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Yang H, Zhai X, Zhao Z, Fan G. Comprehensive analyses of the SPL transcription factor family in Paulownia fortunei and their responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 226:1261-1272. [PMID: 36442550 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To study the molecular characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, and gene functions of the SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) genes in Paulownia fortunei, a whole genome sequence analysis was carried out, and a total of 23 PfSPL genes were identified. Tandem duplication and fragment replication were the main patterns of gene expansion in the PfSPL family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 23 identified PfSPLs formed seven subgroups, and the structures of the proteins in the same subgroup were similar. Functional analysis indicated that PfSPL11 may regulate flowering, PfSPL5 was involved in gibberellin signaling, PfSPL1/4/23 regulated branching, and PfSPL9/16/18 were related to pathogen resistance. Yeast one hybrid technology confirmed that PfSPL4 and PfSP23 can bind to the promoter of PfTCPa. The transcriptome analysis indicated that PfSPL10 was sensitive to both drought and salt stress. Ten PfSPLs that responded to phytoplasma infection were identified. Molecular docking showed that PfSPL10 and PfSPL 4/5/9/10/11/13 formed active pockets in the conserved SBP domain that could bind methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) and rifampicin (Rif) through stable hydrogen bonds, respectively. This study provides a basis for further studies on the functions of the PfSPL transcription factor family, and for genetic improvement and breeding of trees resistant to PaWB disease.
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McSloy A, Fan G, Sun W, Hölzer C, Friede M, Ehlert S, Schütte NE, Grimme S, Frauenheim T, Aradi B. TBMaLT, a flexible toolkit for combining tight-binding and machine learning. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:034801. [PMID: 36681630 DOI: 10.1063/5.0132892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight-binding approaches, especially the Density Functional Tight-Binding (DFTB) and the extended tight-binding schemes, allow for efficient quantum mechanical simulations of large systems and long-time scales. They are derived from ab initio density functional theory using pragmatic approximations and some empirical terms, ensuring a fine balance between speed and accuracy. Their accuracy can be improved by tuning the empirical parameters using machine learning techniques, especially when information about the local environment of the atoms is incorporated. As the significant quantum mechanical contributions are still provided by the tight-binding models, and only short-ranged corrections are fitted, the learning procedure is typically shorter and more transferable as it were with predicting the quantum mechanical properties directly with machine learning without an underlying physically motivated model. As a further advantage, derived quantum mechanical quantities can be calculated based on the tight-binding model without the need for additional learning. We have developed the open-source framework-Tight-Binding Machine Learning Toolkit-which allows the easy implementation of such combined approaches. The toolkit currently contains layers for the DFTB method and an interface to the GFN1-xTB Hamiltonian, but due to its modular structure and its well-defined interfaces, additional atom-based schemes can be implemented easily. We are discussing the general structure of the framework, some essential implementation details, and several proof-of-concept applications demonstrating the perspectives of the combined methods and the functionality of the toolkit.
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Zhao X, Li B, Zhai X, Liu H, Deng M, Fan G. Genome-Wide Analysis of Specific PfR2R3-MYB Genes Related to Paulownia Witches' Broom. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:genes14010007. [PMID: 36672749 PMCID: PMC9858720 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Paulownia witches' broom (PaWB), caused by phytoplasmas, is the most devastating infectious disease of Paulownia. R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TF) have been reported to be involved in the plant's response to infections caused by these pathogens, but a comprehensive study of the R2R3-MYB genes in Paulownia has not been reported. In this study, we identified 138 R2R3-MYB genes distributed on 20 chromosomes of Paulownia fortunei. These genes were classified into 27 subfamilies based on their gene structures and phylogenetic relationships, which indicated that they have various evolutionary relationships and have undergone rich segmental replication events. We determined the expression patterns of the 138 R2R3-MYB genes of P. fortunei by analyzing the RNA sequencing data and found that PfR2R3-MYB15 was significantly up-regulated in P. fortunei in response to phytoplasma infections. PfR2R3-MYB15 was cloned and overexpressed in Populus trichocarpa. The results show that its overexpression induced branching symptoms. Subsequently, the subcellular localization results showed that PfR2R3-MYB15 was located in the nucleus. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments showed that PfR2R3-MYB15 interacted with PfTAB2. The analysis of the PfR2R3-MYB15 gene showed that it not only played an important role in plant branching, but also might participate in the biosynthesis of photosystem elements. Our results will provide a foundation for future studies of the R2R3-MYB TF family in Paulownia and other plants.
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Wang J, Si H, Liu Y, Song J, Wang P, Luo H, Chen S, Fan G, Rao X, Wang Z, Liao S. Experimental evaluation and structure-activity relationship analysis of bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives as novel Blattella germanica repellent. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 33:969-986. [PMID: 36548121 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2022.2154838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cockroaches are urban pests that are very difficult to control. Using repellents is a green, safe and effective strategy for their control. In order to find novel cockroach repellents, the repellent activity of 45 bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives synthesized from β-pinene against Blattella germanica was tested. The relationship between the molecular structure of these bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives and their repellent activity against Blattella germanica was also analysed. The results show that some of the bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives exhibit good repellent activity against Blattella germanica, and six compounds (RR = 60.44-87.32%) show higher repellent activity against Blattella germanica than DEET (RR = 54.77%), making them promising for development as new cockroach repellents. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis revealed that the HOMO-1 energy, Kier and Hall index (order 2), Balaban index, and relative positive charged surface area of bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives have effects on repellent activity against Blattella germanica. The present study may provide a theoretical basis for the high-value use of β-pinene and can be helpful to the development of novel repellents against Blattella germanica.
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Fan G. 748P Development of a CCR8 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of cancer. Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Fan G, Li Y, Liu Y, Suo X, Jia Y, Yang X. Gondoic acid alleviates LPS‑induced Kupffer cells inflammation by inhibiting ROS production and PKCθ/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109171. [PMID: 35998508 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Kupffer cells (KCs) is the main macrophage in liver, and its inflammation is related to liver diseases. It has been shown that inflammatory macrophages are accompanied by changes in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content. However, the effect of gondoic acid (GA) on inflammation and its underlying mechanism have not been described. In the current study, we demonstrated that GA significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-exposed KCs. Further research found that GA reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhanced the expression of antioxidant genes. Meanwhile, GA obviously blocked the LPS-stimulated PKCθ/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathways to alleviate the inflammatory responses. These results demonstrated for the first time that GA improves KCs inflammation through the inhibition of ROS production and PKCθ/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway, the results assist in the potential development of functional foods or prodrugs based on the GA rich plant oils.
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Arias L, Longa A, Jargot G, Pomerleau A, Lassonde P, Fan G, Safaei R, Corkum PB, Boschini F, Ibrahim H, Légaré F. Few-cycle Yb laser source at 20 kHz using multidimensional solitary states in hollow-core fibers. OPTICS LETTERS 2022; 47:3612-3615. [PMID: 35838743 DOI: 10.1364/ol.464428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate ultrashort pulse compression from 300 fs down to 17 fs at a repetition rate of 20 kHz and 160-µJ output pulse energy (3.2 W of average power) using multidimensional solitary states (MDSS) in a 1-meter hollow-core fiber (HCF) filled with N2O. Under static pressure, thermal limitations at this repetition rate annihilate the MDSS with suppression of spectral broadening. The results obtained in differential pressure configuration mitigate thermal effects and significantly increase the range of repetition rate over which MDSS can be used to compress sub-picosecond laser pulses.
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Goh SN, Fan G, Cheng S, Khaing N. COVID 19 pandemic: Impact of changes experienced on social workers' professional quality of life in Singapore. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2022; 61:298-322. [PMID: 35819057 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2022.2092582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has impacted all spheres of life massively. Among the emerging studies on the psychosocial impact of the pandemic, few studies look specifically at how social workers are impacted. To understand this gap, this study surveyed 337 social workers. The findings showed that changes experienced in the workplace were enormous and caused secondary traumatic stress while engendering compassion satisfaction among social workers, but the presence of social support moderated to keep the secondary traumatic stress at bay. Resilience mediated association between social and workplace support and compassion fatigue. Social support seemed to have the largest effect on reducing stress through resilience. Workplace support also helped mitigate burnout. In conclusion, continued social and workplace support will be key to supporting social workers during a pandemic.
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Litvinov IA, Brusko VV, Safin DA, Lodochnikova OA, Li M, Li LL, Li P, Dong WK, Aksenov SM, Yamnova NA, Chukanov NV, Kabanova NA, Kobeleva EA, Deyneko DV, Krivovichev SV, Liu L, Wu Y, Ma L, Fan G, Gao W, Wang W, Ma X, Sukhikh AS, Khranenko SP, Basova TV, Gromilov SA. Erratum to: CONTENT OF THE ISSUE 2 (2022). J STRUCT CHEM+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022476622040205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Liu L, Wu Y, Ma L, Fan G, Gao W, Wang W, Ma X. A NEW MELAMINE-BASED Cu(I) COORDINATION POLYMER WITH AN EXCELLENT PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY, THERAPEUTIC AND NURSING EFFECTS ON THE BLOOD GLUCOSE REGULATION. J STRUCT CHEM+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022476622020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Yang J, Wang J, Zhai D, Zhou X, Yan J, Liu R, Zhang B, Fan G, Cai W. Low-dose three-dimensional CT angiography for the evaluation of posterolateral protrusion of the vertebral artery over the posterior arch of the atlas: a quantitative anatomical comparison study of the rotational and neutral positions. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:384-389. [PMID: 35177230 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the changes in relevant anatomical parameters of posterolateral protrusion of the vertebral artery (VA) between head-neck rotational and neutral positions using low-dose three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Low-dose 3D-CTA images obtained for various craniocervical diseases in 36 non-dominant VA side patients with neutral, left and right head-neck rotational positions were evaluated. The relevant parameters from superior and inferior views, including external diameter (ED), internal diameter (ID), transverse diameter (TD), heights and diameters of posterolateral protrusion of the VA over the posterior arch of the atlas in the neutral and rotational positions, were recorded and compared. RESULTS There was no significant differences in the rotational angle (left/right: 31.23 ± 6.60/29.94 ± 6.09°, p>0.05). There were no significant differences in heights and diameters of bilateral VA between rotational and neutral positions (all p>0.05). The contralateral ID, ED, and TD of the rotational positions were significantly shorter than those of the neutral position (all p<0.05), while there were no significant differences in the three ipsilateral diameters (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Posterolateral protrusion of the VA is not uncommon in the population, and surgeons should be aware of its presence, especially the increased possibility of injury to the VA caused by head-neck rotation, during the operation; thus, preoperative evaluation by low-dose 3D-CTA should be considered.
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Li B, Lin D, Zhai X, Fan G, Zhao Z, Cao X, Yang H, Che T, Yuan Z, Liu T. Conformational Changes in Three-Dimensional Chromatin Structure in Paulownia fortunei After Phytoplasma Infection. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:373-386. [PMID: 34124940 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-01-21-0030-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Higher-order chromatin structures play important roles in regulating multiple biological processes such as growth and development as well as biotic and abiotic stress response. However, little is known about three-dimensional chromatin structures in Paulownia or about whole-genome chromatin conformational changes that occur in response to Paulownia witches' broom (PaWB) disease. We used high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) to obtain genome-wide profiles of chromatin conformation in both healthy and phytoplasma-infected Paulownia fortunei genome. The heat map results indicated that the strongest interactions between chromosomes were in the telomeres. We confirmed that the main structural characteristics of A/B compartments, topologically associated domains, and chromatin loops were prominent in the Paulownia genome and were clearly altered in phytoplasma-infected plants. By combining chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, Hi-C signals, and RNA sequencing data, we inferred that the chromatin structure changed and the modification levels of three histones (H3K4me3/K9ac/K36me3) increased in phytoplasma-infected P. fortunei, which was associated with changes of transcriptional activity. We concluded that for epigenetic modifications, transcriptional activity might function in combination to shape chromatin packing in healthy and phytoplasm-infected Paulownia. Finally, 11 genes (e.g., RPN6, Sec61 subunit-α) that were commonly located at specific topologically associated domain boundaries, A/B compartment switching and specific loops, and had been associated with histone marks were identified and considered as closely related to PaWB stress. Our results provide new insights into the nexus between gene regulation and chromatin conformational alterations in nonmodel plants upon phytopathogen infection and plant disease resistance.
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Cao Y, Sun G, Zhai X, Xu P, Ma L, Deng M, Zhao Z, Yang H, Dong Y, Shang Z, Lv Y, Yan L, Liu H, Cao X, Li B, Wang Z, Zhao X, Yu H, Wang F, Ma W, Huang J, Fan G. Genomic insights into the fast growth of paulownias and the formation of Paulownia witches' broom. MOLECULAR PLANT 2021; 14:1668-1682. [PMID: 34214658 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2021.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Paulownias are among the fastest growing trees in the world, but they often suffer tremendous loss of wood production due to infection by Paulownia witches' broom (PaWB) phytoplasmas. In this study, we have sequenced and assembled a high-quality nuclear genome of Paulownia fortunei, a commonly cultivated paulownia species. The assembled genome of P. fortunei is 511.6 Mb in size, with 93.2% of its sequences anchored to 20 pseudo-chromosomes, and it contains 31 985 protein-coding genes. Phylogenomic analyses show that the family Paulowniaceae is sister to a clade composed of Phrymaceae and Orobanchaceae. Higher photosynthetic efficiency is achieved by integrating C3 photosynthesis and the crassulacean acid metabolism pathway, which may contribute to the extremely fast growth habit of paulownia trees. Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal modules related to cambial growth and development, photosynthesis, and defense responses. Additional genome sequencing of PaWB phytoplasma, combined with functional analyses, indicates that the effector PaWB-SAP54 interacts directly with Paulownia PfSPLa, which in turn causes the degradation of PfSPLa by the ubiquitin-mediated pathway and leads to the formation of witches' broom. Taken together, these results provide significant insights into the biology of paulownias and the regulatory mechanism for the formation of PaWB.
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Gong F, Shen T, Zhang J, Wang X, Fan G, Che X, Xu Z, Jia K, Huang Y, Li X, Lu H. Nitazoxanide induced myocardial injury in zebrafish embryos by activating oxidative stress response. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9740-9752. [PMID: 34533278 PMCID: PMC8505840 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic and antiviral drug (thiazole). However, although NTZ has been extensively used, there are no reports concerning its toxicology in vertebrates. This study used the zebrafish as a vertebrate model to evaluate the safety of NTZ and to analyse the related molecular mechanisms. The experimental results showed that zebrafish embryos exposed to NTZ had cardiac malformation and dysfunction. NTZ also significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Transcriptomic analysis used compared gene expression levels between zebrafish embryos in the NTZ treatment and the control groups identified 200 upregulated genes and 232 downregulated genes. Analysis by Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) showed that signal pathways on cardiomyocyte development were inhibited while the oxidative stress pathways were activated. Further experiments showed that NTZ increased the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hearts of zebrafish. Antioxidant gadofullerene nanoparticles (GFNPs) significantly alleviated the developmental toxicity to the heart, indicating that NTZ activated the oxidative stress response to cause embryonic cardiomyocyte injury in zebrafish. This study provides evidence that NTZ causes developmental abnormalities in the cardiovascular system of zebrafish.
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Zhang J, Gao X, Zheng X, Yang Y, Fan G, Shi Y, Wang J, Mu C. A high stem to leaf ratio reduced rainfall use efficiency under altered rainfall patterns in a semi-arid grassland in northeast China. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2021; 23:760-769. [PMID: 33915008 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rainfall use efficiency (RUE) is crucial for understanding the changes in grassland productivity due to variations in future rainfall patterns. Recently, numerous studies have been conducted on the relationship between RUE and the amount of rainfall, but there has been little research on the influence of rainfall distribution and the interactive effect of rainfall amounts and distribution on RUE. Here, a simulated rainfall experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of rainfall amount (average rainfall amount (R0), 334 mm; decreased (R-) and increased (R+) rainfall amounts, 233 mm and 434 mm, respectively) and dry intervals (comprising 6-day, 9-day, 12-day, 15-day, 18-day and 21-day intervals between rainfall) on productivity and RUE in Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel., a dominant grass of the Eastern Eurasian Steppe. Our results showed that (1) for biomass production and RUE, moderate extension of dry intervals was conducive to enhancing total biomass production and RUE. The peak values of total biomass and RUE appeared during the 15-day interval for R-, and the 18-day interval for R0 and R+. (2) For biomass allocation, extension of dry intervals decreased the stem to leaf ratio (S/L) and the root to shoot ratio (R/S). (3) Further, the S/L ratio was significantly negatively correlated with RUE. These results suggest that variations in rainfall patterns can alter the RUE by changing the S/L ratio, and finally influence biomass production in L. chinensis. These findings have important implications for understanding and predicting the effect of future climate change on productivity in semi-arid grassland.
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Li Y, Fan G, Liu Y, Yao W, Albrecht E, Zhao R, Yang X. Heat stress during late pregnancy of sows influences offspring longissimus dorsi muscle growth at weaning. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:336-342. [PMID: 33765607 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In pregnant sows, heat stress (HS) not only affects sows, but also has long-term effects on offspring growth. However, it is still unclear how HS in pregnant sows influences offspring skeletal muscle development. In this study, 12 sows with similar body conditions were assigned into either a control (CON) or an HS group. The CON sows were housed at 18-22 ℃, and the sows in the HS group were housed at 28-32 ℃ from day 85 to 114 of pregnancy. The results showed that maternal HS decreased the total protein content (P < 0.05) and prolactin level (P < 0.05), yet increased the triglyceride content (P < 0.05) of milk. The piglets of both groups had similar body weight and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle weight at birth, but body weight (P < 0.05) and LD weight (P < 0.05) was significantly lower at weaning age in the HS group. Increased expression of myostatin (MSTN) (P < 0.05) and its receptor (P < 0.05) in the LD of HS piglets was observed at weaning. The following decreased in HS piglets: expression of serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (P < 0.05), the mammalian target of rapamycin (P < 0.05), and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (P < 0.05) signal pathway-involved proteins. The results indicated that maternal HS during late pregnancy influenced offspring LD muscle growth via the activated MSTN pathway. This effect may be related to sow's milk composition.
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Fan G, Carpeggiani PA, Tao Z, Coccia G, Safaei R, Kaksis E, Pugzlys A, Légaré F, Schmidt BE, Baltuška A. 70 mJ nonlinear compression and scaling route for an Yb amplifier using large-core hollow fibers. OPTICS LETTERS 2021; 46:896-899. [PMID: 33577542 DOI: 10.1364/ol.412296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this Letter, we investigate the energy-scaling rules of hollow-core fiber (HCF)-based nonlinear pulse propagation and compression merged with high-energy Yb-laser technology, in a regime where the effects such as plasma disturbance, optical damages, and setup size become important limiting parameters. As a demonstration, 70 mJ 230 fs pulses from a high-energy Yb laser amplifier were compressed down to 40 mJ 25 fs by using a 2.8-m-long stretched HCF with a core diameter of 1 mm, resulting in a record peak power of 1.3 TW. This work presents a critical advance of a high-energy pulse (hundreds of mJ level) nonlinear interactions platform based on high energy sub-ps Yb technology with considerable applications, including driving intense THz, X-ray pulses, Wakefield acceleration, parametric wave mixing and ultraviolet generation, and tunable long-wavelength generation via enhanced Raman scattering.
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Fan G, Li Y, Ma F, Zhao R, Yang X. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein promotes skeletal muscle lipid metabolism in cold-stressed mice. Endocr J 2021; 68:53-62. [PMID: 32863292 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej20-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the adult body and plays an essential role in maintaining heat production for the entire body. Recently, muscle-derived non-shivering thermogenesis under cold conditions has received much attention. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is an adipokine that was shown to influence energy metabolism in the adipose tissue. We used ZAG knock-out (ZAG KO) and wild-type (WT) mice to investigate the effect of ZAG on the lipid metabolism of skeletal muscle upon exposure to a low temperature (6°C) for one week. The results show that cold stress significantly increases the level of lipolysis, energy metabolism, and fat browning-related proteins in the gastrocnemius muscle of WT mice. In contrast, ZAG KO mice did not show any corresponding changes. Increased expression of β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) and protein kinase A (PKA) might be involved in the ZAG pathway in mice exposed cold stress. Furthermore, expression of lipolysis-related proteins (ATGL and p-HSL) and energy metabolism-related protein (PGC1α, UCP2, UCP3 and COX1) was significantly enhanced in ZAG KO mice after injection of ZAG-recombinant plasmids. These results indicate that ZAG promotes lipid-related metabolism in the skeletal muscle when the animals are exposed to low temperatures. This finding provides a promising target for the development of new therapeutic approaches to improve skeletal muscle energy metabolism.
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Fan G, Li Y, Chen J, Zong Y, Yang X. DHA/AA alleviates LPS-induced Kupffer cells pyroptosis via GPR120 interaction with NLRP3 to inhibit inflammasome complexes assembly. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:73. [PMID: 33436541 PMCID: PMC7803970 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death associated with the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (AA) is widely involved in inflammatory pathological processes. However, the effect and mechanism of DHA and AA on pyroptosis in Kupffer cells are poorly understood. The present study demonstrated that DHA and AA ameliorated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Kupffer cells pyroptosis by reversing the increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome complex, GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, and PI-stained positive rate. Next, the study revealed that GPR120 silencing eliminated the anti-pyroptosis of DHA and AA in LPS-induced Kupffer cells, suggesting that DHA and AA exerted their effect through GPR120 signaling. Importantly, GPR120 endocytose and binds to NLRP3 under LPS stimulation. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation showed that DHA and AA promoted the interaction between GPR120 and NLRP3 in LPS-exposed Kupffer cells, thus inhibiting the self-assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome complex. Finally, the study verified that DHA and AA alleviated hepatic injury through inhibiting Kupffer cells pyroptosis in vivo. The findings indicated that DHA and AA alleviated LPS-induced Kupffer cells pyroptosis via GPR120 interaction with NLRP3, it might become a potential therapeutic approach hepatic injury.
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Qi X, Fan G, Jia H. The probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota attenuates symptoms of vestibular migraine: a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. Benef Microbes 2020; 11:469-476. [PMID: 32865025 DOI: 10.3920/bm2020.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vestibular migraine (VM) has emerged as one of the major vestibular syndromes. Although probiotics have exhibited beneficial effects on migraine headache, its effect on VM is not clear. This trial aimed to investigate the treatment efficacy of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on symptoms of VM. 247 VM patients were enrolled, of which 204 eligible patients receiving either LcS or placebo on a daily basis completed the 4 month study. They were re-visited at 2 and 4 months after study initiation to assess treatment outcomes. The primary endpoints were vestibular symptoms, evaluated by the number of vertiginous attacks during the past week, the Vertigo Severity Score (VSS), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. The secondary endpoints were anxiety and depressive symptoms, evaluated using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. Efficacy of LcS over placebo was not obvious at 2 month follow-up. At 4 month follow-up, while both LcS and placebo groups of VM patients displayed alleviated symptoms, the extents of the improvements were significantly better in LcS group than those of placebo group, with regard to vestibular symptoms using DHI and VSS, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms using BAI and BDI. Although placebo effect cannot be ignored in intervention for VM patients, the probiotic LcS still exhibits considerable efficacy against VM symptoms over a 4 month study period, supporting further clinical study of a larger and more diverse cohort.
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Fan G, Safaei R, Kwon O, Schuster V, Légaré K, Lassonde P, Ehteshami A, Arias L, Laramée A, Beaudoin-Bertrand J, Limpert J, Tao Z, Spanner M, Schmidt BE, Ibrahim H, Baltuška A, Légaré F. High energy redshifted and enhanced spectral broadening by molecular alignment. OPTICS LETTERS 2020; 45:3013-3016. [PMID: 32479446 DOI: 10.1364/ol.387037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate an efficient approach for enhancing the spectral broadening of long laser pulses and for efficient frequency redshifting by exploiting the intrinsic temporal properties of molecular alignment inside a gas-filled hollow-core fiber (HCF). We find that laser-induced alignment with durations comparable to the characteristic rotational time scale TRotAlign enhances the efficiency of redshifted spectral broadening compared to noble gases. The applicability of this approach to Yb lasers with (few hundred femtoseconds) long pulse duration is illustrated, for which efficient broadening based on conventional Kerr nonlinearity is challenging to achieve. Furthermore, this approach proposes a practical solution for high energy broadband long-wavelength light sources, and it is attractive for many strong field applications.
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Fan G, Dang X, Li Y, Chen J, Zhao R, Yang X. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein promotes browning of white adipose tissue in cold-exposed male mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 501:110669. [PMID: 31790716 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The promotion of white adipose tissue (WAT) browning has emerged as a promising therapeutic target to increase energy expenditure and decrease weight gain. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a newly identified adipokine that regulates lipid metabolism. It shows high expression in brown adipose tissue (BAT), but whether ZAG plays a key role in the browning of white adipose tissue is still largely unclear. In the present study, we explored the relationship between ZAG and the browning of WAT in cold-exposed ZAG knockout (KO) mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes with overexpressed ZAG. The results showed that cold stress induced marked accumulation of ZAG in wild type (WT) mice. Additionally, ZAG deficiency inhibited the loss of body weight and adipose tissue weight in cold stressed mice. ZAG KO mice were resistant to cold-induced expression of browning markers and energy metabolism in WAT. Furthermore, replenishment ZAG plasmid improved the reduction in cold-induced browning of WAT in ZAG KO mice. In vitro, ZAG overexpression promoted browning and mitochondrial biogenesis and increased the expression of β3-AR and P-P38 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These findings demonstrate that ZAG can promote the browning of white adipose tissue and can serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating metabolic diseases such as obesity.
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Shi D, Jin D, Cai W, Zhu Q, Dou X, Fan G, Shen J, Xu L. Serial low-dose quantitative CT perfusion for the evaluation of delayed cerebral ischaemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Clin Radiol 2020; 75:131-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Tan Y, Wang F, Fan G, Zheng Y, Li B, Li N, Liu Y, Wang X, Liu W, Krutmann J, Zou Y, Wang S. Identification of factors associated with minimal erythema dose variations in a large-scale population study of 22 146 subjects. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:1595-1600. [PMID: 31955464 PMCID: PMC7496195 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Minimal erythema dose (MED) has substantial inter‐ and intraindividual variations, reflecting the influence of very diverse factors. However, related studies showed little consistency probably because of their limited sample size. Objective To identify the factors associated with MED variations in a large‐scale population study. Methods The MED test was performed by following the international standard procedure on 22 146 subjects. The results were analysed in adjusted multivariable linear and logistic regression models. Results This large‐scale study revealed that lower MED was consistently associated with lighter skin [β‐coefficient = −0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.36 to 0.30, P = 6.41 × 10−84]. Females had significantly higher MED than male (β = 0.91, 0.32–1.50, P = 2.93 × 10−3). Stratified analyses showed that MED was not associated with age [female: odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 0.98–1.01; male: OR = 0.99, 0.97–1.00]. MED was lower in summer than in other seasons (spring: OR = 1.08, 1.06–1.11; autumn: OR = 1.11, 1.08–1.13; winter: OR = 1.20, 1.18–1.22). Furthermore, MED was associated with air temperature (β = −0.36, −0.49 to 0.23, P = 4.81 × 10−8) and air pressure (β = −0.64, −0.82 to 0.46, P = 8.01 × 10−12) in summer only while not in other seasons. Conclusions This study provides unprecedented evidence that MED is associated with skin colour, sex, season and meteorological factors, but not with age.
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Zhen H, Fan G, Xiaojun Z, Jia M, Haibo Y, Yarong Y, Yuandong L, Gao J. Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Treatuing Advanced Breast Cancer and its effect on Estradiol and Tumor Size. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.36468/pharmaceutical-sciences.spl.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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