Publications by authors named "Mingzhi Xu"

MYOD is an E-box sequence-specific basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcriptional activator that, when expressed in non-muscle cells, induces nuclear reprogramming toward skeletal myogenesis by promoting chromatin accessibility at previously silent loci. Here, we report on the identification of a previously unrecognized property of MYOD as repressor of gene expression, via E-box-independent chromatin binding within accessible genomic elements, which invariably leads to reduced chromatin accessibility. MYOD-mediated repression requires the integrity of functional domains previously implicated in MYOD-mediated activation of gene expression.

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  • * Dysbiosis can lead to the production of harmful substances, disrupt immune function, and influence metabolic processes, which collectively contribute to HCC development while also affecting cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
  • * Probiotics may enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy by improving gut health, potentially offering a safer and more cost-effective approach to preventing and managing hepatocellular carcinoma according to recent research findings.
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Background: The oxidative balance score (OBS) is a composite indicator that evaluates the balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants in one's diet and lifestyle. However, the relationship between OBS and circadian syndrome (CircS) has remained unexplored. This investigation aimed to determine a correlation between OBS and CircS.

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  • Gene expression noise in yeast can lead to a mix of high- and low-producing cells, limiting overall metabolite production, which prompted this study to explore ways to enhance glutathione (GSH) output.
  • Researchers engineered a counter-selection system in yeast that uses feedback inhibition to target low GSH-producing cells by linking GSH1 gene expression with a counter-selectable marker.
  • This approach resulted in an 18% increase in mean GSH levels while ensuring the selected high-producing phenotype was non-heritable, demonstrating the potential to improve metabolite production by favoring high-performing cells in mixed populations.
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  • The study looked at how the type of veins in patients with kidney disease affects the success of a surgery called AVF that helps with dialysis.
  • They analyzed 80 patients to see which ones had successful AVFs and which didn't, by checking their vein tissues before surgery.
  • Results showed that certain measurements in the veins could help predict if an AVF would work well or not, suggesting that checking these factors early might help doctors treat patients better.
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The role of microRNAs in regulating tubulointerstitial fibrosis, a key feature of progressive chronic kidney disease, is of significant importance. LIN28A has been reported to attenuate renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. Here, our objective was to investigate the precise biological function of the miR-92a-3p/LIN28A axis in tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

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  • Scientists studied how different foods might affect the risk of getting gallstones (cholelithiasis).
  • They looked at 18 food habits and found that eating dried fruits could lower the chance of getting gallstones.
  • The study showed promising results, but they still need to figure out exactly how dried fruits help prevent gallstones.
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  • MicroRNA396 (miR396) regulates plant growth by repressing growth-regulating factor (GRF) genes, and blocking its expression may enhance tillering and biomass yield in switchgrass.
  • Transgenic switchgrass plants with a mimic (MIM396) showed increased tiller numbers and dry weight, despite reduced enzymatic efficiency, due to higher overall biomass.
  • The study suggests that MIM396 can be a valuable tool for improving both tiller number and biomass yield in switchgrass by influencing gene expression related to bud growth and development.
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Vascular calcification (VC), a major complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is predominantly driven by osteoblastic differentiation. Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of microRNAs in CKD's pathogenesis. Here, our research focused on the effects of miR-204-5p and its molecular mechanisms within VC.

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Cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy resistance is a major challenge for lung cancer treatment. PKM2 is the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis, which is associated with CDDP resistance. KAT8 is an acetyltransferase that regulates lung cancer progression.

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Background: To examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) in Chinese children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: A total of 248 MDD patients aged between 12 and 18 years were recruited and evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), the Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale (CES-D), the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ), and the improved Clinical Global Impression Scale, Severity item (iCGI-S). Thirty-one patients were selected randomly to complete the PHQ-A again one week later.

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  • * It identified four potential genotoxic impurities: PGI-1 (methyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate), PGI-2 (ethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate), PGI-3 (2-hydroxyethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate), and PGI-4 (2-(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyloxyethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate).
  • * The method was validated and showed excellent performance
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Introduction: The aim of this analysis is to construct a combined model that integrates radiomics, clinical risk factors, and machine learning algorithms to diagnose osteoporosis in patients and explore its potential in clinical applications.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 616 lumbar spine. Radiomics features were extracted from the computed tomography (CT) scans and anteroposterior and lateral X-ray images of the lumbar spine.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric features of the Chinese version of the developmental dimensional diagnostic interview-short version (3Di-sv). A total sample of 138 children including 79 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 59 typically developing children completed the 3Di-sv interview. The Chinese version of the 3Di-sv has a good internal consistency (0.

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Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS) in the Chinese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) using Rasch analysis.

Methods: The sample consisted of 283 patients with MDD (69% females). The Rasch model was applied to examine the overall fit of the Chinese version of CUDOS and the fit of the 18 items.

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Objectives: To study the correlation of intestinal dominant flora with hyperuricemia, and to explore influencing factors of hyperuricemia.

Methods: Data of gut dominant microbiota were collected from subjects who underwent health check-up in Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital from January 2018 to April 2020. Subjects with high uric acid and normal uric acid were matched by propensity score matching method according to age, gender and body mass index (BMI).

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Background: Medicago sativa is the most important forage world widely, and is characterized by high quality and large biomass. While abiotic factors such as salt stress can negatively impact the growth and productivity of alfalfa. Maintaining Na/K homeostasis in the cytoplasm helps reduce cell damage and nutritional deprivation, which increases a salt-tolerance of plant.

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Objective: Ovarian cancer is a deadly gynecologic malignancy with a poor prognosis. It is essential to evaluate the early detection and screening programs of ovarian cancer via timely assessment of long-time survival, particularly in China where those data are incredibly limited. Here, we aimed to provide timely and accurately assessment of long-term survival estimate of ovarian cancer patients from eastern China.

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Objective: Ribosomal protein S15A (RPS15A) has been identified as a new oncogene in several tumors, but its functional role in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) characterized by increased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level and parathyroid cell proliferation remains unclear.

Methods: A rat model of SHPT was successfully established with a high-phosphorus diet plus 5/6 nephrectomy. ELISA assay was used to determine PTH, calcium and phosphorus and ALP activity.

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Vascular calcification (VC) is prevalent in uremia patients, lacking effective molecular biomarkers. This study was conducted to explore the role of serum cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) in the diagnosis of uremic VC incidence and progression. We enrolled 104 uremia patients and selected arcus aortae calcification (AAC) as the outcome phenotype.

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The present study reports a patient case with a 17α-hydroxylase deficiency accompanied by triple X syndrome. A 17α-hydroxylase deficiency leads to a very low 17α-hydroxylated steroid synthesis as well as a non-feedback increase in the adrenocorticotropic hormone level. Meanwhile, the progesterone level increases the 17α-hydroxyprogesterone level and decreases the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level.

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In obese patients, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is common. However, whether there is a connection between the gut microbiota and the onset of NAFLD in obese people is yet unknown. Using quantitative real-time PCR, the microbiota of feces of the eligible 181 obese individuals was identified to compare the differences in gut microbiota between obesity with NAFLD and simple obesity.

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Up to now, there has not yet been guidance or consensus from Chinese experts in the field of personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. In view of the above, the endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of Chinese Non-government Medical Institutions Association, the integrated endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of the integrated medicine branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and the diabetes education and microvascular complications group of the diabetes branch of the Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts to discuss and reach the "Chinese expert consensus on strengthening personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes" for reference in clinical practice.

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