Identification and expression patterns of UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes from insect pest Athetis lepigone (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ya-Nan Zhang,Ji-FangMa,Lu Xu,Zhi-PingDong,Ji-Wei Xu,Meng-Ya Li,Xiu-Yun Zhu 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.1

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) genes,which belong to an ancient gene family and play very important roles in all organisms, encode extracellularly secreted proteins that are involved in the transfer of glycosyl residues fromactivated nucleotide sugars to acceptor hydrophobicmolecules (aglycones). Athetis lepigone is an important polyphagous pest worldwide, and since 2011 it has become one of the major maize pests in North China. However, there have been no studies on pesticides for the effective control of this pest. In this study,we identified 23 putative UGT genes in A. lepigone by analysing previous antennal transcriptomic data. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of the AlUGTs are distributed within 11 of 14 insect UGT sub-families. Tissue expression analysis revealed that N70% of AlUGTs were primarily expressed in adult antennae, of which three (AlUGT33AD1, AlUGT40F6 and AlUGT40L4) and four (AlUGT33B18, AlUGT33F10, AlUGT40Q3 and AlUGT41D3) displayed male-biased and female-biased expression, respectively. SomeAlUGTs, however, had higher expression levels in non-antennal tissues. Our study is the first to identify UGT genes in A. lepigone,which will help us to elucidate the diverse functions of these genes, and ultimately provide potential targets that will facilitate the development of efficient and environmentally friendly pesticides against A. lepigone.

Signal processing method of bubble detection in sodium flow based on inverse Fourier transform to calculate energy ratio

Xu, Wei,Xu, Ke-Jun,Yu, Xin-Long,Huang, Ya,Wu, Wen-Kai Korean Nuclear Society 2021 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.53 No.9

Electromagnetic vortex flowmeter is a new type of instrument for detecting leakage of steam generator, and the signal processing method based on the envelope to calculate energy ratio can effectively detect bubbles in sodium flow. The signal processing method is not affected by changes in the amplitude of the sensor output signal, which is caused by changes in magnetic field strength and other factors. However, the detection sensitivity of the electromagnetic vortex flowmeter is reduced. To this end, a signal processing method based on inverse Fourier transform to calculate energy ratio is proposed. According to the difference between the frequency band of the bubble noise signal and the flow signal, only the amplitude in the frequency band of the flow signal is retained in the frequency domain, and then the flow signal is obtained by the inverse Fourier transform method, thereby calculating the energy ratio. Using this method to process the experimental data, the results show that it can detect 0.1 g/s leak rate of water in the steam generator, and its performance is significantly better than that of the signal processing method based on the envelope to calculate energy ratio.

Circulating Low Absolute CD4+ T Cell Counts May Predict Poor Prognosis in Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Patients Treating with Pegaspargase-Based Chemotherapy

Ya-Ping Zhang,Run Zhang,Hua-Yuan Zhu,Li Wang,Yu-Jie Wu,Jin-Hua Liang,Wen-Yu Shi,Hong Liu,Wei Xu,Jian-Yong Li 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.1

Purpose Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is a rare subtype of non- Hodgkin lymphoma, and asparaginase-based regimens are the best first-line treatments. Data on the role of specific circulating lymphocyte subsets in the progression of ENKTL are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical correlation and distribution of circulating absolute CD4+ T-cell counts (ACD4Cs) in ENKTL. Materials and Methods We retrospectively searched medical records for 70 newly diagnosed ENKTL patients treated with pegaspargase-based regimens. Comparison of ACD4Cs as a continuous parameter in different groups was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results Stage III/IV, B symptoms, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, monocytopenia, high-intermediate and high risk International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Korean Prognostic Index (KPI), high risk Prognostic Index of Natural Killer Lymphoma (PINK), and lower lymphocytes were significantly associated with low ACD4C at diagnosis. With a median follow-up time of 32 months, patients who had an ACD4C < 0.30109/L had a worse OS. Median OS was 11 months and median PFS was 5 months in the low ACD4C cohort. There were significant differences in both OS and PFS between the two cohorts. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis identified ACD4Cs as an independent predictor for OS and PFS. Conclusion Low ACD4Cs were associated with poorer survival and could act as a negative predictor for ENKTL patients treated with asparaginase-based regimens.

Discovery of novel glycoside hydrolases from C-glycoside-degrading bacteria using sequence similarity network analysis

Wei Bin,Wang Ya-Kun,Yu Jin-Biao,Wang Si-Jia,Yu Yan-Lei,Xu Xue-Wei,Wang Hong 한국미생물학회 2021 The journal of microbiology Vol.59 No.10

C-Glycosides are an important type of natural product with significant bioactivities, and the C-glycosidic bonds of C-glycosides can be cleaved by several intestinal bacteria, as exemplified by the human faeces-derived puerarin-degrading bacterium Dorea strain PUE. However, glycoside hydrolases in these bacteria, which may be involved in the C-glycosidic bond cleavage of C-glycosides, remain largely unknown. In this study, the genomes of the closest phylogenetic neighbours of five puerarin-degrading intestinal bacteria (including Dorea strain PUE) were retrieved, and the protein-coding genes in the genomes were subjected to sequence similarity network (SSN) analysis. Only four clusters of genes were annotated as glycoside hydrolases and observed in the genome of D. longicatena DSM 13814T (the closest phylogenetic neighbour of Dorea strain PUE); therefore, genes from D. longicatena DSM 13814T belonging to these clusters were selected to overexpress recombinant proteins (CG1, CG2, CG3, and CG4) in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). In vitro assays indicated that CG4 efficiently cleaved the O-glycosidic bond of daidzin and showed moderate β-D-glucosidase and β-D-xylosidase activity. CG2 showed weak activity in hydrolyzing daidzin and pNP- β-D-fucopyranoside, while CG3 was identified as a highly selective and efficient α-glycosidase. Interestingly, CG3 and CG4 could be selectively inhibited by daidzein, explaining their different performance in kinetic studies. Molecular docking studies predicted the molecular determinants of CG2, CG3, and CG4 in substrate selectivity and inhibition propensity. The present study identified three novel and distinctive glycoside hydrolases, highlighting the potential of SSN in the discovery of novel enzymes from genomic data.

Next-generation sequencing of the mitochondrial genome of Dolichovespula panda (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) with a phylogenetic analysis of Vespidae

Xu-Lei Fan,Ya-Jun Gong,Peng-Yan Chen,Qing-Qing Tan,Jiang-Li Tan,Shu-Jun Wei 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.3

For the first time the mitochondrial genome of a Dolichovespula species, D. panda Archer (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), was sequenced with a next-generation sequencing approach. The sequenced mitochondrial genome is 17137 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA and two rRNA genes, as well as a partial A +T-rich region. Twenty-two of the genes are encoded on the majority strand and 15 genes on the minority strand. All protein-coding genes start with ATN codons and have a TAA termination codon, except for one with a TA codon. Compared with the putative ancestral arrangement of insects, the D. panda mitochondrial genome shows the shuffling of trnN and trnE, and of trnQ and trnM, the translocation of trnY to upstream of trnI, and of trnL1 to the region between trnS2 and nad1 and a reversal of trnS1. A phylogenetic tree within the Vespidae was reconstructed using the 13 protein-coding mitochondrial genes. This shows a sister group relationship between Dolichovespula and a clade formed by Vespa and Vespula. It also corroborated the position of Eumeninae as sister group of the clade Polistinae +Vespinae.

Sepsis induces variation of intestinal barrier function in different phase through nuclear factor kappa B signaling

Ying-Ya Cao,Zhong-Han Wang,Qian-Cheng Xu,Qun Chen,Zhen Wang,Wei-Hua Lu 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.25 No.4

The intestinal barrier function disrupted in sepsis, while little is known about the variation in different phases of sepsis. In this study, mouse models of sepsis were established by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The H&E staining of sections and serum diamine oxidase concentration were evaluated at different timepoint af-ter CLP. TUNEL assay and EdU staining were performed to evaluate the apoptosis and proliferation of intestinal epithelium. Relative protein expression was assessed by Western blotting and serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines was mea-sured by ELISA. The disruption of intestinal barrier worsened in the first 24 h after the onset of sepsis and gradually recovered over the next 24 h. The percentage of apop-totic cell increased in the first 24 h and dropped at 48 h, accompanied with the prolif-erative rate of intestinal epithelium inhibited in the first 6 h and regained in the later period. Furthermore, the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) presented similar trend with the intestinal barrier function, shared positive correction with apoptosis of intestinal epithelium. These findings reveal the conversion process of intestinal barrier function in sepsis and this process is closely correlated with the activity of NF-κB signaling.

Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Biliary Tract Cancer from Benign Tissues using Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Measurements with Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Asians

Zhao, Xu-Ya,Zhou, Shi,Wang, Da-Zhi,He, Wei,Li, Jun-Xiang,Zhang, Shuai Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.14

Background: The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) for differentiating biliary tract cancer (BTC) from benign biliary tract diseases in Asians. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched Embase and PubMed prior to December 2014. Eight studies conducted in Asians met our predetermined inclusion criteria. Results: Our meta-analysis results showed that ADC values in BTC tissues were significantly lower than in benign biliary tract tissues (SMD = -1.54, 95%CI: -1.75~-1.33, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis based on the MRI machine type showed that the ADC values were consistent, accurate and reliable in the diagnosis of BTC when comparing cancer tissue vs. benign tissue under the Siemens 1.5 T/3.0 T, Philips 1.5 T/3.0 T, GE 1.5 T, and Toshiba 1.5 T types, respectively (all P<0.05). Further, ADC values were still consistent and accurate in the differential diagnosis of BTC under the b value of 800 and $1000s/mm^2$ (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings supported potential clinical applications of DWI ADC values in differentiating BTC from benign biliary tract diseases in Asians.

Betaine Effects on Morphology, Proliferation, and p53-induced Apoptosis of HeLa Cervical Carcinoma Cells in Vitro

Guo, Yu,Xu, Li-Sha,Zhang, Ding,Liao, Ya-Ping,Wang, Hai-ping,Lan, Zhi-Hui,Guan, Wei-Jun,Liu, Chang-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Objectives: To investigate the effects of betaine on HeLa cell growth and apoptosis and molecular mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, 20.0, 100.0 mg/ml of betaine were used to evaluate the anticancer efficacy for HeLa cells respectively, and MCF-10A was also detected as a normal diploid cell control. Results: We found that proliferation of HeLa cells was inhibited significantly upon exposure to increasing betaine levels with the MTT test (p<0.05). The percentage of S phase cells in the low dose groups (<5mg/ml) were distinctly higher than in high dose groups, and the rates of Sub-G1 phase were the opposite (p<0.01); A high concentration of betaine (>5.0mg/ml) significantly promoted the apoptosis of HeLa cells (p<0.01). SOD activities of the low dose groups were slightly higher than the control group (p<0.05) and there were obvious synchronicity and correlation among the expression of promoting apoptosis genes Bax, P53, Caspase 3 and apoptosis suppression gene Bcl-2. In response to an apoptosis-inducing stimulus, p53 and cyclin D1 could be activated with blockage of the cell cycle at G1/S or S/G2 checkpoints. Conclusions: Our data showed that betaine could promote HeLa cells proliferation in vitro at low concentrations. In contrast, high concentrations could significantly inhibit cell growth and migration, and induce apoptosis of HeLa cells through caspase 3 signaling and further promoted necrosis. This might imply that betaine exhibits tumoricidal effects and acts as a biological response modifier in cancer treatment by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a dose and time-dependent manner.

Thermal oxidation temperature effect on the phases and photocatalytic properties of silver-doped TiO2 thin film prepared by co-sputtering

Hui-Ru Xu,Ping-Yuan Lee,Ya-Wei Tsai,Ying-Chieh Lee 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2021 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.22 No.2

Titanium dioxide thin films with silver dopant (Ag-TiO2) were successfully prepared on glass substrates using the thermaloxidation method. Ag-doped titanium films were prepared using direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) magnetron cosputteringsystems. The thermal oxidation temperature and Ag content effects on the phase evolution, microstructure, andphoto catalytic activity of TiO2 film were studied. The crystalline structures and photo catalytic activity of the annealed AgdopedTiO2 films were methodically investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanningelectron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The results exhibited that thethermal oxidation process at 550 oC clearly caused rutile phase formation in the 2.7% Ag-doped TiO2 films directly affectingthe photo catalytic activity. The Ag-doped TiO2 films showed good photo catalytic activity under UV-light radiation, with 59%methylene blue dye degradation rate.

Association of Measures of Glucose Metabolism with Colorectal Cancer Risk in Older Chinese: A 13-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study-Cardiovascular Disease Substudy and Meta-Analysis

Shu Yi Wang,Wei Sen Zhang,Chao Qiang Jiang,Ya Li Jin,Tong Zhu,Feng Zhu,Lin Xu 대한당뇨병학회 2024 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.48 No.1

Background: Abnormal glucose metabolism is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, association of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with CRC risk remains under-reported. We examined the association between glycemic indicators (HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, 2-hour glucose, 2-hour insulin, and homeostasis model of risk assessment-insulin resistance index) and CRC risk using prospective analysis and meta-analysis.Methods: Participants (<i>n</i>=1,915) from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study-Cardiovascular Disease Substudy were included. CRC events were identified through record linkage. Cox regression was used to assess the associations of glycemic indicators with CRC risk. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between HbA1c and CRC risk.Results: During an average of 12.9 years follow-up (standard deviation, 2.8), 42 incident CRC cases occurred. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of CRC for per % increment in HbA1c was 1.28 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.63) in overall population, 1.51 (95% CI, 1.13 to 2.02) in women and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.68 to 1.68) in men. No significant association of other measures of glycemic indicators and baseline diabetes with CRC risk was found. Meta-analyses of 523,857 participants including our results showed that per % increment of HbA1c was associated with 13% higher risk of CRC, with the pooled risk ratio being 1.13 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.27). Subgroupanalyses found stronger associations in women, colon cancer, Asians, and case-control studies.Conclusion: Higher HbA1c was a significant predictor of CRC in the general population. Our findings shed light on the pathology of glucose metabolism and CRC, which warrants more in-depth investigation.