Identification of candidate odorant‐degrading enzyme genes in the antennal transcriptome of Aphidius gifuensis

Kang Zhi‐Wei,Liu Fang‐Hua,Xu Yong‐Yu,Cheng Jia‐Hui,Lin Xiao‐Li,Jing Xiang‐Feng,Tian Hong‐Gang,Liu Tong‐Xian 한국곤충학회 2021 Entomological Research Vol.51 No.1

Odorant‐degrading enzymes (ODEs) have been found in insect antennae and play a critical role in signal chemical degradation once the message is conveyed. Significant progress has been made in characterizing ODEs in a variety of pests but very little is known in their natural enemies. We have carried out an antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome of Aphidius gifuensis, a natural enemy of aphid, to identify the candidate ODEs. Based on the antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome, a total of 100 putative ODEs were identified including one aldehyde oxidase (AOX), four alcohol dehydrogenases (ADs), eight UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), 45 cytochrome P450 (P450s), nine glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and 40 carboxylesterases (CCEs or CXEs). Additionally, we used RT‐qPCR to determine the expression profiles of these genes in tissues of both sexes. Based on the phylogenic analysis and tissue‐expression patterns, AgifEstE4, AgifCXE3, AgifCCE4, AgifCCE7, and AgifCCE18 were suggested as key ODEs in A. gifuensis. In addition, the female or male specifically enriched genes, such as AgifCCE17, AgifEstB1, AgifCYP18a1, AgifUGT2C2, were also considered to involve in the chemosensory processing in A. gifuensis. This study not only identified the candidate ODEs in A. gifuensis but also provided source for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of chemical signal transductions in A. gifuensis, as well as other hymenopteran species.

Surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct invasion

Xu-guang Hu,Wei Mao,Sung Yeon Hong,Bong-Wan Kim,Wei-guang Xu,Hee-Jung Wang 대한외과학회 2016 Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research(ASRT) Vol.90 No.3

Purpose: There is still some debate on surgical procedures for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with bile duct tumor thrombi (BDTT, Ueda type 3 or 4). What is adequate extent of liver resection for curative treatment? Is extrahepatic bile duct resection mandatory for cure? The aim of this study is to answer these questions. Methods: Between February 1994 and December 2012, 877 consecutive HCC patients underwent hepatic resection at Ajou University Hospital. Thirty HCC patients (3.4%) with BDTT (Ueda type 3 or 4) were retrospective reviewed in this study. Results: In total, 20 patients enrolled in this study were divided into 2 groups: patients who underwent hemihepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection (group 1, n = 10) and with only removal of BDTT (group 2, n = 10). The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 75.0%, 50.0%, and 27.8%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of group 1 were 100.0%, 80.0%, and 45.7%, and those of group 2 were 50.0%, 20.0%, and 10.0%, respectively (P = 0.014). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrences free survival rates of group 1 were 90.0%, 70.0%, and 42.0%, and those of group 2 were 36.0%, 36.0%, and 0%, respectively (P = 0.014). Thrombectomy and infiltrative growth type (Ig) were found as independent prognostic factors for recurrence free survival by multivariate analysis. Thrombectomy, Ig, and high indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes were found as independent prognostic factors for overall survival by multivariate analysis. Conclusion: We suggest that the appropriate surgical procedure for icteric HCC patients should be comprised of ipsilateral hemihepatectomy with caudate lobectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection.

Iron-loaded Natural Clay as Heterogeneous Catalyst for Fenton-like Discoloration of Dyeing Wastewater

Xu, Huan-Yan,Ha, Xiu-Lan,Wu, Ze,Shan, Lian-Wei,Zhang, Wei-Dong Korean Chemical Society 2009 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.30 No.10

The clay-based Fe-bearing catalyst was successfully prepared through ion-exchange reaction and applied as heterogeneous catalyst for discoloration of acid fuchsine (AF) in an aqueous solution by Fenton-like reaction. Experimental results demonstrated that the AF discoloration ratios increased by increasing Fe-loaded clay dosage and initial $H_2O_2$ concentration, and by decreasing the pH, respectively. The lower the initial AF concentration, the shorter the reaction time needed to achieve complete discoloration of AF. Comparative studies indicated that AF discoloration ratios were much higher in presence of Fe-loaded clay and $H_2O_2$ than those in presence of $H_2O_2$, raw natural clay or Fe-loaded clay only and raw natural clay and $H_2O_2$ jointly. After AF discoloration, there existed no new phases in the clay samples detected by XRD and no change in the clay crystal morphology observed by SEM. A mechanism proposed suggested adsorption and Fenton-like reaction were responsible for discoloration of AF.

ORiginal Article : Prior Radial-Scanning Endoscopic Ultrasonography Training Did Not Contribute to Subsequent Linear-Array Endoscopic Ultrasonography Study Performance in the Stomach of a Porcine Model

( Wei Xu ),( Yan Liu ),( Peng Pan ),( Yan Guo ),( Ren Pei Wu ),( Yin Zhen Yao ) The Editorial Office of Gut and Liver 2015 Gut and Liver Vol.9 No.3

Background/Aims: The optimal training mode for linear array endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has not been established. Prior radial-scanning EUS training seems to improve subsequent linear array EUS learning. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate its value in linear array EUS training. Methods: In total, 18 freshman trainees conducted hands-on EUS operations on a live pig model. The training contents consisted of visualization and tracking of the pancreas and splanchnic vasculature and performing fine-needle aspiration of the body or tail of the pancreas and celiac plexus neurolysis through the stomach. The trainees were randomized into two groups: group A received linear array EUS training after receiving radial-scanning EUS training, whereas group B conducted linear array EUS training alone. Two teachers assessed the competence of each trainee using a scoring system and relevant parameters before and after the training process. Results: Groups A and B showed significant improvement between the pretests and posttests in terms of diagnostic and interventional procedures. There was no intergroup difference in terms of improvement. Conclusions: Prior radial-scanning EUS training did not contribute to subsequent linear array EUS study performance in the pig stomach model; thus, this training mode may need to be changed. (Gut Liver 2015;9:353-357)

Spatial strain variation of graphene films for stretchable electrodes

Xu, Ping,Kang, Junmo,Suhr, Jonghwan,Smith, Joseph P.,Booksh, Karl S.,Wei, Bingqing,Yu, Jianyong,Li, Faxue,Byun, Joon-Hyung,Oh, Youngseok,Chou, Tsu-Wei Elsevier 2015 Carbon Vol.93 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Graphene films fabricated by chemical vapor deposition are promising electrode materials for stretchable energy storage devices. The buckled four-layer graphene on a polydimethylsiloxane film substrate subject to various applied tensile strains has been characterized by atomic force microscopy and micro-Raman mapping. The small redshift of 2D band and the indiscernible D band demonstrated that the tensile strains of up to 40% only induced a strain variation of less than 0.2% and did not cause any observable damage in the graphene film. This study has confirmed that the graphene film in the buckled state is suitable for its application as a stretchable electrode.</P>

Impact of Co-transfection with Livin and Survivin shRNA Expression Vectors on Biological Behavior of HepG2 Cells

Xu, Wei,Chang, Hong,Qin, Cheng-Kun,Zhai, Yun-Peng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.9

Objective: To construct short hairpin RNA (shRNA) eukaryotic expression vectors targeting Livin and Survivin genes, and to explore the impact of co-transfection of Livin and Survivin shRNA expression vectors on the biological behavior of HepG2 cells. Methods: shRNA eukaryotic expression vectors pSD11-Livin and pSD11-Survivin were designed and constructed then transfected into HepG2 cells separately or in combination. mRNA and protein expression in transfected cells was assessed by quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay and cell apoptosis by TUNEL assay. Results: The Livin and Survivin shRNA eukaryotic expression vectors were successfully constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells. The relative mRNA expression levels of Livin and Survivin in HepG2 cells co-transfected with pSD11-Livin and pSD11-Survivin were $0.12{\pm}0.02$ and $0.33{\pm}0.13$, respectively, which was significantly lower than levels in cells transfected with either pSD11-Livin or pSD11-Survivin (P<0.05). The relative protein expression levels of Livin and Survivin in the co-transfected cells were also significantly decreased compared to single-transfection (P<0.05). The inhibition rate of cell growth in the co-transfection group was higher than that in the single-transfection groups at 48 h, 60 h, or 72 h after transfection (P<0.01). The apoptotic rate increased to the greatest extent in the co-transfection group relative to any other group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Co-transfection with pSD11-Livin and pSD11-Survivin was more efficient than transfection with either vector alone in reducing the mRNA and protein expression of Livin and Survivin genes in HepG2 cells. Co-transfection also inhibited the proliferation of transfected cells more than the other groups, and induced cellular apoptosis more effectively.

Combination of Probiotics and Salvia miltiorrhiza Polysaccharide Alleviates Hepatic Steatosis via Gut Microbiota Modulation and Insulin Resistance Improvement in High Fat-Induced NAFLD Mice

Wei Wang,Ai-Lei Xu,Zheng-Chao Li,Yi Li,Shun-Fu Xu,Hua-Chao Sang,Fachao Zhi 대한당뇨병학회 2020 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.44 No.2

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is currently the leading cause of obesity-related cancer deaths in middle-aged men. Methods: Probiotics with lipid-lowering function were screened from the fecal microbiota of healthy adults. Polysaccharide from different sources was screened for improving insulin resistance. The combination of probiotics and Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide (LBM) was investigated for alleviating hepatic steatosis. Results: First, Bifidobacterium bifidum V (BbV) and Lactobacillus plantarum X (LpX) were obtained from the fecal microbiota of healthy adults. Second, to improve insulin resistance, a Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge polysaccharide showing good performance in reducing insulin resistance was obtained. The liver total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) levels and the serum levels of free fatty acid, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, TG, and TC can be significantly reduced through supplementation with LpX-BbV (LB) in NAFLD mice. Interestingly, the function of the probiotic LB can be enhanced by S. miltiorrhiza Bunge polysaccharide. Furthermore, the gut microbiota was modulated by LpX-BbV+S. miltiorrhiza Bunge polysaccharide (LBM). The lipopolysaccharide concentration of the LBM group was decreased by 73.6% compared to the NAFLD group. Ultimately, the mRNA concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β [IL-1β], and IL-6) decreased with LB and LBM treatment. Conclusion: The results of this this study indicate that the LBM combination can be used as a therapeutic for ameliorating NAFLD via modulating the gut microbiota and improving insulin resistance.

Stochastic Revenue and Cost Model for Determining a BOT Concession Period under Multiple Project Constraints

Xu, Jiang-wei,Moon, Sungwoo American Society of Civil Engineers 2014 Journal of management in engineering Vol.30 No.3

The concession period is an important issue in the contractual arrangement of build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects, such as highways, bridges, and tunnels. In determining the concession period, it is predominantly the toll revenue and construction costs that affect how long the concessionaire needs to be in operation after the completion of the project. This paper presents a stochastic revenue and cost model to determine a concession period under multiple constraints in planning a BOT infrastructure project. In the study, the stochastic process is converted into an equivalent discrete form, and its parameters are estimated using historical data. Based on the process, a principle-agent problem is addressed as a solution to the conflict between the owner and the concessionaire. This methodology incorporates these stakeholders' interests in terms of (1)incentive constraints, and (2)participation constraints. In a case study, a numerical simulation is carried out to assess the risk of toll revenue and construction costs when applied in practice and to demonstrate the applicability of the stochastic revenue and cost model.

Influence of Different Inlet Conditions on Micromixer

Wei Xu,Xiuhua He,Lingfeng Gao,Tian Xia,Zhengying Yu 한국유체기계학회 2018 International journal of fluid machinery and syste Vol.11 No.2

This paper presents the influence of different inlet conditions on the performance of micromixer. On the purpose of obtaining the internal flow fields and mixing characteristics, there are 28 micromixers with different structural parameters have been studied by numerical simulations. The influence of different inlet conditions on the mixing performance of micromixers with periodic triangle baffles and rectangle baffles was examined by experiments. The results of experiment and numerical simulation were completely discussed and analyzed. The consistency between results of experiment and numerical simulation proves the reliability of research method and the accuracy of numerical simulation. It also indicates that different numbers of inlets have significant effects on the mixing performance of micromixers. The optimum inclination angles of inlets for each kind of micromixer were obtained under different conditions. For optimizing or designing passive micromixers, it is an effective way to improve the performance of micromixers by increasing the number of inlets or changing the angle of the inlets.

Transformation and Mutagenesis of the Nematode-trapping Fungus Monacrosporium sphaeroides by Restriction Enzyme-mediated Integration (REMI)

Xu Jin,Mo Ming-He,Zhou Wei,Huang Xiao-Wei,Zhang Ke-Qin The Microbiological Society of Korea 2005 The journal of microbiology Vol.43 No.5

In this study, the nematode-trapping fungus, Monacrosporium sphaeroides, was transformed with a plasmid harboring the hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene, via restriction enzyme-mediated integration (REMI). Frequencies of up to 94 transformants ${\mu}g^{-1}$ per linearized plasmid DNA were obtained by optimizing the PEG concentration, as well as the category and quantity of the added restriction enzyme. $90\%$ of the transformants were determined to be stable for drug resistance when 20 randomly selected transformants were tested. Southern analyses revealed that the transforming DNA was integrated into the M. sphaeroides genome either with or without rearrangement. Five mitotic stable mutant strains were obtained using this approach, all of which had been altered with regard to sporulation capacity and pathogenicity toward nematodes. Southern blot analyses of the five mutants revealed that foreign plasmid DNA had integrated into the genome. Three of the mutants, Tms2316, Tms3583 and Tms1536, exhibited integration at a single location, whereas the remaining two, Tms32 and Tms1913, manifested integration at double or multiple locations. Our results suggest that the transformation of M. sphaeroides via REMI will facilitate insertional mutagenesis, the functional analysis of a variety of genes, and the tagging or cloning of genes of interest.