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1.
Diagnostic signatures and immune cell infiltration characteristics in anti-GABABR encephalitis.
Qiao, S, Zhang, WY, Xie, YF, Li, HY, Cui, CS, Tao, SX, Xin, T, Liu, QJ
Journal of neuroimmunology. 2024;:578296
Abstract
PURPOSE Anti-gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABABR) encephalitis is an uncommon form of autoimmune encephalitis associated with a poor prognosis and a high fatality rate. We aim to find diagnostic markers for anti- GABABR encephalitis as well as the effects of immune cell infiltration on this pathology. METHODS For quantitative proteomic analysis, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation were used in conjunction with LC-MS/MS analysis. To conduct functional correlation analyses, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Following that, we used bioinformatics analysis to screen for and determine the diagnostic signatures of anti- GABABR encephalitis. ROC curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic values. To assess the inflammatory status of anti- GABABR encephalitis, we used cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of the RNA transcript (CIBERSORT) and explored the link between diagnostic markers and infiltrating immune cells. RESULTS Overall, 108 robust DEPs (47 upregulated and 61 downregulated) were identified, of which 11 were immune related. The most impressively enriched pathways were complemented and coagulation cascades, actin cytoskeleton regulation, and cholesterol metabolism; GSEA revealed that the enriched pathways were considerably differentially connected to immune modulation. Eleven immune-related DEPs were chosen for further investigation. We developed a novel diagnostic model based on CSF1R and AZGP1 serum levels using ROC analysis (area under the ROC curve = 1). M1 macrophages and activated natural killer cells are likely to play a role in course of anti- GABABR encephalitis. CONCLUSION We identified CSF1R and AZGP1 are possible anti-GABABR encephalitis diagnostic indicators, and immune cell infiltration may have a significant impact on the development and occurrence of anti- GABABR encephalitis.
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2.
Technical note: High-efficient and wireless transcranial ultrasound excitation based on electromagnetic acoustic transducer.
Huang, L, Qiao, S, Ling, W, Wang, W, Feng, Q, Cao, J, Luo, Y
Medical physics. 2024;(1):662-669
Abstract
BACKGROUND The generation of transcranial ultrasound is usually based on the piezoelectric effect, so it is necessary to attach transducers around the skull. However, the skull will cause serious attenuation and scattering of ultrasound, which makes it particularly difficult for transcranial ultrasound imaging and modulation. PURPOSE In transcranial ultrasound imaging, there is significant attenuation and scattering of ultrasound waves by the skull bone. To mitigate this influence and enable precise imaging and high-efficient transcranial ultrasound for specific patients (such as stroke patients who already require craniotomy as part of their surgical care), this paper proposes to use EMAT to excite metal plates placed inside the skull based on the excellent penetration characteristics of EM waves into the skull, generating ultrasound signals, which can completely avoid the influence of skull on ultrasound transmission. METHODS Based on an efficient wireless transcranial ultrasound experimental platform, we first verified that the skull would not affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves generated by EMAT. In addition, the distribution of the transcranial sound field generated by EMAT was measured. RESULTS EMAT can generate 1.0 MHz ultrasound by wireless excitation of a 0.1 mm thick copper plate through an adult skull with a thickness of ∼1 cm, and the frequency and amplitude of the generated ultrasound are not affected by the skull. The results indicated that the electromagnetic waves successfully penetrated the skull, with a recorded strength of approximately 2 mV. We also found that the ultrasound signals generated by the EMAT probe through the skull remained unaffected, measuring around 2 mV. In addition, the measurement of the transcranial sound field distribution (80*50 mm2 ) generated by EMAT shows that compared with the traditional extracranial ultrasound generation method, the sound field distribution generated by the wireless excitation of the intracranial copper plate based on EAMT is no longer affected by the uneven and irregular skull. CONCLUSION Our experiments involved validating the penetration capabilities of electromagnetic waves utilizing the EMAT probe through a 7 (5+2) mm thick organic glass plate and a real human skull ranging from 8 to 15 mm in thickness. The efficient and wireless transcranial ultrasound excitation proposed in this paper may be possible for transcranial ultrasound imaging and therapy.
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3.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on polysaccharides: From molecular modification, composite matrixes, synergetic properties to embeddable application in food fields.
Gong, L, Zhu, J, Yang, Y, Qiao, S, Ma, L, Wang, H, Zhang, Y
Carbohydrate polymers. 2024;:121647
Abstract
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a flexible, water-soluble, non-immunogenic, as well as biocompatible polymer, and it could synergize with polysaccharides for food applications. The molecular modification strategies, including covalent bond interactions (amino groups, carboxyl groups, aldehyde groups, tosylate groups, etc.), and non-covalent bond interactions (hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, etc.) on PEG molecular chains are discussed. Its versatile structure, group modifiability, and amphiphilic block buildability could improve the functions of polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, cellulose, starch, alginate, etc.) and adjust the properties of combined PEG/polysaccharides with outstanding chain tunability and matrix processability owing to plasticizing effects, compatibilizing effects, steric stabilizing effects and excluded volume effects by PEG, for achieving the diverse performance targets. The synergetic properties of PEG/polysaccharides with remarkable architecture were summarized, including mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, antioxidant performance, self-healing properties, carrier and delivery characteristics. The PEG/polysaccharides with excellent combined properties and embeddable merits illustrate potential applications including food packaging, food intelligent indication/detection, food 3D printing and nutraceutical food absorption. Additionally, prospects (like food innovation and preferable nutrient utilization) and key challenges (like structure-effectiveness-applicability relationship) for PEG/polysaccharides are proposed and addressed for food fields.
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4.
First-in-human evaluation of a novel ultrathin sirolimus-eluting iron bioresorbable scaffold: 3-year outcomes of the IBS-FIM trial.
Gao, RL, Xu, B, Sun, Z, Guan, C, Song, L, Gao, L, Li, C, Cui, J, Zhang, Y, Dou, K, et al
EuroIntervention : journal of EuroPCR in collaboration with the Working Group on Interventional Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology. 2023;(3):222-231
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first-generation polymeric bioresorbable scaffolds resulted in higher than acceptable 3-year rates of device-related adverse outcomes. AIMS We aimed to assess the intermediate-term safety and performance of a novel ultrathin-strut sirolimus-eluting iron bioresorbable scaffold (IBS) in non-complex coronary lesions. METHODS The prospective, single-arm, open-label IBS first-in-human study enrolled 45 patients, each with a single de novo lesion. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to 2 follow-up cohorts. Angiographic and imaging follow-up with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were conducted at 6 and 24 months in cohort 1 (n=30) and at 12 and 36 months in cohort 2 (n=15). Clinical follow-up was conducted at 1, 6 and 12 months, and annually thereafter up to 5 years. The coprimary outcomes were target lesion failure (TLF) and angiographic late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months. RESULTS A total of 45 patients were enrolled between April 2018 and January 2019. The mean age was 53.2 years, 77.8% were male, and 26.7% had diabetes. The TLF rates were 2.2% at 6 months and 6.7% at 3 years, which in all cases were due to clinically indicated target lesion revascularisation. No deaths, myocardial infarctions or stent thromboses occurred during 3-year follow-up. In-scaffold LLL was 0.33±0.27 mm at 6 months and 0.37±0.57 mm at 3 years. By OCT, the proportion of covered struts was 99.8% at 6 months and 100% after 1 year. The 3-year strut absorption rate was 95.4%. CONCLUSIONS In this first-in-human experience, an ultrathin IBS was safe and effective for the treatment of de novo non-complex coronary lesions up to 3-year follow-up.
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5.
Effects of Dental Implants and Nutrition on Elderly Edentulous Subjects: Protocol for a Factorial Randomized Clinical Trial.
Qian, SJ, Liu, B, Shi, J, Zhang, X, Deng, K, Shen, J, Tao, Y, Qiao, S, Lai, HC, Yuan, C, et al
Frontiers in nutrition. 2022;:930023
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of masticatory function consequent to tooth loss has been associated with changes in food choices and insufficient nutritional intake. To date, interventions based on dental prostheses alone did not significantly improve nutrient intake. Pilot studies have shown positive impacts of interventions combining implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis with brief dietary advice. The relative contribution and the potential synergy of the components of such interventions need to be determined as it has major public health implications for the community-dwelling aging population that continues to disproportionately suffer from tooth loss and its consequences. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of rehabilitation of masticatory function with fixed implant supported dentures and nutrition education in older subjects with terminal dentition (stage IV periodontitis) or full edentulism. METHODS A 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial with 16-month follow-up of eligible adults (≥60 years) with loss of masticatory function consequent to full arch edentulism or terminal dentition (n = 120) will be conducted to test whether the rehabilitation of masticatory function with fixed implant supported dentures, nutrition education and/or their combination improves intake of fresh fruits and vegetables for aging subjects. The study has been designed to detect changes in fresh fruits and fresh vegetables intake at 4 months using the 24-h dietary recall method. Changes in protein as percentage of total energy, nutritional biomarkers, plasma metabolomics, oral and gut microbiome, quality of life and masticatory function will also be assessed. DISCUSSION We hypothesize that receiving rehabilitation of masticatory function with fixed implant dentures together with nutrition education is the most effective intervention for improving nutrient intake in aging community-dwelling subjects with extensive tooth loss. The results of this study will assist in designing better treatment regimens, guide medical care for individual subjects, and inform public health and policy. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT05334407.
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6.
Zinc Finger Proteins in Neuro-Related Diseases Progression.
Bu, S, Lv, Y, Liu, Y, Qiao, S, Wang, H
Frontiers in neuroscience. 2021;:760567
Abstract
Zinc finger proteins (ZNF) are among the most abundant proteins in eukaryotic genomes. It contains several zinc finger domains that can selectively bind to certain DNA or RNA and associate with proteins, therefore, ZNF can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. In terms of neurological diseases, numerous studies have shown that many ZNF are associated with neurological diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize the types and roles of ZNF in neuropsychiatric disorders. We will describe the structure and classification of ZNF, then focus on the pathophysiological role of ZNF in neuro-related diseases and summarize the mechanism of action of ZNF in neuro-related diseases.
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7.
Nitrate removal by anammox biomass with intracellular carbon source as electron donors via DNRA pathway.
Wang, C, Qiao, S, Bi, Z, Zhou, J
Environmental research. 2021;:111390
Abstract
In this work, a novel nitrate (NO3-) reduction pathway by anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) biomass was firstly discovered with the intracellular carbon sources as the only electron donors. And the possible reaction mechanism was deduced to be intracellular dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) pathway according to the experimental results. In batch experiments, without any external electron donors, NO3--N (about 50 mg/L) was reduced to N2 within 48 h, and a small amount of NO2--N was detected (the maximum of 2 mg/L) with the anammox biomass concentration of 4400 mg/L. Acetylene (4.46 mmol/L) addition resulted in obvious NH4+ accumulation during NO3- degradation by anammox biomass, since acetylene mainly interfered in hydrazine (N2H4) generation from NH4+ and NO. Without HCO3- addition, the NO3--N degradation rate was slower than that with HCO3- addition. Simultaneously, glycogen contents inside anammox biomass decreased to 133.22 ± 1.21 mg/g VSS and 129.79 ± 1.21 mg/g VSS with and without HCO3-, respectively, from 142.20 ± 0.61 mg/g VSS. In the long-term experiment, anammox biomass stably degraded NO3--N without external electron donors addition, and the maximum removal efficiency of NO3--N reached 55.4%. The above results indicated the anammox bacteria utilized the DNRA pathway to reduce NO3- to NO2- and further NH4+, then normal anammox metabolism would continue to convert the produced NO2- and NH4+ to N2. The intracellular stored carbon sources (e.g., glycogen) were supposed to be electron donors for NO3- degradation. This capability would enhance the viability and living space of anammox bacteria in different natural ecosystems, and make it plausible that complete nitrogen removal could be implemented only by the anammox process.
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8.
Thinner Strut Sirolimus-Eluting BRS Versus EES in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: FUTURE-II Trial.
Song, L, Xu, B, Chen, Y, Zhou, Y, Jia, S, Zhong, Z, Su, X, Ma, Y, Zhang, Q, Liu, J, et al
JACC. Cardiovascular interventions. 2021;(13):1450-1462
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of thinner strut Firesorb (100/125 μm) sirolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) versus cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stents (CoCr-EES) in patients with coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND First-generation thicker strut BRS were associated with unexpected device-related adverse outcomes at long-term follow-up. METHODS Eligible patients with 1 or 2 de novo noncomplex coronary lesions were randomized to the Firesorb BRS group or CoCr-EES group in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was 1-year angiographic in-segment late loss (LL), powered for noninferiority testing. The key secondary endpoint was the 1-year proportion of covered struts assessed on optical coherence tomography, powered for noninferiority and subsequent superiority testing. RESULTS A total of 433 participants from 28 Chinese centers were randomized to the Firesorb BRS group (n = 215) or CoCr-EES group (n = 218). Patient-level 1-year in-segment LL was 0.17 ± 0.27 mm in the Firesorb BRS group and 0.18 ± 0.37 mm in the CoCr-EES group (difference -0.01 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.07 to 0.06; pnoninferiority < 0.0001) in the intention-to-treat population and was 0.17 ± 0.27 mm in the Firesorb BRS group and 0.19 ± 0.37 mm in the CoCr-EES group (difference -0.005 mm; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.06; pnoninferiority < 0.0001) in the per-protocol set. The proportion of covered struts was 99.3% in the Firesorb BRS group and 98.8% in the CoCr-EES group (difference 0.8%; 95% CI: -0.5% to 2.1%; pnoninferiority < 0.0001; psuperiority = 0.21). One-year clinical outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS The thinner strut Firesorb BRS was noninferior to the CoCr-EES for the primary endpoint of 1-year angiographic in-segment LL and the key secondary endpoint of 1-year proportion of covered struts by optical coherence tomography. (A Trial of Firesorb in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: FUTURE-II [FUTURE-II]; NCT02890160).
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9.
Serum Detection of Anti-thyroid Peroxidase and Anti-thyroglobulin Antibodies in Chinese Patients With Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus and Literature Review.
Wang, HX, Yang, Y, Hu, JY, Zhang, LM, Cai, YF, Guo, H, Xiao, T, Chen, HD, Gao, XH, Qiao, S
Frontiers in immunology. 2021;:653356
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pemphigus is a rare but life-threatening autoimmune skin disease characterized by blistering on skin and/or mucous membranes. The physiological process of blister formation involves IgG antibodies against the desmogleins (Dsgs) and desmocollins (Dscs). Additional autoAbs have also been suggested to mediate the disease heterogeneity, such as anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies, the essential culprits of the immune system in autoimmune thyroid diseases. PURPOSE To investigate the levels and antibody positivity of anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies in pemphigus patients. METHODS Antibody positivity and levels of anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies in pemphigus patients as compared to healthy controls were examined. A meta-analysis was conducted by reviewing six similar studies. RESULTS 98 Chinese pemphigus patients and 65 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Our meta-analysis revealed a significant correlation between increased presence of positive anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies and pemphigus, particularly for pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Such correlation was also observed in our own hospitalized PV patients, but not in pemphigus foliaceus (PF) patients. In addition, the status of anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies were also compared between females and males within PV patients, PF patients or controls, as well as compared for females or males between pemphigus patients and controls. In the analysis of T cell counts, we found abnormal low CD3 + T cell counts (< 690 n/µl) were only detected in patients whose thyroid antibody levels were less than 20 IU/ml. CONCLUSION Pemphigus patients showed higher levels and antibody positivity of anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies than healthy controls. Further investigations are needed to identify the pathogenic functions of these antibodies in pemphigus, as well as to identify the potential shared susceptibility genes.
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10.
iCOPE, a multi-level, cluster randomized, 36-month, parallel-group study to assess the efficacy of HIV disclosure intervention in HIV parental disclosure among parents living with HIV in China.
Li, X, Qiao, S, Zhou, Y
SAGE open medicine. 2020;:2050312120907821
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Parents living with HIV who disclose their HIV status to their children could benefit from the parental HIV disclosure. However, it is also very challenging because of persistent stigma and discrimination against HIV. This report describes the study design and protocol of the "Interactive Communication with Openness, Passion, and Empowerment (iCOPE)" randomized controlled trial aimed at assisting parents living with HIV in conducting culturally and developmentally appropriate disclosure to their uninfected children in China through trainings among both parents living with HIV and healthcare providers. METHODS A total of 791 parents living with HIV with children aged between 6 and 15 years and 357 healthcare providers were randomized into either the intervention group or control group. Intervention package for parents consisted of five 2-h sessions focusing on positive coping, disclosure decision making, developing a developmentally appropriate disclosure plan, and accessing social support and post-disclosure counseling. The intervention for healthcare providers was made up of two 45-min sessions organized around two primary themes: knowledge of child cognitive development and effective parent-child communication skills in the context of parental disclosure. The control group received nutritional education of either five 2-h sessions (parents) or two 45-min sessions (healthcare providers). The outcome assessments were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. CONCLUSION The iCOPE study is among the first efforts to develop and evaluate a theory-based and multi-level intervention to promote culturally and developmentally appropriate parental HIV disclosure in China. It has implications for healthcare providers, social workers, and policy makers as it will provide efficacy data on how to enhance appropriate parental HIV disclosure and will shed light on developing a clinical guideline regarding parental HIV disclosure in China and other low- and middle-income countries.