De novo Assembly and Analysis of Amur Sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) Transcriptome in Response to Mycobacterium Marinum Infection to Identify Putative Genes Involved in Immunity

( Qianqian Zhang ),( Xiehao Wang ),( Defeng Zhang ),( Meng Long ),( Zhenbing Wu ),( Yuqing Feng ),( Jingwen Hao ),( Shuyi Wang ),( Qian Liao ),( Aihua Li ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2019 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.29 No.8

Fish mycobacteriosis is a common bacterial disease in many species of freshwater and marine fish and has caused severe loss of fish production. Mycobacterium marinum has been the most prevalent pathogen observed in several outbreaks of mycobacteriosis of farmed sturgeons in China. However, the immune responses and pathology of sturgeons in mycobacterial infection are rarely studied. Therefore, we used the Illumina RNA-seq method to analyze the transcriptome profile of Acipenser schrenckii challenged with Mycobacterium marinum. To begin, 168,220 non-redundant contigs were acquired from the infection and control groups, and among these, 33,225 contigs have acquired annotations. A total of 4,043 differently expressed (DE) contigs between the two groups were identified, and among these, 2479 were upregulated and 1564 were down-regulated in the infected fish. A total of 1,340 DE contigs with acquired annotations in KEGG were enriched for 124 pathways including the TNF signaling pathway, and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The roles of DE genes involved in significant pathways and other processes were discussed. The 2,209 DE contigs that have yet to acquire proper annotation may represent candidate genes associated with infection in sturgeons and are expected to serve as immunogenetic resources for further study. To our best knowledge, this is the first transcriptome study on sturgeons under bacterial infection.

Automatic Voltage Equalization Circuit Based on Multiple LC Resonant Units for Series-Connected Supercapacitor Strings

Zhang Xiaobing,Zhou Guohua,Liu Shuyi 대한전기학회 2023 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.18 No.3

The series-parallel switched-capacitor (SPSC) equalization circuit has high voltage stress on switch. To overcome this problem, an automatic voltage equalization circuit based on multiple LC resonant units is proposed for series-connected supercapacitor strings in this paper. The proposed equalization circuit shortens the equalization paths among cells and uses multiple LC resonant units, which improves the equalization speed. In the proposed equalization circuit, the maximum voltage stress on switch is only half of that in the SPSC equalization circuit. The configuration and operation principle of the proposed equalization circuit is presented. The power, equalization speed, and efficiency of the proposed equalization circuit are analyzed in detail. Based on the theoretical analysis, design considerations of the equalization circuit and design of modularized equalization circuit are proposed to optimize the equalization performance and to further decrease the voltage stress on switch. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the validity of the proposed equalization circuit. The results show that the proposed equalization circuit achieves fast equalization speed, high efficiency, and high equalization accuracy.

The Attenuation Mechanism and Live Vaccine Potential of a Low-Virulence Edwardsiella ictaluri Strain Obtained by Rifampicin Passaging Culture

Wang Shuyi,Hao Jingwen,Yang Jicheng,Zhang Qianqian,Li Aihua 한국미생물·생명공학회 2023 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.33 No.2

The rifampicin-resistant strain E9-302 of Edwardsiella ictaluri strain 669 (WT) was generated by continuous passage on BHI agar plates containing increasing concentrations of rifampicin. E9-302 was attenuated significantly by 119 times to zebrafish Danio rerio compared to WT in terms of the 50% lethal dose (LD50). Zebrafish vaccinated with E9-302 via intraperitoneal (IP) injection at a dose of 1 × 103 CFU/fish had relative percentage survival (RPS) rates of 85.7% when challenged with wild-type E. ictaluri via IP 14 days post-vaccination (dpv). After 14 days of primary vaccination with E9-302 via immersion (IM) at a dose of 4 × 107 CFU/ml, a booster IM vaccination with E9-302 at a dose of 2 × 107 CFU/ml exhibited 65.2% RPS against challenge with wild-type E. ictaluri via IP 7 days later. These results indicated that the rifampicin-resistant attenuated strain E9-302 had potential as a live vaccine against E. ictaluri infection. A previously unreported amino acid site change at position 142 of the RNA polymerase (RNAP) β subunit encoded by the gene rpoB associated with rifampicin resistance was identified. Analysis of the whole-genome sequencing results revealed multiple missense mutations in the virulence-related genes esrB and sspH2 in E9-302 compared with WT, and a 189 bp mismatch in one gene, whose coding product was highly homologous to glycosyltransferase family 39 protein. This study preliminarily explored the molecular mechanism underlying the virulence attenuation of rifampicin-resistant strain E9-302 and provided a new target for the subsequent study of the pathogenic mechanism of E. ictaluri.

Experimental Study on the Longitudinal Mechanical Behavior of Shield Tunnel in Soft-Hard Uneven Strata and the Reinforcement Effect of Longitudinal Channel Steel

Tingjin Liu,Shuyi Zhang,Yongfeng Tang,Zhenwei Ye 대한토목학회 2024 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.28 No.1

This paper investigates the longitudinal behavior and failure pattern of shield tunnel, as well as the reinforcement mechanism of longitudinal channel steel, using reduced-scale tunnel models assembled with 24 lining rings. The longitudinal behavior of the shield tunnel and the reinforcement effect are discussed in terms of vertical deformation, joint deformation, and concrete cracking. The results indicate that the shield tunnel without reinforcement longitudinallydeforms in a “bending and dislocation” mode, with the failure pattern dominated by bending deformation. In contrast, the failure pattern of the shield tunnel reinforced by channel steels is characterized by brittle shearing dislocation fracture of the circumferential joint. The load at which damage occurs in the reinforced tunnel model is 1.74 times and 2.04 times that of the non-reinforced staggered and straight jointed tunnels. The reinforcement reduces the horizontal convergence discrepancy of lining rings above the soft foundation spring and the adjacent lining rings, which improves the overall integrity of the tunnel structure.

In vitro Antioxidant Activities of Proanthocyanidins Extracted from the Lotus Seedpod and Ameliorative Effects on Learning and Memory Impairment in Scopolamine-induced Amnesia Mice

Juan Xiao,Shuyi Li,Yong Sui,Xiaopeng Li,Qian Wu,Ruifen Zhang,Mingwei Zhang,Bijun Xie,Zhida Sun 한국식품과학회 2015 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.24 No.4

The antioxidant activity of proanthocyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpods (LSPC) in vitro and ameliorative effects on memory impairment induced using scopolamine in mice were studied. 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and cellular antioxidant activity assays revealed a potent LSPC antioxidant activity. Y-maze and step-down avoidance testing showed that LSPC administration at 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg ameliorated memory impairment. LSPC improved glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, inhibited activities of monoamine oxidase-B, total nitric oxide synthase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and acetylcholinesterase, and had no influence on inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide levels in the brain. LSPC ameliorated scopolamineinduced memory impairment based on improvement of the antioxidant system and cholinergic activity, which may be associated with potent antioxidant ability.

Tunnel Lining Segment Deformation and Cracking Mechanisms during Tunneling in Complex Mixed Grounds with the Combined Mining and Shield Tunneling Method

Tingjin Liu,Shuyi Zhang,Kepeng Yu,Hongyuan Liu 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.1

The combined mining and shield tunneling method solves the challenge that shield machine is slow to excavate hard rock formations during tunneling in complex mixed grounds such as soft soils mixed with hard rocks, which, however, causes the deformation and cracking of tunnel segments. Both in-situ field measurements and three-dimensional numerical simulations are conducted in this study to analyze the segment deformation and cracking mechanism of a tunnel excavated in complex mix grounds with the combined mining and shield tunneling method. It is concluded that the segment deformation and cracking are caused by insufficient pea-gravel fillings and uneven grouting pressures. To ensure the tunnel ovality satisfying standards and minimize the segment deformation and cracking, the angle range of the tunnel wrapped in the pea gravel should be greater than 180° and the resistance coefficient provided by the filling layer after grouting should be greater than 20 MPa/m. Moreover, it is found that the difference between the grouting pressures at the top and bottom of the tunnel has a significant impact on the overall deformation and opening amount of the joints between the segments.

Risk factors for anticoagulant-associated gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fuxin Ma,Shuyi Wu,Shiqi Li,Zhiwei Zeng,Jinhua Zhang 대한내과학회 2024 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.39 No.1

Background/Aims: There may be many predictors of anticoagulation-related gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), but until now, systematic reviews and assessments of the certainty of the evidence have not been published. We conducted a systematic review to identify all risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB to inform risk prediction in the management of anticoagulation- related GIB. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to search PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (from inception through January 21, 2022) using the following search terms: anticoagulants, heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, DOACs, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, risk factors. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies of risk factors for anticoagulation-related GIB were identified. Risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB were used as the outcome index of this review. Results: We included 34 studies in our analysis. For anticoagulant-associated GIB, moderate-certainty evidence showed a probable association with older age, kidney disease, concomitant use of aspirin, concomitant use of the antiplatelet agent, heart failure, myocardial infarction, hematochezia, renal failure, coronary artery disease, helicobacter pylori infection, social risk factors, alcohol use, smoking, anemia, history of sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, international normalized ratio (INR), obesity et al. Some of these factors are not included in current GIB risk prediction models. such as anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction, etc. Conclusions: The study found that anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction et al. were associated with anticoagulation-related GIB, and these factors were not in the existing prediction models. This study informs risk prediction for anticoagulant-associated GIB, it also informs guidelines for GIB prevention and future research.

Discovery and validation of PURA as a transcription target of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol: Implications for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction

Feiyan Chen,Wenjing Zhang,Shuyi Xu,Hantao Zhang,Lin Chen,Cuihua Chen,Zhu Zhu,Yunan Zhao 고려인삼학회 2023 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.47 No.5

Background: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginsenoside metabolite, has prominent benefits for thecentral nervous system, especially in improving learning and memory. However, its transcriptionaltargets in brain tissue remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we first used mass spectrometry-based drug affinity responsive target stability(DARTS) to identify the potential proteins of ginsenosides and intersected them with the transcriptionfactor library. Second, the transcription factor PURA was confirmed as a target of PPD by biolayerinterferometry (BLI) and molecular docking. Next, the effect of PPD on the transcriptional levels of targetgenes of PURA in brain tissues was determined by qRT-PCR. Finally, bioinformatics analysis was used toanalyze the potential biological features of these target proteins. Results: The results showed three overlapping transcription factors between the proteomics of DARTSand transcription factor library. BLI analysis further showed that PPD had a higher direct interaction withPURA than parent ginsenosides. Subsequently, BLI kinetic analysis, molecular docking, and mutations inkey amino acids of PURA indicated that PPD specifically bound to PURA. The results of qRT-PCR showedthat PPD could increase the transcription levels of PURA target genes in brain. Finally, bioinformaticsanalysis showed that these target proteins were involved in learning and memory function. Conclusion: The above-mentioned findings indicate that PURA is a transcription target of PPD in brain,and PPD upregulate the transcription levels of target genes related to cognitive dysfunction by bindingPURA, which could provide a chemical and biological basis for the study of treating cognitive impairmentby targeting PURA.

A possible mechanism to the antidepressant-like effects of 20 (S)-protopanaxadiol based on its target protein 14-3-3 ζ

Chen, Lin,Li, Ruimei,Chen, Feiyan,Zhang, Hantao,Zhu, Zhu,Xu, Shuyi,Cheng, Yao,Zhao, Yunan The Korean Society of Ginseng 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.5

Background: Ginsenosides and their metabolites have antidepressant-like effects, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We previously identified 14-3-3 ζ as one of the target proteins of 20 (S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), a fully deglycosylated ginsenoside metabolite. Methods: Corticosterone (CORT) was administered repeatedly to induce the depression model, and PPD was given concurrently. The tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST) were used for behavioral evaluation. All mice were sacrificed. Golgi-cox staining, GSK 3β activity assay, and Western blot analysis were performed. In vitro, the kinetic binding analysis with the Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) was used to determine the molecular interactions. Results: TST and FST both revealed that PPD reversed CORT-induced behavioral deficits. PPD also ameliorated the CORT-induced expression alterations of hippocampal Ser9 phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-Ser9 GSK 3β), Ser133 phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-Ser133 CREB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, PPD attenuated the CORT-induced increase in GSK 3β activity and decrease in dendritic spine density in the hippocampus. In vitro, 14-3-3 ζ protein specifically bound to p-Ser9 GSK 3β polypeptide. PPD promoted the binding and subsequently decreased GSK 3β activity. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the antidepressant-like effects of PPD on the CORT-induced mouse depression model and indicated a possible target-based mechanism. The combination of PPD with the 14-3-3 ζ protein may promote the binding of 14-3-3 ζ to p-GSK 3β (Ser9) and enhance the inhibition of Ser9 phosphorylation on GSK 3β kinase activity, thereby activating the plasticity-related CREBeBDNF signaling pathway.