The Molecular Mechanism of Long Non-Coding RNA MALAT1-Mediated Regulation of Chondrocyte Pyroptosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Wei Chen,Feilong Wang,Jiangtao Wang1,Fuyu Chen,Ting Chen 한국분자세포생물학회 2022 Molecules and cells Vol.45 No.6

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be important regulators in the progression of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity of lncRNAs plays crucial roles in osteogenesis. We identified the mechanism of the differentially expressed lncRNA MALAT1 in AS using bioinformatic analysis and its ceRNA mechanism. The interaction of MALAT1, microRNA-558, and GSDMD was identified using integrated bioinformatics analysis and validated. Loss- and gain-of-function assays evaluated their effects on the viability, apoptosis, pyroptosis and inflammation of chondrocytes in AS. We found elevated MALAT1 and GSDMD but reduced miR-558 in AS cartilage tissues and chondrocytes. MALAT1 contributed to the suppression of cell viability and facilitated apoptosis and pyroptosis in AS chondrocytes. GSDMD was a potential target gene of miR-558. Depletion of MALAT1 expression elevated miR-558 by inhibiting GSDMD to enhance cell viability and inhibit inflammation, apoptosis and pyroptosis of chondrocytes in AS. In summary, our key findings demonstrated that knockdown of MALAT1 served as a potential suppressor of AS by upregulating miR-558 via the downregulation of GSDMD expression.

Influence of host plants on the development, survivorship, and fecundity of the summer fruit tortrix moth, Adoxophyes orana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Li Guang‐wei,Wang Hui‐min,Yang Wen‐tao,Chen Xiu‐lin,Li Bo‐liao,Chen Yu‐xin 한국곤충학회 2021 Entomological Research Vol.51 No.10

The summer fruit tortrix moth Adoxophyes orana is a seriously damaged leaf roller pest for fruit trees. In this study, we evaluated the effect of five host plants (apple, Malus domestica B.; peach, Prunus persica var. nectarina; apricot, Armeniaca vulgaris Lam.; mulberry, Morus alba L.; and jujube, Ziziphus jujuba M.) on the development, survival, and fecundity of A. orana under laboratory conditions. Results showed that the development times of A. orana on jujube were significantly longer than those on the other four plants. The preimaginal survival rate was influenced by the host plants, which were fed during the larval stage, and with the highest on peach, followed by apple, apricot, and mulberry, and with the lowest on jujube. Adult females from larvae reared on apricot laid the greatest numbers of eggs (318.11 eggs per female), while that on apple, jujube, and mulberry was smaller, and no significant difference was observed among them. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was observed on peach and apricot; these two fruit trees were considered to be the most suitable host plant for A. orana because of the shorter developmental duration, higher survival rate, and the highest fecundity.

A novel design method for improving collapse resistances of multi-story steel frames with unequal spans using steel braces

Zheng Tan,Wei-hui Zhong,Bao Meng,Shi-chao Duan,Hong-chen Wang3,Xing-You Yao,Yu-hui Zheng 국제구조공학회 2023 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.47 No.2

The bearing capacities resisted by the two-bay beams of multi-story planar frames with unequal spans under column removal scenarios differ considerably owing to the asymmetric stress on the left and right beams connected to the failed column and cause the potential for beams with larger span-to-depth ratios to be unable to exert effectively, which is disadvantageous for resisting the vertical load in unequal-span frame structures. To address this problem, the structural measure of adding braces to the weak bays of multi-story unequal-span frames was proposed, with the objective of achieving a coordinated stress state in two-bay beams with unequal spans, thereby improving the collapse resistance of unequal-span frame structures. Before conducting the numerical simulation, the modeling methods were verified by previous experimental results of two multi-story planar frames with and without steel braces. Thereafter, the effects of the tensile and compressive braces on the collapse behavior of the frame structures were elucidated. Then, based on the mechanical action laws of the braces throughout the collapse process, a detailed design method for improving the collapse resistance of unequal-span frame structures was proposed. Finally, the proposed design method was verified by using sufficient example models, and the results demonstrated that the design method has good application prospects and high practical value.

Biodegradable cross-linked poly(L-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) networks for ureteral stent formed by gamma irradiation under vacuum

Xiliang Liu,Song Liu,Youkun Fan,Jin Qi,Xin Wang,Wei Bai,Dongliang Chen,Chengdong Xiong,Lifang Zhang 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.104 No.-

The poly(L-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) (PLCL) ureteral stent creeps and loses shape stability, increasingthe risk of stent tube dislocation. The rubbery biodegradable cross-linked PLCL networks were preparedthrough gamma irradiation under vacuum in the presence of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA),pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PET4A), and pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA). At a standard sterilizationdose of 25 kGy, the gel content and network density of PLCL networks increased with increasingcrosslinking agent content (1, 3, 5, 7 wt%), and crosslinking efficiency decreased in the order ofPETA > PET4A > TMPTA. The average molecular weight (Mc ) between two crosslinks ranged from 2000to 105 g/mol. To perform the beneficial semi-interpenetrated polymer network and characterized bythe principle, the networks were processed in several doses (25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 kGy). In place ofthe Charlesby-Pinner equation, the irradiation cross-linking followed the Chen-Liu-Tang equation. ThePLCL network with 7 wt% PETA had a gel fraction of 83%, tensile strength of 34.7 MPa, and tensile setvalue as low as 5%. Furthermore, degradation in vitro was slowed down. Thus, PLCL networks with appropriateelasticity and flexibility, inherent biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility can provide apromising alternative method for soft tissue repair engineering, such as ureteral stents.

Slow Release Fertilizer Decreases Leaching Loss of Nitrogen in Sand-based Root Zone

Chen Wei-Feng(첸웨이펭),Wang-Wei(왕웨이),Qi Ying-Jie(퀴잉제) 한국잡초학회·한국잔디학회 2007 Weed & Turfgrass Science Vol.21 No.2

축구장의 식재지반이 모래로 조성될 경우 낮은 보비력과 높은 용탈율로 인해 시비관리의 조정이 필요하다. 본 실험의 목적은 PVC관을 이용한 경기장 유사모형 실험구에서 캔터키 블루그래스에 있어서 완효성비료의 생육 효과를 비교 실험하였다. 잔디의 색깔, 균일도, 생육, 지상부 생체량과배출수의 질산의 유출량을 몇가지 다른 생육상과 네번의 유사 강우 시험 시 행하였다. 실험 결과 요소의 성분 유출량이 가장 높았고 공시 완효성비료는 가장 낮았다. 이 완효성 비료는 다른 공사 잔디비료에 비해 14일간, 요소보다는 28일간 잔디의 품질 변에서 비효가 지속되었다. 또한 이 완효성비료는 잔디의 웃자람과 잔디깎기에 소요되는 시간을 줄일 수 있었다. 질산태 질소의 유출에 았어서도잔디의 조성 초반기에 50% 정도를 감소 시켰다. When a football field is constructed using sand medium, the fertilizer management has to be adjusted because of the low nutrient holding capacity and higher leaching rate. The objective of this study was to test the effects of slow release fertilizers on Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) growth in simulated sport field rootzones with PVC pipe pots. Data of turf grass color, uniformity, growth rate, biomass above ground, and the nitrate content in the leaching solution was collected at different growing stages and during four simulated rain fall periods. The result showed that the nutrient release rate of urea was the highest and that of controlled release nitrogen fertilizer was the lowest. Effects of the controlled release nitrogen fertilizer lasted 14 days more than other lawn fertilizers and 28 days longer than regular urea with acceptable quality levels of turf. The slow release fertilizer also restrained excessive growth of the grass, reduced the times of mowing. Slow release fertilizer used in this study reduced NO₃-N leaching by almost 50% at the beginning of turf establishment.

Outcomes of limited period of adalimumab treatment in moderate to severe Crohn’s disease patients: Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study

( Wei-chen Lin ),( Jen-wei Chou ),( Hsu-heng Yen ),( Wen-hung Hsu ),( Hung-hsin Lin ),( Jen-kou Lin ),( Chiao-hsiung Chuang ),( Tien-yu Huang ),( Horng-yuan Wang ),( Shu-chen Wei ),( Jau-min Wong ) 대한장연구학회 2017 Intestinal Research Vol.15 No.4

Background/Aims: In Taiwan, due to budget limitations, the National Health Insurance only allows for a limited period of biologics use in treating moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed to access the outcomes of CD patients following a limited period use of biologics, specifically focusing on the relapse rate and remission duration; also the response rate to second use when applicable. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study and we enrolled CD patients who had been treated with adalimumab (ADA) according to the insurance guidelines from 2009 to 2015. Results: A total of 54 CD patients, with follow-up of more than 6 months after the withdrawal of ADA, were enrolled. The average period of treatment with ADA was 16.7±9.7 months. After discontinuing ADA, 59.3% patients suffered a clinical relapse. In the univariate analysis, the reason for withdrawal was a risk factor for relapse (P=0.042). In the multivariate analysis, current smoker became an important risk factor for relapse (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.2-14.8; P=0.044) and male sex was another risk factor (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-8.6; P=0.049). For those 48 patients who received a second round of biologics, the clinical response was seen in 60.4%, and 1 anaphylaxis occurred. Conclusions: Fifty-nine percent of patients experienced a relapse after discontinuing the limited period of ADA treatment, and most of them occurred within 1 year following cessation. Male sex and current smoker were risk factors for relapse. Though 60.4% of the relapse patients responded to ADA again. (Intest Res 2017;15:487-494)

Influence of DSSs on Urban Air Quality in China during 2005-2010 and Analysis of a Severe DSS Event

Wei Wang,Liang Li,Benfeng Pan,Shuang Chen,Ruibin Wang,Jianjun Li,Haohao Zheng 한국기상학회 2013 Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences Vol.49 No.1

In each year, Dust and Sandstorms (DSSs) triggered by cold air masses enhance particle concentration over large areas in China during spring and winter. In this paper, daily Air Pollution Index (API) of 113 major cities in China during dust events was analyzed to present the influence of DSSs on urban air quality. From 2005 to 2010, a total of 93 dust events were identified, on average there are approximately 16 dust events in a year. The number of total polluted days caused by DSSs in 113 major cities ranged from 147 to 546 each year, with maximum in 2010 and minimum in 2007. The number of total heavily polluted days caused by DSSs in major cities ranged from 14 to 78 each year, with maximum in 2010 and minimum in 2005. DSSs affected major cities most severely during March to May. Furthermore, a typical DSS observed from 26 to 31May 2008 was described in terms of meteorological features and PM10 concentration as well as API levels of 113 major cities. This event lead to high PM10 concentration and low visibility over major cities, with maximum daily PM10 concentration of 1511 μg m−3 in Chifeng on 28 May, which was directly caused by strong wind in front of surface high pressure system passing through sand source areas in Mongolia and North China. The most severe pollution occurred on 29 May, with 38 cities polluted and 7 cities heavily polluted.

A New Boiler-turbine-heating Coordinated Control Strategy to Improve the Operating Flexibility of CHP Units

Wei Wang,Guangming Zhang,Yuguang Niu,Zhenyu Chen,Peiran Xie,Zhe Chen 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2022 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.20 No.5

The operating flexibility of the power units is getting increasing attention from power systems especially those with large-scale fluctuating renewable energies. However, the combined heat and power (CHP) units are getting a bottleneck because their electricity productions are restricted by heat productions. This study aims to develop an electric-heat coordinated control strategy to make the CHP units more flexible. First of all, the dynamic model for a 300 MW CHP unit is set up, and its linear state-space description is obtained. A control strategy based on linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is then developed to satisfy different heat-power demands in various operating conditions. The control weights Q and R are optimized by particle swarm optimization. Moreover, the improved coordinated control strategy based on precise energy balance is put forward to increase the CHP power ramp rate considering electricity priority strategy and recovery control of the heat source. Finally, the simulation results show that the improved strategy is suitable for various CHP operating scenarios, and the case for electricity priority and heat recovery control significantly improves the unit power rate on the premise of stable heat supply. This work provides a reliable and flexible control mode for CHP units, which can support the power system stability and renewable energy integration.

Preparation of the polyester/cotton composite yarn with alternating segmented structure and interval color via a promising physical spinning approach

Wei Wei,Qinglun Tang,Hengxing Tang,Jun Chen,Kun Yan,Dong Wang 한국의류학회 2021 Fashion and Textiles Vol.8 No.1

Herein, a novel kind of composite yarn with alternating segmented structure and interval color has been prepared based on a ring spinning approach. By adjusting the relative motion and blend ratio of the colored polyester filament and natural cotton staple fiber in yarn spinning process, a series of composite yarns were designed and prepared with various segmented structure and cyclical change of the distinct colors. The blend ratio was found to strongly influence on the segment frequency and yarn performance, achieving an improved mechanical property and yarn performance. A color systematic analysis indicated that the combination of alternating structural change induced interval color sense and gradient at the merged regions would lead to an enhanced stereoscopic visual effect of the composite yarns. Moreover, the composite yarns were confirmed to have an excellent weavability and able to endow different patterns and visual effects to the textiles. Thus, considering of the above advantages and multifunctionalities, this work should spur great possibilities for dyeing industry with the promising physical spinning method.

Fusion Between TMPRSS2 and ETS Family Members (ERG, ETV1, ETV4) in Prostate Cancers from Northern China

Wang, Jian-Jiang,Liu, Yue-Xin,Wang, Wei,Yan, Wei,Zheng, Yu-Peng,Qiao, Lu-Dong,Liu, Dan,Chen, Shan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.10

In this study we evaluated the frequency of fusion between TMPRSS2 and ETS family members (ERG, ETV1, ETV4) in prostate cancers in patients from northern China in order to explore differences in fusion rates among regions in northern and southern China, other parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. We examined 100 prostate cancer patients, diagnosed by means of prostate biopsy; fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect the expression of TMPRSS2, ERG, ETV1 and ETV4 in cancer tissue. Differences in gene fusion rates among different ethnics groups were also analyzed. Of the 100 prostate cancer patients, 55 (55%) had the fusion gene. Among the patients with the fusion gene, 46 (83.6%) patients had the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion product, 8 (14.8%) patients had TMPRSS2:ETV1 fusion, 1 (1.6%) patient had TMPRSS2:ETV4.