Insecticidal activities and biochemical properties of Pinellia ternata extracts against the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua

Ya-Nan Zhang,Peng He,Jian-Ping Xue,Qing Guo,Xiu-Yun Zhu,Li-Ping Fang,Jin-Bu Li 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.2

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a key pest of various agricultural crops in many countries throughout the world. The pest requires extensive use of pesticides and field-evolved resistances to conventional insecticides in China and other countries. Pinellia ternata Breit is native to the eastern part of Asia and foundmainly in China,which has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for N1000 years, but few studies have focused on the insecticidal activity of the P. ternate. In order to find natural products that could be used to control the pest in an safe, efficient and ecofriendlymanner,we first time analyzed the components of the anhydrous ethanolic extracts fromthe tubers of Pinellia ternate by using GC–MS method, and then investigated the insecticidal activities and biochemical mechanisms of the extracts against S. exigua. The result of GC–MS showed that 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenolmay be an insecticidal active component, and we also found the extracts had notable insecticidal activity and disturbed the regular metabolismof S. exiguamainly through altering the activities of detoxification enzymes, digestive enzymes and protective enzymes. These properties suggest that the anhydrous ethanolic extracts from P. ternate can serve as a potential, efficient and ecofriendly S. exigua-control biopesticide.

Peripheral nerve defects repaired with autogenous vein grafts flled with platelet-rich plasma and active nerve microtissues and evaluated by novel multimodal ultrasound techniques

Yaqiong Zhu,Nan Peng,Jing Wang,Zhuang Jin,Lianhua Zhu,Yu Wang,Siming Chen,Yongqiang Hu,Tieyuan Zhang,Qing Song,Fang Xie,Lin Yan,Yingying Li,Jing Xiao,Xinyang Li,Bo Jiang,Jiang Peng,Yuexiang Wang,Yukun 한국생체재료학회 2022 생체재료학회지 Vol.26 No.3

Background: Developing biocompatible nerve conduits that accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration, lengthening and functional recovery remains a challenge. The combined application of nerve microtissues and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides abundant Schwann cells (SCs) and various natural growth factors and can compensate for the deficiency of SCs in the nerve bridge, as well as the limitations of applying a single type of growth factor. Multimodal ultrasound evaluation can provide additional information on the stiffness and microvascular flow perfusion of the tissue. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of a novel tissue-engineered nerve graft composed of an autogenous vein, nerve microtissues and PRP in reconstructing a 12-mm tibial nerve defect and to explore the value of multimodal ultrasound techniques in evaluating the prognosis of nerve repair. Methods: In vitro, nerve microtissue activity was first investigated, and the effects on SC proliferation, migration, factor secretion, and axonal regeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were evaluated by coculture with nerve microtissues and PRP. In vivo, seventy-five rabbits were equally and randomly divided into Hollow, PRP, Micro-T (Microtissues), Micro-T + PRP and Autograft groups. By analysing the neurological function, electrophysiological recovery, and the comparative results of multimodal ultrasound and histological evaluation, we investigated the effect of these new nerve grafts in repairing tibial nerve defects. Results: Our results showed that the combined application of nerve microtissues and PRP could significantly promote the proliferation, secretion and migration of SCs and the regeneration of axons in the early stage. The Micro-T + PRP group and Autograft groups exhibited the best nerve repair 12 weeks postoperatively. In addition, the changes in target tissue stiffness and microvascular perfusion on multimodal ultrasound (shear wave elastography; contrast-enhanced ultrasonography; Angio PlaneWave UltrasenSitive, AngioPLUS) were significantly correlated with the histological results, such as collagen area percentage and VEGF expression, respectively. Conclusion: Our novel tissue-engineered nerve graft shows excellent efficacy in repairing 12-mm defects of the tibial nerve in rabbits. Moreover, multimodal ultrasound may provide a clinical reference for prognosis by quantitatively evaluating the stiffness and microvescular flow of nerve grafts and targeted muscles

In Situ Localisation of Superoxide Generated in Leaves of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Shott under Various Stresses

Zhi-Fang Lin,Nan Liu,Gui-Zhu Lin,Chang-Lian Peng 한국식물학회 2009 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.52 No.4

Leaf discs of Alocasia macrorrhiza were treated with various stress factors, including two photo-oxidants, methyl viologen (MV) or riboflavin (RB); three pollutants, sodium bisulphite (NaHSO3), or the heavy metals lead or cadmium; or an osmotic medium, polyethylene glycol 6000. The in situ localisation sites for O2 − generation were identified using specific dye nitro blue tetrazolium as a probe. The level of superoxide production was determined by scanning the blue-stained formazan area and was defined as the percentage of pixels from the stained portion versus the total number of pixels in the entire leaf disc area. All stress factors induced the generation of O2 − in a time- or concentration-dependent pattern. Although superoxide production also was enhanced by longer time periods in untreated discs (control), the degree to which this occurred was less than that measured in leaves treated with either MV or RB. Generation sites were primarily found in the chloroplasts of stomatal guard cells and in the plasma membrane of the epidermis and mesophyll cells, indicating that they were most responsive to stress conditions. Nevertheless, the site of O2 − generation varied among these stress factors.

Molecular identification and expression patterns of carboxylesterase genes based on transcriptome analysis of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ya Nan Zhang,Jin-Bu Li,Peng He,Liang Sun,Zhao-Qun Li,Li-Ping Fang,Zhan-Feng Ye,Dao-Gui Deng,Xiu-Yun Zhu 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.4

Carboxylesterases (CXEs) belong to a family of metabolic enzymes that are widely distributed in insects and other organisms and can rapidly degrade the components of sex pheromones and plant volatiles with an acetate functional group. The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, is an important agricultural pest around the world, causing vast economic losses every year. The female sex pheromones of S. litura comprise four acetates, Z9, E11-14:OAc; Z9, E12-14:OAc; Z9-14:OAc; and E11-14:OAc, but the degradation mechanisms of these components are not well understood. By analysing previously obtained transcriptomic data of the sex pheromone glands,we identified a total of 24 putative CXE genes in S. litura. Gene expression patterns and phylogenetic analysis revealed 5 genes with antennae-specific or biased expression, and clusteredwith genes showed involvement in the degradation of sex pheromones or other detoxification in other insects. SlitCXE10was expressed specifically in the antennae of both sexes, and SlitCXE14, 17, 19, and 21 had high antenna biased expression. Interestingly, RT-PCR and qPCR tests indicated that SlitCXE24 had significantly higher expression in PG than in other tissue, and that it could be a potential candidate gene for sex pheromone degradation in PG. This study is the first to provide solid background information for the further elucidation of sex pheromone degradation, and ultimately provides potential targets for the disruption of sexual communication in S. litura for new pest management.

A DC Transformer Based on MMC and Full-Bridge Structure with Control Method

Sheng Cheng,Shuhuai Shi,Fang Zhuo,Feng Wang,Yanlin Zhu,Nan Zhang 전력전자학회 2019 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2019 No.5

With the deterioration of environmental problems and the shortage of fossil energy, DC distribution net with convenient access to distributed energy has a bright prospect. To connect DC buses with different voltage level, DC/DC converter becomes the focus of research. This paper focuses on the modulation strategy of dc-dc converter based on the modular multilevel converter (MMC) and Full-bridge, which is suitable for medium-low voltage and high-power transmission. On this structure, a quasi-square wave modulation strategy with voltage conversion ability is adopted to improve the performance of the dc-dc converter. This modulation strategy can flexibly alter the AC voltage peak value and limit the dv/dt on the edge of square wave. Simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink verified the proposed modulation strategy.

Integration and Expression of Goat ${\beta}-Casein/hGH$ Hybrid Gene in a Transgenic Goat

Lee, Chul-Sang,Lee, Doo-Soo,Fang, Nan-Zhu,Oh, Keon-Bong,Shin, Sang-Tae,Lee, Kyung-Kwang The Korean Society of Animal Reproduction 2006 Reproductive & developmental biology Vol.30 No.4

In order to generate transgenic goats expressing human growth hormone (hGH) in their mammary glands, goat ${\beta}-Casein/hGH$ hybrid gene was introduced into goat zygotes by pronuclear microinjection. DNA-injected embryos were transferred to the oviduct of recipients at 2-cell stage or to the uterus at morula/blastocyst stage after cultivation in glutathione-supplemented mSOF medium in vitro. Pregnancy and survival rate were not significantly different between 2-cell embryos and morula/blastocysts transferred to oviduct and uterus, respectively. One transgenic female goat was generated from 153 embryos survived from DNA injection. Southern blot analysis revealed that the transgenic goat harbored single-copy transgene with a partial deletion in its sequences. Despite of the partial sequence deletion, the transgene was successfully expressed hGH at the level of $72.1{\pm}15.1{\mu}g/ml$ in milk throughout lactation period, suggesting that the sequence deletion had occurred in non-essential part of the transgene for the transgene expression. Unfortunately, however, the transgene was not transmitted to her offspring during three successive breeding seasons. These results demonstrated that goat ${\beta}-casein/hGH$ gene was integrated into the transgenic goat genome in a mosaic fashion with a partial sequence deletion, which could result in a low level expression of hGH and a failure of transgene transmission.

Integration and Expression of Goat B-CaseinlhGH Hybrid Gene in a Transgenic Goat

Chul-Sang Lee,Doo Soo Lee,Nan-Zhu Fang,Keon Bong Oh,Sang-Tae Shin,Kyung-Kwang Lee 한국동물생명공학회(구 한국동물번식학회) 2006 Reproductive & developmental biology Vol.30 No.4

In order to generate transgenic goats expressing human growth hormone (hGH) in their mammary glands, goat β-casein/hGH hybrid gene was introduced into goat zygotes by pronuclear microinjection. DNA-injected embryos were transferred to the oviduct of recipients at 2-cell stage or to the uterus at morula/blastocyst stage after cultivation in glutathione-supplemented mSOF medium in vitro. Pregnancy and survival rate were not significantly different between 2-cell embryos and morula/blastocysts transferred to oviduct and uterus, respectively. One transgenic female goat was generated from 153 embryos survived from DNA injection. Southern blot analysis revealed that the transgenic goat harbored single-copy transgene with a partial deletion in its sequences. Despite of the partial sequence deletion, the transgene was successfully expressed hGH at the level of 72.1±15.1 μg/ml in milk throughout lactation period, suggesting that the sequence deletion had occurred in non-essential part of the transgene for the transgene expression. Unfortunately, however, the transgene was not transmitted to her offspring during three successive breeding seasons. These results demonstrated that goat β-casein/hGH gene was integrated into the transgenic goat genome in a mosaic fashion with a partial sequence deletion, which could result in a low level expression of hGH and a failure of transgene transmission.

Reactive oxygen species-mediated unfolded protein response pathways in preimplantation embryos

Ihsan Ali,Syed Zahid Ali Shah,Yi Jin,Zhong-Shu Li,Obaid Ullah,Nan-Zhu Fang 대한수의학회 2017 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.18 No.1

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated responses are critical to embryonic development in the challenging in vitro environment. ROS production increases during early embryonic development with the increase in protein requirements for cell survival and growth. The ER is a multifunctional cellular organelle responsible for protein folding, modification, and cellular homeostasis. ER stress is activated by a variety of factors including ROS. Such stress leads to activation of the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR), which restores homeostasis. However, chronic stress can exceed the toleration level of the ER, resulting in cellular apoptosis. In this review, we briefly describe the generation and impact of ROS in preimplantation embryo development, the ROS-mediated activation mechanism of the UPR via the ER, and the subsequent activation of signaling pathways following ER stress in preimplantation embryos.

Determination of Protein, Fat, Starch, and Amino Acids in Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] by Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Xiu-Shi Yang,Li-Li Wang,Xian-Rong Zhou,Shaomin Shuang,Zhi-Hua Zhu,Nan Li,Yan Li,Fang Liu,San-Cai Liu,Ping Lu,Guixing Ren,Chuan Dong 한국식품과학회 2013 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.22 No.6

Quantitative detection of protein, fat, starch,and amino acids in foxtail millet using Fourier transformnear-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was investigated. Foxtail millet samples (n=259) were analyzed using NIRS. Spectral data were linearized with data from chemicalanalyses. Calibration models were established using apartial least-squares (PLS) algorithm with cross-validation. Optimized models were tested using external validation setsamples with coefficients of determination in the externalvalidation (R2val) of >0.90. Residual predictive deviation(RPD) values were nearly equal to or >2.5 for crudeprotein, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, isoleucine,leucine, and serine. However, for glycine, histidine,phenylalanine, proline, threonine, tyrosine, and valine, theR2val values were >0.83 and RPD values were nearly equalto or >2.0. For crude fat, total starch, arginine, and lysine,the R2val values were >0.70 and RPD values were >1.5. NIRS is a rapid determination tool for foxtail milletbreeding, and for quality control.