Synthesis and Solution Properties of Zwitterionic Copolymer of Acrylamide with 3-[(2-Acrylamido)dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate

Hui Xiao,Jing Hu,Shuailin Jin,Rui Hai Li 대한화학회 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.9

A novel zwitterionic monomer 3-[(2-acrylamido)dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate (DMADAS) was designed and synthesized in this study. Then it was polymerized with acrylamide (AM) by free radical polymerization in 0.5 mol/L NaCl solution with ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) and sodium sulfate (NaHSO3) as initiator. The structure and composition of DMADAS and acrylamide-3-[(2-acrylamido)- dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate copolymer (P-AM-DMADAS) were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR and elemental analyses. Isoelectric point (IEP) of P-AM-DMADAS was tested by nanoparticle size and potential analyzer. Solution properties of copolymer were studied by reduced viscosity. Antipolyelectrolyte behavior was observed and was found to be enhanced with increasing DMADAS content in copolymer. The results showed that the viscosity of P-AM-DMADAS is 5.472 dl/g in pure water. Electrolyte was added, which weakened the mutual attraction between sulfonic acid group and quaternary ammonium group. The conformation became loose, which led to the increase of reduced viscosity. The ability of monovalent and divalent cation influencing the viscosity of zwitterionic copolymer obeyed the following sequence: Li+ < Na+ < K+, Mg2+ < Ca2+ < Ba2+, and that of anion is in the order: Cl− < Br− < I−, CO3 2− > SO3 2− ≈ SO4 2−.

Phthalocyanines as medicinal photosensitizers: Developments in the last five years

Li, Xingshu,Zheng, Bing-De,Peng, Xiao-Hui,Li, Song-Zi,Ying, Jia-Wen,Zhao, Yuanyuan,Huang, Jian-Dong,Yoon, Juyoung Elsevier 2019 Coordination Chemistry Reviews Vol.379 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Owing to their high extinction coefficients, long absorption wavelengths, and modification tunable photophysical and photochemical properties, phthalocyanines (Pcs) have been widely used as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Advances made in the past five years on the development of Pcs as medicinal photosensitizers are reviewed and the main design considerations for medicinal applications of these substances are discussed.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Recent progresses made in the development of phthalocyanines for photodynamic therapy are outlined. </LI> <LI> Representative water-soluble phthalocyanines are presented. </LI> <LI> Main targeting strategies are discussed. </LI> <LI> Future challenges are also presented. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

User-expected price-based demand response algorithm for a home-to-grid system

Li, Xiao Hui,Hong, Seung Ho Elsevier 2014 ENERGY Vol.64 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Demand response algorithms can cut peak energy use, driving energy conservation and enabling renewable energy sources, as well as reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. The use of these technologies is becoming increasingly popular, especially in smart-grid scenarios. We describe a home-to-grid demand response algorithm, which introduces a UEP (“user-expected price”) as an indicator of differential pricing in dynamic domestic electricity tariffs, and exploits the modern smart-grid infrastructure to respond to these dynamic pricing structures. By comparing the UEP with real-time utility price data, the algorithm can discriminate high-price hours and low-price hours, and automatically schedule the operation of home appliances, as well as control an energy-storage system to store surplus energy during low-price hours for consumption during high-price hours. The algorithm uses an exponential smoothing model to predict the required energy of appliances, and uses Bayes' theorem to calculate the probability that appliances will demand power at a given time based on historic energy-usage data. Simulation results using pricing structures from the Ameren Illinois power company show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce or even eliminate peak-hour energy consumption, leading to a reduction in the overall domestic energy costs of up to 39%.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Introduce a UEP (“user-expected price”) as an indicator of differential pricing in dynamic domestic electricity tariffs. </LI> <LI> Discriminate high-price hours and low-price hours, and automatically schedule the operation of home appliances. </LI> <LI> Control an energy-storage system to store surplus energy during low-price hours for consumption during high-price hours. </LI> <LI> Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce or even eliminate peak-hour energy consumption. </LI> </UL> </P>

SPON2 Promotes M1-like Macrophage Recruitment and Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Distinct Integrin–Rho GTPase–Hippo Pathways

Zhang, Yan-Li,Li, Qing,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Fang, Fang,Li, Jun,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Qin,Zhu, Lei,Nie, Hui-Zhen,Zhang, Xue-Li,Feng, Ming-Xuan,Jiang, Shu-Heng,Tian, Guang-Ang,Hu, Li-Peng,Lee, Ho-Young,Lee, Su-J American Association for Cancer Research 2018 Cancer research Vol.78 No.9

<P>Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P>Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) represent key regulators of the complex interplay between cancer and the immune microenvironment. Matricellular protein SPON2 is essential for recruiting lymphocytes and initiating immune responses. Recent studies have shown that SPON2 has complicated roles in cell migration and tumor progression. Here we report that, in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), SPON2 not only promotes infiltration of M1-like macrophages but also inhibits tumor metastasis. SPON2-α4β1 integrin signaling activated RhoA and Rac1, increased F-actin reorganization, and promoted M1-like macrophage recruitment. F-Actin accumulation also activated the Hippo pathway by suppressing LATS1 phosphorylation, promoting YAP nuclear translocation, and initiating downstream gene expression. However, SPON2-α5β1 integrin signaling inactivated RhoA and prevented F-actin assembly, thereby inhibiting HCC cell migration; the Hippo pathway was not noticeably involved in SPON2-mediated HCC cell migration. In HCC patients, SPON2 levels correlated positively with prognosis. Overall, our findings provide evidence that SPON2 is a critical factor in mediating the immune response against tumor cell growth and migration in HCC.</P><P><B>Significance:</B> Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract:</B> http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/9/2305/F1.large.jpg. <I>Cancer Res; 78(9); 2305–17. ©2018 AACR</I>.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P><P> [Figure]</P>

Radiosensitivity Enhancement by Arsenic Trioxide in Conjunction with Hyperthermia in the EC-1 Esophageal Carcinoma Cell Line

Cui, Yan-Hui,Liang, Hai-Jun,Zhang, Qing-Qin,Li, Si-Qing,Li, Xiao-Rui,Huo, Xiao-Qing,Yang, Qing-Hui,Li, Wei-Wei,Gu, Jian-Fa,Hua, Qin-Liang,Lu, Ping,Miao, Zhan-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Objective: To explore the effect on radiosensitivity of arsenic trioxide ($As_20_3$) in conjunction with hyperthermia on the esophageal carcinoma EC-1 cell line. Method: Inhibition of EC-1 cell proliferation at different concentrations of $As_20_3$ was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl blue colorimetric method (MTT method), with calculation of $IC_{50}$ value and choice of 20% of the $IC_{50}$ as the experimental drug concentration. Blank control, $As_20_3$, hyperthermia, radiotherapy group, $As_20_3$ + hyperthermia, $As_20_3$ + radiotherapy, hyperthermia + radiotherapy and $As_20_3$ + hyperthermia + radiotherapy groups were established, and the cell survival fraction (SF) was calculated from flat panel colony forming analysis, and fitted by the 'multitarget click mathematical model'. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect changes in cell apoptosis and the cell cycle. Results: $As_20_3$ exerted inhibitory effects on proliferation of esophageal carcinoma EC-1 cells, with an $IC_{50}$ of 18.7 ${\mu}mol/L$. After joint therapy of $As_20_3$ + hyperthermia + radiotherapy, the results of FCM showed that cells could be arrested in the $G_2$/M phase, and as the ratio of cells in $G_0/G_1$ and S phases decreased, cell death became more pronounced. Conclusion: $As_20_3$ and hyperthermia exert radiosensitivity effects on esophageal carcinoma EC-1 cells, with synergy in combination. Mechanistically, $As_20_3$ and hyperthermia mainly influence the cell cycle distribution of EC-1 esophageal carcinoma cells, decreasing the repair of sublethal damage and inducing apoptosis, thereby enhancing the killing effects of radioactive rays.

Synthesis of Phosphorous Phenanthrene/L-Tryptophan Flame Retardant for Enhanced Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resins

Li Li,Fenglin Hua,Hui Xi,Jing Yang,Ting Xiao,Rui Zuo,Xueqing Xu,Zhiwang Yang,Ziqiang Lei 한국고분자학회 2022 Macromolecular Research Vol.30 No.12

A new type of phosphorus-containing intrinsic flame retardant was prepared with L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphorbenzophenanthrene- 10-oxide (DOPO) as the main components. The Schiff base from the reaction of 1,4-terephthalaldehyde and L-tryptophan provides active sites, and then the phosphorous compound, DOPO, is successfully introduced into the Schiff base to synthesize L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant. The intrinsic flame retardant property of LTrp- DOPO comes from the reaction of carbonyl groups and the epoxy groups in epoxy resin (EP) matrix. The prepared L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant can efficiently improve the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of the base material of EP. Cone calorimetric test (CCT) of EP/L-Trp-DOPO composite material was carried out. The data showed that the peak heat release rate (pk-HRR) value was reduced by 50.8% (from 1459 kW/m2 to 717 kW/m2), the THR value reduced by 78.3%, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was increased by 24%. The addition of new flame retardant greatly reduced the release of toxic CO gas. The flame retardant mechanism was explored, and it can be found that after thermal decomposition of L-Trp- DOPO a dense carbon layer can be produced to isolate the fire source. In addition, during the combustion process, L-Trp-DOPO will produce phosphorus-containing free radicals which will quench the active free radicals in the gas phase and dilute the combustible gas. The prepared L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant has a flame retardant effect in both the condensed phase and the gas phase during the combustion process.

Chinese herbal injections for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A narrative review

Xiao-Bin Zhu,Meng Guo,Zhi-Hui Zhang,Li-Hua Sun,Lei Liu,Li-Juan Zhou,Chun-Lei Shan,Yi Yang,Lian-Di Kan,Liu-Cheng Li 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.4

Background The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused more than 180 million infections and 3.9 million deaths. To date, emerging clinical evidence has shown the synergetic benefits of Chinese herbal injections in treating this contagious respiratory disease. This review aims to summarize and analyze the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal injections in the therapy of COVID-19. Methods The literature from 3 electronic databases, PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science, were searched using the search terms “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “traditional Chinese medicine”, “herb”, “herbal”, and “injection”. Then the identified articles were comprehensively evaluated. Results Limited data demonstrated that Chinese herbal injections could significantly improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients, especially in combination with conventional treatment strategies. The benefits of which were mainly associated with the relief of symptoms, prevention of secondary infection, regulation of inflammation and immune function. There was also evidence showing the inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Nevertheless, available real-world data suggested the increased risk of adverse event. Furthermore, the defects of existing researches and the insights for discovering novel antiviral drugs were prospectively discussed. Conclusion Evidence-based advances revealed that Chinese herbal injections such as XueBiJing injection and ShenMai injection, exerted potent effects against COVID-19. Further laboratory researches and clinical evaluation are needed to gather scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety.

Rhodococcus soli sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from soil using a resuscitative technique.

Li, Shan-Hui,Yu, Xiao-Yun,Park, Dong-Jin,Hozzein, Wael N,Kim, Chang-Jin,Shu, Wen-Sheng,Wadaan, Mohammed A M,Ding, Lin-Xian,Li, Wen-Jun N.V. Swets en Zeitlinger 2015 Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Vol.107 No.2

<P>A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore forming strain, designated DSD51W(T), was isolated using a resuscitative technique from a soil sample collected from Kyoto park, Japan, and characterized by using a polyphasic approach. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the isolate were typical of those of members of the genus Rhodococcus. Strain DSD51W(T) was found to form a coherent cluster with Rhodococcus hoagii ATCC 7005(T), Rhodococcus equi NBRC 101255(T), Rhodococcus defluvii Call(T) and Rhodococcus kunmingensis YIM 45607(T) as its closest phylogenetic neighbours in 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. However, the DNA-DNA hybridization values with the above strains were 58.2 ± 2.2, 58.4 ± 1.9, 45.1 ± 1.4 and 40.3 ± 4.7 %, respectively. In combination with differences in physiological and biochemical properties, strain DSD51W(T) can be concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Rhodococcus, for which the name Rhodococcus soli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain DSD51W(T) (=KCTC 29259(T) = JCM 19627(T) = DSM 46662(T) = KACC 17838(T)).</P>

Theoretical Study of the Elastic and the Thermodynamic Properties of Re$_2$C under High Pressure

Hui-Ru Lei,Li-Hong Zhang,Xu Li,Xiao-Zhen Gao,Jing Li 한국물리학회 2019 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.74 No.11

The structural properties of Re$_2$C in anti-MoS$_2$ and anti-ReB$_2$ structures have been investigated by using the pseudopotential plane wave methods based on the density functional theory. The anti-ReB$_2$ structure is found to be more stable than the anti-MoS$_2$ structure. In particular, for the first time, we have studied the elastic properties of Re$_2$C in the anti-ReB$_2$ structure under high pressure. The ductile-brittle behavior and Vickers hardness for the anti-ReB$_2$ structure are also been analyzed. In addition, the Debye temperature, heat capacity and thermal expansion coefficient are discussed by using the quasiharmonic Debye model method.

Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in microwave ablation treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis

Xiao-Long Li,Jia-Xin Li,Song-Yuan Yu,Pei-Li Fan,Yun-Jie Jin,Er-Jiao Xu,Sai-Nan Guan,Er-Ya Deng,Qiu-Yan Li,Zheng-Biao Ji,Jiu-Ling Qi,Hui-Xiong Xu,China Alliance of Multi-Center Clinical Study for Ultra 대한초음파의학회 2024 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.43 No.1

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up.Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered.Conclusion: CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes. Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE- MRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion: CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre- treatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.