Clinical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences : Construction and Characterization of an Enhanced GFP-Tagged TIM-1 Fusion Protein

( Ji Lin Qing ),( Hai Bing Xiao ),( Lin Zhao ),( Gui Fang Qin ),( Li Hua Hu ),( Zhi Zhong Chen ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.4

TIM-1 (also known as KIM-1 and HAVcr-1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein member of the TIM family that may play important roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. The overexpression of proteins associated with membrane proteins is a major obstacle to overcome in studies of membrane protein structures and functions. In this study, we successfully coupled the overexpression of the TIM-1 protein with a C-terminal enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag in Escherichia coli. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe the overexpression of human TIM-1 in E. coli. The purified TIM-1-EGFP fusion protein recognized and bound directly to apoptotic cells and did not to bind to viable cells. Furthermore, we confirmed that the interactions of TIM-1-EGFP with apoptotic cells were blocked by TIM-1-Fc fusion proteins. This fusion protein represents a readily obtainable source of biologically active TIM-1 that may prove useful in future studies of human TIM-1.

Neutrophil Count and the Inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Score Predict Survival in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer Receiving First-line Chemotherapy

Li, Qing-Qing,Lu, Zhi-Hao,Yang, Li,Lu, Ming,Zhang, Xiao-Tian,Li, Jian,Zhou, Jun,Wang, Xi-Cheng,Gong, Ji-Fang,Gao, Jing,Li, Jie,Li, Yan,Shen, Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

Purpose: To explore the value of systemic inflammatory markers as independent prognostic factors and the extent these markers improve prognostic classification for patients with inoperable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) receiving palliative chemotherapy. Methods: We studied the prognostic value of systemic inflammatory factors such as circulating white blood cell count and its components as well as that combined to form inflammation-based prognostic scores (Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Prognostic Index (PI) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI)) in 384 patients with inoperable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) receiving first-line chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the impact of inflammatory markers on overall survival (OS). Results: Univariate analysis revealed that an elevated white blood cell, neutrophil and/or platelet count, a decreased lymphocyte count, a low serum albumin concentration, and high CRP concentration, as well as elevated NLR/PLR, GPS, PI, PNI were significant predictors of shorter OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only elevated neutrophil count (HR 3.696, p=0.003) and higher GPS (HR 1.621, p=0.01) were independent predictors of poor OS. Conclusion: This study demonstrated elevated pretreatment neutrophil count and high GPS to be independent predictors of shorter OS in inoperable advanced or metastatic GC patients treated with first-line chemotherapy. Upon validation of these data in independent studies, stratification of patients using these markers in future clinical trials is recommended.

Safety of Brucea javanica and Cantharidin Combined with Chemotherapy for Treatment of NSCLC Patients

Ji, Zhu-Qing,Huang, Xin-En,Wu, Xue-Yan,Liu, Jin,Wang, Lin,Tang, Jin-Hai Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Objective: To assess the safety of Brucea javanica and Cantharidin combined with chemotherapy in treating patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Method: A consecutive cohort of patients with NSCLC were divided into four groups: experimental group A treated with Brucea javanica injection combined with chemotherapy; experimental group B with Cantharidin injection combined with chemotherapy; experimental group C treated with Brucea javanica and Cantharidin injection combined with chemotherapy; and the control group receiving only chemotherapy. After more than two courses of treatment, safety, quality of life and side effects were evaluated. Results: The incidences of myelosuppression in groups A, B and C were lower than that in Control group (p<0.05), but without significant differences among A, B and C. Adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract also were lower than in controls (p<0.05) without variation amnog the combined treatment groups. Conclusions: Brucea javanica or Cantharidin combined with chemotherapy could in both cases improve quality of life in our cohort of NSCLC patients without any increase in toxicity. However, further clinical experiments should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Brucea javanica and Cantharidin combined with chemotherapy for patients with NSCLC.

Combined Application Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Biochar on the Rhizosphere Fungal Community of Allium fistulosum L.

Ji Chunxiang,Li Yingyue,Xiao Qingchen,Li Zishan,Wang Boyan,Geng Xiaowan,Lin Keqing,Zhang Qing,Jin Yuan,Zhai Yuqian,Li Xiaoyu,Chen Jin 한국미생물·생명공학회 2023 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.33 No.8

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widespread soil endophytic fungi, forming mutualistic relationships with the vast majority of land plants. Biochar (BC) has been reported to improve soil fertility and promote plant growth. However, limited studies are available concerning the combined effects of AMF and BC on soil community structure and plant growth. In this work, a pot experiment was designed to investigate the effects of AMF and BC on the rhizosphere microbial community of Allium fistulosum L. Using Illumina high-throughput sequencing, we showed that inoculation of AMF and BC had a significant impact on soil microbial community composition, diversity, and versatility. Increases were observed in both plant growth (the plant height by 8.6%, shoot fresh weight by 12.1%) and root morphological traits (average diameter by 20.5%). The phylogenetic tree also showed differences in the fungal community composition in A. fistulosum. In addition, Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed that 16 biomarkers were detected in the control (CK) and AMF treatment, while only 3 were detected in the AMF + BC treatment. Molecular ecological network analysis showed that the AMF + BC treatment group had a more complex network of fungal communities, as evidenced by higher average connectivity. The functional composition spectrum showed significant differences in the functional distribution of soil microbial communities among different fungal genera. The structural equation model (SEM) confirmed that AMF could improve the microbial multifunctionality by regulating the rhizosphere fungal diversity and soil properties. Our findings provide new information on the effects of AMF and biochar on plants and soil microbial communities.

Safety and Efficacy of a Mouth-Rinse with Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis

Wang, Lin,Huang, Xin-En,Ji, Zhu-Qing,Liu, Meng-Yan,Qian, Ting,Li, Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.1

Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of a mouth-rinse with G-CSF (JiSaiXin, produced by NCPC Biotechnology Co., Ltd) in treating patients with chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (CIM). Method: A consecutive cohort of patients with advanced cancers and CIM were treated with mouth-rinse G-CSF. All chemotherapy for patients with advanced cancers was adopted from regimens suggested by NCCN guidelines. The mouth-rinse with G-CSF at a dose of 150-300ug plus 100ml-500ml normal saline was started from the time of oral mucositis was confirmed and continuously used for at least 7 days as one course. After at least two courses of treatment, safety and efficacy were evaluated. Results: There were 7 female and 7 male patients with advanced cancer and CIM recruited into this study, including 5 with colorectal, 2 with lung, 1 patient with gastric, 1 with cervical and 1 with pancreatic cancer, as well as 2 patients with diffuse large B cell lymphomas, 1 with nasopharyngeal and 1 with gastric cancer. The median age was 57 (41-79) years. Grade 1 to 2 myelosuppression was observed in 3/14 patients, and Grade 4 myelosuppression in 1/14. Adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract were documented in 5/14 patients, and were Grade 1 to Grade 3. No treatment related death was documented. Regarding CIM, the median response time to mouth rinse of G-CSF was 2 (1-5) days, and all patients with CIM demonstrated a positive response. Conclusions: Mouth-rinse with G-CSF proved to be safe and effective in treating patients with advanced cancers and CIM. However, further randomized controlled studies should be conducted to clarify the effectiveness of this treatment with other lesions.

Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Characterization of a Microporous 3D Pillared-Layer 3d-4f Copper-Holmium Heterometallic Coordination Polymer

Fan, Le-Qing,Wu, Ji-Huai,Huang, Yun-Fang,Lin, Jian-Ming,Wei, Yue-Lin Korean Chemical Society 2014 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.35 No.6

A Wireless Sensor Network Clustering Algorithm based on Hypergraph

Xu Qian,Hu Ji-cheng,Lin Hai,Kong Ruo-shan,Luo Yong-en,Zhu Li,Mao Hua-qing 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Future Generation Communi Vol.9 No.6

The paper proposes a clustering algorithm for wireless sensor network based on hypergraph. Under the hypergraph model, a wireless sensor network is mapped to a hypergraph. Then a hierarchical iterative clustering algorithm is applied to the hypergraph, thus dividing the hypergraph into multiple parts. A cluster head is selected from each part. In order to improve the partitioning process, a new modularity function is proposed. Compared with the classic clustering algorithm LEACH, simulation shows that our algorithm performs better in energy consuming and network lifetime.

Safety of Lienal Polypeptide Injection Combined with Chemotherapy in Treating Patients with Advanced Cancer

Huang, Xin-En,Wang, Lin,Ji, Zhu-Qing,Liu, Meng-Yan,Qian, Ting,Li, Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.17

Objective: To assess the safety of Liena polypeptide injection (produced by JILIN FSENS PHARMACEUTICAL CO.,LTD) combined with chemotherapy in treating patients with advanced cancers. Method: A consecutive cohort of patients with advanced cancers were treated with Liena polypeptide injection combined with chemotherapy. And chemotherapy for patients with advanced cancers were adopted from regimens suggested by NCCN guideline. Liena polypeptide injection was intravenously injected at a dosage of 2ml plus 100ml normal saline for continuous 7 days during chemotherapy as one course. After at least two courses of treatment, safety and side effects were evaluated. Results: There were 20 female and 14 male patients with advanced cancer recruited into this study, including 10 patients with breast, 8 patients with colorectal, 8 patients with lung, 4 patients with gastric, and 1 patient with esophageal cancer, as well as 1 patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 1 patient with low pharyngeal and 1 patient with urethral cancer. The median age of patients was 59 (40-82) years. Incidences of Grade 1 to 2 myelosuppression was observed in 5/34 patients, and Grade 1 to 2 elevation of hepatic enzyme was recorded in 3/34 patients. Adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract were documented in 5/34 patients, and were Grade 1. No Grade 3-4 toxicities were diagnosed. No treatment related death was found. Conclusions: Liena polypeptide injection combined with chemotherapy was safe in treating several sites of tumors, that mainly included lung, colorectal and breast cancer. However, further study should be conducted to clarify the effectiveness of this treatment.

Involvement of Yellow-y in the cuticle pigmentation of the larvae, pupae and adults in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata

Wang Pei,Ze Long-Ji,Jin Lin,Li Guo-Qing 한국응용곤충학회 2022 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.25 No.1

Yellow-y (Y-y) contributes to the accumulation of melanins in insect cuticle. However, the underlining mecha nism requires further investigation. Two classical hypotheses have been proposed: Y-y acts as a dopachrome conversion enzyme (DCE) to accelerate biosynthesis of melanins; alternatively, Y-y serves as a cuticular anchor for pigments. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is a serious defoliator attacking Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae plants. The beetle shows a species-specific pigmentation pattern: stage-dependent dark patches are distributed on pale-yellow background. Here we noted that RNA interference (RNAi)-aided knockdown of Hvyellow-y at the newly-ecdysed second- and third-instar larval, and 1-day-old prepupal stages changed coloration in both dark patches and pale-yellow background. Black pigmentation was lightened in the Hvy-y hypomorphs, including various body portions such as larval heads, antennae, mouthparts, scoli, strumae, legs and exuviae, pupal and adult thoraces and abdomens, and adult elytra and hindwings. Moreover, the coloration background was yel lowed in the RNAi beetles. Specifically, more yellow pigments were observed to deposit around the black dorsal markings in the hypomorphic pupal metathorax. Furthermore, the boundaries between black patches and yellow background were distinct in the resultant ladybirds. Similarly, the margins around bristle follicles and droplet spots were not fuzzy within the RNAi pupal black patches. In summary, even though Y-y facilitates the pigmentation in H. vigintioctopunctata exocuticle, our data did not support the pigment anchor hypothesis.

XPD Lys751Gln and Asp312Asn Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Skin Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 17 Case-control Studies

Zhu, Hai-Li,Bao, Ji-Ming,Lin, Pei-Xin,Li, Wen-Xia,Zou, Zhen-Ning,Huang, Ye-En,Chen, Qing,Shen, Hong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.16

Background: Numerous studies have explored the influence of XPD Lys751Gln and/or Asp312Asn polymorphisms on skin cancer susceptibility. However, the results remain inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, we conducted a comprehensive search to identify all available published studies and performed a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Electronic literature searches of the PubMed, CBM and CNKI databases were performed up to March 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess the strength of associations. Results: Seventeen case-control studies were included with a total sample size of 6, 113 cases and 11, 074 controls for the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism, and 10 studies (3, 840cases and 7, 637 controls) for the XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism were pooled for analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism and skin cancer risk in any genetic model. On stratified analysis by tumor type, XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism was not associated with increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, but was significantly related with increased risk of cutaneous melanoma (Gln/Gln vs Lys/Lys: OR=1.15, 95%CI=1.02-1.29, p=0.023; dominant model: OR=1.09, 95%CI=1.01-1.18, p=0.036). For the XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism, no significant association with skin cancer risk was observed in overall or subgroup analyses. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism may contribute to the risk of cutaneous melanoma from currently available evidence. Further investigations are needed to obtain more insight into possible roles of these two polymorphisms in skin carcinogenesis.