Effects of habitat fragmentation on the functional diversity of insects in Thousand Island Lake, China

Tian‐Hao Tu,Ji-Rui WANG,Jian-Qiang GU,Tian-Qi LI,Kun LV,Guo-Xin ZHOU,Zhi-Hong XU 한국곤충학회 2019 Entomological Research Vol.49 No.2

Due to habitat fragmentation, the loss of species diversity has been extensively studied. On the contrary, the effects of habitat fragmentation on functional diversity is still poorly understood. In the Thousand Island Lake, we conducted studies of insect functional diversity on a set of 29 isolated islands. We used 10 functional diversity indices from three aspects (functional richness, functional evenness and functional divergence) to respectively describe functional diversity of insects on sample islands. We found the following results: (i) The functional indices selected could reflect the functional diversity of sample islands and it is further proved that in general, three components of functional diversity were independent of each other; (ii) Sample islands could be divided into two categories, island JSD and the remaining islands; (iii) Functional richness increased with island area and shape index, but had no significant correlation with isolation. Likewise, both functional evenness and functional divergence had no significant correlation with island attributes. The conclusion to emphasize from our research is that: (i) habitat fragmentation reduced the biological functional diversity to some extent, further demonstrating the importance of habitat continuity in biodiversity protection; and (ii) for functional diversity protection of insects in a fragmented landscape, an island which has high approximate shape index values of at least hundred hectare magnitude order has a critical promoting effect.

Genotoxicity and effect on early stage proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells on amino-group functionalized titanium implant surface: an in vitro test

Tian-qi Guo,Yi-di Zhang,Wen-jing Luo,Xue Li,Yan-min Zhou,Jing-hui Zhao,Jing-hui Zhao 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2016 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.12 No.2

Genotoxicity and effect on early stage proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells of titanium surfaces modified by heptylamine functionalization through Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) were evaluated in current study. Mouse embryo osteoprogenitor MC3T3-E1 cells were grown on titanium surfaces of all the groups. The CCK-8 assay showed the growths of MC3T3-E1 cells on treated titanium disks were not inhibited compared with those on pure titanium groups. Result of Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (SCGE) test indicated the treated groups showed no significant differences in tail length, tail DNA%, and tail moment compared with pure titanium group. Rate of micronucleus, nucleoplamic buds and nuclear blebs showed no significant differences between treated groups and pure titanium group. Our research exhibited that: The amino-group functionalized titanium surface has neither genotoxicity nor detrimental effects on early-stage proliferation towards osteoprogenitor cells in vitro, thus offer a theoretic support for the clinical use of such functionalized titanium as implant surface.

The Effects of Fu Zi on Changes in the Body Heat of Dogs

Tian-Tian Chen,Chunhua Qi,Huijun Guo,Ziqiang Cheng,Dong Zhou,Haitao Liu,Jianzhu Liu 사단법인약침학회 2009 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.2 No.1

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Fu Zi on changes in the body heat of dogs. Twelve clinically healthy dogs were divided into two groups: the control group (six dogs) and the experimental group (six dogs). The control group was made to ingest normal saline mixed with canned meat, while the experimental group was made to ingest the Fu Zi solution mixed with canned meat. The infrared thermographic system was used to determine the level of body heat generated by these dogs. These areas include the dorsocranial (DCr), dorsocaudal (DCd), ventrocranial (VCr), and ventrocaudal (VCd) regions at pretreatment and were determined at 10, 20, 30, 50, 90, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after treatment for each of these areas. The results showed a tendency toward increased body heat until 30 minutes after ingestion of the Fu Zi powder mixed with canned meat. The significant differences in the changes of body heat were detected at 360 minutes in the DCd regions, 20 minutes in the VCr regions, and 30 minutes in the VCd regions between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Based from our results, we find that Fu Zi can increase and maintain the dogs’ body heat for at least 6 hours. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Fu Zi on changes in the body heat of dogs. Twelve clinically healthy dogs were divided into two groups: the control group (six dogs) and the experimental group (six dogs). The control group was made to ingest normal saline mixed with canned meat, while the experimental group was made to ingest the Fu Zi solution mixed with canned meat. The infrared thermographic system was used to determine the level of body heat generated by these dogs. These areas include the dorsocranial (DCr), dorsocaudal (DCd), ventrocranial (VCr), and ventrocaudal (VCd) regions at pretreatment and were determined at 10, 20, 30, 50, 90, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after treatment for each of these areas. The results showed a tendency toward increased body heat until 30 minutes after ingestion of the Fu Zi powder mixed with canned meat. The significant differences in the changes of body heat were detected at 360 minutes in the DCd regions, 20 minutes in the VCr regions, and 30 minutes in the VCd regions between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Based from our results, we find that Fu Zi can increase and maintain the dogs’ body heat for at least 6 hours.

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.

Involvement of MicroRNA-198 Overexpression in the Poor Prognosis of Esophageal Cancer

Qi, Bo,Yao, Wen-Jian,Zhao, Bao-Sheng,Qin, Xiu-Guang,Wang, Yi,Wang, Wen-Ju,Wang, Tian-Yun,Liu, Shang-Guo,Li, Han-Chen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.9

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the miR-198 expression level is related to clinicopathological factors and prognosis of esophageal cancer. Methods: MicroRNA was extracted from esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgery for assessment using the Taqman@ MicroRNA assay. The correlation between miR-198 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed, and the significance of miR-198 as a prognostic factor and its relationship with survival was determined. Results: MicroRNA-198 (miR-198) expression was higher in patients with poor prognosis than those with good prognosis (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis results showed that the miR-198 expression level had a significant correlation with survival time (P=0.030) and that patients with a higher expression of miR-198 had a shorter survival time. Cox multi-factor model analysis showed that patient prognosis (P=0.014), tumor length (P=0.040) and expression (P=0.012), and survival time had a significant correlation; the corresponding risks were 7.268, 1.246, and 3.524, respectively. Conclusion: miR-198 overexpression is involved in the poor prognosis of esophageal cancer and can be used as a biomarker for selection of cases requiring especial attention.

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.

Roles of E-Cadherin (CDH1) Genetic Variations in Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis

Deng, Qi-Wen,He, Bang-Shun,Pan, Yu-Qin,Sun, Hui-Ling,Xu, Ye-Qiong,Gao, Tian-Yi,Li, Rui,Song, Guo-Qi,Wang, Shu-Kui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.8

E-Cadherin (CDH1) genetic variations may be involved in invasion and metastasis of various cancers by altering gene transcriptional activity of epithelial cells. However, published studies on the association of CDH1 gene polymorphisms and cancer risk remain contradictory, owing to differences in living habits and genetic backgrounds. To derive a more better and comprehensive conclusion, the present meta-analysis was performed including 57 eligible studies of the association between polymorphisms of CDH1 gene promoter -160 C>A, -347 G>GA and 3'-UTR +54 C>T and cancer risk. Results showed that these three polymorphisms of CDH1 were significantly associated with cancer risk. For -160 C>A polymorphism, -160A allele carriers (CA and CA+AA) had an increased risk of cancer compared with the homozygotes (CC), and the similar result was discovered for the -160A allele in the overall analyses. In the subgroup analyses, obvious elevated risk was found with -160A allele carriers (AA, CA, CA+AA and A allele) for prostate cancer, while a decreased colorectal cancer risk was shown with the AA genotype. For the -347 G>GA polymorphism, the GAGA genotype was associated with increased cancer risk in the overall analysis with homozygous and recessive models. In addition, results of subgroup analysis indicated that the elevated risks were observed in colorectal cancer and Asian descendants. For +54 C>T polymorphism, a decreased risk of cancer was found in heterozygous, dominant and allele models. Moreover, +54T allele carriers (CT, CT+TT genotype and T allele) showed a potential protective factor in gastric cancer and Asian descendants.

A Hardware-in-the-loop Platform for Modular Multilevel Converter Simulations

Liu, Chongru,Tian, Pengfei,Wang, Yu,Guo, Qi,Lin, Xuehua,Wang, Jiayu The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2016 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.16 No.5

In this paper, a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform for MMCs is established, which connects a real time digital simulator (RTDS) and a designed MMC controller with optical fiber. In this platform, the converter valves are simulated with a small time step of 2.5 microsecond in the RTDS, and multicore technology is implemented for the controller so that the parallel valve control is distributed between different cores. Therefore, the designed controller can satisfy the requirements of real-time control. The functions of the designed platform and the rationality for the designed controller are verified through experimental tests. The results show that different modulation modes and various control strategies can be implemented in the simulation platform and that each control objective can been tracked accurately and with a fast dynamic response.

A Hardware-in-the-loop Platform for Modular Multilevel Converter Simulations

Chongru Liu,Pengfei Tian,Yu Wang,Qi Guo,Xuehua Lin,Jiayu Wang 전력전자학회 2016 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.16 No.5

In this paper, a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform for MMCs is established, which connects a real time digital simulator (RTDS) and a designed MMC controller with optical fiber. In this platform, the converter valves are simulated with a small time step of 2.5 microsecond in the RTDS, and multicore technology is implemented for the controller so that the parallel valve control is distributed between different cores. Therefore, the designed controller can satisfy the requirements of real-time control. The functions of the designed platform and the rationality for the designed controller are verified through experimental tests. The results show that different modulation modes and various control strategies can be implemented in the simulation platform and that each control objective can been tracked accurately and with a fast dynamic response.

4-Hydroxynonenal Promotes Growth and Angiogenesis of Breast Cancer Cells through HIF-1α Stabilization

Li, Yao-Ping,Tian, Fu-Guo,Shi, Peng-Cheng,Guo, Ling-Yun,Wu, Hai-Ming,Chen, Run-Qi,Xue, Jin-Ming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) is a stable end product of lipid peroxidation, which has been shown to play an important role in cell signal transduction, while increasing cell growth and differentiation. 4-HNE could inhibit phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) activity in hepatocytes and increased levels have been found in human invasive breast cancer. Here we report that 4-HNE increased the cell growth of breast cancer cells as revealed by colony formation assay. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was elevated, while protein levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) were up-regulated. Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), a major mitochondria NAD+-dependent deacetylase, is reported to destabilize HIF-$1{\alpha}$. Here, 4-HNE could inhibit the deacetylase activity of SIRT3 by thiol-specific modification. We further demonstrated that the regulation by 4-HNE of levels of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and VEGF depends on SIRT3. Consistent with this, 4-HNE could not increase the cell growth in SIRT3 knockdown breast cancer cells. Additionally, 4-HNE promoted angiogenesis and invasion of breast cancer cells in a SIRT3-dependent manner. In conclusion, we propose that 4-HNE promotes growth, invasion and angiogenesis of breast cancer cells through the SIRT3-HIF-$1{\alpha}$-VEGF axis.