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Ning Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Ning Zhang.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Prediction of PTZ-induced seizures using wavelet-based residual entropy of cortical and subcortical field potentials.

Our proposed algorithm for seizure prediction is based on the principle that seizure build-up is always preceded by constantly changing bursting levels. We use a novel measure of residual subband wavelet entropy (RSWE) to directly estimate the entropy of bursts, which is otherwise obscured by the ongoing background activity. Our results are obtained using a slow infusion anesthetized pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) rat model in which we record field potentials (FPs) from frontal cortex and two thalamic areas (anterior and posterior nuclei). In each frequency band, except for the theta-delta frequency bands, we observed a significant build-up of RSWE from the preictal period to the first ictal event (p < or = 0.05) in cortex. Significant differences were observed between cortical and thalamic RSWE (p < or = 0.05) subsequent to seizure development. A key observation is the twofold increase in mean cortical RSWE from the preictal to interictal period. Exploiting this increase, we develop a slope change detector to discern early acceleration of entropy and predict the approaching seizure. We use multiple observations through sequential detection of slope changes to enhance the sensitivity of our prediction. Using the proposed method applied to a cohort of four rats subjected to PTZ infusion, we were able to predict the first seizure episode 28 min prior to its occurrence.

Algorithms↗

Shikonin, a component of chinese herbal medicine, inhibits chemokine receptor function and suppresses human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Shikonin is a major component of zicao (purple gromwell, the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon), a Chinese herbal medicine with various biological activities, including inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1). G protein-coupled chemokine receptors are used by HIV-1 as coreceptors to enter the host cells. In this study, we assessed the effects of shikonin on chemokine receptor function and HIV-1 replication. The results showed that, at nanomolar concentrations, shikonin inhibited monocyte chemotaxis and calcium flux in response to a variety of CC chemokines (CCL2 [monocyte chemoattractant protein 1], CCL3 [macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha], and CCL5 [regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted protein]), the CXC chemokine (CXCL12 [stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha]), and classic chemoattractants (formylmethionyl-leucine-phenylalanine and complement fraction C5a). Shikonin down-regulated surface expression of CCR5, a primary HIV-1 coreceptor, on macrophages to a greater degree than the other receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CXCR4, and the formyl peptide receptor) did. CCR5 mRNA expression was also down-regulated by the compound. Additionally, shikonin inhibited the replication of a multidrug-resistant strain and pediatric clinical isolates of HIV in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) ranging from 96 to 366 nM. Shikonin also effectively inhibited the replication of the HIV Ba-L isolate in monocytes/macrophages, with an IC(50) of 470 nM. Our results suggest that the anti-HIV and anti-inflammatory activities of shikonin may be related to its interference with chemokine receptor expression and function. Therefore, shikonin, as a naturally occurring, low-molecular-weight pan-chemokine receptor inhibitor, constitutes a basis for the development of novel anti-HIV therapeutic agents.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

rRNA antitermination functions with heat shock promoters.

Transcription antitermination in the rRNA operons of Escherichia coli requires a unique nucleic acid sequence that serves as a signal for modification of the elongating RNA polymerase, making it resistant to Rho-dependent termination. We examined the antitermination ability of RNA polymerase elongation complexes that had initiated at three different heat shock promoters, dnaK, groE, and clpB, and then transcribed the antitermination sequence to read through a Rho-dependent terminator. Terminator bypass comparable to that seen with sigma(70) promoters was obtained. Lack of or inversion of the sequence abolished terminator readthrough. We conclude that RNA polymerase that uses sigma(32) to initiate transcription can adopt a conformation similar to that of sigma(70)-containing RNA polymerase, enabling it to interact with auxiliary modifying proteins and bypass Rho-dependent terminators.

Bacterial Proteins↗

[Study on sperm quality of the soldiers influenced by reinforced training].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between abnormal sperm parameters and reproductive hormones and reinforced training. METHODS: Epidemic investigation were done between two different groups by determining endocrine hormone and standard clinical sperm analysis. RESULTS: Comparison between reinforced training group and non-training group showed decreased sperm velocity but no change on sperm moving form, increased teratism sperm percentage but no change on sperm number, decreased plasma testosterone but no change on LH. CONCLUSIONS: Reinforced training has correlation with weak part of sperm parameter analysis and reproductive hormones.

Humans↗

Isoprenaline and aminophylline relax bronchial smooth muscle by cAMP-induced stimulation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

AIM: To investigate whether the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle induced by isoprenaline and aminophylline is mediated by large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK(Ca)) via cAMP-dependent mechanism. METHODS: With isometric tension recording, the role of BK(Ca) in relaxations of rat bronchial strips induced by isoprenaline and aminophylline was determined. With perforated patch-clamp technique, BK(Ca) currents were observed in freshly isolated rat bronchial myocytes. RESULTS: Tetraethylammonium 5 mmol/L, a BK(Ca) blocker, caused a significant rightward shift in the concentration-response curves of isoprenaline and aminophylline (about 4.26-fold and 3.78-fold, respectively) in methacholine-precontracted rat bronchial strips. Isoprenaline 1 micromol/L caused a significant increase in BK(Ca) current from (94+/-15) pA/pF to (186+/-30) pA/pF (voltage steps from -60 mV to +50 mV, n=10, P<0.01), which was partly abolished by Rp-cAMP 100 micromol/L, a protein kinase A inhibitor. Furthermore, current-voltage relationship(I-V) curve exhibited an upward shift, and the peak current density was significantly raised (n=10, P<0.01) by ramp depolarization from -100 mV to +100 mV. Aminophylline 1 mmol/L caused a significant increase in BK(Ca) current from (90+/-10) pA/pF to (166+/-25) pA/pF (voltage steps from -60 mV to +50 mV, n=11, P<0.01), which was partly abolished by Rp-cAMP 100 micromol/L. Furthermore, the I-V curve exhibited an upward shift, and the peak current density was significantly raised (n=11, P<0.01) by ramp depolarization from -100 mV to +100 mV. CONCLUSION: The relaxations induced by isoprenaline and aminophylline were, at least partly, mediated by cAMP-stimulation of BK(Ca) in rat bronchial smooth muscle.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

[Study on sperm quality of males living in cold area].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects on male reproductive function working under cold area. METHODS: After on site investigation, advanced molecular lab analysis-single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) which are combined with semen routine analysis were used to evaluate semen quality and sperm sub-clinical injury. RESULTS: Semen routine analysis showed that the semen parameters of the males working in cold area were within normal range, but level I comet cell percentage in SCGE increased significantly, which was 4.4%, compared to the contrast group (1.9%) with significant difference. During sperm chromatin structure assay parameters, comp alpha t increased, with an average value of 22.26%. The two kinds of results both showed single and double strand breakages in sperm. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to cold could induce sperm DNA injury, but not affect sperm quality. The results suggested that it was important to reinforce the reproductive care in males working in cold areas.

Adult↗

[Analysis of correlation between parameters of sperm chromatin structure assay and semen routine analysis].

OBJECTIVES: To analysis the correlation between parameters of sperm chromatin structure assay(SCSA) and semen routine analysis, and to discuss the reliable methods of semen quality evaluation. METHODS: Five hundred and eleven semen samples were detected to analyse the mutiple-parameter correlation between results of SCSA (COMP alpha t) and semen routine analysis. RESULTS: The parameters that have low-level positive correlation(r: 0.10-0.30) with denatured sperm percentage(COMP alpha t) were viscosity, ejaculation interval, abnormal sperm ratio, concentration of grade c sperm; those having low-level negative correlation(r: -0.30(-)-0.10) were VDL, VSL and VAP; those having mid-level positive correlation (r: 0.30-0.70) were sperm concentration, percentage of grade d sperm; those having mid-level negative correlation (r: -0.70(-)-0.30) were MAD, percentage of grade a sperm and survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: Flow cytometry can be used to evaluate the percentage of denatured or injured sperm rapidly, correctly and simply. The result (COMP alpha t) correlates partly with semen parameters, and it is not a conclusively parameter compared with routine semen analysis. It is important to use SCSA to evaluate productivity under the above situation.

Adult↗

[Relationship between expression of p57(kip2), cyclin E protein, PCNA, and clinicopathological factors in human pancreatic cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The abnormality of mammalian cell cycle regulation is an important cause of cell over-proliferation and oncogenesis. There were few reports about the relationship between p57(kip2) protein as negative factor of cell cycle regulation and pancreatic cancer. This article aims to investigate the effects of p57(kip2), cyclin E and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein on the occurrence and progression of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Expression of p57(kip2), cyclin E, and PCNA in tumor tissue and adjacent tissue from 32 patients with pancreatic cancer were detected using SP immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS: The positive-expression rate of p57(kip2) protein in tumor tissue of pancreatic cancer was 46.9%, which was lower than that in adjacent pancreatic tissue (75.0%) (Chi(2)=5.317, P< 0.05); p57(kip2) protein positive-expression was remarkably correlated with tumor cell differentiation (P< 0.05), but was not correlated with lymph node metastasis (P >0.05). The positive-expression rate of cyclin E in tumor tissues was 68.8%, which was higher than that in adjacent pancreatic tissue (43.8%) (Chi(2)=4.063,P< 0.05); Cyclin E positive-expression was remarkably correlated with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P< 0.05). The positive-expression rate of PCNA protein in tumor tissues was 71.9%, which was higher than that in adjacent pancreatic tissue (43.8%) (Chi(2)=5.189,P< 0.05); PCNA positive- expression was remarkably correlated with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis(P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The decreased expression of p57(kip2) protein and over-expression of cyclin E and PCNA proteins may significantly related to genesis and progress of pancreatic cancer.

Adult↗

[Multi-modal serial therapy for primary liver cancer in senile patients: a report of 153 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility and validity of multi-modal serial therapy for primary liver cancer in senile patients. METHODS: 153 senile primary liver cancer patients (>or= 60 years) were given multi-modal serial therapy from June 1993 to December 2000. Hepatectomy was performed in 37, deep cryosurgery in 32 and non-operative therapy in 84 (intervention as chief therapy in 81, combined local and intervention therapy in 3). The multi-course intervention therapy was given postoperatively in hepatectomy and cryosurgery groups, while bioimmunotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine were used in all groups. RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates in the hepatectomy group were 78.4%, 46.4% and 35.7%, without operative mortality. The 1- and 3- and 5-year year survival rates in the cryosurgery group were 64.5%, 40.9% and 25.0% with mortality of 3.1%. Among patients with non-operative therapy, the 1- and 3- and 5-year year survival rates in intervention group were 47.5%, 23.5% and 4.3%. The operative mortality was 1.2%. The 3 patients who received combined local and intervention therapy have survived for 2.5, 3.8 and 7.1 years. CONCLUSION: Multi-modal serial therapy with surgical treatment as the chief means, being precise in the effect and good in safety, is feasible and valid for primary liver cancer in senile patients.

Aged↗

Expression of p27(kip1), Rb protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen and its relationship with clinicopathology in human pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of inhibiting factor of cell cycle regulation p27(kip1), retinoblastinoma protein (Rb protein), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) on the genesis and progression of human pancreatic cancer. METHODS: The expression of p27(kip1), Rb protein and PCNA in the tumor tissue and adjacent tissue of 32 patients with pancreatic cancer was detected by SP immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS: The p27(kip1) protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissue of pancreatic cancer was 56.25%, which was lower than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). p27(kip1) protein positive-expression was correlated significantly with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The Rb gene protein positive-expression rate in the tumor tissue was 50%, which was also lower than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). The PCNA positive-expression rate was 71.87%, which was higher than that in the adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.05). PCNA positive-expression was also correlated significantly with tumor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The decreased expression of p27(kip1), Rb protein and over-expression of PCNA may play an important role in the genesis and progression of pancreatic cancer.

Adult↗

[Evaluation of radiation damage to the sperm DNA of radar operators].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inflicted by radar electromagnetic radiation to the sperm DNA of radar operators. METHODS: Sperm concentration, viability, motility, sperm abnormality were determined by routine sperm analysis and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) in the highly exposed group(n = 88), lowly exposed group(n = 143) and control group(n = 39). RESULTS: Sperm motility, viability of the highly exposed group reduced compared with that of the lowly exposed group and control group, while sperm abnormality increased. The COMP alpha reduction of the highly exposed group indicated that the highly exposed group had a medium fertility potential. The multifactor variable analysis showed that daily working time was a dangerous factor in sperm abnormality and abstinence time was a dangerous factor in the parameter of SCSA. CONCLUSIONS: Radar radiation inflicts damage to male reproduction system and it is important to take protective measures.

Adolescent↗

[Regulation of epidermal growth factor, thyrotropin releasing hormone and dexamethasone on the expression of fetal lung SP mRNAs in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF), thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and dexamethasone (Dex) on the expression of surfactant protein (SP)-A, SP-B and SP-C mRNA in fetal rabbit lungs. METHODS: Sixty-four Japanese white pregnant rabbits, put into four different groups (16 rabbits each), were given EGF (EGF group), TRH (TRH group), Dex (Dex group) or normal saline (control group) intravenously from gestational day 22(nd) (5 rabbits in each group) or 24(th) (11 rabbits in each group) for three days before killing. The levels of SP-A, SP-B and SP-C mRNAs in the fetal rabbit lungs were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blotting. RESULTS: In the 27(th) gestational day, SP-B mRNA levels in the fetal rabbit lungs in all treated groups were found significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the 25(th) day, there had a higher expression of SP-A and SP-C mRNAs in the fetal lungs in all groups, but SP-B mRNA could be tested only in the Dex group. SP-B mRNA level was lower than that of SP-A mRNA and SP-C mRNA in the same fetal lungs in the 27(th) gestationed day. CONCLUSION: The time of detectable SP-B mRNA in rabbit fetal lungs appeared later than that of the SP-A and SP-C mRNAs. The expression of SP-B mRNA is lower in comparison with those of SP-A mRNA and SP-C mRNA in the same samples. Prenatal maternal treatment with intravenously Dex, EGF and TRH could increase the expression of SP-B mRNA in fetal rabbit lungs, and the effect of Dex may be more significant at earlier stage of gestation.

Animals↗

[The effect of overtraining on human sperm chromatin structure].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of overtraining on human sperm DNA. METHODS: Molecular epidemiological investigation of 249 men from different groups (training and non-training) was carried out by using flow cytometer to detect the integrity and damage of in situ DNA of sperm nucleus, and sperm chromatin structure assay was performed. RESULTS: The average COMPalpha(t) in training group was 11.02% while that in control group was 5.90% (P < 0.01). COMPalpha(t) was significantly correlated with sperm activity (r = 0.41, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overtraining could induce sperm DNA injury and affect sperm activity, thus to decrease the potentiality of reproduction.

Adult↗

in vitro inhibition of the measles virus by novel ring-expanded ('fat') nucleoside analogues containing the imidazo[4,5-e]diazepine ring system.

The synthesis and in vitro anti-measles virus (anti-MV) activity of a class of ring-expanded ('fat') nucleoside analogues (1-4) containing the title heterocyclic ring system are reported. The target compounds were synthesized by base-catalyzed condensations of 4,5-dicarboxylic acid esters of the appropriately substituted imidazole-1-ribosides with suitably substituted guanidine derivatives. Compounds were screened for anti-MV activity in African green monkey kidney cells (CV-1), employing ribavirin as the control standard. While the parent compound 1 itself failed to show any significant antiviral activity against MV, its analogues containing hydrophobic substituents at the 2-position (2) or the 6-position (4) showed promising antiviral activity at submicromolar or micromolar concentration levels with no apparent toxicity to the host cell line. Both compounds showed higher anti-MV activity than the control drug ribavirin.

Animals↗

Ege A, a novel C2 domain containing protein, is essential for GPCR-mediated gene expression in dictyostelium.

During early stages of development, expression of aggregative genes in Dictyostelium is regulated by G protein-linked signaling pathways. We have isolated an aggregation-deficient mutant from a restriction enzyme-mediated insertional mutagenesis screen and have obtained its cDNA. Since the mutant expresses prestarvation genes but fails to express early genes, such as cAR1 and GP80, during development, we designated it early gene expression A (ege A). Ege A, encoding a cytosolic protein of 26 kDa, along with Ege B, belongs to a novel C2 domain-containing gene family. While Ege A mRNA is expressed during the first 2 h of development, Ege B is expressed at later stages. Ege A is not directly required for either G protein-mediated actin polymerization or activation of adenylyl cyclase. Ege A overexpressing and ege A(-) cells display similar phenotypes, suggesting that an optimal level of Ege A is required for proper function. Constitutive expression of a fully functional cAR1-YFP enables ege A(-) cells to form loose aggregates, but cAR1-YFP/ege A(-) cells are still unable to express GP80, suggesting that losses of gene expression were not solely due to a lack of cAR1. Overexpression of PKAcat, the constitutively active subunit of PKA, does not rescue the ege A(-) phenotype, suggesting that PKA is not located downstream from Ege A in the signaling pathway. We propose that Ege A is a novel cytosolic component required by early gene expression.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Light modulation of Rubisco in Arabidopsis requires a capacity for redox regulation of the larger Rubisco activase isoform.

The light activation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) in vivo requires the presence of Rubisco activase, a nuclear-encoded chloroplast protein that consists of two isoforms arising from alternative splicing in most plants. We examined the function of each isoform by characterizing Rubisco activation in transgenic Arabidopsis plants that express only one or both isoforms, as compared with the wild type. In plants expressing only the shorter isoform, Rubisco activity was as high as in the wild type under saturating light, but the activity was not down-regulated at intensities limiting for photosynthesis. In contrast, in plants expressing only the longer isoform, Rubisco activity was down-regulated at limiting light, but the activity was slightly lower and increased much more slowly at saturating light intensities as compared with the wild type. Light regulation of Rubisco similar to that in the wild-type plants was observed in the progeny of a genetic cross of these two transformants in which both isoforms were again present. When the capacity to redox regulate the activity of the larger activase isoform was eliminated by replacement of the critical cysteine residues in the carboxyl-terminal extension unique to this isoform, Rubisco activity in saturating light was similar to the wild type, but the ability of the larger isoform to down-regulate Rubisco activity at limiting light intensities in transgenic plants was almost abolished. These results indicate that the light modulation of Rubisco under limiting light is mainly due to the ability to regulate the activity of Rubisco activase by redox changes in the stroma.

Arabidopsis↗

ProbID: a probabilistic algorithm to identify peptides through sequence database searching using tandem mass spectral data.

With the recent quick expansion of DNA and protein sequence databases, intensive efforts are underway to interpret the linear genetic information of DNA in terms of function, structure, and control of biological processes. The systematic identification and quantification of expressed proteins has proven particularly powerful in this regard. Large-scale protein identification is usually achieved by automated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of complex peptide mixtures and sequence database searching of the resulting spectra [Aebersold and Goodlett, Chem. Rev. 2001, 101, 269-295]. As generating large numbers of sequence-specific mass spectra (collision-induced dissociation/CID) spectra has become a routine operation, research has shifted from the generation of sequence database search results to their validation. Here we describe in detail a novel probabilistic model and score function that ranks the quality of the match between tandem mass spectral data and a peptide sequence in a database. We document the performance of the algorithm on a reference data set and in comparison with another sequence database search tool. The software is publicly available for use and evaluation at http://www.systemsbiology.org/research/software/proteomics/ProbID.

Algorithms↗