Genetic variations in the bitter taste receptor gene TAS2R38 are related to cigarette smoking behavior in Han Chinese smokers

Qi Fei-Yan,Zhu Zhou-Hai,Li Meng,Guan Ying,Peng Qi-Yuan,Lu She-Ming,Liu Zhi-Hua,Wang Ming-Feng,Miao Ming-Ming,Chen Zhang-Yu,Li Xue-Mei,Bai Jie,Yao Jian-Hua 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.11

Background: Smoking behavior is influenced by multiple genes, including the bitter taste gene TAS2R38. It has been reported that the correlation between TAS2R38 and smoking behavior has ethnicity-based differences. However, the TAS2R38 status in Chinese smokers is still unclear. Objective: This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between genetic variations in TAS2R38 (A49P, V262A and I296V) and smoking behaviors in the Han Chinese population. Methods: The haplotype analyses were performed and smoking behavior questionnaire was completed by 1271 individuals. Genetic association analyses for smoking behavior were analyzed using chi-square test. Further, for investigating the molecular mechanism of TAS2R38 variants effect on smoking behavior, we conducted TAS2R38-PAV and TAS2R38-AVI expression plasmids and tested the cellular calcium assay by cigarette smoke compounds stimulus in HEK293. Results: Significant associations of genetic variants within TAS2R38 were identified with smoking behavior. We found a higher PAV/PAV frequency than AVI/AVI in moderate and high nicotine dependence (FTND ≥ 4; X2 = 4.611, 1 df, p = 0.032) and strong cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference (X2 = 4.5383, 1 df, p = 0.033) in participants. Furthermore, in the in vitro cellular calcium assay, total particle matter (TPM), N-formylnornicotine and cotinine, existing in cigarette smoke, activated TAS2R38-PAV but not TAS2R38-AVI-transfected cells. Conclusion: Our data highlights that genetic variations in TAS2R38 are related to smoking behavior, especially nicotine dependence and cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference. Our findings may encourage further consideration of the taste process to identify individuals susceptible to nicotine dependence, particularly Han Chinese smokers.

The Effect of Transformation on the Virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Xue-Mei Zhang,Yi-Bing Yin,Dan Zhu,Bao-De Chen,Jin-Yong Luo,Yi-Ping Deng,Ming-Fang Liu,Shu-Hui Chen,Jiang-Ping Meng,Kai Lan,Yuan-Shuai Huang,Ge-Fei Kang 한국미생물학회 2005 The journal of microbiology Vol.43 No.4

Although pneumococcus is one of the most frequently encountered opportunistic pathogen in the world, the mechanisms responsible for its infectiveness have not yet been fully understood. In this paper, we have attempted to characterize the effects of pneumococcal transformation on the pathogenesis of the organism. We constructed three transformation-deficient pneumococcal strains, which were designated as Nos. 1d, 2d, and 22d. The construction of these altered strains was achieved via the insertion of the inactivated gene, comE, to strains 1, 2 and 22. We then conducted a comparison between the virulence of the transformation-deficient strains and that of the wild-type strains, via an evaluation of the ability of each strain to adhere to endothelial cells, and also assessed psaA mRNA expression, and the survival of hosts after bacterial challenge. Compared to what was observed with the wild-type strains, our results indicated that the ability of all of the transformation-deficient strains to adhere to the ECV304 cells had been significantly reduced (p < 0.05), the expression of psaA mRNA was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in strains 2d and 22d, and the median survival time of mice infected with strains 1d and 2d was increased significantly after intraperitoneal bacterial challenge (p < 0.05). The results of our study also clearly indicated that transformation exerts significant effects on the virulence characteristics of S. pneumoniae, although the degree to which this effect is noted appears to depend primarily on the genetic background of the bacteria.

IMPACTS OF SHELLFISH CULTURE ON THE ECOSYSTEM IN SEMI-ENCLOSED BAYS

Ming Yuan Zhu,Ru Bao Ji,Shang Chen,Xue Lei Zhang 한국해안해양공학회 1999 학술강연회 발표논문초록집 Vol.1 No.1

Stimulated by high economic profits, the industries of shellfish culture have grown rapidly during the last two decades. The expansion of mariculture adds pressure on the environment and associated ecosystem. The potential impacts of the cultivation include reduction of primary productivity due to the consumption of large quantities of phytoplankton, changes of water current movement resulted from the semi-permeation 'Island' effects of the suspended culture, and production of a large amount of faeces and pseudofaeces which may enhance the importance of benthic ecosystem in geo-biological cycling.

Functional Evaluation of Transplanted Kidneys with Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion-Weighted Imaging at 3T

Yuan Xie,Yanjun Li,Jiqiu Wen,Xue Li,Zhe Zhang,Jianrui Li,Yan’e Zhao,Peng Wang,Jun Zhang,Ying Tian,Long Jiang Zhang,Guang Ming Lu 대한영상의학회 2018 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.19 No.2

Objective: To determine the feasibility of reduced field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging (rFOV DWI) with multi-b values to detect functional variability in transplanted kidneys. Materials and Methods: Using a 3T MRI scanner, multi-b rFOV DWI of transplanted kidney or native kidney was performed in 40 renal transplantation recipients and 18 healthy volunteers. The patients were stratified, according to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Group 1, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 2, eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 3, eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Total apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCT), perfusion-free ADC (ADCD) and perfusion fraction (FP) of kidneys were calculated and compared among the four groups. Correlations between the imaging results and eGFR were assessed. Results: All volunteers had eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, while 16, 16, and 8 patients were included in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the renal cortex, ADCT was higher in Group 1 ([1.65 ± 0.13] x 10-3 mm2/s) than Group 3 ([1.44 ± 0.11] x 10-3 mm2/s) (p < 0.05), and the inter-group differences of FP values were significant (all p < 0.05) (0.330 ± 0.024, 0.309 ± 0.019, 0.278 ± 0.033, and 0.250 ± 0.028 for control group, Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Renal cortical ADCT, ADCD, FP, and renal medullary ADCT and FP correlated positively with eGFR (r = 0.596, 0.403, 0.711, 0.341, and 0.323, respectively; all p < 0.05). When using 0.278 as the cutoff value, renal cortical FP had a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 66.7% for predicting decreased renal function. Conclusion: Multi-b rFOV DWI presents transplanted kidneys with high resolution, which is a promising functional tool for non-invasively monitoring function of transplanted kidneys.

The Effect of Transformation on the Virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Zhang Xue-Mei,Yin Yi-Bing,Zhu Dan,Chen Bao-De,Luo Jin-Yong,Deng Vi-Ping,Liu Ming-Fang,Chen Shu-Hui,Meng Jiang-Ping,Lan Kai,Huang Yuan-Shuai,Kang Ge-Fei The Microbiological Society of Korea 2005 The journal of microbiology Vol.43 No.4

Although pneumococcus is one of the most frequently encountered opportunistic pathogen in the world, the mechanisms responsible for its infectiveness have not yet been fully understood. In this paper, we have attempted to characterize the effects of pneumococcal transformation on the pathogenesis of the organism. We constructed three transformation-deficient pneumococcal strains, which were designated as Nos. 1d, 2d, and 22d. The construction of these altered strains was achieved via the insertion of the inactivated gene, comE, to strains 1, 2 and 22. We then conducted a comparison between the virulence of the transformation-deficient strains and that of the wild-type strains, via an evaluation of the ability of each strain to adhere to endothelial cells, and also assessed psaA mRNA expression, and the survival of hosts after bacterial challenge. Compared to what was observed with the wild-type strains, our results indicated that the ability of all of the transformation-deficient strains to adhere to the ECV304 cells had been significantly reduced (p < 0.05), the expression of psaA mRNA was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in strains 2d and 22d, and the median survival time of mice infected with strains Id and 2d was increased significantly after intraperitoneal bacterial challenge (p < 0.05). The results of our study also clearly indicated that transformation exerts significant effects on the virulence characteristics of S. pneumoniae, although the degree to which this effect is noted appears to depend primarily on the genetic background of the bacteria.

Experimental study on deformation and strength property of compacted loess

Mei, Yuan,Hu, Chang-Ming,Yuan, Yi-Li,Wang, Xue-Yan,Zhao, Nan Techno-Press 2016 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.11 No.1

A series of experimental studies are conducted on the deformation and shear strength property of compacted loess. The results reveal that the relationships of both the initial moisture content (w) and the initial degree of compaction (K) of compacted loess with cohesion (w) and the angle of internal friction (${\varphi}$) are linear. The relationship between the secant modulus ($E_{soi}$) and K is also linear. The relationship between $E_{soi}$ and w can be fitted well by a second-order polynomial. Further, when the influences of w and K are ignored, the relationship between the confined compression strain (${\varepsilon}$) and vertical pressure (p) can be expressed by a formula. A correction formula for the deformation of compacted loess caused by a change in w and K is derived on the basis of the study results.

Expression Profile and Potential Roles of EVA1A in Normal and Neoplastic Pancreatic Tissues

Tao, Ming,Shi, Xue-Ying,Yuan, Chun-Hui,Hu, Jia,Ma, Zhao-Lai,Jiang, Bin,Xiu, Dian-Rong,Chen, Ying-Yu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.1

Background: EVA1A (eva-1 homolog A) is a novel gene that regulates programmed cell death through autophagy and apoptosis. Our objective was to investigate the expression profiles and potential role of EVA1A in normal and neoplastic human pancreatic tissues. Materials and Methods: The expression pattern of EVA1A in normal pancreatic tissue was examined by indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Protein levels in paraffin-embedded specimens from normal and diseased pancreatic and matched non-tumor tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results: EVA1A colocalized with glucagon but not with insulin, demonstrating production in islet alpha cells. Itwas strongly expressed in chronic pancreatitis, moderately or weakly expressed in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm in pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, and absent in normal pancreatic acinar cells. Although the tissue architecture was deformed, EVA1A was absent in the alpha cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, mucinous cystadenomas, solid papillary tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusions: EVA1A protein is specifically expressed in islet alpha cells, suggesting it may play an important role in regulating alpha-cell function. The ectopic expression of EVA1A in pancreatic neoplasms may contribute to their pathogenesis and warrants further investigation.

Prognostic Significance of Beclin-1 Expression in Colorectal Cancer: a Meta-analysis

Han, Ye,Xue, Xiao-Feng,Shen, Hu-Gang,Guo, Xiao-Bo,Wang, Xu,Yuan, Bin,Guo, Xing-Po,Kuang, Yu-Ting,Zhi, Qiao-Ming,Zhao, Hong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

Objective: Beclin-1 has recently been observed as an essential marker of autophagy in several cancers. However, the prognostic role of Beclin-1 in colorectal neoplasia remains controversial. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential association between Beclin-1 expression and the outcome of colorectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: All related studies were systematically searched in Pubmed, Embase, Springer and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases (CNKI), and then a meta-analysis was performed to determine the association of Beclin-1 expression with clinical outcomes. Finally, a total of 6 articles were included in our analysis. Results: Our data showed that high Beclin-1 expression in patients with CRC was associated with poor prognosis in terms of tumor distant metastasis (OR=2.090, 95%CI=1.061-4.119, p=0.033) and overall survival (RR=1.422, 95%CI=1.032-1.959, p=0.031). However, we did not found any correlation between Beclin-1 over-expression and tumor differentiation (OR=1.711, 95%CI=0.920-3.183, p=0.090). In addition, there was no evidence of publication bias as suggested by Egger's tests for tumor distant metastasis (p=1.000), differentiation (p=1.000) and OS (p=0.308). Conclusions: Our present meta-analysis indicated that elevated Beclin-1 expression iss associated with tumor metastasis and a poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Beclin-1 might serve as an efficient prognostic indicator in CRC, and could be a new molecular target in CRC therapy.

Compaction techniques and construction parameters of loess as filling material

Hu, Chang-Ming,Wang, Xue-Yan,Mei, Yuan,Yuan, Yi-Li,Zhang, Shan-Shan Techno-Press 2018 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.15 No.6

Loess often causes problems when used as a filling material in the construction of foundations. Therefore, the compaction technique, shear behavior, and bearing capacity of a filled foundation should be carefully considered. A series of tests was performed in this study to obtain effective compaction techniques and construction parameters. The results indicated that loess is strongly sensitive to water. Thus, the soil moisture content should be kept within 12%-14% when it is used as a filling material. The vibrating-dynamic combination compaction technique is effective and has fewer limitations than other methods. In addition, the shear strength of the compacted loess was found to increase linearly with the degree of compaction, and the soil's compressibility decreased rapidly with an increase in the degree of compaction when the degree of compaction was less than 95%. Finally, the characteristic value of the bearing capacity increased with an increase in the degree of compaction in a ladder-type way when the degree of compaction was within 92%-95%. Based on the test data, this paper could be used as a reference in the selection of construction designs in similar engineering projects.

— Invited Review — Understanding the functionality of the rumen microbiota: searching for better opportunities for rumen microbial manipulation

Qi Wenlingli,Xue Ming-Yuan,Jia Ming-Hui,Zhang Shuxian,Yan Qiongxian,Sun Hui-Zeng 아세아·태평양축산학회 2024 Animal Bioscience Vol.37 No.2

Rumen microbiota play a central role in the digestive process of ruminants. Their remarkable ability to break down complex plant fibers and proteins, converting them into essential organic compounds that provide animals with energy and nutrition. Research on rumen microbiota not only contributes to improving animal production performance and enhancing feed utilization efficiency but also holds the potential to reduce methane emissions and environmental impact. Nevertheless, studies on rumen microbiota face numerous challenges, including complexity, difficulties in cultivation, and obstacles in functional analysis. This review provides an overview of microbial species involved in the degradation of macromolecules, the fermentation processes, and methane production in the rumen, all based on cultivation methods. Additionally, the review introduces the applications, advantages, and limitations of emerging omics technologies such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics, in investigating the functionality of rumen microbiota. Finally, the article offers a forward-looking perspective on the new horizons and technologies in the field of rumen microbiota functional research. These emerging technologies, with continuous refinement and mutual complementation, have deepened our understanding of rumen microbiota functionality, thereby enabling effective manipulation of the rumen microbial community.