Zearalenone exposure affects epigenetic modifications of mouse eggs

Zhu, Cheng-Cheng,Hou, Yan-Jun,Han, Jun,Cui, Xiang-Shun,Kim, Nam-Hyung,Sun, Shao-Chen Oxford University Press 2014 Mutagenesis Vol.29 No.6

<P>Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by various <I>Fusarium</I> fungi, which has been shown to cause several cases of mycotoxicosis in farm animals and humans. However, there is no evidence regarding the effect of ZEA on mouse egg developmental competence. In this study, we found that the activation rate of maturated oocytes was affected in mice by ZEA treatment, indicating that ZEA affects egg developmental competence. And we explored possible mechanisms of low mouse maturated oocyte developmental competence after ZEA treatment from an epigenetic modification perspective. The fluorescence intensity analysis showed that 5-methyl cytosine level increased after ZEA treatment, indicating that the general DNA methylation level increased in the treated eggs. Moreover, histone methylations were also altered: H3K4me2 as well as H3K9me3 and H4K20me1, me2, me3 levels decreased in eggs that were cultured in high-dose ZEA medium. Thus, our results indicated that ZEA decreased egg developmental competence by affecting the epigenetic modifications.</P>

Mathematical models for manufacturing a novel gear shaper cutter

Shen-Wang Lin,Cheng-Shun Han,Jiu-Bin Tan,Shen Dong 대한기계학회 2010 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.24 No.1

The design principle and models for novel error-free shaper cutters are discussed to improve the accuracy and service life of gear cutting tools. The modified methods for designing the tooth profile of the shaper cutter are developed by including the inverse envelope method, midpoint-midline method and midpoint-displacement method based on the theory of geometrical reverse problem. The universal mathematical models for manufacturing optimal tooth profile of shaper cutters are presented. The feasibility and reliability of the proposed principle, methods and models are proved by combining the numerical examples with practical application. The design method suggested in this paper is superior to the traditional design scheme, and will be helpful in facilitating the design and manufacture of shaper cutters.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of rostrum in Cyrtotrachelus longimanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Longhai Li,Ce Guo,Xin Li,Shun Xu,Cheng Han 한국통합생물학회 2017 Animal cells and systems Vol.21 No.3

The microstructure, composition and mechanical properties of the rostrum in Cyrtotrachelus longimanus (JHC Fabre) were studied utilizing light, fluorescent, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. SEM images show the morphological characteristics of rostrum’s cross section; it is a typical lightweight multilayer structure – one rigid exocuticle layer and dense endocuticle layers, which construct unevenly overlapping fiber structures. The composition analysis of the rostrum shows that it is mainly composed of C, H, N, O, as well as some metal elements and microelements, such as Mg, Si, Zn, Ca and Na, which contribute to its mechanical performance. The mechanical properties of the rostrum were tested by the electronic universal testing machine, which shows it has high-specific strength and is almost the same as that of the stainless steel. The results may provide a biological template to inspire biomimetic lightweight structure design.

GROUND OBSERVATIONS OF SPRITES AND OTHER TLES IN TAIWAN

WANG YUN-CHING,HSU RUE-RON,SU HAN-TZONG,CHEN ALFRED BING-CHIH,LEE YI-JEN,KUO CHENG-LING,TSAY WEAN-SHUN,CHANG CHAN-KAO,WANG SHI-CHUN,LEE LOU-CHUANG,LIU TIE-YUE The Korean Astronomical Society 2005 Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society Vol.38 No.2

Sprites, elves and blue jets are collectively denominated as the upper atmospheric transient luminous events (TLEs). They are recently discovered optical flashes between active thunderstorms and the ionosphere. In this report, a brief introduction to the most important characteristics of TLEs is given. Since 2001, scientists from the National Cheng Kung University have been performing yearly summer campaigns from various locations in Taiwan. The main achievements of their yearly campaign are presented.

Validation of Pharyngeal Acid Reflux Episodes Using Hypopharyngeal Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance-pH

Yen-Yang Chen,Chen-Chi Wang,Ying-Cheng Lin,John Y Kao,Chun-Yi Chuang,Yung-An Tsou,Ja-Chih Fu,Sheng-Shun Yang,Chi-Sen Chang,Han-Chung Lien 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.1

Background/AimsHypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (HMII-pH) technology incorporating 2 trans-upper esophageal sphincter impedance channels has been developed to detect pharyngeal reflux. We used the HMII-pH technique to validate the candidate pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) episodes based on the dual-pH tracings and determined the interobserver reproducibility. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in tertiary centers in Taiwan. Ninety patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux and 28 healthy volunteers underwent HMII-pH test when off acid suppressants. Candidate PAR episodes were characterized by pharyngeal pH drops of at least 2 units and reaching a nadir pH of 5 within 30 seconds during esophageal acidification. Two experts manually independently identified candidate PAR episodes based on the dual-pH tracings. By reviewing the HMII-pH tracings, HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes were subsequently confirmed. The consensus reviews of HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes were considered to be the reference standard diagnosis. The interobserver reproducibility was assessed. ResultsA total of 105 candidate PAR episodes were identified. Among them 84 (80.0%; 95% CI, 71.0-87.0%) were HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes (82 in 16 patients and 2 in 1 healthy subject). Patients tended to have more HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes than healthy controls (median and percentile values [25th, 75th, and 95th percentiles]: 0 [0, 0, 3] vs 0 [0, 0, 0], P = 0.067). The concordance rate in diagnosing HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes between 2 independent observers was 92.2%. ConclusionOur preliminary data showed that 80.0% (71.0-87.0%) of the proposed candidate PAR episodes were HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes, among which the interobserver reproducibility was good.

Distal Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance Predicts Pathological Reflux of Isolated Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms

Hua-Nong Luo,Chen-Chi Wang,Ying-Cheng Lin,Chun-Yi Chuang,Yung-An Tsou,Ja-Chih Fu,Sheng-Shun Yang,Chi-Sen Chang,Han-Chung Lien 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.2

Background/AimsDiagnosis of isolated laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms (ILPRS), ie, without concomitant typical reflux symptoms (CTRS), remains difficult. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) reflects impaired mucosal integrity. We determined whether esophageal MNBI could predict pathological esophagopharyngeal reflux (pH+) in patients with ILPRS. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study conducted in Taiwan, non-erosive or low-grade esophagitis patients with predominant laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms underwent combined hypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring when off acid suppressants. Participants were divided into the ILPRS (n = 94) and CTRS (n = 63) groups. Asymptomatic subjects without esophagitis (n = 25) served as healthy controls. The MNBI values at 3 cm and 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the proximal esophagus were measured. ResultsDistal but not proximal esophageal median MNBI values were significantly lower in patients with pH+ than in those with pH– (ILPRS in pH+ vs pH–: 1607 Ω vs 2709 Ω and 1885 Ω vs 2563 Ω at 3 cm and 5 cm above LES, respectively; CTRS in pH+ vs pH–: 1476 vs 2307 Ω and 1500 vs 2301 Ω at 3 cm and 5 cm above LES, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). No significant differences of any MNBI exist between any pH– subgroups and healthy controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the ILPRS group were 0.75 and 0.80, compared to the pH– subgroup and healthy controls (P < 0.001 for both), respectively. Interobserver reproducibility was good (Spearman correlation 0.93, P < 0.0001). ConclusionDistal esophageal MNBI predicts pathological reflux in patients with ILPRS.