Publications by authors named "PX Zhang"

Mesosulfuron-methyl, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor primarily applied to wheat and rye, can injure or even kill wheat crops. Herbicide safeners can improve the herbicide resistance of crops without reducing the herbicidal effect on targeted weed species. Herein, we present a series of pyrazole purine derivatives with the primary structure of the natural product cytokinin and commercialized safener mefenpyridyl, designed using the pharmacophore recombination method.

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The central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA) and the lateral habenular nucleus (LHb) are essential nuclei playing modulatory roles in encoding noxious stimuli. Their interaction has recently been demonstrated in chronic pain-induced depression. However, little is known about the CeA-LHb pathway in a formalin-induced pain model.

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Recent advancements in tissue engineering have promoted the development of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) that significantly enhance peripheral nerve injury treatment, improving outcomes and recovery rates. However, utilising tailored biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) topological porous structures combined with multiple bio-effect neurotrophic factors to create environments similar to neural tissues, regulate local immune responses, and develop a supportive microenvironment to promote peripheral nerve regeneration and repair poses significant challenges. Herein, a biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) NGC featuring an interconnected 3D porous network and sustained delivery of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is designed using multi-functional gelatine microcapsules (GMs).

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Ezrin, an actin-binding protein, orchestrates the organization of the cortical cytoskeleton and plasma membrane during cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Its role in monocytes/macrophages (MΦs) is less understood. Here, we used a monocyte/MΦ-specific ezrin knock-out mouse model to investigate the contribution of ezrin to monocyte recruitment and adaptation to the lung extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

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Extravasation of CCR2-positive monocytes into tissue and to the site of injury is a fundamental immunological response to infections. Nevertheless, exuberant recruitment and/or activity of these monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages can propagate tissue damage, especially in chronic inflammatory disease conditions. We have previously shown that inhibiting the recruitment of CCR2-positive monocytes ameliorates lung tissue damage caused by chronic neutrophilic inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) mouse models.

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The specification of megakaryocytic (Mk) or erythroid (E) lineages from primary human megakaryocytic-erythroid progenitors (MEPs) is crucial for hematopoietic homeostasis, yet the underlying mechanisms regulating fate specification remain elusive. In this study, we identify RUNX1 as a key modulator of gene expression during MEP fate specification. Overexpression of RUNX1 in primary human MEPs promotes Mk specification, whereas pan-RUNX inhibition favors E specification.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study examines how well pegylated interferon (PEG-IFNα) therapy can clear hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and identifies factors predicting successful treatment.
  • A systematic review of 102 studies shows low overall HBsAg clearance rates, around 10.6% at the end of treatment and 11.1% after follow-up, with baseline HBsAg levels being the most critical predictor.
  • Higher baseline HBsAg levels (like 100 IU/ml) lead to significantly better clearance rates (up to 53.9%) compared to higher levels (like 10,000 IU/ml, which is only 7.9%), and
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Neuroma, a pathological response to peripheral nerve injury, refers to the abnormal growth of nerve tissue characterized by disorganized axonal proliferation. Commonly occurring after nerve injuries, surgeries, or amputations, this condition leads to the formation of painful nodular structures. Traditional treatment options include surgical excision and pharmacological management, aiming to alleviate symptoms.

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  • Arbutin, a plant-derived glucoside with antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, is gaining attention in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, but data on its metabolic stability and pharmacokinetics are limited.
  • This study aims to enhance knowledge of arbutin’s metabolic stability and pharmacokinetics through pre-clinical evaluations using advanced techniques like LC-MS/MS for analysis.
  • Results indicate arbutin is stable but has low plasma protein binding, short half-life, and high oral bioavailability, with promising safety profiles suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
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  • A model was developed to predict HBeAg seroconversion in patients with chronic hepatitis B after nucleos(t)ide analog therapy, which is important because such models are limited.
  • The study involved 75 patients receiving a year of peginterferon-alfa treatment, analyzing various predictors at different time points to create a scoring system for treatment efficacy.
  • Key predictors at baseline, week 12, and week 24 included specific levels of HBsAg and HBeAg, with the final model showing significant differences in response and clearance rates based on total scores.
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The secondary metabolites of marine fungi with rich chemical diversity and biological activity are an important and exciting target for natural product research. This study aimed to investigate the fungal community in Quanzhou Bay, Fujian, and identified 28 strains of marine fungi. A total of 28 strains of marine fungi were screened for small-scale fermentation by the OSMAC (One Strain-Many Compounds) strategy, and 77 EtOAc crude extracts were obtained and assayed for cancer cell inhibition rate.

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Bioactive macromolecular drugs known as Growth Factors (GFs), approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have found successful application in clinical practice. They hold significant promise for addressing peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). Peripheral nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) loaded with GFs, in the context of tissue engineering, can ensure sustained and efficient release of these bioactive compounds.

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The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different sulfur fertilizers combined with sulfate-reducing bacteria on the accumulation of cadmium and arsenic in rice and the formation of iron plaque under long-term flooding conditions and to provide a reference for the safe production of rice fields polluted by moderate and mild cadmium and arsenic. We adopted a pot experiment, selecting two sulfur fertilizers, sulfur and calcium sulfate, and Enterobacter M5 with sulfate-reducing ability, and designed six treatments of single application and combined application of different sulfur fertilizers and M5. The results showed that the combined application of calcium sulfate and M5(CM5) had the best effect on reducing available cadmium and arsenic in rice rhizosphere soil.

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Porous structure is an important three-dimensional morphological feature of the peripheral nerve guidance conduit (NGC), which permits the infiltration of cells, nutrients, and molecular signals and the discharge of metabolic waste. Porous structures with precisely customized pore sizes, porosities, and connectivities are being used to construct fully permeable, semi-permeable, and asymmetric peripheral NGCs for the replacement of traditional nerve autografts in the treatment of long-segment peripheral nerve injury. In this review, the features of porous structures and the classification of NGCs based on these characteristics are discussed.

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The incidence of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is high worldwide, and a poor prognosis is common. Surgical closure and repair of the affected area are crucial to ensure the effective treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Despite being the standard treatment approach, reliance on sutures to seal the severed nerve ends introduces several limitations and restrictions.

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The micron track conduit (MTC) and nerve factor provide a physical and biological model for simulating peripheral nerve growth and have potential applications for nerve injury. However, it has rarely been reported that they synergize on peripheral nerves. In this study, we used bioderived chitosan as a substrate to design and construct a neural repair conduit with micron track topography using threedimensional (3D) printing topography.

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Mitosis is a key step of eukaryote proliferation.Endosomal sorting complex required for transport, a protein complex closely associated with membrane shearing, is involved in endosome maturation, virus budding, and autophagy.The structural and functional abnormalities of the complex are associated with the occurrence and progression of cancer and other diseases.

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Article Synopsis
  • Nanomaterials that mimic bone properties and can be easily absorbed by cells could create effective environments for enhancing bone regeneration therapy.
  • The review highlights the structure of natural bone from macro to nanoscale, which is crucial for creating effective bone substitutes.
  • It also addresses current clinical challenges in bone injury treatment and categorizes nanomaterials as inorganic or organic while discussing their characteristics and research results related to bone engineering.*
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Background: Previous studies have investigated the link between fatty acid intake and bone mineral density (BMD), but the results are controversial. This study aims to examine the relationship between fatty acid intake and BMD in adults aged 20-59.

Methods: The association between fatty acid consumption and BMD was analyzed using a weighted multiple linear regression model with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011 to 2018.

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A strain of was screened from cadmium and arsenic contaminated farmland soil and its passivation mechanism of cadmium and arsenic were explored through removing performance and characterization experiments. The results showed that the screened strain M5 was identified as sp. with a sulfate-reduction function, and its maximum resistance concentration was approximately 1 mmol·L to cadmium and arsenic.

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Persistent neutrophil-dominated lung inflammation contributes to lung damage in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the mechanisms that drive persistent lung neutrophilia and tissue deterioration in CF are not well characterized. Starting from the observation that, in patients with CF, c-c motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) monocytes/macrophages are abundant in the lungs, we investigate the interplay between monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils in perpetuating lung tissue damage in CF.

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Background: Prediabetes is a hypermetabolic syndrome with blood sugar levels falling between the normal and diabetes. People with prediabetes have a significantly increased chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumors, dementia, and other diseases in the future when compared to the healthy population. However, prediabetes is mainly treated based on lifestyle intervention, currently without targeted drug treatment plan.

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A Brønsted acid catalyzed tandem process to access densely functionalized chromeno[3,2-]isoxazoles with good to excellent yields and diastereoselectivities was disclosed. The procedure is proposed to involve a 1,6-conjugate addition/electrophilic addition/double annulations process of alkynyl -quinone methides (-AQMs) in situ generated from -hydroxyl propargylic alcohols with nitrones. Mild conditions, good functional group compatibility, easy scale-up of the reaction, and further product transformation demonstrated its potential application.

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