Biomedical subjects

J Ren

Publications and source records attributed to J Ren.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Redox modulation of chloroplast DNA replication in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

We constructed a plasmid probe containing DNA sequences unique for chloroplast (Cp) genome and nuclear genome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Using this probe and quantitative Southern blot analyses, we determined the content ratio of Cp DNA/nuclear DNA in total DNA isolated from cells grown in different conditions. Algal cells grown photoheterotrophically with acetate as an added carbon source contain the highest amount of Cp DNA compared with cells grown in other conditions tested. We investigated the effect of nitrogen limitation, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine treatment, cadmium exposure, photoautotrophic growth, and heterotrophic growth in darkness. The change in the Cp/nuclear DNA ratio in cells shifted from one growth condition to another depended on cell division; Cp DNA content in undivided cells remained constant. Therefore, the reduction of Cp DNA content was attributed by under replication rather than selective degradation of Cp DNA. Cells with low Cp DNA content often contained less reduced glutathione, suggesting the possible effect of redox status. Low Cp DNA content was detected in cells treated with inhibitors that block electron flow of photosystems and in mutants with PS I defective phenotype. On the basis of these data, we propose that in C. reinhardtii, Cp DNA replication be modulated by redox status.

Acetates↗

PubMed2000

Deterioration of the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Deterioration of aerodigestive tract reflexes such as the esophagoglottal and pharyngoglottal closure reflexes and pharyngeal swallow has been documented in the elderly. However, the effect of aging on the contractile response of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to pharyngeal water stimulation has not been studied. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharyngo-UES reflex in the healthy elderly. METHODS: We studied nine healthy elderly (77 +/- 1 y [SD]; four men, five women) and nine healthy young volunteers (26 +/- 2 y [SD]; four men, five women). AUES sleeve sensor was used to measure the pressure. We tested pharyngeal stimulation induced by rapid pulse and slow continuous injection of water. RESULTS: The volume of water required to stimulate the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex by rapid pulse injection in the elderly (0.5 +/- 34 0.1 mL) was significantly higher than that in the young (0.1 +/- 0.02 mL) (P < .05). In contrast to young subjects, there was no pressure increase in resting UES pressure observed in the elderly for continuous pharyngeal water infusion. In both young and elderly, the threshold volume for the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex was significantly lower than that for pharyngeal swallows. CONCLUSIONS: The pharyngo-UES contractile reflex deteriorates with aging. This deterioration is primarily due to abnormalities of the afferent limb of the reflex.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Two mixed-metal carboxylate-base adducts

The crystal structures of hexa-&mgr;-propionato-1:2kappa(6)O:O';1:3kappa(6)O:O'-diquinoline-2ka ppaN,3kappaN-calcium(II)dizinc(II), [CaZn(2)(C(3)H(5)O(2))(6)(C(9)H(7)N)(2)], and hexa-&mgr;-pivalato-1:2kappa(6)O:O';1:3kappa(6)O:O'-diquinoline-2kapp aN,3kappaN-calcium(II)dicobalt(II), [CaCo(2)(C(5)H(9)O(2))(6)(C(9)H(7)N)(2)], are described. Both contain a linear array of one Ca(II) ion and two M(II) (M = Zn, Co) ions connected by two sets of three carboxylate ligands in syn-syn bridging modes. The distorted tetrahedral geometry around the M(II) ion is completed by a quinoline N atom. The central Ca(II) ion occupies a crystallographic inversion centre and is octahedrally coordinated by six carboxyl O atoms in each structure. The Zn(II). Ca(II) and Co(II).Ca(II) distances are 3.8504 (9) and 3.7929 (5) A, respectively.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Upper esophageal sphincter function during gastroesophageal reflux events revisited.

Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function during gastroesophageal reflux events is not completely elucidated because previous studies addressing this issue yielded conflicting results. We reexamined the UES pressure response to intraluminal esophageal pressure and pH changes induced by reflux events. We studied 14 healthy, asymptomatic volunteers (age 49 +/- 6 yr) and 7 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients (age 48 +/- 5 yr). UES pressure, intraesophageal pressure, and pH were monitored at the distal, middle, and proximal esophagus concurrently in the supine position 1 h before and 2 h after a 1,000-calorie meal. A total of 321 reflux events were identified by the development of abrupt reflux-induced intraesophageal pressure increase (IPI); 285 events occurred in patients and 36 in control subjects. In control subjects 33 of 36 and in patients 252 of 285 IPI events were associated with a pH drop. Among patients and control subjects, 99% and 100%, respectively, of all IPI events irrespective of pH drop were associated with abrupt increase in UES pressure (34 +/- 2 and 27 +/- 6 mmHg, respectively). The average percentage of maximum UES pressure increase over prereflux values ranged between 66% and 96% (control subjects) and 34% and 122% (patients). IPIs induced by both acidic and nonacidic reflux events evoke strong UES contractile responses.

Acids↗

PubMed2000

Altered cardiac excitation-contraction coupling in ventricular myocytes from spontaneously diabetic BB rats.

Cardiac excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling abnormalities in chemically induced diabetes have been well defined. Heart dysfunction has also been reported in diabetes of genetic origin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether heart dysfunction in genetically predisposed diabetes is attributable to impaired E-C coupling at the cellular level. Myocytes were isolated from 1-yr-old BioBreed (BB) spontaneously diabetic-prone (BB/DP) rats and their diabetic-resistant littermates (BB/DR). Mechanical properties were evaluated by use of a video edge-detection system. Myocytes were electrically stimulated at 0.5 Hz. The contractile properties analyzed included peak shortening (PS), time-to-peak shortening (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR(90)), and maximal velocities of shortening and relengthening (+/-dL/dt). Intracellular Ca(2+) handling was evaluated with fura 2 fluorescent dye. Myocytes from spontaneously diabetic hearts exhibited a depressed PS, prolonged TPS and TR(90), and reduced +/-dL/dt. Consistent with the mechanical response, myocytes from the BB/DP group displayed reduced resting and peak intracellular Ca(2+) concentration associated with a slowed Ca(2+)-transient decay. Furthermore, myocytes from BB/DP hearts were less responsive to increases in extracellular Ca(2+) and norepinephrine and equally responsive to increases in stimulation frequency and KCl compared with those from the BB/DR group. These results suggest that the genetic diabetic state produces altered cardiac E-C coupling, in part, because of abnormalities of the myocyte, similar to that demonstrable after chemically induced diabetes or during human diabetes.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Reduced contractile response to insulin and IGF-I in ventricular myocytes from genetically obese Zucker rats.

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Resistance to insulin is commonly seen in metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mimics insulin in many tissues and has been shown to enhance cardiac contractile function and growth. Because IGF-I resistance often accompanies resistance to insulin, we sought to determine whether IGF-I-induced myocardial contractile was elevated and whether heart and kidney size were enlarged in obese compared with lean rats. The myocyte contraction profile in the obese rats showed a decreased peak shortening associated with prolonged relengthening and normal shortening duration, a pattern similar to that observed in diabetes. IGF-I (1-500 ng/ml) caused a dose-dependent increase in peak shortening in lean but not obese animals, but it did not alter the duration of shortening and relengthening. Consistent with contractile data, IGF-I induced a dose-dependent increase in Ca(2+) transients only in myocytes of lean rats. IGF-I receptor mRNA levels were significantly reduced in obese rat hearts. These results suggest that the IGF-I-induced cardiac contractile responses are attenuated in the Zucker model of obesity. The mechanisms underlying this alteration may be related to the decreased receptor number and/or changes in intracellular Ca(2+) handling in these animals.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Leptin attenuates cardiac contraction in rat ventricular myocytes. Role of NO.

Obesity is commonly associated with impaired myocardial contractile function. However, a direct link between these 2 states has not yet been established. There has been an indication that leptin, the product of the human obesity gene, may play a role in obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether leptin exerts any direct cardiac contractile action that may contribute to altered myocardial function. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Contractile responses were evaluated by use of video-based edge detection. Contractile properties analyzed in cells electrically stimulated at 0.5 Hz included peak shortening, time to 90% peak shortening, time to 90% relengthening, and fluorescence intensity change. Leptin exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition in myocyte shortening and intracellular Ca(2+) change, with maximal inhibitions of 22.4% and 26.2%, respectively. Pretreatment with the NO synthase inhibitor N:(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 micromol/L) blocked leptin-induced inhibition of both peak shortening and fluorescence intensity change. Leptin also stimulated NO synthase activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as reflected in the dose-related increase in NO accumulation in these cells. Addition of an NO donor (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine [SNAP]) to the medium mimicked the effects of leptin administration. In summary, this study demonstrated a direct action of leptin on cardiomyocyte contraction, possibly through an increased NO production. These data suggest that leptin may play a role in obesity-related cardiac contractile dysfunction.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

High-throughput screening of genetic mutations/polymorphisms by capillary electrophoresis.

Genetic mutations/polymorphisms analyses play a great role in genetic and medical research, and clinical diagnosis. Most conventional methods for genetic assay are based on slab gel electrophoresis that is both labor-intensive and time-consuming. Recently, capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been used for genetic analysis instead of conventional slab gel electrophoresis. This technique can be automated and is characterized by short analysis time, small sample and reagents requirements, and high separation efficiency. CE has been successfully applied for mutation detection involving human tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and disease-causing genes, and has shown a great potential for genetic mutation/polymorphism screening of large numbers of clinical samples. In this article, an overview of the fundamental aspects of mutation/polymorphism assay methods in combination with CE is given and some key applications are summarized.

Electrophoresis, Capillary↗

PubMed2000

[Pathological study of the therapeutic effect of compound qinggan granula on chronic hepatitis C].

OBJECTIVE: To assess histopathologically the therapeutic effect of Compound Qinggan Granula (QTG) on chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: Among 48 cases of chronic hepatitis C, 36 were treated by QTG (30g for one time and three times a day) for 6 months, and 12 were not treated with any drugs as control. Liver biopsy was done in all patients before and after the observation except 3 patients who refused to take biopsy again. Specimen were stained with HE and James method, and their grading of inflammation (G), staging of fibrosis (S) and scoring for both were then evaluated. RESULTS: In the treatment group, 14 and 26 cases showed a decreasing grading (42. 5%) and inflammation scoring (78.8%), respectively. Score for G was reduced from 8.42 to 5.58 (P<0.05). As for the fibrosis, the stage didn't change significantly (P>0.05), but the score was reduced in 19 cases (57.6%) from 3.83 to 3.13 (P<0.05). In the control group, there were not evident changes for grading and staging. The scoring of G increased from 7 to 8.6 and S from 4.15 to 6.6 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: QTG is effective in treating chronic hepatitis C by attenuating inflammation and stopping or reversing the fibrosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Preclinical trials of human erythrocyte superoxide dismutase injection.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of human erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) injection reaching the official standard for its clinical uses. METHODS: Human erythrocyte SOD injection prepared by McCord-Fridovich's method without column chromatography but with some modifications was used in preclinical trials, to observe the general pharmacology and pharmacodynamics of the product. RESULTS: The quality of human erythrocyte SOD injection conformed to the official standard of a biological product, which was found to be non-toxic and did not have any effects on the central and autonomic nervous systems as well as cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The efficacy of anti-inflammation and promotion of immuno-regulation especially on carrageenan and adjuvant-induced polyarthritis were shown in animals. CONCLUSION: Human erythrocyte SOD injection is appropriate for prophylactic and therapeutic uses in clinical trials.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Somatostatin and growth hormone promote spontaneous closure of enterocutaneous fistula].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the method for promoting spontaneous heal of enterocutaneous fistula. METHODS: Experimentally, we investigated the effect of rhGH on wound granulation and intestinal mucosa. Clinically, combined somatostatin and rhGH was compared with somatostatin in the treatment of enteric fistula. RESULTS: Animal studies demonstrated that rhGH was effective to increase the content of hydroxyproline and amount of fibroblast cell in wound granulation. In clinical trial, the spontaneous cure rate was significantly higher in patients treated with combined rhGH and somatostatin than in those treated with somatostatin alone (96.5% vs 68.4%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Combined rhGH and somatostatin is a new therapeutic method for the treatment of enteric fistula. It may promote the spontaneous cure of enteric fistula.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Rehabilitative therapy of short bowel syndrome: experimental study and clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of growth hormone on proliferative activity of the residual small intestinal mucosa after massive small intestinal resection and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of bowel rehabilitative therapy for short bowel syndrome. METHODS: Small intestinal mucosa proliferative activity were compared in rats from control group (sham operation), short bowel group (80% small bowel resection) and growth hormone treatment group (80% small bowel resection + growth hormone 1 U x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 28 days) with the aid of histology image analysis, flow cytometric assay, immunohistochemistry analysis and RT-PCR assay. The nutritional status, D-xylose absorption and stool nitrogen output were observed in 9 consecutive parenteral nutrition dependent patients with short bowel syndrome after intestinal rehabilitative therapy (growth hormone 8 - 12 U x kg(-1) x d(-1) im + glutamine 0.6 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) iv + special diet) for 21 continuous days. RESULTS: Growth hormone administration significantly increased rat small intestinal mucosal villous height, mucosal thickness, proliferative index, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and c-jun mRNA. Rehabilitative therapy increased the body weight, serum total protein and album in concentrations in patients. Their D-xylose absorption indices increased and fecal nitrogen losses decreased. Follow-up data showed that 6 of the 9 patients sustained on enteral nutrition. CONCLUSION: Growth hormone enhances the proliferative activity of the mucosal epithelium and bowel rehabilitative therapy may benefit the patients with short bowel syndrome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Pathological features of liver biopsy from 66 cases of long term blood donors with chronic hepatitis C].

OBJECTIVE: To study the pathological features of liver biopsy from long-term blood donors with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: From 250 long-term blood donors with positive serum anti-HCV antibody for more than five years, 66 donors with abnormal ALT level were selected and enrolled in this study. Liver biopsy was performed on these cases and the specimens stained with HE, and reticulin. Modified Schemer's classification for grading and staging was used during pathological observation. Twenty biopsies with serum HCV-RNA levels higher than 5.0 Meq/ml (bDNA) were studied immunohistochemically (SABC) for NS5. RESULTS: All cases displayed mild pathological changes. Grade 1 (G(1)) inflammation was 4.8% (3/63), G(2) 63.5% (40/63), G(3) 28.6%(18/63), G(4) two case. Stage 1 (S(1)) fibrosis was 60.3% (38/63), S(2) 34.9% (22/63), S(3) 3.2% (2/63), S(4) only one case. The main lesion was periportal inflammation, such as bile duct damage (100.0%), dense lymphoid aggregates (82.5%) and piecemeal necrosis (89.5%). Intralobular injury of hepatocytes was rather mild. Bridging necrosis and steatosis were not common and observed in only 12.3% (8/66) and 9.2% (6/66) respectively. As for fibrosis, proliferation and deposition of collagen were mainly distributed in the portal and perisinusoidal areas. Among 20 specimens with serum HCV-RNA levels higher than 5.0 Meq/ml (bDNA), all bile duct epithelial cells were positive for HCV-NS5 antigen, while hepatocytes in 4 cases were negative. CONCLUSION: (1) The pathological changes in this series show overall similarity with that of patients with posttransfusion hepatitis C. The main damages are portal and periportal inflammation, such as lymphoid aggregates, bile duct damage, piecemeal necrosis, and extensive periportal and perisinusoidal fibrosis. Intralobular damage was mild with occasional steatosis, which may be related to malnutrition, low level of serum iron due to long term donation. (2) Epithelial cells of the bile duct may be of another site for virus replication, thus it is related with bile duct damage and periportal inflammation.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Effects of early enteral feeding and L-arginine supplementation on liver albumin synthesis in burned rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of early enteral feeding and L-arginine supplementation on mRNA expression of albumin, and some cytokines. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats prepared with gastrostomy 7 days before the experiment were inflicted with 30% TBSA flame and were divided into early enteral feeding group (EF) and L-arginine enriched early enteral feeding group (AEF). All rats in two group starts enteral feeding two hours after burn. Capillary electrophoresis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to measure the mRNA of albumin, TNFa, IL-1a, IL-6R and iNOS respectively on 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th day post burn (PBD). Serum albumin was observed at the same time. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of albumin on PBD1 was reduced in both group and improved on PBD3, 6, 9. The gene expression of albumin was significantly higher in AEF group than in EF group onPBD3, 9 [(1812 +/- 41) vs (1417 plus minus 43), P < 0.01]. Similarly, serum albumin were very low in two groups on PBD1 and improved on PBD3, 6, 9. Serum albumin in AEF group was significantly higher than in EF group on PBD9 [(31.9 plus minus 2.1) g/L vs (28.1 plus minus 1.3) g/L, P < 0.01]. The mRNA of TNFalpha, IL-1alpha, IL-6R and iNOS were increased on PBD1 and reduced on PBD3, 6, 9. The gene expression of TNFalpha, IL-1alpha in AEF group were significantly lower than EF group on PBD6, while IL-6R differed significantly between AEF group and EF group [(972 +/- 87) vs (2570 +/- 90), P < 0.01] on PBD9. There were no significant difference in iNOS mRNA production after burn in two group. CONCLUSION: Early enteral feeding could improve albumin biosynthesis and reduce the gene expression of TNFalpha, IL-1alpha, IL-6R and iNOS. L-arginine-supplemented early enteral feeding could further increase the gene expression of albumin possibly by reducing the expression of TNFalpha, IL-1alpha and IL-6R and did not increase the expression of iNOS.

Albumins↗

PubMed2000

[The clinical significance of lung resistance protein (LRP) gene expression in patients with acute leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the expression of lung resistance protein (LRP) gene and drug resistance in patients with acute leukemias (AL). METHODS: Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)was used to examine the expression of LRP gene in AL patients and 15 normal subjects. Beta(2) microglobulin (beta(2)MG) was used as internal reference. LRP/beta(2)MG ratio >or= 0.3 was defined as LRP positive. RESULTS: The positivity percentage of LRP gene expression in newly diagnosed group was 32.4%. The first complete remission rate was 84.0% and 33.0% in LRP negative and LRP positive patients, respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.005). The expression level of LRP mRNA and the positivity percentage of LRP in relapsed/refractory group were significantly higher than that in newly diagnosed group (P < 0.01). The expression level of LRP gene in normal subjects and long-term survival groups was very low and correlated with FAB subtypes. The mdr-1 gene was examined simultaneously in 61 AL patients. No significant correlation was found between the expression of LRP and mdr-1 gene (P > 0.5). Coexpression of LRP and mdr-1 genes in the same AL patient might result in the worst prognosis. CONCLUSION: High expression of LRP gene leads to clinical drug resistance and is an unfavorable factor to AL patients of prognosis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2000

[Neurofibromatosis type 2].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and management strategies of bilateral acoustic neuromas. METHODS: The data of 7 patients with bilateral acoustic neuromas collected between 1990 to 1998 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Altogether 122 patients with acoustic tumors were treated from 1990 to 1998, in which 7 cases (5.8%, 6 male and 1 female) had bilateral acoustic neuromas. The age at onset of symptoms ranged from 13 to 60 years (average 29.1 years). Progressive hearing loss and tinnitus were the initial symptoms in 4 cases. Either strabismus, ptosis, headache or dysequilibrium was presented in 4 cases. Six cases complicated tumors in the central nervous system and/or other sites. Five cases had cafe au lait spots. One case had posterior subcapsular lenticular opacity. Four cases fell into severe (Wishart) type and 2 into mild (Gardner) type. The tumors were unilaterally removed in 4 patients through the retrolabyrinthine approach (1 case) or the retrosigmoid approach (3 cases). In these 4 patients, one died of central respiratory failure after the operation; two had contralateral tumor removal through retrosigmoid approach 3 weeks after the first surgery. One of the patients died of encephaledema after the surgery. No hearing impairment and facial nerve paralysis occurred in one case operated on through the retrolabyrinthine approach, whereas in those through retrosigmoid approach, 4 ears had hearing loss and 3 sides had facial nerve paralysis. CONCLUSION: The clinical characteristics and treatment strategies for bilateral acoustic neuromas are different from those of unilateral acoustic neuroma. Individualization of management is a prerequisite for the success of the treatment. To avoid injury to the VII and VIII cranial nerves, monitoring the nerve functions during the surgery is important.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Identification of functional sites of human IgA Fc receptor (CD89)].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the domains and residues in IgA Fc receptor (FC alpha R) essential for interaction with IgA. METHODS: Various fragments of Fc alpha R cDNA were amplified by PCR or site-directed mutagenesis PCR. The amplified products were ligated into the EcoR I and Xho I sites of the pET30a plasmid, a prokaryotic expressing vector. Then the recombinant plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli BL21. Plasmids with correct cDNA fragment inserts were identified by digestion with two restriction enzymes and by DNA sequencing. Expression of cDNA fragments was made by isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction. Western blotting was carried out to identify the functional site of Fc alpha R. Monoclonal antibodies against Fc alpha R were used as primary antibodies. RESULTS: Five recombinant plasmids expressing various fragments of Fc alpha R were constructed. The monoclonal antibodies that can blot the IgA binding sites of Fc alpha R could only bind to the membrane-distal domains of Fc alpha R (EC1). CONCLUSION: The functional site of Fc alpha R was located at EC1 domain.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Applications of short-chain polydimethylacrylamide as sieving medium for the electrophoretic separation of DNA fragments and mutation analysis in uncoated capillaries.

In capillary electrophoresis (CE), separation of DNA fragments is usually performed in covalently coated capillaries. Recent studies have demonstrated that certain polymers form a dynamic coating on the inner surface of the capillary, thereby suppressing the electroosmotic flow and DNA-capillary wall interactions. We developed a simple method for the synthesis of short-chain polydimethylacrylamide (PDMA) using isopropanol as a chain transfer agent. Capillary (<75 microm internal diameter) filling and replacement of this low-viscosity (14 cP at 4% PDMA) self-coating medium were easily carried out by commercial CE instruments. Using PDMA and uncoated capillaries, we first examined the separation of phi X174 HaeIII DNA digests and observed that the stability of the dynamic coating was markedly better at pH 7.8 than at pH 8.3. At this lower pH and nondenaturing conditions, high resolution of the phi X174 HaeIII DNA digests was obtained for more than 850 injections in the same capillary. We then exploited this sieving medium in CE using multiple approaches for mutation analysis of clinical DNA samples including separation of restriction enzyme cleavage products, analysis of single strand conformation polymorphisms, and simultaneous detection of several mutations using multiplex allele-specific PCR amplification. Our results demonstrate that CE in uncoated capillaries using PDMA as sieving medium is a simple, versatile, and reliable strategy for separation and mutation analysis of clinical DNA samples.

Acrylic Resins↗