Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 384 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Analysis of human infectious avian influenza virus: hemagglutinin genetic characteristics in Asia and Africa from 2004 to 2009
    Zhang J, Lei F
    Integr Zool, 2010 Sep;5(3):264-71.
    PMID: 21392344 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-4877.2010.00212.x
    In the present study, we used nucleotide and protein sequences of avian influenza virus H5N1, which were obtained in Asia and Africa, analyzed HA proteins using ClustalX1.83 and MEGA4.0, and built a genetic evolutionary tree of HA nucleotides. The analysis revealed that the receptor specificity amino acid of A/HK/213/2003, A/Turkey/65596/2006 and etc mutated into QNG, which could bind with á-2, 3 galactose and á-2, 6 galactose. A mutation might thus take place and lead to an outbreak of human infections of avian influenza virus. The mutations of HA protein amino acids from 2004 to 2009 coincided with human infections provided by the World Health Organization, indicating a "low-high-highest-high-low" pattern. We also found out that virus strains in Asia are from different origins: strains from Southeast Asia and East Asia are of the same origin, whereas those from West Asia, South Asia and Africa descend from one ancestor. The composition of the phylogenetic tree and mutations of key site amino acids in HA proteins reflected the fact that the majority of strains are regional and long term, and virus diffusions exist between China, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iraq. We would advise that pertinent vaccines be developed and due attention be paid to the spread of viruses between neighboring countries and the dangers of virus mutation and evolution.
  2. The GABA A receptor subunits heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes
    Abdullah JM, Zhang J
    Mini Rev Med Chem, 2013 Apr 01;13(5):744-8.
    PMID: 23373649
    The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor is composed of a variety of subunits and combinations and shows a characteristic distribution in the CNS. To date, 20 subunits of the GABA A receptor have been cloned: α1-6, β1-4, γ1-3, δ, π, ε , Θ, and ρ1-3. Oocyte of Xenopus laevis is one of the most frequently used heterologous expression systems, which are used to design and analyze specific combinations of GABA A receptor subunits. In oocytes, a certain GABA A receptor function is studied only by comparing the amplitude of the response to GABA and other drugs by physiological and pharmacological methods. According to the studies on Xenopus laevis oocytes, the α1β2γ2S receptor combination is mostly used. The α1-containing receptors mediate sedative and anticonvulsant acts. The results of studies on oocytes show that PKA, NKCC1, P2X3 receptors, and GABA A receptor-associated protein, etc., are existing systems that show different reactivity to the GABA A receptors. The GABA A receptor subunits contain distinct binding sites for BZDs, neurosteroids, general anesthetics, etc., which are responsible for the numerous functions of the GABA A receptor. A variety of other drugs, such as topiramate, TG41, (+)- and (-)-borneol, apigenin, and 6-methylflavone could also have modulatory effects on the GABA A receptors. Some of the different models and hypotheses on GABA A receptor structure and function have been achieved by using the two-electrode voltage clamp method in oocytes.
  3. [Invasion of Drosophila albomicans into Shanghai and areas nearby and a study on its mitochondrial DNA polymorphism]
    Chen W, Zhang J, Geng Z, Zhu D
    Yi Chuan Xue Bao, 1994;21(3):179-87.
    PMID: 7917431
    We report the fact that D. albomicans invaded into Shanghai suddenly in the autumn of 1991. Using 9 restriction enzymes, we analyse the RFLPs of mitochondrial DNA of 29 isofemale lines belonging to 4 populations of Shanghai, Jiading, Qinpu and Nanhui. We find that all 29 haplotypes are different from each other. Comparing with the populations of Canton, Kunming, Sanhutan (Taiwan), Sumoto (Japan), and Kuala Lumper (Malaysia), we come to the conclusion that D. albomicans caught in Shanghai and areas nearby is from a few of places in the south of China-mainland. This conclusion agrees with the viewpoint that this species is on the speciation stage of migration towards north. We also discuss the mtDNA polymorphism within the species.
  4. Fulltext Quantification of cortisol for the medical diagnosis of multiple pregnancy-related diseases
    Zhang J, Gopinath SCB
    3 Biotech, 2020 Feb;10(2):35.
    PMID: 31988829 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-2030-z
    Cortisol is a stress hormone released from the adrenal glands and is responsible for both hyperglycemia and hypertension during pregnancy. These factors make it mandatory to detect the levels of cortisol during pregnancy to identify and treat hypoglycemia and hypertension. In this study, cortisol levels were quantified with an aptamer-conjugated gold nanorod using an electrochemical interdigitated electrode sensor. The surface uniformity was analyzed by high-power microscopy and 3D-nanoprofiler imaging. The detection limit was determined to be 0.01 ng/mL, and a linear regression indicated that the sensitivity range was in the range of 0.01-0.1 ng/mL, based on a 3σ calculation. Moreover, the specificity of the aptamer was determined by a binding analysis against norepinephrine and progesterone, and it was clearly found that the aptamer specifically recognizes only cortisol. Further, the presence of cortisol was detected in the serum in a dose-dependent manner. This method is useful to detect and correlate multiple pregnancy-related diseases by quantifying the levels of cortisol.
  5. Fulltext Research on Emotion Analysis of Chinese Literati Painting Images Based on Deep Learning
    Zhang J, Duan Y, Gu X
    Front Psychol, 2021;12:723325.
    PMID: 34393959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.723325
    Starting from a pure-image perspective, using machine learning in emotion analysis methods to study artwork is a new cross-cutting approach in the field of literati painting and is an effective supplement to research conducted from the perspectives of aesthetics, philosophy, and history. This study constructed a literati painting emotion dataset. Five classic deep learning models were used to test the dataset and select the most suitable model, which was then improved upon for literati painting emotion analysis based on accuracy and model characteristics. The final training accuracy rate of the improved model was 54.17%. This process visualizes the salient feature areas of the picture in machine vision, analyzes the visualization results, and summarizes the connection law between the picture content of the Chinese literati painting and the emotion expressed by the painter. This study validates the possibility of combining deep learning with Chinese cultural research, provides new ideas for the combination of new technology and traditional Chinese literati painting research, and provides a better understanding of the Chinese cultural spirit and advanced factors.
  6. Religion, Strain and Suicidality among Chinese Young Adults
    Wang W, Zhang J, Lew B
    J Relig Health, 2021 Dec;60(6):4537-4555.
    PMID: 34245434 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01329-z
    This study examined the mediating effects of psychological strain (Strain Theory) as a possible explanation for the relationship between religiosity and suicidality among Chinese young adults. A questionnaire was administered that included the Religious Orientation-Revised Scale (RO-RS), Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and Psychological Strains Scale (PSS). Using cluster sampling, we recruited 13,250 college students across seven provinces in China. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the main determinants of suicidality. We further explored the mediation effect of psychological strains on the relationship between religion and suicidality. We found that non-believers obtained the lowest PSS. Believers of Islam and other religions obtained higher RO-RS scores compared to non-religious participants. Psychological strain imposed a complete effect between religiosity and suicidality. A positive relationship between religion and suicidality was present among the participants of the study. Individuals who are affiliated with a religion are considered as a marginalized population in China, which may lead to psychological strains, further increasing the risk of suicidality.
  7. Fulltext Electroanalysis on an Interdigitated Electrode for High-Affinity Cardiac Troponin I Biomarker Detection by Aptamer-Gold Conjugates
    Zhang J, Lakshmipriya T, Gopinath SCB
    ACS Omega, 2020 Oct 13;5(40):25899-25905.
    PMID: 33073115 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03260
    The primary reasons for myocardial infarction (MI) are pericarditis, arrhythmia, and heart failure, causing predominant deaths worldwide. Patients need a potential diagnostic system and treatment before cardiomyocyte damage. Cardiac biomarkers are released from myocytes immediately after a heart attack. Troponin is an efficient biomarker released from dead cells within a few hours. Aptamers are artificial antibodies used effectively in the biosensor field for biomarker detection. Along with aptamers, the application of nanomaterials is also expected to enhance the detection limits of biosensors. In this investigation, selected aptamers against cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were conjugated with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to diagnose MI and compared with an aptamer-only control group on an interdigitated electrode surface. Based on electroanalysis, cTnI was detected at concentrations as low as 1 fM, and the detection limit improved to 100 aM when the aptamer was conjugated with GNP. In addition, aptamer-GNP conjugates increased the current level at the tested concentrations of cTnI. Control experiments with noncomplementary aptamers and relevant proteins did not result in notable changes in the current, demonstrating the selective detection of cTnI.
  8. Fulltext The impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating disparities on corporate risk: The mediating role of financing constraints
    Bao X, Sadiq M, Tye W, Zhang J
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Dec;371:123113.
    PMID: 39481154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123113
    As global concerns over climate change and sustainability grow, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have become critical in evaluating corporate practices. In China, the increasing adoption of ESG ratings by investors has highlighted discrepancies in these ratings, which may impact corporate risk. While extensive research exists on ESG performance, the effects of ESG rating disparities on corporate risk, particularly in Chinese enterprises, remain underexplored, especially the mediating role of financing constraints. Utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2022, this study examines the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating disparities on corporate risk, focusing on the mediating role of financing constraints. The findings indicate that discrepancies in ESG ratings significantly increase corporate risk, particularly in non-state-owned enterprises and heavily polluting industries, while having no significant impact on state-owned enterprises. Discrepancies in governance ratings exert the greatest impact on corporate risk, underscoring the critical role of corporate governance. Financing constraints further exacerbate the impact of rating discrepancies on corporate risk. These results provide new insights into enhancing the ESG rating system and mitigating corporate risk, offering a foundation for relevant policy-making.
  9. The relationship between competitive anxiety and athlete burnout in college athlete: the mediating roles of competence and autonomy : [Author]
    Yang L, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Veloo A
    BMC Psychol, 2024 Jul 17;12(1):396.
    PMID: 39020424 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01888-2
    BACKGROUND: In the cognitive-affective model of athlete burnout, anxiety is a key physiological response to stress that influences the development of burnout in athletes. Despite its importance, there has been little research on the relationship between competitive anxiety and athlete burnout, particularly regarding the mediating mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the relationship between competitive anxiety and athlete burnout, with a focus on the mediating role of general need satisfaction from self-determination theory.

    METHODS: The current study employed a cross-sectional design involving 618 college athletes (354 females, mean age 20.57 years), comprising 303 participants in individual sports and 315 in team sports. These participants completed the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale in General (BPNSS-G) online. Subsequently, correlation, regression, and mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS and JASP to examine the relationships between the variables.

    RESULTS: Regression results indicated that somatic anxiety (beta = 0.116, t = 2.21, p = 0.028) and concentration disruption (beta = 0.259, t = 5.35, p 

  10. Hydrogels based on seafood chitin: From extraction to the development
    Zhang J, Mohd Said F, Jing Z
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Dec 31;253(Pt 1):126482.
    PMID: 37640188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126482
    Chitin is extensively applied in vast applications due to its excellent biological properties, such as biodegradable and non-toxic. About 50 % of waste generated during seafood processing is chitin. Conventionally, chitin is extracted via chemical method. However, it has many shortcomings. Many novel extraction methods have emerged, including enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, ultrasonic or microwave-assisted, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents. Chitin and its derivatives-based hydrogels have attracted much attention due to their excellent properties. Nevertheless, they all have many limitations. Therefore, the preparation and application of chitin and its derivatives-based hydrogels are still facing great challenges. This review focuses on the challenges and prospects for sustainable chitin extraction from seafood waste and the preparation and application of chitin and its derivatives-based hydrogels. First section summarizes the mechanism and application of several methods of extracting chitin. The different extraction methods were evaluated from the aspects of yield, degree of acetylation, and protein and mineral residuals. The shortcomings of the extraction methods are also discussed. Next section summarizes the preparation and application of chitin and its derivatives-based hydrogels. Overall, we hope this mini-review can provide a practical reference for selecting chitin extraction methods from seafood and applying chitin and its derivatives-based hydrogels.
  11. Gender disparity in access to education, under-5 mortality, and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa
    Wang L, Nwabuoku M, Zhang J, Osabohien R
    Afr J Reprod Health, 2023 Dec 31;27(12):27-35.
    PMID: 38158859 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2023/v27i12.3
    This paper empirically analyses the impact of gender disparity in access to education and under 5 mortality on economic growth in selected sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from the period 2005 - 2020. The study engaged a panel data of 17 selected SSA countries sourced from the World Development Indicators (WDI) and the United Nations Institute for Statistics (UNIS) and applied the instrumental variable generalised method of moments analytical approach. The result shows that the interaction between gender parity in access to education and primary school enrolment has a significant impact on economic growth. The study concludes that policies to promote gender parity in access to education would be of paramount importance to increase economic growth towards the actualisation of sustainable development goal related to inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities (SDG4) in SSA countries.
  12. Fulltext ING2 (inhibitor of growth protein-2) plays a crucial role in preimplantation development
    Zhou L, Wang P, Zhang J, Heng BC, Tong GQ
    Zygote, 2016 Feb;24(1):89-97.
    PMID: 25672483 DOI: 10.1017/S0967199414000768
    ING2 (inhibitor of growth protein-2) is a member of the ING-gene family and participates in diverse cellular processes involving tumor suppression, DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and cellular senescence. As a subunit of the Sin3 histone deacetylase complex co-repressor complex, ING2 binds to H3K4me3 to regulate chromatin modification and gene expression. Additionally, ING2 recruits histone methyltransferase (HMT) activity for gene repression, which is independent of the HDAC class I or II pathway. However, the physiological function of ING2 in mouse preimplantation embryo development has not yet been characterized previously. The expression, localization and function of ING2 during preimplantation development were investigated in this study. We showed increasing expression of ING2 within the nucleus from the 4-cell embryo stage onwards; and that down-regulation of ING2 expression by endoribonuclease-prepared small interfering RNA (esiRNA) microinjection results in developmental arrest during the morula to blastocyst transition. Embryonic cells microinjected with ING2-specific esiRNA exhibited decreased blastulation rate compared to the negative control. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism indicated that down-regulation of ING2 significantly increased expression of p21, whilst decreasing expression of HDAC1. These results suggest that ING2 may play a crucial role in the process of preimplantation embryo development through chromatin regulation.
  13. Synthetic study toward the misassigned (±)-tronoharine
    Zhong X, Li Y, Zhang J, Han FS
    Org. Lett., 2015 Feb 6;17(3):720-3.
    PMID: 25602274 DOI: 10.1021/ol503734x
    The synthesis of a pentacyclic indole compound corresponding to the core structure of the misassigned indole alkaloid, tronoharine (1), is presented. The key reactions were a formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition of an indol-2-yl carbinol with an azadiene for the construction of the 6/5/6/6 tetracyclic system containing an all-carbon quaternary center and an intramolecular substitution reaction of an amine and a triflate for the creation of the bridged azepine ring. In addition, some other interesting transformations discovered during the synthetic studies are also discussed.
  14. Fulltext Do cryptic species exist in Hoplobatrachus rugulosus? An examination using four nuclear genes, the cyt b gene and the complete MT genome
    Yu D, Zhang J, Li P, Zheng R, Shao C
    PLoS One, 2015;10(4):e0124825.
    PMID: 25875761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124825
    he Chinese tiger frog Hoplobatrachus rugulosus is widely distributed in southern China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is listed in Appendix II of CITES as the only Class II nationally-protected frog in China. The bred tiger frog known as the Thailand tiger frog, is also identified as H. rugulosus. Our analysis of the Cyt b gene showed high genetic divergence (13.8%) between wild and bred samples of tiger frog. Unexpected genetic divergence of the complete mt genome (14.0%) was also observed between wild and bred samples of tiger frog. Yet, the nuclear genes (NCX1, Rag1, Rhod, Tyr) showed little divergence between them. Despite this and their very similar morphology, the features of the mitochondrial genome including genetic divergence of other genes, different three-dimensional structures of ND5 proteins, and gene rearrangements indicate that H. rugulosus may be a cryptic species complex. Using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony analyses, Hoplobatrachus was resolved as a sister clade to Euphlyctis, and H. rugulosus (BT) as a sister clade to H. rugulosus (WT). We suggest that we should prevent Thailand tiger frogs (bred type) from escaping into wild environments lest they produce hybrids with Chinese tiger frogs (wild type).
  15. Pyridine-4-carbaldehyde azine
    Shanmuga Sundara Raj S, Fun HK, Zhang J, Xiong RG, You XZ
    Acta Crystallogr C, 2000 Jun 1;56(Pt 6):E274-5.
    PMID: 15263128
    In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(12)H(10)N(4), the pyridine ring makes a dihedral angle of 1.12 (9) degrees with the mean plane of the complete almost planar and crystallographically centrosymmetric molecule. There are stacks of parallel molecules along the a-axis direction, with alternate stacks having a herring-bone arrangement relative to each other and an interplanar spacing of 3.551 A.
  16. The association between psychological strains and life satisfaction: Evidence from medical staff in China
    Zhao S, Zhang J, Liu Y, Ji H, Lew B
    J Affect Disord, 2020 01 01;260:105-110.
    PMID: 31494361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.09.006
    BACKGROUND: Previous research on the relationship between life satisfaction and its influencing factors has mainly focused on the work domain. Psychological strains, which result from these stress-related outcomes, have not been paid enough attention to explain how it correlates negatively with life satisfaction.

    METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted, using questionnaires sent to selected medical staff in a public hospital in Shandong, China (N = 1012). Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate how psychological strains influencing life satisfactions among medical staff.

    RESULTS: The findings indicate that aspiration strain and deprivation strain have significantly negative impact on medical staff's life satisfaction even with other variables controlled for. Weekly working hour was a significant predictor for life satisfaction. Family factors, such as marital status and kids in the family as well as social support were important factors in influencing individuals' life satisfaction.

    CONCLUSION: The current study highlights the negative associations between aspiration strain, deprivation strain and life satisfaction. The result underlines the importance of actions taken to prevent and combat psychological strains. It also provides some evidence for policy makers to improve the work environment for medical staff, such as reduce weekly working hours and enhance social support in order to increase medical staff's life satisfaction.

  17. Fulltext Research on the Integration of Media Literacy Innovative Concept and Entrepreneurship Education and Digital Dynamic Creative Expression Talents
    Zhang J, Zhang M, Liu Y, Lyu R, Cui R
    Front Psychol, 2021;12:728182.
    PMID: 34733207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.728182
    The rapid development of digital technology has created a variety of forms of digital media. In these emerging media, with the support of high-performance computers, increasingly dynamic performance has become possible, and the public has cultivated a preference for dynamic content cognition. This study, based on the basic characteristics of visual perception to the cognition of motion form, aims to cultivate the cognitive literacy of pan-digital media with innovative concepts and entrepreneurship education and to explore the cognition and innovative expression methods of dynamic language in digital design. The research leads the static oriented morphological exploration and expression to the dynamic expression and thinking of the same concept object. The basic thinking steps for students from "static" to "dynamic" are established, and students are encouraged to use "Synesthesia," "metaphor" and other methods to carry out a "dynamic expression" level of emotional association. In the experiment, two different ways of design expression, static and dynamic, are required to design and evolve graphics. In this study, 50 freshmen were selected as the training objects for the planning and training of design thinking and performance means. In the visual elaboration and expression of the inner emotion of the same content with innovative concept and entrepreneurship education, not only should the changes and combinations of the graphics be innovated, but the emotional characteristics of the more abstract graphics should be explored as well. The feedback data of students' thinking and cognition differences in the two stages of expression were obtained through a questionnaire and analyzed and compared. The experimental results show that after the training, students' ability to develop innovative concepts and entrepreneurship education through dynamic expression, consciousness and perception were significantly improved. This research also provides a new vision and specific implementation method for the future training of digital dynamic innovation expression ability and the cultivation of innovative concepts of digital media literacy and entrepreneurship education.
  18. Fulltext Editorial: The genetics of human Mendelian skin disorders
    Yap WH, Zhang J, Li M, Guo Y
    Front Genet, 2022;13:1061724.
    PMID: 36531233 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1061724
  19. Fulltext The Typical Damage Form and Mechanism of a Railway Prestressed Concrete Sleeper
    You R, Wang J, Ning N, Wang M, Zhang J
    Materials (Basel), 2022 Nov 15;15(22).
    PMID: 36431559 DOI: 10.3390/ma15228074
    Prestressed concrete sleepers are an important track component that is widely used in railway ballast track. Prestressed concrete sleepers have high strength, strong stability, and good durability; thus, their operation and use in railways are beneficial. However, in different countries and regions, certain damage to sleepers typically appears. Existing research on concrete sleepers focuses primarily on the structural design method, the application of new materials, theoretical analysis, and bearing strength test research, while ignoring sleeper damage. There are a few sleeper damage studies, but they look at only one type of damage; thus, there is no comprehensive study of prestressed concrete sleeper damage. The damage forms of prestressed concrete sleeper damage are thus summarized in this study, and the theory of the causes of prestressed concrete sleepers is analyzed based on the limit state method for the first time. The findings indicate that sleeper structure design is the primary cause of its operation and use status, and that special measures should be considered based on sleeper use conditions. In addition to meeting design requirements, materials, curing systems, product inspection, and other factors must be considered during manufacturing to improve the sleepers' long-term performance. Keeping the track in good condition, including but not limited to the state of fasteners, ballast bed, and track geometry is also an important aspect of preventing sleeper damage. The outcomes of this study provide better insights into the influences of damage to railway prestressed concrete sleepers and can be used to improve track maintenance and inspection criteria.
  20. Economic assessment and ranking of wind power potential using fuzzy-TOPSIS approach
    Mohsin M, Zhang J, Saidur R, Sun H, Sait SM
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Aug;26(22):22494-22511.
    PMID: 31161545 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05564-6
    In this study, we proposed integrated tools to evaluate the wind power potential, economic viability, and prioritize 15 proposed sites for the installation of wind farms. Initially, we used modified Weibull distribution model coupled with power law to assess the wind power potential. Secondly, we employed value cost method to estimate per unit cost ($/kWh) of proposed sites. Lastly, we used Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS) to rank the best alternatives. The results indicate that Pakistan has enormous wind power potential that cost varies from 0.06 $/kWh to 0.58 $/kWh; thus, sites S12, S13, S14, and S15 are considered as the most economic viable locations for the installation of wind power project, while remaining sites are considered to be less important, due to other complexities. The further analysis using Fuzzy-TOPSIS method reveals that site S13 is the most optimal location followed by S12, S14, and S14 for the development of wind power project. We proposed that government should formulate wind power policy for the implementation of wind power projects in order to meet energy demand of the country.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links