Discovery of a couple of Foenobethylus (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) in copulation suggests a synonym under Parascleroderma

Chen Hua-yan,Azevedo Celso O. 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.4

Foenobethylus Kieffer 1913 is a rare and small genus of Pristocerinae in the flat wasp family Bethylidae, with 10 described species worldwide, all of which are known only from males. In this study, we describe a new species, F. syndesis Chen & Azevedo, sp. nov., based on a couple in copulation and one additional male from China. An updated key to species of the genus is provided. In light of the first discovery of the female of Foenobethylus, the differences between Foenobethylus and Parascleroderma are discussed.

Retrospective Electrocardiography-Gated Real-Time Cardiac Cine MRI at 3T: Comparison with Conventional Segmented Cine MRI

Chen Cui,Gang Yin,Minjie Lu,Xiuyu Chen,Sainan Cheng,Lu Li,Weipeng Yan,Yanyan Song,Sanjay Prasad,Yan Zhang,Shihua Zhao 대한영상의학회 2019 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.20 No.1

Objective: Segmented cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for cardiac ventricular volumetric assessment. In patients with difficulty in breath-holding or arrhythmia, this technique may generate images with inadequate quality for diagnosis. Real-time cardiac cine MRI has been developed to address this limitation. We aimed to assess the performance of retrospective electrocardiography-gated real-time cine MRI at 3T for left ventricular (LV) volume and mass measurement. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients were consecutively enrolled. A series of short-axis cine images covering the entire left ventricle using both segmented and real-time balanced steady-state free precession cardiac cine MRI were obtained. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), and LV mass were measured. The agreement and correlation of the parameters were assessed. Additionally, image quality was evaluated using European CMR Registry (Euro-CMR) score and structure visibility rating. Results: In patients without difficulty in breath-holding or arrhythmia, no significant difference was found in Euro-CMR score between the two techniques (0.3 ± 0.7 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, p > 0.05). Good agreements and correlations were found between the techniques for measuring EDV, ESV, EF, SV, and LV mass. In patients with difficulty in breath-holding or arrhythmia, segmented cine MRI had a significant higher Euro-CMR score (2.3 ± 1.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Real-time cine MRI at 3T allowed the assessment of LV volume with high accuracy and showed a significantly better image quality compared to that of segmented cine MRI in patients with difficulty in breath-holding and arrhythmia.

Knockdown of HMGN5 Expression by RNA Interference Induces Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Chen, Peng,Wang, Xiu-Li,Ma, Zhong-Sen,Xu, Zhong,Jia, Bo,Ren, Jin,Hu, Yu-Xin,Zhang, Qing-Hua,Ma, Tian-Gang,Yan, Bing-Di,Yan, Qing-Zhu,Li, Yan-Lei,Li, Zhen,Yu, Jin-Yan,Gao, Rong,Fan, Na,Li, Bo,Yang, Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

HMGN5 is a typical member of the HMGN (high mobility group nucleosome-binding protein) family which may function as a nucleosomal binding and transcriptional activating protein. Overexpression of HMGN5 has been observed in several human tumors but its role in tumorigenesis has not been fully clarified. To investigate its significance for human lung cancer progression, we successfully constructed a shRNA expression lentiviral vector in which sense and antisense sequences targeting the human HMGN5 were linked with a 9-nucleotide loop. Inhibitory effects of siRNA on endogenous HMGN5 gene expression and protein synthesis were demonstrated via real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. We found HMGN5 silencing to significantly inhibit A549 and H1299 cell proliferation assessed by MTT, BrdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that specific knockdown of HMGN5 slowed down the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and decreased the populations of A549 and H1299 cells at the S and G2/M phases. Taken together, these results suggest that HMGN5 is directly involved in regulation cell proliferation in A549 and H1299 cells by influencing signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression. Thus, our finding suggests that targeting HMGN5 may be an effective strategy for human lung cancer treatment.

Rehmannioside D mitigates disease progression in rats with experimental-induced diminished ovarian reserve via Forkhead Box O1/KLOTHO axis

Yan Liang,Huimin Wang,Jin Chen,Lingyan Chen,Xiaoyong Chen 대한약리학회 2023 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.27 No.2

This study aims to explore the impact of Rehmannioside D (RD) on ovarian functions of rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and its underlying mechanisms of action. A single injection of cyclophosphamide was performed to establish a DOR rat model, and fourteen days after the injection, the rats were intragastrically administrated with RD for two weeks. Rat estrus cycles were tested using vaginal smears. Ovarian tissues were histologically evaluated, the number of primordial, mature, and atretic follicles was calculated, and the apoptotic rate of granulosa cells. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels were determined by ELISA assays. Protein levels of Forkhead Box O1 (FOXO1), KLOTHO, Bcl-2, and Bax were investigated in ovarian tissues of DOR rats. The binding between FOXO1 and KLOTHO was verified by ChIP assay. High-dose administration of RD into DOR rats improved their estrus cycles, increased ovarian index, enhanced the number of primordial and mature follicles, reduced the number of atretic follicle number, and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in addition to inhibiting FSH and LH levels and upregulating E2 expression. FOXO1 and KLOTHO were significantly suppressed in DOR rats. FOXO1 knockdown partially suppressed the protective effects of RD on DOR rats, and KLOTHO overexpression could restore RD-induced blockade of DOR development despite knocking down FOXO1. FOXO1 antibody enriched KLOTHO promoter, and the binding between them was reduced in DOR group compared to that in sham group. RD improved ovarian functions in DOR rats and diminished granulosa cell apoptosis via the FOXO1/KLOTHO axis

Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Implications for Honey Bee Health

Chen, Yan Ping,Pettis, Jeffery S.,Corona, Miguel,Chen, Wei Ping,Li, Cong Jun,Spivak, Marla,Visscher, P. Kirk,DeGrandi-Hoffman, Gloria,Boncristiani, Humberto,Zhao, Yan,vanEngelsdorp, Dennis,Delaplane, Public Library of Science 2014 PLoS pathogens Vol.10 No.7

<▼1><P><I>Israeli acute paralysis virus</I> (IAPV) is a widespread RNA virus of honey bees that has been linked with colony losses. Here we describe the transmission, prevalence, and genetic traits of this virus, along with host transcriptional responses to infections. Further, we present RNAi-based strategies for limiting an important mechanism used by IAPV to subvert host defenses. Our study shows that IAPV is established as a persistent infection in honey bee populations, likely enabled by both horizontal and vertical transmission pathways. The phenotypic differences in pathology among different strains of IAPV found globally may be due to high levels of standing genetic variation. Microarray profiles of host responses to IAPV infection revealed that mitochondrial function is the most significantly affected biological process, suggesting that viral infection causes significant disturbance in energy-related host processes. The expression of genes involved in immune pathways in adult bees indicates that IAPV infection triggers active immune responses. The evidence that silencing an IAPV-encoded putative suppressor of RNAi reduces IAPV replication suggests a functional assignment for a particular genomic region of IAPV and closely related viruses from the Family <I>Dicistroviridae</I>, and indicates a novel therapeutic strategy for limiting multiple honey bee viruses simultaneously and reducing colony losses due to viral diseases. We believe that the knowledge and insights gained from this study will provide a new platform for continuing studies of the IAPV–host interactions and have positive implications for disease management that will lead to mitigation of escalating honey bee colony losses worldwide.</P></▼1><▼2><P><B>Author Summary</B></P><P>The mysterious outbreak of honey bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in the US in 2006–2007 has attracted massive media attention and created great concerns over the effects of various risk factors on bee health. Understanding the factors that are linked to the honey bee colony declines may provide insights for managing similar incidents in the future. We conducted this study to elucidate traits of a key honey bee virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus. We then developed an innovative strategy to control virus levels. The knowledge and insights gained from this study will have positive implications for bee disease management, helping to mitigate worldwide colony losses.</P></▼2>

Characterization of proteolysis in muscle tissues of sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus

Chen-Chen Zhao,Yang Yang,Hai-tao Wu,Zhi-Mo Zhu,Yue Tang,Cui-Ping Yu,Na Sun,Qiang Lv,Jia-Run Han,Ao-Ting Li,Jia-Nan Yan,Yue Cha 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.6

The proteolysis in muscle tissues of sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus (sjMTs) was characterized. The proteins from sjMTs were primarily myosin heavy chains (MHCs), paramyosin (Pm), and actin (Ac) having a molecular mass of approximately 200, 98, and 42 kDa, respectively. Based on SDS-PAGE analysis and quantification of trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptides released, degradation of muscle proteins from sjMTs was favorable at pH 5 and 50°C. Proteolysis of MHCs was mostly inhibited by cysteine protease inhibitors, including trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucyl-amido (4- guanidino) butane (E-64) and antipain (AP). E-64 and AP completely inhibited the degradation of Pm and Ac, while iodoacetic acid showed a partially inhibitory effect. These results indicated that the proteolysis of sjMTs was mainly attributed to cysteine proteases. Avoidance of setting the tissues at 40–50oC and slightly acidic condition and inhibition of cysteine proteases are helpful for decreasing sea cucumber autolysis.

Nitric oxide-caused rabbit chondrocyte apoptosis is linked to cytoskeletal protein proteolysis anomaly through intracellular JNK and ERK signal pathways

Chen Qun,Kao Xibin,Gao Yan,Chen Jinghong,Dong Zhaoheng,Chen Chen 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2023 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.19 No.1

Backgrounds Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in the pathological chondrocyte apoptosis of osteoarthritis (OA). Cytoskeletal proteins form cytoskeleton network to maintain normal chondrocyte structure and function. JNK and ERK pathways are the signal pathways involved in the cell apoptosis. The role of cytoskeletal proteins in cytoskeleton perturbation and cell apoptosis was investigated in this study. Objectives In vitro cell apoptosis was induced in rabbit articular chondrocytes by NO donor Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP). The JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 and ERK-specific inhibitor PD98059 were employed to clarify the mechanism. The level of apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay and Annexin V flow cytometry. Results SNP induced concentration-dependent apoptosis, which was further enhanced by PD98059 but reduced by SP600125. Furthermore, PD98059 significantly increased caspase-3 expression and activity respectively, whereas SP600125 reduced caspase- 3 expression and activity. SP600125 increased the cytoskeletal protein mRNA and protein expression, while PD98059 decreased them. Conclusion Intracellular JNK/ERK pathways were involved in chondrocyte apoptosis induced by SNP through oppositely regulated effects on cytoskeletal proteins; ERK pathway protected cytoskeletal protein from dissolution via inhibition of caspase-3 activation, while JNK pathway promoted the dissolution via activation of caspase-3 activity.

Dose-Dependent Associations between Wine Drinking and Breast Cancer Risk - Meta-Analysis Findings

Chen, Jia-Yan,Zhu, Hong-Cheng,Guo, Qing,Shu, Zheng,Bao, Xu-Hui,Sun, Feng,Qin, Qin,Yang, Xi,Zhang, Chi,Cheng, Hong-Yan,Sun, Xin-Chen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Purpose: To investigate any potential association between wine and breast cancer risk. Materials and Methods: We quantitatively assessed associations by conducting a meta-analysis based on evidence from observational studies. In May 2014, we performed electronic searches in PubMed, EmBase and the Cochrane Library to identify studies examining the effect of wine drinking on breast cancer incidence. The relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) were used to measure any such association. Results: The analysis was further stratified by confounding factors that could influence the results. A total of twenty-six studies (eight case-control and eighteen cohort studies) involving 21,149 cases were included in our meta-analysis. Our study demonstrated that wine drinking was associated with breast cancer risk. A 36% increase in breast cancer risk was observed across overall studies based on the highest versus lowest model, with a combined RR of 1.0059 (95%CI 0.97-1.05) in dose-response analysis. However, 5 g/d ethanol from wine seemed to have protective value from our non-linear model. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that wine drinking is associated with breast cancer risk in a dose-dependent manner. High consumption of wine contributes to breast cancer risk with protection exerted by low doses. Further investigations are needed for clarification.

Growth behavior and corrosion resistance of graphene oxide/MgAl Layered double hydroxide coating grown on micro-arc oxidation film of magnesium alloys

Yanning Chen,Liang Wu,Wenhui Yao,Jiahao Wu,Yuan Yuan,Bin Jiang,FuSheng Pan 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.117 No.-

The MgAl Layered double hydroxides (LDHs)/graphene oxide (GO) composite film was fabricated in situon the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film (MAO/LG) of AZ31 magnesium alloy in one step by hydrothermalchemical conversion method. The growth behavior and corrosion properties of LG films were investigated. The results show that the chemical structure, composition and morphology of the LG film willgradually change with the extension of the hydrothermal treatment time based on using the selfdissolvedcation (Mg2+ and Al3+) in the MAO film as the source of growing LDHs without introducingany external metal cations. The potentiodynamic polarization showed that the MAO/LG-12 h coating(1.28 109 A/cm2) after in situ growth for 12 h was more corrosion resistant than the MAO coating(8.49 106 A/cm2). The synergistic effect of GO and LDHs can significantly improve the corrosion protectionability of MAO coating. In addition, the transition process of the growth behavior of the LG filmlayer on the MAO coating is explained in detail.

An Improved Method of Maximum Power Point Tracking Strategy for Wind Power Conversion System

CHEN Ran,CHEN Jie,CHEN Jia-wei,CHEN Zhi-hui,GONG Chun-ying,YAN Yang-guang 전력전자학회 2011 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2011 No.5

The turbine speed loop adjustment is the key link of the designing of the controller for the fixed pitch variable speed wind energy conversion systems (WECS). Because of the strong nonlinear, big inertia and mechanical damping characteristics, it’s difficult to designing the controller of the wind power systems. In this paper, a small signal model is present, and based on the analyzing; a wind turbine speed loop regulator is designed. Then, a method of tracking the peak power conversion system is proposed, which is independent of the turbine parameters and air density. At last, simulation system is built, and the results of the simulation experiments show that, the performance of the controller algorithm meet the requirements of the MPPT without wind measurement.