Correlation between DNA methylation and Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin expression in asthmatic airway epithelial cells

Yan‑Li Li,Xi‑Qian Xing,Yi Xiao,Yan‑Hong Liu,Yu‑Shan Zhou,Min Zhuang,Chao‑Qian Li 한국유전학회 2020 Genes & Genomics Vol.42 No.12

Background: The overexpression of TSLP and DNA methylation in asthma were both risk factors the relationship was not clear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between methylation status of TSLP promoter and mRNA/protein expression in asthmatic airway epithelial cells. Methods: Human bronchial epithelial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into: Control group, treated with PBS, model group, sensitized with LPS (10 μg/mL) for 12 h (37 °C, 5% CO2). Other groups were cultured with the pCMV3 plasmid (M + NC/pCMV), pGPH1 plasmid (M + NC/pGPH), DNMT1/pCMV3 plasmid (M + DNMT1/pCMV), and DNMT1/pGPH1 plasmid (M + DNMT1/pGPH) for 48 h. The expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 and TSLP were measured using real-time PCR and western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group, TSLP mRNA (1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 1, P < 0.001) and protein (1.07 ± 0.04 vs. 1.46 ± 0.11, P < 0.01) were significantly greater, and the methylation of promoter was lower (92.75 ± 1.26 vs. 58.57 ± 3.34, P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, TSLP mRNA (2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 1.17 ± 0.10, P < 0.001) decreased, but TSLP promoter methylation increased (58.57 ± 3.34 vs. 92.58 ± 7.30, P < 0.05) in M + DNMT1/pCMV. TSLP mRNA and protein were higher (2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 5.32 ± 0.21, P < 0.001; 1.46 ± 0.11 vs. 1.94 ± 0.11, respectively, P < 0.01), TSLP promoter methylation was lower (58.57 ± 3.34 vs. 33.57 ± 4.29, P < 0.05) in M + DNMT1/pGPH. Conclusions: Overexpression of TSLP in asthmatic airway epithelial cells may be regulated by DNA demethylation.

Improved lithium storage performance of CeO2-decorated SrLi2Ti6O14 material as an anode for Li-ion battery

Ying Li,Hong-Yan Liu,Ling-Na Shi,Yan-Rong Zhu,Ting-Feng Yi 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.101 No.-

In this work, the CeO2-decorated SrLi2Ti6O14 anode was successfully prepared through a solid-state process. The space-charge effect induced by the internal adsorption of ions on the CeO2 surface can easilyresult in a formation of an excellent conductive interfacial layer between CeO2 and SrLi2Ti6O14. The goodelectrical contact between CeO2 and SrLi2Ti6O14 offers more active sites for the electrolyte storage andredox reaction, and promotes the intercalation/deintercalation of lithium ions, and thus improves therate performance and cycle stability. Due to its unique structure and composition, the CeO2-decoratedSrLi2Ti6O14 composites exhibit high reversible capacities, good cycle performance and outstanding rateperformance. Especially, the CeO2 (5 wt%)-decorated SrLi2Ti6O14 anode shows the most excellent electrochemicalperformance, which delivers a large charge capacity of 121.3 mAh g 1 and a capacity retentionof 94.48% after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g 1. However, the corresponding charge capacity and capacity retentionof pristine SrLi2Ti6O14 are 100.5 mAh g 1 and 86.77%, respectively. The CeO2(5 wt%)-decoratedSrLi2Ti6O14 with enhanced rate capacity, cycle stability and structural stability is a potential electrodematerial candidate for Li-ion battery.

Preparation of lithium-doped NaV6O15 thin film cathodes with high cycling performance in SIBs

Xu Hai-Yan,Ruan Jun Hai,Liu Fang Lin,Li Dong-Cai,Zhang Feng-Jun,Wang Ai-Guo,Sun Dao-Sheng,오원춘 한국세라믹학회 2022 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.59 No.3

Lithium ions-doped NaV6O15 thin films have been prepared using a simple low temperature liquid phase deposition method and subsequent annealing process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning elec- tron microscopy (SEM), and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to study the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the NaV6O15 film. The films were grown on the FTO conductive glass and used directly as an electrode of sodium ion batteries. The prepared lithium ions-doped NaV6O15 thin film electrodes showed an excellent cycling stability and discharge capacity, which may be attributed to the stability of the Li+ embedded into the gap between the V–O layers to maintain the structure and its stable β-phase structure transformed after the first cycle. The cycling stability greatly improved with increasing annealing temperature, while the discharge capacity decreased. The capacities of the film electrodes annealed at 400 °C and 450 °C maintained above 97% after 100 cycles. The lithium-doped NaV6O15 underwent a phase transition dur- ing the first charge/discharge cycle. The new transformed phase has perfect crystal structure stability undergoing insertion and deinsertion of Na+. Therefore, the lithium-doped NaV6O15 thin film possesses good cycling stability and is expected to be a promising thin film cathode for sodium-ion batteries.

Extraction of visual texture features of seabed sediments using an SVDD approach

Li, Yan,Liu, Shijie,Zhu, Puqiang,Yu, Jiancheng,Li, Shuo Pergamon Press 2017 Ocean engineering Vol.142 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Perception of the seabed environment is an important capability of autonomous underwater vehicles. This paper focuses on defining and extracting robust texture features from visual images that lead to useful and practical automated identification of the types of seabed sediments. The visual texture features are described by using a gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and fractal dimension, after which an unsupervised learning method, self-organizing map (SOM), is adopted to evaluate the validity of features descriptors on three types of seabed sediments. Subsequently, a kernel-based approach that exhibits robustness versus low numbers of high-dimensional samples, named support vector domain description (SVDD), is applied to classify the types of seabed sediments. In comparison with state-of-the-art classifiers, the experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the SVDD on the classification of seabed sediments.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The visual images of seabed sediments are characterized by the texture features which are extracted based on the GLCM and fractal theory. </LI> <LI> A multi-class classification strategy for seabed sediments is proposed by adding a distance measure after SVDD implementation. </LI> <LI> The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed classification strategy is feasible in recognizing the type of seabed sediments. </LI> </UL> </P>

Well-designed Te/SnS₂/Ag artificial nanoleaves for enabling and enhancing visible-light driven overall splitting of pure water

Yan, Changzeng,Xue, Xiaolan,Zhang, Wenjun,Li, Xiaojie,Liu, Juan,Yang, Songyuan,Hu, Yi,Chen, Renpeng,Yan, Yaping,Zhu, Guoyin,Kang, Zhenhui,Kang, Dae Joon,Liu, Jie,Jin, Zhong unknown 2017 Nano energy Vol.39 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>To produce hydrogen and oxygen from photocatalytic overall splitting of pure water provides a promising green route to directly convert solar energy to clean fuel. However, the design and fabrication of high-efficiency photocatalyst is challenging. Here we present that by connecting different nanostructures together in a rational fashion, components that cannot individually split water into H<SUB>2</SUB> and O<SUB>2</SUB> can work together as efficient photocatalyst with high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) energy conversion efficiency and avoid the use of any sacrificial reagent. Specifically, Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB>/Ag artificial nanoleaves (ANLs) consist of ultrathin SnS<SUB>2</SUB> nanoplates grown on Te nanowires and decorated with numerous Ag nanoparticles. The appropriate band structure of Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB> p-n junctions and the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles synergistically enhance the quantum yield and separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs. As a result, Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB>/Ag ANLs enable visible-light driven overall water-splitting without any sacrificial reagent and exhibit high H<SUB>2</SUB> and O<SUB>2</SUB> production rates of 332.4 and 166.2μmolh<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. Well-preserved structure after long-term measurement indicates its high stability. It represents a feasible approach for direct H<SUB>2</SUB> production from only sunlight, pure water, and rationally-designed ANL photocatalysts.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Te/SnS<SUB>2</SUB>/Ag ANLs heterostructure is prepared to catalyze overall water splitting. </LI> <LI> The catalyst show impressive H<SUB>2</SUB> and O<SUB>2</SUB> production rate under visible light. </LI> <LI> The structure and efficiency of catalyst shows no degradation after 10 days. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Impact of high-temperature-water cooling damage on the mechanical properties of concrete

Zhai, Yue,Li, Yan,Li, Yubai,Wang, Siwei,Liu, Yi,Song, Ki-Il Elsevier 2019 Construction & building materials Vol.215 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A series of impact tests were conducted on split Hopkinson pressure bar equipment to study the influence of high-temperature-cooling damage on the mechanical properties of concrete. The experimental investigation showed the influence on the peak stress, peak strain, and fracture mode. The results indicate that the strain rate is directly related to the loading rate and heating temperature. The test results of natural cooling and water immersion cooling treatment were compared, which showed that the strength of water-cooled specimens is higher than that of naturally cooled specimens before the heating temperature reaches 400 °C and becomes much lower when the heating temperature is higher than 400 °C. Based on the experimental study, a dynamic non-linear elastic constitutive equation was established using a particle swarm optimization algorithm and an inversion analysis method. These results could provide theoretical references for the design of the ultimate strength of concrete materials for practical applications, such as fire and explosion prevention.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> High temperature-cooling damage on mechanical properties for concrete is tested. </LI> <LI> The strain rate is directly related to the loading rate and heating temperature. </LI> <LI> 400 °C can be considered as the threshold of high temperature-water cooling damage. </LI> <LI> Dynamic non-linear elastic constitutive equation is established. </LI> </UL> </P>

Vitamin D status after colorectal cancer diagnosis and patient survival according to immune response to tumour

Hamada, Tsuyoshi,Liu, Li,Nowak, Jonathan A.,Mima, Kosuke,Cao, Yin,Ng, Kimmie,Twombly, Tyler S.,Song, Mingyang,Jung, Seungyoun,Dou, Ruoxu,Masugi, Yohei,Kosumi, Keisuke,Shi, Yan,da Silva, Annacarolina,G Elsevier 2018 European journal of cancer Vol.103 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P><B>Background</B></P> <P>High-level plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has been associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Considering evidence indicating immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, we hypothesised that survival benefits from high systemic vitamin D level might be stronger for colorectal carcinoma with lower immune response to tumour.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>Using 869 colon and rectal cancer cases within the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we assessed the prognostic association of postdiagnosis 25(OH)D score [derived from diet and lifestyle variables to predict plasma 25(OH)D level] in strata of levels of histopathologic lymphocytic reaction. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was adjusted for potential confounders, including microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, LINE-1 methylation, <I>PTGS2</I> (cyclooxygenase-2) expression and <I>KRAS</I>, <I>BRAF</I> and <I>PIK3CA</I> mutations.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>The association of postdiagnosis 25(OH)D score with colorectal cancer-specific mortality differed by levels of peritumoural lymphocytic reaction (<I>p</I> <SUB>interaction</SUB> = 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted mortality hazard ratios for a quintile-unit increase of 25(OH)D score were 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.89] in cases with negative/low peritumoural lymphocytic reaction, 1.08 (95% CI, 0.93–1.26) in cases with intermediate peritumoural reaction and 1.25 (95% CI, 0.75–2.09) in cases with high peritumoural reaction. The survival association of the 25(OH)D score did not significantly differ by Crohn's-like lymphoid reaction, intratumoural periglandular reaction or tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes.</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>The association between the 25(OH)D score and colorectal cancer survival is stronger for carcinomas with lower peritumoural lymphocytic reaction. Our results suggesting interactive effects of vitamin D and immune response may contribute to personalised dietary and lifestyle intervention strategies.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The survival association of vitamin D is stronger in cancer with fewer lymphocytes. </LI> <LI> Vitamin D and peritumoural lymphocytes interact to modify cancer progression. </LI> <LI> Vitamin D may exert anti-tumour immune-enhancing effects. </LI> <LI> Peritumoural lymphocytic reaction may be a biomarker for benefits from vitamin D. </LI> <LI> Our data support immunomodulatory lifestyle interventions for cancer patients. </LI> </UL> </P>

Overexpression of the potato StEPF2 gene confers enhanced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis

Yanli Wang,Tian Xie,Chunli Zhang,Juanjuan Li,Zhi Wang,Hongbing Li,Xiping Liu,Li-Na Yin,Shi-Wen Wang,Sui-Qi Zhang,Xiping Deng,Qingbo Ke 한국식물생명공학회 2020 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.14 No.4

Epidermal patterning factor 2 (EPF2) is a negative regulator of stomatal development, and is essential for plant growth, development, and environmental stress responses. However, the role of EPF2 in potato (Solanum tuberosum) has not been investigated to date. Here, we cloned and characterized the potato EPF2-like gene (StEPF2). StEPF2 is predominantly intercellular space localized and its transcripts were rhythmically expressed, and showed the highest expression in apical unexpanded leaves. Expression of StEPF2 was markedly down-regulated in response to abscisic acid and sodium chloride treatments; however, upon the application of polyethylene glycol, the expression of StEPF2 peaked at 4 h and then decreased gradually. Overexpression of StEPF2 in Arabidopsis (OE) substantially reduced stomatal density and photosynthetic rate, but had little effects on plant growth. Under drought stress, OE lines maintained higher photosynthetic rates, photosystem II efficiency, and instantaneous water use efficiency than wild-type (WT) plants. Moreover, OE lines showed less water loss and hydrogen peroxide accumulation in detached leaves compared with WT plants. Thus, our results suggest that StEPF2 acts as a negative regulator of stomatal development in potato, indicating that the role of EPF2 is conserved across plant species. Overall, StEPF2 represents an important target for the development of drought-tolerant potato cultivars via genetic engineering.

Influence of rutin on the effects of neonatal cigarette smoke exposure-induced exacerbated MMP-9 expression, Th17 cytokines and NF-kB/iNOS-mediated inflammatory responses in asthmatic mice model

Li-Li Liu,Yan Zhang,Xiao-Fang Zhang,Fu-Hai Li 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2018 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.22 No.5

Allergic asthma is one of the most enduring diseases of the airway. The Thelper cells and regulatory T-cells are critically involved in inflammatory responses, mucus hypersecretion, airway remodelling and in airway hyper-responsiveness. Cigarette smoke (CS) has been found to aggravate inflammatory responses in asthma. Though currently employed drugs are effective, associated side effects demand identification and development of novel drugs with negligible or no adverse effects. Rutin, plant-derived flavonoid has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the ability of rutin to modulate T-cells and inhibit inflammation in experimentally-induced asthma in cigarette smoke exposed mice. Separate groups of neonatal mice were exposed to CS for 10 days from post-natal days 2 to 11. After 2 weeks, the mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Treatment group were given rutin (37.5 or 75 mg/kg body weight) during OVA sensitization and challenge. Rutin treatment was found to significantly inhibit cellular infiltration in the airways and Th2 and Th17 cytokine levels as well. Flow cytometry revealed effectively raised CD4+CD25+Fox3+ Treg cells and supressed Th17 cell population on rutin treatment. Airway hyper-responsiveness observed following CS and OVA challenge were inhibited by rutin. NF-kB and iNOS, chief regulators of inflammatory responses robustly activated by CS and OVA were down-regulated by rutin. Rutin also inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9, thereby aiding in prevention of airway remodelling in asthma thereby revealing to be a potent candidate in asthma therapy.

Two 3D CdII and ZnII Complexes Based on Flexible Dicarboxylate Ligand and Nitrogen-containing Pillar: Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescent Properties

Liu Liu,Yan-hua Fan,Lan-zhi Wu,Huai-min Zhang,Li-rong Yang 대한화학회 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.12

Two 3D isomorphous and isostructural complexes, namely, [Zn(BDOA)(bpy)(H2O)2]n (1) and [Cd(BDOA)- (bpy)(H2O)2]n (2); (BDOA = Benzene-1,4-dioxyacetic acid, bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by means of elemental analyses, thermogravimetric (TG), infrared spectrometry, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the triclinic system, space group P-1 and each metal ion in the complexes are six-coordinated with the same coordination environment. In the as-synthesized complexes, BDOA2− anions link central metal ions to form a 1D zigzag chain [-BDOA2− -Zn(Cd)-BDOA2−-Zn(Cd)-]∞, whereas bpy pillars connect metal ions to generate a 1D linear chain [-bpy- Zn(Cd)-bpy-Zn(Cd)-]∞. Both infinite chains are interweaved into 2D grid-like layers which are further constructed into a 3D open framework, where hydrogen bonds play as the bridges between the adjacent 2D layers. Luminescent properties of complex 1 showed selectivity for Hg2+ ion.