The effects of codon usage on the formation of secondary structures of nucleocapsid protein of peste des petits ruminants virus

Xiao‑xia Ma,Yi‑ning Wang,Xiao‑an Cao,Xue‑rui Li,Yong‑sheng Liu,Jian‑hua Zhou,Xue‑peng Cai 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.9

The nucleocapsid (N) protein of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) with a conserved amino acid usage pattern plays an important role in viral replication. The primary objective of this study was to estimate roles of synonymous codon usages of PPRV N gene and tRNA abundances of host in the formation of secondary structure of N protein. The potential effects of synonymous codon usages of N gene and tRNA abundances of host on shaping different folding units (α-helix, β-strand and the coil) in N protein were estimated, based on the information about the modeling secondary structure of PPRV N protein. The synonymous codon usage bias was found in different folding units in PPRV N protein. To better understand the role of translation speed caused by variant tRNA abundances in shaping the specific folding unit in N protein, we modeled the changing trends of tRNA abundance at the transition boundaries from one folding unit to another folding unit (β-strand → coil, coil → β-strand, α-helix → coil, coil → α-helix). The obvious fluctuations of tRNA abundance were identified at the two transition boundaries (β-strand → coil and coil → β-strand) in PPRV N protein. Our findings suggested that viral synonymous codon usage bias and cellular tRNA abundance variation might have potential effects on the formation of secondary structure of PPRV N protein.

Identification of QTLs associated with heat tolerance at the heading and flowering stage in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Li, Mao-mao,Li, Xia,Yu, Li-qin,Wu, Jin-wen,Li, Hui,Liu, Jin,Ma, Xiao-ding,Jo, Su-min,Park, Dong-Soo,Song, Youchun,Shin, Dongjin,Han, Long-zhi Springer-Verlag 2018 Euphytica Vol.214 No.4

Prognostic Role of MicroRNA-21 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: a Meta-analysis

Ma, Xue-Lei,Liu, Lei,Liu, Xiao-Xiao,Li, Yun,Deng, Lei,Xiao, Zhi-Lan,Liu, Yan-Tong,Shi, Hua-Shan,Wei, Yu-Quan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Introduction: Many studies have reported that microRNA-21 (miR-21) mihght predict the survival outcome in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) but the opposite opinion has also been expressed. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence for a prognostic role of miR-21. Materials and Methods: All the eligible studies was searched by Medline and EMBASE and patients' clinical characteristics and survival outcome were extracted. Then a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the prognostic role of the miR-21 expression in different subgroups. Results: A total of 8 eligible articles were yielded covering survival outcomes or clinical characteristics. The combined hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for overall survival (OS) was 2.19 [0.76, 6.30], while the combined HR (95% CI) of Asian group for OS had a significant result, 5.49 [2.46, 12.27]. The combined HR (95% CI) for recurrence free survival or disease free survival (RFS/DFS) was 2.31 [1.52, 3.49]. Odds ratios (ORs) showed that the miR-21 expression was associated with lymph node status and histological type. Conclusion: miR-21 expression could predict the prognostic outcome of NSCLC in Asians, despite some deficiencies in the study data.

중국 공익연계 라이브커머스 BJ 정보원천 특성이 구매의도에 미치는 영향

Xiao-Li Ma,김시내,조현준 한중사회과학학회 2023 한중사회과학연구 Vol.21 No.2

This study, based on a questionnaire, using S-O-R model, analyzed how BJ (broadcast jockey)’s information source characteristics affect purchase intention through the shopping value of consumers in China’s public interest live commerce. In addition, the moderating effect of congruence between BJ’s characteristics and corporate image was examined. To test the conceptual model, we collected survey data from those who had ever watched public interest live commerce in China (422 valid cases). The test results show that BJ’s characteristics such as trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, and interactivity have a positive effect on consumers’ perception of the shopping value which is composed of practical and social values. And the practical value shows a significant effect on consumers purchase intention, and the social value also shows a positive effect. And it is confirmed that the higher the congruence of BJ’s interactivity and attractiveness with the corporate image, the greater the influence on the purchase intention through consumers shopping value. On the other hand, it shows that BJ’s trustworthiness and expertise have no significant effect on the shopping value. This study differs from previous studies in that it adds interactivity to the characteristics of BJ information sources, analyzes the moderating effect of congruence with corporate image, and deals with the public interest linkage area among live commerce. 본 연구는 설문조사와 S-O-R 모형을 이용하여 중국 공익연계 라이브커머스에서BJ(broadcast jockey)의 정보원천 특성이 소비자의 쇼핑가치를 통해 구매의도에 어떠한영향을 미치는지를 분석하였다. 또한 BJ의 특성과 기업 이미지 간의 일치성(congruency)이 소비자의 쇼핑가치에 미치는 조절효과를 살펴보았다. 연구모형 및 가설을 검정하기 위해 중국에서 공익연계 라이브커머스를 시청한 적이 있는 사람들을 대상으로 설문 조사하여 총 422부의 유효 설문지를 얻었다. 실증분석 결과, BJ의 특성인신뢰성, 전문성, 매력성, 상호작용성은 실용적 가치와 사회적 가치로 구성된 쇼핑가치에 대한 소비자의 인식에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 그리고 실용적 가치는 소비자의 구매의도에 매우 큰 영향을 미치며 사회적 가치 또한 긍정적인 영향을미치는 것으로 나타났다. 그리고 BJ의 특성 중 상호작용성과 매력성 두 요인에서 기업이미지와의 일치성이 높아질수록 소비자의 쇼핑가치를 통해 구매의도에 더욱 큰 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 그러나 BJ의 신뢰성와 전문성은 소비자의 쇼핑가치에 유의한 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 BJ 정보원천 특성에 상호작용성을 추가한 점, 기업 이미지와의 일치성의 조절효과를 분석한 점, 라이브커머스 가운데공익연계 영역을 다룬 점 등에서 선행연구와의 차별성을 지닌다.

Effects of resveratrol on the inflammatory response and renal injury in hyperuricemic rats

Xiao Benxi,Ma Wenjun,Zheng Ying,Li Zhen,Li Dan,Zhang Yanjun,Li Yuanhong,Wang Duan 한국영양학회 2021 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.15 No.1

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hyperuricemic nephropathy is a common cause of acute kidney injury. Resveratrol can ameliorate kidney injury, but the explicit mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effects of resveratrol on the inflammatory response and renal injury in hyperuricemic rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: A rat model of hyperuricemic nephropathy was established by the oral administration of a mixture of adenine and potassium oxinate. Biochemical analysis and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to assess the rat kidney function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to evaluate the immune and oxidative responses. RESULTS: The expression levels of urine albumin and β2-microglobulin were significantly decreased after resveratrol treatment. In addition, the levels of serum creatinine and uric acid were significantly decreased in the resveratrol groups, compared with the control group. The levels of proinflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, in kidney tissue and serum were also increased in the hyperuricemic rats, and resveratrol treatment inhibited their expression. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity in kidney tissue as well as the superoxide dismutase and xanthine oxidase levels in serum were all decreased by resveratrol treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol may protect against hyperuricemic nephropathy through regulating the inflammatory response.

Clinical Evaluation of Tumor Markers for Diagnosis in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in China

Ma, Li,Xie, Xiao-Wei,Wang, Hai-Yan,Ma, Ling-Yun,Wen, Zhong-Guang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.12

Background: To evaluate the value of combined detection of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), and carbohydrateantigen 125 (CA125) for the clinical diagnosis of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Serum CEA, CYFRA21-1 and CA125 were assessed in 140 patients with NSCLC, 90 patients with benign lung disease and 90 normal control subjects, and differences of expression were compared in each group, and joint effects of these tumor markers in the diagnosis of NSCLC were analyzed. Results: Serum CEA, CYFRA21-1 and CA125 in patients with NSCLC were significantly higher than those with benign lung disease and normal controls (P<0.05). The sensitivity of CEA, CYFRA21-1 and CA125 were 49.45%, 59.67%, and 44.87% respectively. As expected, combinations of these tumor markers improved their sensitivity for NSCLC. The combined detection of CEA + CYFRA21-1 was the most cost-effective combination which had higher sensitivity and specificity in NSCLC. Elevation of serum CEA and CYFRA21-1 was significantly associated with pathological types (P<0.05) and elevation of serum CEA, CYFRA21-1 and CA125 was significantly associated with TNM staging (P<0.05). Conclusions: Single measurement of CEA, CYFRA21-1 and CA125 is of diagnostic value in the diagnosis of lung cancer, and a joint detection of these three tumor markers, could greatly improve the sensitivity of diagnosis on NSCLC. Combined detection of CEA + CYFRA21-1 proved to be the most economic and practical strategy in diagnosis of NSCLC, which can be used to screen the high-risk group.

Bacterial and Fungal Diversity in the Starter Production Process of Fen Liquor, a Traditional Chinese Liquor

Xiao-Ran Li,En-Bo Ma,Liang-Zhen Yan,Han Meng,Xiao-Wei Du,Zhe-Xue Quan 한국미생물학회 2013 The journal of microbiology Vol.51 No.4

Fermented foods and beverages are important parts of human diet. Fen liquor, a Chinese liquor is a fermented beverage that uses a traditional fermentation process. Starters are the main microbial source and also provide nutrients for microorganisms during fermentation. In this study, starters of Fen liquor were produced through a complex traditional fermentation process. To investigate the community structure and the composition of microorganisms in the starter production process, bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were sequenced using clone libraries and pyrosequencing, respectively. There was much higher diversity among the bacteria than among the fungi in the starter production process. Bacteria on the surface of the starters belonged mostly to the Lactobacillaceae family,while members of the Bacillacae family were dominant in the interior of the samples that lacked access to air and water. In the fungi population, diversity was high only in the raw material. In all other samples, nearly all of the fungal sequences were from Pichia kudriavzevii, a member of the Saccharomycetaceae family. Nearly all samples showed similar fungal community structures, indicating that there was little change in the fungal community. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to reveal the whole process of the starter production of Chinese traditional liquor. The findings obtained in this study provide new insights into understanding the composition of the microbial community during the traditional Chinese liquor starter production process and information about the production process control and monitoring.

Staged Improvement in Awareness of Disease for Elderly Cancer Patients in Southern China

Li, Xing,Dong, Min,Wen, Jing-Yun,Wei, Li,Ma, Xiao-Kun,Xing, Yan-Fang,Deng, Yun,Chen, Zhan-Hong,Chen, Jie,Ruan, Dan-Yun,Lin, Ze-Xiao,Wang, Tian-Tian,Wu, Dong-Hao,Liu, Xu,Hu, Hai-Tao,Lin, Jia-Yu,Li, Zhu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.15

Background: In mainland China, awareness of disease of elderly cancer patients largely relies on the patients' families. We developed a staged procedure to improve their awareness of disease. Materials and Methods: Participants were 224 elderly cancer patients from 9 leading hospitals across Southern China. A questionnaire was given to the oncologists in charge of each patient to evaluate the interaction between family and patients, patient awareness of their disease and participation in medical decision-making. After first cycles of treatment, increased information of disease was given to patients with cooperation of the family. Then patient awareness of their disease and participation in medical decision-making was documented. Results: Among the 224 cancer elderly patients, 26 (11.6%) made decisions by themselves and 125 (55.8%) delegated their rights of decision-making to their family. Subordinate family members tended to play a passive role in decision-making significantly. Patients participating more in medical decision-making tended to know more about their disease. However, in contrast to the awareness of disease, patient awareness of violation of medical recommendations was reversely associated with their participation in medical decision-making. Improvement in awareness of diagnosis, stages and prognosis was achieved in about 20% elderly cancer patients. About 5% participated more actively in medical decision-making. Conclusions: Chinese elderly cancer patient awareness of disease and participation in medical decision-making is limited and relies on their family status. The staged procedure we developed to improve patient awareness of disease proved effective.

Meta-analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells as a Prognostic Marker in Lung Cancer

Ma, Xue-Lei,Xiao, Zhi-Lan,Liu, Lei,Liu, Xiao-Xiao,Nie, Wen,Li, Ping,Chen, Nian-Yong,Wei, Yu-Quan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play potential roles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers with various cancer types. The aim of this study was to comprehensively and quantitatively summarize the evidence for the use of CTCs to predict the survival outcome of lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was identified using Medline and EMBASE. Patients' clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) together with CTC positive rates at different time points (before, during and after treatment) were extracted. A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the prognostic role of CTCs and the correlation between the CTC appearance and clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 12 articles containing survival outcomes and clinical characteristics and 15 articles containing only clinical characteristics were included for the global meta-analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) for OS predicted by pro-treatment CTCs was 2.61 [1.82, 3.74], while the HR for PFS was 2.37 [1.41, 3.99]. The HR for OS predicted by post-treatment CTCs was 4.19 [2.92, 6.00], while the HR for PFS was 4.97 [3.05, 8.11]. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to histological classification and detection method. Odds ratio (OR) showed the appearance of pro-treatment CTCs correlated with the lymph node status, distant metastasis, and TNM staging, while post-treatment CTCs correlated with TNM staging only. Conclusion: Detection of CTCs in the peripheral blood indicates a poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer.

Linear stability analysis of Rayleigh-Bénard convection of cold water near its density maximum in a vertically heated annular container

Xiao-Ran Ma,Li Zhang,You-Rong Li 대한기계학회 2017 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.31 No.4

In order to understand the onset of Rayleigh-Bénard convection of cold water near its density maximum in a vertical annular container heated from below and cooled from above, the instability of the static diffusive state was investigated by linear stability analysis. Two kinds of thermal boundary conditions, perfect insulating and conducting sidewalls, were used. The aspect ratio and radius ratio of the annular container varied from 0.5 to 4.5 and 0.1 to 0.8, respectively. Results indicate that the critical Rayleigh number and the critical wave number increase with the increase of density inversion parameter. There are some new flow modes with large azimuthal wave number near the convection onset for cold water with density maximum, which are not observed in Rayleigh-Bénard convection of the Boussinesq fluids. The stratified flow phenomenon in cold water with density maximum is certified. The larger the density inversion parameter is, the more obvious the stratified flow phenomenon becomes. With the increase of the aspect ratio, the critical Rayleigh number decreases, but the critical wave number increases. However, with the increase of the radius ratio, both the critical Rayleigh number and the critical wave number increase continuously. Furthermore, the effect of thermal boundary conditions at the sidewalls on the convection stability is also validated.