Terahertz Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Five Citrates

Siyu Qian,Bo Peng,Boyan Zhang,Jingyi Shu,Zhuang Peng,Bo Su,Cunlin Zhang 한국광학회 2024 Current Optics and Photonics Vol.8 No.1

This research investigation employs a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system to study the terahertz (THz) spectral characteristics of five different citrates in both solution and solid state. The citrates under examination are lithium citrate, monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, trisodium citrate, and potassium citrate. The results show that the THz absorption coefficients of the first four citrate solutions exhibit a decreasing trend with increasing concentration. However, the potassium citrate solution shows an opposite phenomenon. At the same time, the absorption coefficients of lithium citrate, trisodium citrate, and potassium citrate solutions are compared at the same concentration. The results indicate that the absorption coefficient of citrate solution increases in proportion to the increase of metal cation radius, which is explained from the perspective of the influence of metal cations on hydrogen bonds. In addition, we also study the absorption peaks of solid citrates, and characterize the formation mechanism of the absorption peaks by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This methodology can be further extended to the study of multitudinous salts, presenting theoretical foundations for the detection in food and medicine industries.

Taxonomic Relationships of a Rare Cucumis Species (C. hystrix Chakr.) and Its Interspecific Hybrid with Cucumber

Fei-Yun Zhuang,Jin-Feng Chen,Jack E. Staub,Chun-Tao Qian 한국원예학회 2006 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Multivariate analysis of original identification and chemical markers exploration of Chinese ginger

Mengqing Guo,Qian Shen,Yu Wu,Lili Li,Lin Zhang,Yu Wang,Yanjun Zhang,Pengwei Zhuang,Hong Guo 한국식품과학회 2023 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.32 No.7

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most widely consumed dietary supplements. However, the content of active ingredients varied greatly from place to place. In this study, we first identified and compared the compositions of ginger samples from six different origins. Then, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of different samples in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results indicated that highly variable in chemical composition and activity for ginger from different origin. Further, correlation analysis showed that isoborneol, terpineol, α-curcumene, germacrene D, α-elemol and 8-shogaol exhibited a strong correlation with inflammatory factors, which could be used as potential chemical markers to evaluate quality and distinguish source of ginger. Finally, comprehensive evaluation found that the ginger from Sichuan exerts stronger anti-inflammatory properties. This study will help to select ginger varieties with excellent characteristics, provide theoretical basis for the development and utilization of ginger.

Terahertz Characteristics of Hydroxygraphene Based on Microfluidic Technology

Boyan Zhang,Siyu Qian,Bo Peng,Bo Su,Zhuang Peng,Hailin Cui,Shengbo Zhang,Cunlin Zhang 한국광학회 2023 Current Optics and Photonics Vol.7 No.4

Hydroxygraphene as a kind of functionalized graphene has important applications in composite, photoelectric and biological materials. In the present study, THz and microfluidic technologies were implemented to study the THz transmission characteristics of hydroxygraphene with different concentrations and residence times in magnetic and electric fields. The results show that the THz transmission intensity decreases with the increase in sample concentration and duration of an applied electric field, while it increases by staying longer in the magnetic field. The phenomenon is analyzed and explained in terms of hydrogen bond, conductivity and scattering characteristics. The results establish a foundation for future research on the THz absorption characteristics of liquid graphene based on microfluidic technology in different external environments. It also provides technical support for the application and development of graphene in THz devices.

Unilateral ureteral obstruction causes gut microbial dysbiosis and metabolome disorders contributing to tubulointerstitial fibrosis

Lin Chen,Dan-Qian Chen,Jing-Ru Liu,Jun Zhang,Nosratola D. Vaziri,Shougang Zhuang,Hua Chen,Ya-Long Feng,Yan Guo,Ying-Yong Zhao 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have revealed marked changes in the composition of the microbiome and the metabolome and their potential influence in renal disease and CVD via the accumulation of microbial-derived uremic toxins. However, the effect of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) on the gut microbiome and circulating metabolites is unknown. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to UUO and sham-operated control groups. Renal histology, colonic microbiota, and plasma metabolites were examined two weeks later. We employed 16S rRNA sequence and untargeted metabolomic analyses to explore the changes in colonic microbiota and plasma metabolites and their relationship with tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). The UUO rats exhibited tubular atrophy and dilatation, interstitial fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the obstructed kidney. UUO rats showed significant colonic enrichment and depletion of genera. Significant differences were identified in 219 plasma metabolites involved in lipid, amino acid, and bile acid metabolism, which were consistent with gut microbiota-related metabolism. Interestingly, tryptophan and its metabolites kynurenine, 5-hydroxytryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels, which were linked with TIF, correlated with nine specific genera. Plasma tryptophan level was positively correlated with Clostridium IV, Turicibacter, Pseudomonas and Lactobacillales, and negatively correlated with Oscillibacter, Blautia, and Intestinimonas, which possess the genes encoding tryptophan synthase (K16187), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (K00463) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (K00453) and their corresponding enzymes (EC:1.13.11.52 and EC:1.13.11.11) that exacerbate TIF. In conclusion, UUO results in profound changes in the gut microbiome and circulating metabolites, events that contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammation and TIF.

Correlation between DNA methylation and Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin expression in asthmatic airway epithelial cells

Yan‑Li Li,Xi‑Qian Xing,Yi Xiao,Yan‑Hong Liu,Yu‑Shan Zhou,Min Zhuang,Chao‑Qian Li 한국유전학회 2020 Genes & Genomics Vol.42 No.12

Background: The overexpression of TSLP and DNA methylation in asthma were both risk factors the relationship was not clear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between methylation status of TSLP promoter and mRNA/protein expression in asthmatic airway epithelial cells. Methods: Human bronchial epithelial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into: Control group, treated with PBS, model group, sensitized with LPS (10 μg/mL) for 12 h (37 °C, 5% CO2). Other groups were cultured with the pCMV3 plasmid (M + NC/pCMV), pGPH1 plasmid (M + NC/pGPH), DNMT1/pCMV3 plasmid (M + DNMT1/pCMV), and DNMT1/pGPH1 plasmid (M + DNMT1/pGPH) for 48 h. The expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 and TSLP were measured using real-time PCR and western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group, TSLP mRNA (1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 1, P < 0.001) and protein (1.07 ± 0.04 vs. 1.46 ± 0.11, P < 0.01) were significantly greater, and the methylation of promoter was lower (92.75 ± 1.26 vs. 58.57 ± 3.34, P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, TSLP mRNA (2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 1.17 ± 0.10, P < 0.001) decreased, but TSLP promoter methylation increased (58.57 ± 3.34 vs. 92.58 ± 7.30, P < 0.05) in M + DNMT1/pCMV. TSLP mRNA and protein were higher (2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 5.32 ± 0.21, P < 0.001; 1.46 ± 0.11 vs. 1.94 ± 0.11, respectively, P < 0.01), TSLP promoter methylation was lower (58.57 ± 3.34 vs. 33.57 ± 4.29, P < 0.05) in M + DNMT1/pGPH. Conclusions: Overexpression of TSLP in asthmatic airway epithelial cells may be regulated by DNA demethylation.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts: from basic science to anticancer therapy

Yang Dakai,Liu Jing,Qian Hui,Zhuang Qin 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as a central component of the tumor microenvironment in primary and metastatic tumors, profoundly influence the behavior of cancer cells and are involved in cancer progression through extensive interactions with cancer cells and other stromal cells. Furthermore, the innate versatility and plasticity of CAFs allow their education by cancer cells, resulting in dynamic alterations in stromal fibroblast populations in a context-dependent manner, which highlights the importance of precise assessment of CAF phenotypical and functional heterogeneity. In this review, we summarize the proposed origins and heterogeneity of CAFs as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating the diversity of CAF subpopulations. We also discuss current strategies to selectively target tumor-promoting CAFs, providing insights and perspectives for future research and clinical studies involving stromal targeting.

Static and Dynamic Behaviors of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Cement-Soil after Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Changhui Gao,Guangyin Du,Qian Guo,Zhongxun Zhuang 대한토목학회 2020 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.24 No.12

This study investigated the effects of freeze-thaw (f/t) cycles on the static and dynamic behaviors of plain cement-soil (PCS) sample and basalt fiber reinforced cement-soil (BRCS), with a series of laboratory experiments like split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), unconfined compression strength test (UCT), and ultrasonic pulse velocity testing. The results showed that the incorporation of basalt fibers improved the wave velocity, unconfined compression strength (UCS), and dynamic compression strength (DCS), absorption energy (WS) of cement-soil sample with f/t cycle. The UCS/DCS strength degradation was serious for both BRCS and PCS samples with 1 and 3 f/t cycle, after which the strength decreased slowly. With the strain rate increased from 150 s-1 to 190 s-1, the strength growth of BRCS against PCS gradually slowed down. Under different f/t cycle conditions, both power relationship and exponential relationship fitted well with the experimental data of wave velocity and UCS/DCS for the DCS of samples, but the UCS seems to be only suitable for the power relationship. The incorporation of basalt fibers changed the energy absorption mode of the sample under impact load and there was a positive correlation between the DCS and WS.

The association of Hsp90 expression induced by aspirin with anti-stress damage in chicken myocardial cells

Xiao-hui Zhang,Huai-sen Zhu,Zhuang Qian,Shu Tang,Di Wu,Nicole Kemper,Joerg Hartung,Endong Bao 대한수의학회 2016 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.17 No.1

The protective effect of aspirin during exposure to heat stress in broiler chickens was investigated. We assayed pathological damage, expression and distribution of Hsp90 protein and hsp90 mRNA expression in chicken heart tissues after oral administration of aspirin following exposure to high temperature for varying times. Heat stress induced increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities while causing severe heart damage, which was characterized by granular and vacuolar degeneration, nuclear shrinkage and even myocardium fragmentation in cardiac muscle fibers. After aspirin administration, myocardial cells showed fewer pathological lesions than broilers treated with heat alone. A high positive Hsp90 signal was always detected in the nuclei of myocardial cells from broilers treated with aspirin, while in myocardial cells treated with heat alone, Hsp90 in the nuclei decreased, as did that in the cytoplasm. Aspirin induced rapid and significant synthesis of Hsp90 before and at the initial phase of heat stress, and significant expression of hsp90 mRNA was stimulated throughout the experiment when compared with cells exposed to heat stress alone. Thus, specific pre-induction of Hsp90 in cardiovascular tissue was useful for resisting heat stress damage because it produced stable damage-related enzymes and fewer pathologic changes.

Fermentation Optimization and Industrialization of Recombinant Saccharopolyspora erythraea Strains for Improved Erythromycin A Production

Xiang Zou,Chang-fa Chen,Xia-chang Qi,Jiang-chao Qian,Ju Chu,Ying-ping Zhuang,Si-liang Zhang,Wei Zeng,Wan-jun Li 한국생물공학회 2010 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.15 No.6

Improvement of Erythromycin A (Er-A) production and purity by metabolic engineering of the industrial erythromycin-producing strains Saccharopolyspora erythraea strians ZL1004 and ZL1007, in which the amounts of tailoring enzymes EryK (a P450 hydroxylase)and EryG (an S-adenosylmethionine-dependent O-methyltransferase)for biotransformation of Erythromycin D to Er-A were modulated, was performed in a 50 L fermentor. Addition of 15 g/L of corn steep liquor to the medium increased Er-A production; maximum Er-A production was 8,196 U/mL at 191 h, which was 81.8% higher than that of control (4,507 U/mL at 184 h). Er-B impurities were completely eliminated, whereas Er-C impurities were only 153 U/mL at 191 h. Analysis of intra- and extracellular metabolites and key enzyme activities in central carbon metabolism revealed that the pool of TCA cycle intermediates was enhanced by the addition of corn steep liquor and induced an increase in erythromycin biosynthesis. There were no significant differences between strains ZL1004 and ZL1007 regarding Er-A production and impurity accumulation. Compared to wild type strain,Er-A production was improved by 23.9% while Er-C was reduced by 83.9% and Er-B was completely eliminated. Furthermore, fermentation of recombinant strain ZL1004was successfully scaled up from laboratory scale (50 L fermentor) to industrial scale (25 and 132 m3), with similar levels of Er-A production and purity obtained.