Feng Zhang

Bio: Feng Zhang is an academic researcher from Fudan University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Materials science. The author has an hindex of 172, co-authored 1278 publications receiving 181865 citations. Previous affiliations of Feng Zhang include Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Nanjing Medical University.

Intracoronary delivery of mesenchymal stem cells reduces proarrhythmogenic risks in swine with myocardial infarction

Abstract: The electrophysiological consequences of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in ischemic heart disease have not been fully understood. Swine myocardial infarction (MI) model by intracoronary balloon occlusion received MSC solution or 0.9% NaCl. Six weeks later, heart rate turbulence (HRT), dispersion of action potential durations (APD) and repolarization time (RT) (APDd and RTd), slope of APD reconstitution curve and programmed electrical stimulation were used to evaluate the ventricular arrhythmic risks. MSC treatment could significantly ameliorate the abnormal HRT, APD90, APDd, RT and RTd. The slope of APD reconstitution curve in MSC group was higher than control group but lower than MI group. MSC therapy markedly reduced inducible malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), and improved impaired cardiac performances and cardiac fibrosis. This study provides strong evidence that MSC infusion via intracoronary route does not cause VAs but tends to reduce the risk of malignant VAs.

Structural and chemical orders in N i 64.5 Z r 35.5 metallic glass by molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract: The atomic structure of $\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{i}}_{64.5}\mathrm{Z}{\mathrm{r}}_{35.5}$ metallic glass has been investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The calculated structure factors from the MD glassy sample at room temperature agree well with the x-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction (ND) experimental data. Using the pairwise cluster alignment and clique analysis methods, we show that there are three types of dominant short-range order (SRO) motifs around Ni atoms in the glass sample of $\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{i}}_{64.5}\mathrm{Z}{\mathrm{r}}_{35.5}$, i.e., mixed-icosahedron(ICO)-cube, intertwined-cube, and icosahedronlike clusters. Furthermore, chemical order and medium-range order (MRO) analysis show that the mixed-ICO-cube and intertwined-cube clusters exhibit the characteristics of the crystalline B2 phase. Our simulation results suggest that the weak glass-forming ability (GFA) of $\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{i}}_{64.5}\mathrm{Z}{\mathrm{r}}_{35.5}$ can be attributed to the competition between the glass forming ICO SRO and the crystalline mixed-ICO-cube and intertwined-cube motifs.

Retrograde approach for the recanalization of coronary chronic total occlusion: preliminary experience of a single center.

Abstract: Background The success rate of antegrade approach for chronic total occlusions (CTO) recanalization has not dramatically increased, especially in complex CTO subset. The retrograde technique may hold great promise. This report aimed to describe our experience of retrograde recanalization for CTO, focusing on its safety and feasibility. Methods We identified 42 patients who underwent revascularization in CTO with retrograde approach from July 2005 to November 2009 in our center. Results Three kinds of strategy were applied: retrograde as primary strategy (50.0%), retrograde immediately after antegrade failure (26.2%) and repeat procedure after previous antegrade failure (23.8%). Septal collaterals were more frequently used as the retrograde access route (92.9%). Overall success rate was 88.1%. In patients with successful retrograde wire crossing collateral channel to the distal cap of CTO, the success rate of recanalization was 94.1%. In patient with failure to cross the collaterals, the success rate was 62.5%. Eight different kinds of retrograde techniques were used: kissing wire technique (35.3%), wire trapped and reverse wire trapped technique (17.6%), back-end balloon and microcatherer reversal technique (14.7%), controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking (CART) technique (8.8%), reverse CART and modified reverse CART technique (8.8%), retrograde wire crossing technique (2.9%). There were 4 complications occurred without in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). In-hospital MACE was 7.7%. All of them were non-Q wave myocardial infarction. There were no cases of death or target vessel revascularization, either surgery or percutaneous. Conclusions The retrograde approach can be an effective tool for increasing the success rate of recanalization in the very complex CTO. To ensure the success and safety of the approach, careful case selection and device handling by experienced operators is essential. Chin Med J 2010;123(7):857-863

Rapid Evolution, Genetic Variations, and Functional Association of the Human Spermatogenesis-Related Gene NYD-SP12

Abstract: NYD-SP12 is a recently identified spermatogenesis-related gene with a pivotal role in human testis development. In this study, we analyzed between-species divergence and within-species variation of NYD-SP12 in seven representative primate species, four worldwide human populations, and 124 human clinical subjects. Our results indicate that NYD-SP12 evolves rapidly in both the human and the chimpanzee lineages, which is likely caused by Darwinian positive selection and/or sexual selection. We observed significant interpopulation divergence among human populations, which might be due to the varied demographic histories. In the association analysis, we demonstrated significant frequency discrepancy of a synonymous sequence polymorphism among the clinical groups with different sperm traits.

Unexpected connections between type VI-B CRISPR-Cas systems, bacterial natural competence, ubiquitin signaling network and DNA modification through a distinct family of membrane proteins.

Abstract: In addition to core Cas proteins, CRISPR-Cas loci often encode ancillary proteins that modulate the activity of the respective effectors in interference. Subtype VI-B1 CRISPR-Cas systems encode the Csx27 protein that down-regulates the activity of Cas13b when the type VI-B locus is expressed in Escherichia coli. We show that Csx27 belongs to an expansive family of proteins that contain four predicted transmembrane helices and are typically encoded in predicted operons with components of the bacterial natural transformation machinery, multidomain proteins that consist of components of the ubiquitin signaling system and proteins containing the ligand-binding WYL domain and a helix-turn-helix domain. The Csx27 family proteins are predicted to form membrane channels for ssDNA that might comprise the core of a putative novel, Ub-regulated system for DNA uptake and, possibly, degradation. In addition to these associations, a distinct subfamily of the Csx27 family appears to be a part of a novel, membrane-associated system for DNA modification. In Bacteroidetes, subtype VI-B1 systems might degrade nascent transcripts of foreign DNA in conjunction with its uptake by the bacterial cell. These predictions suggest several experimental directions for the study of type VI CRISPR-Cas systems and distinct mechanisms of foreign DNA uptake and degradation in bacteria.

疟原虫var基因转换速率变化导致抗原变异[英]／Paul H, Robert P, Christodoulou Z, et al//Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Abstract: 抗原变异可使得多种致病微生物易于逃避宿主免疫应答。表达在感染红细胞表面的恶性疟原虫红细胞表面蛋白1（PfPMP1）与感染红细胞、内皮细胞、树突状细胞以及胎盘的单个或多个受体作用，在黏附及免疫逃避中起关键的作用。每个单倍体基因组var基因家族编码约60种成员，通过启动转录不同的var基因变异体为抗原变异提供了分子基础。

2013 ESH/ESC Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension: The Task Force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Abstract: ABCD : Appropriate Blood pressure Control in Diabetes ABI : ankle–brachial index ABPM : ambulatory blood pressure monitoring ACCESS : Acute Candesartan Cilexetil Therapy in Stroke Survival ACCOMPLISH : Avoiding Cardiovascular Events in Combination Therapy in Patients Living with Systolic Hypertension ACCORD : Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes ACE : angiotensin-converting enzyme ACTIVE I : Atrial Fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial with Irbesartan for Prevention of Vascular Events ADVANCE : Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron-MR Controlled Evaluation AHEAD : Action for HEAlth in Diabetes ALLHAT : Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart ATtack ALTITUDE : ALiskiren Trial In Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardio-renal Endpoints ANTIPAF : ANgioTensin II Antagonist In Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation APOLLO : A Randomized Controlled Trial of Aliskiren in the Prevention of Major Cardiovascular Events in Elderly People ARB : angiotensin receptor blocker ARIC : Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ARR : aldosterone renin ratio ASCOT : Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial ASCOT-LLA : Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial—Lipid Lowering Arm ASTRAL : Angioplasty and STenting for Renal Artery Lesions A-V : atrioventricular BB : beta-blocker BMI : body mass index BP : blood pressure BSA : body surface area CA : calcium antagonist CABG : coronary artery bypass graft CAPPP : CAPtopril Prevention Project CAPRAF : CAndesartan in the Prevention of Relapsing Atrial Fibrillation CHD : coronary heart disease CHHIPS : Controlling Hypertension and Hypertension Immediately Post-Stroke CKD : chronic kidney disease CKD-EPI : Chronic Kidney Disease—EPIdemiology collaboration CONVINCE : Controlled ONset Verapamil INvestigation of CV Endpoints CT : computed tomography CV : cardiovascular CVD : cardiovascular disease D : diuretic DASH : Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DBP : diastolic blood pressure DCCT : Diabetes Control and Complications Study DIRECT : DIabetic REtinopathy Candesartan Trials DM : diabetes mellitus DPP-4 : dipeptidyl peptidase 4 EAS : European Atherosclerosis Society EASD : European Association for the Study of Diabetes ECG : electrocardiogram EF : ejection fraction eGFR : estimated glomerular filtration rate ELSA : European Lacidipine Study on Atherosclerosis ESC : European Society of Cardiology ESH : European Society of Hypertension ESRD : end-stage renal disease EXPLOR : Amlodipine–Valsartan Combination Decreases Central Systolic Blood Pressure more Effectively than the Amlodipine–Atenolol Combination FDA : U.S. Food and Drug Administration FEVER : Felodipine EVent Reduction study GISSI-AF : Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto Miocardico-Atrial Fibrillation HbA1c : glycated haemoglobin HBPM : home blood pressure monitoring HOPE : Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation HOT : Hypertension Optimal Treatment HRT : hormone replacement therapy HT : hypertension HYVET : HYpertension in the Very Elderly Trial IMT : intima-media thickness I-PRESERVE : Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Systolic Function INTERHEART : Effect of Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors associated with Myocardial Infarction in 52 Countries INVEST : INternational VErapamil SR/T Trandolapril ISH : Isolated systolic hypertension JNC : Joint National Committee JUPITER : Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin LAVi : left atrial volume index LIFE : Losartan Intervention For Endpoint Reduction in Hypertensives LV : left ventricle/left ventricular LVH : left ventricular hypertrophy LVM : left ventricular mass MDRD : Modification of Diet in Renal Disease MRFIT : Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial MRI : magnetic resonance imaging NORDIL : The Nordic Diltiazem Intervention study OC : oral contraceptive OD : organ damage ONTARGET : ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial PAD : peripheral artery disease PATHS : Prevention And Treatment of Hypertension Study PCI : percutaneous coronary intervention PPAR : peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PREVEND : Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENdstage Disease PROFESS : Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Secondary Strokes PROGRESS : Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study PWV : pulse wave velocity QALY : Quality adjusted life years RAA : renin-angiotensin-aldosterone RAS : renin-angiotensin system RCT : randomized controlled trials RF : risk factor ROADMAP : Randomized Olmesartan And Diabetes MicroAlbuminuria Prevention SBP : systolic blood pressure SCAST : Angiotensin-Receptor Blocker Candesartan for Treatment of Acute STroke SCOPE : Study on COgnition and Prognosis in the Elderly SCORE : Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation SHEP : Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program STOP : Swedish Trials in Old Patients with Hypertension STOP-2 : The second Swedish Trial in Old Patients with Hypertension SYSTCHINA : SYSTolic Hypertension in the Elderly: Chinese trial SYSTEUR : SYSTolic Hypertension in Europe TIA : transient ischaemic attack TOHP : Trials Of Hypertension Prevention TRANSCEND : Telmisartan Randomised AssessmeNt Study in ACE iNtolerant subjects with cardiovascular Disease UKPDS : United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study VADT : Veterans' Affairs Diabetes Trial VALUE : Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-term Use Evaluation WHO : World Health Organization ### 1.1 Principles The 2013 guidelines on hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology …

A programmable dual-RNA-guided DNA endonuclease in adaptive bacterial immunity.

Abstract: Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems provide bacteria and archaea with adaptive immunity against viruses and plasmids by using CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) to guide the silencing of invading nucleic acids. We show here that in a subset of these systems, the mature crRNA that is base-paired to trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA) forms a two-RNA structure that directs the CRISPR-associated protein Cas9 to introduce double-stranded (ds) breaks in target DNA. At sites complementary to the crRNA-guide sequence, the Cas9 HNH nuclease domain cleaves the complementary strand, whereas the Cas9 RuvC-like domain cleaves the noncomplementary strand. The dual-tracrRNA:crRNA, when engineered as a single RNA chimera, also directs sequence-specific Cas9 dsDNA cleavage. Our study reveals a family of endonucleases that use dual-RNAs for site-specific DNA cleavage and highlights the potential to exploit the system for RNA-programmable genome editing.