Meta-analysis of Gene Expression Data Identifies Causal Genes for Prostate Cancer

Wang, Xiang-Yang,Hao, Jian-Wei,Zhou, Rui-Jin,Zhang, Xiang-Sheng,Yan, Tian-Zhong,Ding, De-Gang,Shan, Lei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.1

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death in male populations across the globe. With the advent of gene expression arrays, many microarray studies have been conducted in prostate cancer, but the results have varied across different studies. To better understand the genetic and biologic mechanisms of prostate cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis of two studies on prostate cancer. Eight key genes were identified to be differentially expressed with progression. After gene co-expression analysis based on data from the GEO database, we obtained a co-expressed gene list which included 725 genes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these genes are involved in actin filament-based processes, locomotion and cell morphogenesis. Further analysis of the gene list should provide important clues for developing new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

High-Performance Self-Expanding NiTi Stents Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Xiang Li,Shijie Hao,Baopeng Du,Bo Feng,Haohang Li,Ping Qiu,Bingmin Huang,Lishan Cui,Ying Yang 대한금속·재료학회 2023 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.29 No.5

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a promising technology for the manufacturing of customized medical implants, due tothe intrinsic potential in the fabrication of components with complex geometries. However, for the LPBF-produced vascularimplants, the dimensional accuracy, forming quality and surface finish are still unable to satisfy the medical requirements. This work provides a systematic study on dimensional accuracy control, relative density, surface polishing, shape memoryfunction, superelasticity property and deployment capability of LPBF-produced self-expanding NiTi stents, aiming at promotingtheir application in the biomedical field. The dimensional deviation of stent struts between designed prototype andas-melted products is reduced to 3% by applying laser beam compensation (LBC) strategy. Meanwhile, the study reveals thatthe LBC parameters have strong influence on the relative density of NiTi stents. 99.89% of relative density is achieved forLPBF-produced NiTi stent as the LBC value is optimized to 120 μm. The incompletely melted powders, balling and rippingstructures on the surface of NiTi stents are observed to exhibit different removal processes during electrochemical polishing. The surface roughness (Ra) of NiTi stent is decreased from 7.17 μm for as-melted stent to 0.34 μm for as-polished one. Basedon high relative density and surface quality, the stents exhibit excellent shape memory function and superelasticity propertyin the process of cyclic deformation. Finally, the deployment capability of the stents is assessed. The results confirm thatLPBF-produced NiTi stents can be successfully crimped and released during the deployment process.

MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Asians, a Meta-analysis of 21 Studies

Yang, Zhen,Zhang, Xie-Fu,Liu, Hong-Xiang,Hao, Yong-Shun,Zhao, Chun-Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Background: Previous studies concerning the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in Asian populations generated conflicting results. A meta-analysis was therefore performed to allow a more reliable estimate of any link. Methods: Relevant studies concerning the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risk of colorectal cancer were included into this meta-analysis. The quality of the studies was assessed according to a predefined scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for this gene-disease association using fixed or random effect models according to the heterogeneity between included studies. Results: Finally, 21 studies with a total of 6692 cases and 8266 controls were included. Meta-analyses showed that there was an obvious association of the MTHFR 677T allele with decreased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 0.91, 95%CI=0.85-0.98, P=0.011). Subgroup analyses by country further identified this association, with dietary folate as the main source of heterogeneity. Conclusion: The MTHFR 677T allele is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer in Asian populations, and there is effect modification by population plasma folate.

Enhanced Cellulolytic Enzyme Production by the Synergism between Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 and Aspergillus niger NL02 and by the Addition of Surfactants

Hao Fang,Chen Zhao,Xiang-Yang Song,Mu Chen,Zheng Chang,Jie Chu 한국생물공학회 2013 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.18 No.2

Two improvement approaches comprising of a mixed culture of Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger and the addition of surfactants were employed in this study in order to enhance cellulolytic enzyme production as well as to improve the composition. Different delay times of A. niger inoculation (0, 24, and 48 h) and inoculum ratios of T. reesei versus A. niger (1:1 and 5:1) derived six mixed culture forms, which were 0 h/1:1, 0 h/5:1, 24 h/1:1, 24 h/5:1,48 h/1:1, and 48 h/5:1. It was found that the form 48 h/5:1allowed the highest FPA, 3.30 ± 0.34 IU/mL, and a relatively high BGA, 1.01 ± 0.25 IU/mL, thereafter being selected for the subsequent improvement step addition of surfactants. Among the three surfactants, including Triton X-100, CHAPS and sodium taurocholate, the third one was found to be the best one giving rise to the highest FPA and BGA, 5.02 ± 0.40 and 1.48 ± 0.28 IU/mL, respectively. Differently sourced cellulases were compared in the enzymatic hydrolysis of steam-exploded corn stover (SECS). Moreover, the cellulase produced by the mixed culture form 48 h/5:1 using SECS as a substrate showed the highest yield at 80.93 ± 2.04%, indicating that the composition of this cellulase was improved by the mixed culture of T. reesei and A. niger. The results validate that these two improvement approaches are efficient and applicable in cellulase production.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of long noncoding RNAs in longissimus muscle tissue from Kazakh cattle and Xinjiang brown cattle

Yan, Xiang-Min,Zhang, Zhe,Liu, Jian-Bo,Li, Na,Yang, Guang-Wei,Luo, Dan,Zhang, Yang,Yuan, Bao,Jiang, Hao,Zhang, Jia-Bao Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.11

Objective: In recent years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in many species, and some of them have been shown to play important roles in muscle development and myogenesis. However, the differences in lncRNAs between Kazakh cattle and Xinjiang brown cattle remain undefined; therefore, we aimed to confirm whether lncRNAs are differentially expressed in the longissimus dorsi between these two types of cattle and whether differentially expressed lncRNAs regulate muscle differentiation. Methods: We used RNA-seq technology to identify lncRNAs in longissimus muscles from these cattle. The expression of lncRNAs were analyzed using StringTie (1.3.1) in terms of the fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads values of the encoding genes. The differential expression of the transcripts in the two samples were analyzed using the DESeq R software package. The resulting false discovery rate was controlled by the Benjamini and Hochberg's approach. KOBAS software was utilized to measure the expression of different genes in Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways. We randomly selected eight lncRNA genes and validated them by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: We found that 182 lncRNA transcripts, including 102 upregulated and 80 downregulated transcripts, were differentially expressed between Kazakh cattle and Xinjiang brown cattle. The results of RT-qPCR were consistent with the sequencing results. Enrichment analysis and functional annotation of the target genes revealed that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase, Ras, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3k)/Akt signaling pathways. We also constructed a lncRNA/mRNA coexpression network for the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our study provides insights into cattle muscle-associated lncRNAs and will contribute to a more thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying muscle growth and development in cattle.

Enhancing Performances of Polyamide 66 Short Fiber/Natural Rubber Composites via In Situ Vulcanization Reaction

Zhi Hao,Junqi Shen,Xiang Sheng,Zong Shen,Le Yang,Xuefeng Lu,Zhu Luo,Qiang Zheng 한국섬유공학회 2020 Fibers and polymers Vol.21 No.2

This paper details a new method for improving the interfacial bonding between PA66 short fiber (PSF) and natural rubber (NR) by reaction of the methacrylic acid (MAA)-grafting-modified PSF with rubber during vulcanization. Carboncarbon double bonds introduced to the SF surface by MAA grafting were opened, and a vulcanization reaction occurred between the modified PSF and rubber in the presence of sulfur. The chemical reactions were verified by FTIR and XPS. The processing rheological behaviors of the compounded composites were investigated by a rubber processing analyzer (RPA). The morphology of modified PSF was characterized by AFM and SEM. The improved interfacial bonding was confirmed by DMA, which enhanced deformational stress at definite elongation of the NR/PSF composites. The volume concentration of the MAA solution for grafting on the SF surface had a great influence on the interfacial bonding and mechanical properties of the composites; when the volume concentration was 30 %, the modified PSF-reinforced NR/CB had the best interfacial bonding and mechanical properties.

China Consensus Document on Allergy Diagnostics

Chen Hao,Li Jing,Cheng Lei,Gao Zhongshan,Lin Xiaoping,Zhu Rongfei,Yang Lin,Tao Ailin,Hong Haiyu,Tang Wei,Guo Yinshi,Huang Huaiqiu,Sun Jinlyu,Lai He,Lei Cheng,Liu Guanghui,Xiang Li,Chen Zhuanggui,Ma Ha 대한천식알레르기학회 2021 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.13 No.2

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically in recent years in China, affecting the quality of life in 40% of the population. The identification of allergens is the key to the diagnosis of allergic diseases. Presently, several methods of allergy diagnostics are available in China, but they have not been standardized. Additionally, cross-sensitization and co-sensitization make allergy diagnostics even more complicated. Based on 4 aspects of allergic disease (mechanism, diagnosis procedures, allergen detection in vivo and in vitro as well as the distribution map of the most important airborne allergens in China) and by referring to the consensus of the European Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the World Allergy Organization, and the important literature on allergy diagnostics in China in recent years, we drafted this consensus of allergy diagnostics with Chinese characteristics. It aims to standardize the diagnostic methods of allergens and provides a reference for health care givers. The current document was prepared by a panel of experts from the main stream of professional allergy associations in China.

Research on PSA-MFAC for a novel bionic elbow joint system actuated by pneumatic artificial muscles

Hui Yang,Chaoqun Xiang,Lina Hao,Liangliang Zhao,Bangcan Xue 대한기계학회 2017 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.31 No.7

A 3-DOF bionic elbow joint actuated by Pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) was designed in this paper, and its inverse kinematics model was also established. Then, based on the Model-free adaptive control (MFAC) theory and the effects of control parameters to the control system, a Parameter self-adjust Model-free adaptive control (PSA-MFAC) strategy was proposed, and its adaptability for different control objects was also tested in simulation environment. Combined with the inverse kinematics model, motion control experiments of the bionic elbow joint were conducted in semi-physical platform. Compared with conventional MFAC and PID control algorithm, the experiment results strongly verified the improvement of PSA-MFAC control accuracy. The tracking accuracy of conventional MFAC and PID controller were 9.5 % and 15 %, respectively, in contrast, the PSA-MFAC controller was only 3.8 %. Moreover, complex dynamics modelling of the elbow joint and adjusting process of control parameters were neglected in PSA-MFAC control system.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate attenuates angiotensin II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts in vitro

Le Yang,Xiao-Jing Zou,Xiang Gao,Hao Chen,Jin-Long Luo,Zhao-Hua Wang,Qian-Sheng Liang,Guang-Tian Yang 생화학분자생물학회 2009 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.41 No.7

Cardiac fibrosis occurs after pathological stimuli to the cardiovascular system. One of the most important factors that contribute to cardiac fibrosis is angiotensin II (Ang II). Accumulating studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antioxidant action. We therefore examined whether STS depresses Ang II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, Ang II significantly enhanced collagen type I expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, Ang II depressed matrix metalloproteinase- 1 (MMP-1) expression and activity. These responses were attenuated by STS. Furthermore, STS depressed the intracellular generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase activity and subunit p47phox expression. In addition, N-acetylcysteine the ROS scavenger, depressed effects of Ang II in a manner similar to STS. In conclusion, the current studies demonstrate that anti-fibrotic effects of STS are mediated by interfering with the modulation of ROS. Cardiac fibrosis occurs after pathological stimuli to the cardiovascular system. One of the most important factors that contribute to cardiac fibrosis is angiotensin II (Ang II). Accumulating studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antioxidant action. We therefore examined whether STS depresses Ang II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, Ang II significantly enhanced collagen type I expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, Ang II depressed matrix metalloproteinase- 1 (MMP-1) expression and activity. These responses were attenuated by STS. Furthermore, STS depressed the intracellular generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase activity and subunit p47phox expression. In addition, N-acetylcysteine the ROS scavenger, depressed effects of Ang II in a manner similar to STS. In conclusion, the current studies demonstrate that anti-fibrotic effects of STS are mediated by interfering with the modulation of ROS.

IoT-base Generic Intelligent Wireless Sensing Platform for Real-time Data Collection and Distribution Data Analysis

( Yu-cheng Yang ),( Kai-sheng Tseng ),( Xiang-yu Huang ),( Sheng-hao Chen ),( Joe-air Jiang ) 한국농업기계학회 2018 한국농업기계학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.23 No.1

In this study, a generic intelligent wireless sensing platform with the IoT and wireless transmission technology is established for greenhouse monitoring, which is capable of greenhouse data collection and analysis. The data analyzed by a cloud server would provide important information regarding the efficiency of greenhouse management and cultivation methods. To monitor greenhouse related parameters, an embedded board is placed in a greenhouse as the gateway. Monitoring data and images collected by sensors deployed in the greenhouse are transmitted to the embedded board via an Ethernet or wireless transmission module. The data are eventually sent to a database by wireless AP. The AP connects to the internet by using a 4G USB dongle, which can provide sufficient data transmission speed for real-time data transmission. In wireless hotspots and areas with Wi-Fi, not only can images be transmitted to the cloud, but also can the mobile APP be used to perform remote monitoring, so experimental observations are no longer affected by geographical impacts. Moreover, to ensure the preservation of images and numeric data, the gateway carries a high durability secure digital (SD) memory card to store images and data; if the network encounters some problems, such as unable to connect and a lack of network traffic, the data can be stored in the SD card. Thus, the proposed platform is able to perform heavy information transmission duties and support performing all wireless monitoring tasks. In addition, the analyzed data can be used by agricultural personnel to provide critical cultivation suggestions.