Preparation of oral nanoemulsion drug delivery system loaded with punicalagin: in vitro antibacterial activity, drug release, and cell safety studies

Fei‑Fei Shi,Yu‑Juan Mao,Ying Wang,Hai‑Feng Yang 한국고분자학회 2024 Macromolecular Research Vol.32 No.3

The objective of the present study was to develop a W/O/W nanoemulsion (NE) drug delivery system loaded with punicalagin (PGN) for oral delivery and evaluate its potential in antibacterial therapy. The W/O/W PGN-NE was prepared using a two-step process by combining ultrasonic with high-energy emulsification and subsequently characterized by its droplet size, zeta potential, and morphology. The PGN-NE was further evaluated for its pH, in vitro antibacterial activity, drug release property, and cytotoxicity. The results indicated the formation of spherical, nano-sized globules of PGN-NE had a mean particle size of 45.53 ± 2.2 nm, with a PDI value of 0.22 ± 0.028, zeta potential was −4.67 ± 0.88 mV, and pH value was 5.8. In vitro antibacterial activity studies showed a significantly higher antibacterial activity of PGN-NE in comparison to free PGN, suggesting that NE can effectively improve the antibacterial effect of natural pharmaceuticals. The drug release assay demonstrated that PGN was slowly released from the NE preparation and absorbed, helping to prolong the potency and improve the bioavailability of PGN. Cytotoxicity testing showed that PGN had reduced toxicity when encapsulated in NE. Thus, the developed NE formulation of PNG exhibited a greater potential for the slow-release effect delivery and in the treatment of microbial infections with favorable safety profile.

Cortical Morphometric Abnormality and Its Association with Working Memory in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Fei-Fei Si,Lu Liu,Hai-Mei Li,Li Sun,Qing-Jiu Cao,Hanna Lu,Yu-Feng Wang,Qiu-Jin Qian 대한신경정신의학회 2021 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.18 No.7

Objective Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. The present study investigated the cortical morphology features and their relationship with working memory (WM). Methods In the present study, a total of 36 medication naïve children with ADHD (aged from 8 to 15 years) and 36 age- and gendermatched healthy control (HC) children were included. The digit span test was used to evaluate WM. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to examine the characteristics of cortical morphology. Firstly, we compared the cortical morphology features between two groups to identify the potential structural alterations of cortical volume, surface, thickness, and curvature in children with ADHD. Then, the correlation between the brain structural abnormalities and WM was further explored in children with ADHD. Results Compared with the HC children, the children with ADHD showed reduced cortical volumes in the left lateral superior temporal gyrus (STG) (p=6.67×10-6) and left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (p=3.88×10-4). In addition, the cortical volume of left lateral STG was positively correlated with WM (r=0.36, p=0.029). Conclusion Though preliminary, these findings suggest that the reduced cortical volumes of left lateral STG may contribute to the pathogenesis of ADHD and correlate with WM in children with ADHD.

Multiple cracks on the interface between a piezoelectric layer and an orthotropic substrate

Feng, Fei-Xiang,Lee, Kang Yong,Li, Yong-Dong Springer-Verlag 2011 Acta mechanica Vol.221 No.3

Prevalence and Age, Gender and Geographical Area Distribution of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas in North China from 1985 to 2006

Feng, Xiao-Shan,Yang, Yan-Tong,Gao, She-Gan,Ru, Yi,Wang, Gong-Ping,Zhou, Bo,Wang, Yu-Feng,Zhang, Peng-Fei,Li, Pu-Yu,Liu, Yong-Xuan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Objective: To establish the prevalence and distribution profile of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) over a 22-yr period in North China. Methods: Using endoscopy for primary diagnosis and histological analysis for the further confirmation, a total of 74,854 ESCC patients aged 20-89 between January 1985 and December 2006 were investigated to analyze the epidemiological profile including prevalence rates, distribution of age-of-onset, gender and geographical area of ESCC in Luoyang, the highest incidence area of North China. Results: A total of 4092 cases of ESCC were finally diagnosed among 74,854 patients who had their first endoscopies. The prevalence among males was higher than that among females (p<0.01), resulting in an overall male:female OR of 1.2 (95%CI, 1.2-1.3). The prevalence in rural areas was higher than in urban areas (p<0.01), resulting in an overall rural:urban OR of 2.6 (95%CI, 2.4-2.9). The rural:urban ORs and the 95% CI increased continuously from 2.6, 2.3-3.0 to 2.7, 2.2-3.3, respectively, for 4 consecutive periods during the 22-yr study period. Moreover, the median age of onset among females was higher than that among males (p<0.01). For both sexes and in both areas, the prevalence rates declined and the median age of onset rose for 4 consecutive periods in the 22-yrs time frame (p<0.01). Conculsions: These data reveal the epidemiological profile of ESCC in the area of North China, and suggest that urban areas and rural people account for a growing proportion of the ESCC patients although the prevalence of ESCC significantly declined and the median age-of-onset postponed over the 22-yrs period. Moreover, the prevalence status of ESCC in rural areas also underlines the need for public health initiatives aimed at reducing risk factors of this fatal disease.

Mutation of IPO13 causes recessive ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract

Xiu-Feng Huang,Lue Xiang,Wan Cheng,Fei-Fei Cheng,Kai-Wen He,Bo-Wen Zhang,Si-Si Zheng,Ru-Yi Han,Yi-Han Zheng,Xiao-Tao Xu,Huan-Yun Yu,Wenjuan Zhuang,Yuk Fai Leung,Zi-Bing Jin 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

Ocular coloboma is a developmental structural defect of the eye that often occurs as complex ocular anomalies. However, its genetic etiology remains largely unexplored. Here we report the identification of mutation (c.331C>T, p. R111C) in the IPO13 gene in a consanguineous family with ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract by a combination of whole-exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping. IPO13 encodes an importin-B family protein and has been proven to be associated with the pathogenesis of coloboma and microphthalmia. We found that Ipo13 was expressed in the cornea, sclera, lens, and retina in mice. Additionally, the mRNA expression level of Ipo13 decreased significantly in the patient compared with its expression in a healthy individual. Morpholinooligonucleotide- induced knockdown of ipo13 in zebrafish caused dose-dependent microphthalmia and coloboma, which is highly similar to the ocular phenotypes in the patient. Moreover, both visual motor response and optokinetic response were impaired severely. Notably, these ocular phenotypes in ipo13-deficient zebrafish could be rescued remarkably by full-length ipo13 mRNA, suggesting that the phenotypes observed in zebrafish were due to insufficient ipo13 function. Altogether, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, a new role of IPO13 in eye morphogenesis and that loss of function of IPO13 could lead to ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract in humans and zebrafish.

한국과 중국 대학선수의 스포츠 목표성향과 성취동기의 관계

왕봉비 ( Wang Feng-fei ),김병준 ( Kim Byoung-jun ) 한국체육학회 2020 한국체육학회지 Vol.59 No.3

본 연구의 목적은 한국과 중국 대학선수의 스포츠 목표성향과 성취동기의 특성을 규명하고, 성취목표성향 이론에 근거하여 두 변인 사이의 관계를 밝히는 것이다. 이와 같은 목적을 달성하기 위하여 한국 인천과 중국 청도의 4개 대학교에 재학중인 운동선수에게 각각 한국과 중국판 TEOSQ, SOSAM-IOSAM 설문지를 배포하였다. 수집된 자료에 대해 신뢰도분석, 요인분석, 독립표본 t-검증, 상관분석, 중다회귀분석을 실시하였다. 연구 결과에 따르면 첫째, 한국과 중국 선수 모두 높은 과제성향과 높은 자아성향을 지니며, 모두 과제성향이 자아성향보다 높았다. 과제성향과 자아성향은 모두 한국 대학선수가 중국 선수보다 높게 나타났다. 또한 한국과 중국 대학선수는 모두 높은 개인지향과 높은 사회지향을 갖고 있었다. 사회지향의 경우 한국 대학선수가 더 높았지만, 개인지향은 중국 대학선수가 더 높다는 차이가 있었다. 둘째, 한국 대학선수의 개인지향은 사회지향과 유의한 상관관계가 나타났지만, 중국 대학선수의 개인지향은 사회지향과 유의한 상관관계가 나타나지 않았다. 셋째, 양 국가 모두에서 과제성향이 개인지향에 영향을 미쳤고, 자아성향이 사회지향에 영향을 미친 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 스포츠 목표성향과 성취동기에서 같은 동양 문화권에 있는 국가 사이에서도 해당 문화의 독특성이 반영된다는 사실을 의미하는 것으로 해석하였다. This paper analyzed the characteristics of sport goal orientation and achievement motivation, and the relationships between the two variables in the university student athletes from China and Korea. The TEOSQ, SOSAM-IOSAM questionnaires of both Chinese and Korean versions are distributed to those athletes from four universities in Incheon and Qingdao. Exploratory factor analyses, independent t-tests, correlation analyses and multi-regression analyses of the data were conducted. First, the participants from both China and Korea showed higher levels of task goal orientation compared to ego goal orientation. Those from Korean were greater on both task and ego goal orientation than the Chinese athletes. Some cultural differences were found in achievement motivation. Social orientation of Korean athletes was stronger than those of Chinese athletes while individual orientation of Chinese athletes was stronger than that of Korean athletes. Second, individual orientation of Korean athletes was significantly related to their social orientation, while individual orientation of Chinese athletes was not related. Third, task orientation had an positive impact on individual orientation, and ego orientation was a strong predictor of social orientation across two countries. The results demonstrated the generality and uniqueness of goal orientation and achievement motivation in the two countries under the similar cultural backgrounds.

AntagomiR-27a Targets FOXO3a in Glioblastoma and Suppresses U87 Cell Growth in Vitro and in Vivo

Ge, Yun-Fei,Sun, Jun,Jin, Chun-Jie,Cao, Bo-Qiang,Jiang, Zhi-Feng,Shao, Jun-Fei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.2

Objective: To study the effect of the antagomiR-27a inhibitor on glioblastoma cells. Methods: The miR-27a expression level in specimens of human glioblastoma and normal human brain tissues excised during decompression for traumatic brain injury was assessed using qRT-PCR; The predicted target gene of miR-27a was screened out through bioinformatics databases, and the predicted gene was verified using genetic report assays; the effect of antagomiR-27a on the invasion and proliferation of glioma cells was analyzed using MTT assays and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) labeling. A xenograft glioblastoma model in BALB-c nude mice was established to detect the effect of antagomiR-27a on tumour growth. Results: qRT-PCR results showed that miR-27a significantly increased in specimens from glioblastoma comparing with normal human brain tissues. Th miR-27a inhibitor significantly suppressed invasion and proliferation of glioblastoma cells. FOXO3a was verified as a new target of miR-27a by Western blotting and reporter analyzes. Tumor growth in vivo was suppressed by administration of the miR-27a inhibitor. Conclusion: MiR-27a may be up-regulated in human glioblastoma, and antagomiR-27a could inhibit the proliferation and invasion ability of glioblastoma cells.

Psychopathological Profile of Women with Breast Cancer Based on the Symptom Checklist-90-R

Pan, Xiong-Fei,Fei, Man-Dong,Zhang, Kenneth Y.,Fan, Zhen-Lie,Fu, Feng-Huan,Fan, Jin-Hu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Background: With effective early treatments, many breast cancer patients suffer from psychological distress due to adverse effects and lifelong physical disfigurement. Our study aimed to evaluate the psychopathological profile of breast cancer patients in comparison with healthy women and explored demographic correlates. Method: We consecutively enrolled breast cancer patients who came to the hospital for follow-up or rehabilitation care after primary treatment, and healthy female relatives or friends of inpatients in the Cancer Institute of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between August 30, 2010 and January 1, 2012. Psychopathological profile was assessed based on the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) for patients and controls. We compared demographics such as age, ethnicity, education, marriage, and occupation, and incorporated these data plus cancer status for the association with the general SCL-90-R index and scores for 9 major symptom dimensions in multiple regression analysis. Results: We surveyed a total of 291 female breast cancer patients and 531 healthy women. The average age was $55.1{\pm}6.40$ years for breast cancer patients and $43.1{\pm}12.8$ for healthy controls (P<0.01). The mean survival was 5.20 years for cancer patients (range, 0.60-9.90 years). There were statistically significant differences in education, marriage, and occupation between the two groups (P<0.01). General index ($1.45{\pm}0.45$ versus $1.32{\pm}0.37$) and 8 dimension scores (excluding anxiety) on SCL-90-R were significantly higher in patients (P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the breast cancer status was positively correlated with general SCL-90-R index and 6 dimension scores (excluding the anxiety, phobic anxiety and paranoid ideation dimensions) (P<0.05). Regression coefficients ranged from 0.10 (depression) to 0.19 (somatization). Higher interpersonal sensitivity was noticed in single women compared to married women. Conclusions: Chinese patients with breast cancer demonstrate greater psychopathology compared to healthy controls. The breast cancer status is an independent contributing factor to the general psychopathological profile. Breast cancer patients should be given particular counseling and care to alleviate their psychological distress.

Identification of novel rheumatoid arthritis-associated MiRNA-204-5p from plasma exosomes

Wu Long-Fei,Zhang Qin,Mo Xing-Bo,Lin Jun,Wu Yang-Lin,Lu Xin,He Pei,Wu Jian,Guo Yu-Fan,Wang Ming-Jun,Ren Wen-Yan,Deng Hong-Wen,Lei Shu-Feng,Deng Fei-Yan 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by infiltration of immune cells in the synovium. However, the crosstalk of immune cells and synovial fibroblasts is still largely unknown. Here, global miRNA screening in plasma exosomes was carried out with a custom microarray (RA patients vs. healthy controls = 9:9). A total of 14 exosomal miRNAs were abnormally expressed in the RA patients. Then, downregulated expression of exosomal miR-204-5p was confirmed in both the replication (RA patients vs. healthy controls = 30:30) and validation groups (RA patients vs. healthy controls = 56:60). Similar to the findings obtained in humans, a decreased abundance of exosomal miR-204-5p was observed in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that plasma exosomal miR-204-5p expression was inversely correlated with disease parameters of RA patients, such as rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. In vitro, our data showed that human T lymphocytes released exosomes containing large amounts of miR-204-5p, which can be transferred into synovial fibroblasts, inhibiting cell proliferation. Overexpression of miR-204-5p in synovial fibroblasts suppressed synovial fibroblast activation by targeting genes related to cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo assays found that administration of lentiviruses expressing miR-204-5p markedly alleviated the disease progression of the mice with CIA. Collectively, this study identified a novel RA-associated plasma exosomal miRNA-204-5p that mediates the communication between immune cells and synovial fibroblasts and can be used as a potential biomarker for RA diagnosis and treatment.

Geometric Optimization of a Mathematical Model of Radiofrequency Ablation in Hepatic Carcinoma

Wang, Kai-Feng,Pan, Wei,Wang, Fei,Wang, Gao-Feng,Madhava, Pai,Pan, Hong-Ming,Kong, De-Xing,Liu, Xiang-Guan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.10

Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is an effective means of achieving local control of liver cancer. It is a particularly suitable mode of therapy for small and favorably located tumors. However, local progression rates are substantially higher for large tumors (>3.0 cm). In the current study, we report on a mathematical model based on geometric optimization to treat large liver tumors. A database of mathematical models relevant to the configuration of liver cancer was also established. The specific placement of electrodes and the frequency of ablation were also optimized. In addition, three types of liver cancer lesion were simulated by computer guidance incorporating mathematical models. This approach can be expected to provide a more effective and rationale mechanism for employing RFA in the therapy of hepatic carcinoma.