Smoke alarm ownership and house fire death rates in children.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
L Li
Publications and source records attributed to L Li.
The protective effects of traditional Chinese medicine prescription, han-dan-gan-le, on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats.
Han-Dan-Gan-Le, a Chinese medicine preparation composed of Salvia miltorrhiza, Radix paeoniae, Astragalus membranaceus, Stephania tetrandra, and dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba, has been used successfully to treat human liver fibrosis and cirrhosis for years. This study was designed to examine the mechanisms of the protection. Male Wistar rats were given CCl4 (1.2 ml/kg, 2 times/week), 20% fat diet, and 30% alcohol in drinking water (every other day) for 6 weeks. Han-Dan-Gan-Le (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg, p.o., daily for 6 weeks) was administered to rats simultaneously to examine the protective effects against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The experimentally-induced liver fibrosis and other morphological alterations were significantly ameliorated by Han-Dan-Gan-Le. Han-Dan-Gan-Le treatments decreased CCl4-induced hepatic collagen accumulation by more than 50%, and significantly increased urinary excretion of hydroxyproline. The CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation in liver and serum was ameliorated as a result of Han-Dan-Gan-Le treatment, possibly by restoring the activity of superoxide dismutase activity in liver and erythrocytes, In conclusion, Han-Dan-Gan-Le is effective in protecting against liver fibrosis. The mechanisms of the protection appear to be due to its antioxidant properties and the modulation of hepatic collagen metabolism.
Animals↗
Synergistic induction of ornithine decarboxylase by asparagine and gut peptides in intestinal crypt cells.
The objective of this study was to determine whether the amino acid asparagine stimulated the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) synergistically with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or gastrin in IEC-6 cells, a line of normal rat small intestinal crypt cells. Cells were grown in DMEM containing 5% dialyzed fetal bovine serum, and serum was deprived for 24 h before experiments. Exposure to EGF or gastrin alone increased ODC activity 4.5- to 6-fold. Asparagine alone increased the enzyme activity 10- to 13-fold in IEC-6 cells. Simultaneous addition of asparagine and EGF or gastrin, however, increased ODC activity more than 40-fold. In contrast, there was no synergistic induction of ODC activity when gastrin and EGF were added together. Increased ODC activity in cells treated with asparagine and EGF or gastrin was associated with an increase in ODC mRNA and protein levels. The rate of transcription of the ODC gene was significantly increased by exposure to EGF or gastrin. Asparagine alone had little or no effect on the rate of transcription of the ODC gene. When given together with EGF or gastrin, asparagine also had no additional effect on the transcription rate of the ODC gene. The half-life of mRNA for ODC in unstimulated IEC-6 cells was approximately 30 min and increased to more than 2 h in cells exposed to asparagine, although neither gastrin nor EGF prolonged the stability of ODC mRNA. The half-life of mRNA for ODC after combined addition of asparagine and EGF or gastrin was extended to approximately 2 h, similar to asparagine alone. Combined addition of asparagine and EGF or gastrin also significantly increased DNA synthesis compared with cells exposed to each of the three agents alone. In conclusion, 1) simultaneous addition of asparagine and EGF or gastrin increases ODC activity in a synergistic manner and 2) asparagine increases ODC mRNA levels through completely distinct mechanisms from EGF or gastrin. EGF or gastrin specifically stimulates transcription of the ODC gene, whereas asparagine affects a posttranscriptional process.
Animals↗
Cardiac myocyte calcium transport in phospholamban knockout mouse: relaxation and endogenous CaMKII effects.
Increases in heart rate are accompanied by acceleration of relaxation. This effect is apparent at the single myocyte level and depends on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca transport and Ca/calmodulin dependent protein kinase [CaMKII; see R. A. Bassani, A. Mattiazzi, and D. M. Bers. Am. J. Physiol. 268 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 37): H703-H712, 1995]. Because phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB) by CaMKII can stimulate SR Ca transport, it is a plausible candidate mechanism. We examined this issue using ventricular myocytes isolated from wild-type (WT) mice and those in which the PLB gene was ablated by gene targeting (PLB-KO). During steady-state (SS) stimulation, twitch relaxation and intracellular Ca concentration ([Ca]i) decline were significantly faster than after a rest in both WT and PLB-KO myocytes. Furthermore, the CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 (1 microM) abolished the stimulation-dependent acceleration of twitch [Ca]i decline in PLB-KO. This indicates that neither PLB nor its phosphorylation are required for the CaMKII-dependent acceleration of the SS twitch [Ca]i decline and relaxation. Other quantitative aspects of Ca transport in WT and PLB-KO myocytes were also examined. As expected, the time constant (tau) of [Ca]i decline during the SS twitch is much faster in PLB-KO than in WT myocytes (112 +/- 6 vs. 188 +/- 14 ms, P < 0.0001). There was also an increase in SS SR Ca load, based on the change of [Ca]i during rapid caffeine-induced contractures (CafC) with Na/Ca exchange blocked (565 +/- 74 nM for WT, 1118 +/- 133 nM for PLB-KO, P < 0.01). Accounting for cytosolic Ca buffering, this implies a 37% increase in SR Ca content. The tau for [Ca]i decline of the cafC with Na present indicated slower extrusion by Na/Ca exchange in the PLB-KO mouse (2.2 +/- 0.2 s in WT vs. 3.2 +/- 0.2 in PLB-KO, P < 0.01), although exchanger protein expression was unchanged. Integrated Ca flux analysis in WT and PLB-KO myocytes, respectively, shows that 90 and 96% of Ca during twitch relaxation is removed by the SR Ca-ATPase, 9 and 3.4% by Na/Ca exchange, and 0.5 and 0.1% by slow mechanisms (mitochondria Ca uniporter and sarcolemmal Ca-ATPase). We conclude that the PLB-KO myocytes retain a CaMKII-dependent acceleration of SS twitch [Ca]i decline. The PLB-KO (vs. WT) myocytes also have higher SR Ca pump activity, higher SR Ca load, and reduced Na/Ca exchange activity.
Animals↗
Potential involvement of 4-hydroxynonenal in the response of human lung cells to ozone.
Ozone is a photochemically generated pollutant that can cause acute pulmonary inflammation and induce cellular injury and may contribute to the development or exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. Despite much research, the mechanisms of ozone- and oxidant-induced cellular injury are still uncertain. Ozone and secondary free radicals have been reported to cause the formation of aldehydes in biological fluids. One of the most toxic aldehydes formed during oxidant-induced lipid peroxidation is 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). HNE reacts primarily with Cys, Lys, and His amino acids, altering protein function and forming protein adducts. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HNE could account for the acute effects of ozone on lung cells. Human subjects were exposed to 0.4 parts/million ozone or air for 1 h with exercise (each subject served as his/her own control). Six hours after ozone exposure, cells obtained by airway lavage were examined for apoptotic cell injury, and cells from bronchoalveolar lavage were examined for apoptosis, presence of HNE adducts, and expression of stress proteins. Significant apoptosis was evident in airway lung cells after ozone exposure. Western analysis demonstrated an increase in a 32-kDa HNE protein adduct and a number of stress proteins, viz., 72-kDa heat shock protein and ferritin, in alveolar macrophages (AM) after ozone exposure. All of these effects could be replicated by in vitro exposure of AM to HNE. Consequently, the in vitro results and demonstration of HNE protein adducts after ozone exposure are consistent with a potential role for HNE in the cellular toxic effects of ozone.
Air Pollutants↗
Dopamine inhibits vasopressin-dependent cAMP production in the rat cortical collecting duct.
Dopamine inhibits Na+ and water reabsorption in the rat cortical collecting duct (CCD) in the presence of arginine vasopressin (AVP). This inhibition appears to involve the D4 dopamine receptor isoform, which inhibits cAMP production; however, the D1A receptor, which stimulates cAMP production, is also expressed in the CCD. To discriminate between these opposing effects, we measured cAMP production in intact CCD segments. The basal rate of cAMP production ranged from 6.5 to 10 fmol/mm of tubule length over a 7-min incubation period, and it was unaffected by either dopamine or the D1A-specific agonist fenoldopam. AVP increased cAMP production to the range of 85-153 fmol . mm-1 . 7 min-1. Whereas neither 0.1 nor 1.0 microM fenoldopam affected AVP-dependent cAMP production, dopamine reduced it in a dose-dependent manner, achieving a maximum inhibition of 50% at 10 microM. This effect was reversed by the D4 receptor antagonist clozapine but not by pimozide or spiperone (antagonists of D2 and D3 receptors) or by calphostin C or chelerythrine (inhibitors of protein kinase C). We conclude that dopamine inhibits transepithelial Na+ transport and osmotic water permeability in the presence of AVP by inhibition of cAMP production, which is mediated by the D4 receptor isoform linked via the inhibitory G protein Gi.
Alkaloids↗
Muscle coordination in cycling: effect of surface incline and posture.
The purpose of the present study was to examine the neuromuscular modifications of cyclists to changes in grade and posture. Eight subjects were tested on a computerized ergometer under three conditions with the same work rate (250 W): pedaling on the level while seated, 8% uphill while seated, and 8% uphill while standing (ST). High-speed video was taken in conjunction with surface electromyography (EMG) of six lower extremity muscles. Results showed that rectus femoris, gluteus maximus (GM), and tibialis anterior had greater EMG magnitude in the ST condition. GM, rectus femoris, and the vastus lateralis demonstrated activity over a greater portion of the crank cycle in the ST condition. The muscle activities of gastrocnemius and biceps femoris did not exhibit profound differences among conditions. Overall, the change of cycling grade alone from 0 to 8% did not induce a significant change in neuromuscular coordination. However, the postural change from seated to ST pedaling at 8% uphill grade was accompanied by increased and/or prolonged muscle activity of hip and knee extensors. The observed EMG activity patterns were discussed with respect to lower extremity joint moments. Monoarticular extensor muscles (GM, vastus lateralis) demonstrated greater modifications in activity patterns with the change in posture compared with their biarticular counterparts. Furthermore, muscle coordination among antagonist pairs of mono- and biarticular muscles was altered in the ST condition; this finding provides support for the notion that muscles within these antagonist pairs have different functions.
Adult↗
Urban particle-induced apoptosis and phenotype shifts in human alveolar macrophages.
Epidemiological studies report a small but positive association between short-term increases in airborne particulate matter and small increases in morbidity and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular disease in urban areas. However, the lack of a mechanistic explanation to link particle exposure and human health effects makes it difficult to validate the human health effects. The present study tested the hypothesis that urban particles could cause apoptosis of human alveolar macrophages(AM) and a shift of their phenotypes to a higher immune active state, which would provide a mechanism to explain an inflammatory response. Freshly isolated human AM were incubated for 24 hr with urban particles (#1648 and #1649), Mount Saint Helen's ash (MSH), and residual oil fly ash (ROFA). Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion and apoptosis was demonstrated by morphology, cell death ELISA, and DNA ladder formation. Additionally, AM were characterized according to RFD1(+) (immune stimulatory macrophages) and RFD1(+)7(+) (suppressor macrophages) phenotypes by flow cytometry. ROFA particles caused AM necrosis at concentrations as low as 10 microg/ml, urban particles had no effect except at 200 microg/ml, and MSH had no effect at 200 microg/ml. ROFA (25 microg/ml) and particles #1648 or #1649 (100 microg/ml) caused apoptosis of AM by all three criteria, but 200 microg/ml MSH had no effect. Finally, 25 microg/ml ROFA and 100 microg/ml particles #1648 or #1649 up regulated the expression of the RFD1(+) AM phenotype, while only ROFA decreased the RFD1(+)7(+) phenotype. Consequently, ROFA and urban particles can induce apoptosis of human AM and increase the ratio of AM phenotypes toward a higher immune active state (i.e., increased RFD1(+):RFD1(+)7(+) ratio). Ifurban particles cause similar changes in vivo, this could result in lung inflammation and possible increased pulmonary and cardiovascular disease.
Air Pollutants↗
Inhibition of avian osteoclast bone resorption by monoclonal antibody 121F: a mechanism involving the osteoclast free radical system.
Osteoclasts generate high levels of superoxide anions during bone resorption that contribute to the degradative process, although excessive levels of this free radical may be damaging. One mechanism for their removal is via superoxide dismutase (SOD), a protective superoxide scavenging enzyme. We have previously described a novel developmentally regulated 150 kDa plasma membrane glycoprotein of avian osteoclasts which is reactive with the osteoclast-specific monoclonal antibody (Mab) 121F and is related immunologically, biochemically, and in protein sequence to mitochondrial Mn2+/Fe2+ SOD. We hypothesized that this unusual osteoclast surface component may be involved in protection against superoxides generated during active bone resorption. Increasing concentrations of monovalent Fab fragments prepared from Mab 121F, but not those from another antiosteoclast Mab designated 29C, markedly inhibited both bone particle and bone pit resorption by avian osteoclasts, while reducing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and causing the morphological contraction of osteoclasts on bone. Thus, the SOD-related membrane antigen may be essential for osteoclast bone resorption. Osteoclast superoxide production, monitored kinetically by cytochrome c reduction and histochemically by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction staining, was significantly greater in the presence of 121F, but not 29C, Fab treatment. Furthermore, the release of another free radical known as nitric oxide, which is produced by osteoclasts, can scavenge superoxides, and acts to potently inhibit osteoclast bone resorption, was dose-dependently increased by 121F Fab in resorbing osteoclast cultures. Therefore, Mab 121F binding may block the potential protective function of the osteoclast plasma membrane SOD-related glycoprotein, leading to a rapid elevation of superoxide levels and a subsequent rise in osteoclast nitric oxide release, feedback messages which may be sensed by the osteoclast as signals to cease active bone resorption.
Acid Phosphatase↗
Fatal Kawasaki disease with coronary arteritis and no coronary aneurysms.
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Arteritis↗
Illicit drug use by women with disabilities.
As in the general female population, women with disabilities face a number of situations that encourage illicit drug use, such as low self-esteem, peer pressure, and family history of substance abuse. In addition, women with disabilities more frequently encounter problems of personal adjustment, unusual developmental experiences, easy access to prescription drugs, unemployment, and medical or health-related difficulties. Using a random sample of 900 women with disabilities, we conducted a study of the patterns of illicit drug use and risk factors relating to illicit drug use among women with various disabilities. Multiple regression analyses revealed that age, illicit drug use by a best friend, being a victim of substance-abuse-related violence, and attitudes toward substance use by people with disabilities were significantly related to illicit drug use by the study population. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Adult↗
Predicting postprimary treatment services and drug use outcome: a multivariate analysis.
The substance abuse treatment field is continually challenged to develop interventions that encourage drug abusers to remain longer in therapeutic services and that facilitate improved outcomes. As one of those interventions, case management has generally not been subjected to multivariate analysis to evaluate its role in accomplishing those goals. Using a sample of 444 veterans who received substance abuse treatment services, this study examines relationships among demographic and psychosocial variables at intake, assignment to either traditional or enhanced (case management) treatment services, and both proximal (postprimary treatment contact) and distal (severity of drug use) measures of outcome. Multivariate analyses reveal that case-managed clients stay longer in postprimary treatment services than non-case-managed clients, and consequently, longer postprimary treatment contact leads to better drug use outcomes. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Adult↗
The mRNA level of the circadian regulated Gonyaulax luciferase remains constant over the cycle.
The expression of luciferin-binding protein (LBP) and luciferase (LCF), two proteins that are involved in bioluminescence in Gonyaulax polyedra, is controlled by a cellular circadian clock. In the case of LBP, its temporal expression is reported to be regulated at the translational level, involving both 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of lbp mRNA. Here, we show that the amounts of lcf mRNA are constant throughout the day-night cycle, indicating that the circadian expression of LCF is also regulated at the translational level.
Animals↗
Effect of feeding of a cholesterol-reducing bacterium, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, to germ-free mice.
Twelve germ-free mice were used to evaluate the effect of orally administered Eubacterium coprostanoligenes (ATCC 51222) on serum cholesterol concentration. After 1 week of bacterial administration, serum cholesterol concentration of the experimental group (204.9 +/- 5.3 mg/dl, mean +/- SEM) tended to be lower than that of controls (213.7 +/- 5.9 mg/dl, mean +/- SEM). The hypocholesterolemic effect, however, was transient. Greater coprostanol-to-cholesterol ratios in feces of bacteria-fed mice also indicated a transient cholesterol-reducing action of E. coprostanoligenes in the intestine. Eubacterium coprostanoligenes did not colonize the intestine of E. coprostanoligenes-fed mice. Results indicate that the transient occurrence of E. coprostanoligenes in the digestive tract of E. coprostanoligenes-fed mice may decrease plasma cholesterol concentration, but colonization of the tract depends on monoassociation with another bacterium. Results also indicate that feeding of E. coprostanoligenes decreases blood cholesterol concentration.
Animals↗
[Epidemiologic features of viral hepatitis in Fujian].
To study the prevalence and the epidemiologic features of viral hepatitis in Fujian, a seroepidemiological survey on five kinds of viral hepatitis infection has been carried out in Fujian province since 1992. Using stratified mulitistage random cluster sampling, 3,809 serum samples were collected from 1,237 families in general population in the disease surveillance points in Fujian province. HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were screened by RIA and HBeAg, anti-HAV, anti-HCV anti-HDV anti-HEV were by EIA. The results showed that the standardized prevalence rates of HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBeAg were 76.60%, 77.26%, 3.99%, 2.10%, 18.80%, 17.25%, 34.33%, 68.58% and 8.42% respectively. The HAV, HBV, HEV prevalence rates in rural were higher than in urban areas. The HBsAg prevalence rate among males was higher than females, with peaks evidenced in 5-9 years old and 20-29 years old. There seemed to be significant family clusterings of HBV and HEV infection. There was higher HEV prevalence rate among the young-robusts but lower HAV prevalence rate among children in urban areas. These results suggested that Fujian is a highly prevalent area for HAV, HBV, HCV and HEV infections. Thus HA and HB vaccination should play as the most effective strategy in the prevention of HAV and HBV infections.
Adolescent↗
[Analysis on the immuno-effects of two different Japanese encephalitis virus vaccines].
319 infants aged 5-18 months were divided in to 2 groups and immunized with Japanese encephalitis virus inactivated vaccine and live attenuated vaccine respectively. Under the detection of serum antibody, a 3.76% serum antibody positive rate was revealed before the immunization. However, after the basic immunization the serum positive rates of the two vaccines reached 59.56% and 56.08% respectively but still under the protective level. The infants were then given booster injection one year later. The serum positive rates reached 94.62% and 98.21% respectively 1 month later. When six months after the booster immunization, the positive rates were 72.34% and 94.74% respectively. According to the results, the following immunization order was recommend. For inactivated vaccine: 2 injections are given with an interval of 7-10 days for basic immunization and booster immunization be given in the second and third years. For live attenuated vaccine: one injection is given for basic immunization then booster dose be given in the second year and 4-5 years later.
Antibodies, Viral↗
One successful case of 6-organ-failure after severe polytrauma.
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Acute Kidney Injury↗
Expression of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in transitional cell carcinoma of bladder.
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Adult↗