Highly Selective Production of Compound K from Ginsenoside Rd by Hydrolyzing Glucose at C-3 Glycoside Using β-Glucosidase of Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15700

( Ru Zhang ),( Xue-mei Huang ),( Hui-juan Yan ),( Xin-yi Liu ),( Qi Zhou ),( Zhi-yong Luo ),( Xiao-ning Tan ),( Bian-ling Zhang ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2019 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.29 No.3

To investigate a novel β-glucosidase from Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15700 (BbBgl) to produce compound K (CK) via ginsenoside F2 by highly selective and efficient hydrolysis of the C-3 glycoside from ginsenoside Rd, the BbBgl gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21. The recombinant BbBgl was purified by Ni-NTA magnetic beads to obtain an enzyme with specific activity of 37 U/mg protein using pNP-Glc as substrate. The enzyme activity was optimized at pH 5.0, 35°C, 2 or 6 U/ml, and its activity was enhanced by Mn²⁺ significantly. Under the optimal conditions, the half-life of the BbBgl is 180 h, much longer than the characterized β-glycosidases, and the Km and V_max values are 2.7 mM and 39.8 μmol/mg/min for ginsenoside Rd. Moreover, the enzyme exhibits strong tolerance against high substrate concentration (up to 40 g/l ginsenoside Rd) with a molar biotransformation rate of 96% within 12 h. The good enzymatic properties and gram-scale conversion capacity of BbBgl provide an attractive method for large-scale production of rare ginsenoside CK using a single enzyme or a combination of enzymes.

A Noninjection Reaction Route to CuInSe2 Nanocrystals with Triethanolamine as the Complexing Agent

Qi-Yi Zhang,Wen-Long Liu,Meng-Qiang Wu,Ru-Chao Zhou,Li-Dan Yan,Shu-Ren Zhang 대한화학회 2011 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.32 No.12

The chalcopyrite-type CuInSe_2 is a remarkable material for thin film solar cells owing to its electronic structure and optical response. Single-phase sphere-like CuInSe_2 nanocrystallite particles were prepared by a facile noninjection method with triethanolamine as the complexing agent and the solvent simultaneously. The period of the reaction was the key to form single-phase CuInSe_2 nanocrystals at 240 ^oC. TEM, XRD, XPS, EDX investigations were performed to characterize the morphology and the detailed structure of as-synthesized CuInSe_2 nanocrystals. All of the analysis results proved that the synthesized nanocrystals were pure phase and close to the stoichiometric ratio rather than a simple mixture. The band gap of the obtained CuInSe_2nanocrystals was 1.03 ± 0.03 eV.

Study on economic performances of multi-span suspension bridges part 2: parametric study

Zhang, Li-Wen,Xiao, Ru-Cheng,Sun, Bin,Jiang, Yang,Zhang, Xue-Yi,Zhuang, Dong-Li,Zhou, Yun-Gang,Tu, Xue Techno-Press 2013 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.47 No.2

Economic performances of consecutive multi-span suspension bridges are studied. The material amount and cost estimation formulas of the bridges have been derived in the part 1 of the study. A parametric study is carried out based on the formulas for investigating the different factors' effect on the bridge cost. The factors include the bridge sag, the bridge span, the bridge foundation and the environment condition, etc. Then, an economical layout of the bridges is proposed for different conditions. Lastly, a selection of suspension bridge types is discussed based on the economy of bridges.

The Effects of Enzyme Complex on Performance, Intestinal Health and Nutrient Digestibility of Weaned Pigs

Yi, J.Q.,Piao, X.S.,Li, Z.C.,Zhang, H.Y.,Chen, Y.,Li, Q.Y.,Liu, J.D.,Zhang, Q.,Ru, Y.J.,Dong, B. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.8

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing a corn-soybean meal-based diet with an enzyme complex containing amylase, protease and xylanase on the performance, intestinal health, apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids and nutrient digestibility of weaned pigs. In Exp. 1, 108 piglets weaned at 28 d of age were fed one of three diets containing 0 (control), 100, or 150 ppm enzyme complex for 4 wks, based on a two-phase feeding program namely 1 to 7 d (phase 1) and 8 to 28 d (phase 2). At the end of the experiment, six pigs from the control group and the group supplemented with 150 ppm enzyme complex were chosen to collect digesta samples from intestine to measure viscosity and pH in the stomach, ileum, and cecum, as well as volatile fatty acid concentrations and composition of the microflora in the cecum and colon. There were linear increases (p<0.01) in weight gain, gain: feed ratio and digestibility of gross energy with the increasing dose rate of enzyme supplementation during the whole experiment. Supplementation with enzyme complex increased the digesta viscosity in the stomach (p<0.05) and significantly increased (p<0.01) the concentrations of acetic, propionic and butyric acid in the cecum and colon. Enzyme supplementation also significantly increased the population of Lactobacilli (p<0.01) in the cecum and decreased the population of E. coli (p<0.05) in the colon. In Exp. 2, six crossbred barrows (initial body weight: $18.26{\pm}1.21$ kg), fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum, were assigned to three dietary treatments according to a replicated $3{\times}3$ Latin Square design. The experimental diets were the same as the diets used in phase 2 in Exp. 1. Apparent ileal digestibility of isoleucine (p<0.01), valine (p<0.05) and aspartic acid (p<0.05) linearly increased with the increasing dose rate of enzyme supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of the diet with an enzyme complex containing amylase, protease and xylanase improved piglet performance. This is likely a result of improvement in nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acid concentrations and bacteria ratio in the large intestine.

Study on economic performances of multi-span suspension bridges part 1: simple estimation formulas

Zhang, Li-Wen,Xiao, Ru-Cheng,Sun, Bin,Jiang, Yang,Zhang, Xue-Yi,Zhuang, Dong-Li,Zhou, Yun-Gang,Tu, Xue Techno-Press 2013 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.47 No.2

A study on economic performances of consecutive multi-span suspension bridges is carried out. In this part of the study, material amount and structural cost estimation formulas of the bridges is derived based on the structural ultimate carrying capacity. The bridge cost includes the part of superstructure and the part of substructure. Three types of bridge foundations, bored piles, concrete caissons and floating foundations, are considered in substructure. These formulas are to be used for the parametric study of the bridge cost in order to define its more economical layout under different conditions in the part two of the study.

Development of a full-scale magnetorheological damper model for open-loop cable vibration control

Ru Zhang,Yi-Qing Ni,Yuanfeng Duan,Jan-Ming Ko 국제구조공학회 2019 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.23 No.6

Modeling of magnetorheological (MR) dampers for cable vibration control to facilitate the design of even more effective and economical systems is still a challenging task. In this study, a parameter-adaptive three-element model is first established for a full-scale MR damper based on laboratory tests. The parameters of the model are represented by a set of empirical formulae in terms of displacement amplitude, voltage input, and excitation frequency. The model is then incorporated into the governing equation of cable-damper system for investigation of open-loop vibration control of stay cables in a cable-stayed bridge. The concept of optimal voltage/current input achieving the maximum damping for the system is put forward and verified. Multi-mode suboptimal and Single-mode optimal open-loop control method is then developed. Important conclusions are drawn on application issues and unique characteristics of open-loop cable vibration control using MR dampers.

Preoperative Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Non-metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wen, Ru-Min,Zhang, Yi-Jing,Ma, Sha,Xu, Ying-Li,Chen, Yan-Su,Li, Hai-Long,Bai, Jin,Zheng, Jun-Nian Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.9

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with colorectal, lung, gastric cancer, pancreatic and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We here evaluated whether preoperative NLR is an independent prognostic factor for non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: Data from 327 patients who underwent curative or palliative nephrectomy were evaluated retrospectively. In preoperative blood routine examination, neutrophils and lymphocytes were obtained. The predictive value of NLR for non-metastatic RCC was analyzed. Results: The NLR of 327 patients was $2.72{\pm}2.25$. NLR <1.7 and NLR ${\geq}1.7$ were classified as low and high NLR groups, respectively. Chi-square test showed that the preoperative NLR was significantly correlated with the tumor size (P=0.025), but not with the histological subtype (P=0.095)and the pT stage (P=0.283). Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Effects of NLR on OS (P=0.007) and DFS (P=0.011) were significant. To evaluate the independent prognostic significance of NLR, multivariate COX regression models were applied and identified increased NLR as an independent prognostic factor for OS (P=0.015), and DFS (P=0.019). Conclusions: Regarding patient survival, an increased NLR represented an independent risk factor, which might reflect a higher risk for severe cardiovascular and other comorbidities. An elevated blood NLR may be a biomarker of poor OS and DFS in patients with non-metastatic RCC.

Research Articles : Off-Road Machinery System Engineering ; Road-friendliness of Fuzzy Hybrid Control Strategy Based on Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulations

( Tian Yi Yan ),( Qiang Li ),( Kun Ru Ren ),( Yu Lin Wang ),( Lu Zou Zhang ) 한국농업기계학회 2012 바이오시스템공학 Vol.37 No.3

Purpose: In order to improve road-friendliness of heavy vehicles, a fuzzy hybrid control strategy consisting of a hybrid control strategy and a fuzzy logic control module is proposed. The performance of the proposed strategy should be effectively evaluated using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation model of a semi-active suspension system based on the fuzzy hybrid control strategy prior to real vehicle implementations. Methods: A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation system was synthesized by utilizing a self-developed electronic control unit (ECU), a PCI-1711 multi-functional data acquisition board as well as the previously developed quarter-car simulation model. Road-friendliness of a semi-active suspension system controlled by the proposed control strategy was simulated via the HIL system using Dynamic Load Coefficient (DLC) and Dynamic Load Stress Factor (DLSF) criteria. Results: Compared to a passive suspension, a semi-active suspension system based on the fuzzy hybrid control strategy reduced the DLC and DLSF values. Conclusions: The proposed control strategy of semi-active suspension systems can be employed to improve road-friendliness of road vehicles.

Prognostic Value of Serum Epstein–Barr Virus Antibodies and Their Correlation with TNM Classification in Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Wan-Ru Zhang,Yu-Yun Du,Chun-Yan Guo,Han-Xing Zhou,Jie-Yi Lin,Xiao-Han Meng,Hao-Yuan Mo,Dong-Hua Luo 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.4

Purpose This study assessed the correlation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) biomarkers and the eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system and the prognostic values of IgG antibodies against replication and transcription activator (Rta-IgG), IgA antibodies against Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1, and BamH1 Z transactivator (Zta-IgA) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Materials and Methods Serum EBV antibody levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 435 newly diagnosed stage III-IVA NPC patients administered intensity-modulated radiation therapy±chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results Rta-IgG and Zta-IgA levels were positively correlated with the N category and clinical stage. Patients with high Rta-IgG levels (> 29.07 U/mL) showed a significantly inferior prognosis as indicated by PFS (77% vs. 89.8%, p=0.004), distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) (88.3% vs. 95.8%, p=0.021), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (91.2% vs. 98.3%, p=0.009). High Rta-IgG levels were also significantly associated with inferior PFS and LRFS in multivariable analyses. In the low-level EBV DNA group (≤ 1,500 copies/mL), patients with high Rta-IgG levels had significantly inferior PFS and DMFS (both p < 0.05). However, in the high-level EBV DNA group, Rta-IgG levels were not significantly associated with PFS, DMFS, and LRFS. In the advanced T category (T3-4) subgroup, high Rta-IgG levels were also significantly associated with inferior PFS, DMFS, and LRFS (both p < 0.05). Conclusion Rta-IgG and Zta-IgA levels were strongly correlated with the TNM classification. Rta-IgG level was a negative prognostic factor in locoregionally advanced NPC patients, especially those with advanced T category or low EBV DNA level.

Chinese patent herbal medicine (Shufeng Jiedu capsule) for acute upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ying-ying Zhang,Ru-yu Xia,Shi-bing Liang,Xiao-yang Hu,Meng-yuan Dai,Yi-lin Li,Le-yi Zhao,Michael Moore,Yu-tong Fei,Jian-ping Liu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.3

Background: Shufeng Jiedu capsule has been widely used in China for acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness and safety for AURTIs. Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing SFJD with conventional drug for patients with AURTIs were included. Eight databases were searched from their inceptions to February 2021. Data was synthesized using risk ration (RR) or mean difference (MD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was resolution time of typical symptoms. Results: Twenty-five RCTs involving 3410 patients were included. SFJD in combination with conventional drug was associated with; in common cold shortening the duration of fever (MD −1.54 days, 95% CI [−2.15,−0.92], I2 = 80%, n = 385, 3 trials) and cough (MD −1.22 days, 95% CI [−1.52, −0.93]); in herpangina, shortening the duration of fever (MD -0.68 days, 95% CI [−1.15, −0.21], I2 = 68%, n = 140, 2 trials) and blistering (MD −0.99 days, 95% CI [−1.23, −0.76], n = 386, 3 trials); in acute tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis shortening the duration of fever (MD −1.13 days, 95% CI [−1.36, −0.90], I2 = 33%, n = 688, 7 trials) and sore throat (MD −1.13 days, 95% CI [−1.40, −0.86], I2 = 84.1%, n = 1194, 10 trials). SFJD also improving their cure rate with a range (1–5 days). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Low certainty evidence suggests that SFJD appears to shorten the duration of symptoms in AURTIs, improve cure rate and seems safe for application. However, high quality placebo controlled trials are warranted to confirm its benefit.