Enhancement of Virus-induced Gene Silencing in Tomato by Low Temperature and Low Humidity

Da-Qi Fu,Ben-Zhong Zhu,Hong-Liang Zhu,Hong-Xing Zhang,Yuan-Hong Xie,Wei-Bo Jiang,Xiao-Dan Zhao,Yun-Bo Luo 한국분자세포생물학회 2006 Molecules and cells Vol.21 No.1

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an attractive reverse-genetics tool for studying gene function in plants. We showed that silencing of a phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene is maintained throughout TRV-PDSinoculated tomato plants as well as in their flowers and fruit and is enhanced by low temperature (15°C) and low humidity (30%). RT-PCR analysis of the PDS gene revealed a dramatic reduction in the level of PDS mRNA in leaves, flowers and fruits. Silencing of PDS results in the accumulation of phytoene, the desaturase substrate. In addition, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll in the leaves of PDS-silenced plants was reduced by more than 90%. We also silenced the LeEIN2 gene by infecting seedlings, and this suppressed fruit ripenning. We conclude that this VIGS approach should facilitate large-scale functional analysis of genes involved in the development and ripening of tomato.

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers and genetic diversity in the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis using paired-end Illumina shotgun sequencing

Xuelin Zhao,Huitong Shi,Hong Yu,Qi Li 한국유전학회 2015 Genes & Genomics Vol.37 No.7

We isolated and characterized a total of 41 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Crassostrea hongkongensis, an oyster restricted to southern China. Loci were screened in 30 wild individuals from southern coastal region in China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 18, observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000–0.867 to 0.066–0.926, respectively. To study the genetic diversity and population structure of this species form 3 locations, such as Xiamen, Zhuhai and Qinzhou, 12 loci were chosen from the 41 loci. The three sample sets displayed different diversity levels and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.867. Significant genotype heterogeneity (P\0.001) over most loci indicated that the samples are not drawn from the same gene pool. The pairwise FST values between XM and ZH, and QZ and ZH indicate that there were significant deviations in genetic differentiations for the Hongkong oyster populations from these locations. These new microsatellite loci will facilitate future studies of population structure and investigation of conservation genetics in this species.

Clinical Profles and Short-Term Outcomes of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in Adult Chinese Patients

Hong-Qi Yang,Wen-Cong Zhao,Wei-Min Yang,Yong-Li Li,Zhi-Kun Sun,Shuai Chen,Wei Li,Jian-Jun Ma 대한신경과학회 2016 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.12 No.3

Background and PurposezzAcute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an infammatory demyelinating disorder that predominantly afects children. Previous studies have mostly involved children in Western developed countries. MethodszzTis study retrospectively reviewed the clinical profles of ADEM in adult Chinese patients. ResultszzADEM occurred during summer and autumn in about two-thirds of the 42 included patients. Prior infection was found in fve patients and no preimmunization was recorded. Te most frequent clinical presentations were alterations in consciousness (79%) and behavior changes (69%), followed by motor defcits (64%) and fever (50%). About one-quarter (26%) of the patients showed positive results for oligoclonal bands, and about half of them exhibited increases in the IgG index and 24-hour IgG synthesis rate. Magnetic resonance imaging showed white- and gray-matter lesions in 83% and 23% of the patients, respectively. Steroids were the main treatment, and full recovery occurred in 62% of the patients, with residual focal neurological defcits recorded in a few patients. Afer a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years, two patients exhibited recurrence and one patient exhibited a multiphasic course. One patient was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). ConclusionszzWith the exception of the seasonal distribution pattern and prior vaccine rate, the clinical profles of ADEM in adult Chinese patients are similar to those in pediatric populations. No specifc markers are available for distinguishing ADEM from MS at the initial presentation. Careful clinical evaluations, cerebrospinal fuid measurements, and neuroradiological examinations with long-term follow-up will aid the correct diagnosis of ADEM.

Metabolic Pathways-based Two-step Selective Cluster Analysis: a New Method for Identification of Different Phenotypes of Breast Cancer

Zhao-qi Wang,Ping Chen,Hong Xia,Ping Zhou 보안공학연구지원센터 2013 International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Techn Vol.5 No.2

Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Pulmonary Valve Stenosis in A Patient with 18p Deletion Syndrome

Chun-Hong Xie,Jian-Bin Yang,Fang-Qi Gong,Zheng-Yan Zhao 연세대학교의과대학 2008 Yonsei medical journal Vol.49 No.3

We report on a patient with a partial deletion on the short arm of chromosome 18 (del 18p), who presented with dysmorphic features and delayed developmental milestones as well as with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonary valve stenosis (PS). Several forms of congenital heart disease (CHD) are found in about 10% of patients with del (18p), but coexisting PDA and PS have not been reported. Del (18p) must be considered in patients with characteristic phenotypic abnormalities and congenital heart disease, including a combination of PDA and PS.

Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, Blood Metabolites, and Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Wang Qi,Dai Huajie,Hou Tianzhichao,Hou Yanan,Wang Tiange,Lin Hong,Zhao Zhiyun,Li Mian,Zheng Ruizhi,Wang Shuangyuan,Lu Jieli,Xu Yu,Liu Ruixin,Ning Guang,Wang Weiqing,Bi Yufang,Zheng Jie,Xu Min 대한뇌졸중학회 2023 Journal of stroke Vol.25 No.3

Background and Purpose We investigated the causal relationships between the gut microbiota (GM), stroke, and potential metabolite mediators using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods We leveraged the summary statistics of GM (n=18,340 in the MiBioGen consortium), blood metabolites (n=115,078 in the UK Biobank), and stroke (cases n=60,176 and controls n=1,310,725 in the Global Biobank Meta-Analysis Initiative) from the largest genome-wide association studies to date. We performed bidirectional MR analyses to explore the causal relationships between the GM and stroke, and two mediation analyses, two-step MR and multivariable MR, to discover potential mediating metabolites. Results Ten taxa were causally associated with stroke, and stroke led to changes in 27 taxa. In the two-step MR, <i>Bifidobacteriales</i> order, <i>Bifidobacteriaceae</i> family, <i>Desulfovibrio</i> genus, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), phospholipids in high-density lipoprotein (HDL_PL), and the ratio of apolipoprotein B to ApoA1 (ApoB/ApoA1) were causally associated with stroke (all <i>P</i><0.044). The causal associations between <i>Bifidobacteriales</i> order, <i>Bifidobacteriaceae</i> family and stroke were validated using the weighted median method in an independent cohort. The three GM taxa were all positively associated with ApoA1 and HDL_PL, whereas <i>Desulfovibrio</i> genus was negatively associated with ApoB/ApoA1 (all <i>P</i><0.010). Additionally, the causal associations between the three GM taxa and ApoA1 remained significant after correcting for the false discovery rate (all q-values <0.027). Multivariable MR showed that the associations between <i>Bifidobacteriales</i> order, <i>Bifidobacteriaceae</i> family and stroke were mediated by ApoA1 and HDL_PL, each accounting for 6.5% (<i>P</i>=0.028) and 4.6% (<i>P</i>=0.033); the association between <i>Desulfovibrio</i> genus and stroke was mediated by ApoA1, HDL_PL, and ApoB/ApoA1, with mediated proportions of 7.6% (<i>P</i>=0.019), 4.2% (<i>P</i>=0.035), and 9.1% (<i>P</i>=0.013), respectively. Conclusion The current MR study provides evidence supporting the causal relationships between several specific GM taxa and stroke and potential mediating metabolites.

Effects of enzymolysis and fermentation of Chinese herbal medicines on serum component, egg production, and hormone receptor expression in laying hens

Mei Hong Jiang,Tao Zhang,Qing Ming Wang,Jin Shan Ge,Lu Lu Sun,Meng Qi Li,Qi Yuan Miao,Yuan Zhao Zhu Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2024 Animal Bioscience Vol.37 No.1

Objective: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of enzymolysis fermentation of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) on egg production performance, egg quality, lipid metabolism, serum reproductive hormone levels, and the mRNA expression of the ovarian hormone receptor of laying hens in the late-laying stage. Methods: A total of 360 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (age, 390 days) were randomly categorized into four groups. Hens in the control (C) group were fed a basic diet devoid of CHMs, the crushed CHM (CT), fermented CHM (FC), and enzymatically fermented CHM (EFT) groups received diets containing 2% crushed CHM, 2% fermented CHM, and 2% enzymatically fermented CHM, respectively. Results: Compared with crushed CHM, the acid detergent fiber, total flavonoids, and total saponins contents of fermented CHM showed improvement (p<0.05); furthermore, the neutral and acid detergent fiber, total flavonoids, and total saponins contents of enzymatically fermented CHM improved (p<0.05). At 5 to 8 weeks, hens in the FC and EFT groups showed increased laying rates, haugh unit, albumin height, yolk color, shell thickness, and shell strength compared with those in the C group (p<0.05). Compared with the FC group, the laying rate, albumin height, and Shell thickness in the EFT group was increased (p<0.05). Compared with the C, CT, and FC groups, the EFT group showed reduced serum total cholesterol and increased serum luteinizing hormone levels and mRNA expressions of follicle stimulating hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone receptor (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results indicated that the ETF group improved the laying rate and egg quality and regulated the lipid metabolism in aged hens. The mechanism underlying this effect was likely related to cell wall degradation of CHM and increased serum levels of luteinizing hormone and mRNA expression of the ovarian hormone receptor.

Sr-doping enhanced electrical transport and thermionic emission of single crystal 12CaO·7Al2O3 electride

Xin Zhang,Qi Feng,Jiping Zhao,Hong-liang Liu,Jichao Li,Yixin Xiao,Fan Li,Qingmei Lu 한국물리학회 2020 Current Applied Physics Vol.20 No.1

Sr-doped single crystals (C1-xSx)12A7:e− (x=0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) were successfully fabricated by floating zone method. It is found that Sr-doping decreases the reduction time from 30 h to 20 h. The maximum emission current of (C1-xSx)12A7:e− is greatly improved by 50% than that of the un-doped. The DFT calculations show Srdoping in C12A7 contributed to the free O2− in the cages spread out, leading to a short reduction time; increase the “window” between two adjacent cages that is conducive to the electrons in cages to escape. And the work function of the (C1-xSx)12A7:e− is lower than that of C12A7:e−.

Effect of Paclitaxel-loaded Nanoparticles on the Viability of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

Hou, Zhi-Hong,Zhao, Wen-Cui,Zhang, Qi,Zheng, Wei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.5

Objective: To explore effects of paclitaxel-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) particles on the viability of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. Materials and Methods: The viability of HepG2 cells was assessed using MTT under different concentrations of prepared paclitaxel-loaded particles and paclitaxel (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L), and apoptosis was analyzed using Hochest33342/Annexin V-FITC/PI combined with an IN Cell Analyzer 2000. Results: Paxlitaxel-loaded nanoparticles were characterized by narrow particle size distribution (158.6 nm average particle size). The survival rate of HepG2 cells exposed to paclitaxel-loaded PLGA particles decreased with the increase of concentration and time period (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the dose- and time-dependence indicating sustained release (P<0.05). Moreover, apoptosis of HepG2 cells was induced, again with an obvious dose- and time-effect relationship (P<0.05). Conclusions: Paclitaxel-loaded PLGA particles can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of HCC HepG2 cells. This new-type of paclitaxel carrier body is easily made and has low cost, good nanoparticle characterization and sustained release. Hence, paclitaxel-loaded PLGA particles deserve to be widely popularized in the clinic.

Trans-Membrane Transport of n-Octadecane by Pseudomonas sp. DG17

Fei Hua,Hong Qi Wang,Yi Li,Yi Cun Zhao 한국미생물학회 2013 The journal of microbiology Vol.51 No.6

The trans-membrane transport of hydrocarbons is an important and complex aspect of the process of biodegradation of hydrocarbons by microorganisms. The mechanism of transport of 14C n-octadecane by Pseudomonas sp. DG17,an alkane-degrading bacterium, was studied by the addition of ATP inhibitors and different substrate concentrations. When the concentration of n-octadecane was higher than 4.54 μmol/L, the transport of 14C n-octadecane was driven by a facilitated passive mechanism following the intra/extra substrate concentration gradient. However, when the cells were grown with a low concentration of the substrate, the cellular accumulation of n-octadecane, an energy-dependent process, was dramatically decreased by the presence of ATP inhibitors, and n-octadecane accumulation continually increased against its concentration gradient. Furthermore, the presence of non-labeled alkanes blocked 14C n-octadecane transport only in the induced cells, and the trans-membrane transport of n-octadecane was specific with an apparent dissociation constant Kt of 11.27 μmol/L and Vmax of 0.96μmol/min/mg protein. The results indicated that the transmembrane transport of n-octadecane by Pseudomonas sp. DG17 was related to the substrate concentration and ATP.