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Biomedical subjects

J Tao

Publications and source records attributed to J Tao.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Lamellar phase separation and dynamic competition in La0.23Ca0.77MnO3.

We report the coexistence of lamellar charge-ordered (CO) and charge-disordered (CD) domains, and their dynamical behavior, in La0.23Ca0.77MnO3. Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we show that below T(CD) approximately 170 K a CD-monoclinic phase forms within the established CO-orthorhombic matrix. The CD phase has a sheetlike morphology, perpendicular to the q vector of the CO superlattice (a axis of the Pnma structure). For temperatures between 64 and 130 K, both the TEM and resistivity experiments show a dynamic competition between the two phases: at constant T, the CD phase slowly advances over the CO one. This slow dynamics appears to be linked to the magnetic transitions occurring in this compound, suggesting important magnetoelastic effects.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Investigation of serum protein systems in Chinese pigs.

Polymorphisms of transferrin (Tf), pre-albumin (Pa), haemopexin (Hpx), ceruloplasmin (Cp) and amylase (Am) of Duroc pigs and Hunan indigenous pigs were investigated using horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies of Durocs determined in 2004 were compared with frequencies presented in the paper by Baker L.N. (1968) Serum protein variation in Duroc and Hampshire pigs. Vox Sanguinis15, 154-8. The number of serum protein alleles decreased over time and allele frequencies aggregated across certain alleles, including TfB, PaA, Hpx3, CpB and AmB. Differences in allele frequencies, average heterozygosities and standard genetic distances between the Duroc pigs and Hunan indigenous pig populations were examined. The relationship between Durocs and Hunan indigenous pigs was found to be more distant than those among the three Hunan indigenous pig populations.

Amylases↗
PubMed2004

Absolute and convective instabilities of natural convection flow in boundary-layer regime.

The spatiotemporal instability of the buoyancy-driven flow adjacent to a vertically heated wall, which is immersed in thermally stratified medium, is studied theoretically and numerically. The temperature gradients ratio between the wall and the ambient fluid is shown to lead to rich scenario of absolute-convective instability transitions. The direct numerical simulations consistent with the theoretical prediction are presented. The supercritical steady state, found in previous simulations of the natural convection in vertically heated square cavity, is explained in terms of the convective instability, and the nonlinear effect on the convectively unstable waves is discussed as well.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Coherent nano-area electron diffraction.

We describe the new coherent nano-area electron diffraction (NED) and its application for structure determination of individual nanostructures. The study is motivated by the challenge and the general lack of analytical techniques for characterizing nanometer-sized, heterogeneous phases. We show that by focusing electrons on the focal plane of the pre-objective lens using a 3rd condenser lens and a small condense aperture, it is possible to achieve a nanometer-sized highly parallel illumination or probe. The high angular resolution of diffraction pattern from the parallel illumination allows over-sampling and consequently the solution of phase problem based on the recently developed ab initio phase retrieval technique. From this, a high-contrast and high-resolution image can be reconstructed at resolution beyond the performance limit of the image-forming objective lens. The significance of NED for nanostructure characterization will be exemplified by single-wall carbon nanotubes and small metallic clusters. Imaging from diffraction patterns, or diffractive imaging, will be demonstrated using double-wall carbon nanotubes.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed2004

Rapid induction of cAMP/PKA pathway during retinoic acid-induced acute promyelocytic leukemia cell differentiation.

The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In the present work, we evaluated the cAMP signaling in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells in the context of differentiation induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). There was a marked increase in the intracellular cAMP level within a few minutes after treatment with ATRA in APL cell line NB4 and fresh APL cells, whereas no such phenomenon was observed in NB4-R1 cells that are resistant to ATRA-induced maturation. In addition, the basal level of intracellular cAMP was lower in NB4-R1 than in NB4 cells. Mechanistic study showed that this induction of cAMP was mediated through the activation of adenylate cyclase. Moreover, we found that cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity was quickly upregulated in parallel in ATRA-treated NB4 cells, and the phosphorylation of RARalpha by PKA could increase its transactivation effect. Use of H-89, an inhibitor of PKA, could partially suppress the transcriptional expression of ATRA target genes and ATRA-induced differentiation of APL cells. Taken together, we suggested a crosstalk between ATRA-induced cytosolic pathway and nuclear pathway in APL cell differentiation.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed2004

AKAP (A-kinase anchoring protein) domains: beads of structure-function on the necklace of G-protein signalling.

AKAPs (A-kinase anchoring proteins) are members of a diverse family of scaffold proteins that minimally possess a characteristic binding domain for the RI/RII regulatory subunit of protein kinase A and play critical roles in establishing spatial constraints for multivalent signalling assemblies. Especially for G-protein-coupled receptors, the AKAPs provide an organizing centre about which various protein kinases and phosphatases can be assembled to create solid-state signalling devices that can signal, be modulated and trafficked within the cell. The structure of AKAP250 (also known as gravin or AKAP12), based on analyses of milligram quantities of recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli, suggests that the AKAP is probably an unordered scaffold, acting as a necklace on which 'jewels' of structure-function (e.g. the RII-binding domain) that provide docking sites on which signalling components can be assembled. Recent results suggest that AKAP250 provides not only a 'tool box' for assembling signalling elements, but may indeed provide a basis for spatial constraint observed for many signalling paradigms. The spatial dimension of the integration of cell signalling will probably reflect many functions performed by members of the AKAP family.

A Kinase Anchor Proteins↗
PubMed2004

Identification of Escherichia coli O172 O-antigen gene cluster and development of a serogroup-specific PCR assay.

AIM: To characterize the locus for O-antigen biosynthesis from Escherichia coli O172 type strain and to develop a rapid, specific and sensitive PCR-based method for identification and detection of E. coli O172. METHODS AND RESULTS: DNA of O-antigen gene cluster of E. coli O172 was amplified by long-range PCR method using primers based on housekeeping genes galF and gnd Shot gun bank was constructed and high quality sequencing was performed. The putative genes for synthesis of UDP-FucNAc, O-unit flippase, O-antigen polymerase and glycosyltransferases were assigned by the homology search. The evolutionary relationship between O-antigen gene clusters of E. coli O172 and E. coli O26 is shown by sequence comparison. Genes specific to E. coli O172 strains were identified by PCR assays using primers based on genes for O-unit flippase, O-antigen polymerase and glycosyltransferases. The specificity of PCR assays was tested using all E. coli and Shigella O-antigen type strains, as well as 24 clinical E. coli isolates. The sensitivity of PCR assays was determined, and the detection limits were 1 pg microl(-1) chromosomal DNA, 0.2 CFU g(-1) pork and 0.2 CFU ml(-1) water. The total time required from beginning to end of the procedure was within 16 h. CONCLUSION: The O-antigen gene cluster of E. coli O172 was identified and PCR assays based on O-antigen specific genes showed high specificity and sensitivity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: An O-antigen gene cluster was identified by sequencing. The specific genes were determined for E. coli O172. The sensitivity of O-antigen specific PCR assay was tested. Although Shiga toxin-producing O172 strains were not yet isolated from clinical specimens, they may emerge as pathogens.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Galpha(i2) enhances insulin signaling via suppression of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B.

Suppression of the expression of the heterotrimeric G-protein Galpha(i2) in vivo has been shown to provoke insulin resistance, whereas enhanced insulin signaling is observed when Galpha(i2) is overexpressed in vivo. The basis for Galpha(i2) regulation of insulin signaling was explored in transgenic mice with targeted expression of the GTPase-deficient, constitutively active Q205L Galpha(i2) in fat and skeletal muscle. Phosphorylation of insulin receptor and IRS-1 in response to insulin challenge in vivo was markedly amplified in fat and skeletal muscle expressing Q205L Galpha(i2). The expression and activity of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), but not protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1, SHP-2, and LAR, were constitutively decreased in tissues expressing the Q205L Galpha(i2), providing a direct linkage between insulin signaling and Galpha(i2). The loss of PTP1B expression may explain, in part, the loss of PTP1B activity in the iQ205L transgenic mice. Activation of Galpha(i2) in mouse adipocytes with lysophosphatidic acid was shown to decrease PTP1B activity, whereas pertussis toxin inactivates Galpha(i2), blocks lysophosphatidic acid-stimulated inhibition of PTP1B activity, and blocks tonic suppression of PTP1B activity by Galpha(i2). Elevation of intracellular cAMP in fat cells is shown to increase PTP1B activity, whereas either depression of cAMP levels or direct activation of Galpha(i2) suppresses PTP1B. These data provide the first molecular basis for the interplay between Galpha(i2) and insulin signaling, i.e. activation of Galpha(i2) can suppress both the expression and activity of PTP1B in insulin-sensitive tissues.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2001

15-deoxy-Delta 12,14-prostaglandin J2 induces apoptosis of human hepatic myofibroblasts. A pathway involving oxidative stress independently of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors.

Hepatic myofibroblasts (hMFs) play a key role in the development of liver fibrosis associated with chronic liver diseases. Apoptosis of these cells is emerging as a key process in the resolution of liver fibrosis. Here, we examined the effects of cyclopentenone prostaglandins on apoptosis of human hMFs. Cyclopentenone prostaglandins of the J series markedly reduced hMF viability, with 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15-d-PGJ2) being the most potent. This effect was independent of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), because PPARgamma and PPARalpha agonists did not affect hMF cell viability, and PPARgamma, the nuclear receptor for 15-d-PGJ2, was not expressed in hMFs. Moreover, 15-d-PGJ2 did not act via a cell surface G protein-coupled receptor, as shown in guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding assays. Cell death resulted from an apoptotic process, because 15-d-PGJ2-treated hMFs exhibited condensed nuclei, fragmented DNA, and elevated caspase-3 activity. Moreover, the caspase inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-Asp(OCH3)-fluoromethyl ketone blocked the cytotoxic effect of 15-d-PGJ2. The apoptotic effects of 15-d-PGJ2 were reproduced by H2O2 and blocked by the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC), N-(2-mercapto-propionyl)-glycine (NMPG) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Accordingly, 15-d-PGJ2 generated rapid production of reactive oxygen species in hMFs, via a NAC/NMPG/PDTC-sensitive pathway. In conclusion, 15-d-PGJ2 induces apoptosis of human hMFs via a novel mechanism involving oxidative stress and unrelated to activation of its nuclear receptor PPARgamma. These data underline the antifibrogenic potential of 15-d-PGJ2.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2001

Akt activation preserves cardiac function and prevents injury after transient cardiac ischemia in vivo.

BACKGROUND: The serine-threonine kinase Akt is activated by several ligand-receptor systems previously shown to be cardioprotective. Akt activation reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis in models of transient ischemia. Its role in cardiac dysfunction or infarction, however, remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the effects of a constitutively active Akt mutant (myr-Akt) in a rat model of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. In vivo gene transfer of myr-Akt reduced infarct size by 64% and the number of apoptotic cells by 84% (P<0.005 for each). Ischemia-reperfusion injury decreased regional cardiac wall thickening as well as the maximal rate of left ventricular pressure rise and fall (+dP/dt and -dP/dt). Akt activation restored regional wall thickening and +dP/dt and -dP/dt to levels seen in sham-operated rats. To better understand this benefit, we examined the effects of myr-Akt on hypoxic cardiomyocyte dysfunction in vitro. myr-Akt prevented hypoxia-induced abnormalities in cardiomyocyte calcium transients and shortening. Akt activation also enhanced sarcolemmal expression of Glut-4 in vivo and increased glucose uptake in vitro to the level seen with insulin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Akt activation exerts a powerful cardioprotective effect after transient ischemia that probably reflects its ability to both inhibit cardiomyocyte death and improve function of surviving cardiomyocytes. Akt may represent an important nodal target for therapy in ischemic and other heart disease.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2001

Insulin stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation and inactivation of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B in vivo.

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B has been implicated in negative regulation of insulin action, although little is known of the ability of insulin to regulate PTP1B itself. The ability of insulin to regulate phosphorylation and activation of PTP1B was probed in vivo. Challenge with insulin in vivo provoked a transient, sharp increase in the phosphotyrosine content of PTP1B in fat and skeletal muscle that peaked within 15 min. Insulin stimulated a decline of 60--70% in PTP1B activity. In mouse adipocytes, the inhibition of PTP1B activity and increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the enzyme were blocked by the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1024. Phosphoserine content of PTP1B declined in response to insulin stimulation. Elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP provokes a sharp increase in PTP1B activity and leads to increased phosphorylation of serine residues and decreased tyrosine phosphorylation. Suppression of cyclic AMP levels or inhibition of protein kinase A leads to a sharp decline in PTP1B activity, a decrease in phosphoserine content, and an increase in PTP1B phosphotyrosine content. PTP1B appears to be a critical point for insulin and catecholamine counter-regulation.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed2001

Pregnancies achieved after transferring frozen morula/compact stage embryos.

OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of frozen embryo transfers in which embryos were frozen at the morula/compact stage and pregnancies were achieved after transfer. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Private assisted reproductive program. PATIENT(S): Two women had transfer of embryos that were frozen at the morula/compact stage. INTERVENTION(S): Human morula/compact embryos were cryopreserved and transferred after subsequent thaw. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Embryo survival after thawing and subsequent pregnancy outcome. RESULT(S): Three and five compact embryos were frozen on day 4 for two patients, respectively. In the first case, all three embryos survived after thawing, and all were transferred. In the second patient, three of five embryos survived after thawing, and those three surviving embryos were transferred. Pregnancies were achieved in both patients. The first woman became pregnant with twins and delivered two girls weighing 2,270 g and 2,071 g, respectively. The second patient became pregnant with a singleton and delivered a boy weighing 2,837 g. CONCLUSION(S): Human embryos can be frozen and thawed in the morula/compact stage and achieve normal pregnancy. Advantages of embryo freezing/thawing at the morula/compact stage include the following: [1] compared with earlier embryonic stage freezing, morula/compact-stage embryos provide better embryo selection and [2] it is easier and safer to perform assisted hatching on compact-stage embryos when compared with those from other preimplantation stages.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cryopreservation of mouse embryos at morula/compact stage.

PURPOSE: The objective of this article was to study mouse morula/compact stage embryo postthaw survival rates and postthaw developmental potential. METHODS: Mouse morula/compact stage embryos were classified into 3 substages. Their morphological behavior during the freezing and thawing process were examined. Postthaw survival rates and blastocyst formation rates were compared between the three substages and the pronucleate and the 2-cell stage embryos. Finally, Postthaw fully compacted and late compact embryos were transferred to foster mothers. RESULTS: Blastomeres of early compacting embryos separated from each other during the freezing process, whereas in fully compacted and late compact stages, the blastomeres remain compacted. Fully compacted and late compact stage embryos had higher Postthaw survival rates than other stages, though those were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). These two substages had significantly higher blastocyst formation rates than Postthaw pronucleate and early compacting embryos (P < 0.01). A total of 72 Postthaw fully compacted and late compact embryos were transferred and 20 live offspring were delivered. CONCLUSIONS: After passing early compacting stage, fully compacted and late compact stage mouse embryos have high Postthaw survival rates and significantly higher blastocyst formation rates. Successful cryopreservation of embryos at these two substages has a significant value in embryo selection. The results obtained in this study may provide useful information for human assisted reproductive technology.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Isoflurane aggravates the decrease of phosphatidycholine synthesis in alveolar type II cells induced by hydrogen peroxide.

The influence of isoflurane (Iso) on the synthesis and secretion of phosphatidylcholine (PC) of alveolar type II cells (AT II cells) injured by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was investigated. After primary culturing for 32 h, AT II cells isolated and purified from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, 02.8 mM Iso group, 2.8 mM Iso group, 75 microM H2O2 group, 75 microM H2O2 + 0.28 mM Iso group, and 75 microM H202 + 2.8 mM Iso group. Synthesis and secretion of phosphatidylcholine (PC) were detected by 3H-choline chloride incorporation. It was found that 0.28 mM and 2.8 mM Iso significantly reduced PC synthesis compared with the control group (p <0.05, p <0.01, respectively), but not PC secretion. 75 microM H2O2 markedly decreased the synthesis and secretion of PC in AT II cells compared with the control group (p <0.01). 0.28 mM and 2.8 mM Iso aggravated the decrease of PC synthesis induced by H2O2 (p <0.05, p <0.01, respectively), but did not affect PC secretion. These findings suggest that Iso itself may inhibit the synthesis of PC of AT II cells in vitro and further damage the cells' function under peroxidation.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
PubMed2001

[One stage otoplasty treatment for congenital malformations of the auricle and middle ear].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of one stage otoplasty for congenital atresia of the external acoustic canal and malformations of the middle ear and the auricle. METHOD: Patients with the ear malformations were given surgical reconstruction of one stage otoplasty. The auricle was reconstructed with the rib which was encapsulated with the superthin temporal flap. According to the malformations of the middle ear in patients, I style tympanoplasty and III style tympanoplasty were carried out respectively. All patients were performed myringoplasty with temporal fascia and reconstructed the external acoustic canal with full thickness skin-grafting. RESULT: A long term follow-up (4-6 years) demonstrated that 11 ears were survival of which 8 ears figuration were ideal. The hearing improvement was observed in all patients. CONCLUSION: One stage otoplasty is effective for treatment of the congenital malformations of the external and middle ear.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Structural basis for double-sieve discrimination of L-valine from L-isoleucine and L-threonine by the complex of tRNA(Val) and valyl-tRNA synthetase.

Valyl-tRNA synthetase (ValRS) strictly discriminates the cognate L-valine from the larger L-isoleucine and the isosteric L-threonine by the tRNA-dependent "double sieve" mechanism. In this study, we determined the 2.9 A crystal structure of a complex of Thermus thermophilus ValRS, tRNA(Val), and an analog of the Val-adenylate intermediate. The analog is bound in a pocket, where Pro(41) allows accommodation of the Val and Thr moieties but precludes the Ile moiety (the first sieve), on the aminoacylation domain. The editing domain, which hydrolyzes incorrectly synthesized Thr-tRNA(Val), is bound to the 3' adenosine of tRNA(Val). A contiguous pocket was found to accommodate the Thr moiety, but not the Val moiety (the second sieve). Furthermore, another Thr binding pocket for Thr-adenylate hydrolysis was suggested on the editing domain.

Adenosine↗