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Bardua M, Haftmann C, Fang Z, Buttgereit A, Mcgrath M, Westendorf K, Maschmeyer P, Radbruch H, Chang HD, Rajewsky N, Radbruch A, Mashreghi MF. A2.22 Microrna-31 modulates the expression of mobility related genes and the motility of T helper 1 lymphocytes. Ann Rheum Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209124.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Wan L, Qiao K, Sun XN, Di ZC, Fang Z, Li ZJ, Guo K. Benzylation of heterocyclic N-oxides via direct oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling with toluene derivatives. NEW J CHEM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6nj02560a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of heterocyclic N-oxides with toluene derivatives has been disclosed.
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78
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Zhang M, Fang Z, Zhao X, Niu Y, Lou J, Zhao L, Wu Y, Zou S, Du F, Shao Q. Hyaluronic acid functionalized nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for targeted specific bioimaging. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra22210b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Schematic illustration of the preparation of HA-CQDs (A) and the following bioimaging application (B).
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79
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Chen D, Richard P, Song ZD, Zhang WL, Wu SF, Jiao WH, Fang Z, Cao GH, Ding H. Raman scattering investigation of the quasi-one-dimensional superconductor Ta₄Pd₃Te₁₆. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2015; 27:495701. [PMID: 26595404 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/27/49/495701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We have performed polarized Raman scattering measurements on the newly discovered superconductor Ta4Pd3Te16 (T(c) = 4.6 K). We observe 28 out of 33 Raman active modes, with frequencies in good accordance with first-principles calculations. Although most of the phonons observed vary only slightly with temperature and do not exhibit any asymmetric profile that would suggest strong electron-phonon coupling, the linewidth of the A(g) phonon mode at 89.9 cm(-1) shows an unconventional increase with temperature decreasing, which is possibly due to a charge-density-wave transition or the emergence of charge-density-wave fluctuations below a temperature estimated to fall in the 140-200 K range.
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80
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Ren A, Wang Q, Fang Z, Gao M, Wang H, Zhang J, Xu W, Yue W, Yin L, Liu Z, Li X, Ding B. Pharmacokinetic study of isatin in dog plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Panminerva Med 2015; 57:177-182. [PMID: 26018409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM A sensitive and selective method was developed and validated to study the pharmacokinetics of isatin. METHODS The blood samples were pretreated by protein precipitation method using methanol. Quetiapine was used as an internal standard. After pretreatment, the samples were assayed by LC/MS/MS method and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by WinNonlin 5.2 using non-compartment model. The separation was performed on a Venusil XBP PH column (5 µm, 2.0×100 mm) with an isocratic mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (containing 50 mM ammonium formate) (65:35, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The Agilent G6410B triple quadrupole LC/MS system was operated under the multiple reactions monitoring mode (MRM) using the electrospray ionization technique in positive mode. RESULTS The lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) of the analyte of the method was 10 ng/mL. The method was linear with correlation coefficient >0.995. The intraday and interday accuracy and precision of the assay were acceptable. CONCLUSION This method has been applied successfully to a pharmacokinetic study involving the oral and intravenous administration of isatin to beagle dogs.
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Lv BQ, Muff S, Qian T, Song ZD, Nie SM, Xu N, Richard P, Matt CE, Plumb NC, Zhao LX, Chen GF, Fang Z, Dai X, Dil JH, Mesot J, Shi M, Weng HM, Ding H. Observation of Fermi-Arc Spin Texture in TaAs. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 115:217601. [PMID: 26636872 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.217601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the spin texture of surface Fermi arcs in the recently discovered Weyl semimetal TaAs using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The experimental results demonstrate that the Fermi arcs are spin polarized. The measured spin texture fulfills the requirement of mirror and time-reversal symmetries and is well reproduced by our first-principles calculations, which gives strong evidence for the topologically nontrivial Weyl semimetal state in TaAs. The consistency between the experimental and calculated results further confirms the distribution of chirality of the Weyl nodes determined by first-principles calculations.
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Henrys PA, Smart SM, Rowe EC, Jarvis SG, Fang Z, Evans CD, Emmett BA, Butler A. Niche models for British plants and lichens obtained using an ensemble approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1179/2042349715y.0000000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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83
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Kuang Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Song Y, Zhang X, Lin Y, Che L, Xu S, Wu D, Xue B, Fang Z. Effects of dietary combinations of organic acids and medium chain fatty acids as a replacement of zinc oxide on growth, digestibility and immunity of weaned pigs. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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84
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Xu S, Wang D, Zhang P, Lin Y, Fang Z, Che L, Wu D. Oral administration of Lactococcus lactis-expressed recombinant porcine epidermal growth factor stimulates the development and promotes the health of small intestines in early-weaned piglets. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 119:225-35. [PMID: 25898849 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We previously generated Lactococcus lactis-expressed recombinant porcine epidermal growth factor (LL-pEGF), and demonstrated improved growth performance in early-weaned piglets. This study investigates the effect of LL-pEGF on the development and expression of genes that maintain the structural integrity and function of the small intestine in early-weaned piglets. METHODS AND RESULTS The mitogenic effect of porcine epidermal growth factor (pEGF) was tested in vitro with the 5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay in fibroblast cells. In the in vivo study, 40 weaned piglets were randomly allocated to control, antibiotic control, Lc. lactis-expressing empty vector (LL-EV) and LL-pEGF treatment groups. Cells treated with LL-pEGF had higher BrdU-positive stained cells than those in the control and the LL-EV treatments (P < 0·05). Scanning electron microscope and histological examination demonstrated that the small intestinal villi treated with LL-pEGF were higher (P < 0·05) than in the other treatments. LL-pEGF increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of the intestinal structural integrity proteins trefoil factor 3, claudin 1 (CLDN1), occludin and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), the digestive enzymes sucrose, aminopeptidase A, and aminopeptidase N, and the nutrient transporters sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 2, and peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) as compared with the control (P < 0·05) in the small intestine. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of CLDN1 in the jejunum and ZO-1 in the ileum were higher in the LL-EV group than in the control group (P < 0·05). LL-EV and the antibiotic control increased SGLT1 mRNA in the jejunum and PEPT1 mRNA in the ileum compared with the control (P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS Recombinant pEGF promotes cell mitosis. Oral administration of Lc. lactis-expressing pEGF stimulated intestinal development by upregulating the gene expression of the intestinal structural integrity proteins, the digestive enzymes and the nutrient transporters. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The combination of epidermal growth factor and genetically modified micro-organisms may be used as dietary supplements to reduce intestinal stress in animals and even humans.
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Wang S, Huang Y, Su R, Fang Z, Han M. Cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2015; 14:5856-61. [DOI: 10.4238/2015.june.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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86
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Holland D, Marwick T, Haluska B, Leano R, Hordern M, Hare J, Fang Z, Prins J, Stanton T. Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and 10-year outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Heart Lung Circ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2015.06.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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87
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Fang Z. Suitability research on the Evaluation of EQ-5Q and SF-6D Scale for the Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoarthritis. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2014; 17:A775. [PMID: 27202866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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88
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Li X, Du N, Zhang Q, Li J, Chen X, Liu X, Hu Y, Qin W, Shen N, Xu C, Fang Z, Wei Y, Wang R, Du Z, Zhang Y, Lu Y. MicroRNA-30d regulates cardiomyocyte pyroptosis by directly targeting foxo3a in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1479. [PMID: 25341033 PMCID: PMC4237254 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a common cardiac condition in patients with diabetes mellitus, which can result in cardiac hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure, associated with pyroptosis, the pro-inflammatory programmed cell death. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small endogenous non-coding RNAs, have been shown to be involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, whether miRNAs regulate pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy remains unknown. Our study revealed that mir-30d expression was substantially increased in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and in high-glucose-treated cardiomyocytes as well. Upregulation of mir-30d promoted cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy; conversely, knockdown of mir-30d attenuated it. In an effort to understand the signaling mechanisms underlying the pro-pyroptotic property of mir-30d, we found that forced expression of mir-30d upregulated caspase-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Moreover, mir-30d directly repressed foxo3a expression and its downstream protein, apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC). Furthermore, silencing ARC by siRNA mimicked the action of mir-30d: upregulating caspase-1 and inducing pyroptosis. These findings promoted us to propose a new signaling pathway leading to cardiomyocyte pyroptosis under hyperglycemic conditions: mir-30d↑→foxo3a↓→ ARC↓→caspase-1↑→IL-1β, IL-18↑→pyroptosis↑. Therefore, mir-30d may be a promising therapeutic target for the management of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Xu N, Biswas PK, Dil JH, Dhaka RS, Landolt G, Muff S, Matt CE, Shi X, Plumb NC, Radović M, Pomjakushina E, Conder K, Amato A, Borisenko SV, Yu R, Weng HM, Fang Z, Dai X, Mesot J, Ding H, Shi M. Direct observation of the spin texture in SmB6 as evidence of the topological Kondo insulator. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4566. [PMID: 25074332 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Topological Kondo insulators have been proposed as a new class of topological insulators in which non-trivial surface states reside in the bulk Kondo band gap at low temperature due to strong spin-orbit coupling. In contrast to other three-dimensional topological insulators, a topological Kondo insulator is truly bulk insulating. Furthermore, strong electron correlations are present in the system, which may interact with the novel topological phase. By applying spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, here we show that the surface states of SmB6 are spin polarized. The spin is locked to the crystal momentum, fulfilling time reversal and crystal symmetries. Our results provide strong evidence that SmB6 can host topological surface states in a bulk insulating gap stemming from the Kondo effect, which can serve as an ideal platform for investigating of the interplay between novel topological quantum states with emergent effects and competing orders induced by strongly correlated electrons.
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90
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Huang B, Fang Z, Huang Y, Lin P, Chen Z. A dosimetric analysis of volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy with jaw width restriction vs 7 field intensity-modulated radiotherapy for definitive treatment of cervical cancer. Br J Radiol 2014; 87:20140183. [PMID: 24834477 PMCID: PMC4075592 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20140183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Radiation therapy treatment planning was performed to compare the dosimetric difference between volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy (RapidArc™ v. 10; Varian® Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) and 7-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (7f-IMRT) in the definitive treatment of cervical cancer. METHODS 13 patients with cervical cancer were enrolled in this study. Planning target volume (PTV) 50 and PTV60 were prescribed at a dose of 50 and 60 Gy in 28 fractions, respectively. The dose to the PTV60 was delivered as a simultaneous integrated boost to the pelvic lymph nodes. Owing to the mechanical limitation of the multileaf collimator in which the maximum displacement was limited to 15 cm, two types of RapidArc with different jaw width restrictions (15 and 20-23 cm) were investigated to evaluate their dosimetric differences. The RapidArc plan type with dosimetric superiority was then compared against the 7f-IMRT on the target coverage, sparing of the organs at risk (OARs), monitor units, treatment time and delivery accuracy to determine whether RapidArc is beneficial for the treatment of cervical cancer. RESULTS The 15-cm jaw width restriction had better performance compared with the restrictions that were longer than 15 cm in the sparing of the OARs. The 15-cm RapidArc spared the OARs, that is, the bladder, rectum, small intestine, femoral heads and bones, and improved treatment efficiency compared with 7f-IMRT. Both techniques delivered a high quality-assurance passing rate (>90%) according to the Γ3mm,3% criterion. CONCLUSION RapidArc with a 15-cm jaw width restriction spares the OARs and improves treatment efficiency in cervical cancer compared with 7f-IMRT. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This study describes the dosimetric superiority of RapidArc with a 15-cm jaw width restriction and explores the feasibility of using RapidArc for the definitive treatment of cervical cancer.
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Liu ZK, Jiang J, Zhou B, Wang ZJ, Zhang Y, Weng HM, Prabhakaran D, Mo SK, Peng H, Dudin P, Kim T, Hoesch M, Fang Z, Dai X, Shen ZX, Feng DL, Hussain Z, Chen YL. A stable three-dimensional topological Dirac semimetal Cd3As2. NATURE MATERIALS 2014; 13:677-81. [PMID: 24859642 DOI: 10.1038/nmat3990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) topological Dirac semimetals (TDSs) are a recently proposed state of quantum matter that have attracted increasing attention in physics and materials science. A 3D TDS is not only a bulk analogue of graphene; it also exhibits non-trivial topology in its electronic structure that shares similarities with topological insulators. Moreover, a TDS can potentially be driven into other exotic phases (such as Weyl semimetals, axion insulators and topological superconductors), making it a unique parent compound for the study of these states and the phase transitions between them. Here, by performing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we directly observe a pair of 3D Dirac fermions in Cd3As2, proving that it is a model 3D TDS. Compared with other 3D TDSs, for example, β-cristobalite BiO2 (ref. 3) and Na3Bi (refs 4, 5), Cd3As2 is stable and has much higher Fermi velocities. Furthermore, by in situ doping we have been able to tune its Fermi energy, making it a flexible platform for exploring exotic physical phenomena.
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Zhu J, Zhang JL, Kong PP, Zhang SJ, Yu XH, Zhu JL, Liu QQ, Li X, Yu RC, Ahuja R, Yang WG, Shen GY, Mao HK, Weng HM, Dai X, Fang Z, Zhao YS, Jin CQ. Superconductivity in topological insulator Sb2Te3 induced by pressure. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2016. [PMID: 23783511 PMCID: PMC3687246 DOI: 10.1038/srep02016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Topological superconductivity is one of most fascinating properties of topological quantum matters that was theoretically proposed and can support Majorana Fermions at the edge state. Superconductivity was previously realized in a Cu-intercalated Bi2Se3 topological compound or a Bi2Te3 topological compound at high pressure. Here we report the discovery of superconductivity in the topological compound Sb2Te3 when pressure was applied. The crystal structure analysis results reveal that superconductivity at a low-pressure range occurs at the ambient phase. The Hall coefficient measurements indicate the change of p-type carriers at a low-pressure range within the ambient phase, into n-type at higher pressures, showing intimate relation to superconducting transition temperature. The first principle calculations based on experimental measurements of the crystal lattice show that Sb2Te3 retains its Dirac surface states within the low-pressure ambient phase where superconductivity was observed, which indicates a strong relationship between superconductivity and topology nature.
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Martinson KL, Coleman RC, Rendahl AK, Fang Z, McCue ME. Estimation of body weight and development of a body weight score for adult equids using morphometric measurements. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:2230-8. [PMID: 24663191 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-6689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive BW has become a major health issue in the equine (Equus caballus) industry. The objectives were to determine if the addition of neck circumference and height improved existing BW estimation equations, to develop an equation for estimation of ideal BW, and to develop a method for assessing the likelihood of being overweight in adult equids. Six hundred and twenty-nine adult horses and ponies who met the following criteria were measured and weighed at 2 horse shows in September 2011 in Minnesota: age ≥ 3 yr, height ≥ 112 cm, and nonpregnant. Personnel assessed BCS on a scale of 1 to 9 and measured wither height at the third thoracic vertebra, body length from the point of shoulder to the point of the buttock, neck and girth circumference, and weight using a portable livestock scale. Individuals were grouped into breed types on the basis of existing knowledge and were confirmed with multivariate ANOVA analysis of morphometric measurements. Equations for estimated and ideal BW were developed using linear regression modeling. For estimated BW, the model was fit using all individuals and all morphometric measurements. For ideal BW, the model was fit using individuals with a BCS of 5; breed type, height, and body length were considered as these measurements are not affected by adiposity. A BW score to assess the likelihood of being overweight was developed by fitting a proportional odds logistic regression model on BCS using the difference between ideal and estimated BW, the neck to height ratio, and the girth to height ratio as predictors; this score was then standardized using the data from individuals with a BCS of 5. Breed types included Arabian, stock, and pony. Mean (± SD) BCS was 5.6 ± 0.9. BW (kg) was estimated by taking [girth (cm)(1.48)6 × length (cm)(0.554) × height (cm)(0.599) × neck (cm)(0.173)]/3,596, 3,606, and 3,441 for Arabians, ponies, and stock horses, respectively (R(2) = 0.92; mean-squared error (MSE) = 22 kg). Ideal BW (kg) was estimated by taking [length (cm) × 2.8] + [height (cm) × 4.2] - 611, 606, and 577 for Arabians, ponies, and stock horses, respectively (R(2) = 0.86; MSE = 24). Equids with a BCS of ≥ 7 had a greater likelihood of being overweight, and the model suggested cutoffs at the 48th and 83rd percentiles for underweight and overweight individuals, respectively. Morphometric measurements were successfully used to develop equid BW-related equations.
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Liu ZK, Zhou B, Zhang Y, Wang ZJ, Weng HM, Prabhakaran D, Mo SK, Shen ZX, Fang Z, Dai X, Hussain Z, Chen YL. Discovery of a three-dimensional topological Dirac semimetal, Na3Bi. Science 2014; 343:864-7. [PMID: 24436183 DOI: 10.1126/science.1245085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 528] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) topological Dirac semimetals (TDSs) represent an unusual state of quantum matter that can be viewed as "3D graphene." In contrast to 2D Dirac fermions in graphene or on the surface of 3D topological insulators, TDSs possess 3D Dirac fermions in the bulk. By investigating the electronic structure of Na3Bi with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we detected 3D Dirac fermions with linear dispersions along all momentum directions. Furthermore, we demonstrated the robustness of 3D Dirac fermions in Na3Bi against in situ surface doping. Our results establish Na3Bi as a model system for 3D TDSs, which can serve as an ideal platform for the systematic study of quantum phase transitions between rich topological quantum states.
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Cai X, Fang Z, Dou J, Yu A, Zhai G. Bioavailability of quercetin: problems and promises. Curr Med Chem 2013; 20:2572-82. [PMID: 23514412 DOI: 10.2174/09298673113209990120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin (QC) is a typical plant flavonoid, possesses diverse pharmacologic effects including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-anaphylaxis effects and against aging. However, the application of QC in pharmaceutical field is limited due to its poor solubility, low bioavailability, poor permeability and instability. To improve the bioavailability of QC, numerous approaches have been undertaken, involving the use of promising drug delivery systems such as inclusion complexes, liposomes, nanoparticles or micelles, which appear to provide higher solubility and bioavailability. Enhanced bioavailability of QC in the near future is likely to bring this product to the forefront of therapeutic agents for treatment of human disease.
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Hua KF, Chou JC, Lam Y, Tasi YL, Chen A, Ka SM, Fang Z, Liu ML, Yang FL, Yang YL, Chiu YC, Wu SH. Polyenylpyrrole derivatives inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory mediator expression by reducing reactive oxygen species production and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76754. [PMID: 24116148 PMCID: PMC3792051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Two polyenylpyrroles from a soil ascomycete Gymnoascus reessii were previously identified as hit compounds in screening for cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells. These compounds and various analogs, which have been previously synthesized and tested for anti-lung cancer cell activity, were tested for anti-inflammatory activity. After preliminary screening for cytotoxicity for RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, the non-toxic compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1h, 1i, and 1n reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, with respective ED50 values of 15 ± 2, 16 ± 2, and 17 ± 2 µM. They also reduced expression of inducible NO synthase and interleukin-6 (IL-6) without affecting cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Compound 1h also reduced secretion of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α by LPS-activated J774A.1 murine macrophage cells, primary mice peritoneal macrophages, and JAWSII murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion by LPS + adenosine triphosphate-activated J774A.1 and JAWSII cells. The underlying mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory activity of compound 1h were found to be a decrease in LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and NF-κB activation and a decrease in ATP-induced ROS production and PKC-α phosphorylation. These results provide promising insights into the anti-inflammatory activity of these conjugated polyenes and a molecular rationale for future therapeutic intervention in inflammation-related diseases. They also show how compound 1h regulates inflammation and suggest it may be a new source for the development of anti-inflammatory agents to ameliorate inflammation- and NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.
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Kong PP, Zhang JL, Zhang SJ, Zhu J, Liu QQ, Yu RC, Fang Z, Jin CQ, Yang WG, Yu XH, Zhu JL, Zhao YS. Superconductivity of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 at high pressure. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2013; 25:362204. [PMID: 23945091 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/36/362204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The pressure-induced superconductivity and structural evolution of Bi2Se3 single crystals are studied. The emergence of superconductivity at an onset transition temperature (Tc) of about 4.4 K is observed at around 12 GPa. Tc increases rapidly to a maximum of 8.2 K at 17.2 GPa, decreases to around 6.5 K at 23 GPa, and then remains almost constant with further increases in pressure. Variations in Tc with respect to pressure are closely related to the carrier density, which increases by over two orders of magnitude from 2 to 23 GPa. High-pressure synchrotron radiation measurements reveal structural transitions at around 12, 20, and above 29 GPa. A phase diagram of superconductivity versus pressure is also constructed.
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Tang ZH, Fang Z, Zeng F, Li Z, Zhou L. Association and interaction analysis of metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid on diastolic heart failure. J Endocrinol Invest 2013; 36:579-83. [PMID: 23404264 DOI: 10.3275/8851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the extent to which metabolic syndrome (MetS) and serum uric acid (UA) and its interaction impact on diastolic heart failure (DHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 133 patients with DHF and 118 age- and gender-matched control subjects were studied. Echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. MetS was defined by suggestions of international diabetes federation (IDF, 2005). The association between MetS or UA and DHF was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLR) controlling confounders. The interaction between MetS and UA on DHF was assessed by generalized linear model (GLM) and MLR analysis. RESULTS MetS and UA were independent predictors of DHF after adjustment for all variables (OR=0.833~2.27, ORUA=1.003 and p<0.05 for all). There was an interaction effect of MetS and UA on DHF (ORInt=2.41~2.66, pInt<0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of the present study suggested that MetS or UA is associated with DHF, and that MetS interacts with UA to impact on DHF.
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Hua KF, Liao PC, Fang Z, Yang FL, Yang YL, Chen YL, Chiu YC, Liu ML, Lam Y, Wu SH. Generation of reactive oxygen species by polyenylpyrroles derivatives causes DNA damage leading to G2/M arrest and apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67603. [PMID: 23840748 PMCID: PMC3695893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 5.8% of all malignancies in Taiwan and the incidence of OSCC is on the rise. OSCC is also a common malignancy worldwide and the five-year survival rate remains poor. Therefore, new and effective treatments are needed to control OSCC. In the present study we have investigated the efficacy and associated mechanisms of polyenylpyrroles and their analogs in both in vitro cell culture and in vivo nude mice xenografts. Auxarconjugatin B (compound 1a) resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and caspase-dependent apoptosis in OEC-M1 and HSC-3 cells by activating DNA damage and mitochondria dysfunction through the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, increase in B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein level, and decrease in B-cell lymphoma-2 level. Compound 1a-induced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species through cytochrome P450 1A1 was identified as a major mechanism of its effect for DNA damage, mitochondria dysfunction and apoptosis, which was reversed by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine as well as cytochrome P450 1A1 inhibitor and specific siRNA. Furthermore, compound 1a-treated nude mice showed a reduction in the OEC-M1 xenograft tumor growth and an increase in the caspase-3 activation in xenograft tissue. These results provide promising insights as to how compound 1a mediates cytotoxicity and may prove to be a molecular rationale for its translation into a potential therapeutic against OSCC.
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Han X, Chen Y, Zhu H, Preston C, Wan J, Fang Z, Hu L. Scalable, printable, surfactant-free graphene ink directly from graphite. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 24:205304. [PMID: 23609377 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/24/20/205304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this manuscript, we develop printable graphene ink through a solvent-exchange method. Printable graphene ink in ethanol and water free of any surfactant is dependent on matching the surface tension of the cross-solvent with the graphene surface energy. Percolative transport behavior is observed for films made of this printable ink. Optical conductivity is then calculated based on sheet resistance, optical transmittance, and thickness. Upon analyzing the ratio of dc/optical conductivity versus flake size/layer number, we report that our dc/optical conductivity is among the highest of films based on direct deposited graphene ink. This is the first demonstration of scalable, printable, surfactant-free graphene ink derived directly from graphite.
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