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Biomedical subjects

Hong Jiang

Publications and source records attributed to Hong Jiang.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

In vitro and in vivo identification of structural and sequence elements in the 5' untranslated region of Ectropis obliqua picorna-like virus required for internal initiation.

Ectropis obliqua picorna-like virus (EoPV) is a newly described insect virus that is classified as a putative member of the genus Iflavirus. The virus possesses a large, positive-sense RNA genome encoding a single polyprotein that shares physicochemical properties with those of members of the family Picornaviridae. The 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) plays an important role in picornavirus translation initiation, as it contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that mediates cap-independent translation. To investigate translation in EoPV, an extensive range of mutations were engineered within the 5' UTR and the effects of these changes were examined in vitro and in vivo by using a bicistronic construct. Results showed that deletions within the first 63 nt had little impact on IRES activity, whilst core IRES function was contained within stem-loops C and D, as their removal abrogated IRES activity significantly. In contrast to these findings, removal of stem-loop G containing two cryptic AUGs caused a remarkable increase in IRES activity, which was further investigated by site-directed mutagenesis at these two positions. It was also confirmed that initiation of protein synthesis occurs at AUG6 (position 391-394) and not at the AUG immediately downstream of the polypyrimidine tract. Mutation of the polypyrimidine tract (CCTTTC) had a slight effect on EoPV IRES activity. Furthermore, mutations of the RAAA motif led to a decrease in IRES activity of approximately 40 % in vitro, but these results were not supported by in vivo experiments. In conclusion, this study reveals that the EoPV IRES element is unique, although it has features in common with the type II IRESs.

5' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2006

Status of mature and old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest.

Nearly 10 million ha of federal lands in the Pacific Northwest have been managed under the Northwest Forest Plan since 1994. The plan reduced logging levels by 80%; only recently, however have inventories on status and condition of mature and old-growth forests become available. Our objectives were to (1) determine the areal extent of old (> 150 years) and mature (50-150 years) conifer forests based on 2000 Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery, (2) examine levels of protection, (3) determine the degree of additional protection afforded to old and mature conifer forests if late-successional reserves (LSRs) and inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) were fully protected, and (4) review management options to achieve greater protection of older forests. The historical extent of old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest was roughly two-thirds (16,672,976 ha) of the total land area. Since the time of European settlement, approximately 72% of the original old-growth conifer forest has been lost, largely through logging and other developments. Of the remaining old growth, the Central and Southern Cascades and Klamath-Siskiyou account for nearly half Mature conifer area (4,758,596 ha) nearly equaled the amount of old conifer More than 78% of the old growth and 50% of mature forest were located on public lands. Approximately one-quarter (1,201,622 ha) of the old-growth conifer (or 7% of the historical old-growth area) was classified as GAP status 1 (strictly protected) or GAP status 2 (moderately protected). The total area of LSRs was slightly more than 3 million ha, approximately 36% (1,073,299 ha) of which contained old-growth conifer forest. Combined old and mature conifer within LSRs was approximately 59% of the total LSR area. The total amount of IRA for the Pacific Northwest was approximately 1,563,370 ha; of this, 526,912 ha (34%) was old growth. The combined area of old-growth conifer forest accounted for by protected areas (GAP 1 and 2), LSRs, and IRAs was 2,401,780 ha, which accounts for 66% of the old-growth conifer forests on public land, 51% of the old conifer in the region, and 14% of the amount that occurred historically. Outside these land designations, an additional 1,240,271 ha of old growth are on other public land and another 1,023,392 ha are on private lands throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our results indicate the need to periodically monitor status and condition of older forests and strengthen protections of old growth in the region.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed2006

Quality of life and cost for patients with premature ventricular contractions by radiofrequency catheter ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL), health-care resource utilization, and cost for the patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). METHODS: RFCA was performed in 58 patients with symptomatic PVCs that were refractory/easy to medication. A 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, QoL, health-care resources utilization, and cost were assessed at a screening visit and 3 and 12 months after RFCA. RESULTS: RFCA was successfully performed in 56 patients (96.6%). This resulted in a significant improvement in the QoL at 3 and 12 months after the procedure. There were no major complications related to the procedure. Nine patients (15.5%) had residual arrhythmia. Seven of them underwent repeated ablation with successful results. It also improved the QoL and reduced health-care resource utilization and cost. CONCLUSIONS: RFCA is a safe and effective treatment for PVCs, and it is a viable alternative to drugs in the presence of disabling symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A novel method to monitor the expression of microRNAs.

The microRNAs (miRNAs) are an extensive class of small noncoding RNAs (18-25 nucleotides) with important roles in the regulation of gene expression. Although a large number of miRNAs have been identified in a variety of eukaryotic systems, the function of the vast majority of these molecules remains unknown. To study the functions of miRNAs, it is crucial to determine their spatial and temporal expression patterns. Although there are some existing methods that can analyze the expression of miRNAs, it is not an easy task for routine gene-expression studies. In this study, we have established a simple method to detect the expression of mature miRNAs. Total RNA was polyadenylated by poly(A) polymerase, and then cDNA was synthesized by a specific reverse transcriptase (RT) primer and reverse transcriptase using the poly(A)-tailed total RNA as templates. The expression of several mature miRNAs was assayed by this method. The expression profile of two miRNAs, determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, was identical to that determined by Northern blotting. All these data show that the poly(A)-tailed RT-PCR is a convenient method to detect the expression of miRNAs.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed2006

Oncolytic viruses and DNA-repair machinery: overcoming chemoresistance of gliomas.

The current standard of care for malignant gliomas is surgical resection and radiotherapy followed by extended adjuvant treatment with the alkylating agent temozolomide. Temozolomide causes DNA damage, which induces cell death. Through changes in the DNA-repair machinery, glioma cells develop resistance to temozolomide, compromising the therapeutic effect of the drug. Oncolytic viruses, such as herpes simplex viruses and adenoviruses, are being introduced into clinical trials as a new treatment for this malignancy. Biological studies have revealed that these viruses use mechanisms to either inactivate (adenovirus) or take advantage of (herpes simplex virus) the cellular DNA-repair machinery to achieve productive replication. Adenoviruses express proteins from the early genes to either downregulate the damage-repair enzyme, O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, or degrade poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase or the Mre11-Rad50-NBS1 complex, which detects DNA strand breaks. Temozolomide enhances herpes simplex virus oncolysis by upregulating the DNA repair-related genes growth arrest DNA damage 34 and ribonucleotide reductase. The interactions between viruses and the DNA-repair machinery suggest that a combined temozolomide and viral therapy will overcome the limitations of a single therapy by diminishing chemoresistance or enhancing oncolysis. This hypothesis has been supported by promising findings from preclinical and clinical studies.

Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating↗
PubMed2006

Oncolytic adenoviruses as antiglioma agents.

The treatment for malignant gliomas is suboptimal. Oncolytic adenoviruses hold the promise of being effective agents for the treatment of solid tumors. Importantly, the first oncolytic viral therapy has just been approved for use in combination with chemotherapy for late-stage refractory nasopharyngeal cancer by the Chinese State FDA, following a successful Phase III randomized clinical trial. The concept underlying treatment with oncolytic adenoviruses is based on cancer selectivity by confining viral replication and infectivity to cancer cells. For this purpose, the main strategies used currently to modify the viruses include: functional deletions in essential viral genes; tumor- or tissue-specific promoters used to control the expression of these viral genes; and tropism modification to redirect adenovirus to the cancer cell surface. In the near future, oncolytic adenoviruses need to be optimized to fully realize their potential as critical anticancer tools and, thus, improve the prognosis for patients with malignant gliomas.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed2006

[Genotype and phenotype analyses of three families with autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gene mutations and the clinical features of Chinese patients with autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism(AR-JP). METHODS: the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequence analysis, and restriction enzyme digestion analysis were applied to check parkin gene mutations of 15 index patients from 15 families with AR-JP. RESULTS: Three families were detected to have parkin mutations. Two of them had heterozygous deletion mutations (202-203 del AG in exon 2, 1069-1074 del GTGTCC in exon 9) and another of them carried a heterozygous missense mutation [1422(T-->C) in exon 12]. Two of the mutations [1069-1074delGTGTCC and 1422(T-->C)] were not reported previously. There were six patients in the three families. Mean age at onset was 25.2+/-5.7 years, ranging from 18 to 31 years. The symptoms were under slow progression, diurnal fluctuation with sleep benefit, and hyperreflexia were relatively prominent. Response to levodopa was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: There are parkin mutations happened in Chinese patients with AR-JP. Patients with parkin mutations have distinct clinical features besides the common clinical features of Parkinson's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Screening for proteins interacting with ataxin-3, the gene product of SCA3/MJD].

OBJECTIVE: To screen for proteins interacting with ataxin-3 by yeast two-hybrid system 3, and to discuss the function of ataxin-3 and pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 and Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD). METHODS: First we sub-cloned the full reading frame of both wild-type and mutant ataxin-3 into carrier pGBKT7 (ataxin-3-bait), and then screened human brain cDNA library with ataxin-3-bait. RESULTS: We found five positive clones in 6.5 x 10(6) transformers. After sequencing, we knew all of them were novel ataxin-3 interacting proteins. Three were corresponded to the known sequences coding the known proteins, which were human Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor alpha, small ubiquitin-like modifier 1, and human neuronal amiloride-sensitive cation channel 2. Another two of the five were unknown. CONCLUSION: Small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 probably interacted with ataxin-3, suggesting that the sumoylation probably participated in post-translation modifying of ataxin-3 and pathogenesis of SCA3/MJD.

Ataxin-3↗
PubMed2006

[PPARgamma1 overexpression on caveolin-1 expression of Raw264.7 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of PPARgamma1 gene overexpression on caveolin-1 mRNA and protein expressions in a murine macrophage cell line Raw264.7. METHODS: Replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus expression vector of PPARgamma1 was constructed using the AdEasy system. Raw264.7 cells were randomly treated as follows: P group (PPARgamma1 gene overexpression), T group (Troglitazone 40 micromol/L in DMSO), PT group (PPARgamma1 gene overexpression and Troglitazone) and control group. Changes of PPARgamma1 and caveolin-1 at mRNA and protein levels were investigated. RESULTS: Caveolin-1 expression can be detected by RT-PCR in Raw264.7, by immunocytochemistry method in cell and nuclear membrane but not by immunoblotting at protein level. Caveolin-1 expression at mRNA and protein levels in Raw264.7 were significantly higher in P, T and PT groups compared to control group and the expression was also significantly higher in PT group than that in P group and T group (P < 0.05). PPARgamma expression was significantly increased in PT group and P group where remained unchanged in T group compared to control group. CONCLUSION: PPARgamma1 overexpression can upregulate caveolin-1 expression in macrophages. Troglitazone upregulated caveolin-1 expression in the absence of increased PPARgamma1 expressions at mRNA and protein levels.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2006

[Clinical and mutational analysis of KCNQ3 gene in a Chinese family with benign familial neonatal convulsions].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and genetic characteristics of a Chinese family with benign familial convulsions (BFNC). METHODS: The clinical data of this family was analyzed. The blood samples were collected from 13 members of this family. By four microsatellite markers which are located in the gene loci of both K+ channel KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, the linkage analysis was performed in the family. With DNA direct sequencing and restriction endonuclease cutting analysis, the mutation analysis of KCNQ3 gene was made for the proband, other 12 family members and 76 unrelated normal individuals. RESULTS: There were 7 patients with BFNC observed in the three generation of family. The BFNC seizures of all patients disappeared during one month and no recurrence of seizures was found. The linkage analysis suggested the disease gene linked to KCNQ3 gene locus in the family. The mutation 988(C to T) of KCNQ3 gene was found in the proband by DNA-direct sequencing. Cosegregation of this mutation with BFNC was confirmed by restriction endonuclease cutting analysis. CONCLUSION: Chinese patients with BFNC can be caused by KCNQ3 gene mutation.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2006

[Expression of anti-HBc single-chain variable fragment mediated by recombinant replication defective adenovirus in vitro].

OBJECTIVES: To define the expression of single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) against hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) mediated by recombinant replication defective adenovirus carrying the anti-HBc ScFv gene in vitro and to define the activity of anti-HBc ScFv combining HBcAg. METHODS: The recombinant adenoviruses carrying anti-HBc ScFv gene generated by homologous recombination in bacteria and packaged in 293 cells were transfected into HepG2 cells, and the anti-HBc ScFv was detected using SDS-PAGE and Western blot. RESULTS: Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was observed in HepG2 cells after the transfection. SDS-PAGE displayed a protein strap about 2.7 x 10(4), and the result of Western blot displayed a positive reactive strap. CONCLUSION: Anti-HBc ScFv can be expressed in cells mediated by recombinant replication defective adenovirus carrying the anti-HBc ScFv gene.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2006

[Protective and reverse effects of qindan capsule on aortic lesion in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanism of Qindan Capsule (QC) on aortic structure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Thirty-two SHR of 14 weeks old, were divided into the QC group, the Niuhuang Jiangya Capsule (NJC) group, the captopril group and the model group. Besides, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were taken as the normal control. All the others were administered with corresponding medicine and their blood pressure measured. After 12 weeks, the morphological changes of aorta were observed by HE and Masson staining, the level of angiotensin II (Ang II) in aorta was detected by radioimmunoassay, and the mRNA expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in aortic wall was analyzed by real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR. RESULTS: QC could reduce the blood pressure in SHR, improve their aortic structure, lower the Ang II level and inhibit the bFGF mRNA expression in aortic wall (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), showing a good effect similar to that of captopril (P > 0.05) and better than that of NJC (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: QC has a significant protective and reverse effect on aortic lesion in SHR. The mechanism may be related to its actions in reducing Ang II level and inhibiting bFGF mRNA expresion in aortic wall.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2006

[Frequency of different subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxia in the Han nationality of Hunan province in China].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of different subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) in the Han nationality of Hunan province in China. METHODS: The mutations of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA17, and dentatorulral-pallidoluysian (DRPLA) were detected with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing polyacrylamide gel and DNA sequencing techniques in 139 autosomal dominant SCA families and 61 sporadic SCA patients. RESULTS: Of the 139 families, 11 (7.9%) were positive for SCA1, 9(6.5%) were positive for SCA2, 71 (51.1%) were positive for SCA3, 4 (2.9%) were positive for SCA6, 2 (1.4%) were positive for SCA7, and none was positive for SCA17 and DRPLA. There was 1 SCA2 patient, 3 SCA3 patients, 1 SCA6 patient in the 61 sporadic SCA patients. CONCLUSION: The frequency of SCA3 is substantially higher than that of SCA1 and SCA2 in the autosomal dominant SCA patients in the Han nationality of Hunan province. SCA6 and SCA7 are rare subtypes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[The clinical efficiency and safety of bisoprolol hydrochlorothiazide in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide (Lodoz) in patients with mild and moderate essential hypertension. METHODS: After 2 weeks of placebo run-in period, 90 hypertensive patients with sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 95 and 109 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) below 180 mm Hg were treated by Lodoz (2.5 mg/6.25 mg/day) for 4 weeks. If DBP > 90 mm Hg at 4 weeks, Lodoz (5 mg/6.25 mg/day) was given for another 8 weeks. Clinic systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed at the end of placebo run-in period and at 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS: After 4 or 8 weeks treatment with Lodoz, clinic systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the 24-hour mean, daytime and nocturnal blood pressures reduced significantly compared to placebo run-in period [SBP and DBP reduced (14.89 +/- 10.99)/(10.37 +/- 7.35) mm Hg (4 weeks) and (19.40 +/- 10.55)/(13.31 +/- 7.77) mm Hg (8 weeks)] respectively (P < 0.05). The total efficacy rate is 59.3% for Lodoz 2.5 mg/6.25 mg and 69.8% for Lodoz 5 mg/6.25 mg. The trough: peak ratio for SBP and DBP were 91.5% and 94.4% with Lodoz 2.5 mg/6.25 mg, and 79.9% and 80.5% with Lodoz 5 mg/6.25 mg. The smoothness index (SI) for SBP and DBP were 9.07 and 6.48 with Lodoz 2.5 mg/6.25 mg, and 4.17 and 4.47 with Lodoz 5 mg/6.25 mg, respectively. Few side effects were observed during treatment including mild headache and dizziness and slightly increased serum urea acid. CONCLUSION: Lodoz (2.5 mg/6.25 mg and 5 mg/6.25 mg) can effectively reduce the 24 hours blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Village resident nourishment of Hebei investigates with health condition].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of the food and nutrients intake and health trends in rural population of Hebei Province since 1992 with the society economy development rapidly. METHODS: Using the multi-stage cluster random sampling method, investigating the body high, weight, blood pressure, Haemoglobin, blood lipids, blood glucose, of 11627 population from 2700 households, and the food consumption and nutrients intakes of 1080 households, to analyses and assess the dietary pattern and mortality of chronic diseases. RESULTS: The results showed that plant food is main food consumption pattern and changed remarkably since the 1992. Although the meat, egg, milk and beat consumption was more than 1992 their intakes are insufficient. The fat food and the salt intakes increased while CA and VA intakes were very insufficient. Weighs values in the school children aged 7-17 were significantly higher than those in 1992. The prevalence of overweight, obese, high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal blood sugar were 30.4%, 13.4%, 25.9%, 1.8%, 0.98%, respectively in adults aged over 18. The rate of abnormal blood lipid 25.0%, high TG, TC, verge TC, low HDL-C were 15.3%, 3.2%, 3.5%, 10.8%. The standardized prevalence of anemia 8.7% and 16% for preschool children and younger woman respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight, obese, hypertension and abnormal blood lipids in adult population of rural Hebei Province were higher than the average levels in whole country. Sufficient attention should be paid to nutrition diet, heath and some chronic diseases related to nutrition in rural residents, the dietary guidance and nutrition interference need to strengthen and ensure people health.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[The hemodynamic effect of dobutamine stress on myocardial bridging-mural coronary artery].

OBJECTIVE: Patient with myocardial bridging (MB) usually has a benign prognosis, but some MB patients might experience myocardial ischemia, infarction and sudden cardiac death, especially during active physical activities. The purpose of the study was to study the stress-induced blood flow changes of the mural coronary artery in MB patients determined by intracoronary Doppler. METHODS: In 8 patients with MB, the basic average peak velocity (bAPV), hyperemic average peak velocity (hAPV) of blood flow, coronary flow reverse (CFR) proximal and distal to the mural coronary artery were measured before and during intravenously dobutamine (10 microg kg-1 min-1, then add 10 microg kg-1 min-1 at 3 min interval till 40 microg kg-1 min-1) by intracoronary Doppler. RESULTS: The baseline mural coronary diameter reduction was (51.7+/-21.4)% and significantly increased to (90.0+/-12.7)% (P<0.01) during dobutamine infusion. bAPV on the segments proximal and distal to the mural coronary artery significantly increased from (19.83+/-5.84) cm/s and (20.75+/-4.91) cm/s to (31.52+/-10.93) cm/s and (30.46+/-9.01) cm/s (all P<0.05 vs. baseline) respectively post dobutamine infusion. CFR measured at proximal and distal to myocardial bridging also significantly decreased from (2.91+/-0.62) and (2.46+/-0.82) to (2.17+/-0.66) and (1.83+/-0.51) (all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Stress can significantly increase the compression of intramural coronary artery and reduce CFR on coronary segments both proximal and distal to the MB. Thus, active exercise might induce myocardial ischemia in patients with myocardial bridging.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed2005

Mutation analysis of the ATM gene in two Chinese patients with ataxia telangiectasia.

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, elevated alpha-fetoprotein level, chromosomal instability, predisposition to cancer, and radiation sensitivity. Although a lot of mutations in the ATM gene have been described, there is still no report about ATM mutations in Chinese population. Using a molecular approach, we screened for ATM mutations in two patients from two unrelated Chinese families. 100 normal controls were analyzed to exclude possibility of polymorphism. Two novel mutations in the ATM gene were identified. The first one is a novel, homozygous, 1346G>C (Gly449Ala) missense mutation. The second one is a compound heterozygous mutation, which consists of a novel, 610G>T (Gly204Stop) nonsense mutation, combined with a previously reported, 6679C>T (Arg2227Cys) missense mutation. The transversions 1346G>C (Gly449Ala) and 610G>T (Gly204Stop) are not localized either in the conserved PI-3 kinase domain or in the other domains of the ATM protein. The phenotypic features were characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, ocular telangiectasia, elevated alpha-fetoprotein level, immunodeficiency (agammaglo-bulinemia and T-cell defect), and rearrangements of chromosomes 7 and 14; brain MRI showed cerebellar atrophy, brain SPECT showed cerebellar regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) hypoperfusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ATM mutations in Mainland China, in which the transversions 1346G>C (Gly449Ala) and 610G>T (Gly204Stop) are two novel, disease-causing mutations.

Adolescent↗