Chinoketides A and B, Two New Antimicrobial Polyketides from the Endophytes of Distylium chinense with the "Black-Box" Co-culture Method

Meng-Meng Lv,Ming-Hui Tan,Li-Wen Lu,Rong-Hua Zhang,Zhi-Yong Guo,Cheng-Xiong Liu,Jin Yang,Kun Zou,Peter Proksch 한국생약학회 2018 Natural Product Sciences Vol.24 No.3

Two new polyketides, chinoketides A and B (1 - 2) with a known compound xylarphthalide A (3), were isolated from the solid medium of the endophytes from the leaves of the relic plant Distylium chinense with the "black-box" co-culture method, and the structures of two new compounds were elucidated by NMR, MS and CD spectra. And the absolute configurations of chinoketides A (1) and B (2) were determined as 2R,3R,8S and 5R,6S by calculating their ECD spectra to compare with the experimental CD spectra. Finally, the antimicrobial activities were evaluated to Erwinia carotovora sub sp. Carotovora (Jones) Bersey et al, and the results showed that compounds 1 - 3 displayed the antimicrobial activities with MIC value at 20.5, 30.4 and 10.2 mg/mL.

Selaginella austrotibetica (Selaginellaceae), a new spikemoss from Xizang, China

Meng-Hua Zhang,Jie Yang,Aleksandr Petrovich Shalimov,강종수,Xian Chun Zhang 국립생물자원관 2024 Journal of species research Vol.13 No.1

Selaginella austrotibetica, a new spikemoss species from China, is described. The species is epipetric and was found on a moss-covered rocky cliff by a riverbank. Morphologically, it is unlike any anisosporophyllous species in the genus Selaginella. However, it resembles species of the S. sanguinolenta group, especially similar to S. sajanensis in gross morphology, except for the characters of strobilus. The molecular phylogenetic analysis clearly showed that S. austrotibetica was nested within the anisosporophyllous species clade, forming a sister relationship with the clade of S. vaginata and S. xipholepis, and distinct from the S. sanguinolenta group, including S. sajanensis. Although S. austrotibetica is sister to the clade of S. vaginata and S. xipholepis, the species can be clearly distinguished by its sparse leaves on branches, dorsal leaves that are broad-ovate, base obtuse to rounded, margin denticulate or very shortly sparsely ciliolate, and leaves that are slightly thick and shiny. Therefore, we described Selaginella austrotibetica as a new species and discuss its phylogenetic relationships within the genus Selaginella.

Genetic Variations in TERT-CLPTM1L Genes and Risk of Lung Cancer in a Chinese Population

Zhao, Meng-Meng,Zhang, Yue,Shen, Li,Ren, Yang-Wu,Li, Xue-Lian,Yin, Zhi-Hua,Zhou, Bao-Sen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and cleft lip and palate transmembrane1-like (CLPTM1L) and lung cancer risk in a Chinese population. Methods: We performed a hospital-based case-control study, including 980 lung cancer cases and 1000 cancer-free controls matched for age and sex. Each case and control was interviewed to collect information by well-trained interviewers. A total of 5 ml of venous blood was collected for genotype testing of TERT rs2736098 and CLPTM1L rs401681 using TaqMan methodology. Results: The results revealed that the variant homozygote TERT rs2736098TT was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (OR=2.017, 95%CI=1.518-2.681), especially lung adenocarcinoma (OR=2.117, 95%CI=1.557-3.043) and small cell carcinoma (OR=1.979, 95%CI: 1.174-3.334), compared with the TERT rs2736098CC genotype. Similar results were observed in non-smokers. Conclusion: The TERT rs2736098 polymorphism might affect the susceptibility to lung cancer in Chinese populations. The associations need to be verified in larger and different populations.

Progression of NETs Correlating with Tumor-Related Diseases

Zhang, Le-Meng,Chen, Jian-Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.17

As an important component of innate immune system, neutrophil has been involved in many other physiological processes, including tumor-related diseases. In 2004, the phenomenon of NETs was reported for the first time. Extracellular decondensed chromatin, released from activated neutrophils, forms a network structure, which is NETs. This review focuses on the function of NETs in tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and tumor-associated thrombosis; it also explores the application of NETs specific markers in the diagnosis of pre-thrombotic state and tumor associated diseases; it also explores NETs inhibitor for the treatment of tumor-related diseases. In view of the rapid development of NETs, it may provide new therapeutic targets for tumor-associated thrombosis, and even tumor itself.

Deformation analyses during subway shield excavation considering stiffness influences of underground structures

Zhang, Zhi-guo,Zhao, Qi-hua,Zhang, Meng-xi Techno-Press 2016 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.11 No.1

Previous studies for soil movements induced by tunneling have primarily focused on the free soil displacements. However, the stiffness of existing structures is expected to alter tunneling-induced ground movements, the sheltering influences for underground structures should be included. Furthermore, minimal attention has been given to the settings for the shield machine's operation parameters during the process of tunnels crossing above and below existing tunnels. Based on the Shanghai railway project, the soil movements induced by an earth pressure balance (EPB) shield considering the sheltering effects of existing tunnels are presented by the simplified theoretical method, the three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) simulation method, and the in-situ monitoring method. The deformation prediction of existing tunnels during complex traversing process is also presented. In addition, the deformation controlling safety measurements are carried out simultaneously to obtain the settings for the shield propulsion parameters, including earth pressure for cutting open, synchronized grouting, propulsion speed, and cutter head torque. It appears that the sheltering effects of underground structures have a great influence on ground movements caused by tunneling. The error obtained by the previous simplified methods based on the free soil displacements cannot be dismissed when encountering many existing structures.

microRNA-328 in exosomes derived from M2 macrophages exerts a promotive effect on the progression of pulmonary fibrosis via FAM13A in a rat model

Meng-Ying Yao,Wei-Hong Zhang,Wen-Tao Ma,Qiu-Hong Liu,Li-Hua Xing,Gao-Feng Zhao 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Currently, exosome-enclosed microRNAs (miRs) in exhaled breath have potential for biomarker discovery in patients with pulmonary diseases. This study was performed to investigate the roles of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes expressing miR-328 in pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Microarray-based analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and regulatory miRs in PF. The miR-target relationship between FAM13A and miR-328 was confirmed. The expression of FAM13A and miR-328 was measured in PF rats, and gain- and loss-of-function assays were conducted to determine the regulatory effects of FAM13A and miR-328 on PF. In addition, exosomes derived from M2 macrophages were isolated and then cocultured with pulmonary interstitial fibroblasts to identify the role of these exosomes in PF. Furthermore, the effects of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-328 on pulmonary fibroblast proliferation and the progression of PF were assessed in vivo. miR-328 might perform a vital function in PF by regulating FAM13A. FAM13A expression was downregulated while miR-328 expression was upregulated in rats with PF, and a miR-target relationship between miR-328 and FAM13A was observed. Additionally, miR-328 overexpression and FAM13A silencing each were suggested to promote pulmonary interstitial fibroblast proliferation and the expression of Collagen 1A, Collagen 3A and α-SMA. Then, in vitro experiments demonstrated that M2 macrophage-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-328 contributed to enhanced pulmonary interstitial fibroblast proliferation and promoted PF. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed the promotive effects of M2 macrophagederived exosomes overexpressing miR-328 on the progression of PF. Collectively, the results showed that

Neurotrophic Artemin Promotes Motility and Invasiveness of MIA PaCa-2 Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Meng, Ling-Xin,Chi, Yu-Hua,Wang, Xiang-Xu,Ding, Zhao-Jun,Fei, Li-Cong,Zhang, Hong,Mou, Ling,Cui, Wen,Xue, Ying-Jie Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Objective: To analyze the capacity of neurotrophic artemin to promote the motility and invasiveness of MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. Methods: MIA PaCa-2 was cultured in vitro and studied using transwell chambers for motility and invasiveness on treatment with different concentrations of aArtemin or its receptor $GFR{\alpha}3$ were also determined. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) was quantified using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell motility and invasiveness was significantly increased with artemin and its receptor $GFR{\alpha}3$ with dose dependence (P<0.01). MMP-2 production was also significantly increased (t = 6.35, t = 7.32), while E-cadherin was significantly lowered (t = 4.27, t = 5.61) (P <0.01). Conclusion: Artemin and its receptor $GFR{\alpha}3$ can promote pancreatic cancer cell motility and invasiveness and contribute to aggressive behavior. The mechanism may be related to increased expression of MMP-2 molecule and down-regulation of E-cadherin expression.

Enhanced Performances of Vertical-Structured Green-Band InGaN/GaN Multiple-Quantum-Well Solar Cells with Aluminum Reflectors

Meng-Hua Lai,Zhi-Wei Zheng,Jian Yu,Lei-Ying Ying,Bao-Ping Zhang 한국물리학회 2016 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.68 No.11

We demonstrated vertical-structured InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) solar cells with enhanced performances at a wavelength of 510 nm. The enhancement was achieved by using a ptype ohmic mirror with a combined indium-tin-oxide film and an aluminum (Al) reflector inserted beneath the MQW absorption region. In addition, both good ohmic contact and high reflection were observed. The vertical-structured MQW solar cell with an Al reflector exhibited significant improvements in device performances as compared to that without the Al reflector, including a 49% increase in the short-circuit current density and a 56% increase in the power conversion efficiency.

BUILDING CONSUMER-BRAND RELATIONSHIP ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Hua Chang,Lingling Zhang,Lei Song,Yan Meng 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2023 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2023 No.07

In the new digital age, the emergence of user-generated content enables consumers to enjoy greater freedom and control over their behavior on the internet and assume more active roles in sharing brand-related information with others. This research examines the role of brand engagement on consumer psychological ownership, purchase intention, electronic word of mouth (eWOM), and consumers’ willingness to defend the brand on social media. The findings provide evidence of consumer psychological process to demonstrate that companies can use social media to engage with consumers, so consumers are likely to spread positive WOM and be protective of the brand. It is important for marketing managers to assess the level of brand engagement on social media sites and develop tools and techniques to increase consumers’ participation such as using subliminal priming on brand image, with an aim to create a close consumer brand relationship.

"Sandwich" Chemotherapy (CT) with Radiotherapy (RT) Improves Outcomes in Patients with Stage I_E/II_E Extranodal Natural Killer (NK)/T-cell Lymphomas

Zhang, Jing,Zhu, Meng-Yuan,Wang, Liang,Wang, Hua,Wang, Wei-Da,Geng, Qi-Rong,Lu, Yue Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.7

The extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) shows high local or systemic failure rates when radiotherapy (RT) is taken as the primary treatment, suggesting a role for chemotherapy (CT) added to RT for this disease. However, the appropriate mode of combined modality therapy (CMT) has not been fully defined. A total of one hundred and twenty-one patients with ENKTL receiving sandwich CT with RT were reviewed between January 2003 and August 2012. The primary endpoints were the response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and the relapse rate. After the initial CT, there were 84 (69.4%) patients in CR, 22 (18.2%) patients in PR, 9 (7.4%) patients in SD, and 6 (5%) patients in PD, respectively. At the end of RT, the CR, PR, SD, and PD rates for all patients were 90.9% (n=110), 1.7% (n=2), 4.1% (n=5), and 3.3% (n=4), respectively. After a median follow-up of 42.3 months (3.5~112.3 months), the 5-year PFS was 74.7% (95% CI 70.4%~79.0%), and 5-year OS was 77.3% (95% CI 67.9%~86.7%). Disease progression was documented in 25 (20.7%) patients. The rates of systemic failure, local failure, and regional failure were 18.2%, 5.8%, 1.7%, respectively. Twenty death events (16.5%) were observed for the entire group of patients (18 deaths related to PD). Furthermore, CR to the initial CT and low Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) can independently predict long PFS and OS. The sandwich CMT achieved an excellent outcome for localized ENKTL with acceptable toxicity. We recommend it can be applied as the optimal choice for localized ENKTL.