Electroactive silica nanoparticles for biological labeling.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
Jun Wang
Publications and source records attributed to Jun Wang.
Apoferritin-templated synthesis of metal phosphate nanoparticle labels for electrochemical immunoassay.
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Acetates↗
Relationship between family characteristics and aggressive behaviors of children and adolescents.
In order to identify family factors obviously relevant to aggression, and offer a theoretical foundation for the prevention of aggression, 4010 students from primary and secondary schools in 5 different areas in Hubei province were surveyed. The Child Behavior Checklist " parents' form" (Chinese version) and the four scales of Family Environment Scale were used. A multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of children's and adolescents' aggressive behavior. The results showed that maternal education, paternal occupation, family type, parental child-rearing attitude and patterns, students' interpersonal relationship were significantly associated with the children's and adolescents' aggression. The risk factors of aggression were parental child-rearing patterns, peer relationship, teacher-student relationship, and family conflicts.
Adolescent↗
Asymmetric dimethylarginine in homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency: relevance of renal function.
OBJECTIVE: Vascular disease is associated with increased plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homocysteine, and both are increased in renal failure. In cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency (CBS) there is severe hyperhomocysteinaemia, precocious vascular disease, and endothelial dysfunction. We investigated whether ADMA levels are elevated in CBS patients with and without renal impairment, and whether lowering plasma homocysteine also lowers ADMA. METHODS: We measured plasma homocysteine, arginine, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines, nitrate + nitrite, creatinine and cystatin C in 23 CBS-deficient patients and 24 age-matched controls. RESULTS: In the patients, nitrate + nitrite and the ratio L: -arginine/ADMA were markedly reduced (21.6 +/- 6.1 vs 57.7 +/- 7.5 micromol/L and 132.9 +/- 24.7 vs 181.9 +/- 56.1, respectively, p < 0.001 for both), reflecting endothelial dysfunction. Plasma ADMA for the group was moderately increased (0.55 +/- 0.08 vs 0.49 +/- 0.07 micromol/L, p = 0.018), but this was due to significantly higher levels than controls in only those 7 of the 23 patients who had elevated cystatin C levels (0.59 +/- 0.08 vs 0.49 +/- 0.07 mg/L, p = 0.007). Posttreatment total homocysteine in patients varied widely (15-285, median 92 micromol/L), but was not correlated with ADMA or other measured variables. In three newly-diagnosed patients, marked reduction of total homocysteine during treatment produced minimal changes in ADMA. CONCLUSIONS: ADMA levels were significantly increased only in the CBS-deficient patients with elevated cystatin C levels, and not in those with normal renal function. The reported relationship between hyperhomocysteinaemia and ADMA may not be direct, but could be secondary to reduced renal function.
Adult↗
Molecular phylogenetic relationships of China Seas groupers based on cytochrome b gene fragment sequences.
The classification and evolutionary relationships are important issues in the study of the groupers. Cytochrome b gene fragment of twenty-eight grouper species within six genera of subfamily Epinephelinae was amplified using PCR techniques and the sequences were analyzed to derive the phylogenetic relationships of the groupers from the China Seas. Genetic information indexes, including Kimura-2 parameter genetic distance and Ts/Tv ratios, were generated by using a variety of biology softwares. With Niphon spinosus, Pagrus major and Pagrus auriga as the designated outgroups, phylogenetic trees, which invoke additional homologous sequences of other Epinephelus fishes from GenBank, were constructed based on the neighbor-joining (NJ), maximum-parsimony (MP), maximum-likelihood (ML) and minimum-evolution (ME) methods. Several conclusions were drawn from the DNA sequences analysis: (1) genus Plectropomus, which was early diverged, is the most primitive group in the subfamily Epinephelinae; (2) genus Variola is more closely related to genus Cephalopolis than the other four genera; (3) genus Cephalopolis is a monophyletic group and more primitive than genus Epinephelus; (4) Promicrops lanceolatus and Cromileptes altivelis should be included in genus Epinephelus; (5) there exist two sister groups in genus Epinephelus.
Animals↗
SMM-chemokines: a class of unnatural synthetic molecules as chemical probes of chemokine receptor biology and leads for therapeutic development.
Chemokines and their receptors play important roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. To develop natural chemokines into receptor probes and inhibitors of pathological processes, the lack of chemokine-receptor selectivity must be overcome. Here, we apply chemical synthesis and the concept of modular modifications to generate unnatural synthetically and modularly modified (SMM)-chemokines that have high receptor selectivity and affinity, and reduced toxicity. A proof of the concept was shown by transforming the nonselective viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II into new analogs with enhanced selectivity and potency for CXCR4 or CCR5, two principal coreceptors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 entry. These new analogs provided insights into receptor binding and signaling mechanisms and acted as potent HIV-1 inhibitors. These results support the concept of SMM-chemokines for studying and controlling the function of other chemokine receptors.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Sonocatalytic damage of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of nanometer anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2).
The nanometer anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) (a kind of crystal type of TiO2) powder was adopted as the sonocatalyst for the damage of bovine serum albumin (BSA) used as a model protein by low-power ultrasound (US) (80 kHz, 80 W). The effects of several factors on the damage of BSA molecule were reviewed by means of ultraviolet destruction and circular dichroism spectra. It was found that the BSA molecule underwent destruction of the secondary structure and loss of the alpha-helical configuration to a certain extent under ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of nanometer anatase TiO2 powder and that the damage caused by US integrated with TiO2 was more serious than those by only US or only TiO2. Furthermore, the damage degree was aggravated with the increase of TiO2, added to saturation, and then it was slowly weakened with the excessive TiO2. When a suitable amount of acid or base was added into the BSA solution, the sonocatalytic damage was also aggravated. Because the functions of proteins are decided by their space configurations, the changes of the configurations might cause the forfeiture of their function, even the apoptosis or necrosis of cells. Perhaps, an effective method of killing cancer cells by sonocatalytic damage of protein molecules in the presence of nanometer anatase TiO2 could be obtained from these experimental results.
Animals↗
Control of interleukin-2 gene transcription: a paradigm for inducible, tissue-specific gene expression.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a key cytokine that controls immune cell function, in particular the adaptive arm of the immune system, through its ability to control the clonal expansion and homeostasis of peripheral T cells. IL-2 is produced almost exclusively by T cells in response to antigenic stimulation and thus provides an excellent example of a cell-specific inducible gene. The mechanisms that control IL-2 gene transcription have been studied in detail for the past 20 years and our current understanding of the nature of the inducible and tissue-specific controls will be discussed.
Animals↗
Role of svp in Drosophila pericardial cell growth.
The Drosophila dorsal vessel is a segmentally repeated linear organ, in which seven-up (svp) is expressed in two pairs of cardioblasts and two pairs of pericardial cells in each segment. Under the control of hedgehog (hh) signaling from the dorsal ectoderm, svp participates in diversifying cardioblast identities within each segment. In this experiment, the homozygous embryos of svp mutants exhibited an increase in cell size of Eve positive pericardial cells (EPCs) and a disarranged expression pattern, while the cardioblasts pattern of svp-lacZ expression was normal. In the meantime, the DAI muscle founders were absent in some segments in svp mutant embryos, and the dorsal somatic muscle patterning was also severely damaged in the late stage mutant embryos, suggesting that svp is required for the differentiation of Eve-positive pericardial cells and DA1 muscle founders and may have a role in EPC cell growth.
Animals↗
Synthesis and micellization of amphiphilic brush-coil block copolymer based on poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and PEGylated polyphosphoester.
A novel biodegradable amphiphilic brush-coil block copolymer consisting of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and PEGylated polyphosphoester was synthesized by ring opening polymerization. The composition and structure of the copolymer were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR, and the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution were analyzed by gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) measurements to confirm the diblock structure. These amphiphilic copolymers formed micellar structures in water, and the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) were around 10(-3) mg/mL, which was determined using pyrene as a fluorescence probe. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the micelles took an approximately spherical shape with core-shell structure, which was further demonstrated by laser light scattering (LLS) technique. The degradation behavior of the polymeric micelle was also investigated in the presence of Pseudomonas lipase and characterized by GPC measurement. Such polymer micelles from brush-coil block copolymers are expected to have wide utility in the field of drug delivery.
Light↗
Discovery of bacterial fatty acid synthase inhibitors from a Phoma species as antimicrobial agents using a new antisense-based strategy.
Fatty acids are essential for bacterial growth and viability, with the type II fatty acid synthesis (FAS II) pathway being a potential antibacterial target. A new, selective, and highly sensitive whole cell-based antisense strategy has been designed to screen for natural product inhibitors of FabH/F of the FAS II pathway using a high-throughput two-plate agar-based differential sensitivity assay (FabF(2)p). An antisense assay along with the FASII enzyme prepared from Staphylococcus aureus was used for bioactivity-guided fractionation, leading to the isolation of phomallenic acids A-C (1-3) from a leaf litter fungus identified as Phoma sp. Compounds 1-3 exhibited minimum detection concentrations (MDC) of 0.63, 0.31, and 0.15 microg/mL in the FabF(2P) assay, IC(50) values of 22, 3.4, and 0.77 microg/mL in the FASII enzyme assay, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 250, 7.8, and 3.9 microg/mL, respectively, against wild-type S. aureus. Phomallenic acid C (3), the analogue with the longest chain, exhibited the best overall activity within the phomallenic acids obtained and was superior to cerulenin and thiolactomycin, the two most studied and commonly used FabF inhibitors.
Acetyltransferases↗
Significance of CD25 positive cells and macrophages in noncrescentic IgA nephropathy.
The aim of this study was to determine whether infiltration by CD25 positive cells, macrophages, and activated macrophages in the kidney is predictive of chronic histological injury and renal prognosis in adults with noncrescentic IgA nephropathy. Renal biopsies of 36 patients with noncrescentic IgA nephropathy were examined by immunohistochemistry for glomerular and interstitial CD4, CD8, and CD25 positive cells, monocytes/macrophage (Mac387), and activated macrophages (27E10). Renal injury (glomerulosclerosis, mesangial cell hypercellularity, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis) at the time of biopsy and renal prognosis (follow-up creatinine and creatinine clearance) were assessed. The mean follow-up period was 22.5 +/- 16.5 months. The number of interstitial CD8 positive cells was the best predictor of renal injury at the time of biopsy, and was positively correlated with glomerulosclerosis (p = 0.04), tubular atrophy (p = 0.04), and interstitial fibrosis (p = 0.01) but not with mesangial cell hypercellularity. The number of interstitial Mac387 and 27E10 positive cells were the best predictors of renal prognosis (r2 = 0.33 and 0.34 respectively, both p < 0.01). These data suggest the presence of CD8 cells and macrophages in the kidney at the time of biopsy could potentially serve as pathological markers to identify patients with IgA nephropathy, which may warrant more aggressive medical therapy.
Adult↗
Inhibitory effects of fluorobenzaldehydes on the activity of mushroom tyrosinase.
The effects of fluorobenzaldehydes (2-,3- and 4-fluorobenzaldehyde) on the activity of mushroom tyrosinase have been studied. The results show that fluorobenzaldehydes can strongly inhibit both monophenolase activity and diphenolase activity of the enzyme and the inhibition is reversible. The IC50 values were estimated as 1.62 mM, 1.06 mM and 0.16 mM for diphenolase activity and as 1.35 mM, 1.18 mM and 1.05 mM for monophenolase activity, respectively. The lag time of the monophenolase was obviously lengthened by these three fluorobenzaldehydes. When the concentration of inhibitors reached 2.0 mM, the lag time was lengthened from 33 s to 142 s, 168 s and 190 s, respectively. Kinetic analyses show that the inhibition mechanism of 2-fluorobenzaldehyde on the diphenolase was competitive inhibition of the diphenolase activity, and that of 3-fluorobenzaldehyde and 4-fluorobenzaldehyde were of a mixed-type. The inhibition constants for these three fluorobenzaldehydes on the diphenolase were determined and compared.
Agaricales↗
Establishment and characterization of calcyclin binding protein (CacyBP) monoclonal antibody.
Anti-calcyclin binding protein (CacyBP) monoclonal antibodies (MAb) were produced using an in vitro immunization method. BALB/c mouse splenocytes were immunized with purified 6 x His-CacyBP fusion protein and fused with myeloma cells using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000. By selection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), three anti-CacyBP MAbs were obtained. The MAb BD1, whose isotype was IgG1, interacted with the fusion protein. Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the MAb BD1 against CacyBP could recognize CacyBP protein derived from human gastric cancer cell lines in both native and denatured forms. This MAb would act as a useful tool for the detection of CacyBP protein in future studies.
Animals↗
Moderate consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon attenuates Abeta neuropathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Recent studies suggest that moderate red wine consumption reduces the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical dementia. Using Tg2576 mice, which model AD-type amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) neuropathology, we tested whether moderate consumption of the red wine Cabernet Sauvignon modulates AD-type neuropathology and cognitive deterioration. The wine used in the study was generated using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Fresno, California, and was delivered to Tg2576 in a final concentration of approximately 6% ethanol. We found that Cabernet Sauvignon significantly attenuated AD-type deterioration of spatial memory function and Abeta neuropathology in Tg2576 mice relative to control Tg2576 mice that were treated with either a comparable amount of ethanol or water alone. Chemical analysis showed the Cabernet Sauvignon used in this study contains a very low content of resveratrol (0.2 mg/L), 10-fold lower than the minimal effective concentration shown to promote Abeta clearance in vitro. Our studies suggest Cabernet Sauvignon exerts a beneficial effect by promoting nonamyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein, which ultimately prevents the generation of Abeta peptides. This study supports epidemiological evidence indicating that moderate wine consumption, within the range recommended by the FDA dietary guidelines of one drink per day for women and two for men, may help reduce the relative risk for AD clinical dementia.
Alanine Transaminase↗
Hodgkin lymphoma-like posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (HL-like PTLD) simulates monomorphic B-cell PTLD both clinically and pathologically.
Although Hodgkin lymphoma-like posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (HL-like PTLD) has been grouped with classic Hodgkin lymphoma type PTLD (HL-PTLD), controversy remains as to whether it is truly a form of HL or whether it should be more appropriately classified as a form of B-cell PTLD. Because only few cases of HL-like PTLD have been reported, their pathologic nature and clinical behavior have not been well defined. This report characterized 5 cases of HL-like PTLD with respect to their immunophenotype, EBV status, clonality, and clinical outcome. All of the patients were male, with ages ranging from 1.5 to 55 years at diagnosis. PTLD developed from 4 months to 6 years following solid organ transplantation (3 hearts, 1 kidney, 1 liver), and involved both nodal and extranodal sites. All were EBV-related (EBER+) with the large neoplastic cells CD20/CD79a positive but CD15 negative. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangements were detected in 3 of 5 tested. All patients were managed by initial reduction/withdrawal of immunosuppression, with 2 also receiving chemotherapy for non-HL. Three patients died of progressive disease within 2 to 3 months after diagnosis, 1 is alive and well 2 years later, and the fifth was disease free but died of unrelated causes (graft coronary disease) 2 years later. We conclude that, although HL-like PTLD morphologically simulates classic HL PTLD, there are important immunophenotypic, molecular genetic, and clinical differences, suggesting it is in fact most often a B-cell PTLD. Distinction between HL and HL-like PTLD may be important for clinical management and prognosis.
Adolescent↗
Influence of angiogenin on the growth of A375 human melanoma cells and the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor.
Angiogenin was isolated as a tumor angiogenic factor solely on the basis of its angiogenic activity. Its expression is essential for melanoma progression and metastasis. Many studies have mainly focused on how it induces angiogenesis, which allows further melanoma growth and metastasis. Here, we investigated the effects of angiogenin on melanoma cell growth and studied its influence on the expression and function of the basic fibroblast growth factor. We transfected the angiogenin gene in the sense and antisense orientation into A375 cells, and obtained stable angiogenin under-expressing and over-expressing transfectants. We found that in the angiogenin antisense transfectants, the cell proliferation was decreased and the basic fibroblast growth factor-induced cell proliferation was inhibited, but the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor was increased. In contrast, in the angiogenin sense transfectants, the cell proliferation was increased, and the basic fibroblast growth factor-induced cell proliferation was also increased. The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor, however, was decreased. In conclusion, we demonstrated that, besides its angiogenic activity, angiogenin also directly contributes to A375 cell proliferation and is required for the basic fibroblast growth factor to induce cell proliferation. We also demonstrated that the endogenous angiogenin expression levels affect the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in A375 cells. By targeting angiogenin, therefore, one may find a potential therapeutic approach to human malignant melanoma.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents↗
5q- syndrome in a child with slowly progressive pancytopenia: a case report and review of the literature.
5q- syndrome is a rare myelodysplastic process occurring predominately in middle aged to elderly women. In children, myelodysplasia of all types is rare and 5q- syndrome is exceptionally rare. Only 6 cases of 5q- associated myelodysplasia have been reported in children and all 6 cases had blast counts >5% and/or additional cytogenetic abnormalities. We report a case of 5q- syndrome in a girl who presented with macrocytosis and intermittent pancytopenia at age 5. Cytogenetic studies at age 8 revealed a large interstitial deletion of chromosome 5q without other cytogenetic abnormalities. The patient was clinically stable until age 11, when she became transfusion dependent and severely neutropenic. Subsequently, she underwent a successful unrelated cord blood transplant. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pediatric case meeting the strict criteria for 5q- syndrome.
Abnormalities, Multiple↗