Lipopolysaccharide-induced Autophagy Increases SOX2-positive Astrocytes While Decreasing Neuronal Differentiation in the Adult Hippocampus

Liu Wen-Chung,Wu Chih-Wei,Fu Mu-Hui,Tain You-Lin,Liang Chih-Kuang,Chen I-Chun,Hung Chun-Ying,Lee Yu-Chi,Wu Kay L.H. 한국뇌신경과학회 2022 Experimental Neurobiology Vol.31 No.5

Inflammation alters the neural stem cell (NSC) lineage from neuronal to astrogliogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism is elusive. Autophagy contributes to the decline in adult hippocampal neurogenesis under E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. SRY-box transcription Factor 2 (SOX2) is critical for NSC self-renewal and proliferation. In this study, we investigated the role of SOX2 in induced autophagy and hippocampal adult neurogenesis under LPS stimulation. LPS (5 ng•100 g-1•hour-1 for 7 days) was intraperitoneally infused into male Sprague–Dawley rats (8 weeks old) to induce mild systemic inflammation. Beclin 1 and autophagy protein 12 (Atg12) were significantly upregulated concurrent with decreased numbers of Ki67- and doublecortin (DCX)-positive cells in the dentate gyrus. Synchronically, the levels of phospho(p)-mTOR, the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio, p-P85s6k, and the p-P85s6k/P85s6k ratio were suppressed. In contrast, SOX2 expression was increased. The fluorescence micrographs indicated that the colocalization of Beclin 1 and SOX2 was increased in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus. Moreover, increased S100β-positive astrocytes were colocalized with SOX2 in the SGZ. Intracerebroventricular infusion of 3-methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) effectively prevented the increases in Beclin 1, Atg12, and SOX2. The SOX2+-Beclin 1+ and SOX2+-S100β+ cells were reduced. The levels of p-mTOR and p-P85s6k were enhanced. Most importantly, the number of DCX-positive cells was preserved. Altogether, these data suggest that LPS induced autophagy to inactivate the mTOR/P85s6k pathway, resulting in a decline in neural differentiation. SOX2 was upregulated to facilitate the NSC lineage, while the autophagy milieu could switch the SOX2-induced NSC lineage from neurogenesis to astrogliogenesis.

Exendin-4 improves resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection in diabetic db/db mice

Hsien Yueh Liu,Chih-Yao Chung,Wen-Chin Yang,Chih-Lung Liang,Chi-Young Wang,Chih-Yu Chang,Cicero Lee-Tian Chang 대한수의학회 2012 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.13 No.3

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing among companion animals. This disease has similar characteristics in both humans and animals. Diabetes is frequently identified as an independent risk factor for infections associated with increased mortality. In the present study, homozygous diabetic (db/db) mice were infected with Listeria (L.) monocytogenes and then treated with the anti-diabetic drug exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue. In aged db/db mice, decreased CD11b+ macrophage populations with higher lipid content and lower phagocytic activity were observed. Exendin-4 lowered high lipid levels and enhanced phagocytosis in macrophages from db/db mice infected with L. monocytogenes. Exendin-4 also ameliorated obesity and hyperglycemia, and improved ex vivo bacteria clearance by macrophages in the animals. Liver histology examined during L. monocytogenes infection indicated that abscess formation was much milder in exendin-4-treated db/db mice than in the control animals. Moreover, mechanistic studies demonstrated that expression of ATP binding cassette transporter 1, a sterol transporter, was higher in macrophages isolated from the exendin-4-treated db/db mice. Overall, our results suggest that exendin-4 decreases the risk of infection in diabetic animals by modifying the interaction between intracellular lipids and phagocytic macrophages.

Effect of seasonal changes on fertility parameters of Holstein dairy cows in subtropical climate of Taiwan

Liu, Wen-Bor,Peh, Huo-Cheng,Wang, Chien-Kai,Mangwe, Mancoba Christopher,Chen, Chih-Feng,Chiang, Hsin-I Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.6

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between temperature-humidity index (THI), season, and conception rate (CR) of Holstein cows in central Taiwan. Methods: The mean performance and number of observations were statistically evaluated for various parameters, including age at first service, number of days open, gestation length, CR, and calving interval for different parities. Results: The results indicate that the mean age at first service was 493.2 days; the gestation length was similar across all cows of different parities, ranging from 275.1 to 280.7 days. The overall CR of all inseminations was significantly lower in multiparous cows ($47.26%{\pm}0.22%$) than in heifers ($57.14%{\pm}0.11%$) (p<0.05). At THI>72 and during the hot season (from June to November), CRs for multiparous cows were significantly reduced compared to that for heifers, while the ratio remained unchanged among heifers for all seasons. Conclusion: To achieve a high CR, lactating cows should be bred in winter and spring (from December to May) from the start of the seasonal breeding program, whereas the heifer should be allowed to breed in summer and fall under the subtropical climate in Taiwan.

Prediction of ions migration behavior in mortar under 2-D ALMT application to inhibit ASR

Chih-Chien Liu,Wen-Ten Kuo 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2014 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.14 No.3

This study investigated four electric field configurations of two-dimensional accelerate lithium migration technique (ALMT), including line-to-line, plane-to-line, contour-to-line and plane-to-plane, and analyzed the ion migration behavior and efficiency. It was found that the free ion distribution diagram and voltage distribution diagram were similar, and ions migrated in the power line direction. The electrode modules were used for the mortar specimen with w/c ratio of 0.5. The effectively processed areas accounted for 14.1%, 39.0%, 49.4% and 51.4% of total area respectively on Day 28. Larger electrode area was more advantageous to ion migration. In addition, it was proved that the two-dimensional electric field could be divided into different equifield line active regions, and regarded as affected by one-dimensional electric field, and the ion migration results in various equifield line active regions were predicted by using the duration analysis method based on the theoretical model of ion migration obtained from one-dimensional test.

Arsenic Speciation of Groundwater in Southwestern Taiwan

Chih-Ping Lee,Liang-Saw Wen,Tsung-Kwei Liu 대한환경공학회 2015 대한환경공학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.2015 No.10

Clinical Features and Computed Tomography Characteristics of Non-Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscesses in Elderly (>65 Years) and Nonelderly Patients

Chih-Weim Hsiang,Wei-Chou Chang,Chang-Hsien Liu,Hsiu-Lung Fan,Kai-Hsiung Ko,Chih-Yung Yu,Hong-Hau Wang,Wen-I Liao,Hsian-He Hsu 연세대학교의과대학 2015 Yonsei medical journal Vol.56 No.2

Purpose: To compare the clinical and computed tomography (CT) appearances of liver abscesses caused by non-Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial pathogens in elderly and nonelderly patients. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with confirmed non-Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses (non-KPLAs) were enrolled and dividedinto two age groups: elderly (age ≥65 years, n=42) and nonelderly (age <65 years, n=38). Diagnosis of non-KPLA was established by pus and/or blood culture. We compared clinical presentations, outcomes, and CT characteristics of the two groups, and performed multivariate analysis for significant variables and receiver-operating-characteristic analysis to determine the cutoff value of abscess diameter for predicting non-KPLA. Results: Elderly patients with non-KPLA were associatedwith a longer hospital stay (p<0.01). Regarding etiology, biliary sources had a strong association in the elderly group (p<0.01), and chronic liver diseases were relatedto the nonelderly group (p<0.01). Non-KPLAs (52.5%) tended to show a large, multiloculated appearance in the elderly group and were associated with bile duct dilatation (p<0.01), compared with the nonelderly group. The abscess diameter (cutoff value, 5.2 cm; area under the curve, 0.78) between the two groups was predicted. In multivariate analysis, underlying biliary tract disease [odds ratio (OR), 3.58, p<0.05], abscess diameter (OR, 2.40, p<0.05), and multiloculated abscess (OR, 1.19, p<0.01) independently predicted elderly patients with non-KPLA. Conclusion:In the elderly patients with non-KPLA, a large, multiloculated abscess with a diameter greater than 5.2 cm was the predominant imaging feature.

The in vivo photothermal treatment of gold nanorod in the mouse ear model

Liu, Bruce Yao Wen,Chen, Cheng-Lung,Lee, Shin-Yu,Chang, Fu-Hsiung,Lin, Win-Li,Chia, Chih-Ta,Chen, Yang-Yuan Techno-Press 2014 Biomaterials and biomedical engineering Vol.1 No.1

Gold nanorod's exceptional light to heat transduction is a robust phonomenon that has been extensively verified. The phenomenon is a trait from which many novel applications across disciplines have been proposed. In this investigation, the feasibility of utilizing heat harvested from such photothermal method to combat cancer is presented. Using non-invasive laser methods, an in vivo study is conducted on mouse ear tumors administered with gold nanorods (Au NRs). An emphasis is placed on monitoring the tumor developments after photothermal treatments, over time. The findings reveal significant tumor growth surpression at a threshold laser power of $0.6W/cm^2$ lasting 2 minutes; this energy also brought about dramatic size reduction in treated tumors. Furthermore, the apparent formation of an eschar over the laser treated region indicates extensive hemorrhagic necrosis of the tumor tissue; a phenomenon implicative to the inhibition of angiogenesis.

Electrostatic Discharge Robustness of Si Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors

Wen Liu,Liou, J.J.,Chung, A.,Yoon-Ha Jeong,Wei-Chen Chen,Horng-Chih Lin IEEE 2009 IEEE electron device letters Vol.30 No.9

<P>Electrostatic discharge (ESD) performance of N-type double-gated Si nanowire (NW) thin-film transistors is investigated, for the first time, using the transmission line pulsing technique. The ESD robustness of these devices depends on the NW dimension, number of channels, plasma treatment, and layout topology. The failure currents, leakage currents, and on-state resistances are characterized, and possible ESD protection applications of these devices for future NW field-effect-transistor-based integrated circuits are also discussed.</P>

The in vivo photothermal treatment of gold nanorod in the mouse ear model

Liu, Bruce Yao Wen,Chen, Cheng-Lung,Lee, Shin-Yu,Chang, Fu-Hsiung,Lin, Win-Li,Chia, Chih-Ta,Chen, Yang-Yuan Techno-Press 2014 Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering Vol.1 No.1

Gold nanorod's exceptional light to heat transduction is a robust phonomenon that has been extensively verified. The phenomenon is a trait from which many novel applications across disciplines have been proposed. In this investigation, the feasibility of utilizing heat harvested from such photothermal method to combat cancer is presented. Using non-invasive laser methods, an in vivo study is conducted on mouse ear tumors administered with gold nanorods (Au NRs). An emphasis is placed on monitoring the tumor developments after photothermal treatments, over time. The findings reveal significant tumor growth surpression at a threshold laser power of $0.6W/cm^2$ lasting 2 minutes; this energy also brought about dramatic size reduction in treated tumors. Furthermore, the apparent formation of an eschar over the laser treated region indicates extensive hemorrhagic necrosis of the tumor tissue; a phenomenon implicative to the inhibition of angiogenesis.

Equifield line simulation and ion migration prediction for concrete under 2-D electric field

Chih-Chien Liu,Chun-Yao Huang,Wen-Ten Kuo 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2013 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.12 No.4

This study attempted to find a proper method applicable to simulating practical equifield lines of two-dimensional Accelerate Lithium Migration Technique (ALMT), and evaluate the feasibility of using the theoretical ion migration model of one-dimensional ALMT to predict the ion migration behavior of two-dimensional ALMT. The result showed that the electrolyte or carbon plate can be used as matrix to draw equifield line graph similar to that by using mortar as matrix. Using electrolyte electrode module for simulation has advantages of simple production, easy measurement, rapidness, and economy. The electrolyte module can be used to simulate the equifield line distribution diagram in practical two-dimensional electrode configuration firstly. Then, several equifield line zones were marked, and several subzones under one-dimensional ALMT were separated from various equifield line zones. The theoretical free content distribution of alkali in concrete under two-dimensional electric field effect could be obtained from duration analysis.