Studies on the Soybean Cyst Nematode (Heterodera glycines) in China

Liu, Wei-Zhi,Liu, Ye,Duan, Yu-Xi,Hong, Quan-Chun,Wang, Ke-Ning Korean Society of Applied Entomology 1995 한국응용곤충학회지 Vol.34 No.2

Soybean has been cultivated in China for 5,000 years. The soybean cyst neamtode (SCN), Heterodra glycines, was recongnized in Northeastern China in 1899. Currently, it is known to occur in 12 provinces. The biology of SCN was investigated in several provinces. Six races of SCN were identified (race 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7). About f10,000 soybean germplasm lines were evaluated for their resistance to race 1, 3, 4 and 5 of SCN. At least two black-seeded cultivars are resistant to all four races. Several tolerant soybean cultivars with yellow seed coat were released and are in production. Additional resistant cultivars are being developed. Nematicides were not applied in production Potential biocontrol agents and related aspects are being investigated.

5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine Induces Hepatoma Cell Apoptosis via Enhancing Methionine Adenosyltransferase 1A Expression and Inducing S-Adenosylmethionine Production

Liu, Wei-Jun,Ren, Jian-Guo,Li, Ting,Yu, Guo-Zheng,Zhang, Jin,Li, Chang-Sheng,Liu, Zhi-Su,Liu, Quan-Yan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

In hepatocellular cancer (HCC), lack of response to chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be caused by a loss of epigenetic modifications of cancer cells. Methionine adenosyltransferase 1A is inactivated in HCC and may be stimulated by an epigenetic change involving promoter hypermethylation. Therefore, drugs releasing epigenetic repression have been proposed to reverse this process. We studied the effect of the demethylating reagent 5-aza-2'-deoxycitidine (5-Aza-CdR) on MAT1A gene expression, DNA methylation and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) production in the HCC cell line Huh7. We found that MAT1A mRNA and protein expression were activated in Huh7 cells with the treatment of 5-Aza-CdR; the status of promoter hypermethylation was reversed. At the same time, MAT2A mRNA and protein expression was significantly reduced in Huh7 cells treated with 5-Aza-CdR, while SAMe production was significantly induced. However, 5-Aza-CdR showed no effects on MAT2A methylation. Furthermore, 5-Aza-CdR inhibited the growth of Huh7 cells and induced apoptosis and through down-regulation of Bcl-2, up-regulation of Bax and caspase-3. Our observations suggest that 5-Aza-CdR exerts its anti-tumor effects in Huh7 cells through an epigenetic change involving increased expression of the methionine adenosyltransferase 1A gene and induction of S-adenosylmethionine production.

Nanotwinned Microstructure Engineering of Electroplated Copper for Enhanced Anti-corrosion in Alkaline Medium

Xing‑Quan Liu,Zhe Li,Zhen‑Jia Peng,Rui‑Xun Wang,Zhi‑Quan Liu 대한금속·재료학회 2024 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.30 No.1

Electroplated copper is a key electronic interconnect material in integrated circuits and printed circuits and inevitablyexposed to corrosive media in manufacturing processes. The present work reports, for the first time, that corrosion resistanceof electroplated copper in 4 wt% NaOH is enhanced via nanotwinned microstructure engineering. Nucleation and growthof oxide/hydroxide on nanotwinned copper are inhibited, attributed to existence of highly (111)-preferred grain orientationand high-density parallelly-aligned coherent twin boundaries at surface. This study unveils a novel anti-corrosion strategyof nantowinned microstructure engineering against alkaline etchant, and exhibits great application values in industrial electroplatingof copper, silver, or their alloys.

Expression profiles of microRNAs in skeletal muscle of sheep by deep sequencing

Zhi-Jin Liu,Cun-Yuan Li,Xiao-Yue Li,Yang Yao,Wei Ni,Xiang-Yu Zhang,Yang Cao,Wureli Hazi,Dawei Wang,Renzhe Quan,Shuting Yu,Yuyu Wu,Songmin Niu,Yulong Cui,Yaseen Khan,Shengwei Hu 아세아·태평양축산학회 2019 Animal Bioscience Vol.32 No.6

Objective: MicroRNAs are a class of endogenous small regulatory RNAs that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Recent studies on miRNAs are mainly focused on mice, human and pig. However, the studies on miRNAs in skeletal muscle of sheep are not comprehensive. Methods: RNA-seq technology was used to perform genomic analysis of miRNAs in prenatal and postnatal skeletal muscle of sheep. Targeted genes were predicted using miRanda software and miRNA-mRNA interactions were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To further investigate the function of miRNAs, candidate targeted genes were enriched for analysis using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment. Results: The results showed total of 1,086 known miRNAs and 40 new candidate miRNAs were detected in prenatal and postnatal skeletal muscle of sheep. In addition, 345 miRNAs (151 up-regulated, 94 down-regulated) were differentially expressed. Moreover, miRanda software was performed to predict targeted genes of miRNAs, resulting in a total of 2,833 predicted targets, especially miR-381 which targeted multiple muscle-related mRNAs. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway analysis confirmed that targeted genes of miRNAs were involved in development of skeletal muscles. Conclusion: This study supplements the miRNA database of sheep, which provides valuable information for further study of the biological function of miRNAs in sheep skeletal muscle.

Efficient Complex Matrix Inversion for MIMO OFDM Systems

Zhi Quan,Jie Liu 한국통신학회 2017 Journal of communications and networks Vol.19 No.6

The use of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing(OFDM) greatly simplifies receiver design in multiple-inputmultiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems when the channel is frequencyselective. Since complex-valued matrix manipulations, suchas matrix inversion, are normally required in MIMO-OFDM systems,the receiver complexity is much higher than that of singleinputsingle-output and single-carrier systems. In this paper, theauthors propose a low-complexity version of matrix inversion byusing the dichotomous coordinate descent (DCD) algorithm forMIMO-OFDM systems. The idea is for the DCD algorithm to separatelyobtain the individual columns of the inverse of the matrix. Owing to the low-complexity hardware implementation of the individualDCD algorithm, a block of DCD processors can be adoptedto obtain the columns of the inverse of the channel correlation matrixin parallel with low hardware occupation.

CD44v3 and VEGF-C Expression and its Relationship with Lymph Node Metastasis in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Uterine Cervix

Liu, Ye-Qing,Li, Hai-Feng,Han, Jing-Jing,Tang, Qiong-Lan,Sun, Qing,Huang, Zhi-Quan,Li, Hai-Gang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.12

Background: To investigate the expression of CD44v3 and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and their relationship with lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the uterine cervix. Materials and Methods: Expression of CD44v3 and VEGF-C was analyzed in 109 cases of cervical SCC by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship was analyzed between expression and the patient age, histological differentiation, formation of tumor emboli in lymphoid vessels, lymph node metastasis, FIGO staging, and TNM classification. Results: Expression rates for both CD44v3 and VEGF-C were 43.1% in cervical SCC. The cells with positive immunohistochemical staining of CD44v3 were distributed mainly around the keratin pearls in well differentiated carcinomas, but distributed diffusely in the moderately and poorly differentiated lesions. VEGF-C was found stained positively in most of the tumor cells. There were differences in expression between normal epithelium and atypical hyperplasia as well as carcinoma. Both CD44v3 and VEGF-C were found to be associated positively with lymph node metastasis and TNM classification (both p=0.000). Neither CD44v3 nor VEGF-C was found to be associated with patient age, histological differentiation, formation of tumor emboli in lymphoid vessels and FIGO staging. CD44v3 was found to be associated with VEGF-C positively (p=0.000). Conclusions: Abnormal expression of CD44v3 and VEGF-C is associated closely with the lymph node metastasis in cervical SCC, and these agents may cooperate in carcinogenesis and development of metastatic lesions.

Prognostic Value of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Resected Gastric Cancer

Liu, Lei,Ma, Xue-Lei,Xiao, Zhi-Lan,Li, Mei,Cheng, Si-Hang,Wei, Yu-Quan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

Background and Aims: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with resected gastric cancer. However, its role remains controversial. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature. Methods: Relevant literature was identified using Medline and survival data from published studies were collected following a methodological assessment. Quality assessment of eligible studies and meta-analysis of hazard ratio (HR) were performed to review the correlation of VEGF overexpression with survival and recurrence in patients with gastric cancer. Results: Our meta-analysis included 44 published studies with 4,794 resected patients. VEGF subtype for the prediction of overall survival (OS) included tissue VEGF (HR=2.13, 95% CI 1.71-2.65), circulating VEGF (HR=4.22, 95% CI 2.47-7.18), tissue VEGF-C (HR=2.21, 95% CI 1.58-3.09), tissue VEGF-D (HR=1.73, 95% CI 1.25-2.40). Subgroup analysis showed that HRs of tissue VEGF for OS were, 1.78 (95% CI 0.90-3.51) and 2.31 (95% CI 1.82-2.93) in non-Asians and Asians, respectively. The meta-analysis was also conducted for disease free survival (DFS) and disease specific survival (DSS). Conclusion: Positive expression of tissue VEGF, circulating VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGF-D were all associated with poor prognosis in resected gastric cancer. However, VEGF demonstrated no significant prognostic value for non-Asian populations. Circulating VEGF may be better than tissue VEGF in predicting prognosis.

Time Trends of Esophageal Cancer Mortality in Linzhou City During the Period 1988-2010 and a Bayesian Approach Projection for 2020

Liu, Shu-Zheng,Zhang, Fang,Quan, Pei-Liang,Lu, Jian-Bang,Liu, Zhi-Cai,Sun, Xi-Bin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.9

In recent decades, decreasing trends in esophageal cancer mortality have been observed across China. We here describe esophageal cancer mortality trends in Linzhou city, a high-incidence region of esophageal cancer in China, during 1988-2010 and make a esophageal cancer mortality projection in the period 2011-2020 using a Bayesian approach. Age standardized mortality rates were estimated by direct standardization to the World population structure in 1985. A Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) analysis was carried out in order to investigate the effect of the age, period and birth cohort on esophageal cancer mortality in Linzhou during 1988-2010 and to estimate future trends for the period 2011-2020. Age-adjusted rates for men and women decreased from 1988 to 2005 and changed little thereafter. Risk increased from 30 years of age until the very elderly. Period effects showed little variation in risk throughout 1988-2010. In contrast, a cohort effect showed risk decreased greatly in later cohorts. Forecasting, based on BAPC modeling, resulted in a increasing burden of mortality and a decreasing age standardized mortality rate of esophageal cancer in Linzhou city. The decrease of esophageal cancer mortality risk since the 1930 cohort could be attributable to the improvements of socialeconomic environment and lifestyle. The standardized mortality rates of esophageal cancer should decrease continually. The effect of aging on the population could explain the increase in esophageal mortality projected for 2020.

Molecular and enzymatic characterization of acid phosphatase from venom of Scleroderma guani

Nai-Yong Liu,Xiao-Hong Fan,Zhi-Quan Zhang,Guo-Xing Wu,Jia-Ying Zhu 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.4

Acid phosphatase (ACPase) is a common component in venom of parasitoids. Although extensive researches regarding this enzyme have been conducted in many other organisms, its characteristics as a venomous enzyme are still sparsely known. In this study, we aimed to reveal the gene expression patterns, and structural and biochemical properties of an ACPase from the venom of Scleroderma guani. The cloned open reading frame of venomous ACPase gene of S. guani was 1218 bp encoding 406 deduced amino acids, shared 40% and 41% identities to ACPases from venoms of Apis mellifera and Pteromalus puparum, respectively. The structural analysis of this ACPase implied common functions and differences to the honeybee venom ACPase. qPCR analysis showed that this gene was abundantly expressed in the venom apparatus, and most highly expressed in the adult stage after one and three days emergence. Activity assay using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as the substrate revealed that the optimal pH and temperature for this venomous enzyme was 4.8 and 45 °C, respectively. NaF is an effective inhibitor for it. The results will enrich our knowledge for the ACPase as toxin, which may contribute to further uncovering its role involved in parasitism.

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.