Molecular cloning and characterization of two novel DREB genes encoding dehydration-responsive element binding proteins in halophyte Suaeda salsa

Xiao-Bo Sun,Hong-Xiang Ma,Xin-Ping Jia,Yu Chen,Xiao-Qing Ye 한국유전학회 2015 Genes & Genomics Vol.37 No.2

The dehydration-responsive element-binding(DREB) proteins play an important role in regulatingexpression of stress-inducible genes under abiotic stresses. In this study, two genes encoding putative DREB proteins,named SsDREBa and SsDREBb, were cloned from halophyteSuaeda salsa L. using RACE method. The deducedSsDREBa and SsDREBb proteins contain a typical AP2/ERF domain. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogeneticanalysis revealed that the two SsDREB genes of S. salsa were highly similar in AP2/ERF domains at thenucleotide and amino acid levels and belong to the A-6subgroup of the DREB transcription factor subfamily. Asubcellular localization assay showed that both SsDREBslocalized to the nucleus. Yeast one-hybrid experimentstestified that both proteins were able to specifically bind tothe DRE sequence and activate the expression of the downstreamHIS reporter gene in yeast. Quantitative real-timePCR analysis demonstrated that under normal conditions,the expression level of SsDREBa was the most high in theroots and no SsDREBa mRNAs were detected in the stems;SsDREBb expressed at relatively higher levels in the leavesthan in the roots and stems. The expression of SsDREa andSsDREBb genes in S. salsa roots and leaves was remarkablyinduced by high-salt and dehydration treatments, butnot by cold and ABA, and exhibited stronger induction inroots and leaves, respectively. These results indicate thatthe SsDREBa and SsDREBb are novel stress-responsivetranscription factors, which are involved in the drought andhigh-salt stress responses through ABA-independent pathwaysand could be used for production of stress-toleranttransgenic crops.

Ferric Reductase Activity of the ArsH Protein from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

( Mo Hong Yu ),( Qian Chen ),( Juan Du ),( Lin Tang ),( Fang Qin ),( Bo Miao ),( Xue Ling Wu ),( Jia Zeng ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2011 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.21 No.5

The arsH gene is one of the arsenic resistance system in bacteria and eukaryotes. The ArsH protein was annotated as a NADPH-dependent flavin mononucleotide (FMN) reductase with unknown biological function. Here we report for the first time that the ArsH protein showed high ferric reductase activity. Glu104 was an essential residue for maintaining the stability of the FMN cofactor. The ArsH protein may perform an important role for cytosolic ferric iron assimilation in vivo.

Two new benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Thalictrum foliolosum and their antioxidant and in vitro antiproliferative properties

Da-Hong Li,Jia Guo,Wen Bin,Nan Zhao,Kai-bo Wang,Jian-yong Li,Zhan-Lin Li,Hui-Ming Hua 대한약학회 2016 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.39 No.7

Two novel rare chloro-containing benzylisoquinolinealkaloids, thalfoliolosumines A (1) and B (2),along with eight known isoquinoline alkaloids (3–10) wereisolated from the whole plant of Thalictrum foliolosum. The structures of these compounds were elucidated byspectral analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR (COSY,HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) experiments. The antiproliferativeeffects of all the isolated compounds were evaluatedby MTT method against MCF-7, PC-3, and U937cells, and trypan blue method against HL-60 cells. Newcompounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate in vitro antiproliferativeactivity against MCF-7, PC-3, and HL-60 cells,and good inhibitory effects against U937 cells with IC50values of 7.50 and 6.97 μM, respectively. Compounds 7and 10 showed the strongest in vitro antiproliferative withIC50 values of 0.93 and 1.69 lM against HL-60 cell line. The antioxidant properties were also measured, bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinolinealkaloids 3–6 showed the strongestantioxidant activities in ABTS assay.

A Discovery of Low Hydraulic Resistance Channel Along Meridians

Wei-Bo Zhang,Yu-Ying Tian,Hong Li,Jia-He Tian,Ming-Fu Luo,Fa-Liang Xu,Guang-Jun Wang,Tao Huang,Yi-Hui Xu,Rui-Hong Wang 사단법인약침학회 2008 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.1 No.1

A hydro-mechanic model was put forward to study the fundamental nature of acupuncture meridians. The basic state of low hydraulic resistance was tested on humans and mini pigs using three methods. The first, a modified Guyton’s method, proved that there was lower hydraulic resistance on meridians compared with nonmeridians. The second scanning method involved a single pressure transducer that can find the lowest resistance point in tissue, and the third method used two transducers and provided a more stable measurement. Using the latter method, low hydraulic resistance points were found very close to low impedance points along meridians. The transmission of artificial interstitial fluid pressure waves was measured to examine their connection to the low resistance points, with the result that a good connection between the points was confirmed. This means the points form channels along the meridians that we refer to as low hydraulic resistance channels. The channel was imaged through isotopic tracing and a migration of isotope 99mTe could be found along the channel. The layer of the channel was detected by injecting Alcian blue and the track was found beneath the skin. All of the above experiments suggest the existence of a new type of channel in living tissues that has not yet been described in modern science, but coincides quite well with the Qi channel theory of traditional Chinese medicine. A hydro-mechanic model was put forward to study the fundamental nature of acupuncture meridians. The basic state of low hydraulic resistance was tested on humans and mini pigs using three methods. The first, a modified Guyton’s method, proved that there was lower hydraulic resistance on meridians compared with nonmeridians. The second scanning method involved a single pressure transducer that can find the lowest resistance point in tissue, and the third method used two transducers and provided a more stable measurement. Using the latter method, low hydraulic resistance points were found very close to low impedance points along meridians. The transmission of artificial interstitial fluid pressure waves was measured to examine their connection to the low resistance points, with the result that a good connection between the points was confirmed. This means the points form channels along the meridians that we refer to as low hydraulic resistance channels. The channel was imaged through isotopic tracing and a migration of isotope 99mTe could be found along the channel. The layer of the channel was detected by injecting Alcian blue and the track was found beneath the skin. All of the above experiments suggest the existence of a new type of channel in living tissues that has not yet been described in modern science, but coincides quite well with the Qi channel theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Evaluation of Dental Scanners’ Accuracy via ISO Spherical Model and an Individualized Model

Qi Jia,HaoYu Shi,Yueyi Tian,Jingnan Xue,Xingyu Hou,Shuai Wang,Yilin Lian,Hong Xin Cai,Heng Bo Jiang 대한치과재료학회 2021 대한치과기재학회 학술대회 Vol.2021 No.4

Empirical seismic vulnerability probability prediction model of RC structures considering historical field observation

Si-Qi Li,Hong-Bo Liu,Ke Du,Jia-Cheng Han,Yi-Ru Li,Li-Hui Yin 국제구조공학회 2023 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.86 No.4

To deeply probe the actual earthquake level and fragility of typical reinforced concrete (RC) structures under multiple intensity grades, considering diachronic measurement building stock samples and actual observations of representative catastrophic earth shocks in China from 1990 to 2010, RC structures were divided into traditional RC structures (TRCs) and bottom reinforced concrete frame seismic wall masonry (BFM) structures, and the empirical damage characteristics and mechanisms were analysed. A great deal of statistics and induction were developed on the historical experience investigation data of 59 typical catastrophic earthquakes in 9 provinces of China. The database and fragility matrix prediction model were established with TRCs of 4,122.5284×104 m2 and 5,844 buildings and BFMs of 5,872 buildings as empirical seismic damage samples. By employing the methods of structural damage probability and statistics, nonlinear prediction of seismic vulnerability, and numerical and applied functional analysis, the comparison matrix of actual fragility probability prediction of TRC and BFM in multiple intensity regions under the latest version of China’s macrointensity standard was established. A novel nonlinear regression prediction model of seismic vulnerability was proposed, and prediction models considering the seismic damage ratio and transcendental probability parameters were constructed. The time-varying vulnerability comparative model of the sample database was developed according to the different periods of multiple earthquakes. The new calculation method of the average fragility prediction index (AFPI) matrix parameter model has been proposed to predict the seismic fragility of an areal RC structure.

Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy versus Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy in Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for Cervical Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Comparison of Survival Outcomes and Toxicities

Nai-Bin Chen,Bo Qiu,Jun Zhang,Meng-Yun Qiang,Yu-Jia Zhu,Bin Wang,Jin-Yu Guo,Ling-Zhi Cai,Shao-Min Huang,Meng-Zhong Liu,Qun Li,Yong-Hong Hu,Qi-Wen Li,Hui Liu 대한암학회 2020 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.52 No.1

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the survival and toxicities in cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (CESCC) treated by concurrent chemoradiothrapy with either three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques. Materials and Methods A total of 112 consecutive CESCC patients were retrospectively reviewed. 3D-CRT and IMRT groups had been analyzed by propensity score matching method, with sex, age, Karnofsky performance status, induction chemotherapy, and tumor stage well matched. The Kaplan- Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Toxicities were compared between two groups by Fisher exact test. Results With a median follow-up time of 34.9 months, the 3-year OS (p=0.927) and PFS (p=0.859) rate was 49.6% and 45.8% in 3D-CRT group, compared with 54.4% and 42.8% in IMRT group. The rates of grade ! 3 esophagitis, grade ! 2 pneumonitis, esophageal stricture, and hemorrhage were comparable between two groups, while the rate of tracheostomy dependence was much higher in IMRT group than 3D-CRT group (14.3% vs.1.8%, p=0.032). Radiotherapy technique (hazard ratio [HR], 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01 to 0.79) and pretreatment hoarseness (HR, 0.12; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.70) were independently prognostic of tracheostomy dependence. Conclusion No survival benefits had been observed while comparing IMRT versus 3D-CRT in CESCC patients. IMRT with fraction dose escalation and pretreatment hoarseness were considered to be associated with a higher risk for tracheostomy dependence. Radiation dose escalation beyond 60 Gy should be taken into account carefully when using IMRT with hypofractionated regimen.

Causes, Features, and Outcomes of Drug-Induced Liver Injury in 69 Children from China

( Yun Zhu ),( Yong Gang Li ),( Jia Bo Wang ),( Shu Hong Liu ),( Li Fu Wang ),( Yan Ling Zhao ),( Yun Feng Bai ),( Zhong Xia Wang ),( Jian Yu Li ),( Xiao He Xiao ) 대한소화기학회 2015 Gut and Liver Vol.9 No.4

Background/Aims: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a frequent cause of pediatric liver disease; however, the data on DILI are remarkably limited. Methods: All 69 children hospitalized with DILI between January 2009 and December 2011 were retrospectively studied. Results: A total of 37.7% of the children had medical histories of respiratory infection. The clinical injury patterns were as follows: hepatocellular 89.9%, cholestatic 2.9%, and mixed 7.2%. Liver biopsies from 55 children most frequently demonstrated chronic (47.3%) and acute (27.3%) hepatitis. Hypersensitivity features, namely, fever (31.9%), rash (21.7%), and eosinophilia (1.4%), were found. Twenty-four children (34.8%) developed chronic DILI. Antibiotics (26.1%) were the most common Western medicines (WMs) causing DILI, and the major implicated herbs were Ephedra sinica and Polygonum multiflorum. Compared with WM, the children whose injuries were caused by Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) showed a higher level of total bilirubin (1.4 mg/dL vs 16.6 mg/dL, p=0.004) and a longer prothrombin time (11.8 seconds vs 17.3 seconds, p=0.012), but they exhibited less chronic DILI (2/15 vs 18/39, p=0.031). Conclusions: Most cases of DILI in children are caused by antibiotics or CHM used to treat respiratory infection and present with hepatocellular injury. Compared with WM, CHM is more likely to cause severe liver injury, but liver injury caused by CHM is curable. (Gut Liver 2015;9:525-533)

The MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: an Updated Meta-analysis Based on 37 Case-control Studies

Jiang, Yuan,Hou, Jing,Zhang, Qiang,Jia, Shu-Ting,Wang, Bo-Yuan,Zhang, Ji-Hong,Tang, Wen-Ru,Luo, Ying Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Background: The C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) has been associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, results were conflicting. The aim of this study was to quantitatively summarize the evidence for the MTHFRC677T polymorphism and ALL risk. Methods: Electronic searches of PubMed and the Chinese Biomedicine database were conducted to select case-control studies containing available genotype frequencies of C677T and the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of any association. Results: Case-control studies including 6,371 cases and 10,850 controls were identified. The meta-analysis stratified by ethnicity showed that individuals with the homozygous TT genotype had decreased risk of ALL (OR= 0.776, 95% CI: 0.687~0.877, p< 0.001) in Caucasians (OR= 0.715, 95% CI: 0.655~0.781, p= 0.000). However, results among Asians (OR=0.711, 95% CI: 0.591~1.005, p= 0.055) and others (OR=0.913, 95% CI: 0.656~1.271, p= 0. 590) did not suggest an association. A symmetric funnel plot, the Egger's test (P=0.093), and the Begg- test (P=0.072) were all suggestive of the lack of publication bias. Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the idea that the MTHFR C677T genotype is associated with risk of ALL in Caucasians. To draw comprehensive and true conclusions, further prospective studies with larger numbers of participants worldwide are needed to examine associations between the MTHFRC677T polymorphism and ALL.

Chlorin e6 Prevents ADP-Induced Platelet Aggregation by Decreasing PI3K-Akt Phosphorylation and Promoting cAMP Production

Park, Ji Young,Ji, Hyun Dong,Jeon, Bo Ra,Im, Eun Ju,Son, Young Min,Lee, Joo Young,Lee, Dong-Ha,Lee, Young-Chul,Hyun, Eujin,Jia, Qi,Hong, Mei,Park, Hwa-Jin,Rhee, Man Hee Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2013 Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medic Vol.2013 No.-

<P>A number of reagents that prevent thrombosis have been developed but were found to have serious side effects. Therefore, we sought to identify complementary and alternative medicinal materials that are safe and have long-term efficacy. In the present studies, we have assessed the ability of chlorine e6 (CE6) to inhibit ADP-induced aggregation of rat platelets and elucidated the underlying mechanism. CE6 inhibited platelet aggregation induced by 10 <I>µ</I>M ADP in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased intracellular calcium mobilization and granule secretion (i.e., ATP and serotonin release). Western blotting revealed that CE6 strongly inhibited the phosphorylations of PI3K, Akt, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) as well as p38-MAPK. Our study also demonstrated that CE6 significantly elevated intracellular cAMP levels and decreased thromboxane A<SUB>2</SUB> formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, we determined that CE6 initiated the activation of PKA, an effector of cAMP. Taken together, our findings indicate that CE6 may inhibit ADP-induced platelet activation by elevating cAMP levels and suppressing PI3K/Akt activity. Finally, these results suggest that CE6 could be developed as therapeutic agent that helps prevent thrombosis and ischemia.</P>