Environmental Microbiology/Microbial Diversity : Process Performance and Bacterial Community Structure Under Increasing Influent Disturbances in a Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor

( Hai Long Tian ),( Ying Chun Yan ),( Yuewen Chen ),( Xiao Lei Wu ),( Baoan Li ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2016 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.26 No.2

The membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) is a promising municipal wastewater treatment process. In this study, two cross-flow MABRs were constructed to explore the carbon and nitrogen removal performance and bacterial succession, along with changes of influent loading shock comprising flow velocity, COD, and NH4-N concentrations. Redundancy analysis revealed that the function of high flow velocity was mainly embodied in facilitating contaminants diffusion and biosorption rather than the success of overall bacterial populations (p > 0.05). In contrast, the influent NH4-N concentration contributed most to the variance of reactor efficiency and community structure (p < 0.05). Pyrosequencing results showed that Anaerolineae, and Beta- and Alphaproteobacteria were the dominant groups in biofilms for COD and NH4-N removal. Among the identified genera, Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira were the main nitrifiers, and Hyphomicrobium, Hydrogenophaga, and Rhodobacter were the key denitrifiers. Meanwhile, principal component analysis indicated that bacterial shift in MABR was probably the combination of stochastic and deterministic processes.

Prevalence of Spina Bifida Occulta and Its Relationship With Overactive Bladder in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese People

Jun Wei Wu,Yu Rong Xing,Yi Bo Wen,Tian Fang Li,Quan De Feng,Xiao Ping Shang,Yun Long Li,Jin Jin Feng,Xin Xin Wang,Rong Qun Zhai,Xiang Fei He,Tao Chen,Xin Jian Liu,Jian Guo Wen 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2016 International Neurourology Journal Vol.20 No.2

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of spina bifida occulta (SBO) and its relationship with the presence of overactive bladder (OAB) in middle-aged and elderly people in China. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was carried out at 7 communities in Zhengzhou City, China from December 15, 2013 to June 10, 2014, where residents aged over 40 years were randomly selected to participate. All of the participants underwent lumbosacral radiographic analysis and relevant laboratory tests. A questionnaire including basic information, past medical history and present illness, and the OAB symptom score was filled out by all participants. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analysis with a P-value of <0.05 denoting statistical significance. Results: A total of 1,061 subjects were qualified for the final statistical analysis (58.8±11.7 years; male, 471 [44.4%]; female, 590 [55.6%]). The overall prevalence of SBO was 15.1% (160 of 1,061): 18.3% (86 of 471) in men and 12.5% (74 of 590) in women. Among these subjects, 13.7% (145 of 1,061) had OAB: 13.2% (62 of 471) in men and 14.1% (83 of 590) in women. The results of logistic regression showed that age, SBO, history of cerebral infarction (HCI), and constipation were risk factors for OAB (P<0.05), while sex, history of childhood enuresis (HCE), body mass index (BMI), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were not (P>0.05). In men, age, SBO, and constipation were risk factors for OAB (P<0.05), while HCE, BMI, DM, HCI, and benign prostate hyperplasia were not (P>0.05). In women, age, SBO, and HCI were risk factors for OAB (P<0.05), while HCE, BMI, DM, vaginal delivery, and constipation were not (P>0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of SBO is high and it is related to OAB in middle-aged and elderly people in China.

Aptamers Improve the Expression of a Human Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana Seeds

( Biao Wang ),( Ming Ma ),( Tian Long Wu ) 한국식물학회 2007 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.50 No.1

Development and Characterization of a Novel Anti-idiotypic Monoclonal Antibody to Growth Hormone, Which Can Mimic Physiological Functions of Growth Hormone in Primary Porcine Hepatocytes

Hai-Nan Lan,Hai-Long Jiang,Wei Li,Tian-Cheng Wu,Pan Hong,Yu Meng Li,Hui Zhang,Huan-Zhong Cui,Xin Zheng 아세아·태평양축산학회 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.4

B-32 is one of a panel of monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies to growth hormone (GH) that we developed. To characterize and identify its potential role as a novel growth hormone receptor (GHR) agonist, we determined that B-32 behaved as a typical Ab2β based on a series of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assays. The results of fluorescence-activated cell sorting, indirect immunofluorescence and competitive receptor binding assays demonstrated that B-32 specifically binds to the GHR expressed on target cells. Next, we examined the resulting signal transduction pathways triggered by this antibody in primary porcine hepatocytes. We found that B-32 can activate the GHR and Janus kinase (2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK2/STAT5) signalling pathways. The phosphorylation kinetics of JAK2/STAT5 induced by either GH or B-32 were analysed in dose-response and time course experiments. In addition, B32 could also stimulate porcine hepatocytes to secrete insulin-like growth factors-1. Our work indicates that a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody to GH (B-32) can serve as a GHR agonist or GH mimic and has application potential in domestic animal (pig) production.

Efficacy and Safety of the Safe Triangular Working Zone Approach in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Spinal Metastasis

Yan Bi Cong,Fan Yan Feng,Tian Qing Hua,Wang Tao,Huang Zhi Long,Song Hong Mei,Li Ying,Jiao Lei,Wu Chun Gen 대한영상의학회 2022 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.23 No.9

Objective: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31–76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29–81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

Development and Characterization of a Novel Anti-idiotypic Monoclonal Antibody to Growth Hormone, Which Can Mimic Physiological Functions of Growth Hormone in Primary Porcine Hepatocytes

Lan, Hai-Nan,Jiang, Hai-Long,Li, Wei,Wu, Tian-Cheng,Hong, Pan,Li, Yu Meng,Zhang, Hui,Cui, Huan-Zhong,Zheng, Xin Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.4

B-32 is one of a panel of monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies to growth hormone (GH) that we developed. To characterize and identify its potential role as a novel growth hormone receptor (GHR) agonist, we determined that B-32 behaved as a typical $Ab2{\beta}$ based on a series of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assays. The results of fluorescence-activated cell sorting, indirect immunofluorescence and competitive receptor binding assays demonstrated that B-32 specifically binds to the GHR expressed on target cells. Next, we examined the resulting signal transduction pathways triggered by this antibody in primary porcine hepatocytes. We found that B-32 can activate the GHR and Janus kinase (2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK2/STAT5) signalling pathways. The phosphorylation kinetics of JAK2/STAT5 induced by either GH or B-32 were analysed in dose-response and time course experiments. In addition, B32 could also stimulate porcine hepatocytes to secrete insulin-like growth factors-1. Our work indicates that a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody to GH (B-32) can serve as a GHR agonist or GH mimic and has application potential in domestic animal (pig) production.

Analysis of Pressure Distribution of the Bolted Joints Based on the Finite Element Method

Sheng-ao Wang,Min Zhu,Fei Wu,Tian-xi Liang,Zhao-qun Shao,Yi-long Liu 한국강구조학회 2023 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.23 No.2

Bolted joints widely exist in the field of the national defense industry. However, its nonlinear stiffness degradation will occur under tangential load which may lead to the reliability reduction. According to Coulomb friction theory, the pressure distribution is the key in the tangential degradation of bolted joints. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the pressure distribution of bolted joints. Firstly, we established a threaded bolt model and two simplified models. Secondly, the accuracy of the three models describing the contact area is verified, and the influence of preload and material properties on the contact radius is analyzed. Thirdly, we compared the pressure distribution of the three models, and results show that the smooth bolt model is more suitable for pressure analysis. Finally, the accuracy of several different functions to characterize the pressure distribution of bolted joints is analyzed, and results indicated that the Fernlund function is optimal. This paper provides a feasible simplified bolt model for finite element analysis, and the optimal pressure distribution function can be applied in the tangential stiffness degradation modeling.

Flavonoid Production Is Effectively Regulated by RNAi Interference of Two Flavone Synthase Genes from Glycine max

Yi Na Jiang,Biao Wang,Hui Li,Lu Ming Yao,Tian Long Wu 한국식물학회 2010 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.53 No.6

Flavonoids are a group of secondary metabolites found in many higher plants. The multiple roles of their flavone subclass include protection against UV damage,regulation of auxin transport, and modulation of flower color. In soybean (Glycine max), flavone synthase II (FNS II) is the key enzyme responsible for flavone biosynthesis. Two FNS II genes from soybean cultivar Hefeng 47 were cloned according to basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) contexts using flavone synthase sequences reported in other species. These were named GmFNSII-1and GmFNSII-2. Sequence alignments showed that the cDNA of GmFNSII-1 was identical to that of CYP93B16,whereas GmFNSII-2 was clearly distinct. Functional assays in yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) suggested that these two enzymes could convert (2S)-naringenin into apigenin. The two GmFNSII genes had similar tissue-specific expression patterns, but GmFNSII-2 was significantly expressed in the roots after treatment with 0.4 M glucose. This demonstrates that the gene plays an important role in the response to defense signals in soybean. RNA interference-mediated suppression of those GmFNSII genes effectively regulated flavone and isoflavone production in hairy roots that arose from soybean cotyledons transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes (ATCC15834). Our study also highlights some of the challenges associated with metabolic engineering of plant natural products.

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.