Juvenile hormone-mediated reproduction induced by a sublethal concentration of imidacloprid in Cyrtorhinus lividipennis (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Jun Zhu,Yao Li,Ying-Ying Tang,Jian-Qi Liu,Yi-Yu Chen,Zhongxian LV,Fang Liu 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.1

The Hemipteran predator, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis, feeds on the eggs and nymphs of rice planthoppers and leafhoppers. We previously demonstrated that sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid stimulated the reproduction of C. lividipennis. Considering the essential roles of juvenile hormone (JH) in insect reproduction, we speculated that sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid may stimulate the reproduction of C. lividipennis by regulating JH level. To test this, we cloned C. lividipennis JH acid methyl transferase (ClJHAMT) and JH esterase (ClJHE), which are responsible for JH biosynthesis and degradation genes, respectively. We then knocked down ClJHAMT by injecting dsRNA into C. lividipennis nymphs and found that emerging female adults exhibited 88.8% lower expression of the vitellogenin gene (ClVg) and the number of eggs was reduced by 41.5% as compared with controls. Silencing ClJHE increased ClVg mRNA expression by 275.0% but did not affect fecundity. A sublethal concentration of imidacloprid (LC 20 ) increased the JH titer in females by 35.3% and 60.6% at 24 and 48 h post-emergence, respectively. In treatments containing both imidacloprid and dsJHAMT, the silencing of CLJHAMT reduced the number of eggs produced by adult females by 21.4% as compared to the control (imidacloprid + dsGFP). Our results indicated that sublethal concentration of imidacloprid may induce C. lividipennis reproduction by upregulating JH level via JHAMT. The finding could provide valuable information for improved integration of C. lividipennis and insecticides in pest management.

Rich Se Nanoparticles Modified Mo-W18O49 as Enhanced Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Jun-hui Wang,Jia-Yao Tang,Jia-Yi Fan,Zeda Meng,Lei Zhu,오원춘 한국재료학회 2022 한국재료학회지 Vol.32 No.2

Herein a rich, Se-nanoparticle modified Mo-W18O49 nanocomposite as efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst is reported via hydrothermal synthesized process. In this work, Na2SeSO3 solution and selenium powder are used as Se precursor material. The structure and composition of the nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), EDX spectrum analysis and the corresponding element mapping. The improved electrochemical properties are studied by current density, and EIS analysis. The as-prepared Se modified Mo-W18O49 synthesized via Na2SeSO3 is investigated by FE-SEM analysis and found to exhibit spherical particles combined with nanosheets. This special morphology effectively improves the charge separation and transfer efficiency, resulting in enhanced photoelectric behavior compared with that of pure Mo-W18O49. The nanomaterial obtained via Na2SeSO3 solution demonstrates a high HER activity and low overpotential of -0.34 V, allowing it to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm2.

Bile Acid Transporters Are Expressed and Heterogeneously Distributed in Rat Bile Ducts

Zhu-lin Luo,Long Cheng,Tao Wang,Li-jun Tang,Fu-zhou Tian,Ke Xiang,Lin Cui 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2019 Gut and Liver Vol.13 No.5

Background/Aims: Cholangiocytes are capable of reabsorbing bile salts from bile, but the pathophysiological significance of this process is unclear. To this end, we detected the expression and distribution of bile acid transport proteins in cholangiocytes from normal rat liver and analyzed the possible pathophysiological significance. Methods: Bile duct tissues of Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated by enzymatic digestion and mechanical isolation, and then divided into large and small bile duct tissues. Immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), ileal bile acid binding protein (IBABP), and basolateral organic solute transporter α (Ostα) in the biliary tract system of rats. Differences in the expression and distribution of these proteins were analyzed. Results: In cholangiocytes, ASBT and IBABP were mainly expressed in cholangiocytes of the large bile ducts, in which the expression of both was significantly higher than that in the small ducts (p<0.05). Ostα was simultaneously expressed in cholangiocytes of both the large and small bile ducts, showing no significant difference in expression between the two groups of bile ducts (p>0.05). Conclusions: Bile acid transporters are expressed and heterogeneously distributed in rat bile ducts, indicating that bile acid reabsorption by cholangiocytes might mainly occur in the large bile ducts. These findings may help explore the physiology of bile ducts and the pathogenesis of various cholangiopathies.

Preparation and properties of morphology controlled poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) double networks for biomedical use

Qi Tang,Jun-Rong Yu,Lei Chen,Jing Zhu,Zu-Ming Hu 한국물리학회 2010 Current Applied Physics Vol.10 No.3

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PHEMA/PVP) double networks (DN) were prepared using a sequential method by incorporating a second network of crosslinked PVP into PHEMA. We found that the distributions of the two networks can be regulated just by modulating the morphology of the first network, thus giving expected high water content of these gels. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm the structure of the DN. The incorporation of more hydrophilic PVP enhanced swelling ability of these gels. Because of improved hydrophilicity, the PHEMA/PVP DN exhibited higher loading capability for water-soluble substance than that of pure PHEMA, while showed a slower release rate than corresponding HEMA/NVP copolymer hydrogel. It is suggested that the DN gels are potential biomaterials for wound dressing, medical implants and other drug delivery systems.

Poly (dimethyl siloxane)/poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) interpenetrating polymer network beads as potential capsules for biomedical use

Qi Tang,Jun-Rong Yu,Lei Chen,Jing Zhu,Zu-Ming Hu 한국물리학회 2011 Current Applied Physics Vol.11 No.3

Silicone hydrogels represent a series of novel materials designed for extensive applications especially in the biomedical field. In the current work, a method to obtain poly (dimethyl siloxane)/poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PDMS/PHEMA) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) beads was developed. With further optimization, up to 43% PHEMA was incorporated into size controllable PDMS microspheres,offers an improved hydrophilicity and thus a reduced protein adsorption for long-term use. Furthermore, we found the PDMS/PHEMA IPN beads possess a hollow capsule-like structure, proposing their application as novel drug delivery vehicles. In vitro release studies have demonstrated two release patterns of these IPN beads for water-soluble drugs just by modulating the drug concentration, suggesting their possible applications in different delivery systems.

Effects of co-ion initial concentration ratio on removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solution by modified sugarcane bagasse

Jing Zhu,Jun-xia Yu,Jia-dong Chen,Jie-sen Zhang,Jia-qi Tang,Yuan-lai Xu,Yue-fei Zhang,Ru-an Chi 한국화학공학회 2017 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.34 No.6

A modified sugarcane bagasse (SCB) fixed bed column was used to remove Pb2+ from aqueous solution. To determine the optimal condition for Pb2+ separation, Ca2+ was chosen as the model interfering ion, and effects of Ca2+ and Pb2+ initial concentration ratio (C0 Ca : C0 Pb) on the adsorption of Pb2+ were investigated. Results showed that adsorption amount ratio of Ca2+ and Pb2+ (qe Ca : qe Pb) had a good linear relationship with C0 Ca : C0 Pb. Mass ratio of Pb2+ absorbed on the modified SCB was higher than 95% at C0 Ca : C0 Pb<1.95, illustrating that Pb2+ could be selectively removed from aqueous solution. To verify that, simulated waste water containing co-ions of K+, Na+, Cd2+ and Ca2+ was treated, and results showed that the equilibrium amount of Pb2+, K+, Na+, Cd2+ and Ca2+ adsorbed was 134.14, 0.083, 0.058, 1.28, and 1.28mg g−1, respectively, demonstrating that the modified SCB could be used to remove Pb2+ from aqueous solution in the investigated range.

Identification and expression patterns of 20-hydroxyecdysoneresponsive genes from Procambarus clarkii

Bao‑Jian Zhu,Lin Tang,Ying‑Ying Yu,Dao‑Jun Wang,Chao‑Liang Liu 한국유전학회 2017 Genes & Genomics Vol.39 No.6

Ecdysteroids play an important role in the regulation of molting process in crustaceans. The suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique was employed to search for 20-hydroxyecdysone-responsive genes in the hepatopancreas of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Ninety-three putative expressed sequence tags were identified by SSH, including three immune response-related genes, two cell cycle and apoptosis genes, four respiration and energy metabolism genes, four transport-related genes, six metabolism-related genes, two stress response genes, and eight transcription and translation regulation genes. The expression levels of the examined genes were regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone and varied in the hepatopancreas during the molting stages; data were confirmed by real-time PCR. RNAi of the ecdysteroid receptor had significant effects on the expression levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone- responsive genes. These differentially expressed genes identified by SSH will provide insight into the ecdysteroid signaling pathway in P. clarkii.

Polarization Error Analysis of an All-Optical Fibre Small Current Sensor for Partial Discharge

Gaifang Xin,Jun Zhu,Chengming Luo,Jing Tang,Wei Li,Yuxin Cao,Haiyan Xu 대한전기학회 2020 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.15 No.5

In view of the characteristics of the small amplitude of a current signal, an all-optical fi bre small-current sensor for partial discharge is devised. A novel type of sensor head with electric winding light is proposed. A complete optical model of the optical fi bre current sensor is developed under the eff ect of polarization error factors. In addition, the eff ect of polarization error factors on the optical fi bre sensing system is simulated. The simulation results show that as the extinction ratio increases, the output relative error of the optical fi bre small-current sensor decreases. The eff ect of the fast and slow axis misalignment errors of a polarizing beam splitter is similar to the eff ect of the alignment angle error of an optical fi bre polarizer. It is observed that the relative error curve follows a sine function. Meanwhile, the output relative error increases fi rst and then oscillates with an increase in the linear birefringence. We conclude that the linear birefringence of the sensing optical fi bre is the main error source for the measurement accuracy of the sensing system. Finally, an experimental system for the optical fi bre small-current sensor is implemented. The experimental results show that the eff ect of linear birefringence on the fi bre current sensing system can be suppressed by introducing a large amount of circular birefringence into the sensing optical fi bre. The theoretical mechanism of these errors is analysed, which can be applied to implement corresponding measures to reduce the eff ect of error factors on the sensing system and further improve the measurement accuracy of the optical fi bre small-current sensor.

RhoGDI2 induced malignant phenotypes of pancreatic cancer cells via regulating Snail expression

Yi Bin,Hu You,Zhu Dongming,Yao Jun,Zhou Jian,Zhang Yi,He Zhilong,Zhang Lifeng,Zhang Zixiang,Yang Jian,Tang Yuchen,Huang Yujie,Li Dechun,Liu Qiuhua 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.5

Background: Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) has been shown to contribute to the aggressive phenotypes of human cancers, such as tumor metastasis and chemoresistance. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of RhoGDI2 on tumor progression and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Methods: The expression of RhoGDI2 in pancreatic cancer cells was detected by Western blot analysis. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were done to examine the malignant phenotypes of the RhoGDI2-expressing or RhoGDI2-depleting cells. The correlation between RhoGDI2 and Snail was also analyzed. Results: Differential expression of RhoGDI2 protein in pancreatic cancer cell lines was identified. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments showed that RhoGDI2 induced the malignant phenotypes of pancreatic cancer cells, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and gemcitabine (GEM) chemoresistance. The upregulation of RhoGDI2 stimulated the expression of Snail, resulting in the altered expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and mesenchymal marker Vimentin, which were characteristics of the tumorigenic activity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The expression of RhoGDI2 and Snail was upregulated in clinical tumor samples, and higher expression of RhoGDI2 or Snail was significantly associated with poor patient survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Conclusion: The findings indicated that RhoGDI2 promoted GEM resistance and tumor progression in pancreatic cancer and that RhoGDI2 might be a potential therapeutic target in patients with PDAC.

Structurally Related Cytotoxic Effects of Flavonoids on Human Cancer Cells in Vitro

Chang, Hui,Mi, Mantian,Ling, Wenhua,Zhu, Jun-Dong,Zhang, Qianyong,Wei, Na,Zhou, Yong,Tang, Yong,Yuan, Jialin 대한약학회 2008 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.31 No.9

Flavonoids exist extensively in the human diet, and a variety of health effects have been ascribed to them. The cytotoxic effects of 23 flavonoids on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), col-orectal carcinoma cells (LoVo and DLD-l) and prostatic cancer cells (PC3) were investigated. By comparing the cytotoxicity ($EC_{50}$) of selected molecules that differ in only one structure element, we identified several structural properties associated with enhanced cytotoxicity, including the presence of the 2,3-double bond, appropriate hydroxyl numbers, 3-OH, 6-OH and ortho-hydroxylation in ring B. Flavonoids with a 5-OH exhibited lower cytotoxicity than their non-hydroxylated counterparts. Results indicated that 3,6-dihydroxylflavone showed the most potent cytotoxic effect on these cancer cells. The appearance of apoptotic cells with DAPI staining was observed in cancer cells under 3,6-dihydroxylflavone treatment, and the apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry also showed that 3,6-dihydroxylflavone induced apoptotic cell death in these cancer cells. These results revealed the structurally related toxicity of flavonoids on human cancer cells, and indicates that 3,6-dihydroxylflavone is an active compound worthy of development for cancer chemotherapy.