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Biomedical subjects

Min Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Min Yang.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Inactivation of T4 phage in water environment using proteinase].

The inactivation effectiveness of proteinase to viruses was investigated by using T4 phage as a model virus. The results showed that the inactivation effectiveness of proteinase to T4 phage was obvious. In the optimum conditions and 67.5 u/mL concentration, the inactivation rate of proteinase K to T4 phage in sterilized water and in sewage achieved 99.4% and 49.4% respectively in an hour, and achieved >99.9% and 81.1% in three hours. The inactivation rate of the industrial proteinase 1398 to T4 phage in sterilized water achieved 74.4% in an hour. The effects of pH and temperature on the inactivation effectiveness was not evident.

Bacteriophage T4↗
PubMed2004

Sesquiterpenes, lignans and other constituents from Saussurea macrota.

From the methanol extract of the whole plant of Saussurea macrota Franch, 21 compounds were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallography. Two of them are new: 3alpha-hydroxy-11alphaH-guaia-4(15),10(14)-diene-12,6alpha-olide (1) and 7'-hydroxyiso-lappaol A (11). Compound 2 is reported as a natural compound for the first time. In addition, the compounds 12 and 13 showed significant antitumor activity against Bel-7402 and HO-8910 cells. Some of the compounds exhibited weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗
PubMed2004

[Activity of nitrifiers and metabolized products in a membrane bioreactor MBR under the condition of non-sludge discharge].

A membrane bioreactor fed with synthetic ammonium bearing inorganic wastewater was operated under the following conditions: HRT, from 30 h to 7 h; influent NH4+ -N, 500 mg/L; non-discharge of sludge. Formation of extra-cellular polymers (ECP) and their influence on the activity of nitrifiers in the membrane bioreactor was investigated. Over the whole experimental period of 200 d, the activity of nitrifiers in terms of overall ammonium-oxidizing rate decreased from 2.1 kg/(L x d) to 1.5 kg/(L x d), and the nitrifier number using INTF absorbency measurement decreased from 0.023 x 10(-3) to 0.01 x 10(-3), although the MLSS increased from 4500 mg/L to 10500 mg/L. The ECP content increased from the initial 300 mg/L to 600 mg/L. Batch tests using the extracted ECP also indicated that the activity of nitrifiers could be inhibited by the existence of ECP.

Bioreactors↗
PubMed2003

Anti-mycobacterial immunity induced by a single injection of M. leprae Hsp65-encoding plasmid DNA in biodegradable microparticles.

A single sub-cutaneous injection of a plasmid DNA encoding a mycobacterial heat shock protein 65 (Hsp65) entrapped in biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres produced high titers of antibodies, measured 5 months after the injection in BALB/c mice. Splenocytes secreted IFN-gamma and exerted an anti-bacterial effect on macrophages infected in vitro with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The results are encouraging with regard to obtaining good compliance and vaccination coverage with candidate plasmid DNA vaccines, especially in developing countries.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2003

Chiral Lewis acid-catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular carbonyl ene reactions of unsaturated alpha-keto esters.

[reaction: see text] Chiral Lewis acid-promoted highly enantioselective intramolecular carbonyl ene reactions of unsaturated alpha-keto esters have been investigated. In the presence of chiral Lewis acids such as [Sc((R,R)-Ph-pybox)](OTf)(3) and [Cu((S,S)-Ph-box)](OTf)(2), several unsaturated alpha-keto esters underwent carbonyl ene reactions in CH(2)Cl(2) at room temperature to give monocyclic products in good yield and excellent enantioselectivity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Synthesis, structure, and photoelectronic effects of a uranium-zinc-organic coordination polymer containing infinite metal oxide sheets.

The hydrothermal reaction of ZnUO2(OAc)4.7H2O with pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid gives rise to a novel uranium-zinc-organic coordination polymer containing infinite U-O-Zn double sheets and organic ligands. Thermal and photoelectrochemical analyses indicate that the coordination polymeric compound not only has a high thermal stability but also exhibits interesting photoelectronic properties.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Identification of ubiquinones and menaquinones in activated sludge by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

A sensitive analytical method has been developed for identification of ubiquinones (UQ-n(Hx)) and menaquinones (MK-n(Hx)) in activated sludge by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry in negative mode (LC-NI-APCI-MS). Extraction and clean-up of samples were carried out on Sep-Pak Plus Silica solid-phase extraction cartridges. Complete separation of quinones was achieved with an ODS analytical column and using isopropyl ether-methanol (17:83, v/v) as the mobile phase. The compositions of ubiquinones and menaquinones were determined directly using combined information on retention time, the molecular ion mass and fragment ion masses. The lowest instrument quantitative detection limits (LODinst) for UQ-6, UQ-10, and Vitamin K1 were estimated to be 0.4, 4 and 0.12 ng (S/N = 10) using LC-NI-APCI-MS in SIM mode, and the lowest method detection limits (LODmeth) achieved by spiking experiment were estimated to be 0.2, 2 and 0.06 microg/g for UQ-6, UQ-10 and Vitamin K1, respectively. On the other hand, the LODinst for UQ-6, UQ-10, and Vitamin K1 were estimated to be 10, 100 and 2 ng (S/N = 10) using LC-NI-APCI-MS in full-scan mode, and the LODmeth were estimated to be 7, 60 and 1.2 microg/g for UQ-6, UQ-10, and Vitamin K1, respectively. Both LC-NI-APCI-MS and LC-UV/DAD were applied in the analysis of an activated sludge extract. UQ-n (n = 6-10), MK-n (n = 6-10), MK-n(H2) (n = 7-10), MK-n(H4) (n = 8-9) and MK-8(H6) were detected by LC-NI-APCI-MS, while UQ-6, UQ-7, MK-7(H), MK-9 and MK-10(H2) were not found by LC-UV/DAD. These results suggest that LC-NI-APCI-MS is more sensitive than LC-UV/DAD for the analysis of quinones in environmental samples such as sediment, activated sludge and bio-film in biological processes and other aquatic environments.

Atmospheric Pressure↗
PubMed2003

Impaired expression of an organic cation transporter, IMPT1, in a knockout mouse model for kidney stone disease.

The imprinted multimembrane-spanning polyspecific transporter-like gene 1 ( IMPT1) encodes a predicted protein with organic cation transport capabilities. As a first step in understanding the function of IMPT1, we identified the renal structures expressing this gene in knockout mice with adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency and 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (DHA) nephrolithiasis. IMPT1 mRNA was not detected using a standard in situ hybridization (ISH) protocol, but we observed intense staining in cortico-medullary tubules and glomeruli in wild-type mice using an improved reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) ISH procedure. IMPT1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the cortical region in kidney sections from APRT-deficient male mice. APRT-deficient female mice are less severely affected by DHA-induced kidney stone disease, and we observed only a modest reduction in IMPT1 expression in kidneys from these mice. IMPT1 expression in APRT heterozygous mice was comparable to that in wild-type mice, suggesting imprinting of one of the parental alleles. These findings suggest that decreased IMPT1 mRNA expression may contribute to the impaired renal function in APRT-deficient male mice, and that RT-PCR ISH is a valuable tool for localizing the site of expression of transcripts that are not detectable using standard ISH procedures.

Adenine↗
PubMed2003

Effect of neighborhood social participation on individual use of hormone replacement therapy and antihypertensive medication: a multilevel analysis.

The authors investigated a possible contextual effect of neighborhood on individual use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and antihypertensive medication (AHM) and the impact of neighborhood social participation on individual use of these medications. They attempted to disentangle contextual from individual influences. Multilevel logistic regression modeling was used to analyze data on 15,456 women aged 45-73 years (first level) residing in 95 neighborhoods (second level) of the city of Malmö, Sweden (250,000 inhabitants) who participated in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (1991-1996). AHM use was studied among 7,558 participants with defined hypertension. Of the total variability in medication use in this population, only 1.7% (HRT) and 0.5% (AHM) was between neighborhoods. After adjustment for age, individual socioeconomic factors, individual low levels of social participation, and health and behavioral variables, no neighborhood effect on AHM use was found. However, women living in neighborhoods with low social participation were much less likely to use HRT (odds ratio = 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.21, 0.63), especially if they themselves experienced low social participation (synergy index, 1.53) or were immigrants (synergy index, 1.68). The Malmö neighborhoods were homogeneous with regard to HRT and especially AHM use. However, differences in neighborhood social participation affected HRT use independently of individual characteristics.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2003

Cellular factors and IE62 activation of VZV promoters.

The varicella zoster virus IE62 protein transactivates promoters representing all three kinetic classes of viral genes. This is accomplished in conjunction with the general transcription machinery of the cell and specific cellular transcription factors that act at sites located within viral promoters. The incidence of a subset of specific recognition sites was examined for the ubiquitous cellular factors Sp1 and USF within the VZV genome. Evidence is also presented for a direct physical interaction between Sp1 and IE62.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Arsenic(V) removal with a Ce(IV)-doped iron oxide adsorbent.

The removal of arsenic(V) by a new Ce-Fe adsorbent was evaluated under various conditions. Under an initial As(V) of 1.0 mg l(-1), the adsorption capacity of the Ce-Fe absorbent was constant around a value of 16 mgg(-1) over a wide pH range (3-7), while a maximum adsorption capacity of 8.3 mgg(-1) was obtained over a narrow pH range around 5.5 for activated alumina, a conventional adsorbent. Kinetics of adsorption obeys a pseudo-first-order rate equation with the rate constant K(ad) as 1.84 x 10(-3) min(-1). The pattern of adsorption of As(V) by the adsorbent fitted well both the Langmuir and Freundlich models. A Langmuir Q(0) of 70.4 mgg(-1) was obtained at an initial pH of 5.0 and temperature of 20 degrees C, significantly higher than those of other adsorbents reported. Phosphate seriously inhibited the removal of As(V) while fluoride did not compete with As(V) even at an F/As molar ratio as high as 30, suggesting that the adsorption sites for As(V) and fluoride were different. Salinity, hardness, and other inorganic anions such as Cl(-), NO(3)(-), and SO(4)(2-) had no apparent effect on As(V) adsorption. Fourier transform infrared spectra of Ce-Fe adsorbent before and after As(V) adsorption demonstrated that M-OH groups plays an important role for As(V) ions removal in the adsorption mechanisms of Ce-Fe adsorbent.

Adsorption↗
PubMed2003

Washout of a yeast population during continuous treatment of salad-oil-manufacturing wastewater.

During continuous treatment of salad-oil-manufacturing wastewater using yeast isolates, a large loss of biomass was observed, which subsequently reduced the treatment efficiency. The correlation between biomass washout and loss of species was monitored using the microbiological characteristics of the effluent and the aeration tank. Of the five yeast species, only Candida tropicalis ultimately remained in the aeration tank possibly because it had the best settleability. Addition of nitrogen to the final effluent stimulated the activity of this yeast, which resulted in a treatment efficiency similar to that of the mixed yeast system.

Biomass↗
PubMed2003

Decolorization of synthetic dyes and production of manganese-dependent peroxidase by new fungal isolates.

Two yeasts, Debaryomyces polymorphus, Candida tropicalis, and two filamentous fungi, Umbelopsis isabellina, Penicillium geastrivorus, could completely decolorize 100 mg Reactive Black 5 (RB 5) l-1 within 16-48 h. Manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) activities between 60 and 424 U l-1 were detected in culture supernatants of three of these organisms indicating the color removal by enzymatic biodegradation but with P. geastrivorus there was no ligninolytic enzyme activity in its culture and the decolorization was mainly due to biosorption to mycelium. Extensive decolorization by D. polymorphus (69-94%) and C. tropicalis (30-97%) was obtained with five other azo dyes and one anthraquinone dye. Except for Reactive Brilliant Blue KNR and Reactive Yellow M-3R, the four azo dyes, Reactive Red M-3BE, Procion Scharlach H-E3G, Procion Marine H-EXL and Reactive Brilliant Red K-2BP, induced D. polymorphus to produce MnP (105-587 U l-1). However, MnP activities of 198-329 U l-1 were only detected in the culture of C. tropicalis containing Reactive Red M-3BE and Reactive Brilliant Red K-2BP, respectively.

Azo Compounds↗
PubMed2003

Transcription factor USF, expressed during the entire phase of varicella-zoster virus infection, interacts physically with the major viral transactivator IE62 and plays a significant role in virus replication.

The expression of the genes of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is regulated by self-encoded viral as well as cellular transcription factors. A potential candidate with an ability to influence the transcription of VZV genes is USF (upstream stimulatory factor), which recognizes the consensus E-box motif. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblot assays indicate stable expression of both USF1 and USF2 throughout infection. It was also found that USF binds to a variety of E-boxes (consensus and closely related motifs) within the promoters of ORF 8/9 (two elements), ORF 22 and ORF 67. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments and His-tag protein affinity pull-down assays indicate that a direct physical interaction occurs between USF and the major virus transactivator IE62. To study the general effects of USF in the replication of VZV, a cell line expressing a dominant-negative form of USF (A-USF), which inhibits binding of USF to its recognition sites, was created. A significant decrease in virus replication was detected when this cell line was infected with cell-free virus, indicating that USF is an important cellular factor that regulates the transcription of VZV genes.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Radix Sophorae flavescentis for chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review of randomized trials.

To evaluate the effects of radix Sophorae fiavescentis for chronic hepatitis B, a systematic review of randomized clinical trials was conducted. Randomized trials comparing extract of radix Sophorae flavescentis versus placebo, no intervention, non-specific treatment, other active medicines, or interferon for chronic hepatitis B were identified by electronic and manual searches. Trials of Sophorae herb plus other drugs versus other drugs alone were also included. No blinding and language limitations were applied. The methodological quality of trials was assessed by the Jadad scale plus allocation concealment. Meta-analysis was performed where data was available. Twenty-two randomized trials (n = 2409) were included. Methodological quality of the trials was generally low. The combined results showed that matrine (aqueous extract of Sophorae flavescentis) had antiviral activity, positive liver biochemical effects, and improved symptoms and signs compared with non-specific treatment and other herbal medicines. The combination of matrine and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), thymosin, or basic treatment showed better effects on viral and liver biochemical responses. The antiviral and biochemical responses were not significantly different between matrine and IFN-alpha. No serious adverse event was reported. Based on the review, Sophorae flavescentis extract (matrine) may have antiviral activity and positive effects on liver biochemistry in chronic hepatitis B. However, the evidence is not sufficient to recommend matrine for routine clinical use due to the generally low methodological quality of the studies. Further rigorous trials are needed.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed2003

[Multicenter study on screen method for gestational diabetes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of using random blood glucose to screen gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHOD: The random blood glucose was determined in 1 038 pregnant women between 24 and 32 gestational weeks. Then 50 gram glucose challenge test (50 g GCT) was performed followed immediately. Finally, 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (75 g OGTT) was done without dietary control for 3 days. If two values of four were abnormal, GDM was diagnosed. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was diagnosed if only one value was abnormal or the 2nd hour value ranged from 120 to 164 mg/dl. RESULTS: (1) The determination of the three steps was completed in 948 cases. Among them, 42 cases (4.4%) were GDM, 372 cases (39.2%) were IGT and other 534 cases were normal. (2) In the normal group, the random blood glucose were different in fasting and postprandial times. No difference was found among blood glucose values determined of 50 g GCT at different times except that the value of 50 g GCT 1 hour postprandial was higher than the value at other times. There was no significant association between random blood glucose and 50 g GCT. (3) The sensitivity and specificity were 50.0% and 67.7%, when IGT was diagnosed using the cut point of 6.4 mmol/L (115 mg/dl) of random blood glucose, which was similar with 51.1% of sensitivity and 71.2% of specificity when using >or= 7.8 mmoL/L (140 mg/dl) as the cut point of 50 g GCT. If 6.4 mmol/L (115 mg/dl) was used as the cut point in GDM group the sensitivity would be 80.0%, which was much higher than that of IGT group and the specificity was 61.2%. In this study, if the value of >or= 8.3 mmoL/L (150 mg/dl) was used as the cut-point of 50 g GCT to screen the GDM, the sensitivity decreased only 2.0% while the specificity increased more than 10.0%. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The determination of random blood glucose to screen GDM couldn't replace the 50 g GCT, but it can be used as a complemental method and can be used repeatedly at any gestational age and convenience the pregnant women and the doctors. (2) The value of 8.3 mmol/L (150 mg/dl) was used as the cut-point of 50 g GCT, the specificity would be increased and the requirement for OGTT would be lowered markedly, which would reduce economic and psychological stress.

Adult↗