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Zhang HB, Lu X, Huang SM, Wang L, Zhao C, Xia WX, Li SW, Wang FL, Zhu YL, Guo X, Xiang YQ. Superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach: a better method of dose optimization to protect the parotid gland in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:e577-84. [PMID: 24311959 DOI: 10.3747/co.20.1485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We used a superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach for dose optimization with better protection for the parotid glands in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (imrt) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (npc) patients. METHODS Compared with traditional contouring of the entire parotid glands as organs at risk (oars) in imrt for npc, we used a superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach of contouring the superficial parotid lobes as oars. Changes in dose to the parotid glands, the targets, and other oars were evaluated. RESULTS The mean dose to the parotid glands overall decreased by more than 4 Gy in the test plans. Impressively, the mean dose to the superficial parotid lobes in the test plans was not more than 30 Gy, regardless of clinical stage. In T1-3 npc patients, the dose distributions for targets were not significantly different in the control plans and the test plans. However, for some T4 patients, the dose distributions for targets and brainstem in the test plans could not meet clinical requirements. CONCLUSIONS The superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach can significantly lower the mean dose to the entire parotid and to the superficial parotid lobe in T1-3 npc patients, which would be expected to result in less xerostomia and better quality of life for those patients.
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Zhang HB, Li H, Shao JM, Li SW, Bao DH, Yang GW. High-performance Bi(2)Te(3)-based topological insulator film magnetic field detector. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2013; 5:11503-11508. [PMID: 24171464 DOI: 10.1021/am403634u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Topological insulators with the nanoscaled metallic surface state (3-5 nm) are actually of typical functional nanostructures. Significant efforts have been devoted to study new families of topological insulators and identifications of topological surface state, as well as fundamental physics issues relating to spin-polarized surface electronic states in the past few years. However, transport investigations that can provide direct experimental evidence for potentially practical applications of topological insulators are limited, and realization of functional devices based on topological insulators is still under exploration. Here, using the Sn-doping Bi2Te3 polycrystalline topological insulator films, we fabricated high-performance current-controlled magnetic field detectors. When a parallel magnetic field is applied, the as-fabricated device exhibits a stable and reproducible magneto-resistance (MR) switching behavior, and the corresponding MR ratio can be modulated by the applied current. Even under such a low magnetic field (0.5 kG), the device still shows a distinguishable MR switching performance, suggesting that topological insulator devices are very sensitive to external stimulation and potentially applicable to weak magnetic field detection.
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Luo L, Li DH, Wei SG, Zhang HB, Li SB, Zhao J. Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene associated with recurrent miscarriage. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2013; 12:3879-86. [PMID: 24085449 DOI: 10.4238/2013.september.23.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an enzyme that influences placental human chorionic gonadotropin production during gestation. Previous studies have indicated an association between eNOS activity, implantation, and maintenance of pregnancy, but proposed associations between polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and recurrent miscarriage (RM) are controversial. To identify markers contributing to the genetic susceptibility to RM, we examined the potential association between RM and 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1799983, rs2070744, rs11771443, rs3918188, rs2853796, rs7830, rs1541861, and rs2853792) of the eNOS gene using the MassARRAY system (Sequenom, USA). The enrolled participants included 192 RM patients and 201 women with normal fertility as controls. The results showed that rs1799983 at exon 7 of the eNOS gene was significantly associated with RM (genotype: chi-square = 15.071, P = 0.001; allele: chi-square = 6.250, P = 0.016). Another significant association was observed for rs11771443 in the promoter (genotype: chi-square = 6.259, P = 0.044; allele: chi-square = 7.076, P = 0.008). Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in 3 blocks (D' > 0.9), and significantly fewer T-T-G haplotypes (chi-square = 5.981, P = 0.015) residing in block 1 were found in RM patients. These findings point to a role for eNOS gene polymorphisms in RM in the Chinese Han population and may be informative for future genetic or neurobiological studies of RM.
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Wang W, Yu XD, Mo X, Zhang HB, Zhu DM. Limb ischemic preconditioning attenuates cerebral ischemic injury in rat model. Perfusion 2013; 29:210-8. [PMID: 24002779 DOI: 10.1177/0267659113503681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic brain injury is not uncommon after open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and seriously undermines the patients' life quality. Therefore, potential protective effects of limb ischemic preconditioning (LIP) on subsequent ischemic injury of the brain were investigated by evaluating anti-inflammatory effects and apoptosis of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 hippocampus. One hundred and eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group (n=54) and the LIP group (n=54). A thread was used to occlude the middle cerebral artery in the MCAO group and the LIP group animals were pretreated with LIP followed by MCAO. In the two groups, nine samples were collected at each time-point of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after MCAO to detect IL-6 and IL-17 and their mRNA levels. Neurological severity scores (NSS) were examined before the animals were sacrificed. Compared with the LIP group, cerebral histopathological changes in the MCAO group were most distinct and significantly more infiltrated inflammatory and apoptotic neuronal cells were observed at 24, 48 and 72 h post-surgery. IL-17 and IL-6 mRNA levels analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRT-PCR) were significantly reduced in the LIP group compared with the MCAO group at the 12, 24 and 48 h time-points. A significant reduction in IL-17 expression level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the LIP group at 12, 24 and 48 h, while IL-6 was significantly reduced at the 24 and 48 h time-points. The NSSs were not significantly different between the groups. Therefore, in a MCAO rat model, we have proved that LIP pretreatment can protect the brain from infarction after ischemic injury and induce ischemic tolerance, potentially, by reducing IL-17 to provide anti-inflammatory effects and attenuate apoptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells.
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Dvorák J, Terlizzi P, Zhang HB, Resta P. The evolution of polyploid wheats: identification of the A genome donor species. Genome 2012; 36:21-31. [PMID: 18469969 DOI: 10.1139/g93-004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cytogenetic work has shown that the tetraploid wheats, Triticum turgidum and T. timopheevii, and the hexaploid wheat T. aestivum have one pair of A genomes, whereas hexaploid T. zhukovskyi has two. Variation in 16 repeated nucleotide sequences was used to identify sources of the A genomes. The A genomes of T. turgidum, T. timopheevii, and T. aestivum were shown to be contributed by T. urartu. Little divergence in the repeated nucleotide sequences was detected in the A genomes of these species from the genome of T. urartu. In T. zhukovskyi one A genome was contributed by T. urartu and the other was contributed by T. monococcum. It is concluded that T. zhukovskyi originated from hybridization of T. timopheevii with T. monococcum. The repeated nucleotide sequence profiles in the A genomes of T. zhukovskyi showed reduced correspondence with those in the genomes of both ancestral species, T. urartu and T. monococcum. This differentiation is attributed to heterogenetic chromosome pairing and segregation among chromosomes of the two A genomes in T. zhukovskyi.
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Zhang HB, Wei SG, Yu B, Li L, Lai JH. Nine polymorphic STR loci in the HLA region in the Shaanxi Han population of China. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2012; 11:2534-8. [PMID: 22869073 DOI: 10.4238/2012.july.10.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A large number of microsatellite genetic markers have been identified in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. We investigated genetic polymorphism of the nine short tandem repeat (STR) loci (D6S276, MOGCA, D6S265, MIB, D6S273, G51152, TAP1CA, RING3CA, and D6S291) in the HLA region in the Shaanxi Han population. Using a fluorescence-labeled multiplex-PCR STR typing method, 6-13 alleles were detected in these nine STR loci in 150 unrelated Han Chinese from the region of Shaanxi, China. The distributions of the genotypes at these nine loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We conclude that these nine STR loci have a high level of genetic polymorphism; they would be useful for population genetic studies, pre-transplantation HLA typing, forensic and paternity testing, etc.
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Wu ZF, Zhang HB, Yang N, Zhao WC, Fu Y, Yang GS. Postoperative adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation improves survival of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients with poor prognostic factors: results of a large monocentric series. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2012; 38:602-10. [PMID: 22417704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2012.02.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Revised: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is currently unsatisfactory. The aims of this study were to identify prognostic factors after curative ICC resection, and to evaluate the effects of postoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted of 114 ICC patients who underwent curative resection from January 2005 to December 2006. Relationships between survival and clinicopathological factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The benefits of adjuvant TACE were investigated separately. RESULTS The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 63%, 26%, and 15%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumour size ≥ 5 cm (hazard ratio [HR] 1.875, 95% CI 1.139-3.088, P=0.013) and advanced TNM stage (stage III or IV) (HR 1.681, 95% CI 1.035-2.732, P=0.036) were independently associated with poor prognosis. Fifty-seven patients underwent adjuvant TACE. In patients with poor prognostic factors, TACE improved the survival rate (P<0.001). However, in patients without poor prognostic factors, TACE did not significantly change the survival rate (P=0.724). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative adjuvant TACE can prolong survival in ICC patients with tumour size ≥ 5 cm or advanced TNM stage.
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Wu CM, Zhang HB, Zhou Q, Wan L, Jin J, Ni L, Pan YJ, Wu XY, Ruan LY. Two novel DAX1 gene mutations in Chinese patients with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita: clinical, hormonal and genetic analysis. J Endocrinol Invest 2011; 34:e235-9. [PMID: 21270512 DOI: 10.3275/7484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the DAX1 gene result in X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia (AHC). Affected boys usually present with primary adrenal failure in early infancy or childhood and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) at puberty. This paper describes the clinical, hormonal, radiological, and genetic characteristics of 2 Chinese patients with X-linked AHC. Primary adrenal insufficiency occurred in the 2 patients during their childhood and HH was recognized at puberty. Genomic DNA was extracted from their peripheral blood leukocytes and coding sequence abnormalities of the DAX1 gene were assessed by PCR and direct sequencing analysis. Genetic analysis of the DAX1 gene revealed 2 novel mutations c.572-575 dupGGGC, p.Thr193Gly,fs,205X and c.773- 774 dupCC, p.Ser259Pro,fs,264X in exon 1, causing frameshifts and yeilding premature stop codons at 205 and 264, respectively. This study identifies 2 novel mutations in the DAX1 gene which can further expand the mutation database and benefit patients in the diagnosis and treatment of AHC.
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Li T, Liu MJ, Zhang XT, Zhang HB, Sha T, Zhao ZW. Improved tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) to heavy metals by colonization of a dark septate endophyte (DSE) Exophiala pisciphila. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:1069-74. [PMID: 21195456 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Dark septate endophytes (DSE) are ubiquitous and abundant in stressful environments including heavy metal (HM) stress. However, our knowledge about the roles of DSE in improving HM tolerance of their host plants is poor. In this study, maize (Zea mays L.) was inoculated with a HM tolerant DSE strain Exophiala pisciphila H93 in lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils. E. pisciphila H93 successfully colonized and formed typical DSE structures in the inoculated maize roots. Colonization of E. pisciphila H93 alleviated the deleterious effects of excessive HM supplements and promoted the growth of maize (roots and shoots) under HM stress conditions, though it significantly decreased the biomass of inoculated maize under no HM stress. Further analysis showed that the colonization of E. pisciphila H93 improved the tolerance of maize to HM by restricting the translocation of HM ions from roots to shoots. This study demonstrated that under higher HM stress, such a mutual symbiosis between E. pisciphila and its host (maize) may be an efficient strategy to survive in the stressful environments.
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Zhang HB, Wei SG, Zheng HB, Yu B, Lai JH. Distribution of human leukocyte antigen alleles and haplotypes in Oroqen and Ewenki nationality minority in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Int J Immunogenet 2010; 37:337-44. [PMID: 20518845 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2010.00930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The frequencies of the human leukocyte antigen alleles HLA-A,-B, DRB1 and the A-B, A-DRB1, B-DRB1, A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were investigated through means of PCR-based reverse line-strip sequence specific oligonucleotide hybridization on 108 Oroqen and 104 Ewenki nationality unrelated healthy individuals from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. A total of thirteen different HLA-A alleles, 21 different HLA-B alleles and 13 different HLA-DRB1 alleles were detected in the Oroqen ethnic group and the most frequent HLA alleles found were A*24(35.65%), B*15(17.92%), and DRB1*09(17.59%), respectively. The common HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were A*24-B*40-DRB1*09(5.09%), A*24-B*48-DRB1*12(2.78%) and A*24-B*51-DRB1*04(2.78%); and the HLA-A*33-B*58, A*30-B*13, A*01-B*37, A*33-DRB1*03, A*01-DRB1*10, A*30-DRB1*07, B*37-DRB1*10, B*58-DRB1*03, B*38-DRB1*08, B*13-DRB1*07 were significant positive linkage disequilibrium in the Oroqen nationality group. In total, 14 different HLA-A alleles, 27 B alleles and 12 DRB1 alleles were found in Ewenki nationality group, and the most frequent HLA alleles found were A*24(24.49%), B*40(17.35%), and DRB1*04(14.80%), respectively. The common HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were A*33-B*58-DRB1*03(6.25%), A*01-B*51-DRB1*11(2.88%) and A*24-B*40-DRB1*09(2.88%); the HLA-A*33-B*58, A*29-B*44, A*03-B*52, A*33-DRB1*03, A*29-DRB1*07, A*24-DRB1*09, B*58-DRB1*03, B*08-DRB1*03, B*46-DRB1*09 were significant positive linkage disequilibrium in Ewenki nationality group. The distribution of HLA A,-B, DRB1, alleles haplotypes frequencies and phylogenetic tree indicated that the Oroqen and Ewenki population groups belongs to northern group of China, together as a group cluster.
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Zeng YC, Wu R, Xu ZG, Zhang XY, Fan GL, Wu LN, Wang YM, Hao SH, Zheng W, Chen XD, Chi F, Zhang ZY, Li X, Jin XY, Chen W, Wang SL, Xiao FD, Wang EY, Dong XQ, Zhang LB, Jia MX, Xia HHX, Zhang HB, Li Y. Safety and radiation-enhancing effect of sodium glycididazole in locoregionally advanced laryngeal cancers previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy regimens: A preliminary report. Cancer Radiother 2010; 14:59-64. [PMID: 19695922 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2009.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the safety and radiation-enhancing effect of sodium glycididazole in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (stage T3-4,N0-3,M0) with conventional radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with locoregional advanced laryngeal cancer (stage T3-4,N0-3,M0) were included: group 1(control, n=30)were not administered of sodium glycididazole; group 2 (test, n=30) received sodium glycididazole at a dose of 700 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion 30 minutes before radiotherapy three times a week. Surrogate end-points of efficacy were tumor and nodal size. Safety parameters were vomiting, nausea, mucositis, laryngeal edema, esophagus and skin reaction, dysphagia, dyspnea, neurological deficit. Patients were evaluated weekly during treatment for 7 weeks and thereafter monthly for 3 months. RESULTS In the test, the overall response rate was 88.89% (95%CI, 71.00-97.00%) at 7 weeks and 92.59% (95%CI, 76.00 to 99.00%) at 1 month of follow-up. In the control, the overall response rate was 62.5% (95%CI, 41.00 to 81.00%) at 7 weeks and 58.33% (95%CI, 37.00 to 78.00%) at 1 month of follow-up. The short-term locoregional response rate was better in the test group at 7 weeks (p=0.027) and at 1 month (p=0.005) of follow-up. The test group had significantly more nausea and vomiting in weeks 1 (p=0.047), 2 (p=0.007), and 3 (p=0.01) of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The study indicates sodium glycididazole is an effective radiation-enhancing agent that improves short-term locoregional control and is well tolerated in patients with locoregionally advanced laryngeal cancer.
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Wang ML, Lai JH, Zhu Y, Zhang HB, Li C, Wang JP, Li YM, Yang AG, Jin BQ. Genetic susceptibility to haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Hantaan virus in Chinese Han population. Int J Immunogenet 2009; 36:227-9. [PMID: 19473214 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2009.00848.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report a significantly higher occurrence of HLA-DRB1*09 (51% vs. 23%, P = 0.002, OR = 3.57) and HLA-B*46-DRB1*09 (26% vs. 8%, P = 0.018, OR = 3.76) in patients with haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) compared to the control group, suggesting Hantaan virus-induced HFRS is associated with a genetic predisposition in the Chinese Han population.
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Ahmad Z, Zhang HB, Farook U, Edirisinghe M, Stride E, Colombo P. Generation of multilayered structures for biomedical applications using a novel tri-needle coaxial device and electrohydrodynamic flow. J R Soc Interface 2008; 5:1255-61. [PMID: 18647737 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2008.0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this short communication, we describe the scope and flexibility of using a novel device containing three coaxially arranged needles to form a variety of novel morphologies. Different combinations of materials are subjected to controlled flow through the device under the influence of an applied electric field. The resulting electrohydrodynamic flow allows us to prepare double-layered bubbles, porous encapsulated threads and nanocapsules containing three layers. The ability to process such multilayered structures is very significant for biomedical engineering applications, for example, generating capsules for drug delivery, which can provide multistage controlled release.
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Ahmad Z, Zhang HB, Farook U, Edirisinghe M, Stride E, Colombo P. Generation of multilayered structures for biomedical applications using a novel tri-needle coaxial device and electrohydrodynamic flow. J R Soc Interface 2008; 19:3093-104. [PMID: 18392668 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-008-3436-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2008] [Accepted: 03/11/2008] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this short communication, we describe the scope and flexibility of using a novel device containing three coaxially arranged needles to form a variety of novel morphologies. Different combinations of materials are subjected to controlled flow through the device under the influence of an applied electric field. The resulting electrohydrodynamic flow allows us to prepare double-layered bubbles, porous encapsulated threads and nanocapsules containing three layers. The ability to process such multilayered structures is very significant for biomedical engineering applications, for example, generating capsules for drug delivery, which can provide multistage controlled release.
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Wu R, Sui ZW, Zhang HB, Chen QJ, Liang WW, Yang KL, Xiong ZL, Liu ZW, Chen Z, Xu DP. Characterization of a pathogenic H9N2 influenza A virus isolated from central China in 2007. Arch Virol 2008; 153:1549-55. [PMID: 18574551 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-008-0139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The entire genome of the A/Chicken/Hubei/C1/2007 (H9N2) virus, isolated from central China in 2007, was completely sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that A/Chicken/Hubei/C1/2007 (H9N2) virus represents multiple reassortant lineages, with genes coming from the early mainland China strain (Ck/Beijing/1/94), an H9N2 virus with special genotype (Ck/shanghai/F/98) and other lineages from poultry in Asia. Infection studies indicated that A/Chicken/Hubei/C1/2007 (H9N2) virus replicated efficiently in MDCK cells and in BALB/c mice. The H9N2 virus also replicated to high titers in chicken respiratory tracts and caused overt clinical signs in chickens. Our results suggest that attention should be paid to the natural evolution of H9N2 influenza viruses and to the control of H9N2 influenza viruses in animals.
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Ping LF, Luo YM, Zhang HB, Li QB, Wu LH. Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in thirty typical soil profiles in the Yangtze River Delta region, east China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2007; 147:358-65. [PMID: 16815614 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Accepted: 05/24/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified in 30 soil profiles from the Yangtze River Delta Region, in east China. Relative concentrations of PAH compounds with different benzene rings and ratios of fluoranthene to fluoranthene plus pyrene and benz(a)anthracene to benz(a)anthracene plus chrysene were used to identify the possible sources of soil PAHs. Total concentrations of 15 PAHs in topsoils ranged from 8.6 to 3881 microg kg(-1) with an average of 397 microg kg(-1). Half of the soil samples were considered to be contaminated with PAHs (>200 microg kg(-1)) and two sampling sites were heavily polluted by PAHs with concentrations >1000 microg kg(-1). Phenanthrene was found in soils below a depth of 100 cm in half of the sampling sites, but the detectable ratio of benzo(a)pyrene decreased sharply from 100% in topsoil to 0 in the 4th horizon.
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Corral M, Wardrop A, Zhang HB. Seasonality of symptoms in women with postpartum depression. Arch Womens Ment Health 2007; 10:9-13. [PMID: 17165099 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-006-0160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 10/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is important to consider the potential contribution of seasonality to postpartum depression (PPD; Hiltunen et al, 2004). A possible link between seasonality and PPD may have implications for not only choice of treatment, but also in considering pregnancy planning. The objectives of this pilot study were to examine whether women with seasonal mood changes demonstrated greater incidence of PPD, and to determine if seasonality scores were predictive of PPD. The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ; Rosenthal et al, 1987) was used to assess seasonality of mood. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between clinical factors, SAD diagnosis, SPAQ global seasonality score (GSS) and season of SPAQ administration and PPD. In our sample, twice as many women in the PPD group were found to have SAD compared to the control group. The PPD group also had a higher group GSS mean (10.44) than did the control group (8.84). However, logistic regression analysis showed that higher seasonality scores in women with PPD were not necessarily predictive of PPD. While more women in the PPD group reported increased seasonal weight fluctuation and less sleep in the spring and summer, these items alone did not predict depression after childbirth.
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Houshmandi SS, Surace EI, Zhang HB, Fuller GN, Gutmann DH. Tumor suppressor in lung cancer-1 (TSLC1) functions as a glioma tumor suppressor. Neurology 2006; 67:1863-6. [PMID: 17130425 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000244472.56198.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor suppressor in lung cancer-1 (TSLC1) loss is common in many human cancers, including meningioma. In this study, we demonstrate that TSLC1 protein and RNA expression is lost in 60% to 65% of high-grade gliomas, and that TSLC1 reintroduction into glioma cells results in growth suppression. Moreover, Tslc1 loss in mice results in increased astrocyte proliferation in vivo and in vitro. These data indicate that TSLC1 functions as a glioma tumor suppressor.
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Yu XZ, Gao Y, Wu SC, Zhang HB, Cheung KC, Wong MH. Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils at Guiyu area of China, affected by recycling of electronic waste using primitive technologies. CHEMOSPHERE 2006; 65:1500-9. [PMID: 16713614 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2006] [Revised: 03/29/2006] [Accepted: 04/01/2006] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The concentration, distribution, profile and possible source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil were studied in Guiyu, an electronic waste (E-waste) recycling center, using primitive technologies in Southeast China. Sixteen USEPA priority PAHs were analyzed in 49 soil samples (0-10 cm layer) in terms of individual and total concentrations, together with soil organic matter (SOM) concentrations. The concentrations of a sum of 16 PAHs ranged from 44.8 to 3206 microgkg(-1) (dry weight basis), in the descending order of E-waste open burning sites (2065 microgkg(-1))>areas near burning sites (851microgkg(-1))>rice fields (354 microgkg(-1))>reservoir areas (125microgkg(-1)). The dominant PAHs were naphthalene, phenanthrene and fluoranthene, which were mainly derived from incomplete combustion of E-waste (e.g. wire insulations and PVC materials), and partly from coal combustion and motorcycle exhausts. All individual and total PAH concentrations were significantly correlated with SOM except for naphthalene and acenaphthylene. Principal component analysis was performed, which indicated that PAHs were mainly distributed into three groups in accordance with their ring numbers and biological and anthropogenic source. In conclusion, PAH concentrations in the Guiyu soil were affected by the primitive E-waste recycling activities.
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Farook U, Zhang HB, Edirisinghe MJ, Stride E, Saffari N. Preparation of microbubble suspensions by co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomization. Med Eng Phys 2006; 29:749-54. [PMID: 17035065 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2006.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2006] [Revised: 08/25/2006] [Accepted: 08/29/2006] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we report a novel method, based on co-axial electrohydrodynamic jetting, for the preparation of microbubble suspensions containing bubbles <10 microm in size and having a narrow size distribution. No selective filtration is necessary and the suspensions are produced directly by the process. To demonstrate the method, glycerol was used as the liquid medium, flowing in the outer needle of the co-axial twin needle arrangement and undergoing electrohydrodynamic atomization in the stable cone-jet mode while air flowed through the inner needle at the same time. At zero applied voltage a hollow stream of liquid flowed from the outer needle. When the applied voltage was increased, eventually the hollow stream became a stable cone-jet and emitted a microthread of bubbles, which were collected in a container of glycerol to obtain microbubble suspensions. The size of the microbubbles was measured via optical microscopy and laser diffractometry. Several microbubble suspensions were prepared and characterised and the size distribution was found to be critically dependent on the ratio (n) of flow rates of liquid/air and, in particular the flow rate of the air. At n=1.5, with the flow rate of air set at approximately 1.7 microl/s, a microbubble suspension containing bubbles in the size range 2-8 microm was obtained.
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Zhang HB, Luo YM, Wong MH, Zhao QG, Zhang GL. Distributions and concentrations of PAHs in Hong Kong soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2006; 141:107-14. [PMID: 16242223 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2004] [Accepted: 08/02/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Surface soil (0-10 cm) samples from 53 sampling sites including rural and urban areas of Hong Kong were collected and analyzed for 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total PAH concentrations were in the range of 7.0-410 microg kg(-1) (dry wt), with higher concentrations in urban soils than that in rural soils. The three predominant PAHs were Fluoranthene, Naphthalene and Pyrene in rural soils, while Fluoranthene, Naphthalene and Benzo(b + k)fluoranthene dominated the PAHs of urban soils. The values of PAHs isomer indicated that biomass burning might be the major origin of PAHs in rural soils, but vehicular emission around the heavy traffic roads might contribute to the soil PAHs in urban areas. A cluster analysis was performed and grouped the detectable PAHs under 4 clusters, which could be indicative of the PAHs with different origins and PAHs affected by soil organic carbon contents respectively.
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Zhang HB, Luo YM, Zhao QG, Wong MH, Zhang GL. Residues of organochlorine pesticides in Hong Kong soils. CHEMOSPHERE 2006; 63:633-41. [PMID: 16330077 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2005] [Revised: 06/01/2005] [Accepted: 08/08/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
It was short of research on the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in the soils of Hong Kong. Sixty-six representative soil samples were collected from the 46 sites covering five types of land uses in Hong Kong. Hexachlorohexanes (HCH) and 7 Stockholm Convention OCPs were analyzed by gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a Nickel 63 electronic capture detector (muECD). The results presented that HCH and 5 Stockholm Convention pesticides were detected in Hong Kong soils although the detectable ratio varies to a great extent. The concentration sequence of the five detectable OCPs was HCH > dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) > hexachlorobenzene (HCB) approximately = Endrin > alpha-endosulfan. Among the OCPs and their homologues or isomers, beta-HCH and p,p'-DDE were the two predominant substances according to the concentrations and detectable ratios, concentrations of which in soils were averagely 6.12 microg kg(-1) and 0.41 microg kg(-1) respectively. Soil horizon samples of 0-10 cm, 10-30 cm and >30 cm depth were selected from nine soil profiles to demonstrate the depth distributions of DDT and HCH in soil profiles. Concentrations of HCH tended to increase gradually from the topsoil to bottom layer while the lowest concentration of DDT is usually found in the subsoil (10-30 cm) in most sampling sites. In addition, close correlations of pH(KCl) and total organic carbon (TOC) with HCH indicated an effect on the residues of HCH caused by these two soils properties, but such relationships were not found with DDT or other OCPs.
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Wang DB, Zhang XJ, Zhang HB, Zhang CY, Su B. A rapid assessment of community-wide HIV/STI intervention in China. Sex Transm Infect 2005; 81:47-52. [PMID: 15681723 PMCID: PMC1763729 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2003.008912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The key to HIV/STI control is community-wide intervention (CWI) which depends heavily on continuous monitoring and evaluation. Unfortunately, comprehensive CWI assessment methodology and reports are generally lacking. This study developed, applied, and evaluated a rapid tool for assessing CWI in China. METHODS A total of 120 county level respondents in charge of county-wide responses to HIV/STI throughout China were selected randomly and surveyed using a structured inventory consisting of three tiers of indicators developed via consensus group techniques. The respondents were asked to rate each of the indicators against a five grade (1-5) scale. 30 pairs of the same staff from within Anhui Province were surveyed to gauge inter-rater reliability. RESULTS Response rate for the nationwide survey was 85% and for inter-rater reliability survey, 90%. Correlation coefficients between the inter-rater ratings ranged from 0.68 to 0.95. The overall average rating of CWI in China was 2.85. Average ratings for the six first tier indicators, organisation and policy development, goals and objectives setting, project and action planning, resource exploitation, project and task implementation, and CWI evaluation were 2.87, 2.83, 2.67, 2.77, 3.26, and 2.71 respectively. Ratings derived for the 24 second tier indicators ranged from 2.1 to 3.86; while for the 96 third tier indicators, 1.90 to 4.40 CONCLUSIONS The instrument developed proved to be reliable, useful, and easily applicable in common communities. Application of it in China revealed that a large gap exists between desired and actual CWI, and areas meriting particular attention include policy and incentives development, intervention planning and evaluation, and fund raising and utilisation.
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Tian YF, Zhao JH, Zhang HB, Zhu BF, Lai JH. Genetic profile of five STR loci D2S1338, D8S1179, D14S306, D19S253 and D18S535 in a Chinese population. J Forensic Sci 2005; 50:245. [PMID: 15831034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
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Zhang HB, Wong BCY, Zhou XM, Guo XG, Zhao SJ, Wang JH, Wu KC, Ding J, Lam SK, Fan DM. Effects of somatostatin, octreotide and pitressin plus nitroglycerine on systemic and portal haemodynamics in the control of acute variceal bleeding. Int J Clin Pract 2002; 56:447-51. [PMID: 12166543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine the haemodynamic effects of somatostatin (SS) and octreotide (OC) versus pitressin plus nitroglycerine (PN) in the control of variceal bleeding, 224 patients with acute oesophageal and gastric variceal haemorrhage were randomly divided into three groups and treated with SS, OC and PN; they also had their Doppler ultrasound parameters measured before, during and after treatment. The success rates of bleeding control in the SS (80.9%, 86.8% and 89.7%, p<0.001) and OC (75.3%, 80.8% and 84.9%, p<0.01) groups were significantly higher than in the PN group (51.8%, 59.0% and 65.1%) at 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively, and the average duration of SS (12.7 + 6.8 h) and OC (13.8 + 8.0 h) was significantly lower than that of PN (24.6 + 15.4 h, p<0.001). Side-effects of SS (7.4%) and OC (8.2%) were less than those of PN (41.0%, p<0.001 and p<0.01). The diameter of portal vein (PVD), velocity of portal vein (PVV), volume of portal blood flow (PVF) and hepatic artery pulsatility index (HA-PI) in all three groups decreased significantly during initial treatment, but recovered when treatment was stopped. Heart rate and cardiac output decreased significantly in patients treated with SS and OC; mean arterial pressure was unchanged. However, heart rate and mean arterial pressure increased, and cardiac output decreased, with PN. Somatostatin and octreotide were more effective than pitressin plus nitroglycerine in patients with acute variceal haemorrhage, with fewer side-effects, and may decrease PVF and portal vein pressure through reduction of cardiac output and dilatation of the visceral blood vessels.
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