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1.
Stress Biol ; 4(1): 30, 2024 Jun 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38864932

Although genome-wide A-to-I editing mediated by adenosine-deaminase-acting-on-tRNA (ADAT) occurs during sexual reproduction in the presence of stage-specific cofactors, RNA editing is not known to occur during vegetative growth in filamentous fungi. Here we identified 33 A-to-I RNA editing events in vegetative hyphae of Fusarium graminearum and functionally characterized one conserved hyphal-editing site. Similar to ADAT-mediated editing during sexual reproduction, majority of hyphal-editing sites are in coding sequences and nonsynonymous, and have strong preference for U at -1 position and hairpin loops. Editing at TA437G, one of the hyphal-specific editing sites, is a premature stop codon correction (PSC) event that enables CHE1 gene to encode a full-length zinc fingertranscription factor. Manual annotations showed that this PSC site is conserved in CHE1 orthologs from closely-related Fusarium species. Whereas the che1 deletion and CHE1TAA (G438 to A) mutants had no detectable phenotype, the CHE1TGG (A437 to G) mutant was defective in hyphal growth, conidiation, sexual reproduction, and plant infection. However, the CHE1TGG mutant was increased in tolerance against oxidative stress and editing of TA437G in CHE1 was stimulated by H2O2 treatment in F. graminearum. These results indicate that fixation of the premature stop codon in CHE1 has a fitness cost on normal hyphal growth and reproduction but provides a benefit to tolerance against oxidative stress. Taken together, A-to-I editing events, although rare (not genome-wide), occur during vegetative growth and editing in CHE1 plays a role in response to oxidative stress in F. graminearum and likely in other fungal pathogens.

2.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3934, 2024 May 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38729938

A-to-I mRNA editing in animals is mediated by ADARs, but the mechanism underlying sexual stage-specific A-to-I mRNA editing in fungi remains unknown. Here, we show that the eukaryotic tRNA-specific heterodimeric deaminase FgTad2-FgTad3 is responsible for A-to-I mRNA editing in Fusarium graminearum. This editing capacity relies on the interaction between FgTad3 and a sexual stage-specific protein called Ame1. Although Ame1 orthologs are widely distributed in fungi, the interaction originates in Sordariomycetes. We have identified key residues responsible for the FgTad3-Ame1 interaction. The expression and activity of FgTad2-FgTad3 are regulated through alternative promoters, alternative translation initiation, and post-translational modifications. Our study demonstrates that the FgTad2-FgTad3-Ame1 complex can efficiently edit mRNA in yeasts, bacteria, and human cells, with important implications for the development of base editors in therapy and agriculture. Overall, this study uncovers mechanisms, regulation, and evolution of RNA editing in fungi, highlighting the role of protein-protein interactions in modulating deaminase function.


Fungal Proteins , Fusarium , RNA Editing , RNA, Messenger , Fusarium/genetics , Fusarium/metabolism , Fungal Proteins/genetics , Fungal Proteins/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Humans , Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal , Evolution, Molecular , Protein Processing, Post-Translational , Inosine/metabolism , Inosine/genetics
3.
Front Pharmacol ; 15: 1336102, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38495094

Cardiac fibrosis is a serious health problem because it is a common pathological change in almost all forms of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into cardiac myofibroblasts and the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components produced by activated myofibroblasts, which leads to fibrotic scar formation and subsequent cardiac dysfunction. However, there are currently few effective therapeutic strategies protecting against fibrogenesis. This lack is largely because the molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis remain unclear despite extensive research. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling cascade is an extensively present intracellular signal transduction pathway and can regulate a wide range of biological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response. Various upstream mediators such as cytokines, growth factors and hormones can initiate signal transmission via this pathway and play corresponding regulatory roles. STAT3 is a crucial player of the JAK/STAT pathway and its activation is related to inflammation, malignant tumors and autoimmune illnesses. Recently, the JAK/STAT3 signaling has been in the spotlight for its role in the occurrence and development of cardiac fibrosis and its activation can promote the proliferation and activation of CFs and the production of ECM proteins, thus leading to cardiac fibrosis. In this manuscript, we discuss the structure, transactivation and regulation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and review recent progress on the role of this pathway in cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, we summarize the current challenges and opportunities of targeting the JAK/STAT3 signaling for the treatment of fibrosis. In summary, the information presented in this article is critical for comprehending the role of the JAK/STAT3 pathway in cardiac fibrosis, and will also contribute to future research aimed at the development of effective anti-fibrotic therapeutic strategies targeting the JAK/STAT3 signaling.

4.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38401068

Context: In clinical practice, heart failure with concurrent tumors is relatively rare, and surgical intervention is the primary treatment. However, most patients have poor physical function and metabolic capacity, making them less tolerant of surgical trauma. Strengthening perioperative nursing care is therefore particularly important. Objective: The study aimed to analyze the clinical effects of and patient satisfaction with evidence-based nursing interventions on perioperative conditions and quality of life for heart-failure patients with concurrent tumors, with the goal of identifying the optimal nursing model for these patients. Design: The research team conducted a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Setting: The study took place at the First People's Hospital of Lin'an District in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. Participants: Participants were 100 heart-failure patients with concurrent tumors who had been admitted to the hospital between July 2021 and July 2022. Interventions: The research team divided participants into two groups based on their admission times with 50 participants in each group: (1) a control group, who received routine nursing care, and (2) an intervention group, who received an evidence-based nursing intervention. Outcome Measures: The research team: (1) examined perioperative conditions, (2) measured changes in plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), (3) evaluated quality of life, and (4) assessed nursing satisfaction nursing satisfaction. Results: No significant differences existed in the groups' demographic and clinical characteristics, indicating comparability. Compared to the control group, the intervention group's: (1) operation time (P = .021), ascending aorta occlusion time (P = .032), turnaround time of cardiopulmonary bypass (P = .040) were significantly shorter; (2) plasma BNP levels were significantly lower at postoperative days 3 (P = .036) and 7 (P = .022); (3) scores for quality of life-physiological (P = .007), emotional (P = .008), social (P = .013), and role (P = .011) function-were significantly higher; and (4) nursing satisfaction was significantly higher (P = .004). Conclusions: The adoption of evidence-based nursing interventions in clinical settings, especially for heart-failure patients with concurrent tumors, can yield significant effects, improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life and nursing satisfaction.

5.
Math Biosci Eng ; 20(11): 19372-19400, 2023 Oct 18.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38052605

It has been shown that Allee effect can change predator-prey dynamics and impact species persistence. Allee effect in the prey population has been widely investigated. However, the study on the Allee effect in the predator population is rare. In this paper, we investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of a diffusive predator-prey model with digestion delay and Allee effect in the predator population. The conditions of stability and instability induced by diffusion for the positive equilibrium are obtained. The effect of delay on the dynamics of system has three different cases: (a) the delay doesn't change the stability of the positive equilibrium, (b) destabilizes and stabilizes the positive equilibrium and induces stability switches, or (c) destabilizes the positive equilibrium and induces Hopf bifurcation, which is revealed (numerically) to be corresponding to high, intermediate or low level of Allee effect, respectively. To figure out the joint effect of delay and diffusion, we carry out Turing-Hopf bifurcation analysis and derive its normal form, from which we can obtain the classification of dynamics near Turing-Hopf bifurcation point. Complex spatiotemporal dynamical behaviors are found, including the coexistence of two stable spatially homogeneous or inhomogeneous periodic solutions and two stable spatially inhomogeneous quasi-periodic solutions. It deepens our understanding of the effects of Allee effect in the predator population and presents new phenomena induced be delay with spatial diffusion.


Models, Biological , Predatory Behavior , Animals , Population Dynamics , Food Chain , Ecosystem
6.
J Autism Dev Disord ; 2022 Oct 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36239831

This study explored the impacts of enactment and motor imagery on working memory for instructions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), children with intellectual disability (ID) and typically developing (TD) children. The participants were asked to hear (hearing condition), imagine enacting (motor imagery condition) and actually enact (enactment condition) instruction sequences and then recall them orally. Compared with the hearing condition, all groups performed better in the enactment condition, with the greatest advantage exhibited by the TD group; however, only the TD children performed better in the motor imagery condition. In summary, enactment has a weaker facilitating effect on ASD children and ID children than on TD children, and motor imagery is ineffective in the former two groups.

7.
mBio ; 13(5): e0187222, 2022 10 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36102513

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing independent of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes was discovered in fungi recently, and shown to be crucial for sexual reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism for editing is unknown. Here, we combine genome-wide comparisons, proof-of-concept experiments, and machine learning to decipher cis-regulatory elements of A-to-I editing in Fusarium graminearum. We identified plenty of RNA primary sequences and secondary structural features that affect editing specificity and efficiency. Although hairpin loop structures contribute importantly to editing, unlike in animals, the primary sequences have more profound influences on editing than secondary structures. Nucleotide preferences at adjacent positions of editing sites are the most important features, especially preferences at the -1 position. Unexpectedly, besides the number of positions with preferred nucleotides, the combination of preferred nucleotides with depleted ones at different positions are also important for editing. Some cis-sequence features have distinct importance for editing specificity and efficiency. Machine learning models built from diverse sequence and secondary structural features can accurately predict genome-wide editing sites but not editing levels, indicating that the cis-regulatory principle of editing efficiency is more complex than that of editing specificity. Nevertheless, our model interpretation provides insights into the quantitative contribution of each feature to the prediction of both editing sites and levels. We found that efficient editing of FG3G34330 transcripts depended on the full-length RNA molecule, suggesting that additional RNA structural elements may also contribute to editing efficiency. Our work uncovers multidimensional cis-regulatory elements important for A-to-I RNA editing in F. graminearum, helping to elucidate the fungal editing mechanism. IMPORTANCE A-to-I RNA editing is a new epigenetic phenomenon that is crucial for sexual reproduction in fungi. Deciphering cis-regulatory elements of A-to-I RNA editing can help us elucidate the editing mechanism and develop a model that accurately predicts RNA editing. In this study, we discovered multiple RNA sequence and secondary structure features important for A-to-I editing in Fusarium graminearum. We also identified the cis-sequence features with distinct importance for editing specificity and efficiency. The potential importance of full-length RNA molecules for editing efficiency is also revealed. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of the cis-regulatory principles of A-to-I RNA editing in fungi.


Adenosine Deaminase , RNA Editing , Animals , Adenosine Deaminase/genetics , Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism , RNA , Inosine/genetics , Inosine/metabolism , Adenosine/genetics , Adenosine/metabolism , Nucleotides
8.
Oxid Med Cell Longev ; 2021: 1210675, 2021.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34804359

Fibrosis is the final common pathology of most chronic diseases as seen in the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and skin and contributes to nearly half of death in the developed countries. Fibrosis, or scarring, is mainly characterized by the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by myofibroblasts. Despite immense efforts made in the field of organ fibrosis over the past decades and considerable understanding of the occurrence and development of fibrosis gained, there is still lack of an effective treatment for fibrotic diseases. Therefore, identifying a new therapeutic strategy against organ fibrosis is an unmet clinical need. Naringenin, a flavonoid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits, has been found to confer a wide range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits and thus potentially exerting preventive and curative effects on numerous diseases. In addition, emerging evidence has revealed that naringenin can prevent the pathogenesis of fibrosis in vivo and in vitro via the regulation of various pathways that involved signaling molecules such as transforming growth factor-ß1/small mother against decapentaplegic protein 3 (TGF-ß1/Smad3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeting these profibrotic pathways by naringenin could potentially become a novel therapeutic approach for the management of fibrotic disorders. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the antifibrotic roles of naringenin in vivo and in vitro and their underlying mechanisms of action. As a food derived compound, naringenin may serve as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of fibrotic disorders.


Estrogen Antagonists/pharmacology , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibrosis/drug therapy , Flavanones/pharmacology , Animals , Fibrosis/pathology , Humans
9.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 100(4): e23905, 2021 Jan 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33530187

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is easy to be missed because of its small focus, concealed incidence and lack of clinical features. Ultrasound examination is one of the main methods for the detection and diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. The detection rate of conventional ultrasound is not ideal. Combined ultrasound elastography can improve the detection rate, but there is lack of evidence-based evidence. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the value of conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. METHODS: A systematic search was performed by retrieving on English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu (VIP), CBM). The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to November 2020 and manually search for the conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Two researchers extracted and evaluated the quality of the data in the included study independently. A meta-analysis was performed using Meta Disc1.4 and RevMan5.3 software. CONCLUSIONS: This study will evaluate the accuracy and practicability of conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasonic elastography in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, and provide evidence-based basis for clinicians to choose the appropriate or best diagnostic method. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI: 10.17605 / OSF.IO / V6HK7.


Carcinoma, Papillary/diagnostic imaging , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Systematic Reviews as Topic , Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Clinical Protocols , Diagnosis, Differential , Elasticity Imaging Techniques , Humans , Research Design , Ultrasonography
10.
J Cardiovasc Pharmacol ; 77(4): 508-518, 2021 04 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33136767

ABSTRACT: Foam cells are the main pathological components of atherosclerosis. Therapies reducing foam cell formation can effectively prevent atherosclerotic diseases and cardiovascular events. Beyond lowering plasma cholesterol levels, the pleiotropic functions of statins in atherosclerosis have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, atorvastatin reduced cholesterol content and increased cholesterol efflux from foam cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Atorvastatin (10 µM) inhibited foam cell formation within 48 hours. Furthermore, we found that atorvastatin inhibited foam cell formation by promoting lipophagy, which was manifested by increased autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) expression, elevated ratio of microtubule-associated protein1 light chain 3 (LC3) II to LC3I, reduced p62 expression, and increased LC3 and lipid droplets colocalization in foam cells treated with atorvastatin. The autophagy inducer, rapamycin (Rap), did not increase the lipophagy enhancement effect of atorvastatin, but the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine, suppressed the effect of atorvastatin on Atg5 expression and the LC3II/LC3I ratio, as well as the increased p62 expression, suppressed lipophagy, attenuated cholesterol efflux and increased cholesterol content in foam cells. Further analysis revealed that atorvastatin promoted lipophagy by upregulating adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and downregulating mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation, whereas the AMPK inhibiter, compound C, attenuated these effects. In conclusion, atorvastatin reduced lipid accumulation and promoted cholesterol efflux by enhancing lipophagy in foam cells and thereby inhibited foam cell formation. The enhanced lipophagy of foam cells was exerted through the AMPK/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.


AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Atorvastatin/pharmacology , Autophagy/drug effects , Cholesterol/metabolism , Foam Cells/drug effects , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/pharmacology , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Atherosclerosis/enzymology , Atherosclerosis/pathology , Autophagy-Related Proteins/metabolism , Foam Cells/enzymology , Foam Cells/pathology , Humans , Lipid Droplets/drug effects , Lipid Droplets/metabolism , Phosphorylation , Signal Transduction , THP-1 Cells
11.
Int J Mol Med ; 46(2): 633-640, 2020 Aug.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32468059

Excessive proliferation and myofibroblasts transformation of cardiac fibroblasts play a critical role in the process of cardiac fibrosis. Atorvastatin (ATV), a 3­hydroxy­3­methyl­glutaryl­coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, is commonly used to treat hypercholesterolemia. It has previously been shown that ATV has potential anti­fibrotic effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of ATV against cardiac fibrosis remain to be fully elucidated, and to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports focusing on the effects of ATV on transforming growth factor­ß1 (TGF­ß1)­induced human ventricular fibroblasts (hVFs) activation. In the present study, hVFs were stimulated with TGF­ß1 with or without pretreatment with ATV. Subsequently, hVF proliferation, cytotoxicity, myofibroblast differentiation and pro­fibrotic gene expression were assessed. Canonical and non­canonical signaling downstream of TGF­ß1, such as Smad3 and mitogen­activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, were investigated by evaluating the phosphorylation levels of Smad3, extracellular signal­regulated kinase 1/2, p38 MAPK and c­Jun N­terminal kinase. The results indicated that ATV significantly prevented TGF­ß1­induced cell proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation and production of extracellular matrix proteins, such as matrix metalloproteinase­2, collagen I and collagen III, in hVFs. Furthermore, ATV effectively inhibited TGF­ß1­induced activation of Smad3 and MAPK signaling in hVFs. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that ATV prevented TGF­ß1­induced fibrogenesis in hVFs, at least in part by inhibiting the Smad3 and MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, these results imply that ATV may be a promising agent to treat myocardial fibrosis.


Atorvastatin/pharmacology , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Myofibroblasts/drug effects , Myofibroblasts/metabolism , Smad3 Protein/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology , Adult , Blotting, Western , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Humans , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics , Myofibroblasts/cytology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Smad3 Protein/genetics
12.
Chaos ; 29(1): 013101, 2019 Jan.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30709153

In this paper, the dynamics of a modified Leslie-Gower predator-prey system with two delays and diffusion is considered. By calculating stability switching curves, the stability of positive equilibrium and the existence of Hopf bifurcation and double Hopf bifurcation are investigated on the parametric plane of two delays. Taking two time delays as bifurcation parameters, the normal form on the center manifold near the double Hopf bifurcation point is derived, and the unfoldings near the critical points are given. Finally, we obtain the complex dynamics near the double Hopf bifurcation point, including the existence of quasi-periodic solutions on a 2-torus, quasi-periodic solutions on a 3-torus, and strange attractors.

13.
Med Sci Monit ; 24: 8459-8468, 2018 Nov 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30468686

BACKGROUND This study investigated the effect and the possible mechanism of trimetazidine in atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We established an atherosclerotic rat model by high-fat diet and vitamin D injection. Rats were separated into 3 different groups: control, atherosclerosis, and trimetazidine (n=10). The aortic artery was isolated and its morphological features were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) were analyzed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were cultured and divided into 5 groups: no treatment, H2O2 treatment only, trimetazidine preincubation before H2O2 treatment, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) treatment only, and trimetazidine preincubation before oxLDL treatment. HASMCs proliferation was tested using the Cell Counting Kit-8. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the aortic artery, and HASMCs were measured using commercially available kits. RESULTS HE staining assay showed that trimetazidine suppressed the progression of atherosclerosis and reduced foam cell formation in the aortic artery without affecting serum lipid levels. HASMCs proliferation assay revealed that trimetazidine alleviated the inhibitory effect of H2O2 on HASMCs proliferation and inhibited oxLDL-induced proliferation of HASMCs. Moreover, trimetazidine ameliorated ROS up-regulation elicited by H2O2 or oxLDL in HASMCs. Additionally, trimetazidine restored SOD activity and reduced MDA content of HASMCs. CONCLUSIONS Trimetazidine suppressed the progression of atherosclerosis by enhancing energy value, decreasing ROS level of aortic artery, modulating HASMCs proliferation, and reducing oxidative stress in HASMCs.


Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Trimetazidine/pharmacology , Animals , Aorta/cytology , Cell Line , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , China , Diet, High-Fat , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Lipoproteins, LDL , Male , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Protective Agents/pharmacology , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Reactive Oxygen Species , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Triglycerides/blood
14.
Dentomaxillofac Radiol ; 45(6): 20160100, 2016.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27351345

OBJECTIVES: To explore the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging in the diagnosis of parotid tumours. METHODS: 51 patients with parotid tumours were examined with DTI on 3.0-T MRI and ARFI imaging on an ultrasound scanner before surgery. Values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA) and shear-wave velocity (SWV) were calculated and analyzed with independent samples Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity were calculated with receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The value of combination was calculated through parallel test for the cut-off value of ADC, FA and SWV (combination = 0 or 1); then, ROC analysis was performed with pathological results as the gold standard to calculate the sensitivity and specificity for the combination of the three parameters distinguishing benign and malignant parotid tumours. Pathological diagnosis for every patient was made post-operatively from the tumour tissue taken during operation. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between benign and malignant tumours in the values of ADC, FA and SWV (p = 0.032, p = 0.011 and p < 0.0001); a significant difference in the values was also found between pleomorphic adenoma and malignant tumour (p = 0.0012, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002). The diagnosis cut-off points between benign and malignant tumours for ADC, FA and SWV were 1.02 × 10(-3) mm(2) s(-1), 0.24 and 2.76 m s(-1), respectively; the sensitivity for ADC, FA and SWV was 87.50, 62.50 and 68.75%; the specificity was 45.71, 82.86 and 97.14%. Analysis of the combination of the three parameters increased the sensitivity, specificity, Youden index and area under the ROC curve compared with analysis of each parameter alone for distinguishing benign and malignant tumours. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic value of the combination of the three parameters for distinguishing benign and malignant parotid tumours is the best; SWV is the preferred indicator. Parameters of DTI and ARFI may reflect the histological characteristics of parotid tumours and predict benignancy and malignancy and could provide quantitative information about the tumour. Combination of DTI with ARFI imaging had obvious advantage for the diagnosis of parotid tumours than each alone.


Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods , Elasticity Imaging Techniques/methods , Parotid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adenolymphoma/diagnosis , Adenolymphoma/diagnostic imaging , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/diagnosis , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Biopsy/methods , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Diffusion Tensor Imaging/statistics & numerical data , Elasticity Imaging Techniques/statistics & numerical data , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle Aged , Parotid Neoplasms/diagnosis , Parotid Neoplasms/pathology , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity , Young Adult
15.
Photomed Laser Surg ; 34(2): 76-81, 2016 Feb.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26840551

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different fluences of Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser on skin repair and barrier, and clarify its mechanisms. BACKGROUND DATA: The Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is widely used for rejuvenation, which needs appropriate fluence data to optimize efficacy and minimize side effects, and for elucidation of action mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dorsal skin of BABL/c mice was administered 0, 1, 1.5, and 2 J/cm2 energy level laser, twice a week for 4 weeks. Immediately, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after last treatment, the skin elasticity, moisture content, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured; 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after last treatment, the hydroxyproline content, mRNA level of procollagen types I and III, protein level of keratin-10 (K-10), filaggrin, transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFßRII), Smad2, and p65 were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the unirradiated control, the laser treatments decreased skin elasticity immediately, but increased skin moisture content in the 2 J/cm2 group, and then from day 21 to day 28, the skin elasticity, moisture content, hydroxyproline content, and gene expression of types I and III procollagen increased significantly. The TEWL value of the irradiated group significantly increased after irradiation immediately and 7 days after, K-10 and filaggrin were also decreased at 7 days after. The phosphorylation of TGFßRII (p-TGFßRII) increased at days 7 and 21, and phosphorylation of Smad2 (p-Smad2) was induced at 21 days. CONCLUSIONS: Irradiation of 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was able to markedly promote repair of mouse skin within 28 days through stimulation of collagen synthesis, with less skin barrier dysfunction, especially at the 1.5 J/cm2 fluence, and the activation of TGFß1-signaling pathways seemed to play an important role in repair.


Lasers, Solid-State , Skin Physiological Phenomena , Animals , Female , Hydroxyproline/analysis , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Skin/metabolism , Skin Physiological Phenomena/drug effects , Skin Physiological Phenomena/radiation effects
16.
Chem Commun (Camb) ; 52(12): 2620-3, 2016 Feb 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26753187

A novel heterojunction photocatalyst p-LaFeO3/n-Ag3PO4 has been prepared via a facile in situ precipitation method. It exhibits higher activity than individual Ag3PO4 and LaFeO3 in the degradation of phenol. The excellent activity is mainly attributed to its more effective separation of electron-hole pairs.

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