Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Steven D. Brooks, Rachel L. Smith, Aline S. Moreira, Hans C. Ackerman
Summary: Lisinopril increases ACE2 expression in tissues relevant to COVID-19, while adding losartan prevents the lisinopril-induced increase. A sex difference was observed with higher ACE2 levels in the kidneys of male mice.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Dettlaff-Pokora, Julian Swierczynski
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 impairs the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by binding the ACE2 enzyme, leading to an increase in angiotensin 2 and a decrease in angiotensin (1-7), potentially worsening damage to the lungs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Sarah Alabsi, Atharva Dhole, Sameh Hozayen, Scott A. Chapman
Summary: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a crucial role as a counterregulatory enzyme in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), exerting protective actions against vasoconstriction, inflammation, and fibrosis. ACE2 serves as the binding site for the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, facilitating its entry into ACE2-expressing tissue cells. Various factors, including viral variants, patient characteristics, and ACE2 expression levels, contribute to the severity and complications of COVID-19 infection. The impact of medications that alter ACE2 receptor expression on disease progression and outcomes remains uncertain. This review aims to discuss the interrelation between SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, and factors influencing the variability of ACE2 expression and the severity of COVID-19 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu Wang, Hikari Takeshita, Koichi Yamamoto, Yibin Huang, Cheng Wang, Tsuneo Nakajima, Yoichi Nozato, Taku Fujimoto, Serina Yokoyama, Kazuhiro Hongyo, Futoshi Nakagami, Hiroshi Akasaka, Yoichi Takami, Yasushi Takeya, Ken Sugimoto, Hiromi Rakugi
Summary: This study found that Ang II did not affect ACE2 and other molecules associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, supporting recent observational studies suggesting that the use of RASi is not a risk factor for COVID-19.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Somasundaram Raghavan, M. Dennis Leo
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a significant global health crisis. The range of symptoms among COVID-19 patients varies from life-threatening to mild or asymptomatic, posing challenges for identification, quarantine, and treatment. The emergence of Long COVID, characterized by unusual symptoms among survivors, is concerning due to limited understanding and treatment options. Recent evidence suggests that histamine and vascular inflammation might contribute to some Long COVID symptoms. Famotidine, a commonly used H2 receptor blocker, has been shown to prevent adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Lunardi, Francesco Fortarezza, Luca Vedovelli, Federica Pezzuto, Annalisa Boscolo, Marco Rossato, Roberto Vettor, Anna Maria Cattelan, Claudia Del Vecchio, Andrea Crisanti, Paolo Navalesi, Dario Gregori, Fiorella Calabrese
Summary: This study found that ACE-2 levels were decreased in lung tissue of smokers, and smoking was the most probable risk factor associated with low ACE-2 expression. Additionally, there was a direct relationship between viral quantity and ACE-2 expression, with high ACE-2 expressors more likely to show vascular injury.
Article
Biology
Tuemay Capraz, Nikolaus F. Kienzl, Elisabeth Laurent, Jan W. Perthold, Esther Foederl-Hoebenreich, Clemens Gruenwald-Gruber, Daniel Maresch, Vanessa Monteil, Janine Niederhofer, Gerald Wirnsberger, Ali Mirazimi, Kurt Zatloukal, Lukas Mach, Josef M. Penninger, Chris Oostenbrink, Johannes Stadlmann
Summary: The interaction between the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 on host cells is crucial for viral entry, with glycosylation playing a critical role. Engineering ACE2 glycosylation can enhance virus neutralization without affecting protein stability or activity. Removing all N-glycans from recombinant soluble human ACE2 can create a superior decoy receptor for effective COVID-19 treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nguyen Thanh Tung, Po-Ching Cheng, Kai-Hsien Chi, Ta-Chi Hsiao, Timothy Jones, Kelly BeruBe, Kin-Fai Ho, Hsiao-Chi Chuang
Summary: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Particulate matter (PM) may act as a carrier for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with PM increasing the expression of ACE2 in the lungs, facilitating viral adhesion. This suggests that PM could be a direct and indirect transmission model for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shiho Tanaka, Gard Nelson, C. Anders Olson, Oleksandr Buzko, Wendy Higashide, Annie Shin, Marcos Gonzalez, Justin Taft, Roosheel Patel, Sofija Buta, Ashley Richardson, Dusan Bogunovic, Patricia Spilman, Kayvan Niazi, Shahrooz Rabizadeh, Patrick Soon-Shiong
Summary: The study identified an ACE2 decoy that can effectively combat SARS-CoV-2 variants, offering a treatment option. The use of MD simulation to predict ACE2 sequence substitutions and screen candidate ACE2 decoys enhances efficacy against variants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sonia Jangra, Jana De Vrieze, Angela Choi, Raveen Rathnasinghe, Gabriel Laghlali, Annemiek Uvyn, Simon Van Herck, Lutz Nuhn, Kim Deswarte, Zifu Zhong, Niek N. Sanders, Stefan Lienenklaus, Sunil A. David, Shirin Strohmeier, Fatima Amanat, Florian Krammer, Hamida Hammad, Bart N. Lambrecht, Lynda Coughlan, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Bruno G. De Geest, Michael Schotsaert
Summary: IMDQ-PEG-CHOL is an amphiphilic TLR7/8 adjuvant that can enhance immune response, reduce systemic inflammation, and translocate to lymph nodes. When added to vaccines, it induces high levels of antibodies in mice that effectively neutralize viral infections in vitro and in vivo.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Nappi, Sanjeet Singh Avtaar Singh
Summary: The inflammatory process triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis, leading to severe systemic symptoms through various pathways. The role of endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis in this process has not been fully explored. This review aims to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of these inflammatory triggers and their association with thrombotic complications, while also examining a case of carotid artery thrombosis following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yue Hu, Lihuan Liu, Xifeng Lu
Summary: ACE2, a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. It is implicated in tissue injury, chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and may be a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Leder Leal Xavier, Paula Fernanda Ribas Neves, Lisie Valeria Paz, Laura Tartari Neves, Pamela Brambilla Bagatini, Luis Fernando Saraiva Macedo Timmers, Alberto Antonio Rasia-Filho, Regis Gemerasca Mestriner, Andrea Wieck
Summary: This viewpoint explores the pathophysiological hypotheses of COVID-19, focusing on the role of molecules like ACE2 and ANG II in the RAAS system, as well as the biological changes in RAAS activation following SARS-CoV-2 infection and potential outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hassan Sarker, Rashmi Panigrahi, Eugenio Hardy, J. N. Mark Glover, Shokrollah Elahi, Carlos Fernandez-Patron
Summary: This study suggests that dexamethasone and cortisol can bind to the spike 1 protein (S1) of SARS-CoV-2, disrupting its interaction with ACE2 and potentially inhibiting viral entry. The study also found that certain S1 mutations may affect the binding of cortisol. Further investigation is needed to determine if the direct interaction between glucocorticoids and S1 is a natural defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yusen Xiang, Mengge Wang, Hongzhuan Chen, Lili Chen
Summary: The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the urgent need for rapid drug development in the absence of precise treatment. The virus S protein plays a crucial role in vaccine and drug development, with a focus on inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 S protein, ACE2, and viral infection-associated enzymes. The review provides valuable information for potential antiviral agent discovery and development in combating SARS-CoV-2, with future exploration of more targeted prevention and treatment drugs expected with advanced technology.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Business
Yufei Zhang, Thomas E. DeCarlo, Andrew S. Manikas, Abhi Bhattacharya
Summary: This study investigates the impact of word choices in project descriptions on the success of reward-based crowdfunding. The findings suggest that project descriptions emphasizing exploitation themes tend to be more successful. Additionally, the study reveals that risk perceptions and power state play important roles in funding decisions.
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF MARKETING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengqi Wang, Xinlong Liu, Binyang Qin, Zhiyong Li, Yufei Zhang, Wei Yang, Haosen Fan
Summary: The 2D-2D MXene@Co9S8/CoMo2S4 heterostructure was successfully prepared through in-situ etching and ion exchange methods, improving the electrochemical performance of SIBs. The MXene flakes effectively suppressed the aggregation of nanosheets, increasing reactive sites and promoting charge transfer during the charge/discharge process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hossain M. Zabed, Suely Akter, Parveen Fatemah Rupani, Joseph Akor, Yufei Zhang, Mei Zhao, Cunsheng Zhang, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Xianghui Qi
Summary: Microbial conversion of waste glycerol into value-added chemicals, such as 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), is an important bioprocessing technology. However, commercial exploitation of 3-HP biosynthesis faces challenges including toxic effects, undesirable carbon flux, low tolerance, enzyme co-factor dependence, low enzyme activity and stability, substrate inhibition and specificity. This review critically discusses the fundamentals, challenges, recent research efforts, and outlines possible strategies for sustainable and industrially exploitable 3-HP production.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Si-yu Cao, Yu Fan, Yu-fei Zhang, Jia-ying Ruan, Yi Mu, Jin-ke Li
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ACR) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) on recurrence and survival in patients with stage III endometrial cancer after radical surgery. Data from relevant studies were analyzed, and the results showed that ACR significantly reduced the risk of local and total recurrence compared to AC. ACR was also associated with significantly better overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-free survival.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Sun, Siyang Dong, Jiekai Yang, Jing Xiong, Caihong Wang, Shengjun Lu, Yufei Zhang, Haosen Fan
Summary: Peony-like structured MoS2 with intercalation of polyaniline and crystal defects was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The defect-rich structure and broad interlayer distance effectively enhanced the ion diffusion rate. PA-MoS2 maintained a capacity of 157.7 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) after 80 cycles and 77.8 mA h g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) after 750 cycles in the charge-discharge cycling test.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shunzhang You, Dao-Sheng Liu, Minghui Ye, Yufei Zhang, Yongchao Tang, Xiaoqing Liu, Cheng Chao Li
Summary: Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) face challenges such as dendritic growth and corrosion of zinc anodes, as well as hydrogen release. To address these issues, MoCl5-GICs are used as interface layers to protect zinc anodes and improve the Coulombic efficiency (CE) of ZIBs. The Zn@MGs cell with MoCl5-GICs coating shows uniform deposition and transmission of zinc ions, leading to excellent cycling stability and long lifespan. When paired with a NVO cathode, the Zn@MGs parallel to NVO full cell demonstrates remarkable capacity retention. Therefore, constructing multi-functional interface layers is a valuable method for the development of ZIBs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Chi Chiu Lam, Yufei Zhang, Jiaming Gu, Jingming Cai
Summary: This paper investigates the reinforcing strategies of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates for coped steel beams. Experimental results show that CFRP plates can effectively improve the load carrying capacity and resist local web buckling of coped beams. The reinforcing effect is more prominent with more layers of CFRP plates, and CFRP plates with inclined pasting angles can also provide higher post-peak ductility. The research findings provide reference for the design of single coped beams in practical engineering.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Christine Aikens, Damien Alloyeau, Hakim Amara, Vincenzo Amendola, Catherine Amiens, Pascale Andreazza, Francesca Baletto, Stephan Barcikowski, Michael Bowker, Florent Calvo, Fuyi Chen, Emmanuel Cottancin, Wolfgang E. Ernst, Riccardo Farris, Riccardo Ferrando, Georg Daniel Forster, Alessandro Fortunelli, Alexis Front, Didier Grandjean, Hazar Guesmi, Graham J. Hutchings, Ewald Janssens, Miguel Jose Yacaman, Christian Kuttner, Eric Marceau, Marcelo M. Mariscal, Jette K. Mathiesen, John McGrady, Trang Nguyen, Pinkie Ntola, Cameron J. Owen, Charlie Paris, Micha Polak, Rasmus Svensson, Swathi Swaminathan, Mona Treguer-Delapierre, Jonathan Quinson, Yufei Zhang
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Christine M. Aikens, Damien Alloyeau, Vincenzo Amendola, Catherine Amiens, Pascal Andreazza, Joost M. Bakker, Francesca Baletto, Stephan Barcikowski, Noelia Barrabes, Michael Bowker, Fuyi Chen, Isaac T. Daniel, Wolfgang E. Ernst, Riccardo Ferrando, Piero Ferrari, Alessandro Fortunelli, Didier Grandjean, Hazar Guesmi, Graham J. Hutchings, Ewald Janssens, Robert M. Jones, Miguel Jose Yacaman, Christian Kuttner, Maria J. Lopez, Eric Marceau, Marcelo M. Mariscal, John McGrady, Christine Mottet, Jaysen Nelayah, Cameron J. Owen, Micha Polak, Jonathan Quinson, Cesare Roncaglia, Rolf Schafer, Rasmus Svensson, Mona Treguer-Delapierre, Yufei Zhang
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuehui Xu, Guoqing Wang, Yuejin Li, Yufei Zhang
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive investigation on the accumulation and biotransformation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their derivatives in earthworms, revealing methoxylation as a major metabolic pathway.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xuehui Xu, Meiying Liu, Yufei Zhang, Yuexin Zhang
Summary: Although research on the toxic effects of PBDEs on animals has made progress, their phytotoxicity to plants, particularly low and medium brominated PBDE congeners, has been overlooked. This study found that PBDEs inhibited seed germination, root and shoot elongation, and seedling biomass of maize in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest inhibition rate occurring at 15 mg L-1. PBDE exposure induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in maize roots, as evidenced by increased levels of MDA and g-H2AX. Additionally, PBDEs increased the production of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the roots, with BDE-99 causing the most severe damage and ROS generation.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yufei Zhang, Jiejing Chen, Jin Xia
Summary: This study investigated the mechanical and durability properties of slag/metakaolin-based ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGC) reinforced with steel fibers. The results showed that increasing the steel fiber dosage and alkali concentration improved the compressive strength, with a maximum strength exceeding 140 MPa. The rapid chloride migration test indicated a moderate chloride penetration resistance, with chloride migration coefficients ranging from 6.5 x 10(-12) m(2)/s to 14.1 x 10(-12) m(2)/s. The addition of steel fibers slightly increased the chloride penetration depth, while higher sodium hydroxide solution concentration improved the chloride penetration resistance. These findings highlight the importance of considering the durability issues of steel fiber reinforced slag/metakaolin-based geopolymer concrete.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yufei Zhang, Huanran Wang, Ruixiong Li, Zhuangjie Wang, Lanning Ling, Peng Jin, Haiyang Wang
Summary: In this study, an electro-hydrogen cogeneration system combining compressed air energy storage (CAES) and methanol cracking reaction (MCR) was proposed to solve the issues of insufficient utilization of compression heat in CAES and the need for supplementary heat in MCR for hydrogen production. The system utilizes the heat generated from adiabatic compression to preheat methanol, and the carbon monoxide produced from methanol cracking to supplement the heat in the cracker and the energy release module of the CAES system. By constructing a thermodynamic model, the system's performance was investigated, with energy efficiency and exergy efficiency reaching 85.71% and 80.94% respectively.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yufei Zhang, Junjie Zheng, Jiejie Nan, Chengjie Gai, Qian Shao, Vignesh Murugadoss, Srihari Maganti, Nithesh Naik, Hassan Algadi, Mina Huang, Ben Bin Xu, Zhanhu Guo
Summary: ZnFe-layered double oxide (LDO)/cobalt(II,III) oxide (Co3O4) composites were prepared by calcining Co loaded ZnFe-LDO obtained through hydrothermal and microwave hydrothermal methods. The composites exhibited a flower-like structure composed of Co(3)O(4) nanowires and ZnFe-LDO nanosheets. The ZnFe-LDO/Co3O4 composite showed a high degradation efficiency of 93.3% for methylene blue (MB) under visible light and 1.0 V voltage after 3 hours, indicating its potential for organic pollutant removal.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yufei Zhang, Yanzhu Zhu, Xiaodong Cao, Guanhua Zhang, Shuying Liu
Summary: This study reveals the molecular mechanisms of testicular regression in minks for the first time. The study finds that cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium is altered during different stages of reproduction, which may regulate the shedding of postmeiotic cells during testicular regression in minks.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)