Effects of Aqueous Extract of Schizandrae Fructus on Lead-Induced Change of Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Hippocampus

Zhao, Rong Jie,Zhao, Zheng Lin,Zhao, Xiu Feng,Zhao, Guang Wen,Li, Meng Quan,Wu, Yi Yan,Li, Jing Qiu,Guan, Li Xin,Kim, Sang-Chan The Korean Medicine Society for the Herbal Formula 2009 大韓韓醫學方劑學會誌 Vol.17 No.2

The effects of aqueous extract of Schizandrae Fructus (AESC) on lead (Pb)-induced changes of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (HIP) of adult rats were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were received intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of Pb acetate (5 mg/kg/d) for 28 days and sacrificed 7 days after the last administration. Concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in HIP were measured by HPLC. There were significant decreases of NE, DA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in Pb treated rats (P < 0.05), while pretreatment with AESC (100 mg/kg/d or 300 mg/kg/d, p.o., 2 h before Pb) greatly inhibited the decrease of monoamine transmitters, respectively (P < 0.05). Also, AESC (300 mg/kg/d) significantly increased the reduction of glutathione contents and superoxide dismutase activities in HIP induced by chronic Pb. These results suggest that AESC ameliorates Pb-induced depletion of monoamine neurotransmitters in HIP through its antioxidant activity.

Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: A New Method for Reversing Skin Aging

Wu Jinyan,Wu Sai-Nan,Zhang Li-Ping,Zhao Xiansheng,Li Yue,Yang Quyang,Yuan Ruoyue,Liu Jian-Lan,Mao Hong-Ju,Zhu Ningwen 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2022 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.19 No.5

Senescence is an inevitable natural life process that involves structural and functional degeneration of tissues and organs. Recently, the process of skin aging has attracted much attention. Determining a means to delay or even reverse skin aging has become a research hotspot in medical cosmetology and anti-aging. Dysfunction in the epidermis and fibroblasts and changes in the composition and content of the extracellular matrix are common pathophysiological manifestations of skin aging. Reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteinases play essential roles in this process. Stem cells are pluripotent cells that possess self-replication abilities and can differentiate into multiple functional cells under certain conditions. These cells also possess a strong ability to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. Stem cell transplantation has the potential for application in anti-aging therapy. Increasing studies have demonstrated that stem cells perform functions through paracrine processes, particularly those involving exosomes. Exosomes are nano-vesicular substances secreted by stem cells that participate in cell-to-cell communication by transporting their contents into target cells. In this chapter, the biological characteristics of exosomes were reviewed, including their effects on extracellular matrix formation, epidermal cell function, fibroblast function and antioxidation. Exosomes derived from stem cells may provide a new means to reverse skin aging.

High Mobility Group Box 1 Protein Is Methylated and Transported to Cytoplasm in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wu, Fei,Zhao, Zuo-Hui,Ding, Sen-Tai,Wu, Hai-Hu,Lu, Jia-Ju Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.10

Background: The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a widespread nuclear protein present in most cell types. It typically locates in the nucleus and functions as a nuclear cofactor in transcription regulation. However, HMGB1 can also localize in the cytoplasm and be released into extracellular matrix, where it plays critical roles in carcinogenesis and inflammation. However, it remains elusive whether HMGB1 is relocated to cytoplasm in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods: Nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins were extracted by different protocols from 20 ccRCC samples and corresponding adjacent renal tissues. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to identify the expression of HMGB1 in ccRCC. To elucidate the potential mechanism of HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation, HMGB1 proteins were enriched by immunoprecipitation and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). Results: The HMGB1 protein was overexpressed and partially localized in cytoplasm in ccRCC samples (12/20, 60%, p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry results indicated that ccRCC of high nuclear grade possess more HMGB1 relocation than those with low grade (p<0.05). Methylation of HMGB1 at lysine 112 in ccRCC was detected by MS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that post-translational modification might affect the binding ability to DNA and mediate its translocation. Conclusion: Relocation of HMGB1 to cytoplasm was confirmed in ccRCC. Methylation of HMGB1 at lysine 112 might the redistribution of this cofactor protein.

Reliability-based assessment of American and European specifications for square CFT stub columns

Zhao-Hui Lu,Yan-gang Zhao,Zhi-wu Yu,Cheng Chen 국제구조공학회 2015 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.19 No.4

This paper presents a probabilistic investigation of American and European specifications (i.e., AISC and Eurocode 4) for square concrete-filled steel tubular (CFT) stub columns. The study is based on experimental results of 100 axially loaded square CFT stub columns from the literature. By comparing experimental results for ultimate loads with code-predicted column resistances, the uncertainty of resistance models is analyzed and it is found that the modeling uncertainty parameter can be described using random variables of lognormal distribution. Reliability analyses were then performed with/without considering the modeling uncertainty parameter and the safety level of the specifications is evaluated in terms of sufficient and uniform reliability criteria. Results show that: (1) The AISC design code provided slightly conservative results of square CFT stub columns with reliability indices larger than 3.25 and the uniformness of reliability indices is no better because of the quality of the resistance model; (2) The uniformness of reliability indices for the Eurocode 4 was better than that of AISC, but the reliability indices of columns designed following the Eurocode 4 were found to be quite below the target reliability level of Eurocode 4.

Clinical Application of Endoscopic Inguinal Lymph Node Resection after Lipolysis and Liposuction for Vulvar Cancer

Wu, Qiang,Zhao, Yi-Bing,Sun, Zhi-Hua,Ni, Jing,Wu, Yu-Zhong,Shao, Heng-Hua,Qu, Jun-Wei,Huang, Xin-En Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

Aim: To examine lymph nodes obtained after lipolysis and liposuction of subcutaneous fat of the inguinal region of female vulvar cancer patients to explore the feasibility of clinical application. Methods: The field of operation was on the basis of the range of the conventional resection of inguinal lymph nodes. We injected lipolysis liquid fanwise, started liposuction after 15-20 minutes; then the subcutaneous fatty tissue was sucked out clearly by suction tube. We selected the first puncture holes located on 2-3 cm part below anterior superior spine, the others respectively being located 3cm and 6cm below the first for puncturing into the skin, imbedding a trocar to intorduce $CO_2$ gas and the specular body, and excise the lymph nodes by ultrasonic scalpel. The surgical field chamber was set with negative pressure drainage and was pressured with a soft saline bag after surgery. Results: A lacuna emerged from subcutaneous of the inguinal region after lipolysis and liposuction, with a wide fascia easily exposed at the bottom where lymph nodes could be readily excised. The number of lymph nodes of ten patients excised within the inguinal region on each side was 4-18. The excised average number of lymph nodes was 11 when we had mature technology. Conclusion: Most of adipose tissue was removed after lipolysis and liposuction of subcutaneous tissue of inguinal region, so that the included lymph nodes were exposed and easy to excise by endoscope. This surgery avoided the large incision of regular surgery of inguinal region, the results indicating that this approach is feasible and safe for used as an alternative technology.

Korean Red Ginseng attenuates anxiety-like behavior during ethanol withdrawal in rats

Zhao, ZhengLin,Kim, Young Woo,Wu, YiYan,Zhang, Jie,Lee, Ju-Hee,Li, XiaoHua,Cho, Il Je,Park, Sang Mi,Jung, Dae Hwa,Yang, Chae Ha,Kim, Sang Chan,Zhao, RongJie The Korean Society of Ginseng 2014 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.38 No.4

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is known to have antianxiety properties. This study was conducted to investigate the anxiolytic effects of KRG extract (KRGE) during ethanol withdrawal (EW) and the involvement of the mesoamygdaloid dopamine (DA) system in it. Methods: Rats were treated with 3 g/kg/d of ethanol for 28 d, and subjected to 3 d of withdrawal. During EW, KRGE (20 mg/kg/d or 60 mg/kg/d, p.o.) was given to rats once/d for 3 d. Thirty min after the final dose of KRGE, anxiety-like behavior was evaluated in an elevated plus maze (EPM), and plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels were determined by a radioimmunoassay (RIA). In addition, concentrations of DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) were also measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The EPM test and RIA revealed KRGE inhibited anxiety-like behavior and the over secretion of plasma CORT during EW. Furthermore, the behavioral effect was blocked by a selective DA D2 receptor (D2R) antagonist (eticlopride) but not by a selective DA D1 receptor (D1R) antagonist (SCH23390). HPLC analyses showed KRGE reversed EW-induced decreases of DA and DOPAC in a dose-dependent way. Additionally, Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays showed that KRGE prevented the EW-induced reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression in the CeA and TH mRNA expression in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Conclusion: These results suggest that KRGE has anxiolytic effects during EW by improving the mesoamygdaloid DA system.

Manual Acupuncture at PC6 Ameliorates Acute Restraint Stress-Induced Anxiety in Rats by Normalizing Amygdaloid Noradrenergic Response

Zhao, ZhengLin,Kim, Sang Chan,Liu, HongFeng,Zhang, Jie,Wang, YuHua,Cho, Il Je,Lee, Bong Hyo,Song, Chang Hyun,Lee, Chul Won,Yang, Chae Ha,Zhao, RongJie,Wu, YiYan Hindawi 2017 Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medic Vol.2017 No.-

<P>Acupuncture improves ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety in rats in an acupoint-dependent manner. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of acupuncture on acute restraint stress- (ARS-) induced anxiety. Male rats were exposed to ARS for 3 h followed by acupuncture at either PC6 (Neiguan), HT7 (Shenmen), or a nonacupoint (tail) once a day for three consecutive days. Five minutes after the third acupuncture treatment, anxiety-like behavior was evaluated in an elevated plus maze (EPM). Additionally, plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Acupuncture at PC6, but not HT7 or a nonacupoint, attenuated anxiety-like behavior, but this attenuation was abolished by a postacupunctural intra-CeA infusion of NE. Acupuncture at PC6 also reduced the oversecretion of plasma CORT and inhibited increases in amygdaloid NE and MHPG induced by ARS. Further, Western blot analyses and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays revealed that acupuncture at PC6 prevented ARS-induced enhancements in the protein and mRNA expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase in the CeA. These results suggest that acupuncture performed specifically at acupoint PC6 reduces ARS-induced anxiety-like behavior by dampening amygdaloid noradrenergic responses.</P>

An Optimized Control Method Based on Dual Three-Level Inverters for Open-end Winding Induction Motor Drives

Wu, Di,Su, Liang-Cheng,Wu, Xiao-Jie,Zhao, Guo-Dong The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2014 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.14 No.2

An optimized space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) method with common mode voltage elimination and neutral point potential balancing is proposed for an open-end winding induction motor. The motor is fed from both of the ends with two neutral point clamped (NPC) three-level inverters. In order to eliminate the common mode voltage of the motor ends and balance the neutral point potential of the DC link, only zero common mode voltage vectors are used and a balancing control factor is gained from calculation in the strategy. In order to improve the harmonic characteristics of the output voltages and currents, the balancing control factor is regulated properly and the theoretical analysis is provided. Simulation and experimental results show that by adopting the proposed method, the common mode voltage can be completely eliminated, the neutral point potential can be accurately balanced and the harmonic performance for the output voltages and currents can be effectively improved.

A One-Step System for Convenient and Flexible Assembly of Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs)

Zhao, Jinlong,Sun, Wenye,Liang, Jing,Jiang, Jing,Wu, Zhao Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.9

Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are powerful tools for targeted genome editing in diverse cell types and organisms. However, the highly identical TALE repeat sequences make it challenging to assemble TALEs using conventional cloning approaches, and multiple repeats in one plasmid are easily catalyzed for homologous recombination in bacteria. Although the methods for TALE assembly are constantly improving, these methods are not convenient because of laborious assembly steps or large module libraries, limiting their broad utility. To overcome the barrier of multiple assembly steps, we report a one-step system for the convenient and flexible assembly of a 180 TALE module library. This study is the first demonstration to ligate 9 mono-/dimer modules and one circular TALEN backbone vector in a one step process, generating 9.5 to 18.5 repeat sequences with an overall assembly rate higher than 50%. This system makes TALEN assembly much simpler than the conventional cloning of two DNA fragments because this strategy combines digestion and ligation into one step using circular vectors and different modules to avoid gel extraction. Therefore, this system provides a convenient tool for the application of TALEN-mediated genome editing in scientific studies and clinical trials.

Development of Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Based on Solidification of Floating Organic Drop for the Sensitive Determination of Trace Copper in Water and Beverage Samples by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Wu, Chunxia,Zhao, Bin,Li, Yingli,Wu, Qiuhua,Wang, Chun,Wang, Zhi Korean Chemical Society 2011 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.32 No.3

A dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet (DLLME-SFO) has been developed as a new approach for the extraction of trace copper in water and beverage samples followed by the determination with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In the DLLME-SFO, 8-hydroxy quinoline, 1-dodecanol, and methanol were used as chelating agent, extraction solvent and dispersive solvent, respectively. The experimental parameters related to the DLLME-SFO such as the type and volume of the extraction and dispersive solvent, extraction time, sample volume, the concentration of chelating agent and salt addition were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factor for copper was 122. The method was linear in the range from 0.5 to $300\;ng\;mL^{-1}$ of copper in the samples with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9996 and a limit of detection of $0.1\;ng\;mL^{-1}$. The method was applied to the determination of copper in water and beverage samples. The recoveries for the spiked water and beverage samples at the copper concentration levels of 5.0 and $10.0\;ng\;mL^{-1}$ were in the range between 92.0% and 108.0%. The relative standard deviations (RSD) varied from 3.0% to 5.6%.