Effect of the Oxygen Flux Ratio on the Structural and the Optical Properties of Silver-oxide Films Deposited by Using the Direct-current Reactive Magnetron Sputtering Method

Xiao-Yong Gao,Hong-Liang Feng,Zeng-Yuan Zhang,Jiao-Min Ma,Meng-Ke Zhao,Chao Chen,Jin-Hua Gu,Shi-E Yang,Yong-Sheng Chen,Jing-Xiao Lu 한국물리학회 2011 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.58 No.2

Using values of the oxygen flux ratio (OFR = [O2]/[Ar]) ranging from 0 to 0.5, authors deposited a series of silver-oxide (Ag_xO) films on glass substrates by direct-current reactive magnetron sputtering (DC sputtering) at a substrate temperature of 150 ℃. The effect of the OFR on the film’s structural and optical properties was systematically investigated by using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and spectrophotometry. The Ag_xO films deposited clearly show an evolution of the film’s phase structure from the biphased (Ag + Ag_2O) structure to the biphased (AgO + Ag_2O) structure and then to the single-phased (Ag_2O) structure as value of the OFR increases. Accordingly, the film’s surface morphology, related to the film’s crystalline structure, clearly changes from a loose and porous surface structure to a compact surface structure and then to a pyramid-like surface structure with increasing value of the OFR. The novel porous structure may be attributed to the interruption of the silver’s growth course by the AgO on the film’s surface. Notably, a single-phased Ag_2O film is deposited by DC-sputtering at OFR = 0.5 due to the dual effects of thermal decomposition of the AgO phase and a combination reaction of AgO and Ag to Ag_2O. The oscillations both in the film’s reflectivity and transmissivity spectra are strengthened with increasing OFR, indicating an evolution from the metallic behavior of the biphased (Ag + Ag_2O) film to the dielectric behavior of the biphased (Ag_2O + AgO) film and the single-phased Ag2O film. The fitted optical absorption edges of the Ag_2O and the Ag_xO films deposited at values of the OFR of 0.5 and 0.33 are approximately 2.43 eV and 2.34 eV, respectively. The absorption edges are closely related to the direct interband transitions.

Apoptosis in response to heat stress is positively associated with heat-shock protein 90 expression in chicken myocardial cells in vitro

Xiao-Hui Zhang,Hong Wu,Shu Tang,Qiao-Ning Li,Jiao Xu,Miao Zhang,Ya-Nan Su,Bin Yin,Qi-Ling Zhao,Nicole Kemper,Joerg Hartung,Endong Bao 대한수의학회 2017 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.18 No.2

To determine heat-shock protein (Hsp)90 expression is connected with cellular apoptotic response to heat stress and its mechanism, chicken (Gallus gallus) primary myocardial cells were treated with the Hsp90 promoter, aspirin, and its inhibitor, geldanamycin (GA), before heat stress. Cellular viability, heat-stressed apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level under different treatments were measured, and the expression of key proteins of the signaling pathway related to Hsp90 and their colocalization with Hsp90 were detected. The results showed that aspirin treatment increased the expression of protein kinase B (Akt), the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 and p-IKKa/b and the colocalization of Akt and STAT-3 with Hsp90 during heat stress, which was accompanied by improved viability and low apoptosis. GA significantly inhibited Akt expression and p-IKKa/b level, but not STAT-3 quantity, while the colocalization of Akt and STAT-3 with Hsp90 was weakened, followed by lower cell viability and higher apoptosis. Aspirin after GA treatment partially improved the stress response and apoptosis rate of tested cells caused by the recovery of Akt expression and colocalization, rather than the level of STAT-3 (including its co-localization with Hsp90) and p-IKKa/b. Therefore, Hsp90 expression has a positive effect on cellular capacity to resist heat-stressed injury and apoptosis. Moreover, inhibition of Hsp90 before stress partially attenuated its positive effects.

Xanthones from Garcinia paucinervis with in vitro anti-proliferative activity against HL-60 cells

Da-Hong Li,Chen-Xi Li,Cui-Cui Jia,Ya-Ting Sun,Chun-Mei Xue,Jiao Bai,Hui-Ming Hua,Xiao-Qiu Liu,Zhan-Lin Li 대한약학회 2016 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.39 No.2

Three new xanthones, paucinervins H–J (1–3), as well as eleven known compounds (4–14), were isolated from the leaves of Garcinia paucinervis. The structures of the new compounds (1–3) were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR spectra and HR ESIMS. In vitro antiproliferative activity against human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells was tested, among which, compounds 2, 5, 6 and 7 exhibited strong growth inhibitory effects with GI50 values ranging from 1.30 to 9.08 lM, respectively. Preliminary SARs were also discussed.

Acupuncture reduces nicotine-induced norepinephrine release in the hypothalamus via the solitary NMDA receptor/NOS pathway

Liu, Hong Feng,Zhao, ZhengLin,Zhang, Jie,Wu, Yi Yan,Jiao, Yu,Wu, Tong,Kim, Sang Chan,Lee, Bong Hyo,Fan, Yu,Lee, Chul Won,Kim, Young Woo,Yang, Chae Ha,Zhu, Xiao Dong,Zhao, Rong Jie Elsevier 2019 Neuroscience Letters Vol.705 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Noradrenergic projections from the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) are involved in nicotine (Nic) dependence. Nic induces hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) release through <I>N</I>-methyl-<SMALL>D</SMALL>-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and nitric oxide in the NTS. However, acupuncture attenuates Nic withdrawal-induced anxiety. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of acupuncture on Nic-induced hypothalamic NE release. Rats received an intravenous infusion of Nic (90 μg/kg, over 60 s) and extracellular NE levels in the PVN were determined by in vivo microdialysis. Immediately after Nic administration, the rats were bilaterally treated with acupuncture at acupoint HT7 (Shen-Men) or PC6 (Nei-Guan), or a non-acupoint (tail) for 60 s. Acupuncture at HT7, but not at PC6 or the tail, significantly reduced Nic-induced NE release. However, this was abolished by a post-acupuncture infusion of either NMDA or sodium nitroprusside into the NTS. Additionally, acupuncture at HT7, but not the control points, prevented Nic-induced plasma corticosterone secretion and inhibited Nic-induced increases in the phosphorylation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS in the NTS. These findings suggest that acupuncture at HT7 reduces Nic-induced NE release in the PVN via inhibition of the solitary NMDAR/NOS pathway.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Acupuncture inhibited nicotine-induced hypothalamic norepinephrine release. </LI> <LI> Acupuncture diminished nicotine-induced plasma corticosterone secretion. </LI> <LI> Acupuncture reversed nicotine-induced phosphorylation of solitary nNOS and eNOS. </LI> <LI> NMDA abolished acupunctural effects on nicotine-induced norepinephrine release. </LI> <LI> NO abolished acupunctural effects on nicotine-induced norepinephrine release. </LI> </UL> </P>

Cecropin Suppresses Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma BEL-7402 Cell Growth and Survival in vivo without Side-Toxicity

Jin, Xiao-Bao,Wang, Ying-Jiao,Liang, Lu-Lu,Pu, Qiao-Hong,Shen, Juan,Lu, Xue-Mei,Chu, Fu-Jiang,Zhu, Jia-Yong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.13

Conventional chemotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma typically causes various side effects. Our previous study showed that cecropin of Musca domestica can induce apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma BEL-7402 cells in vitro. However, whether cecropin inhibits BEL-7402 cell in vivo and the question of possible side effects remained undentified. The present study confirmed tumor-inhibitory effects of cecropin in vivo, and furthermore strongly suggested that cecropin cytotoxicity in BEL-7402 cells in vivo may be mainly derived from its pro-apoptotic action. Specifically, we found that cecropin exerted no obvious side effects in tumor-bearing mice as it had no significant hematoxicity as well as visceral toxicity. Therefore, cecropin may be a potential candidate for further investigation as an antitumor agent against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Study on the Crystalline Structure and the Thermal Stability of Silver-oxide Films Deposited by Using Direct-current Reactive Magnetron Sputtering Methods

Gao Xiao-Yong,Feng Hong-Liang,Zhang Zeng-Yuan,Ma Jiao-Min 한국물리학회 2010 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.56 No.4

Silver-oxide (AgxO) films were deposited on glass substrates by direct-current reactive magnetron sputtering at different oxygen flux ratios (OFR = [O2]/[Ar]) and substrate temperatures (Ts). An X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the AgxO films are biphased (Ag + Ag2O) when deposited at low OFR values and that Ag2O-dominated AgxO film can only be synthesized at higher OFR values, as con¯rmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This result may be due to the Ag2O phase being preferably produced at high OFR value. The AgO phase is thermodynamically unsta-ble compared with the Ag2O phase. In order to further offer deep insight into the ¯lm's thermal stability, Ag2O-dominated AgxO ¯lms were thermally treated by using a rapid thermal processing technique at different annealing temperatures for different annealing times. The Ag2O phase is thermodynamically stable at temperatures below the threshold of the thermal decomposition tem-perature which approaches 175 ±C. The domination of the Ag2O phase in the AgxO film may be attributed to the chain reaction AgO → Ag2O ↔ Ag + O, AgO + Ag → Ag2O.

A Survey of the Geographic Distribution of Ophiocordyceps sinensis

Yi Li,Xiao-Liang Wang,Lei Jiao,Yi Jiang,Hui Li,Si-Ping Jiang,Ngarong Lhosumtseiring,Shen-Zhan Fu,Cai-Hong Dong,Yu Zhan,Yi-Jian Yao 한국미생물학회 2011 The journal of microbiology Vol.49 No.6

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is one of the best known fungi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many efforts have been devoted to locating the production areas of this species resulting in various reports; however, its geographic distribution remains incompletely understood. Distribution of O. sinensis at the county level is clarified in this work based on both a literature search and fieldwork. More than 3600 publications related to O. sinensis were investigated, including scientific papers, books, and online information. Herbarium specimens of O. sinensis and field collections made by this research group during the years 2000-2010 were examined to verify the distribution sites. A total of 203 localities for O. sinensis have been found, of which 106 are considered as confirmed distribution sites, 65 as possible distribution sites, 29 as excluded distribution sites and three as suspicious distribution sites. The results show that O. sinensis is confined to the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding regions, including Tibet, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces in China and in certain areas of the southern flank of the Himalayas, in the countries of Bhutan, India and Nepal, with 3,000 m as the lowest altitude for the distribution. The fungus is distributed from the southernmost site in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in northwestern Yunnan Province to the northernmost site in the Qilian Mountains in Qilian County, Qinghai Province, and from the east edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Wudu County, Gansu Province to the westernmost site in Uttarakhand, India. The clarification of the geographic distribution of O. sinensis will lay the foundation for conservation and sustainable use of the species.

Apoptosis-inducing effect and structural basis of Polygonatum cyrtonema Lectin and chemical modification properties on its mannose-binding sites

( Bo Liu ),( Xiao Chao Xu ),( Yan Cheng ),( Jian Huang ),( Yan Hong Liu ),( Zhen Liu ),( Ming Wei Min ),( He Jiao Bian ),( Jing Chen ),( Jin Ku Bao ) 생화학분자생물학회 2008 BMB Reports Vol.41 No.5

Increased retinoic acid signaling decreases lung metastasis in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma by inhibiting the noncanonical Notch1 pathway

Zhou Meng-jiao,Yang Jia-jie,Ma Ting-yao,Feng Ge-xuan,Wang Xue-lian,Wang Li-Yong,Ge Yu-ze,Gao Ran,Hong-liang Liu,Shan Lin,Kong Lu,Chen Xiao-hong 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

MYB-NFIB fusion and NOTCH1 mutation are common hallmark genetic events in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). However, abnormal expression of MYB and NOTCH1 is also observed in patients without MYB-NFIB fusion and NOTCH1 mutation. Here, we explore in-depth the molecular mechanisms of lung metastasis through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and exome target capture sequencing in two SACC patients without MYB-NFIB fusion and NOTCH1 mutation. Twenty-five types of cells in primary and metastatic tissues were identified via Seurat clustering and categorized into four main stages ranging from near-normal to cancer-based on the abundance of each cell cluster in normal tissue. In this context, we identified the Notch signaling pathway enrichment in almost all cancer cells; RNA velocity, trajectory, and sub-clustering analyses were performed to deeply investigate cancer progenitor-like cell clusters in primary tumor-associated lung metastases, and signature genes of progenitor-like cells were enriched in the “MYC_TARGETS_V2” gene set. In vitro, we detected the NICD1-MYB-MYC complex by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and incidentally identified retinoic acid (RA) as an endogenous antagonist of genes in the “MYC_TARGETS_V2” gene set. Following this, we confirmed that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) suppresses the lung metastasis of SACC by correcting erroneous cell differentiation mainly caused by aberrant NOTCH1 or MYB expression. Bioinformatic, RNA-seq, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of primary tissues and metastatic lung tissues from patients with SACC suggested that RA system insufficiency partially promotes lung metastasis. These findings imply the value of the RA system in diagnosis and treatment.

Associations of IL-10 Gene Polymorphisms with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Hunan, China

Yao, Chen-Jiao,Du, Wei,Chen, Hai-Bing,Xiao, Sheng,Wang, Cheng-Hong,Fan, Zi-Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.4

We investigated the possible association of interleukin-10 (IL-10) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 115 patients and 137 healthy controls. Genetic analysis of IL-10 SNPs at -819 and -592 was carried out with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach. The IL-10 mRNA expression of AML patients and controls with different genotype was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Genetic analysis of IL-10 revealed that the -819AA genotype frequencies and the -819A allele frequencies in the AML group were higher than in the controls (59.1% vs 40.9%; 75.6% vs 63.9%, respectively); there were remarkable differences in -819T/C and -592A/C gene distribution (P<0.05) and the TA haploid frequencies were higher in the AML group (75.6% vs 63.9%, P<0.05). IL-10 mRNA expression in incipient AML patients was obvious higher than the non-tumor group and the remission group ($7.78{\times}10^{-3}$ vs $2.43{\times}10^{-3}$, $3.64{\times}10^{-3}$, P<0.05).The study suggested that the haploid TA and genotype TA/TA may be associated with AML in Han people in Hunan province.The IL-10 SNPs at -819 and -592 sites were associated with AML and may affect IL-10 mRNA expression in AML patients.