Publications by authors named "Zhang X"

Short tandem repeats (STRs) represent one of the most polymorphic variations in the human genome, finding extensive applications in forensics, population genetics and medical genetics. In contrast to the traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE) method, genotyping STRs using massive parallel sequencing technology offers enhanced sensitivity and accuracy. However, current methods are mainly designed for target sequencing with higher coverage for a specific STR locus, thereby constraining the utility of STRs in low- and medium-coverage whole genome sequencing (WGS) data.

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Water sorption isotherms of [Zn(mtz)] (MAF-7) were collected over a wide temperature range (15-45 °C) and its water sorption performance was assessed in terms of water uptake, sorption kinetics, recyclability, and regeneration temperature. Additionally, molecular simulations were conducted to elucidate the locations of water molecules within the pore cavity of MAF-7.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study introduces TCC@M, a nanoprobe that combines CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and photothermal therapy to treat cancer more effectively by targeting specific cells at the right time.
  • TCC@M is activated by near-infrared light, allowing for controlled release of the Cas9 protein, which specifically alters a gene linked to cancer cell survival, making the cells more susceptible to increased temperatures.
  • The research demonstrates that this innovative method not only improves cancer treatment precision but also allows for real-time monitoring through various imaging techniques.
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Direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) is an efficient power generation device, due to its high energy density, low fuel crossover and low emission. However, the anodic reaction of DFAFC, formic acid oxidation (FAOR), inevitably proceeds through an indirect pathway, adsorbing carbon monoxide intermediate (CO), resulting in a rapid decline of activity for FAOR. Therefore, effectively removing CO is the key to the development of DFAFC.

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Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the deposition of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain. Converging evidence indicates that the intracellular transmission and subsequent templated amplification of α-syn are involved in the onset and progression of PD. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell-to-cell transmission of pathological α-syn remain poorly understood.

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Bilirubin (BR), with diverse physiological functions and health implications, is a vital biomarker related to liver diseases such as jaundice and hepatitis. It is generally tested by blood. Sweat wearable devices provide a noninvasive way to monitor BR but face challenges in stability and selectivity, and acquiring sufficient sweat is difficult for sedentary individuals.

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Background: Xerostomia is a distressing symptom experienced by patients undergoing dialysis. We sought to compare and rank the efficacy of different non-pharmacological interventions on xerostomia and salivary flow rate among dialysis patients.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in six English-language databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, in April 2023.

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Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary AX inclusion on the chemical barrier, antioxidant function and intestinal microbiome of rainbow trout.

Methods: Five isoproteic and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated to contain 0.03% arabinoxylanase, as well as 0%, 2.

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for approximately 30% of annual global mortality rates, yet existing treatments for this condition are considered less than ideal. Despite being previously overlooked, lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis, is now acknowledged for its crucial role in the cellular functions of the cardiovascular system. Recent studies have shown that lactate influences the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of immune cells through its modulation of post-translational protein modifications, thereby affecting the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.

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Maintaining a healthy status is crucial for the successful captive breeding of critically endangered , it is conducive to ex situ conservation of this species and rejuvenation of its population. However, changes in the feeding environment and food can affect the composition and function of the gut microbiota in , ultimately impacting its health and adaptation. Herein, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to determine the gut microbiota composition and functional variations between wild and captive populations.

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Garlic is a widely utilized condiment and health product. However, garlic bulbs are prone to quality deterioration resulting in decrease of economic value during postharvest. In this study, the storability of 501 garlic accessions worldwide was evaluated based on the examination of decay index (DI), decay rate, sprouting rate, and bud-to-clove ratio in two consecutive years.

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The prognosis of the poorly differentiated subtype of thyroid carcinoma (THCA) is less favorable due to its aggressive nature, which also increases the likelihood of metastasis to distant organs. The present study aimed to assess the potential application of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3G (PPP1R3G) as a molecular biomarker for early identification and prognosis prediction in THCA. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to identify genes associated with prognosis and differentially expressed genes in THCA.

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S100A4 is primarily expressed in intestinal macrophages, and promotes colonic inflammation and colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis. Smad4 is also expressed in the colon; however, it inhibits colitis-associated cancer (CAC) development. The specific role of Smad4 in S100A4 cells in CAC remains unknown.

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Article Synopsis
  • Immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment that relies on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, with "hot tumors" showing better results due to high immune cell presence.
  • Previous research indicated that secretagogin (SCGN) decreases in expression as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progresses, though it doesn't affect cancer cell traits directly.
  • This study shows that SCGN can influence immune responses by regulating cytokine/chemokine secretion and attracting immune cells, particularly M1 macrophages, through the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that maintaining SCGN expression could be a potential therapeutic strategy for ccRCC.
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Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and all-cause, cardiovascular (CVD) mortality, in individuals with osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Methods: Using NHANES data from 2005 to 2019, 6,824 participants diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis were analyzed. Participants were categorized based on GNRI tertiles, and statistical methods like the fitted curves, Kaplan-Meier curves, cox regression, and subgroup analyses were employed.

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Background: This study explores the correlation between internet addiction (IA) and deviant behaviors among primary and secondary school students. It analyzes the impact of family functional factors, such as family relationships, parent-child communication, and parental control, on IA. The findings aim to provide a scientific basis for educators and parents to develop targeted preventive and intervention measures.

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  • Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by an abnormal immune response, characterized by altered glucose metabolism in macrophages, leading to increased inflammation.
  • A new treatment method using quercetin encapsulated in bioadhesive mesoporous polydopamine (Q@MPDA) was developed, which can reprogram inflammatory macrophages to reduce inflammation.
  • In mouse models, Q@MPDA successfully diminished inflammatory macrophages and cytokines, reduced symptoms and bone loss from periodontitis, and shifted macrophage energy metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, indicating a potential new therapy for the disease.
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  • The text discusses a novel macrophage-based cytopharmaceutical called USIP@M, designed for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, utilizing light-triggered mechanisms for localized drug release.
  • This approach involves loading amphiphilic block copolymers with specific drugs and nanoparticles, which are taken up by macrophages to exploit their natural tumor-targeting abilities.
  • The cytopharmaceutical improves the immune response against tumors by polarizing macrophages, enhancing T cell immunity, and effectively killing tumors while ensuring macrophage activity is preserved.
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Background: Anoikis, a unique form of cell death, serves as a vital part of the organism's defense by preventing shedding cells from re-attaching to the incorrect positions, and plays pivotal role in cancer metastasis. Nonetheless, the specific mechanisms among anoikis, the clinical prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME) of bladder cancer (BLCA) are insufficiently understood.

Method: BLCA patients were classified into different anoikis subtypes based on the expression of candidate anoikis-related genes (ARGs), and differences in the clinicopathological features, TME, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoints between two anoikis subtypes were analyzed.

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  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading global infectious disease, with pleural tuberculosis (PLTB) being the most common form in China, characterized by lymphocyte accumulation in pleural fluid.
  • A study analyzed samples from 10 PLTB patients, comparing their T cell and B cell receptor profiles between blood and pleural fluid using high-throughput immunosequencing.
  • Findings revealed differences in antibody responses to TB antigens in plasma and pleural effusion, and identified key adaptive immune repertoires that could aid in improving TB diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine efforts.
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Introduction: Patients with acute mountain sickness (AMS) due to hypoxia at high altitudes often exhibit abnormal water metabolism. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are major regulators of adaptive responses to hypoxia. As transcription factors, HIFs are involved in the regulation of erythropoiesis, iron metabolism, angiogenesis, energy metabolism, and cell survival by promoting the transcriptional expression of hundreds of target genes.

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Four new wood-inhabiting fungi viz. , , , and - are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. is characterized by soft coriaceous basidiomata detachable from the substrate, becoming reddish brown in KOH, subulate cystidia with an obtuse apex.

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  • The study explored the effects of berberine (BBR) on enteritis in broiler chickens by examining immune responses and organ health in 21- to 35-day-old chicks.
  • Results showed that BBR treatment increased serum immunoglobulin levels, antioxidant capacity, and improved gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful ones.
  • Transcriptome analysis indicated that BBR influences immune-related gene expression, particularly affecting pathways linked to T and B cell signaling, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent against intestinal inflammation.
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Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are key factors leading to neuronal injury. In this study, we investigated the role of S32, a novel 3-acetylaminocoumarin compound, in ameliorating neuronal injury induced by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and . First, we found that S32 reduced the expression levels of p-P65 and p-P38, inhibited the nuclear translocation of P65, and lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-induced BV2 cells, which indicated that S32 had an antineuroinflammatory effect.

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This study aims to investigate the association between metabolomic aging acceleration and body mass index (BMI) phenotypes with mortality and obesity-related morbidities (ORMs). 85,458 participants were included from the UK Biobank. Metabolomic age was determined using 168 metabolites.

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