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Jiang JM, Zong Y, Chuang DY, Lei W, Lu CH, Gu Z, Fritsche KL, Thomas AL, Lubahn DB, Simonyi A, Sun GY. Effects of Elderberry Juice from Different Genotypes on Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in Microglial Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1061:281-288. [PMID: 27158184 DOI: 10.17660/actahortic.2015.1061.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many species of berries are nutritious food and offer health benefits. However, among the different types of berries, information on health effects of American elderberries (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) has been lacking and little is known about whether elderberry consumption can confer neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system. Microglial cells constitute a unique class of immune cells and exhibit characteristic properties to carry out multifunctional duties in the brain. Activation of microglial cells has been implicated in brain injury and in many types of neurodegenerative diseases. Our recent studies demonstrated the ability for endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in murine microglial cells (BV-2) through activating NADPH oxidase and the MAPK pathways. In this study, BV-2 microglial cells were used to examine effects of elderberry juice obtained from different genotypes on oxidative and inflammatory responses induced by LPS and IFNγ. Results show that 'Wyldewood' extract demonstrated antioxidant properties by inhibiting IFNγ-induced ROS production and p-ERK1/2 expression. On the other hand, most juice extracts exerted small effects on LPS-induced NO production and some extracts showed an increase in NO production upon stimulation with IFNγ. The disparity of responses on ROS and NO production from different extracts suggests possible presence of unknown endogenous factor(s) in the extract in promoting the IFNγ-induced iNOS synthesis pathway.
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Luo Z, Hu M, Hong M, Li C, Gu Q, Gu Z, Liao C, Zhao M, Wu H. Outbreeding avoidance as probable driver of mate choice in the
A
siatic toad. J Zool (1987) 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jiang J, Yu T, Yan Y, Du W, Tan T, Hua L, Gu J, Yang X, Liu Z, Ye X, Gu Z. 154 Drug response database with PDX tumor models in biomarker-driven multi-drug multi-arm clinical trial settings. Eur J Cancer 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(14)70280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gu Z, Bao Q, Taschereau R, Wang H, Bai B, Chatziioannou AF. Optimization of the Energy Window for PETbox4, a Preclinical PET Tomograph With a Small Inner Diameter. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NUCLEAR SCIENCE 2014; 61:1164-1173. [PMID: 25774063 PMCID: PMC4356993 DOI: 10.1109/tns.2014.2321326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Small animal positron emission tomography (PET) systems are often designed by employing close geometry configurations. Due to the different characteristics caused by geometrical factors, these tomographs require data acquisition protocols that differ from those optimized for conventional large diameter ring systems. In this work we optimized the energy window for data acquisitions with PETbox4, a 50 mm detector separation (box-like geometry) pre-clinical PET scanner, using the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE). The fractions of different types of events were estimated using a voxelized phantom including a mouse as well as its supporting chamber, mimicking a realistic mouse imaging environment. Separate code was developed to extract additional information about the gamma interactions for more accurate event type classification. Three types of detector backscatter events were identified in addition to the trues, phantom scatters and randoms. The energy window was optimized based on the noise equivalent count rate (NECR) and scatter fraction (SF) with lower-level discriminators (LLD) corresponding to energies from 150 keV to 450 keV. The results were validated based on the calculated image uniformity, spillover ratio (SOR) and recovery coefficient (RC) from physical measurements using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU-4 image quality phantom. These results indicate that when PETbox4 is operated with a more narrow energy window (350-650 keV), detector backscatter rejection is unnecessary. For the NEMA NU-4 image quality phantom, the SOR for the water chamber decreases by about 45% from 15.1% to 8.3%, and the SOR for the air chamber decreases by 31% from 12.0% to 8.3% at the LLDs of 150 and 350 keV, without obvious change in uniformity, further supporting the simulation based optimization. The optimization described in this work is not limited to PETbox4, but also applicable or helpful to other small inner diameter geometry scanners.
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Gu Z, Fang W, Guo X, Ji C, Mao T. F-064 * COMPARISON OF PULMONARY FUNCTION AFTER VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC LOBECTOMY AND LIMITED RESECTIONS FOR EARLY STAGE LUNG CANCER. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivu167.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Yang B, Chen H, Gu Z, Tian F, Ross RP, Stanton C, Chen YQ, Chen W, Zhang H. Synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid by the linoleate isomerase complex in food-derived lactobacilli. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 117:430-9. [PMID: 24750362 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess strains of lactobacilli for their capacity to produce functional fatty acid-conjugated linoleic acid. To assess the linoleate isomerase for CLA production in the most efficient CLA producer. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, strains of food-derived lactobacilli were cultured in media with linoleic acid and CLA production was assessed. Most of the selected strains produced CLA at different levels, with Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058 being the most efficient CLA producer converting over 50% of linoleic acid to c9, t11-CLA and t9, t11-CLA. Some intermediates 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid, 10-oxo-cis-12-octadecenoic acid and 10-oxo-trans-11-octadecenoic acid were determined via GC-MS. The genes coding the multicomponent linoleate isomerase containing myosin-cross-reactive antigen, short-chain dehydrogenase/oxidoreductase and acetoacetate decarboxylase for CLA production in Lact. plantarum ZS2058 were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. With the mixture of recombinant E. coli, c9, t11-CLA and three kinds of intermediates were produced from linoleic acid, which were in line with those in the lactobacilli. CONCLUSIONS The ability for CLA production by lactobacilli exhibited variation. Lactobacillus plantarum and Lact. bulgaricus were the most efficient producers in the selected strains. Lact. plantarum ZS2058 converted linoleic acid to CLAs with 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid, 10-oxo-cis-12-octadecenoic acid and 10-oxo-trans-11-octadecenoic acid as intermediates. The multiple-step reactions for CLA production catalysed by multicomponent linoleate isomerase in Lact. plantarum ZS2058 were confirmed successfully. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Multicomponent linoleate isomerase provides important results for the illustration of the mechanism for CLA production in lactic acid bacteria. Food-derived lactobacilli with CLA production ability offers novel opportunities for functional foods development.
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Liu S, Ma L, Tan R, Lu Q, Geng Y, Wang G, Gu Z. Safe and efficient local gene delivery into skeletal muscle via a combination of Pluronic L64 and modified electrotransfer. Gene Ther 2014; 21:558-65. [PMID: 24694536 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Efficient DNA electrotransfer into muscles can be achieved by combining two types of electronic pulses sequentially: short high-voltage (HV) pulse for the cell electropermeabilization and long low-voltage (LV) pulse for the DNA electrophoresis into cells. However, the voltages currently applied can still induce histological and functional damages to tissues. Pluronic L64 has been considered as a molecule possessing cell membrane-disturbing ability. For these reasons, we hope that L64 can be used as a substitute for the HV pulse in cell membrane permeabilization, and a safe LV pulse may still keep the ability to drive plasmid DNA across the permeabilized membrane. In this work, we optimized the electrotransfer parameters to establish a safe and efficient procedure using a clinically applied instrument, and found out that the critical condition for a successful combination of electrotransfer with L64 was that the injection of plasmid/L64 mixture should be applied 1 h before the electrotransfer. In addition, we revealed that the combined procedure could not efficiently transfer plasmid into solid tumor because the uncompressed plasmid may rapidly permeate the leaky tumor vessels and flow away. Altogether, the results demonstrate that the combined procedure has the potential for plasmid-based gene therapy through safe and efficient local gene delivery into skeletal muscles.
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Gu Z, Zhou Y, Xie Y, Li F, Ma L, Sun S, Wu Y, Wang B, Wang J, Hong F, Shen W, Li B. The adverse effects of phoxim exposure in the midgut of silkworm, Bombyx mori. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 96:33-38. [PMID: 23899924 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.06.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The silkworm is an important economic insect. Poisoning of silkworms by organophosphate pesticides causes tremendous loss to the sericulture. In this study, Solexa sequencing technology was performed to profile the gene expression changes in the midgut of silkworms in response to 24h of phoxim exposure and the impact on detoxification, apoptosis and immune defense were addressed. The results showed that 254 genes displayed at least 2.0-fold changes in expression levels, with 148 genes up-regulated and 106 genes down-regulated. Cytochrome P450 played an important role in detoxification. Histopathology examination and transmission electron microscope revealed swollen mitochondria and disappearance of the cristae of mitochondria, which are the important features in insect apoptotic cells. Cytochrome C release from mitochondria into the cytoplasm was confirmed. In addition, the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) signal pathways were all inhibited using qRT-PCR. Our results could help better understand the impact of phoxim exposure on silkworm.
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Hayden M, Banks W, Shah G, Gu Z, Sowers J. Cardiorenal metabolic syndrome and diabetic cognopathy. Cardiorenal Med 2013; 3:265-82. [PMID: 24474955 PMCID: PMC3901619 DOI: 10.1159/000357113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of the cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRS) is increasing in parallel with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia. Along with metabolic, inflammatory, and immunological abnormalities, there is maladaptive structural remodeling of the heart, kidney, and brain. The term 'diabetic cognopathy' (DC) may be used when discussing functional and structural changes in the brain of the diabetic patient. DC likely represents an advanced form of these changes in the brain that evolve with increasing duration of the CRS and subsequent clinical diabetes. We posit that DC develops due to a convergence of aging, genetic and lifestyle abnormalities (overnutrition and lack of exercise), which result in multiple injurious metabolic and immunologic toxicities such as dysfunctional immune responses, oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and dysglycemia (systemically and in the brain). These converging abnormalities may lead to endothelial blood-brain barrier tight junction/adherens junction (TJ/AJ) complex remodeling and microglia activation, which may result in neurodegeneration, impaired cognition, and dementia. Herein, we describe the brain ultrastructural changes evolving from a normal state to maladaptive remodeling in rodent models of CRS including microglia activation/polarization and attenuation and/or loss of the TJ/AJ complexes, pericytes and astrocytes of the neurovascular unit. Further, we discuss the potential relationship between these structural changes and the development of DC, potential therapeutic strategies, and future directions.
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Gu Z, Jiang J, Xia Y, Yue X, Yan M, Tao T, Cao X, Da Z, Liu H, Liu H, Miao Y, Li L, Wang Z. p21 is Associated with the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Non-obese Diabetic Mice. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2013; 121:607-13. [PMID: 24277484 DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1354380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Jiang DC, Tan Y, Shi S, Xu Q, Dong W, Gu Z, Zou RX. Research on new method of electron beam candle melting used for removal of P from molten Si. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1433075x11y.0000000026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Wu M, Xu T, Zhou Y, Lu H, Gu Z. Pressure and inflammatory stimulation induced increase of cadherin-11 is mediated by PI3K/Akt pathway in synovial fibroblasts from temporomandibular joint. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2013; 21:1605-12. [PMID: 23916685 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of the study was to investigate the expression of cadherin-11 in synovial fibroblasts (SFs) under mechanical or inflammatory stimuli, and its potential relationship with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. METHODS SFs separated from rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were treated with hydrostatic pressures (HP) of 30, 60, 90, and 120 kPa, as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The location of cadherin-11 was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy, and its expression was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. We also studied the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SFs with HP or TNF-α stimulation. RESULTS The results showed that increased expression of cadherin-11 could be found in the cell-cell contact site of SFs in response to HP and inflammatory stimulation. The mRNA and protein expression of cadherin-11 was positively correlated with the intensity of HP and the duration time of TNF-α treatment. Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and activation of Akt were also found. Treatment with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 attenuated the pressure or inflammatory cytokine induction increases of cadherin-11, VEGF-D, and FGF-2 both in mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that cadherin-11 may play important roles in SFs following exposure to mechanical loading and inflammatory stimulation. In addition, PI3K/Akt pathway was associated with pressure or inflammation-induced cadherin-11 expression, which may involve in the pathogenesis of temporomandibular diseases.
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Fang W, Guo X, Mao T, Gu Z. Radically resected node-negative squamous cell carcinoma of thoracic esophagus: recurrence pattern and indication for adjuvant therapy. J Cardiothorac Surg 2013. [PMCID: PMC3845860 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8090-8-s1-o88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Zhang Y, Gu Z, Qiu G. Association of the polymorphism of MMP2 with the risk and severity of lumbar disc degeneration in the Chinese Han population. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2013; 17:1830-1834. [PMID: 23852912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to determine whether the -735 C/T polymorphism of the Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) gene is associated with the risk and severity of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) in the Chinese Han population. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 1008 patients with LDD and 906 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The grade of disc degeneration was determined according to Schneiderman's classification for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The -735 C/T polymorphism of MMP2 was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS The genotype frequency of the -735 C/T polymorphism was in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p = 0.087). The frequencies of the -735CT and TT genotypes were significantly lower among LDD patients compared with normal controls (p < 0.001); CT and TT genotype were significantly associated with a decreased risk of LDD compared with the CC genotype (for TT genotype, p = 0.031; OR 0.413; 95% CI 0.184-0.924; for CT genotype, p < 0.001, OR 0.645, 95% CI 0.506-0.822). Patients with LDD showed significantly higher frequencies of the C allele than normal controls (p < 0.001), T allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of LDD compared with the C allele (p < 0.001; OR 0.631; 95% CI 0.508-0.783). In addition, the -735TT and CT genotypes, as well as the T allele were associated with lower degenerative grades of LDD compared with CC genotype and the C allele, respectively (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The -735 C/T polymorphism of MMP2 may be associated with the risk and severity of LDD in the Chinese Han population.
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Gu Z, Taschereau R, Vu NT, Wang H, Prout DL, Silverman RW, Bai B, Stout DB, Phelps ME, Chatziioannou AF. NEMA NU-4 performance evaluation of PETbox4, a high sensitivity dedicated PET preclinical tomograph. Phys Med Biol 2013; 58:3791-814. [PMID: 23666034 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/58/11/3791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PETbox4 is a new, fully tomographic bench top PET scanner dedicated to high sensitivity and high resolution imaging of mice. This manuscript characterizes the performance of the prototype system using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association NU 4-2008 standards, including studies of sensitivity, spatial resolution, energy resolution, scatter fraction, count-rate performance and image quality. The PETbox4 performance is also compared with the performance of PETbox, a previous generation limited angle tomography system. PETbox4 consists of four opposing flat-panel type detectors arranged in a box-like geometry. Each panel is made by a 24 × 50 pixelated array of 1.82 × 1.82 × 7 mm bismuth germanate scintillation crystals with a crystal pitch of 1.90 mm. Each of these scintillation arrays is coupled to two Hamamatsu H8500 photomultiplier tubes via a glass light guide. Volumetric images for a 45 × 45 × 95 mm field of view (FOV) are reconstructed with a maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm incorporating a system model based on a parameterized detector response. With an energy window of 150-650 keV, the peak absolute sensitivity is approximately 18% at the center of FOV. The measured crystal energy resolution ranges from 13.5% to 48.3% full width at half maximum (FWHM), with a mean of 18.0%. The intrinsic detector spatial resolution is 1.5 mm FWHM in both transverse and axial directions. The reconstructed image spatial resolution for different locations in the FOV ranges from 1.32 to 1.93 mm, with an average of 1.46 mm. The peak noise equivalent count rate for the mouse-sized phantom is 35 kcps for a total activity of 1.5 MBq (40 µCi) and the scatter fraction is 28%. The standard deviation in the uniform region of the image quality phantom is 5.7%. The recovery coefficients range from 0.10 to 0.93. In comparison to the first generation two panel PETbox system, PETbox4 achieves substantial improvements on sensitivity and spatial resolution. The overall performance demonstrates that the PETbox4 scanner is suitable for producing high quality images for molecular imaging based biomedical research.
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Gu Z, Chhabra AY, Alard P, Warner DR, Kosiewicz MM. FcγRI is required for TGFβ2-treated macrophage-induced tolerance. Immunobiology 2013; 218:1200-6. [PMID: 23643295 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages treated with TGFβ2 (TGFβ2-Mϕ) and antigen are highly tolerogenic in vivo, and induce antigen-specific and long-lasting tolerance in both naïve and primed mice via induction of suppressor/regulatory T cells. In this study, we examined the molecular pathways, including the requirements for Smad-dependent signaling, that are involved in the induction and function of tolerogenic TGFβ2-Mϕ. Treatment of murine macrophages with TGFβ2 induced translocation of Smad2/3 to the nucleus, and impairment of Smad3-, but not Smad2-, dependent signaling inhibited the tolerogenic function of a TGFβ2-treated murine macrophage cell line. Gene expression in murine macrophages treated with TGFβ2 was evaluated by microarray analysis. The FcγRI gene was one of a number of immune-related genes differentially expressed in TGFβ2-Mϕ, and appeared to be critical for tolerance in this system, since TGFβ2-Mϕ from FcγRI deficient mice were unable to induce tolerance. The role that FcγRI plays in TGFβ2-Mϕ-mediated tolerance is currently unclear. The results of this study provide important information about the factors that are critical for the induction of TGFβ2-Mϕ-mediated tolerance, and a better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to the development of more effective tolerance-inducing strategies for the treatment of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.
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Nyakiti LO, Lee RG, Gu Z, Edgar JH, Chaudhuri J. Polarity determination of rough and smooth surface grains in AlN crystals. CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/crat.201200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Zhou Y, Cheng Z, Wu M, Hong Z, Gu Z. Trepanation and curettage treatment for acute implant periapical lesions. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2011; 41:171-5. [PMID: 22000955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2011.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Six dental implants in six patients with periapical lesions were inserted and underwent trepanation and thorough curettage. During surgery, the lesion area was irrigated with copious natural saline and chlorhexidine and the bone defects were treated with tetracycline paste. The six implants were stable and asymptomatic postoperatively. The implants were loaded after 3 months. Radiologically, the radiolucency in the apical part disappeared gradually. These prostheses have functioned satisfactorily with no further complication during the follow-up period. For cases in which small lesions initially appear soon after implant placement, trepanation and curettage of the periapical lesion without resection of the apical part of the implant or bone substitute material and/or autogenous bone grafting is an effective management option. A rapid and exact diagnosis is important for treating implant periapical lesions.
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Edgar J, Gu Z, Taggart K, Chaudhuri J, Nyakiti L, Lee R, Witt R. Oxidation of Aluminum Nitride for Defect Characterization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1557/proc-0892-ff21-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe thermal oxidation of aluminum nitride was developed as a means to study defects in bulk aluminum nitride crystals. The oxidation kinetics was established for the dry oxidation of highly textured AlN polycrystals produced by sublimation-recombination crystal growth in a tungsten furnace. Despite seeding on polycrystalline tungsten, the grains were predominantly [0001] oriented as verified by electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD). The oxidation rate is dependent on the crystal’s orientation, polarity, stress, and surface condition, thus oxidation decorates grain boundaries, polishing scratches, and inversion domains by producing oxide layers of different thicknesses. The initial oxidation rate of nitrogen polar (0001) AlN is approximately 25% faster than on aluminum polar crystals. Low temperature (800 °C) dry oxidation produced an amorphous oxide layer and generated a high density of defects (vacancies, stacking faults, and dislocations) in the nitride near the oxide/nitride interface, as observed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. In contrast, high temperature oxidation (1000 °C) produced a crystalline oxide layer, and left the nitride free of observable defects.
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Ngim KK, Green J, Cuzzi J, Ocampo M, Gu Z. Optimized Derivatization Procedure for Characterizing (Aminomethyl)phosphonic Acid Impurities by GC-MS. J Chromatogr Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/chrsci/49.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Gravani S, Polychronopoulou K, Stolojan V, Cui Q, Gibson PN, Hinder SJ, Gu Z, Doumanidis CC, Baker MA, Rebholz C. Growth and characterization of ceria thin films and Ce-doped γ-Al2O3 nanowires using sol-gel techniques. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2010; 21:465606. [PMID: 20975211 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/46/465606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
γ-Al(2)O(3) is a well known catalyst support. The addition of Ce to γ-Al(2)O(3) is known to beneficially retard the phase transformation of γ-Al(2)O(3) to α-Al(2)O(3) and stabilize the γ-pore structure. In this work, Ce-doped γ-Al(2)O(3) nanowires have been prepared by a novel method employing an anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) template in a 0.01 M cerium nitrate solution, assisted by urea hydrolysis. Calcination at 500 °C for 6 h resulted in the crystallization of the Ce-doped AlOOH gel to form Ce-doped γ-Al(2)O(3) nanowires. Ce(3+) ions within the nanowires were present at a concentration of < 1 at.%. On the template surface, a nanocrystalline CeO(2) thin film was deposited with a cubic fluorite structure and a crystallite size of 6-7 nm. Characterization of the nanowires and thin films was performed using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The nanowire formation mechanism and urea hydrolysis kinetics are discussed in terms of the pH evolution during the reaction. The Ce-doped γ-Al(2)O(3) nanowires are likely to find useful applications in catalysis and this novel method can be exploited further for doping alumina nanowires with other rare earth elements.
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Sharif MAR, Gu Z. Turbulent flow simulation behind a V-shaped flame stabilizer using a nonlinear K-E model and a smoothing algorithm. CHEM ENG COMMUN 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/00986440212092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Gu Z, Akiyama K, Ma X, Zhang H, Feng X, Yao G, Hou Y, Lu L, Gilkeson GS, Silver RM, Zeng X, Shi S, Sun L. Transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviates lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice. Lupus 2010; 19:1502-14. [PMID: 20647254 DOI: 10.1177/0961203310373782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease, which, despite the advances in immunosuppressive medical therapies, remains potentially fatal in some patients, especially in treatment-refractory patients. This study found that transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) has the same therapeutic effect as transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), which has been reported to be efficient in treating SLE-related symptoms in MRL/lpr mice. Multi-treatment (at the 18th, 19th, and 20th weeks of age) of 1 × 10(6) UC-MSCs was able to decrease the levels of 24-h proteinuria, serum creatinine, and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody, and the extent of renal injury such as crescent formation in MRL/lpr mice. A lower, but still significant, reduction in these parameters was also observed in mice receiving a single dose of UC-MSCs (at the 18th week). UC-MSCs treatment also inhibited expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) expression in a similar fashion. UC-MSCs labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) were found in the lungs and kidneys 1 week post infusion. In addition, after 11 weeks post UC-MSCs infusion, human cells were found in kidney of UC-MSCs-treated mice. These findings indicated that UC-MSCs transplantation might be a potentially promising approach in the treatment of lupus nephritis, possibly by inhibiting MCP-1 and HMGB-1 production.
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Balbuena PB, Calvo SR, Callejas-Tovar R, Gu Z, Ramirez-Caballero GE, Hirunsit P, Ma Y. Challenges in the Design of Active and Durable Alloy Nanocatalysts for Fuel Cells. MODERN ASPECTS OF ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-5594-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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76
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Chan P, Qin Z, Zheng Z, Zhang L, Fang X, Sun F, Gu Z, Chen S, Ma J, Meng C, Langston J, Tanner C. P2.204 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, delayed start study to assess safty, tolerability and efflcacy of green tea polyphenols in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1353-8020(09)70555-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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77
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Gu Z, Zhang L, Li C. Preparation of Highly Conductive Polypyrrole/Graphite Oxide Composites via in situ Polymerization. J MACROMOL SCI B 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/00222340903035576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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78
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Li YD, Liang H, Gu Z, Lin Z, Guan W, Zhou L, Li YQ, Li WH. Detecting positive selection in the budding yeast genome. J Evol Biol 2009; 22:2430-7. [PMID: 19878412 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2009.01851.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Available abundant genomic data allows us to study the evolution of the yeast genome at a fine scale. In this study, we examined the adaptive evolution of coding and promoter regions in three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. First, using a maximum-likelihood approach, we identified 76 positively selected genes (PSG) whose coding regions likely have undergone positive selection in the recent past. These genes show significant bias in terms of biological function and they show over-representation of charged amino acids at positively selected sites. Next, using recent data on yeast transcription-start sites to define core-promoter regions, we identified 31 positively selected promoters, and their corresponding genes are significantly enriched in transmembrane transporter function. We found PSG show no correlation with promoter adaption or expression variation, suggesting that positive selection on coding regions and positive selection on promoter regions are not coupled. Together, our study provides insights into the evolution of S. cerevisiae strains from different environments.
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Wang R, Zhao Y, He X, Ma X, Yan X, Sun Y, Liu W, Gu Z, Zhao J, He J. Impact of hypertension on health-related quality of life in a population-based study in Shanghai, China. Public Health 2009; 123:534-9. [PMID: 19665154 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2009.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Revised: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hypertension and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in a general representative Chinese population, and to explore the impacts of comorbidity on people with hypertension. STUDY DESIGN Population-based cross-sectional survey. METHODS A self-administered questionnaire survey including demographic questions and the Mandarin version of 36-item Short Form (SF-36) was conducted in a general population in Shanghai, China. In total, 1034 subjects participated. The SF-36 dimension scores of hypertensive subjects were compared with those of normotensive subjects. Independent association of hypertension with each quality-of-life domain was analysed using a multiple linear regression model, so were the effects of comorbidity on the HRQL of hypertensive subjects. RESULTS Nine hundred and nineteen respondents were included in the analysis, and 16.97% reported hypertension. Respondents with hypertension scored lower than those without hypertension in at least five SF-36 dimensions. The dimension of role limitations due to physical problems was the most affected, whereas the mental health dimension was the least affected. Hypertensive subjects with comorbidity experienced lower SF-36 scores than hypertensive subjects without comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS Hypertension markedly impairs quality of life in terms of both physical and mental health. Comorbidity further deteriorates HRQL among people with hypertension. The findings suggest that people with hypertension represent a vulnerable population, and it is important to prevent and treat comorbidity of hypertension.
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Feng J, Gu Z, Wu M, Gwazdauskas FC, Jiang H. Growth hormone stimulation of serum insulin concentration in cattle: nutritional dependency and potential mechanisms. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2009; 37:84-92. [PMID: 19427157 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2009] [Revised: 03/15/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies on the effect of growth hormone (GH) on serum insulin concentration in cattle had generated seemingly conflicting results, and little was known about the mechanism by which GH affects serum insulin concentration in cattle, if it does. In this study, we determined whether the effect of GH on serum insulin concentration in cattle could be affected by the nutritional levels of the animal and whether GH increased serum insulin concentration in cattle by directly stimulating insulin release or insulin gene expression in the pancreatic islets. Administration of recombinant bovine GH increased serum insulin concentration in nonlactating, nonpregnant beef cows fed a daily concentrate meal in addition to ad libitum hay, but it had no effect in those cows fed hay only. Both GH treatments for 1 and 24h increased insulin concentrations in cultures of pancreatic islets isolated from growing cattle. Growth hormone treatment for 24h increased insulin mRNA expression in cultured bovine pancreatic islets. Growth hormone treatment for 16h increased reporter gene expression directed by a approximately 1,500-bp bovine insulin gene promoter in a rat insulin-producing beta cell line. Taken together, these results suggest that exogenous GH can increase serum insulin concentration in cattle, but this effect depends on the nutritional levels of fed cattle, and that GH increases serum insulin concentration in cattle by stimulating both insulin release and insulin gene expression in the pancreatic islets.
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Wang A, Gu Z, Heid B, Akers RM, Jiang H. Identification and characterization of the bovine G protein-coupled receptor GPR41 and GPR43 genes. J Dairy Sci 2009; 92:2696-705. [PMID: 19448003 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Volatile fatty acids (VFA), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are not only a primary source of energy, but also regulate rumen development, insulin and glucagon secretion, and other physiological processes in cattle and sheep. The mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of VFA is unknown. Recent "reverse pharmacology" studies identified human G protein-coupled receptors GPR41 and GPR43 as receptors for short-chain fatty acids. It is possible that proteins similar to human GPR41 and GPR43 mediate the regulatory effects of VFA in cattle. In this study, we determined first, whether the bovine genome contains genes similar to the human GPR41 and GPR43 genes; second, whether and where these genes are expressed in cattle; and third, if the proteins encoded by these genes can be activated by acetate, propionate, and butyrate. A search of GenBank revealed bovine genomic sequences and expressed sequence tags highly similar to the human GPR41 and GPR43 DNA and cDNA sequences. The protein-coding and 5' untranslated regions of the bovine GPR41 and GPR43 mRNA were cloned and sequenced from spleen tissue. Based on these sequences, the bovine GPR41 gene contains 3 exons and its transcription is initiated at 2 leader exons, generating 2 GPR41 mRNA variants differing in the 5' untranslated region. The bovine GPR43 gene contains 2 exons and transcription of this gene is initiated from a single start site. The amino acid sequences deduced from the bovine GPR41 and GPR43 mRNA sequences are more than 75% identical to those of the human GPR41 and GPR43 and are predicted to encode 7 transmembrane domains, typical of G protein-coupled receptors. Both bovine GPR41 and GPR43 mRNA were detected in a variety of tissues including rumen and pancreas. In a cell system, interaction of the overexpressed bovine GPR41 or GPR43 protein with acetate, propionate, or butyrate inhibited luciferase reporter expression from a cyclic AMP-responsive promoter, suggesting that the bovine GPR41 and GPR43 proteins couple to Galpha(i/11). In total, these results demonstrate that the bovine genome encodes functional GPR41 and GPR43 genes and suggest that GPR41 and GPR43 may play a role in the regulatory effects of VFA in cattle.
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Liao Z, Gu Z, Schulz MC, Davis JR, Baygents JC, Farrell J. Treatment of cooling tower blowdown water containing silica, calcium and magnesium by electrocoagulation. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2009; 60:2345-2352. [PMID: 19901466 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2009.675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This research investigated the effectiveness of electrocoagulation using iron and aluminium electrodes for treating cooling tower blowdown (CTB) waters containing dissolved silica (Si(OH)(4)), Ca(2 + ) and Mg(2 + ). The removal of each target species was measured as a function of the coagulant dose in simulated CTB waters with initial pH values of 5, 7, and 9. Experiments were also performed to investigate the effect of antiscaling compounds and coagulation aids on hardness ion removal. Both iron and aluminum electrodes were effective at removing dissolved silica. For coagulant doses < or =3 mM, silica removal was a linear function of the coagulant dose, with 0.4 to 0.5 moles of silica removed per mole of iron or aluminium. Iron electrodes were only 30% as effective at removing Ca(2 + ) and Mg(2 + ) as compared to silica. There was no measurable removal of hardness ions by aluminium electrodes in the absence of organic additives. Phosphonate based antiscaling compounds were uniformly effective at increasing the removal of Ca(2 + ) and Mg(2 + ) by both iron and aluminium electrodes. Cationic and amphoteric polymers used as coagulation aids were also effective at increasing hardness ion removal.
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Ma XQ, Cao Y, Wang R, Yan X, Zhao Y, Zou D, Wallander MA, Johansson S, Liu W, Gu Z, Zhao J, He J. Prevalence of, and factors associated with, gastroesophageal reflux disease: a population-based study in Shanghai, China. Dis Esophagus 2008; 22:317-22. [PMID: 19207545 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2008.00904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in China is lower than that in the Western countries, but appears to be increasing. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the prevalence of GERD in Shanghai, China, and to explore which population characteristics where associated with GERD. A sample of 1200 adult inhabitants of Shanghai, selected using randomized, stratified, multi-stage sampling, completed Mandarin translations of the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and GERD Impact Scale. Potential risk factors for GERD were examined by nested case-control analysis, using Cochran-Armitage trend testing and logistic regression analysis. The response rate was 86.2%; 919 responses were suitable for analysis. The prevalence of GERD, defined as heartburn and/or regurgitation of any frequency during the previous week, was 6.2% in Shanghai. Obesity and urban dwelling were associated with GERD (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.3-9.3; and odds ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2-10.4, respectively). The prevalence of GERD in Shanghai agreed with previous Chinese studies. GERD in Shanghai was associated with obesity and residency in an urban environment.
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Blom D, Marais A, Retterstol K, Stein E, Ycas J, Gu Z, Miller E. ROSUVASTATIN REDUCES NON-HDL-CHOLESTEROL AND LIPOPROTEIN REMNANTS IN FREDRICKSON TYPE III HYPERLIPOPROTEINAEMIA PATIENTS. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(08)70784-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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85
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Hakim H, Gibson C, Pan J, Srivastava K, Gu Z, Bankowski MJ, Hayden RT. Comparison of various blood compartments and reporting units for the detection and quantification of Epstein-Barr virus in peripheral blood. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45:2151-5. [PMID: 17494720 PMCID: PMC1932972 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02308-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with a broad spectrum of disease. While quantification of EBV nucleic acid in the peripheral blood has been demonstrated to be useful for diagnosis and patient care, the optimal sample type and reporting format for such testing remain uncertain. Using quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR), we evaluated EBV in whole blood (WB), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and plasma in 249 samples from 122 patients. In WB and PBMC, results were reported both in viral copies/ml and in copies/microg of total DNA. Trendings of quantitative values over time among the different sample types were compared. The sensitivities of QRT-PCR using WB and that using PBMC did not differ significantly (P = 0.33), and both were more sensitive than plasma alone (P < 0.0001). EBV viral load results from WB and PBMC paired sample types also showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05), as did results reported in copies/ml and copies/microg DNA for both WB and PBMC (R2 > 0.93). EBV viral loads detected using WB and PBMC trended very closely for the few patients who had multiple positive samples available for analysis. WB and PBMC show comparable sensitivities and a close quantitative correlation when assayed for EBV by QRT-PCR. The close correlation between copies/ml and copies/microg DNA also suggests that normalization to cell number or genomic DNA in cellular specimens may not be necessary.
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Liu Q, Gu Z, Donner E, Tetlow I, Emes M. Investigation of Digestibility In Vitro and Physicochemical Properties of A- and B-Type Starch from Soft and Hard Wheat Flour. Cereal Chem 2007. [DOI: 10.1094/cchem-84-1-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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87
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Kalsi H, Do H, Gu Z. 15. RISKS, CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SEXUAL HEALTH PROMOTION. Sex Health 2007. [DOI: 10.1071/shv4n4ab15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
International students are the 4th most revenue raising industry in Australia brining in $6 billion in 2006. December 2006 reports show 383 818 international students were enrolled across Australia with 61�019 in Queensland. The vast majority of students come from Asian countries with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and STIs combined with minimal sexual health knowledge.
Through workshops and discussion groups with international students they have been identified as a high risk in relation to sexual health problems due to their lack of sexual health knowledge, their tendency to engage in risk behaviour without adequate knowledge of risks, consequences and protection mechanisms. As a result, sexual health issues are increasingly presenting to professionals working directly with international students and health services in claims related to pregnancy, abortion rates, sexual assault, rape and reports of international students from high risk countries found to be HIV+.
Further, international students reported receiving no information prior to arrival and on arrival of risk behaviour, safety issues, health or laws in Australia. In order to promote safe sex behaviour among international students we have formulated various strategies to raise awareness of international students, from print material on arrival, to information stalls at O-week, intermittent workshops for international students, student leaders and professionals working directly with international students. The feedback from the students is very positive and new strategies are being developed to target students facing language barriers.
Our program findings demonstrate that the international student population is a high risk group facing sexual health issues where increased education and support must occur to prevent and reduce sexual health related problems.
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Gu Z, Allard B, de Muys JM, Lippens J, Rando RF, Nguyen-Ba N, Ren C, McKenna P, Taylor DL, Bethell RC. In vitro antiretroviral activity and in vitro toxicity profile of SPD754, a new deoxycytidine nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 50:625-31. [PMID: 16436719 PMCID: PMC1366874 DOI: 10.1128/aac.50.2.625-631.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SPD754 (AVX754) is a deoxycytidine analogue nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) in clinical development. These studies characterized the in vitro activity of SPD754 against NRTI-resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and non-clade B HIV-1 isolates, its activity in combination with other antiretrovirals, and its potential myelotoxicity and mitochondrial toxicity. SPD754 was tested against 50 clinical HIV-1 isolates (5 wild-type isolates and 45 NRTI-resistant isolates) in MT-4 cells using the Antivirogram assay. SPD754 susceptibility was reduced 1.2- to 2.2-fold against isolates resistant to zidovudine (M41L, T215Y/F, plus a median of three additional nucleoside analogue mutations [NAMs]) and/or lamivudine (M184V) and was reduced 1.3- to 2.8-fold against isolates resistant to abacavir (L74V, Y115F, and M184V plus one other NAM) or stavudine (V75T/M, M41L, T215F/Y, and four other NAMs). Insertions at amino acid position 69 and Q151M mutations (with or without M184V) reduced SPD754 susceptibility 5.2-fold and 14- to 16-fold, respectively (these changes gave values comparable to or less than the corresponding values for zidovudine, lamivudine, abacavir, and didanosine). SPD754 showed similar activity against isolates of group M HIV-1 clades, including A/G, B, C, D, A(E), D/F, F, and H. SPD754 showed additive effects in combination with other NRTIs, tenofovir, nevirapine, or saquinavir. SPD754 had no significant effects on cell viability or mitochondrial DNA in HepG2 or MT-4 cells during 28-day exposure at concentrations up to 200 microM. SPD754 showed a low potential for myelotoxicity against human bone marrow. In vitro, SPD754 retained activity against most NRTI-resistant HIV-1 clinical isolates and showed a low propensity to cause myelotoxicity and mitochondrial toxicity.
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Ning M, Guo Y, Pan H, Zong S, Gu Z. Preparation and characterization of EP-liposomes and Span 40-niosomes. DIE PHARMAZIE 2006; 61:208-12. [PMID: 16599261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Clotrimazole, an imidazole derivative antifungal agent, has been widely used for the treatment of mycotic infections of the genitourinary tract. In order to develop alternative formulations for the vaginal administration of clotrimazole which would provide sustained and controlled release of the appropriate drug for local vaginal therapy, liposomes/niosomes were evaluated as delivery vehicles. To optimize the preparation of the liposomes/niosomes with regard to size and entrapment efficiency, multilamellar liposomes/ niosomes containing the drug were prepared by a lipid hydration method. The liposomes/niosomes thus prepared were evaluated for their stability as drug-loaded liposomes/niosomes in simulated vaginal fluid at 37 +/- 1 degrees C. The two vesicle systems were also evaluated with regard to rat and rabbit vaginal irritation.
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Gu Z, Nakamura T, Yao D, Shi ZQ, Lipton SA. Nitrosative and oxidative stress links dysfunctional ubiquitination to Parkinson's disease. Cell Death Differ 2005; 12:1202-4. [PMID: 16094397 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Gu Z, Jin X, Feng J, Shibata T, Hu J, Zhan J, Hu Y. Type II collagen and aggrecan mRNA expressions in rabbit condyle following disc displacement. J Oral Rehabil 2005; 32:254-9. [PMID: 15790379 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2004.01424.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to study the remodelling of cartilage in the mandibular condyle following disc displacement (DD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forty adult Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. The right joints of 28 of the 40 rabbits had their discs surgically displaced. Four of the 28 were killed at 4 days or 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of aggrecan and type II collagen in cartilages were measured using in situ hybridization techniques. Results showed that aggrecan mRNA expression reduced in the first week after DD. The expression began to recover after 4 weeks and reached a normal level after 6 weeks. Type II collagen mRNA expression reduced from 4 weeks and the expression recovered after 8 weeks. This suggests that the chondrocyte reacting to the displacement of the TMJ disc, alters its matrix gene expression patterns and it is may be the cause of the shape changes of TMJ after DD.
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Gu Z, Belzer SW, Gibson CS, Bankowski MJ, Hayden RT. Multiplexed, real-time PCR for quantitative detection of human adenovirus. J Clin Microbiol 2004; 41:4636-41. [PMID: 14532195 PMCID: PMC254346 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.41.10.4636-4641.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus infection is becoming increasingly recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality in the immunosuppressed patient population. While early detection and quantitation of adenovirus in peripheral blood has been suggested as a means of directing and monitoring antiviral therapy in these patients, few methods have been published, particularly with respect to viral quantitation. A multiplexed real-time PCR assay was developed that can quantitatively detect a wide range of known serotypes of human adenovirus, including all of subgroups A to C. This assay was compared to a qualitative, Southern blot-based PCR assay by using 45 peripheral blood specimens from 16 patients. There was 100% concordance between the two tests in terms of qualitative results. The real-time assay detected adenovirus in patient samples at levels from <200 to 266,681 copies/ml of blood. By using control viral samples, sensitivity was demonstrated to less than 10 copies of viral genome per reaction and quantitative linearity was demonstrated from 10 to 10(6) copies of input viral DNA. Equivalent sensitivity and linearity were demonstrated for 15 different reference serotypes of adenovirus. Eleven other viral serotypes have complete target region sequence homology to one or more of the strains tested. No cross-reactivity was noted with other commonly isolated viral species. Sequence analysis showed no significant homology with any other human pathogens (bacterial or viral). This assay allows rapid, sensitive, and specific quantitation of adenovirus and may have a significant impact on the care of immunocompromised patients at risk for disseminated viral infection.
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Zheng X, Tang L, Xu Y, Meng F, Zhu W, Gu Z, Qian H. [Evaluation of immunochromatographic test in the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax]. ZHONGGUO JI SHENG CHONG XUE YU JI SHENG CHONG BING ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY & PARASITIC DISEASES 2003; 17:235-6. [PMID: 12563774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of immunochromatographic test(ICT) in detecting Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in malaria endemic areas. METHODS ICT was used to detect P. falciparum and P. vivax among patients with fever in the outpatient clinics by comparason with thick blood smear method. RESULTS The sensitivity of ICT to detect P. falciparum and P. vivax was 96.7% and 90.4%, respectively. The specificity of ICT was 98.6%, and the coincidence rate was 94.7%. There is no cross reaction between P. falciparum and P. vivax. CONCLUSION ICT could detect P. falciparum and P. vivax simutaneously, being more rapid and simple than blood smear method.
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Chen W, Wu K, Lin M, Tang L, Gu Z, Wang S, Lan C, Lan X, Li H, Huang M, Chen X, Sheng H. [A pilot study on malaria control by using a new strategy of combining strengthening infection source treatment and health education in mountainous areas of Hainan province]. ZHONGGUO JI SHENG CHONG XUE YU JI SHENG CHONG BING ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY & PARASITIC DISEASES 2003; 17:1-4. [PMID: 12563805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore a new malaria control strategy that fits current epiodemiological condition and coincides with modern medicine model and the principle of cost-benefit. METHODS The new strategy highlights the risk villages and risk population as the focal point and integrates health education with behavioral intervention. The main anti-malaria measures consists of carrying out health education in risk villages, giving mass drug administrations in risk population staying overnight in the mountain, following up malaria cases for implementing radical cure, but without using traditional residual spraying or impregnating bednets with insecticides. RESULTS After having adopted the new strategy and taken the control measures, the people's knowledge about malaria increased to a higher level and the indices of malaria reduced to a lower level. The rate of bednet-using in the population was increased from 26.8% to 72.6%. The annual parasite incidence (API) of malaria was declined from 3.5% in 1994 to 1.1% in 1996 and 0.8% in 1997, and the API of falciparum malaria was declined from 1.0% to 0.3% and 0.3% respectively in the townships at the same time. The parasite rate(PR) of malaria was declined from 7.2% in May, 1995 to 2.1% in November, 1996 and 1.2% in October, 1997 and the PR of falciparum malaria was declined from 1.2% in May, 1995 to 0.1% in October, 1997. The proportion of villages without malaria cases was increased from 18.6% in 1994 to 54.2% in 1997, and the number of risk villages with a malaria incidence above 5% was reduced from 14 to 2 at the same time. The ratio of cost/benefit was 1:2.4 in 1995-1996 and 1:4.4 in 1997, showing a better economic benefit. CONCLUSION The expectant result has been obtained, thereby providing new experience for the malaria control in the mountainous areas of Hainan Province.
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Min G, Savin D, Gu Z, Patterson GD, Kim SH, Ramsay DJ, Fishman D, Ivanov I, Sheina E, Slaby E, Oliver J. Solution Characterization of Monodisperse Atactic Polystyrenes by Static and Dynamic Light Scattering. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMER ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION 2003. [DOI: 10.1080/10236660304875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Zhu W, Tang L, Zheng X, Luo M, Gu Z, Qian H, Qu J. [Diagnosis of Falciparum malaria by immunochromatographic test]. ZHONGGUO JI SHENG CHONG XUE YU JI SHENG CHONG BING ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY & PARASITIC DISEASES 2002; 16:94-6. [PMID: 12078230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the applicability of rapid immunochromatographic test(ICT) for diagnosing falciparum malaria in outpatient clinics in endemic area. METHODS With thick blood smear method as control, ICT was used for the detection of P. falciparum. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of ICT in detecting P. falciparum was 94.7% and 90.3%, respectively. No cross-reaction with P. vivax was found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION ICT is much more rapid and simple than thick blood smear method for the diagnosis of falciparum malaria, and can be applied in the outpatient clinics in endemic area.
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98
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Du J, Li D, Li R, Jiang J, Gu Z. [Pathological changes of viscera after brain death: an experimental study]. FA YI XUE ZA ZHI 2002; 14:67-8, 70, 122. [PMID: 11938874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the viscera changes after brain death while the function of the heart and lung was sustained artificially, 34 cats were used and divided into three groups. The results showed that pathological changes of viscera (heart, lung, liver and kidney) developed, including 1. ischemic cardiomyopathy, endocardiac hemorrhage, focal necrosis, mitochondria and microfilament destruction. 2. pulmonary congestion, edema and parenchymal inflammation. 3. ischemic lesions in the central band of hepatic lobular and ischemic lesions in renal proximal convoluted tubule.
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99
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Gu Z, Zeng L, Fang X, Colman-Saizarbitoria T, Huo M, McLaughlin JL. Determining Absolute Configurations of Stereocenters in Annonaceous Acetogenins through Formaldehyde Acetal Derivatives and Mosher Ester Methodology. J Org Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/jo00097a017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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100
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Gu Z. [Surgical treatment of elderly patients with early gastric cancer]. ZHONGHUA WAI KE ZA ZHI [CHINESE JOURNAL OF SURGERY] 2001; 39:901-3. [PMID: 16201165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristics of early gastric cancer (EGC), surgical treatment, and prognosis in elderly patients. METHODS Seventy-four patients with EGC with a mean age of 68 years treated by gastrectomy from August 1977 to December 1997 were studied retrospectively. A total of 74 patients were followed up, and the SAS statistical package program was used for all analyses. RESULTS The cumulative 5-year survival rate was 98.59% +/- 0.14%, and the 10-year survival rate was 91.61% +/- 0.04%. The 5-year survival rate in patients without lymph node metastasis was 100% and node-positive was only 75%. All of 74 patients were respectable, and there was neither operative death nor surgical infection. CONCLUSIONS If general condition in elderly patients permits, radical gastrectomy should be the choice of treatment for EGC, and D2 lymphadenectomy would be beneficial to some node positive patients. Local gastrectomy and partial gastrectomy are not suitable for EGC because of EGC may have multiple foci of cancer in 18.92%.
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