correlated with MDA content. Meanwhile, the treatment T12 (60% field water capacity + 300 kg·ha-1 nitrogen + 30 kg·ha-1 phosphoric anhydride) had the highest CEI value, whereas T1 (20% water capacity) had the lowest. Based on the regression equation for CEI improvement, the predicted optimal levels for field water capacity (FWC), nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were 59.6%–63.4% FWC (average 61.5%), 114.2–248.8 kg N/ha (average 181.5 kg N/ha), 40.1–108.5 kg P2O5/ha (average 74.3 kg P2O5/ha), and 200.2–254.4 kg K2O/ha (average 227.3 kg K2O/ha), respectively. The present study provides the optimal soil moisture and fertilizer concentration required to enhance protective enzyme activity and low-temperature tolerance, which is crucial for improving cold resistance in Z. armatum.

An Improved Biogeography-based Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Reactive Power Flow

Jiangtao Cao,Fuli Wang,Ping Li 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Control and Automation Vol.7 No.3

Supplemental Lighting Source at Different Time During a Day Affects Growth and Development of Grafted Tomato Seedlings

Jiangtao Hu,Hao Wei,Mengzhao Wang,Chen Liu,Ziwei Guo,Byoung Ryong Jeong 한국원예학회 2018 한국원예학회 학술발표요지 Vol.2018 No.10

Add-on Tiotropium in Chinese Patients With Moderate Asthma: A Pooled Subgroup Analysis of MezzoTinA-Asthma 1 and 2

Jiangtao Lin,Huanying Wan,Jian Kang,Qianli Ma,Ping Chen,Meiling Jin,Haoyan Wang,Shuang Liu,Qinglin Hao,Yong Lin,Lin Su,Na Hu 대한천식알레르기학회 2019 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.11 No.4

Purpose: Asthma affects approximately 30 million patients in China; however, tiotropium data for Chinese patients is limited. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tiotropium in Chinese patients with moderate symptomatic asthma. Methods: A post hoc subgroup analysis was conducted on 430 Chinese patients pooled from two 24-week, replicate phase 3 trials (NCT01172808 and NCT01172821), in which they received once-daily tiotropium 2.5 μg (Tio R2.5) or 5 μg (Tio R5) (n = 106 or 109, respectively), twice-daily salmeterol 50 μg (Sal 50) (n = 110), or placebo (n = 105), while maintaining inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The co-primary endpoints assessed in week 24 were forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) peak0–3h response, trough FEV1 response, and responder rate as assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ). Results: For both FEV1 peak0–3h responses and trough FEV1 responses, the mean treatment differences were greater for Tio R2.5, Tio R5, and Sal 50 compared with placebo at 0.249 L, 0.234 L, and 0.284 L, and 0.172 L, 0.180 L, and 0.164 L, respectively (P< 0.001). The ACQ responder rate in placebo, Tio R2.5, Tio R5, and Sal 50 was 58.7%, 62.3%, 59.3%, and 69.1%, respectively. Furthermore, 11 (2.6%) of 430 patients had serious adverse events (Tio R5, n = 4; Tio R2.5, n = 1; Sal 50, n = 1; and placebo, n = 5). Conclusions: Once-daily tiotropium, as add-on to medium-dose ICS, was effective and well tolerated for Chinese patients with moderate symptomatic asthma, consistent with the main analysis.

Hospitalization Due to Asthma Exacerbation: A China Asthma Research Network (CARN) Retrospective Study in 29 Provinces Across Mainland China

Jiangtao Lin,Bin Xing,Huaping Tang,Lan Yang,Yadong Yuan,Yuhai Gu,Ping Chen,Xiaoju Liu,Jie Zhang,Huiguo Liu,Changzheng Wang,Wei Zhou,Dejun Sun,Yiqiang Chen,Zhuochang Chen,Mao Huang,Qichang Lin,Chengpin 대한천식알레르기학회 2020 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.12 No.3

Purpose: Details of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in mainland China are lacking. To improve disease control and reduce economic burden, a large sample survey among this patient population is indispensable. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of such patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals of 29 regions in mainland China during the period 2013 to 2014. Demographic features, pre-admission conditions, exacerbation details, and outcomes were summarized. Risk factors for exacerbation severity were analyzed. Results: There were 3,240 asthmatic patients included in this study (57.7% females, 42.3% males). Only 28.0% used daily controller medications; 1,287 (39.7%) patients were not currently on inhaled corticosteroids. Acute upper airway infection was the most common trigger of exacerbation (42.3%). Patients with severe to life-threatening exacerbation tended to have a longer disease course, a smoking history, and had comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and food allergy. The multivariate analysis showed that smoking history, comorbidities of hypertension, COPD, and food allergy were independent risk factors for more severe exacerbation. The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation varied with seasons, peaking in March and September. Eight patients died during the study period (mortality 0.25%). Conclusions: Despite enhanced education on asthma self-management in China during recent years, few patients were using daily controller medications before the onset of their exacerbation, indicating that more educational efforts and considerations are needed. The findings of this study may improve our understanding of hospital admission for asthma exacerbation in mainland China and provide evidence for decision-making.

Highly Durable and Robust Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic Cotton Fabric with Well-designed Roughness for Oil/Water Separation

Jiangtao Hu,Qianhong Gao,Lu Xu,Minglei Wang,Maojiang Zhang,Kuo Zhang,Xiaojing Guo,Weihua Liu,Guozhong Wu 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.7

Herein we report a simple and reproducible method for fabricating highly durable and robust superhydrophobic and superoleophilic cotton fabrics via simultaneous radiation-induced graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and subsequent chemical modifications with aminopropyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane. The chemical structure and the surface topography of the pristine and the modified cotton fabrics were investigated in detail by ATR-FTIR, XPS, and 29Si NMR, and a grafting layer was successfully immobilized onto the surface of the cotton fabric by forming covalent bonds. Multi-dimensional surface roughness was created by combining micro-sized fibers of the cotton fabric, nanoscaled protuberances of the grafting chain, and molecular level spherical projection points of silicon methyl. The superhydrophobic cotton fabric exhibited long-term stability, ultra-high durability and robustness, and maintained its properties even after 25 wash cycles. The fabric also showed excellent water repellency with a water contact angle of 153 o and a high efficiency of oil/water separation (98 %). The superhydrophobic/superoleophilic cotton fabric developed in the present work exhibits important potential applications in superhydrophobic textiles and oil/water separation.