Classification and fatty acid composition analysis of Cronobacter spp. isolated from powdered infant formula in China

Xiaojuan Yang,Qing-Ping Wu,Ju-Mei Zhang,Weipeng Guo,Shuping Mo,Sheng-Rong Liu 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.4

This study aimed to classify a collection of Enterobacter sakazakii (E. sakazakii) strainspreviously identified from powdered infant formula (PIF) to species level by recN gene sequencing andbiochemical testing to determine the distribution of Cronobacter species in China and investigate thestrain diversity by cellular fatty acid (CFA) analysis. Of 24 E. sakazakii isolates, 23 were identified as C. sakazakii and one was C. malonaticus. The 23 C. sakazakii isolates showed the same CFA profiles. TheC. malonaticus isolate was discriminated from the C. sakazakii isolates by the significant difference inthe amounts of C12:0, C14:0, and C17:0 cyclo acids. These results showed that C. sakazakii and C. malonaticuswere the common Cronobacter species distributed in PIF in China and that the isolates of the twospecies exhibited different CFA profiles. These findings are of value for epidemiological investigationsand provide an alternative method for confirming various Cronobacter spp.

Computational prediction integrating the inhibition kinetics of gallotannin on α-glucosidase

Yue, Li-Mei,Lee, Jinhyuk,Zheng, Li,Park, Yong-Doo,Ye, Zhuo-Ming,Yang, Jun-Mo Elsevier 2017 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES Vol.103 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Due to the finding that inhibition of α-glucosidase is directly associated with treatment of several diseases, the development of a selective inhibitor for targeting α-glucosidase is important. Gallotannin (GT) is a natural ingredient that has been used as a food additive and for medicinal applications. In this study, we performed a computational docking experiment involving the pre-simulation of the binding mechanism of GT, and the effect of GT on α-glucosidase was evaluated with inhibitory kinetics based on its polyphenol properties. The computational simulations indicated that the hydroxyl groups of GT interact with several residues near the α-glucosidase active site (Met69, Tyr71, Phe177, Arg212, Asp214, Glu276, His348, Asp349, and Arg439), which could affect the catalytic function of α-glucosidase by retarding substrate access. Subsequent kinetic experiments showed that GT conspicuously inhibited α-glucosidase in a parabolic mixed-type manner (<I>IC</I> <SUB>50</SUB> =1.31±0.03μM; <I>K<SUB>i</SUB> </I> =0.41±0.032μM). Our study provides insight into the inhibition mechanism and binding manner of GT to α-glucosidase. Based on its α-glucosidase-inhibiting effect and its demonstrated safety as a naturally derived compound, GT represents a promising potential agent for treatment of α-glucosidase-associated diseases.</P>

Association of IgE-mediated allergen sensitivity and promoter polymorphisms of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 5 gene in Han Chinese patients with allergic skin diseases

Ji-Chang Zhou,Yu-Mei Zhu,Zheng Chen,Shan He,Shi-jie Zheng,Jun-luan Mo,Xiao-Li Liu,Chun-mei Gong,Bin Hou,Hui Yang 한국유전학회 2015 Genes & Genomics Vol.37 No.5

Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2280788 (-28C[G) and rs2107538 (-403G[A), in the promoter region of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) was reported to be involved in the immunoglobulin E (IgE) expression and IgE-mediated allergic reactions. This study was to investigate the characteristics of total serum IgE level, specific allergen sensitivities and the two SNPs in the allergic skin disease (ASD) patients. ASD patients visiting the dermatological outpatient department of a local hospital were included with certain criteria, and the fasting venous blood was sampled for analysis. Total serum IgE was assayed with an ELISA kit, and 14 kinds of allergen-specific IgE were tested with an allergen screening system. The polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to analyze the two SNPs. Among the finally included 437 patients aged from 16 to 85 years, 68.2 % was positive for the total serum IgE, 49.2 % was positive for at least one of the assayed allergen-specific IgE, and 35.0 % was sensitive to house dust mite. In the SNPs analysis, the GG/(GA?AA) ratio and G/A ratio for the -403G[A locus in the male and/or female C45 years subgroup were significantly lower in the total serum IgE positive patients than in the negative patients (P\0.05). Weak linkage disequilibrium was found between -403A and -28C alleles in male subgroups adjusted by age. Conclusively, house dust mite was the most common allergen in ASD patients, and -403A allele of CCL5 promoter was a risk factor for IgE-mediated sensitization.

Enhanced ε-Poly-L-lysine Production from Streptomyces ahygroscopicus by a Combination of Cell Immobilization and In Situ Adsorption

( Liu Sheng Rong ),( Qing Ping Wu ),( Ju Mei Zhang ),( Shu Ping Mo ),( Xiao Juan Yang ),( Chun Xiao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.9

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL), produced by Streptomyces or Kitasatospora strains, is a homo-poly-amino acid of Llysine, which is used as a safe food preservative. The present study investigates the combined use of cell immobilization and in situ adsorption (ISA) to produce ε-PL in shaken flasks. Loofah sponge-immobilized Streptomyces ahygroscopicus GIM8 produced slightly more ε-PL than those immobilized on synthetic sponge, and sugarcane bagasse. Moreover, loofah sponge supported the maximum biomass. Hence, loofah sponge was chosen for cell immobilization. Meanwhile, the ion-exchange resin D152 was employed for ISA. The loofah sponge-immobilized cells produced 0.54 ± 0.1 g/l ε-PL, which significantly increased to 3.64 ± 0.32 g/l after combining with ISA through the addition of resin bags. The free cells with ISA using the dispersed resin yielded 2.73 ± 0.26 g/l of ε-PL, an increase from 0.82 ± 0.08 g/l. These data illustrate that the proposed combination method improved production most significantly compared with either immobilization or ISA only. Moreover, the immobilized cells could be repeatedly used and an ε-PL total amount of 8.05 ± 0.84 g/l was obtained. The proposed combination method offers promising perspectives for ε-PL production.

Influence of Polycaprolactone/Collagen Ratio and Microstructure of FibrousMembranes on Mechanical Properties and Anti-Platelet Properties

Jia-Shuai Zhang,Hui-Lin Mo,Shun-Yang Shen,Du-Han Zhang,Wei Zhang,Yu Ren,Mei-Xian Li 한국고분자학회 2024 폴리머 Vol.48 No.1

In this paper, polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen (COL) nanofibrous membranes were prepared by electrospinning to study their mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility. The surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to access the effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and enzymatic degradation behaviors. In addition, the effect of hydrophilicity of membranes on the antithrombotic properties was also investigated. The results show that tensile strength of PCL/COL10 is higher than that of other samples due to smaller fiber diameters and tight spatial interlacing of PCL/COL10 membranes. In addition, the hydrophobic surface of PCL becomes hydrophilic after the addition of collagen, which affect platelet adhesion and cytocompatibility of nanofibrous membrane samples. The addition of collagen could promote the cell proliferation as well as the enzymatic degradation rate. Overall, PCL/COL10 has good morphology, the best mechanical properties, appropriate degradation rate, and the best antithrombotic effect as well as biocompatibility.

Inhibitory effect of raspberry ketone on α-glucosidase: Docking simulation integrating inhibition kinetics

Xiong, Shang-Ling,Yue, Li-Mei,Lim, Gyu Tae,Yang, Jun-Mo,Lee, Jinhyuk,Park, Yong-Doo Elsevier 2018 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES Vol.113 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Inhibition of α-glucosidase is directly associated with treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this regard, we conducted enzyme kinetics integrated with computational docking simulation to assess the inhibitory effect of raspberry ketone (RK) on α-glucosidase. RK bound to the active site of α-glucosidase and interacted with several key residues such as ASP68, TYR71, HIS111, PHE157, PHE158, PHE177, GLN181, ASP214, THR215, ASP349, ASP408, and ARG439, as detected by protein-ligand docking simulation. Subsequently, we confirmed the action of RK on α-glucosidase as the non-competitive type of inhibition in a reversible and rapidly binding manner. The relevant kinetic parameters were <I>IC</I> <SUB>50</SUB> =6.17±0.46mM and <I>K</I> <SUB> <I>i</I> </SUB> =7.939±0.211mM. Regarding the structure-activity relationship, the higher concentration of RK induced slight modulation of the shape of the active site as monitored by hydrophobic exposure. The tertiary conformational change was linked to RK inhibition, and mostly involved regional changes of the active site. Our study provides insight into the functional role of RK due to its structural property of a hydroxyphenyl ring that interacts with the active site of α-glucosidase. We suggest that similar hydroxyphenyl ring compounds targeting the key residues of the active site might be potential α-glucosidase inhibitors.</P>

A novel human KRAB-related zinc finger gene ZNF425 inhibits mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

( Yue Qun Wang ),( Xiang Li Ye ),( Jun Mei Zhou ),( Yong Qi Wan ),( Hua Ping Xie ),( Yun Deng ),( Yan Yan ),( Yong Qing Li ),( Xiong Wei Fan ),( Wu Zhou Yuan ),( Xiao Yang Mo ),( Xiu Shan Wu ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2011 BMB Reports Vol.44 No.1

Zinc finger (ZNF) proteins play a critical role in cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and intracellular signal transduction. In this paper, we cloned and characterized a novel human KRAB-related zinc finger gene, ZNF425, which encodes a protein of 752 amino acids. ZNF425 is strongly expressed in the three month old human embryos and then is almost undetectable in six month old embryos and in adult tissues. An EGFP-ZNF425 fusion protein can be found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. ZNF425 appears to act as a transcription repressor. Over-expression of ZNF425 inhibits the transcriptional activities of SRE, AP-1, and SRF. Deletion analysis indicates that the C2H2 domain is the main region responsible for the repression. Our results suggest that the ZNF425 gene is a new transcriptional inhibitor that functions in the MAPK signaling pathway. [BMB reports 2011; 44(1): 58-63]

Inhibitory effect of pyrogallol on α-glucosidase: Integrating docking simulations with inhibition kinetics

Zheng, Li,Lee, Jinhyuk,Yue, Li-Mei,Lim, Gyu Tae,Yang, Jun-Mo,Ye, Zhuo-Ming,Park, Yong-Doo Elsevier 2018 International journal of biological macromolecules Vol.112 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study we conducted serial kinetic studies integrated with computational simulations to judge the inhibitory effect of pyrogallol on α-glucosidase, due to the association between this enzyme and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. As a result, we found that pyrogallol bound to the active site of α-glucosidase, interacting with several key residues, such as ASP68, MET69, TYR71, PHE157, PHE158, PHE177, GLN181, HIS348, ASP349, ASP406, VAL407, ASP408, ARG439, and ARG443, which was predicted by performing a protein-ligand docking simulation. Subsequently, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of pyrogallol on α-glucosidase, and found that it induced a mixed type of inhibition in a reversible and quick-binding manner. The relevant kinetic parameters were evaluated to be: <I>IC</I> <SUB>50</SUB> =0.72±0.051mM; <I>K</I> <SUB>i</SUB> =0.37±0.018mM. A tertiary conformational change was synchronized with pyrogallol inhibition and modulation of the shape of the active site was correspondingly observed. Our study provides insight into the functional inhibitory role of pyrogallol, which results from its triple-hydroxyl groups interacting with the active site of α-glucosidase. We suggest that compounds similar to pyrogallol (phenolic hydroxyl compounds) which target the key residues of the active site of α-glucosidase could be potential agents for α-glucosidase inhibition.</P>

The Characteristics and Survival Outcomes in Patients Aged 70 Years and Older with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Era

Ya-Nan Jin,Wang-Jian Zhang,Xiu-Yu Cai,Mei-Su Li,Wayne R. Lawrence,Si-Yang Wang,Dong-Mei Mai,Yu-Yun Du,Dong-Hua Luo,Hao-Yuan Mo 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.1

Purpose We aim to examine nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) characteristics and survival outcomes in patients aged 70 years and older in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. Materials and Methods From 2006 to 2013, 126 non-metastatic NPC patients aged  70 years who were treated with IMRT +/ chemotherapy were included. Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27 (ACE-27) was used to measure patient comorbidities. The overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were compared using the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to carry out multivariate analyses. Results For the entire group, only two patients (1.6%) presented stage I disease, and up to 84.1% patients had stage III-IVB disease. All patients had a comorbidity score of 0 in 24 (19.0%), 1 in 45 (35.7%), 2 in 42 (33.3%), and 3 in 15 (11.9%) patients. The main acute grade during radiotherapy was 3-4 adverse events consisting of mucositis (25.4%), bone marrow suppression (16.7%), and dermatitis (8.7%). After treatment, four patients (3.2%) developed temporal lobe injury. Five-year CSS and OS rates were 67.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58.6% to 77.4%) and 54.0% (95% CI, 45.6% to 63.9%), respectively. Five-year OS was significantly higher for ACE-27 score 0-1 than ACE-27 score 2-3 (72.9% and 39.9%, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed ACE-27 score 0-1 was significantly associated with superior OS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.02; 95% CI, 1.64 to 5.55; p < 0.001). In addition, the rate of OS was higher for stage I-III than that of stage IV, with borderline significance (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.99 to 2.82; p=0.053). But no significant advantage was observed in OS when chemotherapy was used (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our findings suggest IMRT +/– chemotherapy has a manageable toxicity and provides an acceptable survival in patients aged  70 years with NPC. ACE-27 score was significantly associated with survival outcomes in this group population.

Dynamics of Microbial Community Structure, Function and Assembly Mechanism with Increasing Stand Age of Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) Plantations in Houtian Sandy Area, South China

Zhang Xiaoyang,Xiong Si-Yi,Wu Xiukun,Zeng Bei-Bei,Mo Yang-Mei,Deng Zhi-Cheng,Wei Qi,Gao Yang,Cui Licao,Liu Jianping,Long Haozhi 한국미생물학회 2023 The journal of microbiology Vol.61 No.11

Establishing slash pine plantations is the primary method for restoring sandification land in the Houtian area of South China. However, the microbial variation pattern with increasing stand age remains unclear. In this study, we investigated microbial community structure and function in bare sandy land and four stand age gradients, exploring ecological processes that determine their assembly. We did not observe a significant increase in the absolute abundance of bacteria or fungi with stand age. Bacterial communities were dominated by Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria; the relative abundance of Chloroflexi significantly declined while Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria significantly increased with stand age. Fungal communities showed succession at the genus level, with Pisolithus most abundant in soils of younger stands (1- and 6-year-old). Turnover of fungal communities was primarily driven by stochastic processes; both deterministic and stochastic processes influenced the assembly of bacterial communities, with the relative importance of stochastic processes gradually increasing with stand age. Bacterial and fungal communities showed the strongest correlation with the diameter at breast height, followed by soil available phosphorus and water content. Notably, there was a significant increase in the relative abundance of functional groups involved in nitrogen fixation and uptake as stand age increased. Overall, this study highlights the important effects of slash pine stand age on microbial communities in sandy lands and suggests attention to the nitrogen and phosphorus requirements of slash pine plantations in the later stages of sandy management.