47 results on '"Xueqing Zhu"'
Search Results
2. Optimizing window size and directional parameters of GLCM texture features for estimating rice AGB based on UAVs multispectral imagery
- Author
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Jikai Liu, Yongji Zhu, Lijuan Song, Xiangxiang Su, Jun Li, Jing Zheng, Xueqing Zhu, Lantian Ren, Wenhui Wang, and Xinwei Li
- Subjects
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) ,aboveground biomass (AGB) ,multispectral imagery ,texture features (TFs) ,grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) ,rice ,Plant culture ,SB1-1110 - Abstract
Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a crucial physiological parameter for monitoring crop growth, assessing nutrient status, and predicting yield. Texture features (TFs) derived from remote sensing images have been proven to be crucial for estimating crops AGB, which can effectively address the issue of low accuracy in AGB estimation solely based on spectral information. TFs exhibit sensitivity to the size of the moving window and directional parameters, resulting in a substantial impact on AGB estimation. However, few studies systematically assessed the effects of moving window and directional parameters for TFs extraction on rice AGB estimation. To this end, this study used Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to acquire multispectral imagery during crucial growth stages of rice and evaluated the performance of TFs derived with different grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) parameters by random forest (RF) regression model. Meanwhile, we analyzed the importance of TFs under the optimal parameter settings. The results indicated that: (1) the appropriate window size for extracting TFs varies with the growth stages of rice plant, wherein a small-scale window demonstrates advantages during the early growth stages, while the opposite holds during the later growth stages; (2) TFs derived from 45° direction represent the optimal choice for estimating rice AGB. During the four crucial growth stages, this selection improved performance in AGB estimation with R2 = 0.76 to 0.83 and rRMSE = 13.62% to 21.33%. Furthermore, the estimation accuracy for the entire growth season is R2 =0.84 and rRMSE =21.07%. However, there is no consensus regarding the selection of the worst TFs computation direction; (3) Correlation (Cor), Mean, and Homogeneity (Hom) from the first principal component image reflecting internal information of rice plant and Contrast (Con), Dissimilarity (Dis), and Second Moment (SM) from the second principal component image expressing edge texture are more important to estimate rice AGB among the whole growth stages; and (4) Considering the optimal parameters, the accuracy of texture-based AGB estimation slightly outperforms the estimation accuracy based on spectral reflectance alone. In summary, the present study can help researchers confident use of GLCM-based TFs to enhance the estimation accuracy of physiological and biochemical parameters of crops.
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- 2023
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3. IL-34 and two types of CSF-1R from snakehead (Channa argus) participate in its immune response to two bacterial challenges, promote leukocyte proliferation, and activate NF-κB and AP-1 signaling
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Fei Zhao, Xueqing Zhu, Yuting Deng, Dongqi Li, Yingtiao Lai, Hua Gong, Feifei Wang, Zhibin Huang, and Aiping Tan
- Subjects
Interleukin-34 ,Channa argus ,Bacterial pathogen ,Leukocyte proliferation ,Signal activation ,Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling ,SH1-691 - Abstract
Interleukin-34 (IL-34), a relatively newly identified cytokine, binds to colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) to activate several signaling pathways. It thus performs essential roles in immune surveillance, the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and cell migration. In this study, the homologues of IL-34 (designated ‘CaIL-34′) and two types of CSF-1R (designated ‘CaCSF-1R1′ and ‘CaCSF-1R2′) are identified and described in the snakehead, Channa argus. Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed that CaIL-34 has relatively conservative structural characteristics. CaCSF-1R1 and CaCSF-1R2 both contain four immunoglobulin-like domains and a tyrosine kinase domain. Their transcriptions were detected in all the tissues examined in healthy individuals, with relatively high transcription levels in immune-related tissues. The two major bacterial pathogens, Nocardia seriolae and Aeromonas schubertii, both induced their transcription in the head kidney and spleen tissues of snakeheads in vivo. The three classical pathogen-associated molecular patterns, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly[I:C]), and six recombinant cytokines of the snakehead, recombinant tumor necrosis factor-α1 (TNF-α1), TNF-α2, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-20, and IL-21, all increased their transcription in the head kidney leukocytes (HKLs) in vitro, albeit at different levels. Recombinant CaIL-34 (rCaIL-34) protein was expressed in a prokaryotic system. After stimulation with rCaIL-34, the transcription of the IL-1β, TNF-α1, TNF-α2, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) genes, and endogenous CaIL-34, CaCSF-1R1, and CaCSF-1R2, was enhanced in HKLs, and HKL proliferation was promoted. A subcellular localization analysis showed that CaIL-34 was exclusively located in the cytoplasm of HEK293T cells. The overexpression of CaIL-34 activated the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling, albeit to different levels. In summary, CaIL-34 and two types of CSF-1R of C. argus participate strongly in its antibacterial responses, leukocyte proliferation, and the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling.
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- 2023
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4. Research progress of engineered mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes and their application in autoimmune/inflammatory diseases
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Xueqing Zhu, Dan Ma, Baoqi Yang, Qi An, Jingwen Zhao, Xinnan Gao, and Liyun Zhang
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Mesenchymal stem cells ,Exosomes ,Genetic engineering ,Surface modification ,Tissue engineering ,Autoimmune diseases ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 ,Biochemistry ,QD415-436 - Abstract
Abstract Autoimmune/inflammatory diseases affect many people and are an important cause of global incidence and mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have low immunogenicity, immune regulation, multidifferentiation and other biological characteristics, play an important role in tissue repair and immune regulation and are widely used in the research and treatment of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. In addition, MSCs can secrete extracellular vesicles with lipid bilayer structures under resting or activated conditions, including exosomes, microparticles and apoptotic bodies. Among them, exosomes, as the most important component of extracellular vesicles, can function as parent MSCs. Although MSCs and their exosomes have the characteristics of immune regulation and homing, engineering these cells or vesicles through various technical means, such as genetic engineering, surface modification and tissue engineering, can further improve their homing and other congenital characteristics, make them specifically target specific tissues or organs, and improve their therapeutic effect. This article reviews the advanced technology of engineering MSCs or MSC-derived exosomes and its application in some autoimmune/inflammatory diseases by searching the literature published in recent years at home and abroad.
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- 2023
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5. Research status and future prospects of extracellular vesicles in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
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Jingwen Zhao, Qi An, Xueqing Zhu, Baoqi Yang, Xinnan Gao, Yuhu Niu, Liyun Zhang, Ke Xu, and Dan Ma
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Primary Sjögren’s syndrome ,Extracellular vesicles ,Exosomes ,Mesenchymal stem cells ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 ,Biochemistry ,QD415-436 - Abstract
Abstract Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a diffuse connective tissue disease characterized by the invasion of exocrine glands such as lacrimal and salivary glands, abnormal proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, and infiltration of tissue lymphocytes. With the development of modern medicine, although research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of pSS has made significant progress, its pathogenesis has not been fully understood. Meanwhile, in the era of individualized treatment, it remains essential to further explore early diagnosis and treatment methods. Exosomes, small vesicles containing proteins and nucleic acids, are a subtype of extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells and present in various body fluids. Exosomes contribute to a variety of biological functions, including intercellular signal transduction and pathophysiological processes, and may play a role in immune tolerance. Therefore, exosomes are key to understanding the pathogenesis of diseases. Exosomes can also be used as a therapeutic tool for pSS because of their biodegradability, low immunogenicity and toxicity, and the ability to bypass the blood–brain barrier, implying the prospect of a broad application in the context of pSS. Here, we systematically review the isolation, identification, tracing, and mode of action of extracellular vesicles, especially exosomes, as well as the research progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of pSS.
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- 2022
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6. Circular RNAs: Emerging players in the pathogenesis of keloid
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Xin Yu, Xueqing Zhu, Linfeng Li, and Guangcheng Gao
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circular RNAs ,circRNAs ,keloid ,miRNA ,mRNA ,Physiology ,QP1-981 - Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNAs originating from precursor messenger RNAs. Recent research has confirmed that circRNAs play a significant role in various biological and pathological processes, including cell viability, migration, and apoptosis. Emerging studies have demonstrated that the deregulated circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction network plays a key role in the development of many diseases. Increasing evidence has highlighted the role of ncRNAs (mainly miRNAs and lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of keloids. Recently, several publications also indicated that circRNAs contribute to keloid development. The discovery of circRNAs changed the current understanding of the biology of keloids It is crucial to elucidate a circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network to understand the pathological mechanism of keloids. In the present review, we summarize the aberrant expression of regulatory roles of circRNAs in keloids. We discuss the potential clinical application of circRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of keloids.
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- 2022
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7. Exploiting the role of T cells in the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome for therapeutic treatment
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Qi An, Jingwen Zhao, Xueqing Zhu, Baoqi Yang, Zewen Wu, Yazhen Su, Liyun Zhang, Ke Xu, and Dan Ma
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T cells ,Sjögren’s syndrome ,autoimmune ,cytokines ,T-cell treatment ,Immunologic diseases. Allergy ,RC581-607 - Abstract
Sjögrens syndrome (SS) is caused by autoantibodies that attack proprioceptive salivary and lacrimal gland tissues. Damage to the glands leads to dry mouth and eyes and affects multiple systems and organs. In severe cases, SS is life-threatening because it can lead to interstitial lung disease, renal insufficiency, and lymphoma. Histological examination of the labial minor salivary glands of patients with SS reveals focal lymphocyte aggregation of T and B cells. More studies have been conducted on the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of SS, whereas the role of T cells has only recently attracted the attention of researchers. This review focusses on the role of various populations of T cells in the pathogenesis of SS and the progress made in research to therapeutically targeting T cells for the treatment of patients with SS.
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- 2022
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8. MicroRNAs: Emerging players in the pathogenesis of vitiligo
- Author
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Xin Yu, Yuli Cui, Xueqing Zhu, Hongjun Xu, Linfeng Li, and Guangcheng Gao
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MicroRNAs ,vitiligo ,pathogenesis ,miRNA ,MiR-25 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by presence of pale patchy areas of depigmentation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and play significant roles in diverse biological and pathological processes. Accumulating evidence has shown that miRNAs were differentially expressed in skin lesions and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with vitiligo. In particular, miRNAs are significantly correlated with the development and progression of vitiligo. The abundance of some miRNAs in serum was also correlated with the vitiligo lesion severity, indicating that miRNAs might serve as prognostic biomarkers. Importantly, the direct involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of vitiligo has been demonstrated. For example, increased expression of miR-25 contributes to vitiligo through promoting the dysfunction and oxidative stress-induced destruction of melanocytes. However, there are limited studies on the function and mechanism of deregulated miRNAs in vitiligo. Further studies are required to establish clinical applications of miRNAs for vitiligo. More in-depth investigations of miRNAs are needed for the understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo and the development of novel therapeutic targets. This present review summarizes the current literature on the deregulation and pathogenic roles of miRNAs in vitiligo. We also highlight the potential clinical applications of miRNAs in patients with vitiligo.
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- 2022
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9. Emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in keloids
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Xin Yu, Xueqing Zhu, Hongjun Xu, and Linfeng Li
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long non-coding RNAs ,keloids ,HOXA11-AS ,H19 ,Smad5 protein ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Keloids are pathologic wound healing conditions caused by fibroblast hyperproliferation and excess collagen deposition following skin injury or irritation, which significantly impact patients by causing psychosocial and functional distress. Extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and human fibroblast proliferation represents the main pathophysiology of keloid. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play important roles in many biological and pathological processes, including development, differentiation and carcinogenesis. Recently, accumulating evidences have demonstrated that deregulated lncRNAs contribute to keloids formation. The present review summarizes the researches of deregulated lncRNAs in keloid. Exploring lncRNA-based methods hold promise as new effective therapies against keloid.
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- 2022
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10. Correlation of increased corrected TIMI frame counts and the topographical extent of isolated coronary artery ectasia
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Wei Wu, Shuyang Zhang, Yuchao Guo, Ruifeng Liu, Zhujun Shen, Xueqing Zhu, and Zhenyu Liu
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Corrected TIMI frame count ,Coronary artery ectasia ,Slow flow ,Topography ,Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ,RC666-701 - Abstract
Abstract Background The precise relationship between increased thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts and the topographical extent of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) has not been fully explained. New parameters of linear dimension (LD) and the estimated ectatic area (EEA) together with the diameter and ectasia ratio may be associated with the corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) in isolated CAE patients. Methods The topographical parameters of ectatic coronary arteries and/or segments of 77 isolated CAE patients were consecutively studied. The CTFC for each coronary artery was determined by angiographic frame count. Results Right coronary artery (RCA) was the most frequently affected. The RCA and left circumflex (LCX) had significantly longer LD (p
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- 2018
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11. CeO2-Supported Pt Catalysts Derived from MOFs by Two Pyrolysis Strategies to Improve the Oxygen Activation Ability
- Author
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Xueqing Zhu, Hui He, Yanxia Li, Haoyuan Wu, Mingli Fu, Daiqi Ye, Junliang Wu, Haomin Huang, Yun Hu, and Xiaojun Niu
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metal organic frameworks ,functional derivatives ,pyrolysis strategies ,toluene oxidation ,oxygen activation abilities ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Functional metal organic framework (MOF) derivatives have attracted tremendous attention as promising catalysts for various reactions. The thermal decomposition strategies have a vital effect on the structures and physicochemical properties of functional MOF derivatives. Nevertheless, what effect does the pyrolysis strategy have on MOF derivatives need further study. In this work, one-step (under dry air) and two-step (first under N2 and then dry air) pyrolysis are chosen to prepare the functional ceria-based MOF derivatives with novel hierarchical pore structure. In comparison with the derivatives prepared by one-step pyrolysis, the two-step pyrolysis composites exhibit better catalytic activity for toluene oxidation due to the higher contents of surface absorbed oxygen species and surface oxygen vacancies. The reusability and durability test demonstrates perfect stability of such functional MOF derivatives. The in-situ UV Raman reveals that two-step strategy is favorable for enhancing the gaseous oxygen activation ability of the functional MOF derivatives. Those findings may instruct the synthesis of functional MOF derivatives via different pyrolysis strategies as well as afford a further understanding of the crucial role of oxygen vacancies.
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- 2020
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12. Optimizing window size and directional parameters of GLCM texture features for estimating rice AGB based on UAVs multispectral imagery.
- Author
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Jikai Liu, Yongji Zhu, Lijuan Song, Xiangxiang Su, Jun Li, Jing Zheng, Xueqing Zhu, Lantian Ren, Wenhui Wang, and Xinwei Li
- Subjects
FOOD texture ,GROWING season ,DRONE aircraft ,SPECTRAL reflectance ,CROP growth - Abstract
Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a crucial physiological parameter for monitoring crop growth, assessing nutrient status, and predicting yield. Texture features (TFs) derived from remote sensing images have been proven to be crucial for estimating crops AGB, which can effectively address the issue of low accuracy in AGB estimation solely based on spectral information. TFs exhibit sensitivity to the size of the moving window and directional parameters, resulting in a substantial impact on AGB estimation. However, few studies systematically assessed the effects of moving window and directional parameters for TFs extraction on rice AGB estimation. To this end, this study used Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to acquire multispectral imagery during crucial growth stages of rice and evaluated the performance of TFs derived with different grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) parameters by random forest (RF) regression model. Meanwhile, we analyzed the importance of TFs under the optimal parameter settings. The results indicated that: (1) the appropriate window size for extracting TFs varies with the growth stages of rice plant, wherein a small-scale window demonstrates advantages during the early growth stages, while the opposite holds during the later growth stages; (2) TFs derived from 45° direction represent the optimal choice for estimating rice AGB. During the four crucial growth stages, this selection improved performance in AGB estimation with R²=0.76 to 0.83 and rRMSE = 13.62% to 21.33%. Furthermore, the estimation accuracy for the entire growth season is R²=0.84 and rRMSE =21.07%. However, there is no consensus regarding the selection of the worst TFs computation direction; (3) Correlation (Cor), Mean, and Homogeneity (Hom) from the first principal component image reflecting internal information of rice plant and Contrast (Con), Dissimilarity (Dis), and Second Moment (SM) from the second principal component image expressing edge texture are more important to estimate rice AGB among the whole growth stages; and (4) Considering the optimal parameters, the accuracy of texture-based AGB estimation slightly outperforms the estimation accuracy based on spectral reflectance alone. In summary, the present study can help researchers confident use of GLCM-based TFs to enhance the estimation accuracy of physiological and biochemical parameters of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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13. Immunomodulatory effects of umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on CD4+ T cells in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
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Dan Ma, Zewen Wu, Xingxing Zhao, Xueqing Zhu, Qi An, Yajing Wang, Jingwen Zhao, Yazhen Su, Baoqi Yang, Ke Xu, and Liyun Zhang
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Pharmacology ,Immunology ,Pharmacology (medical) - Abstract
Background Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that leads to the destruction of exocrine glands and multisystem lesions. Abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of CD4+ T cells are key factors in the pathogenesis of pSS. Autophagy is one of the important mechanisms to maintain immune homeostasis and function of CD4+ T cells. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (UCMSC-Exos) may simulate the immunoregulation of MSCs while avoiding the risks of MSCs treatment. However, whether UCMSC-Exos can regulate the functions of CD4+ T cells in pSS, and whether the effects via the autophagy pathway remains unclear. Methods The study analyzed retrospectively the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in pSS patients, and explored the relationship between lymphocyte subsets and disease activity. Next, peripheral blood CD4+ T cells were sorted using immunomagnetic beads. The proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and inflammatory factors of CD4+ T cells were determined using flow cytometry. Autophagosomes of CD4+ T cells were detected using transmission electron microscopy, autophagy-related proteins and genes were detected using western blotting or RT-qPCR. Results The study demonstrated that the peripheral blood CD4+ T cells decreased in pSS patients, and negatively correlated with disease activity. UCMSC-Exos inhibited excessive proliferation and apoptosis of CD4+ T cells in pSS patients, blocked them in the G0/G1 phase, inhibited them from entering the S phase, reduced the Th17 cell ratio, elevated the Treg ratio, inhibited IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-17F secretion, and promoted IL-10 and TGF-β secretion. UCMSC-Exos reduced the elevated autophagy levels in the peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of patients with pSS. Furthermore, UCMSC-Exos regulated CD4+ T cell proliferation and early apoptosis, inhibited Th17 cell differentiation, promoted Treg cell differentiation, and restored the Th17/Treg balance in pSS patients through the autophagy pathway. Conclusions The study indicated that UCMSC-Exos exerts an immunomodulatory effect on the CD4+ T cells, and maybe as a new treatment for pSS.
- Published
- 2023
14. Characterization of snakehead (Channa argus) interleukin-21: Involvement in immune defense against two pathogenic bacteria, in leukocyte proliferation, and in activation of JAK–STAT signaling pathway
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Dongqi Li, Zhengwei Cui, Fei Zhao, Xueqing Zhu, Aiping Tan, Yuting Deng, Yingtiao Lai, and Zhibin Huang
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Mammals ,Interleukins ,Fishes ,General Medicine ,Aquatic Science ,Fish Diseases ,STAT Transcription Factors ,Leukocytes ,Animals ,Environmental Chemistry ,Phylogeny ,Cell Proliferation ,Janus Kinases ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a crucial immune regulatory molecule, belongs to the common γ-chain family of type I cytokines, and exerts pleiotropic effects on multiple immune cell types in mammals. However, the characteristics and functions of fish IL-21 remain unclear. To further investigate the molecular mechanism of IL-21 in teleosts, we first cloned and identified the IL-21 gene (designated shIL-21) of the snakehead (Channa argus). The full-length open reading frame of shIL-21 is 438 bp in length, and encodes a predicted protein of 145 amino acid residues. A sequence analysis showed that shIL-21 has the typical structural characteristics of other IL-21 proteins, containing four α-helices and four conserved cysteine residues. In a phylogenetic analysis, shIL-21 clustered within a subgroup of IL-21 proteins from other teleost species and shared its closest evolutionary relationship with that of Lates calcarifer. The expression analysis showed that shIL-21 was ubiquitously expressed in all the healthy snakehead tissues tested, albeit at different levels. After infection with Nocardia seriolae or Aeromonas schubertii, the relative expression of shIL-21 was mainly upregulated in the head kidney and spleen in vivo. Similarly, after stimulation with the three pathogen analogues lipoteichoic acid, lipopolysaccharides, and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, the expression of shIL-21 was also induced in head kidney leukocytes in vitro. A recombinant shIL-21 protein was expressed and purified, and promoted the proliferation of head kidney leukocytes, induced the expression of genes encoding critical signaling molecules in the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, including JAK1, JAK3, STAT1, and STAT3, and induced the expression of endogenous shIL-21 and genes encoding several key proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and IL-1β). Taken together, these preliminary findings suggest that shIL-21 is involved in the immune defense against bacterial infection, in leukocyte proliferation, and in the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. They thus extend the functional studies of IL-21 in teleosts.
- Published
- 2022
15. Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Regulate CD4+ T cells in Patients with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome through the Autophagy Pathway
- Author
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Dan Ma, Yazhen Su, Zewen Wu, Xingxing Zhao, Xueqing Zhu, Qi An, Baoqi Yang, Yajing Wang, Jingwen 赵, Ke Xu, and Liyun Zhang
- Abstract
Background: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that leads to the destruction of exocrine glands and formation of multisystem lesions. Abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of CD4+ T cells are key factors in the pathogenesis of pSS, seriously affecting the appearance, progression, and outcome of the disease. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (UCMSC-Exos) may effectively simulate the immunoregulatory and tissue repair functions of MSCs while avoiding the risks associated with MSCs treatment. Hence, UCMSC-Exos treatment is expected to become a new treatment for pSS. However, if UCMSC-Exos can regulate the abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of CD4+ T cells in pSS and the specific underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Methods: UCMSC-Exos were isolated and identified. Peripheral blood CD4+ T-cells were sorted using immunomagnetic beads. The proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and inflammatory factors of CD4+ T cells were determined using flow cytometry. Autophagosomes of CD4+ T cells were detected using transmission electron microscopy, autophagy-related proteins were detected using western blotting, and autophagy-related genes were detected using RT-PCR. Results: UCMSC-Exos inhibited excessive proliferation of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells in pSS patients, blocked the G0/G1 phase transition, inhibited S phase cells, suppressed excessive apoptosis of CD4+ T cells, reduced the Th17 cell ratio, elevated the regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio, restored the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance, inhibited the CD4+ T cell-associated pro-inflammatory factors IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-17F secretion, and promoted anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and TGF-β secretion. UCMSC-Exos reduced the elevated autophagy levels in the peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of patients with pSS. Furthermore, UCMSC-Exos regulated CD4+ T cell proliferation and early apoptosis in pSS patients through the autophagy pathway, inhibited Th17 cell differentiation, promoted Treg cell differentiation, and restored the Th17/Treg balance. Conclusions: UCMSC-Exos regulate CD4+ T cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation in patients with pSS through the autophagy pathway and exhibit immunoregulatory effects. These results provide an important theoretical and experimental foundation for exploring UCMSC-Exos as a new treatment for pSS and its application in clinical transformation.
- Published
- 2022
16. A Novel Algorithm for Handwritten Chinese Character Recognition.
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Feng Qi, Minghua Deng, Minping Qian, and Xueqing Zhu
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- 2000
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17. Effect of Anti-Rheumatic Drugs on Cardiovascular Disease Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Baoqi, Yang, primary, Dan, Ma, additional, Xingxing, Zhao, additional, Xueqing, Zhu, additional, Yajing, Wang, additional, Ke, Xu, additional, and Liyun, Zhang, additional
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- 2022
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18. High-Sensitivity and Ultrafast-Response Ethanol Sensors Based on Graphene Oxide
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Xueqing Zhu, Zhi-Ling Hou, Junying Zhang, and Qing Xie
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010302 applied physics ,Electron mobility ,Materials science ,Graphene ,Oxide ,Response time ,Nanotechnology ,02 engineering and technology ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,01 natural sciences ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Thermal conductivity ,chemistry ,law ,Electrical resistivity and conductivity ,Specific surface area ,0103 physical sciences ,General Materials Science ,Sensitivity (control systems) ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
Ethanol sensors with ultrafast response and high sensitivity have attracted much attention to be applied to daily industrial production processes. In this work, graphene oxide-aniline (GOA) sensors are proposed to meet the requirements of detecting ethanol concentration. Graphene oxide is an outstanding material that has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, large specific surface area, and high carrier mobility. Because of its special bonding reactions, GOA has advantages of good dispersibility, good electrical conductivity, insolubility in water, and strong plasticity. When testing ethanol concentration with sensors, there will be a lag time, which determines the sensitivity of the sensors. To the best of our knowledge, the GOA sensors in this work have the fastest response time, which is only 27 ms. The GOA ethanol sensors show a good ethanol sensing performance, including excellent sensitivity, cycle stability, and long-term stability.
- Published
- 2020
19. Clinical features of anti-signal recognition particle antibody-positive patients with dermatomyositis or clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis
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Hua Cao, Xiaoqing Zhao, K. Xue, Hao Li, Jie Zheng, Lianjun Du, Xueqing Zhu, Licheng Diao, and Yeping Ruan
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Anti-nuclear antibody ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Erythema ,biology ,business.industry ,Interstitial lung disease ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,Dermatology ,Dermatomyositis ,medicine.disease ,environment and public health ,Gastroenterology ,Amyopathic dermatomyositis ,Exact test ,Infectious Diseases ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,biology.protein ,medicine.symptom ,Antibody ,business - Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical features of anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) antibody-positive patients with dermatomyositis/clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (DM/CADM) . Methods Clinical data were collected from 90 patients with DM/CADM, who were hospitalized at the Department of Dermatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from June 2015 to July 2017. Immunoblotting assay was performed to determine the serum level of anti-SRP antibody in these patients. Statistical analysis was carried out using t test and Chi-square test. Results Of the 90 patients with DM/CADM, 11 (12.2%) were positive for serum anti-SRP antibody, including 6 with DM and 5 with CADM. Among 82 adult patients with DM/CADM, the prevalence of malignant tumors was significantly higher in the patients with anti-SRP antibody than in those without (7/9 vs. 31.5%[23/73], χ2 = 7.394, P = 0.006) . The 11 patients with anti-SRP antibody had typical DM skin lesions, and their cutaneous dermatomyositis disease area and severity index (CDASI) was 18.1 ± 2.9. The prevalence of "angel wings sign" (aliform erythema on the trunk) was significantly higher in the patients with anti-SRP antibody than in those without (7/11 vs. 29.9%[20/67], Fisher′s exact test, P = 0.028) . The positive rate of antinuclear antibody was significantly higher in the patients with anti-SRP antibody than in those without (4/8 vs. 16.7%[13/78], χ2 = 6.053, P = 0.014) . Magnetic resonance imaging of muscles of both thighs of the 10 patients with anti-SRP antibody (6 with DM and 4 with CADM) showed the presence of abnormal signals in the thigh muscle group in 8, swelling of the muscle group in 2, subcutaneous edema in 2, myofascial swelling in 1, and no abnormities in 2. No interstitial lung disease or myocardial involvement was observed in the patients with anti-SRP antibody. Conclusions The anti-SRP antibody-positive patients with DM/CADM showed a high prevalence of "angel wings sign" , and a high risk of malignant tumors. Early detection of the anti-SRP antibody in patients with DM/CADM is helpful to predict the occurrence of malignant tumors. Key words: Dermatomyositis; Polymyositis; Signal recognition particle; Skin manifestations
- Published
- 2019
20. Over-expansion of drug-eluting stents in patients with left main coronary artery disease: An in vivo study
- Author
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Hao Qian, Shuyang Zhang, Ming Yang, Tianpeng Gan, Yicong Ye, Xueqing Zhu, and Yong Zeng
- Subjects
left main coronary artery ,Male ,Drug ,medicine.medical_specialty ,media_common.quotation_subject ,medicine.medical_treatment ,over-expansion ,Coronary Artery Disease ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Biochemistry ,Clinical Reports ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,In vivo ,Internal medicine ,Coronary stent ,medicine ,Humans ,In patient ,Everolimus ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Left main coronary artery disease ,Aged ,Retrospective Studies ,media_common ,business.industry ,Biochemistry (medical) ,Stent ,Drug-Eluting Stents ,Cell Biology ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,equipment and supplies ,Coronary Vessels ,Prosthesis Failure ,Treatment Outcome ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Cardiology ,Female ,business ,Immunosuppressive Agents ,Artery - Abstract
Objective We aimed to determine the capacity of drug-eluting stent (DES) over-expansion in left main coronary artery disease. Methods Left main interventions with the largest available DES platforms (4.0 mm) and post-dilation performed with large non-compliant balloons (≥ 4.5 mm) were included. Maximal stent diameter (mm) and area (mm2) were measured using post-intervention intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Stent diameter and area were calculated with the balloon diameter and inflation pressure. The diameter and area expansion indices were defined as follows: maximal/calculated stent diameter and maximal/calculated stent area, respectively. Results Twenty-three consecutive patients were included. The maximal stent diameter was 4.40 mm (4.30–4.80 mm), and 22 of 23 patients showed a diameter expansion index greater than 0.90. The area expansion index was 0.862. The expansion index Conclusions DESs with a nominal diameter of 4.0 mm can be effectively over-expanded in left main coronary artery disease. Achievement of predicted stent area can be affected by calcification.
- Published
- 2017
21. Additional file 1: of Correlation of increased corrected TIMI frame counts and the topographical extent of isolated coronary artery ectasia
- Author
-
Wu, Wei, Shuyang Zhang, Yuchao Guo, Ruifeng Liu, Zhujun Shen, Xueqing Zhu, and Zhenyu Liu
- Abstract
Table S1. Correlation Models of CTFCindex and Topological Parameters. (DOC 64Â kb)
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Guidance for the Bioremediation of Oil-Contaminated Wetlands, Marshes, and Marine Shorelines
- Author
-
Xueqing Zhu and Albert D. Venosa
- Subjects
Shore ,geography ,Bioremediation ,Marsh ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,Environmental protection ,Environmental science ,Wetland ,Contamination - Published
- 2016
23. Effect of gas empty bed contact time on performances of various types of rotating drum biofilters for removal of VOCs
- Author
-
Byung J. Kim, Xueqing Zhu, Chunping Yang, Guangming Zeng, and Makram T. Suidan
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Volatile Organic Compounds ,Environmental Engineering ,Chromatography ,Ecological Modeling ,Pulp and paper industry ,Ether ,Pollution ,Toluene ,Hexane ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Bioreactors ,chemistry ,Biofilter ,Bioreactor ,Rotating drum ,Hexanes ,Volatile organic compound ,Diethyl ether ,Saturation (chemistry) ,Waste Management and Disposal ,Filtration ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Water Science and Technology ,Civil and Structural Engineering - Abstract
The effects of gas empty bed contact time (EBCT), biofilter configuration, and types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were evaluated to assess the performance of rotating drum biofilters (RDBs), especially at low EBCT values. Three types of pilot-scale RDBs, a single-layer RDB, a multi-layer RDB, and a hybrid RDB, were examined at various gas EBCTs but at a constant VOC loading rate. Diethyl ether, toluene, and hexane were used separately as model VOC. When EBCT increased from 5.0 to 60s at a constant VOC loading rate of 2.0kgCOD/(m(3)day), ether removal efficiency increased from 73.1% to 97.6%, from 81.6% to 99.9%, and from 84.0% to 99.9% for the single-layer RDB, the multi-layer RDB, and the hybrid RDB, respectively, and toluene removal efficiency increased from 76.4% to 99.9% and from 84.8% to 99.9% for the multi-layer RDB and the hybrid RDB, respectively. When hexane was used as the model VOC at a constant loading rate of 0.25kgCOD/(m(3)day), hexane removal efficiency increased from 31.1% to 57.0% and from 29.5% to 50.0% for the multi-layer RDB and hybrid RDB, respectively. The single-layer, multi-layer, and hybrid RDBs exhibited, respectively, the lowest, middle, and highest removal efficiencies, when operated under similar operational loading conditions. Hexane exhibited the lowest removal efficiency, while diethyl ether displayed the highest removal efficiency. The data collected at the various EBCT values correlated reasonably well with a saturation model. The sensitivity of removal efficiency to EBCT varied significantly with EBCT values, VOC properties, and biofilter configurations. Process selection and design for RDB processes should consider these factors.
- Published
- 2008
24. Performance of rotating drum biofilter for volatile organic compound removal at high organic loading rates
- Author
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Chunping Yang, Hong Chen, Guangming Zeng, Makram T. Suidan, and Xueqing Zhu
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Environmental Engineering ,Chromatography ,Volatilisation ,Bacteria ,Sewage ,Chemical oxygen demand ,Ether ,General Medicine ,Biodegradation ,Pulp and paper industry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Biodegradation, Environmental ,Bioreactors ,Nutrient ,chemistry ,Biofilter ,Environmental Chemistry ,Volatile organic compound ,Biomass ,Organic Chemicals ,Volatilization ,Diethyl ether ,Filtration ,General Environmental Science - Abstract
Uneven distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biomass, and excess biomass accumulation in some biofilters hinder the application of biofiltration technology. An innovative multilayer rotating drum biofilter (RDB) was developed to correct these problems. The RDB was operated at an empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 30 s and a rotational rate of 1.0 r/min. Diethyl ether was chosen as the model VOC. Performance of the RDB was evaluated at organic loading rates of 32.1, 64.2, 128, and 256 g ether/(m3 x h) (16.06 g ether/(m3 x h) approximately 1.0 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/(m3 x d)). The EBCT and organic loading rates were recorded on the basis of the medium volume. Results show that the ether removal efficiency decreased with an increased VOC loading rate. Ether removal efficiencies exceeding 99% were achieved without biomass control even at a high VOC loading rate of 128 g ether/(m3 x h). However, when the VOC loading rate was increased to 256 g ether/(m3 x h), the average removal efficiency dropped to 43%. Nutrient limitation possibly contributed to the drop in ether removal efficiency. High biomass accumulation rate was also observed in the medium at the two higher ether loading rates, and removal of the excess biomass in the media was necessary to maintain stable performance. This work showed that the RDB is effective in the removal of diethyl ether from waste gas streams even at high organic loading rates. The results might help establish criteria for designing and operating RDBs.
- Published
- 2008
25. Removal of a Volatile Organic Compound in a Hybrid Rotating Drum Biofilter
- Author
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Makram T. Suidan, Byung J. Kim, Xueqing Zhu, and Chunping Yang
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Environmental Engineering ,Chromatography ,Chemical oxygen demand ,Biomass ,Pulp and paper industry ,Toluene ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Activated sludge ,chemistry ,Volume (thermodynamics) ,Biofilter ,Bioreactor ,Environmental Chemistry ,Volatile organic compound ,General Environmental Science ,Civil and Structural Engineering - Abstract
A hybrid bioreactor, combining an activated sludge process (ASP) and a rotating drum biofilter (RDB), was developed and evaluated for the treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in waste gas streams. The effects of the influent VOC concentration and the organic loading rate on the VOC removal efficiency and on the pattern of biomass accumulation were investigated. Toluene was used as the model VOC, the flow rate of the waste gas stream was 0.59 L/s, and the empty-bed retention time (EBRT) in the ASP portion was 46 s with an actual retention time of about 2 s. The EBRT in the RDB portion was 38 s based on the drum volume. When the VOC feed concentration increased from 221 to 884 mg toluene/m3 (from 57.2 to 229 ppm), correspondingly the organic loading rate of the hybrid bioreactor increased from 1.58 to 6.32 kg chemical oxygen demand/m3/day (from 0.505 to 2.02kg toluene/m3/day) based on the drum volume, both the ASP and RDB decreased, and the overall toluene removal efficiency declined from 99.8 to ...
- Published
- 2004
26. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF ROTATING DRUM BIOFILTERS FOR VOC REMOVAL: EFFECTS OF GAS CONTACT TIME AND VOC PROPERTIES
- Author
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Byung J. Kim, Xueqing Zhu, Makram T. Suidan, and Chunping Yang
- Subjects
Waste management ,Contact time ,Biofilter ,General Engineering ,Rotating drum ,Environmental science - Published
- 2004
27. Biomass accumulation patterns for removing volatile organic compounds in rotating drum biofilters
- Author
-
Xueqing Zhu, Chunping Yang, Byung J. Kim, and Makram T. Suidan
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Environmental Engineering ,Chromatography ,Volatilisation ,Biomass ,Toluene ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Environmental chemistry ,Biofilter ,Bioreactor ,Volatile organic compound ,Diethyl ether ,Water Science and Technology ,Waste disposal - Abstract
A rotating drum biofilter (RDB) with multi-layered foam media was developed for the improvement of current biofiltration technology. The biofilter was used to investigate the effects of organic loadings and influent volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations on VOC removal efficiency and biomass accumulation. These effects were evaluated using diethyl ether and toluene separately as model VOCs at an empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 30 s. When the toluene loading increased from 2.0 to 4.0 and 8.0 kgCOD m-3 day-1, toluene removal efficiency of the biofilter decreased from over 99% to 78% and 74%, respectively. The biomass distribution was found to be more even within the medium when removing toluene than when removing diethyl ether. Higher organic loading also resulted in the more even distribution of the biomass. The ratios of biomass accumulation rates in the medium of the outermost, middle and innermost layers ranged from 1:0.11:0.02 when removing diethyl ether at 2.0 kgCOD m-3 day-1 to1:0.69:0.51 when removing toluene at 8.0 kgCOD m-3 day-1. Review of these ratios revealed three biomass accumulation patterns: surface pattern, in-depth pattern and shallow pattern. Different patterns represent different removal mechanisms in the biofiltration process. Improved biofilter design and operation should be based on the biomass accumulation pattern.
- Published
- 2003
28. Comparison of single-layer and multi-layer rotating drum biofilters for VOC removal
- Author
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Byung J. Kim, Makram T. Suidan, Chunping Yang, and Xueqing Zhu
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Volume (thermodynamics) ,Biofilter ,Environmental engineering ,Rotating drum ,Biomass ,Ether ,Diethyl ether ,Pulp and paper industry ,Layer (electronics) ,General Environmental Science ,Polyurethane - Abstract
Two types of rotating drum biofilters were tested to investigate the effect of medium configuration on biofilter performance for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from waste gas streams. One was a single-layer biofilter that consisted of a thick layer of open-pore reticulated polyurethane foam media. The other was a multi-layer biofilter that used a set of four concentric thinner layers of the media. The effect of the two different media configurations was examined using diethyl ether as a model VOC at various organic loading rates. The results showed that the multi-layer biofilter could maintain more stable and higher ether removal efficiencies at gas empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 30 s than the single-layer biofilter at gas EBCT of 90 s, and at organic loading rates ranging from 2.0 to 8.0 kg COD m−3 day−1 (32.1 to 128.4 g ether m−3 h−1), all based on the medium volume. The multi-layer biofilter also exhibited a more even biomass distribution on the concentric surface at a medium depth than the single-layer biofilter, which suggests a reduced possibility of short-circuiting of gas streams and, consequently, better performance.
- Published
- 2003
29. Biodegradation of Crude Oil Contaminating Marine Shorelines and Freshwater Wetlands
- Author
-
Albert D. Venosa and Xueqing Zhu
- Subjects
Shore ,geography ,Bioremediation ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,Oil spill ,Environmental engineering ,Environmental science ,Weathering ,Wetland ,Biodegradation ,Crude oil ,Freshwater wetlands ,General Environmental Science - Abstract
This paper is a summary of the various factors influencing weathering of oil after it has been released into the environment from a spill incident. Special emphasis has been placed on biodegradation processes. Results from two field studies conducted in 1994 and 1999 involving bioremediation of an experimental oil spill on a marine sandy shoreline in Delaware and a freshwater wetland on the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada have been presented in the paper.
- Published
- 2003
30. GW28-e0407 Correlation of increased corrected TIMI frame counts and the topographical extent of isolated coronary artery ectasia
- Author
-
Shuyang Zhang, Zhujun Shen, Wei Wu, Xueqing Zhu, Ruifeng Liu, Zhenyu Liu, and Yuchao Guo
- Subjects
Correlation ,medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Internal medicine ,Coronary artery ectasia ,Frame (networking) ,Cardiology ,Medicine ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,business ,medicine.disease ,TIMI - Published
- 2017
31. Inhibition of intimal hyperplasia via local delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor cDNA nanoparticles in a rabbit model of restenosis induced by abdominal aorta balloon injury
- Author
-
Xueqing Zhu, Hongzhi Xie, Yechen Han, Jing Yang, and Quan Fang
- Subjects
Neointima ,Cancer Research ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Intimal hyperplasia ,Proliferation index ,business.industry ,Genetic enhancement ,Abdominal aorta ,General Medicine ,Articles ,medicine.disease ,Vascular endothelial growth factor ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Immunology and Microbiology (miscellaneous) ,chemistry ,Restenosis ,medicine.artery ,Medicine ,business ,Perfusion - Abstract
In-stent restenosis (ISR) is one of the major factors affecting long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been hypothesized to have a positive role in preventing ISR, however, this remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess whether nanoparticles can be used to deliver VEGF to injured arteries and whether this is beneficial in preventing restenosis. New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into a control group, an empty nanoparticles group and a VEGF nanoparticles group (n=6 in each group). Polylactic-polyglycolic acid VEGF nanoparticles were prepared using a phacoemulsification method. A rabbit model of restenosis was established following abdominal aorta balloon injury, and VEGF gene nanoparticles, empty nanoparticles or normal saline were delivered locally at the site of injury via a GENIE Catheter™ perfusion balloon. Intimal proliferation determination and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed at day 28 following arterial injury. Compared with the control and empty nanoparticle groups, the neointima area (0.49±0.09, 0.48±0.08 and 0.19±0.11 mm2, respectively; P
- Published
- 2014
32. Mathematical Model of Biofiltration of VOCs: Effect of Nitrate Concentration and Backwashing
- Author
-
Christina Alonso, Xueqing Zhu, Byung R. Kim, Makram T. Suidan, and Byung J. Kim
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Environmental Engineering ,Waste management ,Trickling filter ,Backwashing ,Biodegradation ,Pulp and paper industry ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Nitrate ,chemistry ,law ,Biofilter ,Bioreactor ,Environmental Chemistry ,Volatile organic compound ,Filtration ,General Environmental Science ,Civil and Structural Engineering - Abstract
The affect of nitrate concentration and reactor backwashing on biofilter performance is evaluated using a dynamic mathematical model of the biodegradation process of volatile organic compounds in a trickle bed biofilter packed with uniform synthetic solids. Experimental observations from a bench-scale biofilter system treating ether were used to develop and validate the model. Experience acquired in biofiltration of volatile organic compounds has demonstrated that although these two factors—nitrate and backwashing—are secondary when organic packing material is used, they are essential when the packing media is synthetic. The operation of a synthetic media packed reactor requires the addition of nutrients necessary for biodegradation. Since nitrate was utilized as the nitrogen source in this system, it was included in the model as a limiting substrate (nutrient). A negative affect of excessive accumulation of biomass in the reactor on biofilter performance has also been observed in highly loaded synthetic ...
- Published
- 2001
33. Biofilm structure and mass transfer in a gas phase trickle-bed biofilter
- Author
-
Makram T. Suidan, Xueqing Zhu, Byung J. Kim, Byung R. Kim, Tong Yu, and Cristina Alonso
- Subjects
Environmental Engineering ,Chromatography ,Biofilm ,chemistry.chemical_element ,biochemical phenomena, metabolism, and nutrition ,Trickle-bed reactor ,Oxygen ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Mass transfer ,Biofilter ,Bioreactor ,Limiting oxygen concentration ,Water Science and Technology ,Waste disposal - Abstract
Mass transport phenomena occurring in the biofilms of gas phase trickle-bed biofilters are investigated in this study. The effect of biofilm structure on mass transfer mechanisms is examined using experimental observation from the operating of biofilters, microelectrode techniques and microscopic examination. Since the biofilms of biofilters used for waste gas treatment are not completely saturated with water, there is not a distinguishable liquid layer outside the biofilm. Results suggest that due to this characteristic, gas phase substrates (such as oxygen or volatile organic compounds) may not be limited by the aqueous phase because transport of the compound into the biofilm can occur directly through non-wetted areas. On the other hand, for substrates that are present only in the liquid phase, such as nitrate, the mass transfer limitation is more serious because of the limited liquid supply. Microscopic observations show that a layered structure with void spaces exists within the biofilm. Oxygenconcentration distributions along the depth of the biofilms are examined using an oxygen microelectrode. Results indicate that there are some high dissolved oxygen zones inside the biofilm, which suggests the existence of passages for oxygen transfer into the deeper sections of the biofilm in a gas phase trickle-bed biofilter. Both the low gas-liquid mass transfer resistance and the resulting internal structure contribute to the high oxygen penetration within the biofilms in gas phase trickle-bed biofilters.
- Published
- 2001
34. Parameter Estimation in Biofilter Systems
- Author
-
Byung J. Kim, Makram T. Suidan, Xueqing Zhu, Byung R. Kim, and Cristina Alonso
- Subjects
Chromatography ,Estimation theory ,Substrate (chemistry) ,Thermodynamics ,General Chemistry ,Biodegradation ,Thermal diffusivity ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Yield (chemistry) ,Biofilter ,Environmental Chemistry ,Diethyl ether ,Constant (mathematics) - Abstract
The purpose of this research is to estimate the unknown parameters of a mathematical model of the biodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a gas phase trickle-bed biofilter, using experimental results from a two-reactor pilot-scale system treating the VOC diethyl ether. The model considers a dynamic three-phase system, (biofilm, water, and gas), nonuniform bacterial population, and one limiting substrate. The nonlinear parameter estimation was done in two stages: estimates of the steady-state model parameters were obtained first, and then, these values were used in the estimation of the remaining parameters. Experimentally obtained biofilter performance curves and batch tests were used for the estimation of the steady-state parameters: maximum rate of substrate utilization (μmXf/Y), Monod constant (Ks), and biofilm/water diffusivity ratio for ether, rd. Dynamic biofilter performance data were used to obtain the estimates of the six remaining parameters: yield coefficient (Y). maximum grow...
- Published
- 2000
35. The effect of liquid phase on VOC removal in trickle-bed biofilters
- Author
-
Byung J. Kim, Xueqing Zhu, Byung R. Kim, Makram T. Suidan, Cristina Alonso, and Hongwen Cao
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Environmental Engineering ,Countercurrent exchange ,Chemistry ,Mass transfer ,Trickling filter ,Biofilter ,Environmental engineering ,Backwashing ,Volatile organic compound ,Water content ,TRICKLE ,Water Science and Technology - Abstract
The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of water content on the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in gas phase trickle-bed biofilters. Previous studies revealed that excessive accumulation of biomass in the reactor had a negative effect on contaminant removal efficiency. To solve this problem, periodic backwash was used to remove excess biomass and maintain an effective operation. Results showed that the ether removal efficiency dropped immediately after backwashing and gradually improved to reach the optimal value within about 24 hours. The initial drop in performance can be attributed to biological effects, such as loss of active biomass and the necessity for an adaptation period for the microbial culture. However, mass transfer limitations due to the water retained in the reactor may also be important. To investigate the effect of water content on the biofilter performance, an experiment evaluated the effect of draining after backwashing was conducted. Biofilters were allowed to drain for different periods of time before restarting the reactors. A longer lapse time in draining before the restart resulted in better ether removal efficiency. The improvement of biofilter performance after backwashing was explained with a combination of biological and physical effects. A mathematical model was then used to simulate the performance of the biofilter under these conditions and to support the conclusions obtained. The mathematical model considered a three-phase system (biofilm, water, and gas phase), dunamic processes, non-uniform bacterial population, and one limiting substrate.
- Published
- 1998
36. Modeling biodegradation of toluene in rotating drum biofilter
- Author
-
W. Qu, Guangming Zeng, Hongmei Chen, Xueqing Zhu, Makram T. Suidan, Chunping Yang, and Y.Y. Zhong
- Subjects
Environmental Engineering ,Time Factors ,Biomass ,Portable water purification ,Models, Biological ,Waste Disposal, Fluid ,law.invention ,Water Purification ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,law ,Orthogonal collocation ,Filtration ,Water Science and Technology ,Volatilisation ,Environmental engineering ,Biodegradation ,Toluene ,Biodegradation, Environmental ,Chemical engineering ,chemistry ,Biofilms ,Biofilter ,Environmental science ,Volatilization - Abstract
Rotating drum biofilters (RDBs) are cost-effective for control of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from waste gas streams. In this paper, a dynamic mathematical model is presented which simulates and predicts the variation in performance of a multi-layer RDB with time on the basis of the two-film theory. The model takes into account factors including biofilm growth and biomass loss, and a changing biofilm surface area and thickness assuming quasi-steady-state conditions in the two-phase system and uniform bacterial population. Toluene was assumed to be the only rate-limiting substrate. The model equations for the gas-phase mass balance and biofilm growth were solved using MATLAB based on the fourth-fifth-order Runge–Kutta technique, and the concentration profiles in the biofilms were obtained using the method of orthogonal collocation. Simulation results showed that the toluene removal efficiency decreased with increased toluene loading or increased duration of operation of the biofilter. Calculation results were compared to the experimental results, which demonstrated that the dynamic model provided a good simulation of the performance of the biofilter.
- Published
- 2006
37. Over-expansion of drug-eluting stents in patients with left main coronary artery disease: An in vivo study.
- Author
-
Yicong Ye, Hao Qian, Ming Yang, Xueqing Zhu, Tianpeng Gan, Shuyang Zhang, and Yong Zeng
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Effect of substrate Henry's constant on biofilter performance
- Author
-
Byung J. Kim, Makram T. Suidan, Cristina Alonso, Chunping Yang, Amy Pruden, Byung R. Kim, and Xueqing Zhu
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Butanol ,Substrate (chemistry) ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Electron acceptor ,Models, Theoretical ,Toluene ,Hexane ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Biodegradation, Environmental ,Oxidants, Photochemical ,Ozone ,chemistry ,Environmental chemistry ,Air Pollution ,Biofilter ,Organic chemistry ,Volatile organic compound ,Solubility ,Organic Chemicals ,Volatilization ,Waste Management and Disposal ,Filtration - Abstract
Butanol, ether, toluene, and hexane, which have Henry's constants ranging from 0.0005 to 53, were used to investigate the effects of substrate solubility or availability on the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in trickle-bed biofilters. Results from this study suggest that, although removal of a VOC generally increases with a decrease in its Henry's constant, an optimal Henry's constant range for biofiltration may exist. For the treatment of VOCs with high Henry's constant values, such as hexane and toluene, the transfer of VOCs between the vapor and liquid phases or between the vapor phase and the biofilm is a rate-determining step. However, oxygen (O2) transfer may become a rate-limiting step in treating VOCs with low Henry's constants, such as butanol, especially at high organic loadings. The results demonstrated that in a gas-phase aerobic biofilter, nitrate can serve both as a growth-controlling nutrient and as an electron acceptor in a biofilm for the respiration of VOCs with low Henry's constants. Microbial communities within the biofilters were examined using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to provide a more complete picture of the effect of O2 limitation and denitrification on biofilter performance.
- Published
- 2004
39. A Novel Algorithm for Handwritten Chinese Character Recognition
- Author
-
Xueqing Zhu, Minghua Deng, Feng Qi, and Minping Qian
- Subjects
Pixel ,Computer science ,Speech recognition ,ComputingMethodologies_IMAGEPROCESSINGANDCOMPUTERVISION ,Hidden Markov model ,Algorithm ,Character recognition ,Image (mathematics) ,Block (data storage) - Abstract
2-D HMM methods have recently been applied to handwritten Chinese character recognition(HCCR) with much practical prospect, however, the time consuming is a great obstacle for its widely using. To overcome this weakness a novel block-based ICM algorithm, which will decode image block by block other than pixel by pixel, is proposed. Experiments shows that it can work much better than the traditional one for HCCR with a little higher accuracy and much higher speed of recognition. It offers a great potential for HCCR when using truly-2D HMM.
- Published
- 2000
40. Mathematical model for the biodegradation of vocs in trickle bed biofilters
- Author
-
Makram T. Suidan, Byung J. Kim, Byung R. Kim, Xueqing Zhu, and Cristina Alonso
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Environmental Engineering ,Chromatography ,Trickling filter ,Analytical chemistry ,Ether ,Biodegradation ,Thermal diffusivity ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Mass transfer ,Biofilter ,Volatile organic compound ,Diethyl ether ,Water Science and Technology - Abstract
The objective of this work is to develop a fundamental mathematical model that describes the biodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in gas phase trickle-bed biofilters, and to estimate the unknown model parameters. The mathematical model considers a three-phase system (biofilm, water, and gas phase), non-uniform bacterial population, and one limiting substrate. Two pilot-scale trickle-bed biofilters were operated to remove the VOC diethyl ether from a waste gas stream. Experimental results from this system were used to estimate the unknown parameters of the steady-state model: the maximum rate of substrate utilization μ m X f / Y , the Monod constant, K s , and the ether biofilm/water diffusivity ratio, r d . While the value of μ m X f / Y was uniquely determined, the values of K s and r d were highly correlated. High values of the Monod constant and the ether diffusivity in the biofilm gave similar predictions to those corresponding to low values of both parameters. Batch studies were used to estimate the value of K s without mass transfer limitations showing that K s < 1 mg/L=2.6 mg COD/L. Using this information and biofilter operating data the true values of K s and r d were determined.
- Published
- 1999
41. Inhibition of intimal hyperplasia via local delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor cDNA nanoparticles in a rabbit model of restenosis induced by abdominal aorta balloon injury.
- Author
-
HONGZHI XIE, JING YANG, YECHEN HAN, XUEQING ZHU, and QUAN FANG
- Subjects
INTIMAL hyperplasia ,VASCULAR endothelial growth factors ,ANTISENSE DNA ,NANOPARTICLES ,CORONARY restenosis ,ABDOMINAL aorta - Abstract
In-stent restenosis (ISR) is one of the major factors affecting long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been hypothesized to have a positive role in preventing ISR, however, this remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess whether nanoparticles can be used to deliver VEGF to injured arteries and whether this is beneficial in preventing restenosis. New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into a control group, an empty nanoparticles group and a VEGF nanoparticles group (n=6 in each group). Polylactic-polyglycolic acid VEGF nanoparticles were prepared using a phacoemulsification method. A rabbit model of restenosis was established following abdominal aorta balloon injury, and VEGF gene nanoparticles, empty nanoparticles or normal saline were delivered locally at the site of injury via a GENIE Catheter™ perfusion balloon. Intimal proliferation determination and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed at day 28 following arterial injury. Compared with the control and empty nanoparticle groups, the neointima area (0.49±0.09, 0.48±0.08 and 0.19±0.11 mm², respectively; P<0.001) and proliferation index (0.32±0.03, 0.32±0.05 and 0.13±0.06, respectively; P<0.001) were significantly lower in the VEGF nanoparticles group. In addition, in the VEGF nanoparticles group, the immunoreactivity of α-actin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were significantly lower (P≤0.001), while the immunoreactivity of VEGF was higher (P=0.01). Therefore, the results revealed that local delivery of VEGF gene nanoparticles reduced intimal thickening and cell proliferation following abdominal aorta balloon injury in a rabbit model, demonstrating the efficacy of this therapy against restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. The effect of nitrate on VOC removal in trickle bed biofilters
- Author
-
Xueqing, Zhu, primary, Rihn, Molly J., primary, Suidan, Makram T., primary, Kim, Byung J., primary, and Kim, Byung R., primary
- Published
- 1996
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Effect of Substrate Henry's Constant on Biofilter Performance.
- Author
-
Xueqing Zhu, Suidan, Makram T., Pruden, Amy, Yang, Chunping, Alonso, Cristina, Kim, Byung J., and Kim, Byung R.
- Subjects
- *
BUTANOL , *TOLUENE , *HEXANE , *VOLATILE organic compounds , *DENATURING gradient gel electrophoresis - Abstract
Butanol, ether, toluene, and hexane, which have Henry's constants ranging from 0.0005 to 53, were used to investigate the effects of substrate solubility or availability on the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in trickle-bed biofilters. Results from this study suggest that, although removal of a VOC generally increases with a decrease in its Henry's constant, an optimal Henry's constant range for biofiltration may exist. For the treatment of VOCs with high Henry's constant values, such as hexane and toluene, the transfer of VOCs between the vapor and liquid phases or between the vapor phase and the biofilm is a rate-determining step. However, oxygen (O2) transfer may become a rate-limiting step in treating VOCs with low Henry's constants, such as butanol, especially at high organic loadings. The results demonstrated that in a gas-phase aerobic biofilter, nitrate can serve both as a growth-controlling nutrient and as an electron acceptor in a biofilm for the respiration of VOCs with low Henry's constants. Microbial communities within the biofilters were examined using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to provide a more complete picture of the effect of O2 limitation and denitrification on biofilter performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Removal of a Volatile Organic Compound in a Hybrid Rotating Drum Biofilter.
- Author
-
Chunping Yang, Kerry A., Suidan, Makram T., Xueqing Zhu, and Kim, Byung J.
- Subjects
VOLATILE organic compounds ,BIOFILTRATION ,ACTIVATED sludge process ,WASTE gases ,BIOMASS ,TOLUENE - Abstract
A hybrid bioreactor, combining an activated sludge process (ASP) and a rotating drum biofilter (RDB), was developed and evaluated for the treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in waste gas streams. The effects of the influent VOC concentration and the organic loading rate on the VOC removal efficiency and on the pattern of biomass accumulation were investigated. Toluene was used as the model VOC, the flow rate of the waste gas stream was 0.59 L/s, and the empty-bed retention time (EBRT) in the ASP portion was 46 s with an actual retention time of about 2 s. The EBRT in the RDB portion was 38 s based on the drum volume. When the VOC feed concentration increased from 221 to 884 mg toluene/m3 (from 57.2 to 229 ppm), correspondingly the organic loading rate of the hybrid bioreactor increased from 1.58 to 6.32 kg chemical oxygen demand/m3/day (from 0.505 to 2.02 kg toluene/m[sup 3]/day) based on the drum volume, both the ASP and RDB decreased, and the overall toluene removal efficiency declined from 99.8 to 74.1%. Biomass accumulation at different medium depths became more even when the organic loading rate was increased. Part of the applied VOC was biodegraded by the ASP, which suggests that this hybrid bioreactor could achieve longer runs between medium cleanings and higher VOC removal efficiencies than a single RDB bioreactor without an ASP portion at the same organic loading rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF BIOFILTRATION OF VOCs: EFFECT OF NITRATE CONCENTRATION AND BACKWASHING.
- Author
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Alonso, Christina, Xueqing Zhu, Suidan, Makram T., Kim, Byung R., and Kim, Byung J.
- Subjects
- *
NITRATES , *ENVIRONMENTAL engineering , *REACTIVITY (Chemistry) - Abstract
Evaluates the effect of nitrate concentration and reactor backwashing on biofilter performance. Information on biofiltration; Development of a mathematical model used in the evaluation; Reactor backwashing effect.
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Parameter Estimation in Biofilter Systems.
- Author
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Alonso, Cristina and Xueqing Zhu
- Subjects
- *
VOLATILE organic compounds , *BIODEGRADATION , *FILTERS & filtration - Abstract
Estimates the unknown parameters of a mathematical model of the biodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in a gas phase trickle-bed biofilter. Use of experimental results from two-reactor pilot-scale system in treating the VOC diethyl ether; Dynamic three-phase system used; Nonlinear parameter estimation with two stages; Biofilter performance curves.
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. THE EFFECT OF LIQUID PHASE ON VOC REMOVAL IN TRICKLE-BED BIOFILTERS.
- Author
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Xueqing Zhu, Alonso, Cristina, Suidan, Makram T., Hongwen Cao, Kim, Byung J., and Kim, Byung R.
- Subjects
- *
VOLATILE organic compounds , *TRICKLE bed reactors , *BIOMASS - Abstract
Analyzes the effect of water content on the removal of volatile organic compounds in gas phase trickle bed biofilters. Use of periodic backwash to remove excess biomass; Mass transfer limitations due to water retained in the reactor; Biofilter removal with respect to ether removal.
- Published
- 1998
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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