Synergic anti-tumour effect of B7.1 gene modified tumour vaccine combined with allicin for murine bladder tumour.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
Ping Wu
Publications and source records attributed to Ping Wu.
Evolution and expression analysis of starch synthase III and IV in rice.
Plants contain at least five subfamilies of starch synthases, granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) and starch synthases I, II, III, and IV (SSI, SSII, SSIII, SSIV). In this work, two members of SSIII and SSIV, respectively, were cloned and designated OsSSIII-1/-2 and OsSSIV-1/-2 in rice. Together with six other previously reported genes, the SS gene family in rice therefore is known to be duplicated and to comprise ten SS genes distributed among the five subfamilies. The starch synthase activity of each SS was confirmed by expression and enzyme activity assay in E. coli. Expression profile analysis with reverse transcription-PCR, western blotting and zymogram, indicates that OsSSIII-2 and OsSSIV-1 are mainly expressed in endosperm, while OsSSIII-1 and OsSSIV-2 are mainly expressed in the leaves. With a similar pattern of genes encoding other enzymes for starch synthesis, (such as GBSS, SSII, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylases, and branching enzymes), it is suggested that two divergent groups of these genes should be classified in rice. Group I genes are preferentially expressed in the endosperm and function on storage starch synthesis. Group II genes are mainly expressed in leaves and some of them in the early developing endosperm, and function on transient starch synthesis in rice.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Herb-drug interaction implications in pediatric practice: an overview of pharmacokinetic trials.
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Clinical Trials as Topic↗
Psychopathology among New York city public school children 6 months after September 11.
CONTEXT: Children exposed to a traumatic event may be at higher risk for developing mental disorders. The prevalence of child psychopathology, however, has not been assessed in a population-based sample exposed to different levels of mass trauma or across a range of disorders. OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and correlates of probable mental disorders among New York City, NY, public school students 6 months following the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: New York City public schools. PARTICIPANTS: A citywide, random, representative sample of 8236 students in grades 4 through 12, including oversampling in closest proximity to the World Trade Center site (ground zero) and other high-risk areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Children were screened for probable mental disorders with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Predictive Scales. RESULTS: One or more of 6 probable anxiety/depressive disorders were identified in 28.6% of all children. The most prevalent were probable agoraphobia (14.8%), probable separation anxiety (12.3%), and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (10.6%). Higher levels of exposure correspond to higher prevalence for all probable anxiety/depressive disorders. Girls and children in grades 4 and 5 were the most affected. In logistic regression analyses, child's exposure (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62), exposure of a child's family member (adjusted odds ratio, 1.80), and the child's prior trauma (adjusted odds ratio, 2.01) were related to increased likelihood of probable anxiety/depressive disorders. Results were adjusted for different types of exposure, sociodemographic characteristics, and child mental health service use. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of New York City public school children had a probable mental disorder 6 months after September 11, 2001. The data suggest that there is a relationship between level of exposure to trauma and likelihood of child anxiety/depressive disorders in the community. The results support the need to apply wide-area epidemiological approaches to mental health assessment after any large-scale disaster.
Adolescent↗
Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and identification of its splice variant in human myometrium obtained from women in labor.
In order to investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in human lower segments of myometrium obtained from women in labor and those not in labor and identify the splicing variant of COX-2, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of COX-2. The primers were designed and synthesized according to the sequence of rat COX-2 splice variant which was discovered firstly by us. Then the splicing variant of COX-2 in human myometrium from woman in labor was identified, cloned into vector and sequenced. The results showed that the expression of COX-2 mRNA was lower in human myometrium obtained from women who were not in labor than that in labor women and a new band of COX-2 was obtained in myometrium from labor woman. The fragment included an unspliced intron, which pitched between exons 7 and 8. It was suggested that COX-2 gene was not only expressed highly in human myometrium from woman in labor, but also produced splicing variant by alternative splicing.
Adult↗
Dual effect of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone on LPS-induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells by modulating the production of TNF-alpha.
To explore the pharmacological effect of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) on the apoptosis of RAW264.7 macrophage cells and the mechanism, RAW264.7 macrophage cells were treated with 100 or 500 mg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with or without 10(-5) mol/L DHAP for 24 h. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used to assess cell viability. Cell apoptosis was morphological studied and flow cytometric assay was used. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) level was measured by ELISA methods. IkappaB protein was determined by Western blotting. Our results showed that in 100 mg/L LPS-stimulated macrophages, DHAP enhanced the cell apoptosis while in 500 mg/L LPS-stimulated macrophages, DHAP significantly inhibited the cell apoptosis. In both groups, DHAP increased the level of IkappaB but decreased the level of TNF-alpha. It is concluded that DHAP has dual effect on the apoptosis of RAW 264.7 cells treated with different concentrations of LPS. This effect may be due to the inhibition of activation of NF-kappaB and autocrine production of TNFalpha. Our study suggests that DHAP may have anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-activated macrophages.
Acetophenones↗
Sampling schedule design towards optimal drug monitoring for individualizing therapy.
We study the individualization of therapy by simultaneously taking into account the design of sampling schedule and optimal therapeutic drug monitoring. The sampling schedule design in this work is to determine the number of samples, the sampling times, the switching time from the loading to the maintenance period, and the drug dosages. A closed-loop control policy is employed to determine the sampling schedule, and an advanced stochastic global optimization algorithm, which integrates the stochastic approximation and simulated annealing techniques, is implemented to search the optimal sampling schedule. A simulated one-compartment model of intravenous theophylline therapy is used to illustrate our method. This method can be readily extended to multiple compartment systems and allow incorporating other criteria of drug control. While currently the method is mainly of theoretical interest, it offers a starting point for practical applications and thus is hopefully of great value for the clinically individualizing therapy in the future.
Algorithms↗
An analysis of general medical and specialist journals that endorse CONSORT found that reporting was not enforced consistently.
BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine if specialist journals implement specific Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) recommendations to the same extent as general medical journals. METHODS: Analysis of random controlled trials (RCTs) in five general medical journals (n=100) and 10 specialist journals (n=100), all endorsing CONSORT. We evaluated the likelihood of reporting important methodologic criteria. Analyses controlled for the nested effect of journal within each journal type. RESULTS: General medical journals published, on average, more CONSORT items per RCT than specialist journals (7.9 [SD 1.8] vs. 6.5 [SD 2.2] out of 11 possible items, P=.02). When compared with specialist journals, RCTs in general medical journals published a participant flow diagram more frequently (83 vs. 42%, odds ratio [OR] 6.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-12.9) and more likely to report the method of randomization (78 vs. 55%, OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5-5.3) and allocation concealment (48 vs. 26%, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4-4.7); they were less likely to publish RCTs reporting adverse events (58 vs. 78%, OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7). Both page length and impact factor were weakly associated with number of CONSORT items reported. CONCLUSION: General medical and specialist journals that endorse CONSORT do not enforce reporting issues consistently, with specialty journals lagging behind general medical journals.
Clinical Medicine↗
Natural health product-drug interactions: a systematic review of clinical trials.
Interactions between natural health products (NHP) and prescription medications are of increasing concern. This paper aims to identify all clinical trials of NHP-drug interactions. To determine the prevalence and outcomes of clinical investigations of NHP-drug pharmacokinetic interactions, electronic databases were searched from inception through March 2004, as well as reference lists from published reports and experts in the field for unpublished studies. Eligible studies were clinical investigations of the interaction between a NHP and the metabolism of a regulated medication in humans. Studies were excluded that only investigated the metabolism of an NHP or examined food-drug or NHP-NHP interactions. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion and independently extracted data. Forty-seven trials were identified, studying an average of 14 participants/study (95% confidence interval [CI] 11-18), examined drug interactions with 19 different herbal preparations. All trials were pharmacokinetic studies, 41 of healthy volunteers and 6 of patients. Ten different herbal medicines as well as 5 different traditional herbal concoctions were studied. Potentially clinically significant drug interactions were observed with St. John wort (16/24 studies), garlic (2/5 studies), and American ginseng (1 study). Research on NHP-drug interactions is limited in number and scope. With the exception of St. John wort, clinicians and the public do not have information that permits strong inferences about interactions between NHPs and conventional medications.
Clinical Trials as Topic↗
ARL1, a LOB-domain protein required for adventitious root formation in rice.
Adventitious roots constitute the bulk of the fibrous root system in cereals. Compared with the current understanding of shoot development, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of development of the adventitious roots of cereals is limited. We have isolated and characterized a novel gene controlling the initiation of adventitious root primordia in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The gene, designated Adventitious rootless1 (ARL1), encodes a protein with a LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES (LOB) domain. It is expressed in lateral and adventitious root primordia, tiller primordia, vascular tissues, scutellum, and young pedicels. ARL1 is a nuclear protein and can form homodimers. ARL1 is an auxin- and ethylene-responsive gene, and the expression pattern of ARL1 in roots parallels auxin distribution. Our findings suggest that ARL1 is an auxin-responsive factor involved in auxin-mediated cell dedifferentiation, and that it promotes the initial cell division in the pericycle cells adjacent to the peripheral vascular cylinder in the stem.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Melatonin in the treatment of cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis.
Most observational studies show an association between melatonin and cancer in humans. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of melatonin in solid tumor cancer patients and its effect on survival at 1 yr. With the aid of an information specialist, we searched 10 electronic databases from inception to October 2004. We included trials using melatonin as either sole treatment or as adjunct treatment. Prespecified criteria guided our assessment of trial quality. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model. We included 10 RCTs published between 1992 and 2003 and included 643 patients. All trials included solid tumor cancers. All trials were conducted at the same hospital network, and were unblinded. Melatonin reduced the risk of death at 1 yr (relative risk: 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.59-0.73, I2=0%, heterogeneity P<or=0.56). Effects were consistent across melatonin dose, and type of cancer. No severe adverse events were reported. The substantial reduction in risk of death, low adverse events reported and low costs related to this intervention suggest great potential for melatonin in treating cancer. Confirming the efficacy and safety of melatonin in cancer treatment will require completion of blinded, independently conducted RCTs.
Humans↗
The effects of green tea consumption on incidence of breast cancer and recurrence of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND: Green tea is widely used by women for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. The authors aimed to determine the efficacy of green tea ingestion on the risk of breast cancer development and the risk of breast cancer recurrence. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of observational studies from systematic searches of 8 electronic data sources and contact with authors. They included studies assessing breast cancer incidence and recurrence. RESULTS: Results: The pooled relative risk (RR) of developing breast cancer for the highest levels of green tea consumption in cohort studies was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.1; P= .28; I(2)= 0%), and in case control studies, the odds ratio was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.14-1.31; P= .14; I(2)= 47%). The pooled RR of cohort studies for breast cancer recurrence in all stages was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.47-1.19; P= .22; I(2)= 37%). A subgroup analysis of recurrence in stage I and II disease showed a pooled RR in cohort studies of 0.56 (95% CI, 0.38-0.83; P= .004; I2= 0%). Dose-response relationships were evident in only 3 of the 7 studies. CONCLUSION: To date, the epidemiological data indicates that consumption of 5 or more cups of green tea a day shows a non-statistically significant trend towards the prevention of breast cancer development. Evidence indicates that green tea consumption may possibly help prevent breast cancer recurrence in early stage (I and II) cancers. However, conclusions as to the potential therapeutic application of green tea are currently impossible to make due to the small number of studies conducted, the lack of any clinical trial evidence, the lack of a consistent dose-response relationship, and the potential for interaction with standard care.
Anticarcinogenic Agents↗
Complementary therapies for the treatment of HIV: in search of the evidence.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread. Yet, little is known about the evidence supporting its use in HIV/AIDS. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of complementary therapies for HIV and HIV-related symptoms. Comprehensive literature searches were performed of seven electronic databases. Data were abstracted independently by two reviewers. Thirty trials met our predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria: 18 trials were of stress management; five of Natural Health Products; four of massage/therapeutic touch; one of acupuncture; two of homeopathy. The trials were published between 1989 and 2003. Most trials were small and of limited methodological rigour. The results suggest that stress management may prove to be an effective way to increase the quality of life. For all other treatments, data are insufficient for demonstrating effectiveness. Despite the widespread use of CAM by people living with HIV/AIDS, the effectiveness of these therapies has not been established. Vis à vis CAM's popularity, the paucity of clinical trials and their low methodological quality are concerning.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Disclosure of natural product use to primary care physicians: a cross-sectional survey of naturopathic clinic attendees.
OBJECTIVE: To determine factors that predict disclosure of natural product use by patients to their primary care physicians. METHODS: An 18-item survey about health care use and communication was distributed to patients who presented to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in March 2003. We examined correlations between responses and created a multivariable logistic regression model to explore which factors were associated with patients' discussion of natural product use with their primary care physicians. RESULTS: The survey was given to 198 patients, 174 of whom responded (response rate, 87.9%). Most respondents (161 [92.5%] of 174) made use of natural products, and many (61 [41.5%] of 147) reported that they did not discuss natural product use with their primary care physician. The most significant factor predictive of patients having discussed natural product use with their primary care physician was having their primary care physician ask about natural product use (odds ratio, 18.77; 95% confidence interval, 5.06-69.62). Most respondents (107 [69.9%] of 153) indicated that their primary care physician did not ask about natural product use. CONCLUSIONS: An important number of patients who visit a naturopathic clinic do not disclose natural product use to their primary care physicians. Our findings suggest that disclosure rates could be improved by physicians taking a more active role in asking their patients about natural product use.
Adolescent↗
[The effects of phosphorus, glucose and cytokinin on SEN1 gene expression in Arabidopsis].
SEN1 is a senescence-associated gene in Arabidopsis which is strongly induced by phosphate (Pi) starvation. To investigate the interaction between Pi starvation induced regulation system and senescence-induced regulation system, SEN1 promoter-glucuronidase (GUS) chimeric gene was constructed into the pCAMBIA1391z plasmid. The promoter region of the SEN1 was investigated by PCR amplification. The expression of SEN1 gene in leaves was enhanced under nutrition stress (nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium starvation), but the expression of SEN1 gene in roots was induced only by phosphate starvation. SEN1 was induced in elongated hypocotyl in darkness, suggesting that SEN1 may involved in light-regulated hypocotyl elongation. Fluorometric assays of the GUS activity indicate that the expression of SEN1 induced by phosphate starvation was repressed by addition of glucose and cytokinin, which indicates that Pi-starvation signaling on SEN1 may overlap with the Pi-signaling on other Pi-starvation response genes. Expression of the SEN1 gene was also strongly induced in leaves and roots by 3% glucosamine, a inhibitor of glucose transporter under both Pi sufficient and deficient conditions, while cytokinin reduced the expression under Pi starvation condition, but not under Pi sufficient condition. The results provide clues that the up-regulated expression of SEN1 by glucosamine give rise to glucose limitation through a signaling pathway regulated by Pi starvation. The cis-acting elements distributed in the promoter of SEN1 has also been discussed.
Arabidopsis↗
[Effects of high +Gx during simulated spaceship emergency return on learning and memory in rats].
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of high +Gx during simulated spaceship emergency return on learning and memory in rats. METHOD: Thirty two male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, 7 d simulated weightlessness group, +15 Gx/180 s group and +15 Gx/180 s exposure after 7 d simulated weightlessness group, with 8 rats in each group. The changes of learning and memory in rats were measured after stresses by means of Y-maze test and step-through test. RESULT: In Y-maze test, as compared with control group, percentage of correct reactions decreased significantly (P<0.01) and reaction time increased significantly (P<0.01) in hypergravity after simulated weightlessness group at all time after stress; as compared with +15 Gx group or simulated weightlessness group, percentage of correct reactions decreased significantly (P< 0.05) and reaction time increased significantly (P< 0.05) immediately after stress. In step-through test, as compared with control group, total time increased significantly (P<0.01) in hypergravity after simulated weightlessness group at 1 d after stress; latent time decreased significantly (P<0.01) and number of errors increased significantly (P< 0.01) at all the time after stress. As compared with +15 Gx group, total time increased significantly (P<0.05) immediately, 1 d after stress. As compared with simulated weightlessness group, total time and number of errors increased significantly (P<0.05) immediately after stress. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that +15 Gx/180 s and simulated weightlessness may affect the ability of learning and memory of rats. Simulated weightlessness for 7 d can aggravate the effect of +Gx on learning and memory ability in rats.
Animals↗
[Application of fractal dimension in heart rate variability analysis during head-down tilt].
OBJECTIVE: The paper applies the fractal dimension to heart rate variability (HRV), and discusses the changes of the fractal dimension of cardiovascular system during head down tilt (HDT). METHOD: ECG of 10 subjects were recorded during HDT, the experiment was repeated in each subject. Fractal dimension was used to analyze the HRV. RESULT: Compared to supine before HDT, the standard deviation of all normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN) at 15-20 min, 20-25 min, 25-30 min and restoration increased significantly; the root mean square of successive differences between adjacent normal cycles (rMSSD) at 20-25 min increased significantly; the fractal dimension at 0-5 min, 5-10 min, 10-15 min, 20-25 min, 25-30 min and restoration increased significantly. CONCLUSION: The result shows that HRV and the nonlinearity of cardiovascular system increase during HDT. It is feasible that the fractal dimension can be used for analyzing HRV.
Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena↗
[Protective mechanisms of radix salviae miltiorrhizae against chronic alcoholic liver injury in mice].
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective mechanisms of Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (RSM) on chronic alcoholic liver injury in mice. METHODS: The chronic alcoholic liver injury mouse model was established. The morphologic change of hepatic tissue was observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining; the levels of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) mRNA in hepatic tissue and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique; and the expression of TLR-4 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: RSM could alleviate the fatty degeneration and adiponecrosis of hepatic cells induced by alcohol, down-regulate the expressions of TLR-4 mRNA and HO-1 mRNA, and significantly decrease the number of TLR-4 positive cells. CONCLUSION: RSM could prevent liver injury from alcohol by way of influencing TLR-4 signal transcription.
Animals↗