High-density single nucleotide polymorphism chip-based conservation genetic analysis of indigenous pig breeds from Shandong Province, China

Wang, Yanping,Zhao, Xueyan,Wang, Cheng,Wang, Wenwen,Zhang, Qin,Wu, Ying,Wang, Jiying Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.7

Objective: Shandong indigenous pig breeds are important Chinese pig resources. Their progressive population decline in recent decades has attracted attention towards their conservation. Conservation genetics of these indigenous breeds are essential for developing a conservation and utilization scheme. Methods: A high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (HD-SNP) chip-based comparative analysis of genetic characteristics was performed for seven Shandong indigenous pig breeds in the context of five Western commercial breeds. Results: The results showed that Shandong indigenous pig breeds varied greatly in genetic diversity, effective population size, inbreeding level, and genetic distance with the Western commercial breeds. Specifically, Laiwu and Dapulian displayed low genetic diversity, and had a genetically distant relationship with the Western commercial breeds (average F statistics [F_ST] value of 0.3226 and 0.2666, respectively). Contrastingly, the other five breeds (Yantai, Licha, Yimeng, Wulain, and Heigai) displayed high genetic diversity within breed and had some extent of mixture pattern with the Western commercial breeds, especially Duroc and Landrace (F_ST values from 0.1043 to 0.2536). Furthermore, intensive gene flow was discovered among the seven Shandong indigenous breeds, particularly Wulian, Licha, and Heigai, as indicated by the large cluster formed in the principal component analysis scatterplot and small population differentiation (average of 0.1253) among them. Conclusion: Our study advances the understanding of genetic characteristics of Shandong indigenous breeds and provides essential information for developing an appropriate conservation and utilization scheme for these breeds.

AN ULTRA-LUMINOUS QUASAR AT <i>z</i> = 5.363 WITH A TEN BILLION SOLAR MASS BLACK HOLE AND A METAL-RICH DLA AT <i>z</i> ∼ 5

Wang, Feige,Wu, Xue-Bing,Fan, Xiaohui,Yang, Jinyi,Cai, Zheng,Yi, Weimin,Zuo, Wenwen,Wang, Ran,McGreer, Ian D.,Ho, Luis C.,Kim, Minjin,Yang, Qian,Bian, Fuyan,Jiang, Linhua IOP Publishing 2015 ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS - Vol.807 No.1

<P>We report the discovery of an ultra-luminous quasar J030642.51+185315.8 (hereafter J0306+1853) at redshift 5.363, which hosts a supermassive black hole with M-BH = (1.07 +/- 0.27) x 10(10) M-circle dot. With an absolute magnitude M-1450 = -28.92 and a bolometric luminosity L-bol similar to 3.4 x 10(14) L-circle dot, J0306+1853 is one of the most luminous objects in the early universe. It is not likely to be a beamed source based on its small flux variability, low radio loudness, and normal broad emission lines. In addition, a z = 4.986 damped Ly alpha system (DLA) with [M/H] = -1.3 +/- 0.1, among the most metal-rich DLAs at z greater than or similar to 5, is detected in the absorption spectrum of this quasar. This ultra-luminous quasar puts strong constraints on the bright end of the quasar luminosity function and massive end of the black hole mass function. It will provide a unique laboratory for the study of BH growth and the co-evolution between a BH and the host galaxy with multi-wavelength follow-up observations. The future high-resolution spectra will give more insight into the DLA and other absorption systems along the line of sight of J0306+1853.</P>

Antiviral Effect of Retro-2.1 against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 In Vitro

( Wenwen Dai ),( Yu Wu ),( Jinpeng Bi ),( Jingyu Wang ),( Shuai Wang ),( Wei Kong ),( Julien Barbier ),( Jean-christophe Cintrat ),( Feng Gao ),( Zhengran Jiang ),( Daniel Gillet ),( Weiheng Su ),( Ch 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2018 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.28 No.6

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection has been a public health concern worldwide. It is the leading cause of genital herpes and a contributing factor to cervical cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. No vaccine is available yet for the treatment of HSV-2 infection, and routinely used synthetic nucleoside analogs have led to the emergence of drug resistance. The small molecule Retro-2^cycl has been reported to be active against several pathogens by acting on intracellular vesicle transport, which also participates in the HSV-2 lifecycle. Here, we showed that Retro-2.1, which is an optimized, more potent derivative of Retro-2^cycl, could inhibit HSV-2 infection, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 5.58 μM and 6.35 μM in cytopathic effect inhibition and plaque reduction assays, respectively. The cytotoxicity of Retro-2.1 was relatively low, with a 50% cytotoxicity concentration of 116.5 μM. We also preliminarily identified that Retro-2.1 exerted the antiviral effect against HSV-2 by a dual mechanism of action on virus entry and late stages of infection. Therefore, our study for the first time demonstrated Retro-2.1 as an effective antiviral agent against HSV-2 in vitro with targets distinct from those of nucleoside analogs.

miR-458b-5p regulates ovarian granulosa cells proliferation through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway by targeting catenin beta-1

Wang Wenwen,Teng Jun,Han Xu,Zhang Shen,Zhang Qin,Tang Hui 아세아·태평양축산학회 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.6

Objective: Ovarian follicular development, which dependent on the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells (GCs), is a complex biological process in which miRNA plays an important role. Our previous study showed that miR-458b-5p is associated with ovarian follicular development in chicken. The detailed function and molecular mechanism of miR-458b-5p in GCs is unclear. Methods: The luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-458b-5p and catenin beta-1 (CTNNB1), which is an important transcriptional regulatory factor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling were applied to explore the effect of miR-458b-5p on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of chicken GCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels. Results: We demonstrated that the expression of miR-458b-5p and CTNNB1 showed the opposite relationship in GCs and theca cells of hierarchical follicles. The luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CTNNB1 is the direct target of miR-458b-5p. Using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry with PI and Annexin V-FITC labeling, we observed that transfection with the miR-458b-5p mimics significantly reduced proliferation and has no effects on apoptosis of chicken GCs. In addition, miR-458b-5p decreased the mRNA and protein expression of CD44 molecule and matrix metallopeptidase 7, which are the downstream effectors of CTNNB1 in Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and play functional roles in cell proliferation. Conclusion: Taken together, the data indicate that miR-458b-5p regulates ovarian GCs proliferation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting CTNNB1, suggesting that miR-458b-5p and its target gene CTNNB1 may potentially play a role in chicken ovarian follicular development. Objective: Ovarian follicular development, which dependent on the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells (GCs), is a complex biological process in which miRNA plays an important role. Our previous study showed that miR-458b-5p is associated with ovarian follicular development in chicken. The detailed function and molecular mechanism of miR-458b-5p in GCs is unclear.Methods: The luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-458b-5p and catenin beta-1 (<i><i>CTNNB1</i></i>), which is an important transcriptional regulatory factor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling were applied to explore the effect of miR-458b-5p on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of chicken GCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels.Results: We demonstrated that the expression of miR-458b-5p and <i>CTNNB1</i> showed the opposite relationship in GCs and theca cells of hierarchical follicles. The luciferase reporter assay confirmed that <i>CTNNB1</i> is the direct target of miR-458b-5p. Using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry with PI and Annexin V-FITC labeling, we observed that transfection with the miR-458b-5p mimics significantly reduced proliferation and has no effects on apoptosis of chicken GCs. In addition, miR-458b-5p decreased the mRNA and protein expression of CD44 molecule and matrix metallopeptidase 7, which are the downstream effectors of <i>CTNNB1</i> in Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and play functional roles in cell proliferation.Conclusion: Taken together, the data indicate that miR-458b-5p regulates ovarian GCs proliferation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting <i>CTNNB1</i>, suggesting that miR-458b-5p and its target gene <i>CTNNB1</i> may potentially play a role in chicken ovarian follicular development.

SDSS J013127.34-032100.1: A NEWLY DISCOVERED RADIO-LOUD QUASAR AT <i>z</i> = 5.18 WITH EXTREMELY HIGH LUMINOSITY

Yi, Wei-Min,Wang, Feige,Wu, Xue-Bing,Yang, Jinyi,Bai, Jin-Ming,Fan, Xiaohui,Brandt, William N.,Ho, Luis C.,Zuo, Wenwen,Kim, Minjin,Wang, Ran,Yang, Qian,Zhang, Ju-jia,Wang, Fang,Wang, Jian-Guo,Ai, Yanl IOP Publishing 2014 ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS - Vol.795 No.2

<P>Very few of the z > 5 quasars discovered to date have been radio-loud, with radio-to-optical flux ratios (radio-loudness parameters) higher than 10. Here we report the discovery of an optically luminous radio-loud quasar, SDSS J013127.34-032100.1 (J0131-0321 in short), at z = 5.18 +/- 0.01 using the Lijiang 2.4 m and Magellan telescopes. J0131-0321 has a spectral energy distribution consistent with that of radio-loud quasars. With an i-band magnitude of 18.47 and a radio flux density of 33 mJy, its radio-loudness parameter is similar to 100. The optical and near-infrared spectra taken by Magellan enable us to estimate its bolometric luminosity to be L-bol similar to 1.1 x 10(48) erg s(-1), approximately 4.5 times greater than that of the most distant quasar known to date. The black hole mass of J0131-0321 is estimated to be 2.7 x 10(9) M-circle dot, with an uncertainty up to 0.4 dex. Detailed physical properties of this high-redshift, radio-loud, potentially super-Eddington quasar can be probed in the future with more dedicated and intensive follow-up observations using multi-wavelength facilities.</P>

Improved oral bioavailability of capsaicin via liposomal nanoformulation: preparation, in vitro drug release and pharmacokinetics in rats

Yuan Zhu,Miaomiao Wang,Jiajia Zhang,Wei Peng,Caleb Kesse Firempong,Wenwen Deng,Qilong Wang,Shicheng Wang,Feng Shi,Jiangnan Yu,Ximing Xu,Weiming Zhang 대한약학회 2015 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.38 No.4

This study innovatively prepared an effectivecapsaicin-loaded liposome, a nanoformulation with fewerirritants, for oral administration. The in vitro and in vivoproperties of the liposomal encapsulation were investigatedand the potential possibility of oral administration evaluated. The liposomal agent composed of phospholipid, cholesterol,sodium cholate and isopropyl myristate was prepared usingfilm-dispersion method. A level A in vitro–in vivo correlation(IVIVC) was established for the first time, which demonstratedan excellent IVIVC of both formulated and freecapsaicin in oral administration. Physicochemical characterizationsincluding mean particle size, zeta (f) potentialand average encapsulation efficiency of capsaicin-loadedliposome were found to be 52.2 ± 1.3 nm, -41.5 ±2.71 mv and 81.9 ± 2.43 %, respectively. In vivo, liposomalencapsulation allowed a 3.34-fold increase in relativebioavailability compared to free capsaicin. The gastricmucosa irritation studies indicated that the liposomal systemwas a safe carrier for oral administration. These resultssupport the fact that capsaicin, an effective drug for thetreatment of neuropathic pain, could be encapsulated inliposome for improved oral bioavailability. The excellentIVIVC of capsaicin-loaded liposome could also be a promisingtool in liposomal formulation development with anadded advantage of reduced animal testing.

Fabrication of silica/PVA‑co‑PE nanofiber membrane for oil/water separation

Yuanli Chen,Hui Fan,Xinlin Zha,Wenwen Wang,Yi Wu,Yi Xiong,Kun Yan,Yuedan Wang,Dong Wang 한국의류학회 2021 Fashion and Textiles Vol.8 No.1

High efficiency and anti-pollution oil/water separation membrane has been widely explored and researched. There are a large number of hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica, which has good wettability and can be used for oil-water separation membranes. Hydrophilic silica nanostructures with different morphologies were synthesized by changing templates and contents of trimethylbenzene (TMB). Here, silica nanospheres with radical pores, hollow silica nanospheres and worm-like silica nanotubes were separately sprayed on the PVA-co-PE nanofiber membrane (PM). The abundance of hydroxyl groups and porous structures on PM surfaces enabled the absorption of silica nanospheres through hydrogen bonds. Compared with different silica nanostructures, it was found that the silica/PM exhibited excellent super-hydrophilicity in air and underwater “oil-hating” properties. The PM was mass-produced in our lab through meltextrusion- phase-separation technique. Therefore, the obtained membranes not only have excellent underwater superoleophobicity but also have a low-cost production. The prepared silica/PM composites were used to separate n-hexane/water, silicone oil/ water and peanut oil water mixtures via filtration. As a result, they all exhibited efficient separation of oil/water mixture through gravity-driven filtration.

Association of the Porcine Cluster of Differentiation 4 Gene with T Lymphocyte Subpopulations and Its Expression in Immune Tissues

Xu, Jingen,Liu, Yang,Fu, Weixuan,Wang, Jiying,Wang, Wenwen,Wang, Haifei,Liu, Jianfeng,Ding, Xiangdong,Zhang, Qin Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.4

Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) is mainly expressed on $CD4^+$ T cells, which plays an important role in immune response. The aim of this study was to detect the association between polymorphisms of the CD4 gene and T lymphocyte subpopulations in pigs, and to investigate the effects of genetic variation on the CD4 gene expression level in immune tissues. Five missense mutations in the CD4 gene were identified using DNA pooling sequencing assays, and two main haplotypes (CCTCC and AGCTG) in strong linkage disequilibrium (with frequencies of 50.26% and 46.34%, respectively) were detected in the population of Large White pigs. Our results indicated that the five SNPs and the two haplotypes were significantly associated with the proportions of $CD4^-CD8^-$, $CD4^+CD8^+$, $CD4^+CD8^-$, $CD4^+$ and $CD4^+/CD8^+$ in peripheral blood (p<0.05). Gene expression analysis showed the mRNA level of the CD4 gene in thymus was significantly higher than that in lymph node and spleen (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between animals with CCTCC/CCTCC genotype and animals with AGCTG/AGCTG genotype in the three immune tissues (p>0.05). These results indicate that the CD4 gene may influence T lymphocyte subpopulations and can be considered as a candidate gene affecting immunity in pigs.

Cloning and Biochemical Characterization of a Hyaluronate Lyase from Bacillus sp. CQMU-D

Wang Lu,Liu Qianqian,Gong Xue,Jian Wenwen,Cui Yihong,Jia Qianying,Zhang Jibei,Zhang Yi,Guo Yanan,Lu He,Tu Zeng 한국미생물·생명공학회 2023 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.33 No.2

Hyaluronidase (HAase) can enhance drug diffusion and dissipate edema by degrading hyaluronic acid (HA) in the extracellular matrix into unsaturated HA oligosaccharides in mammalian tissues. Microorganisms are recognized as valuable sources of HAase. In this study, a new hyaluronate lyase (HAaseD) from Bacillus sp. CQMU-D was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21, purified, and characterized. The results showed that HAaseD belonged to the polysaccharide lyase (PL) 8 family and had a molecular weight of 123 kDa. HAaseD could degrade chondroitin sulfate (CS) -A, CS-B, CSC, and HA, with the highest activity toward HA. The optimum temperature and pH value of HAaseD were 40°C and 7.0, respectively. In addition, HAaseD retained stability in an alkaline environment and displayed higher activity with appropriate concentrations of metal ions. Moreover, HAaseD was an endolytic hyaluronate lyase that could degrade HA to produce unsaturated HA oligosaccharides. Together, our findings indicate that HAaseD from Bacillus sp. CQMU-D is a new hyaluronate lyase and with excellent potential for application in industrial production.

Preliminary design and assessment of a heat pipe residual heat removal system for the reactor driven subcritical facility

Wenwen Zhang,Kaichao Sun,Chenglong Wang,Dalin Zhang,Wenxi Tian,Suizheng Qiu,G.H. Su 한국원자력학회 2021 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.53 No.12

A heat pipe residual heat removal system is proposed to be incorporated into the reactor drivensubcritical (RDS) facility, which has been proposed by MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory for testing anddemonstrating the Fluoride-salt-cooled High-temperature Reactor (FHR). It aims to reduce the risk of thesystem operation after the shutdown of the facility. One of the main components of the system is an aircooled heat pipe heat exchanger. The alkali-metal high-temperature heat pipe was designed to meet theoperation temperature and residual heat removal requirement of the facility. The heat pipe modeldeveloped in the previous work was adopted to simulate the designed heat pipe and assess the heattransport capability. 3D numerical simulation of the subcritical facility active zone was performed by thecommercial CFD software STAR CCM þ to investigate the operation characteristics of this proposedsystem. The thermal resistance network of the heat pipe was built and incorporated into the CFD model. The nominal condition, partial loss of air flow accident and partial heat pipe failure accident weresimulated and analyzed. The results show that the residual heat removal system can provide sufficientcooling of the subcritical facility with a remarkable safety margin. The heat pipe can work under therecommended operation temperature range and the heat flux is below all thermal limits. The facilitypeak temperature is also lower than the safety limits