Characterization and Functional Analysis of Bacillus aryabhattai CY for Acrylic Acid Biodegradation: Immobilization and Metabolic Pathway

Yi Chen,Min Zhao,Liyong Hu,Zeyu Wang,Dzmitry Hrynsphan,Jun Chen 한국생물공학회 2021 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.26 No.6

Acrylic acid has been widely used in various industrial applications but is harmful to human health and the environment. A novel and efficient degrading acrylic acid bacterium was isolated and identified as Bacillus aryabhattai CY. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the biodegradation of acrylic acid by B. aryabhattai CY, which were immobilized in calciumalginate beads under different conditions. The components of the alginate beads were optimized by the response surface method, and the degradation performance of the immobilized cells was determined. Relative to the free cells, experiment results showed that the immobilized cells can achieve complete degradation of 100 mg/L acrylic acid in 24 h under the optimal conditions of SA 6% (w/v), CaCl2 1% (w/v), and immobilization time of 6 h. According to Haldane's model, the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) of the free cells and immobilized cells were 0.165/h and 0.210/h, respectively. Experiment data revealed that acrylic acid showed an inhibitory effect on biodegradation by B. aryabhattai CY, especially at concentration higher than 100 mg/L. Furthermore, the reusability of the immobilized cells revealed that the acrylic acid removal rate was above 93.70% within the eight cycles. The immobilized cells also showed higher removal efficiencies in wider ranges of temperature (20°C-60°C) and pH (5.0-10.0) than the free cells. Moreover, the possible degradation intermediates were proposed during the biodegradation of acrylic acid by GC-MS analysis. Results indicated that immobilized beads might have a potential environmental implication in the purification of practical acrylic acid wastewater.

Construction and Characterization of a Full-length cDNA Library and Identification of Genes Involved in Salinity Stress in Wild Eggplant (Solanum torvum Swartz)

Gang Chen,Hua Wang,Jun-Yi Gai,Yue-Lin Zhu,Li-Fei Yang,Qian-Qian Liu,Gong-Chen Zhang,Guo-Hu Chen 한국원예학회 2012 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.53 No.2

The objectives of this paper were to construct a full-length cDNA library and to isolate genes that confer salt tolerance from the leaves of salinity-tolerant wild eggplant variety, ‘Torvum Vigor’ (Solanum torvum Swartz). A full-length cDNA library from the leaves was successfully constructed by a switching mechanism at 5’-end of RNA transcript (SMART) approach and a long-distance PCR (LD-PCR) technique. The titer of the primary cDNA library was 3.6 ×106 cfu・mL-1 and that of the amplified library was 1.2 × 1010 cfu・mL-1. Gel electrophoresis results showed that most of the cDNA inserts ranged from 0.40 to 2.5 kb, with a recombination rate of 99%. A total of 427 randomly selected positive clones were sequenced. After removing the unsuccessful reads, 364 datasets were obtained and have been submitted to the NCBI Nucleotide Sequence Database under GenBank accession numbers JK265131-JK265494. Among the 364 submitted sequences, 74.45% of them contained full-length coding regions. BLASTX analysis revealed that 62.36% of the ‘Torvum Vigor’ expressed sequence tags (ESTs) possessed homology to known or putative proteins of other organisms. Seven genes that might be responsible for the encoding of known proteins in other organisms were identified to confer salt tolerance. This evidence demonstrated that the cDNA library constructed was a full-length library of high quality. It could be a useful resource for further research in the cloning of stress-related genes, which could be utilized in the genetic improvement of vegetable crops using transgenic technology.

Risk Factors for Anxiety in Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Li-Min Xin,Lin Chen,Zhen-Peng Ji,Suo-Yuan Zhang,Jun Wang,Yan-Hong Liu,Da-Fang Chen,Fu-De Yang,Gang Wang,Yi-Ru Fang,Zheng Lu,Hai-Chen Yang,Jian Hu,Zhi-Yu Chen,Yi Huang,Jing Sun,Xiao-Ping Wang,Hui-Chun 대한정신약물학회 2015 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.13 No.3

Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors related to anxiety in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: This study involved a secondary analysis of data obtained from the Diagnostic Assessment Service for People with Bipolar Disorders in China (DASP), which was initiated by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry (CSP) and conducted from September 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011. Based on the presence or absence of anxiety-related characteristics, 1,178 MDD patients were classified as suffering from anxious depression (n=915) or non-anxious depression (n=263), respectively. Results: Compared with the non-anxious group, the anxious-depression group had an older age at onset (t=−4.39, p<0.001), were older (t=−4.69, p<0.001), reported more lifetime depressive episodes (z=−3.24, p=0.001), were more likely to experience seasonal depressive episodes (χ2=6.896, p=0.009) and depressive episodes following stressful life events (χ2=59.350, p <0.001), and were more likely to have a family history of psychiatric disorders (χ2=6.091, p=0.014). Their positive and total scores on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the 32-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) (p<0.05) were also lower. The logistic regression analysis indicated that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.03, p<0.001), a lower total MDQ score (OR=0.94, p=0.011), depressive episodes following stressful life events (OR=3.04, p<0.001), and seasonal depressive episodes (OR=1.75, p=0.039) were significantly associated with anxious depression. Conclusion: These findings indicate that older age, fewer subclinical bipolar features, an increased number of depressive episodes following stressful life events, and seasonal depressive episodes may be risk factors for anxiety-related characteristics in patients with MDD.

Comparison of Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery and Breast- Conserving Surgery Alone: A Meta-Analysis

Jun-Ying Chen,Yi-Jie Huang,Liu-Lu Zhang,Ci-Qiu Yang,Kun Wang 한국유방암학회 2018 Journal of breast cancer Vol.21 No.3

Purpose: The use of oncoplastic reconstruction for breastconserving surgery (BCS) extends benefits beyond merely minimizing poor cosmetic results. However, the feasibility and oncological safety of oncoplastic surgery (OPS) are controversial. Methods: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term and long-term oncological outcomes of BCS alone and BCS plus OPS. Relevant studies published before July 2017 in the Embase, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were screened and collected. The meta-analysis was performed using STATA software (Stata Corp.). Results: A total of 3,789 patients from 11 studies were included, with 2,691 patients in the BCS-alone group and 1,098 patients in the BCS plus OPS group. The demographics were similar between both groups, and no significant difference was observed in pathological T and N stages between the two groups. Re-excision was less common (relative risk [RR], 0.66; p=0.009) and the positive-margin rate was lower, but not significantly (RR, 0.83; p=0.191), in the BCS plus OPS group than in the BCS-alone group. The local and distal recurrence rates were similar in both groups. Both disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96– 1.49; p=0.112) and overall survival (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.76– 1.69; p=0.527) did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion: A combination of BCS and OPS is preferred over BCS alone for decreasing re-excisions and provides similar long-term survival as BCS alone in patients with breast cancer.

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.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Dynamic Responses of the Remaining Structure under Impact Loading with Column Being Removed

Chen Ou,Jun Liu,Lei Sun,Zhi-min Xiao,Yi Cheng,Ming-qing Liu,Fu-tian Zhao,Meng-yang Zhen,Yue Wang 대한토목학회 2021 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.25 No.6

The dynamic response and stability of building structures under accidental loads such as earthquake, explosion, and impact have been focused by experts. The significant influence will be induced once the damaged structure begins to collapse. In this study, a reinforced concrete frame structure model was designed and tested to study the dynamic response law of the structure under the condition of the failure of the middle column of the model structure, the remaining structure successively failed the load-bearing column and continued to be subjected to impact load and uniform load. The analytical method was used to calculate the ultimate uniform load subjecting to the structure under the failure of four load-bearing columns, because its value was less than the load in this test, the structure collapsed. The finite element calculation model was established, and compared the simulation results to the test results to verify its rationality. Then, the influence of the impact energy and the structural stores on the dynamic response of the structure were analyzed. The results showed that the peak value of the dynamic response of the damaged structure did not increase strictly with the increase of the number of failure columns, which may be related to the sequence of failure columns.

Notch1 promotes the pericytemyofibroblast transition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through the PDGFR/ ROCK1 signal pathway

Yi-Chun Wang,Qiong Chen,Jun-Ming Luo,Jing Nie,Qing-He Meng,Wei Shuai,Han Xie,Jia-Mei Xia,Hui Wang 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

The goals of this study were to investigate the role of the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and to explore the possibility of treating fibrosis by targeting Notch1. Lung tissues from patients with pulmonary fibrosis were examined for the expression of Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 using RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunostaining. Cultured mouse lung pericytes were transfected with Notch1-overexpressed vectors or shRNA targeting PDGFRβ/ROCK1 to examine cell behaviors, including proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and differentiation toward myofibroblasts. Finally, a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model was prepared, and a Notch1 inhibitor was administered to observe tissue morphology and pericyte cell behaviors. Human pulmonary fibrotic tissues presented with overexpression of Notch1, PDGFRβ, and ROCK1, in addition to a prominent transition of pericytes into myofibroblasts. In cultured mouse lung pericytes, overexpression of Notch1 led to the accelerated proliferation and differentiation of cells, and it also increased the expression of the PDGFRβ and ROCK1 proteins. The knockdown of PDGFRβ/ROCK1 in pericytes remarkably suppressed pericyte proliferation and differentiation. As further substantiation, the administration of a Notch1 inhibitor in a mouse model of lung fibrosis inhibited the PDGFRβ/ROCK1 pathway, suppressed pericyte proliferation and differentiation, and alleviated the severity of fibrosis. Our results showed that the Notch1 signaling pathway was aberrantly activated in pulmonary fibrosis, and this pathway may facilitate disease progression via mediating pericyte proliferation and differentiation. The inhibition of the Notch1 pathway may provide one promising treatment strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Experimental study of the effect of internal waves on the rotational hydrodynamics of underwater vehicle

Chen Sheng-tao,Li Dong-ju,Tian Hao,Hou Jiao-yi,Ning Da-yong,Gong Yong-jun 대한조선학회 2022 International Journal of Naval Architecture and Oc Vol.14 No.1

Maneuverability, which is closely related to navigation safety, is an important part of the overall performance of an underwater vehicle. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic response of an underwater vehicle to internal waves at different angles and speeds. A combination of experiments and numerical simulations is used to compare the forces on the underwater vehicle. In terms of fluidstructure coupling, the internal wave interface is tracked by the VOF method. In this paper, waves of the same amplitude ratio as the numerical results are simulated using a wave-making sphere. The validity of the numerical method is verified by comparing with the rotation moment test of the underwater vehicle. The results show that different angles of attack have significant effects on the forces and moments of the underwater vehicle and that choosing the right angle of attack and rotation speed can limit the dangerous depth. The conclusion is of certain significance for the safety of underwater navigation.

Bimodal Phenomenon of the Stress–Strain Curve During Hot Compression of LA43M Mg–Li Alloy

Yi Li,Yanjin Guan,Hu Chen,Jiqiang Zhai,Jun Lin,Liang Chen 대한금속·재료학회 2021 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.27 No.10

In this study, the samples of LA43M Mg–Li alloy were compressed to the true strains of 0.12, 0.16, 0.36 and 0.60 under300 °C and the strain rate of 0.1 s−1. Under this condition, the stress–strain curves present a special bimodal phenomenon atthe early deformation stage, which is caused by twinning and dynamic recrystallization. In the process of hot compression,extension twins generated first. Twinning accommodated strain and the glide of twinning dislocations dissipated local strainenergy, resulting in the first local stress drop. Then extension twins coarsened and devoured all the matrix, leading to thechange of grain orientation. Subsequently, dislocations accumulated at the grain boundaries and resulted in the increase instress. With further strain, dynamic recrystallization occurred, discontinuous dynamic recrystallization is the main dynamicrecrystallization mechanism. The generation of dynamic recrystallization resulted in the strain softening and leaded tothe second local stress drop. Twinning retards the occurrence dynamic recrystallization and has a crucial influence on themicrostructure development during the hot compression of LA43M.

IRS-2 Partially Compensates for the Insulin Signal Defects in IRS-1−/−Mice Mediated by miR-33

Chen-Yi Tang,Xiao-Fei Man,Yue Guo,Hao-Neng Tang,Jun Tang,Ci-La Zhou,Shu-Wen Tan,Min Wang,Hou-De Zhou 한국분자세포생물학회 2017 Molecules and cells Vol.40 No.2

Insulin signaling is coordinated by insulin receptor substrates (IRSs). Many insulin responses, especially for blood glucose metabolism, are mediated primarily through Irs-1 and Irs-2. Irs-1 knockout mice show growth retardation and insulin signaling defects, which can be compensated by other IRSs in vivo; however, the underlying mechanism is not clear. Here, we presented an Irs-1 truncated mutated mouse (Irs-1−/−) with growth retardation and subcutaneous adipocyte atrophy. Irs-1−/− mice exhibited mild insulin resistance, as demonstrat-ed by the insulin tolerance test. Phosphatidylino-sitol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and phosphorylated Protein Kinase B (PKB/AKT) expression were elevated in liver, skeletal muscle, and subcu-taneous adipocytes in Irs-1 deficiency. In addition, the expression of IRS-2 and its phosphorylated version were clearly elevated in liver and skeletal muscle. With miRNA microarray analysis, we found miR-33 was down-regulated in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) of Irs-1−/− mice, while its target gene Irs-2 was up-regulated in vitro studies. In addition, miR-33 was down-regulated in the presence of Irs-1 and which was up-regulated in fasting status. What’s more, miR-33 restored its expression in re-feeding status. Meanwhile, miR-33 levels decreased and Irs-2 levels increased in liver, skeletal muscle, and subcutaneous adipocytes of Irs-1−/− mice. In primary cultured liver cells transfected with an miR-33 inhibitor, the expression of IRS-2, PI3K, and phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT) increased while the opposite results were observed in the presence of an miR-33 mimic. Therefore, decreased miR-33 levels can up-regulate IRS-2 expression, which appears to compensate for the defects of the insulin signaling pathway in Irs-1 deficient mice.