Ultra-sensitive graphene based mid-infrared plasmonic bio-chemical sensing using dielectric beads as a medium

Liu, Xiao,Zhang, Duan,Wu, Ye-Cun,Yang, Mei,Wang, Qian,Coileá,in, Cormac Ó,.,Xu, Hongjun,Yang, Chen,Abid, Mohamed,Abid, Mourad,Liu, Huajun,Chun, Byong Sun,Shi, Qingfan,Wu, Han-Chun Elsevier 2017 Carbon Vol.122 No.-

<P>Graphene is moving beyond the realm of simple electronic devices toward areas such as advanced biochemical sensing. The infrared (IR) response of graphene, characterized by collective long-lived charge-carrier oscillations, could be applied in IR-absorption spectroscopy, typically used for bio-chemical analysis. However, direct light absorption by propagating plasmons in graphene is forbidden due to the large momentum mismatch. Proposed methods to overcome this bottleneck come at a cost, the use of noble metal particles on graphene reduces the spectral bandwidth and nano-structuring graphene is expensive. Here, we propose a simple and cheap method to fabricate large scale ultra-sensitive graphene based mid-IR biosensors, by introducing dielectric beads to excite mid-IR range plasmons. Interference from waves scattered by the beads excite surface plasmon polaritons, which propagate several micrometers in graphene and enhance the interaction between the molecules and mid-IR light. This method opens an interesting window for the application of graphene in bio-chemical sensing. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</P>

Trichloroethylene and Parkinson’s Disease: Risk Assessment

Liu, Mei,Shin, Eun-Joo,Dang, Duy-Khanh,Jin, Chun-Hui,Lee, Phil Ho,Jeong, Ji Hoon,Park, Seok-Joo,Kim, Yong-Sun,Xing, Bin,Xin, Tao,Bing, Guoying,Kim, Hyoung-Chun Springer-Verlag 2018 Molecular neurobiology Vol.55 No.7

Antenatal Depression in East Asia: A Review of the Literature

Mei-Chun Hsiao,Mei-Chun Hsiao,Chia-Yih Liu 대한신경정신의학회 2012 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.9 No.2

This current study’s goal is to summarize the literature regarding Antenatal Depression (AD) in the East Asian countries of Taiwan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, and Korea. The main search utilized a Pub med Chinese Electronic Periodical Service (CEPS) literature review using keywords ‘AD’, and ‘Prenatal Depression’ with searches for ‘Japan’, ‘Korea’, ‘Taiwan’, ‘Hong Kong’ and Macau’. The rates of AD in East Asia appear to be relatively close to those in the Western literature, although certain studies showed slightly decreased rates. Many of the risk factors for AD were the same in the Eastern and Western literature. These risk factors included demographic factors such as younger age, smoking, low education and income, and unemployment. Other risk factors were physical symptoms such as menstrual pains and nausea. Finally, psychological factors such as a poor response to the pregnancy, poor spousal support, and poor family support were associated with AD. With regard to treatment, there were no studies examining the administration of psychotropic medications for AD. The literature from East Asia both confirmed many Western findings and made unique contributions to the literature on AD. The treatment of AD in East Asia appears to be an entity which, despite its morbidity, has not been adequately studied.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Increased Autonomic Activation and Improved Symptoms of Depression and Insomnia among Patients with Major Depression Disorder

I-Mei Lin,Sheng-Yu Fan,Cheng-Fang Yen,Yi-Chun Yeh,Tze‐Chun Tang,Mei-Feng Huang,Tai-Ling Liu,Peng-Wei Wang,Huang-Chi Lin,Hsin-Yi Tsai,Yu-Che Tsai 대한정신약물학회 2019 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.17 No.2

Objective: Autonomic imbalance is considered a psychopathological mechanism underlying major depressive disorder (MDD). Heart rate variability (HRV) is an index for autonomic activation. Poor sleep quality is common among patients with MDD. HRV biofeedback (BF) has been used for regulating autonomic balance among patients with physical illness and mental disorders. The purpose of present study was to examine the effects of HRV-BF on depressive symptoms, sleep quality, pre-sleep arousal, and HRV indices, in patients with MDD and insomnia. Methods: In this case-controlled study, patients with MDD and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score higher than 6 were recruited. The HRV-BF group received weekly 60-minute protocol for 6 weeks, and the control group who have matched the age and sex received medical care only. All participants were assessed on Beck Depression Inventory-II, Back Anxiety Inventory, PSQI, and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale. Breathing rates and electrocardiography were also performed under resting state at pre-testing, and post-testing conditions and for the HRV-BF group, also at 1-month follow-up. Results: In the HRV-BF group, symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep quality, and pre-sleep arousal were significantly improved, and increased HRV indices, compared with the control group. Moreover, in the HRV-BF group, significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, decreased breathing rates, and increased HRV indices were detected at post-testing and at 1-month follow-up, compared with pre-testing values. Conclusion: This study confirmed that HRV-BF is a useful psychosocial intervention for improving autonomic balance, baroreflex, and symptoms of depression and insomnia in MDD patients.

Associations of HSP90AA2 gene polymorphisms with disease susceptibility, glucocorticoids efficacy and health-related quality of life in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Man Zhang,Su‑Su Li,Qiao‑Mei Xie,Jian‑Hua Xu,Xiu‑Xiu Sun,Fa‑Ming Pan,Sheng‑Qian Xu,Sheng‑Xiu Liu,Jin‑Hui Tao,Shuang Liu,Jing Cai,Pei‑Ling Chen,Long Qian,Chun‑Huai Wang,Chun‑Mei Liang,Hai‑Liang Huang,Ha 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.10

Although the current glucocorticoids (GCs) treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is effective to a certain extent, the difference in therapeutic effect between patients is still a widespread problem. Some patients can have repeated attacks that greatly diminish their quality of life. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between HSP90AA2 polymorphisms and disease susceptibility, GCs efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese SLE patients. A case–control study was performed in 470 SLE patients and 470 normal controls. Then, 444 patients in the case group were followed up for 12 weeks to observe efficacy of GCs and improvement of HRQoL. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HSP90AA2 were selected for genotyping: rs1826330 and rs6484340. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The minor T allele of rs1826330 and the TT haplotype formed by rs1826330 and rs6484340 showed associations with decreased SLE risk (T allele: PBH = 0.022; TT haplotype: PBH = 0.033). A significant association between rs6484340 and improvement of HRQoL was revealed in the follow-up study. Five subscales of SF-36 were appeared to be influenced by rs6484340: total score of SF-36 (additive model: PBH = 0.026), physical function (additive model: PBH = 0.026), rolephysical (recessive model: PBH = 0.041), mental health (dominant model: PBH = 0.047), and physical component summary (additive model: PBH = 0.026). No statistical significance was found between HSP90AA2 gene polymorphisms and GCs efficacy. These results revealed a genetic association between HSP90AA2 and SLE. Remarkably, HSP90AA2 has an impact on the improvement of HRQoL in Chinese population with SLE.

Gene Microarray Assessment of Multiple Genes and Signal Pathways Involved in Androgen-dependent Prostate Cancer Becoming Androgen Independent

Liu, Jun-Bao,Dai, Chun-Mei,Su, Xiao-Yun,Cao, Lu,Qin, Rui,Kong, Qing-Bo Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

To study the gene expression change and possible signal pathway during androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC) becoming androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC), an LNCaP cell model of AIPC was established using flutamide in combination with androgen-free environment inducement, and differential expression genes were screened by microarray. Then the biological process, molecular function and KEGG pathway of differential expression genes are analyzed by Molecule Annotation System (MAS). By comparison of 12,207 expression genes, 347 expression genes were acquired, of which 156 were up-ragulated and 191 down-regulated. After analyzing the biological process and molecule function of differential expression genes, these genes are found to play crucial roles in cell proliferation, differntiation, cell cycle control, protein metabolism and modification and other biological process, serve as signal molecules, enzymes, peptide hormones, cytokines, cytoskeletal proteins and adhesion molecules. The analysis of KEGG show that the relevant genes of AIPC transformation participate in glutathione metabolism, cell cycle, P53 signal pathway, cytochrome P450 metabolism, Hedgehog signal pathway, MAPK signal pathway, adipocytokines signal pathway, PPAR signal pathway, TGF-${\beta}$ signal pathway and JAK-STAT signal pathway. In conclusion, during the process of ADPC becoming AIPC, it is not only one specific gene or pathway, but multiple genes and pathways that change. The findings above lay the foundation for study of AIPC mechanism and development of AIPC targeting drugs.

Trichloroethylene induces dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Fisher 344 rats

Liu, Mei,Choi, Dong-Young,Hunter, Randy L.,Pandya, Jignesh D.,Cass, Wayne A.,Sullivan, Patrick G.,Kim, Hyoung-Chun,Gash, Don M.,Bing, Guoying Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2010 Journal of Neurochemistry Vol.112 No.3

<P><I>J. Neurochem.</I> (2010) <B>112</B>, 773–783.</P><P>Abstract</P><P>Trichloroethylene, a chlorinated solvent widely used as a degreasing agent, is a common environmental contaminant. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic exposure to trichloroethylene may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if selective loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons could be reproduced by systemic exposure of adult Fisher 344 rats to trichloroethylene. In our experiments, oral administration of trichloroethylene induced a significant loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the number of both cholinergic and GABAergic neurons were not decreased in the striatum. There was a robust decline in striatal levels of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid without a significant depletion of striatal dopamine. Rats treated with trichloroethylene showed defects in rotarod behavior test. We also found a significantly reduced mitochondrial complex I activity with elevated oxidative stress markers and activated microglia in the nigral area. In addition, we observed intracellular &agr;-synuclein accumulation in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, with some in nigral neurons, but little in neurons of cerebral cortex. Overall, our animal model exhibits some important features of Parkinsonism, and further supports that trichloroethylene may be an environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s disease.</P>

Enhanced ε-Poly-L-lysine Production from Streptomyces ahygroscopicus by a Combination of Cell Immobilization and In Situ Adsorption

( Liu Sheng Rong ),( Qing Ping Wu ),( Ju Mei Zhang ),( Shu Ping Mo ),( Xiao Juan Yang ),( Chun Xiao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.9

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL), produced by Streptomyces or Kitasatospora strains, is a homo-poly-amino acid of Llysine, which is used as a safe food preservative. The present study investigates the combined use of cell immobilization and in situ adsorption (ISA) to produce ε-PL in shaken flasks. Loofah sponge-immobilized Streptomyces ahygroscopicus GIM8 produced slightly more ε-PL than those immobilized on synthetic sponge, and sugarcane bagasse. Moreover, loofah sponge supported the maximum biomass. Hence, loofah sponge was chosen for cell immobilization. Meanwhile, the ion-exchange resin D152 was employed for ISA. The loofah sponge-immobilized cells produced 0.54 ± 0.1 g/l ε-PL, which significantly increased to 3.64 ± 0.32 g/l after combining with ISA through the addition of resin bags. The free cells with ISA using the dispersed resin yielded 2.73 ± 0.26 g/l of ε-PL, an increase from 0.82 ± 0.08 g/l. These data illustrate that the proposed combination method improved production most significantly compared with either immobilization or ISA only. Moreover, the immobilized cells could be repeatedly used and an ε-PL total amount of 8.05 ± 0.84 g/l was obtained. The proposed combination method offers promising perspectives for ε-PL production.

The Lived Experience of First-time Mothers with Congenital Heart Disease

Liu Yu-Ting,Lu Chun-Wei,Mu Pei-Fan,Shu Ying-Mei,Chen Chi-Wen 한국간호과학회 2022 Asian Nursing Research Vol.16 No.3

Purpose: Nowadays most children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are expected to survive to adulthood. The healthcare focus needs to pay close attention to the important developmental tasks during their growth process. The women with CHD face some challenges in their critically developmental stages during pregnancy, delivery, and even motherhood. The lived experience of being a mother needs to be further concerned. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of first-time mothers with CHD. Methods: Descriptive phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from April to August 2018 with 11 primiparous women with CHD, who were recruited from the pediatric and adult cardiology outpatient departments at a medical center and who had a child aged between 6 months and 3 years. Giorgi's phenomenological analysis method was employed. Results: Six main themes arose from the analysis: (1) recognizing pregnancy risks, (2) performing selfcare for health, (3) building self-worth from my baby, (4) adapting to postpartum life and adjusting priorities, (5) enjoying being a first-time mother, and (6) the factors contributing to success in high-risk childbirth. Conclusions: The experiences that occurred prior to and after labor that were identified in this study can assist women with CHD to more capably prepare for and understand the process of becoming a mother, including recognition of the importance of a prepregnancy evaluation. The findings of this study can help women with CHD to better understand the path to becoming a mother and prepare themselves for the challenges that lie ahead.

Research progress of defective MoS2 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Liu Chao,Kong Cui,Zhang Feng-Jun,Kai Chun-Mei,Cai Wei-Qin,Sun Xian-Yang,오원춘 한국세라믹학회 2021 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.58 No.2

The potential application of MoS 2 as a potential H 2 precipitation photocatalyst has received widespread attention and is considered a promising alternative to precious metal cocatalysts due to its richness and low cost. However, the catalytic active center of MoS 2 is only along the edge of the MoS 2 layer. Both theoretical and experimental studies have shown that defect engineering can increase the active site of MoS 2 and has superior activity in catalytic reactions. Therefore, this review describes the nature, defect types, and preparation of defective MoS 2 . Due to the recombination of MoS 2 and semiconductor has specifi c interface characteristics, Schottky heterojunctions can provide accelerated charge separation and lower Schottky barriers for photocatalytic applications, they are eff ective photocatalysts. Therefore, the preparation of the defect MoS 2 -supported semiconductor photocatalyst and its application in the photocatalytic water splitting reaction are also introduced. This article’s profound understanding of defects can consolidate basic photocatalysis theory and provide new insights for the rational design of satisfactory defect engineering photocatalytic materials.