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Wu XM, Cao L, Nie P, Chang MX. Histone H2A cooperates with RIP2 to induce the expression of antibacterial genes and MHC related genes. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 101:103455. [PMID: 31336107 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
An octamer consisting of two copies of histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 is the nucleosome core. It is well established that histone derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have anti-microbial properties in various invertebrate and vertebrate species. Different from well-known histone H2A-derived AMPs, the antimicrobial properties of the complete histone H2A are rather limited. In the present study, we report the functional characterization of the complete histone H2A from zebrafish. The expression of zebrafish histone H2A was higher in embryos than in larvae, and inducible in response to bacterial infection. Furthermore, the expression of zebrafish histone H2A was decreased by RIP2 deficiency with and/or without bacterial infection. During Edwardsiella piscicida infection, the overexpression of zebrafish histone H2A inhibited bacterial proliferation and increased the survival rate of zebrafish larvae. The overexpression of zebrafish histone H2A demonstrated an increased transcription of many antibacterial genes and MHC related genes, which was dependent on RIP2, an adaptor protein for signal propagation of the NLRs-mediated antibacterial immune response. In line with this, zebrafish histone H2A cooperated with RIP2 to induce the transcription of many antibacterial genes and MHC related genes. All together, these results firstly demonstrate the antibacterial property of the complete histone H2A against gram-negative bacteria E. piscicida in vivo and the correlation between zebrafish histone H2A and RIP2 adaptor protein on the transcriptional regulation of antibacterial genes and MHC related genes.
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Wu XM, Dai Y, Cao J. [Progress of research on host immune responses induced by hookworm infection and its potential therapeutic values]. ZHONGGUO XUE XI CHONG BING FANG ZHI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS CONTROL 2019; 31:560-564. [PMID: 31713396 DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2018220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hookworm infection remains a global health concern, which threatens human health. Hookworm infection is widely prevalent across the world, notably in tropical and subtropical areas. Recently, with the in-depth study of the immunity of parasitic infections, the"bidirectional effect"of host immune responses induced by helminth infections (including hookworm infections) has become increasingly prominent. On one hand, an immune response is induced in the host to kill the infected worms; on the other hand, the host produces a series of immunological changes that are conducive to the maintenance of parasite survival. The immune state of the host is regulated by various complicated mechanisms, and this may lead to the reduction in the incidence of allergic and autoimmune diseases or alleviation of the disease symptoms, which provide new insights into the management of these allergic and autoimmune diseases. The present article reviewed the advances of host immune responses induced by hook-worm infection and its potential values in the treatment of allergic asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Zhang Q, Ding X, Wu XM, Liu YH, Liu JF, Xu XZ, Ying QJ, Cao J, Dai Y. [Establishment and preliminary evaluation of recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for specific nucleic acid detection of Clonorchis sinensis]. ZHONGGUO XUE XI CHONG BING FANG ZHI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS CONTROL 2019; 31:468-473. [PMID: 31713373 DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2019178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for detection of Clonorchis sinensis. METHODS The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) sequence of C. sinensis was used as the target sequence, and specific primers and probes were designed, synthesized and screened to establish a rapid fluorescent RAA assay for the detection of C. sinensis. Then, the sensitivity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated using the recombinant plasmids containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments and C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations, and the specificity of the fluorescent RAA as say was evaluated using the genomic DNA of Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus granulosus, Schistosoma japonicum, Ancylostoma duodenale and S. mansoni as templates. DNA samples were extracted from the feces containing C. sinensis eggs and freshwater fish containing metacercaria for the fluorescent RAA assay, and the performance for detection of C. sinensis-infected samples was preliminarily assessed in the field. RESULTS A fluorescent RAA assay for detection of C. sinensis was successfully established, which was feasible for specific amplification of C. sinensis genomic DNA at 39 °C within 20 min. The lowest detection limit was 10 copies/μL if the recombinant plasmid containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments was used as a template, and the lowest detection limit was 3 pg/μL if the C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations served as a template. All detections were negative if the genomic DNA of A. lumbricoides, E. granulosus, S. japonicum, A. duodenale, and S. mansoni was used as templates. In addition, the fluorescent RAA assay showed a high performance for the detection of C. sinensis-infected samples in the field, which successfully detected C. sinensis-infected human and rat fecal samples and Pseudorasbora parva samples. CONCLUSIONS A fluorescent RAA assay is successfully established, which is simple, rapid, sensitivity and specific for detection of C. sinensis.
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Wu XM, Cao L, Hu YW, Chang MX. Transcriptomic characterization of adult zebrafish infected with Streptococcus agalactiae. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 94:355-372. [PMID: 31533079 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae is a major aquaculture pathogen infecting various saltwater and freshwater fish. To better understand the mechanism of the immune responses to S. agalactiae in wildtype zebrafish, the transcriptomic profiles of two organs containing mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues from S. agalactiae-infected and non-infected groups were obtained using RNA-seq techniques. In the intestines, 6735 and 12908 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. Among 66 and 116 significantly enriched pathways, 15 and 21 pathways were involved in immune system or signal transduction at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. A number of genes involved in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway, Antigen processing and presentation, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were significantly downregulated. In the skins, 3113 and 4467 DEGs were identified at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. Among 24 and 56 significantly enriched pathways, 4 and 13 pathways were involved in immune system or signal transduction at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. More immune-related signaling pathways including Leukocyte transendothelial migration, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Complement and coagulation cascades, Hematopoietic cell lineage and Jak-STAT signaling pathway were differently enriched for upregulated DEGs at 48 hpi, which were completely different from that in the intestines. Furthmore, comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the downregulated 1618 genes and upregulated 1622 genes existed both at 24 hpi and 48 hpi for the intestine samples. In the skins, the downregulated 672 genes and upregulated 428 genes existed both at 24 hpi and 48 hpi. Three pathways related to immune processes were significantly enriched for downregulated DEGs both in the intestines and skins collected at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, which included Antigen processing and presentation, Intestinal immune network for IgA production and Hematopoietic cell lineage. Interaction network analysis of DEGs identified the main DEGs in the sub-network of complement and coagulation cascades both in the intestines and skins. Twenty of DEGs involved in complement and coagulation cascades were further validated by Real-time quantitative PCR. Altogether, the results obtained in this study will provide insight into the immune response of zebrafish against S. agalactiae XQ-1 infection in fatal conditions, and reveal the discrepant expression pattern of complement and coagulation cascades in the intestines and skins.
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Yan MJ, Wang T, Wu XM, Zhang W. Comparison of dexmedetomidine or sufentanil combined with ropivacaine for epidural analgesia after thoracotomy: a randomized controlled study. J Pain Res 2019; 12:2673-2678. [PMID: 31564959 PMCID: PMC6733349 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s208014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thoracotomy is frequently accompanied with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain, and excellent pain management is important for early rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for epidural analgesia after thoracotomy. Methods One hundred and thirty patients undergoing elective lung lobectomy were enrolled in the double-blind study and randomly divided into two groups. Group A received 0.5 µg/mL of dexmedetomidine plus 0.1% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia, and group B (control group) received 0.5 µg/mL of sufentanil plus 0.1% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored. Pain intensity at rest was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 2, 4, 6,8, 12, 24, and 48 hrs postoperatively. Ramsay sedation score (RSS), analgesic consumption, postoperative respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and bradycardia were recorded. Results The VAS values at rest during the postoperative 6–48 hrs were lower in group A than those in group B (P<0.05), and the RSS values were higher in group A during the postoperative 4–48 hrs compared to group B (P<0.05). Side effects were similar between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine may provide better postoperative analgesia and sedative effect in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with fewer side effects. It is superior to sufentanil in analgesic effect during postoperative analgesia after thoracotomy.
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Cao L, Wu XM, Nie P, Chang MX. The negative regulation of piscine CD44c in viral and bacterial infection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 96:135-143. [PMID: 30885554 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
CD44 gene is a cell surface receptor which undergoes complex alternative splicing and extensive post-translational modifications. Although many studies have showed that CD44 is involved in the process of host defense, the function of piscine CD44 in antibacterial or antiviral defense response remains unclear. In the present study, we report the functional characterization of zebrafish CD44c, which is more similar to CD44b antigen isoforms rather than CD44a based on amino acid composition and phylogenetic analysis. The expression of zebrafish CD44c was inducible in response to bacterial and viral infections. During SVCV infection, the in vivo studies revealed that CD44c overexpression led to the increased virus loads and decreased survival rate. The attenuated response by zebrafish CD44c in response to SVCV infection were characterized by the impaired production of inflammatory cytokines and the impaired expressions of IFNs, IFN-stimulated genes, MHC class I and II genes. During Edwardsiella piscicida infection, the overexpression of zebrafish CD44c facilitated bacterial growth and dissemination, but did not impact on larvae survival. The detrimental role of CD44c in host defense against E. piscicida infection was supported by a decreased production of several antibacterial molecules including defbl2, defbl3, NK-lysin and RNase3. All together, these results firstly demonstrate the negative regulation of piscine CD44c in viral and bacterial infection.
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Zhang HJ, Song JK, Wu XM, Li YH, Wang Y, Lin Q, Zhao GH. First report of Giardia duodenalis genotypes in Zangxiang pigs from China. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2305-2310. [PMID: 31079254 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic intestinal protozoan of animals and humans. We collected 450 faecal specimens from four age groups (pre-weaned piglets, weaned piglets, juveniles, adults) of Zangxiang pigs from Shaanxi and Qinghai provinces, to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis at the β-giardin (bg), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) loci using nested PCRs in the present study. A total of 28 faecal samples were positive for presence of G. duodenalis, with an overall prevalence of 6.2%. Giardia duodenalis was detected in pigs from all age groups and in both investigated provinces. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) in prevalence were observed among the four age groups with prevalence decreasing with age. Sequence analysis indicated existence of genetic diversity of G. duodenalis isolates from Zangxiang pigs, with 4, 2 and 4 haplotypes at the bg, tpi and gdh loci, respectively. Two assemblages were identified, including the zoonotic assemblage B and assemblage E, with the latter as the predominant assemblage found in both locations and all age groups except adults. The present study expanded the host range of G. duodenalis and provided fundamental data for controlling G. duodenalis infection in Zangxiang pigs.
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Yan J, Yu XJ, Pei XY, Zhang JF, Wu XM, Li X, An H, Bai J. [Contamination and pathogenicity analysis of listeria monocytogenes in restaurant in Heilongjiang Province]. ZHONGHUA YU FANG YI XUE ZA ZHI [CHINESE JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE] 2019; 53:298-302. [PMID: 30841671 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-9624.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To study the contamination, serotype, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and drug resistance of listeria monocytogenes (L.monocytogenes) in the process of restaurant kitchens in Heilongjiang Province. Methods: Seventeen typical restaurants were selected from three cities in Heilongjiang Province in 2016, and 590 kitchen samples were collected and tested according to the national standard method. The serotype, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and drug resistance of isolated strains were analyzed. Results: L. monocytogenes was found in 104 of 590 of the samples analysed (17.63%). The isolates belong to six serotypes (1/2 a, 1/2 b, 1/2c, 3a, 3 b, 4 b) and self-condensing bacteria, and 57.38% (70 strains) of the strains belong to serotype 1/2b. Two highly pathogenic serotype 4b was detected for human listeria disease. The results of PFGE analysis show that the bacteria have cross-contamination in the environment, tools, equipment, food and personnel. The drug resistance results showed that 2 strains were resistant to tetracycline, 1 strain was resistant to erythromycin, 13 strains were intermediate to tetracycline, and 2 strains were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin. Conclusion: There is a certain degree of L. monocytogenes cross-contamination in the catering kitchen in Heilongjiang Province. And an important serotype 4b that can cause human Listeria disease was detected.
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Cao L, Wu XM, Hu YW, Xue NN, Nie P, Chang MX. The discrepancy function of NLRC5 isoforms in antiviral and antibacterial immune responses. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 84:153-163. [PMID: 29454830 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are a family of intracellular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that play critical roles in innate immunity against pathogens infection. NLRC5, the largest member of NLR family, has been characterized as a regulator of innate immunity and MHC class I expression. Alternative splicing of NLRC5 is only reported in human and zebrafish. However, the function of NLRC5 isoforms in the innate immune responses remains unknown. In the present study, we report the functional characterization of zfNLRC5a and zfNLRC5d, two splicing isoforms of zebrafish NLRC5. zfNLRC5a and zfNLRC5d are generated by exon skipping, and whose alternative splicing sites exist in the region of LRRs. Fluorescence microscopy showed that zfNLRC5 isoforms were located throughout the entire cell including nuclear staining. The expression of zfNLRC5 isoform was inducible in response to bacterial and viral infections. During SVCV infection, the in vitro and in vivo studies found that zfNLRC5d overexpression increased protection against viral infection; however zfNLRC5a overexpression had no significant effect on antiviral activity. Interestingly, zfNLRC5 isoforms but not zfNLRC5 were involved in transcriptional regulation of TLRs and NF-κB signaling. Overexpression of zfNLRC5 isoforms also contributed to negative regulation of antibacterial immune response, with the decreased expression of nfkbiaa (IκBα). All together, these results firstly demonstrate the function of NLRC5 isoforms in antiviral and antibacterial immune responses both in vitro and in vivo.
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Wu XM, Chen WQ, Hu YW, Cao L, Nie P, Chang MX. RIP2 Is a Critical Regulator for NLRs Signaling and MHC Antigen Presentation but Not for MAPK and PI3K/Akt Pathways. Front Immunol 2018; 9:726. [PMID: 29692779 PMCID: PMC5903030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RIP2 is an adaptor protein which is essential for the activation of NF-κB and NOD1- and NOD2-dependent signaling. Although NOD-RIP2 axis conservatively existed in the teleost, the function of RIP2 was only reported in zebrafish, goldfish, and rainbow trout in vitro. Very little is known about the role and mechanisms of piscine NOD-RIP2 axis in vivo. Our previous study showed the protective role of zebrafish NOD1 in larval survival through CD44a-mediated activation of PI3K-Akt signaling. In this study, we examined whether RIP2 was required for larval survival with or without pathogen infection, and determined the signaling pathways modulated by RIP2. Based on our previous report and the present study, our data demonstrated that NOD1-RIP2 axis was important for larval survival in the early ontogenesis. Similar to NOD1, RIP2 deficiency significantly affected immune system processes. The significantly enriched pathways were mainly involved in immune system, such as “Antigen processing and presentation” and “NOD-like receptor signaling pathway” and so on. Furthermore, both transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR revealed that RIP2 was a critical regulator for expression of NLRs (NOD-like receptors) and those genes involved in MHC antigen presentation. Different from NOD1, the present study showed that NOD1, but not RIP2 deficiency significantly impaired protein levels of MAPK pathways. Although RIP2 deficiency also significantly impaired the expression of CD44a, the downstream signaling of CD44a-Lck-PI3K-Akt pathway remained unchanged. Collectively, our works highlight the similarity and discrepancy of NOD1 and RIP2 in the regulation of immune signaling pathways in the zebrafish early ontogenesis, and confirm the crucial role of RIP2 in NLRs signaling and MHC antigen presentation, but not for MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways.
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Wu XM, Zhang G, Wang Q, Ni ZX, Liu M, Yun LB, Yi XF. [Current Status of Forensic Identification for Blunt Injuries of Internal Carotid Arterial System]. FA YI XUE ZA ZHI 2018; 33:622-628. [PMID: 29441772 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Internal carotid arterial system is the main source of blood supply in brain. In forensic identification practice, blunt injures of internal carotid arterial system usually cause complications such as thrombus, aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula, etc. The deaths following delayed cerebral infarction or intracranial haemorrhage are not rare. At present, literature of deaths caused by blunt injuries of internal carotid arterial system mainly consist of case reports in China. This paper reviews related literature and case reports at home and abroad, and summarizes forensic medical features and identification method of the deaths caused by such injuries. The results show that blunt injures of internal carotid arterial system are related to the direct or indirect force on head and neck, which can result in exceed physiological range traction of head and neck, incision following basicranial fracture, etc. Such injuries are common in the cases as mechanical asphyxia, cervical manipulation, traffic accident and fall, etc. The artery should be examined carefully, and the relationship among injury, disease and death should be analysed correctly when no cause of infarction and hemorrhage was found in routine examination of such cases in forensic pratice. Because of the difficulty for exposing the artery completely in autopsy, angiography can be used to infer the location when necessary for improving the scientificity and reliability of the appraisal conclusion.
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Hu YW, Zhang J, Wu XM, Cao L, Nie P, Chang MX. TANK-Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) Isoforms Negatively Regulate Type I Interferon Induction by Inhibiting TBK1-IRF3 Interaction and IRF3 Phosphorylation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:84. [PMID: 29441066 PMCID: PMC5797597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is an important serine/threonine-protein kinase that mediates phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3, which contributes to induction of type I interferons (IFNs) in the innate antiviral response. In mammals, TBK1 spliced isoform negatively regulates the virus-triggered IFN-β signaling pathway by disrupting the interaction between retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and mitochondria antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS). However, it is still unclear whether alternative splicing patterns and the function of TBK1 isoform(s) exist in teleost fish. In this study, we identify two alternatively spliced isoforms of TBK1 from zebrafish, termed TBK1_tv1 and TBK1_tv2. Both TBK1_tv1 and TBK1_tv2 contain an incomplete STKc_TBK1 domain. Moreover, the UBL_TBK1_like domain is also missing for TBK1_tv2. TBK1_tv1 and TBK1_tv2 are expressed in zebrafish larvae. Overexpression of TBK1_tv1 and TBK1_tv2 inhibits RIG-I-, MAVS-, TBK1-, and IRF3-mediated activation of IFN promoters in response to spring viremia of carp virus infection. Also, TBK1_tv1 and TBK1_tv2 inhibit expression of IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes induced by MAVS and TBK1. Mechanistically, TBK1_tv1 and TBK1_tv2 competitively associate with TBK1 and IRF3 to disrupt the formation of a functional TBK1-IRF3 complex, impeding the phosphorylation of IRF3 mediated by TBK1. Collectively, these results demonstrate that TBK1 spliced isoforms are dominant negative regulators in the RIG-I/MAVS/TBK1/IRF3 antiviral pathway by targeting the functional TBK1-IRF3 complex formation. Identification and functional characterization of piscine TBK1 spliced isoforms may contribute to understanding the role of TBK1 expression in innate antiviral response.
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Hu YW, Wu XM, Ren SS, Cao L, Nie P, Chang MX. NOD1 deficiency impairs CD44a/Lck as well as PI3K/Akt pathway. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2979. [PMID: 28592872 PMCID: PMC5462776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for host defense and tissue homeostasis against infecting pathogens. PRRs are highly conserved cross species, suggesting their key roles in fundamental biological processes. Though much have been learned for NOD1 receptor in the innate and adaptive immune responses, the roles of NOD1 during embryonic and larval stages remain poorly understood. Here, we report that NOD1 is necessary for the modulation of PI3K-Akt pathway and larval survival in zebrafish. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the significantly enriched pathways in NOD1 -/- zebrafish larvae were mainly involved in metabolism and immune system processes. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that NOD1 was required for the expression of CD44a that, in turn, activated the PI3K-Akt pathway during larval development. Conversely, over-expression of CD44a in NOD1-deficient zebrafish restored the modulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway and improved larval survival. Collectively, our work indicates that NOD1 plays a previously undetected protective role in larval survival through CD44a-mediated activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling.
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Wu XM, Hu YW, Xue NN, Ren SS, Chen SN, Nie P, Chang MX. Role of zebrafish NLRC5 in antiviral response and transcriptional regulation of MHC related genes. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 68:58-68. [PMID: 27876605 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are emerging as critical regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Although the NLR family member NLRC5 is functionally defined, the role of NLRC5 in regulating innate immune signaling has been controversial in mammals, and is poorly understood in teleost fish. In the present study, we report the functional characterization of zebrafish NLRC5. The cloned NLRC5 consists of 6435 bp which encodes 1746 amino acids. The N-terminal effector-binding domain of zebrafish NLRC5 is absent which is different from all other human NLRs. Fluorescence microscopy showed that zebrafish NLRC5 is located throughout the entire cell. The higher expression of zebrafish NLRC5 in embryo than in larvae was observed, suggesting the action phase of NLRC5 in zebrafish ontogenetic stages. When the modulation of NLRC5 in pathogen infection was analyzed, it was found that zebrafish NLRC5 was upregulated by both bacterial and viral infection. Overexpression of zebrafish NLRC5 resulted in significant inhibition of SVCV replication in vivo and in vitro, but failed to activate interferon (IFN) promoters and type I IFN signaling pathway. Interestingly, NLRC5 overexpression could activate mhc2dab promoter, and induce the expression of MHC class II genes. All together, these results demonstrate that zebrafish NLRC5 is involved in IFN-independent antiviral response, and also functions as a transcriptional regulator of MHC class II genes.
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Hou LJ, Wu XM, Zhuo R, Zhang F, Lyu F. [The application of anterior segment optical coherence tomography in residual strabismus surgery]. [ZHONGHUA YAN KE ZA ZHI] CHINESE JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2016; 52:568-73. [PMID: 27562276 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0412-4081.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the application of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) in surgical design for residual horizontal strabismus patients. METHODS This article was a retrospective case series analysis. Total 20 residual strabismus patients (13 with residual exotropia and 7 with residual esotropia) in Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from Jan 2009 to Jan 2011 were studied. Routine strabismus examinations were completed preoperatively. The distance between insertion of horizontal rectus muscles and corneal limbus were measured with ASOCT preoperatively and calipers intraoperatively. Reoperational amount and method for residual strabismus patients were designed according to the limbus-insertion distance. The paired t test was used to compare the agreement between two methods of measurement of limbus-insertion distance. The cure rates of reoperation were analyzed. RESULTS No statistical significance was observed between the measurements with ASOCT (7.7±1.7) mm and calipers (7.8±1.1)mm (t=-1.37, P=0.19). According to ASOCT image, the second surgical method was re-recession muscle for 4 patients; re-recession of original performed muscle combined with antagonist muscle resection for 10 patients and antagonist muscle resection combined with horizontal rectus muscle recession in fellow eye for 6 patients. All the surgical processes went on successfully, no severe intraoperative and postopereative complications were noted. Sixteen cases were cured (80%) . CONCLUSIONS Horizontal rectus muscle evaluation with ASOCT preoperatively may benefit the choice of performed muscle, calculation of surgical amount, reduction of unnecessary surgical procedure and optimization second surgical design for residual strabismus patients. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 568-573).
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Zhang L, Chen WQ, Hu YW, Wu XM, Nie P, Chang MX. TBK1-like transcript negatively regulates the production of IFN and IFN-stimulated genes through RLRs-MAVS-TBK1 pathway. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 54:135-143. [PMID: 27060200 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is an essential serine/threonine-protein kinase required for Toll-like receptor (TLR)- and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) -mediated induction of type I IFN and host antiviral defense. In the present study, TBK1-like transcript, namely TBK1L, was cloned from zebrafish. Compared with TBK1, TBK1L contains an incomplete S_TKc domain, and lacks UBL_TBK1_like domain. Realtime PCR showed that TBK1L was constitutively produced in embryos, early larvae and ZF4 cells, and unchanged in ZF4 cells following SVCV infection. Overexpression of TBK1 but not TBK1L resulted in significant activation of zebrafish IFN1 and IFN3 promoters. Similarly, TBK1L had little impact on the antiviral state of the cells. However, the overexpression of TBK1L negatively regulated the induction of zebrafish IFN1 and/or IFN3 promoters mediated by the retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptors (RLRs), MAVS and TBK1. In addition, the overexpression of TBK1L in zebrafish embryos led to the decreased production of many IFN-stimulated genes induced by TBK1. Collectively, these data support that zebrafish TBK1L negatively regulates RLRs-MAVS-TBK1 pathway.
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Liu J, Yan F, Ma X, Guo HL, Tang YL, Rakofsky JJ, Wu XM, Li XQ, Zhu H, Guo XB, Yang Y, Li P, Cao XD, Li HY, Li ZB, Wang P, Xu QY. Perceptions of public attitudes towards persons with mental illness in Beijing, China: results from a representative survey. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2016; 51:443-53. [PMID: 26510417 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-015-1125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many studies have examined the general public's attitudes towards people with mental illness, but such studies are scarce in China. This study examined the perceptions of the Beijing population regarding their society's prevalent attitudes towards people with mental illness. METHODS A total of 5000 individuals aged 18 or above living in Beijing were selected using a multistage, stratified, cluster and random sampling method. This was followed by a face-to-face interview which used a standardized questionnaire asking about societal attitudes towards individuals with mental illness. RESULTS 4602 out of 5000 eligible individuals met the inclusion criteria and participated in the interview. 4596 questionnaires were deemed valid and included in the analyses. A large proportion of respondents believed that most individuals within their society held negative attitudes and had a strong desire to distance themselves from people with mental illness. Respondents aged 60 or older, who lived farther to downtown Beijing, or with higher education tended to believe that most individuals have relatively positive and tolerant attitudes towards people with mental illness. CONCLUSIONS Many people in Beijing perceive that most members of their society have negative beliefs towards people with mental illness. Further efforts are needed to determine if these perceptions are accurate and to reduce the stigma that is reinforced by these perceptions.
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Zhang WL, Wu XM, Wang F, Ma R, Li XF, Rao YJ. Stark effect induced microcavity polariton solitons. OPTICS EXPRESS 2015; 23:15762-15767. [PMID: 26193554 DOI: 10.1364/oe.23.015762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes a way of generating polariton solitons (PSs) in a semiconductor microcavity using Stark effect as the trigger mechanism. A Stark pulse performing as the writing beam is used to excite non-resonant fluctuations of polariton, which finally evolves into bright PSs. It is found that a branch of PS solutions versus pump parameters could be found through optimizing parameters of the Stark pulse, and polarization of the generated PS is dependent on the writing beam.
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Pan YB, Gong Y, Ruan HF, Pan LY, Wu XK, Tang C, Wang CJ, Zhu HB, Zhang ZM, Tang LF, Zou CC, Wang HB, Wu XM. Sonic hedgehog through Gli2 and Gli3 is required for the proper development of placental labyrinth. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1653. [PMID: 25695606 PMCID: PMC4669788 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) functions as a conserved morphogen in the development of various organs in metazoans ranging from Drosophila to humans. Here, we have investigated the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of Shh signaling in murine placentation. Immunostaining revealed the abundant expression of the main components of Shh pathway in both the trophectoderm of blastocysts and developing placentas. Disruption of Shh led to impaired vascularogenesis of yolk sac, less branching and malformation of placental labyrinth, thereby leading to a robust decrease in capacity of transplacental passages. Moreover, placenta-specific gene incorporation by lentiviral transduction of mouse blastocysts and blastocyst transplantation robustly knocked down the expression of Gli3 and Gli2 in placenta but not in embryos. Finally, Gli3 knockdown in Shh−/− placentas partially rescued the defects of both yolk sac and placental labyrinth, and robustly restored the capacity of transplacental passages. Gli2 knockdown in Shh+/− placentas affected neither the capacity of tranplacental passages nor the vascularogenesis of yolk sac, however, it partially phenocopied the labyrinthine defects of Shh−/− placentas. Taken together, these results uncover that both Shh/Gli2 and Shh/Gli3 signals are required for proper development of murine placentas and are possibly essential for pregnant maintenance.
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Sima L, Fang WX, Wu XM, Li F. Efficacy of oxycodone/paracetamol for patients with bone-cancer pain: a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2011; 37:27-31. [PMID: 21208247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2010.01239.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Bone-cancer pain is a common and refractory cancer pain. Opioids, on their own, do not control this type of pain well enough, and co-analgesics are necessary. METHODS Patients with bone metastasis-related pain at Numeric Rating Scale ≥4 were enrolled to this randomized placebo-controlled trial. They had also received morphine or transdermal fentanyl patches for at least 1 week. During the 3-day efficacy phase, patients received placebo or 1-3 tablets of oxycodone/paracetamol (5/325 mg), four times daily for 3 days. All patients kept a daily pain diary. The primary endpoint was the Pain Intensity Difference (PID). Secondary endpoints were cases of breakthrough pain and rescue morphine consumption. Additional analyses included the Short Form-6 Dimensions (SF-6D) quality-of-life scale and a general impression (GI) of patient satisfaction with treatment at the end of the phase. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of the 246 patients in the intent-to-treat set, 89·4% completed the 3-day efficacy phase. PIDs were 0·9 and 0·3 in the oxycodone/paracetamol and placebo groups respectively, on day 1 (P < 0·001), and 1·5 and 0·3 respectively on day 3 (P < 0·001). Thirty-eight patients in the treatment group, and 58 in the placebo group, suffered breakthrough pain on day 3 (P < 0·001). The SF-6D score decreased to 21·2 ± 2·5 in the oxycodone/paracetamol group at the end of the phase (P = 0·001). In the oxycodone/paracetamol group, 67% rated GI as good, very good, or excellent. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Patients with bone-cancer pain, already on opioids, obtain clinically important, additional pain-control, with regular oxycodone/paracetamol dosing.
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Shi XW, Guo X, Lv AL, Kang L, Zhou YL, Zhang YZ, Wu XM, Bai YD. Heritability estimates and linkage analysis of 23 short tandem repeat loci on chromosomes 2, 11, and 12 in an endemic osteochondropathy in China. Scand J Rheumatol 2010; 39:259-65. [PMID: 20166850 DOI: 10.3109/03009740903270599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the heritability of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in first-degree relatives and to identify chromosome regions likely to contain susceptibility loci for KBD. METHODS A total of 331 probands with confirmed KBD in their pedigrees were selected from 9331 residents in 17 KBD villages of Linyou county, northwestern China. The heritability (h(2)) in first-degree relatives was estimated by using Falconer's formula. The segregation ratio was calculated by the Li-Mantel-Gart method. A total of 23 short tandem repeat (STR) loci on chromosomes 2, 11, and 12 were used to identify the susceptibility genes for KBD by linkage analysis using the GENEHUNTER program in 19 KBD pedigrees. RESULTS The general prevalence rate of KBD was 13.75% in the 17 KBD villages, lower than that of 20.88% in the first-degree relatives of the KBD probands. In the first-degree relatives, the heritability was 0.064 and the segregation ratio 35.10% (p < 0.05). Slight evidence for heritability was detected only in locus D12S1725 with a logarithm of odds (LOD) score of 1.95. However, the nonparametric linkage (NPL) scores showed no linkage between KBD and the 23 loci; the maximum NPL score was 1.59 for locus D12S1725. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that 35.10% of the heritability is attributable to genetic variation for the KBD phenotype among individuals of Linyou county, and the segregation ratio supports a multifactorial inheritance of KBD. There is no significant linkage between KBD and the 23 markers in the Linyou population examined; however, markers near the locus D12S1725 may indicate loci for further study.
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Feng J, Ma WQ, Niu HH, Wu XM, Wang Y, Feng J. Effects of zinc glycine chelate on growth, hematological, and immunological characteristics in broilers. Biol Trace Elem Res 2010; 133:203-11. [PMID: 19551351 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-009-8431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Three hundred sixty healthy Ross x Ross 1-day-old broilers were used to study the effects of zinc glycine chelate (Zn-Gly) on growth performance, hematological, and immunological characteristics. All broilers were randomly assigned into six treatments. Diets were as follows: (1) control (containing 29.3 mg Zn kg(-1) basic diet [0-3 weeks] and 27.8 mg Zn kg(-1) [4-6 weeks]); (2) basic diet plus 30 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (3) basic diet plus 60 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (4) basic diet plus 90 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (5) basic diet plus 120 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (6) positive control, basic diet plus 120 mg Zn kg(-1) from zinc sulfate (ZnSO(4)). After the 21- and 42-day feeding trials, the results showed that both of Zn-Gly and ZnSO(4) could improve the growth performance of broilers, with the greatest average daily feed intake observed in the broilers fed 90 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly, but the greatest average daily gain observed with 120 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly (0-3 weeks) and 90 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly (4-6 weeks). Adding additional Zn-Gly improved the levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and the contents of total protein and Ca in serum and increased the immune organs index especially with 90 mg Zn kg(-1) as Zn-Gly. However, there were no significant differences in responses to complements (C3 and C4) and albumin in serum among the treatments.
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Matsushita T, Isobe N, Matsuoka T, Shi N, Kawano Y, Wu XM, Yoshiura T, Nakao Y, Ishizu T, Kira JI. Aquaporin-4 autoimmune syndrome and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-negative opticospinal multiple sclerosis in Japanese. Mult Scler 2009; 15:834-47. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458509104595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Antibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are found in a fraction of Japanese opticospinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS) patients. However, it remains unknown whether anti-AQP4 antibody-positive and negative OSMS patients possess an identical disease. Objective The objective of the current study was to clarify immunological differences between the two groups of patients. Methods We studied the serum antibody titers against AQP4 in 191 patients with idiopathic central nervous system demyelinating diseases and clarified their relationships with immunological parameters. Results Anti-AQP4 antibody positivity rate was higher in patients with OSMS (21/58, 36.2%), idiopathic recurrent myelitis (4/17, 23.5%), and recurrent optic neuritis (7/26, 26.9%), than in conventional MS (CMS) patients (6/90, 6.7%) and patients with other diseases (0/87). Anti-AQP4 antibody titer was significantly higher in patients with SS-A/B antibodies than in those without them. Anti-AQP4 antibody-negative OSMS patients showed significantly higher CD4+IFN-γ+IL-4−T cell percentages and intracellular IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios than anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients, anti-AQP4 antibody-negative CMS patients, and healthy controls, and CD4+IFN-γ+IL-4−T cell percentages were negatively correlated with anti-AQP4 antibody titers. Conclusion Anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients are immunologically distinct from anti-AQP4 antibody-negative OSMS patients owing to a Th2 shift in the former group in comparison to a Th1 shift in the latter.
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Dahaba AA, Rinnhofer S, Wang G, Xu X, Liu XY, Wu XM, Rehak PH, Metzler H. Influence of acute normovolaemic haemodilution on bispectral index monitoring and propofol dose requirements. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2008; 52:815-20. [PMID: 18477087 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2008.01629.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous medical and physiological conditions that might alter electroencephalography (EEG), such as hypoglycaemia, hypothermia or hypovolaemia, were shown to result in the bispectral Index (BIS) indicating an incorrect hypnotic state. Recently, acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH) was shown to be associated with significant impairment of cognitive functions that could alter EEG and consequently BIS monitoring, an EEG derived parameter. METHODS In a randomised clinical study, we assessed the effect of ANH on BIS monitoring before induction and after propofol target controlled infusion (TCI) anaesthesia in 45 unmedicated patients randomly allocated to ANH with oxygen insufflation (oxygen group), ANH with air insufflation (air group), or control group. RESULTS With ANH, mean BIS values briefly declined in the oxygen group (82+/-4) and air group (84+/-3) before returning to baseline values. The loss of consciousness time was significantly shorter, with fewer propofol TCI dose requirements, and BIS was significantly higher in the oxygen group (1.3+/-0.5 min, 2.41+/-0.15 microg/ml, 73+/-7) and air group (1.2+/-0.6 min, 2.44+/-0.17 microg/ml, 75+/-5), compared with the control group (1.7+/-0.4 min, 2.75+/-0.17 microg/ml, 61+/-5), respectively. Whereas, there was no significant difference in BIS values between the oxygen group (38+/-7), air group (36+/-5) and control group (40+/-6) at propofol TCI 4 microg/ml anaesthesia maintenance. CONCLUSIONS BIS values briefly declined with ANH before returning to baseline values before anaesthesia induction. Despite transient ANH enhancement of propofol effect during induction, there was no significant difference in BIS values with or without ANH during propofol maintenance of anaesthesia.
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Huang SS, Liao QL, Hua M, Wu XM, Bi KS, Yan CY, Chen B, Zhang XY. Survey of heavy metal pollution and assessment of agricultural soil in Yangzhong district, Jiangsu Province, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2007; 67:2148-55. [PMID: 17275882 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2006] [Revised: 11/10/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigated concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Ni, and Cr in samples of soil, cereal, and vegetables from Yangzhong district, China. Compared to subsoils, the sampled topsoils are enriched in Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As. High levels of Cd and Hg are observed in most agricultural soils. Concentrations of Cr and Ni show little spatial variation, and high Cu, Pb, and Zn contents correspond well to areas of urban development. High As contents are primarily recorded at the two ends of the sampled alluvion. The contents of Cd, Hg, and total organic carbon (TOC) increase gradually to maximum values in the upper parts of soil profiles, while Cr and Ni occur in low concentrations within sampled profiles. As, Pb, Cu, and Zn show patterns of slight enrichment within the surface layer. Compared to data obtained in 1990, Cd and Hg show increased concentrations in 2005; this is attributed to the long-term use of agrochemicals. Cr and Ni contents remained steady over this interval because they are derived from the weathering of parent material and subsequent pedogenesis. The measured As, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents show slight increases over time due to atmospheric deposition of material sourced from urban anthropogenic activity. Low concentrations of heavy metals are recorded in vegetables and cereals because the subalkaline environment of the soil limits their mobility. Although the heavy metal concentrations measured in this study do not pose a serious health risk, they do affect the quality of agricultural products.
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