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Li H, Li R, Qu J, Yu X, Cao Z, Liu Y, Cao B. Ventricular tachycardia in a disseminated MDR-TB patient: a case report and brief review of literature. Front Med 2014; 8:259-63. [PMID: 24627287 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-014-0321-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although significant breakthroughs have been achieved in tuberculosis management, we still encounter numerous difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Additionally, a new challenge, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with unspecific clinical presentation, often results in delayed diagnosis. In this paper, we reported a case of disseminated tuberculosis with rare presentation of ventricular fibrillation, which proved resistant to both isoniazid and rifampicin. A review of literature showed that ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia in tuberculosis patients with pericarditis or myocarditis has been sporadically reported in the past, but none has been conducted involving patients with MDR-TB infections.
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Gu L, Chen X, Li H, Qu J, Miao M, Zhou F, Zhu Y, Wang X, Wang C, Liu Y, Li W, Cao B. A case of lethal hemolytic anemia associated with severe pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Chin Med J (Engl) 2014; 127:3839. [PMID: 25382347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
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Qu J, Yu X, Liu Y, Yin Y, Gu L, Cao B, Wang C. Specific multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis genotypes of Mycoplasma pneumoniae are associated with diseases severity and macrolide susceptibility. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82174. [PMID: 24367502 PMCID: PMC3867324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical relevance of multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is unknown. A multi-center, prospective study was conducted from November 2010 to April 2012. Nine hundred and fifty-four CAP patients were consecutively enrolled. M. pneumoniae clinical isolates were obtained from throat swabs. MLVA typing was applied to all isolates. Comparison of pneumonia severity index (PSI) and clinical features among patients infected with different MLVA types of M. pneumoniae were conducted. One hundred and thirty-six patients were positive with M. pneumoniae culture. The clinical isolates were clustered into 18 MLVA types. One hundred and fourteen (88.3%) isolates were resistant to macrolide, covering major MLVA types. The macrolide non-resistant rate of M. pneumoniae isolates with Mpn13-14-15-16 profile of 3-5-6-2 was significantly higher than that of other types (p≤0.001). Patients infected with types U (5-4-5-7-2) and J (3-4-5-7-2) had significantly higher PSI scores (p<0.001) and longer total duration of cough (p = 0.011). Therefore it seems that there is a correlation between certain MLVA types and clinical severity of disease and the presence of macrolide resistance.
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Shao Y, Qin W, Liu H, Qu J, Peng X, Niu H, Gao B. Multifocal multiphoton microscopy based on a spatial light modulator. APPLIED PHYSICS. B, LASERS AND OPTICS 2013; 107:653-657. [PMID: 23894222 PMCID: PMC3722068 DOI: 10.1007/s00340-012-5027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We present a new multifocal multiphoton microscope that employs a programmable spatial light modulator to generate dynamic multifocus arrays which can be rapidly scanned by changing the incident angle of the laser beam using a pair of galvo scanners. Using this microscope, we can rapidly select the number and the spatial density of focal points in a multifocus array, as well as the locations and shapes of arrays according to the features of the areas of interest in the field of view without any change to the hardware.
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Qu J, Gu L, Wu J, Dong J, Pu Z, Gao Y, Hu M, Zhang Y, Gao F, Cao B, Wang C. Accuracy of IgM antibody testing, FQ-PCR and culture in laboratory diagnosis of acute infection by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adults and adolescents with community-acquired pneumonia. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:172. [PMID: 23578215 PMCID: PMC3637260 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adults and adolescents is hampered by a lack of rapid and standardized tests for detection. Methods CAP patients from 12 teaching hospitals were prospectively and consecutively recruited. Basic and clinical information, throat swabs and paired sera were collected. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected by IgG and IgM antibody tests, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and culture. A comparative study of the diagnostic values of three methods, including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was conducted. A fourfold or greater increase of IgG antibody titers of paired sera was set as the diagnostic “gold standard”. Results One hundred and twenty-five CAP patients (52.8% males, median age 47 years, range 14–85) were enrolled. Twenty-seven (21.6%) patients were diagnosed with acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections by the “gold standard”. Specificity values of all three methods were around 90%. An increasing trend of sensitivity, positive predictive value and PLR was found, with the lowest in IgM testing (7.4%, 28.6% and 1.45), intermediate in FQ-PCR (40.7%, 50% and 3.63), and highest in culture (55.6%, 75% and 10.9). Conclusions In the defined group of patients, there was a good agreement between positive rate of MP cultivation of throat swabs and acute M. pneumoniae infection (PLR of 10.9). Since the sensitivity is low in all of the evaluated methods, the logical approach would be to incorporate PCR, culture and serological tests for optimum diagnosis of acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in adults and adolescents.
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Xiao L, Qiao W, Guo H, Qu J. Synthesis of an Imidazoline Phosphate Surfactant and its Application on Corrosion Inhibition. TENSIDE SURFACT DET 2013. [DOI: 10.3139/113.100380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
An imidazoline phosphate surfactant is designed and synthesized, and its application on corrosion inhibition is evaluated from the following aspects: (1) concentration of inhibitor; (2) temperature; (3) concentration of acid. The imidazoline phosphate is also mixed with KI as an assistant agent, and the results from weight loss measurement show better inhibition efficiency.
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Rodrigues SN, Dickson SE, Qu J. Colloid retention mechanisms in single, saturated, variable-aperture fractures. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:31-42. [PMID: 23127622 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of fractured aquifers is commonly limited to the methodologies developed for unconsolidated porous media aquifers, which results in many uncertainties. Recent work indicates that fractured rocks remove more particulates than they are conventionally credited for. This research was designed to quantify the number of Escherichia coli RS2-GFP retained in single, saturated, variable-aperture fractures extracted from the natural environment. Conservative solute and E. coli RS2-GFP tracer experiments were used to elucidate the relationships between dominant retention mechanisms, aperture field characteristics, and flow rate. A non-destructive method of determining a surrogate measure of a coefficient of variation (COV(S)) for each fracture was used to better understand the transport behaviour of E. coli RS2-GFP. The results from this research all point to the importance of aperture field characterization in understanding the fate and transport of contaminants in fractured aquifers. The mean aperture was a very important characteristic in determining particulate recovery, so were matrix properties, COV(s), and flow rate. It was also determined that attachment is a much more significant retention mechanism than straining under the conditions employed in this research. Finally, it was demonstrated that the dominant retention mechanism in a fracture varies depending on the specific discharge. An improved understanding of the mechanisms that influence the fate and transport of contaminants through fractures will lead to the development of better tools and methodologies for the characterization of fractured aquifers, as well as the ability to manipulate the relevant mechanisms to increase or decrease retention, depending on the application.
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Liang H, Qu J. Decreased incidence of SIRS and sepsis by acupuncture in severe multiple traumatic patients via facilitation of vagal activity. Crit Care 2012. [PMCID: PMC3504839 DOI: 10.1186/cc11725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Gu L, Liu Z, Li X, Qu J, Guan W, Liu Y, Song S, Yu X, Cao B. Severe community-acquired pneumonia caused by adenovirus type 11 in immunocompetent adults in Beijing. J Clin Virol 2012; 54:295-301. [PMID: 22608839 PMCID: PMC7185447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to human adenoviruses (HAdVs) in immunocompetent adults has raised concerns. OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical, laboratorial, and radiological characteristics of adenovirus pneumonia and detect the type and diversity of human adenoviruses that caused acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Beijing. STUDY DESIGN An etiological study of adult community-acquired pneumonia was carried out prospectively at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital. A total of 18 cases with laboratory-confirmed adenovirus infections in 487 cases with CAP were observed clinically. The viral type and phylogenetic analysis were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Patients with adenovirus pneumonia typically reported flu-like symptoms. Some of them developed shortness of breath or severe dyspnea on 6 days after disease onset. The patients with ARDS usually present dyspnea, higher level of serum muscle enzymes and bilateral, mutilobal consolidation and patchy/ground-glass opacities. HAdVs type was detected in 17 samples and all of them belonged to species B (HAdV-11, 7, 3 and 14). Among them, HAdV-11 was most frequently (10/17), followed by HAdV-7 (5/17). Phylogenetic analysis of the partial penton nucleotide confirmed a close relationship with stains circulating in the Beijing region. CONCLUSIONS Our identification of severe respiratory illness due to adenovirus, especially type 11 may highlight the need for rapid diagnosis and improved surveillance, which may assist with targeted development of antiviral agents or type-specific vaccines.
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MESH Headings
- Adenovirus Infections, Human/epidemiology
- Adenovirus Infections, Human/physiopathology
- Adenovirus Infections, Human/virology
- Adenoviruses, Human/classification
- Adenoviruses, Human/genetics
- Adenoviruses, Human/isolation & purification
- Adolescent
- Adult
- China/epidemiology
- Community-Acquired Infections/epidemiology
- Community-Acquired Infections/physiopathology
- Community-Acquired Infections/virology
- DNA, Viral
- Female
- Humans
- Immunocompetence
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
- Pneumonia, Viral/physiopathology
- Pneumonia, Viral/virology
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Severity of Illness Index
- Young Adult
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Tang Y, Diao Y, Yu C, Gao X, Ju X, Xue C, Liu X, Ge P, Qu J, Zhang D. Characterization of a Tembusu virus isolated from naturally infected house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Northern China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2012; 60:152-8. [PMID: 22515847 DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2012.01328.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the most widely distributed wild birds in China. Tembusu virus (TMUV) strain, TMUV-SDHS, was isolated from house sparrows living around the poultry farms in Shandong Province, Northern China. Genetic analysis of E and NS5 genes showed that it had a close relationship with that of the YY5 strain, which can cause severe egg drop in ducks. Pathogenicity studies showed that the virus is highly virulent when experimentally inoculated into the ducks. These findings show that house sparrows carrying the Tembusu virus may play an important role in transmitting the virus among other species.
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Liu M, Tang G, Jacobs LJ, Qu J. A nonlinear wave mixing method for detecting Alkali-Silica reactivity of aggregates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4716396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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112
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Li J, Qu J, Zhang X, Zhang C, Liu Y, Cao H, Zhang W, Wang Y, Chen H, Chen G, Zheng Z, Shen M, Cheng Z, Tang J, Zhen H, Liao K, Chen C, Yang H, Tian Z, Zhang H, Hua S, Rao B, Wang N, Zhang Q, Liu T, Chen S, Wang L, Yi X. Characterization of 236 novel alleles at the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1 loci from China Marrow Donor Program. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 78:267-70. [PMID: 21732917 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2011.01731.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Two hundred and thirty-six novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are described from volunteer donors of the China Marrow Donor Program: 71 HLA-A alleles, 79 HLA-B alleles, 43 HLA-C, 16 HLA-DRB1 alleles, 26 HLA-DQB1 and 1 HLA-DPB1. Two hundred and thirteen (90.3%) of the 236 novel alleles are single nucleotide substitution variants when compared with their most homologous allele. Seventy-eight of these single nucleotide variants are silent substitutions. The remaining novel alleles differ from their most similar allele by two to four nucleotide substitutions. Some of the novel alleles encode amino acid changes at positions not previously reported to be polymorphic, such as codons 57, 62, 67, 41 and 52 in HLA-A alleles; codons 133, 156, 201 and 215 in HLA-B alleles; codons 74, 208 and 225 in HLA-C; codons 25, 32 and 72 in HLA-DRB1; codons 20, 39 and 77 in HLA-DQB1.
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Qu X, Zhang L, Teng Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Xu L, Qu J, Hou K, Yang X, Liu Y. Prognostic value of expression of RANK and c-Src in patients with breast cancer with bone metastasis. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e21024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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114
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Jiang Z, Shen M, Mao G, Chen D, Wang J, Qu J, Lu F. Association between corneal biomechanical properties and myopia in Chinese subjects. Eye (Lond) 2011; 25:1083-9. [PMID: 21546923 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2011.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the relationship between corneal biomechanical properties and the degree of myopia. METHODS Chinese subjects (n=172, age: 11-65 years) were divided into diagnostic groups with non-myopia (spherical equivalence (SE)>-0.50 D), low (-3.00 ≤ SE ≤ -0.50 D), moderate (-6.00 ≤ SE < -3.00 D), and high myopia (SE<-6.00 D). Only the right eye of each subject was analyzed. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured by optical coherence tomography. An ocular response analyzer was used to measure corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc). Refraction was measured by both automated and subjective refractometry and expressed as SE. RESULTS CH was significantly lower in high myopia compared with both low and non-myopia (P ≤ 0.002). CCT was 1.5 times more correlated to CH variation compared with refraction. Similarly, CRF was four times more dependent on CCT than refraction. CH (P<0.001) or CRF (P=0.005) was positively correlated to refraction. Both IOP and IOPcc were negatively correlated to refraction (P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS CH decreases only in high myopia. Refraction is positively correlated to both CH and CRF but negatively correlated to both IOP and IOPcc. These results indicate that the mechanical strength in anterior segment of the eye is compromised in high myopia. In addition, high myopia may increase the risk of glaucoma.
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Wu W, Cannon PS, Yan W, Tu Y, Selva D, Qu J. Effects of Merogel coverage on wound healing and ostial patency in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for primary chronic dacryocystitis. Eye (Lond) 2011; 25:746-53. [PMID: 21394118 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2011.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of Merogel coverage on ostial patency in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EES-DCR) for primary chronic dacryocystitis (PCD). METHODS In all, 260 patients with unilateral PCD were randomized into two groups: the Merogel group and the control group. All patients underwent EES-DCR. The Merogel group received Merogel covering the wound 1-2 mm around the ostium and the control group received no treatment. Patients were followed up for 9 months. The mucosal epithelialization of the wound, the proliferation of fibrosis tissue, and the success rate of ostial patency were compared. RESULTS Our study included 112 patients in the Merogel group and 115 patients in the control group. At the 2-week review, intact mucosal epithelium lined the ostia in 96 Merogel patients compared with 80 control patients (ITT analysis: χ(2)=4.502, P=0.034). At the 9-month review, scars were present in 18 patients in the Merogel group compared with 39 patients in the control group (ITT analysis: χ(2)=9.909, P=0.002, ITT analysis). No differences were observed in the granulation formation between the two groups. The success rate of ostial patency reached 94.6% (106/112) in the Merogel group compared with 80% (92/115) in the control group (ITT analysis: χ(2)=4.151, P=0.042). CONCLUSION Merogel coverage may enhance the success rate of EES-DCR for PCD by promoting mucosal epithelial healing and preventing excessive scarring.
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Zeng G, Xu C, Liu Y, Qu J, Jiang T. Lower Temperature Plasticizing and Extrusion of Polymer in Spherical Screw Extruder under Vibration Force Field. INT POLYM PROC 2011. [DOI: 10.3139/217.2372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Physical and mathematical model for polymer plasticizing in proposed electromagnetic dynamic spherical screw extruder were developed to explore polymer plasticizing and molding mechanism at lower temperature under vibration force field. Polymer plasticizing mechanism was studied by deriving the mathematical expressions of energy consumed and the polymer flow. The energy consumed in polymer plasticizing was depicted in terms of vibrating dissipation, polymer deformation, shear and friction energy. LDPE was used as an objective material and extruded by the extruder with the electromagnetic excitation and spherical screw. The experimental results show the good agreement with theoretical calculations. Both of them show that: Polymer processing temperature and energy consumption decrease significantly while the plasticizing rate is increased over 60% by introducing the vibration force field. The research offers experimental and theoretical references as well as the evaluation method for optimizing the polymer processing parameters and designing the vibration induced equipment.
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Xia E, Liu Y, Huang X, Zheng J, Yu D, Ma N, Li Y, Qu J. Hysteroscopy Combined with Laparoscopic Metroplasty for the Treatment of Complete Bicornuate Uterus – Two Cases Report. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2010.08.579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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118
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Vo D, Ramamurthy AS, Qu J, Zhao XP. Containment wells to form hydraulic barriers along site boundaries. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2008; 160:240-243. [PMID: 18467026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.02.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 02/27/2008] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In the field, aquifer remediation methods include pump and treat procedures based on hydraulic control systems. They are used to reduce the level of residual contamination present in the soil and soil pores of aquifers. Often, physical barriers are erected along the boundaries of the target (aquifer) site to reduce the leakage of the released soil contaminant to the surrounding regions. Physical barriers are expensive to build and dismantle. Alternatively, based on simple hydraulic principles, containment wells or image wells injecting clear water can be designed and built to provide hydraulic barriers along the contaminated site boundaries. For brevity, only one pattern of containment well system that is very effective is presented in detail. The study briefly reports about the method of erecting a hydraulic barrier around a contaminated region based on the simple hydraulic principle of images. During the clean-up period, hydraulic barriers can considerably reduce the leakage of the released contaminant from the target site to surrounding pristine regions. Containment wells facilitate the formation of hydraulic barriers. Hence, they control the movement of contaminants away from the site that is being remedied. However, these wells come into play, only when the pumping operation for cleaning up the site is active. After operation, they can be filled with soil to permit the natural ground water movement. They can also be used as monitoring wells.
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Anbazhagan V, Qu J, Kleinschmidt JH, Marsh D. Incorporation of outer membrane protein OmpG in lipid membranes: protein-lipid interactions and beta-barrel orientation. Biochemistry 2008; 47:6189-98. [PMID: 18473482 DOI: 10.1021/bi800203g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OmpG is an intermediate size, monomeric, outer membrane protein from Escherichia coli, with n beta = 14 beta-strands. It has a large pore that is amenable to modification by protein engineering. The stoichiometry ( N b = 20) and selectivity ( K r = 0.7-1.2) of lipid-protein interaction with OmpG incorporated in dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes was determined with various 14-position spin-labeled lipids by using EPR spectroscopy. The limited selectivity for different lipid species is consistent with the disposition of charged residues in the protein. The conformation and orientation (beta-strand tilt and beta-barrel order parameters) of OmpG in disaturated phosphatidylcholines of odd and even chain lengths from C(12:0) to C(17:0) was determined from polarized infrared spectroscopy of the amide I and amide II bands. A discontinuity in the protein orientation (deduced from the beta-barrel order parameters) is observed at the point of hydrophobic matching of the protein with lipid chain length. Compared with smaller (OmpA; n beta = 8) and larger (FhuA; n beta = 22) monomeric E. coli outer membrane proteins, the stoichiometry of motionally restricted lipids increases linearly with the number of beta-strands, the tilt (beta approximately 44 degrees ) of the beta-strands is comparable for the three proteins, and the order parameter of the beta-barrel increases regularly with n beta. These systematic features of the integration of monomeric beta-barrel proteins in lipid membranes could be useful for characterizing outer membrane proteins of unknown structure.
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Xu J, Qu J, Cao L, Sai Y, Chen C, He L, Yu L. Mesenchymal stem cell-based angiopoietin-1 gene therapy for acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice. J Pathol 2008; 214:472-81. [PMID: 18213733 DOI: 10.1002/path.2302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can serve as a vehicle for gene therapy. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) is a critical factor for endothelial survival and vascular stabilization via the inhibition of endothelial permeability and leukocyte-endothelium interactions. We hypothesized that MSC-based Ang1 gene therapy might be a potential therapeutic approach for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury. MSCs were isolated from 6 week-old inbred male mice and transduced with the Ang1 gene, using a lentivirus vector. The MSCs showed no significant phenotypic changes after transduction. In the in vivo mouse model, the LPS-induced lung injury was markedly alleviated in the group treated with MSCs carrying Ang1 (MSCs-Ang1), compared with groups treated with MSCs or Ang1 alone. The expression of Ang1 protein in the recipient lungs was increased after MSCs-Ang1 administration. The histopathological and biochemical indices of LPS-induced lung injury were improved after MSCs-based Ang1 gene treatment. MSCs-Ang1 administration also reduced pulmonary vascular endothelial permeability and the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the lung. Cells of MSC origin could be detected in the recipient lungs for 2 weeks after injection with MSCs. These results suggest that MSCs and Ang1 have a synergistic role in the treatment of LPS-induced lung injury. MSC-based Ang1 gene therapy may be developed as a potential novel strategy for the treatment of acute lung injury.
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Klepper CC, Williams JM, Truhan J, Qu J, Riester L, Hazelton RC, Moschella J, Blau P, Anderson J, Popoola O, Keitz M. Tribo-mechanical properties of thin boron coatings deposited on polished cobalt alloy surfaces for orthopedic applications. THIN SOLID FILMS 2008; 516:3070-3080. [PMID: 19340285 PMCID: PMC2435378 DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2007.10.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents experimental evidence that thin (< approximately 200 nm) boron coatings, deposited with a (vacuum) cathodic arc technique on pre-polished Co-Cr-Mo surfaces, could potentially extend the life of metal-on-polymer orthopedic devices using cast Co-Cr-Mo alloy for the metal component. The primary tribological test used a linear, reciprocating pin-on-disc arrangement, with pins made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The disks were cast Co-Cr-Mo samples that were metallographically polished and then coated with boron at a substrate bias of 500 V and at about 100 degrees C. The wear tests were carried out in a saline solution to simulate the biological environment. The improvements were manifested by the absence of a detectable wear track scar on the coated metal component, while significant polymer transfer film was detected on the uncoated (control) samples tested under the same conditions. The polymer transfer track was characterized with both profilometry and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy. Mechanical characterization of the thin films included nano-indentation, as well as additional pin-on-disk tests with a steel ball to demonstrate adhesion, using ultra-high frequency acoustic microscopy to probe for any void occurrence at the coating-substrate interface.
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Jiang H, Qu J, He L, Pan J, Chen X, Li L, Zhu D, Cao Y. Airway hyperresponsiveness induced by repetitive intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysacharide and the involvement of inflammation and nitric oxide in guinea pigs. Inflamm Res 2006; 55:286-92. [PMID: 16955391 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-006-0085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is involved in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and produces respiratory symptoms. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been found to be significantly related to the severity of asthma. However, its clinical mechanism still remains controversial. This study investigated the in vivo effect of repetitive intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in guinea pigs and the possible involvement of inflammation, nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). METHODS There were two exposure groups for intraperitoneal LPS injection: (1) LPS was given at a dose of 1 mg x kg(-1), followed by sterile saline (NS) 1 ml x kg(-1) 8 h later every 24 h; (2) LPS was given at a dose of 0.5 mg x kg(-1) two times with an interval of 8 h every 24 h. Each exposure regime was repeated 4 times. Control animals were given NS and 6 naive guinea pigs were used as baseline control. Determinations were made 24 h after each exposure. RESULTS Persistent AHR occurred 24 h after the third and fourth exposures to LPS in the first exposure group (at one dose), but occurred earlier after the exposures to LPS in the second exposure group (at divided doses). The numbers of total cells and neutrophils were elevated initially but subsided subsequently in LPS-treated groups. No evidence of morphological changes in the small airways was found 24 h after any of the exposures. The Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent NOS activities (mainly produced by iNOS) in the BALF, as well as the production of NO, were significantly elevated 24 h after any of third and fourth exposures in LPS-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that repetitive intraperitoneal LPS can induce persistent AHR which occurs earlier when the frequency of injection increase, and an elevation of NO production and iNOS activity may be involved in is systemic-LPS-induced AHR.
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Shao C, Qu J, He L, Zhang Y, Wang J, Wang Y, Zhou H, Liu X. Transient overexpression of gamma interferon promotes Aspergillus clearance in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2005; 142:233-41. [PMID: 16232209 PMCID: PMC1809513 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2005.02828.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are critical molecules necessary for normal lung pathogen host defences. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and T1-phenotype immune responses are important components of host defence against Aspergillus. Therefore, we hypothesized that transient overexpression of IFN-gamma within the lung could augment host immunity against Aspergillus. Here it was showed that intranasal administration of 5 x 10(7) colony-forming units (CFU) of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af ) induced the expression of IFN-gamma. Mice were intranasally (i.n) administrated with 5 x 10(8) PFU of a recombinant adenovirus vector containing the murine IFN-gamma cDNA (AdmIFN-gamma), and challenged 24 h later with Af. We observed that i.n. administration of AdmIFN-gamma resulted in about a fourfold increase in levels of IFN-gamma and IL-12 within the lung, about a 75% reduction in lung fungal contents at day 2 and a more than threefold higher survival rate in the AdmIFN-gamma-treated group compared to the controls (P < 0.01). This protection effect was not found when AdmIFN-gamma was i.p. administrated. Alveolar macrophages and lung leucocytes isolated from i.n. AdmIFN-gamma-treated animals displayed enhanced killing of intracellular Aspergillus organisms ex vivo. These results demonstrate that transient overexpression of IFN-gamma could augment host defence against Aspergillus.
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Wu X, Qu J, Hou L. Steroidogenesis in Women With Various Features of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Phenotype Representing Insulin Resistance-Related Over-Activities in Different Follicular Compartments. Fertil Steril 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.07.1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Shao C, Qu J, He L, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhou H, Wang Y, Liu X. Dendritic cells transduced with an adenovirus vector encoding interleukin-12 are a potent vaccine for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Genes Immun 2005; 6:103-14. [PMID: 15674391 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gene.6364167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a common and devastating pneumonia. We developed a novel antiinfective vaccine that couples the potent Ag-presenting capacity of dendritic cells (DCs) with paracrine delivery of interleukin-12 (IL-12) to local immune response sites. Our results showed that DCs engulfed Aspergillus conidia through coiling phagocytosis. Transfection of DCs with adenovirus encoding the cDNA of IL-12 did not affect their morphology and capacity to engulf conidia. The transduced DCs secreted IL-12, which was biologically active, to induce the production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) from spleen cells. Adoptive transfer of DCs pulsed with heat-inactivated Aspergillus fumigatus (HAF) to naive mice induced the Ag-specific production of IFN-gamma; the transduced HAF-pulsed DCs augmented this immune response further. Animals receiving HAF-pulsed DCs had lower fungal burdens, a more than three-fold higher survival rate at day 3. This protection was associated with a pronounced enhancement in the Aspergillus-specific IFN-gamma response. IL-12-engineered DCs augmented this protection strikingly as judged by a higher survival, and almost no Aspergillus could be detected in the lung of mice that had received IL-12-transduced HAF-pulsed DCs. These results suggest that antigen-pulsed DCs and IL-12 gene therapy could be used as adjunct therapy for aspergillosis.
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