Three homologous genes encoding functional D8-sphingolipid desaturase in Populus tomentosa

Shu-Fen Li,Zan-Min Hu,Guo-Jun Zhang,Ying-Chun Yuan,Cong-Hui Wang,Wu-Jun Gao,Chuan-Liang Deng,Long-Dou Lu 한국유전학회 2014 Genes & Genomics Vol.36 No.3

Δ8-sphingolipid desaturase is characterized by itsability to catalyze desaturation at the C8 position of the longchainbase of sphingolipids in plants. No previous studieshave been conducted on genes encoding Δ8-sphingolipiddesaturases in the woody plant Populus tomentosa. In thisstudy, three genes that encode Δ8-sphingolipid desaturasewere isolated fromP. tomentosa. Among these genes, PtD8Aand PtD8B showed high sequence similarity; whereas PtD8Cexhibited large sequence divergence.RT-PCRresults showedthat PtD8A and PtD8B were expressed in all tissues detected,whereas PtD8C was not expressed in roots. Heterologousexpression in yeast revealed that PtD8A/B/C were functionalΔ8-sphingolipid desaturases, and can catalyze the C18-phytosphingeninedesaturation to produce 8(Z)- and 8(E)-C18-phytosphingenine.However, the conversion rate and ratios ofthe two products differed. Compared with control cells,transgenic yeasts expressing PtD8A/B/C exhibited enhancedaluminum tolerance. Our findings further elucidated thebiochemical functions and evolutionary history ofΔ8-sphingolipid desaturases in plants. Candidate genes forbreeding new poplar germplasm resources with enhancedtolerance ability to aluminium were also provided.

Simplified Algorithm of the Novel Steel-concrete Mixed Structure under Lateral Load

Li, Liang,Li, Guo-qiang,Liu, Yu-shu Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2012 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.1 No.4

In order to improve the seismic behaviors of traditional steel-concrete mixed structure, a novel steel concrete mixed structure consisting of steel frames braced with buckling restrained braces (BRBs) and a concrete tube is proposed. Based on several assumptions, the simplified mechanical model of the novel mixed structure is established, and the shear and bending stiffness formulas of the steel frames, BRBs and concrete tube are respectively introduced. The equilibrium differential equation of the novel mixed structure under horizontal load is developed based on the structural elastic theory. The simplified algorithms to determine the lateral displacement and internal forces of the novel mixed structure under the inverted-triangle distributed load, uniformly load and top-concentrated load are then obtained considering several boundary conditions and compatible deformation conditions. The effectiveness of the simplified algorithms is verified by FEM comparison.

Long non-coding RNAs in Sus scrofa ileum under starvation stress

Wang Shu,Ma Yi Jia,Li Yong Shi,Ge Xu Sheng,Lu Chang,Cai Chunbo,Yang Yang,Zhao Yan,Liang Guo Ming,Guo Xiaohong,Cao Guoqing,Li Bugao,Gao Pengfei 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.7

Objective: In this study, we aimed to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that play important roles in starvation stress, analyze their functions, and discover potential molecular targets to alleviate starvation stress to provide a theoretical reference for subsequent in-depth research. Methods: We generated a piglet starvation stress animal model. Nine Yorkshire weaned piglets were randomly divided into a long-term starvation stress group (starved for 72 h), short-term starvation stress group (starved for 48 h), and the control group. LncRNA libraries were constructed using high-throughput sequencing of piglet ileums. Results: We obtained 11,792 lncRNAs, among which, 2,500 lncRNAs were novel. In total, 509 differentially expressed (DE)lncRNAs were identified in this study. Target genes of DElncRNAs were predicted via cis and trans interactions, and functional and pathway analyses were performed. Gene ontology functions and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis revealed that lncRNA-targeted genes mainly participated in metabolic pathways, cellular processes, immune system processes, digestive systems, and transport activities. To reveal the mechanism underlying starvation stress, the interaction network between lncRNAs and their targets was constructed based on 26 DElncRNAs and 72 DEmRNAs. We performed an interaction network analysis of 121 DElncRNA–DEmRNA pairs with a Pearson correlation coefficient greater than 0.99. Conclusion: We found that MSTRG.19894.13, MSTRG.16726.3, and MSTRG.12176.1 might play important roles in starvation stress. This study not only generated a library of enriched lncRNAs in piglets, but its outcomes also provide a strong foundation to screen key lncRNAs involved in starvation stress and a reference for subsequent in-depth research. Objective: In this study, we aimed to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that play important roles in starvation stress, analyze their functions, and discover potential molecular targets to alleviate starvation stress to provide a theoretical reference for subsequent in-depth research.Methods: We generated a piglet starvation stress animal model. Nine Yorkshire weaned piglets were randomly divided into a long-term starvation stress group (starved for 72 h), short-term starvation stress group (starved for 48 h), and the control group. LncRNA libraries were constructed using high-throughput sequencing of piglet ileums.Results: We obtained 11,792 lncRNAs, among which, 2,500 lncRNAs were novel. In total, 509 differentially expressed (DE)lncRNAs were identified in this study. Target genes of DElncRNAs were predicted via cis and trans interactions, and functional and pathway analyses were performed. Gene ontology functions and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis revealed that lncRNA-targeted genes mainly participated in metabolic pathways, cellular processes, immune system processes, digestive systems, and transport activities. To reveal the mechanism underlying starvation stress, the interaction network between lncRNAs and their targets was constructed based on 26 DElncRNAs and 72 DEmRNAs. We performed an interaction network analysis of 121 DElncRNA–DEmRNA pairs with a Pearson correlation coefficient greater than 0.99.Conclusion: We found that MSTRG.19894.13, MSTRG.16726.3, and MSTRG.12176.1 might play important roles in starvation stress. This study not only generated a library of enriched lncRNAs in piglets, but its outcomes also provide a strong foundation to screen key lncRNAs involved in starvation stress and a reference for subsequent in-depth research.

Highly efficient removal of three red dyes by adsorption onto Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide

Ran-ran Shan,Liang-guo Yan,Yan-ming Yang,Kun Yang,Shu-jun Yu,Hai-qin Yu,Bao-cun Zhu,Bin Du 한국공업화학회 2015 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.21 No.1

The Mg–Al-CO3-LDH with Mg2+/Al3+ molar ratio of 2 was prepared via coprecipitation method atconstant pH of 9–10 and used to remove three red dyes by batch adsorption method. The results showedthe Mg–Al-LDH were well crystallized and can adsorb the red dyes effectively. The optimal adsorbentdosage and contact time were 1.0 g and 60 min, respectively. Adsorbed amount hardly changed whenpH < 10. The adsorption kinetics fit the pseudo-second order kinetic models well and isothermscorrespond to Langmuir model strictly. All the relevant mechanisms were studied and manifested asanion exchange and also electrostatic attraction for CR.

Identification and expression analysis of the E2F/DP genes under salt stress in Medicago truncatula

Tian-Yi Ma,Jing Guo,Zi-Wei Li,Shu-Yong Zhang,Guo-Ting Liang 한국유전학회 2014 Genes & Genomics Vol.36 No.6

Cell cycle control in plants converges on theRb/E2F/DP pathway, which is regulated by cyclin-dependentkinases. Plants can coordinate their cell cycles duringsalt stress to benefit their growth and development. However,the mechanism underlying cell cycle control undersalt stress is still unclear. Here, we identified five predictedE2F/DP genes in the Medicago truncatula genome,including three E2Fs, one DP, and one DEL. The conserveddomains of the E2F/DP proteins were relativelywell conserved with those of Arabidopsis thaliana andOryza sativa. Intron/exon organization analyses indicatedthat Medtr;E2Fc and Medtr;DPa gained/lost introns in theconserved domains during recent evolutionary process. Furthermore, an expression analysis showed that thesegenes were expressed with varied transcription levels in allof the tissues tested. Contrasting gene expression changesin response to salt treatment in salt-tolerant versus saltsensitivegenotypes indicated that Medtr;DPa might be acandidate gene underlying the salt tolerance. This studywill contribute to the understanding of the E2F/DP transcriptionfactors in M. truncatula and of the mechanismorganizing cell cycle regulation and salt stress.

Mammalian Mediator 19 Mediates H1299 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Clone Conformation, Growth, and Metastasis

Xu, Lu-Lu,Guo, Shu-Liang,Ma, Su-Ren,Luo, Yong-Ai Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Mammalian mediator (MED) is a multi-protein coactivator that has been identified by several research goups. The involvement of the MED complex subunit 19 (MED 19) in the metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cell line (H1299), which expresses the MED 19 subunit, was here investigated. When MED 19 expression was decreased by RNA interference H1299 cells demonstrated reduced clone formation, arrest in the S phase of the cell cycle, and lowered metastatic capacity. Thus, MED 19 appears to play important roles in the biological behavior of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. These findings may be important for the development of novel lung carcinoma treatments.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus 16 in Esophageal Cancer Among the Chinese Population: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Zhang, Shao-Kai,Guo, Lan-Wei,Chen, Qiong,Zhang, Meng,Liu, Shu-Zheng,Quan, Pei-Liang,Lu, Jian-Bang,Sun, Xi-Bin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

Background and Aim: No firm evidence of HPV infection in esophageal cancer has been established to date. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the prevalence of HPV 16 in esophageal cancer in China, which had a high burden of the disease. Materials and Methods: Studies on HPV infection and esophageal cancer were identified and a random-effects model was used to pool the summary prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 3,429 esophageal cancer cases were evaluated from 26 eligible studies in this meta-analysis. The summary estimate for HPV16 prevalence was 0.381 (95% CI: 0.283, 0.479). The prevalence varied by geographical areas of the study, publication year, HPV detection method and types of specimen. In sensitivity analysis, HPV 16 prevalence ranged from 0.368 (95% CI: 0.276, 0.460) to 0.397 (95% CI: 0.286, 0.508). Conclusions: The results indicate a relatively high level of HPV 16 prevalence in esophageal cancer among Chinese population, although there was variation between different variables. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of HPV in esophageal carcinogenesis with careful consideration of study design and laboratory detection method, providing more accurate assessment of the HPV status in esophageal cancer.

Use of Clozapine for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: Findings of the 2006 Research on the China Psychotropic Prescription Studies

Tian-Mei Si,Yun-shu Zhang,Liang Shu,Ke-Qing Li,Xie-He Liu,Qi-Yi Mei,Gao-Hua Wang,Pei-Shen Bai,Li-Ping Ji,Xian-Sheng Cheng,Cui Ma,Jian-Guo Shi,Hong-Yan Zhang,Hong Ma,Xin Yu 대한정신약물학회 2012 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.10 No.2

Objective: Clozapine is one of the most commonly used antipsychotic drugs in China. To date, few studies have investigated the patterns the prescription of clozapine nationwide. The present study examined these patterns in China in 2006 and identified the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of clozapine. Methods: Using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure, we surveyed 5,898 patients with schizophrenia in 10provinces with differing levels of economic development. Results: Overall, clozapine had been prescribed for 31.9% (n=1,883) of the patients; however we found considerable variation among the 10 provinces. The frequency of clozapine use was highest in Sichuan (39.3%) and lowest in Beijing (17.3%). The mean daily dose of clozapine was 210.36±128.72 mg/day, and 25.1% of the patients were treated with clozapine in combination with other antipsychotics. Compared with the group not receiving clozapine, clozapine-user had been treated for longer durations and had experienced a greater number of relapses and hospitalizations. Furthermore, those in the clozapine-user had lower family incomes, were less able to seek psychiatric services, and more likely to be male and have a positive family history of schizophrenia. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sex, professional help-seeking behaviors, duration of illness, economic status, educational level, and clinical manifestations were associated with the use of clozapine. Conclusion: Clozapine use is common in China. However, use of the antipsychotic varies among provinces, and demographic and clinical factors play important roles in the prescription of clozapine.

Factors that Influence the Presciption of Antipsychotics for Patients with Schizophrenia in China

Tian-Mei Si,Liang Shu,Ke-Qing Li,Xie-He Liu,Qi-Yi Mei,Gao-Hua Wang,Pei-Shen Bai,Li-Ping Ji,Xian-Sheng Chen,Cui Ma,Jian-Guo Shi,Hong-Yan Zhang,Hong Ma,Xin Yu 대한정신약물학회 2011 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.9 No.3

Objective: To investigate the patterns of antipsychotic use in China and to analyze the factors that influence antipsychotic prescriptions. Methods: A standardized survey was conducted from May 20 to 24 2002 in five different regions of China with varying economic levels. The patterns of antipsychotic medication use were analyzed in a sample of 4,779 patients with schizophrenia. The survey gathered information on demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, and antipsychotic medications prescribed. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze factors related to patterns of antipsychotic medication use. Results: A plurality of patients with schizophrenia was treated with clozapine (39%); this was followed by risperidone, sulpride,chlorpromazine, perphenazine, and haloperidol. More than 56.3% of patients were treated with only one atypical antipsychotic. The mean daily dose of chlorpromazine was 365±253 mg (mean±standard deviation), and 6.5% of patients were treated with depot injections of typical antipsychotic medications. A total of 73.7% (n=3,523) of patients with schizophrenia received monotherapy,24.8% (n=1,183) received two antipsychotics, 1.1% (n=52) received three antipsychotics, and one received four different antipsychotics. Patients often simultaneously received other classes of medications including anticholinergic agents, benzodiazepines,β-blockers, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Economic status and clinical symptoms were the main factors that contributed to the patterns of antipsychotic prescription. Conclusion: The present study suggests that atypical antipsychotic medications, especially clozapine, are the primary psychiatric treatments of choice in the management of schizophrenia in China. Moreover, the economic status and clinical profile of the patient are the major factors affecting the prescription of antipsychotic medication.

Experimental Study and Numerical Simulation of Precast Shear Wall with Rabbet-Unbonded Horizontal Connection

Chong-fang Sun,Shu-ting Liang,Xiao-jun Zhu,Hu Li,Jian-min Guo,Gang Li,Ya-min Song,Dong-yue Wu 한국콘크리트학회 2020 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.14 No.1

This paper reports the results of a seismic performance study of a precast shear wall with a new horizontal connection. The new connection is the rabbet-unbonded horizontal connection, which is composed of rabbets and unbonded rebar segments. The rabbets are used to improve the shear capacity and prevent slippage of the connection, and the unbonded rebar segments are used to improve the ductility and energy dissipation. Three specimens were tested with different parameters under cyclic quasi-static loading. The test results showed that the specimen with a larger unbonded level had a richer hysteresis curve, larger ductility, larger energy dissipation, and slightly smaller bearing capacity. Moreover, in relation to the stiffness degradation, in the initial stage, the specimen with a larger unbonded level had a smaller stiffness, whereas in the last stage, the stiffnesses were similar regardless of the unbonded level. A parameter analysis using a finite element model proved that the ductility and energy dissipation of a shear wall with the rabbet-unbonded horizontal connection increased with the unbonded length and level. In addition, when the axial compression ratio increased, the bearing capacity increased, but the load-displacement curves decreased more rapidly. It was concluded that the unbonded length and unbonded level could effectively improve the ductility and energy dissipation of a shear wall. However, they should not be too large under high pressure, and the design suggestions for the new connection need further research considering other factors.