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Yang S, Ren J, Yan X, Huang X, Zou Z, Zhang Z, Yang B, Huang L. Quantitative trait loci for porcine white blood cells and platelet-related traits in a White Duroc x Erhualian F resource population. Anim Genet 2009; 40:273-8. [PMID: 19220229 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01830.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
White blood cell count and platelets are implicated as risk factors for common complex diseases. Genetic factors substantially affect these traits in humans and mice. However, little is known about the genetic architecture of these traits in pigs. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for leucocyte- and platelet-related traits in pigs, the total leucocyte number and differential leucocyte counts including the fraction of basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and a series of platelet parameters including platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width and plateletcrit were measured in 1033 F(2) animals on 240 days from a White Duroc x Erhualian intercross resource population. A total of 183 informative microsatellites distributed across 19 pig chromosomes (SSC) were genotyped across the entire resource population. Thirty-three QTL were identified for the examined traits, including eight genome-wide significant QTL for white blood cells and differential leucocyte counts on SSC2, 7, 8, 12 and 15 and six significant QTL for platelet-related traits on SSC2, 8, 13 and X. Erhualian or White Duroc alleles were not systematically associated with increased phenotypic values. These results not only confirmed many QTL identified previously in the mouse and swine, but also revealed a number of novel QTL for the traits recorded. Moreover, it is the first time that QTL for platelet-related traits in pigs have been reported.
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2377
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Yang G, Ren J, Zhang Z, Huang L. Genetic evidence for the introgression of Western NR6A1 haplotype into Chinese Licha breed associated with increased vertebral number. Anim Genet 2009; 40:247-50. [PMID: 19220230 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01820.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that NR6A1 is a strong candidate for being a causal gene underlying vertebral number in pigs. The Licha Black is one of the leanest Chinese indigenous pig breeds, having an average vertebral number of 21.5. The introgression of Western germplasm into Licha Black, resulting in increased vertebral number, has been assumed but is not confirmed. This study detected allele frequencies of the NR6A1 causative mutation (c.575T>C) in 519 pigs from three Western and seven Chinese breeds including Licha Black, and evaluated the genetic variation in a 650-kb region containing NR6A1 in the 10 breeds. Allele T for increased vertebral number was fixed in Western breeds. In contrast, this allele was very rare in most of the Chinese native breeds. Notably, the T allele was present in the Licha Black at a rather higher frequency (0.585) and in the Laiwu at lower frequency (0.250). As expected, selection pressure has wiped out the genetic variability in the 650 kb region in Western breeds. Conversely, Chinese indigenous breeds showed a high degree of genetic variability in this region. However, the Licha Black displayed dramatically reduced heterozygosity at the loci proximal to the causative mutation. Moreover, a high proportion (45.9%) of Licha Black pigs and a small number (21%) of Laiwu pigs had the Western NR6A1 haplotype, and the two breeds showed closer relationships with Western commercial breeds than other Chinese breeds in the phylogenic tree. When the results are taken together, this study supports the assumption that the Western NR6A1 haplotypes were introduced into Licha Black and possibly Laiwu and are associated with increased vertebral number.
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Zhang ZY, Zhang Z, Schluesener HJ. FTY720 attenuates lesional interleukin-17(+) cell accumulation in rat experimental autoimmune neuritis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2009; 35:487-95. [PMID: 19207263 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2009.01016.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is a well-known animal model of human demyelinating polyneuropathies. Here we have studied the spatiotemporal accumulation of interleukin (IL)-17(+) cells in sciatic nerves of EAN rats and effects of FTY720, an agonist of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. METHODS In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal expression of IL-17 using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, and analysed the IL-17(+) cell proportion in blood and lymph nodes using flow cytometry. RESULTS In sciatic nerves of EAN rats, IL-17(+) cells were mainly found to concentrate around blood vessels and IL-17(+) cell accumulation was temporally correlated with severity of neurological signs. FTY720, which has been shown to reduce severity of EAN, attenuated accumulation of IL-17(+) cells in sciatic nerves, decreased IL-17(+) cell proportion in peripheral blood, but increased IL-17(+) cell proportion in lymph nodes, suggesting the involvement of S1P signal pathway in regulating IL-17(+) cell trafficking. CONCLUSIONS our data are consistent with the possibility that IL-17(+) cells might contribute to the pathogenesis of EAN and the S1P signal pathway may be involved in the in vivo trafficking of IL-17(+) cells.
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Zhang Z, Finnerty C, He J, Herndon D, Jeschke M. QS201. SMAD Ubiquitination Regulatory Factor 2 Expression is Enhanced in Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts From Burned Children. J Surg Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2008.11.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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2380
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Li J, Zhang L, Feng M, Zhang Z, Pan Y. Identification of the proteome composition occurring during the course of embryonic development of bees (Apis mellifera). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 18:1-9. [PMID: 19040427 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2008.00849.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the proteome during embryonic development of honeybees, Apis mellifera, proteins were identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and protein engine identification tools that were applied to MASCOT and Xproteo search engines. 312, 320, 315 proteins were detected in 24, 48 and 72 h embryos. Thirty-eight highly abundant proteins were identified at the three time points by MS fingerprinting. All 21 proteins could be identified as products of annotated genes of the honeybee. Identified proteins included six proteins related to the metabolism of carbohydrates and energy production, six proteins belonging to the heat shock protein family, three cytoskeletal proteins, four proteins related to the antioxidant system of the embryo and two proteins related to growth regulation of the embryo. Quantitative proteomics was applied to analyze differences in amounts of these proteins during the three above mentioned developmental stages. Our data present an initial molecular picture of honeybee embryos, and will hopefully pave the way for future research on this animal.
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2381
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Zhang Z, Majava V, Greffier A, Hayes RL, Kursula P, Wang KKW. Collapsin response mediator protein-2 is a calmodulin-binding protein. Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:526-36. [PMID: 19151921 PMCID: PMC4428678 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-008-8362-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2) plays a crucial role in axonal guidance and neurite outgrowth during neural development and regeneration. We have studied the interaction between calmodulin (CaM) and CRMP-2 and how Ca(2+)/CaM binding modulates the biological functions of CRMP-2. We have shown that CRMP-2 binds to CaM directly in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. The CaM binding site of CRMP-2 is proposed to reside in the last helix of the folded domain, and in line with this, a synthesized peptide representing this helix bound to CaM. In addition, CaM binding inhibits a homotetrameric assembly of CRMP-2 and attenuates calpainmediated CRMP-2 proteolysis. Furthermore, a CaM antagonist reduces the number and length of process induced by CRMP-2 overexpression in HEK293 cells. Take together, our data suggest that CRMP-2 is a novel CaM-binding protein and that CaM binding may play an important role in regulating CRMP-2 functions.
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Yue G, Fadl A, Barek T, Zhang Z, Major J. Experimental Study of Aerosol Deposition in Pulsating Balloon Structures. Inhal Toxicol 2009; 21:215-22. [DOI: 10.1080/08958370802441206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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2383
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Guo Y, Mao H, Ren J, Yan X, Duan Y, Yang G, Ren D, Zhang Z, Yang B, Ouyang J, Brenig B, Haley C, Huang L. A linkage map of the porcine genome from a large-scale White Duroc × Erhualian resource population and evaluation of factors affecting recombination rates. Anim Genet 2009; 40:47-52. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01802.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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2384
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Rahman S, Zhang Z, Papke RL, Crooks PA, Dwoskin LP, Bardo MT. Region-specific effects of N
,N
′-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide on nicotine-induced increase in extracellular dopamine in vivo. Br J Pharmacol 2009. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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2385
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Man Y, Zhang Z, Wang C, Gao L, Zhang X. CAPC expression correlates with breast tumor progression and invasion. Cancer Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs-4044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract #4044
Background: Recent studies identified a uncharacterized gene that encodes a molecule named as cytokeratin-associated protein in cancer (CAPC). RT-PCR analysis detected significant elevation of CAPC mRNA in 26 of 33 human breast cancers. Our current study attempted to elucidate CAPC protein expression profile in human breast tissues, to assess: [1] if CAPC expression is associated with tumor progression and invasion, and [2] if CAPC is co-expressed with BP1 and c-erbB2, two known invasiveness and aggressiveness-related proteins.
 Materials and Methods: Consecutive sections were prepared from paraffin-embedded breast tissues from 100 female patients with breast tumors that harbored co-existing normal, hyperplastic, in situ, and invasive components. Sets of four adjacent sections from each case were subjected to immunohistochemistry for CAPC, BP1, c-erbB2, and Ki-67. The expression status of these molecules in different tissue components were statistically compared.
 Results: In normal breasts and hyperplastic or in situ breast lesions, CAPC positive cells were generally distributed as duct or acinar clusters with a distinct boundary with their CAPC negative counterparts. Under low magnification of H&E stained sections, these CAPC positive duct or acinar clusters were morphologically indistinguishable from their CAPC negative counterparts. Under high magnification, however, the myoepithelial cell layers of these CAPC positive clusters were focally disrupted, and the associated epithelial cells often showed malignancy-associated nuclear alterations. Both the number of CAPC positive cells and the intensity of CAPC immunostaining linearly increased with tumor progression and invasion. In invasive lesions, a vast majority of cancer cells in over 80% of the cases expressed high levels of CAPC. A majority of the normal, benign, and malignant tumors with high levels of CAPC showed substantially higher expression of BP1 and c-erbB2, along with a higher proliferation index, compared to their morphologically similar CAPC negative counterparts . In non-mitotic cells, CAPC was localized mainly in the cytoplasm. In malignant mitotic cells, high levels of CAPC expression were localized close to the cell membrane, forming a ring-like structure surrounding condensed chromosomes. In contrast, no distinct CAPC was detected in normal or hyperplastic mitotic cells.
 Discussion: These findings suggest CAPC might be a tumor specific marker that could be used for the development of diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.
 Acknowledgment: Supported in part by grant BCTR0706983 from The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and grant 2006CB910505 from the Ministry of Chinese Science and Technology Department.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4044.
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Miyazawa M, Dong Z, Zhang Z, Neiva KG, Cordeiro MM, Oliveira DT, Nör JE. Effect of PTK/ZK on the angiogenic switch in head and neck tumors. J Dent Res 2009; 87:1166-71. [PMID: 19029087 DOI: 10.1177/154405910808701213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transformation of small avascular masses of tumor cells into rapidly progressive cancers is triggered by the angiogenic switch, a process that involves vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. We have shown that VEGF enhances the survival and angiogenic potential of endothelial cells by activating the Bcl-2-CXCL8 signaling axis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a small-molecule inhibitor of VEGF receptors (PTK/ZK) on the initial stages of head and neck tumor angiogenesis. In vitro, PTK/ZK blocked head and neck tumor cell (OSCC3 or UM-SCC-17B)-induced Bcl-2 and CXCL8 expression in endothelial cells. Oral administration of PTK/ZK decreased xenograft head and neck tumor microvessel density, and inhibited Bcl-2 and CXCL8 expression in tumor-associated endothelial cells. Analysis of these data demonstrates that PTK/ZK blocks downstream targets of VEGF signaling in endothelial cells, and suggests that PTK/ZK may inhibit the angiogenic switch in head and neck tumors.
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Hoppe BS, Moskowitz CH, Zhang Z, Maragulia JC, Rice RD, Reiner AS, Hamlin PA, Zelenetz AD, Yahalom J. The role of FDG-PET imaging and involved field radiotherapy in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Bone Marrow Transplant 2009; 43:941-8. [PMID: 19139730 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2008.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We examined the role of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and the addition of involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) as potential modifiers of salvage therapy. From January 2000 to June 2007, 83 patients with chemosensitive relapsed or primary refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) underwent FDG-PET scans following second-line chemotherapy before high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell rescue (HDT/ASCR). We evaluated the prognostic value of having a negative FDG-PET scan before HDT/ASCR and whether IFRT improved the outcomes. Median follow-up was 45 months, and the 3-year PFS, disease-specific survival (DSS) and OS were 72, 80 and 78%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that a positive FDG-PET scan had worse PFS (hazard ratio=(HR) 3.4; P=0.014), DSS (HR=7.7; P=0.001) and OS (HR=5.4; P=0.001), and that patients not receiving IFRT had worse PFS (HR=2.7; P=0.03) and DSS (HR=2.8, P=0.059). Patients who received IFRT had better local control with fewer relapses within prior involved sites compared with those that did not receive IFRT (P=0.006). These outcomes confirm the important prognostic value of FDG-PET scans before undergoing HDT/ASCR. It also suggests that the role of IFRT should be evaluated further.
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Li Z, Liu X, Zhang Z. Preparation of F0F1 -ATPase Nanoarray by Dip-Pen Nanolithography and Its Application as Biosensors. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2009. [DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2008.2011862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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2389
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Rickard J, Body S, Zhang Z, Bradshaw C, Szabadi E. Effect of reinforcer magnitude on performance maintained by progressive-ratio schedules. J Exp Anal Behav 2009; 91:75-87. [PMID: 19230513 PMCID: PMC2614819 DOI: 10.1901/jeab.2009.91-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This experiment examined the relationship between reinforcer magnitude and quantitative measures of performance on progressive-ratio schedules. Fifteen rats were trained under a progressive-ratio schedule in seven phases of the experiment in which the volume of a 0.6-M sucrose solution reinforcer was varied within the range 6-300 microl. Overall response rates in successive ratios conformed to a bitonic equation derived from Killeen's (1994) Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement. The "specific activation" parameter, a, which is presumed to reflect the incentive value of the reinforcer, was a monotonically increasing function of reinforcer volume; the "response time" parameter, delta, which defines the minimum response time, increased as a function of reinforcer volume; the "currency" parameter, beta, which is presumed to reflect the coupling of responses to the reinforcer, declined as a function of volume. Running response rate (response rate calculated after exclusion of the postreinforcement pause) decayed monotonically as a function of ratio size; the index of curvature of this function increased as a function of reinforcer volume. Postreinforcement pause increased as a function of ratio size. Estimates of a derived from overall response rates and postreinforcement pauses showed a modest positive correlation across conditions and between animals. Implications of the results for the quantification of reinforcer value and for the use of progressive-ratio schedules in behavioral neuroscience are discussed.
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Zhang Z, Stenson J, Thomas C. Chapter 2 Micromanipulation in Mechanical Characterisation of Single Particles. CHARACTERIZATION OF FLOW, PARTICLES AND INTERFACES 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2377(09)03702-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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2391
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Du A, Zhang Z, Wu M. The effect of pyrolytic carbon black prepared from junked tires on the properties of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymers (EPDM). EXPRESS POLYM LETT 2009. [DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2009.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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2392
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Guo T, Ren J, Yang K, Ma J, Zhang Z, Huang L. Quantitative trait loci for fatty acid composition in longissimus dorsi and abdominal fat: results from a White Duroc x Erhualian intercross F2 population. Anim Genet 2008; 40:185-91. [PMID: 19133937 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01819.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A whole-genome scan was performed on 660 F(2) animals including 250 barrows and 410 gilts in a White Duroc x Erhualian intercross population to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fatty acid composition in the longissimus dorsi muscle and abdominal fat. A total of 153 QTL including 63 genome-wide significant QTL and 90 suggestive effects were identified for the traits measured. Significant effects were mainly evident on pig chromosomes (SSC) 4, 7, 8 and X. No association was detected on SSC3 and 11. In general, the QTL detected in this study showed distinct effects on fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. The QTL for fatty acid composition in abdominal fat did not correspond to those identified previously in backfat and the majority of QTL for the muscle fatty acid composition were mapped to chromosomal regions different from previous studies. Two regions on SSC4 and SSC7 showed significant pleiotropic effects on monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in both longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. Another two QTL with significant multi-faceted effects on MUFA and PUFA in the longissimus muscle were found each on SSC8 and SSCX. Chinese Erhualian alleles were associated with increased ratios of MUFA to saturated fatty acid at most of the QTL detected, showing beneficial effect in terms of human health.
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Kleinstreuer C, Zhang Z. An Adjustable Triple-Bifurcation Unit Model for Air-Particle Flow Simulations in Human Tracheobronchial Airways. J Biomech Eng 2008; 131:021007. [DOI: 10.1115/1.3005339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A new methodology for a swift and accurate computer simulation of large segments of the human lung airways is presented. Focusing on a representative tracheobronchial (TB) region, i.e., G0–G15, nano- and micron particle transports have been simulated for Qin=30l∕min, employing an experimentally validated computer model. The TB tree was geometrically decomposed into triple-bifurcation units with kinematically adjusted multilevel outlet/inlet conditions. Deposition patterns and maximum concentrations differ greatly between nanoparticles (1⩽dp⩽150nm) and micron particles (1⩽dp⩽10μm), which may relate uniquely to health impacts. In comparison with semi-analytical particle deposition results, it is shown that such simple “lung models” cannot predict local deposition values but can match computer simulation results for the entire TB region within 2.5–26%. The present study revealed that turbulent air-particle flow may propagate to G5 for the assumed inhalation flow rate. Geometry and upstream effects are more pronounced for micron particle deposition than for nanoparticle deposition.
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Song Y, Yang F, Jansen J, Kamphuis M, Zhang Z, Poot A, Vermes I, Grijpma D, Feijen J. Poly(trimethylene carbonate) porous tubular structures made by electro-spinning. J Control Release 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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2395
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Zhang Z, Zhang ZY, Fauser U, Schluesener HJ. Valproic acid attenuates inflammation in experimental autoimmune neuritis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2008; 65:4055-65. [PMID: 18953683 PMCID: PMC11131833 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-008-8521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a short-chain branched fatty with anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective and axon-remodeling effects. We investigated the effects of VPA in rats in which experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) had been induced (EAN rats). VPA (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) administration to EAN rats once daily immediately following immunization significantly suppressed mRNA levels of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-17 in the lymph nodes of EAN rats. In peripheral blood and sciatic nerves of EAN rats, Foxp3(+) cells were increased but IL-17(+) cells were decreased during VPA treatment. Furthermore, suppressive and therapeutic treatment with VPA greatly attenuated both accumulation of macrophages, T cells and B cells, and demyelination in sciatic nerves, and greatly reduced the severity and duration of EAN. In summary, our data demonstrated that VPA could effectively suppress inflammation in EAN, suggesting that VPA could be a potent candidate for treatment of autoimmune neuropathies.
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Zhang Y, Su Q, Wang Z, Yang Y, Xin Y, Han D, Yang X, Wang H, Gao X, Zhang Z. Synthesis and Toluene Adsorption/Desorption Property of Beta Zeolite Coated on Cordierite Honeycomb by an In Situ Crystallization Method. Chem Eng Technol 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/ceat.200800260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Habara Y, Takeshima Y, Awano H, Okizuka Y, Zhang Z, Saiki K, Yagi M, Matsuo M. In vitro splicing analysis showed that availability of a cryptic splice site is not a determinant for alternative splicing patterns caused by +1G-->A mutations in introns of the dystrophin gene. J Med Genet 2008; 46:542-7. [PMID: 19001018 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2008.061259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Splicing patterns are critical for assessing clinical phenotype of mutations in the dystrophin gene. However, it is still unclear how to predict alternative splicing pathways in such cases of splice-site mutation in the dystrophin gene. OBJECTIVE To identify elements determining alternative splicing pathways in intron +1G-->A mutations of the dystrophin gene. RESULTS We found that exon 25 is spliced out in the +1G-->A mutation in intron 25, resulting in mild Becker muscular dystrophy, and that a cryptic splice site within exon 45 was activated in severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a mutation of +1G-->A mutation in 45. Furthermore, in vitro splicing analysis using a pre-constructed expression vector showed that the mutant intron 25 produced one transcript that lacked exon 25. In contrast, the same splice-site mutation in intron 45 produced three splicing products. One product used the same cryptic donor splice site within exon 45 as the in vivo donor site and another product used a cryptic splice site within the vector sequence. Notably, the available cryptic splice site was not activated by the same G-->A mutation of intron 25. CONCLUSION It was concluded that sequences inserted into the in vitro splicing assay minigene contain cis-elements that determine splicing pathways. By taking other +1G-->A mutations in the introns of the dystrophin gene reported in the literature into consideration, it seems that cryptic splice-site activation is seen only in strong exons. This finding will help to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of dystrophinopathy and to predict efficiency of induction of exon skipping with antisense oligonucleotides for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Shi L, Xu M, Liu J, Zhang Z, Bao Z, Wang Y, Wang C, Wang J. K(ATP) channels are involved in regulatory volume decrease in rat cardiac myocytes. Physiol Res 2008; 58:645-652. [PMID: 19093724 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.931594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) is essential for the survival of animal cells. The aim of this study was to observe the RVD process in rat ventricular myocytes, and to determine if the K(ATP) channels are involved in the RVD process in these cells. By using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that there are two types of K(ATP) channels expressed in rat ventricular myocytes: Kir6.1 and Kir6.2. When rat cardiac myocytes were exposed to hypotonic solution, cell volume increased significantly within 15 min and then gradually recovered. This typical RVD process could be inhibited by a Cl(-) channel blocker (0.5 mM 9-anthracene-carboxylic acid?9-AC), a K(+) channel blocker (5.0 mM CsCl) and a K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide (10 microM). Electrophysiological results showed that hypotonic solution activated a whole-cell current, which had similar biophysical characteristics with K(ATP) opener (pinacidil)-induced currents. This current could be blocked by glibenclamide. Our data suggested that the RVD process in rat ventricular myocytes is dependent on the activation of K(+) channels, and that K(ATP) channels are involved in this process.
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Fenter P, Park C, Kohli V, Zhang Z. Image contrast in X-ray reflection interface microscopy: comparison of data with model calculations and simulations. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2008; 15:558-571. [PMID: 18955761 DOI: 10.1107/s0909049508023935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/28/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The contrast mechanism for imaging molecular-scale features on solid surfaces is described for X-ray reflection interface microscopy (XRIM) through comparison of experimental images with model calculations and simulated measurements. Images of elementary steps show that image contrast is controlled by changes in the incident angle of the X-ray beam with respect to the sample surface. Systematic changes in the magnitude and sign of image contrast are asymmetric for angular deviations of the sample from the specular reflection condition. No changes in image contrast are observed when defocusing the condenser or objective lenses. These data are explained with model structure-factor calculations that reproduce all of the qualitative features observed in the experimental data. These results provide new insights into the image contrast mechanism, including contrast reversal as a function of incident angle, the sensitivity of image contrast to step direction (i.e. up versus down), and the ability to maximize image contrast at almost any scattering condition defined by the vertical momentum transfer, Q(z). The full surface topography can then, in principle, be recovered by a series of images as a function of incident angle at fixed momentum transfer. Inclusion of relevant experimental details shows that the image contrast magnitude is controlled by the intersection of the reciprocal-space resolution function (i.e. controlled by numerical aperture of the condenser and objective lenses) and the spatially resolved interfacial structure factor of the object being imaged. Together these factors reduce the nominal contrast for a step near the specular reflection condition to a value similar to that observed experimentally. This formalism demonstrates that the XRIM images derive from limited aperture contrast, and explains how non-zero image contrast can be obtained when imaging a pure phase object corresponding to the interfacial topography.
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Jiao Y, Fu J, Xing S, Zhang Z, Wang X, Zhang J, Fu B, Jin L, Kang F, Wu H, Wang F. OL-041 Apoptosis of CD8+ T-cells in HIV-1-infected typical progressors, but not in long-term non-progressors. Int J Infect Dis 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1201-9712(09)60138-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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