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Biomedical subjects

Ming Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Ming Zhang.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Clinical effect of escin on patients with cutaneous pruritus caused by blood stasis and wind-dryness].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of escin on patients with cutaneous pruritus caused by blood stasis and wind-dryness and to prove the theory that "wind should be treated by regulating blood disorder, and wind disappears after activating blood" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). METHODS: Fifty-one patients were randomly divided into escin-treated group (n=30) and loratadine-treated group (n=21). The patients in the escin-treated group were treated with escin for 4 weeks (300 mg, b.i.d.), and the patients in the loratadine-treated group were treated with loratadine (10 mg, q.d.). Symptom score reducing index (SSRI) was used to assess the pruritus degree, lesion range and lesion shape before the treatment, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the treatment, respectively. RESULTS: Two weeks after the treatment, the effective rate of the escin-treated group was 63.3%, and the effective rate of the loratadine-treated group was 67.0%. Four weeks after the treatment, the effective rates were 86.7% and 80.0% in escin- and loratadine-treated groups respectively. There was no statistical difference in total scores of SSRI in two groups (P>0.05), and the scores of pruritus degree and lesion shape also had no statistical difference (P>0.05), while the score of lesion range of the escin-treated group was lower than that of the loratadine-treated group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Escin has satisfactory effect in treating pruritus caused by blood stasis and wind-dryness. The study confirms the TCM theory that "wind should be treated by regulating blood disorder, and wind disappears after activating blood".

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Study on a new antarthritic injection--O-carboxymethyl chitosan].

A type of water-soluble carboxymethyl chitosan (O--CMC), with 76% degree of substitution determined by conductivity method, was prepared by using chloroacetic acid to react with C6-OH of chitosan. The solubility of O--CMC was characterized also. Animal experiment in rabbits showed that O--CMC could lubricate arthron, inhibit proliferation of fibroblast cells on rabbits' knee joints, benefit the process of repairing pathologic articular cartilage, and produce good therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Stereoacuity before and after operation of Parks shift of neutral zone in children with congenital nystagmus].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate thestereoacuity before and after operation of Parks shift of neutral zone in children with congenital nystagmus. METHODS: Using Yan's synoptophore random-dot stereograms and near stereoacuity chart, preoperative measurement of distance and near stereoacuity in primary gaze position and neutral zone were qualitatively and quantitatively determined in 21 children with congenital nystagmus. After Parks shift of neutral zone, streroacuity measurement was evaluated by the similar method. The grade of stereoacuity before and after operation was analyzed. RESULTS: Nystagmus was disappeared or obviously relieved in the primary gaze position, vision was improved 2 - 5 lines, and compensatory head posture was eliminated or improved after operation in 21 cases. The stereoacuity was gradually improved from 800 to 60 seconds of arc, peripheral to macular stereoacuity, and even foveal stereoacuity. CONCLUSIONS: Children with congenital nystagmus may partly have stereoscopic vision. The stereoscopic vision in neutral zone may be better than in non-neutral zone. The nystagmus, compensatory head posture, and distance and near stereoscopic vision were improved after operation of Parks shift of neutral zone.

Child↗
PubMed2004

Comparison of three methods for the gene analysis of fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood.

BACKGROUND: Although great advances in techniques for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis using fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood have achieved, current technology does not meet the demands required for clinical use. In this study, we aimed to establish reliable methods for the gene analysis of fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood. METHODS: Primed extension preamplification (PEP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiple primed in situ labeling (PRINS), and nested PCR were individually applied to detect the sex determining region Y (SRY) gene in single fetal cells collected from maternal peripheral blood. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the detection of the SRY gene by PEP-PCR were 97.39% (149/153) and 99.17% (119/120), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PRINS were 97.56% (40/41) and 100% (35/35), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of nested-PCR were 80.00% (24/30) and 87.50% (14/16), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PEP-PCR and PRINS are reliable techniques for the gene analysis of single fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood because of their high sensitivity and specificity. PEP-PCR and PRINS can be used as standard methods of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis using single fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Efficacy of A-dec's ICX dental unit waterline treatment solution in the prevention and treatment of microbial contamination in dental units.

OBJECTIVE: Even though some chemical agents can disinfect biofilms in dental unit waterlines, there remains concern that all remnants of the biofilm matrix are not eliminated. Even with periodic treatments, the bacterial populations in dental unit waterlines recur rapidly. In addition, with some previously tested products, patient safety, as well as toxic, caustic and corrosive residual chemicals are also a concern. This study evaluated ICX, A-dec's new water treatment solution, in a series of experiments for prevention, microbial spectrum of activity, minimum inhibitory time determination, and treatment of established biofilms. METHODOLOGY: New dental unit waterline tubing was treated continuously during simulated patient care over 28 days with municipal water. It was then treated with ICX. Effluents from lines with established biofilms (averaging > 10(4) CFU/ml at day 0) were treated to assess levels of CFU counts within 21 days of exposure to ICX. RESULTS: Tubing treated with ICX did not develop a detectable biofilm using ruthenium red staining, and microbes in effluents remained undetectable. CONCLUSION: ICX is effective in maintaining the effluent within the American Dental Association's and the Centers for Disease Control's recommendation for < 500 CFU/ml. In addition, considering the preliminary finding that ICX reduces microbial contamination of effluents from established biofilm lines, it may be useful in long-term treatment alone or when coupled with a shock treatment to assist in biofilm destruction.

Biofilms↗
PubMed2004

[The role of IL-18 in allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of IL-18 in the perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). METHOD: We measured IL-18 concentration in sera of 30 PAR patients and 20 health control subjects with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULT: The concentration of IL-18 in PAR patients [(424.12 +/- 60. 47) ng/L] was significantly higher compared to health control subjects [(210.71 +/- 57. 37) ng/L](P<0.01) and the concentration of L-18 in PAR patients with asthma [(591.19 +/- 46.54) ng/L] was significantly higher than those without asthma [(352.52 +/- 64.25) ng/L](P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The IL-18 is high in PAR patients and the persistence of elevated IL-18 concentration suggests its role in the expression of persistence and exacerbation of allergic inflammation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Influence of wall thickness on the stress distribution within transtibial monolimb].

Monolimb is a new type of lower-limb prostheses made of macromolecule polymer, in which the socket and prosthetic shank are integrative. Compared with traditional prosthesis, monolimb is more economical, good-looking and portable, so it indicates a possible direction in the future. Biomechanical research on trans-tibial monolimb is necessary and helpful just like traditional prosthesis. In this article, a 3D FE model based on real geometry shape of an endoskeletal trans-tibial monolimb is established. Keeping the same geometrical shape, three 3D FE models of transtibial monolimbs with different wall thickness are established. The influence of wall thickness on the stress distribution is analyzed under the load corresponding to the subphase of stance of Heel Off. The results indicate that stress within transtibial monolimb and pressure on the surface of soft tissue could be decreased with wall thickness of transtibial monolimb increased. This study will be helpful for the standard of wall thickness in designing transtibial monolimb.

Amputees↗
PubMed2004

Effects of fluoride on lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and apoptosis in human embryo hepatocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of fluoride on lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and apoptosis in human embryo hepatocyte L-02 cells. METHODS: Lipid peroxide (LPO) level, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle analysis were measured after in vitro cultured L-02 cells were exposed to sodium fluoride at different doses (40 microg/mL, 80 microg/mL, and 160 microg/mL) for 24 hours. RESULTS: Fluoride caused an increase of LPO levels and a decrease of GSH content in L-02 cells. There appeared to be an obvious dose-effect relationship between the fluoride concentration and the observed changes. Fluoride also caused DNA damage and apoptosis and increased the cell number in S phase of cell cycle in the cells tested. There was a statistically significant difference in DNA damage and apoptosis when comparing the high dose of fluoride treated cells with the low dose of fluoride treated cells. CONCLUSION: Fluoride can cause lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and apoptosis in the L-02 cell experimental model and there is a significant positive correlation between fluoride concentration and these pathological changes.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2004

[Impact of extra waters on immunosystem in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study impact of extra waters on immunosystem in mice-alkaline ionized water, mineral-ecology water, activated water, and pure water. METHODS: According to Function Assessment and Experiment for Function Food, 1996, the ratio of spain and body weight, the ratio of thymus and body weight, the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), the phagocytosing functions by cock RBC, the plaque forming cell (PFC) and HC50 testing were assessment with 120 male Balb/c mice of 17.8 - 23.3 g (group I), the mice were divided into four group, and drank daily the four kinds of waters respectively until 50 days. The lymph cell transformation by ConA and NK cell activity were assessment with other l20 male Balb/c mice of 17.8 - 23.3 g (group II), the mice were divided into four group and drank daily the four kinds of waters respectively until 50 days. The phagocytosing functions by carbon powder were assessment with other 120 female Balb/c mice of 16.7 - 22.0 g (group III) were divided into four group and drank daily the four kinds of waters respectively until 50 days. The data were statisticed by Stata soft. RESULTS: Other three waters compared with the pure water: (1) Alkaline ionized water and activated water can alleviate the body weight increase of male Balb/c mouse (P < 0.01 & P < 0.05), but alkaline ionized water, mineral-ecology water, activated water don't impact on the female Balb/c mouse body weight (P > 0.05). (2) Activated water can remarkably increase the ratio of thymus and body weight (P < 0.05), and increase the phagocytosing ability by cock RBC (P < 0.01), and increase the NK cell activity (P < 0.01). (3) The three extra waters don't impact on other items for the Balh/c mouce. CONCLUSION: The study must be continued to impact on immunosystem in mice for extra waters.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Evidence of discontinuous property of water: study of infrared spectra at high temperature and high pressure].

The infrared spectra measurement for water has been conducted and investigated at the temperatures of 35-350 degrees C and the pressures of 1.7-2.7 GPa by using Hydrothermal Diamond Anvil Cell (HDAC). The result shows that the peak frequency and the full width at half height of the stretching vibration of water increases and decreases respectively with increasing pressure. It also shows that there is a discontinuousness at the pressure of 2. 1 GPa, that is, the frequency and the full width at half height of the peak have an obvious and discontinuous change from the pressures below and above 2.1 GPa, indicating that the property of water is discontinuous at high pressure. This is consistent with the discontinuous property of electrical conductivity from the previous studies for pure water and NaCl aqueous solution. Also it is consistent with the relationship between the temperature and the pressure of the dehydration of the bearing water minerals at about 2.0 GPa. It is expected that such a discontinuous property of water will play an important role on the minerals and rocks in the deep lithosphere and further detailed study needs to be done for them.

Cold Temperature↗
PubMed2003

First estimation of C4-H bond dissociation energies of NADH and its radical cation in aqueous solution.

The heterolytic and homolytic C4-H bond dissociation energies of NADH and its radical cation (NADH*+) in aqueous solution were estimated according to the reaction of NADH with N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine radical cation perchlorate (TMPA*+) in aqueous solution. The results show that the values of the heterolytic and homolytic C4-H bond dissociation energies of NADH in aqueous solution are 53.6 and 79.3 kcal/mol, respectively; the values of the heterolytic and homolytic C4-H bond dissociation energies of NADH*+*+ in aqueous solution are 5.1 and 36.3 kcal/mol, respectively, which, to our knowledge, is first reported. This energetic information disclosed in the present work should be believed to furnish hints to the understanding of the mechanisms for the redox interconversions of coenzyme couple NADH/NAD+ in vivo.

Cations↗
PubMed2003

Determination of folate vitamers in human serum by stable-isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry and comparison with radioassay and microbiologic assay.

BACKGROUND: Current clinical methods for folate give different results and cannot measure the various forms of folate. We developed an isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometric method coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/MS/MS) as a candidate reference method for 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5MeTHF), 5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid (5FoTHF), and folic acid (FA) in human serum. METHODS: We quantitatively isolated folates from 275 microL of serum with a phenyl solid-phase extraction cartridge, then detected and quantified them in stabilized serum extracts by positive-ion electrospray ionization LC/MS/MS. We used an isocratic mobile phase of acetic acid in organic solvent on a C(8) analytical column. (13)C-labeled folates were used as internal standards. RESULTS: Limits of detection in serum were 0.13 (5MeTHF), 0.05 (5FoTHF), and 0.07 (FA) nmol/L. Within- and between-run imprecision (CV) was <7% for 5MeTHF and <10% for 5FoTHF at concentrations >0.5 nmol/L, and <10% for FA at concentrations >2.0 nmol/L. Total folate (TFOL) concentrations determined by competitive protein binding radioassay were approximately 9% lower than results obtained with LC/MS/MS. The microbiologic assay gave approximately 15% higher TFOL results with FA calibrator and no difference with 5MeTHF calibrator. The mean (SD) [range] TFOL in 42 sera was 35.5 (17.8) [6.5-75.6] nmol/L. Thirty-two samples with TFOL <50 nmol/L had, on average, 93.3% 5MeTHF, 2.3% FA, and 4.4% 5FoTHF. Ten samples with TFOL >50 nmol/L had, on average, 81.7% 5MeTHF, 15.7% FA, and 2.5% 5FoTHF. CONCLUSIONS: This stable-isotope-dilution LC/MS/MS method can quantify 5MeTHF, 5FoTHF, and FA in serum. Currently used clinical assays agree with this candidate reference method.

Autoanalysis↗
PubMed2003

Anti-ICAM-1 antibody and CTLA-4Ig synergistically enhance immature dendritic cells to induce donor-specific immune tolerance in vivo.

Immature dendritic cells (DC) have been demonstrated to induce T-cell hyporesponsiveness in vitro and immune tolerance in vivo. However, immature DC (iDC) may become mature once infused in vivo, thus limiting the prolongation of the allograft survival. Considering that mature DC express high level of B7, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and T-cell activation needs costimulation signals provided by DC, we selected anti-ICAM-1 mAb and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4Ig fusion protein (CTLA-4Ig) for in vivo administration to block costimulation pathways in order to further improve the efficacy of iDC to induce immune tolerance. Seven days before allogeneic cardiac transplantations, the recipients were intravenously (i.v.) pretreated of donor-derived iDC with or without simultaneous injections of anti-ICAM-1 mAb and CTLA-4Ig. CTLA-4Ig or anti-ICAM-1 mAb administration alone resulted in significant prolongation of cardiac allograft survival induced by iDC. When used simultaneously, CTLA-4Ig and anti-ICAM-1 mAb induced permanent allografts acceptance even in 90% recipients. The recipients could keep the skin alive for a longer time in the donor-specific second transplantation, but no effect was observed on the skin from C3H third-party mice. The efficient induction of donor-specific tolerance observed above may be related to the more potent inhibition of donor-specific T-cell responses including cytotoxicity activity, Th1 cytokines production, and alloantibody production by the combined use of anti-ICAM-1 mAb and CTLA-4Ig. Our data suggest that anti-ICAM-1 antibody and CTLA-4Ig can synergistically enhance iDC to induce donor-specific immune tolerance in vivo.

Abatacept↗
PubMed2003

Clinicopathological significance and molecular regulation of maspin expression in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

We evaluated the biological relevance of maspin expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and studied regulatory mechanisms of maspin gene activation in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. Maspin expression was immunohistochemically detected in a series of 57 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, 51 (90%) of which were classified as high-expressers. In lymph node metastases, maspin expression was somewhat decreasingly found in 39/49 (80%). Maspin high-expressers showed predominantly a low histological grade (p=0.013). Moreover, maspin expression was found in two mixed ductal-endocrine carcinomas, but not in 10 endocrine tumors and the surrounding normal pancreatic tissues. Using a luciferase reporter system, maspin promoter activity was induced in the maspin-positive pancreatic cancer cell lines as well as maspin-negative PANC-1 cells. Additionally, treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2' deoxycytidine, and histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, led to re-expression of maspin mRNA in PANC-1 cells. Our results indicate that maspin expression is up-regulated in most if not all pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and may be related to the development and differentiation, and that DNA methylation and histone deacetylation may suppress maspin gene activation in pancreatic cancer cells.

Acetylation↗
PubMed2003

Glass transition in ultrathin polymer films: calorimetric study.

The ultrasensitive differential scanning calorimetry is used to observe the glass transition in thin (1-400 nm) spin-cast films of polystyrene, poly (2-vinyl pyridine) and poly (methyl methacrylate) on a platinum surface. A pronounced glass transition is observed even at a thickness as small as 1-3 nm. Using the high heating (20-200 K/ms) and cooling (1-2 K/ms in glass transition region) rates which are typical for this technique, we do not observe appreciable dependence of the glass transition temperature over the thickness range from hundreds of nanometers down to 3 nm thick films. The evolution of calorimetric data with film thickness is discussed in terms of broadening of transition dynamics and loss of transition contrast.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

ROCK-dependent and ROCK-independent control of cochlear outer hair cell electromotility.

Outer hair cell electromotility is crucial for the proper function of the cochlear amplifier, the active process that enhances sensitivity and frequency discrimination of the mammalian ear. Previous work (Kalinec, F., Zhang, M., Urrutia, R., and Kalinec, G. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 28000-28005) has suggested a role for Rho GTPases in the regulation of outer hair cell electromotility, although the signaling pathways mediated by these enzymes remain to be established. Here we have investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the homeostatic regulation of the electromotile response of guinea pig outer hair cells. Our findings defined a ROCK-mediated signaling cascade that continuously modulates outer hair cell electromotility by selectively targeting the cytoskeleton. A distinct ROCK-independent pathway functions as a fast resetting mechanism for this system. Neither pathway affects the function of prestin, the unique molecular motor of outer hair cells. These results extend our understanding of a basic mechanism of both normal human hearing and deafness, revealing the key role of the cytoskeleton in the regulation of outer hair cell electromotility and suggesting ROCK as a molecular target for modulating the function of the cochlear amplifier.

Acetylcholine↗