Macrophage Activation by an Acidic Polysaccharide Isolated from Angelica Sinensis (Oliv.) Diels

( Xing Bin Yang ),( Yan Zhao ),( Hai Fang Wang ),( Qi Bing Mei ) 생화학분자생물학회 2007 BMB Reports Vol.40 No.5

Crack identification based on Kriging surrogate model

Hai-yang Gao,Xing-lin Guo,Xiao-fei Hu 국제구조공학회 2012 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.41 No.1

Kriging surrogate model provides explicit functions to represent the relationships between the inputs and outputs of a linear or nonlinear system, which is a desirable advantage for response estimation and parameter identification in structural design and model updating problem. However, little research has been carried out in applying Kriging model to crack identification. In this work, a scheme for crack identification based on a Kriging surrogate model is proposed. A modified rectangular grid (MRG) is introduced to move some sample points lying on the boundary into the internal design region, which will provide more useful information for the construction of Kriging model. The initial Kriging model is then constructed by samples of varying crack parameters (locations and sizes) and their corresponding modal frequencies. For identifying crack parameters, a robust stochastic particle swarm optimization (SPSO) algorithm is used to find the global optimal solution beyond the constructed Kriging model. To improve the accuracy of surrogate model, the finite element (FE) analysis soft ANSYS is employed to deal with the re-meshing problem during surrogate model updating. Specially, a simple method for crack number identification is proposed by finding the maximum probability factor. Finally, numerical simulations and experimental research are performed to assess the effectiveness and noise immunity of this proposed scheme.

Molecular cloning, expression profiles and subcellular localization of cyclin B in ovary of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain

Wen-Xing Li,Hui-Yang Huang,Jing-Ru Huang,Jin-Jin Yu,Jun Ma,Hai-Hui Ye 한국유전학회 2013 Genes & Genomics Vol.35 No.2

A full-length cDNA of cyclin B was isolated from ovary of the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) in this study. This transcript encodes a polypeptide of 401 amino acids, which is highly homologous to cyclin B protein family. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) showed that cyclin B mRNA was expressed at highest levels in ovary of the mud crab. During the ovarian maturation process, realtime RT-PCR revealed that the abundance of cyclin B mRNA increased from the second stage (early-developing stage) to the fourth stage (nearly-ripe stage) and reached the peak level at the fifth stage (ripe stage). This result indicates the identified cyclin B gene might be related to the cell proliferation in ovary, both mitotically and meiotically. Immunohistochemistry showed that cyclin B protein was localized in the cytoplasm of prophase oocytes at the second stage while enriched in the nuclei of pro-metaphase oocytes at the fourth stage. It suggests the tested cyclin B protein might play different roles in ovary at the two stages.

Crack identification based on Kriging surrogate model

Gao, Hai-Yang,Guo, Xing-Lin,Hu, Xiao-Fei Techno-Press 2012 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.41 No.1

Kriging surrogate model provides explicit functions to represent the relationships between the inputs and outputs of a linear or nonlinear system, which is a desirable advantage for response estimation and parameter identification in structural design and model updating problem. However, little research has been carried out in applying Kriging model to crack identification. In this work, a scheme for crack identification based on a Kriging surrogate model is proposed. A modified rectangular grid (MRG) is introduced to move some sample points lying on the boundary into the internal design region, which will provide more useful information for the construction of Kriging model. The initial Kriging model is then constructed by samples of varying crack parameters (locations and sizes) and their corresponding modal frequencies. For identifying crack parameters, a robust stochastic particle swarm optimization (SPSO) algorithm is used to find the global optimal solution beyond the constructed Kriging model. To improve the accuracy of surrogate model, the finite element (FE) analysis soft ANSYS is employed to deal with the re-meshing problem during surrogate model updating. Specially, a simple method for crack number identification is proposed by finding the maximum probability factor. Finally, numerical simulations and experimental research are performed to assess the effectiveness and noise immunity of this proposed scheme.

Identification, fine mapping and characterization of Rht-dp, a recessive wheat dwarfing (reduced height) gene derived from Triticum polonicum

Hou-Yang Kang,Li-Juan Lin,Zhi-Jian Song,Jing-Ya Yuan,Mei-Yu Zhong,Hai-Qin Zhang,Xing Fan,Li-Na Sha,Yi Wang,Li-Li Xu,Jian Zeng,Yong-Hong Zhou 한국유전학회 2012 Genes & Genomics Vol.34 No.5

Semi-dwarfism is an agronomically important trait in breeding for resistance to damage by wind and rain (lodging resistance)and for stable high yields. Dwarf Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L., 2n = 4x = 28, AABB AS304) is a potential donor of dwarfing and other traits for common wheat improvement. A genetic analysis using an F2 population derived from a cross of AS304 and tall cultivar AS302 and derived F2:3 lines indicated that AS304 carries a recessive dwarfing gene, temporarily designated Rht-dp. Molecular markers and bulked segregant analysis were used to characterize and map the gene. Eight polymorphic SSR markers (Xwmc511, Xgwm495, Xgwm 113, Xgwm192, Xgpw7026, Xgpw3017, Xgpw1108 and Xgpw7521) on chromosome arm 4BS and two AFLP markers (M8/E5 and M4/E3) were mapped relative to the dwarfing locus. The closest linked markers, Xgpw3017 and M8/E5 at 0.5 and 3.5 cM, respectively, from Rht-dp will enable its marker assisted transfer to wheat breeding populations. Allelic tests indicated that Rht-dp was allelic to Rht-B1b; hence it may be an alternative allele at the Rht-B1 locus.

Molecular and cytological evidences for the natural wheatgrass hybrids occurrence and origin in west China

Jian Zeng,Xing Fan,Hai-Qin Zhang,Li-Na Sha,Hou-Yang Kang,Li Zhang,Rui-Wu Yang,Chun-Bang Ding,Yong-Hong Zhou 한국유전학회 2012 Genes & Genomics Vol.34 No.5

Interspecies hybridization has been frequently observed in the tribe Triticeae. Natural hybridization between Kengyilia and Roegneria or Elymus species has not been reported as yet. Several sterile wheatgrass individuals exhibiting intermediately morphological traits between Kengyilia and Roegneria or Elymus species were identified in the meadow of Sichuan and Gansu provinces in China, suggesting their natural hybrid origin. The putative hybrids were analyzed by using the sequences of ITS and trnH-psbA together with cytological observation in order to assess the origin of hybrids. Both ITS and cytological data revealed the evidence of allopolyploid origin and confirmed the presence of StStYYP and StStYYHP genomes in the putative natural hybrids. The data suggest that the StStYYP hybrid originated from hybridization between Kengyilia and Roegneria and the hybrid with StStYYHP originated from hybridization between Kengyilia and Elymus. Chloroplast sequence data demonstrated that K. rigidula and K. melanthera were the likely maternal donors in the hybridization events.

Silencing of Twist Expression by RNA Interference Suppresses Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition, Invasion, and Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer

Wang, Wen-Shuang,Yang, Xing-Sheng,Xia, Min,Jiang, Hai-Yang,Hou, Jian-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.9

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the role of the Twist gene in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer. Methods: An RNA interference plasmid expressing a small interfering RNA (siRNA)-targeting Twist (Twist siRNA vector) was designed, constructed, and transfected into the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. Transfection efficiency was assessed under a fluorescence microscope. Changes in the expression of Twist mRNA in A2780 after transfection with the pGenesil Twist shRNA plasmid were analyzed through RT-PCR. MTT assays and adhesion experiments were applied to determine changes in proliferation and adhesion ability of A2870 after transfection with the Twist shRNA plasmid. Changes in the expression of the E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins in A2780 after transfection with the Twist shRNA plasmid were analyzed using Western blotting. Result: The restructuring plasmid pGenesil-Twist shRNA was constructed successfully. After 48 h of culture, 80% of the cells expressed high-intensity GFP fluorescence and stability. The expression of Twist decreased significantly after the transfection of the Twist shRNA plasmid (P<0.05). Proliferation of the transfected Twist shRNA cells showed no difference with that of the A2780-nontransfection or A2780-si-control groups (P>0.05) but the adhesion ability of A2780 decreased dramatically (P<0.05). Expression of the E-cadherin protein increased, whereas that of the N-cadherin protein decreased compared with that in the A2780-nontransfection or A2780-si-control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Twist is essential for epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

ppGalNAc T1 as a Potential Novel Marker for Human Bladder Cancer

Ding, Ming-Xia,Wang, Hai-Feng,Wang, Jian-Song,Zhan, Hui,Zuo, Yi-Gang,Yang, De-Lin,Liu, Jing-Yu,Wang, Wei,Ke, Chang-Xing,Yan, Ru-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

Objectives: To investigate the effect of glycopeptide-preferring polypeptide GalNAc transferase 1 (ppGalNAc T1 ) targeted RNA interference (RNAi) on the growth and migration of human bladder carcinoma EJ cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods: DNA microarray assays were performed to determine ppGalNAc Ts(ppGalNAc T1-9) expression in human bladder cancer and normal bladder tissues. We transfected the EJ bladder cancer cell line with well-designed ppGalNAc T1 siRNA. Boyden chamber and Wound healing assays were used to investigate changes of shppGalNAc T1-EJ cell migration. Proliferation of shppGalNAc T1-EJ cells in vitro was assessed using [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay and soft agar colony formation assays. Subcutaneous bladder tumors in BALB/c nude mice were induced by inoculation of shppGalNAc T1-EJ cells and after inoculation diameters of tumors were measured every 5 days to determine gross tumor volumes. Results: ppGalNAc T1 mRNA in bladder cancer tissues was 11.2-fold higher than in normal bladder tissues. When ppGalNAc T1 expression in EJ cells was knocked down through transfection by pSUPER-shppGalNAc T1 vector, markedly reduced incorporation of [3H]-thymidine into DNA of EJ cells was observed at all time points compared with the empty vector transfected control cells. However, ppGalNAc T1 knockdown did not significantly inhibited cell migration (only 12.3%). Silenced ppGalNAc T1 expression significantly inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth compared with the control groups injected with empty vector transfected control cells. At the end of observation course (40 days), the inhibitory rate of cancerous growth for ppGalNAc T1 knockdown was 52.5%. Conclusion: ppGalNAc T1 might be a potential novel marker for human bladder cancer. Although ppGalNAc T1 knockdown caused no remarkable change in cell migration, silenced expression significantly inhibited proliferation and tumor growth of the bladder cancer EJ cell line.

Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2 Expression Imbalance Influence in Early Period After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Hua Gu,Zhen-Hai Fei,Yi-Qi Wang,Jian-Guo Yang,Chao-Hui Zhao,Yong Cai,Xing-Ming Zhong 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2016 International Neurourology Journal Vol.20 No.4

Purpose: Microvascular endothelial integrity is important for maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) disrupts this integrity, making the BBB dysfunctional—an important pathophysiological change after SAH. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) regulate microvascular permeability by balancing each other’s expression. Methods: This study investigated the dynamics of Ang-1 and Ang-2 expression after SAH and the protective effect of Ang-1 on BBB functioning using an endovascular puncture model of rat SAH. The Ang-1 and Ang-2 expression in brain tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, Western blotting was used to estimate Ang-1 and Ang-2 concentration and to compare them at 6–72 hours post-SAH cortex and hippocampus. Evans blue viability assay was used to evaluate BBB permeability, and neurological testing was implemented to evaluate neurological impairment during SAH. Results: It was found that following SAH, Ang-1 expression decreases and Ang-2 expression increases in the cortex, hippocampus, and microvessels. The Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio decreased as quickly as 6 hours after SAH and reached its lowest 1 day after SAH. Finally, it was found that exogenous Ang-1 reduces SAH-associated BBB leakage and improves neurological function in post-SAH rats. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the equilibrium between Ang-1 and Ang-2 is broken in a period shortly after SAH, and the treatment of exogenous Ang-1 injection alleviates neurological dysfunctions through decreasing BBB destruction.

Meta-analysis of Seven Randomized Control Trials to Assess the Efficacy and Toxicity of Combining EGFR-TKI with Chemotherapy for Patients with Advanced NSCLC who Failed First-Line Treatment

Xiao, Bing-Kun,Yang, Jian-Yun,Dong, Jun-Xing,Ji, Zhao-Shuai,Si, Hai-Yan,Wang, Wei-Lan,Huang, Rong-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.7

Background: Some recent clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate a combination of EGFR- TKI with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC patients as second-line therapy, but the results on the efficacy of such trials are inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination of EGFR-TKI and chemotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC who failed first-line treatment. Materials and Methods: We searched relative trials from PubMed, EMBASE, ASCO Abstracts, ESMO Abstracts, Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials.gov. Outcomes analyzed were overall response rate (ORR), progression- free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and major toxicity. Results: Seven trails eventually were included in this meta-analysis, covering 1,168 patients. The results showed that the combined regimen arm had a significant higher ORR (RR 1.76 [1.16, 2.66], p=0.007) and longer PFS (HR 0.75 [0.66-0.85], p<0.00001), but failed to show effects on OS (HR 0.88 [0.68-1.15], p=0.36). In terms of subgroup results, continuation of EGFR-TKI in addition to chemotherapy after first-line EGFR-TKI resistance confered no improvement in ORR (RR 0.95 [0.68, 1.33], p=0.75) and PFS (HR 0.89[0.69, 1.15], p=0.38), and OS was even shorter (HR1.52 [1.05-2.21], p=0.03). However, combination therapy with EGFR-TKI and chemotherapy after failure of first-line chemotherapy significantly improved the ORR (RR 2.06 [1.42, 2.99], p=0.0002), PFS (HR 0.71 [0.61, 0.82], p<0.00001) and OS (HR 0.74 [0.62-0.88], p=0.0008), clinical benefit being restricted to combining EGFR-TKI with pemetrexed, but not docetaxel. Grade 3-4 toxicity was found at significantly higher incidence in the combined regimen arm. Conclusions: Continuation of EGFR-TKI in addition to chemotherapy after first-line EGFR-TKI resistance should be avoided. Combination therapy of EGFR-TKI and pemetrexed for advanced NSCLC should be further investigated for prognostic and predictive factors to find the group with the highest benefit of the combination strategy.