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Cai C, Cai P, Hou C, Zeng X, Qiao S. Administration of Lactobacillus fermentum I5007 to young piglets improved their health and growth. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2014. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/65684/2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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77
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Cai C, Rodet T, Legoupil S, Mohammad-Djafari A. A full-spectral Bayesian reconstruction approach based on the material decomposition model applied in dual-energy computed tomography. Med Phys 2014; 40:111916. [PMID: 24320449 DOI: 10.1118/1.4820478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) makes it possible to get two fractions of basis materials without segmentation. One is the soft-tissue equivalent water fraction and the other is the hard-matter equivalent bone fraction. Practical DECT measurements are usually obtained with polychromatic x-ray beams. Existing reconstruction approaches based on linear forward models without counting the beam polychromaticity fail to estimate the correct decomposition fractions and result in beam-hardening artifacts (BHA). The existing BHA correction approaches either need to refer to calibration measurements or suffer from the noise amplification caused by the negative-log preprocessing and the ill-conditioned water and bone separation problem. To overcome these problems, statistical DECT reconstruction approaches based on nonlinear forward models counting the beam polychromaticity show great potential for giving accurate fraction images. METHODS This work proposes a full-spectral Bayesian reconstruction approach which allows the reconstruction of high quality fraction images from ordinary polychromatic measurements. This approach is based on a Gaussian noise model with unknown variance assigned directly to the projections without taking negative-log. Referring to Bayesian inferences, the decomposition fractions and observation variance are estimated by using the joint maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation method. Subject to an adaptive prior model assigned to the variance, the joint estimation problem is then simplified into a single estimation problem. It transforms the joint MAP estimation problem into a minimization problem with a nonquadratic cost function. To solve it, the use of a monotone conjugate gradient algorithm with suboptimal descent steps is proposed. RESULTS The performance of the proposed approach is analyzed with both simulated and experimental data. The results show that the proposed Bayesian approach is robust to noise and materials. It is also necessary to have the accurate spectrum information about the source-detector system. When dealing with experimental data, the spectrum can be predicted by a Monte Carlo simulator. For the materials between water and bone, less than 5% separation errors are observed on the estimated decomposition fractions. CONCLUSIONS The proposed approach is a statistical reconstruction approach based on a nonlinear forward model counting the full beam polychromaticity and applied directly to the projections without taking negative-log. Compared to the approaches based on linear forward models and the BHA correction approaches, it has advantages in noise robustness and reconstruction accuracy.
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Cummings LJ, Mema E, Cai C, Kondic L. Electric-field variations within a nematic-liquid-crystal layer. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2014; 90:012503. [PMID: 25122320 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.90.012503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A thin layer of nematic liquid crystal (NLC) across which an electric field is applied is a setup of great industrial importance in liquid crystal display devices. There is thus a large literature modeling this situation and related scenarios. A commonly used assumption is that an electric field generated by electrodes at the two bounding surfaces of the layer will produce a field that is uniform: that is, the presence of NLC does not affect the electric field. In this paper, we use calculus of variations to derive the equations coupling the electric potential to the orientation of the NLC's director field, and use a simple one-dimensional model to investigate the limitations of the uniform field assumption in the case of a steady applied field. The extension of the model to the unsteady case is also briefly discussed.
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Brouste A, Cai C, Kleptsyna M. Asymptotic properties of the MLE for the autoregressive process coefficients under stationary Gaussian noise. MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF STATISTICS 2014. [DOI: 10.3103/s1066530714020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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80
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Yuan X, Cai C, Chen S, Chen S, Yu Z, Balk SP. Androgen receptor functions in castration-resistant prostate cancer and mechanisms of resistance to new agents targeting the androgen axis. Oncogene 2014; 33:2815-25. [PMID: 23752196 PMCID: PMC4890635 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic functions of androgen receptor (AR) in normal prostate are circumvented in prostate cancer (PCa) to drive tumor growth, and the AR also can acquire new growth-promoting functions during PCa development and progression through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT, surgical or medical castration) is the standard treatment for metastatic PCa, but patients invariably relapse despite castrate androgen levels (castration-resistant PCa, CRPC). Early studies from many groups had shown that AR was highly expressed and transcriptionally active in CRPC, and indicated that steroids from the adrenal glands were contributing to this AR activity. More recent studies showed that CRPC cells had increased expression of enzymes mediating androgen synthesis from adrenal steroids, and could synthesize androgens de novo from cholesterol. Phase III clinical trials showing a survival advantage in CRPC for treatment with abiraterone (inhibitor of the enzyme CYP17A1 required for androgen synthesis that markedly reduces androgens and precursor steroids) and for enzalutamide (new AR antagonist) have now confirmed that AR activity driven by residual androgens makes a major contribution to CRPC, and led to the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of both agents. Unfortunately, patients treated with these agents for advanced CRPC generally relapse within a year and AR appears to be active in the relapsed tumors, but the molecular mechanisms mediating intrinsic or acquired resistance to these AR-targeted therapies remain to be defined. This review outlines AR functions that contribute to PCa development and progression, the roles of intratumoral androgen synthesis and AR structural alterations in driving AR activity in CRPC, mechanisms of action for abiraterone and enzalutamide, and possible mechanisms of resistance to these agents.
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MESH Headings
- Androgen Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Androgens/metabolism
- Animals
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Disease Progression
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Male
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/drug therapy
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/chemistry
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase/metabolism
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
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Wang Y, Darwiche S, Brumfield J, Cai C, Kautza B, Escobar D, Quintero A, Vreeland K, Stratimirovic S, Luciano J, Laverde S, Zuckerbraun B. Heme oxygenase-1/CO Protect Against Delayed Onset Immunosuppression In A Murine Multiple Trauma Model. J Surg Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.11.1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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82
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Luciano J, Cai C, Kautza B, Whelan S, Stratimirovic S, Billiar T, Zuckerbraun B. Benzyl Alcohol Attenuates Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in a Toll-Like Receptor-4 Dependent Pattern in Mice. J Surg Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.11.1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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83
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Cai C, Stewart DJ, Preston TC, Walker JS, Zhang YH, Reid JP. A new approach to determine vapour pressures and hygroscopicities of aqueous aerosols containing semi-volatile organic compounds. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:3162-72. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cp54948h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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84
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Feng J, Lu GP, Cai C. Selective approach to thioesters and thioethers via sp3 C–H activation of methylarenes. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra09450f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel CDC approaches for the synthesis of thioesters and thioethers was developed via sp3 C–H activation of methylarenes and subsequent functionalization.
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85
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Cai C, Wang LH, Dong Q, Wu ZJ, Li MY, Sun YH. Association of CXCL12 and CXCR4 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 82:165-70. [PMID: 24032722 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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86
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Cummings LJ, Cai C, Kondic L. Bifurcation properties of nematic liquid crystals exposed to an electric field: switchability, bistability, and multistability. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2013; 88:012509. [PMID: 23944476 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.88.012509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Bistable liquid crystal displays (LCDs) offer the potential for considerable power savings compared with conventional (monostable) LCDs. The existence of two (or more) stable field-free states that are optically distinct means that contrast can be maintained in a display without an externally applied electric field. An applied field is required only to switch the device from one state to the other, as needed. In this paper we examine the basic physical principles involved in generating multiple stable states and the switching between these states. We consider a two-dimensional geometry in which variable surface anchoring conditions are used to control the steady-state solutions and explore how different anchoring conditions can influence the number and type of solutions and whether or not switching is possible between the states. We find a wide range of possible behaviors, including bistability, tristability, and tetrastability, and investigate how the solution landscape changes as the boundary conditions are tuned.
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87
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Zhang Y, Xiang W, Sebastian K, Zettel K, Darwiche S, Cai C, Ayoob F, Billiar T. Interleukin-6 Neutralizing Antibody Treatment Restores Th1/Th2 Balance in Mice With Pseudo-Fracture and Hemorrhage. J Surg Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2012.10.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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88
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Zhou B, Ensell M, Zhou Y, Nair U, Glickstein J, Kermany MH, Cai Q, Cai C, Liu W, Deng YP, Kakigi A, Barbieri M, Mora M, Kanangat S, Yoo TJ. Prevention and treatment of DNA vaccine encoding cockroach allergen Bla g 1 in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Allergy 2012; 67:166-74. [PMID: 21958323 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02727.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-fourth of the US population is sensitized to the German cockroach. Primary German cockroach allergen Bla g 1 is detected in 63% of homes and 52% of childcare facilities in the United States. No effective treatment or vaccination strategies are yet available. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of a plasmid DNA-mediated vaccination using the Bla g 1 gene in a mouse model of allergic inflammatory airway disease. METHODS A plasmid DNA vector coding for the Bla g 1 allergen controlled by cytomegalovirus promoter was constructed. To estimate the protective efficacy, BALB/c mice were given three injections of plasmid DNA-Bla g 1 prior to sensitization with two priming doses of recombinant Bla g 1 (rBla g 1) antigens, followed by nebulized rBla g 1 challenge. In the therapeutic approach, sensitization was followed by administering Bla g 1 DNA vaccine. RESULTS Bla g 1 vaccination significantly reduced allergen-induced airway inflammation, even after mice were presensitized and a Th2-dominant response was established. The Bla g 1 vaccination significantly reduced total inflammatory cell infiltrate, eosinophilia, secretion of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, allergen-induced inflammatory infiltrates in the lungs, and Bla g 1-specific IgE in serum upon challenge with rBla g 1. Importantly, Bla g 1 DNA vaccination was able to induce IL-10-secreting regulatory T cells that could suppress the allergen-specific Th2 cells. CONCLUSION DNA vaccination showed protective and therapeutic efficacy against a clinically relevant allergen Bla g 1.
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Pendergrass SA, Brown-Gentry K, Dudek SM, Torstenson ES, Ambite JL, Avery CL, Buyske S, Cai C, Fesinmeyer MD, Haiman C, Heiss G, Hindorff LA, Hsu CN, Jackson RD, Kooperberg C, Le Marchand L, Lin Y, Matise TC, Moreland L, Monroe K, Reiner AP, Wallace R, Wilkens LR, Crawford DC, Ritchie MD. The use of phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) for exploration of novel genotype-phenotype relationships and pleiotropy discovery. Genet Epidemiol 2011; 35:410-22. [PMID: 21594894 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.20589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The field of phenomics has been investigating network structure among large arrays of phenotypes, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to investigate the relationship between genetic variation and single diseases/outcomes. A novel approach has emerged combining both the exploration of phenotypic structure and genotypic variation, known as the phenome-wide association study (PheWAS). The Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) network is a National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)-supported collaboration of four groups accessing eight extensively characterized epidemiologic studies. The primary focus of PAGE is deep characterization of well-replicated GWAS variants and their relationships to various phenotypes and traits in diverse epidemiologic studies that include European Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans/Hispanics, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. The rich phenotypic resources of PAGE studies provide a unique opportunity for PheWAS as each genotyped variant can be tested for an association with the wide array of phenotypic measurements available within the studies of PAGE, including prevalent and incident status for multiple common clinical conditions and risk factors, as well as clinical parameters and intermediate biomarkers. The results of PheWAS can be used to discover novel relationships between SNPs, phenotypes, and networks of interrelated phenotypes; identify pleiotropy; provide novel mechanistic insights; and foster hypothesis generation. The PAGE network has developed infrastructure to support and perform PheWAS in a high-throughput manner. As implementing the PheWAS approach has presented several challenges, the infrastructure and methodology, as well as insights gained in this project, are presented herein to benefit the larger scientific community.
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90
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Challen C, Brown H, Cai C, Betts G, Paterson I, Sloan P, West C, Birch-Machin M, Robinson M. Mitochondrial DNA mutations in head and neck cancer are infrequent and lack prognostic utility. Br J Cancer 2011; 104:1319-24. [PMID: 21427725 PMCID: PMC3078603 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2011.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations occur in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and are most frequently detected in the displacement-loop (D-loop) region. The D-loop is considered to be important because it controls mitochondrial gene expression and mtDNA replication. There is currently no evidence that mtDNA mutations can be used as prognostic or predictive biomarkers in HNSCC. Methods: We used denaturing high performance liquid chromatography to screen the entire mitochondrial genome of six oral squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell lines and then focused on detecting D-loop abnormalities in 34 HNSCC tissue samples. Results: Mitochondrial DNA mutations are not ubiquitous in HNSCC because only half of the cell lines had detectable mtDNA abnormalities following screening of the entire mitochondrial genome and only 18% (6 of 34) of tissue samples had D-loop mutations. There was no correlation between D-loop mutations and determinates of clinical outcome; specifically, tumour stage and the expression of hypoxia-inducible genes included in a highly prognostic hypoxia metagene. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that mtDNA D-loop mutations are stochastic events that may not significantly influence the biology of HNSCC and supports the hypothesis that mtDNA mutations in cancer represent bystander genotoxic damage as a consequence of tumour development and progression.
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91
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Bartels C, Cai C, Ueki S, Murase N, Du Q, Geller D. IL-23 Mediates Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via IFN-g/IRF-1 Pathway. J Surg Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2010.11.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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92
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Cai C, Shi FD, Matarese G, La Cava A. Leptin as clinical target. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 3:160-6. [PMID: 19594439 DOI: 10.2174/187221309789257379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PLeptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone with pleiotropic effects on energy homeostasis, endocrine and reproductive functions, and immune responses. The multiple actions of leptin have led to the design and development of several leptin-based approaches to modulate the metabolic and endocrine status, to reduce inflammation, and to improve immune responses. Here, we review the current patents on leptin in different clinic applications.
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93
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Wen B, Cai C, Wang R, Tan Y, Lan O. Critical moisture content windows differ for the cryopreservation of pomelo (Citrus grandis) seeds and embryonic axes. CRYO LETTERS 2010; 31:29-39. [PMID: 20309507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation was attempted using a partial dehydration and freezing protocol on pomelo (Citrus grandis) seeds of ten cultivars and embryonic axes of one cultivar collected from Xishuangbanna. Although seeds of all ten cultivars could be dehydrated safely to 10 percent moisture content, further dehydration impaired seed viability with critical moisture contents ranging from 9 percent to 7 percent. Complete seedling regenerated from seeds frozen in a moisture window between 5-9 percent, and maximum seedling recovery varied between 22-86 percent. Cryopreservation of Jiajieyou cv. embryonic axes had a moisture window between 3-20 percent , much wider compared to whole seed cryopreservation, and maximum post-thaw emergence of 93 percent was achieved at 13 percent moisture content. Emergence differed only slightly from survival when whole seeds were cryopreserved, but for the embryonic axis cryopreservation at low moisture contents resulted in much lower emergence than survival. Possible causes of intraspecific variation in cryotolerance in pomelo seeds is discussed.
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94
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Lewis DJ, Lacey CJ, Jeffs S, Cole T, Fraser C, Wiggins R, Woodrow M, Cope A, Cai C, Giemza E, Mahmhoud A, Katinger D, Cranage M, Shattock R. P14-06. Phase 1 safety and immunogenicity randomised controlled trial of a vaginal gp140 vaccine. Retrovirology 2009. [PMCID: PMC2767686 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-6-s3-p194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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95
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Cai C, Li DR, Zeng QS, Zhong SQ, Zhong NS. Prolonged fever, dyspnoea and diffuse pleural thickening in a 20-year-old man. CASE REPORTS 2009; 2009:bcr12.2008.1337. [DOI: 10.1136/bcr.12.2008.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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96
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Yoo T, Zhou Y, Ensell M, Glickstein J, Kermany M, Cai Q, Cai C, Kim J, Kim P, Liu W. Induction of Specific Th1 Responses and Suppression of IgE Antibody Formation and Airway Eosinophilia by Vaccination with Plasmid DNA Encoding Bla g 1. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.12.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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97
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Cai C, Zhang Q, Yang W, Shen C. Giant congenital melanocytic nevus coexistent with Chiari II malformation. Neuropediatrics 2008; 39:272-5. [PMID: 19294601 DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1104576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) and Chiari II malformation (CM II) are distinct rare clinical entities. No previous report of this condition is to be found in the medical literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS We report the case of a male infant seen initially for a GCMN and an upper thoracic myelomeningocele. MRI incidentally revealed cerebellum and brain stem elongate via the foramen magnum. The infant's physical examination included spastic quadriparesis and hypotonia. An operation for myelomeningocele repair and suboccipital craniectomy with resection of C (1) and cerebellar tonsils was done. The signs and symptoms of the patient were improved after surgery. The GCMN was not treated according to the parents' wished, but a schedule of long-term monitoring was recommended. CONCLUSION This case report illustrates that CMNs can coexist with CM II. The clinician who diagnoses a patient with CMNs should remember that this entity can be associated with other pathologies of the central nervous system. Earlier diagnosis and surgical intervention improves the prognosis. Long-term monitoring and follow-up should be recommended for patients with CMNs.
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98
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Cai C, Xu J, Zhang M, Chen XD, Li L, Wu J, Lai HW, Zhong NS. Prior SO2 exposure promotes airway inflammation and subepithelial fibrosis following repeated ovalbumin challenge. Clin Exp Allergy 2008; 38:1680-7. [PMID: 18631350 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03053.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to allergens or air pollutants often leads to asthma exacerbations associated with aggravation of airway inflammation. Although, repeated allergen challenge often induces chronic allergic airway inflammation (CAAI) and airway remodelling, yet, the effects of brief exposure to air pollutants such as SO(2) on development of CAAI and airway remodelling remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of acute neutrophilic airway inflammation induced by brief exposure to SO(2) on development of CAAI and subepithelial fibrosis (SEF) in a murine model of asthma. METHODS Acute airway inflammation was induced by brief exposure to 50 p.p.m. SO(2) (1 h/d, 3 days). CAAI and SEF in BALB/c mice were induced by repeated challenge with ovalbumin (OVA) for 5 or 9 weeks with or without prior exposure to SO(2). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) eosinophilia as index of CAAI, BALF endothelin-1 (ET-1) and TGF-beta1 levels, morphometric evaluation of fibrotic area beneath subbasement membrane and lung hydroxyproline content (Hyp) as indexes of SEF were monitored. RESULTS Exposure to SO(2) led to acute neutrophilic inflammation and epithelial sloughing with profound elevation of BALF ET-1. Repeated OVA challenge resulted in CAAI and SEF along with elevation of Hyp, increase of fibrotic area beneath subbasement membrane and elevation of BALF TGF-beta1. Preceding SO(2) exposure exaggerated BALF eosinophilia, facilitated and enhanced SEF with more significant elevation of BALF ET-1 and TGF-beta1 levels compared with OVA-challenged mice without prior exposure to SO(2). The increase of Hyp was positively correlated with elevation of BALF TGF-beta1 during CAAI (r=0.842, P<0.01). CONCLUSION This data demonstrated that SEF developed in parallel with severity and time course of CAAI following repeated OVA challenge. SO(2)-induced acute epithelial injury and neutrophilic inflammation could enhance CAAI and promote SEF, probably through overexpression of ET-1 and TGF-beta1.
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99
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Cai C, Zhang Q, Shen C, Sun G, Wang C. Chiari malformation caused by craniometaphyseal dysplasia: case report and review of literature. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2008; 18:198-201. [PMID: 18493899 DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Chiari malformation is commonly considered a congenital condition. To our knowledge, reports of progressively symptomatic Chiari Iota malformation with craniometaphyseal dysplasia are rare. The authors present a case of progressively symptomatic Chiari Iota malformation occurring in an 11-month-old infant with craniometaphyseal dysplasia. The patient presented with a typical facial appearance and radiological skeletal survey. Posterior fossa decompression was performed. In the meantime, the patient was given Rocaltrol (calcitriol) and adopted a low calcium diet. His neurological symptoms were markedly improved after surgery. The clinical presentations, radiographical features and prognosis of the patient are discussed with reference to the literature.
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100
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Xiong P, Zeng X, Song MS, Jia SW, Zhong MH, Xiao LL, Lan W, Cai C, Wu XW, Gong FL, Wang W. Lack of association between HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 alleles and the development of SARS: a cohort of 95 SARS-recovered individuals in a population of Guangdong, southern China. Int J Immunogenet 2008; 35:69-74. [PMID: 18186801 PMCID: PMC7165669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2007.00741.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by infection with a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), was the first major novel infectious disease at the beginning of the 21st century, with China especially affected. SARS was characterized by high infectivity, morbidity and mortality, and the confined pattern of the disease spreading among the countries of South‐East and East Asia suggested the existence of susceptible factor(s) in these populations. Studies in the populations of Hong Kong and Taiwan showed an association of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms with the development and/or severity of SARS, respectively. The aim of the present study was to define the genotypic patterns of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci in SARS patients and a co‐resident population of Guangdong province, southern China, where the first SARS case was reported. The samples comprised 95 cases of recovered SARS patients and 403 unrelated healthy controls. HLA ‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 alleles were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. The severity of the disease was assessed according to the history of lung infiltration, usage of assisted ventilation and occurrence of lymphocytopenia. Although the allelic frequencies of A23, A34, B60, DRB1*12 in the SARS group were slightly higher, and A33, ‐B58 and ‐B61 were lower than in the controls, no statistical significance was found when the Pc value was considered. Similarly, no association of HLA alleles with the severity of the disease was detected. Thus, variations in the major histocompatibility complex are unlikely to have contributed significantly to either the susceptibility or the severity of SARS in the population of Guangdong.
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