Room temperature pH-dependent ammonia gas sensors using graphene quantum dots

Chen, Wei,Li, Fushan,Ooi, Poh Choon,Ye, Yun,Kim, Tae Whan,Guo, Tailiang Elsevier 2016 Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Vol.222 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We report a simple solution-process route to realize ammonia (NH<SUB>3</SUB>) gas sensor based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the 8–10nm GQDs were formed from multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using ultrasonication treatment. The as-fabricated gas sensor showed promising selectivity response when expose to NH<SUB>3</SUB> ambient at room temperature. It is indicated that by adjusting the pH value of the aqueous GQDs in acidic and neutral, two types of gas sensors with contrary current responses could be obtained, which might be resulted from quantum confinement, edge effects and presence of functional groups on GQDs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> We report an NH<SUB>3</SUB> gas sensor at room temperature based on graphene quantum dots. </LI> <LI> GQDs were formed from multi-walled carbon nanotubes by ultrasonication treatment. </LI> <LI> Adjusting the pH value of the GQDs can lead to gas sensors with different behavior. </LI> <LI> Sensing mechanism might be resulted from the unique properties of GQDs. </LI> </UL> </P>

Pomelo fruit wastes are potentially valuable antioxidants, anti-inflfl ammatories, antihypertensives, and antihyperglycemics

Li-Yun Lin,Chi-Yun Huang,Kuan-Chou Chen,Robert Y. Peng 한국원예학회 2021 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.62 No.3

Grapefruit (G) parts contain abundant phenolic acids and fl avonoids (PPNs and FLVs). The wastes created from exocarps,mesocarps (G wastes, GW) and waste blanching water (WBW) lead to a considerable loss of PPNs and FLVs. Here, weassessed Buntan (CB), Buntan Hayata (CBH), and Peiyu (CP) cultivars and observed considerable amounts of PPNs andFLVs. The ethanolic extracts of GW (GWE) and WBW contained gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caff eicacid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, naringin, hesperidin, diosmin, quercetin, hesperetin, nobiletin, and tangeretin (GWC). GWEhas previously been reported to be a relatively active antioxidant, anti-infl ammatory (based on the expression of TNF-αin Raw264.7 cells), antihypertensive, and anti-hyperglycemic compound. The IC 50 values for antihyperglycemic activitywith WBW for α-amylase were as follows: CB (27.96 ± 0.03 mg/mL) < CP (28.13 ± 0.19 mg/mL) < CBH (41.60 ± 0.16 mg/mL), and those for α-glucosidase were CB (1.80 ± 0.03 mg/mL) < CP (2.97 ± 0.29 mg/mL) < CBH (9.10 ± 0.51 mg/mL). GWC upregulated Glut4 in HepG2 cells, as well as the insulin secretion capability, and intracellular levels in RIN-m5Fcells, and it downregulated DPP4 in HepG2 cells. The IC 50 values for the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity were:CBP (5.10 ± 0.02 mg/mL) < CB (7.24 ± 0.65 mg/mL) < CP (8.60 ± 2.03 mg/mL). Our results indicate that PPNs and FLVspresent in GW are worth reclaiming.

A Chaperone Function of NO CATALASE ACTIVITY1 Is Required to Maintain Catalase Activity and for Multiple Stress Responses in Arabidopsis

Li, Jing,Liu, Juntao,Wang, Guoqiang,Cha, Joon-Yung,Li, Guannan,Chen, She,Li, Zhen,Guo, Jinghua,Zhang, Caiguo,Yang, Yongqing,Kim, Woe-Yeon,Yun, Dae-Jin,Schumaker, Karen S.,Chen, Zhongzhou,Guo, Yan American Society of Plant Biologists 2015 The Plant cell Vol.27 No.3

<P>Arabidopsis protein NCA1 interacts with catalases in the cytosol and increases catalase activity through maintaining catalase folding state, which is required for stress responses.</P><P>Catalases are key regulators of reactive oxygen species homeostasis in plant cells. However, the regulation of catalase activity is not well understood. In this study, we isolated an <I>Arabidopsis thaliana</I> mutant, <I>no catalase activity1-3</I> (<I>nca1-3</I>) that is hypersensitive to many abiotic stress treatments. The mutated gene was identified by map-based cloning as NCA1, which encodes a protein containing an N-terminal RING-finger domain and a C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat-like helical domain. NCA1 interacts with and increases catalase activity maximally in a 240-kD complex in planta. In vitro, NCA1 interacts with CATALASE2 (CAT2) in a 1:1 molar ratio, and the NCA1 C terminus is essential for this interaction. CAT2 activity increased 10-fold in the presence of NCA1, and zinc ion binding of the NCA1 N terminus is required for this increase. NCA1 has chaperone protein activity that may maintain the folding of catalase in a functional state. NCA1 is a cytosol-located protein. Expression of <I>NCA1</I> in the mitochondrion of the <I>nca1-3</I> mutant does not rescue the abiotic stress phenotypes of the mutant, while expression in the cytosol or peroxisome does. Our results suggest that NCA1 is essential for catalase activity.</P>

A method for analysis of head cover deformation and vibration amplitude in Francis hydro-turbine system by combination of CFD and FEA

Yun Jia,Feng-Chen Li,Xianzhu Wei,Xiao-Bin Li,Zhi-He Li 대한기계학회 2017 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.31 No.9

It is of great importance to predict the deformation and vibration characteristics of the hydro-turbine structure accurately for the stable operation when the turbine is running under the alternating load of the flow field. In this paper, we proposed a methodology for analysis of the head cover deformation and vibration amplitude in the high-head Francis hydro-turbine system, in which Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed to simulate the complex flow field in the head cover flow passage and the CFD-captured pressure distribution is provided for Finite element analysis (FEA) as a new load input to obtain more accurate head cover deformation and vibration calculation results. The results obtained by this method are compared with the results of the conventional algorithm and laboratory experimental results, demonstrated a better consistency. The great advantage of this method is that it allows vibration amplitude analysis and predictions under varied working conditions by adjusting the flow field parameters according to the specific working conditions. Therefore, it has supportive significance in optimization of the hydro-turbine structural turbine design as well as stabilizing operations at hydropower stations.

Hepatitis B Virus DNA Negativity Acts as a Favorable Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Li, Xing,Zhong, Xiang,Chen, Zhan-Hong,Xing, Yan-Fang,Wu, Dong-Hao,Chen, Jie,Ma, Xiao-Kun,Lin, Qu,Wen, Jing-Yun,Wei, Li,Wang, Tian-Tian,Ruan, Dan-Yun,Lin, Ze-Xiao,Wu, Xiang-Yuan,Dong, Min Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: This retrospective study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of prophylactic agents in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving TACE and compare the difference between lamivudine and entecavir. Materials and Methods: A consecutive series of 203 HBV-related HCC patients receiving TACE were analyzed including 91 patients given prophylactic agents. Virologic events, defined as an increase in serum HBV DNA level to more than 1 log10 IU/ml higher than the nadir level, hepatitis flares due to HBV reactivation and progression free survival (PFS) were the main endpoints. Results: Some 48 (69.6%) reached virologic response. Prophylaxis significantly reduced virologic events (8.8% vs 58.0%, p=0.000) and hepatitis flares (1.1% vs 13.4%, p=0.001). Patients presenting undetectable HBV DNA levels displayed a significantly improved PFS as compared to those who never achieved undetectable HBV DNA. Prophylaxis and e-antigen positivity were the only significant variables associated with virologic events. In addition, prophylaxis was the only independent protective factor for hepatitis flares. Liver cirrhosis, more cycles of TACE, HBV DNA negativity, a lower Cancer of the Liver Italian Program score, non-metastasis and no hepatitis flares were protective factors for PFS. Prophylactic lamivudine demonstrated similar efficacy as entecavir. Conclusions: Prophylactic agents are efficacious for prevention of HBV reactivation in HCC patients receiving TACE. Achievement of undetectable HBV DNA levels displayed a significant capability in improving PFS. Moreover, persistent tumor residual lesions, positive HBV DNA and hepatitis B flares might be causes of tumor progression in these patients.

Staged Improvement in Awareness of Disease for Elderly Cancer Patients in Southern China

Li, Xing,Dong, Min,Wen, Jing-Yun,Wei, Li,Ma, Xiao-Kun,Xing, Yan-Fang,Deng, Yun,Chen, Zhan-Hong,Chen, Jie,Ruan, Dan-Yun,Lin, Ze-Xiao,Wang, Tian-Tian,Wu, Dong-Hao,Liu, Xu,Hu, Hai-Tao,Lin, Jia-Yu,Li, Zhu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.15

Background: In mainland China, awareness of disease of elderly cancer patients largely relies on the patients' families. We developed a staged procedure to improve their awareness of disease. Materials and Methods: Participants were 224 elderly cancer patients from 9 leading hospitals across Southern China. A questionnaire was given to the oncologists in charge of each patient to evaluate the interaction between family and patients, patient awareness of their disease and participation in medical decision-making. After first cycles of treatment, increased information of disease was given to patients with cooperation of the family. Then patient awareness of their disease and participation in medical decision-making was documented. Results: Among the 224 cancer elderly patients, 26 (11.6%) made decisions by themselves and 125 (55.8%) delegated their rights of decision-making to their family. Subordinate family members tended to play a passive role in decision-making significantly. Patients participating more in medical decision-making tended to know more about their disease. However, in contrast to the awareness of disease, patient awareness of violation of medical recommendations was reversely associated with their participation in medical decision-making. Improvement in awareness of diagnosis, stages and prognosis was achieved in about 20% elderly cancer patients. About 5% participated more actively in medical decision-making. Conclusions: Chinese elderly cancer patient awareness of disease and participation in medical decision-making is limited and relies on their family status. The staged procedure we developed to improve patient awareness of disease proved effective.

Detoxification, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activities and gene expression analysis of Lymantria dispar larvae under carvacrol

Chen Yun-ze,Zhang Bo-wen,Yang Jing,Zou Chuan-shan,Li Tao,Zhang Guo-cai,Chen Guang-sheng 한국응용곤충학회 2021 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.24 No.1

Carvacrol is a terpene compound with various biological activities. However, few studies have specifically focused on its insecticidal activity and mechanism of carvacrol. The larvae of Lymantria dispar are seriously harmful herbivorous insect. This study measured the antifeedant, growth-inhibitory, and toxic effects of carvacrol on L. dispar larvae. To further clarify the insecticidal mechanism of carvacrol, the effects of carvacrol on detoxifying enzymes, antioxidative enzymes, digestive enzyme activities, and the mRNA expression of the abovementioned enzyme genes were investigated. The results of the study showed that the median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) and the sublethal concentration (LC 20 ) of carvacrol were 1.120 mg/mL and 0.297 mg/mL, respectively, at 72 h. After LC 20 treatment of L. dispar larvae for 72 h, food intake and weight gain were significantly lower compared with the control. Enzyme activity assays showed that carvacrol significantly inhibited the activities of carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and the inhibition rate of AchE activity was highest (66.51%). Carvacrol also activated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while it inhibited the activities of lipase (LIP) and amylase (AMS), and first inhibited and then activated protease. In addition, qRT-PCR tests showed that carvacrol affected the mRNA expression levels of CarE, GST, AchE, SOD, CAT, LIP, AMS, and protease. This study helps to clarify the insecticidal mechanism of carvacrol on L. dispar larvae.

Efficacy of Prophylactic Entecavir for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

Li, Xing,Zhong, Xiang,Chen, Zhan-Hong,Wang, Tian-Tian,Ma, Xiao-Kun,Xing, Yan-Fang,Wu, Dong-Hao,Dong, Min,Chen, Jie,Ruan, Dan-Yun,Lin, Ze-Xiao,Wen, Jing-Yun,Wei, Li,Wu, Xiang-Yuan,Lin, Qu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.18

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation was reported to be induced by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinonma (HCC) patients with a high incidence. The effective strategy to reduce hepatitis flares due to HBV reactivation in this specific group of patients was limited to lamivudine. This retrospective study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of prophylactic entecavir in HCC patients receiving TACE. Methods: A consecutive series of 191 HBV-related HCC patients receiving TACE were analyzed including 44 patients received prophylactic entecavir. Virologic events, defined as an increase in serum HBV DNA level to more than 1 log10 copies/ml higher than nadir the level, and hepatitis flares due to HBV reactivation were the main endpoints. Results: Patients with or without prophylactic were similar in host factors and the majorities of characteristics regarding to tumor factors, HBV status, liver function and LMR. Notably, cycles of TACE were parallel between the groups. Ten (22.7%) patients receiving prophylactic entecavir reached virologic response. The patients receiving prophylactic entecavir presented significantly reduced virologic events (6.8% vs 54.4%, p=0.000) and hepatitis flares due to HBV reactivation (0.0% vs 11.6%, p=0.039) compared with patients without prophylaxis. Kaplan-Meier analysis illustrated that the patients in the entecavir group presented significantly improved virologic events free survival (p=0.000) and hepatitis flare free survival (p=0.017). Female and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 2 was the only significant predictors for virological events in patients without prophylactic antiviral. Rescue antiviral therapy did not reduce the incidence of hepatitis flares due to HBV reactivation. Conclusion: Prophylactic entecavir presented promising efficacy in HBV-related cancer patients receiving TACE. Lower performance status and female gender might be the predictors for HBV reactivation in these patients.

Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Papillomavirus Infections in Women Attending Hospitals in Chaozhou of Guangdong Province

Chen, Qiang,Luo, Zhao-Yun,Lin, Min,Lin, Qi-Li,Chen, Chan-Yu,Yang, Chun,Xie, Long-Xu,Li, Hui,Zheng, Jia-Kun,Yang, Li-Ye,Ju, Gui-Zhi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. Limited epidemiologic data of HPV prevalence are available for women attending hospitals in southern China. This study aimed to evaluate the profiles of HPV infection and cytology status in gynecological outpatients in Chaozhou City. Methods: A total of 2833 eligible women were enrolled. The HPV GenoArray test was used for HPV detection and genotyping. Nearly one half of the HPV positive women received liquid-based cytology test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictable effects of age and genotype for categories of abnormal cytology. Results: The prevalence of overall, high-risk, and low-risk HPV infection were 24.5%, 19.5% and 8.4%, respectively. A U-shaped age-specific prevalence curve was observed in overall HPV and high-risk HPV, but not in low-risk HPV, which declined with age increasing. The 6 most common high-risk HPV type in descending order, were types 52, 16, 58, 18, 68, and 33. Age and HPV genotype were both important determinants of abnormal cytology incidence, the older women (>45 years) and those infected with HPV type 16 and/or 18 having the highest risk for abnormal cytology. Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis that second-generation HPV prophylactic vaccines including HPV-52 and -58 may offer higher protection for women residing in Chaozhou and neighboring cities in Guangdong.

Structural and Functional Neural Alterations in Internet Addiction: A Study Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Jun-Li Liu,Jing-Ting Sun,Hui-Lin Hu,Hao-Yuan Wang,Yun-Xi Kang,Tian-Qi Chen,Zhu-Hong Chen,Yu-Xuan Shang,Yu-Ting Li,Bo Hu,Rui Liu 대한신경정신의학회 2023 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.20 No.1

A growing number of neuroimaging studies have revealed abnormal brain structural and functional alterations in subjects with internet addiction (IA), however, with conflicting conclusions. We plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the studies of voxelbased morphometry (VBM) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), to reach a consolidated conclusion and point out the future direction in this field. A comprehensive search of rsFC and VBM studies of IA will be conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to retrieve studies published from the inception dates to August 2021. If the extracted data are feasible, activation likelihood estimation and seed-based d mapping methods will be used to meta-analyze the brain structural and functional changes in IA patients. This study will hopefully reach a consolidated conclusion on the impact of IA on human brain or point out the future direction in this field.