Ginsenoside Rg3 nanoparticles with permeation enhancing based chitosan derivatives were encapsulated with doxorubicin by thermosensitive hydrogel and anti-cancer evaluation of peritumoral hydrogel injection combined with PD-L1 antibody

Wu Hao,Wei Guoli,Luo Lixia,Li Lingchang,Gao Yibo,Tan Xiaobin,Wang Sen,Chang Haoxiao,Liu Yuxi,Wei Yingjie,Song Jie,Zhang Zhenhai,Huo Jiege 한국생체재료학회 2023 생체재료학회지 Vol.27 No.00

Combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has greatly improved the anticancer effect on multiple malignancies. However, the efficiency on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is limited, since most patients bear “cold” tumors with low tumor immunogenicity. Doxorubicin (DOX), one of the most effective chemotherapy agents, can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) and thus initiating immune response.In this study, to maximize the ICD effect induced by DOX, chitosan and cell-penetrating peptide (R6F3)-modified nanoparticles (PNPs) loaded with ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) were fabricated using the self-assembly technique, followed by co-encapsulation with DOX based on thermo-sensitive hydrogel. Orthotopic tumor model and contralateral tumor model were established to observe the antitumor efficacy of the thermo-sensitive hydrogel combined with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, besides, the biocompatibility was also evaluated by histopathological.Rg3-PNPs strengthened the immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect induced by DOX. Moreover, the hydrogel co-loading Rg3-PNPs and DOX provoked stronger immune response in originally nonimmunogenic 4T1 tumors than DOX monotherapy. Following combination with PD-L1 blocking, substantial antitumor effect was achieved due to the recruitment of memory T cells and the decline of adaptive PD-L1 enrichment.The hydrogel encapsulating DOX and highly permeable Rg3-PNPs provided an efficient strategy for remodeling immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and converting immune “cold” 4T1 into “hot” tumors.

Twin-screw extrusion synthesis of low-cost cobalt ferrite ceramic pigments using natural mixed-dimensional palygorskite clay

Yingjie Zhu,Shue Li,Bin Mu,Hao Yang,Lei Wu,Qin Wang,Aiqin Wang 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.122 No.-

Due to the disadvantages of traditional solid-phase and liquid-phase methods for preparation of mixedmetal oxide ceramic pigments, it is indispensable to develop a green, clean, low-cost and continuouspreparation technology. In this study, the low-cost and high-performance cobalt ferrite ceramic pigmentswere facilely prepared based on natural mixed-dimensional palygorskite clay by a continuousmechanochemical method using twin-screw extrusion. The incorporation of the mixed-dimensionalpalygorskite clay effectively improved the agglomeration of pigment nanoparticles and decreased theproduction cost. The hybrid pigments presented the optimal color properties (L* = 17.16, a* = 1.07, b* =3.58 and C* = 3.74) when the cobalt ferrite content, calcination temperature and time were 60 wt%,1100 C and 90 min, respectively. Furthermore, the as-prepared hybrid pigments exhibited excellentchemical and thermal stability and biocompatibility, the mass tone and hiding power of the hybrid pigmentswere superior to the commercial cobalt black pigments, thus the obtained hybrid pigments couldbe served as an eco-friendly underglaze pigment for coloring of ceramic embryo body with good colorsaturation. Beyond all doubt, this study will provide a promising strategy for continuous cleaner preparationof low-cost cobalt ferrite ceramic pigments.

Performance of different absorber materials and move-in/out strategies for the control rod in small rod-controlled pressurized water reactor: A study based on KLT-40 model

Wu Zhiqiang,Xie Jinsen,Chen Pengyu,Xiao Yingjie,Ni Zining,Liu Tao,Deng Nianbiao,Sun Aikou,Yu Tao 한국원자력학회 2024 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.56 No.7

Small rod-controlled pressurized water reactors (PWR) are the ideal energy source for vessel propulsion, benefiting from their high reactivity control efficiency. Since the control rods (CRs) increase the complexity of reactivity control, this paper seeks to study the performance of CRs in small rod-controlled PWRs to extend the lifetime and reduce power offset due to CRs. This study investigates CR grouping, move-in/out strategies, and axially non-uniform design effects on core neutron physics metrics. These metrics include axial offset (AO), core lifetime (CL), fuel utilization (FU), and radial power peaking factor (R-PPF). To simulate the movement of the CRs, a "Critical-CR-burnup" function was developed in OpenMC. In CR designs, the CRs are grouped into three banks to study the simultaneous and prioritized move-in/out strategies. The results show CL extension from 590 effective full power days (EFPDs) to 638–698 EFPDs. A lower-worth prioritized strategy minimizes AO and the extremum values decrease from 0.69 and + 0.81 to 0.28 and + 0.51. Although an axially non-uniform CR design can improve AO at the beginning of cycle (BOC), considering the overall CR worth change is crucial, as a significant decrease can adversely impact axial power distribution during the middle of cycle (MOC).

Polar Code Design for Nakagami-m Channel

( Guo Rui ),( Wu Yingjie ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2020 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.14 No.7

One drawback of polar codes is that they are not universal, that is, to achieve optimal performance, different polar codes are required for different kinds of channel. This paper proposes a polar code construction scheme for Nakagami-m fading channel. The scheme fully considers the characteristics of Nakagami-m fading channel, and uses the optimized Bhattacharyya parameter bounds. The constructed code is applied to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system over Nakagami-m fading channel to prove the performance of polar code. Simulation result shows the proposed codes can get excellent bit error rate (BER) performance with successive cancellation list (SCL) decoding. For example, the designed polar code with cyclic redundancy check (CRC) aided SCL (L = 8) decoding achieves 1.1dB of gain over LDPC at average BER about 10^-5 under 4-quadrature amplitude modulation (4QAM) while the code length is 1024, rate is 0.5.

A modified JFNK with line search method for solving k-eigenvalue neutronics problems with thermal-hydraulics feedback

Liu Lixun,Zhang Han,Wu Yingjie,Liu Baokun,Guo Jiong,Li Fu 한국원자력학회 2023 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.55 No.1

The k-eigenvalue neutronics/thermal-hydraulics coupling calculation is a key issue for reactor design and analysis. Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov (JFNK) method, featured with super-linear convergence rate and high efficiency, has been attracting more and more attention to solve the multi-physics coupling problem. However, it may converge to the high-order eigenmode because of the multiple solutions nature of the k-eigenvalue form of multi-physics coupling issue. Based on our previous work, a modified JFNK with a line search method is proposed in this work, which can find the fundamental eigenmode together with thermal-hydraulics feedback in a wide range of initial values. In detail, the existing modified JFNK method is combined with the line search strategy, so that the intermediate iterative solution can avoid a sudden divergence and be adjusted into a convergence basin smoothly. Two simplified 2-D homogeneous reactor models, a PWR model, and an HTR model, are utilized to evaluate the performance of the newly proposed JFNK method. The results show that the performance of this proposed JFNK is more robust than the existing JFNK-based methods

Long-circulating siRNA nanoparticles for validating Prohibitin1-targeted non-small cell lung cancer treatment

Zhu, Xi,Xu, Yingjie,Solis, Luisa M.,Tao, Wei,Wang, Liangzhe,Behrens, Carmen,Xu, Xiaoyang,Zhao, Lili,Liu, Danny,Wu, Jun,Zhang, Ning,Wistuba, Ignacio I.,Farokhzad, Omid C.,Zetter, Bruce R.,Shi, Jinjun National Academy of Sciences 2015 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF Vol.112 No.25

<P><B>Significance</B></P><P>This study developed a new generation lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle platform for effective systemic delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumors, which represents a challenging hurdle for the widespread application of RNA interference (RNAi) in cancer research and therapy. With promising in vivo features such as long blood circulation, high tumor accumulation, and effective gene silencing, the hybrid siRNA nanoparticles were successfully used to reveal and validate a putative therapeutic target, Prohibitin1 (PHB1), in non-small cell lung cancer treatment. In vivo antitumor efficacy results and human tissue microarray analysis further suggested the feasibility of utilizing PHB1 siRNA nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic agent. This hybrid RNAi nanoparticle platform may serve as a valuable tool for validating potential cancer targets and developing new cancer therapies.</P><P>RNA interference (RNAi) represents a promising strategy for identification and validation of putative therapeutic targets and for treatment of a myriad of important human diseases including cancer. However, the effective systemic in vivo delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumors remains a formidable challenge. Using a robust self-assembly strategy, we develop a unique nanoparticle (NP) platform composed of a solid polymer/cationic lipid hybrid core and a lipid-poly(ethylene glycol) (lipid-PEG) shell for systemic siRNA delivery. The new generation lipid–polymer hybrid NPs are small and uniform, and can efficiently encapsulate siRNA and control its sustained release. They exhibit long blood circulation (<I>t</I><SUB>1/2</SUB> ∼8 h), high tumor accumulation, effective gene silencing, and negligible in vivo side effects. With this RNAi NP, we delineate and validate the therapeutic role of Prohibitin1 (PHB1), a target protein that has not been systemically evaluated in vivo due to the lack of specific and effective inhibitors, in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as evidenced by the drastic inhibition of tumor growth upon PHB1 silencing. Human tissue microarray analysis also reveals that high PHB1 tumor expression is associated with poorer overall survival in patients with NSCLC, further suggesting PHB1 as a therapeutic target. We expect this long-circulating RNAi NP platform to be of high interest for validating potential cancer targets in vivo and for the development of new cancer therapies.</P>

Investigation of the Deformation and Failure Characteristics of High-Strength Concrete in Dynamic Splitting Tests

Xudong Chen,Jin Wu,Kai Shang,Yingjie Ning,Lihui Bai 한국콘크리트학회 2022 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.16 No.6

The dynamic response properties of concrete have been of interest during the use of buildings due to seismic, impact, and explosion events. The splitting Hopkinson lever is a classical device for testing the dynamic mechanical properties of materials. In this paper, dynamic splitting tests on concrete were conducted using it, and a time series predictive computational model for the incident, reflected and transmitted pulses of high-strength concrete specimens at high strain rates was developed, and the extension mechanism of splitting tensile cracks in high-strength concrete was detected and analyzed based on the DIC technique. The results show that: the peak strength of C60 specimens and C80 specimens increased by about 60% and 90%, respectively, from 0.05 MPa to 0.09 MPa in impact strength; the triangular damaged area at the end of the contact surface of the specimen and the rod subjected to high impact pressure increased significantly, the dynamic energy dissipation increased, and the damage degree of the specimens increased; under the action of high strain rate, the brittleness of the concrete specimens with higher strength increased, the damage rate The higher strength concrete specimens have increased brittleness, faster damage rate and higher crack extension under high strain rate. The results of the paper can provide important references for the design of buildings under impact loading.

The Porous SilMA Hydrogel Scaffolds Carrying Dual-Sensitive Paclitaxel Nanoparticles Promote Neuronal Differentiation for Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Li Zhixiang,Zhou Tao,Bao Zhengqi,Wu Min,Mao Yingji 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2024 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.21 No.6

BACKGROUND: In the intricate pathological milieu post-spinal cord injury (SCI), neural stem cells (NSCs) frequently differentiate into astrocytes rather than neurons, significantly limiting nerve repair. Hence, the utilization of biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds in conjunction with exogenous factors to foster the differentiation of NSCs into neurons has the potential for SCI repair. METHODS: In this study, we engineered a 3D-printed porous SilMA hydrogel scaffold (SM) supplemented with pH-/temperature-responsive paclitaxel nanoparticles (PTX-NPs). We analyzed the biocompatibility of a specific concentration of PTX-NPs and its effect on NSC differentiation. We also established an SCI model to explore the ability of composite scaffolds for in vivo nerve repair. RESULTS: The physical adsorption of an optimal PTX-NPs dosage can simultaneously achieve pH/temperature-responsive release and commendable biocompatibility, primarily reflected in cell viability, morphology, and proliferation. An appropriate PTX-NPs concentration can steer NSC differentiation towards neurons over astrocytes, a phenomenon that is also efficacious in simulated injury settings. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed that PTX-NPs-induced NSC differentiation occurred via the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade. The repair of hemisected SCI in rats demonstrated that the composite scaffold augmented neuronal regeneration at the injury site, curtailed astrocyte and fibrotic scar production, and enhanced motor function recovery in rat hind limbs. CONCLUSION: The scaffold’s porous architecture serves as a cellular and drug carrier, providing a favorable microenvironment for nerve regeneration. These findings corroborate that this strategy amplifies neuronal expression within the injury milieu, significantly aiding in SCI repair. BACKGROUND: In the intricate pathological milieu post-spinal cord injury (SCI), neural stem cells (NSCs) frequently differentiate into astrocytes rather than neurons, significantly limiting nerve repair. Hence, the utilization of biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds in conjunction with exogenous factors to foster the differentiation of NSCs into neurons has the potential for SCI repair. METHODS: In this study, we engineered a 3D-printed porous SilMA hydrogel scaffold (SM) supplemented with pH-/temperature-responsive paclitaxel nanoparticles (PTX-NPs). We analyzed the biocompatibility of a specific concentration of PTX-NPs and its effect on NSC differentiation. We also established an SCI model to explore the ability of composite scaffolds for in vivo nerve repair. RESULTS: The physical adsorption of an optimal PTX-NPs dosage can simultaneously achieve pH/temperature-responsive release and commendable biocompatibility, primarily reflected in cell viability, morphology, and proliferation. An appropriate PTX-NPs concentration can steer NSC differentiation towards neurons over astrocytes, a phenomenon that is also efficacious in simulated injury settings. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed that PTX-NPs-induced NSC differentiation occurred via the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade. The repair of hemisected SCI in rats demonstrated that the composite scaffold augmented neuronal regeneration at the injury site, curtailed astrocyte and fibrotic scar production, and enhanced motor function recovery in rat hind limbs. CONCLUSION: The scaffold’s porous architecture serves as a cellular and drug carrier, providing a favorable microenvironment for nerve regeneration. These findings corroborate that this strategy amplifies neuronal expression within the injury milieu, significantly aiding in SCI repair.

Serotonin Regulates Adult β-Cell Mass by Stimulating Perinatal β-Cell Proliferation

Moon, Joon Ho,Kim, Yeong Gi,Kim, Kyuho,Osonoi, Sho,Wang, Shuang,Saunders, Diane C.,Wang, Juehu,Yang, Katherine,Kim, Hyeongseok,Lee, Junguee,Jeong, Ji-Seon,Banerjee, Ronadip R.,Kim, Seung K.,Wu, Yingji American Diabetes Association 2020 Diabetes Vol.69 No.2

<P>A sufficient β-cell mass is crucial for preventing diabetes, and perinatal β-cell proliferation is important in determining the adult β-cell mass. However, it is not yet known how perinatal β-cell proliferation is regulated. Here, we report that serotonin regulates β-cell proliferation through serotonin receptor 2B (HTR2B) in an autocrine/paracrine manner during the perinatal period. In β-cell–specific <I>Tph1</I> knockout (<I>Tph1</I> βKO) mice, perinatal β-cell proliferation was reduced along with the loss of serotonin production in β-cells. Adult <I>Tph1</I> βKO mice exhibited glucose intolerance with decreased β-cell mass. Disruption of <I>Htr2b</I> in β-cells also resulted in decreased perinatal β-cell proliferation and glucose intolerance in adulthood. Growth hormone (GH) was found to induce serotonin production in β-cells through activation of STAT5 during the perinatal period. Thus, our results indicate that GH-GH receptor-STAT5-serotonin-HTR2B signaling plays a critical role in determining the β-cell mass by regulating perinatal β-cell proliferation, and defects in this pathway affect metabolic phenotypes in adults.</P>