203 results on '"Fang LIU"'
Search Results
2. Synaptotagmin-like protein 1 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in endometrial cancer based on bioinformatics and experiments
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Meijuan, Cai, Meng, Xu, Fang, Liu, and Qian, Wang
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- 2023
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3. Natural astaxanthin enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved semen quality through the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in aging layer breeder roosters
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Hemin Ni, Xiangguo Wang, Liang Wang, Shan Gao, Longfei Xiao, Xihui Sheng, Kai Xing, Xiaolong Qi, Nuo Heng, Yong Guo, Fang Liu, and Yu Chen
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MAPK/ERK pathway ,Antioxidant ,Veterinary medicine ,medicine.medical_treatment ,SF1-1100 ,Biochemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Semen quality ,Astaxanthin ,SF600-1100 ,medicine ,Food science ,Protein kinase A ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Meal ,Natural astaxanthin ,Superoxide ,Research ,MAPK/Nrf2 pathway ,Animal culture ,Antioxidant capacity ,Enzyme ,chemistry ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Aging rooster ,Food Science ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Background Natural astaxanthin (ASTA) has strong antioxidant properties and has been widely used as a health product to improve human health. However, the effects of ASTA on the reproductive performance of aging roosters have been poorly studied. We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on semen quality and antioxidant capacity in aging roosters and to explore the potential mechanism of semen quality change via anti-oxidation defense system. Methods In the present study, 96 53-week-old Jinghong No. 1 layer breeder roosters were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks. Results Semen quality in the ASTA groups remarkably improved than that in the control group, and antioxidant activities, the abilities to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, increased gradually with ASTA addition (P P Conclusions Collectively, these results demonstrate that dietary ASTA may improve semen quality by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals, which may be related to upregulation of the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.
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- 2021
4. Risk factors affect accurate prognosis in ASXL1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia
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Zhenzhen Wu, Lin-Xiao Liao, Fan Yi, Zhongxing Jiang, Chong Wang, Shujuan Wang, Yan-Fang Liu, and Yajun Liu
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Oncology ,Cancer Research ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ,Fusion gene ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Internal medicine ,hemic and lymphatic diseases ,Genetics ,Medicine ,Epigenetics ,Risk factor ,Survival rate ,neoplasms ,RC254-282 ,Acute myeloid leukemia ,QH573-671 ,Proportional hazards model ,business.industry ,Myeloid leukemia ,Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,Prognosis ,ASXL1 mutations ,RUNX1 ,chemistry ,Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ,business ,Cytology ,Primary Research - Abstract
Background The epigenetic regulator additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1) is an adverse prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the mutational spectrum and prognostic factors of ASXL1-mutated (ASXL1+) AML are largely unknown. We aim to evaluate the risk factors influencing the prognosis of ASXL1+ AML. Methods We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 1047 cases of de novo AML and discovered 91 ASXL1+ AML (8.7%). The Log-Rank test and Kaplan-Meier were used to evaluate survival rate, and the Cox regression model was used to analyze multivariate analysis. Results In a total of 91 ASXL1+ AML, 86% had one or more co-mutations. The factors that had adverse impact on overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) are defined as high risk factors, including age ≥ 60 years, WBC count ≥ 50 × 109/L, FLT3-ITD mutations, RUNX1 mutations, and absence of AML1-ETO fusion gene. ASXL1 mutations without any risk factor were classified as single-hit ASXL1+ AML; ASXL1 mutations accompanied with one of the risk factors was referred to as double-hit ASXL1+ AML; ASXL1 mutations with two or more of the risk factors were designated as triple-hit ASXL1+ AML. The combination of these risk factors had a negative influence on the prognosis of ASXL1+ AML. The median OS was not attained in single-hit ASXL1+ AML, 29.53 months in double-hit ASXL1+ AML, and 6.67 months in triple-hit ASXL1+ AML (P = 0.003). The median EFS was not attained in single-hit ASXL1+ AML, 29.53 months in double-hit ASXL1+ AML, and 5.47 months in triple-hit ASXL1+ AML (P = 0.002). Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) improved the prognosis of double/triple-hit ASXL1+ AML patients. Conclusions Our study provided new insights into the mutational spectrum and prognostic factors of ASXL1+ AML patients. Our primary data suggest that the risk factors in ASXL1+ AML contribute to the poor outcome of these patients. The management of ASXL1+ AML patients should be based on the risk factors and allo-HSCT is highly recommended for consolidation.
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- 2021
5. Raloxifene retards the progression of adjacent segmental intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting apoptosis of nucleus pulposus in ovariectomized rats
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Liu Zhang, Qi Sun, Xin-Yu Nan, Shao-Hua Ping, Zhuang Zhou, Faming Tian, and Fang Liu
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0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Osteoporosis ,Apoptosis ,Diseases of the musculoskeletal system ,Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ,Rats, Sprague-Dawley ,0302 clinical medicine ,Postoperative Complications ,Bone Density ,Intervertebral disk ,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine ,Orthopedic surgery ,TUNEL assay ,Lumbar Vertebrae ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Spinal fusion ,Ovariectomized rat ,Disease Progression ,Female ,medicine.drug ,Research Article ,Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators ,medicine.medical_specialty ,animal structures ,Nucleus Pulposus ,Ovariectomy ,Lumbar vertebrae ,03 medical and health sciences ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Raloxifene ,Fusion ,business.industry ,Animal ,Intervertebral disc ,medicine.disease ,Disease Models, Animal ,030104 developmental biology ,Endocrinology ,Spinal Fusion ,RC925-935 ,Raloxifene Hydrochloride ,Surgery ,business ,RD701-811 ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Background Adjacent segmental intervertebral disk degeneration (ASDD) is a major complication secondary to lumbar fusion. Although ASSD pathogenesis remains unclear, the primary cause of intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) development is apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP). Raloxifene (RAL) could delay ASDD by inhibiting NP apoptosis. Methods An ASDD rat model was established by ovariectomy (OVX) and posterolateral spinal fusion (PLF) on levels 4–5 of the lumbar vertebrae. Rats in the treatment groups were administered 1 mg/kg/d RAL by gavage for 12 weeks, following which, all animals were euthanized. Lumbar fusion, apoptosis, ASDD, and vertebrae micro-architecture were evaluated. Results RAL maintained intervertebral disk height (DHI), delayed vertebral osteoporosis, reduced histological score, and inhibited apoptosis. The OVX+PLF+RAL group revealed upregulated expression of aggrecan and B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl2), as well as significantly downregulated expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4), metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), caspase-3, BCL2-associated X (bax), and transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) analysis revealed higher bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular number (Tb.N), and lower trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) in OVX+PLF+RAL group than in the OVX+PLF group. Conclusions RAL can postpone ASDD development in OVX rats through inhibiting extracellular matrix metabolic imbalance, NP cell apoptosis, and vertebral osteoporosis. These findings showed RAL as a potential therapeutic target for ASDD.
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- 2021
6. Positive natural selection of N6-methyladenosine on the RNAs of processed pseudogenes
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Jinkai Wang, Liqiang Tan, Dan Ohtan Wang, Fang Liu, Nan Cao, Linwei Wu, and Weisheng Cheng
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RNA Stability ,Adenosine ,QH301-705.5 ,Pseudogene ,Natural selection ,RNA Splicing ,Human Embryonic Stem Cells ,HapMap Project ,QH426-470 ,Biology ,Cell Line ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,microRNA ,Genetics ,Humans ,Lymphocytes ,RNA, Messenger ,Biology (General) ,Selection, Genetic ,Gene ,Cell Line, Transformed ,Competing endogenous RNA ,N6-methyladenosine ,Genome, Human ,Research ,Intron ,Nuclear Proteins ,ceRNA ,RNA stability ,mRNA surveillance ,Nonsense Mediated mRNA Decay ,MicroRNAs ,Destrin ,HEK293 Cells ,chemistry ,N6-Methyladenosine ,Pseudogenes - Abstract
BackgroundCanonical nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) is an important splicing-dependent process for mRNA surveillance in mammals. However, processed pseudogenes are not able to trigger NMD due to their lack of introns. It is largely unknown whether they have evolved other surveillance mechanisms.ResultsHere, we find that the RNAs of pseudogenes, especially processed pseudogenes, have dramatically higher m6A levels than their cognate protein-coding genes, associated with de novo m6A peaks and motifs in human cells. Furthermore, pseudogenes have rapidly accumulated m6A motifs during evolution. The m6A sites of pseudogenes are evolutionarily younger than neutral sites and their m6A levels are increasing, supporting the idea that m6A on the RNAs of pseudogenes is under positive selection. We then find that the m6A RNA modification of processed, rather than unprocessed, pseudogenes promotes cytosolic RNA degradation and attenuates interference with the RNAs of their cognate protein-coding genes. We experimentally validate the m6A RNA modification of two processed pseudogenes,DSTNP2andNAP1L4P1, which promotes the RNA degradation of both pseudogenes and their cognate protein-coding genesDSTNandNAP1L4. In addition, the m6A ofDSTNP2regulation of DSTN is partially dependent on the miRNA miR-362-5p.ConclusionsOur discovery reveals a novel evolutionary role of m6A RNA modification in cleaning up the unnecessary processed pseudogene transcripts to attenuate their interference with the regulatory network of protein-coding genes.
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- 2021
7. Denosumab alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration adjacent to lumbar fusion by inhibiting endplate osteochondral remodeling and vertebral osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats
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Jia-Kang Fang, Faming Tian, Yun-Peng Hu, Qiangqiang Lian, Liu Zhang, Qi Sun, Fang Liu, and Zhuang Zhou
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0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Ovariectomy ,Osteoporosis ,Lumbar vertebrae ,Diseases of the musculoskeletal system ,Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ,Bone resorption ,Rats, Sprague-Dawley ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Lumbar ,Internal medicine ,Endplate ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Intervertebral Disc ,Bone mineral ,Lumbar Vertebrae ,Chemistry ,Correction ,Osteochondral remodeling ,Intervertebral disc ,X-Ray Microtomography ,medicine.disease ,Rats ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Endocrinology ,Denosumab ,RC925-935 ,Ovariectomized rat ,Female ,Vertebral ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,medicine.drug ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Although adjacent segmental intervertebral disc degeneration (ASDD) is one of the most common complications after lumbar fusion, its exact mechanism remains unclear. As an antibody to RANKL, denosumab (Dmab) effectively reduces bone resorption and stimulates bone formation, which can increase bone mineral density (BMD) and improve osteoporosis. However, it has not been confirmed whether Dmab has a reversing or retarding effect on ASDD. Methods Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent L4–L5 posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) with spinous-process wire fixation 4 weeks after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) surgery were given Dmab 4 weeks after PLF surgery (OVX+PLF+Dmab group). In addition, the following control groups were defined: Sham, OVX, PLF, and OVX+PLF (n=12 each). Next, manual palpation and X-ray were used to evaluate the state of lumbar fusion. The bone microstructure in the lumbar vertebra and endplate as well as the disc height index (DHI) of L5/6 was evaluated by microcomputed tomography (μCT). The characteristic alterations of ASDD were identified via Safranin-O green staining. Osteoclasts were detected using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and the biomechanical properties of vertebrae were evaluated. Aggrecan (Agg), metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4) expression in the intervertebral disc were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. In addition, the expression of CD24 and Sox-9 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Manual palpation showed clear evidence of the fused segment’s immobility. Compared to the OVX+PLF group, more new bone formation was observed by X-ray examination in the OVX+PLF+Dmab group. Dmab significantly alleviated ASDD by retaining disc height index (DHI), decreasing endplate porosity, and increasing vertebral biomechanical properties and BMD. TRAP staining results showed a significantly decreased number of active osteoclasts after Dmab treatment, especially in subchondral bone and cartilaginous endplates. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression results in discs (IVDs) showed that Dmab not only inhibited matrix degradation by decreasing MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 but also promoted matrix synthesis by increasing Agg. Dmab maintained the number of notochord cells by increasing CD24 but reducing Sox-9. Conclusions These results suggest that Dmab may be a novel therapeutic target for ASDD treatment.
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- 2021
8. Acetate Ringer’s solution versus 0.9% saline for septic patients: study protocol for a multi-center parallel controlled trial
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Yiming Li, Yuan Zhu, Li Yu, Fang Liu, Zhiyong Peng, Li He, Lianjiu Su, and Jing Zhang
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Male ,Time Factors ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Severity of Illness Index ,law.invention ,Study Protocol ,0302 clinical medicine ,law ,Septic shock ,Medicine ,Multicenter Studies as Topic ,Pharmacology (medical) ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Hospital Mortality ,Prospective Studies ,Infusions, Intravenous ,Saline ,Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ,Aged, 80 and over ,lcsh:R5-920 ,Acute kidney injury ,Acute Kidney Injury ,Middle Aged ,Intensive care unit ,Renal Replacement Therapy ,Treatment Outcome ,Anesthesia ,Female ,Saline Solution ,lcsh:Medicine (General) ,Adult ,Adolescent ,Acetate Ringer’s solution ,Renal function ,Sepsis ,03 medical and health sciences ,Young Adult ,Pragmatic Clinical Trials as Topic ,Humans ,Renal replacement therapy ,Aged ,Mechanical ventilation ,business.industry ,030208 emergency & critical care medicine ,medicine.disease ,Respiration, Artificial ,Fluid Therapy ,Isotonic Solutions ,business - Abstract
BackgroundPrevious study drew different conclusions on significant differences between saline and balanced crystalloid solution infused in critical illness but both showed a statistical difference in the sepsis subgroup. Thus, we will specifically focus on septic patients in this study to compare the effects of saline and balanced solution. We hypothesize that effects of saline on renal outcomes are related to the underline acute kidney injury (AKI) severity and total volumes of infusion.Methods/designThe investigators designed a pragmatic, multi-center parallel controlled trial recruiting 312 patients who are diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) and will be assigned with either acetate Ringer’s solution or saline in the corresponding month. Patients with an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or who need renal replacement therapy (RRT) prior to or at the time of enrolment are excluded. Enrolled patients will be regarded as with mild, moderate, or severe sepsis on the basis of the severity of their illness and will be divided into subgroups according to their initial renal function and various intravenous infusion volumes when being analyzed. The primary outcome is major adverse kidney events within 28 days (MAKE28), including the composite of in-hospital death, receipt of new renal replacement therapy, or persistent renal dysfunction. Secondary outcomes include 28-day mortality, internal environment disturbance, incidence and duration of vasoactive drug treatment, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of RRT, and ICU and hospital length of stay.Results and conclusionsTo our knowledge, this study will be the first to focus on septic patients and provide credible and evident data on the comparison of outcome between acetate Ringer’s solution and saline for intravenous infusion in adult septic patients on the basis of baseline renal function and infusion volumes taken into consideration.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03685214. Registered on August 15, 2018
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- 2021
9. Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 promotes cancer cell migration via c-Raf/MAPK/AP-1 pathway and MMP-9 production in osteosarcoma
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Chun-Han Hou, Po Chun Chen, Ju Fang Liu, and Tsung Ming Chang
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MAPK/ERK pathway ,Male ,Cancer Research ,CCR2 ,MAP Kinase Signaling System ,Cell ,Bone Neoplasms ,Mice, SCID ,Biology ,Transfection ,Mice ,Cell Movement ,Cell Line, Tumor ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Migration ,Chemokine CCL2 ,Cell Proliferation ,Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ,Gene knockdown ,Osteosarcoma ,Research ,Cell migration ,medicine.disease ,Prognosis ,Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf ,Transcription Factor AP-1 ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,HEK293 Cells ,Oncology ,Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ,Cell culture ,Cancer research ,Heterografts ,Signal transduction ,MMP-9 ,MCP-1 - Abstract
BackgroundOsteosarcoma is generally reported among younger individuals and has a very poor prognosis, particularly for the development of metastasis. However, more effective metastatic biomarkers and therapeutic methods are absent. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is involved in cancer progression and inflammatory recruitment. Although previous studies have reported higher serum MCP-1 levels in patients with osteosarcoma, the role of MCP-1 in osteosarcoma progression remains to be addressed.MethodsThe osteosarcoma cell migratory ability was assessed by transwell migration assay. The MCP-1 and MMP-9 expression levels were analyzed by Western blot and qPCR. The signal activation was conducted by Western blot. The in vivo mouse experiment and tumor tissue array were performed to confirm our findings in vitro.ResultsThe present study demonstrates that MCP-1 regulates cell mobility through matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, MCP-1 promotes MMP-9 expression, cell migration, and cell invasion by mediating CCR2, c-Raf, MAPK, and AP-1 signal transduction. Using MCP-1 knockdown stable cell lines, we found that MCP-1 knockdown reduces MMP-9 expression and cell mobility. Finally, we found high MCP-1 expression levels in osteosarcoma specimens.ConclusionsOur results provide prognostic value of MCP-1 in osteosarcoma by promoting MMP-9 expression.
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- 2020
10. Isatis root polysaccharide promotes maturation and secretory function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells
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Li Xiao, Tong Chen, Hao Wang, Xuebing Wang, Shucheng Huang, Fang Liu, Chao Tong, and Zewen Chen
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0301 basic medicine ,Monocyte-derived DCs ,China ,Swine ,Pseudorabies ,Polysaccharide ,Plant Roots ,Virus ,Monocytes ,Pseudorabies virus ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Polysaccharides ,Animals ,Secretion ,Isatis ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,biology ,Chemistry ,Monocyte derived ,Plant Extracts ,lcsh:Other systems of medicine ,Animal virus ,Dendritic Cells ,lcsh:RZ201-999 ,biology.organism_classification ,Herpesvirus 1, Suid ,Cell biology ,030104 developmental biology ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Function (biology) ,Isatis root polysaccharide ,030215 immunology ,Research Article ,Drugs, Chinese Herbal - Abstract
Background Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an animal virus that is globally responsible for the high economic losses in the swine industry. Isatis root is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that possesses immune-enhancing and antiviral properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the active component of the isatis root polysaccharide (IRPS) extract on immature dendritic cells remain elusive. Methods In this study, we investigated the molecular changes in primary porcine peripheral blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) during PRV infection, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, we studied the effect of IRPS on PRV-infected DCs. Results The results showed that IRPS stimulated the maturation of MoDCs, induced IL-12 secretion, and downregulated IL-6 expression. Conclusions Collectively, these results suggest that IRPS is a promising candidate for promoting maturation of DCs and enhancing their secretory potential after PRV infection.
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- 2020
11. The effect of a loading dose of meropenem on outcomes of patients with sepsis treated by continuous renal replacement: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
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Sui-Qing Ni, Wen-Bing Teng, Yong-Hong Fu, Wei Su, Zhi Yang, Jie Cai, Jin-Nuo Xu, Xiao-Ying Deng, Xiang-Fang Liu, Sheng-Nan Fu, Jun Zeng, Chen Zhang, Ni, Sui-Qing, Teng, Wen-Bing, Fu, Yong-Hong, Su, Wei, Yang, Zhi, Cai, Jie, Xu, Jin-Nuo, and Deng, Xiao-Ying
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SEPSIS ,MEROPENEM ,RANDOMIZED controlled trials ,LEUKOCYTE count ,RESEARCH protocols ,RENAL replacement therapy - Abstract
Background: Sepsis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are both responsible for the alterations of the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics. For patients with sepsis receiving CRRT, the serum concentrations of meropenem in the early phase (< 48 h) was significantly lower than that in the late phase (> 48 h). This current trial aimed to investigate whether administration of a loading dose of meropenem results in a more likely achievement of the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) target (100% fT > 4 × MIC) and better therapeutic results in the patients with sepsis receiving CRRT.Methods: This is a single-blinded, single-center, randomized, controlled, two-arm, and parallel-group trial. This trial will be carried out in Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology Guangdong, China. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with critical sepsis or sepsis-related shock receiving CRRT will be included in the study. The subjects will be assigned to the control group and the intervention group (LD group) randomly at a 1:1 ratio, the estimated sample size should be 120 subjects in each group. In the LD group, the patient will receive a loading dose of 1.5-g meropenem resolved in 30-ml saline which is given via central line for 30 min. Afterward, 0.75-g meropenem will be given immediately for 30 min every 8 h. In the control group, the patient will receive 0.75-g meropenem for 30 min every 8 h. The primary objective is the probabilities of PK/PD target (100% fT > 4 × MIC) achieved in the septic patients who receive CRRT in the first 48 h. Secondary objectives include clinical cure rate, bacterial clearance rate, sepsis-related mortality and all-cause mortality, the total dose of meropenem, duration of meropenem treatment, duration of CRRT, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), C-reactive protein levels, procalcitonin levels, white blood cell count, and safety.Discussion: This trial will assess for the first time whether administration of a loading dose of meropenem results in a more likely achievement of the PK/PD target and better therapeutic results in the patients with sepsis receiving CRRT. Since CRRT is an important therapeutic strategy for sepsis patients with hemodynamic instability, the results from this trial may help to provide evidence-based therapy for septic patients receiving CRRT.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, ChiCTR2000032865 . Registered on 13 May 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=53616 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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12. The DISC1 R264Q variant increases affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor and increases GSK3 activity
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Albert H.C. Wong, Hailong Zhang, Fang Liu, and Ping Su
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0301 basic medicine ,Scaffold protein ,Psychosis ,Population ,Nerve Tissue Proteins ,Biology ,lcsh:RC346-429 ,03 medical and health sciences ,Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,DISC1 ,Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ,Mice ,Phosphoserine ,0302 clinical medicine ,Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) ,GSK-3 ,Dopamine receptor D2 ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Phosphorylation ,Neurotransmitter ,education ,Molecular Biology ,lcsh:Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,education.field_of_study ,Receptors, Dopamine D2 ,Research ,Neurogenesis ,Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) ,medicine.disease ,Cell biology ,030104 developmental biology ,HEK293 Cells ,chemistry ,Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) -3 ,Mutation ,biology.protein ,Schizophrenia ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
The Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene encodes a scaffolding protein that is involved in many neural functions such as neurogenesis, neural differentiation, embryonic neuron migration and neurotransmitter signalling. DISC1 was originally implicated in schizophrenia in a single family with a drastic mutation, a chromosomal translocation severing the mid-point of the gene (aa 598). Some common DISC1 variants have also been associated with schizophrenia in the general population, but those located far from the chromosomal translocation breakpoint likely have a different functional impact. We previously reported that DISC1 forms a protein complex with dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), the main target for antipsychotic medications. The D2R-DISC1 complex is elevated in brain tissue from schizophrenia patients and facilitates glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 signaling. The DISC1 R264Q variant is located within the region that binds the D2R, and we found that this polymorphism increases the affinity of DISC1 for the D2R and promotes GSK3 activity. Our results suggest a possible mechanism by which this common polymorphism could affect aspects of brain function that are relevant to psychosis and schizophrenia. This provides additional insight into molecular mechanisms underlying schizophrenia that could be exploited in the development of novel pharmacological treatments.
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- 2020
13. A rare face of follicular lymphoma: reverse variant of follicular lymphoma
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Fang Liu, Shangqin Liu, Sufang Tian, Qiongrong Chen, and Ninu Maskey
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Adult ,Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Histology ,Follicular lymphoma ,Centrocytes ,Biology ,Pathology and Forensic Medicine ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,immune system diseases ,hemic and lymphatic diseases ,Centroblasts ,medicine ,lcsh:Pathology ,Biomarkers, Tumor ,Humans ,Follicular dendritic cells meshwork ,Lymphoma, Follicular ,In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ,Gene Rearrangement ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Research ,Reverse variant of follicular lymphoma ,Germinal center ,General Medicine ,Gene rearrangement ,Middle Aged ,Marginal zone ,BCL6 ,medicine.disease ,Immunohistochemistry ,Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Female ,Lymph Nodes ,CD5 ,030215 immunology ,Fluorescence in situ hybridization ,lcsh:RB1-214 - Abstract
Background Reverse Variant of Follicular Lymphoma (RVFL) is one of the rare morphological variants of FL, characterized by dark staining small centrocytes in the center and pale staining large centroblasts at the periphery of the neoplastic follicles. Only rare cases of RVFL have been described to date. The histological appearance of this little known variant of FL may be misinterpreted if pathologists are unaware of its existence. The main purpose of this study is to draw pathologists’ attention to such an uncommon growth pattern of FL so that this variant can be correctly recognized and the clinical significance further studied in the future. Methods Four cases of FL with unusual morphologic features were evaluated for the expression pattern of CD20, CD10, BCL6, BCL2, CD21, CD23, CD3, CD5, Cyclin D1, IgD and Ki67 by immunohistochemistry. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with break-apart probes was performed to detect BCL2 gene rearrangement. Results All four cases showed distinctive morphologic pattern of RVFL; in addition, each also exemplified unique morphological features. Immunohistochemical stains confirmed the cells in both the central areas and the peripheral cuffs had the same immunophenotypic profiles, contrasting to the FL with marginal zone differentiation in which only the center of the nodules showed expression of CD10. FISH demonstrated BCL2 gene rearrangement in all cases. Conclusion The growth pattern of this rare FL variant may mimic FL with marginal-zone differentiation and other entities including but not limited to marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). Pathologists should be familiar with this unusual morphological variant to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.
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- 2020
14. Identifying the active components of Baihe–Zhimu decoction that ameliorate depressive disease by an effective integrated strategy: a systemic pharmacokinetics study combined with classical depression model tests
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Zhangpeng Shi, Honggang Gao, Zhixiong Li, Fang Liu, Guanghui Wang, Guo Ziqiong, Minna Zhang, Mingcang Chen, Xiaoting Tian, Shuoji Chen, Chenggang Huang, Ming Zhong, and Gongpu Zheng
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Decoction ,Antidepressant ,Traditional Chinese medicine ,Pharmacology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pharmacokinetics ,Oral administration ,Medicine ,Distribution (pharmacology) ,Timosaponin BIII ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,business.industry ,Drug discovery ,Research ,Correction ,lcsh:Other systems of medicine ,lcsh:RZ201-999 ,Tail suspension test ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Baihe–Zhimu decoction ,Timosaponin BII ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Behavioural despair test - Abstract
Background Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Baihe–Zhimu decoction (BZD) has antidepressant effects. However, the complex composition and lack of clear evaluation standards for BZD make it less likely to be understood and accepted than evidence-based active natural compounds. Methods In this study, an effective method for the identification of antidepressant components was demonstrated and applied to BZD. The first step was to evaluate the efficacy of BZD by the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST), followed by successive quantitative analyses of the absorbed constituents at different stages, such as before hepatic disposition, liver distribution, after hepatic disposition and brain distribution after the oral administration of BZD. Finally, the compounds detected in the brain were confirmed by activity testing. Results Our investigation observed that timosaponin BII and timosaponin BIII were accurately determined in the brain after oral administration of BZD, and they were further confirmed to reduce the immobility time in the FST and TST. As described above, timosaponin BII and timosaponin BIII were used to scientifically and reasonably explain the effective chemical basis of the effect of BZD on depression. Conclusions This research affords an effective method to discover lead molecules for antidepressants from traditional Chinese medicine.
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- 2019
15. A high density SLAF-seq SNP genetic map and QTL for seed size, oil and protein content in upland cotton
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Zhengsheng Zhang, Junrui Ma, Fang Liu, Peng Yang, Zhonghua Teng, Xiaoyan Cai, Kai Guo, Ying Sun, Wenwen Wang, Yuncan Ou, Tianpeng Liu, Dajun Liu, Jian Zhang, Iftikhar Ali, Dexin Liu, and Le Yang
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0106 biological sciences ,Candidate gene ,lcsh:QH426-470 ,QTL ,lcsh:Biotechnology ,Population ,Quantitative Trait Loci ,Locus (genetics) ,Quantitative trait locus ,Biology ,01 natural sciences ,Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ,Cottonseed ,03 medical and health sciences ,lcsh:TP248.13-248.65 ,Genetics ,SNP ,Plant Oils ,Cultivar ,education ,030304 developmental biology ,Plant Proteins ,0303 health sciences ,education.field_of_study ,Gossypium ,Protein ,food and beverages ,Chromosome Mapping ,Seed size ,Oil ,lcsh:Genetics ,Upland cotton ,Agronomy ,Plant protein ,Genetic Loci ,Seeds ,Sequence Analysis ,SLAF-seq ,010606 plant biology & botany ,Biotechnology ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Cotton is a leading natural fiber crop. Beyond its fiber, cottonseed is a valuable source of plant protein and oil. Due to the much higher value of cotton fiber, there is less consideration of cottonseed quality despite its potential value. Though some QTL controlling cottonseed quality have been identified, few of them that warrant further study are known. Identifying stable QTL controlling seed size, oil and protein content is necessary for improvement of cottonseed quality. Results In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a cross between upland cotton cultivars/lines Yumian 1 and M11. Specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology was used to construct a genetic map that covered 3353.15 cM with an average distance between consecutive markers of 0.48 cM. The seed index, together with kernel size, oil and protein content were further used to identify QTL. In total, 58 QTL associated with six traits were detected, including 13 stable QTL detected in all three environments and 11 in two environments. Conclusion A high resolution genetic map including 7033 SNP loci was constructed through specific locus amplified fragment sequencing technology. A total of 13 stable QTL associated with six cottonseed quality traits were detected. These stable QTL have the potential for fine mapping, identifying candidate genes, elaborating molecular mechanisms of cottonseed development, and application in cotton breeding programs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5819-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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- 2019
16. The valproic acid rat model of autism presents with gut bacterial dysbiosis similar to that in human autism
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Vanessa Hull, Kayla Horton-Sparks, Robert W. Li, Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño, and Fang Liu
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0301 basic medicine ,Offspring ,Biology ,Gut flora ,lcsh:RC346-429 ,Rats, Sprague-Dawley ,03 medical and health sciences ,Developmental Neuroscience ,mental disorders ,medicine ,Animals ,Microbiome ,Autistic Disorder ,Molecular Biology ,lcsh:Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,Genetics ,Valproic Acid ,Research ,Gastrointestinal Microbiome ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Bacterial Typing Techniques ,Rats ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Disease Models, Animal ,030104 developmental biology ,Autism spectrum disorder ,Autism ,Dysbiosis ,Developmental Biology ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Background Gut microbiota has the capacity to impact the regular function of the brain, which can in turn affect the composition of microbiota. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients suffer from gastrointestinal problems and experience changes in gut microbiota; however, it is not yet clear whether the change in the microbiota associated with ASD is a cause or a consequence of the disease. Methods We have investigated the species richness and microbial composition in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model autism. Fecal samples from the rectum were collected at necropsy, microbial total DNA was extracted, 16 rRNA genes sequenced using Illumina, and the global microbial co-occurrence network was constructed using a random matrix theory-based pipeline. Collected rat microbiome data were compared to available data derived from cases of autism. Results We found that VPA administration during pregnancy reduced fecal microbial richness, changed the gut microbial composition, and altered the metabolite potential of the fecal microbial community in a pattern similar to that seen in patients with ASD. However, the global network property and network composition as well as microbial co-occurrence patterns were largely preserved in the offspring of rats exposed to prenatal administration of VPA. Conclusions Our data on the microbiota of the VPA rat model of autism indicate that this model, in addition to behaviorally and anatomically mimicking the autistic brain as previously shown, also mimics the microbiome features of autism, making it one of the best-suited rodent models for the study of autism and ASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-018-0251-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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- 2018
17. Novel KDM6A splice-site mutation in kabuki syndrome with congenital hydrocephalus: a case report
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Zhimei Guo, Hai Jun Li, and Fang Liu
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0301 basic medicine ,Male ,lcsh:Internal medicine ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,lcsh:QH426-470 ,RNA Splicing ,Case Report ,medicine.disease_cause ,03 medical and health sciences ,Exon ,Asian People ,Genetics ,medicine ,Humans ,KDM6A ,Abnormalities, Multiple ,lcsh:RC31-1245 ,Genetics (clinical) ,Histone Demethylases ,Mutation ,Splice site mutation ,Kabuki syndrome ,Congenital hydrocephalus ,splice-site mutation ,Base Sequence ,business.industry ,Intron ,Cytogenetics ,Chromosome Mapping ,Infant ,Nuclear Proteins ,medicine.disease ,Hematologic Diseases ,Human genetics ,lcsh:Genetics ,030104 developmental biology ,Vestibular Diseases ,Face ,Karyotyping ,RNA splicing ,Female ,Maternal Inheritance ,business ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed ,Hydrocephalus - Abstract
Background Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare congenital anomaly syndrome affecting multiple organs. Two genes have been shown to be mutated in patients with KS: lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) and lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D, formerly MLL2). Although the congenital clinical characteristic is helpful in diagnosis of the KS, there are no reports of specific findings in fetuses that might suggest the syndrome prenatally. Case presentation In this study, we described a male patient with a novel KDM6A splicing in exon(exon4) and flanking intron(intron3)-exon boundaries characterized by congenital hydrocephalus which had never been reported before. The male patient had inherited the c.335-1G > T splice site mutation from his mother who had fewer dysmorphic features than the patient who displayed a more severe phenotype with multiple organ involvement. Our research suggests that congenital hydrocephalus may accompany KS type 2, which improve the knowledge on KS further more. Conclusions Based on genetic and clinical features, suggest that the c.335-1G > T splicing mutation in KDM6A causing KS-2 disease. At least for this case, we suggest that congenital hydrocephalus is closely associated with KS type 2. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-018-0724-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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- 2018
18. Molecular analysis of inherited cardiomyopathy using next generation semiconductor sequencing technologies
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Peng Gao, Chaoxia Lu, Wei Wu, Shuyang Zhang, Yongtai Liu, Rongrong Wang, Jiacheng Li, Kunqi Yang, Nuo Si, Fang Liu, Xue Zhang, and Yaping Liu
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0301 basic medicine ,Adult ,Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ,Male ,TTN ,Cardiomyopathy ,lcsh:Medicine ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Gene mutation ,Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Right ventricular cardiomyopathy ,03 medical and health sciences ,symbols.namesake ,Ventricular Dysfunction, Left ,Young Adult ,0302 clinical medicine ,Next generation sequencing ,Medicine ,Humans ,Connectin ,Genetic Predisposition to Disease ,Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia ,Sanger sequencing ,Genetics ,Cardiomyopathy, Restrictive ,Myosin Heavy Chains ,business.industry ,Genetic heterogeneity ,Research ,lcsh:R ,Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ,Restrictive cardiomyopathy ,Adenine Nucleotide Translocator 1 ,High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ,General Medicine ,Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ,medicine.disease ,030104 developmental biology ,Phenotype ,Mutation ,symbols ,MYH7 ,Female ,business ,Cardiomyopathies ,Carrier Proteins ,Cardiac Myosins ,Inherited cardiomyopathy - Abstract
Background Cardiomyopathies are the most common clinical and genetic heterogeneity cardiac diseases, and genetic contribution in particular plays a major role in patients with primary cardiomyopathies. The aim of this study is to investigate cases of inherited cardiomyopathy (IC) for potential disease-causing mutations in 64 genes reported to be associated with IC. Methods A total of 110 independent cases or families diagnosed with various primary cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, left ventricular non-compaction, and undefined cardiomyopathy, were collected after informed consent. A custom designed panel, including 64 genes, was screened using next generation sequencing on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. The best candidate disease-causing variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Results A total of 78 variants in 73 patients were identified. After excluding the variants predicted to be benign and VUS, 26 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were verified in 26 probands (23.6%), including a homozygous variant in the SLC25A4 gene. Of these variants, 15 have been reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database or ClinVar database, while 11 are novel. The majority of variants were observed in the MYH7 (8/26) and MYBPC3 (6/26) gene. Titin (TTN) truncating mutations account for 13% in our dilated cardiomyopathy cases (3/23). Conclusions This study provides an overview of the genetic aberrations in this cohort of Chinese IC patients and demonstrates the power of next generation sequencing in IC. Genetic results can provide precise clinical diagnosis and guidance regarding medical care for some individuals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1605-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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- 2018
19. Bioconversion of distillers’ grains hydrolysates to advanced biofuels by an Escherichia coli co-culture
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Xun Zhuang, James D. Jaryenneh, Fang Liu, Ryan W. Davis, Mary Bao Tran-Gyamfi, and Weihua Wu
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0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,Bioconversion ,Population ,Microbial Consortia ,lcsh:QR1-502 ,Bioengineering ,Xylose ,Biology ,01 natural sciences ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,One-pot bioconversion ,Zea mays ,Distillers grains ,Hydrolysate ,lcsh:Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,010608 biotechnology ,Escherichia coli ,Food science ,education ,Plant Proteins ,Fusel alcohol ,education.field_of_study ,Algae hydrolysate ,Ethanol ,Research ,Distillers’ grains with solubles (DGS) ,Starch ,Coculture Techniques ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,Biochemistry ,Biofuel ,Biofuels ,Fermentation ,Biocatalysis ,Carbohydrate Metabolism ,Edible Grain ,Microbial co-culture ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Background First generation bioethanol production utilizes the starch fraction of maize, which accounts for approximately 60% of the ash-free dry weight of the grain. Scale-up of this technology for fuels applications has resulted in a massive supply of distillers’ grains with solubles (DGS) coproduct, which is rich in cellulosic polysaccharides and protein. It was surmised that DGS would be rapidly adopted for animal feed applications, however, this has not been observed based on inconsistency of the product stream and other logistics-related risks, especially toxigenic contaminants. Therefore, efficient valorization of DGS for production of petroleum displacing products will significantly improve the techno-economic feasibility and net energy return of the established starch bioethanol process. In this study, we demonstrate ‘one-pot’ bioconversion of the protein and carbohydrate fractions of a DGS hydrolysate into C4 and C5 fusel alcohols through development of a microbial consortium incorporating two engineered Escherichia coli biocatalyst strains. Results The carbohydrate conversion strain E. coli BLF2 was constructed from the wild type E. coli strain B and showed improved capability to produce fusel alcohols from hexose and pentose sugars. Up to 12 g/L fusel alcohols was produced from glucose or xylose synthetic medium by E. coli BLF2. The second strain, E. coli AY3, was dedicated for utilization of proteins in the hydrolysates to produce mixed C4 and C5 alcohols. To maximize conversion yield by the co-culture, the inoculation ratio between the two strains was optimized. The co-culture with an inoculation ratio of 1:1.5 of E. coli BLF2 and AY3 achieved the highest total fusel alcohol titer of up to 10.3 g/L from DGS hydrolysates. The engineered E. coli co-culture system was shown to be similarly applicable for biofuel production from other biomass sources, including algae hydrolysates. Furthermore, the co-culture population dynamics revealed by quantitative PCR analysis indicated that despite the growth rate difference between the two strains, co-culturing didn’t compromise the growth of each strain. The q-PCR analysis also demonstrated that fermentation with an appropriate initial inoculation ratio of the two strains was important to achieve a balanced co-culture population which resulted in higher total fuel titer. Conclusions The efficient conversion of DGS hydrolysates into fusel alcohols will significantly improve the feasibility of the first generation bioethanol process. The integrated carbohydrate and protein conversion platform developed here is applicable for the bioconversion of a variety of biomass feedstocks rich in sugars and proteins. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12934-017-0804-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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- 2017
20. Assessing the usability by clinicians of VISION: A hierarchical display of patient-collected physiological information to clinicians
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Albert Hoang, Michael Casey Flanagan, Fang Liu, Cubby L. Gardner, Paul Fontelo, and Harry B. Burke
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Informatics ,Intraclass correlation ,Monitoring, Ambulatory ,Health Informatics ,Context (language use) ,Blood Pressure ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Home monitoring ,lcsh:Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,Health informatics ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Nursing ,Heart Rate ,Medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Patient-generated data ,Prospective Studies ,Point of care ,Heart Failure ,business.industry ,Health Policy ,System usability scale ,Body Weight ,Usability ,Visual display ,Middle Aged ,Mobile Applications ,Computer Science Applications ,Oxygen ,Self Care ,Blood pressure ,Physical therapy ,Data Display ,lcsh:R858-859.7 ,Female ,Patient Participation ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background The inability of patients to accurately and completely recount their clinical status between clinic visits reduces the clinician’s ability to properly manage their patients. One way to improve this situation is to collect objective patient information while the patients are at home and display the collected multi-day clinical information in parallel on a single screen, highlighting threshold violations for each channel, and allowing the viewer to drill down to any analog signal on the same screen, while maintaining the overall physiological context of the patient. All this would be accomplished in a way that was easy for the clinician to view and use. Methods Patients used five mobile devices to collect six heart failure-related clinical variables: body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, physical activity, and subjective input. Fourteen clinicians practicing in a heart failure clinic rated the display using the System Usability Scale that, for acceptability, had an expected mean of 68 (SD, 12.5). In addition, we calculated the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of the clinician responses using a two-way, mixed effects model, ICC (3,1). Results We developed a single-screen temporal hierarchical display (VISION) that summarizes the patient’s home monitoring activities between clinic visits. The overall System Usability Scale score was 92 (95% CI, 87-97), p
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- 2017
21. Relationship between serum bilirubin concentrations and diabetic nephropathy in Shanghai Han’s patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
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Lei Zhang, Junfeng Han, Jian Zhou, Yuqian Bao, Kaifeng Guo, Weiping Jia, Qing Li, Haoyong Yu, Ming Li, Haibing Chen, Xu Li, Jun Yin, Lianxi Li, and Fang Liu
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,China ,Bilirubin ,Type 1 diabetes mellitus ,Diabetic nephropathy ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,lcsh:RC870-923 ,Gastroenterology ,Nephropathy ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Bilirubin concentrations ,0302 clinical medicine ,Asian People ,Interquartile range ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Prevalence ,Albuminuria ,Humans ,Diabetic Nephropathies ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Aged ,Type 1 diabetes ,business.industry ,Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,lcsh:Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,Endocrinology ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ,Logistic Models ,Quartile ,chemistry ,Nephrology ,Multivariate Analysis ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Recent studies highlight a negative association between total bilirubin concentrations and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our study evaluated the relationship between bilirubin concentrations and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods A total of 258 patients with T1DM were recruited and bilirubin concentrations were compared between patients with or without diabetic nephropathy. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between bilirubin concentrations and 24 h urinary microalbumin. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess independent risk factors for diabetic nephropathy. Participants were divided into four groups according to the quartile of total bilirubin concentrations (Q1, 0.20–0.60; Q2, 0.60–0.80; Q3, 0.80–1.00; Q4, 1.00–1.90 mg/dL) and the chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of DN in patients with T1DM. Results The median bilirubin level was 0.56 (interquartile: 0.43–0.68 mg/dL) in the DN group, significantly lower than in the non-DN group (0.70 [interquartile: 0.58–0.89 mg/dL], P
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- 2017
22. The effect of tai chi and Qigong exercise on depression and anxiety of individuals with substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Fang Liu, Jiabao Cui, Xuan Liu, Chen, Kevin W., Xiaorong Chen, and Ru Li
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ANXIETY ,CINAHL database ,MENTAL depression ,ERIC (Information retrieval system) ,INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems ,MEDICAL databases ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,MEDLINE ,META-analysis ,SUBSTANCE abuse ,TAI chi ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,QI gong ,TREATMENT effectiveness - Abstract
Background: Previous studies have acknowledged Tai Chi and Qigong exercise could be potential effective treatments for reducing depression and anxiety in both healthy and clinical populations. However, there is a scarcity of systematic reviews summarizing the clinical evidence conducted among individuals with substance use disorders. This study tries to fill up this gap. Methods: A systematic search using Medline, EMbase, PsychINFO, Eric, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and the Chinese Scientific Journal (VIP) databases was initiated to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized comparison studies (NRS) assessing the effect of Tai Chi and Qigong versus various comparison groups on depression and anxiety related outcomes. Study quality was evaluated using a Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Nonpharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT) designed for nonpharmacological trial. Results: One RCT and six NRS with a total of 772 participants were identified. Some of them were metaanalyzed to examine the pooled effects based on different types of intervention and controls. The results of meta-analyses suggested the effect of Tai Chi was comparable to treatment as usual (TAU) on depression (standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 0.17[- 0.52, 0.17]). Qigong exercise appears to result in improvement on anxiety compared to that of medication (SMD = -1.12[- 1.47, - 0.78]), and no treatment control (SMD = -0.52[- 0.77, - 0.27]). Conclusion: The findings suggest potentially beneficial effect of Qigong exercise on symptoms of anxiety among individuals with drug abuse. Considering the small number and overall methodological weakness of included studies and lack of RCTs, results should be interpreted with caution and future rigorously designed RCTs are warranted to provide more reliable evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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23. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide insight into the volatile compounds of citrus leaves and flowers.
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Zhang, Haipeng, Chen, Mengjun, Wen, Huan, Wang, Zhenhua, Chen, Jiajing, Fang, Liu, Zhang, Hongyan, Xie, Zongzhou, Jiang, Dong, Cheng, Yunjiang, and Xu, Juan
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ORANGES ,CITRUS fruits ,FLOWERS ,FLOWER shows ,CITRUS ,TERPENES - Abstract
Background: Previous reports have mainly focused on the volatiles in citrus fruits, and there have been few reports about the volatiles in citrus leaves and flowers. However, citrus leaves and flowers are also rich in volatile compounds with unique aromas. Here, to investigate the volatiles in citrus leaves and flowers, volatile profiling was performed on leaves from 62 germplasms and flowers from 25 germplasms. Results: In total, 196 and 82 volatile compounds were identified from leaves of 62 citrus germplasms and flowers of 25 citrus germplasms, respectively. The dominant volatile terpenoids were more diverse in citrus leaves than in peels. A total of 34 volatile terpenoids were commonly detected in the leaves of at least 20 germplasms, among which 31 were overaccumulated in the leaves of wild or semiwild germplasms. This result was consistent with the high expression levels of five genes and one key gene of the mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) biosynthetic pathways, respectively, as well as the low expression levels of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase of the MEP pathway, relative to the levels in cultivars. Fully open flowers showed increased levels of four terpene alcohols and a decrease in sabinene content compared with balloon-stage flowers, especially in sweet orange. A monoterpene synthase gene was identified and functionally characterized as a sabinene synthase in vitro. Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest that 31 important terpenoids are abundant in wild or semiwild citrus germplasms, possibly because of a negative effect of domestication on the volatiles in citrus leaves. The sweet smell of fully open flowers may be attributed to increased levels of four terpene alcohols. In addition, a sabinene synthase gene was identified by combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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24. De novo transcriptome sequencing of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) fleshy roots: analysis of major genes involved in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway.
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Jian Gao, Wen-Bo Li, Hong-Fang Liu, and Fa-Bo Chen
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ANTHOCYANINS ,RADISHES ,METABOLITES ,POLYMERASE chain reaction - Abstract
Background: The HongXin radish (Raphanus sativus L.), which contains the natural red pigment (red radish pigment), is grown in the Fuling district of Chongqing City. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin synthesis for the formation of natural red pigment in the fleshy roots of HongXin radish are not well studied. Results: De novo transcriptome of HX-1 radish, as well as that of the advanced inbred lines HX-2 and HX-3 were characterized using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. In total, approximately 66.22 million paired-end reads comprising 34, 927 unigenes (N50 = 1, 621 bp) were obtained. Based on sequence similarity search with known proteins, total of 30, 127 (about 86.26%) unigenes were identified. Additionally, functional annotation and classification of these unigenes indicated that most of the unigenes were predominantly enriched in the metabolic process-related terms, especially for the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites. Moreover, majority of the anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes (ABRGs) involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified by targeted search for their annotation. Subsequently, the expression of 15 putative ABRGs involved in the anthocyanin synthesis-related pathways were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Of those, RsPAL2, RsCHS-B2, RsDFR1, RsDFR2, RsFLS, RsMT3 and RsUFGT73B2-like were identified significantly associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis. Especially for RsDFR1, RsDFR2 and RsFLS, of those, RsDFR1 and RsDFR2 were highest enriched in the HX-3 and WG-3, but RsFLS were down-regulated in HX-3 and WG-3. We proposed that the transcripts of RsDFR1, RsDFR2 and RsFLS might be act as key regulators in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Conclusions: The assembled radish transcript sequences were analysed to identify the key ABRGs involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Additionally, the expression patterns of candidate ABRGs involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway were validated by qRT-PCR. We proposed that the transcripts of RsDFR1, RsDFR2 and RsFLS might be acted as key regulators in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. This study will enhance our understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolism of anthocyanin in radish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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25. A Gossypium BAC clone contains key repeat components distinguishing sub-genome of allotetraploidy cottons
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Xiaoyan Cai, Xingxing Wang, Xinglei Cui, Yuhong Wang, Renhai Peng, Fang Liu, Zhongxu Lin, Yuling Liu, Kunbo Wang, Wang Chunying, and Zhongli Zhou
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0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Heterochromatin ,Biology ,Gossypium ,Genome ,Biochemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,FISH ,medicine ,Genetics ,Genetics(clinical) ,Repetitive sequences ,Molecular Biology ,Genetics (clinical) ,Genomic organization ,BAC ,Biochemistry, medical ,Bacterial artificial chromosome ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,LTR-RT ,Research ,Biochemistry (medical) ,Cytogenetics ,Chromosome ,biology.organism_classification ,030104 developmental biology ,Molecular Medicine ,Fluorescence in situ hybridization - Abstract
Background Dissecting genome organization is indispensable for further functional and applied studies. As genome sequences data shown, cotton genomes contain more than 60 % repetitive sequences, so study on repetitive sequences composition, structure, and distribution is the key step to dissect cotton genome. Results In this study, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone enriched in repetitive sequences, was discovered initiatively by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISHing with allotetraploidy cotton as target DNA, dispersed signals on most regions of all A sub-genome chromosomes, and only middle regions of all D sub-genome chromosomes were detected. Further FISHing with other cotton species bearing A or D genome as target DNA, specific signals were viewed. After BAC sequencing and bioinformational analysis, 129 repeat elements, size about 57,172 bp were found, accounting for more than 62 % of the BAC sequence (91,238 bp). Among them, a type of long terminal repeat-retrotransposon (LTR-RT), LTR/Gypsy was the key element causing the specific FISH results. Using the fragments of BAC matching with the identified Gypsy-like LTR as probes, the BAC-57I23-like FISH signals were reappeared. Running BLASTN, the fragments had good match with all chromosomes of G. arboreum (A2) genome and A sub-genome of G. hirsutum (AD1), and had relatively inferior match with all chromosomes of D sub-genome of AD1, but had little match with the chromosomes of G. raimondii (D5) genome, which was consistent with the FISH results. Conclusion A repeats-enriched cytogenetic marker to identify A and D sub-genomes of Gossypium was discovered by FISH. Combined sequences analysis with FISH verification, the assembly quality of repetitive sequences in the allotetraploidy cotton draft genome was assessed, and better chromosome belonging was verified. We also found the genomic distribution of the identified Gypsy-LTR-RT was similar to the distribution of heterochromatin. The expansion of this type of Gypsy-LTR-RT in heterochromatic regions may be one of the major reasons for the size gap between A and D genome. The findings showed here will help to understand the composition, structure, and evolution of cotton genome, and contribute to the further perfection of the draft genomes of cotton.
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- 2016
26. Therapeutic potential of recombinant cystatin from Schistosoma japonicum in TNBS-induced experimental colitis of mice
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Shushu Wang, Xuesong Wang, Xiaodi Yang, Xiaowei Wang, Yuanhong Xu, Fang Liu, Yuanyuan Xie, Ke Yan, Yi Zhang, Zhengrong Zhong, and Jilong Shen
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0301 basic medicine ,Colon ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Spleen ,Inflammation ,Inflammatory bowel disease ,T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ,Schistosoma japonicum ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Intestinal mucosa ,Medicine ,Mesenteric lymph nodes ,Animals ,Colitis ,Intestinal Mucosa ,Mice, Inbred BALB C ,business.industry ,Research ,Weight change ,Cystatin ,Immunoregulation ,medicine.disease ,Cystatins ,Recombinant Proteins ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Cytokine ,Gene Expression Regulation ,Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid ,Immunology ,Cytokines ,030211 gastroenterology & hepatology ,Parasitology ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
Background Helminth infections and their components have been shown to have a protective effect on autoimmune diseases. The isolated purified protein from Schisotosoma japonicum and its potential therapeutic effect on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis could provide an alternative way to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBDs). Methods Colitis was induced in Balb/c mice by rectal administration of 2.5 % TNBS, followed by intraperitoneal injection of rSjcystatin 50 μg at 6 h and 24 h afterwards. The inflammation was monitored by recording weight change, stool character and bleeding, colon length, macroscopic score (MAO), microscopic score (MIO), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and disease activity index (DAI). The potential underlying mechanism was investigated by examining cytokine profiles including Th1 (IFNγ), Th2 (IL-4), Th17 (IL-17A) and Treg subsets from lymphocytes of spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) by flow cytometry. The mRNA relative expressions of the cytokines in splenocytes and MLN were analysed by quantitative real time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Simultaneously, the concentrations of the cytokines in the colon homogenate supernatants were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and key transcription factors were detected by Western blotting. Results Administration of rSjcystatin significantly reduced inflammatory parameters and ameliorated the severity of the TNBS-induced colitis through decreasing IFNγ in three organs and lifting the level of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, and TGF-β in the colon tissues, with uptrending Tregs in the MLN and LPMC. Conclusion The findings provide evidence that rSjcystatin has a therapeutic potential for diminishing colitis inflammation in Balb/c mice. The immunological mechanism may involve the down-regulation of Th1 response and up-regulation of Th2 and Tregs in the MLN and colon.
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- 2016
27. The effect of socioeconomic status on health-care delay and treatment of esophageal cancer
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Yufeng Cheng, Fang Liu, Jianbo Wang, Fangli Cao, Xintong Wang, Qingxu Song, Yibin Jia, Cihang Bao, Nana Wang, and Bingxu Tan
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Stage ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Esophageal Neoplasms ,Esophageal cancer ,Social class ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Environmental health ,Health care ,medicine ,Humans ,Socioeconomic status ,Neoplasm Staging ,Medicine(all) ,Gynecology ,Delay ,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all) ,business.industry ,Treatment choices ,Cancer stage ,Incidence (epidemiology) ,Research ,Cancer ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Treatment ,Social Class ,Female ,business ,Delivery of Health Care - Abstract
Background Socioeconomic status (SES) has been focused on as a key determinant of the incidence of cancer, cancer stage at diagnosis as well as treatment choices in western countries. However, to the authors’ knowledge, little work has been done concerning the relationship of SES and esophageal cancer in China. Methods Patients diagnosed with primary esophageal cancer from January to December 2007 in Qilu hospital were included. Socioeconomic status was determined by a questionnaire including religion, years of schooling and high education, place of residence, occupation, annual household income, and insurance. Results A total of 238 cases were collected in this study. Linear-by-linear association testing revealed that health-care delay was significantly associated with SES (P = 0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that increased health-care delay (>2 months) was more frequently observed in patients with lower SES (OR 2.271; 95% CI 1.069–4.853). Patients diagnosed at TNM I and II were more frequently in higher SES groups (P = 0.017). The association test was statistically significant for undergoing surgical resection only (P = 0.015) and chemotherapy (P = 0.015). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that surgical resection only was less performed in higher SES group compared with lower SES group (OR 0.372; 95% CI 0.188–0.734). For chemotherapy, higher SES patients had a three-fold higher likelihood compared with lower SES group (OR 3.042; 95% CI 1.335–6.928). Conclusion Socioeconomic status was found to be associated with health-care delay, tumor stage and treatment modalities in esophageal cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0579-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
- Published
- 2015
28. Development of a peptide targeting dopamine transporter to improve ADHDlike deficits.
- Author
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Lai, Terence K. Y., Ping Su, Hailong Zhang, and Fang Liu
- Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, working memory deficits and impulsivity. Its worldwide prevalence is estimated to be 3-5% in children and adolescents. The mainstay treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications (e.g. methylphenidate), which increase synaptic dopamine by directly blocking dopamine transporter (DAT). Although these pharmacological agents are effective, they are often associated with various side effects including risks for future substance use disorders in ADHD patients. Here, we investigated an interaction between DAT and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) as a novel target to develop potential therapeutics for the treatment of ADHD by using an interfering peptide (TAT-DAT
NT ) to dissociate this protein complex. We found that TAT-DATNT promotes locomotor behavior in Sprague-Dawley rats. Furthermore, using in vivo microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography, we found that the disruption of D2R-DAT elevates extracellular dopamine level. More importantly, the interfering peptide, TAT-DATNT , attenuates hyperactivity and improves spontaneous alternation behavior in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) ------ a common animal model of ADHD. This work presents a different means (i.e. other than direct blockade by a DAT inhibitor) to regulate the activity of DAT and dopaminergic neurotransmission, and a potential target site for future development of ADHD treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
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29. CX3CL1 promotes MMP-3 production via the CX3CR1, c-Raf, MEK, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathway in osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts.
- Author
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Sheng-Mou Hou, Chun-Han Hou, and Ju-Fang Liu
- Published
- 2017
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30. Genotyping of polymorphic effectors of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from China.
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Weisheng Cheng, Cong Wang, Ting Xu, Fang Liu, Pappoe, Faustina, Qingli Luo, Yuanhong Xu, Fangli Lu, and Jilong Shen
- Subjects
TOXOPLASMA gondii ,MICROBIAL virulence ,POLYMERASE chain reaction ,BIOINFORMATICS ,PHYLOGENY - Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan apicomplexan and obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of animals and humans. Rhoptry proteins 5 (ROP5), ROP16, ROP18 and dense granules 15 (GRA15) are the important effectors secreted by T. gondii which link to the strain virulence for mice and modulate the host's response to the parasite. Little has been known about these molecules as well as GRA3 in type Chinese 1 strains that show polymorphism among strains of archetypical genotypes. This study examined the genetic diversity of these effectors and its correlated virulence in mice among T. gondii isolates from China. Results: Twenty-one isolates from stray cats were detected, of which 15 belong to Chinese 1, and 6 to ToxoDB #205. Wh6 isolate, a Chinese 1 strain, has an avirulent phenotype. PCR-RFLP results of ROP5 and ROP18 presented few variations among the strains. Genotyping of GRA15 and ROP16 revealed that all the strains belong to type II allele except Xz7 which carries type I allele. ROP16 amino acid alignment at 503 locus demonstrated that 17 isolates are featured as type I or type III (ROP16I/III), and the other 4 as type II (ROP16II). The strains investigated may be divided into four groups based on GRA3 amino acid alignment, and all isolates of type Chinese 1 belong to the μ-1 allele except Wh6 which is identical to type II strain. Conclusions: PCR-RFLP and sequence alignment analyses of ROP5, ROP16, ROP18, GRA3, and GRA15 in T. gondii revealed that strains with the same genotype may have variations in some of their key genes. GRA3 variation exhibited by Wh6 strain may be associated with the difference in phenotype and pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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31. Hepatitis B virus inhibits the in vivo and in vitro synthesis and secretion of apolipoprotein C3.
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Chengliang Zhu, Hengcheng Zhu, Hui Song, Limin Xu, Longxuan Li, Fang Liu, and Xinghui Liu
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HEPATITIS B virus ,APOLIPOPROTEIN C ,LIVER cells ,BLOOD lipid metabolism ,PROTEIN synthesis ,PROTEIN expression ,REVERSE transcriptase polymerase chain reaction - Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the body can damage liver cells and cause disorders in blood lipid metabolism. Apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, but no study on the HBV regulation of ApoC3 has been reported. This purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HBV on ApoC3 expression and its regulatory mechanism. Methods: The expression levels of ApoC3 mRNA and protein in the human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and HepG2. 2.15 were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The HepG2 cells were co-transfected with the ApoC3 gene promoter and either HBV-infected clone pHBV1.3 or its individual genes. The changes in luciferase activity were assayed. The expression levels of ApoC3 mRNA and protein were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot. The content of ApoC3 in the supernatant of the cultured cells was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The sera were collected from 149 patients with HBV infection and 102 healthy subjects at physical examination as the normal controls. The serological levels of ApoC3 in the HBV group and the normal control group were determined using ELISA. The contents of serum triglyceride (TG) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the HBV patients and the normal control were determined using an automatic biochemical analyser. Results: The expression levels of ApoC3 mRNA and protein were lower in the HepG2.2.15 cells than in the HepG2 cells. pHBV1.3 and its X gene could inhibit the activity of the ApoC3 promoter and its mRNA and protein expression. The serum levels of ApoC3, VLDL and TG were 65.39 ± 7.48 μg/ml, 1.24 ± 0.49 mmol/L and 0.46 ± 0. 10 mmol/L in the HBV patients and 41.02 ± 6.88 μg/ml, 0.76 ± 0.21 mmol/L, 0.29 ± 0.05 mmol/L in the normal controls, respectively, statistical analysis revealed significantly lower serum levels of ApoC3, VLDL and TG in HBV patients than in the normal controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: HBV can inhibit the in vivo and in vitro synthesis and secretion of ApoC3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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32. No MERS-CoV but positive influenza viruses in returning Hajj pilgrims, China, 2013-2015.
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Xuezheng Ma, Fang Liu, Lijuan Liu, Liping Zhang, Mingzhu Lu, Abudukadeer, Abuduzhayier, Lingbing Wang, Feng Tian, Wei Zhen, Pengfei Yang, Kongxin Hu, Ma, Xuezheng, Liu, Fang, Liu, Lijuan, Zhang, Liping, Lu, Mingzhu, Wang, Lingbing, Tian, Feng, Zhen, Wei, and Yang, Pengfei
- Subjects
- *
MERS coronavirus , *MUSLIM pilgrims & pilgrimages , *MUSLIMS , *INFLUENZA viruses , *HUMAN metapneumovirus infection , *DISEASES , *INFLUENZA diagnosis , *RNA metabolism , *INFLUENZA epidemiology , *CORONAVIRUS diseases , *INFLUENZA , *ORTHOMYXOVIRUSES , *POLYMERASE chain reaction , *RESEARCH funding , *RESPIRATORY syncytial virus , *RNA , *DIAGNOSIS - Abstract
Background: There is global health concern that the mass movement of pilgrims to and from Mecca annually could contribute to the international spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). In China, about 11,000 Muslim pilgrims participate in the Hajj gathering in Mecca annually. This is the first report of MERS-CoV and respiratory virus molecular screening of returning pilgrims at points of entry in China from 2013 to 2015.Methods and Results: A total of 847 returning Hajj pilgrims participated in this study. The test results indicated that of the travelers, 34 tested positive for influenza A virus, 14 for influenza B virus, 4 for metapneumo virus, 2 for respiratory syncytial virus, and 3 for human coronavirus. There was a significant difference in the rates of positive and negative influenza virus tests between Hajj pilgrims with symptoms and those without. The detection rates of influenza virus were not significantly different among the three years studied, at 5.3, 6.0 and 6.3% for 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The MERS-CoV and respiratory viruses detection results at points of entry in China from 2013 to 2015 indicated that there were no MERS-CoV infection but a 5.7% positive influenza viruses in returning Chinese pilgrims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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33. Bioconversion of distillers' grains hydrolysates to advanced biofuels by an Escherichia coli co-culture.
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Fang Liu, Weihua Wu, Mary B. Tran-Gyamfi, James D. Jaryenneh, Xun Zhuang, and Ryan W. Davis
- Subjects
- *
ETHANOL as fuel , *ESCHERICHIA coli , *PROTEINS , *BIOMOLECULES , *ORGANIC compounds - Abstract
Background: First generation bioethanol production utilizes the starch fraction of maize, which accounts for approximately 60% of the ash-free dry weight of the grain. Scale-up of this technology for fuels applications has resulted in a massive supply of distillers' grains with solubles (DGS) coproduct, which is rich in cellulosic polysaccharides and protein. It was surmised that DGS would be rapidly adopted for animal feed applications, however, this has not been observed based on inconsistency of the product stream and other logistics-related risks, especially toxigenic contaminants. Therefore, efficient valorization of DGS for production of petroleum displacing products will significantly improve the techno-economic feasibility and net energy return of the established starch bioethanol process. In this study, we demonstrate 'one-pot' bioconversion of the protein and carbohydrate fractions of a DGS hydrolysate into C4 and C5 fusel alcohols through development of a microbial consortium incorporating two engineered Escherichia coli biocatalyst strains. Results: The carbohydrate conversion strain E. coli BLF2 was constructed from the wild type E. coli strain B and showed improved capability to produce fusel alcohols from hexose and pentose sugars. Up to 12 g/L fusel alcohols was produced from glucose or xylose synthetic medium by E. coli BLF2. The second strain, E. coli AY3, was dedicated for utilization of proteins in the hydrolysates to produce mixed C4 and C5 alcohols. To maximize conversion yield by the co-culture, the inoculation ratio between the two strains was optimized. The co-culture with an inoculation ratio of 1:1.5 of E. coli BLF2 and AY3 achieved the highest total fusel alcohol titer of up to 10.3 g/L from DGS hydrolysates. The engineered E. coli co-culture system was shown to be similarly applicable for biofuel production from other biomass sources, including algae hydrolysates. Furthermore, the co-culture population dynamics revealed by quantitative PCR analysis indicated that despite the growth rate difference between the two strains, co-culturing didn't compromise the growth of each strain. The q-PCR analysis also demonstrated that fermentation with an appropriate initial inoculation ratio of the two strains was important to achieve a balanced co-culture population which resulted in higher total fuel titer. Conclusions: The efficient conversion of DGS hydrolysates into fusel alcohols will significantly improve the feasibility of the first generation bioethanol process. The integrated carbohydrate and protein conversion platform developed here is applicable for the bioconversion of a variety of biomass feedstocks rich in sugars and proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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34. Omentin-1 effects on mesenchymal stem cells: proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in vitro.
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Li Yin, Dan Huang, Xinxin Liu, Yongshun Wang, Jingjin Liu, Fang Liu, and Bo Yu
- Subjects
MESENCHYMAL stem cells ,ADIPOKINES ,CELL proliferation ,APOPTOSIS inhibition ,NEOVASCULARIZATION ,CYTOKINES ,PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-kinases ,PHYSIOLOGY - Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as an extremely promising therapeutic agent for tissue repair. However, limitations exist such as the low numbers of MSCs obtained from donors, and the poor survival and function of donor cells. Omentin-1, a new fat depot-specific secretory adipokine, exerts proproliferation, prosurvival, and proangiogenic functions in certain cells via an Akt-dependent mechanism; however, little is known about the influence of omentin-1 on MSCs. Methods: MSCs were isolated from 60-80 g donor rats. Cell proliferation was assessed with CCK-8 and EdU assay. Cell cycle, apoptosis ratio, reactive oxygen species concentration, and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. Hoechst 33342 dye was used to assess morphological changes of apoptosis. Expression levels of Akt, FoxO3a, GSK-3β, and apoptosis- and cell cycle-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Tube formation assay was used to test the angiogenesis role of conditioned medium from MSCs in vitro. The cytokine secretion was assessed by ELISA. Results: After treatment with omentin-1 (100-800 ng/ml), MSCs displayed a higher proliferative capacity with an increasing number of cells in the S and G2 phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, omentin-1 preconditioning for 1 h could protect MSCs against H
2 O2 -induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, omentin-1 pretreatment reduced the excessive reactive oxygen species. Western blots revealed that increased Bcl-2 and decreased Bax appeared in MSCs after omentin-1 incubation, which inhibited the mitochondrial apoptosis pathways with evidence showing inhibition of caspase-3 cleavage and preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential. Omentin-1 could enhance angiogenic growth factor secretion and elevate the ability of MSCs to stimulate tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, omentin-1 enhanced Akt phosphorylation; however, blockade of the PI3K/Akt pathway with an inhibitor, LY294002 (20 μM), suppressed the above beneficial effects of omentin-1. Conclusion: Omentin-1 can exert beneficial effects on MSCs by promoting proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, increasing secretion of angiogenic cytokines, and enhancing the ability for stimulating tube formation by HUVECs via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, omentin-1 may be considered a candidate for optimizing MSC-based cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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35. Almonds ameliorate glycemic control in Chinese patients with better controlled type 2 diabetes: a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial.
- Author
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Chiao-Ming Chen, Jen-Fang Liu, Sing-Chung Li, Chen-Ling Huang, An-Tsz Hsirh, Shuen-Fu Weng, Mei-Ling Chang, Hung-Ta Li, Mohn, Emily, and Oliver Chen, C.-Y.
- Subjects
- *
BLOOD sugar analysis , *ALMOND , *CARDIOVASCULAR diseases risk factors , *CLINICAL trials , *CROSSOVER trials , *GLYCOSYLATED hemoglobin , *LONGITUDINAL method , *NITRIC oxide , *TYPE 2 diabetes , *PROBABILITY theory , *STATISTICAL sampling , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *NUTRITIONAL value , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *GLYCEMIC control - Abstract
Background: Almonds can decrease glycemic index of co-consumed foods and are a rich source for oleic acid and a-tocopherol. The aim of the randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial was to examine whether as compared to NCEP step II diet as control (CON), ~60 g/d almonds (ALM) added to CON would improve glucoregulation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 33 Chinese T2DM patients. Methods: Forty T2DM patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive CON or ALM for 12 wks after a 2-wk. run-in period. Blood and urine samples were collected in the beginning and at the end of each dietary intervention phase for the assessment of biomarkers of glucoregulation, lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Results: While ALM had a better overall nutritional quality than CON, neither ALM nor CON improved the glycemic status as the primary study outcome and other CVD risk factors, except the circulating nitric oxide being decreased by ALM compared to CON. Among 27 of 33 patients with the baseline HbA1c ≤.8, ALM decreased post-interventional fasting serum glucose and HbA1c by 5.9% and 3.0% as compared to that of CON, respectively (P = 0.01 and 0.04). Mean total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were not changed by both diets. Conclusions: These results suggest almonds incorporated into healthful diets can improve glycemic status in diabetic patients with a better glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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36. PRC1 contributes to tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma in association with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
- Author
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Ping Zhan, Bin Zhang, Guang-min Xi, Ying Wu, Hong-bing Liu, Ya-fang Liu, Wu-jian Xu, Qing-qing Zhu, Feng Cai, Ze-jun Zhou, Ying-ying Miu, Xiao-xia Wang, Jia-jia Jin, Qian Li, Li-ping Qian, Tang-feng Lv, and Yong Song
- Subjects
LUNG cancer ,ADENOCARCINOMA ,NEOPLASTIC cell transformation ,WNT genes ,CATENINS ,CYTOKINESIS ,MICROTUBULE-associated proteins - Abstract
Background: Protein regulator of cytokinesis-1 (PRC1) belongs to the microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) family, and is involved in cytokinesis. Recent investigations suggest PRC1 involvement in human carcinogenesis, including breast carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and etc. However, whether PRC1 contributes to lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis remains unknown. Methods: Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) were used to evaluate and contrast the PRC1 expression profile in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal lung tissues. We examined the clinical use of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. Additionally, the tumorigenesis impact of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells was verified via in vitro and in vivo metastasis and tumorigenesis assays. Notably, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the oncogenic role of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma. Results: PRC1 mRNA and protein expressions were upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues. PRC1 protein overexpression correlated with lymph node metastasis and was an independent poor prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma patients. Our data implied that PRC1 depletion limited the proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and lowered tumor development and lung metastasis in vivo. Remarkably, limiting PRC1 substantially prompted G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, by conducting NGS on PRC1-depleted A549 cells and control cells, we discovered that PRC1 expression was significantly correlated with the Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusions: This investigation offers confirmation that PRC1 is a prognostic and promising therapeutic biomarker for people with lung adenocarcinoma and takes on a key part in the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in lung adenocarcinoma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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37. Diaporthe is paraphyletic.
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Yahui Gao, Fang Liu, Weijun Duan, Crous, Pedro W., and Lei Cai
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DIAPORTHE , *FUNGAL phylogeny , *FUNGI classification - Abstract
Previous studies have shown that our understanding of species diversity within Diaporthe (syn. Phomopsis) is limited. In this study, 49 strains obtained from different countries were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. Based on these results, eight new species names are introduced for lineages represented by multiple strains and distinct morphology. Twelve Phomopsis species previously described from China were subjected to DNA sequence analysis, and confirmed to belong to Diaporthe. The genus Diaporthe is shown to be paraphyletic based on multi-locus (LSU, ITS and TEF1) phylogenetic analysis. Several morphologically distinct genera, namely Mazzantia, Ophiodiaporthe, Pustulomyces, Phaeocytostroma, and Stenocarpella, are embedded within Diaporthe s. lat., indicating divergent morphological evolution. However, splitting Diaporthe into many smaller genera to achieve monophyly is still premature, and further collections and phylogenetic datasets need to be obtained to address this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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38. Microdissection of the Ah01 chromosome in upland cotton and microcloning of resistance gene anologs from the single chromosome.
- Author
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Xinchuan Cao, Yuling Liu, Zhen Liu, Fang Liu, Yalei Wu, Zhongli Zhou, Xiaoyan Cai, Xingxing Wang, Zhenmei Zhang, Yuhong Wang, Zhimin Luo, Renhai Peng, and Kunbo Wang
- Subjects
MICRODISSECTION ,CHROMOSOMES ,CYTOGENETICS ,COTTON ,NATURAL fibers - Abstract
Background: Chromosome microdissection is one of the most important techniques in molecular cytogenetic research. Cotton (Gossypium Linnaeus, 1753) is the main natural fiber crop in the world. The resistance gene analog (RGA) cloning after its single chromosome microdissection can greatly promote cotton genome research and breeding. Results: Using the linker adaptor PCR (LA-PCR) with the primers of rice disease-resistance homologues, three nucleotide sequences PS016 (KU051681), PS054 (KU051682), and PS157 (KU051680) were obtained from the chromosome A
h 01 of upland cotton (cv. TM-1). The Blast results showed that the three sequences are the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) type RGAs. Clustering results indicated that they are homologous to these published RGAs. Thus, the three RGAs can definitely be confirmed as NBS-LRR class of RGAs in upland cotton. Conclusions: Using single chromosome microdissection technique, DNA libraries containing cotton RGAs were obtained. This technique can promote cotton gene cloning, marker development and even the improvement of cotton genome research and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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39. HIF-1α promoted vasculogenic mimicry formation in hepatocellular carcinoma through LOXL2 up-regulation in hypoxic tumor microenvironment.
- Author
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Meili Wang, Xiulan Zhao, Dongwang Zhu, Tieju Liu, Xiaohui Liang, Fang Liu, Yanhui Zhang, Xueyi Dong, and Baocun Sun
- Subjects
HYPOXIA-inducible factor 1 ,LIVER cancer ,CANCER invasiveness ,LYSYL oxidase ,METASTASIS ,VASCULOGENIC mimicry - Abstract
Background: The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have steadily increased in recent years. A hypoxic microenvironment is one of the most important characteristics of solid tumors which has been shown to promote tumor metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and vasculogenic mimicry have been regarded as crucial contributing factors to cancer progression. HIF-1α functions as a master transcriptional regulator in the adaptive response to hypoxia. Lysyl oxidases like 2 (LOXL2) is a member of the lysyl oxidase family, which main function is to catalyze the covalent cross-linkages of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. Recent work has demonstrated that HIF-1α promotes the expression of LOXL2, which is believed to amplify tumor aggressiveness. LOXL2 has shown to promote metastasis and is correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of our study is to explore the role of HIF-1α in progression and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting the expression of LOXL2 as well as the potential regulatory mechanism. Methods: HIF-1α, LOXL2 expression and CD31/periodic acid-Schiff double staining in HCC patient samples were examined by immunohistochemical staining. shRNA plasmids against HIF-1α was used to determine whether LOXL2 been increased by HIF-1α. We monitored a series of rescue assays to demonstrate our hypothesis that LOXL2 is required and sufficient for HIF-1α induced EMT and VM formation, which mediates cellular transformation and takes effect in cellular invasion. Then we performed GeneChip
® Human Transcriptome Array (HTA) 2.0 in HepG2 cells, HepG2 cells overexpressed LOXL2 and HepG2 cells treated with CoCl2. Results: In clinical HCC tissues, it confirmed a positive relationship between HIF-1α and LOXL2 protein. Importantly, HIF-1α and LOXL2 high expression and the presence of vasculogenic mimicry were correlated to poor prognosis. HIF-1α was found to induce EMT, HCC cell migration, invasion and VM formation by regulating LOXL2. The results of microarray assays were analyzed. Conclusion: HIF-1α plays an important role in the development of HCC by promoting HCC metastasis, EMT and VM through up-regulating LOXL2. This study highlights the potential therapeutic value of targeting LOXL2 for suppression of HCC metastasis and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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40. Assessing the usability by clinicians of VISION: A hierarchical display of patient-collected physiological information to clinicians.
- Author
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Gardner, Cubby L., Fang Liu, Fontelo, Paul, Flanagan, Michael C., Hoang, Albert, Burke, Harry B., and Liu, Fang
- Subjects
- *
BLOOD pressure , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *OXYGENATORS , *PHYSICAL activity , *INFORMATION science - Abstract
Background: The inability of patients to accurately and completely recount their clinical status between clinic visits reduces the clinician's ability to properly manage their patients. One way to improve this situation is to collect objective patient information while the patients are at home and display the collected multi-day clinical information in parallel on a single screen, highlighting threshold violations for each channel, and allowing the viewer to drill down to any analog signal on the same screen, while maintaining the overall physiological context of the patient. All this would be accomplished in a way that was easy for the clinician to view and use.Methods: Patients used five mobile devices to collect six heart failure-related clinical variables: body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, physical activity, and subjective input. Fourteen clinicians practicing in a heart failure clinic rated the display using the System Usability Scale that, for acceptability, had an expected mean of 68 (SD, 12.5). In addition, we calculated the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of the clinician responses using a two-way, mixed effects model, ICC (3,1).Results: We developed a single-screen temporal hierarchical display (VISION) that summarizes the patient's home monitoring activities between clinic visits. The overall System Usability Scale score was 92 (95% CI, 87-97), p < 0.0001; the ICC was 0.89 (CI, 0.79-0.97), p < 0.0001.Conclusion: Clinicians consistently found VISION to be highly usable. To our knowledge, this is the first single-screen, parallel variable, temporal hierarchical display of both continuous and discrete information acquired by patients at home between clinic visits that presents clinically significant information at the point of care in a manner that is usable by clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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41. Relationship between serum bilirubin concentrations and diabetic nephropathy in Shanghai Han's patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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Xu Li, Lei Zhang, Haibing Chen, Kaifeng Guo, Haoyong Yu, Jian Zhou, Ming Li, Qing Li, Lianxi Li, Jun Yin, Fang Liu, Yuqian Bao, Junfeng Han, Weiping Jia, Li, Xu, Zhang, Lei, Chen, Haibing, Guo, Kaifeng, Yu, Haoyong, and Zhou, Jian
- Subjects
BILIRUBIN ,DIABETIC nephropathies ,DIABETES ,PEOPLE with diabetes ,LOGISTIC regression analysis - Abstract
Background: Recent studies highlight a negative association between total bilirubin concentrations and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our study evaluated the relationship between bilirubin concentrations and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods: A total of 258 patients with T1DM were recruited and bilirubin concentrations were compared between patients with or without diabetic nephropathy. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between bilirubin concentrations and 24 h urinary microalbumin. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess independent risk factors for diabetic nephropathy. Participants were divided into four groups according to the quartile of total bilirubin concentrations (Q1, 0.20-0.60; Q2, 0.60-0.80; Q3, 0.80-1.00; Q4, 1.00-1.90 mg/dL) and the chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of DN in patients with T1DM.Results: The median bilirubin level was 0.56 (interquartile: 0.43-0.68 mg/dL) in the DN group, significantly lower than in the non-DN group (0.70 [interquartile: 0.58-0.89 mg/dL], P < 0.001). Spearman's correlational analysis showed bilirubin concentrations were inversely correlated with 24 h urinary microalbumin (r = -0.13, P < 0.05) and multiple stepwise regression analysis showed bilirubin concentrations were independently associated with 24 h urinary microalbumin. In logistic regression analysis, bilirubin concentrations were significantly inversely associated with nephropathy. In addition, in stratified analysis, from the first to the fourth quartile group, increased bilirubin concentrations were associated with decreased prevalence of DN from 21.90% to 2.00%.Conclusion: High bilirubin concentrations are independently and negatively associated with albuminuria and the prevalence of DN in patients with T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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42. Is neuroendocrine differentiation a prognostic factor in poorly differentiated colorectal cancer?
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Yue Chen, Fang Liu, Qingkai Meng, and Siping Ma
- Subjects
- *
COLON cancer , *NEUROENDOCRINE system , *CHROMOGRANINS , *LYMPH nodes , *METASTASIS - Abstract
Background: To determine the prognostic relevance of neuroendocrine differentiation in poorly differentiated colorectal cancer. Methods: The clinicopathological features and survival of 70 patients with poorly differentiated colorectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Chromogranin A and synaptophysin were used as neuroendocrine markers. Patients were followed-up for more than 3 years or until death. Results: Of these 70 patients, 36 showed neuroendocrine differentiation. In univariate prognostic analysis, the patients with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), advanced TNM stage (P < 0.001), and neuroendocrine differentiation (P = 0.003) tended to have a poor prognosis. However, only lymph node metastasis was associated with a poor prognosis in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). Patients with neuroendocrine differentiation were associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Neuroendocrine differentiation in poorly differentiated colorectal cancer was not a direct prognostic factor in these patients. Lymph node metastasis was a direct prognostic factor in these patients. Patients with neuroendocrine differentiation were associated with lymph node metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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43. MicroRNA-381 inhibits the metastasis of gastric cancer by targeting TMEM16A expression.
- Author
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Qinghua Cao, Fang Liu, Kaiyuan Ji, Ni Liu, Yuan He, Wenhui Zhang, and Liantang Wang
- Subjects
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STOMACH cancer treatment , *MICRORNA , *MEMBRANE proteins , *POLYMERASE chain reaction , *GENE expression - Abstract
Background: MicroRNA-381 (miR-381) has been reported to play suppressive or promoting roles in different malignancies. However, the expression level, biological function, and underlying mechanisms of miR-381 in gastric cancer remain poorly understood. Our previous study indicated that transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) contributed to migration and invasion of gastric cancer and predicted poor prognosis. In this study, we found that miR-381 inhibited the metastasis of gastric cancer through targeting TMEM16A expression. Methods: MiR-381 expression was analyzed using bioinformatic software on open microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in human gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation was investigated using MTT and cell count assays, and cell migration and invasion abilities were evaluated by transwell assay. Xenograft nude mouse models were used to observe tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were employed to explore the mechanisms of the effect of miR-381 on gastric cancer cells. Results: MiR-381 was significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Low expression of miR-381 was negatively related to lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. MiR-381 decreased gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. TMEM16A was identified as a direct target of miR-381 and the expression of miR-381 was inversely correlated with TMEM16A expression in gastric cancer tissues. Combination analysis of miR-381 and TMEM16A revealed the improved prognostic accuracy for gastric cancer patients. Moreover, miR-381 inhibited TGF-β signaling pathway and down-regulated epithelial--mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype partially by mediating TMEM16A. Conclusions: MiR-381 may function as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting TMEM16A and regulating TGF-β pathway and EMT process in the development of progression of gastric cancer. MiR-381/TMEM16A may be a novel therapeutic candidate target in gastric cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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44. Promoting effect of hepatitis B virus on the expressoin of phospholipase A2 group IIA.
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Chengliang Zhu, Hui Song, Bingzheng Shen, Long Wu, Fang Liu, and Xinghui Liu
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HEPATITIS B virus ,LIVER diseases ,PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 ,CANCER invasiveness ,PROTEIN expression - Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute and chronic liver disease, ultimately leading to the development of liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) plays important roles in the development and progression of many tumors. Thus far, there have been no reports on the association between HBV and PLA2G2A. The present study investigated the effect of HBV infection on PLA2G2A expression and its application in the diagnosis of HBV-related diseases. Methods: Serum levels of PLA2G2A in 308 HBV-infected patients and 185 healthy controls were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The difference in serum levels of PLA2G2A was analyzed among chronic hepatitis B (CHB), LC, and HCC patients. PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells carrying the integrated HBV genome were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assays. The HBV infectious clone pHBV1.3, the control plasmid pBlue-ks and PLA2G2A gene promoter were transfected into HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells. After transfection, the luciferase activity was measured in the cells. PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression levels were examined using RT-PCR and western blot assays. Results: The serum levels of PLA2G2A were 258.3 ± 20.3ng/dl in the healthy controls and 329.0 ± 22.5ng/dl, 385.4 ± 29.3ng/dl and 459.2 ± 38.6ng/dl in the CHB, LC, and HCC patients, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed significantly higher serum levels of PLA2G2A in CHB, LC, and HCC patients than in the healthy controls (P < 0.05), and PLA2G2A levels were elevated in the order of HCC > LC > CHB group. High serum PLA2G2A levels in HCC patients were associated with a lower prevalence of lymph node metastasis and a lower TNM stage. HepG2.2.15 cells carrying the HBV genome expressed higher levels of PLA2G2A mRNA and protein than the HepG2 cells. In addition, HBV triggered PLA2G2A promoter activity and enhanced PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression compared to the empty vector pBlue-ks. Conclusion: HBV can upregulate the expression of PLA2G2A, and serum levels of PLA2G2A are associated with the progression of HBV-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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45. Trend in young coronary artery disease in China from 2010 to 2014: a retrospective study of young patients ≤ 45.
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Xin Wang, Ming Gao, Shanshan Zhou, Jinwen Wang, Fang Liu, Feng Tian, Jing Jin, Qiang Ma, Xiaodi Xue, Jie Liu, Yuqi Liu, Yundai Chen, Wang, Xin, Gao, Ming, Zhou, Shanshan, Wang, Jinwen, Liu, Fang, Tian, Feng, Jin, Jing, and Ma, Qiang
- Subjects
CORONARY heart disease prevention ,CORONARY heart disease risk factors ,CORONARY heart disease treatment ,DISEASE incidence ,PUBLIC health ,HYPERTENSION epidemiology ,AGE factors in disease ,CORONARY disease ,DEMOGRAPHY ,DIABETES ,ALCOHOL drinking ,HOSPITAL care ,HYPERLIPIDEMIA ,PROGNOSIS ,RISK assessment ,SMOKING ,TIME ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,DIAGNOSIS - Abstract
Background: The incidence of young coronary heart disease (CHD, ≤45 years) in China is increasing. Secondary prevention to counter this trend is an important contemporary public health issure.Methods: A total of 5288 patients (≤45 years) diagnosed with CHD and hospitalized at the Chinese PLA General Hospital and Anzhen Hospital, both in Beijing, were enrolled after satisfying the inclusion criteria.Results: Young CHD patients increased in number from 2010 to 2014, especially men. Among the studied patients, there was no significant change over those years in blood pressure, but heart rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) and body mass index showed a rising trend (P > 0.05). The incidence of hypertension increased from 40.7 to 47.5%, diabetes from 20.3 to 26.1%, and hyperlipidemia from 27.3 to 35.7% (P < 0.05). However, the incidences of smoking and drinking both trended downward (P < 0.05). The levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides also showed a downward trend (P < 0.05), as did levels of low-density lipoprotein, but not to the point of statistical significance (P > 0.05). Mortality during hospitalization decreased significantly from 2010 to 2014 (P < 0.05), but there was no significant improvement in the incidences of cardiac death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after 1-year follow-up (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Over the 5 years studied, the overall incidence of cardiac death and MACE for young CHD patients (≤45 years) has shown little improvement. Secondary prevention of young CHD, and its risk factors, as well as appropriate courses of medical treatment must be further elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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46. Genetic architecture of the maize kernel row number revealed by combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and bulked segregant RNA sequencing.
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Changlin Liu, Qiang Zhou, Le Dong, Hui Wangv1, Fang Liu, Jianfeng Weng, Xinhai Li, and Chuanxiao Xie
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CORN genetics ,RNA sequencing ,LOCUS (Genetics) ,CORN breeding ,GENE mapping ,CROP yields - Abstract
Background: The maize kernel row number (KRN) is a key component that contributes to grain yield and has high broad-sense heritability (H
2 ). Quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) mapping using a high-density genetic map is a powerful approach to detecting loci that are responsible for traits of interest. Bulked segregant ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (BSR-seq) is another rapid and cost-effective strategy to identify QTL. Combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq may dissect comprehensively the genetic architecture underlying the maize KRN. Results: A panel of 300 F2 individuals derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73 were genotyped using the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method. A total of 4,579 high-quality polymorphic SLAF markers were obtained and used to construct a high-density geneticmap with a total length of 2,123 centimorgan (cM) and an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.46 cM. Combining the genetic map and KRN of F2 individuals, four QTL (qKRN1, qKRN2, qKRN5, and qKRN8-1) were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, and 8, respectively. The physical intervals of these four QTL ranged from 4.36 Mb for qKRN8-1 to 7.11 Mb for qKRN1 with an average value of 6.08 Mb. Based on high-throughput sequencing of two RNA pools bulked from leaves of plants with extremely high and low KRNs, two QTL were detected on chromosome 8 in the 10-25 Mb (BSR_QTL1) and 60-150 Mb (BSR_QTL2) intervals. According to the physical positions of these QTL, qKRN8-1 was included by BSR_QTL2. In addition, qKRN8-1 was validated using QTL mapping with a recombinant inbred lines population that was derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73. Conclusions: In this study, we proved that combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq is a powerful and cost-effective approach to comprehensively revealing genetic architecture underlying traits of interest. The QTL for the KRN detected in this study, especially qKRN8-1, can be used for performing fine mapping experiments and marker-assisted selection in maize breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2016
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47. Anti-fibrotic action of pirfenidone in Dupuytren's disease-derived fibroblasts.
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Chaoming Zhou, Fang Liu, Gallo, Phillip H., Baratz, Mark E., Kathju, Sandeep, and Satish, Latha
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DUPUYTREN'S contracture , *FIBROBLASTS , *CELL contraction , *CARPAL tunnel syndrome , *COLLAGEN , *CELL migration - Abstract
Background: Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a complex fibro-proliferative disorder of the hand that is often progressive and eventually can cause contractures of the affected fingers. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) has been implicated as a key stimulator of myofibroblast activity and fascial contraction in DD. Pirfenidone (PFD) is an active small molecule shown to inhibit TGF-TGF-β1-mediated action in other fibrotic disorders. This study investigates the efficacy of PFD in vitro in inhibiting TGF-TGF-β1-mediated cellular functions leading to Dupuytren's fibrosis. Methods: Fibroblasts harvested from (DD) and carpal tunnel (CT)- tissues were treated with or without TGF-TGF-β1 and/or PFD and were subjected to cell migration, cell proliferation and cell contraction assays. ELISA; western blots and real time RT-PCR assays were performed to determine the levels of fibronectin; p-Smad2/Smad3; alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α2 chain of type I collagen and α1 chain of type III collagen respectively. Results: Our results show that PFD effectively inhibits TGF-TGF-β1-induced cell migration, proliferation and cell contractile properties of both CT- and DD-derived fibroblasts. TGF-TGF-β1−induced α-SMA mRNA and protein levels were inhibited at the higher concentration of PFD (800 μg/ml). Interestingly, TGF-TGF-β1 induction of type I and type III collagens and fibronectin was inhibited by PFD in both CT- and DD- derived fibroblasts, but the effect was more prominent in DD cells. PFD down-regulated TGF-TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3, a key factor in the TGF-TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: Taken together these results suggest the PFD can potentially prevent TGF-TGF-β1−induced fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation and inhibit ECM production mainly Type I- and Type III- collagen and fibronectin in DD-derived fibroblasts. Further in-vivo studies with PFD may lead to a novel therapeutic application in preventing the progression or recurrence of Dupuytren's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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48. Neonatal mortality and morbidity among infants between 24 to 31 complete weeks: a multicenter survey in China from 2013 to 2014.
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XiangYong Kong, FengDan Xu, Rong Wu, Hui Wu, Rong Ju, XiaoLin Zhao, XiaoMei Tong, HongYan Lv, YanJie Ding, Fang Liu, Ping Xu, WeiPeng Liu, HongBin Cheng, TieQiang Chen, ShuJuan Zeng, WenZheng Jia, ZhanKui Li, HuiXian Qiu, Jin Wang, and ZhiChun Feng
- Subjects
NEONATAL intensive care ,INFANT diseases ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,NEONATAL mortality ,STEROIDS - Abstract
Background: The outcome of preterm infants has been varied in different hospitals and regions in developing countries. Regular clinical monitor are needed to know the effects of health care. This study aimed to describe the survival and morbidity rates of extreme to very preterm infants in 15 neonatal-intensive care hospitals in China. Methods: Data were collected from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 for preterm neonates with gestational age (GA) between 24 and 31 complete weeks born in hospitals from our collaborative study group. The primary outcomes were survival and major morbidities prior to hospital discharge. Major morbidities included bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and sepsis. Mutivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factor influencing on the outcomes. Results: The preterm birth rate was 9.9 % (13 701/138 240). The proportion of extreme to very preterm infants was 1. 1 % and 11.8 % respectively. The survival rate prior to discharge was increased with increasing GA (0, 24 weeks; 28 %, 25 weeks; 84.8 %, 26 weeks; 83.5 %, 27 weeks; 87.4 %, 28 weeks; 90.7 %, 29 weeks; 93.9 %, 30 weeks; 96 %, 31 weeks). Rate of survival and without severe morbidity according to GA were 0 at 24 weeks, 8 % at 25 weeks, 60.6 % at 26 weeks; 53.2 % at 27 weeks; 62.3 % at 28 weeks; 67.9 % at 29 weeks; 79.1 % at 30 weeks, 85.8 % at 31 weeks respectively. Rate of antenatal steroid use was 56 %. The antenatal steroid use was lower in GA < 28 weeks infants than that in GA between 28 and 32 weeks (28-44.3 % vs 49.7-60.1 %, P < 0.05). Infants at the lowest GAs had a highest incidence of morbidities. Overall, 58.5 % had respiratory distress syndrome, 12.5 % bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 3.9 % necrotizing enterocolitis, 15.4 % intraventricular hemorrhage, 5.4 % retinopathy of prematurity, 28.4 % patent ductus arteriosus, and 9.7 % sepsis. Mortality and morbidity were influenced by gestational age (OR = 0.891, 95 % CI: 0.796-0. 999, p = 0.0047 and OR = 0.666, 95 % CI: 0.645-0.688, p = 0.000 respectively), birth weight (OR = 0.520, 95 % CI: 0.420-0. 643, p = 0.000 and OR = 0.921, 95 % CI: 0.851-0.997, p = 0.041 respectively), SGA (OR = 1.861, 95 % CI: 1.148-3.017, p = 0. 012 and OR = 1.511, 95 % CI: 1.300-1.755, p = 0.000 respectively), Apgar score <7 at 5 min (OR = 1.947, 95 % CI: 1.269-2. 987, p = 0.002 and OR = 2.262, 95 % CI: 1.950-2.624, p = 0.000 respectively). The survival rate was increased with more prenatal steroid use (OR = 1.615, 95 % CI: 1.233-1.901, p = 0.033). Conclusion: Although most of the preterm infants with GAs ≥26 weeks survived, a high complication in survivors still can be observed. Rate of survival of GAs less than 26 weeks was still low, and quality improvement methods should be used to look into increasing the use of antenatal steroids in the very preterm births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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49. The efficacy of thymosin α1 as immunomodulatory treatment for sepsis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
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Fang Liu, Hong-Mei Wang, Tiansheng Wang, Ya-Mei Zhang, Xi Zhu, Liu, Fang, Wang, Hong-Mei, Wang, Tiansheng, Zhang, Ya-Mei, and Zhu, Xi
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- *
THYMOSIN , *INFLAMMATION treatment , *SEPSIS , *META-analysis , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *MORTALITY , *TREATMENT effectiveness , *PATIENTS , *IMMUNOLOGICAL adjuvants , *TUMOR necrosis factors , *APACHE (Disease classification system) , *ARTIFICIAL respiration , *CLINICAL trials , *COMPARATIVE studies , *CYTOKINES , *LENGTH of stay in hospitals , *INTENSIVE care units , *INTERLEUKINS , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *MULTIPLE organ failure , *PEPTIDE hormones , *RESEARCH , *T cells , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *EVALUATION research , *LYMPHOCYTE subsets , *PREVENTION , *THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Background: Thymosin α1 (Tα1) as immunomodulatory treatment is supposed to be beneficial for the sepsis patients by regulating T cell subsets and inflammatory mediators. However, limited by the small sample size and the poor study design, the persuasive power of the single clinical studies is weak. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of Tα1 on the sepsis patients.Methods: We searched for the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBM, VIP, CNKI, WANFANG, Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) and Korean literature databases reporting the effects of Tα1 on outcomes in sepsis patients.Results: Among 444 related articles, 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. Mortality events were reported in 10 RCTs included 530 patients, and the meta-analysis showed significant decrease in Tα1 group compared with control group (RR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.45 to 0.77, p = 0.0001). The subgroup analysis showed no difference between the two dosages (RR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.43 to 0.81; RR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.35 to 0.98, respectively). In 9 RCTs, with a total of 489 patients, Tα1 administered once per day decrease APACHE II score significantly (SMD -0.80, 95 % CI -1.14 to -0.47, p < 0.0001) while Tα1 twice per day showed no effect (SMD 0.30, 95 % CI-0.10 to 0.70, p = 0.14). However, the length of ICU stay, the incidence of multiple organ failure (MOF) and duration of mechanical ventilation were not significantly affected by Tα1 treatment (SMD -0.52, 95 % CI -1.06 to 0.11, p = 0.06; SMD -0.49, 95 % CI -1.09 to 0.11, p = 0.11; SMD -0.37, 95 % CI -0.90 to 0.17, p = 0.17, respectively). As to the immunological indicators, the level of HLA-DR were increased by Tα1 (SMD 1.23, 95 % CI 0.28 to 2.18, p = 0.01) according to the pooled analysis of 8 studies involving 721 patients. Lymphocyte subsets CD3, CD4 and cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were also beneficially affected by Tα1 treatment.Conclusions: Tα1 may be beneficial to sepsis patients in reducing mortality and modulating inflammation reactions. However, the quality of evidence supporting the effectiveness is low considering the small sample sizes and inadequate adherence to standardized reporting guidelines for RCTs among the included studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2016
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50. Zonula occludens toxins and their prophages in Campylobacter species.
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Fang Liu, Hoyul Lee, Ruiting Lan, and Li Zhang
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TIGHT junctions , *CAMPYLOBACTER , *BACTERIAL toxins , *INFLAMMATORY bowel diseases , *VIRULENCE of bacteria - Abstract
Background: We previously showed that zonula occludens toxin (Zot) encoded by Campylobacter concisus zot808T gene has the potential to initiate inflammatory bowel disease. This Zot protein caused prolonged intestinal epithelial barrier damage, induced intestinal epithelial and macrophage production of tumor necrosis factor-a and enhanced the responses of macrophages to other microbes. In order to understand the potential virulence of Zot proteins in other Campylobacter species, in this study we examined their presence, similarities, motifs and prophages. Methods: The presence of Zot proteins in Campylobacter species was examined by searching for the Zot family domain in multiple protein databases. Walker A and Walker B motifs in Zot proteins were identified using protein sequence alignment. A phylogenetic tree based on Campylobacter zot genes was constructed using maximum-likelihood method. Campylobacter Zot proteins were compared using protein sequence alignment. The zot-containing prophages in Campylobacter species were identified and compared with known prophage proteins and other viral proteins using protein sequence alignment and protein BLAST. Results: Twelve Zot proteins were found in nine Campylobacter species/subspecies. Among these Campylobacter species, three species had two Zot proteins and the remaining six species/subspecies had one Zot protein. Walker A and Walker B motifs and a transmembrane domain were found in all identified Campylobacter Zot proteins. The twelve Campylobacter zot genes from the nine Campylobacter species/subspecies formed two clusters. The ZotCampyType_1 proteins encoded by Cluster 1 Campylobacter zot genes showed high similarities to each other. However, ZotCampyType_2 proteins encoded by Cluster 2 Campylobacter zot genes were more diverse. Furthermore, the zotcontaining Campylobacter prophages were identified. Conclusion: This study reports the identification of two types of Campylobacter Zot proteins. The high similarities of ZotCampyType_1 proteins suggest that they are likely to have similar virulence. ZotCampyType_2 proteins are less similar to each other and their virulent properties, if any, remain to be examined individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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