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.

Cytotoxic Components in an Extract from the Leaves and Stems of Stauntonia hexaphylla

Jing Zhao,임순호,이익수,엄중인,박시환,오은상,정다운,다런윌리엄스 한국생약학회 2014 Natural Product Sciences Vol.20 No.2

An investigation was carried out to identify novel anti-cancer compounds from Korean indigenous plant extracts. Bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical investigation of the EtOAc extract from the leaves and stems of Stauntonia hexaphylla resulted in the isolation of two active compounds, hederagenin 3-O-a-L-arabinoside (1) and quercetin (2). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, MS, NMR techniques and compared with previous spectroscopic data. The cytotoxic effects of fractions and compounds on HCT116 human colon cancer cells were evaluated using the MTT assay. Quercetin showed a stronger anti-cancer effect when compared to hederagenin 3-O-a-L-arabinoside.

DESIGN AND CONTROL OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VARIABLE HYDRAULIC DAMPER USING CUCKOO SEARCH OPTIMIZED PID METHOD

Jing Zhao,Pak Kin Wong,Zhengchao Xie,Xinbo Ma,Xingqi Hua 한국자동차공학회 2019 International journal of automotive technology Vol.20 No.1

The semi-active suspension (SAS) system has been one of the most attractive topics due to its simplicity and effectiveness in the control of vehicle dynamics. This research proposes a cuckoo search optimized proportional-integral– derivative (CS-PID) strategy for the damping force control of the semi-acive suspension system in order to improve vehicle ride quality. Firstly, a quarter-car suspension model with air spring and variable hydraulic damper (VHD) is developed. By constructing the detailed analytical model and describing the working process, the regulating mechanism and external characteristics of the VHD are presented. Subsequently, the CS-PID strategy is designed to generate the desired damping force according to the vehicle states in real-time, followed with the evaluation of the proposed strategy. Finally, the experimental tests are carried out to verify the accuracy of the VHD model and examine the feasibility of the proposed strategy. The numerical simulation reveal that the proposed control strategy is effective in improving the vehicle performance and the experimental results show that the CS-PID strategy can be successfully implemented in the suspension system for practical use.

Effects of PLCE1 Gene Silencing by RNA Interference on Cell Cycling and Apoptosis in Esophageal Carcinoma Cells

Zhao, Li,Wei, Zi-Bai,Yang, Chang-Qing,Chen, Jing-Jing,Li, Dan,Ji, Ai-Fang,Ma, Liang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.13

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most malignancies with a poor prognosis. The phospholipase $C{\varepsilon}$ gene (PLCE1) encodes a novel ras-related protein effector mediating the effects of R-Ras on the actin cytoskeleton and membrane protrusion. However, molecular mechanisms pertinent to ESCC are unclear. We therefore designed PLCE1-special small interfering RNA and transfected to esophageal squamous cell (EC) 9706 cells to investigat the effects of PLCE1 gene silencing on the cell cycle and apoptosis of ESCC and indicate its important role in the development of ESCC. Esophageal cancer tissue specimens and normal esophageal mucosa were obtained and assayed by immunohistochemical staining to confirm overexpression of PLCE1 in neoplasias. Fluorescence microscopy was used to examine transfection efficiency, while the result of PLCE1 silencing was examined by reverse transcription (RT-PCR). Flow cytometry and annexin V apoptosis assays were used to assess the cell cycle and apoptosis, respectively. Expression of cyclin D1 and caspase-3 was detected by Western-blotting. The level of PLCE1 protein in esophageal cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in normal tissue. After transfection, the expression of PLCE1 mRNA in EC 9706 was significantly reduced, compared with the control group. Furthermore, flow cytometry results suggested that the PLCE1 gene silencing arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase; apoptosis was significantly higher than in the negative control group and mock group. PLCE1 gene silencing by RNAi resulted in decreased expression of cyclin D1 and increased expression of caspase-3. Our study suggests that PLCE1 may be an oncogene and play an important role in esophageal carcinogenesis through regulating proteins which control cell cycling and apoptosis.

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

Zhao Wu,Jinlong Zhao,Wenye Sun,Jing Liang,Jing Jiang 한국분자세포생물학회 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 con-venient 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.

Vibration characteristics of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite double-beams in thermal environments

Jing-Lei Zhao,Xu Chen,Gui-Lin She,Yan Jing,Ru-Qing Bai,Jin Yi,Hua-Yan Pu,Jun Luo 국제구조공학회 2022 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.43 No.6

This paper presents an investigation on the free vibration characteristics of functionally graded nanocomposite double-beams reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The double-beams coupled by an interlayer spring, resting on the elastic foundation with a linear layer and shear layer, and is simply supported in thermal environments. The SWCNTs gradient distributed in the thickness direction of the beam forms different reinforcement patterns. The materials properties of the functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composites (FG-CNTRC) are estimated by rule of mixture. The first order shear deformation theory and Euler-Lagrange variational principle are employed to derive the motion equations incorporating the thermal effects. The vibration characteristics under several patterns of reinforcement are presented and discussed. We conducted a series of studies aimed at revealing the effects of the spring stiffness, environment temperature, thickness ratios and carbon nanotube volume fraction on the nature frequency.

Apoptotic activity of a new jasmonate analogue is associated with its induction of DNA damage

Zhao, Jing,Kang, Saeromi,Zhang, Xin,You, Song,Park, Jang-Su,Jung, Jee H,Kim, Dong-Kyoo Spandidos Publications 2010 ONCOLOGY REPORTS Vol.24 No.3

<P>The current study was undertaken to investigate the effects of methyl 5-chloro-4,5-didehydrojasmonate (J7), an analogue of methyl jasmonate, on the in vitro growth of human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Significantly decreased rates of viability (IC50 approximately 15 microM) as well as evidence of apoptosis were observed with J7. Cell morphological changes observed under light microscopy confirmed apoptosis occurrence. Furthermore, the results from Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and the cell cycle arrest assay indicated that J7 induced earlier apoptosis of HeLa cells. J7 also reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and subsequent activation of a protease cascade involving caspase-9 and -3 by Western blot assay was observed. We also found that J7 was able to induce DNA damage. These findings suggest that J7 induces HeLa cell apoptosis by activation of caspase pathway and the apoptotic effect is associated with DNA damage. Therefore, J7 may be a candidate compound to be developed into an anticancer agent.</P>

Synergistic and sustainable activation of peroxymonosulfate by nanoscale MWCNTs-CuFe2O4 as a magnetic heterogeneous catalyst for the efficient removal of levofloxacin

Zhao Jing,Xiao Pengfei 한국화학공학회 2023 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.40 No.6

Nanoscale CuFe2O4 was anchored on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a magnetic heterogeneous catalyst to achieve efficient and sustainable activation of peroxymonosulfate and degradation of levofloxacin through the synergistic effect of the above materials. The catalyst properties were characterized by a series of detection techniques. It was found that the mass ratio of MWCNTs-CuFe2O4, operational parameters and common interfering substances influenced the levofloxacin removal efficiency to a certain extent. This study sheds light on the ultraefficient removal of levofloxacin with the MWCNTs-CuFe2O4(1:3)/peroxymonosulfate system, which has advantages over other reaction systems. More importantly, we propose two pathways of peroxymonosulfate activation, including free radicals and nonfree radicals, in which superoxide radicals and signal oxygen are the main active species. In addition, we observed that the MWCNT surface groups contributed to the peroxymonosulfate activation processes with the generation of extra reactive species. The Fe3+/Fe2+ and Cu2+/Cu+ redox cycles are conducive to the continuous generation of active species. The results of the catalyst recycling test, metal ion leaching test and mineralization test suggested that the fabricated catalyst had excellent catalytic stability, sustainability and mineralization ability. In addition, twenty-one intermediates were detected using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and three possible degradation pathways were further proposed. MWCNTs-CuFe2O4 makes up for the shortcomings of transition metals and single carbon materials in activating peroxymonosulfate to treat wastewater and have significant potential to improve the separation and catalytic capacity of the catalyst. This study provides new ideas for the design of high-performance multiphase catalysts for applications in catalytic oxidation and proposes new insights into the mechanistic investigation.

Structural and photoelectrochemical characterization of TiO2 nanowire/nanotube electrodes by electrochemical etching

Jing Ya,Li An,Zhifeng Liu,Lei E,Wei Zhao,Dan Zhao,Chengcheng Liu 한국화학공학회 2012 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.29 No.6

TiO2 nanowire/nanotube electrodes were synthesized by anodization of titanium foils in ethylene glycol solution containing 0.5 wt% NH4F and 1 wt% water at 60 V for 6 h. The microstructure and morphology of the asprepared electrodes were investigated by XRD and SEM. A possible formation mechanism and oxidation parameters of nanocomposite structure were discussed. The relationship between structural characteristics of TiO2 nanowire/nanotube electrodes and its photoelectrochemical characterization were evaluated by electrochemical analyzer and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution. Furthermore, these TiO2 nanowire/nanotube electrodes promoted the photoelectrochemical characterization due to the larger surface areas, enhanced light harvesting and electron transport rate. The results show that photocurrent density of 1.44mA/cm2 and photocatalytic degradation of 95.51% was achieved for TiO2 nanowire/nanotube electrodes, which were 0.55mA/cm2 and 20.52% higher than the TiO2 nanotube electrodes under a similar condition, respectively.

High Expression of Bcl-2 Protein Predicts Favorable Outcome in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Zhao, Xian-Da,He, Yu-Yu,Gao, Jun,Zhao, Chen,Zhang, Ling-Lin,Tian, Jing-Yuan,Chen, Hong-Lei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Background: The prognostic value of Bcl-2 protein expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is under debate. We therefore systematically reviewed the evidence for Bcl-2 protein effects on NSCLC survival to elucidate this issue. Materials and Methods: An electronic search in Pubmed and Embase complemented by manual searches in article references were conducted to identify eligible studies to evaluate the association between Bcl-2 protein expression and overall survival (OS) as well as disease free survival (DFS) of NSCLC patients. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were pooled using the random-effects model. Results: A total of 50 trials (including 52 cohorts) encompassing 7,765 patients were pooled in the meta-analysis regarding Bcl-2 expression and OS of NSCLC patients. High expression of Bcl-2 protein had a favorable impact (HR=0.76, 95%CI=0.67-0.86). In the group of Bcl-2 expression and DFS, 11 studies including 2,634 patients were included. The synthesized result indicated high expression of Bcl-2 protein might predict good DFS (HR=0.85, 95%CI=0.75-0.95). Conclusions: Our present meta-analysis demonstrated favorable prognostic values of Bcl-2 expression in patients with NSCLC. Further prospective trails are welcomed to validate the utility of assessing Bcl-2 in NSCLC patient management.