Particulate Matter 2.5 Causes Deficiency in Barrier Integrity in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells

Mu Xian,Siyuan Ma,Kuiji Wang,Hongfei Lou,Yang Wang,Luo Zhang,Chengshuo Wang,Cezmi A. Akdis 대한천식알레르기학회 2020 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.12 No.1

Purpose: The effect of air pollution-related particulate matter (PM) on epithelial barrier function and tight junction (TJ) expression in human nasal mucosa has not been studied to date. This study therefore aimed to assess the direct impact of PM with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) on the barrier function and TJ molecular expression of human nasal epithelial cells. Methods: Air-liquid interface cultures were established with epithelial cells derived from noninflammatory nasal mucosal tissue collected from patients undergoing paranasal sinus surgery. Confluent cultures were exposed to 50 or 100 μg/mL PM2.5 for up to 72 hours, and assessed for 1) epithelial barrier integrity as measured by transepithelial resistance (TER) and permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) 4 kDa; 2) expression of TJs using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining, and 3) proinflammatory cytokines by luminometric bead array or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared to control medium, 50 and/or 100 μg/mL PM2.5-treatment 1) significantly decreased TER and increased FITC permeability, which could not be restored by budesonide pretreatment; 2) significantly decreased the expression of claudin-1 messenger RNA, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 protein; and 3) significantly increased production of the cytokines interleukin-8, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. Conclusions: Exposure to PM2.5 may lead to loss of barrier function in human nasal epithelium through decreased expression of TJ proteins and increased release of proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest an important mechanism of susceptibility to rhinitis and rhinosinusitis in highly PM2.5-polluted areas.

Mechanical Prophylaxis Compared with Low-molecular-weight Heparins for Preventing Venous Thrombosis after Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic and Meta-analysis

Xing-xian Luo,Jun-ping Han,Muhammad Usman,Charles D. Sands,Changqing Yang 한국병원약사회 2018 병원약사회지 Vol.35 No.3

Background : Mechanical prophylaxis (MP) and low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have been widely used after patient undergoing orthopedic surgery. However, their efficacy in preventing venous thrombus remains unclear. Methods : PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for studies that investigated the effectiveness between MP and LMWHs. Predefined outcomes were incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), proximal DVT and major bleeding using random-effects models. Results : A total of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on 2899 patients were eligible for inclusion. No significant difference was observed between MP and LMWHs for the prevention of DVT (RR 1.37; 95% CI: 0.83-2.26), PE (RR 1.35; 95% CI: 0.41-4.41), or proximal DVT (RR 1.30; 95% CI: 0.55- 3.02). However, there was a significant reduction of major bleeding (RR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.82). Predefined subgroup analysis suggested that MP might enhance the occurrence of DVT in comparison with fixed-dose LMWHs (RR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.09-2.37), but not in the subgroup with adjusted-weight LMWHs (RR 0.38; 95% CI, 0.11-1.30). Without combining graduated compression stockings (GCS) in both groups, the incidence of DVT was significantly associated with MP (RR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.01-3.21). Conclusions : Results of this meta-analysis suggested, compared to LMWHs, MP might have no significance in the prevention of DVT, although it was associated with lower incidence of major bleeding after patients underwent orthopedic surgery. However, subgroup analyses suggested that fixed-based LMWHs or application one of mechanical types without GCS might have differential effects. Therefore, large-scaled and well-designed RCTs are needed in the future.

Short-term Haze Exposure Predisposes Healthy Volunteers to Nasal Inflammation

Mu Xian,Kuiji Wang,Hongfei Lou,Yang Wang,Luo Zhang,Chengshuo Wang 대한천식알레르기학회 2019 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.11 No.5

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-term haze exposure on nasal inflammation in healthy volunteers. Methods: Thirty-three healthy university students were assessed for nasal symptoms, nasal patency, upper and lower respiratory tract nitric oxide (NO) as well as inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides in nasal secretions before and after a 5-day haze episode. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), and cytokines in the supernatants were examined. Results: Mild nasal symptoms were reported by some participants during the haze episode. Objective measures of nasal patency demonstrated that nasal airway resistance was significantly increased from baseline levels, while nasal cavity volume and minimum cross-sectional area were significantly decreased. Similarly, the levels of nasal and exhaled NO, eotaxin, interleukin (IL)-5, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17, IL-8, substance P, nerve growth factor and vasoactive intestinal peptides in nasal secretions were significantly increased from baseline values following the haze episode. In contrast, the levels of interferon-γ, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β and neuropeptide Y were significantly decreased. Incubation with 0.1-10 μg/mL PM2.5 significantly increased release of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8 and IL-10 from PBMCs. Conclusions: Short-term haze exposure may lead to nasal inflammation and hypersensitivity in healthy subjects predominantly by Th2 cytokine-mediated immune responses.

Comparison of ascorbate metabolism in fruits of two jujube species with differences in ascorbic acid content

Wang Yang,Song Guoying,Liang Dong,Xia Hui,Zhang Huifen,Luo Xian,Deng Qunxian 한국원예학회 2022 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.63 No.5

Jujube fruits contain high levels of ascorbic acid (AsA). However, the AsA contents of fruits differ significantly in various jujube germplasm resources, and the factors responsible for these differences remain unknown. To explore the metabolic mechanism of AsA accumulation, we investigated the AsA content in fruits at different developmental stages of two jujube species, Ziziphus acidojujuba cv. Yuanxingxiaosuanzao (SZ) and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Luojiangtiaoyuanzao (LZ). The AsA accumulation pattern in the fruits of the two jujube species was similar during fruit development, and AsA content was negatively correlated with titratable acid. We also analysed the expression patterns of AsA metabolism genes. The results showed that AsA biosynthesis in jujube fruits was mainly related to the L-galactose pathway, as well as the inositol pathway. Furthermore, higher expression levels of genes involved in AsA biosynthesis (GME1, GMP1, GPP, GGP, and MIOX1) and regeneration (MDHAR1 and MDHAR2) were associated with higher AsA concentrations in SZ fruit compared with LZ fruit. In summary, we concluded that more efficient AsA biosynthesis and regeneration was responsible for the higher AsA accumulation in SZ fruit.

Wireless Network based Formation Control for Multiple Agents

Jing Yan,Xian Yang,Xiao-yuan Luo,Xin-Ping Guan,Chang-chun Hua 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2014 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.12 No.2

Motivated by the potentially application merits of wireless networked control systems (WNCSs), this paper presents a network-based formation framework for multi-agent systems. First, we construct a discrete formation protocol by integrating 802.11b. Meanwhile, one agent is considered as the reference, and the other ones keep a desired formation with the reference via communication net-works. Using Lyapunov stability theory, sufficient convergence conditions are derived, and the verifi-cation problem of the sufficient conditions can be transformed as a linear matrix inequality (LMI) feasibility problem. Solving this LMI feasibility problem, a networked-based feedback controller can be easily obtained. Finally, simulation studies are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the pro-posed method.

Consensus Tracking for Teleoperating Cyber-physical System

Lingmin Zhang,Jing Yan,Xian Yang,Xiao-yuan Luo,Fuxiao Tan,Xinbin Li 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2018 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.16 No.3

In this paper, we investigate the consensus tracking problem for teleoperating cyber-physical system (TCPS) under time-varying delay and actuator saturation constraints. Due to the introduction of communication network, variable propagation time delays are considered in cyber element. In addition, actuator saturation problem is investigated in physical element, which is caused by the physical restrictions on robots. Then, a novel distributed consensus tracking controller is proposed in the presence of time-varying delay and actuator saturation. Meanwhile, sufficient conditions are provided to show that the consensus tracking controller can stabilize the master-slave TCPS. Finally, simulations and experiments are performed to validate our proposed results. It is shown that the consensus controllers can guarantee the asymptotic stability of single-master-multi-slave TCPS.

Multi-scale Modeling for the Stress Analysis of Acrylic Joints in a Hybrid Structure

Yanfeng Zheng,Yaozhi Luo,Xian Xu,Chao Yang,Zhongyi Zhu,Yuekun Heng 한국강구조학회 2019 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.19 No.4

The central detector at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a hybrid structure system consisting of an inner acrylic sphere and an outer stainless steel reticulated shell. The stress distributions of the acrylic joints must be accurately simulated to avoid “crazing”. To balance the accuracy and effi ciency of the stress analysis, a multi-scale modeling method using mixed-dimensional coupling is proposed. A framework and a generalized procedure are developed to instruct the modeling and analysis. A multi-scale model consisting of a single refi ned acrylic joint and equipped with simplifi ed joints is proposed and discussed. A comparison of the results using the multi-scale model with a cluster of 3 × 3 refi ned joints reveals that the diff erence is less than 5%, while the ratio of the computation resource cost and the time consumption is approximately only 1/7 and 1/5, respectively. The stress distributions of the acrylic joints in the central detector are obtained using the proposed multi-scale model.

Migraine Susceptibility Genes in Han Chinese of Fujian Province

Qi-fang Lin,Zi-chun Chen,Xian-guo Fu,Jing Yang,Luo-yuan Cao,Long-teng Yao,Yong-tong Xin,Gen-bin Huang 대한신경과학회 2017 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.13 No.1

Background and Purpose Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4379368, rs10504861, rs10915437, rs12134493 and rs13208321) were recently identified in a Western population with migraine. These migraine-associated SNPs have not been evaluated in a Han Chinese population. This study investigated the associations of specific SNPs with migraine in a Han population. Methods This was a case-control study of Han Chinese residing in Fujian Province. Polymerase chain reaction—restriction-fragment-length polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing were used to characterize the relationships of SNPs in a control group of 200 subjects and in a migraine group of 201 patients. Results The frequencies of the five SNPs did not differ between patients with migraine and healthy non migraine controls. However, subgroup analysis indicated certain SNPs were more strongly associated with migraine with aura or migraine without aura than with controls. The CT genotype of rs4379368 was more common in migraine patients with aura (75%) than in migraine patients without aura (47.9%) and controls (48.5%) (p<0.05), and the TT genotype of rs10504861 was more common in migraine patients with aura than in controls (8.3% vs. 0.5%) (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the CC genotype of rs12134493 was less common in migraine patients without aura than in controls (80.6% vs. 88%) (p<0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the rs4379368 and rs10504861 SNPs are markers for susceptibility to migraine with aura and that rs12134493 is a marker for the risk of migraine without aura in this Han population. Future studies should further explore if these associations vary by ethnicity.

Isolation of L-theanine from Tea Solution by Cation Exchange Resin in Batch and Fixed Bed Column

Jian-Hui Ye,Yi-Wen Luo,Hui-Ling Liang,Jian-Liang Lu,Jing Jin,Yue-Rong Liang,Xin-Qiang Zheng,Xian-Yang Luo 한국생물공학회 2011 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.16 No.2

L-Theanine, a bioactive compound in tea, was isolated from tea solution using cation exchange resin no.732. The adsorption of L-theanine by cation exchange resin no.732 fit the Langmuir isotherm model and was a monolayer molecular interaction process. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption of L-theanine by resin no.732 was an exothermic and spontaneous physically driven process. The adsorption capacity was influenced by temperature, initial concentration, and pH. The L-theanine adsorption capacity under conditions at room temperature,pH 4.73, and initial L-theanine concentration 18 g/L was 241.731 ± 3.679 mg/g. The Thomas model was fit to describe the column adsorption data at different flow rates and initial concentrations. The L-theanine adsorbed by resin no.732 could be desorbed by 0.134 mol/L Na2HPO4aqueous solution with a recovery rate of 84.96%. These findings indicate that resin no.732 was a promising material for isolating L-theanine from tea solution.

Effects of Green Tea on Blood Pressure and Hypertension-induced Cardiovascular Damage in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Yue-Rong Liang,Shi-Cheng Ma,Xin-Qiang Zheng,Jing-Yi Xu,Ming-Yan Wu,Yi-Wen Luo,Xian-Yang Luo,Jian-Liang Lu 한국식품과학회 2011 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.20 No.1

Three groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats were administered by gavage with distilled water (control group), low-dose green tea (LGT, 0.2 g/kg BW·day) and high-dose green tea (HGT, 1.0 g/kg BW·day) for 4 weeks,during which systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly by non-invasive tail-cuff method. At the end of experiment, left ventricular hypertrophy index (LHVI) and plasma biochemical indicators were determined, and ultrastructures of myocardium and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that green tea gavage suppressed the increase in SBP, along with decline in levels of plasma nitric oxide, aldosterone, malondialdehyde, and LHVI, but increased levels of plasma creatinine, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and glutathione peroxidase in a dose dependant manner. Green tea had no effect on plasma total cholesterol. TEM shows that green tea gavage protected mitochondria of left ventricular myocardium and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells from damage.