Biomedical subjects

J Song

Publications and source records attributed to J Song.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA content is related to insulin sensitivity in offspring of type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the peripheral blood mtDNA (pb-mtDNA) content is decreased and linked to insulin resistance in the offspring of type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 82 offspring of type 2 diabetic patients and 52 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched normal subjects from the Mokdong, Korea, population were selected for this study by stratified, randomized sampling. Of the offspring of diabetic patients, 52 had normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 21 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 9 had newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The pb-mtDNA content was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction with a mitochondria-specific fluorescent probe, normalized by a nuclear DNA, 285 rRNA gene. The associations between pb-mtDNA content and several parameters of insulin resistance were studied. RESULTS: The pb-mtDNA contents tended to be lower in the 82 offspring of type 2 diabetic patients (1,084.7 +/- 62.6 vs. 1,304.0 +/- 99.2 in the offspring and control subjects, respectively, P = 0.051) and was significantly lower in the combined NGT and IGT offspring group (NGT+IGT, 1,068.0 +/- 67.8, P < 0.05) than in the control subjects. In NGT+IGT offspring, the pb-mtDNA content was significantly correlated with logarithmically transformed insulin sensitivity (r = 0.253, P < 0.05) and was the main predictor of insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative mtDNA status might be a hereditary factor associated with type 2 diabetes and could serve as an indicator for insulin sensitivity.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2001

The haplotype analyses using multiple markers of the apolipoprotein B gene in patients with coronary artery disease.

The high level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein (apo) B is a major protein component of LDL and plays an important role in the maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis. In this study, six polymorphic sites of the apoB gene were anlaysed in 235 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 216 normal control subjects. There were no significant differences in the allele frequencies of apoB polymorphisms between the control and patient groups. However, haplotype frequencies were significantly different between the CAD patients and control (p<0.05). In addition, the allelic distributions of both EcoRI and MspI polymorphisms in Koreans were similar to those in Chinese but significantly different from those in Caucasians. ApoB polymorphisms showed no association with plasma lipid levels. In conclusion, haplotype analysis of the apoB gene using multiple diallelic markers might be a useful marker for Korean CAD patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Vascular endothelial growth factor - its relation to neovascularization and their significance as prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma.

Angiogenesis is a series of processes that include endothelial proliferation, migration and tube formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is regarded as a potent mediator of angiogenesis, vascular permeability and tumor cell growth in renal cell carcinoma. This study was designed to evaluate the expression of VEGF and the microvessel count (MVC) and to determine their prediction efficacies for prognosis in renal cell carcinoma. The relationship between the expression of VEGF and MVC were evaluated immunohistochemically in 50 patients with renal cell carcinoma who received a radical nephrectomy at Wonju Christian Hospital between 1989 and 1997. Microvessels were identified by immunostaining endothelial cells for CD-31 antigen. The mean follow-up was 96 months (3 - 133 months). Overall 5-year survival rate was 71.5%. VEGF was expressed in the tumor cell cytoplasm. Of the 50 tumors, 23 (46%) were weak to strongly positive for VEGF but 27 (54%) were unreactive. The respective 5-year survival rates for patients with positive and negative expressions of VEGF were 70% and 73% (p > 0.05). The overall mean MVC was 13.4 in a 400x field. Mean MVCs were significantly higher in VEGF-positive tumors (17.6 +/- 12.1) than in VEGF-negative tumors (9.9 +/- 5.4), and the MVCs of the high vascular density group and the low vascular density groups were significantly different. The 5-year survival rates of patients with high vascular density and low vascular density were 59% and 86%. The median survival period for patients with MVCs higher than or equal to 10 vessels/field was 85 months, whereas for those with MVCs lower than 10 vessels/field the median survival time was 102 months. These results suggest that MVC may be a better prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma than the expression of VEGF.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Selective myelin defects in the anterior medullary velum of the taiep mutant rat.

The taiep rat is a myelin mutant in which initial hypomyelination is followed by progressive demyelination of the CNS. An in vitro study suggests that accumulation of microtubules within oligodendrocytes is the cause of the taiep myelin defects (Song et al., 1999). In this article, we analyze microtubule accumulation in relation to taiep myelin defects in vivo in the anterior medullary velum (AMV), a CNS tissue that enables entire oligodendrocyte units to be resolved. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated notably high levels of beta-tubulin and the microtubule associated protein tau in the somata and processes of taiep oligodendrocytes. This was correlated with markedly reduced expression of the myelin proteins, proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin basic protein (MBP), 2',3 -cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, and both large (L) and small (S) isoforms of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). Moreover, PLP and L-MAG, which are dependent on the microtubule system for intracellular transport, accumulated in the perinuclear cytoplasm of the taiep oligodendrocyte. The myelin deficit was most marked in the area of the AMV populated by the small somata oligodendrocytes that have fine long processes that support numerous myelin sheaths of small diameter axons. Type III/IV oligodendrocytes, which have large somata and short processes that support a small number of myelin sheaths of large diameter axons, were also affected to a certain degree in compact myelin sheath formation. These results support the hypothesis that myelin loss and oligodendrocyte disruption in the taiep mutant result from a defect in the microtubule system that transports myelin components from the somata to the myelin sheath.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Instability of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones containing tandemly repeated DNA sequences.

The cloning and propagation of large DNA fragments as bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) has become a valuable technique in genome research. BAC clones are highly stable in the host, Escherichia coli, a major advantage over yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) in which recombination-induced instability is a major drawback. Here we report that BAC clones containing tandemly repeated DNA elements are not stable and can undergo drastic deletions during routine library maintenance and DNA preparation. Instability was observed in three BAC clones from sorghum, rice, and potato, each containing distinct tandem repeats. As many as 46% and 74% of the single colonies derived from a rice BAC clone containing 5S ribosomal RNA genes had insert deletions after 24 and 120 h of growth, respectively. We also demonstrated that BAC insert rearrangement can occur in the early stage of library construction and duplication. Thus, a minimum growth approach may not avoid the instability problem of such clones. The impact of BAC instability on genome research is discussed.

Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial↗

PubMed2001

Differentiation of psoas muscle abscess from septic arthritis of the hip in children.

A 20-year review was conducted of children presenting with psoas abscess at two major pediatric hospitals. Eleven children with psoas abscesses were identified. The extreme variability in the clinical presentation of this condition is shown. Psoas abscess was most difficult to differentiate from septic arthritis of the hip in pediatric patients. This study also shows the often circuitous investigative route traversed before arriving at the diagnosis of psoas abscess. Atypical features, such as femoral nerve neurapraxia or bladder irritability in association with hip pain, should alert the clinician to consider psoas abscess. Based on this study, a diagnostic algorithm to differentiate between psoas abscess and septic hip was formulated.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

Developing CD-ROM based multimedia digital textbook of 'San-Yin-Jiao(SP-6) pressure for reducing the labor pain and shortening the labor time'.

The computer-based textbook is a new educational tool that promises to play a prominent role in the coming years. Classical instructional technologies, such as video, stills, audio files and computer programs with a textbook orientation, have been merged into one multimedia computer system and have created additional opportunities for learning in medical, dental and nursing education. The authors developed a hypermedia textbook of â San-Yin-Jiao pressure for reducing the labor pain and shortening the labor time' using a personal computer with hypermedia software that contains texts, images, videos, audios and literature citations. The target population of this educational CD-ROM would be nurse-midwives, clinical nurses working for the obstetric units, and faculty members who teach the Maternity and Women's Health Nursing. Valuable and practical experiences were obtained and shared.

Acupressure↗

PubMed2001

In vitro characterization of the metabolism of haloperidol using recombinant cytochrome p450 enzymes and human liver microsomes.

A systematic in vitro study was carried out to elucidate the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of haloperidol (HAL) using human liver microsomes and recombinant human cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. In the first series of experiments, recombinant cytochrome P450 (P450) isoenzymes were used to evaluate their catalytic involvement in the metabolic pathways of HAL. Recombinant CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP1A1 were shown to be able to catalyze the metabolism of HAL to its pyridinium analog (HP(+)) and the oxidation of reduced HAL (RH) back to HAL; Recombinant CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP1A1, CYP2C19, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 were able to catalyze the dealkylation of HAL to 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidine (CPHP). CYP3A4 was capable of metabolizing HAL to its tetrahydropyridine analog 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutyl]-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and metabolizing to CPHP; CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 were able to metabolize RH to its pyridinium analog (RHP(+)); CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4 were able to catalyze the oxidation of RHP(+) to HP(+). In the second series of experiments, the metabolic activities of human liver microsomes from 12 donors were correlated with catalytic activities of selective substrates of different P450 isoenzymes and immuno-reactivities toward different P450 isoenzymes. CYP3A4 activities were found to correlate to all the seven metabolic pathways of HAL mentioned above. This suggests a prominent role for CYP3A4 in the metabolism of HAL. Interestingly, it was found that recombinant CYP1A1 has the highest activity for oxidizing RHP(+) to HP(+). The activity of recombinant CYP1A1 was 50 times higher than CYP1A2 and 220 times higher than CYP3A4.

Antipsychotic Agents↗

PubMed2001

[Seroepidemiologic study on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus in the migration areas of the Three-Gorges Reservoir Chongqing, Region, Yangtze River].

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain both the immune level and latent infection status among the migrants from the Three-Gorge Reservoir, Chongqing Region. METHODS: Epidemiological survey and seroepidemiologic study were performed on the spots. Sera HFRSV-IgG antibody of migrations was detected with the indirect immunofluorescent assay technique(IIFAT). RESULTS: Three in 5 migration areas were seral HFRSV-antibody-positive, i.e. Baitao Town of Fuling Section, Wansheng Village of Fengjie County and Dachang Town of Wushan County, which not only will be evacuated, but also be taken for relocation. However the antibody titer was not high, with positive rates of HFRSV-IgG Ab 0.9%, 3.3% and 3.5% respectively. The other two areas attributed to relocation, HFRSV-IgG-antibody were negative. CONCLUSIONS: This article confirmed that covert infection rate of HFRS in 5 migration areas was not high. The immune level remained low. Hence, it is very necessary to enhance the immunity of the immigrants.

China↗

PubMed2001

A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of Malus floribunda 821 and contig construction for positional cloning of the apple scab resistance gene Vf.

The apple scab resistance gene Vf, originating from the wild species Malus floribunda 821, has been incorporated into a wide variety of apple cultivars through a classical breeding program. With the aim of isolating the Vf gene, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library consisting of 31 584 clones has been constructed from M. floribunda 821. From the analysis of 88 randomly selected BAC clones, the average insert size is estimated at 125 kb. If it is assumed that the genome size of M. floribunda 821 is 769 Mb/haploid, the library represents about 5x haploid genome equivalents. This provides a 99% probability of finding any specific sequence from this library. PCR-based screening of the library has been carried out using eight random genomic sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCARs), chloroplast- and mitochondria-specific SCARs, and 13 high-density Vf-linked SCAR markers. An average of five positive BAC clones per random SCAR has been obtained, whereas less than 1% of BAC clones are derived from the chloroplast or mitochondrial genomes. Most BAC clones identified with Vf-linked SCAR markers are physically linked. Three BAC contigs along the Vf region have been obtained by assembling physically linked BAC clones based on their fingerprints. The overlapping relatedness of BAC clones has been further confirmed by cytogenetic mapping using fiber fluorescence in situ hybridization (fiber-FISH). The M. floribunda 821 BAC library provides a valuable genetic resource not only for map-based cloning of the Vf gene, but also for finding many other important genes for improving the cultivated apple.

Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial↗

PubMed2001

[Comparison and analysis of clinicopathology of lung cancer between 1980s and 1990s in the Shenyang area (1,224 cases)].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the changes in pathogenetis and histopathology of lung cancer between 1980s and 1990s in the Shenyang area. METHODS: The HE stained sections of 572 cases of lung cancer from 1981-1990 and 652 cases from 1991-2000 were reviewed. Parts of these samples were also studied with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: By comparing the finding in the 1980s and those of the 1990s, it was found that (1) the incidence of lung cancer in women increased. (2) the highest incidence occurred in the 61 to 70 year of old group in 1990s, in 1980s it was 51-60 years. (3) there was an increased incidence of adenocarcinoma, especially papillary adenocarcinoma and acinar adenocarcinoma and bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in the 1990s.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Incidence of deep venous thrombosis after gynaecological laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after gynaecological laparoscopy. METHODS: The incidence of DVT was studied in 72 consecutive patients who underwent gynaecological laparoscopy in the Liverpool Health Service between May and September 1997. B-mode ultrasound supplemented by Doppler was used to examine venous patency and intraluminal echoes to diagnose DVT. Sixty-one patients who had pneumoperitoneum less than 60 minutes were classified a minor procedure and 11 who had pneumoperitoneum more than 60 minutes were classified as major procedure. Two Doppler ultrasound scans were planned for every patient. The first one was done within 24 hours and the second was performed on day 7 post-surgery. All 72 patients had the first scan and 40 out of 61 in the minor procedure group and 9 out of 11 in the major procedure had the second scan. Twenty-three patients who did not come for the second scan were followed up by phone. RESULTS: No DVT was found in our study. CONCLUSION: This study confirms an impression that gynaecological laparoscopic procedure has a very low incidence of DVT. If it occurs, the diagnosis and treatment must be made as soon as possible so that the fatal complications such as pulmonary embolus can be avoided.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Activation of PKA pathway inhibits reactivity of human myeloma cell line-U266 to IL-6].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of PKA pathway activation on the biological function and signal transduction of IL-6 in a human myeloma cell line-U266. METHODS: The effect of IL-6 on the growth of U266 cells was shown by MTT; electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to detect the activation of two transcription factors(TFs)-STAT3 and the NF-IL-6 by IL-6, which were involved in the JAK/STAT and Ras/NF-IL-6 signal transduction pathways. Then, the cells were treated with IL-6 and Forskolin (FK), an agonist of the PKA pathway. The changes in the cell growth and activation of the two TFs were exhibited by MTT and EMSA. RESULTS: (1) IL-6 could promote the proliferation of U266 cells, (2) both JAK/STAT and Ras/NF-IL-6 signal transduction pathways were activated by IL-6 in the U266 cells and (3) Cell proliferation and activation of the two IL-6 signal transduction pathways were inhibited by Forskolin; down-regulating the actiration of these two signal transduction pathways at the same time. CONCLUSION: The inhibition of cell growth, mediated by the activation of the PKA pathway, is related to the down-regulated activation of the two IL-6 signal transduction pathways.

CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta↗

PubMed2001

[The influences upon the passive tensile of the masticatory muscles and ligaments by Herbst appliance under various bite reconstruction--a three dimensional finite element analysis].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide some biomechanical references for the clinical use and improvement of Herbst appliance. METHODS: The three-dimensional model of the 'Temporomandibular joint mandible Herbst appliance system' was set up by SUPER SAP software (version 9.3). On this model, the passive tensile in the masticatory muscles and ligaments were analyzed under various bit reconstruction designed according to specified advanced displacement and vertical bite opening. RESULTS: When Herbst appliance drove the mandible forward, there was not any tensile in the medial, lateral pterygoid and the collateral ligament, while the temporalis, the deep paret of masseter, the stylomandibular ligament, and the sphenomandibular ligament were passively drawn. Under various bite reconstruction, the passive tensile in the medial temporalis, the posterior temporalis, the stylomandibular ligament and the sphenomandibular ligament increased with the amount of the advancement of the mandible; The passive tensile in the posterior temporalis and the deep part of masseter increased with the amount of vertical bite opening of the mandible. CONCLUSION: The StL, SpL, PT and AT played an important role in functional reconstruction of mandible by Herbst. All five group of bite reconstruction (3-7 mm advancement, 4-2 mm vertical bite opening of the mandible) designed by this study can be selected in clinic according to the patient's capability of adaptation, the extent of malocclusion and the potential and direction of growth.

Finite Element Analysis↗

PubMed2001

[The influences of the stress distribution on the condylar cartilage surface by Herbst appliance under various bite reconstruction--a three dimensional finite element analysis].

OBJECTIVE: The distribution of stress on the surface of condylar cartilage was investigated. METHODS: Three-dimensional model of the 'Temporomandibular joint mandible Herbst appliance system' was set up by SUPER SAP software (version 9.3). On this model, various bite reconstruction was simulated according to specified advanced displacement and vertical bite opening. The distribution of maximum and minimum principal stress on the surface of condylar cartilage were computerized and analyzed. RESULTS: When Herbst appliance drove the mandible forward, the anterior condyle surface was compressed while the posterior surface was drawn. The trend of stress on the same point on the condyle surface was consistent in various reconstruction conditions, but the trend of stress on various point were different in same reconstruction conditions. CONCLUSION: All five groups of bite reconstruction (3-7 mm advancement, 4-2 mm vertical bite opening of the mandible) designed by this study can be selected in clinic according to the patient's capability of adaptation, the extent of malocclusion and the potential and direction of growth.

Cartilage, Articular↗

PubMed2001

[Clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in patients with epithelial ovarian tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and clinical characteristics of patients with epithelial ovarian tumor. METHODS: Reverse transcriptase-ploymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of MMP-2 in 41 epithelial ovarian cancer and 26 ovarian benign tumors. Western blot analysis was used to examine proMMP-2 and active MMP-2 in these tumors. RESULTS: The expression of MMP-2 gene and protein was not significantly higher in malignant tissues than that in benign ones. The positive percentage of active MMP-2 expression in epithelial ovarian cancer was 71% and 42% in ovarian benign tumor (P < 0.05). The positive percentage of active MMP-2 in stage IlI and IV epithelial ovarian cancer was significantly higher than in stage I and II epithelial ovarian cancer (P < 0.05). The positive percentage of active MMP-2 in progressive patients with epithelial ovarian cancer was significantly higher than in patients in remission (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2 gene and protein were generally expressed in epithelial ovarian tumor. There was a significant correlation between active MMP-2 and the invasion and metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer. Active MMP-2 is a prognostic indicator in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2000

Noninvasive ultrasound imaging of inflammation using microbubbles targeted to activated leukocytes.

BACKGROUND: Lipid microbubbles used for perfusion imaging with ultrasound are retained within inflamed tissue because of complement-mediated attachment to leukocytes within venules. We hypothesized that incorporation of phosphatidylserine (PS) into the microbubble shell may enhance these interactions by amplifying complement activation and thereby allow ultrasound imaging of inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 6 mice, intravital microscopy of tissue necrosis factor-alpha-treated cremaster muscle was performed to assess the microvascular behavior of fluorescein-labeled lipid microbubbles with and without PS in the shell. Ten minutes after intravenous injection, microbubble attachment to leukocytes within inflamed venules was greater for PS-containing than for standard lipid microbubbles (20+/-4 versus 10+/-3 per 20 optical fields, P<0.05). The ultrasound signal from retained microbubbles was assessed in the kidneys of 6 mice undergoing renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and in 6 control kidneys. The signal from retained microbubbles in control kidneys was low (<2.5 video intensity units) for both agents. After ischemia-reperfusion, the signal from retained microbubbles was 2-fold higher for PS-containing than for standard lipid microbubbles (18+/-6 versus 8+/-2 video intensity units, P<0.05). An excellent relation was found between the ultrasound signal from retained microbubbles and the degree of renal inflammation, assessed by tissue myeloperoxidase activity. CONCLUSIONS: -We conclude that noninvasive assessment of inflammation is possible by ultrasound imaging of microbubbles targeted to activated leukocytes by the presence of PS in the lipid shell.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Block of sodium currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by diphenhydramine.

To elucidate the local anesthetic mechanism of diphenhydramine, its effects on tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) and tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) sodium currents in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were examined by the whole-cell voltage clamp method. Diphenhydramine blocked TTX-S and TTX-R sodium currents with K(d) values of 48 and 86 microM, respectively, at a holding potential of -80 mV. It shifted the conductance-voltage curve for TTX-S sodium currents in the depolarizing direction but had little effect on that for TTX-R sodium currents. Diphenhydramine caused a shift of the steady-state inactivation curve for both types of sodium currents in the hyperpolarizing direction. The time-dependent inactivation became faster and the recovery from the inactivation was slowed by diphenhydramine in both types of sodium currents. Diphenhydramine produced a profound use-dependent block when the cells were repeatedly stimulated with high-frequency depolarizing pulses. The use-dependent block was more pronounced in TTX-R sodium currents. The results show that diphenhydramine blocks sodium channels of sensory neurons similarly to local anesthetics.

Animals↗