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Leitch H, Wells R, Chodirker L, Zhu N, Nevill T, Yee K, Leber B, Keating M, Sabloff M, Hilaire ES, Kumar R, Delage R, Geddes M, Storring J, Shamy A, Elemary M, Lenis M, Francis J, Zhang L, Buckstein R. Improved Survival from Transfusion Dependence in Lower-Risk MDS Receiving Iron Chelation, Adjusting for MDS and Patient Characteristics: An MDS-Can Analysis. Leuk Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(17)30396-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Elfarnawany M, Alam SR, Rohani SA, Zhu N, Agrawal SK, Ladak HM. Micro-CT versus synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging of human cochlea. J Microsc 2016; 265:349-357. [PMID: 27935035 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution images of the cochlea are used to develop atlases to extract anatomical features from low-resolution clinical computed tomography (CT) images. We compare visualization and contrast of conventional absorption-based micro-CT to synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) images of whole unstained, nondecalcified human cochleae. Three cadaveric cochleae were imaged using SR-PCI and micro-CT. Images were visually compared and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were computed from n = 27 regions-of-interest (enclosing soft tissue) for quantitative comparisons. Three-dimensional (3D) models of cochlear internal structures were constructed from SR-PCI images using a semiautomatic segmentation method. SR-PCI images provided superior visualization of soft tissue microstructures over conventional micro-CT images. CNR improved from 7.5 ± 2.5 in micro-CT images to 18.0 ± 4.3 in SR-PCI images (p < 0.0001). The semiautomatic segmentations yielded accurate reconstructions of 3D models of the intracochlear anatomy. The improved visualization, contrast and modelling achieved using SR-PCI images are very promising for developing atlas-based segmentation methods for postoperative evaluation of cochlear implant surgery.
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Zhu N, Stafford W. P101 Dapsone in the treatment of idiopathic angioedema. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.09.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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80
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Wang CH, Wang LS, Zhu N. Cholinesterase inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as Alzheimer's disease therapies: an updated umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2016; 20:4801-4817. [PMID: 27906438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a major neurological disorder marked by an amyloid-beta plaque and neurofibrillary tau-tangle depositions in the brain. Cognitive dysfunction is the key manifestation of AD. In this study, we conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses on the risk factors and therapeutics targeting cognitive impairment and AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched PubMed from January 2000-August, 2016, and screened systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that examined the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors in AD patients. We also included studies on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and AD. The studies comprised meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohorts, with 95% confidence interval. We considered the heterogeneity between different studies, denoted by I2. RESULTS We scanned a total of 750 novel meta-analyses on the topics, "risk factors for AD" and "cholinesterase inhibitors and NSAIDs" that target the disease. The search yielded three relevant studies on risk factors, and seven and three studies for ChEIs and NSAIDs respectively. A thorough examination of the studies reinforced the therapeutic role of ChEIs in AD. A combination of the glutamatergic inhibitor, memantine, with ChEIs also proved effective in ameliorating AD progression and occurrence. Contradicting the observational studies, therapeutic role of NSAIDs in AD seemed uncertain. Nonetheless, the studies showed variability in the severity of dementia and number of patient trials. Hence, we claim the need for detailed meta-analyses and superior-quality cohort studies on a larger patient population of AD. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our umbrella systematic review offers a unique and immensely helpful resource for researchers and clinicians in the field of AD, and identifies vital research gaps as well.
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81
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Tan W, Zhao Y, Lu R, Zhu N. Comparison of viral and epidemiological profiles among hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory diseases in Beijing and Shanghai. J Clin Virol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.08.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Liu F, Zhu N, Qiu L, Wang JJ, Wang WH. [Application of R-based multiple seasonal ARIMA model, in predicting the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province]. ZHONGHUA LIU XING BING XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE ZAZHI 2016; 37:1117-20. [PMID: 27539344 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-6450.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To apply the ' auto-regressive integrated moving average product seasonal model' in predicting the number of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province. METHODS In Shaanxi province, the trend of hand, foot and mouth disease was analyzed and tested, under the use of R software, between January 2009 and June 2015. Multiple seasonal ARIMA model was then fitted under time series to predict the number of hand, foot and mouth disease in 2016 and 2017. RESULTS Seasonal effect was seen in hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province. A multiple seasonal ARIMA (2,1,0)×(1,1,0)12 was established, with the equation as (1 -B)(1 -B12)Ln (Xt) =((1-1.000B)/(1-0.532B-0.363B(2))*(1-0.644B12-0.454B12(2)))*Epsilont. The mean of absolute error and the relative error were 531.535 and 0.114, respectively when compared to the simulated number of patients from Jun to Dec in 2015. RESULTS under the prediction of multiple seasonal ARIMA model showed that the numbers of patients in both 2016 and 2017 were similar to that of 2015 in Shaanxi province. CONCLUSION Multiple seasonal ARIMA (2,1,0)×(1,1,0)12 model could be used to successfully predict the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province.
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Wysokinski TW, Ianowski JP, Luan X, Belev G, Miller D, Webb MA, Zhu N, Chapman D. BMIT facility at the Canadian Light Source: Advances in X-ray phase-sensitive imaging. Phys Med 2016; 32:1753-1758. [PMID: 27453203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.07.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The BioMedical Imaging and Therapy (BMIT) facility [1,2] located at the Canadian Light Source, provides synchrotron-specific imaging and radiation therapy capabilities. There are two separate beamlines used for experiments: the bending magnet (05B1-1) and the insertion device (05ID-2) beamline. The bending magnet beamline provides access to monochromatic beam spanning a spectral range of 15-40keV, and the beam is 240mm wide in the POE-2 experimental hutch. Users can also perform experiments with polychromatic (pink) beam. The insertion device beamline was officially opened for general user program in 2015. The source for the ID beamline is a multi-pole, superconducting 4.3T wiggler. The high field gives a critical energy over 20keV. The optics hutches prepare a beam that is 220mm wide in the last experimental hutch SOE-1. The monochromatic spectral range spans 25-150+keV. Several different X-ray detectors are available for both beamlines, with resolutions ranging from 2μm to 200μm. BMIT provides a number of imaging techniques including standard absorption X-ray imaging, K-edge subtraction imaging (KES), in-line phase contrast imaging (also known as propagation based imaging, PBI) and Diffraction Enhanced Imaging/Analyzer Based Imaging (DEI/ABI), all in either projection or CT mode. PBI and DEI/ABI are particularly important tools for BMIT users since these techniques enable visualization of soft tissue and allow for low dose imaging.
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84
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Zhu N, Najafi M, Hancock S, Hristov D. SU-C-207B-07: Deep Convolutional Neural Network Image Matching for Ultrasound Guidance in Radiotherapy. Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4955603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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85
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Qin L, Zhu N, Ao BX, Liu C, Shi YN, Du K, Chen JX, Zheng XL, Liao DF. Caveolae and Caveolin-1 Integrate Reverse Cholesterol Transport and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:429. [PMID: 27011179 PMCID: PMC4813279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid disorder and inflammation play critical roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Reverse cholesterol transport is a key event in lipid metabolism. Caveolae and caveolin-1 are in the center stage of cholesterol transportation and inflammation in macrophages. Here, we propose that reverse cholesterol transport and inflammation in atherosclerosis can be integrated by caveolae and caveolin-1.
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Qin L, Yang YB, Yang YX, Zhu N, Liu Z, Ni YG, Li SX, Zheng XL, Liao DF. Inhibition of macrophage-derived foam cell formation by ezetimibe via the caveolin-1/MAPK pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 43:182-92. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Wang Y, Zhu N, Li Y, Lu R, Wang H, Liu G, Zou X, Xie Z, Tan W. Metagenomic analysis of viral genetic diversity in respiratory samples from children with severe acute respiratory infection in China. Clin Microbiol Infect 2016; 22:458.e1-9. [PMID: 26802214 PMCID: PMC7172101 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in children is thought to be mainly caused by infection with various viruses, some of which have been well characterized; however, analyses of respiratory tract viromes among children with SARI versus those without are limited. In this study, nasopharyngeal swabs from children with and without SARI (135 versus 15) were collected in China between 2008 and 2010 and subjected to multiplex metagenomic analyses using a next-generation sequencing platform. The results show that members of the Paramyxoviridae, Coronaviridae, Parvoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Picornaviridae, Anelloviridae and Adenoviridae families represented the most abundant species identified (>50% genome coverage) in the respiratory tracts of children with SARI. The viral population found in the respiratory tracts of children without SARI was less diverse and mainly dominated by the Anelloviridae family with only a small proportion of common epidemic respiratory viruses. Several almost complete viral genomes were assembled, and the genetic diversity was determined among several samples based on next-generation sequencing. This research provides comprehensive mapping of the viromes of children with SARI and indicates high heterogeneity of known viruses present in the childhood respiratory tract, which may benefit the detection and prevention of respiratory disease.
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Xu Z, Liu B, Chen Y, Gao D, Wang H, Xia Y, Song Z, Wang C, Zhu N, Ren J, Zhan Y. The Suppressing of Density Change in Nitrogen Doped Ge2Sb2Te5 for High Performance Phase Change Memory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0121512ssl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Qin L, Hu R, Zhu N, Yao HL, Lei XY, Li SX, Liao DF, Zheng XL. The novel role and underlying mechanism of Wnt5a in regulating cellular cholesterol accumulation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 41:671-8. [PMID: 24827906 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol accumulation is a critical step during the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, Wnt5a expression has been found to be markedly upregulated in both murine and human atherosclerotic lesions. However, the effect and mechanism of Wnt5a in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of Wnt5a on cholesterol accumulation during atherosclerosis. We used RAW264.7 and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as lipid-loaded cell models. We found that expression of Wnt5a protein was increased in a concentration (25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/mL)- and time (24, 48 and 72 h)-dependent manner by oxLDL treatment. To explore the underlying mechanism, we used Wnt5a short interference (si) RNA to knockdown Wnt5a expression in both RAW264.7 cells and VSMC, or applied recombinant Wnt5a (rWnt5a) to stimulate Wnt5a signalling. After Wnt5a knockdown, total cholesterol (TC) and free cholesterol (FC) content in both cell types increased significantly (P < 0.05) upon exposure to oxLDL. Conversely, the TC and FC content decreased markedly (P < 0.05) after treatment of cells with rWnt5a. More importantly, both protein and mRNA expression of Caveolin-1 and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) was significantly reduced after exposure of wnt5a siRNA-treated cells to oxLDL, whereas rWnt5a treatment of cells resulted in increased Caveolin-1 and ABCA1 protein expression after exposure of cells to oxLDL. Together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that Wnt5a reduces the accumulation of cholesterol in lipid-loaded cells by regulating the mRNA expression of Caveolin-1 and ABCA1, which are involved in reverse cholesterol transport. This may present a novel mechanism of Wnt5a-mediated cholesterol transportation in macrophages and VSMC. Therefore, targeting the Wnt5a signalling pathway may have clinical implications in atherosclerosis.
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Zhu N. 1114 Polymorphism of p53 gene codon 72 and risk of acute leukemia (AL): A meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)30496-8] [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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91
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Zhang Y, Zhao X, Yan C, Liu S, Zhu N, Zhang X, Zhu Z, Han Y. ASSA14-03-31 CREG modulates Angiotensin II type 1 receptor to antagonise coronary oxidative stress and hypertension in salt-sensitive rats. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307109.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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92
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Zhu N, Yan C, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Han Y. ASSA14-03-33 Over restrictive salt diet promotes atherosclerotic plaque growth and instability through PCSK9 in ApoE knockout mice. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307109.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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93
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Song HX, Yan CH, Li Y, Tian XX, Zhu N, Zhang J, Sun MY, Han YL. ASSA14-03-24 CREG1 upregulates Rab7 expression to activate autophagy and ameliorate cardiac damage. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307109.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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94
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Li Y, Yan C, Tian X, Zhang Y, Song H, Zhu N, Han Y. ASSA14-03-20 Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes protects against angiotensin II-induced vascular remodelling via degradation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307109.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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95
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Zhu N, Jacobs DR, Meyer KA, He K, Launer L, Reis JP, Yaffe K, Sidney S, Whitmer RA, Steffen LM. Cognitive function in a middle aged cohort is related to higher quality dietary pattern 5 and 25 years earlier: the CARDIA study. J Nutr Health Aging 2015; 19:33-8. [PMID: 25560814 PMCID: PMC5466430 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-014-0491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preserving cognitive function is an important public health issue. We investigated whether dietary pattern associates with cognitive function in middle-age. METHODS We studied 2435 participants in the community-based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study of black and white men and women aged 18-30 in 1985-86 (year 0, Y0). We hypothesized that a higher A Priori Diet Quality Score, measured at Y0 and Y20, is associated with better cognitive function measured at Y25. The diet score incorporated 46 food groups (each in servings/day) as the sum of quintile ranks of food groups rated beneficial, 0 for food groups rated neutral, and reversed quintile ranks for food groups rated adverse; higher score indicated better diet quality. Y25 cognitive testing included verbal memory (Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)), psychomotor speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)) and executive function (Stroop). RESULTS Per 10-unit higher diet score at Y20, the RAVLT was 0.32 words recalled higher, the DSST was 1.76 digits higher, and the Stroop was 1.00 seconds+errors lower (better performance) after adjusting for race, sex, age, clinic, and energy intake. Further adjustment for physical activity, smoking, education, and body mass index attenuated the association slightly. Diet score at Y0 and increase in diet score over 20 years were also positively associated with each cognitive test. CONCLUSIONS A higher quality dietary pattern was associated with better cognitive function 5 years and even 25 years later in apparently healthy middle-aged adults.
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Zhu N, Han Y, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Yan C. ASSA14-03-32 Over restrictive salt diet promotes dyslipidemia via up-regulating PCSK9 in ApoE-deficient mice. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307109.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Ji X, Song YT, Shen G, Zhou Z, Cao L, Xu T, Liu X, Peng X, Wang C, Wang S, Zhu N, Zhang P, Wu J, Gong X, Shen B, Gao D, Fu P, Wan B, Li J. Engineering Design of EAST Passive Stabilization Loop. JOURNAL OF FUSION ENERGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10894-014-9827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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98
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Pratt IV, Belev G, Zhu N, Chapman LD, Cooper DML. In vivoimaging of rat cortical bone porosity by synchrotron phase contrast micro computed tomography. Phys Med Biol 2014; 60:211-32. [DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/60/1/211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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99
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Tan G, Zhu N, Shi Z, Meng Z, Yu M, Li K, Yin J, Wei K, Mi X, Wang L. Anti-high mobility group box 1 (anti-HMGB1) antibodies are not related to the occurrence of cutaneous lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus. Scand J Rheumatol 2014; 44:150-6. [DOI: 10.3109/03009742.2014.928946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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100
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Wang X, Zhou Y, Zhu N, Wang L, Gu LJ, Yuan WJ. The deposition of Notch1 in hepatitis B virus-associated nephropathy and its role in hepatitis B virus X protein-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation and immunity disorder in renal tubular epithelial cells. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21:734-43. [PMID: 24628678 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Notch1 plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses and epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT). Previous studies have observed inflammatory cell infiltration and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the renal biopsies from patients with HBV-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN). We hypothesized that Notch1 may be involved in the progression of HBV-GN. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of Notch1 in patients with HBV-GN. Our results showed that Notch1 was mainly distributed in renal tubules and the interstitial area, and the expression levels of Notch1 had a positive correlation with the renal tubular pathology. In this respect, we used human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) as target cells, which were transiently transfected with the hepatitis B virus X (HBx) gene using a eukaryotic vector. HBx expression resulted in significantly increased detection of Notch1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), major histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II), CD40 and interleukin-4 (IL-4). At the same time, E-cadherin and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression levels were significantly inhibited. These HBx-induced phenotypes were exacerbated by upregulation of Notch1. Knock-down of Notch1 by specific shRNA caused decreases of α-SMA, MHC-II, CD40 and IL-4, and increases of E-cadherin and IFN-γ. These findings suggest that Notch1 is significantly associated with renal tubular and interstitial lesions. Notch1 can mediate HBx-induced EMT of HK-2 cells, promote HBx-induced increases in immune molecule expression and exacerbation of cytokine disorders, which may contribute to the progression of HBV-GN. Inhibitors of Notch1 signalling may be useful as new therapeutics for the treatment of HBV-GN.
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