Construction and Characterization of Vitreoscilla Hemoglobin (VHb) with Enhanced Peroxidase Activity for Efficient Degradation of Textile Dye

( Zi Dong Zhang ),( Wei Li ),( Hai Chao Li ),( Jing Zhangi ),( Yue Bin Zhang ),( Yu Feng Cao ),( Jian Zhang Ma ),( Zheng Qiang Li ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2015 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.25 No.9

Pollution resulting from the discharge of textile dyes into water systems has become a major global concern. Because peroxidases are known for their ability to decolorize and detoxify textile dyes, the peroxidase activity of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) has recently been studied. It is found that VHb and variants of this enzyme show great promise for enzymatic decolorization of dyes and may play a role in achieving their successful removal from industrial wastewater. The level of VHb peroxidase activity correlates with two amino acid residues present within the conserved distal pocket, at positions 53 and 54. In this work, sitedirected mutagenesis of these residues was performed and resulted in improved VHb peroxidase activity. The double mutant, Q53H/P54C, shows the highest dye decolorization and removal efficiency, with 70% removal efficiency within 5 min. UV spectral studies of Q53H/P54C reveals a more compact structure and an altered porphyrin environment (λSoret = 413 nm) relative to that of wild-type VHb (λSoret = 406), and differential scanning calorimetry data indicate that the VHb variant protein structure is more stable. In addition, circular dichroism spectroscopic studies indicate that this variant’s increased protein structural stability is due to an increase in helical structure, as deduced from the melting temperature, which is higher than 90°C. Therefore, the VHb variant Q53H/P54C shows promise as an excellent peroxidase, with excellent dye decolorization activity and a more stable structure than wild-type VHb under high-temperature conditions.

Evaluation on Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of (TiB+TiC)/Ti- 6Al-4V Matrix Composite

Zi-Run Yang,Hai-Xiang Huan,Cui-Feng Jiang,Wen-Min Li,Xue-Ran Liu,류성기 한국정밀공학회 2017 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.18 No.8

The dry sliding wear tests were performed for 10 vol.% (TiB+TiC)/Ti-6Al-4V matrix composites at various test conditions. The morphology and phases of worn surfaces and cross-sectional surfaces were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The wear loss of composites with the increase of load, but the wear behavior got more complex when the sliding speed and ambient temperature got higher. Low wear loss was achieved at lower sliding speed with higher temperature or higher sliding speed with lower temperature. A tribo-layer was always formed on worn surface during testing. It possessed different features and thus presented different effects during sliding wear. Meanwhile, the TiB and TiC particulates strengthened the Ti-6Al- 4V matrix, which increased the thermal stability of composites and postponed the occurrence of severe plastic deformation. In the mild wear region, those particulates could directly resist wear by reducing adhesive wear. In the steady stage, fractured TiB and TiC particulates participated in forming the tribo-layer together with wear debris, which effectively hindered the plastic deformation and thermal softening of the matrix. Experiment results suggest that the existence of different characteristic tribo-layers would result in the variation of wear behavior.

Hydraulic fracturing experiments of highly deviated well with oriented perforation technique

Zhu, Hai Y.,Deng, Jin G.,Liu, Shu J.,Wen, Min,Peng, Cheng Y.,Li, Ji R.,Chen, Zi J.,Hu, Lian B.,Lin, Hai,Guang, Dong Techno-Press 2014 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.6 No.2

In order to investigate the effect of different perforation angles (the angle between the perforation direction and the maximum horizontal principal stress) on the fracture initiation and propagation during hydraulic fracturing of highly deviated well in oil & gas saturated formation, laboratory experiments of the hydraulic fracturing had been carried out on the basis of non-dimensional similar criteria by using 400^3 $mm^3$ cement cubes. A plane fracture can be produced when the perforations are placed in the direction of the maximum horizontal principal stress. When the perforation angle is $45^{\circ}$, the fractures firstly initiate from the perforations at the upper side of the wellbore, and then turn to the maximum horizontal principal stress direction. When the well deviation angle and perforation angle are both between $45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$, the fractures hardly initiate from the perforations at the lower side of the wellbore. Well azimuth (the angle between the wellbore axis and the maximum horizontal principal stress) has a little influence on the fracture geometries; however it mainly increases the fracture roughness, fracture continuity and the number of secondary fractures, and also increases the fracture initiation and propagation pressure. Oriented perforating technology should be applied in highly deviated well to obtain a single plane fracture. If the well deviation angle is smaller, the fractures may link up.

Studies of the microbial metabolism of flavonoids extracted from the leaves of Diospyros kaki by intestinal bacteria

Sheng-hai Zhang,Ying-zi Wang,Fan-yun Meng,You-lin Li,Cai-xia Li,Fei-peng Duan,Qing Wang,Xiu-ting Zhang,Chun-ni Zhang 대한약학회 2015 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.38 No.5

Flavonoid glycosides are metabolized byintestinal bacteria, giving rise to a wide range of phenolicacids that may exert systemic effects in the body. Themicrobial metabolism of flavonoids extracted from theleaves of Diospyros kaki (FLDK) by intestinal bacteria wasinvestigated in vitro. High-performance liquid chromatography/linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometrywas performed to analyze the metabolites of flavonoidsin vivo using Xcalibur2.1 software. The results showed thatthe levels of flavonoid glycosides and flavonoid aglyconesdecreased rapidly in the process of microbial metabolismby intestinal bacteria in vitro, and the metabolic rate maybe related to the concentration of intestinal bacteria in theculture solution. In vivo metabolites of FLDK weredetected in rat plasma and urine after oral administration ofFLDK. Eight flavonoids were identified in the urine, andthree were identified in the plasma; however, flavonoidaglycones were not found in the plasma.

Effect of anti-PMSG on distribution of estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor in mouse ovary, oviduct and uterus

Lin, Zi Li,Ni, He Min,Liu, Yun Hai,Sheng, Xi Hui,Cui, Xiang Shun,Kim, Nam Hyung,Guo, Yong Cambridge University Press 2015 Zygote Vol.23 No.5

<B>Summary</B><P>It is well established that estrogen and progesterone are critical endogenous hormones that are essential for implantation and pregnancy in females. However, the distribution of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in female reproductive tracts is elusive. Herein, we report that after serial treatments with pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) with or without anti-PMSG (AP), mice could regulate the distribution of ERα and PR in the murine ovary, oviduct and uterus and the level of estradiol in serum. ERα and PR regulation by PMSG and anti-PMSG was estrous cycle-dependent and critical for promoting the embryo-implantation period. Furthermore, our results suggested that AP-42 h treatment is more effective than the other treatments. In contrast, other treatment groups also affected the distribution of ERα and PR in mouse reproductive tracts. Thus, we found that anti-PMSG has the potential to restore the distribution of ERα and PR, which could effectively reduce the negative impact of residual estrogen caused by the normal superovulation effect of PMSG in mice.</P>

Computational Prediction of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease MicroRNAs in Domestic Animals

Wang, Hai Yang,Lin, Zi Li,Yu, Xian Feng,Bao, Yuan,Cui, Xiang-Shun,Kim, Nam-Hyung Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2016 Animal Bioscience Vol.29 No.6

As the most common neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are two of the main health concerns for the elderly population. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been used as biomarkers of infectious, genetic, and metabolic diseases in humans but they have not been well studied in domestic animals. Here we describe a computational biology study in which human AD- and PD-associated miRNAs (ADM and PDM) were utilized to predict orthologous miRNAs in the following domestic animal species: dog, cow, pig, horse, and chicken. In this study, a total of 121 and 70 published human ADM and PDM were identified, respectively. Thirty-seven miRNAs were co-regulated in AD and PD. We identified a total of 105 unrepeated human ADM and PDM that had at least one 100% identical animal homolog, among which 81 and 54 showed 100% sequence identity with 241 and 161 domestic animal miRNAs, respectively. Over 20% of the total mature horse miRNAs (92) showed perfect matches to AD/PD-associated miRNAs. Pigs, dogs, and cows have similar numbers of AD/PD-associated miRNAs (63, 62, and 59). Chickens had the least number of perfect matches (34). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses suggested that humans and dogs are relatively similar in the functional pathways of the five selected highly conserved miRNAs. Taken together, our study provides the first evidence for better understanding the miRNA-AD/PD associations in domestic animals, and provides guidance to generate domestic animal models of AD/PD to replace the current rodent models.

Optimization Design and Performance Analysis of Thomson-Coil Actuator by using Different Algorithms

렌지얀(Zi Van Ren),장전해(Dian Hai Zhang),리웨이(Wei Li),고창섭(Chang Seop Koh) 대한전기학회 2010 대한전기학회 학술대회 논문집 Vol.2010 No.10

In this paper, the optimization design and performance analysis of Thomson-coil actuator are implemented by using two different algorithms: enumeration algorithm and one global mixed-variable optimization algorithm based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The efficiency of these two methods are compared. Finally, the best design is obtained and corresponding dynamic performances are analysed.

Clinical Study of Thalidomide Combined with Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Chen, Hai-Fei,Li, Zheng-Yang,Tang, Jie-Qing,Shen, Hong-Shi,Cui, Qing-Ya,Ren, Yong-Ya,Qin, Long-Mei,Jin, Ling-Juan,Zhu, Jing-Jing,Wang, Jing,Ding, Jie,Wang, Ke-Yuan,Yu, Zi-Qiang,Wang, Zhao-Yue,Wu, Tian Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.9

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the efficacy and safety of different doses of thalidomide (Thal) plus dexamethasone (Dex) as the initial therapy in elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: Clinical data of 28 elderly patients with newly diagnosed MM who underwent the TD regimen as the initial therapy were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the maximal sustained dose of Thal: lower dose (group A) and higher dose (group B). The overall response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AES) were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 28 patients were followed up with a median of 18 months. The ORR was 60.1%. The median response time and PFS were 2.0 and 17.0 months, respectively. The mean sustained dose of Thal in group B was significantly higher than group A (292.9 mg v 180.4 mg, P=0.01). There was no significantly difference in ORR (57.1% v 64.3%, P=1.00) and PFS (9.63months v 17.66 months, P=0.73) between groups A and B. During the follow up, only five patients died (<40%) and, therefore, median OS values were not available. It is estimated, however, that the mean survival time in the two groups was 35.6 and 33.4 months (P>0.05), respectively. All of the patients tolerated the treatment well. The incidence of AES in patients with a grading above 3 in group B was significantly higher than in group A (P=0.033). Conclusions: The TD regimen results in a high response rate and manageable AES as the initial therapy in elderly patients with MM. TD should be considered as the front line regimen for the treatment of elderly patients with MM in areas with financial constraints. The clinical response can be achieved at a low dose Thal with minimal toxicity.

New Insights into Autonomic Nerve Preservation in High Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Yang, Xiao-Fei,Li, Guo-Xin,Luo, Guang-Heng,Zhong, Shi-Zhen,Ding, Zi-Hai Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Aim: To take a deeper insight into the relationship between the root of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and the autonomic nerve plexuses around it by cadaveric anatomy and explore anatomical evidence of autonomic nerve preservation in high ligation of the IMA in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. Methods: Anatomical dissection was performed on 11 formalin-fixed cadavers and 12 fresh cadavers. Anatomical evidence-based autonomic nerve preservation in high ligation of the IMA was performed in 22 laparoscopic curative resections of colorectal cancer. Results: As the upward continuation of the presacral nerves, the bilateral trunks of SHP had close but different relationships with the root of the IMA. The right trunk of SHP ran relatively far away from the root of IMA. When the apical lymph nodes were dissected close to the root of the IMA along the fascia space in front of the anterior renal fascia, the right trunk of SHP could be kept in suit under the anterior renal fascia. The left descending branches to SHP constituted a natural and constant anatomical landmark of the relationship between the root of IMA and the left autonomic nerves. Proximal to this, the left autonomic nerves surrounded the root of the IMA. Distally, the left trunk of the SHP departed from the root of IMA under the anterior renal fascia. When high ligation of the IMA was performed distal to it, the left trunk of SHP could be preserved. The distance between the left descending branches to SHP and the origin of IMA varied widely from 1.3 cm to 2.3 cm. Conclusions: The divergences of the bilateral autonomic nerve preservation around the root of the IMA may contribute to provide anatomical evidence for more precise evaluation of the optimal position of high ligation of the IMA in the future.

CpG methylated ribosomal RNA genes in relation to wing polymorphism in the rice pest Sogatella furcifera

Shi-Ke Liang,Zi-Qiang Liang,Xiao-Sui Zhou,Jia-Lin Chen,Guang-Hong Li,Fang-Hai Wang 한국응용곤충학회 2015 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.18 No.3

Sogatella furcifera is amajor rice pest that exhibits wing dimorphism. The methylation-sensitive representational difference analysis (MS-RDA) is widely used in plants and some animals to identify methylation differences in genomic DNA regions. However the method has been applied to insects very less. The objective of the current research was tomonitor differential cytosine methylations at CCGG sequences inmacropterous and brachypterous adults of female S. furcifera to determine the association between gene methylation and wing phenotypes using MS-RDA. After the second subtractive hybridization, two differentially methylated DNA fragments were obtained. These DNA fragments were then cloned into the pGEM-T vector and sequenced. One fragment fromthe positive hybridization was 464 bp, and highly similar to the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes from some animals. Another fragment from the reverse hybridization was 453 bp, and homologous to the 28S rRNA gene of S. furcifera with a similarity rate as high as 99%. These results provide potential evidence that DNA methylation of rRNA genes may be related to wing phenotype variations in S. furcifera, and will facilitate future studies on the epigenetic mechanisms of insect wing polymorphism.