Target engagement of ginsenosides in mild cognitive impairment using mass spectrometry-based drug affinity responsive target stability

Zhu, Zhu,Li, Ruimei,Qin, Wei,Zhang, Hantao,Cheng, Yao,Chen, Feiyan,Chen, Cuihua,Chen, Lin,Zhao, Yunan The Korean Society of Ginseng 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.6

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional condition between normality and dementia. Ginseng is known to have effects on attenuating cognitive deficits in neurogenerative diseases. Ginsenosides are the main bioactive component of ginseng, and their protein targets have not been fully understood. Furthermore, no thorough analysis is reported in ginsenoside-related protein targets in MCI. Methods: The candidate protein targets of ginsenosides in brain tissues were identified by drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) coupled with label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Network pharmacology approach was used to collect the therapeutic targets for MCI. Based on the above-mentioned overlapping targets, we built up a proteineprotein interaction (PPI) network in STRING database and conducted gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Finally, we assessed the effects of ginseng total saponins (GTS) and different ginsenosides on mitochondrial function by measuring the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and performing molecular docking. Results: We screened 2526 MCI-related protein targets by databases and 349 ginsenoside-related protein targets by DARTS. On the basis of these 81 overlapping genes, enrichment analysis showed the mitochondria played an important role in GTS-mediated MCI pharmacological process. Mitochondrial function analysis showed GTS, protopanaxatriol (PPT), and Rd increased the activities of complex I in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking also predicted the docking pockets between PPT or Rd and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Conclusion: This study indicated that ginsenosides might alleviate MCI by targeting respiratory chain complex I and regulating mitochondrial function, supporting ginseng's therapeutic application in cognitive deficits.

Wolbachia infection in six species of gall wasps and their parasitoids

Zhao Gao-Zhi,Zhu Teng-Ran,Zeng Yang,Zhu Dao-Hong 한국응용곤충학회 2021 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.24 No.1

Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria that are widely present in nematodes and arthropods and sometimes have a significant impact on the evolution, ecology, and biology of their hosts. The co-occurrence of Wolbachia within both Cynipid gall wasps and their parasitoids has rarely been studied. In this study, we report the occurrence of six species of gall wasps and 10 species of their parasitoids in central China. Wolbachia detection using the wsp gene showed that Wolbachia infected two species of gall wasps as well as their parasitoids, indicating that horizontal transmission of Wolbachia occurs between gall wasps and their parasitoids. Given that parasitoids will kill their hosts, Wolbachia may be horizontally transferred from gall wasps to their parasitoids. Using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis, five new strains of Wolbachia were identified, all of which belonged to su pergroup A. The strains of Wolbachia that infected gall wasps were not the same as those that infected their parasitoids. This result indicated that Wolbachia may evolve independently in parasitoids after they have been transferred from the host gall wasps.

8q24 rs4242382 Polymorphism is a Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer among Multi-Ethnic Populations: Evidence from Clinical Detection in China and a Meta-analysis

Zhao, Cheng-Xiao,Liu, Ming,Xu, Yong,Yang, Kuo,Wei, Dong,Shi, Xiao-Hong,Yang, Fan,Zhang, Yao-Guang,Wang, Xin,Liang, Si-Ying,Zhao, Fan,Zhang, Yu-Rong,Wang, Na-Na,Chen, Xin,Sun, Liang,Zhu, Xiao-Quan,Yuan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.19

Background: Evidence supporting an association between the 8q24 rs4242382-A polymorphism and prostate cancer (PCa) risk has been reported in North American and Europe populations, though data from Asian populations remain limited. We therefore investigated this association by clinical detection in China, and meta-analysis in Asian, Caucasian and African-American populations. Materials and Methods: Blood samples and clinical information were collected from ethnically Chinese men from Northern China with histologically-confirmed PCa (n=335) and from age-matched normal controls (n=347). The 8q24 (rs4242382) gene polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting analysis. We initially analyzed the associations between the risk allele and PCa and clinical covariates. A meta-analysis was then performed using genotyping data from a total of 1,793 PCa cases and 1,864 controls from our study and previously published studies in American and European populations, to determine the association between PCa and risk genotype. Results: The incidence of the risk allele was higher in PCa cases than controls (0.222 vs 0.140, $P=7.3{\times}10^{-5}$), suggesting that the 8q24 rs4242382-A polymorphism was associated with PCa risk in Chinese men. The genotypes in subjects were in accordance with a dominant genetic model (ORadj=2.03, 95%CI: 1.42-2.91, $Padj=1.1{\times}10^{-4}$). Presence of the risk allele rs4242382-A at 8q24 was also associated with clinical covariates including age at diagnosis ${\geq}65$ years, prostate specific antigen >10 ng/ml, Gleason score <8, tumor stage and aggressive PCa, compared with the non-risk genotype ($P=4.6{\times}10^{-5}-3.0{\times}10^{-2}$). Meta-analysis confirmed the association between 8q24 rs4242382-A polymorphism and PCa risk (OR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.39-1.88, $P=1.0{\times}10^{-5}$) across Asian, Caucasian and African American populations. Conclusions: The replicated data suggest that the 8q24 rs4242382-A variation might be associated with increased PCa susceptibility in Asian, Caucasian and African American populations. These results imply that this polymorphism may be a useful risk biomarker for PCa in multi-ethnic populations.

Quasi-static Cyclic Tests and Paramatric Analysis on the Seismic Performance of Partial Precast Bridge Columns

Zhao Zhu,Yuan Li,Chao Ma 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.10

Partial precast bridge column (PPBC) is an innovative column composed of upper precast segments and cast-in-place (CIP) base. The CIP base and precast segments are connected by unbonded posttensioned tendons. It is expected to achieve self-centering capacity as well as energy dissipating capacity during earthquakes. However, the research about damage mechanism and seismic performance of PPBC are still scarce. To investigate the seismic performance, quasi-static cyclic tests of one PPBC and a referenced CIP column are conducted in this study. Unlike CIP column, the PPBC shows excessive joint opening and obvious rocking characteristics during cyclic loadings. Slight concrete cracking in CIP base and severe concrete spalling at upper joints implies limited ductility of PPBC. Moreover, PPBC indicates smaller horizontal force, minor residual drifts and lower energy dissipation when compare with CIP columns. Based on damage distribution and deformable modes, increased prestress force, elevated CIP base and enlarged prestress ratios are analyzed to improve the anti-seismic behavior of PPBC. With cautious simulations and comprehensive comparisons, elevated CIP base and enlarged prestress ratios are validated to enhance the energy-dissipating capacity of PPBC.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Novel (E)-3-(1-(Alkyloxyamino)ethylidene)-1-alkylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione Derivatives

Zhao-Yong Zhu,Qing-Ming Shi,Bao-Feng Han,Xian-Feng Wang,Sheng Qiang,Chun-Long Yang 대한화학회 2010 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.31 No.9

Twenty novel tetramic acid derivatives (E)-3-(1-(alkyloxyamino)ethylidene)-1-alkylpyrrolidine-2,4-diones were synthesized by the reaction of 3-(1-hydroxyethylidene)pyrrolidine-2,4-diones with O-alkyl hydroxylamines. The title compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The structure of compound 6r was further verified by X-ray diffraction crystallography. The bioassays showed that most of the title compounds exhibited noticeable herbicidal and fungicidal activities.

A national survey on how to improve traditional Chinese medicine learning internationally: Perceptions from both teachers and students

Zhu Yu-Hang,Yan Wu,Hao Zhang,Yanfei Zhao,Yule Ren,Wei Hu,Pan Li,Huiyi Wang,Ying Wang,Boda Zhang,Yujie Wang,Hongwen Yuan,Jiping Zhang,Wenqiang Li,Yufang Zhao,Jie Zhao,Yedong Shi,Yanye Shu,Xiao Zhang,Ya 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.4

Background With the increasing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by the global community, how to teach basic knowledge of TCM to international students and improve the teaching quality are important issues for teachers of TCM. The present study was to analyze the perceptions from both students and teachers on how to improve TCM learning internationally. Methods A cross-sectional national survey was conducted at 23 universities/colleges across China. A structured, self-reported on-line questionnaire was administered to 34 Chinese teachers who taught TCM course in English and to 1016 international undergraduates who were enrolled in the TCM course in China between 2017 and 2021. Results Thirty-three (97.1%) teachers and 900 (88.6%) undergraduates agreed Chinese culture should be fully integrated into TCM courses. All teachers and 944 (92.9%) undergraduates thought that TCM had important significance in the clinical practice. All teachers and 995 (97.9%) undergraduates agreed that modern research of TCM is valuable. Thirty-three (97.1%) teachers and 959 (94.4%) undergraduates thought comparing traditional medicine in different countries with TCM can help the students better understand TCM. Thirty-two (94.1%) teachers and 962 (94.7%) undergraduates agreed on the use of practical teaching method with case reports. From the perceptions of the undergraduates, the top three beneficial learning styles were practice (34.3%), teacher's lectures (32.5%), case studies (10.4%). The first choice of learning mode was attending to face-to-face teaching (82.3%). The top three interesting contents were acupuncture (75.5%), Chinese herbal medicine (63.8%), and massage (55.0%). Conclusion To improve TCM learning among international undergraduates majoring in conventional medicine, integration of Chinese culture into TCM course, comparison of traditional medicine in different countries with TCM, application of the teaching method with case reports, and emphasization of clinical practice as well as modern research on TCM should be fully considered.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Novel (E)-3-(1-(Alkyloxyamino)ethylidene)-1-alkylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione Derivatives

Zhu, Zhao-Yong,Shi, Qing-Ming,Han, Bao-Feng,Wang, Xian-Feng,Qiang, Sheng,Yang, Chun-Long Korean Chemical Society 2010 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.31 No.9

Twenty novel tetramic acid derivatives (E)-3-(1-(alkyloxyamino)ethylidene)-1-alkylpyrrolidine-2,4-diones were synthesized by the reaction of 3-(1-hydroxyethylidene)pyrrolidine-2,4-diones with O-alkyl hydroxylamines. The title compounds were confirmed by IR, $^1H$ NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The structure of compound 6r was further verified by X-ray diffraction crystallography. The bioassays showed that most of the title compounds exhibited noticeable herbicidal and fungicidal activities.

Effects of rehydration on physiological and transcriptional responses of a water-stressed rhizobium

Zhu Jie,Jiang Xin,Guan Dawei,Kang Yaowei,Li Li,Cao Fengming,Zhao Baisuo,Ma Mingchao,Zhao Ji,Li Jun 한국미생물학회 2022 The journal of microbiology Vol.60 No.1

As a microsymbiont of soybean, Bradyrhizobium japonicum plays an important role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and sustainable agriculture. However, the survival of B. japonicum cells under water-deplete (e.g., drought) and water-replete (e.g., flood) conditions is a major concern affecting their nitrogen-fixing ability by establishing the symbiotic relationship with the host. In this study, we isolated a water stress tolerant rhizobium from soybean root nodules and tested its survival under water-deplete conditions. The rhizobium was identified as Bradyrhizobium japonicum and named strain 5038. Interestingly, both plate counting and live/dead fluorescence staining assays indicate that a number of viable but non-culturable cells exist in the culture medium upon the rehydration process which could cause dilution stress. Bradyrhizobium japonicum 5038 cells increased production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) and trehalose when dehydrated, suggesting that protective responses were stimulated. As expected, cells reduced their production upon the subsequent rehydration. To examine differential gene expression of B. japonicum 5038 when exposed to water-deplete and subsequent waterreplete conditions, whole-genome transcriptional analysis was performed under 10% relative humidity (RH), and subsequent 100% RH, respectively. A total of 462 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, > 2.0-fold) were identified under the 10% RH condition, while 3,776 genes showed differential expression during the subsequent rehydration (100% RH) process. Genes involved in signal transduction, inorganic ion transport, energy production and metabolisms of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids were far more up-regulated than downregulated in the 10% RH condition. Notably, trehalose biosynthetic genes (otsAB, treS, and treYZ), genes ligD, oprB, and a sigma factor rpoH were significantly induced by 10% RH. Under the subsequent 100% RH condition, genes involved in transcription, translation, cell membrane regulation, replication and repair, and protein processing were highly up-regulated. Interestingly, most of 10%-RH inducible genes displayed rehydration-repressed, except three genes encoding heat shock (Hsp20) proteins. Therefore, this study provides molecular evidence for the switch of gene expression of B. japonicum cells when encountered the opposite water availability from water-deplete to water-replete conditions.

CFD-DEM modeling of snowdrifts on stepped flat roofs

Zhao, Lei,Yu, Zhixiang,Zhu, Fu,Qi, Xin,Zhao, Shichun Techno-Press 2016 Wind and Structures, An International Journal (WAS Vol.23 No.6

Snowdrift formation on roofs should be considered in snowy and windy areas to ensure the safety of buildings. Presently, the prediction of snowdrifts on roofs relies heavily on field measurements, wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations. In this paper, a new snowdrift modeling method by using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) coupled with DEM (Discrete Element Method) is presented, including material parameters and particle size, collision parameters, particle numbers and input modes, boundary conditions of CFD, simulation time and inlet velocity, and coupling calculation process. Not only is the two-way coupling between wind and snow particles which includes the transient changes in snow surface topography, but also the cohesion and collision between snow particles are taken into account. The numerical method is applied to simulate the snowdrift on a typical stepped flat roof. The feasibility of using coupled CFD with DEM to study snowdrift is verified by comparing the simulation results with field measurement results on the snow depth distribution of the lower roof.

Performance analysis of embedded tri-screw pump based on computational fluid dynamics

Yongqiang Zhao,Bowen Zhu,Hongling Hou,Shengdun Zhao 대한기계학회 2021 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.35 No.2

To meet the stringent size and noise requirements for hydraulic pumps used in submarines, an embedded tri-screw pump is proposed. The pump is embedded in the core of the servo motor to form a new servo motor pump. This paper first presents the embedded triscrew pump, as well as the cross-section profile design and parameter equations of the driving and driven screws. Velocity and pressure field distributions as well as changes in internal pressure and shear stress inside the embedded tri-screw pump with different radial and interlobe clearances were investigated using computational fluid dynamics. Furthermore, screw deformation under multi-field coupling was analyzed. In contrast to torque or fluid pressure acting alone, under the fluid-solid coupling effect, screw deformation and stresses are inversely proportional to the rotational speed of the pump and directly proportional to the power and output pressure. The simulation and experimental results were consistent for various outlet pressures and rotational speeds. Radial clearance of the screw has a more significant influence on leakage than inter-lobe clearance and therefore, more impact on the volumetric efficiency of the pump.