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Iglesias D, Burzawa J, Zhang Q, Co N, Celestino J, Yates M, Schmandt R, Gershenson D, Lu K. Pre-Clinical In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence to Support Personalized Biologic Treatment of Endometrial Cancer with Metformin and PI3K Pathway Inhibitors. Gynecol Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2012.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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1427
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Zhang Q, Chen YJ, Song LY, Liu N, Sun LL, Peng CL. Utilization of lightflecks by seedlings of five dominant tree species of different subtropical forest successional stages under low-light growth conditions. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 32:545-53. [PMID: 22569998 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tps043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We selected five typical tree species, including one early-successional species (ES) Pinus massoniana Lamb., two mid-successional species (MS) Schima superba Gardn. et Champ. and Castanopsis fissa (Champ. ex Benth.) Rehd. et Wils. and two late-successional species (LS) Cryptocarya concinna Hance. and Acmena acuminatissima (BI.) Merr et Perry., which represent the plants at three successional periods in Dinghushan subtropical forest succession of southern China. Potted seedlings of the five species were grown under 12% of full sunlight for 36 months. The ES and MS showed the slowest and fastest responses to lightflecks, respectively, which correlated with the rate of stomatal opening. In contrast to P. massoniana and C. concinna, the other three species exhibited a high induction loss. Early-successional species showed the lowest specific leaf area and chlorophyll content, the highest photosynthetic capacity (A(max)) and respiratory carbon losses (R(d)). Compared with ES and MS, LS showed lower A(max) and R(d). The five tree species showed a similar chlorophyll a/b ratio after long-term low-light adaptations. On the other hand, LS had a relatively higher de-epoxidation state to protect themselves from excess light during lightflecks. Our results indicated that (i) slower responses to lightflecks could partially explain why ES species could not achieve seedling regeneration in low-light conditions; (ii) fast responses to lightflecks could partially explain why MS species could achieve seedling regeneration in low-light conditions; and (iii) smaller respiratory carbon losses might confer on the LS species a competitive advantage in low-light conditions.
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Liu F, Hu Y, Zhang Q, Kincaid R, Goodman KA, Mageras GS. Evaluation of deformable image registration and a motion model in CT images with limited features. Phys Med Biol 2012; 57:2539-54. [PMID: 22491010 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/57/9/2539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Deformable image registration (DIR) is increasingly used in radiotherapy applications and provides the basis for a previously described model of patient-specific respiratory motion. We examine the accuracy of a DIR algorithm and a motion model with respiration-correlated CT (RCCT) images of software phantom with known displacement fields, physical deformable abdominal phantom with implanted fiducials in the liver and small liver structures in patient images. The motion model is derived from a principal component analysis that relates volumetric deformations with the motion of the diaphragm or fiducials in the RCCT. Patient data analysis compares DIR with rigid registration as ground truth: the mean ± standard deviation 3D discrepancy of liver structure centroid positions is 2.0 ± 2.2 mm. DIR discrepancy in the software phantom is 3.8 ± 2.0 mm in lung and 3.7 ± 1.8 mm in abdomen; discrepancies near the chest wall are larger than indicated by image feature matching. Marker's 3D discrepancy in the physical phantom is 3.6 ± 2.8 mm. The results indicate that visible features in the images are important for guiding the DIR algorithm. Motion model accuracy is comparable to DIR, indicating that two principal components are sufficient to describe DIR-derived deformation in these datasets.
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Hoppa MB, Jones E, Karanauskaite J, Ramracheya R, Braun M, Collins SC, Zhang Q, Clark A, Eliasson L, Genoud C, MacDonald PE, Monteith AG, Barg S, Galvanovskis J, Rorsman P. Multivesicular exocytosis in rat pancreatic beta cells. Diabetologia 2012; 55:1001-12. [PMID: 22189485 PMCID: PMC3296018 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-011-2400-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS To establish the occurrence, modulation and functional significance of compound exocytosis in insulin-secreting beta cells. METHODS Exocytosis was monitored in rat beta cells by electrophysiological, biochemical and optical methods. The functional assays were complemented by three-dimensional reconstruction of confocal imaging, transmission and block face scanning electron microscopy to obtain ultrastructural evidence of compound exocytosis. RESULTS Compound exocytosis contributed marginally (<5% of events) to exocytosis elicited by glucose/membrane depolarisation alone. However, in beta cells stimulated by a combination of glucose and the muscarinic agonist carbachol, 15-20% of the release events were due to multivesicular exocytosis, but the frequency of exocytosis was not affected. The optical measurements suggest that carbachol should stimulate insulin secretion by ∼40%, similar to the observed enhancement of glucose-induced insulin secretion. The effects of carbachol were mimicked by elevating [Ca(2+)](i) from 0.2 to 2 μmol/l Ca(2+). Two-photon sulforhodamine imaging revealed exocytotic events about fivefold larger than single vesicles and that these structures, once formed, could persist for tens of seconds. Cells exposed to carbachol for 30 s contained long (1-2 μm) serpentine-like membrane structures adjacent to the plasma membrane. Three-dimensional electron microscopy confirmed the existence of fused multigranular aggregates within the beta cell, the frequency of which increased about fourfold in response to stimulation with carbachol. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Although contributing marginally to glucose-induced insulin secretion, compound exocytosis becomes quantitatively significant under conditions associated with global elevation of cytoplasmic calcium. These findings suggest that compound exocytosis is a major contributor to the augmentation of glucose-induced insulin secretion by muscarinic receptor activation.
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Hou YB, Zou CW, Wang Y, Li DC, Li QB, Li HX, Zhang HZ, Zhang Q, Fan QX. Establishing a new electrical conduction pathway by anastomosis of the right auricle and right ventricle assisted by mesenchymal stem cells in a canine model. Transplant Proc 2012; 43:3980-6. [PMID: 22172883 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2011.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic pacemakers are the primary treatment of complete atrioventricular (AV) block, but their use is associated with many complications. The aim of the present study was to create an alternative treatment for these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the bone marrow of a 3-month-old dog were cultured in vitro. The MSCs were labeled with 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) before transplantation. We anastomosed the right auricle and right ventricle in 24 dogs, and transplanted labelled MSCs into the anastomotic area of 8 dog hearts. Using immunostaining we assessed survival and differentiation of the implanted cells at 8 weeks posttransplantation. Electrocardiography confirmed the secondary electrical conduction pathway. RESULTS The ventricular current was captured by the electronic pacemaker in 21 dogs. Compared with the control group (surgery alone), pacemaker stimulus current was significantly less in the MSC group (surgery+MSCs). CONCLUSIONS Anastomosis of the right auricle and right ventricle assisted by MSCs may be a new treatment for patients with complete AV block in the future.
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Sun J, Garibaldi JM, Krasnogor N, Zhang Q. An intelligent multi-restart memetic algorithm for box constrained global optimisation. EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION 2012; 21:107-147. [PMID: 22335546 DOI: 10.1162/evco_a_00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a multi-restart memetic algorithm framework for box constrained global continuous optimisation. In this framework, an evolutionary algorithm (EA) and a local optimizer are employed as separated building blocks. The EA is used to explore the search space for very promising solutions (e.g., solutions in the attraction basin of the global optimum) through its exploration capability and previous EA search history, and local search is used to improve these promising solutions to local optima. An estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) combined with a derivative free local optimizer, called NEWUOA (M. Powell, Developments of NEWUOA for minimization without derivatives. Journal of Numerical Analysis, 28:649-664, 2008), is developed based on this framework and empirically compared with several well-known EAs on a set of 40 commonly used test functions. The main components of the specific algorithm include: (1) an adaptive multivariate probability model, (2) a multiple sampling strategy, (3) decoupling of the hybridisation strategy, and (4) a restart mechanism. The adaptive multivariate probability model and multiple sampling strategy are designed to enhance the exploration capability. The restart mechanism attempts to make the search escape from local optima, resorting to previous search history. Comparison results show that the algorithm is comparable with the best known EAs, including the winner of the 2005 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC2005), and significantly better than the others in terms of both the solution quality and computational cost.
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Zhang Q, Liang Z, Chen LY, Sun X, Gong T, Zhang ZR. Novel brain targeting prodrugs of naproxen based on dimethylamino group with various linkages. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 62:261-6. [PMID: 22407924 DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1306273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
As a preventive and treatment drug for Alzheimer's disease (AD), naproxen's clinical application is hampered by its limited distribution in the brain. To increase the delivery of naproxen across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), 3 prodrugs (P1, P2 and P3) of naproxen were synthesized through either ester bond or amido bond using the dimethylamino moiety as a brain-targeting ligand. The in vitro release of naproxen from the 3 prodrugs was studied in PBS, rat plasma and brain homogenate. P3 with an amido bond appeared to be highly stable in all incubation media, whereas P1 and P2 with ester bonds were partially hydrolyzed in alkaline environment and brain homogenate to yield the parent drug. After i. v. administration to rats, the brain concentration of total naproxen (summation of released and bound naproxen, TN) of P1, P2 and P3 groups were 28.81, 24.51 and 15.54 times greater than that of the control naproxen group at 5 min, respectively, and the brain AUC0-t were 6.94, 10.06 and 6.70 times greater than that of the control naproxen group. In addition, the Cmax of TN in the brain after the administration of prodrugs with ester bonds (P1 and P2) was higher than that of the amide prodrug (P3). The results highlighted the possibility of brain delivery of naproxen using prodrug strategies based on the brain-targeting ligand with dimethylamino moiety, in which the linkage between drug and targeting group might play an important role in modulating the in vivo behaviors of these prodrugs.
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Hanash S, Schliekelman M, Zhang Q, Taguchi A. Integration of proteomics into systems biology of cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2012; 4:327-37. [PMID: 22407608 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering the complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, benefits from integration of proteomic level data into systems biology efforts. The opportunities available as a result of advances in proteomic technologies, the successes to date, and the challenges involved in integrating diverse datasets are addressed in this review.
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Zhou X, Hao Q, Liao J, Zhang Q, Lu H. Ribosomal protein S14 unties the MDM2-p53 loop upon ribosomal stress. Oncogene 2012; 32:388-96. [PMID: 22391559 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The MDM2-p53 feedback loop is crucially important for restricting p53 level and activity during normal cell growth and proliferation, and is thus subjected to dynamic regulation in order for cells to activate p53 upon various stress signals. Several ribosomal proteins, such as RPL11, RPL5, RPL23, RPL26 or RPS7, have been shown to have a role in regulation of this feedback loop in response to ribosomal stress. Here, we identify another ribosomal protein S14, which is highly associated with 5q-syndrome, as a novel activator of p53 by inhibiting MDM2 activity. We found that RPS14, but not RPS19, binds to the central acidic domain of MDM2, similar to RPL5 and RPL23, and inhibits its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity toward p53. This RPS14-MDM2 binding was induced upon ribosomal stress caused by actinomycin D or mycophenolic acid. Overexpression of RPS14, but not RPS19, elevated p53 level and activity, leading to G1 or G2 arrest. Conversely, knockdown of RPS14 alleviated p53 induction by these two reagents. Interestingly, knockdown of either RPS14 or RPS19 caused a ribosomal stress that led to p53 activation, which was impaired by further knocking down the level of RPL11 or RPL5. Together, our results demonstrate that RPS14 and RPS19 have distinct roles in regulating the MDM2-p53 feedback loop in response to ribosomal stress.
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Du J, Duan JJ, Zhang Q, Hou J, Bai F, Chen N, Bai G. Enzymatic synthesis oF L-tryptophan from D,L-2-amino-delta2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid and indole by Pseudomonas sp. TS1138 L-2-amino-delta2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid hydrolase, S-carbamyl-L-cysteine amidohydrolase, and Escherichia coli L-tryptophanase. PRIKLADNAIA BIOKHIMIIA I MIKROBIOLOGIIA 2012; 48:183-190. [PMID: 22586911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
L-Tryptophan (L-Trp) is an essential amino acid. It is widely used in medical, health and food products, so a low-cost supply is needed. There are 4 methods for L-Trp production: chemical synthesis, extraction, enzymatic synthesis, and fermentation. In this study, we produced a recombinant bacterial strain pET-tnaA of Escherichia coli which has the L-tryptophanase gene. Using the pET-tnaA E. coli and the strain TS1138 of Pseudomonas sp., a one-pot enzymatic synthesis of L-Trp was developed. Pseudomonas sp. TS1138 was added to a solution of D,L-2-amino-delta2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (DL-ATC) to convert it to L-cysteine (L-Cys). After concentration, E. coli BL21 (DE 3) cells including plasmid pET-tnaA, indole, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate were added. At the optimum conditions, the conversion rates of DL-ATC and L-Cys were 95.4% and 92.1%, respectively. After purifying using macroporous resin S8 and NKA-II, 10.32 g of L-Trp of 98.3% purity was obtained. This study established methods for one-pot enzymatic synthesis and separation of L-Trp. This method of producing L-Trp is more environmentally sound than methods using chemical synthesis, and it lays the foundations for industrial production of L-Trp from DL-ATC and indole.
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Zhang Q, Wu Y, Zhang P, Sha H, Jia J, Hu Y, Zhu J. Exercise induces mitochondrial biogenesis after brain ischemia in rats. Neuroscience 2012; 205:10-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Nelson JC, Zhang Q, Deberdt W, Marangell LB, Karamustafalioglu O, Lipkovich IA. Predictors of remission with placebo using an integrated study database from patients with major depressive disorder. Curr Med Res Opin 2012; 28:325-34. [PMID: 22292447 DOI: 10.1185/03007995.2011.654010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of remission with placebo treatment in double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in major depressive disorder (MDD). METHOD A total of 1017 placebo-treated patients with baseline Hamilton Depression rating scale (HAMD) total ≥15 from eight duloxetine RCTs were included. Remission was defined as endpoint (7-8 weeks) HAMD total ≤7. Data were randomly split into training data (N = 813, 80%) for model selection and test data (N = 204, 20%) for validation. Logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) methods were used to identify predictors of remission. Predictive accuracy of models was assessed by Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Baseline predictors for remission with placebo consistently identified with the logistic regression and CART analysis were less severe depressive symptoms (based on HAMD core symptoms), younger age, less anxiety (based on HAMD anxiety/somatization), and shorter current MDD episode duration. Associated cut-off values from the CART method characterized patient groups according to their remission likelihood. However, the predictive accuracy was modest for both methods with areas under the ROC curve of 0.6-0.65 based on test data. CONCLUSION The derived models, although of limited value for predicting remission in individual patients, may be useful for adjusting for placebo effects in clinical trials.
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Aigbirhio F, Appleyard MVCL, Arrowsmith RL, Baldwin SA, Bayrakdarian M, Botting NP, Cantin LD, Carbery DR, Carroll MA, Dixon LI, Dorff PN, Ellames G, Elmore CS, Fishwick CWG, Foot O, Geach NJ, Gowdy J, Grainger RS, Gregson T, Harker WRR, Henderson PJF, Heys JR, Homans SW, Hu Z, Jackson S, Johnston J, Johnson P, Kalverda A, Kay C, Kitson SL, Lanoue B, Levitt MH, Li Y, Lockley WJS, Luo X, Ma P, Middleton DA, Newsome J, Pandya B, Pascu SI, Patching SG, Phillips-Jones MK, Powell ME, Riss P, Simmons J, Simpson TM, Smith AD, Thompson AM, Trembleau L, Turtle R, Watters KW, Zhang Q. Abstracts of the 20th International Isotope Society (UK group) Symposium: Synthesis & Applications of Labelled Compounds 2011. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.2907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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1439
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Iglesias D, Burzawa J, Zhang Q, CO N, Celestino J, Yates M, Gershenson D, Schmandt R, Lu K. Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo evidence to support personalized biologic treatment of endometrial cancer with metformin and PI3K pathway inhibitors. Gynecol Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.12.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Du J, Duan JJ, Zhang Q, Hou J, Bai F, Chen N, Bai G. Enzymatic synthesis of L-tryptophan from D,L-2-amino-Δ2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid and indole by Pseudomonas sp. TS1138 L-2-amino-Δ2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid hydrolase, S-carbamyl-L-cysteine amidohydrolase and Escherichia coli L-tryptophanase. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683812020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Allam R, Galal W, El-Damnhoury H, Mortada A, Guo R, Fang F, Xie JM, Zhang Q, Chan YS, Fung WH, Razali O, Azlan H, Lam KH, Chan CK, Yu CM, Wong FMF, Sit JWH, Wong EML, Lee V, Hemingway H, Harb R, Crake T, Lambiase P, Zhao QY, Yu SB, Huang H, Qin M, Cui HY, Huang T, Huang CX, Leung YW, Yue CS, Leung KF, Fung CYR, Mak YMW, Chow KS, Tang SK, Sperzel J, Tscheliessnigg K, Bucx JJJ, Silvestre J, Oza AL, Yu Mironov N, Golitsyn SP, Sokolov SF, Yuricheva YA, Maikov EB, Shlevkov NB, Mareev YV, Rosenstraukh LV, Chazov EI, Li BN, Qin J, Xiang K, Pang WM, Wang LS, Wu HS, Qin J, Wong TT, Yu CM, Heng PA, Clatot J, Ziyadeh-Isleem A, Coulombe A, Maugenre S, Dilanian G, Hatem S, Denjoy I, Neyroud N, Guicheney P, Plameras GB, Valentin MV, Ramirez M, Suga C, Hirahara T, Sugawara Y, Nakajima J, Wakaba H, Ako J, Momomura S, Ye Volkov D, Karpenko YI, Lopin DA, Chair SY, Lee JCK, Choi KC, Sit JWH, Wong EM, Chan CWH, So WKW, Cheng AHY, Hamid AK, Lainchbury JG, Troughton RW, Yandle TG, Frampton CM, Richards AM. P001 * Reversal of endothelial dysfunction after AF cardioversion. Eur Heart J Suppl 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/sur022] [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]
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Lee WY, Tam CS, Yan PY, Lam YY, Duchatelet S, Peat RA, Denjoy I, Itoh H, Berthet M, Crotti L, Ohno S, Pedrazzini M, Klug D, Schwartz PJ, Shimizu W, Horie M, Tregouet DA, Guicheney P, Tiong WN, Hwang SS, Fong AYY, Wee CC, Lai LYH, Tiong LL, Chang BC, Ong TK, Garg P, Ashraffi R, Chuah S, Baho H, Draz S, Mously F, Atta J, Kouatly A, Hussian A, Abu zeid H, Courtney A, Hamilton-Craig C, Strugnell W, Slaughter R, Luis CR, Habibian M, Luis SA, Raffel OC, Tung TH, Hsiung MC, Wei J, Clements IP, Hodge DO, Scott CG, Chai SC, Liew M, Leong G, Peng H, Ding J, Peng Y, Zhang Q, Xu Y, Chao X, Tian H, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Tong WJ, Liu YY, Wang J, Zhang YH, Wong MCS, Yan B, Tam WWS, Wang HHX, Liu KSD, Liu KQ, Cheung CSK, Tong ELH, Sek ACH, Cheung NT, Yu CM, Leeder S, Griffiths S, Poon KKC, Wong HL, Ng SH, Kwok WT, Yeung CL, Yu SY, Wan YP, Wan S, Underwood MJ, Chan PH, Alegria-Barrero E, Price S, Kelleher A, Moat N, Mario CD, Franzen O, Zhang YC, Lee AP, Lin QS, Fang F, Wan S, Underwood M, Yu CM, Mirhoseini SJ, Frouzannia SK, Mostafavi Pour Manshadi SMY, Naderi N, Sayegh S, Dandekar PG, Verma Y. A001 * Barriers of warfarin use for atrial fibrillation patients in Hong Kong. Eur Heart J Suppl 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/sur021] [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]
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Zhou Y, Zheng H, Ruan F, Chen X, Zheng G, Kang M, Zhang Q, Sun X. Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates experimental noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs. Neuroscience 2012; 209:47-53. [PMID: 22387110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the efficiency of hydrogen-rich saline in the treatment of intensive noise-induced cochlear injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty guinea pigs were assigned to one of four groups: HS+NOISE (i.p. injection hydrogen-rich saline), NS+NOISE (i.p. injection normal saline), NOISE ALONE (noise control), and NO TREATMENT (normal control) groups. The HS+NOISE, NS+NOISE, and NOISE ALONE groups were exposed to intensive noise (4 h at 115 dB SPL noise of 4000±100 Hz). The auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to examine the hearing threshold in each group. Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) was used to examine outer hair cell function. We also examined cochlear morphology to evaluate inner and outer hair cell trauma induced by noise exposure. Hydrogen-rich saline was administered twice daily for 6 days (2.5 ml/kg, i.p.) 24 h after noise exposure. RESULTS Baseline ABR thresholds and DPOAE values were normal in all groups at the measured frequencies (2, 4, 8, and 16 kHz) before noise exposure. The ABR threshold shift was 50-55 dB across the frequencies tested, and average DPOAE declined in the NOISE ALONE, NS+NOISE, and HS+NOISE groups 24 h after noise exposure. However, the changes in cochlear parameters were different between groups. The HS+NOISE group showed a significantly decreased ABR threshold value as compared with the NS+NOISE or NOISE ALONE group (P<0.01) on day 7. The mean DPOAE recovered to some extent in the three noise exposure groups, but at most frequencies the HS+NOISE group showed significantly increased DPOAE on day 7 as compared with the NS+NOISE group or NOISE ALONE group (P<0.01). Surface Corti organ preparations stained with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) showed that most outer hair cells (OHCs) were still dropsical and a few were missing 7 days after noise exposure in the NS+NOISE group. Only a few OHCs were slightly dropsical in the HS+NOISE group. The numbers of missing hair cells 7 days after noise exposure were significantly greater in the NOISE ONLY and NS+NOISE groups than the HS+NOISE group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Hydrogen-rich saline can alleviate experimental noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs, partially by preventing the death of cochlear hair cells after intensive noise exposure.
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Mamontov E, O'Neill H, Zhang Q, Wang W, Wesolowski DJ. Common features in the microscopic dynamics of hydration water on organic and inorganic surfaces. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2012; 24:064104. [PMID: 22277314 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/6/064104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The microscopic dynamics of hydration water exhibits some universal features that do not depend on the nature of the hydrated surface. We show that the hydration level dependence of the dynamic transition in the mean squared atomic displacements measured by means of elastic neutron scattering is qualitatively similar for hydration water in inorganic and organic hosts. The difference is that the former are 'rigid', whereas the dynamics of the latter can be enhanced by the motions of the hydration water. The overall hydration level appears to be the main parameter governing the magnitude of the mean squared atomic displacements in the hydration water, irrespective of the details of the hydrated host.
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Pelc JS, Zhang Q, Phillips CR, Yu L, Yamamoto Y, Fejer MM. Cascaded frequency upconversion for high-speed single-photon detection at 1550 nm. OPTICS LETTERS 2012; 37:476-478. [PMID: 22344078 DOI: 10.1364/ol.37.000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We present a device for two-stage frequency upconversion of single-photon-level signals in the 1.55 μm telecom band to the green spectral region with low excess noise, suitable for detection by low-timing-jitter silicon single-photon avalanche photodiodes (APDs). We achieve a net conversion efficiency of 87% and a system timing jitter below 70 ps FWHM, dominated by the jitter of the APD. Modifications of our device are suitable for downconversion of single photons from visible-wavelength quantum emitters into the telecom band.
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Vander Lugt M, Braun T, Ferrara J, Hanash S, Levine J, Wang CH, Zhang Q, Zhang Q, Chin A, Harris A, Choi S, Couriel D, Reddy P, Paczesny S. Plasma Concentration of Suppressor of Tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), the IL33 Receptor, at Initiation of Graft Versus Host Disease Therapy Predicts Day 28 Response and Day 180 Survival Post-Treatment. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2011.12.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Zhang Q, Rajagopalan S, Marrett E, Davies MJ, Radican L, Engel SS. Time to treatment initiation with oral antihyperglycaemic therapy in US patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab 2012; 14:149-54. [PMID: 21952003 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2011.01498.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the time from initial diagnosis to initiation with oral antihyperglycaemic treatment in younger versus older patients with type 2 diabetes, and to evaluate factors associated with initiating treatment. METHODS This was a retrospective US cohort study with a 2-year follow-up period after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Using the General Electric Healthcare's Clinical Data Services electronic medical record database, eligible patients included those aged ≥30 years at initial diagnosis of type 2 diabetes between January 2003 and December 2005. In the 2-year period following diagnosis, the time to the first prescription of an oral antihyperglycaemic agent was compared between younger (30-64 years) and older (≥65 years) patients. Factors associated with time to treatment with an oral antihyperglycaemic agent were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Of the 10 743 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, 43% were ≥65 years old. The mean age at diagnosis was 73 years for older patients and 52 years for younger patients. Compared to younger patients, a greater proportion of older patients had a baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) value <7% (38 vs. 32%; p < 0.001). In the 2-year follow-up period, a significantly greater proportion of younger patients (59%) received oral antihyperglycaemic treatment compared to older patients (44%; p < 0.001). The median time between diagnosis and initiating treatment with an oral antihyperglycaemic agent was 350 days for younger patients and >2 years for older patients. After adjusting for covariates, older patients had a greater risk of not receiving treatment with oral antihyperglycaemic therapy than younger patients [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.75, 0.90)]. CONCLUSIONS In patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, the time to initiation of oral antihyperglycaemic therapy was significantly longer in older patients (≥65 years old) than younger patients (<65 years).
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Zhang Q, Hu B, Hu B, Li WB. Detection of Breast Lesions using an Automated Breast Volume Scanner System. J Int Med Res 2012; 40:300-6. [PMID: 22429369 DOI: 10.1177/147323001204000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the clinical utility of an automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) system for the detection of breast lesions. METHODS: The breasts of 81 patients referred for ultrasonographic examination were scanned using the ABVS system and handheld ultrasonography independently by two experienced examiners. The ABVS was used to perform scans of the breast in three directions (anteroposterior, lateral and medial), with the addition of further inferior and superior scans if necessary. The scanning data were then stored and automatically reconstructed. For hand-held ultrasonography the whole breast was scanned radially from the outside to the centre of the nipple. RESULTS: The numbers of lesions reported by the two examiners were 89 and 99, respectively, using the ABVS (not statistically significant), compared with 60 and 85, respectively, using handheld ultrasonography (statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS: The ABVS system is an operator-independent method for automated breast scanning. It detected more breast lesions and provided additional information for the diagnosis of intraductal and malignant lesions compared with hand-held ultrasonography.
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Zhang Q, Li HQ, Zong SC, Gao JM, Zhang AL. Chemical and Bioactive Diversities of the Genus Chaetomium Secondary Metabolites. Mini Rev Med Chem 2012; 12:127-48. [DOI: 10.2174/138955712798995066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 10/02/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Zhang Q, Zhu Y. Characterizing ultrafine particles and other air pollutants at five schools in South Texas. INDOOR AIR 2012; 22:33-42. [PMID: 21883490 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2011.00738.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study examined five schools with different ventilation systems in both urban and rural areas in South Texas. Total particle number concentration, ultrafine particle (UFP, diameter < 100 nm) size distribution, PM(2.5) , and CO(2) were measured simultaneously inside and outside of various school microenvironments. Human activities, ventilation settings, and occupancy were recorded. The study found a greater variation of indoor particle number concentration (0.6 × 10(3) -29.3 × 10(3) #/cm(3) ) than of outdoor (1.6 × 10(3) -16.0 × 10(3) #/cm(3) ). The most important factors affecting indoor UFP levels were related to various indoor sources. Gas fan heaters increased the indoor-to-outdoor ratio (I/O ratio) of total particle number concentrations to 30.0. Food-related activities, cleaning, and painting also contributed to the increased indoor particle number concentration with I/O ratios larger than 1.0. Without indoor sources, the I/O ratios for total particles varied from 0.12 to 0.66 for the five ventilation systems studied. The I/O ratio decreased when the outdoor total particle number concentration increased. Particles with diameters <60 nm were less likely to penetrate and stay airborne in indoor environments than larger particles and were measured with smaller I/O ratios. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS From an exposure assessment perspective, schools are important and little-studied microenvironments where students congregate and spend a large proportion of their active time. This study provides information for indoor and outdoor ultrafine particle concentrations at different types of school microenvironments. These data may allow future epidemiological studies to better estimate exposure and assess ultrafine particles health effects among students.
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