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Guo QG, Guo XH, Li SY, Lei B. [The research progress of multimodal imaging for the diagnosis of reticular pseudodrusen]. Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi 2022; 58:1094-1098. [PMID: 36480897 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112142-20220930-00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence and development of multimodal imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence and adaptive optics, make it much easier to differentiate reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) from other fundus lesions. It is of great significance to understand the imaging characteristics of RPD observed with multimodal imaging techniques. This article reviews the formation mechanism and multimodal imaging characteristics of RPD, so as to provide help for better identification of RPD and assessment of the development and prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q G Guo
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincal People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - X H Guo
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincal People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - S Y Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincal People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - B Lei
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincal People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
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2
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Ramjit A, Saif N, Lei B, Portal D, Mahmud A, Moussavi M. Abstract No. 236 Retrospective review of middle meningeal artery embolization for symptomatic, expanding or non-regressing chronic subdural hematoma: findings and techniques. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.03.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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3
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Zhang LJ, Li Y, You Y, Lei B. [Supernormal rod response mediated by a novel KCNV2 variant in a cone dystrophy type 3B patient]. Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi 2022; 58:376-379. [PMID: 35511665 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112142-20210916-00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The proband was an 8-year-old boy, complaining of progressively decreased vision in both eyes for 3 years. The electroretinogram was characterized by supernormal rod response. While the responses of the rod and cone system were reduced, the amplitudes of dark-adapted electroretinogram responses at a high intensity were supernormal. A homozygous non-frameshift deletion variant c.1002-1004del (p. L335del) in KCNV2 was found by the Next Generation Sequencing using a custom designed panel. His father was a heterozygous carrier of this variant. In silico analysis indicated the variant was harmful. The proband was diagnosed as cone dystrophy type 3B which also known as cone dystrophy with supernormal rod response.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Zhang
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Y Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Y You
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - B Lei
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou 450003, China
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4
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Sun JP, Shi MZ, Lei B, Xu SX, Uwatoko Y, Chen XH, Cheng JG. Pressure-induced second high-Tc superconducting phase in the organic-ion-intercalated (CTA)0.3FeSe single crystal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/130/67004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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5
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Cheung T, Feng H, Ho L, Lei B, Chan N, Chan J, Chau S, Zhang J, Wing Y, Li S. Sleep disturbance and suicidality in patients with bipolar disorders - the mediating role of rumination and impulsivity. Sleep Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.11.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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6
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Marsico M, Gabbani T, Lunardi S, Lei B, Lucarini M, Cuffari B, Curatolo A, Biagini MR, Annese V. Computed tomography or contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for follow-up of liver metastases after Cyberknife therapy?: A prospective pilot study. J Ultrasound Med 2019; 38:649-655. [PMID: 30182490 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) allows the study of vascularization of secondary liver lesions. The Cyberknife (Accuray, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) is a therapeutic method that allows a tumor target to be subjected to a high radiant dose gradient. This prospective pilot study aimed to demonstrate the concordance of CEUS versus contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in determining the stability or disease progression of secondary liver lesions after treatment with the Cyberknife. METHODS Twenty-four patients were consecutively enrolled, and 3 different operators evaluated the CEUS images and the intermodality concordance with CECT. All patients received CEUS at 1 and 2 months after the Cyberknife therapy. The intermodality agreement was evaluated by the Cohen κ coefficient and a multivariate analysis according to the method of Janson and Olsson (Educ Psychol Meas 2001; 61:277-289). RESULTS Forty secondary liver lesions were detected and treated. Forty-one CECT and 51 CEUS examinations were performed without any adverse events in the 24 patients. The intermodality agreement rates, calculated for the operators as Cohen κ values, were κ = 1.00, 0.881, and 0.767, respectively. The multivariate analysis of intermodality agreement showed an almost perfect value (ι = 0.841). CONCLUSIONS This pilot study found excellent diagnostic correspondence between CEUS and CECT in the evaluation of local disease stability or progression after Cyberknife therapy in liver metastases. These findings suggest that CEUS could play an important role in the surveillance of these patients because of its high accuracy and reproducibility, thus reducing the need for CECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marsico
- Gastroenterology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Gabbani
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Carpi Hospital, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, Modena, Italy
| | - Sarah Lunardi
- General Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Lei
- Gastroenterology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Lucarini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Biagio Cuffari
- Gastroenterology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Curatolo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Biagini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Vito Annese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Valiant Clinic, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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7
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Li Y, Lei B, Zou J, Wang W, Chen A, Zhang J, Fu Y, Li Z. High expression of carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12) is associated with good prognosis in breast cancer. Neoplasma 2019; 66:420-426. [PMID: 30784287 DOI: 10.4149/neo_2018_180819n624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore whether the expression of carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12) and the prognosis had a significant relationship in breast cancer patients. A total of 262 breast cancer specimens and 75 normal breast tissue specimens were recruited in this study. The expression of CA12 was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and its correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer patients and their prognosis were further analyzed through standard statistical algorithms. The result of immunohistochemical staining showed that CA12 was detected in both normal breast tissue and breast cancer tissue. Compared to normal breast tissue, CA12 was significant higher expressing in cancer tissues (P=0.009). Statistical analysis showed that the high expression of CA12 in breast cancer tissue was related to estrogen receptor expression level (P<0.001). The follow-up of 262 cases of breast cancer patients within 5 years showed that patients with high expression of CA12 had significant better outcome in DFS (P=0.020) and OS (P=0.019) than patients with low expression of CA12. Univariate analysis of DFS showed that lymph node metastasis (P=0.034) and CA12 (P=0.024) are prognostic indicators. Multivariate analysis manifested that the expression of CA12 (P=0.025) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.024) are two independent factors affecting the prognosis of breast cancer. Conclusion: In breast cancer patients, CA12 can be seen as a new prognostic indicator and even a new target for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yw Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - B Lei
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jw Zou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wz Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ay Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jj Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yq Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zg Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Ying TP, Wang MX, Wu XX, Zhao ZY, Zhang ZZ, Song BQ, Li YC, Lei B, Li Q, Yu Y, Cheng EJ, An ZH, Zhang Y, Jia XY, Yang W, Chen XH, Li SY. Discrete Superconducting Phases in FeSe-Derived Superconductors. Phys Rev Lett 2018; 121:207003. [PMID: 30500229 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.121.207003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A general feature of unconventional superconductors is the existence of a superconducting dome in the phase diagram. Here we report a series of discrete superconducting phases in the simplest iron-based superconductor, FeSe thin flakes, by continuously tuning the carrier concentration through the intercalation of Li and Na ions with a solid ionic gating technique. Such discrete superconducting phases are robust against the substitution of 20% S for Se, but they are vulnerable to the substitution of 2% Cu for Fe, highlighting the importance of the iron site being intact. The superconducting phase diagram for FeSe derivatives is given, which is distinct from that of other unconventional superconductors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - M X Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - X X Wu
- Institut für Theoretische Physik und Astrophysik, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Z Y Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Z Z Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Renewable Energy, Beijing Key Laboratory for New Energy Materials and Devices, Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - B Q Song
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Y C Li
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - B Lei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Q Li
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Y Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - E J Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Z H An
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Y Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - X Y Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - W Yang
- Tianmu Lake Institute of Advanced Energy Storage Technologies, Liyang, Jiangsu 213300, China
| | - X H Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - S Y Li
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Department of Physics, and Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
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Faillaci F, Marzi L, Critelli R, Milosa F, Schepis F, Turola E, Andreani S, Vandelli G, Bernabucci V, Lei B, D'Ambrosio F, Bristot L, Cavalletto L, Chemello L, Sighinolfi P, Manni P, Maiorana A, Caporali C, Bianchini M, Marsico M, Turco L, de Maria N, Del Buono M, Todesca P, di Lena L, Romagnoli D, Magistri P, di Benedetto F, Bruno S, Taliani G, Giannelli G, Martinez‐Chantar M, Villa E. Liver Angiopoietin-2 Is a Key Predictor of De Novo or Recurrent Hepatocellular Cancer After Hepatitis C Virus Direct-Acting Antivirals. Hepatology 2018; 68:1010-1024. [PMID: 29604220 PMCID: PMC6175123 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports suggested that direct acting antivirals (DAAs) might favor hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In study 1, we studied the proangiogenic liver microenvironment in 242 DAA-treated chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis. Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) expression was studied in tissue (cirrhotic and/or neoplastic) from recurrent, de novo, nonrecurrent HCC, or patients never developing HCC. Circulating ANGPT2,vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. In study 2, we searched for factors associated with de novo HCC in 257 patients with cirrhosis of different etiologies enrolled in a dedicated prospective study. Thorough biochemical, clinical, hemodynamic, endoscopic, elastographic, and echo-Doppler work-up was performed in both studies. In study 1, no patients without cirrhosis developed HCC. Of 183 patients with cirrhosis, 14 of 28 (50.0%) with previous HCC recurred whereas 21 of 155 (13.5%) developed de novo HCC. Patients with recurrent and de novo HCCs had significantly higher liver fibrosis (LF) scores, portal pressure, and systemic inflammation than nonrecurrent HCC or patients never developing HCC. In recurrent/de novo HCC patients, tumor and nontumor ANGPT2 showed an inverse relationship with portal vein velocity (PVv; r = -0.412, P = 0.037 and r = -0.409, P = 0.047 respectively) and a positive relationship with liver stiffness (r = 0.526, P = 0.007; r = 0.525, P = 0.003 respectively). Baseline circulating VEGF and cirrhotic liver ANGPT2 were significantly related (r = 0.414, P = 0.044). VEGF increased during DAAs, remaining stably elevated at 3-month follow-up, when it significantly related with serum ANGPT2 (r = 0.531, P = 0.005). ANGPT2 expression in the primary tumor or in cirrhotic tissue before DAAs was independently related with risk of HCC recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 1.137; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.044-1.137; P = 0.003) or occurrence (OR, 1.604; 95% CI, 1.080-2.382; P = 0.019). In study 2, DAA treatment (OR, 4.770; 95% CI, 1.395-16.316; P = 0.013) and large varices (OR, 3.857; 95% CI, 1.127-13.203; P = 0.032) were independent predictors of de novo HCC. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that DAA-mediated increase of VEGF favors HCC recurrence/occurrence in susceptible patients, that is, those with more severe fibrosis and splanchnic collateralization, who already have abnormal activation in liver tissues of neo-angiogenetic pathways, as shown by increased ANGPT2. (Hepatology 2018; 00:000-000).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Faillaci
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Luca Marzi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Rosina Critelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Fabiola Milosa
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, “S. de Bellis” Research HospitalCastellana GrotteBariItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Elena Turola
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, “S. de Bellis” Research HospitalCastellana GrotteBariItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Silvia Andreani
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Gabriele Vandelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Veronica Bernabucci
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Barbara Lei
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Federica D'Ambrosio
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Laura Bristot
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Luisa Cavalletto
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Liliana Chemello
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Pamela Sighinolfi
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Paola Manni
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Cristian Caporali
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Marcello Bianchini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Maria Marsico
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Laura Turco
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Nicola de Maria
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Mariagrazia Del Buono
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Paola Todesca
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Luca di Lena
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, “S. de Bellis” Research HospitalCastellana GrotteBariItaly
| | - Dante Romagnoli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Paolo Magistri
- Liver and Multivisceral Transplant CenterUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Fabrizio di Benedetto
- Liver and Multivisceral Transplant CenterUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Savino Bruno
- Humanitas University and Humanitas Research Hospital RozzanoMilanItaly
| | - Gloria Taliani
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of Rome ‘La Sapienza’RomeItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, “S. de Bellis” Research HospitalCastellana GrotteBariItaly
| | - Maria‐Luz Martinez‐Chantar
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biociencias. Technology Park of Bizkaia, Bizkaia, Spain. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- WomenInHepatology Network
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
- WomenInHepatology Network
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Zhou Y, Miao L, Wang P, Zhu FF, Jiang WX, Jiang SW, Zhang Y, Lei B, Chen XH, Ding HF, Zheng H, Zhang WT, Jia JF, Qian D, Wu D. Antiferromagnetic Order in Epitaxial FeSe Films on SrTiO_{3}. Phys Rev Lett 2018; 120:097001. [PMID: 29547312 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.097001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Single monolayer FeSe film grown on a Nb-doped SrTiO_{3}(001) substrate shows the highest superconducting transition temperature (T_{C}∼100 K) among the iron-based superconductors (iron pnictides), while the T_{C} value of bulk FeSe is only ∼8 K. Although bulk FeSe does not show antiferromagnetic order, calculations suggest that the parent FeSe/SrTiO_{3} films are antiferromagnetic. Experimentally, because of a lack of a direct probe, the magnetic state of FeSe/SrTiO_{3} films remains mysterious. Here, we report direct evidence of antiferromagnetic order in the parent FeSe/SrTiO_{3} films by the magnetic exchange bias effect measurements. The magnetic blocking temperature is ∼140 K for a single monolayer film. The antiferromagnetic order disappears after electron doping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - L Miao
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - P Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - F F Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - W X Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - S W Jiang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Y Zhang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - B Lei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - X H Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - H F Ding
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - W T Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jin-Feng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Dong Qian
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - D Wu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
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11
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Sartini A, Gitto S, Bianchini M, Verga MC, Di Girolamo M, Bertani A, Del Buono M, Schepis F, Lei B, De Maria N, Villa E. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease phenotypes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:87. [PMID: 29367619 PMCID: PMC5833704 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be detected in up to 33.6% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, often in absence of metabolic risk factors. Nevertheless, most of previous studies on such issue were conducted within the IBD population only. The primary aim of this study was to compare clinical and metabolic features of NAFLD in patients with and without IBD (w/o IBD) and to identify specific NAFLD phenotypes within the IBD population. Among 223 NAFLD patients, 78 patients with IBD were younger compared to 145 without (w/o) IBD, were less likely to have altered liver enzymes, had lower mean body weight, smaller waist circumference and lower body mass index (BMI); at the same time, MetS was more prevalent among patients w/o IBD (56.6 vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001). Within IBD population, patients with severe IBD showed more often severe steatosis (S3) at ultrasound (US) (32.1 vs. 16.6%, p = 0.01), compared to mild-to-moderate disease. Independent risk factors for S3 US steatosis in IBD patients at the multivariate logistic regression analysis were: more than 1 IBD relapse per year during disease history (OR 17.3, 95% CI 3.6-84), surgery for IBD (OR 15.1, 95% CI 3.1-73.7) and more extensive intestinal involvement (OR 19.4, 95% CI 3.4-110.9); the ongoing anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (antiTNFα) therapy was the only independent factor which protect toward the presence of altered liver enzymes (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0-0.8, p = 0.02). In conclusion, NAFLD in IBD patients is different from that in patients w/o IBD, who seem to develop different NAFLD phenotypes according to intestinal disease clinical course. More severe IBD seem to predict the presence of more severe steatosis. Therapy with antiTNFα antibodies could prevent alteration of liver enzymes in such population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sartini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gitto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marcello Bianchini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Verga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Di Girolamo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Bertani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Del Buono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Barbara Lei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Maria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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12
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Zou Y, Lei B, Dong F, Xu G, Sun S, Xia P. Structure similarity-guided image binarization for automatic segmentation of epidermis surface microstructure images. J Microsc 2017; 266:153-165. [PMID: 28117893 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Partitioning epidermis surface microstructure (ESM) images into skin ridge and skin furrow regions is an important preprocessing step before quantitative analyses on ESM images. Binarization segmentation is a potential technique for partitioning ESM images because of its computational simplicity and ease of implementation. However, even for some state-of-the-art binarization methods, it remains a challenge to automatically segment ESM images, because the grey-level histograms of ESM images have no obvious external features to guide automatic assessment of appropriate thresholds. Inspired by human visual perceptual functions of structural feature extraction and comparison, we propose a structure similarity-guided image binarization method. The proposed method seeks for the binary image that best approximates the input ESM image in terms of structural features. The proposed method is validated by comparing it with two recently developed automatic binarization techniques as well as a manual binarization method on 20 synthetic noisy images and 30 ESM images. The experimental results show: (1) the proposed method possesses self-adaption ability to cope with different images with same grey-level histogram; (2) compared to two automatic binarization techniques, the proposed method significantly improves average accuracy in segmenting ESM images with an acceptable decrease in computational efficiency; (3) and the proposed method is applicable for segmenting practical EMS images. (Matlab code of the proposed method can be obtained by contacting with the corresponding author.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zou
- Institute of Intelligent Vision and Image Information, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China.,Group for Biomedical Imaging and Bioinformatics, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China
| | - B Lei
- Centre for Microscopy Analysis, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vision Based Monitoring for Hydroelectric Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China
| | - F Dong
- Institute of Intelligent Vision and Image Information, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China
| | - G Xu
- Institute of Intelligent Vision and Image Information, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vision Based Monitoring for Hydroelectric Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China
| | - S Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vision Based Monitoring for Hydroelectric Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China
| | - P Xia
- Centre for Microscopy Analysis, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vision Based Monitoring for Hydroelectric Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China
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13
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Villa E, Critelli R, Lei B, Marzocchi G, Cammà C, Giannelli G, Pontisso P, Cabibbo G, Enea M, Colopi S, Caporali C, Pollicino T, Milosa F, Karampatou A, Todesca P, Bertolini E, Maccio L, Martinez-Chantar ML, Turola E, Del Buono M, De Maria N, Ballestri S, Schepis F, Loria P, Enrico Gerunda G, Losi L, Cillo U. Neoangiogenesis-related genes are hallmarks of fast-growing hepatocellular carcinomas and worst survival. Results from a prospective study. Gut 2016; 65:861-9. [PMID: 25666192 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-308483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The biological heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) makes prognosis difficult. We translate the results of a genome-wide high-throughput analysis into a tool that accurately predicts at presentation tumour growth and survival of patients with HCC. DESIGN Ultrasound surveillance identified HCC in 78 (training set) and 54 (validation set) consecutive patients with cirrhosis. Patients underwent two CT scans 6 weeks apart (no treatment in-between) to determine tumour volumes (V0 and V1) and calculate HCC doubling time. Baseline-paired HCC and surrounding tissue biopsies for microarray study (Agilent Whole Human Genome Oligo Microarrays) were also obtained. Predictors of survival were assessed by multivariate Cox model. RESULTS Calculated tumour doubling times ranged from 30 to 621 days (mean, 107±91 days; median, 83 days) and were divided into quartiles: ≤53 days (n=19), 54-82 days (n=20), 83-110 days (n=20) and ≥111 days (n=19). Median survival according to doubling time was significantly lower for the first quartile versus the others (11 vs 41 months, 42, and 47 months, respectively) (p<0.0001). A five-gene transcriptomic hepatic signature including angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2), delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), neuropilin (NRP)/tolloid (TLL)-like 2 (NETO2), endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM1), and nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 1 (NR4A1) was found to accurately identify rapidly growing HCCs of the first quartile (ROC AUC: 0.961; 95% CI 0.919 to 1.000; p<0.0001) and to be an independent factor for mortality (HR: 3.987; 95% CI 1.941 to 8.193, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The hepatic five-gene signature was able to predict HCC growth in individual patient and the consequent risk of death. This implies a role of this molecular tool in the future therapeutic management of patients with HCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01657695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Villa
- Division of Gastroenterology, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Lei
- Division of Gastroenterology, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Calogero Cammà
- Division of Gastroenterology, DiBiMIS, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Division of Gastroenterology, DiBiMIS, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Enea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Statistiche e Matematiche 'S. Vianelli', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Todesca
- Division of Gastroenterology, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Livia Maccio
- Department of Pathology, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Elena Turola
- Division of Gastroenterology, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Loria
- Medicina Metabolica, Nuovo Ospedale S. Agostino, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Losi
- Department of Pathology, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
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14
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Critelli RM, Milosa F, Lei B, Marzi L, Condello R, Turola E, Maria ND, Maiorana A, Giannelli G, Villa E. Abstract A07: Gene analysis maps HCC heterogeneity and orientates personalized therapy. Mol Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3125.devbiolca15-a07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has variable prognosis depending both on the severity of underlying liver disease and of its biological characteristic. We recently identified, in a prospective series of HCCs at first presentation, a 5-genes transcriptomic signature, which accurately and significantly predicts growth speed and survival (Gut. 2015 Feb 9. pii:gutjnl-2014-308483. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-308483). This signature encounters 5 up-regulated genes (ANGPT2, DLL4, NETO2, ESM1, NR4A1), all associated with neo-angiogenesis. Such gene analysis prompted us to characterize further the molecular pathways underlying tumor aggressiveness and consequently clinical outcome.
The cohort of 78 prospectively identified HCCs was further characterized. Transcriptomic analysis was performed by microarray experiments (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA; Genomics Service Department of Miltenyi Biotec GmbH Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). Circulating cytokines were measured using human Quantikine® ELISA kit (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA). For PD-1 and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry, samples were incubated with mouse monoclonal antibody (Ventana), for 24 minutes at 37°C. Biological data were analyzed according to HCC growth speed and patients’ survival.
Genes down- or up-regulated affected prognosis and survival. In particular, the worst survival was correlated with down-regulation of CLEC4G and CLEC1B and up-regulation of MMP1, MMP10, MMP12 and WNT11. Next, we also measured a large panel of circulating cytokines tested, and among them TGF-β1 was the only significantly and positively associated with HCC aggressiveness. PD-1 and PD-L1 were strongly co-expressed especially at the boundary between tumoral and non-tumoral cirrhotic tissue but only in the most aggressive type. In slow-growing HCCs, PD-1/PD-L1 were only faintly expressed.
Bringing together all these results, the most aggressive and associated with a worst clinical outcome aggressively HCCs were characterized by genes regulating different molecular pathways, including neo-angiogenesis (ANGPT2, DLL4, NETO2, ESM1, NR4A1and, indirectly, CLEC4G and CLEC1B), tumoral spread (MMP1, MMP10, MMP12), tissue remodelling, loss of immune local control (hyperactivated PD-1 and PD-1L). Aberrant PD-L1 expression in cancers facilitates escape from immune attack. PD-1 ligation by PD-L1 down-modulates anti-tumor immune effector functions allowing the development of a subset of hyper-aggressive HCCs. All such different pathways contribute to explain HCC heterogeneity, leading to therapeutic failures, but at the same time, stimulate a better stratification of patients directing the options for personalized therapies.
Citation Format: Rosina Maria Critelli, Fabiola Milosa, Barbara Lei, Luca Marzi, Rosario Condello, Elena Turola, Nicola De Maria, Antonino Maiorana, Gianluigi Giannelli, Erica Villa. Gene analysis maps HCC heterogeneity and orientates personalized therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Developmental Biology and Cancer; Nov 30-Dec 3, 2015; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(4_Suppl):Abstract nr A07.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barbara Lei
- 1University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy,
| | - Luca Marzi
- 1University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy,
| | | | - Elena Turola
- 1University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy,
| | | | | | | | - Erica Villa
- 1University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy,
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15
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Lei B, Cui JH, Xiang ZJ, Shang C, Wang NZ, Ye GJ, Luo XG, Wu T, Sun Z, Chen XH. Evolution of High-Temperature Superconductivity from a Low-T_{c} Phase Tuned by Carrier Concentration in FeSe Thin Flakes. Phys Rev Lett 2016; 116:077002. [PMID: 26943553 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.116.077002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We report the evolution of superconductivity in an FeSe thin flake with systematically regulated carrier concentrations by the liquid-gating technique. With electron doping tuned by the gate voltage, high-temperature superconductivity with an onset at 48 K can be achieved in an FeSe thin flake with T_{c} less than 10 K. This is the first time such high temperature superconductivity in FeSe is achieved without either an epitaxial interface or external pressure, and it definitely proves that the simple electron-doping process is able to induce high-temperature superconductivity with T_{c}^{onset} as high as 48 K in bulk FeSe. Intriguingly, our data also indicate that the superconductivity is suddenly changed from a low-T_{c} phase to a high-T_{c} phase with a Lifshitz transition at a certain carrier concentration. These results help to build a unified picture to understand the high-temperature superconductivity among all FeSe-derived superconductors and shed light on the further pursuit of a higher T_{c} in these materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - J H Cui
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Z J Xiang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - C Shang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - N Z Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - G J Ye
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - X G Luo
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - T Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Z Sun
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - X H Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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16
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Xiang ZJ, Zhao D, Jin Z, Shang C, Ma LK, Ye GJ, Lei B, Wu T, Xia ZC, Chen XH. Angular-Dependent Phase Factor of Shubnikov-de Haas Oscillations in the Dirac Semimetal Cd_{3}As_{2}. Phys Rev Lett 2015; 115:226401. [PMID: 26650311 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.226401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We measure the magnetotransport properties of the three-dimensional Dirac semimetal Cd_{3}As_{2} single crystal under magnetic fields up to 36 T. Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations are clearly resolved and the n=1 Landau level is reached. A detailed analysis on the intercept of the Landau index plot reveals a significant dependence of the SdH phase factor on the orientation of the applied magnetic field. When the magnetic field is applied in the [001] direction, i.e., along the fourfold screw axis of the tetragonal crystal structure, a nontrivial π Berry phase, as predicted for the Dirac fermions, is observed. However, in a magnetic field tilted away from the [001] direction, the π Berry phase is evidently reduced, and a considerable enhancement of the effective mass is also revealed. Our observations demonstrate that the Dirac dispersion in Cd_{3}As_{2} is effectively modified in a tilted magnetic field, whereas the preserved π Berry phase in a magnetic field along the [001] direction can be related to the realization of the Weyl fermions. The sudden change of the SdH phase also indicates a possible topological phase transition induced by the symmetry-breaking effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z J Xiang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - D Zhao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Z Jin
- Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - C Shang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - L K Ma
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - G J Ye
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - B Lei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - T Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Z C Xia
- Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - X H Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale and Department of Physics, and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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17
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Lei B, Xing R, Zhou X, Lv D, Wan B, Shu F, Zhong L, Wu H, Mao X. Neutral alpha-1,4-glucosidase and fructose levels contribute to discriminating obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia in Chinese men with azoospermia. Andrologia 2015; 48:670-5. [PMID: 26610429 DOI: 10.1111/and.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B. Lei
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
- Department of Urology; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen Guangdong Province China
| | - R. Xing
- Department of Urology; Weihai Hospital; Qingdao University; Qingdao Shandong Province China
| | - X. Zhou
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
| | - D. Lv
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
| | - B. Wan
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
| | - F. Shu
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
| | - L. Zhong
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
| | - H. Wu
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
| | - X. Mao
- Department of Urology; Nanfang Hospital; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province China
- Department of Urology; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen Guangdong Province China
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18
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Yang H, Zheng S, Mao Y, Chen Z, Zheng C, Li H, Sumners C, Li Q, Yang P, Lei B. Modulating of ocular inflammation with macrophage migration inhibitory factor is associated with notch signalling in experimental autoimmune uveitis. Clin Exp Immunol 2015; 183:280-93. [PMID: 26400205 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) could exaggerate inflammatory response in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and to explore the underlying mechanism. Mutant serotype 8 adeno-associated virus (AAV8) (Y733F)-chicken β-actin (CBA)-MIF or AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) vector was delivered subretinally into B10.RIII mice, respectively. Three weeks after vector delivery, EAU was induced with a subcutaneous injection of a mixture of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) peptide with CFA. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Retinal function was evaluated with electroretinography (ERG). We found that the expression of MIF and its two receptors CD74 and CD44 was increased in the EAU mouse retina. Compared to AAV8.CBA.eGFP-injected and untreated EAU mice, the level of proinflammatory cytokines, the expression of Notch1, Notch4, delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), Notch receptor intracellular domain (NICD) and hairy enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1) increased, but the ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes decreased in AAV8.CBA.MIF-injected EAU mice. The Notch inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) reduced the expression of NICD, Hes-1 and proinflammatory cytokines. Further, a MIF antagonist ISO-1 attenuated intraocular inflammation, and inhibited the differentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 in EAU mice. We demonstrated that over-expression of MIF exaggerated ocular inflammation, which was associated with the activation of the Notch signalling. The expression of both MIF and its receptors are elevated in EAU mice. Over-expression of MIF exaggerates ocular inflammation, and this exaggerated inflammation is associated with the activation of the Notch signalling and Notch pathway. Our data suggest that the MIF-Notch axis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of EAU. Both the MIF signalling pathways may be promising targets for developing novel therapeutic interventions for uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - S Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Y Mao
- School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Z Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - C Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - H Li
- School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - C Sumners
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics and McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Q Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - P Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - B Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
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Xiang ZJ, Ye GJ, Shang C, Lei B, Wang NZ, Yang KS, Liu DY, Meng FB, Luo XG, Zou LJ, Sun Z, Zhang Y, Chen XH. Pressure-Induced Electronic Transition in Black Phosphorus. Phys Rev Lett 2015; 115:186403. [PMID: 26565480 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.186403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In a semimetal, both electrons and holes contribute to the density of states at the Fermi level. The small band overlaps and multiband effects engender novel electronic properties. We show that a moderate hydrostatic pressure effectively suppresses the band gap in the elemental semiconductor black phosphorus. An electronic topological transition takes place at approximately 1.2 GPa, above which black phosphorus evolves into a semimetal state that is characterized by a colossal positive magnetoresistance and a nonlinear field dependence of Hall resistivity. The Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations detected in magnetic field reveal the complex Fermi surface topology of the semimetallic phase. In particular, we find a nontrivial Berry phase in one Fermi surface that emerges in the semimetal state, as evidence of a Dirac-like dispersion. The observed semimetallic behavior greatly enriches the material property of black phosphorus and sets the stage for the exploration of novel electronic states in this material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z J Xiang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - G J Ye
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - C Shang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - B Lei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - N Z Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - K S Yang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - D Y Liu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - F B Meng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - X G Luo
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - L J Zou
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Z Sun
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Y Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - X H Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and Key Laboratory of Strongly-coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Zhang H, Zheng M, Lei B, Xiao Y, Dong H, Liu Y, Liu X, Deng J, Deng J, Huang Z. Preparation and Long-Lasting Phosphorescence Properties of BaAlSi5N7O2:Eu2+. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1149/2.003306ssl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Villa E, Cammà C, Marietta M, Luongo M, Critelli R, Colopi S, Tata C, Zecchini R, Gitto S, Petta S, Lei B, Bernabucci V, Vukotic R, De Maria N, Schepis F, Karampatou A, Caporali C, Simoni L, Del Buono M, Zambotto B, Turola E, Fornaciari G, Schianchi S, Ferrari A, Valla D. Enoxaparin prevents portal vein thrombosis and liver decompensation in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Gastroenterology 2012; 143:1253-1260.e4. [PMID: 22819864 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 466] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, in preventing portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with advanced cirrhosis. METHODS In a nonblinded, single-center study, 70 outpatients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh classes B7-C10) with demonstrated patent portal veins and without hepatocellular carcinoma were assigned randomly to groups that were given enoxaparin (4000 IU/day, subcutaneously for 48 weeks; n = 34) or no treatment (controls, n = 36). Ultrasonography (every 3 months) and computed tomography (every 6 months) were performed to check the portal vein axis. The primary outcome was prevention of PVT. Radiologists and hepatologists that assessed outcomes were blinded to group assignments. Analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS At 48 weeks, none of the patients in the enoxaparin group had developed PVT, compared with 6 of 36 (16.6%) controls (P = .025). At 96 weeks, no patient developed PVT in the enoxaparin group, compared with 10 of 36 (27.7%) controls (P = .001). At the end of the follow-up period, 8.8% of patients in the enoxaparin group and 27.7% of controls developed PVT (P = .048). The actuarial probability of PVT was lower in the enoxaparin group (P = .006). Liver decompensation was less frequent among patients given enoxaparin (11.7%) than controls (59.4%) (P < .0001); overall values were 38.2% vs 83.0%, respectively (P < .0001). The actuarial probability of liver decompensation was lower in the enoxaparin group (P < .0001). Eight patients in the enoxaparin group and 13 controls died. The actuarial probability of survival was higher in the enoxaparin group (P = .020). No relevant side effects or hemorrhagic events were reported. CONCLUSIONS In a small randomized controlled trial, a 12-month course of enoxaparin was safe and effective in preventing PVT in patients with cirrhosis and a Child-Pugh score of 7-10. Enoxaparin appeared to delay the occurrence of hepatic decompensation and to improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Villa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Calogero Cammà
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Marietta
- Department of Haematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Luongo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Rosina Critelli
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Colopi
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Tata
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Ramona Zecchini
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gitto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petta
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Veronica Bernabucci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ranka Vukotic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Maria
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Aimilia Karampatou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristian Caporali
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Luisa Simoni
- Haematology Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Del Buono
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Zambotto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Turola
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Ferrari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Dominique Valla
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, Clichy, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France; INSERM U773-CRB3, Paris, France
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Villa E, Cammà C, Di Leo A, Karampatou A, Enea M, Gitto S, Bernabucci V, Losi L, De Maria N, Lei B, Ferrari A, Vukotic R, Vignoli P, Rendina M, Francavilla A. Peginterferon-Α_2B plus ribavirin is more effective than peginterferon-Α_2A plus ribavirin in menopausal women with chronic hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:640-9. [PMID: 22863268 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2012.01593.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Under-enrolment of women to randomized clinical trials, including chronic hepatitis C, has long been recognized. The aim of this study was to identify factors predictive of sustained virological response (SVR) to PEG IFN/Ribavirin antiviral therapy in relation to gender and reproductive status of female patients involved. Seven hundred and forty-six treatment-naïve patients (431 men, 315 women) treated with Peg-IFNα-2a (180 μg/week) or Peg-IFNα-2b (1.5 μg/kg/week) plus ribavirin (800-1400 mg/day) for 24 or 48 weeks were studied between 2006 and 2010. Differences in SVR rate, overall and by gender were assessed after adjustment and propensity score matching. SVR was obtained in 44.2% of Peg-IFNα-2a-treated patients and in 51.2% of Peg-IFNα-2b-treated patients (intention-to-treat; P = 0.139). Age, fibrosis stage and genotype 2 and 3 were independently associated with SVR by multivariate analysis. Analysing by gender, the difference in SVR between PEG-IFNα types was not significant in men but highly significant in women (Peg-IFNα-2a:39.1%vs Peg-IFNα-2b:54.4%, P = 0.007). This was attributable to a higher SVR rate with Peg-IFNα-2b in the difficult postmenopausal population (26.9% Peg-IFNα-2a vs 46.0% Peg-IFNα-2b, P = 0.040). In women, absence of menopause, genotype 2 hepatitis C virus infection and use of Peg-IFNα-2b were independently associated with SVR. In conclusion, predictive factors for SVR are different in men and women. Factors differing between genders are menopause, severe steatosis and peg-interferon used. The higher SVR rate with Peg-IFNα-2b in menopausal women is likely attributable to more favourable pharmacokinetics that allows Peg-IFNα-2b to reach visceral fat and oppose the increased cytokine production and enhanced inflammatory status in menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Villa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria & University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Popp SS, Lei B, Kelemen E, Fenton AA, Cottrell JE, Kass IS. Intravenous antiarrhythmic doses of lidocaine increase the survival rate of CA1 neurons and improve cognitive outcome after transient global cerebral ischemia in rats. Neuroscience 2011; 192:537-49. [PMID: 21777661 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.06.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain ischemia is often a consequence of cardiac or neurologic surgery. Prophylactic pharmacological neuroprotection would be beneficial for patients undergoing surgery to reduce brain damage due to ischemia. We examined the effects of two antiarrhythmic doses of lidocaine (2 or 4 mg/kg) on rats in a model of transient global cerebral ischemia. The occlusion of both common carotid arteries combined with hypotension for 10 min induced neuronal loss in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (18±12 vs. 31±4 neurons/200 μm linear distance of the cell body layer, X±SD; P<0.01). Lidocaine (4 mg/kg) 30 min before, during and 60 min after ischemia increased dorsal hippocampal CA1 neuronal survival 4 weeks after global cerebral ischemia (30±9 vs. 18±12 neurons/200 μm; P<0.01). There was no significant cell loss after 10 min of ischemia in the CA3 region, the dentate region or the amygdalae; these regions were less sensitive than the CA1 region to ischemic damage. Lidocaine not only increased hippocampal CA1 neuronal survival, but also preserved cognitive function associated with the CA1 region. Using an active place avoidance task, there were fewer entrances into an avoidance zone, defined by relevant distal room-bound cues, in the lidocaine groups. The untreated ischemic group had an average, over the nine sessions, of 21±12 (X±SD) entrances into the avoidance zone per session; the 4 mg/kg lidocaine group had 7±8 entrances (P<0.05 vs. untreated ischemic) and the non-ischemic control group 7±5 entrances (P<0.01 vs. untreated ischemic). Thus, a clinical antiarrhythmic dose of lidocaine increased the number of surviving CA1 pyramidal neurons and preserved cognitive function; this indicates that lidocaine is a good candidate for clinical brain protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Popp
- Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Villa E, Karampatou A, Cammà C, Di Leo A, Luongo M, Ferrari A, Petta S, Losi L, Taliani G, Trande P, Lei B, Graziosi A, Bernabucci V, Critelli R, Pazienza P, Rendina M, Antonelli A, Francavilla A. Early menopause is associated with lack of response to antiviral therapy in women with chronic hepatitis C. Gastroenterology 2011; 140:818-29. [PMID: 21167831 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and liver fibrosis progress more rapidly in men and menopausal women than in women of reproductive age. We investigated the associations among menopause, sustained virologic response (SVR), and liver damage in patients with CHC. METHODS We performed a prospective study of 1000 consecutive, treatment-naïve patients 18 years of age and older with compensated liver disease from CHC. Liver biopsy samples were analyzed (for fibrosis, inflammation, and steatosis) before patients received standard antiviral therapy. From women (n = 442), we collected data on the presence, type, and timing of menopause; associated hormone and metabolic features; serum levels of interleukin-6; and hepatic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. RESULTS Postmenopausal women achieved SVRs less frequently than women of reproductive age (46.0% vs 67.5%; P < .0001) but as frequently as men (51.1%; P = .283). By multivariate regression analysis, independent significant predictors for women to not achieve an SVR were early menopause (odds ratio [OR], 8.055; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.834-25.350), levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (OR, 2.165; 95% CI, 1.364-3.436), infection with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 4 (OR, 3.861; 95% CI, 2.433-6.134), and cholesterol levels (OR, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.971-0.998). Early menopause was the only independent factor that predicted lack of an SVR among women with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection (OR, 3.933; 95% CI, 1.274-12.142). Baseline levels of liver inflammation, fibrosis, steatosis, serum interleukin-6 (P = .04), and hepatic TNF-α (P = .007) were significantly higher among postmenopausal women than women of reproductive age. CONCLUSIONS Among women with CHC, early menopause was associated with a low likelihood of SVR, probably because of inflammatory factors that change at menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Villa
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Pang J, Boye SE, Lei B, Boye SL, Everhart D, Ryals R, Umino Y, Rohrer B, Alexander J, Li J, Dai X, Li Q, Chang B, Barlow R, Hauswirth WW. Self-complementary AAV-mediated gene therapy restores cone function and prevents cone degeneration in two models of Rpe65 deficiency. Gene Ther 2010; 17:815-26. [PMID: 20237510 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To test whether fast-acting, self-complimentary (sc), adeno-associated virus-mediated RPE65 expression prevents cone degeneration and/or restores cone function, we studied two mouse lines: the Rpe65-deficient rd12 mouse and the Rpe65-deficient, rhodopsin null ('that is, cone function-only') Rpe65(-/-)::Rho(-/-) mouse. scAAV5 expressing RPE65 was injected subretinally into one eye of rd12 and Rpe65(-/-)::Rho(-/-) mice at postnatal day 14 (P14). Contralateral rd12 eyes were injected later, at P35. Rd12 behavioral testing revealed that rod vision loss was prevented with either P14 or P35 treatment, whereas cone vision was only detected after P14 treatment. Consistent with this observation, P35 treatment only restored rod electroretinogram (ERG) signals, a result likely due to reduced cone densities at this time point. For Rpe65(-/-)::Rho(-/-) mice in which there is no confounding rod contribution to the ERG signal, cone cells and cone-mediated ERGs were also maintained with treatment at P14. This work establishes that a self-complimentary AAV5 vector can restore substantial visual function in two genetically distinct models of Rpe65 deficiency within 4 days of treatment. In addition, this therapy prevents cone degeneration but only if administered before extensive cone degeneration, thus supporting continuation of current Leber's congenital amaurosis-2 clinical trials with an added emphasis on cone subtype analysis and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Villa E, Lei B, Taliani G, Graziosi A, Critelli R, Luongo M, Gennari W, Bianchini M, Ferretti I. Pretreatment with pegylated interferon prevents emergence of lamivudine mutants in lamivudine-naive patients: a pilot study. Antivir Ther 2010; 14:1081-7. [PMID: 20032538 DOI: 10.3851/imp1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with advanced fibrosis, primary end points of long-term or possibly indefinite antiviral therapy are sustained inhibition of viral replication and avoidance of emergence of resistance. In lamivudine-treated patients, the strongest predictor of emergence of YMDD mutations is baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA viral load. We aimed to verify whether abatement of viraemia by a short course of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN-alpha2a) treatment before lamivudine treatment could prevent the emergence of lamivudine-associated mutations during long-term therapy. METHODS A total of 14 patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative infection (3 lamivudine-experienced and 11 lamivudine-naive), with moderate/high viraemia (>10(6) copies/ml) and with Ishak stage 4-6 at liver biopsy were sequentially treated with 180 microg PEG-IFN-alpha2a for a period long enough to reach HBV DNA levels < or =10(3) copies/ml or have a decrease of 3 log(10) copies/ml from baseline. Lamivudine was then added to PEG-IFN-alpha2a treatment for 1 month and finally continued as monotherapy for 2 years or until viral breakthrough. RESULTS Baseline HBV DNA (mean +/-se 2.3 x 10(7) +/-7.2 x 10(7) copies/ml) decreased with PEG-IFN-alpha2a treatment to target value in mean +/-se 3.7 +/-1.3 months. None of the 11 lamivudine-naive patients developed genotypic resistance and were still HBV-DNA-negative after a mean +/-se observation period of 23 +/-2 months, whereas the three lamivudine-experienced patients developed YMDD mutations after 6, 9 and 12 months of lamivudine monotherapy (P=0.003, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS In lamivudine-naive patients, abatement of HBV DNA<10(3) copies/ml by pretreatment with PEG-IFN-alpha2a completely prevents the emergence of YMDD mutants after 24 months of lamivudine monotherapy. This sequential schedule can optimize the use of a well tolerated, effective and inexpensive drug, such as lamivudine, in highly viraemic HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Wang J, Lei B, Popp S, Meng F, Cottrell JE, Kass IS. Sevoflurane immediate preconditioning alters hypoxic membrane potential changes in rat hippocampal slices and improves recovery of CA1 pyramidal cells after hypoxia and global cerebral ischemia. Neuroscience 2007; 145:1097-107. [PMID: 17291693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Revised: 12/15/2006] [Accepted: 12/15/2006] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pretreatment with anesthetics before but not during hypoxia or ischemia can improve neuronal recovery after the insult. Sevoflurane, a volatile anesthetic agent, improved neuronal recovery subsequent to 10 min of global cerebral ischemia when it was present for 1 h before the ischemia. The mean number of intact hippocampal cornus ammonis 1 (CA1) pyramidal neurons in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia without any pretreatment was 17+/-5 (neurons/mm+/-S.D.) 6 weeks after the ischemia; naïve, non-ischemic rats had 177+/-5 neurons/mm. Rats pretreated with either 2% or 4% sevoflurane had 112+/-57 or 150+/-15 CA1 pyramidal neurons/mm respectively (P<0.01) 6 weeks after global cerebral ischemia. In order to examine the mechanisms of protection we used hypoxia to generate energy deprivation. Intracellular recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices; the recovery of resting and action potentials after hypoxia was used as an indicator of neuronal survival. Pretreatment with 4% sevoflurane for 15 min improved neuronal recovery 1 h after the hypoxia; 90% of the sevoflurane-pretreated neurons recovered while none (0%) of the untreated neurons recovered. Pretreatment with sevoflurane enhanced the hypoxic hyperpolarization(-6.4+/-0.6 vs. -3.3+/-0.3 mV) and reduced the final level of the hypoxic depolarization (-39+/-6 vs. -0.3+/-2 mV) during hypoxia. Chelerythrine (5 muM), a protein kinase C/protein kinase M inhibitor, blocked both the improved recovery (10%) and the electrophysiological changes with 4% sevoflurane preconditioning. Two percent sevoflurane for 15 min before hypoxia did not improve recovery (0% recovery both groups) and did not enhance the hypoxic hyperpolarization or reduce the final depolarization during hypoxia. However if 2% sevoflurane was present for 1 h before the hypoxia then there was significantly improved recovery, enhanced hypoxic hyperpolarization, and reduced final depolarization. Thus we conclude that sevoflurane preconditioning improves recovery in both in vivo and in vitro models of energy deprivation and that preconditioning enhances the hypoxic hyperpolarization and reduces the hypoxic depolarization. Anesthetic preconditioning may protect neurons from ischemia by altering the electrophysiological changes a neuron undergoes during energy deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Box 6, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Gehlbach P, Hose S, Lei B, Zhang C, Cano M, Arora M, Neal R, Barnstable C, Goldberg MF, Zigler JS, Sinha D. Developmental abnormalities in the Nuc1 rat retina: a spontaneous mutation that affects neuronal and vascular remodeling and retinal function. Neuroscience 2005; 137:447-61. [PMID: 16289888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.08.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2005] [Revised: 08/17/2005] [Accepted: 08/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The retina serves as an excellent model in which to study vertebrate CNS development. We have discovered a spontaneous mutation in the Sprague-Dawley rat that results in a novel and unusual ocular phenotype, including retinal abnormalities, that we have named Nuc1. We have previously shown that the Nuc1 mutation appears to suppress programmed cell death in the developing retina. Here we report that maturation of both the retinal neurons and the retinal vessels is abnormal in Nuc1 homozygous rats. The developmental changes in the retinal neurons and vasculature are correlated with regard to degree of abnormality. As Nuc1 homozygotes mature, focal retinal detachment begins at approximately 3 months after birth, and near total traction retinal detachment, associated with pre-retinal fibrosis and neovascularization, is evident by 18 months. Electroretinographic studies at 2.5 months of age indicate that functional retinal degeneration precedes retinal detachment. The functional abnormality is most evident in rods and the inner retina, and is present in homozygous but not heterozygous mutants. Immunocytochemical studies of rod and cone photoreceptors indicate abnormalities in rod, but not cone, photoreceptors in Nuc1 homozygotes, consistent with the electroretinographic findings. In Nuc1 animals, the Muller cells are activated. Although such activation may result from inflammation, Muller cells in Nuc1 may be reacting to a neuronal influence. It appears that the Nuc1 mutation plays a regulatory role in both developing and maturing ocular tissues. The Nuc1 mutation may also serve as an important genetic tool to explore the relationships that may exist among gliosis, normal neuronal development, and normal vascular development and how abnormalities in these associations lead to common retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gehlbach
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Bluestone AY, Stewart M, Lei B, Kass IS, Lasker J, Abdoulaev GS, Hielscher AH. Three-dimensional optical tomographic brain imaging in small animals, part 2: unilateral carotid occlusion. J Biomed Opt 2004; 9:1063-1073. [PMID: 15447027 DOI: 10.1117/1.1784472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This is the second part of a two-part study that explores the feasibility of 3-D, volumetric brain imaging in small animals by optical tomographic techniques. In part 1, we demonstrated the ability to visualize global hemodynamic changes in the rat head in response to elevated levels of CO(2) using a continuous-wave instrument and model-based iterative image reconstruction (MOBIIR) algorithm. Now we focus on lateralized, monohemispherically localized hemodynamic effects generated by unilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. This illustrates the capability of our optical tomographic system to localize and distinguish hemodynamic responses in different parts of the brain. Unilateral carotid occlusions are performed in ten rodents under two experimental conditions. In the first set of experiments the normal systemic blood pressure is lowered to 50 mmHg, and on unilateral carotid occlusion, we observe an ipsilateral monohemispheric global decrease in blood volume and oxygenation. This finding is consistent with the known physiologic response to cerebral ischemia. In a second set of experiments designed to observe the spatial-temporal dynamics of CCA occlusion at normotensive blood pressure, more complex phenomena are observed. We find three different types of responses, which can be categorized as compensation, overcompensation, and noncompensation.
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MESH Headings
- Algorithms
- Animals
- Brain/blood supply
- Brain/physiopathology
- Brain Mapping/instrumentation
- Brain Mapping/methods
- Carotid Stenosis/diagnosis
- Carotid Stenosis/physiopathology
- Cerebrovascular Circulation
- Feasibility Studies
- Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation
- Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional/instrumentation
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods
- Male
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Rats, Wistar
- Spectrophotometry, Infrared/instrumentation
- Spectrophotometry, Infrared/methods
- Tomography, Optical/instrumentation
- Tomography, Optical/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- A Y Bluestone
- Columbia University, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology, New York, New York 10027, USA
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30
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Lei B, Popp S, Capuano-Waters C, Cottrell JE, Kass IS. Lidocaine attenuates apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra and reduces infarct size after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Neuroscience 2004; 125:691-701. [PMID: 15099683 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic agent. Although clinical and experimental studies have shown that an antiarrhythmic dose of lidocaine can protect the brain from ischemic damage, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In the present study, we examined whether lidocaine inhibits neuronal apoptosis in the penumbra in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. Male Wistar rats underwent a 90-min temporary occlusion of middle cerebral artery. Lidocaine was given as an i.v. bolus (1.5 mg/kg) followed by an i.v. infusion (2 mg/kg/h) for 180 min, starting 30 min before ischemia. Rats were killed and brain samples were collected at 4 and 24 h after ischemia. Apoptotic changes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) for DNA fragmentation. Cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation were detected at 4 and 24 h after ischemia and DNA fragmentation was detected at 24 h. Double-labeling with NeuN, a neuronal marker, demonstrated that cytochrome c, caspase-3, and TUNEL were confined to neurons. Lidocaine reduced cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation in the penumbra at 4 h and diminished DNA fragmentation in the penumbra at 24 h. Lidocaine treatment improved early electrophysiological recovery and reduced the size of the cortical infarct at 24 h, but had no significant effect on cerebral blood flow in either the penumbra or core during ischemia. These findings suggest that lidocaine attenuates apoptosis in the penumbra after transient focal cerebral ischemia. The infarct-reducing effects of lidocaine may be due, in part, to the inhibition of apoptotic cell death in the penumbra.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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31
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Abstract
Single-crystalline indium oxide nanowires were synthesized using a laser ablation method and characterized using various techniques. Precise control over the nanowire diameter down to 10 nm was achieved by using monodisperse gold clusters as the catalytic nanoparticles. In addition, field effect transistors with on/off ratios as high as 10(4) were fabricated based on these nanowires. Detailed electronic measurements confirmed that our nanowires were n-type semiconductors with thermal emission as the dominating transport mechanism, as revealed by temperature-dependent measurements. Furthermore, we studied the chemical sensing properties of our In(2)O(3) nanowire transistors at room temperature. Upon exposure to a small amount of NO(2) or NH(3), the nanowire transistors showed a decrease in conductance of up to five or six orders of magnitude, in addition to substantial shifts in the threshold gate voltage. Our devices exhibit significantly improved chemical sensing performance compared to existing solid-state sensors in many aspects, such as the sensitivity, the selectivity, the response time and the lowest detectable concentrations. We have also demonstrated the use of UV light as a "gas cleanser" for In(2)O(3) nanowire chemical sensors, leading to a recovery time as short as 80 seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering-Electrophysics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
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32
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Abstract
Phytoestrogens are plant substances that are similar to 17-beta-estradiol and produce estrogenic effects. A protective role in the development of breast and prostate cancer has been hypothesized. Estrogen receptors and their variant forms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); therefore weak estrogenic substances in the diet may play a role in its development. To investigate the role of phytoestrogens in HCC an investigation of dietary intake of these substances has been performed. Cases, patients at first diagnosis of cirrhosis or HCC were chosen. Questionnaire was built up using indications from previously published papers, extending the registration of details of the diet to reconstruct intake of nutrients for the last year. Interviews were always performed by the same dietician. Quantities determined with the help of photos of servings. Data were analyzed with Winfood database completed with data regarding content in phytoestrogens of food, beverages and seasonings. So far 92 cirrhotic patients and 32 HCCs have been interviewed. No significant difference was registered among the two groups regarding total caloric intake or single nutrients (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins). A significant lower intake of genistein was evidenced in patients at first diagnosis of HCC in comparison with cirrhotics; no significant difference was found in daidzein intake. Lignans intake was strictly related with wine intake; intake was significantly lower in cases only when wine was taken into account otherwise it was similar. Results can be summarized as follows: (1) there are no clear-cut differences (both qualitative or quantitative) between cirrhotics and HCC patients in the overall daily caloric intake while; (2) definite differences exist in the intake of some of the phytoestrogens (genistein, SEC, MAT); (3) differences between cases and controls in SEC and MAT are mainly attributable to lower alcohol intake in cases while; (4) significantly lower genistein intake in HCC only seems due to personal preferences of patients. In conclusion, these differences that we have evidenced in the diet in regard to estrogen-like substances may be relevant in modulating the risk of developing HCC in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy
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Abstract
The isolated Photobacterium phosphoreum luciferase is associated with a bound flavin designated P-flavin and tentatively identified as 6-(3"-myristic acid)-FMN. Since FMN and myristic acid are products of the normal luciferase reaction, we explored the possibility that P-flavin can also be bound by luciferase from other luminous bacteria and serve as an active site probe. P-flavin has never been detected in Vibrio harveyi cells. We found that the V. harveyi luciferase binds P. phosphoreum P-flavin, at a ratio of 1 P-flavin per luciferase alphabeta dimer, and with concomitant absorption spectral perturbation of P-flavin, fluorescence quenching of P-flavin and luciferase, and activity inhibition of luciferase. Isolated P-flavin can be fully reduced photochemically. V. harveyi luciferase bound the oxidized P-flavin with a K(d) (or K(i) competitively against decanal) of 0.1-0.16 microM, which is three orders of magnitude lower than the K(d) for FMN binding but similar to that of reduced FMN binding. The reduced P-flavin exhibited a K(i) (competitively against the reduced FMN substrate) of 0.16 microM, also similar to the K(d) for reduced FMN. Hence, the covalent attachment of myristic acid to FMN greatly and preferentially enhanced the binding of oxidized P-flavin. The dissociation of P-flavin was slow in comparison with the binding of reduced FMN and decanal substrates. Modification of the alphaCys106 near the active site by N-ethylmaleimide can be retarded by P-flavin. These findings indicate that P-flavin is potentially a superb active site probe for luciferase. We hypothesize that P-flavin is a by-product of luciferase generated by a side reaction which is trivial with the V. harveyi luciferase but significant in the P. phosphoreum luciferase-catalyzed reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Wei
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5001, USA
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34
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Zhong L, Feng P, Fan X, Lü X, Lei B. [The preparation of norA gene probe in Staphylococcus aureus]. Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2001; 32:541-2, 584. [PMID: 12528543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prepare norA gene probe for studies on the mechanism of resistance to fluoroquinolones mediated by norA gene in S. aureus. METHODS The Dig-labeled norA gene probe was made by PCR. RESULTS This method is simple and feasible. We have got a lot of probes in a short time. The sensitivity of norA gene probe is high; the probe is secure, easy to use and can be stored for a long time. CONCLUSION The probe is applicable to further studies on the mechanism of resistance to fluoroquinolones mediated by norA in S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, WCUMS, Chengdu 610041, China
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35
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Lei B, DeLeo FR, Hoe NP, Graham MR, Mackie SM, Cole RL, Liu M, Hill HR, Low DE, Federle MJ, Scott JR, Musser JM. Evasion of human innate and acquired immunity by a bacterial homolog of CD11b that inhibits opsonophagocytosis. Nat Med 2001; 7:1298-305. [PMID: 11726969 DOI: 10.1038/nm1201-1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbial pathogens must evade the human immune system to survive, disseminate and cause disease. By proteome analysis of the bacterium Group A Streptococcus (GAS), we identified a secreted protein with homology to the alpha-subunit of Mac-1, a leukocyte beta2 integrin required for innate immunity to invading microbes. The GAS Mac-1-like protein (Mac) was secreted by most pathogenic strains, produced in log-phase and controlled by the covR-covS two-component gene regulatory system, which also regulates transcription of other GAS virulence factors. Patients with GAS infection had titers of antibody specific to Mac that correlated with the course of disease, demonstrating that Mac was produced in vivo. Mac bound to CD16 (FcgammaRIIIB) on the surface of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and inhibited opsonophagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species, which resulted in significantly decreased pathogen killing. Thus, by mimicking a host-cell receptor required for an innate immune response, the GAS Mac protein inhibits professional phagocyte function by a novel strategy that enhances pathogen survival, establishment of infection and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lei
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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36
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Adachi N, Lei B, Deshpande G, Seyfried FJ, Shimizu I, Nagaro T, Arai T. Uraemia suppresses central dopaminergic metabolism and impairs motor activity in rats. Intensive Care Med 2001; 27:1655-60. [PMID: 11685308 DOI: 10.1007/s001340101067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2001] [Accepted: 07/17/2001] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uraemia often provokes various neurological disorders, such as mental changes, malperception, confusion, seizures and coma. Since changes in neurotransmissions induce neurological symptoms, we investigated changes in the monoamine metabolism and motor activity in uraemic rats. DESIGN Prospective, randomised, controlled animal study. SUBJECTS Male Wistar rats. INTERVENTIONS Acute renal failure was induced by occlusion of bilateral renal arteries for 60 min, and the motor activity and brain monoamine turnover were examined 48 h later. The brain monoamine turnover was evaluated by the depletion of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) induced by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MT), or the accumulation of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) induced by probenecid. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Marked damage in renal function was found in animals subjected to renal ischaemia 48 h after the operation. The motor activity of the uraemic rats was impaired. The turnover of DA in the striatum, mesencephalon and hypothalamus was decreased in these rats. The turnover of NE and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was unchanged in all regions examined. CONCLUSIONS Suppression of the central DA turnover appears to be involved in the impairment of motor activity in uraemic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Adachi
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Resuscitology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Shigenobu-cho, Onsen-gun, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
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37
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Abstract
BACKGROUND A low concentration of lidocaine (10 microM) has been shown to reduce anoxic damage in vitro. The current study examined the effect of low-dose lidocaine on infarct size in rats when administered before transient focal cerebral isehemia. METHODS Male Wistar rats (weight, 280-340 g) were anesthetized with isoflurane, intubated, and mechanically ventilated. After surgical preparation, animals were assigned to lidocaine 2-day (n = 10), vehicle 2-day (n 12), lidocaine 7-day (n = 13), and vehicle 7-day (n = 14) groups. A 1.5-mg/kg bolus dose of ildocaine was injected intravenously 30 mm before isehemia in the lidocaine 2-day and 7-day groups. Thereafter, an infusion was initiated at a rate of 2 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) until 60 min of reperfusion after isehemia. Rats were subjected to 90 min of focal cerebral isehemia using the intraluminal suture method. Infarct size was determined by image analysis of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-stained sections at 48 h or hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections 7 days after reperfusion. Neurologic outcome and body weight loss were also evaluated. RESULTS The infarct size was significantly smaller in the lidocaine 2-day group (185.0+/-43.7 mm3) than in the vehicle 2-day group (261.3+/-45.8 mm3, P < 0.01). The reduction in the size of the infarct in the lidocaine 7-day group (130.4+/-62.9 mm3) was also significant compared with the vehicle 7-day group (216.6+/-73.6 mm3, P < 0.01). After 7 days of reperfusion, the rats in the lidocaine group demonstrated better neurologic outcomes and less weight loss. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated that a clinical anriarrhythmic dose of lidocaine, when given before and during transient focal cerebral isehemia, significantly reduced infaret size, improved neurologic outcome, and inhibited postisehemic weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, 11203, USA
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38
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Zhao L, Zhou T, Qin S, Liu L, Liu C, Tang H, Lei B. [Cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity induced by genetic immunization with NV-HC/NS]. Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi 2001; 9:203-5. [PMID: 11532235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the immunoprophylactic and immunotherapeutic effects of DNA vaccine (NV-HC/NS(3)) after inoculation of mice by target tumor loading technique. METHODS Before or after inoculation with NV-HC/NS(3) intramuscularly, BALB/c mice in the experimental group were planted with target tumor cells (SP2/0-NS(3)), which were derived from BALB/c mice and stably transfected with the recombinant plasmid NV-HC/NS(3). Tumor growth and survival rate of the mice immunized with NV-HC/NS(3) were compared with those in the control group. RESULTS Tumor mass grew well in all mice in the control group in a few days, while no visible tumor mass growth in 40% mice immunized with NV-HC/NS(3) could be seen. The survival rate and life span of mice in the experimental group were significantly longer than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Specific immune activity could be induced by immunization with NV-HC/NS(3). Such effects are immunoprophylactic and immunotherapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, First University Hospital, West China Medical Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Reid SD, Green NM, Buss JK, Lei B, Musser JM. Multilocus analysis of extracellular putative virulence proteins made by group A Streptococcus: population genetics, human serologic response, and gene transcription. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:7552-7. [PMID: 11416223 PMCID: PMC34706 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.121188598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of pathogenic microbes are composed of an array of evolutionarily distinct chromosomal genotypes characterized by diversity in gene content and sequence (allelic variation). The occurrence of substantial genetic diversity has hindered progress in developing a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of virulence and new therapeutics such as vaccines. To provide new information that bears on these issues, 11 genes encoding extracellular proteins in the human bacterial pathogen group A Streptococcus identified by analysis of four genomes were studied. Eight of the 11 genes encode proteins with a LPXTG(L) motif that covalently links Gram-positive virulence factors to the bacterial cell surface. Sequence analysis of the 11 genes in 37 geographically and phylogenetically diverse group A Streptococcus strains cultured from patients with different infection types found that recent horizontal gene transfer has contributed substantially to chromosomal diversity. Regions of the inferred proteins likely to interact with the host were identified by molecular population genetic analysis, and Western immunoblot analysis with sera from infected patients confirmed that they were antigenic. Real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (TaqMan) assays found that transcription of six of the 11 genes was substantially up-regulated in the stationary phase. In addition, transcription of many genes was influenced by the covR and mga trans-acting gene regulatory loci. Multilocus investigation of putative virulence genes by the integrated approach described herein provides an important strategy to aid microbial pathogenesis research and rapidly identify new targets for therapeutics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Reid
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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40
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Abstract
The norepinephrine (NE)-induced regulation of alpha1-adrenoceptors (ARs) expression in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably expressing cloned alpha1-AR subtypes with similar receptor densities was investigated. In the presence of 10 microM propranolol, the treatment of cells with 10 microM NE for 4-72 h down-regulated alpha1A- and alpha1D-AR. but increased alpha1B-AR expression in a time-dependent manner. The down-regulation of alpha1A-AR reached maximum of 40.3 +/- 14.7 % at 48h. The down-regulation of alpha1D-AR reached maximum of 51.3 +/- 3.7% at 24h. With the stimulation of NE, alpha1B-AR density was increased maximally by 112.4 +/- 43.4% at 48h. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C or R0-31-8220 abolished the NE-induced down-regulation of alpha1A- and alpha1D-AR, but showed no effect on the up-regulation of alpha1B-AR. The PKC agonist PMA not only mimicked the NE-induced down-regulation of alpha1A- and alpha1D-AR, but also induced a down-regulation of alpha1B-AR. The endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) or thapsigargin, or the calcium chelator BAPTA/AM did not affect the down-regulation of alpha1A-AR, but inhibited the up-regulation of alpha1B-AR induced by NE. Calmodulin antagonist W-7. tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein or tyrphostin A25 had no effect on NE-induced up-regulation of alpha1B-AR. The results suggest that three alpha1-AR subtypes are differently regulated by sustained NE stimulation with different signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lei
- Institute of Vascular Medicine, The Third Hospital, Beijing Medical University, PR of China
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Abstract
The a-wave of the human dark-adapted ERG is thought to derive from activity of rod photoreceptors. However, other sources within the retina could potentially perturb this simple equation. We investigated the extent to which the short-latency dark-adapted rod a-wave of the primate ERG is dominated by the rod photoresponse and the applicability of the phototransduction model to fit the rod a-wave. Dark-adapted Ganzfeld ERGs were elicited over a 5-log-unit intensity range using short bright xenon flashes, and the light-adapted cone responses were subtracted to isolate the rod ERG a-wave. Intravitreal 4-phosphono-butyric acid (APB) and cis-2,3-piperidine-dicarboxylic acid (PDA) were applied to isolate the photoreceptor response. The Hood and Birch version of the phototransduction model, Rmax[1 - e(-I x S x (t-t(eff)))2], was fitted to the a-wave data while allowing Rmax and S to vary. Three principle observations were made: (1) At flash intensities > or =0.77 log sc-td-s the leading edge of the normalized rod ERG a-wave tracks the isolated photoreceptor response across the first 20 ms or up to the point of b-wave intrusion. The rod ERG a-wave was essentially identical to the isolated receptor response for all intensities that produce peak responses within 14 ms after the flash. (2) The best fit of sensitivity (S) was not affected by APB and/or PDA, suggesting that the inner retina contributes very little to the dark-adapted a-wave. (3) APB always reduced the maximum dark-adapted a-wave amplitude (by 15-30%), and PDA always increased it (by 7-15%). Using the phototransduction model, both events can be interpreted as a scaling of the photoreceptor dark current. This suggests that activity of postreceptor cells somehow influences the rod dark current, possibly by feedback through horizontal cells (although currently not demonstrated for the rod system), or by altering the ionic concentrations near the photoreceptors, or by neuromodulator effects mediated by dopamine or melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Jamison
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48105, USA
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42
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Guo Q, Tan X, Cai H, Lei B, Xu Q. [Influence of moderate hypothermia on the contents of 6-KETO-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 in brain tissues after cardiac arrest and resuscitation in dogs]. Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2001; 23:369-71. [PMID: 11189396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of moderate hypothermia of whole brain (30 degrees C to 32 degrees C) on the levels of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 in brain tissues after cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Twenty-one dogs were divided into four groups: Group A, nonischemic controls (n = 4); Group B, 15 minute cardiac arrest without reperfusion (n = 4); Group C, 15 minute cardiac arrest and standard resuscitation (n = 6); Group D, 15 minute cardiac arrest and moderate hypothermia (30 degrees C-32 degrees C). The results showed that as compared with those in Group A, the 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha levels remained substantially unchanged in Group C and D (P > 0.05), and the levels of TXB2 and TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1 alpha ratio increased significantly in Group C (P < 0.01), but both maintained basically stable in Group D (P > 0.05). In comparison with those in Group C, the levels of TXB2 and TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1 alpha ratio decreased dramatically (P < 0.01). It is concluded that the moderate hypothermia can depress the arachidonic acid metabolism and keep a certain balance between the activities of TXA2 and PGI2 during cerebral resuscitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Medical University, Changsha 410008
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43
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Liang R, Fan X, Feng P, Lei B, Shu X. [Characterization of cefoperazone resistance gene on plasmid pFC in E. coli HX88108]. Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2001; 32:24-6, 35. [PMID: 12733347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the characterization of cefoperazone resistance gene (CPZr) on plasmid pFC in E. coli HX88108 and inquire into the mechanism of resistance to CPZ at the molecular level. METHODS E. coli HX88108 strain which demonstrated high-level resistance to cefoperazone (MIC, > 512 micrograms/ml) was isolated from a severely infected patient in 1988. Five plasmids coexisting in the strain were designated pFC, pFT1; pFT2, pFT3 and pFX, respectively. Four plasmids except pFX conferred CPZ resistance. Cefoperazone resistance gene (CPZr) has been cloned from plasmid pFC. beta-lactamase assays with Nitrocefin were performed. RESULTS The expression product of CPZr was beta-lactamase. The high level beta-lactamase enzymatic activities against cephaloridine of CPZr transformants which were detected spectrophotometrically at 260 nm wave length demonstrated high level similarities to that of pFC. MICs of 18 antibiotics were determined according to a guideline of NCCLS by broth dilution method. CPZr transformants showed moderate level resistance to ampicillin, cefazolin, cefazolin, cefamandole and CPZ (MIC, 64 micrograms/ml). Meanwhile, susceptibility testing results demonstrated that the level of resistance to CPZ of pFC transformant in this study (MIC, 64 micrograms/ml) was much lower than that in 1988 (MIC, > 512 micrograms/ml) and resistance to nofloxacin and aminoglycosides was not observed. Induction experiment and temperature-sensitive mutation of CPZ resistance were performed. CPZr colonal strains revealed the higher-level of resistance to CPZ (MIC, 512 micrograms/ml) due to antibiotic CPZ induction rather than temperature sensitive mutation. CONCLUSION This observation suggests that resistance to antibiotics encoded by plasmid might have been lower or lost under no antibiotic stress in a certain period, but higher under heavy stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliatied Hospital, WCUMS, Chengdu 610041, China
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Abstract
NADPH diaphorase activity in the rabbit retina is modulated by the state of visual adaptation. In this study, we tested possible glutamatergic control of this phenomenon. Rabbits were injected intravitreally with agonists and antagonists of glutamate. After adaptation (3 hours) to either room light or darkness, the rabbits were killed and the retinae were prepared for NADPH diaphorase histochemistry. Kainic acid significantly reduced the number of NADPH diaphorase amacrine cells but augmented NADPH diaphorase activity in horizontal cells in both light- and dark-adapted animals. 6,7-Dinitroquinoxaline-2,3(1H,4H)-dione exerted no effect on amacrine cells but eliminated NADPH diaphorase activity in horizontal cells. 2-Amino-4-phosphono butyric acid did not affect NADPH diaphorase activity in horizontal cells but reduced the degree of staining in the neuronal processes of amacrine cells. MK-801 and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) had no effect on NADPH diaphorase activity in horizontal cells. However, MK-801 reduced staining in the neuronal processes of amacrine cells but not in their cell bodies. NMDA effects were expressed in a significant reduction in the number and size of amacrine cells that were NADPH diaphorase positive. These results indicate that activation of NADPH diaphorase in horizontal cells by darkness is mediated by the activation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainic acid (KA)-type glutamate receptors. The ON pathway in the retina is probably involved in modulation of NADPH diaphorase in the neuronal processes of amacrine cells. Amacrine cells that are NADPH diaphorase positive contain NMDA-type and AMPA/KA-type receptors and are highly susceptible to NMDA and kainic acid toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zemel
- The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and the Rappaport Institute, Haifa 31096, Israel
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45
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Abstract
Recent significant contributions have been made to the understanding of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pathogenesis. New regulatory pathways have been discovered, insight into the molecular basis of epidemics of serotype M1 disease has been obtained, the crystal structures of four toxins have been reported and a genome sequence of one GAS strain has been determined. Genome-scale approaches to the study of GAS pathogenesis are now rapidly emerging and will advance our fundamental understanding of the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Graham
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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Perlman I, Segev E, Mazawi N, Merhav-Armon T, Lei B, Leibu R. Visual evoked cortical potential can be used to differentiate between uncorrected refractive error and macular disorders. Doc Ophthalmol 2001; 102:41-62. [PMID: 11475365 DOI: 10.1023/a:1017539308389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The visual evoked cortical potential (VECP) is widely used to verify complaints of reduced visual performance and to identify the site of the disorder. In this study, we investigated the correlation between reduced visual acuity and VECP in volunteers with normal corrected visual acuity and in patients suffering from inherited macular degeneration or from age related macular degeneration (ARMD). Flash evoked VECP was not affected by the visual acuity in the cases of refractive error and in ARMD patients but was reduced in amplitude and delayed in implicit time in the patients suffering from inherited macular degeneration. The VECP elicited by pattern reversal checkerboard (PVECP) was not affected by the quality of the visual image in volunteers with uncorrected refractive error when checks of 60' or larger were used but were considerably reduced in size and prolonged in implicit time for checks smaller than 15'. In both groups of patients suffering from macular dysfunction, pattern reversal VECP was very subnormal and was characterized by prolonged implicit time compared to values expected from their visual acuity. These findings indicate that the PVECP does not directly correlate with visual acuity but rather with foveal function. Therefore, we suggest that recordings of PVECP can be used to differentiate between refractive error and macular disorders as causing reduction in visual acuity when other clinical signs are missing or not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Perlman
- The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa
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47
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Abstract
Extracellular proteins made by group A Streptococcus (GAS) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of human infections caused by this bacterium. Although many extracellular GAS proteins have been identified and characterized, there has been no systematic analysis of culture supernatant proteins. Proteins present in the culture supernatant of strains of serotype M1 (MGAS 5005) and M3 (MGAS 315) mutants lacking production of the major extracellular cysteine protease were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified by amino-terminal amino acid sequencing and interrogation of available databases, including a serotype M1 genome sequence. In the aggregate, amino-terminal amino acid sequence data for 66 protein spots were generated, 53 unique sequences were obtained, and 44 distinct proteins were identified. Sixteen of the 44 proteins had apparent secretion signal sequences and 27 proteins did not. Eight of the 16 proteins with apparent secretion signal sequences have not been previously described for GAS. Antibodies against most of the apparently secreted proteins were present in sera from mice infected subcutaneously with MGAS 5005 or MGAS 315. Humans with documented GAS infections (pharyngitis, acute rheumatic fever, and severe invasive disease) also had serum antibodies reacting with many of the apparently secreted proteins, indicating that they were synthesized in the course of GAS-human interaction. The genes encoding four of the eight previously undescribed and apparently secreted culture supernatant proteins were cloned, and the proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Western blot analysis with these recombinant proteins and sera from GAS-infected mice and humans confirmed the immunogenicity of these proteins. Taken together, the data provide new information about the molecular aspects of GAS-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lei
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA
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Tzeng SR, Pai MT, Lung FD, Wu CW, Roller PP, Lei B, Wei CJ, Tu SC, Chen SH, Soong WJ, Cheng JW. Stability and peptide binding specificity of Btk SH2 domain: molecular basis for X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Protein Sci 2000; 9:2377-85. [PMID: 11206059 PMCID: PMC2144513 DOI: 10.1110/ps.9.12.2377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is caused by mutations in the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). The absence of functional Btk leads to failure of B-cell development that incapacitates antibody production in XLA patients leading to recurrent bacterial infections. Btk SH2 domain is essential for phospholipase C-gamma phosphorylation, and mutations in this domain were shown to cause XLA. Recently, the B-cell linker protein (BLNK) was found to interact with the SH2 domain of Btk, and this association is required for the activation of phospholipase C-gamma. However, the molecular basis for the interaction between the Btk SH2 domain and BLNK and the cause of XLA remain unclear. To understand the role of Btk in B-cell development, we have determined the stability and peptide binding affinity of the Btk SH2 domain. Our results indicate that both the structure and stability of Btk SH2 domain closely resemble with other SH2 domains, and it binds with phosphopeptides in the order pYEEI > pYDEP > pYMEM > pYLDL > pYIIP. We expressed the R288Q, R288W, L295P, R307G, R307T, Y334S, Y361C, L369F, and 1370M mutants of the Btk SH2 domain identified from XLA patients and measured their binding affinity with the phosphopeptides. Our studies revealed that mutation of R288 and R307 located in the phosphotyrosine binding site resulted in a more than 200-fold decrease in the peptide binding compared to L295, Y334, Y361, L369, and 1370 mutations in the pY + 3 hydrophobic binding pocket (approximately 3- to 17-folds). Furthermore, mutation of the Tyr residue at the betaD5 position reverses the binding order of Btk SH2 domain to pYIIP > pYLDL > pYDEP > pYMEM > pYEEI. This altered binding behavior of mutant Btk SH2 domain likely leads to XLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Tzeng
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Xu Y, Shen Q, Lei B. [Effect of long-term no-tillage and application of organic manure on some properties of soil fertility in rice/wheat rotation]. Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao 2000; 11:549-52. [PMID: 11767675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
A field experiment from June 1983 to October 1997 was conducted to study the effect of long-term no-tillage and application of manure on soil fertility properties. The results showed that the contents of soil organic C, total N and available N in the treatment of fourteen consecutive year no-tillage were all significantly higher in 0-5 cm soil layer, while, lower in 5-10 and 10-20 cm layers than in conventional tillage. The content of water stable aggregate in 0-20 cm layer was increased in no-tillage in that the soil structure was less destroyed. Based on various soil fertility properties, the contribution order of different fertilization treatments to soil fertility was as follows: pig manure > straw > green manure > chemical fertilizer > no fertilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095
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50
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Adachi N, Lei B, Soutani M, Arai T. Different roles of neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthases on ischemic nitric oxide production in gerbil striatum. Neurosci Lett 2000; 288:151-4. [PMID: 10876083 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(00)01222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The production of nitric oxide (NO) in gerbil striatum during ischemia and reperfusion was monitored by measuring total NO metabolites in dialysates, and the effects of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), a selective inhibitor of neuronal NO synthase, and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-selective inhibitor of NO synthase, were examined. The effects of these agents on ischemic neuronal damage were histologically evaluated 7 days after transient ischemia for 5 or 10 min. 7-NI and L-NAME decreased the NO production to similar extents in non-ischemic gerbils. 7-NI inhibited the increased NO production after 5 min of ischemia, and partly attenuated the increase in NO production after 10 min of ischemia, but had no effect on the increase after 15 min of ischemia. L-NAME completely abolished the increased NO production after different durations of ischemia. The extent of ischemic neuronal damage by 5-min ischemia was aggravated by either 7-NI or L-NAME, while damage by 10-min ischemia was marked in all groups. These results indicate that neuronal and endothelial NO synthases make different contributions to the post-ischemic NO production and the histological outcomes in gerbil striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Adachi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Shigenobu-cho, Onsen-gun, 791-0295, Ehime, Japan
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