Polymorphisms of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor-Related Genes and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Chinese Population

Xinyan Xie,Fang Hou,Li Li,Yanlin Chen,Lingfei Liu,Xiu Luo1,Huaiting Gu,Xin Li,Jiajia Zhang,Jianhua Gong,Ranran Song 대한신경정신의학회 2019 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.16 No.5

Objective: To evaluate the association of GRIK2 and NLGN1 with autism spectrum disorder in a Chinese population. Methods: We performed spatio-temporal expression analysis of GRIK2 and NLGN1 in the developing prefrontal cortex, and examined the expression of the genes in ASD cases and healthy controls using the GSE38322 data set. Following, we performed a case-control study in a Chinese population. Results: The analysis using the publicly available expression data showed that GRIK2 and NLGN1 may have a role in the development of human brain and contribute to the risk of ASD. Later genetic analysis in the Chinese population showed that the GRIK2 rs6922753 for the T allele, TC genotype and dominant model played a significant protective role in ASD susceptibility (respectively: OR=0.840, p=0.023; OR=0.802, p=0.038; OR=0.791, p=0.020). The NLGN1 rs9855544 for the G allele and GG genotype played a significant protective role in ASD susceptibility (respectively: OR=0.844, p=0.019; OR=0.717, p=0.022). After adjusting p values, the statistical significance was lost (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggested that GRIK2 rs6922753 and NLGN1 rs9855544 might not confer susceptibility to ASD in the Chinese population.

An efficient linear second order unconditionally stable direct discretization method for the phase-field crystal equation on surfaces

Li, Yibao,Luo, Chaojun,Xia, Binhu,Kim, Junseok Butterworths [etc.] 2019 Applied mathematical modelling Vol.67 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We develop an unconditionally stable direct discretization scheme for solving the phase-field crystal equation on surfaces. The surface is discretized by using an unstructured triangular mesh. Gradient, divergence, and Laplacian operators are defined on triangular meshes. The proposed numerical method is second-order accurate in space and time. At each time step, the proposed computational scheme results in linear elliptic equations to be solved, thus it is easy to implement the algorithm. It is proved that the proposed scheme satisfies a discrete energy-dissipation law. Therefore, it is unconditionally stable. A fast and efficient biconjugate gradients stabilized solver is used to solve the resulting discrete system. Numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> An efficient method for phase-field crystal equation on surfaces is proposed. </LI> <LI> The proposed scheme is second-order accurate in time and space. </LI> <LI> The unconditional stability of the proposed scheme is analytically proved. </LI> <LI> The resulting system of discrete equations is easy to implement. </LI> </UL> </P>

Development of the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II

Fö,ldvá,ry Lič,ina, Veronika,Cheung, Toby,Zhang, Hui,de Dear, Richard,Parkinson, Thomas,Arens, Edward,Chun, Chungyoon,Schiavon, Stefano,Luo, Maohui,Brager, Gail,Li, Peixian,Kaam, Soazig Elsevier 2018 Building and environment Vol.142 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Recognizing the value of open-source research databases in advancing the art and science of HVAC, in 2014 the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II project was launched under the leadership of University of California at Berkeley's Center for the Built Environment and The University of Sydney's Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Laboratory. The exercise began with a systematic collection and harmonization of raw data from the last two decades of thermal comfort field studies around the world. The ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II (Comfort Database), now an online, open-source database, includes approximately 81,846 complete sets of objective indoor climatic observations with accompanying “<I>right-here-right-now</I>” subjective evaluations by the building occupants who were exposed to them. The database is intended to support diverse inquiries about thermal comfort in field settings. A simple web-based interface to the database enables filtering on multiple criteria, including building typology, occupancy type, subjects' demographic variables, subjective thermal comfort states, indoor thermal environmental criteria, calculated comfort indices, environmental control criteria and outdoor meteorological information. Furthermore, a web-based interactive thermal comfort visualization tool has been developed that allows end-users to quickly and interactively explore the data.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The scope, development, contents, and accessibility of the Comfort Database is documented. </LI> <LI> The Comfort Database II includes approximately 76,000 complete sets of thermal comfort data. </LI> <LI> The Comfort Database provides access to the collected raw data. </LI> <LI> Web-based interactive visualization tool was developed that allows end-users to interactively explore the data. </LI> </UL> </P>

Advances in CRISPR-Cas systems for RNA targeting, tracking and editing

Wang, Fei,Wang, Lianrong,Zou, Xuan,Duan, Suling,Li, Zhiqiang,Deng, Zixin,Luo, Jie,Lee, Sang Yup,Chen, Shi Elsevier 2019 BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES Vol.37 No.5

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, especially type II (Cas9) systems, have been widely used in gene/genome targeting. Modifications of Cas9 enable these systems to become platforms for precise DNA manipulations. However, the utilization of CRISPR-Cas systems in RNA targeting remains preliminary. The discovery of type VI CRISPR-Cas systems (Cas13) shed light on RNA-guided RNA targeting. Cas13d, the smallest Cas13 protein, with a length of only ~930 amino acids, is a promising platform for RNA targeting compatible with viral delivery systems. Much effort has also been made to develop Cas9, Cas13a and Cas13b applications for RNA-guided RNA targeting. The discovery of new RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems as well as the development of RNA-targeting platforms with Cas9 and Cas13 will promote RNA-targeting technology substantially. Here, we review new advances in RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems as well as advances in applications of these systems in RNA targeting, tracking and editing. We also compare these Cas protein-based technologies with traditional technologies for RNA targeting, tracking and editing. Finally, we discuss remaining questions and prospects for the future.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> RNA targeting and editing are becoming increasingly important </LI> <LI> CRISPR-Cas systems are advancing for RNA targeting, tracking and editing </LI> <LI> The type VI CRISPR-Cas systems are useful for RNA-guided RNA targeting </LI> <LI> Use of Cas9 and Cas13 will advance RNA-targeting technologies </LI> </UL> </P>

Autophagy induced by H. pylori VacA regulated the survival mechanism of the SGC7901 human gastric cancer cell line

Luo Juan,Bai Luyan,Tao Jun,Wen Yu,Li Mingke,Zhu Yunzhen,Luo Sufeng,Pu Guangyu,Ma Lanqing 한국유전학회 2021 Genes & Genomics Vol.43 No.10

Background Vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) is an important virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It was previously believed that VacA can trigger the cascade of apoptosis on mitochondria to lead to cell apoptosis. Recently, it was found that VacA can induce autophagy. However, the molecular mechanism by which VacA induces autophagy is largely unknown. Objective We aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of autophagy induced by H. pylori in gastric cancer cells and the efect of autophagy on the survival of gastric cancer cells. Methods The autophagy of human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR in the treatment of VacA protein of H. pylori. The relationship between autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the proliferation of gastric cancer cells were studied by gene expression silences (siRNA) and CM-H2DCFDA (DCF) staining. Results The results showed that VacA protein secreted by H. pylori in the supernatant stimulated autophagy in SGC7901 cells. After VacA protein treatment, the mRNA expressions of BECN1, ATG7 and PIK3C3, were up-regulated. ATG7 silencing by siRNA inhibited VacA-induced autophagy. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that VacA protein increased ROS levels. Addition of the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) suppressed the levels of ROS, leading to inhibition of autophagy. Conclusions H. pylori VacA is a key toxin that induces autophagy by increased ROS levels. And our fndings demonstrated that VacA signifcantly inhibited proliferation in SGC7901 cells.

Phylogenetic and functional analysis of TGF-β/Smad2 pathway genes in cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera

Li Yan,Lu Qin,Luo Hailing,Xia Shunchao,Li Haiyin,Xu Weihua 한국응용곤충학회 2021 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.24 No.4

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays important roles in embryonic development, cell proliferation and tissue differentiation in vertebrates. Our previous studies demonstrated that TGF-β signal activates Smad1-POU-TFAM and PP2A-Akt pathways to regulate pupal diapause in Helicoverpa armigera. In this study, we investigated the function of TGF-β activates Smad2 pathway in H. armigera. Phylogenetic analysis of H. armigera TGF-β receptor I (TGFβRI), Smad2, Smad4 genes showed high conservation across species. In vitro experiments showed that TGFβRI was localized in the cell membrane where it binds Smad2 leading to the phosphorylation of Smad2. Smad4 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, and bind to Smad2. Protein expression analysis showed that expression of TGFβRI, Smad4, Smad2, p-Smad2 were lower in diapause-destined pupae compared with nondiapause-destined pupae. Notably, treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) increased expression of the above proteins. Inhibition of TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway delayed pupal development. These findings indicate that TGF-β/Smad2 pathway is involved in pupal development or diapause in H. armigera.

Genetic parameter estimation for reproductive traits in QingYu pigs and comparison of carcass and meat quality traits to Berkshire×QingYu crossbred pigs

Luo Jia,Yang Yiting,Liao Kun,Liu Bin,Chen Ying,Shen Linyuan,Chen Lei,Jiang An’an,Liu Yihui,Li Qiang,Wang Jinyong,Li Xuewei,Zhang Shunhua,Zhu Li 아세아·태평양축산학회 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.8

Objective: The QingYu pig is well known for its excellent meat quality attributes in Sichuan province, China. In order to improve its production efficiency, the determination of genetic factors contributing to quantifiable economic traits of livestock is important. Moreover, the cross-breeding of QingYu pigs with western breeds possessing strong growth attributes is an efficient way to improve the performance of this breed. Methods: Here, the genetic parameters of several important reproductive traits of QingYu pigs were estimated, include total number born (TNB), number born alive, litter birth weight, individual birth weight, number of piglets weaned, litter weaning weight, and individual weaning weight. The data was analyzed using the ASReml 3.0 software (NSW Inc., Sydney, Australia). Furthermore, the effects of crossing Berkshire with QingYu (BQ) pigs on carcass and meat quality traits, as well as the effects of slaughter weight on carcass and meat quality of BQ were characterized. Results: QingYu pigs exhibited superior reproductive traits. The TNB available to QingYu pigs was more than 8 per parity. The observed repeatability of the reproductive traits of the QingYu pigs was between 0.10 and 0.23. The significantly correlated genetic and phenotypic of reproduction traits were consistent. Interestingly, the BQ pigs exhibited improved carcass quality, with a significant increase in loin muscle area, lean percentage and reduction in sebum percentage. As a result, BQ had higher L45min, lower cooking scores, and lower drip loss. In addition, the loin muscle area, body length, and sebum percentage were significantly higher in 90 and 100 kg animals. Cooking loss showed a significant increase at 80 kg, and marbling increased significantly from 90 kg. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that QingYu pigs exhibit excellent reproductive properties and heritability of these traits. Crossing with Berkshire is an efficient strategy to improve the carcass and meat quality of QingYu pigs for commercial operations. Furthermore, it appears as though the optimal slaughter weight of BQ pigs is at approximately 90 kg.

Selective harmonic active tuning control method for hybrid active power filters

Luo, Zhaoxu,Liu, Yang,Li, Shengqing,Luo, Qin The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2021 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.21 No.6

This paper proposes a selective harmonic active tuning control method for hybrid active power filters (HAPFs). A HAPF is composed of a voltage source inverter (VSI) and an LC filter. With this method, the VSI in the HAPF is controlled as a virtual capacitance that varies with the dominant harmonic frequencies. Thus, the LC filter can be forced to be tuning at these frequencies, which significantly improves the harmonic filtering characteristic of the LC filter. Meanwhile, to enhance the filtering performance in the case of a small power grid impedance or to damp the resonances between an LC filter and the grid impedance, the harmonics in the grid source current are detected and proportionally fed back to the controller, which brings about an effect equivalent to adding a series harmonic resistance on the grid source side. The proposed control method has the advantages of a simple control structure and easy implementation. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.

Preparation and Gene Delivery of Alkaline Amino Acids-Based Cationic Liposomes

Li, Li,Nie, Yu,Zhu, Rong,Shi, Sanjun,Luo, Kui,He, Bin,Yang, Yang,Yang, Junxiao,Gu, Zhongwei 대한약학회 2008 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.31 No.7

Cationic lipids 1, 2, and 3, based on hydrophobic cholesterol linked to L-lysine, L-histidine or Larginine, respectively, were designed and tested as gene delivery vectors. Physicochemical and biological properties of all liposomes and lipoplexes were evaluated, including lipid-DNA interactions, size, morphology, zeta potential, acid-base buffering capability, protection of DNA from DNase I digestion, and cytotoxity. The efficiency of luciferase gene transfection of lipoplexes 1-3 was compared with that of commercial dioleoyl-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) in 293T cells and HepG2 cells with or without poly(ethylene glycol) PEG stabilizer. The complexation and protection of DNA of liposome 3 was the strongest among the three liposomes. The efficiency of gene transfection of liposomes 1-3 was two-to threefold higher than that of PEI and/or DOTAP in 293T cells. Liposomes 1 and 3 in PEG as stabilizer showed sixfold higher transfection efficiency than that of PEI and/or DOTAP, whereas liposome 2 showed very low transfection efficiency. In HepG2 cells, the transfection efficiency of all the cationic liposomes was much lower than that of DOTAP. In conclusion, lipids 1-3 were efficient and non-toxic gene vectors; the headgroup of cationic lipids and the stabilizer of liposome formulation had an important influence on gene transfection.

Pre-treatment Metabolic Tumor Volume and Total Lesion Glycolysis are Useful Prognostic Factors for Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer Patients

Li, Yi-Min,Lin, Qin,Zhao, Long,Wang, Li-Chen,Sun, Long,Dai, Ming-Ming,Luo, Zuo-Ming,Zheng, Hua,Wu, Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.3

Objectives: To study application of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) with $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT for predicting prognosis of esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESC) patients. Methods: Eighty-six patients with ESC staged from I to IV were prospectively enrolled. Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or palliative chemoradiotherapy were the main treatment methods and none received surgery. $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT scans were performed before the treatment. SUVmax, MTV, and TLG were measured for the primary esophageal lesion and regional lymph nodes. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were generated to calculate the P value of the predictive ability and the optimal threshold. Results: MTV and TLG proved to be good indexes in the prediction of outcome for the ESC patients. An MTV value of 15.6 ml and a TLG value of 183.5 were optimal threshold to predict the overall survival (OS). The areas under the curve (AUC) for MTV and TLG were 0.74 and 0.70, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed an MTV less than 15.6 ml and a TLG less than 183.5 to indicate good media survival time (p value <0.05). In the stage III-IV patient group, MTV could better predict the OS (P < 0.001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.80 and 0.67, respectively. Conclusions: Pre-treatment MTV and TLG are useful prognostic factors in nonsurgical ESC.