Interleukin-18 Synergism with Interleukin-2 in Cytotoxicity and NKG2D Expression of Human Natural Killer Cells

Qi, Yuan-Ying,Lu, Chao,Ju, Ying,Wang, Zi-E,Li, Yuan-Tang,Shen, Ya-Juan,Lu, Zhi-Ming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in anti-tumor immunity. Interleukin (IL)-18 is an immunoregulatory cytokine that induces potent NK cell-dependent anti-tumor responses when administrated with other cytokines. In this study, we explored the effects of combining IL-18 and IL-2 on NK cytotoxicity as well as expression levels of the NK cell receptor NKG2D in vitro. Freshly isolated PBMCs were incubated for 48 h with IL-18 and IL-2, then CD107a expression on $CD3^-CD56^+$ NK cells was determined by three-colour flow cytometry to evaluate the cytotoxicity of NK cells against human erythroleukemia K562 cells and human colon carcinoma HT29 cells. Flow cytometric analysis was also employed to determine NKG2D expression on NK cells. The combined use of IL-18 and IL-2 significantly increased CD107a expression on NK cells compared with using IL-18 or IL-2 alone, suggesting that the combination of these two cytokines exerted synergistic enhancement of NK cytotoxicity. IL-18 also enhanced NKG2D expression on NK cells when administered with IL-2. In addition, blockade of NKG2D signaling with NKG2D-blocking antibody attenuated the up-regulatory effect of combining IL-18 and IL-2 on NK cytolysis. Our data revealed that IL-18 synergized with IL-2 to dramatically enhance the cytolytic activity of human NK cells in a NKG2D-dependent manner. The results appear encouraging for the use of combined IL-18 and IL-2 in tumor immunotherapy.

Novel and Effective Almagate Enema for Hemorrhagic Chronic Radiation Proctitis and Risk Factors for Fistula Development

Yuan, Zi-Xu,Ma, Teng-Hui,Zhong, Qing-Hua,Wang, Huai-Ming,Yu, Xi-Hu,Qin, Qi-Yuan,Chu, Li-Li,Wang, Lei,Wang, Jian-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Radiation proctitis is a common complication after radiotherapy for pelvic malignant tumors. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of novel almagate enemas in hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) and evaluate risk factors related to rectal deep ulcer or fistula secondary to CRP. All patients underwent a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of CRP and symptoms were graded. Typical endoscopic and pathological images, risk factors, and quality of life were also recorded. A total of 59 patients were enrolled. Gynecological cancers composed 93.1% of the primary malignancies. Complete or obvious reduction of bleeding was observed in 90% (53/59) patients after almagate enema. The mean score of bleeding improved from 2.17 to 0.83 (P<0.001) after the enemas. The mean response time was 12 days. No adverse effects were found. Moreover, long-term successful rate in controlling bleeding was 69% and the quality of life was dramatically improved (P=0.001). The efficacy was equivalent to rectal sucralfate, but the almagate with its antacid properties acted more rapidly than sucralfate. Furthermore, we firstly found that moderate to severe anemia was the risk factor of CRP patients who developed rectal deep ulcer or fistulas (P= 0.015). We also found abnormal hyaline-like thick wall vessels, which revealed endarteritis obliterans and the fibrosis underlying this disease. These findings indicate that almagate enema is a novel effective, rapid and well-tolerated method for hemorrhagic CRP. Moderate to severe anemia is a risk factor for deep ulceration or fistula.

2,5-Hexanedione induces apoptosis via a mitochondriamediated pathway in PC12 cells

Yuan Qi,Shuang-yue Li,Feng-yuan Piao,Zhe-min Wang,Ruo-lin Chen,Shuang Liu,Jing-shun Shen 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2015 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.11 No.1

2,5-Hexanedione (HD) is the main active metabolite of n-hexane and mediates the neurotoxicity of the parent compound. Studies suggested that apoptosis involved in HD neurotoxicity. However, the mechanism of HD-induced neuronal apoptosis remains unknown. To explore its underlying mechanism, we treated PC12 cells with 5, 10 and 20 mM HD for 24 h, respectively. We found that HD induced apoptotic death in PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, HD down-regulated Bcl-2 expression, up-regulated Bax expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, promoted the disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and increased the activity of caspase-3 in PC12 cells, which were all the key regulators of intrinsic apoptotic pathway. These results indicate that HD induces apoptosis via a mitochondria- mediated pathway in PC12 cells.

Effect of Ignition Position and Sample Thickness on Flame Spread in Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Qi Yuan,Chang Li,Paul Amyotte,Lingfeng Wang,Chunmiao Yuan,Gang Li,Weidong Yan 한국고분자학회 2022 폴리머 Vol.46 No.4

Fire behavior of flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) at different sample thicknesses and ignition positioningwas investigated. Effects on flame height, mass loss rate and other parameters were tested, and the flame propagationmechanism was analyzed. A method for predicting equivalent combustion diameter (D) values of the dynamic changeof liquid pool at different positions is proposed. Combined with data of sample mass loss rate, flame height can be predicted. Based on a transition state model, a method for predicting the fire risk of FPUF in late stage combustion by calculating the generation time of polyols is proposed. With edge ignition, FPUF burning produces an inclined surfaceduring the combustion process which enhances the length of the preheating zone by means of heat conduction and heatradiation. Flame spread rate (FSV) in FPUF with edge ignition was greater than with center point ignition.

Micro gadolinium oxide dispersed flexible composites developed for the shielding of thermal neutron/gamma rays

Wang Boyu,Guo Xiaolin,Yuan Lin,Fang Qinglong,Wang Xiaojuan,Qiu Tianyi,Lai Caifeng,Wang Qi,Liu Yang 한국원자력학회 2023 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.55 No.5

In this study, a series of flexible neutron/gamma shielding composites are fabricated through the doping of Gd2O3 into the matrix of SEBS with (MGd2O3: MSEBS) % from 5% to 100%. Neutron transmittance test shows an exponential attenuation with the increase of areal density of Gd, in which the transmittance T ranges from 59.1440% to 35.3026%, with standard deviation less than 2.2743%, mass attenuation coefficient mm from 0.3194 cm2 /g to 0.4999 cm2 /g, and half value layer-HVL value from 2.4530 mm to 1.1313 mm. Shielding efficiency of the Gd2O3/SEBS composites is basically improved in comparison with that of B4C/SEBS. The transmittance T, mass/linear attenuation coefficient mm and m, HVL and effective atomic number Zeff for the shielding of g rays (39 keV, 59 keV and 122 keV) are measured and calculated with XCOM as well as MCX programs. Finally, plots of the three dimensional relationships between transmittance, doping amount and thickness are provided to the guidance for engineering shielding design. In summary, the Gd2O3/SEBS composite is proved to be an effective flexible neutron/low energy g rays shielding material, which could be of potential applications in the field of nuclear technology and nuclear engineering.

B, N-codoped 3D micro-/mesoporous carbon nanofibers web as efficient metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction

Qi Shi,Yongpeng Lei,Yingde Wang,Huaping Wang,Lehua Jiang,Hongliang Yuan,Dong Fang,Bing Wang,Nan Wu,Yanzi Gou 한국물리학회 2015 Current Applied Physics Vol.15 No.12

B, N-codoped carbon nanofibers were massively prepared by heat treatment of electrospun carbon nanofibers with the mixture of boric acid/urea in N2 (BNCf-N) and subsequently activated in NH3 (BNCf- NA). The directly electrospun self-standing 3D non woven structure with void spaces between each fiber facilitates the mass transport of reactant and resulted molecules. Further NH3 activation gives BNCf-NA a high surface area of 306.3 m2 g-1 with micro/mesoporous structure, providing abundant passageway for proton transfer. Simultaneously, NH3 activation also realizes the optimization of surface functionalities, such as more BeNeC and pyridinic-N. These intriguing features render BNCf-NA excellent catalytic behavior with nearly four-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) process in alkaline media, especially much better stability and methanol tolerance than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Our work provides a large-scale preparation method for efficient metal-free catalysts toward ORR, thus further intensifying the commercial application of fuel cells.

日本の古代結婚に関する二三の習俗: その1 - 『古事記』を中心として -

王琪?(Wang Qi-Yuan) 대한일어일문학회 2024 일어일문학 Vol.102 No.-

Throughout the long course of human history, marriage has been a timeless topic. Marriage has shaped many cultures over the ages, and some of these cultures have endured and recurred repeatedly. As society evolves, some marriage customs undergo changes or become obsolete due to the emergence of new ones. As long as marriage customs exist, people must be subject to the constraints and norms of decorum to make human activities more rational and orderly, people more independent and autonomous, and nature and society more harmonious. Customs, as a symbol of national identity, can help strengthen the national spirit. This paper has studied two important topics in ancient Japanese marriage culture: the symbols of marriageable age in ancient Japan and betrothal in ancient Japan. These two aspects of marriage culture can help us understand the ancient Japanese marriage culture and, at the same time, provide us with the historical background knowledge behind these marriage cultures.

Cloning and characterization of the cardiac-specific Lrrc10 promoter

( Xiong Wei Fan ),( Qing Yang ),( You Liang Wang ),( Yan Zhang ),( Jian Wang ),( Jia Jia Yuan ),( Yong Qing Li ),( Yue Qun Wang ),( Yun Deng ),( Wu Zhou Yuan ),( Xiao Yang Mo ),( Yong Qi Wan ),( Karen 생화학분자생물학회 2011 BMB Reports Vol.44 No.2

Leucine-rich repeat containing protein 10 (LRRC10) is characterized as a cardiac-specific gene, suggesting a role in heart development and disease. A severe cardiac morphogenic defect in zebrafish morphants was recently reported but a contradictory result was found in mice, suggesting a more complicated molecular mechanism exists during mouse embryonic development. To elucidate how LRRC10 is regulated, we analyzed the 5`enhancer region approximately 3 kilo bases (kb) upstream of the Lrrc10 start site using luciferase reporter gene assays. Our characterization of the Lrrc10 promoter indicates it possesses complicated cis-and trans-acting elements. We show that GATA4 and MEF2C could both increase transcriptional activity of Lrrc10 promoter individually but that they do not act synergistically, suggesting that there exists a more complex regulation pattern. Surprisingly, knockout of Gata4 and Mef2c binding sites in the 5`enhancer region (-2,894/-2,889) didn`t change the transcriptional activity of the Lrrc10 promoter and the likely GATA4 binding site identified was located in a region only 100 base pair (bp) upstream of the promoter. Our data provides insight into the molecular regulation of Lrrc10 expression, which probably also contributes to its tissue-specific expression. [BMB reports 2011; 44(2): 123-128]

Chemical and Pharmacological Studies of Saponins with a Focus on American Ginseng

Yuan, Chun-Su,Wang, Chong-Zhi,Wicks, Sheila M.,Qi, Lian-Wen The Korean Society of Ginseng 2010 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.34 No.3

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) are the two most recognized ginseng botanicals. It is believed that the ginseng saponins called ginsenosides are the major active constituents in both ginsengs. Although American ginseng is not as extensively studied as Asian ginseng, it is one of the best selling herbs in the US, and has garnered increasing attention from scientists in recent years. In this article, after a brief introduction of the distribution and cultivation of American ginseng, we discuss chemical analysis of saponins from these two ginsengs, i.e., their similarities and differences. Subsequently, we review pharmacological effects of the saponins, including the effects on the cardiovascular system, immune system, and central nervous system as well as the anti-diabetes and anti-cancer effects. These investigations were mainly derived from American ginseng studies. We also discuss evidence suggesting that chemical modifications of ginseng saponins would be a valuable approach to develop novel compounds in drug discovery.

Genetic variations in the bitter taste receptor gene TAS2R38 are related to cigarette smoking behavior in Han Chinese smokers

Qi Fei-Yan,Zhu Zhou-Hai,Li Meng,Guan Ying,Peng Qi-Yuan,Lu She-Ming,Liu Zhi-Hua,Wang Ming-Feng,Miao Ming-Ming,Chen Zhang-Yu,Li Xue-Mei,Bai Jie,Yao Jian-Hua 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.11

Background: Smoking behavior is influenced by multiple genes, including the bitter taste gene TAS2R38. It has been reported that the correlation between TAS2R38 and smoking behavior has ethnicity-based differences. However, the TAS2R38 status in Chinese smokers is still unclear. Objective: This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between genetic variations in TAS2R38 (A49P, V262A and I296V) and smoking behaviors in the Han Chinese population. Methods: The haplotype analyses were performed and smoking behavior questionnaire was completed by 1271 individuals. Genetic association analyses for smoking behavior were analyzed using chi-square test. Further, for investigating the molecular mechanism of TAS2R38 variants effect on smoking behavior, we conducted TAS2R38-PAV and TAS2R38-AVI expression plasmids and tested the cellular calcium assay by cigarette smoke compounds stimulus in HEK293. Results: Significant associations of genetic variants within TAS2R38 were identified with smoking behavior. We found a higher PAV/PAV frequency than AVI/AVI in moderate and high nicotine dependence (FTND ≥ 4; X2 = 4.611, 1 df, p = 0.032) and strong cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference (X2 = 4.5383, 1 df, p = 0.033) in participants. Furthermore, in the in vitro cellular calcium assay, total particle matter (TPM), N-formylnornicotine and cotinine, existing in cigarette smoke, activated TAS2R38-PAV but not TAS2R38-AVI-transfected cells. Conclusion: Our data highlights that genetic variations in TAS2R38 are related to smoking behavior, especially nicotine dependence and cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference. Our findings may encourage further consideration of the taste process to identify individuals susceptible to nicotine dependence, particularly Han Chinese smokers.