[Clinical application and pharmacological actions of ligustrazine].
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Calcium Channel Blockers↗
Biomedical subjects
Hao Xu
Publications and source records attributed to Hao Xu.
[Microsurgery treatment of old Achilles tendon rupture merging with skin defect].
OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods of treatment for old achilles tendon rupture merging with skin defect. METHODS: By following up retrospectively 10 patients from February 1995 to December 2001, we analyzed the operative methods, the points for attention and the results. Gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flaps were used in 3 cases, foot lateral skin flaps in 4 cases, superior medial malleolus skin flaps in 2 cases, and sural neural skin flap in 1 case. The Achilles tendon was sutured directly in 8 patients, with Lindholm's technique in 2 patients. RESULTS: All flaps survived and the wound healed well in 8 cases and reruptured in 2 cases. According to Yin Qing-shui's criteria to test the efficacy, the results were excellent in 5 patients, good in 4 and poor in 1. CONCLUSION: Repairing the old Achilles tendon rupture merging with skin defect by use of microsurgery has good results and plays an important role in reducing joint contracture and stiffness, and in saving the ability to push forward and flex.
Achilles Tendon↗
[A clinical study on manshuailing oral liquid in treating elder patients with congestive heart failure of type heart and kidney yang deficiency].
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of manshuailing oral liquid on patients with congestive heart failure of type heart and kidney Yang deficiency. METHOD: 90 patients of heart failure were randomly divided into 2 groups. 45 cases in the routine treatment group (RT) received general therapy including diuretics and digitalis, and 45 cases in the Chinese herb medicine group (CH) were treated basically with the above medicine, with additional manshuailing oral liquid. The clinical effect was summarized 6 weeks after treatment. RESULT: Total effect rate was 82.2% and 62.2% in CH and RTgroup respectively. Compared with pretreatment, heart function including stroke volume (SV), stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac index (CI), shorten rate of left ventricular short axe (deltaD%), distance of inter-ventricular septal to mitral valve (EPSS) were all improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and with even better effects in the CH group than the RT group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), except the SV. CONCLUSION: Manshuailing oral liquid can alleviate clinical symptom, decreased EPSS, increase deltaD% and improve heart function.
Administration, Oral↗
Drosophila syntaxin 16 is a Q-SNARE implicated in Golgi dynamics.
SNARE isoforms appear to regulate specific intracellular membrane trafficking steps. To identify new SNARE proteins in Drosophila melanogaster we used a yeast two-hybrid screen to search for proteins that interact with SNAP. Here we report the identification of the Drosophila homologue of syntaxin 16. dsyntaxin 16 binds SNAP in a concentration-dependent fashion and genetically interacts with NSF2. Like its mammalian homologue, dsyntaxin 16 is ubiquitously expressed and appears to be localized to the Golgi apparatus. In addition, membranes containing dsyntaxin 16 become aggregated upon Brefeldin A treatment and are dispersed during meiosis. Inhibition of dsyntaxin 16 function by overexpression of truncated forms in cultured Schneider cells indicates that dsyntaxin 16 may selectively regulate Golgi dynamics.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Syntaxin 5 is required for cytokinesis and spermatid differentiation in Drosophila.
Syntaxin 5 is a Golgi-localized SNARE protein that has been shown to be required for ER-Golgi traffic in yeast and Golgi reassembly following cell division in mammalian cells. Here, we describe the characterization of the Drosophila ortholog of syntaxin 5, dSyx5, and show that, like its mammalian and yeast counterparts, the protein is localized to the Drosophila Golgi and binds to alpha-SNAP. Null mutations in dSyx5 are larval lethal and demonstrate impaired transport of a GFP-tagged membrane protein. A hypomorphic allele of dSyx5 caused by insertion of an EP element results in impenetrant lethality, and escaping adult flies are male sterile. The male sterility results both from failure of germ cells to complete cytokinesis and from defects in spermatid elongation and maturation. Ectopic expression of dSyx5 from the EP element can rescue the cytokinesis defect, but high levels of expression are required to restore maturation and fertility. Together, these results show that dSyx5 is required for the proper function of the Golgi apparatus and that an efficiently functioning Golgi apparatus is required for the steps leading to the completion of cytokinesis and formation of mature sperm.
Animals↗
Increased p75(NTR) expression in hippocampal neurons containing hyperphosphorylated tau in Alzheimer patients.
p75(NTR), a low-affinity neurotrophin receptor, may be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of present study was to detect the relationship between p75(NTR)-containing neurons and the pretangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau stained by Alz-50 in the hippocampus of AD patients. Samples of hippocampus of 10 female AD patients and 10 nondemented female controls matched for age and postmortem delay were investigated immunocytochemically, and the stainings were quantified using an image analysis system. The results showed that: (i) p75(NTR) was present in about half of the pyramidal neurons of the CA1-CA4 subfields of hippocampus. No difference was observed in the number of p75(NTR) immunoreactive neurons in the CA1-CA4 subfields between the two groups. Interestingly, the ratio of p75(NTR) expressing neurons to the total number of neurons as staining with thionin was significantly higher in the CA1 and CA2 subfields of AD hippocampus than in controls. (ii) There were a large number of Alz-50 neurons and double-labeled neurons containing p75(NTR) and Alz-50 in the CA1 and CA2 subfields of AD patients. These results suggest that p75(NTR) may be involved in the formation of tangles in the Alzheimer process.
Aged↗
Age-associated difference in circadian sleep-wake and rest-activity rhythms.
Using actigraphic monitoring of wrist activity, we investigated the sleep and rest-activity patterns of 65 young, middle-aged, old and the oldest subjects in their natural environmental conditions. To assess the effects of age and gender on sleep and circadian rhythms in activity, multivariate analyses were performed. Age significantly affected circadian sleep and rest-activity rhythms. In the old and oldest groups, the actigraphic estimates of "actual sleep time" and "sleep efficiency" decreased significantly. The estimates of "sleep latency," the number of "nighttime awakening," sleep fragmentation and daytime naps significantly increased in the old and oldest groups. Concerning the circadian patterning of rest and activity, the interdaily stability (IS) was similar in the four age groups, while the old and oldest subjects showed significant increases in intradaily variability (IV) and nighttime activity and a decrease in amplitude (AMP). The present study demonstrated weakened and fragmented circadian sleep and rest-activity rhythms during aging. However, no gender-related difference was found.
Adult↗
Membrane trafficking in cytokinesis.
Until recently, two distinct types of cytokinesis were thought to be responsible for the division of plant and animal cells. Plant cells divide through the formation of a membrane plate between the daughter cells, while animal cells divide by the constriction of a cortical actin-based ring around the cell. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the two mechanisms may have more in common than previously thought. In this review we will focus on recent developments that raise the possibility of unexpected similarities between the final steps in cytokinesis in animal and plant cells.
Actins↗
Fluorescent nano-PEBBLE sensors designed for intracellular glucose imaging.
Polyacrylamide-based, ratiometric, spherical, optical nanosensors, or polyacrylamide PEBBLEs (Probes Encapsulated By Biologically Localized Embedding), have been fabricated, aimed at real-time glucose imaging in intact biological systems, i.e. living cells. These nanosensors are prepared using a microemulsion polymerization process, and their average size is about 45 nm in diameter. The sensors incorporate glucose oxidase (GOx), an oxygen sensitive fluorescent indicator (Ru[dpp(SO3Na)2]3)Cl2, and an oxygen insensitive fluorescent dye, Oregon Green 488-dextran or Texas Red-dextran, as a reference for the purpose of ratiometric intensity measurements. The enzymatic oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid results in the local depletion of oxygen, which is measured by the oxygen sensitive ruthenium dye. The small size and inert matrix of these sensors allows them to be inserted into living cells with minimal physical and chemical perturbations to their biological functions. The PEBBLE matrix protects the enzyme and fluorescent dyes from interference by proteins in cells, enabling reliable in vivo chemical analysis. Conversely, the matrix also significantly reduces the toxicity of the indicator and reference dyes to the cells, so that a larger variety of dyes can be used in optimal fashion. Furthermore, the PEBBLE matrix enables the synergistic approach in which there is a steady state of local oxygen consumption, and this cannot be achieved by separately introducing free enzyme and dyes into a cell. The work presented here describes the production and characterization of glucose sensitive PEBBLEs, and their potential for intracellular glucose measurements. The sensor response is determined in terms of the linear range, ratiometric operation, response time, sensor stability, reversibility and immunity to interferences.
Acrylic Resins↗
Random mutagenesis for protein breeding.
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Directed Molecular Evolution↗
[Results of bronchoplasty by fiberoptic bronchoscopic balloon dilatation in the management of proximal benign tracheobronchial stenosis].
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect and safety of balloon dilatation through fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the management of benign tracheobronchial stenosis. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with proximal benign tracheobronchial stenosis were treated by balloon dilatation through flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. A fiberoptic bronchoscope was inserted, a balloon catheter was sent to the stenotic segment from the working channel and positioned in the stenotic bronchus. Under direct visualization, the balloon was inflated for 1 min to 3 min. Repeat inflation-deflation cycles were done if airway narrowing remained after the initial operation. Before the procedure and immediately after the last operation, airway diameters, dyspnea index and complications were evaluated in all of the patients and FEV(1) was tested in 26 of the 37 patients. RESULTS: One to 6 operations (2.4 +/- 1.1, approximately x +/- s) were required to achieve satisfactory dilatation. After high-pressure balloon dilatation, the average airway diameter increased from (2.6 +/- 1.2) mm to (6.9 +/- 1.8) mm (P < 0.01). Dyspnea index decreased from 2.0 +/- 0.8 to 0.7 +/- 0.6 (P < 0.01). FEV(1) was increased from (1.3 +/- 0.6) L to (1.8 +/- 1.0) L (P < 0.01). No severe complications were found in these patients CONCLUSION: Bronchoplasty by high-pressure balloon dilatation through flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a simple but effective and safe method to treat proximal benign tracheobronchial stenosis.
Adolescent↗
[Impairment of signal transduction pathway on neuronal survival in brains of Alzheimer's disease].
OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanisms of neuronal loss and apoptosis in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, through studying the expression of proteins related to signal transduction pathways, which are important for neuron survival. METHODS: (1) Immunohistochemistry: Sections were double stained with Tunel and NSE antibodies. (2) The hippocampal tissue taken from 6 cases of AD and 6 cases of non-AD brains was homogenized. Protein estimation was done by Lowry method. Equal amounts of protein were taken from each specimen and immunoprecipitation was performed and analyzed by Western blot; color development was done by alkaline phosphatase method or luminol reagent. RESULTS: (1) Tunel positive neurons were found in both AD and non-AD brains, but the number in the former was more than the latter. (2) The AD hippocampal tissue showed diminished expression of Akt/PKB, CREB, P-CREB, increased expression of apoptosis-related protein apoptosis-inducing factor, and diminished expression of apoptosis-related protein bcl-2. The expression of bax did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Diminished expression of CREB, P-CREB, bcl-2 in AD hippocampus indicates that the neuron survival signal transduction pathway in AD brains is impaired. Neurons are in apoptotic or pro-apoptotic state. In addition, increased expression of apoptosis-inducing factor, diminished expression of bcl-2, which is an anti-apoptotic factor, promotes further neuron apoptosis.
Aged↗
[Reflectivity of broad-leaved Korean pine forest in growing season on Changbai Mountain].
The hourly reflectivity of broad-leaved Korean pine forest on Changbai Mountain from 22 May to 14 October 2001 was calculated based on total solar radiation and reflect radiation. The results showed that: the reflectivity of the forest was related to solar altitude. It was generally high just after sunrise or before sunset, but was relatively stable as solar altitude was higher than 30 degrees. The diurnal curves of reflectivity took U shape. The reflectivity of the forest was also related to sky conditions. In clear days, the U shape was quite clear. In scattered days, the reflectivity just after sunrise and before sunset was not as high as in the clear days, and the U shaped curve was shallow. In overcast days, the reflectivity fluctuated. In terms of dynamic variation in the measured period, the reflectivity was relatively high in early June, decreased a little in late June, kept stable from July to September, and dropped gradually in the first half of October. The variation was related to the phenology of the forest canopy.
Acer↗
High-efficiency Expression of Prolyl Endopeptidase from Aeromonas punctata subsp. Punctata in Escherichia coli.
The open reading frame (ORF) of prolyl endopeptidase gene from Aeromonas punctata subsp. punctata (apPEP) was amplified by PCR in three parts. The amplified DNA segments were ligated to form the complete apPEP gene, and then cloned into expression vectors pBL (temperature inducible) and pKKH (IPTG inducible), respectively. After induction, the expression amounts of recombinant apPEP in BL21/pKKH-PEP and BL21/pBL-PEP were about 30% of the total bacterial proteins, and the enzyme activities were 100 fold higher than wild strain. Expressed apPEP was mainly soluble intracellular protein. Non-reduced SDS-PAGE analysis showed that it was a monomer with molecular weight about 76 kD, which corresponded to the prediction from gene sequence. Recombinant apPEP was purified by HPLC, the purity reached 90% and specific activity was 67 u/mg. The N-terminal analysis of apPEP demonstrated that the protein sequence was identical as predicted from gene sequence.
Journal Article↗
Improving solubility of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Clostridium thermocellum JW-20 proteins expressed into Esherichia coli.
Low solubility of proteins overexpressed in E. coli is a frequent problem in high-throughput structural genomics. To improve solubility of proteins from mesophilic Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and thermophilic Clostridium thermocellum JW20, an approach was attempted that included a fusion of the target protein to a maltose-binding protein (MBP) and a decrease of induction temperature. The MBP was selected as the most efficient solubilizing carrier when compared to a glutathione S-transferase and a Nus A protein. A tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease recognition site was introduced between fused proteins using a double polymerase-chain reaction and four primers. In this way, 79 S. oneidensis proteins have been expressed in one case with an N-terminal 30-residue tag and in another case as a fusion protein with MBP. A foreign tag might significantly affect the properties of the target polypeptide. At 37 degrees C and 18 degrees C induction temperatures, only 5 and 17 tagged proteins were soluble, respectively. In fusion with MBP 4, 34, and 38 proteins were soluble upon induction at 37 degrees, 28 degrees, and 18 degrees C, respectively. The MBP is assumed to increase stability and solubility of a target protein by changing both the mechanism and the cooperativity of folding/unfolding. The 66 C. thermocellum proteins were expressed as fusion proteins with MBP. Induction at 37 degrees, 28 degrees, and 18 degrees C produced 34, 57, and 60 soluble proteins, respectively. The higher solubility of C. thermocellum proteins in comparison with the S. oneidensis proteins under similar conditions of induction correlates with the thermophilicity of the host. The two-factor Wilkinson-Harrison statistical model was used to identify soluble and insoluble proteins. Theoretical and experimental data showed good agreement for S. oneidensis proteins; however, the model failed to identify soluble/insoluble Clostridium proteins. A suggestion has been made that the Wilkinson-Harrison model is not applicable to C. thermocellum proteins because it did not account for the peculiarities of protein sequences from thermophiles.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Synthesis and characterization of silica-embedded iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging.
In this communication, a conceptually new approach to the delivery of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents is presented. Our experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using silica-embedded iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, where a reduction in signal intensity (increased contrast) in the T2-weighted images is observed. The surface of these particles can be chemically modified by attachment of polyethylene glycol molecules, which are found to reduce nonspecific protein binding. The design of the nanoparticle is universal and flexible and allows for facile addition or interchange of its active components (i.e., MRI contrast agents and targeting moiety) with photodynamic dyes.
Coated Materials, Biocompatible↗
Photodynamic characterization and in vitro application of methylene blue-containing nanoparticle platforms.
This article presents the development and characterization of nanoparticles loaded with methylene blue (MB), which are designed to be administered to tumor cells externally and deliver singlet oxygen (1O2) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), i.e. cell kill via oxidative stress to the membrane. We demonstrated the encapsulation of MB, a photosensitizer (PS), in three types of sub-200 nm nanoparticles, composed of polyacrylamide, sol-gel silica and organically modified silicate (ORMOSIL), respectively. Induced by light irradiation, the entrapped MB generated 1O2, and the produced 1O2 was measured quantitatively with anthracene-9,10-dipropionic acid, disodium salt, to compare the effects of different matrices on 1O2 delivery. Among these three different kinds of nanoparticles, the polyacrylamide nanoparticles showed the most efficient delivery of 1O2, but its loading of MB was low. In contrast, the sol-gel nanoparticles had the best MB loading but the least efficient 1O2 delivery. In addition to investigating the matrix effects, a preliminary in vitro PDT study using the MB-loaded polyacrylamide nanoparticles was conducted on rat C6 glioma tumor cells with positive photodynamic results. The encapsulation of MB in nanoparticles should diminish the interaction of this PS with the biological milieu, thus facilitating its systemic administration. Furthermore, the concept of the drug-delivering nanoparticles has been extended to a new type of dynamic nanoplatform (DNP) that only delivers 1O2. This DNP could also be used as a targeted multifunctional platform for combined diagnostics and therapy of cancer.
Acrylic Resins↗