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Jiang X, Zhang Y, Fan X, Deng X, Zhu Y, Li F. The effects of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein on bone regeneration during distraction osteogenesis: an animal study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2016; 45:267-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Sheng R, Wen X, Huang S, Hao X, Chen S, Jiang Y, Deng X, Green MA, Ho-Baillie AWY. Photoluminescence characterisations of a dynamic aging process of organic-inorganic CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:1926-1931. [PMID: 26753563 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07993d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
After unprecedented development of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells over the past few years, one of the biggest barriers towards their commercialization is the stability of the perovskite material. It is thus important to understand the interaction between the perovskite material and oxygen and/or humidity and the associated degradation process in order to improve device and encapsulation design for better durability. Here we characterize the dynamic aging process in vapour-assisted deposited (VASP) CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite thin films using advanced optical techniques, such as time-resolved photoluminescence and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Our investigation reveals that the perovskite grains grow spontaneously and the larger grains are formed at room temperature in the presence of moisture and oxygen. This crystallization process leads to a higher density of defects and a shorter carrier lifetime, specifically in the larger grains. Excitation-intensity-dependent steady-state photoluminescence shows both N2 stored and aged perovskite exhibit a super-linear increase of photoluminescence intensity with increasing excitation intensity; and the larger slope in aged sample suggests a larger density of defects is generated, consistent with time-resolved PL measurements.
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Zhang Y, Han D, Deng X. P3041 A selective region on OAR17 is associated with blackbone trait in lanping blackbone sheep. J Anim Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.2527/jas2016.94supplement473x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Wu F, Kumagai L, Liang G, Deng X, Zheng Z, Keremane M, Chen J. Draft Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" from a Citrus Tree in San Gabriel, California. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015; 3:e01508-15. [PMID: 26701083 PMCID: PMC4691657 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01508-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The draft genome sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" strain SGCA5 from an orange citrus tree in San Gabriel, California, is reported here. SGCA5 has a genome size of 1,201,445 bp, a G+C content of 36.4%, 1,152 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), and 42 RNA genes.
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Wu F, Deng X, Liang G, Wallis C, Trumble JT, Prager S, Chen J. De Novo Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" from a Single Potato Psyllid in California. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015; 3:e01500-15. [PMID: 26679599 PMCID: PMC4683244 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01500-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The draft genome sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" strain RSTM from a potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) in California is reported here. The RSTM strain has a genome size of 1,286,787 bp, a G+C content of 35.1%, 1,211 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), and 43 RNA genes.
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Zhang YW, Long E, Mihovilovič M, Jin G, Allada K, Anderson B, Annand JRM, Averett T, Ayerbe-Gayoso C, Boeglin W, Bradshaw P, Camsonne A, Canan M, Cates GD, Chen C, Chen JP, Chudakov E, De Leo R, Deng X, Deur A, Dutta C, El Fassi L, Flay D, Frullani S, Garibaldi F, Gao H, Gilad S, Gilman R, Glamazdin O, Golge S, Gomez J, Hansen O, Higinbotham DW, Holmstrom T, Huang J, Ibrahim H, de Jager CW, Jensen E, Jiang X, St John J, Jones M, Kang H, Katich J, Khanal HP, King P, Korsch W, LeRose J, Lindgren R, Lu HJ, Luo W, Markowitz P, Meziane M, Michaels R, Moffit B, Monaghan P, Muangma N, Nanda S, Norum BE, Pan K, Parno D, Piasetzky E, Posik M, Punjabi V, Puckett AJR, Qian X, Qiang Y, Qiu X, Riordan S, Ron G, Saha A, Sawatzky B, Schiavilla R, Schoenrock B, Shabestari M, Shahinyan A, Širca S, Subedi R, Sulkosky V, Tobias WA, Tireman W, Urciuoli GM, Wang D, Wang K, Wang Y, Watson J, Wojtsekhowski B, Ye Z, Zhan X, Zhang Y, Zheng X, Zhao B, Zhu L. Measurement of the Target-Normal Single-Spin Asymmetry in Quasielastic Scattering from the Reaction (3)He(↑)(e,e'). PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 115:172502. [PMID: 26551107 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.172502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We report the first measurement of the target single-spin asymmetry, A(y), in quasielastic scattering from the inclusive reaction (3)He(↑)(e,e') on a (3)He gas target polarized normal to the lepton scattering plane. Assuming time-reversal invariance, this asymmetry is strictly zero for one-photon exchange. A nonzero A(y) can arise from the interference between the one- and two-photon exchange processes which is sensitive to the details of the substructure of the nucleon. An experiment recently completed at Jefferson Lab yielded asymmetries with high statistical precision at Q(2)=0.13, 0.46, and 0.97 GeV(2). These measurements demonstrate, for the first time, that the (3)He asymmetry is clearly nonzero and negative at the 4σ-9σ level. Using measured proton-to-(3)He cross-section ratios and the effective polarization approximation, neutron asymmetries of -(1-3)% were obtained. The neutron asymmetry at high Q(2) is related to moments of the generalized parton distributions (GPDs). Our measured neutron asymmetry at Q(2)=0.97 GeV(2) agrees well with a prediction based on two-photon exchange using a GPD model and thus provides a new, independent constraint on these distributions.
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Tan A, Ma J, Deng X, Tang G. Severe ascites as the primary symptom of fulminant postpartum HELLP syndrome: a case report. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2015. [DOI: 10.12891/ceog1939.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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158
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Luo M, Deng X, Dong L, Shen X. Oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes show no sign of cytotoxicity on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Toxicol Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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159
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Zhang M, Yang M, Li C, Chang Q, Hang M, Deng X, Wu M. The acute toxicity of sunscreen formulations containing titanium dioxide on zebrafish embryos. Toxicol Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Wang Z, Deng X, Wang AI, Liu R. HIGH EXPRESSION OF HMOX1 IN BLUE-SHELLED CHICKENS IS ASSOCIATED WITH A TG HAPLOTYPE. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/1516-635x1703267-274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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161
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Round WH, Stefanoyiannis AP, Ng KH, Rodriguez LV, Thayalan K, Han Y, Tang F, Fukuda S, Srivastava R, Krisanachinda A, Shiau AC, Deng X. AFOMP Policy No 5: career progression for clinical medical physicists in AFOMP countries. AUSTRALASIAN PHYSICAL & ENGINEERING SCIENCES IN MEDICINE 2015; 38:217-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s13246-015-0355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Li T, Xie J, Shen C, Cheng D, Shi Y, Wu Z, Deng X, Chen H, Shen B, Peng C, Li H, Zhan Q, Zhu Z. Upregulation of long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 promotes tumor metastasis and predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2015; 35:1575-84. [PMID: 26073087 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite progress in diagnostics and treatment of HCC, its prognosis remains poor. Emerging studies showed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have crucial regulatory roles in cancer biology. In the current study, differentially expressed lncRNAs between HCC and paired non-tumor tissues were identified using microarrays. The effects of a specific differentially expressed lncRNA (termed ZEB1-AS1) on tumor progression were investigated in vitro and in vivo. We found that ZEB1-AS1 is frequently upregulated in HCC samples, especially in metastatic tumor tissues. DNA methylation analysis shows a tumor-specific ZEB1-AS1 promoter hypomethylation. Aberrant methylation is tightly correlated with overexpression of ZEB1-AS1 in HCC. Patients with ZEB1-AS1 hypomethylation or with high ZEB1-AS1 expression have poor recurrence-free survival. Functionally, ZEB1-AS1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis, acts as an oncogene in HCC. The ZEB1-AS1 gene is located in physical contiguity with ZEB1 and positively regulates the ZEB1 expression. ZEB1 inhibition partially abrogates ZEB1-AS1-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis. Our results provide novel insights into the function of lncRNA-driven hepatocarcinogenesis, highlight the important role of ZEB1-AS1 and ZEB1 in HCC progression, and indicate that ZEB1-AS1 may be served as a valuable prognostic biomarker for HCC.
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Zhang D, Wang B, Deng X, Ma C. SU-E-T-20: A Correlation Study of 2D and 3D Gamma Passing Rates for Prostate IMRT Plans. Med Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4924381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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164
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Huang L, Meng Q, Zhang C, Sun Y, Bai Y, Li S, Deng X, Wang B, Yu W, Zhao M, Li X. Gene-gene interaction of CFH, ARMS2, and ARMS2/HTRA1 on the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Chinese population. Eye (Lond) 2015; 29:691-8. [PMID: 25771815 PMCID: PMC4429281 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2015.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the association and interaction of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three genes (CFH, ARMS2, and ARMS2/HTRA1) with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Chinese population. METHODS A total of 300 nAMD and 300 PCV patients and 301 normal subjects participated in the present study. The allelic variants of rs800292, rs2274700, rs3750847, rs3793917, and rs1065489 were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Gene-gene interactions were evaluated by the data mining approach multifactor-dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. RESULTS The risk alleles of CFH rs800292, rs2274700, ARMS2 rs3057847, and ARMS2/HTRA1 rs3793917 showed significant difference between nAMD or PCV patients and controls (all P<0.01). The homozygosity of risk alleles for rs800292, rs2274700, rs3750847, and rs3793917 were significantly different between nAMD patients and controls (all P<0.01), and predisposed to PCV patients (all P<0.01). After cross-validation consistency (CVC) and permutation tests, the two-locus model rs2274700_rs3750847 has a balanced accuracy of 64.37% in predicting nAMD disease risk. The one-marker model, rs3750847, and two-locus model rs2274700_rs3750847 has a balanced accuracy of 66.07% and 65.89% in predicting PCV disease risk, respectively. Furthermore, CFH rs1065489 did not show significant association with nAMD (P>0.01), but was strongly associated with PCV in Chinese patients (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found that the interaction of ARMS2 and ARMS2/HTRA1 is significantly associated with nAMD, and the interaction of CFH and ARMS2 is pronounced in PCV development in Chinese population.
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Song Z, Deng X, Chen W, Xu J, Chen S, Zhong H, Hao F. Toll-like receptor 2 agonist Pam3CSK4 up-regulates FcεRI receptor expression on monocytes from patients with severe extrinsic atopic dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2015; 29:2169-76. [PMID: 25912722 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both microbial antigens and allergens are important factors that can trigger atopic dermatitis (AD). Monocytes from patients with AD have been found to express increased and sustained levels of high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). We hypothesized that putative interactions exist between TLR2 and FcεRI on monocytes in the pathogenesis of AD. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand whether activation of TLR2 by Pam3CSK4 would influence the expression of FcεRI, and whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways were involved in such regulation. METHODS Peripheral blood monocytes from patients with severe extrinsic AD or healthy control patients were treated with the TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4. The expression of FcεRI, intracellular TNF-α and MAPK family members were analysed by real-time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry and western blotting. RESULTS Monocytes from patients with severe extrinsic AD expressed higher levels of surface FcεRIα than were found in monocytes from healthy controls. Stimulation of human monocytes from patients with Pam3CSK4, but not lipopolysaccharide (LPS), resulted in the up-regulation of surface FcεRI expression by inducing p38 phosphorylation. Pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of p38 kinase inhibited the Pam3CSK4-induced up-regulation of FcεRIα, suggesting the involvement of the p38 pathway in the regulation of this process. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated interactions between TLR2 and FcεRI occurred via the activation of p38 in patients with severe extrinsic AD, which might indicate insights into understanding the mechanisms of how bacterial infection can exacerbate the clinical features of AD.
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Ding R, Feng L, He L, Chen Y, Wen P, Fu Z, Lin C, Yang S, Deng X, Zeng J, Sun G. Peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst prevents matrix metalloproteinase-9 activation and neurovascular injury after hemoglobin injection into the caudate nucleus of rats. Neuroscience 2015; 297:182-93. [PMID: 25849612 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) is a major constituent of blood and a potent mediator of oxidative or nitrative stress after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Our previous study demonstrated that Hb could induce abundant peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) formation in vivo, which may be involved in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, however, the drug intervention is absent and also the underlying mechanism. Using an experimental stroke model by injecting Hb into the caudate nucleus of male Sprague-Dawley rats, we assessed the role of ONOO(-) decomposition catalyst, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinato iron(III) [FeTPPS] in the activation of MMP-9 and Hb-induced neurovascular injuries. 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NT, as an index of ONOO(-) formation) and NF-κB expression was measured by western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC)/immunofluorescence (IF). Activity of MMP was evaluated by in situ zymography. Neurovascular injury was assessed using zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) by WB and IF, fibronectin (FN) and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) IHC. Perihematomal cell death was determined by TUNEL assay. Behavioral outcome was measured by modified neurological severity score (mNSS) test. At the injured striata, profuse 3-NT was produced and mainly expressed in neutrophils and microglia/macrophages. 3-NT formation significantly colocalized with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression. In situ zymography showed that gelatinase activity was mostly co-localized with neurons and blood vessel walls and partly with neutrophils and microglia/macrophages. Enhanced 3-NT production, NF-κB induction and MMP-9 activation were obviously reduced after FeTPPS treatment. Hb-induced injury to tight junction protein (ZO-1), basal lamina of FN-immunopositive microvasculature and neural cells was evidently ameliorated by FeTPPS. In addition, apoptotic cell numbers as well as behavioral deficits were also improved. The present study shows that the administration of the ONOO(-) decomposition catalyst FeTPPS protects against Hb-induced neurovascular injuries and improves neurological function, which possibly in part by suppressing MMP-9 activation.
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Hu F, Deng X, Yang X, Jin H, Gu D, Lv X, Wang C, Zhang Y, Huo X, Shen Q, Luo Q, Zhao F, Ge T, Zhao F, Chu W, Shu H, Yao M, Fan J, Qin W. Hypoxia upregulates Rab11-family interacting protein 4 through HIF-1α to promote the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2015; 34:6007-17. [PMID: 25745995 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic microenvironment is a powerful driving force for the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), as a crucial regulator of transcriptional responses to hypoxia, induces the expression of multiple target genes involved in different steps of HCC metastatic process. It is critical to find target genes associated with metastasis under hypoxia for shedding new light on molecular mechanism of HCC metastasis. In this study, we uncovered that hypoxia could induce the upregulation of Rab11-family interacting protein 4 (Rab11-FIP4) and activation of Rab11-FIP4 promoter by HIF-1α. The overexpression of Rab11-FIP4 significantly enhanced the mobility and invasiveness of HCC cells in vitro, also contributed to distant lung metastasis in vivo, whereas silencing of Rab11-FIP4 decreased the ability of migration and invasion in HCC cells in vitro and suppressed lung metastasis in vivo. Rab11-FIP4 facilitated HCC metastasis through the phosphorylation of PRAS40, which was regulated by mTOR. Furthermore, the expression level of Rab11-FIP4 was significantly increased in HCC tissues and high expression of Rab11-FIP4 was closely correlated with vascular invasion and poor prognosis in HCC patients. A markedly positive correlation between the expression of Rab11-FIP4 and HIF-1α was observed in HCC tissues and combination of Rab11-FIP4 and HIF-1α was a more valuable predictor of poor prognosis for HCC patients. In conclusion, Rab11-FIP4 is a target gene of HIF-1α and has a pro-metastatic role in HCC, suggesting that Rab11-FIP4 may be a promising candidate target for HCC treatment.
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Deng X, Su Y, Wu H, Wu R, Zhang P, Dai Y, Chan TM, Zhao M, Lu Q. The Role of MicroRNAs in Autoimmune Diseases with Skin Involvement. Scand J Immunol 2015; 81:153-65. [PMID: 25430682 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sabino EC, Ribeiro AL, Lee TH, Oliveira CL, Carneiro-Proietti AB, Antunes AP, Menezes MM, Ianni BM, Salemi VM, Nastari L, Fernandes F, Sachdev V, Carrick DM, Deng X, Wright D, Gonçalez TT, Murphy EL, Custer B, Busch MP. Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in blood by PCR is associated with Chagas cardiomyopathy and disease severity. Eur J Heart Fail 2015; 17:416-23. [PMID: 25678239 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significance of detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in blood of antibody-positive patients for risk of development of Chagas heart disease is not well established. The objective of this study was to compare detection of T. cruzi DNA with known clinical and laboratory markers of Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) severity. METHODS This is a case-control study nested within a retrospective cohort developed in Brazil to understand the natural history of Chagas disease. The study enrolled 499 T. cruzi seropositive blood donors (SP-BD) and 488 frequency matched seronegative control donors (SN-BD) who had donated between 1996 and 2002, and 101 patients with clinically diagnosed CC. In 2008-2010 all enrolled subjects underwent a health questionnaire, medical examination, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. A blinded panel of three cardiologists adjudicated the outcome of CC. Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplast minicircle sequences were amplified by real-time PCR using an assay with a sensitivity of one parasite per 20 mL of blood. All testing was performed on coded samples. RESULTS Rates of PCR detection of T. cruzi DNA were significantly (P = 0.003) higher in CC patients and SP-BD diagnosed with CC (79/105 [75.2 %]) compared with SP-BD without CC (143/279 [51.3%]). The presence of parasitaemia was significantly associated with known markers of disease progression such as QRS and QT interval duration, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher left ventricular index mass, and elevated troponin and NTpro-BNP levels. CONCLUSION Trypanosoma cruzi PCR positivity is associated with presence and severity of cardiomyopathy, suggesting a direct role of parasite persistence in disease pathogenesis.
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Wang J, Zhou X, Liu S, Li G, Shi L, Dong J, Li W, Deng X, Niu X. Morin hydrate attenuates Staphylococcus aureus virulence by inhibiting the self-assembly of α-hemolysin. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 118:753-63. [PMID: 25564958 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the mechanism by which morin hydrate inhibits the haemolytic activity of α-hemolysin (Hla), a channel-forming toxin that is important for the pathogenesis of disease in experimental animals, and its therapeutic effect against Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in a mouse model. METHODS AND RESULTS The results from the in vitro (haemolysis, western blot and cytotoxicity assays) and in vivo (mouse model of intranasal lung infection) experiments indicated that morin hydrate, a natural compound with little anti-Staph. aureus activity, could effectively antagonize the cytolytic activity of Hla, alleviate human lung cell injury, and protect against mortality of Staph. aureus pneumonia in a mouse model of infection. Molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations and mutagenesis assays were further employed to determine the catalytic mechanism of inhibition, which indicated that a direct binding of morin to the 'Stem' domain of Hla (residues I107 and T109) and the concomitant change in conformation led to the inhibition of the self-assembly of the heptameric transmembrane pore, thus inhibiting the biological activity of Hla for cell lysis. CONCLUSIONS Morin inhibited Staph. aureus virulence via inhibiting the haemolytic activity of α-hemolysin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These findings suggested that morin is a promising candidate for the development of anti-virulence therapeutic agents for the treatment of Staph. aureus infections.
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Tan A, Ma J, Deng X, Tang G. Severe ascites as the primary symptom of fulminant postpartum HELLP syndrome: a case report. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2015; 42:685-687. [PMID: 26524826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Previous studies show that HELLP syndrome occurring in postpartum period was more dangerous to both fetus and the mother than if presented before delivery. So far, there is a lack of screening or predictive tests for postpartum HELLP syndrome in clinical practice. CASE Here the authors report a rare case of postpartum HELLP syndrome with severe ascites as the primary symptom. The patient was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and fetal growth retardation at 34+2 weeks gestation and received anti-hypertensive therapy. Severe ascites were found intraoperatively during emergency caesarean section. On the second postoperative day, complete HELLP syndrome was diagnosed. This case gradually complicated by hypoproteinemia, acute renal failure, severe anaemia, and infection and required renal haemodialysis, blood transfusion, and other supportive treatments for about one month. CONCLUSION Although this case has a fulminant and long course, it has a well clinical prognosis and also shows that severe ascites may be a clue for postpartum HELLP syndrome in patient with severe preeclampsia.
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Zheng Z, Clark N, Keremane M, Lee R, Wallis C, Deng X, Chen J. Whole-Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" Strain R1 from California. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2014; 2:e01353-14. [PMID: 25540355 PMCID: PMC4276833 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01353-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The draft whole-genome sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" strain R1, isolated from and maintained in tomato plants in California, is reported. The R1 strain has the genome size of 1,204,257 bp, G+C content of 35.3%, 1,101 predicted open reading frames, and 57 RNA genes.
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Mihovilovič M, Jin G, Long E, Zhang YW, Allada K, Anderson B, Annand JRM, Averett T, Boeglin W, Bradshaw P, Camsonne A, Canan M, Cates GD, Chen C, Chen JP, Chudakov E, De Leo R, Deng X, Deltuva A, Deur A, Dutta C, El Fassi L, Flay D, Frullani S, Garibaldi F, Gao H, Gilad S, Gilman R, Glamazdin O, Golak J, Golge S, Gomez J, Hansen O, Higinbotham DW, Holmstrom T, Huang J, Ibrahim H, de Jager CW, Jensen E, Jiang X, Jones M, Kang H, Katich J, Khanal HP, Kievsky A, King P, Korsch W, LeRose J, Lindgren R, Lu HJ, Luo W, Marcucci LE, Markowitz P, Meziane M, Michaels R, Moffit B, Monaghan P, Muangma N, Nanda S, Norum BE, Pan K, Parno D, Piasetzky E, Posik M, Punjabi V, Puckett AJR, Qian X, Qiang Y, Qui X, Riordan S, Saha A, Sauer PU, Sawatzky B, Schiavilla R, Schoenrock B, Shabestari M, Shahinyan A, Širca S, Skibiński R, John JS, Subedi R, Sulkosky V, Tobias WA, Tireman W, Urciuoli GM, Viviani M, Wang D, Wang K, Wang Y, Watson J, Wojtsekhowski B, Witała H, Ye Z, Zhan X, Zhang Y, Zheng X, Zhao B, Zhu L. Measurement of double-polarization asymmetries in the quasielastic (3)He[→](e[→],e(')d) process. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:232505. [PMID: 25526124 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.232505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We present a precise measurement of double-polarization asymmetries in the ^{3}He[over →](e[over →],e^{'}d) reaction. This particular process is a uniquely sensitive probe of hadron dynamics in ^{3}He and the structure of the underlying electromagnetic currents. The measurements have been performed in and around quasielastic kinematics at Q^{2}=0.25(GeV/c)^{2} for missing momenta up to 270 MeV/c. The asymmetries are in fair agreement with the state-of-the-art calculations in terms of their functional dependencies on p_{m} and ω, but are systematically offset. Beyond the region of the quasielastic peak, the discrepancies become even more pronounced. Thus, our measurements have been able to reveal deficiencies in the most sophisticated calculations of the three-body nuclear system, and indicate that further refinement in the treatment of their two-and/or three-body dynamics is required.
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Zhong H, Deng X, Song Z, Darsow U, Chen W, Chen S, Luo N, Hao F. Immunological changes after ASIT in AD allergen-specific immunotherapy and their potential correlation with clinical response in patients with atopic dermatitis patients sensitized to house dust mite. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2014; 29:1318-24. [PMID: 25376542 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the main treatment for inducing long-term immunological and clinical tolerance in patients with IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Recent open-label and controlled studies on the efficacy of ASIT in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have provided promising results. However, data about possible relationship between the improvement of clinical symptoms and changes of serum cytokines are limited. METHODS Seventy-nine patients with moderate to severe AD sensitized to house dust mite (HDM) were enrolled. Fifty-eight patients were treated with ASIT and 11 controls received only symptomatic treatment. The disease activity in AD patients was evaluated by using the patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM) system. Serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, total IgE, HDM-specific IgE (s-IgE) and HDM-specific IgG4 (s-IgG4) were measured before and after 2 years of therapy. RESULTS The mean patient-oriented eczema measure system (POEM) score of AD patients with ASIT significantly decreased after 2 years of treatment, compared to that in patients without ASIT. After ASIT, the serum levels of IL-10, TGF-β1, IFN-γ and s-IgG4 increased, while the level of IL-4 decreased. The change in the POEM score was negatively correlated with changes of serum concentration of TGF-β1, s-IgG4 and IFN-γ. Furthermore, s-IgG4 levels were positively correlated with changes in the IL-10 levels. No correlation between POEM score and serum IL-10 or IL-4 was observed. CONCLUSION Clinical symptoms and the quality of life of AD with HDM sensitization could be improved after 2 years of ASIT. Changes in serum IL-10, TGF-β1, s-IgG4 and IFN-γ might be considered as biomarkers to assist clinical evaluation of the therapeutic effects of ASIT in patients with AD.
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Zheng Z, Deng X, Chen J. Draft Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" from California. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2014; 2:e00999-14. [PMID: 25278540 PMCID: PMC4183884 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00999-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report here the draft genome sequence of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" strain HHCA, collected from a lemon tree in California. The HHCA strain has a genome size of 1,150,620 bp, 36.5% G+C content, 1,119 predicted open reading frames, and 51 RNA genes.
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