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Cui Y, Fang L, Guo X, Wang X, Wang Y, Li P, Zhang Y, Zhang X. Responses of soil microbial communities to nutrient limitation in the desert-grassland ecological transition zone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 642:45-55. [PMID: 29894881 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Soil microorganisms are crucial to indicate ecosystem functions of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the responses of microbial communities to soil nutrient limitation in desert-grassland are still poorly understood. Hence, we investigated soil microbial community structures and metabolic characteristics in a desert-grassland ecological transition zone from the northern Loess Plateau, China, and explored the association of microbial communities with nutrient limitation via high-throughput sequencing. Threshold elemental ratios (TER) indicated that the microbial communities were strongly limited by nitrogen (N) under A. ordosica and P. tabuliformis communities. The phosphorus (P) limitation of microbial communities was observed in the aeolian sandy soil. The results imply that soil microbial communities had strong nutrient competition for N and P with aboveground vegetation in arid and oligotrophic ecosystems. The LEfSe and linear regression analysis revealed that the microbial taxa of Micrococcales, Micrococcaceae and Herpotrichiellaceae were significantly correlated with microbial N limitation. The Thermoleophilia taxa were significantly correlated with microbial P limitation. These biomarkers related to microbial nutrient limitation could be considered as the key microbial taxa to shape microbial communities and functions. Furthermore, N form had different effects on microbial communities, which NH4+-N strongly affected bacterial communities, whereas NO3--N had a significant influence on fungal communities. The different responses indicate that soil microorganisms had corresponding nutrient preferences for bacterial and fungal communities, which might alleviate the nutrient limitations and environmental stress. This study provided important insights on microbial community structures linking to community functions and on the mechanisms governing microbial N and P limitation in arid land ecosystems.
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Fang L, Wang J, Dai WC, Liang B, Chen HM, Fu XW, Zheng BB, Lei J, Huang CW, Zou SB. Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration: surgical indications and procedure strategies. Surg Endosc 2018; 32:4742-4748. [PMID: 30298446 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-018-6195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LTCBDE combined with or without modified techniques is safe and efficacious for the management of gallstones and concomitant, even large, common bile duct (CBD) stones. METHODS To describe the surgical indications and procedure strategies of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE), a retrospective analysis of 205 patients with concomitant gallstones and CBD stones treated using LTCBDE between June 2008 and June 2015 was performed. Clinical data on disease characteristics, methods for cystic duct incision and CBD stone extraction (with or without laser lithotripsy), and surgical outcomes were collected and reviewed. RESULTS CBD stones were successfully cleared in all patients. No patient was converted to choledochotomy or laparotomy. The cystic duct diameter ranged 3-8 mm, and 85 patients with cystic duct diameter ≥ 5 mm. The mean time for CBD stone extraction was 25.3 min, with the operative time ranged from 63 to 170 min. Lithotripsy was used in 74 (36.1%) patients among which 26 patients with cystic duct diameter ≥ 5 mm. Estimated blood loss during surgery was 10-120 ml per patient, and no intra-operative blood transfusions were needed. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.1 (range 3-7) days, and postoperative complications developed in seven patients. No bile duct injury, stricture, remnant, recurrent stones, or other adverse events were observed during the mean follow-up of 8 months. CONCLUSIONS Based on preoperative MRCP and intra-operative IOC findings about cystic duct diameter, the diameter of CBD, CBD stone size, we summarized and proposed the surgical indications and suitable techniques and strategies during LTCBDE.
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He W, Huang Y, Zhang Y, She W, Fang L, Wang Z. Cardiac rehabilitation therapy for coronary slow flow phenomenon. Herz 2018; 45:468-474. [PMID: 30191265 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-018-4742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation on coronary slow flow phenomenon. METHOD Included were 30 consecutive patients from June 2015 to June 2017. A thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame evaluation was used to estimate coronary blood flow velocity. All coronary angiography diameters were normal, but blood flow levels did not reach the TIMI level 3. All patients were treated with aspirin and rosuvastatin. Patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (cardiac rehabilitation treatment group, n = 15) or a control group (normal treatment without cardiac rehabilitation, n = 15). Plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine (Hcy) and arginine (Arg) expression levels were collected after admission. These indices were reviewed again after 20-30 weeks, improved subjective symptoms were evaluated by multiple outcome criteria (MOCs), and coronary angiography was used to evaluate the velocity of coronary artery blood flow. RESULT The expression levels of LDL-C and TG in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (both P < 0.01). The plasma levels of hs-CRP, Hcy and Arg were lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). In the experimental group, subjective symptoms of chest pain were significantly improved and the coronary artery blood flow velocity was significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Cardiac rehabilitation can reduce the plasma levels of LDL-C, TG, hs-CRP, Hcy and Arg, significantly improve the symptoms of coronary slow flow phenomenon and accelerate the speed of coronary artery blood flow.
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Riedl MA, Aygören-Pürsün E, Baker J, Farkas H, Anderson J, Bernstein J, Bouillet L, Busse P, Manning M, Magerl M, Gompels M, Huissoon AP, Longhurst H, Lumry W, Ritchie B, Shapiro R, Soteres D, Banerji A, Cancian M, Johnston DT, Craig T, Launay D, Li HH, Liebhaber M, Nickel T, Offenberger J, Rae W, Schrijvers R, Triggiani M, Wedner HJ, Dobo S, Cornpropst M, Clemons D, Fang L, Collis P, Sheridan W, Maurer M. Evaluation of avoralstat, an oral kallikrein inhibitor, in a Phase 3 hereditary angioedema prophylaxis trial: The OPuS-2 study. Allergy 2018; 73:1871-1880. [PMID: 29688579 PMCID: PMC6175137 DOI: 10.1111/all.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Effective inhibition of plasma kallikrein may have significant benefits for patients with hereditary angioedema due to deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1‐INH‐HAE) by reducing the frequency of angioedema attacks. Avoralstat is a small molecule inhibitor of plasma kallikrein. This study (OPuS‐2) evaluated the efficacy and safety of prophylactic avoralstat 300 or 500 mg compared with placebo. Methods OPuS‐2 was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study. Subjects were administered avoralstat 300 mg, avoralstat 500 mg, or placebo orally 3 times per day for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the angioedema attack rate based on adjudicator‐confirmed attacks. Results A total of 110 subjects were randomized and dosed. The least squares (LS) mean attack rates per week were 0.589, 0.675, and 0.593 for subjects receiving avoralstat 500 mg, avoralstat 300 mg, and placebo, respectively. Overall, 1 subject in each of the avoralstat groups and no subjects in the placebo group were attack‐free during the 84‐day treatment period. The LS mean duration of all confirmed attacks was 25.4, 29.4, and 31.4 hours for the avoralstat 500 mg, avoralstat 300 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. Using the Angioedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (AE‐QoL), improved QoL was observed for the avoralstat 500 mg group compared with placebo. Avoralstat was generally safe and well tolerated. Conclusions Although this study did not demonstrate efficacy of avoralstat in preventing angioedema attacks in C1‐INH‐HAE, it provided evidence of shortened angioedema episodes and improved QoL in the avoralstat 500 mg treatment group compared with placebo.
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Duan C, Fang L, Yang C, Chen W, Cui Y, Li S. Reveal the response of enzyme activities to heavy metals through in situ zymography. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 156:106-115. [PMID: 29547725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes in the soil are vital for assessing heavy metal soil pollution. Although the presence of heavy metals is thought to change the soil enzyme system, the distribution of enzyme activities in heavy metal polluted-soil is still unknown. For the first time, using soil zymography, we analyzed the distribution of enzyme activities of alfalfa rhizosphere and soil surface in the metal-contaminated soil. The results showed that the growth of alfalfa was significantly inhibited, and an impact that was most pronounced in seedling biomass and chlorophyll content. Catalase activity (CAT) in alfalfa decreased with increasing heavy metal concentrations, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content continually increased. The distribution of enzyme activities showed that both phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities were associated with the roots and were rarely distributed throughout the soil. In addition, the total hotspot areas of enzyme activities were the highest in extremely heavy pollution soil. The hotspot areas of phosphatase were 3.4%, 1.5% and 7.1% under none, moderate and extremely heavy pollution treatment, respectively, but increased from 0.1% to 0.9% for β-glucosidase with the increasing pollution levels. Compared with the traditional method of enzyme activities, zymography can directly and accurately reflect the distribution and extent of enzyme activity in heavy metals polluted soil. The results provide an efficient research method for exploring the interaction between enzyme activities and plant rhizosphere.
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Hou N, Jing F, Rong W, He DW, Zhu JJ, Fang L, Sun CJ. [Meta analysis of the efficacy and safety of drainage after total hip arthroplasty]. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI 2018; 97:1668-1672. [PMID: 28606258 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0376-2491.2017.21.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether suction drainage is safe and effective compared with no-drainage in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: The research was based on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Highwire, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WFSD.The data were analysed using RevMan 5.2.Twenty-seven randomised controlled trials involving 3 603 hips were included in the analysis. Results: The meta-analysis indicate that suction drainage increases the rate of homologous blood transfusion (OR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.49-2.64, P<0.000 01)and the length of stay (OR=0.66, 95%CI: -0.01-1.33, P=0.05) (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of infection(OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.52-1.22, P=0.30), wound haematomas(OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.21-1.10, P=0.08), oozing (OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.63-1.36, P=0.71) , deep venous thrombosis(OR=2.12, 95%CI: 0.68-6.56, P=0.19), VAS(OR=-0.06, 95%CI: -0.37-0.24, P=0.68) when the drainage group was compared with the no-drainage group. Conclusions: The comparison between suction drainage and no drainage in THA have indicated that no-drainage for easy total hip arthroplasty may be a better choice. However, orthopedic surgeon need to weigh the pros and cons of no-drainage in some complicated THAs.
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Zhou C, Fang L, Chen Y, Zhong J, Wang H, Xie P. Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on bone mineral density: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int 2018; 29:1243-1251. [PMID: 29435621 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-018-4413-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Our work is the first systematic meta-analysis to investigate the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication on bone mineral density. Through meta-analyzed 11 studies, our findings suggested that compared with nonusers, use of SSRIs was significantly associated with lumbar spine BMD reduction, particularly for old people. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has already been associated with bone mass loss. Their effects on bone mineral density (BMD) for the different bone sections have, however, thus been inconsistent. Here, we aim to assess the effects of SSRIs on BMD using a meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO for all English-written studies investigating the effects of SSRIs on BMD and published before November 2017. BMD was compared between non-SSRI users and SSRI users using a random-effect model with standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, subgroup analyses were performed based on study design, age, and sex in order to find the origins of high heterogeneity. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were used for the meta-analysis. Our study demonstrated that the use of SSRIs was significantly associated with lower BMD values (SMD - 0.40; 95% CI - 0.79 to 0.00; p = 0.05) and BMD Z-scores (SMD - 0.28; 95% CI - 0.50 to - 0.05; p = 0.02) of the lumbar spine, but not of the total hip and femoral neck. In addition, SSRI use was associated with a greater bone loss in older people. SSRI use is a risk factor of lower BMD of the lumbar spine, especially for older people. Future studies into the relationship between SSRI use and bone metabolism and bone mass need to be conducted with larger sample sizes for both men and women at different bone sites.
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Fang L. 2.4-O6The wellbeing of China’s rural to urban migrant children: A mixed-methods research exploring the dual impact of poverty and discrimination. Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky047.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Ling FL, Zhou TW, Liu XQ, Kang W, Zeng W, Zhang YX, Fang L, Lu Y, Zhou M. Electric field tuned MoS 2/metal interface for hydrogen evolution catalyst from first-principles investigations. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 29:03LT01. [PMID: 29243666 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aa9eb5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the interfacial properties of catalyst/substrate is crucial for the design of high-performance catalyst for important chemical reactions. Recent years have witnessed a surge of research in utilizing MoS2 as a promising electro-catalyst for hydrogen production, and field effect has been employed to enhance the activity (Wang et al 2017 Adv. Mater. 29, 1604464; Yan et al 2017 Nano Lett. 17, 4109-15). However, the underlying atomic mechanism remains unclear. In this paper, by using the prototype MoS2/Au system as a probe, we investigate effects of external electric field on the interfacial electronic structures via density functional theory (DFT) based first-principles calculations. Our results reveal that although there is no covalent interaction between MoS2 overlayer and Au substrate, an applied electric field efficiently adjusts the charge transfer between MoS2 and Au, leading to tunable Schottky barrier type (n-type to p-type) and decrease of barrier height to facilitate charge injection. Furthermore, we predict that the adsorption energy of atomic hydrogen on MoS2/Au to be readily controlled by electric field to a broad range within a modest magnitude of field, which may benefit the performance enhancement of hydrogen evolution reaction. Our DFT results provide valuable insight into the experimental observations and pave the way for future understanding and control of catalysts in practice, such as those with vacancies, defects, edge states or synthesized nanostructures.
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Xin DS, Zhou L, Li CZ, Zhang SQ, Huang HQ, Qiu GD, Lin LF, She YQ, Zheng JT, Chen C, Fang L, Chen ZS, Zhang SY. TC > 0.05 as a Pharmacokinetic Parameter of Paclitaxel for Therapeutic Efficacy and Toxicity in Cancer Patients. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2018; 13:341-347. [PMID: 29512471 DOI: 10.2174/1574892813666180305170439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paclitaxel (PTX) has remarkable anti-tumor activity, but it causes severe toxicities. There is an urgent need to seek an appropriate pharmacokinetic parameter of PTX to improve treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of pharmacokinetic parameter TC > 0.05 of paclitaxel (PTX) and its therapeutic efficacy and toxicity in patients with solid tumors. METHODS A total of 295 patients with ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who were admitted to the Tumor Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China, were recruited for this study. Patients received 3 weeks of PTX chemotherapy. The plasma concentrations of PTX were examined using the MyPaclitaxel™ kit. The patients' PTX TC > 0.05 (the time during which PTX plasma concentration exceed 0.05µmol/L) were calculated based on pharmacokinetic analysis. RESULTS The results showed that: (1) the concentrations of PTX in these 295 patients ranged from 0.0358-0.127 µmol/L; (2) the PTX TC > 0.05 ranged from 14 to 38h with a median time of 27h; (3) among all treatment cycles, there was a statistically significant difference in the PTX TC > 0.05 between CR+PR and SD+PD; (4) with the increasing value of TC > 0.05, level of leukopenia and leukopenic fever increased; (5) high PTX TC > 0.05 led to the occurrence of neutropenia, neutropenic fever, severe anemia, and severe peripheral neurotoxicity. Taken together, our results indicated that the pharmacokinetic parameter PTX TC > 0.05 was an effective measure of treatment efficacy and toxicity in patients with solid tumors. Maintaining PTX TC > 0.05 at 26 to 30h could improve its efficacy and reduce the incidence of leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, and peripheral neurotoxicity in these patients. CONCLUSION PTX TC > 0.05 is a key pharmacokinetic parameter of PTX which should be monitored to optimize individual treatment in patients with solid tumors.
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Bai H, Liu J, Fang L, Kataoka M, Takeda N, Wakita T, Li TC. Characterization of porcine sapelovirus isolated from Japanese swine with PLC/PRF/5 cells. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:727-734. [PMID: 29285901 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Porcine sapelovirus (PSV) is a causative agent of neurological disorders, fertility disorders and dermal lesions of swine. In this study, we isolated two PSV strains, Jpsv477 and Jpsv1315, from swine faecal specimens using a PLC/PRF/5 cell culture system. The PSV infection of PLC/PRF/5 cells induced a cytopathic effect (CPE). Two types of virus particles with identical diameter (~35 nm) but different densities (1.300 and 1.285 g/cm3 ) were observed in the cell culture supernatants. Analysis of the entire genome sequence of Jpsv477 and Jpsv1315 revealed that both strains possess 7,558 nucleotides and the poly (A) tail and have a typical PSV genome organization consisting of a 5' terminal untranslated region (5'UTR), a large open reading frame (ORF), and a 3' terminal untranslated region (3'UTR). The ORF encodes a single polyprotein that is subsequently processed into a leader protein (L), four structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4) and seven functional proteins (2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D). The structural proteins VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4 have molecular masses of ~35, ~26, ~25 and ~6 kDa. The N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4 confirmed that the cleavage sites between VP4 and VP2, VP2 and VP3, and VP3 and VP1 are K/A, Q/G and Q/G, respectively. We further confirmed that HepG2/C3A, Vero E6 and primary green monkey kidney cells (PGMKC) were also susceptible to PSV infection. The stability assay demonstrated that PSV was inactivated by heating at 60°C for 10 min or 65°C for 5 min. The virus also lost infectivity by incubation with 62.5 ppm of NaClO for 30 min.
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Fang L, Ray L, Owen A, Fogel S. Simultaneous EEG-FMRI reveals spindle-related neural correlates of human intellectual abilities during NREM sleep. Sleep Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fang L, Liu Y, Tian H, Chen H, Wang Y, Huang M. Proper land use for heavy metal-polluted soil based on enzyme activity analysis around a Pb-Zn mine in Feng County, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:28152-28164. [PMID: 29018994 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0308-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes in the soil are useful for assessing heavy metal soil pollution. We analyzed the activity of a number of enzymes, including urease, protease, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase, in three types of land (farmland, woodland, and grassland) to evaluate soil pollution by heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Cd). Our results showed that the tested soil was polluted by a combination of Pb, Zn, and Cd, but the primary pollutant was Cd. An ecological dose analysis demonstrated that urease was the most sensitive enzyme to Pb and Cd in the farmland, and catalase and phosphatase were the most sensitive enzymes to Pb, Zn, and Cd in the woodland and grassland. The ecological risk of Cd (E Cd ) was the smallest in all three types of land, suggesting that Cd was the major metal inhibiting enzyme activity. Electrical conductivity (EC) was shown to be a negative regulator, while nitrogen, phosphorus, and clay contents were positive regulators of soil enzyme activity. The total enzyme index (TEI) inhibition rates in the woodland were 22.2 and 38.6% under moderate and heavy pollution, respectively, which were lower than those of the other two types of land. Therefore, woodlands might be the optimum land use choice in relieving heavy metal pollution. Taken together, this study identified the key metal pollutant inhibiting soil enzyme activity and suitable land use patterns around typical metal mine. These results provide possible improvement strategies to the phytomanagement of metal-contaminated land around world.
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Zhao X, Wang Y, Wu H, Fang L, Liang J, Fan Q, Li P. Insights into the effect of humic acid on Ni(II) sorption mechanism on illite: Batch, XPS and EXAFS investigations. J Mol Liq 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2017.10.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fang L, Tong J, Dong Y, Xu D, Mao J, Zhou Y. De novo RNA sequencing transcriptome of Rhododendron obtusum identified the early heat response genes involved in the transcriptional regulation of photosynthesis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186376. [PMID: 29059200 PMCID: PMC5653301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhododendron spp. is an important ornamental species that is widely cultivated for landscape worldwide. Heat stress is a major obstacle for its cultivation in south China. Previous studies on rhododendron principally focused on its physiological and biochemical processes, which are involved in a series of stress tolerance. However, molecular or genetic properties of rhododendron’s response to heat stress are still poorly understood. The phenotype and chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics parameters of four rhododendron cultivars were compared under normal or heat stress conditions, and a cultivar with highest heat tolerance, “Yanzhimi” (R. obtusum) was selected for transcriptome sequencing. A total of 325,429,240 high quality reads were obtained and assembled into 395,561 transcripts and 92,463 unigenes. Functional annotation showed that 38,724 unigenes had sequence similarity to known genes in at least one of the proteins or nucleotide databases used in this study. These 38,724 unigenes were categorized into 51 functional groups based on Gene Ontology classification and were blasted to 24 known cluster of orthologous groups. A total of 973 identified unigenes belonged to 57 transcription factor families, including the stress-related HSF, DREB, ZNF, and NAC genes. Photosynthesis was significantly enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, and the changed expression pattern was illustrated. The key pathways and signaling components that contribute to heat tolerance in rhododendron were revealed. These results provide a potentially valuable resource that can be used for heat-tolerance breeding.
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Zhang C, Liu G, Song Z, Qu D, Fang L, Deng L. Natural succession on abandoned cropland effectively decreases the soil erodibility and improves the fungal diversity. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 27:2142-2154. [PMID: 28681951 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Changes in plants and soils during natural succession have been evaluated, but little is known about the effects of succession on the activities of soil microbes and their interactions with soil erodibility. We conducted a field study on the Chinese Loess Plateau, typical of this semiarid area, to determine the effect of secondary succession on the stability of soil structure against erosion and on the composition of soil fungal communities. Characteristics of plant, soil, and fungal communities were assessed across a 30-yr chronosequence of grassland developed from abandoned cropland. The diversity and composition of the fungal communities were determined using high-throughput sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer. Six grasslands were selected to represent different successional age classes: 0 (cropland), 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 yr. Short-term decreases (initial 5 yr) in the amounts of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and fungal biomass and in fungal diversity had returned to original levels (i.e., cropland) within 15 yr and were much higher after continued succession. Abandoning cropland for succession caused the soil erodibility (K) decrease and the aboveground coverage, soil nutrient levels, content of larger (>5 mm) water-stable aggregate, mean aggregate weight diameter, and diversity of the fungal communities improvement including arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMF), ectomycorrhizas (EMF), and saprotrophs. The fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota, Zygomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycota during the succession. The successional patterns of the plant and fungal communities were similar, although distinct fungal communities were not observed in the two initial stages, suggesting that fungal succession may develop more slowly than plant succession. Plant root biomass, EMF, and soil organic carbon content accounted for most of the variation of soil erodibility (28.6%, 19.5%, and 11.8%, respectively), indicating their importance in shaping soil structure to prevent erosion. Our results demonstrated that abandoning cropland for natural succession could decrease soil erodibility and increase fungal diversity. EMF plays an important role in soil stability against erosion in the Loess Plateau. Abandoning cropland for natural succession should be recommended for alleviating soil erosion and improving the degraded soils in this area.
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Gomeni R, Bressolle-Gomeni F, Spencer TJ, Faraone SV, Fang L, Babiskin A. Model-Based Approach for Optimizing Study Design and Clinical Drug Performances of Extended-Release Formulations of Methylphenidate for the Treatment of ADHD. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2017; 102:951-960. [PMID: 28369788 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH) is currently used to treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Several extended-release (ER) formulations characterized by a dual release process were developed to improve efficacy over an extended duration. In this study, a model-based approach using literature data was developed to: 1) evaluate the most efficient pharmacokinetic (PK) model to characterize the complex PK profile of MPH ER formulations; 2) provide PK endpoint metrics for comparing ER formulations; 3) define criteria for optimizing development of ER formulations using a convolution-based model linking in vitro release, in vivo release, and hour-by-hour behavioral ratings of ADHD symptoms; and 4) define an optimized trial design for assessing the activity of MPH in pediatric populations. The convolution-based model accurately described the complex PK profiles of a variety of ER MPH products, providing a natural framework for establishing an in vitro/in vivo correlation and for defining criteria for assessing comparative bioequivalence of MPH ER products.
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Zhao X, Qiang S, Wu H, Yang Y, Shao D, Fang L, Liang J, Li P, Fan Q. Exploring the Sorption Mechanism of Ni(II) on Illite: Batch Sorption, Modelling, EXAFS and Extraction Investigations. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8495. [PMID: 28819118 PMCID: PMC5561197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sorption mechanism of nickel (Ni) at the illite/water interface was investigated using batch, sorption modelling, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and extraction approaches. The results showed that Ni(II) sorption on illite was strongly dependent on pH, contact time, temperature, and initial Ni(II) concentration. At a low initial Ni(II) concentration, the ion exchange species of ≡X2Ni° and the inner-sphere complexes including ≡SsONi+, ≡SwONi+ and ≡SwONiOH° species are observed on the sorption edges of Ni(II) on illite. As the initial Ni(II) concentration increased to 1.7 × 10-3 mol/L, precipitates including surface-induced precipitation of s-Ni(OH)2 and amorphous Ni(OH)2 became more significant, especially under neutral to alkaline conditions. EXAFS analysis confirmed that Ni-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) can gradually form with an increase in the contact time. At pH 7.0, α-Ni(OH)2 was produced in the initial stage and then transformed to the more stable form of Ni-Al LDH with increasing contact time because of the increased Al3+ dissolution. With an increase in temperatures, α-Ni(OH)2 phase on illite transformed to Ni-Al LDH phase, indicating a lower thermodynamic stability compared to Ni-Al LDH phase. These results are important to understand the geochemical behaviors to effectively remediate soil contaminated with Ni(II).
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Liao L, Zhang X, Li J, Zhang Z, Yang C, Rao C, Zhou C, Zeng L, Zhao L, Fang L, Yang D, Xie P. Pioglitazone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behaviors, modulates NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3, CREB/BDNF pathways and central serotonergic neurotransmission in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2017; 49:178-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Shihata W, Andrews K, Sampson A, Fang L, Murphy A, Kaye D, Chin-Dusting J. P4000Pressure-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition is via a caveolin-1 dependent mechanism. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p4000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Ding H, Fang L, Xin W, Tong Y, Zhou Q, Huang P. Cost-effectiveness analysis of fulvestrant versus anastrozole as first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2017; 26. [PMID: 28675545 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although recent studies demonstrated that fulvestrant is superior to anastrozole as first-line treatment for hormone receptor (HR)-positive advanced breast cancer, the cost-effectiveness of fulvestrant versus anastrozole remained uncertain. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of fulvestrant compared with anastrozole in the first-line setting. A Markov model consisting of three health states (stable, progressive and dead) was constructed to simulate a hypothetical cohort of patients with HR-positive advanced breast cancer. Costs were calculated from a Chinese societal perspective. Health outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was expressed as incremental cost per QALY gained. Model results suggested that fulvestrant provides an additional effectiveness gain of 0.11 QALYs at an incremental cost of $32,654 compared with anastrozole, resulting in an ICER of $296,855/QALY exceeding the willingness-to-pay threshold of $23,700/QALY. Hence, fulvestrant is not a cost-effective strategy compared with anastrozole as first-line treatment for HR-positive advanced breast cancer.
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Fang L, Wang J, Zhang W. A CASE EXAMPLE OF RESEARCH TO PLAN AGE-FRIENDLY ACTION IN SHANGHAI, CHINA. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Fang L, Li Z, Chen YJ, Xiao GM. Cyramza induces apoptosis of HCC4006 cell by affecting the level of Bcl-w. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2017; 21:3069-3074. [PMID: 28742199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lung cancer seriously threats to patient's life and health. Cyramza is a therapeutic drug for inhibition of vessel formation and growth in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cyramza on growth and apoptosis of non-small lung cancer HCC4006 and explore the related mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was employed to examine the effect of cyramza on the apoptotic protein Bcl-w. After that Bcl-w knockdown and overexpression were respectively fulfilled by Bcl-w siRNA and plasmid transfection, effects of cyramza on cell apoptosis were determined by Western-blot. RESULTS Cyramza inhibited the cell growth and induced the cell apoptosis in HCC4006 cells, which was mediated by downregulation of Bcl-w level. Bcl-w knockdown and overexpression could increase and decrease the effect of cyramza on cell apoptosis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Cyramza induced the apoptosis of non-small lung cancer cell line HCC4006 via the downregulation of Bcl-w.
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Shi RR, Li CC, Fang L, Xu J, Guan QB, Zhou XL, Guo J, Han WX, Chen Q, Feng L, Zhao JJ, Xu C. [Clinical and genetic characteristics of Gitelman syndrome in 5 pedigrees]. ZHONGHUA NEI KE ZA ZHI 2017; 56:104-111. [PMID: 28162179 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0578-1426.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of 5 pedigrees of Gitelman syndrome (GS), and summarize its advances in genetics, diagnosis and management. Methods: Five families with GS were identified and total genome DNA were extracted from the peripheral blood of all the family members. The exons and their flanking introns of SLC12A3 gene were amplified by PCR and screened for mutation using Autoassembler 2.0 software. Results: Six heterozygous SLC12A3 gene mutations were found in the five pedigrees, including two complex combination of deletion and insertion mutation (c.486-490delTACGGinsA and c. 965-1_969delgCGGACinsACCGAAA and c. 976-977delGT). These mutations were predicted to change the normal protein structure. Conclusion: These 6 SLC12A3 mutations are the major cause of the five pedigrees of GS.
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Fang L, Wang M, Cai L, Cang L. Deciphering biodegradable chelant-enhanced phytoremediation through microbes and nitrogen transformation in contaminated soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:14627-14636. [PMID: 28452034 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable chelant-enhanced phytoremediation offers an alternative treatment technique for metal contaminated soils, but most studies to date have addressed on phytoextraction efficiency rather than comprehensive understanding of the interactions among plant, soil microbes, and biodegradable chelants. In the present study, we investigated the impacts of biodegradable chelants, including nitrilotriacetate, S,S-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), and citric acid on soil microbes, nitrogen transformation, and metal removal from contaminated soils. The EDDS addition to soil showed the strongest ability to promote the nitrogen cycling in soil, ryegrass tissue, and microbial metabolism in comparison with other chelants. Both bacterial community-level physiological profiles and soil mass specific heat rates demonstrated that soil microbial activity was inhibited after the EDDS application (between day 2 and 10), but this effect completely vanished on day 30, indicating the revitalization of microbial activity and community structure in the soil system. The results of quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the EDDS application stimulated denitrification in soil by increasing nitrite reductase genes, especially nirS. These new findings demonstrated that the nitrogen release capacity of biodegradable chelants plays an important role in accelerating nitrogen transformation, enhancing soil microbial structure and activity, and improving phytoextraction efficiency in contaminated soil.
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