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Biomedical subjects

M Wu

Publications and source records attributed to M Wu.

643 records · Page 36Linked to original sources

Ozonation of methyl oleate in hexane, in a thin film, in SDS micelles, and in distearoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes: yields and properties of the Criegee ozonide.

We here explore the use of Criegee ozonides as markers of ozone damage to lipids in systems that model pulmonary surfactant, lung lining fluids, and/or pulmonary membranes. Ozonation of methyl oleate in hexane gives an 89% yield of the Criegee ozonide. The presence of water should reduce the yield of this ozonide, and as expected, small but significant yields of Criegee ozonides are formed when the ozonation of methyl oleate is carried out as a film over phosphate buffer, in aqueous micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or in distearoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) liposomes spiked with methyl oleate. Analysis utilizes reversed-phase HPLC and 1H NMR. The total yield of ozonides in 0.02 M SDS micelles exposed to 26 ppm ozone for 3 h at pH 7.4 and 22 degrees C is 11%; 7.5% is the normal ozonide, methyl 5-octyl-1,2,4-trioxolane-3-octanoate (MOO2) (ca. 4.2% trans and ca. 3.3% cis), and 3.5% is accounted for by the two cross ozonides, 3,5-dioctyl-1,2,4-trioxolane (MOO1) and dimethyl 1,2,4-trioxolane-3,5-dioctanoate (MOO3). No significant difference of ozonide yields is observed for ozonations with 26 ppm and 1.2% (12,000 ppm) ozone. The conversion of methyl oleate increaes with increasing SDS concentration. Approximately comparable yields of ozonides also are found in the ozonation of methyl oleate in DSPC liposomes although yields are not quantified. The ozonides slowly hydrolyze at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C with half-lives for trans-MOO2 and cis-MOO2 in 0.10 M SDS micelles of 23 and 6 days, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

A new method for surface staining large slices of fixed brain using a copper phthalocyanine dye.

Here we describe a method for gross staining of gray matter in slices of formaldehyde-fixed human brain. After protection of white matter with 4% phenol at 60 degrees C for 5 min followed by a cold water wash, the gray matter was stained for 10-15 min at 20-25 degrees C with 1% aqueous copper(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (CPTS). The staining resisted all attempts to be washed from the gray matter. Stained slices can be stored indefinitely in slightly acidified water, or plastinated as permanent dry specimens.

Brain↗

Standardized HPLC/DAD system, based on retention indices and spectral library, applicable for systematic toxicological screening.

An HPLC gradient elution system is applied for general toxicological screening. The use of a diode array detector with library software allows storage of retention parameters, UV spectra, and peak quality parameters of examined substances. The developed library is used for automatic identification of compounds. The retention indices of 225 substances are measured in the 1-nitroalkane scale. These data may be of interlaboratory use because of an appropriate correction procedure. Long-term reproducibilities of retention behavior of 1-nitroalkanes and correction standards are satisfactory. The conditions of interlaboratory use are discussed.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Determination of cocaine and benzoylecgonine by derivatization with iodomethane-D3 or PFPA/HFIP in human blood and urine using GC/MS (EI or PCI mode).

A method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of cocaine and benzoylecgonine from human blood and urine has been developed. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine were extracted from blood and urine with solid-phase columns containing C18 packing material. Clean, emulsion-free extracts were obtained. The analytes were derivatized with PFPA/HFIP or iodomethane-D3. The underivatized cocaine and derivatized benzoylecgonine were determined by GC/MS with positive chemical ionization (PCI) and the selected ion monitoring mode. Benzoylecgonine was derivatized with iodomethane-D3 to cocaine-D3. Both derivatives were chromatographed on a CP-SIL 5 capillary column. The recovery of extraction was greater than 70%. The detection limit for the PFPA/HFIP derivatives (20 ng/mL) was better than that for iodomethane-D3 derivatives (40 ng/mL). The procedure is simple, rapid, and reproducible. Standard curves were linear and the procedure was suitable for routine analysis. Using fluorescence polarization immunoassay (TDx, Abbott) (cutoff 100 ng/mL), along with one of the GC/MS methods described, we found no false positive or false negative results.

1-Propanol↗

Ethyl glucuronide: an unusual ethanol metabolite in humans. Synthesis, analytical data, and determination in serum and urine.

Ethyl glucuronide (ethyl beta-D-6-glucosiduronic acid), a minor ethanol metabolite in serum or urine, was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Prior to this, ethyl glucuronide was synthesized by the reaction of acetobromo-glucosiduronic acid with ethanol. For the determination of ethyl glucuronide, serum samples were precipitated with acetone, and urine specimens were analyzed after evaporation to dryness. The residues were derivatized with acetic anhydride. Capillary gas chromatography was used to find a retention index value of 1920 for the triacetyl derivative. The mass spectrum of the acetylated ethyl glucuronide was recorded. The calibration is linear in the range investigated (0.1-150 mg/L), and the detection limit is 0.1 mg/L. In individual specimens containing between 0.1 and 4 g ethanol per liter serum, ethyl glucuronide could be detected at concentrations between 3 and 14 mg/L and in the corresponding urine specimens at concentrations between 3 and 130 mg/L.

Ethanol↗

Breast cancer resistance protein-mediated topotecan resistance in ovarian cancer cells.

Overexpression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and mitoxantrone (MX) resistance protein can confer resistance to a variety of cytostatic drugs, such as MX, topotecan (TPT), doxorubicin, and daunorubicin. This study investigates the role of BCRP in resistance of ovarian cancer to TPT treatment. We have developed TPT-resistant human ovarian cancer cell line. Intracellular concentration of fluorescent dye rhodamine 123 (Rh123) was measured by flow cytometry. The expression of several membrane transporter proteins including P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1), and BCRP were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The Rh123 concentration in parental cells was approximately three times of those in TPT-resistant cells. In contrast to undetectable level of P-gp messenger RNA (mRNA) and minimal level of MRP1 expression in TPT-resistant cells, overexpression of both the BCRP mRNA and the protein was detected in these cells. Introduction of antisense-phosphorothioate oligonucleotide derived from BCRP mRNA into TPT-resistant cells resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of intracellular Rh123. These results suggested a novel mechanism in which a reduced intracellular drug concentration may be mediated by BCRP gene products in human ovarian cancer cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

A developmentally eliminated sequence in the flanking region of the histone H1 gene in Tetrahymena thermophila contains short repeats.

In Tetrahymena, as in other ciliated protozoans, a transcriptionally active, 'somatic' macronucleus develops from a transcriptionally inactive 'germline' micronucleus after conjugation. The process of development involves elimination of germline DNA segments at thousands of locations in the genome. The characterization of one of these segments in Tetrahymena thermophila is described here. This micronucleus-specific DNA has been identified by comparing the sequence of the corresponding micronuclear and macronuclear regions. The micronucleus-specific DNA is over 1 kb long, is AT-rich and has TTT direct repeats at its termini. At one end of the micronuclear sequence there is a 130 bp duplication, and at the other end there are several related repeats of a 13-mer. Short G-rich sections are found in the middle of the eliminated DNA, as well as on one side of the rearrangement junction. Short G-rich segments are also detectable in three previously described micronucleus-specific sequences. The micronuclear sequence described here is a member of a repeat family. Cross-hybridizing sequences are also detectable in some other Tetrahymena species. The distribution of cross-hybridizing sequences among related species is not consistent with the phylogenetic tree.

Animals↗

Decreases in rat locomotor activity as a result of changes in synaptic transmission to neurons within the mesencephalic locomotor region.

The mesencephalic locomotor region is defined as a functional region sending signals to the spinal cord generators of rhythmical limb movements for locomotion. It has been shown that the mesencephalic locomotor region plays a critical role in locomotion initiated from the nucleus accumbens or from the subpallidal region. However, there are conflicting data on whether synaptic input from the nucleus accumbens--subpallidal region to the mesencephalic locomotor region mediates locomotion. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of synaptic input to different subregions of the mesencephalic locomotor region in locomotion induced by injecting dopamine into the nucleus accumbens or by injecting picrotoxin into the subpallidal region in freely behaving rats. Synaptic transmission in the mesencephalic locomotor region was eliminated by excitotoxic lesions or was reversibly interrupted by injecting cobalt chloride, which can block synaptic transmission. Excitotoxic lesions or injections of cobalt into subregions of the mesencephalic locomotor region significantly decreased, although did not completely block, locomotion. The most effective sites for cobalt- and lesion-induced reduction in locomotion were consistent with localization of the mesencephalic locomotor region. Effective sites for cobalt and lesions markedly overlapped but were not identical. The results indicate that synaptic transmission within the mesencephalic locomotor region contributes to dopamine- or picrotoxin-induced locomotion.

Animals↗

Functional interaction of dopamine and glutamate in the nucleus accumbens in the regulation of locomotion.

The interaction of dopamine and glutamate in the nucleus accumbens in the regulation of locomotion was investigated. Microinjection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA, a glutamatergic NMDA receptor agonist) or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA, a quisqualic receptor agonist which is a glutamatergic non-NMDA receptor agonist) into the nucleus accumbens caused a substantial increase in locomotor activity. This increase in locomotor activity was significantly reduced by prior administration of the dopamine D2 agonist quinpirole, but not the D1 agonist, SKF 38393, into the same brain sites. The reduction in locomotion produced by quinpirole was dose dependent. Eight days after the ventral tegmental area was lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine to destroy the dopamine projection and the axon terminals of the mesolimbic dopamine neurons in nucleus accumbens, the hyperkinetic effects produced by injections of NMDA and AMPA into the nucleus accumbens were substantially reduced. These results suggested that the glutamate agonist induced locomotion is mediated by dopamine. Thus, it appears that NMDA- or AMPA-induced locomotion is due to the activation of glutamate receptors on the mesolimbic dopamine terminals in the nucleus accumbens which release dopamine and subsequently increase locomotion.

Animals↗

Clinical advances in primary liver cancer in China.

Primary liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in China. According to the statistics of our country, primary liver cancer claims 20.40 lives per 100,000 people annually, with 19.98 per 100,000 in cities and 23.59 per 100,000 in rural areas, ranking as the 2nd and the 1st leading cause of cancer death respectively. Of all the newly enrolled cases in the world each year, 45% are found in the mainland of China. In the southeast areas of high incidence, the situation is even worse with tumors tending to occur in a younger age group. In this paper, we summarized our 40-year experience and progress in diagnosis and treatment of primary liver cancer.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Naturally occurring antibodies against Mycobacterium avium complex.

Serum obtained from 57 healthy individuals and patients admitted to the hospital owing to diverse pathological causes, as well as serum from seven patients with AIDS and disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, were studied to determine the prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against surface proteins of M. avium complex. Immunodot assay to detect serum positivity against MAC and Western Blot technique in order to determine the MAC antigens eliciting antibody production were performed. Sera from 89 percent and 81 percent of the non-AIDS population had IgG and IgM antibodies against MAC antigens, respectively. In contrast, 43 percent and 71 percent of the AIDS population had IgG and IgM antibodies against MAC antigens, respectively, in the serum. To define further the antigens recognized by these naturally occurring antibodies, the serum of 14 non-AIDS and four acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients were studied. Multiple antigens of MAC, with molecular weight ranging from 10 to 95 kilodaltons were recognized by IgG and IgM antibodies present in the sera. The IgM type antibodies were shown to react mainly against 10 kilodalton and 31 kilodalton antigenic protein, while the IgG type antibodies were produced mainly against the 10, 31, and 65 kilodalton proteins. Although the pattern of reaction was consistent between non-AIDS and AIDS populations, IgM antibodies were not detected against the 10 kilodalton protein nor were IgG antibodies detected against the 31 kilodalton protein in the AIDS population.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Suicide with prothipendyl].

The distribution of prothipendyl (Dominal) in two cases of fatal poisoning are reported. The highest concentration of prothipendyl were found in liver (1.2 g/kg to 1.8 g/kg) and kidney (0.6 g/kg). Prothipendyl concentrations in these organs far exceeded those in blood. In the first case we found a blood concentration 200 times over the therapeutic range. Prothipendyl was detected in all specimens tested including: lung, muscle and stomach. These results are in agreement with limited, previously reported data and indicate that more then 4 g of prothipendyl is fatal overdose. In this report the survival time and dose are discussed.

Adult↗

[A comparative study on a human model of the in situ absorption by enamel of fluorine obtained from the NaF and Na2PO3F contained in tooth pastes].

A denture model was used in situ in cross experiment to assess fluorine absorption by impaired enamel from toothpastes containing NaF and Na2PO3F. Six toothpastes were used in experiment: two contained NaF, three Na2PO3F, and one contained no fluorine. Twenty-five volunteers participated in experiment, who were fitted with dentures with sites of impaired enamel located close to each other. Each participant in the experiment was to accidentally clean his or her teeth with one of the pastes three times daily for two weeks. Then the enamel specimens were removed and analysed for fluorine content. The experiment lasted till each volunteer spent all the six pastes offered. The results indicated a much higher efficacy of NaF-containing pastes as regards fluorine absorption by impaired enamel than the ones containing Na2PO3F; the presence of decalcinated phosphate did not enhance the activity of Na2PO3F.

Absorption↗