Infection and Immune Response in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Elicited by the Phytopathogen Xanthomonas

( Yan Ii Bai ),( De Juan Zhi ),( Chan He Li ),( Dong Iing Liu ),( Ju An Zhang ),( Jing Ti An ),( Xin Wang ),( Hui Ren ),( Hong Yu Li ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.9

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strains are plant pathogenic bacteria that can cause serious blight of rice, and their virulence towards plant host is complex, making it difficult to be elucidated. Caenorhabditis elegans has been used as a powerful model organism to simplify the host and pathogen system. However, whether the C. elegans is feasible for studying plant pathogens such as Xoo has not been explored. In the present work, we report that Xoo strains PXO99 and JXOIII reduce the lifespan of worms not through acute toxicity, but in an infectious manner; pathogens proliferate and persist in the intestinal lumen to cause marked anterior intestine distension. In addition, Xoo triggers (i) the p38 MAPK signal pathway to upregulate its downstream C17H12.8 expression, and (ii) the DAF-2/DAF-16 pathway to upregulate its downstream gene expressions of mtl-1 and sod-3 under the condition of daf-2 mutation. Our findings suggest that C. elegans can be used as a model to evaluate the virulence of Xoo phytopathogens to host.

Original Article : The levels of liver enzymes and atypical lymphocytes are higher in youth patients with infectious mononucleosisthan in preschool children

( Yan Wang ),( Jun Li ),( Yuan Yuan Ren ),( Hong Zhao ) 대한간학회 2013 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.19 No.4

Background/Aims: Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is the clinical presentation of primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus. Although the literature contains a massive amount of information on IM, most of this is related specifically to only children or adults separately. In order to distinguish any differences between preschool children and youth patients, we retrospectively analyzed their demographic and clinical features. Methods: Records of patients hospitalized from December 2001 to September 2011 with a diagnosis of IM were retrieved from Peking University First Hospital, which is a tertiary teaching hospital in Beijing. The demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected. Results: IM was diagnosed in 287 patients during this 10-year period, with incidence peaks among preschool children (≤7 years old, 130/287, 45.3%) and youth patients (>15 and <24 years old, 101/287, 35.2%). Although the complaints at admission did not differ between these two patient groups, the incidence of clinical signs (tonsillopharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, and edema of the eyelids) was much higher in preschool children. The incidence of liver lesion and percentage of atypical lymphocytes were significantly higher in the youth group (P<0.001), and the average hospital stay was longer in this group. Pneumonia was the most common complication, and there was no case of mortality. Conclusions: The incidence of IM peaks among preschool children and youth patients in Beijing, China. The levels of liver enzymes and atypical lymphocytes increase with age.

Analysis of Free Amino Acids during Fermentation by Bacillus subtilis Using Capillary Electrophoresis

Yanli Ren,Jinyan Zhou,Xiaoyong Zhang,Zhidong Li,Juan Zhong,Jie Yang,Tan Xu,Hong Tan 한국생물공학회 2012 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.17 No.6

A high performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) method was presented to identify and quantitate free amino acids during fermentation by Bacillus subtilis. Amino acids, pre-column derivatized with phenylisothicyanate,were separated and characterized by HPCE. In order to optimize separation conditions, the assay was developed by varying the β-cyclodextrin concentration and pH of the background electrolyte. A buffer system comprising 30 mM phosphate and 3 mM β-cyclodextrin at pH 7.0, voltage of 20 kV and detection wavelength of 254 nm showed the best results, with 17 out of 20phenylthioncarbamyl amino acids in a solution adequately separated. For quantification, p-aminobenzoic acid was added as an internal standard. Analysis of free amino acids in Bacillus subtilis culture medium using this method revealed good consistency with the values obtained using conventional ninhydrin-based amino acid analyzer. Four free amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline, and tyrosine) concentration in an extracellular matrix during fermentation by Bacillus subtilis were mainly monitored using this method.

Bioinformatic prediction and analysis of glucolipid metabolic regulation by miR-34a in Megalobrama amblycephala

Ling‑Hong Miao,Wen‑Jing Pan,Yan Lin,Bo Liu,Ming‑Chun Ren,Qun‑Lan Zhou,Xian‑Ping Ge 한국유전학회 2017 Genes & Genomics Vol.39 No.12

The objective of this study was to analyze the target genes and regulatory function of miR-34a in Megalobrama amblycephala using second-generation highthroughput sequencing and bioinformatic tools. Functional enrichment analysis was performed by gene ontology. MiR- 34a and target gene expression levels were measured in M. amblycephala fed normal and high-carbohydrate diets. The results revealed that miR-34a was highly conserved in several species, and miR-34a of M. amblycephala has a close evolutionary relationship to that of zebrafish and common carp. miRanda, TargetScan, RNAhybrid predicted 5,185, 6,282 and 2,168 target genes, respectively, and 645 target genes were in common. According to annotation information, the target genes were enriched in phosphate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, Golgi vesicle transport, cell division, and other biological processes (P < 0.05). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these target genes were mainly enriched in alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, VEGF signaling pathway, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway (P < 0.05). The regulatory role of miR-34a was more significant in the liver than in the brain of M. amblycephala. MiR-34a regulates glucose lipid homeostasis induced by high glucose diets by upregulating hepatic PI3K/Akt, FOXO, and TOR signaling pathways.

Analysis of Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Colorectal Cancer with Microarray Technology

Liu, Yan-Jun,Zhang, Shu,Hou, Kang,Li, Yun-Tao,Liu, Zhan,Ren, Hai-Liang,Luo, Dan,Li, Shi-Hong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.3

Objective: Microarray data were analyzed to explore key genes and their functions in progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Two microarray data sets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using corresponding packages of R. Functional enrichment analysis was performed with DAVID tools to uncover their biological functions. Results: 631 and 590 DEGs were obtained from the two data sets, respectively. A total of 32 common DEGs were then screened out with the rank product method. The significantly enriched GO terms included inflammatory response, response to wounding and response to drugs. Two interleukin-related domains were revealed in the domain analysis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the PPAR signaling pathway and the renin-angiotensin system were enriched in the DEGs. Conclusions: Our study to systemically characterize gene expression changes in CRC with microarray technology revealed changes in a range of key genes, pathways and function modules. Their utility in diagnosis and treatment now require exploration.

Analysis of the Relationship between MHC-DRB1 Gene Polymorphism and Hydatidosis in Kazakh Sheep

Li, Ren-Yan,Jia, Bin,Zhang, Wen-Ju,Zhao, Zong-Sheng,Shi, Guo-Qing,Shen, Hong,Peng, Qiang,Lv, Li-Min,Zhou, Qi-Wei,Du, Ying-Chun Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.9

The objective of this work was to analyze the relationship between ovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) DRB1 gene polymorphism and genetic resistance to hydatidosis in Kazakh sheep. The Ovar (ovine MHC) class II DRB1 second exon was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from DNA samples of 702 Kazakh sheep, including 302 sheep with hydatidosis and 400 health controls. PCR products were characterized by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique using five restriction enzymes, i.e., MvaI, HaeIII, SacI, SacII and Hin1I, yielding 14 alleles and 28 genotypes. Comparing the frequency of genotypes in hydatidosis sheep with the control group, it was found that the genotype frequencies of MvaIbc, Hin1Iab, SacIIab, HaeIIIde, HaeIIIdf and HaeIIIdd in control sheep were significantly (p<0.01) higher than in hydatidosis sheep, indicating that a significant correlation existed between these genotypes and resistance to hydatidosis. Genotype frequencies of MvaIbb, SacIIaa, Hin1Ibb and HaeIIIef in sheep with hydatidosis were extremely significantly (p<0.01) higher than in the control group, and the genotype frequency of HaeIIIab was significantly higher (p<0.05), indicating that a marked correlation existed between these genotypes and susceptibility to hydatidosis. By way of analyzing haplotype with these resistant genotypes, the hydatidosis resistant haplotype MvaIbc-SacIIab-Hin1Iab of Kazakh sheep was screened out, and then verified through artificial hydatid infection in sheep. The results indicated that the infection rate of sheep with the resistant haplotype of hydatidosis was significantly lower (p<0.01) than without this resistant haplotype. It showed that the genic haplotype MvaIbc-SacIIab-Hin1Iab of Ovar-DRB1 exon 2 was the resistant haplotype of hydatidosis in Kazakh sheep.

A 2D/2D BiPO4/g-C3N4-B Z-type heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants

Zhao Hong-jian,Zhou Yan,Wu Ren-Jang,Han Zheng-bing,Li Xu,Yu Zhe 한국화학공학회 2023 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.40 No.12

A 2D/2D BiPO4/g-C3N4-B nano-sheet heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized via a simple coprecipitation method at room temperature using glacial acetic acid as solvent, which showed excellent activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). The heterojunction showed much higher efficiency of separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers compared to that of its constituents. Moreover, the spectral response range of BiPO4 was effectively broadened after the combination of g-C3N4-B and BiPO4. Consequently, a 97.3% degradation of RhB within 25 min by BiPO4/g-C3N4-B heterojunction photocatalyst under visible light irradiation was observed. The difference in work functions of BiPO4 and g-C3N4-B was evident from UPS characterization, which led to the bending of the energy band and the establishment of an internal electric field at the interface of the heterojunction. Therefore, the synthesized direct Z-type BiPO4/g-C3N4-B heterojunction enhanced the oxidation-reduction ability by promoting the effective separation of photogenerated carriers.

Continuous DC-CIK Infusions Restore CD8⁺ Cellular Immunity, Physical Activity and Improve Clinical Efficacy in Advanced Cancer Patients Unresponsive to Conventional Treatments

Zhao, Yan-Jie,Jiang, Ni,Song, Qing-Kun,Wu, Jiang-Ping,Song, Yu-Guang,Zhang, Hong-Mei,Chen, Feng,Zhou, Lei,Wang, Xiao-Li,Zhou, Xin-Na,Yang, Hua-Bing,Ren, Jun,Lyerly, Herbert Kim Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.6

Background: There are few choices for treatment of advanced cancer patients who do not respond to or tolerate conventional anti-cancer treatments. Therefore this study aimed to deploy the benefits and clinical efficacy of continuous dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cell infusions in such patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 381 infusions (from 67 advanced cases recruited) were included in this study. All patients underwent peripheral blood mononuclear cell apheresis for the following cellular therapy and dendritic cells-cytokine induced killer cells were expanded in vitro. Peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were quantified through flow cytometry to address the cellular immunity status. Clinical efficacy and physical activities were evaluated by RECIST criteria and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores respectively. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between cellular infusions and clinical benefits. Results: An average of $5.7{\pm}2.94{\times}10^9$ induced cells were infused each time and patients were exposed to 6 infusions. Cellular immunity was improved in that cytotoxic $CD8^+CD28^+$ T lymphocytes were increased by 74% and suppressive $CD8^+CD28^-$ T lymphocytes were elevated by 16% (p<0.05). Continuous infusion of dendritic cells-cytokine induced killer cells was associated with improvement of both patient status and cellular immunity. A median of six infusions were capable of reducing risk of progression by 70% (95%CI 0.10-0.91). Every elevation of one ECOG score corresponded to a 3.90-fold higher progression risk (p<0.05) and 1% increase of $CD8^+CD28^-$ T cell proportion reflecting a 5% higher risk of progression (p<0.05). Conclusions: In advanced cancer patients, continuous dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cell infusions are capable of recovering cellular immunity, improving patient status and quality of life in those who are unresponsive to conventional cancer treatment.

Evaluation of Biogas Production Performance and Dynamics of the Microbial Community in Different Straws

( Xue Li ),( Yan-hua Liu ),( Xin Zhang ),( Chang-ming Ge ),( Ren-zhe Piao ),( Wei-dong Wang ),( Zong-jun Cui ),( Hong-yan Zhao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2017 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.27 No.3

The development and utilization of crop straw biogas resources can effectively alleviate the shortage of energy, environmental pollution, and other issues. This study performed a continuous batch test at 35°C to assess the methane production potential and volatile organic acid contents using the modified Gompertz equation. Illumina MiSeq platform sequencing, which is a sequencing method based on sequencing-by-synthesis, was used to compare the archaeal community diversity, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was used to analyze the bacterial community diversity in rice straw, dry maize straw, silage maize straw, and tobacco straw. The results showed that cumulative gas production values for silage maize straw, rice straw, dry maize straw, and tobacco straw were 4,870, 4,032.5, 3,907.5, and 3,628.3 ml/g ·VS , respectively, after 24 days. Maximum daily gas production values of silage maize straw and rice straw were 1,025 and 904.17 ml/g ·VS, respectively, followed by tobacco straw and dry maize straw. The methane content of all four kinds of straws was > 60%, particularly that of silage maize straw, which peaked at 67.3%. Biogas production from the four kinds of straw was in the order silage maize straw > rice straw > dry maize straw > tobacco straw, and the values were 1,166.7, 1,048.4, 890, and 637.4 ml/g ·VS, respectively. The microbial community analysis showed that metabolism was mainly carried out by acetateutilizing methanogens, and that Methanosarcina was the dominant archaeal genus in the four kinds of straw, and the DGGE bands belonged to the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi. Silage maize is useful for biogas production because it contains four kinds of straw.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR : Successful Treatment of Hailey-Hailey Disease with Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy

( Xiao Xiao Yan ),( Hong Qing Tian ),( Chang Liang Wang ),( Bao Qi Yang ),( Wei Zhi Wu ),( Fu Ren Zhang ) 대한피부과학회 2015 Annals of Dermatology Vol.27 No.2