Publications by authors named "Xiaokai Zhang"

Humans, as natural carriers of (SA), have developed nonprotective immune imprints that can be reactivated by SA antigen vaccination and that contribute to the failure of SA vaccine trials. To test whether an epitope-focused vaccine strategy can overcome this issue, we explored the protective epitope of the notable SA antigen MntC. A surface loop of MntC (Loop101) was found to be essential for SA to absorb manganese(II) ion and survive oxidative stress.

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How SARS-CoV-2 Omicron evolved remains obscure. T492I, an Omicron-specific mutation encountered in SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4), enhances viral replication and alters nonstructural protein cleavage, inferring potentials to drive evolution. Through evolve-and-resequence experiments of SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (hCoV-19/USA/WA-CDC-02982585-001/2020, A) and Delta strains (B.

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This paper emphasizes the need for more integrated research approaches when studying harmful algal blooms (HABs). Single-species research on HAB-forming algae provides important insights but fails to account for the interactions between Multiple species and their surrounding ecosystems, which is critical to understanding HAB dynamics, including HAB mitigation. To enhance our understanding of complex ecological phenomena and management of HABs, we emphasize approaches like multi-species field-based experiments, big data analysis and ecological modelling, and real-time monitoring, complemented by remote sensing that better represent actual natural environmental conditions, drivers, abiotic and biotic interactions.

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Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to etiopathogenesis and progression of heart failure (HF). The underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Transcription factor FOXM1 plays an essential role in cardiovascular development.

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Zinc-Selenium (Zn-Se) alloys are promising biodegradable hard-tissue implant materials, particularly due to Se's efficacy in both preventing and treating cancer. However, the difficulty in alloying Zn with Se and the processing softening of Zn alloys seriously hinder the clinical application of Zn-Se alloys. Here, we report on the successful preparation of a Zn-4Cu-2Se alloy using casting and hot rolling, and its extraordinarily effective biocompatibility and antibacterial and anti-tumor capabilities.

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Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately leading to chronic cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Current therapeutic strategies that predominantly target single biological pathways exhibit limited long-term efficacy, underscoring the necessity for multi-targeted approaches. In this study, we developed a ROS-responsive hydrogel system, S1&FT/Lipo-QCFT, tailored to deliver drugs for treating various stages of myocardial I/R injury.

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Soil and sediment contamination with heavy metals (HMs) is a critical environmental issue, posing significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. Whole-cell bioreporter (WCB) technology offers a promising alternative to traditional detection techniques due to its ability to rapidly assess the bioavailability of pollutants. Specifically, lights-on WCBs quantify pollutant bioavailability by measuring bioluminescence or fluorescence in response to pollutant exposure, demonstrating comparable accuracy to traditional methods for quantitative pollutant detection.

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Beta-type Zr-Nb-Ti (ZNT) medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) are receiving increasing research interest as orthopedic implants due to their appropriate mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, improvements in their elastic admissible strain, strength, and ductility are still required to ensure their high performance in clinical applications. In this study, a series of (ZrNbTi)O (x = 0, 0.

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Beta-type Ti-Zr-Nb (TZN) medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) are being extensively investigated as orthopedic implants due to their metallic mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, improvements in elastic admissible strain, strength, and ductility are still needed to ensure their high performance in clinical applications. In this study, we designed a series of negative mixing enthalpy MEAs by adding 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 at.

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Type I interferons (IFN-I) are crucial for the initial defense against viral infections. TBK1 serves as a key regulator in the production of IFN-I, with its phosphorylation being essential for the regulation of its activity. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing its activation remain incompletely elucidated.

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Current evidence indicates that circRNAs are involved in the development of multiple malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the specific functions of circRNAs in HCC metabolism and progression and their underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We have identified a novel circRNA circMFN2, by bioinformatics analysis of circRNA microarray data from the GEO database.

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Zinc (Zn)-based alloys and composites are anticipated to emerge as a category of degradable metallic biomaterials with exceptional prospects for bone-implant applications owing to their superior biocompatibility and biofunctionality. Unfortunately, the limited strength of Zn alloys in their as-cast state restricts their use in clinical applications. In this study, we started with pure magnesium (Mg) powders and Zn sheets, and successfully fabricated MgZn/Zn composites using accumulative roll bonding (ARB).

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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and deadly cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting surgical options. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a primary treatment for inoperable and involves the use of drug-eluting microspheres to slowly release chemotherapy drugs. However, patient responses to TACE vary, with some experiencing tumor progression and recurrence.

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Background: Cardiac fibrosis, including reactive fibrosis and replacement fibrosis, is a common pathological process in most cardiovascular diseases. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in the development of fibrosis by mediating the degradation and synthesis of proteins involved in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-dependent and TGF-β-independent fibrous pathways.

Aim Of Review: This review aims to provide an overview of ubiquitinated and deubiquitinated molecules that participating in cardiac fibrosis, with the ultimate purpose to identify promising targets for therapeutic strategies.

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Article Synopsis
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health issue, often treated with decompressive craniectomy, but basal cisternostomy has proven to be an effective alternative.
  • A study involving 41 patients compared outcomes of decompressive craniectomy and basal cisternostomy for severe TBI, recording various postoperative indicators and the Glasgow outcome scale at 6 months.
  • Results showed that patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy had better postoperative intracranial pressure and Glasgow outcome scores compared to those who underwent basal cisternostomy.
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Background: The co-application of biochar and wood vinegar has demonstrated the potential to enhance premium crop production. The present study reveals the effects of co-applying rice husk biochar and wood vinegar (both foliar and soil application) on soil properties and the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) in a two-season pot experiment.

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Since the initial introduction of whole-cell bioreporters (WCBs) nearly 30 years ago, their high sensitivity, selectivity, and suitability for on-site detection have rendered them highly promising for environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis, food safety, biomanufacturing, and other fields. Especially in the environmental field, the technology provides a fast and efficient way to assess the bioavailability of pollutants in the environment. Despite these advantages, the technology has not been commercialized.

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  • * The response of earthworms to biochar varies based on factors like the source of biochar, its pyrolysis temperature, and application dose, with certain conditions leading to negative effects on earthworms.
  • * While biochar can enhance soil fertility and reduce pollution effects, it also poses risks, necessitating careful evaluation of its ecotoxicity and the impact of earthworm activity on its effectiveness.
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  • PFAS are harmful due to their persistence in the environment and ability to accumulate in living organisms, necessitating effective remediation strategies for contaminated soil and water.
  • Biochar has shown promise as a low-cost option for adsorbing PFAS, with this review highlighting its ability to immobilize these substances and reduce their ecological impact.
  • The study emphasizes the need for further research on enhancing biochar's effectiveness for short-chain PFAS and understanding the role of surface charge and different forces in adsorption processes.
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() can evade antibiotics and host immune defenses by persisting within infected cells. Here, we demonstrate that in infected host cells, type VII secretion system (T7SS) extracellular protein B (EsxB) interacts with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein and suppresses the inflammatory defense mechanism of macrophages during early infection. The binding of EsxB with STING disrupts the K48-linked ubiquitination of EsxB at lysine 33, thereby preventing EsxB degradation.

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The carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass with ionic liquids (ILs) are considered as an advantageous approach for the preparation of carbonaceous materials. The commonly used imidazolium and pyridinium based ILs have drawbacks such as toxicity, resistance to biodegradation, high cost and viscosity. These issues can be mitigated by diluting ILs with water, although excessive water content above 1 wt% can reduce the solubility of biomass.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Xiaokai Zhang"

  • - Xiaokai Zhang's research primarily focuses on the application of biochar and its interactions with soil and environmental factors, emphasizing its role in improving soil productivity and addressing environmental contamination, particularly with substances like PFAS and biodegradable microplastics.
  • - Recent studies reveal the potential of biochar, in combination with agents like wood vinegar, to enhance nutrient efficiency and crop growth in agricultural settings, while also examining its ecological implications, such as its effects on earthworm populations.
  • - Zhang also investigates emerging topics such as the commercialization of whole-cell bioreporters for environmental monitoring and the environmental behaviors of engineered nanomaterials, emphasizing safety and efficacy in environmental applications.