A Facile Hg2+-related Quenching Photoluminescence Sensor Based on Nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots

Shi-Man Du,Bing-Bing Shang,Xiao-Ru Zhang,Fu Feng,Sheng-Hui Zhang,Bao-Ping Qi 대한화학회 2020 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.41 No.9

A Hg2+-related quenching photoluminescence (PL) sensor was fabricated based on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) as the luminescent agent and glutathione as the masking agent to detect Hg2+ in tap water. The addition of Hg2+ significantly reduced the PL intensity of N-GQDs, which was attributed to coordination reaction inducing the aggregation of N-GQDs. The Hg2+-related quenching PL sensor with glutathione as the masking agent has good selectivity and accuracy. The sensor showed a linear relationship ranging from 0.5 to 110?nM with the detection limit 0.08?nM (S/N = 3). The proposed method was applied to the determination of Hg2+ in tap water, and the results were consistent with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).

MicroRNA-27a Inhibits Cell Migration and Invasion of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes by Targeting Follistatin-Like Protein 1 in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Shi, Dong-liang,Shi, Gui-rong,Xie, Jing,Du, Xu-zhao,Yang, Hao Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.8

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) with aberrant expression of microRNA (miRNA) are critical pathogenic regulators in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have found that overexpression or silencing of miRNA can contribute to the development of miRNA-based therapeutics in arthritis models. In this study, we explored the effects of miR-27a on cell migration and invasion in cultured FLS from RA patients. We found that miR-27a was markedly downregulated in the serum, synovial tissue, and FLS of RA patients. Meanwhile, the expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) was upregulated, which suggests that FSTL1 plays a key role in RA development. The results of a Transwell assay showed that miR-27a inhibited FLS migration and invasion. However, miR-27a inhibition promoted the migration and invasion of FLS. In addition, the down-regulated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9, and MMP13) and Rho family proteins (Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA) was detected after treatment with miR-27a in RA-FLS by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analysis. Then, a luciferase reporter assay validated that miR-27a targeted the 3-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of FSTL1. Moreover, miR-27a caused a significant decrease of FSTL1. In addition, the expression of TLR4 and $NF{\kappa}B$ was inhibited by miR-27a but increased by FSTL1 overexpression. In conclusion, we found that miR-27a inhibited cell migration and invasion of RA-FLS by targeting FSTL1 and restraining the $TLR4/NF{\kappa}B$ pathway.

MicroRNA-27a Inhibits Cell Migration and Invasion of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes by Targeting Follistatin-Like Protein 1 in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dong-liang Shi,Gui-rong Shi,Jing Xie,Xu-zhao Du,Hao Yang 한국분자세포생물학회 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.8

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) with aberrant expres-sion of microRNA (miRNA) are critical pathogenic regula-tors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have found that overexpression or silencing of miRNA can contribute to the development of miRNA-based therapeutics in arthritis models. In this study, we explored the effects of miR-27a on cell migration and invasion in cultured FLS from RA patients. We found that miR-27a was markedly downregulated in the serum, synovial tissue, and FLS of RA patients. Meanwhile, the expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) was upregulated, which suggests that FSTL1 plays a key role in RA development. The results of a Transwell assay showed that miR-27a inhibited FLS migration and invasion. However, miR-27a inhibition promoted the migration and invasion of FLS. In addition, the down-regulated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9, and MMP13) and Rho family proteins (Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA) was detected after treatment with miR-27a in RA-FLS by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analysis. Then, a luciferase reporter assay validated that miR-27a targeted the 3-untranslated region (3-UTR) of FSTL1. Moreover, miR-27a caused a significant decrease of FSTL1. In addition, the expression of TLR4 and NFκB was inhibited by miR-27a but increased by FSTL1 overexpression. In conclusion, we found that miR-27a inhibited cell migration and invasion of RA-FLS by targeting FSTL1 and restraining the TLR4/NFκB pathway.

Tolerance of Anaerobic Granular Sludge to Oxygen

( Shi Ru Jia ),( Ben Yi Xiao ),( Du Bok Choi ),( Ki An Cho ),( Young Sik Kim ) 한국환경생물학회 2003 환경생물 : 환경생물학회지 Vol.21 No.4

N/A To study the tolerant capacity of anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) to oxygen using semi-dynamic batch experiment, the aerating time, pH of the basal media, reductive inorganic materials, microorganism, and microorganism metabolite were investigated. When the aerating time was higher or lower than 0.5 h, the producing gas activity of sludge was lower than that of the control. The oxygen tolerance of the experimental sludge was the highest at the initial pH 7.2. The producing gas activity of sludge I was higher than that of sludge 11. And storage at 4℃ can low the lose of the oxygen tolerance capacity of granular sludge. The producing gas activity of sludge was the highest when KI was added. The growth of aerobic microorganisms and some metabolite could increase the producing gas activity of granular sludge.

A Preliminary Study on Morphological Changes of Root System and Root Crown in Melilotoides Ruthenica and Cold Resistance

Du Baohong,Shi Fengling,Gao Guiping,Cai Liyan 한국초지조사료학회 2009 한국초지조사료학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2009 No.08

The root crown of forage legume is an important organ which connects underground root system and aboveground branches. And its morphological characteristic is closely related to yield of grass, overwintering ability, regeneration in spring and sustainable productivity of Medicago sativa L. Therefore, in order to understand the morphological mechanism on cold resistance of the root of Melilotoides ruthenica (L.) Sojak t㏊t is a relative species of M sativa, the root morphology of different growth years' M ruthenica had been observed and analyzed. It aims to provide theoretical basis to M. sativa genetic improvement.

Epithelial CST1 Promotes Airway Eosinophilic Inflammation in Asthma via the AKT Signaling Pathway

Du Lijuan,Xu Changyi,Tang Kun,Shi Jia,Tang Lu,Lisha Xiao,Lei Chengcheng,Liu Huicong,Liang Yuxia,Guo Yubiao 대한천식알레르기학회 2023 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.15 No.3

Purpose: Epithelial cystatin SN (CST1), a type 2 cysteine protease inhibitor, was significantly upregulated in asthma. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role and mechanism of CST1 in eosinophilic inflammation in asthma. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis on Gene Expression Omnibus datasets were used to explore the expression of CST1 in asthma. Sputum samples were collected from 76 asthmatics and 22 control subjects. CST1 mRNA and protein expression in the induced sputum were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. The possible function of CST1 was explored in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced eosinophilic asthma. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to predict the possible regulated mechanism of CST1 in bronchial epithelial cells. Overexpression or knockdown of CST1 was further used to verify potential mechanisms in bronchial epithelial cells. Results: CST1 expression was significantly increased in the epithelial cells and induced sputum of asthma. Increased CST1 was significantly associated with eosinophilic indicators and T helper cytokines. CST1 aggravated airway eosinophilic inflammation in the OVA-induced asthma model. In addition, overexpression of CST1 significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of AKT and the expression of serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade B, member 2 (SERPINB2), while knockdown using anti-CST1 siRNA reversed the trend. Furthermore, AKT had a positive effect on SERPINB2 expression. Conclusions: Increased sputum CST1 may play a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma through involvement in eosinophilic and type 2 inflammation through activation of the AKT signaling pathway, further promoting SERPINB2 expression. Therefore, targeting CST1 might be of therapeutic value in treating asthma with severe and eosinophilic phenotypes.

Effects of Partial or Total Replacement of Maize with Alternative Feed Source on Digestibility, Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites and Economics in Limousin Crossbred Cattle

Shi, F.H.,Fang, L.,Meng, Q.X.,Wu, H.,Du, J.P.,Xie, X.X.,Ren, L.P.,Zhou, Z.M.,Zhou, B. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.10

Increasing cost and scarcity of maize has stimulated the use of alternative feed sources (AFS) in the diets of cattle. In this study, we investigated the effects of partial or total replacement of maize on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, blood metabolites, and economics in Limousin crossbred feedlot cattle. Forty-five $Limousin{\times}Luxi$ crossbred bulls were randomly assigned to the three treatment groups, orthodox diet (OD; 45.0% maize), partial replacement diet (PRD; 15% maize, 67% AFS), total replacement diet (TRD; 0% maize, 100% AFS). The growth feeding trial lasted for 98 days. Dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were recorded. The digestion trial was carried out after the end of the growth trial. Total faeces and feed samples were measured daily. Digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were calculated. After the feeding trial, blood metabolites were measured in 12 animals from each group. Initial and final body weights did not differ significantly among treatment groups (p>0.05). The ADG and DMI were 1.72 and 8.66, 1.60 and 9.10, and 1.40 and 9.11 kg/d for OD, PRD, and TRD, respectively. The PRD and TRD exhibited lower ADG (p<0.01) and higher DMI (p<0.01) than OD. The DMI (%body weight) was comparable between groups (p>0.5). Feed efficiency of PRD and TRD were lower than OD (p<0.01). The DM digestibility decreased with reduced level of maize (p = 0.10), OM digestibility was higher in OD (p<0.05), and CP, NDF and ADF digestibilities were similar for all groups (p>0.05). Blood urea nitrogen (mg/dL) in PRD and TRD was higher than OD (p<0.01), while other blood parameters did not differ significantly. Feed costs ($/head/d) were 1.49, 0.98, and 0.72 for OD, PRD, and TRD, respectively (p<0.01). Feed costs per kg gain ($) were significantly lower for PRD (0.63) and TRD (0.54) than OD (0.89; p<0.01). Overall profit ($/head) and daily profit ($/head/d) did not differ significantly between treatments (p>0.05), although TRD showed the highest economic benefits overall (p<0.01). While a traditional diet maximized the growth rate, partial or total replacement of dietary maize with AFS proved economically feasible due to their lower costs and comparable nutrient digestibilities of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF. Partial replacement may prove economically competitive in the current situation of China.

Serum Pleiotrophin Could Be an Early Indicator for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Du, Zi-Yan,Shi, Min-Hua,Ji, Cheng-Hong,Yu, Yong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.4

Aims: Pleiotrophin (PTN), an angiogenic factor, is associated with various types of cancer, including lung cancer. Our aim was to investigate the possibility of using serum PTN as an early indicator regarding disease diagnosis, classification and prognosis, for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Significant differences among PTN levels in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC, n=40), NSCLC (n=136), and control subjects with benign pulmonary lesions (n=21), as well as patients with different pathological subtypes of NSCLC were observed. Results: A serum level of PTN of 300.1 ng/ml, was determined as the cutoff value differentiating lung cancer patients and controls, with a sensitivity and specificity of 78.4% and 66.7%, respectively. Negative correlations between serum PTN level and pathological differentiation level, stage, and survival time were observed in our cohort of patients with NSCLC. In addition, specific elevation of PTN levels in pulmonary tissue in and around NSCLC lesions in comparison to normal pulmonary tissue obtained from the same subjects was also observed (n=2). Conclusion: This study suggests that the serum PTN level of patients with NSCLC could be an early indicator for diagnosis and prognosis. This conclusion should be further assessed in randomized clinical trials.

Development of a position sensitive CsI(Tl) crystal array

Shi, Guo-Zhu,Chen, Ruo-Fu,Chen, Kun,Shen, Ai-Hua,Zhang, Xiu-Ling,Chen, Jin-Da,Du, Cheng-Ming,Hu, Zheng-Guo,Fan, Guang-Wei Korean Nuclear Society 2020 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.52 No.4

A position-sensitive CsI(Tl) crystal array coupled with the multi-anode position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PS-PMT), Hamamatsu H8500C, has been developed at the Institute of Modern Physics. An effective, fast, and economical readout circuit based on discretized positioning circuit (DPC) bridge was designed for the 64-channel multi-anode flat panel PSPMT. The horizontal and vertical position resolutions are 0.58 mm and 0.63 mm respectively for the 1.0 × 1.0 × 5.0 ㎣ CsI(Tl) array, and the horizontal and vertical position resolutions are 0.86 mm and 0.80 mm respectively for the 2.0 × 2.0 × 10.0 ㎣ CsI(Tl) array. These results show that the CsI(Tl) crystal array with low cost could be applied in the fields of medical imaging and high-resolution gamma camera.

In Vitro Activities of 3-Hydroxy-1,5,6-trimethoxy-2-methyl-9,10- anthraquinone against Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Shi-Xiu Feng,Caigan Du,Qiunong Guan,Tao Chen 대한약학회 2012 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.35 No.7

Medicinal herbs are the preferred candidates for drug discovery against human diseases including cancer. The roots of Prismatomeris connata have been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat many health problems, particularly pneumoconiosis. This study was to test the anti-tumor activity of 3-Hydroxy-1,5,6-trimethoxy-2-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone (PCON6), a major anthraquinone derivative from C. connata, against lung cancer. Cell viability in cultures was assessed by MTT assay. Cell death or apoptosis was determined with Annexin-V and 7-Aminoactinomycin D staining. Cell cycle was analyzed by both propidium iodide DNA staining and BrdU incorporation assay. Here we showed that in a panel of fifteen different tumor cells lines, a group of four non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines exhibited a relatively higher sensitivity to PCON6 growth inhibition than the rest of most non-lung cancer cell lines (p = 0.0461). Further studies demonstrated that the suppression of NSCLC H520 cell growth by PCON6 was associated with its induction of apoptosis at 20 μM (p = 0.0008), and of cell accumulation at S phase cell cycle (p < 0.05) that was further supported by a decrease in cdc2 protein expression. This preliminary study suggests that natural compound PCON6 has relatively selective cytotoxicity against NSCLC growth and represent a concept of developing a novel drug therapy specific for NSCLC based on the roots of C. connata or PCON6.