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Liang S, Wang Z, Wang J. Carbon nanoparticles compared with indocyanine green (ICG) in sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in gynecologic oncology, which is better? A retrospective single-center study in 134 cases of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer in China. Gynecol Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.04.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Mao M, Ai F, Zhang Y, Kang J, Liang S, Xu T, Zhu L. Predictors for unsuccessful pessary fitting in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: a prospective study. BJOG 2018; 125:1434-1440. [PMID: 29700950 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Chi X, Bi S, Xu W, Zhang Y, Liang S, Hu S. Oral administration of tea saponins to relive oxidative stress and immune suppression in chickens. Poult Sci 2018. [PMID: 28633386 PMCID: PMC7107189 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of tea saponins on oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide in chickens. One hundred twenty chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups. Groups 3 to 4 received intramuscular injection of cyclophosphamide to induce oxidative stress and immunosuppression. After that, groups 2 and 4 were orally administered tea saponins in drinking water for 7 d. Then, groups 1 to 4 were immunized with a live, bivalent vaccine of Newcastle disease virus and infectious bronchitis virus. Blood samples were collected for analysis of oxidative parameters and specific antibody titers, and splenocytes were prepared for lymphocyte proliferative assay. The results showed that administration of tea saponins significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol, and decreased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl. Enhanced immune responses, such as lymphocyte proliferation induced by concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharides, and serum Newcastle disease virus- and infectious bronchitis virus-specific antibodies were also observed in chickens injected with or without cyclophosphamide. In addition, no side effects were found in chickens throughout the study. Therefore, tea saponins may be a potential agent to improve imunosuppression induced by oxidative stress in chickens.
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Guo XK, Ou J, Liang S, Zhou X, Hu X. Epithelial Hes1 maintains gut homeostasis by preventing microbial dysbiosis. Mucosal Immunol 2018; 11:716-726. [PMID: 29297498 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2017.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements suggest that in addition to its roles in developmental processes, transcription repressor hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) also acts as a key regulator of inflammatory responses. A healthy gut microbiota ecology is critical for establishment of tissue homeostasis. However, the role of epithelial Hes1 in regulating intestinal microbiota ecology and intestinal homeostasis remains unexplored. Here we show that epithelial Hes1 deficiency leads to intestinal microbial dysbiosis and disturbed homeostasis. Both inducible Hes1 deletion and intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-intrinsic Hes1 deletion resulted in loss of Bacteroidetes in ileum and increase of Escherichia coli and Akkermansia muciniphila in colon. Loss of Bacteroidetes closely correlated with decreased expression of commensal-dependent antimicrobial genes, leading to impaired resistance against pathogenic bacterial colonization. Moreover, Hes1 deficiency enhanced susceptibility to Dextran sodium sulphate-induced intestinal inflammation. Of note, transfer of Hes1-deficient-mouse-derived fecal microbiota promoted intestinal inflammation. The increase of A. muciniphila in colon was associated with Hes1-deficiency-induced unbalanced mucosal microhabitats. Thus, our results support that IEC-intrinsic Hes1 maintains gut homeostasis by preventing microbial dysbiosis partially through regulating mucosal microhabitats.
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Yang H, Su L, Ye L, Xiao L, Hu Y, Shen MG, Wei DB, Yuan D, Zhou GS, Liu HL, Yu J, Liang S. [Incidence rates of HIV-1 epidemics among 4 high risk groups in Sichuan province during 2011-2015]. ZHONGHUA LIU XING BING XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE ZAZHI 2018; 38:1649-1654. [PMID: 29294581 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-6450.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Data from the HIV/AIDS surveillance sentinel sites was used to identify the recent HIV-1 infections and to estimate the HIV-1 incidence and epidemic trends among intravenous drug users (IDU), MSM, female sex workers and men attending the sexually transmitted disease clinics in Sichuan province. Methods: Specimens collected from IDUs, MSM, female sex workers and men attending the sexually transmitted disease clinics sentinel sites were confirmed as HIV-1 positive and tested with BED-CEIA. Annual HIV-1 prevalence and incidence rates were calculated and the incidence was adjusted by McNermar method. Results: A total number of 194 223 serum specimens were collected and HIV antibody tested, with 5 297 HIV-1 positive. 4 640 of the positives underwent BED-CEIA, with 749 identified as recent infections. During 2011-2015, HIV-1 incidence rates of the four types of population appeared as 5.16% (95%CI: 4.65-5.66), 0.22% (95%CI:0.16-0.28), 0.57%(95%CI: 0.45-0.69), 7.53% (95%CI: 6.06-9.01) and 0.44% (95%CI: 0.36-0.53) respectively. Significant differences were seen in the HIV-1 incidence rates. Conclusions: The HIV-1 incidence rates of IDUs from other sentinel sites in Sichuan province, female sex workers and men attending the sexually transmitted disease clinics appeared low, showing that the AIDS prevention and control activities worked effectively. However, the HIV-1 incidence of MSM was still at high level and even rising, suggesting that HIV-1 transmission between MSM and IDUs was possible.
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Han PP, Zou MY, Yang XL, Liu XC, Liang S, Sun CH, Xia W, Wu LJ. [Sleep problems and the association with the levels of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in children with autism spectrum disorder]. ZHONGHUA ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2018; 55:911-915. [PMID: 29262470 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0578-1310.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To identify the prevalence of sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore the association with the main melatonin metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SM). Method: This was a prospective case-control study. Children with ASD were recruited from Child Development and Behavioral Research Center (CDBRC) of the Harbin Medical University and Harbin Special Education School from October 2015 to April 2017 (ASD group) . Healthy controls were selected from five kindergartens and one primary school in Harbin by the stratified cluster random sampling (control group) . The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was used to investigate the sleep problems of the two groups. The patients were matched in a 1∶1 ratio for the age and sex, and the urine samples of case-control pairs were collected in the morning. The level of 6-SM was measured by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The student's t test was used for comparison between the ASD group and control group, and the Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation difference. Result: A total of 212 ASD children (mean (±SD) age was (6.0±2.7) years, and 181 patients (85.4%) were male), and a total of 334 healthy children(mean (±SD) age was (5.9±2.6) years, and 272 patients (81.4%) were male) were recruited. Among them, 101 matched case-control pairs completed the collection of urine samples. According to the statistical analysis, the scores of total CSHQ, bedtime resistance, sleep onset delay, sleep duration, night waking, parasomnia, sleep disordered breathing and daytime sleepiness in children with ASD were significantly higher than those in the control group (48.2±6.2 vs. 46.6±5.4, 11.4±2.5 vs. 10.7±2.8, 1.7±0.8 vs. 1.5±0.7, 4.1±1.4 vs. 3.7±1.1, 4.2±1.5 vs. 3.8±1.1, 8.5±1.5 vs. 8.3±1.4, 3.7±1.0 vs. 3.4±0.8, 11.7±2.5 vs. 12.4±2.7, t=3.16, 3.00, 3.23, 2.76, 3.19, 1.99, 3.45,-2.72, P=0.002, 0.003, 0.001, 0.006, 0.002, 0.048, 0.001, 0.007), the level of 6-SM was significantly lower in children with ASD than that of healthy controls ((1.24±0.50) vs. (1.68±0.63)μg/h, t=-5.50, P<0.01), and the total CSHQ score was negatively correlated with the level of 6-SM (r=-0.50, P<0.01). Conclusion: The children with ASD were at high risk for sleep problems, and the melatonin metabolite of ASD group was abnormal compared with that of the control group. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the severity of sleep problems and the level of 6-SM in ASD children. The results of our study indicate that the abnormal melatonin metabolism may be one of the causes of sleep problems in children with ASD.
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Liang S, Ratnayake PU, Keinath C, Jia L, Wolfe R, Ranaweera A, Weliky DP. Efficient Fusion at Neutral pH by Human Immunodeficiency Virus gp41 Trimers Containing the Fusion Peptide and Transmembrane Domains. Biochemistry 2018; 57:1219-1235. [PMID: 29345922 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is membrane-enveloped, and an initial infection step is joining/fusion of viral and cell membranes. This step is catalyzed by gp41, which is a single-pass integral viral membrane protein. The protein contains an ∼170-residue ectodomain located outside the virus that is important for fusion and includes the fusion peptide (FP), N-helix, loop, C-helix, and viral membrane-proximal external region (MPER). The virion initially has noncovalent complexes between three gp41 ectodomains and three gp120 proteins. A gp120 contains ∼500 residues and functions to identify target T-cells and macrophages via binding to specific protein receptors of the target cell membrane. gp120 moves away from the gp41 ectodomain, and the ectodomain is thought to bind to the target cell membrane and mediate membrane fusion. The secondary and tertiary structures of the ectodomain are different in the initial complex with gp120 and the final state without gp120. There is not yet imaging of gp41 during fusion, so the temporal relationship between the gp41 and membrane structures is not known. This study describes biophysical and functional characterization of large gp41 constructs that include the ectodomain and transmembrane domain (TM). Significant fusion is observed of both neutral and anionic vesicles at neutral pH, which reflects the expected conditions of HIV/cell fusion. Fusion is enhanced by the FP, which in HIV/cell fusion likely contacts the host membrane, and the MPER and TM, which respectively interfacially contact and traverse the HIV membrane. Initial contact with vesicles is made by protein trimers that are in a native oligomeric state that reflects the initial complex with gp120 and also is commonly observed for the ectodomain without gp120. Circular dichroism data support helical structure for the N-helix, C-helix, and MPER and nonhelical structure for the FP and loop. Distributions of monomer, trimer, and hexamer states are observed by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), with dependences on solubilizing detergent and construct. These SEC and other data are integrated into a refined working model of HIV/cell fusion that includes dissociation of the ectodomain into gp41 monomers followed by folding into hairpins that appose the two membranes, and subsequent fusion catalysis by trimers and hexamers of hairpins. The monomer and oligomer gp41 states may therefore satisfy dual requirements for HIV entry of membrane apposition and fusion.
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Zhou WJ, Liang S, Cui XS. 32 MicroRNA-29b Improves the Quality and Developmental Potential of Blastocysts Derived from Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer in Cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv30n1ab32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with important roles in diverse cellular processes. miR-29b plays a crucial role during somatic cell reprogramming. However, studies of the function of miR-29b in embryogenesis are limited. The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of miR-29b on the developmental competence of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos as well as the underlying mechanisms of action. The expression level of miR-29b was lower in bovine SCNT embryos at the pronuclear, 8-cell, and blastocyst stages compared with IVF embryos (P < 0.05). To determine the function of miR-29b in the bovine SCNT embryo, we microinjected a miR-29b mimic and inhibitor into bovine SCNT zygotes. The results showed that miR-29b significantly decreased the expression of Dnmts (Dnmt3a/3b and Dnmt1) in bovine SCNT embryos (P < 0.05). We further investigated SCNT embryo developmental competence and found that miR-29b overexpression during bovine SCNT embryonic development does not improve developmental potency (P > 0.05) but down-regulation inhibits developmental potency (P < 0.05). Although miR-29b overexpression does not improve the developmental potency of bovine SCNT embryos, the quality of bovine SCNT embryos at the blastocyst stage improved significantly (P < 0.05). The expression of pluripotency factors (OCT4 and SOX2) and cellular proliferation rate were significantly higher in blastocysts from the miR-29b overexpression group than the control and down-regulation groups (P < 0.05). In addition, outgrowth potential in blastocysts after miR-29b overexpression was also significantly greater in the miR-29b overexpression group than in the control and down-regulation groups (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results demonstrated that miR-29b plays an important role in bovine SCNT embryo development.
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Chen C, Guo WS, Ngo HH, Chang SW, Nguyen DD, Zhang J, Liang S, Guo JB, Zhang XB. Effects of C/N ratio on the performance of a hybrid sponge-assisted aerobic moving bed-anaerobic granular membrane bioreactor for municipal wastewater treatment. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 247:340-346. [PMID: 28950144 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of C/N ratio on the performance of a hybrid sponge-assisted aerobic moving bed-anaerobic granular membrane bioreactor (SAAMB-AnGMBR) in municipal wastewater treatment. The results showed that organic removal efficiencies were above 94% at all C/N conditions. Nutrient removal was over 91% at C/N ratio of 100/5 but was negatively affected when decreasing C/N ratio to 100/10. At lower C/N ratio (100/10), more noticeable membrane fouling was caused by aggravated cake formation and pore clogging, and accumulation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the mixed liquor and sludge cake as a result of deteriorated granular quality. Foulant analysis suggested significant difference existed in the foulant organic compositions under different C/N ratios, and humic substances were dominant when the fastest fouling rate was observed. The performance of the hybrid system was found to recover when gradually increasing C/N ratio from 100/10 to 100/5.
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Nie ZW, Liang S, Cui XS. 157 Sodium Fluoride Exposure Exerts Toxic Effects on Porcine Oocyte Maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv30n1ab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive long-term fluoride intake is associated with several health problems, including infertility. However, limited information is available on the toxic effects of fluoride exposure on the female reproductive system, especially oocyte maturation. In this study, we investigated the toxic effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure on porcine oocyte maturation and its possible underlying mechanisms. The level of reactive oxygen species, glutathione (GSH), mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, and DNA damage and cathepsin B in the blastocysts were observed by staining with 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF-DA), 4-chloromethyl-6.8-difluoro-7-hydroxycoumarin (CMF2HC, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA), 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1), annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) apoptosis detection kit, anti-γH2A.X (Ser139) and Magic Red cathepsin B assay kit, respectively. Data obtained from the experimental groups were compared using Student’s t-test. Our results showed that treatment with 60, 100, and 150 μg mL−1 NaF significantly decreased the degree of cumulus cell expansion (CEI: 2.64 ± 0.27, 1.32 ± 0.52, and 0.57 ± 0.15 v. 3.58 ± 0.19; P < 0.05) and the rate of maturation (74.33% ± 4.32%, 57.83% ± 7.14%, 44.00% ± 5.93% v. 84.50% ± 3.62%; P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner during in vitro maturation for 44 h. Cell cycle analysis showed that NaF exposure blocked meiotic resumption, disturbed spindle dynamics, disrupted chromosome separation, and increased aneuploidy in porcine oocytes. Moreover, NaF exposure disturbed mitochondrial function, triggered DNA damage response, and induced early apoptosis in porcine oocytes. Exposure to NaF also induced oxidative stress, decreased GSH level, and increased cathepsin B activity in and impaired the further development potential of porcine oocytes, as indicated by a decrease in blastocyst formation rate, increase in apoptosis, and inhibition of cell proliferation. Together, these results indicate that NaF exposure impairs the maturation capacity of porcine oocytes by inhibiting cumulus cell expansion, disturbing cytoskeletal dynamics, and blocking nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, thus decreasing the quality and affecting the subsequent embryonic development potential of porcine oocytes.
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Liang S, Li HL, Han GY, Cui JH. CD44V6 regulates gastric carcinoma occurrence and development through up-regulating VEGF expression. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2017; 21:5121-5128. [PMID: 29228423 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201711_13828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gastric carcinoma (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors around the world. It is featured as high morbidity, poor prognosis, and short survival, thus seriously threats to the quality of life. The mechanism of GC is still unclear, leading to a difficulty in the treatment. CD44V6 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression, while its role in GC still needs further elucidation. PATIENTS AND METHODS GC tissue and para-carcinoma tissue were collected from patients in different tumor-mode-metastasis (TNM) stages. CD44V6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. Their correlations with the clinicopathological characteristics of GC were analyzed. GC cell line SGC-7901 was cultured in vitro and divided into control, scramble group, and CD44V6 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by caspase 3 activity assay. RESULTS CD44V6 and VEGF protein expressions significantly increased in GC tissue compared with adjacent normal control (p < 0.05). CD44V6 expression was correlated with differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and TNM staging (p < 0.05). CD44V6 was positively correlated with VEGF (p < 0.05). CD44V6 siRNA reduced CD44V6 and VEGF expressions in SGC-7901, inhibited cell proliferation, and enhanced caspase 3 activity compared with control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CD44V6 participates in GC occurrence and development by up-regulating VEGF expression. Targeting CD44V6 regulates GC progression through inhibiting VEGF expression, promoting cell apoptosis, and restraining cell proliferation.
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Hong C, Aung MM, Kanagasabai K, Lim CA, Liang S, Tan KS. The association between oral health status and respiratory pathogen colonization with pneumonia risk in institutionalized adults. Int J Dent Hyg 2017; 16:e96-e102. [PMID: 29120096 DOI: 10.1111/idh.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the oral health and the prevalence of pre-existing oral colonization with respiratory pathogens in dependent elderly, and whether these factors influence pneumonia development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants residing in a long-term care facility received bedside oral examinations, and information on their oral health (caries status, calculus index and debris index) was obtained. Samples from the tongue and teeth were collected at baseline and at time of pneumonia development. Sputum was collected at the time of pneumonia diagnosis. Samples were assessed for Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS This was a 1-year longitudinal study of 60 dependent elderly (mean age: 64.2 ± 14.1 years). Seventeen patients (28.3%) developed pneumonia. The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index were 22.8 ± 9.2 and 4.0 ± 1.0, respectively. At baseline, 48.3% were orally colonized with ≥1 respiratory pathogens. The presence of H. influenzae (P = .002) and P. aeruginosa (P = .049) in the sputum was significantly associated with their colonization on the tongue at baseline. In the bivariate analyses, pneumonia development was associated with naso-gastric feeding tube (P = .0001), H. influenzae (P = .015) and P. aeruginosa (P = .003) tongue colonization at baseline and calculus index (P = .002). Multivariate analyses revealed that calculus index (P = .09) and the presence of tracheostomy (P = .037) were associated with pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS The calculus amount and tongue colonization with respiratory pathogens are risk factors for pneumonia development. Oral hygiene measures to remove tongue biofilm and calculus may reduce pneumonia development.
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Voong K, Liang S, Dugan P, Torto D, Padula W, Senter J, Lang M, Hooker C, Khanna K, Feliciano J, Broderick S, Hales R. Reducing Unnecessary Healthcare Expenditure: Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Clinic Reduces Resources Used in the Diagnosis and Staging of Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.06.038] [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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Xu L, Fu Q, Liang S, Shepherd DP, Richardson DJ, Alam SU. Thulium-fiber-laser-pumped, high-peak-power, picosecond, mid-infrared orientation-patterned GaAs optical parametric generator and amplifier. OPTICS LETTERS 2017; 42:4036-4039. [PMID: 28957191 DOI: 10.1364/ol.42.004036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We report a high-peak-power, picosecond, mid-infrared optical parametric generator (OPG) and optical parametric amplifier (OPA) based on orientation-patterned gallium arsenide pumped by a thulium:fiber master-oscillator-power-amplifier employing direct diode-seeded amplification. An OPG tuning range of 2550-2940 nm (signal) and 5800-8300 nm (idler) is demonstrated with peak powers as high as 3 (signal) and 2 kW (idler), and with pulse energies of 0.26 and 0.16 μJ, respectively. When seeded with a 0.6 cm-1 linewidth tunable Cr:ZnSe laser, the OPA idler linewidth is narrowed to 1.4 cm-1 and a small-signal parametric gain of 60 dB is achieved. A maximum peak power of 13.3 (signal) and 3.2 kW (idler) is obtained at an overall conversion efficiency of 36%. The corresponding maximum pulse energies for the signal and idler are 1.07 and 0.26 μJ, respectively.
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Prince R, Easson A, Liang S, Brar M, Ramkumar S, Scheer A, Wong R, Hallet J, Zimmermann C. Increasing palliative interventions at the end of life: patterns in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx382.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Wheeler NV, Bradley TD, Hayes JR, Gouveia MA, Liang S, Chen Y, Sandoghchi SR, Abokhamis Mousavi SM, Poletti F, Petrovich MN, Richardson DJ. Low-loss Kagome hollow-core fibers operating from the near- to the mid-IR. OPTICS LETTERS 2017; 42:2571-2574. [PMID: 28957287 DOI: 10.1364/ol.42.002571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We report the fabrication and characterization of Kagome hollow-core antiresonant fibers, which combine low attenuation (as measured at ∼30 cm bend diameter) with a wide operating bandwidth and high modal purity. Record low attenuation values are reported: 12.3 dB/km, 13.9 dB/km, and 9.6 dB/km in three different fibers optimized for operation at 1 μm, 1.55 μm, and 2.5 μm, respectively. These fibers are excellent candidates for ultra-high power delivery at key laser wavelengths including 1.064 μm and 2.94 μm, as well as for applications in gas-based sensing and nonlinear optics.
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Bai JW, Mao B, Yang WL, Liang S, Lu HW, Xu JF. Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome showed more exacerbations however lower mortality than COPD. QJM 2017; 110:431-436. [PMID: 28100824 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcx005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) is a new determinate syndrome whose exact characteristics remain unclear. AIM The objective of this study is to find more difference between ACOS and COPD. DESIGN A retrospective study of ACOS and COPD in Chinese. METHODS Data from 65 patients with ACOS and 65 patients with COPD were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The basis of this study was to compare the two groups while ruling out differences in age, sex and smoking history. RESULTS Patients with ACOS tended to have earlier ages of onset, longer durations of symptoms, better nutritional status, higher single-breath diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) %predicted and airway resistance %predicted, more exacerbations in the preceding 12 months and shorter lengths of hospitalization. DLCO %predicted, airway resistance %predicted, and length of hospitalization were the variables most significantly associated with the presence of ACOS in patients with COPD. ROC correlating airway resistance %predicted value and current ACOS showed an optimal cutoff of airway resistance %predicted of over 296.6. During follow-up (median: 45 months; interquartile range: 6-82 months), 16 patient deaths were recorded (3 patients with ACOS). The risk remained significantly higher in patients with COPD alone than in patients with ACOS (HR 3.932; 95% CI 1.083-19.755; P = 0.046). CONCLUSION Patients with ACOS were more likely to have better prognoses and lower mortality than those with COPD alone, though with greater exacerbation frequency.
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Lee ASY, Liang S, Saravanan K, Chong D, Tan BY, Ho KL, Teo WS, Ching CK, Tan VH, Wong K. P380The Zerox pilot study: use of zero fluoroscopy for electrophysiological intervention. Europace 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/eux141.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Phillips S, Stewart P, Liang S. Response to letter to editor. Anaesth Intensive Care 2017; 45:128. [PMID: 28072949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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Liang S, Yuan J. [Research progress of long non-coding RNA in heart development and heart diseases]. ZHONGHUA XIN XUE GUAN BING ZA ZHI 2016; 44:1068-1071. [PMID: 28056242 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-3758.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Tan JH, Koh BTH, Hong CC, Lim SH, Liang S, Chan GWH, Wang W, Nather A. A comparison of necrotising fasciitis in diabetics and non-diabetics. Bone Joint J 2016; 98-B:1563-1568. [DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.98b11.37526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aims Diabetes mellitus is the most common co-morbidity associated with necrotising fasciitis. This study aims to compare the clinical presentation, investigations, Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score, microbiology and outcome of management of this condition in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Patients and Methods The medical records of all patients with surgically proven necrotising fasciitis treated at our institution between 2005 and 2014 were reviewed. Diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis was made on findings of ‘dishwater’ fluid, presence of greyish necrotic deep fascia and lack of bleeding on muscle dissection found intra-operatively. Information on patients’ demographics, presenting symptoms, clinical signs, investigations, treatment and outcome were recorded and analysed. Results A total of 127 patients with surgically proven necrotising fasciitis were included in this study. In all, 78 (61.4%) were diabetic and 49 (38.6%) were non-diabetic. Diabetics tended to have polymicrobial infections (p = 0.03), renal impairment (p < 0.001), end-stage renal disease (p = 0.001) and multiple co-morbidities (p < 0.001). They presented atypically, with less tenderness (p = 0.042) and less hypotension (p = 0.034). This resulted in higher rates of misdiagnosis (p = 0.038) and a longer time to surgery (p = 0.05) leading to longer hospital stays (p = 0.043) and higher rates of amputation (p = 0.045). However, the rate of mortality is comparable (p = 0.525). A LRINEC score of > 8 appears to be more sensitive in diabetic patients (p < 0.001). However, the increased sensitivity in diabetic patients may be related to hyperglycemia and electrolyte abnormalities associated with renal impairment in these patients. Conclusion The LRINEC score must be used with caution in diagnosing necrotising fasciitis in diabetic patients. A high index of suspicion is key to the early diagnosis and subsequent management of these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1563–8.
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Khandkar C, Liang S, Phillips S, Lee CY, Stewart PA. Comparison of Kinemyography and Electromyography during Spontaneous Recovery from Non-Depolarising Neuromuscular Blockade. Anaesth Intensive Care 2016; 44:745-751. [DOI: 10.1177/0310057x1604400618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study compared two commercially available quantitative neuromuscular function monitoring techniques, kinemyography (KMG) and electromyography (EMG), to assess whether KMG could be used interchangeably with EMG to exclude residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB). Train-of-four (TOF) ratios were recorded every 20 seconds using KMG at the adductor pollicis and EMG at the first dorsal interosseous of the same hand during spontaneous recovery from shallow neuromuscular blockade. TOF ratios were compared using Bland–Altman analysis for repeated measurements. The precision of each device was assessed by the repeatability coefficient. Agreement between devices was assessed by the bias and limits of agreement. Clinically acceptable agreement was defined as a bias <0.025 within limits of agreement ±0.05. We recorded 629 sets of TOF ratios from 23 patients. The repeatability coefficient for KMG was 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05 to 0.06) and for EMG 0.10 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.11). Overall, the bias of KMG TOF ratios against EMG TOF ratios was 0.11 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.12), with limits of agreement −0.11 to 0.32. In the 0.80 to 0.99 TOF range, the bias was 0.08 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.09) and the limits of agreement were-0.12 to 0.27. Overall, TOF ratios measured by KMG were on average 0.11 higher than EMG. In the 0.80 to 0.99 TOF range, KMG TOF ratios were 0.08 higher. EMG and KMG are not interchangeable because the bias is large and the limits of agreement are wide. Thus a maximum TOF ratio of 1.0 on KMG may not exclude RNMB.
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Li Y, Liang S, Zhou Z, Cai Y, Chen Y, Li F. Risk Factor Study of Radiation Pneumonitis Focused on Subclinical Interstitial Lung Disease in Definitive Radiation Therapy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single-Institution Experience. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.06.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Liang S, Esswein SR, Ochi T, Wu Q, Ascher DB, Chirgadze D, Sibanda BL, Blundell TL. Achieving selectivity in space and time with DNA double-strand-break response and repair: molecular stages and scaffolds come with strings attached. Struct Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-016-0841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Khan MA, Ngo HH, Guo WS, Liu YW, Zhou JL, Zhang J, Liang S, Ni BJ, Zhang XB, Wang J. Comparing the value of bioproducts from different stages of anaerobic membrane bioreactors. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 214:816-825. [PMID: 27233838 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The anaerobic digestion process in anaerobic membrane bioreactors is an effective way for waste management, energy sustainability and pollution control in the environment. This digestion process basically involves the production of volatile fatty acids and biohydrogen as intermediate products and methane as a final product. This paper compares the value of bioproducts from different stages of anaerobic membrane bioreactors through a thorough assessment. The value was assessed in terms of technical feasibility, economic assessment, environmental impact and impact on society. Even though the current research objective is more inclined to optimize the production of methane, the intermediate products could also be considered as economically attractive and environment friendly options. Hence, this is the first review study to correlate the idea into an anaerobic membrane bioreactor which is expected to guide future research pathways regarding anaerobic process and its bioproducts.
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