43 results on '"W. Zhi"'
Search Results
2. Genetic markers associated with curve progression can predict the outcome of brace treatment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- Author
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D. Zhicheng, W. Zhichong, X. Leilei, Q. Yong, and Z. Zezhang
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Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Published
- 2024
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Catalog
3. Optimization of agarose–alginate hydrogel bead components for encapsulation and transportation of stem cells
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Mark K. Xiang Ping, DDS, Heng W. Zhi, DDS, Nur S. Aziz, MSc, Nurulhuda A. Hadri, MSc, Nur F. Ghazalli, PhD, and Norhayati Yusop, PhD
- Subjects
Agarose ,Alginate ,Hydrogel ,Rate of degradation ,Sodium citrate ,Stem cells ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 - Abstract
الملخص: أهداف البحث: تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تحسين تكوين حبيبات هلامة ''ألجينات الأغاروز'' وعوامل التذويب الخاصة بها لاستخدامها المحتمل في نقل الخلايا الجذعية. طرق البحث: تم اختبار تركيزات مختلفة من الأغاروز والألجينات وكلورايد الكالسيوم لبناء حبيبات هلامة مائية. تم تسجيل معدل التحلل ونسبة الانتفاخ لكل عينة هلامة مائية. تم استخدام هلامة ''ألجينات الأغاروز'' المحسنة لتغليف الخلايا الجذعية من أسنان بشرية لبنية متساقطة (شيد). تم أيضًا إجراء تحسين عوامل الإذابة واختبارها باستخدام الخلايا المغلفة بالهلامة المائية. النتائج: تم إثبات أن التركيز المختار لمكونات هلامة ''ألجينات الأغاروز'' نجح في تغليف ''شيد'' والتي تظل قابلة للحياة حتى اليوم العاشر. تم تسجيل متوسط دقيقتين لتحلل الهلامة المائية التي تغلف ''شيد''، باستخدام عامل إذابة يتكون من 100 ملي سيترات الصوديوم و 100 ملي مولار من إيديتات الكالسيوم ثناي الصوديوم (إيديتا). تم تسجيل صلاحية خلية ''شيد'' التي تم إطلاقها بعد اليوم العاشر من التغليف بنسبة 29.1٪. الاستنتاجات: أوضحت الدراسة الحالية أن تركيزات كل من الأغاروز والألجينات وكلورايد الكالسيوم ترتبط بمعدل تحلل حبيبات الهلامة المائية ونسبة الانتفاخ. يمكن لـ ''شيد'' البقاء على قيد الحياة في بيئة هلامة مائية لمدة 10 أيام على الأقل دون تغيير وسط الاستزراع. يسمح تحسين عامل الذوبان بالتفكك المناسب لهيكل الهلامة المائية، مما يؤدي إلى إطلاق الخلايا الجذعية من حبيبات هلامة ''ألجينات الأغاروز'' بعد فترة النقل مع السماح للخلايا بالبقاء قابلة للحياة. Abstract: Hydrogels have potential uses in various biological applications because of their unique characteristics. Fine-tuning of agarose–alginate (Ag–Al) hydrogel components improves the mechanical characteristics of the final construct for cell encapsulation and transportation. Formulation of suitable dissolving agents may enable the release of encapsulated cells for further applications in laboratory or clinical settings. Objectives: This study aimed at optimizing the composition of Ag–Al hydrogel beads and their dissolving agents for potential use in the transportation of stem cells. Methods: Various agarose, alginate, and CaCl2 concentrations were tested to construct hydrogel beads. The degradation rate and swelling ratio of each hydrogel sample were recorded. The optimized Ag–Al hydrogels were used for encapsulation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Optimization of dissolving agents was performed and tested with the hydrogel-encapsulated cells. Data were statistically analyzed in SPSS. Results: The selected concentration of Ag–Al hydrogels components was successfully demonstrated to encapsulate SHED, which remained viable until day 10. An average of 2 min was required for degradation of the hydrogel with encapsulated SHED by a dissolving agent consisting of 100 mM sodium citrate and 100 mM EDTA. The cell viability of SHED released after day 10 of encapsulation was 29.1%. Conclusion: Alteration of Ag-Al components has considerable influence on the mechanical properties of the constructed hydrogel. The feasibility of performing the optimized cell encapsulation protocol, as well as the dissolving step, may provide a useful guide for the transportation of viable cells between countries, for medical research. more...
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- 2023
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4. Doughnut-shaped bimetallic Cu-Zn-MOF with peroxidase-like activity for colorimetric detection of glucose and antibacterial applications.
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Chen T, Jiang Y, Wu Y, Lai M, Huang X, Gu Z, Wu J, Gan Y, Chen H, Zhi W, Sun P, Cai F, Li T, Zhou H, and Zheng J
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- Biosensing Techniques methods, Limit of Detection, Peroxidase chemistry, Peroxidase metabolism, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Colorimetry methods, Copper chemistry, Metal-Organic Frameworks chemistry, Zinc chemistry, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents chemistry, Glucose analysis, Glucose chemistry, Glucose Oxidase chemistry, Glucose Oxidase metabolism, Hydrogen Peroxide chemistry
- Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), especially bimetallic MOFs, have attracted widespread attention for simulating the structure and function of natural enzymes. In this study, different morphologies of bimetallic Cu-Zn-MOF with different peroxidase (POD)-like activities were prepared by simply controlling the molar ratio of Cu
2+ and Zn2+ . Among them, the doughnut-shaped Cu9 -Zn1 -MOF exhibited the largest POD-like activity. Cu9 -Zn1 -MOF was combined with glucose oxidase to construct a sensitive and selective glucose colorimetric biosensor with a linear detection range of 10-300 μM and a detection limit of 7.1 μm. Furthermore, Cu9 -Zn1 -MOF can efficiently convert hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) into hydroxyl radicals that effectively kill both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria at low H2 O2 level. The results of this study may promote the synthesis of bimetallic MOFs and broaden their applications in the biomedical field., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...- Published
- 2024
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5. Mixotrophic aerobic denitrification facilitated by denitrifying bacterial-fungal communities assisted with iron in micro-polluted water: Performance, metabolic activity, functional genes abundance, and community co-occurrence.
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Ma B, Chu M, Zhang H, Chen K, Li F, Liu X, Kosolapov DB, Zhi W, Chen Z, Yang J, Deng Y, Sekar R, Liu T, Liu X, and Huang T
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- Bioreactors, Nitrates metabolism, Aerobiosis, Water Purification methods, Denitrification, Iron metabolism, Iron chemistry, Water Pollutants, Chemical metabolism, Fungi metabolism, Fungi genetics, Bacteria genetics, Bacteria metabolism
- Abstract
Low-dosage nitrate pollutants can contribute to eutrophication in surface water bodies, such as lakes and reservoirs. This study employed assembled denitrifying bacterial-fungal communities as bio-denitrifiers, in combination with zero-valent iron (ZVI), to treat micro-polluted water. Immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed communities (IBFMC) reactors demonstrated their ability to reduce nitrate and organic carbon by over 43.2 % and 53.7 %, respectively. Compared to IBFMC reactors, IBFMC combined with ZVI (IBFMC@ZVI) reactors exhibited enhanced removal efficiencies for nitrate and organic carbon, reaching the highest of 31.55 % and 17.66 %, respectively. The presence of ZVI in the IBFMC@ZVI reactors stimulated various aspects of microbial activity, including the metabolic processes, electron transfer system activities, abundance of functional genes and enzymes, and diversity and richness of microbial communities. The contents of adenosine triphosphate and electron transfer system activities enhanced more than 5.6 and 1.43 folds in the IBFMC@ZVI reactors compared with IBFMC reactors. Furthermore, significant improvement of crucial genes and enzyme denitrification chains was observed in the IBFMC@ZVI reactors. Iron played a central role in enhancing microbial diversity and activity, and promoting the supply, and transfer of inorganic electron donors. This study presents an innovative approach for applying denitrifying bacterial-fungal communities combined with iron enhancing efficient denitrification in micro-polluted water., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
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- 2024
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6. A candidate panel of eight urinary proteins shows potential of early diagnosis and risk assessment for diabetic kidney disease in type 1 diabetes.
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Altman J, Bai S, Purohit S, White J, Steed D, Liu S, Hopkins D, She JX, Sharma A, and Zhi W
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- Humans, Male, Female, Adult, Risk Assessment, Proteomics methods, Middle Aged, Albuminuria urine, Albuminuria diagnosis, Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma urine, Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma metabolism, Zn-Alpha-2-Glycoprotein, Diabetic Nephropathies urine, Diabetic Nephropathies diagnosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 urine, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 complications, Biomarkers urine, Early Diagnosis
- Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) poses a significant health challenge for individuals with diabetes. At its initial stages, DKD often presents asymptomatically, and the standard for non-invasive diagnosis, the albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), employs discrete categorizations (normal, microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria) with limitations in sensitivity and specificity across diverse population cohorts. Single biomarker reliance further restricts the predictive value in clinical settings. Given the escalating prevalence of diabetes, our study uses proteomic technologies to identify novel urinary proteins as supplementary DKD biomarkers. A total of 158 T1D subjects provided urine samples, with 28 (15 DKD; 13 non-DKD) used in the discovery stage and 131 (45 DKD; 40 pDKD; 46 non-DKD) used in the confirmation. We identified eight proteins (A1BG, AMBP, AZGP1, BTD, RBP4, ORM2, GM2A, and PGCP), all of which demonstrated excellent area-under-the-curve (AUC) values (0.959 to 0.995) in distinguishing DKD from non-DKD. Furthermore, this multi-marker panel successfully segregated the most ambiguous group (microalbuminuria) into three distinct clusters, with 80% of subjects aligning either as DKD or non-DKD. The remaining 20% exhibited continued uncertainty. Overall, the use of these candidate urinary proteins allowed for the better classification of DKD and offered potential for significant improvements in the early identification of DKD in T1D populations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest J-X.S. is CEO of Jinfiniti Precision medicine. However, the individual declares there are no competing interest or benefit received to them or the company in relation to this project. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
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- 2024
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7. Algicidal activity synchronized with nitrogen removal by actinomycetes: Algicidal mechanism, stress response of algal cells, denitrification performance, and indigenous bacterial community co-occurrence.
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Ma B, Li A, Chen S, Guo H, Li N, Pan S, Chen K, Liu H, Kosolapov DB, Liu X, Zhi W, Chen Z, Mo Y, Sekar R, Huang T, and Zhang H
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- Nitrogen metabolism, Streptomyces metabolism, Nitrates metabolism, Photosynthesis, Denitrification, Microcystis metabolism, Harmful Algal Bloom
- Abstract
The harmful algal blooms (HABs) can damage the ecological equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems and threaten human health. The bio-degradation of algal by algicidal bacteria is an environmentally friendly and economical approach to control HABs. This study applied an aerobic denitrification synchronization algicidal strain Streptomyces sp. LJH-12-1 (L1) to control HABs. The cell-free filtrate of the strain L1 showed a great algolytic effect on bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa). The optimal algicidal property of strain L1 was indirect light-dependent algicidal with an algicidal rate of 85.0%. The functional metabolism, light-trapping, light-transfer efficiency, the content of pigments, and inhibition of photosynthesis of M. aeruginosa decreased after the addition of the supernatant of the strain L1 due to oxidative stress. Moreover, 96.05% nitrate removal rate synchronized with algicidal activity was achieved with the strain L1. The relative abundance of N cycling functional genes significantly increased during the strain L1 effect on M. aeruginosa. The algicidal efficiency of the strain L1 in the raw water was 76.70% with nitrate removal efficiency of 81.4%. Overall, this study provides a novel route to apply bacterial strain with the property of denitrification coupled with algicidal activity in treating micro-polluted water bodies., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
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- 2024
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8. Effects of 90 dB pure tone exposure on auditory and cardio-cerebral system functions in macaque monkeys.
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Zhi W, Li Y, Wang Y, Zou Y, Wang H, Xu X, Ma L, Ren Y, Qiu Y, Hu X, and Wang L
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- Animals, Male, Macaca physiology, Electrocardiography, Electroencephalography, Noise adverse effects, Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem
- Abstract
Excessive noise exposure presents significant health risks to humans, affecting not just the auditory system but also the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. This study focused on three male macaque monkeys as subjects. 90 dB sound pressure level (SPL) pure tone exposure (frequency: 500Hz, repetition rate: 40Hz, 1 min per day, continuously exposed for 5 days) was administered. Assessments were performed before exposure, during exposure, immediately after exposure, and at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-exposure, employing auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), and electroencephalograms (EEG). The study found that the average threshold for the Ⅴ wave in the right ear increased by around 30 dB SPL right after exposure (P < 0.01) compared to pre-exposure. This elevation returned to normal within 7 days. The ECG results indicated that one of the macaque monkeys exhibited an RS-type QRS wave, and inverted T waves from immediately after exposure to 14 days, which normalized at 28 days. The other two monkeys showed no significant changes in their ECG parameters. Changes in EEG parameters demonstrated that main brain regions exhibited significant activation at 40Hz during noise exposure. After noise exposure, the power spectral density (PSD) in main brain regions, particularly those represented by the temporal lobe, exhibited a decreasing trend across all frequency bands, with no clear recovery over time. In summary, exposure to 90 dB SPL noise results in impaired auditory systems, aberrant brain functionality, and abnormal electrocardiographic indicators, albeit with individual variations. It has implications for establishing noise protection standards, although the precise mechanisms require further exploration by integrating pathological and behavioral indicators., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...
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- 2024
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9. Parameters optimization for decontamination and fine physical regeneration pathways of polypropylene plastics from waste lunchboxes.
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Dong L, Zhi W, Li W, and Li J
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Due to the development of the food delivery industry, a large amount of waste lunchboxes made of homo polypropylene (PP) plastic have been generated. This study developed a new technological strategy to effectively regenerate PP from waste lunchboxes. Through response surface curve analysis, it was found that under the optimal process conditions of hot alkali washing at 80 ℃, 30 min, and pH 13, the optimal contact angle was 65.55°, indicating a good oil stain removal effect. By identifying and analyzing the characteristics of impurities in waste lunchboxes, a physical sorting and granulation regeneration process was constructed. And through large-scale statistical analysis and data collection, it was further verified that recycled PP plastics maintained their physical stability and excellent processing performance. The quality stability of recycled PP plastics in terms of impurities content was also verified. By designing different formulations specifically, recycled PP was mixed with different virgin PP and antioxidants in appropriate proportions, and extruded into particles under 150-300 mesh filtration conditions to obtain modified recycled PP. Modified recycled PP was applied in textiles, clothing, and injection molded products. In conclusion, we achieve the up-cylcing of waste PP lunchboxes instead of down-cylcing., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
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- 2024
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10. Role of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway on inhibiting activation of ChTLR15/ChNLRP3 inflammatory pathway stimulated by E. tenella sporozoites.
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Bai B, Liu Q, Kong R, Jia Z, Chen H, Zhi W, Wang B, Ma C, and Ma D
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- Animals, NF-E2-Related Factor 2 genetics, NF-E2-Related Factor 2 metabolism, Antioxidants, Reactive Oxygen Species, Chickens genetics, RNA, Messenger genetics, Sporozoites physiology, NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
- Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore whether Nrf2 antioxidant pathway negatively regulates the ChTLR15/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway stimulated by Eimeria tenella infection. Firstly, levels of molecules in the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in DF-1 cells pre-treated with an optimized dose of Corilagine or probiotics Levilactobacillus brevis 23017 were quantified using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Then, DF-1 cells pre-treated with Corilagine or L. brevis 23017 were stimulated with E. tenella sporozoites, and mRNA levels of molecules in Nrf2/HO-1 and ChTLR15/NLRP3 pathways, protein levels of p-Nrf2, Nrf2, HO-1, ChTLR15 and ChNLRP3, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified. Further, expression level of Nrf2 and ChTLR15 in DF-1 cells was knocked down by RNA interfering (RNAi) method, and target cells were pre-treated with Corilagine or L. brevis 23017, followed by stimulation with E. tenella sporozoites, and the expression levels of key molecules in Nrf2/HO-1 and ChTLR15/NLRP3 pathways were quantified. The results showed that mRNA and protein levels of key molecules in the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in DF-1 cells was significantly upregulated after pretreating with 15 μM Corilagine and supernatant of L. brevis 23017. After stimulating with E. tenella sporozoites, levels of molecules in the ChTLR15/NLRP3 pathway, levels of MDA and ROS in DF-1 cells pre-treated with 15 μM Corilagine or bacterial supernatant were all significantly down-regulated. The results from the knock-down experiment also displayed that Corrigine and L. brevis 23017 inhibited the activation of the ChTLR15/ChNLRP3 inflammatory pathway stimulated by E. tenella sporozoites through activating Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. This study provides new ideas for the development of novel anticoccidial products., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...
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- 2024
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11. Promoted aerobic denitrification through denitrifying fungal communities: Co-occurrence patterns and treatment of low C/N micro-polluted water.
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Ma B, Niu L, Li N, Pan S, Li A, Chu M, Liu H, Kosolapov DB, Xin X, Zhi W, Hou L, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Cao S, Huang T, and Zhang H
- Subjects
- Aerobiosis, Nitrogen metabolism, Carbon, Nitrates, Denitrification, Mycobiome
- Abstract
Despite the growing interest in using mixed-culture aerobic denitrifying fungal flora (mixed-CADFF) for water remediation, there is limited research on their nitrogen removal performance in low C/N polluted water bodies. To address this knowledge gap, we isolated three mixed-CADFFs from overlying water in urban lakes to evaluate their removal performance. The total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies were 93.60 %, 94.64 %, and 95.18 %, while the dissolved organic carbon removal efficiencies were 96.64 %, 95.12 %, and 96.70 % for mixed-CADFF LN3, LN7, and LN15, respectively in the denitrification medium under aerobic conditions at 48 h cultivation. The three mixed-CADFFs could utilize diverse types of low molecular weight carbon sources to drive the aerobic denitrification processes efficiently. The optimal C/N ratio for the mixed-CADFFs were C/N = 10, and then C/N = 15, 7, 5, and 2. The high-throughput sequencing analysis of three mixed-CADFFs indicated that Eurotiomycetes, Cystobasidiomycetes, and Sordariomycetes were the dominant class in the communities at class level. The network analysis showed that the rare fungal species, such as Scedosporium dehoogii Saitozyma, and Candida intermedia presented positively co-occurred with the TN removal and organic matter reduction capacity. Immobilization mixed-CADFFs treatment raw water experiments indicated that three mixed-CADFFs could reduce nearly 62.73 % of TN in the low C/N micro-polluted raw water treatment. Moreover, the cell density and cell metabolism indexes were also increased during the raw water treatment. This study will provides new insight into resource utilization of the mixed-culture aerobic denitrifying fungal community in field of environment restoration., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2023
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12. Nrf2 sensitizes ferroptosis through l-2-hydroxyglutarate-mediated chromatin modifications in sickle cell disease.
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Xi C, Pang J, Zhi W, Chang CS, Siddaramappa U, Shi H, Horuzsko A, Pace BS, and Zhu X
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- Methylation, Alcohol Oxidoreductases metabolism, Animals, Mice, Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism, Transcription, Genetic, Gene Expression Profiling, Ferroptosis genetics, Glutarates metabolism, NF-E2-Related Factor 2 genetics, NF-E2-Related Factor 2 metabolism, Anemia, Sickle Cell genetics, Anemia, Sickle Cell metabolism, Anemia, Sickle Cell pathology, Chromatin metabolism, Epigenesis, Genetic
- Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic hemolytic and systemic hypoxia condition with constant oxidative stress and significant metabolic alterations. However, little is known about the correlation between metabolic alterations and the pathophysiological symptoms. Here, we report that Nrf2, a master regulator of cellular antioxidant responses, regulates the production of the metabolite l-2-hydroxyglutarate (L2HG) to mediate epigenetic histone hypermethylation for gene expression involved in metabolic, oxidative, and ferroptotic stress responses in SCD. Mechanistically, Nrf2 was found to regulate the expression of L2HG dehydrogenase (L2hgdh) to mediate L2HG production under hypoxia. Gene expression profile analysis indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ferroptosis responses were the most significantly affected signaling pathways after Nrf2 ablation in SCD. Nrf2 silencing and L2HG supplementation sensitize human sickle erythroid cells to ROS and ferroptosis stress. The absence of Nrf2 and accumulation of L2HG significantly affect histone methylation for chromatin structure modification and reduce the assembly of transcription complexes on downstream target genes to regulate ROS and ferroptosis responses. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 was found to have protective effects against ROS and ferroptosis stress in SCD mice. Our data suggest a novel mechanism by which Nrf2 regulates L2HG levels to mediate SCD severity through ROS and ferroptosis stress responses, suggesting that targeting Nrf2 is a viable therapeutic strategy for ameliorating SCD symptoms., (© 2023 by The American Society of Hematology.) more...
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- 2023
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13. 900 MHZ electromagnetic field exposure relieved AD-like symptoms on APP/PS1 mice: A potential non-invasive strategy for AD treatment.
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Zhi W, Zou Y, Ma L, He S, Guo Z, Zhao X, Hu X, and Wang L
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- Mice, Animals, Amyloid beta-Peptides metabolism, Mice, Transgenic, Electromagnetic Fields, Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor genetics, Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor metabolism, Hippocampus metabolism, Disease Models, Animal, Presenilin-1 genetics, Presenilin-1 metabolism, Alzheimer Disease therapy, Alzheimer Disease metabolism
- Abstract
Background: Evidence shows that microwaves radiation may have various biological effects on central nervous system. Role of electromagnetic fields in neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD, has been widely studied, but results of these studies are inconsistent. Therefore, the above effects were verified again and the mechanism was preliminarily discussed., Methods: Amyloid precursor protein (APP/PS1) and WT mice were exposed to long-term microwave radiation for 270 days (900 MHz, SAR: 0.25-1.055 W/kg, 2 h/day, alternately), and related indices were assessed at 90, 180 and 270 days. Cognition was evaluated by Morris water maze, Y maze and new object recognition tests. Congo red staining, immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to analyze Aβ plaques, Aβ40 and Aβ42 content. Differentially expressed proteins in hippocampus between microwave-exposed and unexposed AD mice were identified by proteomics., Results: Spatial and working memory was improved in AD mice after long-term 900 MHz microwave exposure compared with after sham exposure. Microwave radiation (900 MHz) for 180 or 270 days did not induce Aβ plaque formation in WT mice but inhibited Aβ accumulation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in 2- and 5-month-old APP/PS1 mice. This effect mainly occurred in the late stage of the disease and may have been attributed to downregulation of apolipoprotein family member and SNCA expression and excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter rebalance in the hippocampus., Conclusions: The present results indicated that long-term microwave radiation can retard AD development and exert a beneficial effect against AD, suggesting that 900 MHz microwave exposure may be a potential therapy for AD., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2023
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14. Dynamically evolving piezoelectric nanocomposites for antibacterial and repair-promoting applications in infected wound healing.
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Zhu Z, Gou X, Liu L, Xia T, Wang J, Zhang Y, Huang C, Zhi W, Wang R, Li X, and Luo S
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- Mice, Animals, Wound Healing, Drug Delivery Systems, Biocompatible Materials pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use, Nanocomposites therapeutic use, Nanocomposites chemistry
- Abstract
Wound healing from bacterial infections is one of the major challenges in the biomedical field. The traditional single administration methods are usually accompanied with side effects or unsatisfactory efficacy. Herein, we design dynamically evolving antibacterial and repair-promoting nanocomposites (NCs) by in situ self-assembling of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) on the surface of barium titanate (BTO), and further loading with a small amount of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The new strategy of combining pH-stimulated drug delivery and ultrasound-controlled sonodyamics has the potential to dynamically evolve in infected wound sites, offering a multifunctional therapy. In vitro study demonstrates that the enhancement generation of reactive oxygen species through the sonodynamic process due to the heterostructures and a small amount of CIP released in an acidic environment are synergistically antibacterial, and the inhibition rate was >99.9%. In addition, reduced sonodynamic effect and Zn
2+ generated along with the gradual degradation of ZIF-8 simultanously promote cell migration and tissue regeneration. The in vivo study of full-thickness skin wounds in mouse models demonstrate a healing rate of 99.3% could be achieved under the treatment of BTO@ZIF-8/CIP NCs. This work provides a useful improvement in rational design of multi-stimulus-responsive nanomaterials for wound healing. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A novel piezoelectric nanocomposite was proposed to realize sonodynamic therapy and pH-stimulated drug releasing simultaneously in wound healing treatment. The dynamically evolving structure of the piezoelectric nanocomposite in acidic microenvironment has been theoretically and experimentally verified to contribute to a continuous variation of sonodymanic strength, which accompanied with the gradual releasing of drug and biocompatible Zn2+ effectively balanced antibacterial and repair-promoting effects. Both of the in vitro and in vivo study demonstrated that the strategy could significantly accelerate wound healing, inspiring researchers to optimize the design of multi-stimulus-responsive nanomaterials for various applications in biomedical and biomaterial fields., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...- Published
- 2023
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15. A bionic composite hydrogel with dual regulatory functions for the osteochondral repair.
- Author
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Luo M, Chen M, Bai J, Chen T, He S, Peng W, Wang J, Zhi W, and Weng J
- Abstract
Due to the avascular nature of cartilage, it is difficult to heal and regenerate spontaneously after injury. At present, tissue engineering has become a promising strategy for repairing damaged cartilage, but the use of seed cells and growth factors is limited. In addition, the importance of mechanical compatibility of scaffold materials is often ignored. In this study, osteochondral scaffold was designed as a bilayer structure with a dense γ-Polyglutamic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan/bacterial cellulose (PGA/CMCS/BC) hydrogel cartilage layer and a porous nano HA-containing PGA/CMCS/BC hydrogel osteogenic layer. In addition, bioactive ions were introduced into the hydrogel scaffold to adjust the mechanical and swelling properties of the material to match the mechanical properties of natural articular cartilage. At the same time, based on the structural characteristics of bone and cartilage, magnesium and copper ions were introduced into the double-layer hydrogel scaffold, respectively, to prepare the cartilage layer and the bone layer, which endowed the material with excellent antibacterial properties and achieved the purpose of the integrated repair of bone and cartilage. The results showed that, after adding magnesium ions, the tensile breaking strength of material was increased from 0.66 MPa to 1.37 MPa,the corresponding compression modulus of the material (strain 0-12%) increased from 0.15 MPa to 0.58 MPa whilst the maximum mass swelling rate decreased from 155% to 75%. The results of in vivo experiments show that the group with bioactive ions had a much better effect on the repair of osteochondral defects, compared with group without bioactive ions, demonstrating such double ion regulation strategy is a very practical strategy for the treatment of osteochondral defects., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2022
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16. Effects of dual modification of lysine and microwave on corn starch: In vitro digestibility and physicochemical properties.
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Zhou Y, Wang M, Li W, Liu G, Wang W, Zhi W, Wang M, Wang R, Hu A, and Zheng J
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- Microwaves, Viscosity, Zea mays metabolism, Lysine chemistry, Starch chemistry
- Abstract
The effects of lysine addition and microwave treatment (MC) on the digestibility, physicochemical properties and structure of corn starch were investigated. Among all uncooked samples, unmodified corn starch (CS), microwave modified corn starch (MC-CS) and corn starch mixed with lysine (CS-Lys) contained 15.09 %, 14.82 % and 18.86 % slowly digestible starch (SDS), while up to 30.28 % in microwave-lysine modified corn starch (MC-Lys). In contrast to CS, the peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, setback viscosity and gel enthalpy of MC-Lys were decreased, while the relative crystallinity was increased. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed that corn starch aggregated with each other and was coated by lysine after MC, the particle size distribution range became wider, and the specific surface area decreased. The results showed that the interaction of starch with lysine in the microwave field increased the ordered and aggregated structure of corn starch, resulting in a significant change in the physicochemical properties and digestibility of corn starch. MC-Lys can be added to foods as a nutritional fortification to meet the needs of specific populations for lysine and low carbohydrate., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2022
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17. Oxysophocarpine inhibits airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion through JNK/AP-1 pathway in vivo and in vitro.
- Author
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Zhi W, Jiang S, Xu Z, An Y, Chen J, Li Y, Liu Y, and Zhang H
- Subjects
- Animals, Antioxidants pharmacology, Cytokines metabolism, Disease Models, Animal, Eosine Yellowish-(YS) metabolism, Eosine Yellowish-(YS) pharmacology, Eosine Yellowish-(YS) therapeutic use, Hematoxylin metabolism, Hematoxylin pharmacology, Hematoxylin therapeutic use, Immunoglobulin E, Interleukin-4 metabolism, Interleukin-4 pharmacology, Interleukin-4 therapeutic use, Interleukin-5 metabolism, Interleukin-5 pharmacology, Interleukin-5 therapeutic use, Interleukin-6 metabolism, Interleukin-8 metabolism, JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases metabolism, Lipopolysaccharides pharmacology, Lung, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Molecular Structure, Mucins metabolism, Mucins pharmacology, Mucins therapeutic use, Mucus metabolism, Ovalbumin metabolism, Periodic Acid metabolism, Periodic Acid pharmacology, Periodic Acid therapeutic use, RNA, Messenger metabolism, Tolonium Chloride metabolism, Tolonium Chloride pharmacology, Tolonium Chloride therapeutic use, Transcription Factor AP-1 metabolism, Transcription Factor AP-1 pharmacology, Transcription Factor AP-1 therapeutic use, Alkaloids metabolism, Alkaloids pharmacology, Asthma drug therapy, Quinolizidines pharmacology
- Abstract
Asthma is a high-incidence disease in the world. Oxysophocarpine (OSC), a quinolizidine alkaloid displays various pharmacological functions including anti-inflammation, neuroprotective, anti-virus and antioxidant. Here, we established mice and cell asthmatic model to explore the effects of OSC for asthma treatment. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and treated with OSC before challenge. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-schiff (PAS), tolonium chloride staining and immunohistochemical assay were performed. OSC treatment inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion in the airway, reduced IgE level in mouse serum and decreased IL-4, IL-5 production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). OSC also reduced the spleen index to regulate immune function. Meanwhile, NCI-H292 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate airway epithelial injury. OSC pretreatment decreased the IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine levels, mucin 5 AC expression, and mucin 5 AC mRNA level in the cell model. Further, OSC suppressed the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and activator protein 1 (AP-1, Fos and Jun). These findings revealed that OSC alleviated bronchial asthma associated with JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.) more...
- Published
- 2022
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18. Alkaloids from Picrasma quassioides: An overview of their NMR data, biosynthetic pathways and pharmacological effects.
- Author
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Qian-Wen C, Xiao Y, Xiao-Qian L, Yao-Hua L, Wei-Hong F, Chun L, and Zhi-Min W
- Subjects
- Biosynthetic Pathways, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Molecular Structure, Alkaloids pharmacology, Picrasma
- Abstract
Picrasma quassioides, a member of the Simaroubaceae family, is the subject of research in numerous pharmacological and chemical studies. This plant mainly contains alkaloids, quassinoids and terpenoids. These molecules exhibit various pharmacological benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-viral effects, on the cardiovascular system. Alkaloids make up the majority of these molecules. This review describes 127 alkaloid substances from P. quassioides. These alkaloids can be divided into the following classes: β-carbolines, canthinones and alkaloid dimers. A compilation of their nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data and possible biosynthetic pathways of these compounds and the pharmacological effects of P. quassioides are also included., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2022
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19. Modulating the biofunctionality of enzyme-MOF nanobiocatalyst through structure-switching aptamer for continuous degradation of BPA.
- Author
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Gu L, Han J, Zhi W, Wang Y, and Wang L
- Subjects
- Catalysis, Oligonucleotides, Enzymes, Immobilized, Metal-Organic Frameworks
- Abstract
Encapsulating enzyme within MOF (enzyme-MOF) gives rise to new opportunity to improve the fragility of enzyme, but practical application of enzyme-MOF composite is far from being realized. The development of a novel enzyme-MOF composite system should simultaneously guarantee the enhanced activity and controllably complete recycling, and only in this way can we efficiently and economically utilize the enzyme-MOF composite. Herein, we addressed all these fundamental limitations of current enzyme-MOF composite by establishing aptamer-functionalized enzyme-MOF composite (HRP-ZIF-8@P1). HRP-ZIF-8@P1 relied on automatic structure switch of aptamer-target binding and aptamer-cDNA (complementary DNA) hybridization, achieving effectiveness in self-enriching substrate around HRP-ZIF-8@P1 to boost enzymatic activity first, subsequently hybridizing spontaneously with magnetically controllable cDNA sequence (Fe
3 O4 @P3) to completely recover the HRP-ZIF-8@P1, where preferentially capturing substrate could further induce the release of the hybridized HRP-ZIF-8@P1 for automatically starting the cyclic enzyme catalysis. A 5.6-fold enhancement in the catalytic efficiency for BPA degradation was endowed, and 94.7% catalytic activity was retained for 8 consecutive degradations of BPA, both of which were even more significant than HRP-ZIF-8. Additionally, remarkable stability of HRP-ZIF-8@P1 was afforded by dual-layer protection of ZIF-8 and P1 in denaturing conditions. Taking the possibility of discovering an aptamer for any target into account, the aptamer-functionalized enzyme-MOF composites provide a generic and simple guide for simultaneously boosting enzymatic activity and controllably full recycling the enzyme-MOF systems, accelerating their commercial utilizations., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...- Published
- 2021
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20. Thrombin inhibitor argatroban modulates bone marrow stromal cells behaviors and promotes osteogenesis through canonical Wnt signaling.
- Author
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Song J, Jiang N, Gan X, Zhi W, and Zhu Z
- Subjects
- Alveolar Bone Loss etiology, Alveolar Bone Loss metabolism, Alveolar Bone Loss pathology, Animals, Antithrombins pharmacology, Arginine pharmacology, Cell Differentiation, Cell Proliferation, Cells, Cultured, Male, Mesenchymal Stem Cells drug effects, Mesenchymal Stem Cells metabolism, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Alveolar Bone Loss prevention & control, Arginine analogs & derivatives, Mesenchymal Stem Cells cytology, Osteogenesis, Periodontitis complications, Pipecolic Acids pharmacology, Sulfonamides pharmacology, Thrombin antagonists & inhibitors, Wnt Signaling Pathway drug effects
- Abstract
Aims: Coagulation is a common event that play a double-edged role in physiological and pathological process. Anti-coagulation methods were applied in joint surgery or scaffolds implantation to encourage new vascular formation and avoid coagulation block. However, whether anti-coagulation drug perform regulatory roles in bone structure is unknown. This study aims to explore a direct thrombin inhibitor, argatroban, effects on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and decipher the underlying mechanisms., Materials and Methods: Argatroban effects on BMSCs were investigated in vivo and in vitro. The drug was applied in periodontal disease model mice and bone loss was evaluated by μCT and histology. BMSCs were treated with different doses argatroban or vehicle. Cellular reactions were analyzed using wound healing assay, qRT-PCR, Alizarin Red S staining and western blotting., Key Findings: We demonstrated that local injection of argatroban can rescue bone loss in periodontal disease in vivo. To explore the underlying mechanism, we examined that cell proliferation and differentiation capability. Proliferation and migration of BMSCs were both inhibited by applying lower dose of argatroban. Interestingly, without affecting osteoclastogenesis, osteogenic differentiation was significantly induced by argatroban, which were shown by extracellular mineralization and upregulation of early osteoblastic differentiation markers, alkaline phosphatase, Osteocalcin, transcription factors RUNX2 and Osterix. In addition, molecular analysis revealed that argatroban promoted β-catenin nuclear translocation and led to an increase of osteogenesis through activating canonical Wnt signaling., Significance: Taken together, our results show the novel application of the anti-coagulation compound argatroban in the commitment of BMSCs-based alveolar bone regeneration and remodeling., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2021
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21. The effects of uterine manipulators in minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Author
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Meng Y, Liu Y, Lin S, Cao C, Wu P, Gao P, Zhi W, Peng T, Gui L, and Wu P
- Subjects
- Blood Vessels pathology, Female, Humans, Hysterectomy methods, Lymphatic Vessels pathology, Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures instrumentation, Neoplasm Invasiveness, Endometrial Neoplasms pathology, Endometrial Neoplasms surgery, Hysterectomy instrumentation, Neoplasm Recurrence, Local pathology, Neoplasm Seeding, Peritoneum pathology
- Abstract
Background: Minimally invasive surgery has achieved great success in the surgical treatment of many kinds of cancer. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence evaluating the effects of the use of uterine manipulators in minimally hysterectomies for endometrial cancer patients., Methods: We searched the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to Sep. 12, 2019 to identify relevant prospective or retrospective studies, using the intersection of "endometrial neoplasms", "endometrial carcinoma", "endometrial cancer"; "uterine manipulator", and "intrauterine manipulator". The initial search identified 251 items in total. The main outcomes of interest were the presence of LVSI (lymphovascular space invasion), the incidence of positive peritoneal cytology, and the presence of recurrence during follow-up., Results: After screening for eligibility, 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis finally. The timing of uterine manipulators insertion during MIS for endometrial cancer was not associated with an increased risk of positive peritoneal cytology (RR: 1.21, 95% CI, 0.68 to 2.16). Moreover, there was no significant difference for the rate of positive peritoneal cytology (RR: 1.53, 95% CI, 0.85 to 2.77), LVSI (RR: 1.18, 95% CI, 0.66 to 2.11) or the rate of recurrence (RR: 1.25, 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.74) regarding the use of uterine manipulators for laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of endometrial cancer patients., Conclusion: We found that the use of uterine manipulators is not associated with an increased incidence of positive peritoneal cytology, LVSI, or recurrence among patients with endometrial cancer., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020147111., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare that they have no financial or other conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.) more...
- Published
- 2020
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22. Construction of ratiometric hydrogen sulfide probe with two reaction sites and its applications in solution and in live cells.
- Author
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Fu D, Zhi W, Lv L, Luo Y, Xiong X, Kang X, Hou W, Yan J, Zhao H, and Zheng L
- Subjects
- Azo Compounds toxicity, Cell Survival drug effects, Fluorescent Dyes chemical synthesis, Fluorescent Dyes toxicity, Humans, Limit of Detection, Linear Models, MCF-7 Cells, Azo Compounds chemistry, Fluorescent Dyes chemistry, Hydrogen Sulfide analysis, Hydrogen Sulfide chemistry, Microscopy, Fluorescence methods
- Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H
2 S), as the third multifunctional signaling biomolecule, it acts as a neuromodulator in the human brain and is recognized as an important gas transmitter in human physiology. The abnormal concentrations of H2 S in human cells can result in several common diseases. Therefore, accurate, fast, and reliable methodologies are required for measuring the in vitro and in vivo concentrations of H2 S to further investigate its function. In this study, a novel DR-SO2 N3 fluorescent probe containing the fluorophore Disperse Red 277 and a sulfonyl azide group was developed and exploited based on the structural characteristic of Disperse Red 277 that contains the active site easily can be attacked by HS- . Therefore, this probe featured two reaction sites that involved the reduction and Michael addition of H2 S and exhibited rapid ratiometric fluorescence changes and high selectivity towards H2 S with a 619-fold enhancement factor. Further, the density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) studies are conducted to understand the photophysical properties of DR-SO2 N3 and the final product DRHS-SO2 NH2 , which makes the proposed mechanism more reasonable. Furthermore, the probe was successfully applied for the ratiometric fluorescence imaging of exogenous H2 S in living cells., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...- Published
- 2020
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23. Ceramide regulates interaction of Hsd17b4 with Pex5 and function of peroxisomes.
- Author
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Zhu Z, Chen J, Wang G, Elsherbini A, Zhong L, Jiang X, Qin H, Tripathi P, Zhi W, Spassieva SD, Morris AJ, and Bieberich E
- Subjects
- Animals, Cells, Cultured, Docosahexaenoic Acids metabolism, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mitochondria metabolism, Models, Molecular, Protein Interaction Maps, Protein Transport, Ceramides metabolism, Peroxisomal Multifunctional Protein-2 metabolism, Peroxisome-Targeting Signal 1 Receptor metabolism, Peroxisomes metabolism
- Abstract
The sphingolipid ceramide regulates beta-oxidation of medium and long chain fatty acids in mitochondria. It is not known whether it also regulates oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in peroxisomes. Using affinity chromatography, co-immunoprecipitation, and proximity ligation assays we discovered that ceramide interacts with Hsd17b4, an enzyme critical for peroxisomal VLCFA oxidation and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) generation. Immunocytochemistry showed that Hsd17b4 is distributed to ceramide-enriched mitochondria-associated membranes (CEMAMs). Molecular docking and in vitro mutagenesis experiments showed that ceramide binds to the sterol carrier protein 2-like domain in Hsd17b4 adjacent to peroxisome targeting signal 1 (PTS1), the C-terminal signal for interaction with peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (Pex5), a peroxin mediating transport of Hsd17b4 into peroxisomes. Inhibition of ceramide biosynthesis induced translocation of Hsd17b4 from CEMAMs to peroxisomes, interaction of Hsd17b4 with Pex5, and upregulation of DHA. This data indicates a novel role of ceramide as a molecular switch regulating interaction of Hsd17b4 with Pex5 and peroxisomal function., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2019
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24. Surface-decorated hydroxyapatite scaffold with on-demand delivery of dexamethasone and stromal cell derived factor-1 for enhanced osteogenesis.
- Author
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Zhang B, Li H, He L, Han Z, Zhou T, Zhi W, Lu X, Lu X, and Weng J
- Subjects
- Alkaline Phosphatase genetics, Alkaline Phosphatase metabolism, Animals, Bone Marrow Cells cytology, Bone Regeneration drug effects, Cell Differentiation drug effects, Chemokine CXCL12 metabolism, Chemokine CXCL12 pharmacology, Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit genetics, Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit metabolism, Dexamethasone metabolism, Dexamethasone pharmacology, Dogs, Drug Carriers chemistry, Male, Mesenchymal Stem Cells cytology, Mesenchymal Stem Cells drug effects, Mesenchymal Stem Cells metabolism, Microspheres, Osteogenesis drug effects, Porosity, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Tissue Engineering, beta-Cyclodextrins chemistry, Chemokine CXCL12 chemistry, Dexamethasone chemistry, Durapatite chemistry
- Abstract
In the process of bone regeneration, relatively early biological events including inflammatory response, angiogenesis, or stem cell homing, help the accompanying target actions of cell differentiation and calcification. Herein, we proposed a novel cell-guided tissue engineering system based on a surface-functionalized porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds with the ability to recruit cells and accelerate the differentiation of them along the osteoblastic lineage for optimizing large-sized bone defect repair. Inspired by microstructural properties of natural bone, HA scaffolds similar to the trabecular bone structure were prepared via a sugar sphere leaching technique, in which the inter-pore opening size was controllable. Dexamethasone (Dex)-loaded hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin microspheres (Dex@CDMs) and stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) were uniformly immobilized onto HA surface by a cross-linked alginate coating. The resulting scaffold (SDF-1/Dex@CDMs-HA) enabled the on-demand dual-delivery of SDF-1 and Dex. In vitro cell culture assays showed that initially released SDF-1 markedly stimulated the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the deep interior of the scaffold, providing abundant target cells for the function of Dex which was subsequently released. Osteogenic differentiation potential of these cells was also further facilitated via a synergistic action of SDF-1 and Dex. Additionally, in vivo studies demonstrated that the cell-guided system effectively improved the early cell recruitment and vascularization within the deep interior of scaffold and significantly accelerated the extensive formation of osteoid and mineralized tissue compared with the controls. Accordingly, such a microsphere coating-decorated multifunctional scaffold shows a promising potential for cell-free bone tissue engineering applications., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.) more...
- Published
- 2018
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25. Kidney-targeted inhibition of protein kinase C-α ameliorates nephrotoxic nephritis with restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Author
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Kvirkvelia N, McMenamin M, Warren M, Jadeja RN, Kodeboyina SK, Sharma A, Zhi W, O'Connor PM, Raju R, Lucas R, and Madaio MP
- Subjects
- Animals, Antibodies, Monoclonal immunology, Autoantigens immunology, Collagen Type IV immunology, Disease Models, Animal, Drug Delivery Systems methods, Female, Glomerulonephritis immunology, Glomerulonephritis pathology, Humans, Hybridomas, Immune Sera administration & dosage, Immune Sera immunology, Immunoglobulin Fragments immunology, Immunoglobulin G immunology, Kidney Glomerulus drug effects, Kidney Glomerulus immunology, Kidney Glomerulus pathology, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mitochondria drug effects, Mitochondria immunology, Mitochondria metabolism, Oxidative Phosphorylation drug effects, Protein Kinase C-alpha immunology, Protein Kinase C-alpha metabolism, Protein Kinase Inhibitors immunology, Protein Kinase Inhibitors therapeutic use, Treatment Outcome, Glomerulonephritis drug therapy, Protein Kinase C-alpha antagonists & inhibitors, Protein Kinase Inhibitors pharmacology
- Abstract
To investigate the role of protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) in glomerulonephritis, the capacity of PKC-α inhibition to reverse the course of established nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN) was evaluated. Nephritis was induced by a single injection of nephrotoxic serum and after its onset, a PKC-α inhibitor was administered either systemically or by targeted glomerular delivery. By day seven, all mice with NTN had severe nephritis, whereas mice that received PKC-α inhibitors in either form had minimal evidence of disease. To further understand the underlying mechanism, label-free shotgun proteomic analysis of the kidney cortexes were performed, using quantitative mass spectrometry. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed 157 differentially expressed proteins and mitochondrial dysfunction as the most modulated pathway. Functional protein groups most affected by NTN were mitochondrial proteins associated with respiratory processes. These proteins were down-regulated in the mice with NTN, while their expression was restored with PKC-α inhibition. This suggests a role for proteins that regulate oxidative phosphorylation in recovery. In cultured glomerular endothelial cells, nephrotoxic serum caused a decrease in mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential, mitochondrial morphologic changes and an increase in glycolytic lactic acid production; all normalized by PKC-α inhibition. Thus, PKC-α has a critical role in NTN progression, and the results implicate mitochondrial processes through restoring oxidative phosphorylation, as an essential mechanism underlying recovery. Importantly, our study provides additional support for targeted therapy to glomeruli to reverse the course of progressive disease., (Copyright © 2018 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2018
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26. A novel porous bioceramic scaffold by accumulating hydroxyapatite spheres for large bone tissue engineering. III: Characterization of porous structure.
- Author
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Zhang J, Xiao D, He X, Shi F, Luo P, Zhi W, Duan K, and Weng J
- Subjects
- Methylmethacrylate chemistry, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Porosity, Biocompatible Materials chemistry, Bone Substitutes chemistry, Durapatite chemistry, Tissue Engineering
- Abstract
Physical characteristics of bone tissue engineering scaffolds, including interconnectivity, microporosity, macroporosity, and pore geometry are known to play a crucial role in bone regeneration. In the present study, three-dimensional (3D) interconnected scaffolds were prepared by accumulating hydroxyapatite (HA) spheres in a titanium mesh tube (ф 1.5 × 3 cm). Three types of porous scaffolds were constructed using HA spheres with diameters of 1651-1981 μm, 830-1180 μm and a mixture of 1651-1981 μm and 830-1180 μm at a volumetric ratio of 1:1, respectively. The total porosity of the three scaffolds was 64.72%, 64.85% and 65.04%, while the macroporosity of the scaffolds was 37.56%, 38.86% and 38.01% by using images analysis of cross sections at various positions of the scaffolds. The variation curve of the macroporosity of the scaffolds along the axis perpendicular to the ground showed similarities to sinusoidal function curve. The macropore size was ranged from 0.73R to 2R (R means spheres radius). The average proportions of triangle macropores, quadrilateral macropores, as well as polygon macropores including pentagon, hexagon and irregular polygon macropores in the total macropore areas of each scaffold were 3.73 ± 0.96%, 10.03 ± 1.75% and 86.23 ± 2.71%, respectively. In addition, the macropore size, microporosity and total porosity could be controlled by modifying the diameter and microstructure of HA spheres when the macroporosity was the same. The study and analysis of macropore structure of the spheres accumulated scaffolds can not only guide the design and fabrication of 3D scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, but also benefit to further understand the impact of macropore structure in 3D scaffolds on osteogenesis., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.) more...
- Published
- 2018
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27. Novel function of ceramide for regulation of mitochondrial ATP release in astrocytes.
- Author
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Kong JN, Zhu Z, Itokazu Y, Wang G, Dinkins MB, Zhong L, Lin HP, Elsherbini A, Leanhart S, Jiang X, Qin H, Zhi W, Spassieva SD, and Bieberich E
- Subjects
- Alzheimer Disease metabolism, Alzheimer Disease pathology, Humans, Mitochondrial Membranes metabolism, Tubulin metabolism, Adenosine Triphosphate metabolism, Astrocytes cytology, Astrocytes metabolism, Ceramides metabolism, Mitochondria metabolism
- Abstract
We reported that amyloid β peptide (Aβ
42 ) activated neutral SMase 2 (nSMase2), thereby increasing the concentration of the sphingolipid ceramide in astrocytes. Here, we show that Aβ42 induced mitochondrial fragmentation in wild-type astrocytes, but not in nSMase2-deficient cells or astrocytes treated with fumonisin B1 (FB1), an inhibitor of ceramide synthases. Unexpectedly, ceramide depletion was concurrent with rapid movements of mitochondria, indicating an unknown function of ceramide for mitochondria. Using immunocytochemistry and super-resolution microscopy, we detected ceramide-enriched and mitochondria-associated membranes (CEMAMs) that were codistributed with microtubules. Interaction of ceramide with tubulin was confirmed by cross-linking to N -[9-(3-pent-4-ynyl-3-H-diazirine-3-yl)-nonanoyl]-D-erythro-sphingosine (pacFACer), a bifunctional ceramide analog, and binding of tubulin to ceramide-linked agarose beads. Ceramide-associated tubulin (CAT) translocated from the perinuclear region to peripheral CEMAMs and mitochondria, which was prevented in nSMase2-deficient or FB1-treated astrocytes. Proximity ligation and coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that ceramide depletion reduced association of tubulin with voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), an interaction known to block mitochondrial ADP/ATP transport. Ceramide-depleted astrocytes contained higher levels of ATP, suggesting that ceramide-induced CAT formation leads to VDAC1 closure, thereby reducing mitochondrial ATP release, and potentially motility and resistance to Aβ42 Our data also indicate that inhibiting ceramide generation may protect mitochondria in Alzheimer's disease., (Copyright © 2018 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.) more...- Published
- 2018
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28. A novel alginate-encapsulated system to study biological response to critical-sized wear particles of UHMWPE loaded with alendronate sodium.
- Author
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Liu Y, Shi F, Bo L, Zhi W, Weng J, and Qu S
- Subjects
- Alendronate, Alginates, Animals, Glucuronic Acid, Hexuronic Acids, Rats, Polyethylenes chemistry
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a novel alginate-encapsulated system (Alg beads) to investigate the cell response to critical-sized wear particles of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene loaded with alendronate sodium (UHMWPE-ALN), one of the most effective drugs to treat bone resorption in clinic. The extrusion method was used to prepare Alg beads encapsulating rat calvarial osteoblasts (RCOs) and critical-sized UHMWPE-ALN wear particles with spherical morphology and uniform size. The morphology, permeability and stability of Alg beads were characterized. The proliferation, ALP activity, cell apoptosis and distribution of live/dead RCOs co-cultured with wear particles in Alg beads were evaluated. RCOs and critical-sized UHMWPE-ALN wear particles distributed evenly and contacted efficiently in Alg beads. Alg beads were both permeable to trypsin and BSA, while the smaller the molecular was, the larger the diffuse was. The proliferation of RCOs in Alg beads increased with time, which indicated that Alg beads provided suitable conditions for cell culture. The long-term stability of Alg beads indicated the possibility for the longer time of co-cultured cells with wear particles. Critical-sized UHMWPE-ALN and UHMWPE wear particles both inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of RCOs, and induced the apoptosis of RCOs encapsulated in Alg beads. However, these effects could be significantly alleviated by the ALN released from the critical-sized UHMWPE-ALN wear particles. The present results suggested that this novel-developed co-culture system was feasible to evaluate the cell response to critical-sized UHMWPE-ALN wear particles for a longer time., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2017
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29. Degradation of cis- and trans-(4-methylcyclohexyl) methanol in activated sludge.
- Author
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Yuan L, Zhi W, Liu Y, Smiley E, Gallagher D, Chen X, Dietrich AM, and Zhang H
- Subjects
- Acinetobacter genetics, Acinetobacter isolation & purification, Biodegradation, Environmental, Carbon Dioxide metabolism, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Sewage microbiology, Acinetobacter metabolism, Cyclohexanes metabolism, Water Pollutants, Chemical metabolism
- Abstract
Crude (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol (MCHM) caused extensive contamination of drinking water, wastewater, and the environment during the 2014 West Virginia Chemical Spill. However, information related to the environmental degradation of cis- and trans-4-MCHM, the main components of the crude 4-MCHM mixture, remains largely unknown. This study is among the first to investigate the degradation kinetics and transformation of 4-MCHM isomers in activated sludge. The 4-MCHM loss was mainly due to biodegradation to form carbon dioxide (CO2), plus acetic, propionic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids with little contribution from adsorption. The biodegradation of 4-MCHM isomers followed the first-order kinetic model with half-lives higher than 0.50 days. Nitrate augmented the degradation of 4-MCHM isomers, while glucose and acetate decreased their degradation. One 4-MCHM-degrading bacterium isolated from activated sludge was identified as Acinetobacter bouvetii strain EU40 based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. This study will enhance the prediction of the environmental fate of 4-MCHM in water treatment systems., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2016
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30. Aerobic and anaerobic microbial degradation of crude (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol in river sediments.
- Author
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Yuan L, Zhi W, Liu Y, Smiley E, Gallagher D, Chen X, Dietrich A, and Zhang H
- Subjects
- Anaerobiosis, Biodegradation, Environmental, Cyclohexanes analysis, Rivers, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Cyclohexanes metabolism, Water Microbiology, Water Pollutants, Chemical metabolism
- Abstract
Cyclohexane and some of its derivatives have been a major concern because of their significant adverse human health effects and widespread occurrence in the environment. The 2014 West Virginia chemical spill has raised public attention to (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol (4-MCHM), one cyclohexane derivative, which is widely used in coal processing but largely ignored. In particular, the environmental fate of its primary components, cis- and trans-4-MCHM, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the degradation kinetics and mineralization of cis- and trans-4-MCHM by sediment microorganisms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. We found the removal of cis- and trans-4-MCHM was mainly attributed to biodegradation with little contribution from sorption. A nearly complete aerobic degradation of 4-MCHM occurred within 14 days, whereas the anaerobic degradation was reluctant with residual percentages of 62.6% of cis-4-MCHM and 85.0% of trans-4-MCHM after 16-day incubation. The cis-4-MCHM was degraded faster than the trans under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, indicating an isomer-specific degradation could occur during the 4-MCHM degradation. Nitrate addition enhanced 4-MCHM mineralization by about 50% under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Both cis- and trans-4-MCHM fit well with the first-order kinetic model with respective degradation rates of 0.46-0.52 and 0.19-0.31 day(-)(1) under aerobic condition. Respective degradation rates of 0.041-0.095 and 0.013-0.052 day(-)(1) occurred under anaerobic condition. One bacterial strain capable of effectively degrading 4-MCHM isomers was isolated from river sediments and identified as Bacillus pumilus at the species level based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and 97% identity. Our findings will provide critical information for improving the prediction of the environmental fate of 4-MCHM and other cyclohexane derivatives with similar structure as well as enhancing the development of feasible treatment technologies to mitigate these compounds., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2016
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31. Effects of antibiotic resistance genes on the performance and stability of different microbial aggregates in a granular sequencing batch reactor.
- Author
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Zou W, Xue B, Zhi W, Zhao T, Yang D, Qiu Z, Shen Z, Li J, Zhang B, and Wang J
- Subjects
- Bacteria genetics, DNA, Bacterial genetics, DNA, Ribosomal genetics, Plasmids, Waste Disposal, Fluid, Bioreactors, Drug Resistance, Microbial genetics, Genes, Bacterial
- Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as key factors in wastewater environmental contaminants and continue to pose a challenge for wastewater treatment processes. With the aim of investigating the performance of granular sludge system when treating wastewater containing a considerable amount of ARGs, a lab-scale granular sequencing batch reactor (GSBR) where flocculent and granular sludge coexisted was designed. The results showed that after inoculation of donor strain NH4(+)-N purification efficiency diminished from 94.7% to 32.8% and recovered to 95.2% after 10 days. Meanwhile, RP4 plasmid had varying effects on different forms of microbial aggregates. As the size of aggregates increased, the abundance of RP4 in sludge decreased. The residence time of RP4 in granules with particle size exceeding 0.9 mm (14 days) was far shorter than that in flocculent sludge (26 days). Therefore, our studies conclude that with increasing number of ARGs being detected in wastewater, the use of granular sludge system in wastewater treatment processes will allow the reduction of ARGs transmissions and lessen potential ecological threats., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. GPER inhibits diabetes-mediated RhoA activation to prevent vascular endothelial dysfunction.
- Author
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Li Z, Cheng L, Liang H, Duan W, Hu J, Zhi W, Yang J, Liu Z, Zhao M, and Liu J
- Subjects
- Animals, Apoptosis, Cell Line, Endothelium, Vascular drug effects, Estrogens pharmacology, Female, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III metabolism, Oxidative Stress, Rats, Receptors, Estrogen genetics, Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled genetics, Vasodilation, Diabetic Angiopathies metabolism, Endothelium, Vascular metabolism, Receptors, Estrogen metabolism, Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled metabolism, rhoA GTP-Binding Protein metabolism
- Abstract
The effect of estrogen receptors on diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction is critical, but ambiguous. Individuals with diabetic vascular disease may require estrogen receptor-specific targeted therapy in the future. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has beneficial effects on vascular function. However, its fundamental mechanisms are unclear. The RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway contributes to diabetic vascular complications, whereas estrogen can suppress Rho-kinase function. Thus, we assumed that GPER inhibits diabetes-mediated RhoA activation to prevent vascular dysfunction. We further investigated the underlying mechanisms involved in this process. Vascular endothelial cells and ex vivo cultured ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6 mouse aortae were treated with high glucose (HG) alone or in combination with GPER agonist (G1). G1 treatment was also administered to OVX db/db mice for 8 weeks. An ex-vivo isovolumic myograph was used to analyze the endothelium-dependent vasodilation and endothelium-independent contraction of mouse aortae. Apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation were attenuated in G1-pretreated vascular endothelial cells. G1 significantly decreased the phosphorylation of inhibitory endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase residue threonine 495 (eNOS Thr495), inhibited RhoA expression, and increased NO production. Additionally, G1 rescued the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation and inhibited RhoA activation in the thoracic aorta of OVX db/db mice and ex-vivo cultured OVX C57BL/6 mouse aortae treated with HG. Estrogens acting via GPER could protect vascular endothelium, and GPER activation might elicit ERα-independent effect to inhibit RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway. Additionally, GPER activation might reduce vascular smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting RhoA activation. Thus, the results of the present study suggest a new therapeutic paradigm for end-stage vascular dysfunction by inhibiting RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway via GPER activation., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. BMP2-encapsulated chitosan coatings on functionalized Ti surfaces and their performance in vitro and in vivo.
- Author
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Han L, Lin H, Lu X, Zhi W, Wang KF, Meng FZ, and Jiang O
- Subjects
- Animals, Bone Marrow Cells cytology, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 metabolism, Bone Substitutes pharmacology, Cell Differentiation drug effects, Cell Proliferation drug effects, Femur drug effects, Femur pathology, Glutaral chemistry, Humans, Immobilized Proteins chemistry, Immobilized Proteins metabolism, Mesenchymal Stem Cells cytology, Mesenchymal Stem Cells drug effects, Osteogenesis drug effects, Propylamines, Prostheses and Implants, Rabbits, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Silanes chemistry, Surface Properties, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 chemistry, Bone Substitutes chemistry, Chitosan chemistry, Titanium chemistry
- Abstract
Bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2)-encapsulated chitosan (CS) coatings were prepared to immobilize BMP2 on titanium (Ti) surfaces. The Ti substrates were functionalized through a three-step process: alkali treatment, silanization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and aldehydation with glutaraldehyde (GA). BMP2-encapsulated CS coatings (BMP2-CS) were bonded to Ti surfaces through reactions between the aldehyde groups of GA and the amine groups of CS. Direct BMP2 immobilization on aldehyde-treated Ti (BMP2-Ti) and pure CS coatings (CS-Ti) were used as controls. The release rate of BMP2-CS-Ti was half of that of BMP2-Ti at initial stage, which indicates that the CS coatings are suitable carriers for sustained BMP2 release. The osteoinductivities of BMP2-CS-Ti, BMP2-Ti, CS-Ti and pristine Ti were examined by both in vitro cell tests and in vivo experiments. Bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) culture indicated that BMP2-CS-Ti is more potent in stimulating the differentiation of the adhering BMSC than the three other groups. Rabbit femur implantation revealed the excellent osteoinductivity of BMP2-CS-coated Ti implants. These results demonstrate that the BMP2-encapsulated CS coatings are stable osteoinductive coatings that realize the sustained release of BMP2 and maintain the activity of the protein., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
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34. Study of bilineage differentiation of human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in oxidized sodium alginate/N-succinyl chitosan hydrogels and synergistic effects of RGD modification and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.
- Author
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Wang Y, Peng W, Liu X, Zhu M, Sun T, Peng Q, Zeng Y, Feng B, Zhi W, Weng J, and Wang J
- Subjects
- Cell Lineage, Cells, Cultured, Glucuronic Acid chemistry, Hexuronic Acids chemistry, Humans, Oxidation-Reduction, Ultrasonics, Alginates chemistry, Bone Marrow Cells cytology, Cell Differentiation, Chitosan chemistry, Hydrogels, Mesenchymal Stem Cells cytology, Oligopeptides chemistry
- Abstract
The level of formation of new bone and vascularization in bone tissue engineering scaffold implants is considered as a critical factor for clinical application. In this study, an approach using an RGD-grafted oxidized sodium alginate/N-succinyl chitosan (RGD-OSA/NSC) hydrogel as a scaffold and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) as mechanical stimulation was proposed to achieve a high level of formation of new bone and vascularization. An in vitro study of endothelial and osteogenic differentiations of human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was conducted to evaluate it. The results showed that RGD-OSA/NSC composite hydrogels presented good biological properties in attachment, proliferation and differentiation of cells. The MTT cell viability assay showed that the total number of cells increased more significantly in the LIPUS-stimulated groups with RGD than that in the control ones; similar results were obtained for alkaline phosphatase activity/staining and mineralized nodule formation assay of osteogenic induction and immunohistochemical test of endothelial induction. The positive synergistic effect of LIPUS and RGD on the enhancement of proliferation and differentiation of hMSCs was observed. These findings suggest that the hybrid use of RGD modification and LIPUS might provide one approach to achieve a high level of formation of new bone and vascularization in bone tissue engineering scaffold implants., (Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. A highly selective colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for detection of fluoride ions based on 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives.
- Author
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Kai Y, Hu Y, Wang K, Zhi W, Liang M, and Yang W
- Subjects
- Fluorescent Dyes chemistry, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Ions, Spectrometry, Fluorescence, Time Factors, Colorimetry methods, Fluorides analysis, Naphthalimides chemistry
- Abstract
A high selective colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe based on 4-hydroxy-1, 8-naphthalimide was designed and synthesized to detect fluoride ions (F(-)). The sensing behavior of this probe was studied by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The probe displays an 110 nm red-shift of fluorescence emission and the color changes from colorless to yellow by virtue of the strong affinity of F(-) toward silicon which can act as a new visual sensor for F(-)., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
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36. Comparative studies on ectopic bone formation in porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds with complementary pore structures.
- Author
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Wang H, Zhi W, Lu X, Li X, Duan K, Duan R, Mu Y, and Weng J
- Subjects
- Animals, Bone Substitutes analysis, Dogs, Equipment Design, Equipment Failure Analysis, Materials Testing, Porosity, Blood Vessels growth & development, Bone Development physiology, Bone Substitutes chemical synthesis, Neovascularization, Physiologic physiology, Osteogenesis physiology, Tissue Engineering instrumentation, Tissue Scaffolds
- Abstract
Vascularized bone grafts were constructed by implanting hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds with complementary macro-pore structures into the dorsal muscle of dogs. The relationship between pore structures and ectopic bone formation properties was investigated. Two types of scaffolds with complementary porous structures were fabricated by spherulite-accumulating and porogen-preparing methods, and were named spherulite HA-positive and porogen HA-negative, respectively. After implantation for 1 month, histological observation showed that all the scaffolds were encapsulated by normal muscle tissue and multiple vascular net with cells, indicating excellent biocompatibility and pore interconnectivity of the scaffolds. In the spherulite HA-positive scaffolds, a number of osteoclasts and osteoblasts coupled with new bone tissues were found after 3 and 6 months' implantations, which was better than those in the porogen HA-negative scaffolds. Similarly, the improvement of mechanical properties and the reconstruction of materials in the spherulite HA-positive scaffolds were superior to those in the porogen HA-negative scaffolds. The different ectopic bone formation induced by different macro-pore structures after intramuscular implantation demonstrated the significant effect of macro-pore structures of scaffolds on osteoinduction and vascularization., (Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Constructed wetlands, 1991-2011: a review of research development, current trends, and future directions.
- Author
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Zhi W and Ji G
- Subjects
- Plants metabolism, Water Purification, Bibliometrics, Biodegradation, Environmental, Wetlands
- Abstract
This study explores a bibliometric approach to quantitatively evaluate global scientific constructed wetlands research, and statistically assess current trends, and future directions using the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) database from 1991 to 2011. Articles referencing constructed wetlands were analyzed by accessing the following: publication language, output characteristics, publication performance by country and institution, author keywords, title words, and KeyWords Plus. Synthetically analyzing three keyword types, we concluded that the dominant constructed wetlands research hotspots from 1991 to 2011 included water, nutrients, plants, and flow. These four hotspots remained the most dominant research areas throughout our study period, and are predicted to remain the top research emphases in the near future. "Soil" also exhibited a notable increase since 2005, and is likely to become another notable area of research interest in the future. "Phytoremediation" and "horizontal" were not identified in 1991-1995, but exhibited marked increases from 136th (0.5%) and 169th (0.7%) in 1996-2000, to 9th (3.8%) and 11th (4.3%) in 2006-2011, respectively. Therefore, given the heightened attention during the last 15 years, these topics are likely to become a primary research focus in upcoming years., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
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38. MiR-204 regulate cardiomyocyte autophagy induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation through LC3-II.
- Author
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Jian X, Xiao-yan Z, Bin H, Yu-feng Z, Bo K, Zhi-nong W, and Xin N
- Subjects
- Animals, Animals, Newborn, Cell Hypoxia physiology, Humans, Random Allocation, Rats, Autophagy physiology, MicroRNAs physiology, Microtubule-Associated Proteins physiology, Myocytes, Cardiac cytology, Myocytes, Cardiac metabolism, Oxygen physiology
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Establishment of soft-tissue-injury model of high-voltage electrical burn and observation of its pathological changes.
- Author
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Jia-ke C, Li-gen L, Quan-wen G, Xiao-peng S, Hai-jun Z, Zhi-yong S, Zhi-qiang W, and Cai Z
- Subjects
- Animals, Burns, Electric pathology, Burns, Electric physiopathology, Electric Impedance, Electroshock instrumentation, Electroshock methods, Female, Male, Muscle, Skeletal injuries, Muscle, Skeletal pathology, Myocardium enzymology, Rabbits, Random Allocation, Skin Temperature, Soft Tissue Injuries pathology, Soft Tissue Injuries physiopathology, Burns, Electric etiology, Disease Models, Animal, Soft Tissue Injuries etiology
- Abstract
A realistic model is very useful in laying the foundation for clinical treatment and further study of high-voltage electrical burns. We therefore established a soft-tissue-injury model of high-voltage electrical burn in rabbits using the highest voltage alternating current reported. Twenty-five healthy big-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (five in each group): control group (C group) before injury and 0.5-h, 24-h, 48-h and 72-h groups after injury. Except for the control group, the rabbits in the other four groups were anaesthetised with ketamine and the electrodes were placed in their left limbs. Electric shock was administered from a distance of 7 cm at 3000 V output voltage for 0.1s to observe the skin temperature, electric resistance, wound morphology, histological change and to measure the level of muscle viability and serum myocardial enzymes, among others. Instant current application reached 3-5A (mean: 4.1+/-0.8A), and electric shock voltage was fixed at 3000 V. The resistance between the two electrodes in the left limb decreased from between 1500 and 3600 Omega (mean: 2590.3+/-812.9 Omega) to 921.5+/-528.7 Omega after the electric shock. The skin temperature of the control group was 30.1+/-2.5 degrees C, which elevated to 50.3+/-4.5 degrees C after the electric shock. Muscle necrosis occurred progressively 24-72 h after the injury with obvious acute inflammation. Electron microscopic examination revealed a bilaminar sarolemma membrane structure, multiple mitochondria between muscle bundles and disappearance of shortened mitochondrial crista 48 h after injury. Additionally, the muscle viability index decreased gradually to 0.376+/-0.071 72 h after the injury, while in the control group it was 1.354+/-0.117. The skin, arterial walls, and peripheral nerves showed obvious degeneration and necrosis. Moreover, pathological changes were found in vital organs distal to the electric shock sites, such as the heart, liver, lung and kidney, indicating systemic injuries. The level of serum myocardial enzymes was significantly elevated, especially 24h after injury. Thus, electric shock at 3000 V output electric voltage for 0.1s can cause severe, focal, soft-tissue injury and pathological changes in the vital organs such as heart, liver, kidney and lung with the characteristics similar to those of high-voltage-electrical-burn patients. more...
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Purification of salvianolic acid B from the crude extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza with hydrophilic organic/salt-containing aqueous two-phase system by counter-current chromatography.
- Author
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Zhi W and Deng Q
- Subjects
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Salts, Benzofurans isolation & purification, Countercurrent Distribution methods, Plant Extracts chemistry, Salvia miltiorrhiza chemistry
- Abstract
Establishment of hydrophilic organic/salt-containing aqueous two-phase system and purification of salvianolic acid B from crude extract of S. miltiorrhiza by counter-current chromatography with said system were studied. Ethanol and n-propanol were selected to constitute biphasic systems with ammonia sulphate, sodium chloride and phosphate separately, and related system characteristics including phase diagrams, phase ratio, separation time were tested. The partition coefficient of crude salvianolic acid B was also tested in above systems and further finely adjusted by altering the constitution of phosphate in n-propanol/phosphate system. Salvianolic acid B was purified to 95.5% purity by counter-current chromatography in 36% (w/w) n-propanol/8% (w/w) phosphate system with the ratio between dipotassium hydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate of 94:6. One hundred and eight milligrams of salvianolic acid B was purified from 285 mg crude extract with the recovery of 89%. more...
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. One-step purification of alpha-amylase from the cultivation supernatant of recombinant bacillus subtilis by high-speed counter-current chromatography with aqueous polymer two-phase systems.
- Author
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Zhi W, Deng Q, Song J, Gu M, and Ouyang F
- Subjects
- Culture Media, Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel, Recombination, Genetic, Water chemistry, Bacillus subtilis enzymology, Countercurrent Distribution methods, Polymers chemistry, alpha-Amylases isolation & purification
- Abstract
Purification of alpha-amylase from the cultivation supernatant of recombinant Bacillus subtilis by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000-inorganic salt aqueous polymer two-phase systems was studied. The effects of sodium chloride concentration on the partition coefficients of alpha-amylase and total protein were respectively tested in PEG4000-phosphate and PEG4000-citrate aqueous polymer two-phase systems to find the proper range of sodium chloride concentration for the HSCCC purification of alpha-amylase. Alpha-amylase was purified from the cultivation supernatant by HSCCC in PEG4000-phosphate system containing 2% (w/w) sodium chloride, yet with considerable loss of activity. PEG4000-citrate aqueous polymer two-phase system containing 2% (w/w) sodium chloride and supplemented with 0.56% (w/w) CaCl2 as protective agent was then successfully applied to purify alpha-amylase from cultivation supernatant by HSCCC to homogeneity and significantly increased the recovery of alpha-amylase activity from around 30 to 73.1%. more...
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Modeling of branching structures of plants.
- Author
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Zhi W, Ming Z, and Qi-Xing Y
- Subjects
- Models, Biological, Plant Development, Models, Statistical, Plants anatomy & histology
- Abstract
Previous studies of branching structures generally focused on arteries. Four cost models minimizing total surface area, total volume, total drag and total power losses at a junction point have been proposed to study branching structures. In this paper, we highlight the branching structures of plants and examine which model fits data of branching structures of plants the best. Though the effect of light (e.g. phototropism) and other possible factors are not included in these cost models, a simple cost model with physiological significance, needs to be verified before further research on modeling of branching structures is conducted. Therefore, data are analysed in this paper to determine the best cost model. Branching structures of plants are studied by measuring branching angles and diameters of 234 junctions from four species of plants. The sample includes small junctions, large junctions, two- and three-dimensional junctions, junctions with three branches joining at a point and those with four branches joining at a point. First, junction exponents (x) were determined. Second, log-log plots indicate that model of volume minimization fits data better than other models. Third, one-sided t -tests were used to compare the fitness of four models. It is found that model of volume minimization fits data better than other cost models., (Copyright 2001 Academic Press.) more...
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Increased systemic B- and T-lymphocyte responses in hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN I).
- Author
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Solders G, Correale J, Zhi W, Höjeberg B, Link H, and Olsson T
- Subjects
- Adult, B-Lymphocytes immunology, Female, Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy cerebrospinal fluid, Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy pathology, Humans, Lymphocyte Activation, Male, Middle Aged, Myelin Basic Protein immunology, T-Lymphocytes immunology, B-Lymphocytes physiology, Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy physiopathology, T-Lymphocytes physiology
- Abstract
Immune mechanisms of possible importance for the development and maintenance of peripheral nerve myelin breakdown in HMSN I were analysed by measuring B- and T-cell activation in blood, bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid. Patients with polyneuropathies of other etiologies served as one control group and patients with tension headache as another. Flow cytometry of blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells revealed that an increased number of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4- CD8- T-cells expressed a late stage activation marker (Ta1). Analysis of T-cells primed for myelin antigens, by studies of IFN-gamma secretion in response to antigen in vitro, showed that both HMSN I and other polyneuropathy patients had low (but significant) numbers of T-cells recognizing whole PNS-myelin. Increased numbers of IgG- and IgM-producing cells were found in blood and bone marrow in the HMSN I patients. Patients with both HMSN I and the other polyneuropathies had few cells in peripheral blood and in bone marrow producing antibodies binding to P2, MAG and MBP in a solid phase immunospot assay. Many cells in the cerebrospinal fluid produced antibodies against MAG. Thus, there was a strong general activation of B- and T-cells in HMSN I while the immunity directed toward peripheral nerve was only slightly elevated. It is an open question if this immune activation is related to the primary gene defect or a secondary event to the nerve damage. The pathogenetic importance of the immune response in maintaining the nerve damage in HMSN I is unclear. more...
- Published
- 1992
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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