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Biomedical subjects

Q Ma

Publications and source records attributed to Q Ma.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

neurogenin1 is essential for the determination of neuronal precursors for proximal cranial sensory ganglia.

The NEUROGENINS (NGNs) are neural-specific basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. Mouse embryos lacking ngn1 fail to generate the proximal subset of cranial sensory neurons. ngn1 is required for the activation of a cascade of downstream bHLH factors, including NeuroD, MATH3, and NSCL1. ngn1 is expressed by placodal ectodermal cells and acts prior to neuroblast delamination. Moreover, NGN1 positively regulates the Delta homolog DLL1 and can be negatively regulated by Notch signaling. Thus, ngn1 functions similarly to the proneural genes in Drosophila. However, the initial pattern of ngn1 expression appears to be Notch independent. Taken together with the fact that ectopic ngn1 expression can convert ectodermal cells to neurons in Xenopus (Ma et al., 1996), these data and those of Fode et al. (1998 [this issue of Neuron]) identify ngns as vertebrate neuronal determination genes, analogous to myoD and myf5 in myogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Theoretical modelling of arteriovenous malformation rupture risk: a feasibility and validation study.

PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility of using a theoretical computational model to simulate the risk of spontaneous arteriovenous malformation (AVM) haemorrhage. METHODS: Data from 12 patients were collected from a prospective databank which documented the angioarchitecture and morphological characteristics of the AVM and the feeding mean arterial pressure (FMAP) measured during initial superselective angiography prior to any treatment. Using the data, a computational model of the cerebral circulation and the AVM was constructed for each patient (patient-specific model). Two model risk (Risk(model)) calculations (haemodynamic- and structural-weighted estimates) were performed by using the patient-specific models. In our previously developed method of haemodynamic-weighted estimate, Risk(model) was calculated with the simulated intranidal pressures related to its maximal and minimal values. In the method of structural-weighted estimate developed and described in this paper, the vessel mechanical properties and probability calculation were considered in more detail than in the haemodynamic-weighted estimate. Risk(model) was then compared to experimentally determined risk which was calculated using a statistical method for determining the relative risk of having initially presented with AVM haemorrhage, termed Risk(exp). RESULTS: The Risk(model) calculated by both haemodynamic- and structural-weighted estimates correlated with experimental risks with chi2 = 6.0 and 0.64, respectively. The risks of the structural-weighted estimate were more correlated to experimental risks. CONCLUSIONS: Using two different approaches to the calculation of AVM haemorrhage risk, we found a general agreement with independent statistical estimates of haemorrhagic risk based on patient data. Computational approaches are feasible; future work can focus on specific pathomechanistic questions. Detailed patient-specific computational models can also be developed as an adjunct to individual patient risk assessment for risk-stratification purposes.

Cerebral Hemorrhage↗
PubMed1998

Use of murine CXCR-4 as a second receptor by some T-cell-tropic human immunodeficiency viruses.

The human CXCR-4 molecule serves as a second receptor for primary, T-cell-tropic, and laboratory-adapted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates. Here we show that murine CXCR-4 can support the entry of some of these HIV-1 isolates. Differences between mouse and human CXCR-4 in the ability to function as an HIV-1 receptor are determined by sequences in the second extracellular loop of the CXCR-4 protein.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Mathematical considerations for modeling cerebral blood flow autoregulation to systemic arterial pressure.

The shape of the autoregulation curve for cerebral blood flow (CBF) vs. pressure is depicted in a variety of ways to fit experimentally derived data. However, there is no general empirical description to reproduce CBF changes resulting from systemic arterial pressure variations that is consistent with the reported data. We analyzed previously reported experimental data used to construct autoregulation curves. To improve on existing portrayals of the fitting of the observed data, a compartmental model was developed for synthesis of the autoregulation curve. The resistive arterial and arteriolar network was simplified as an autoregulation device (ARD), which consists of four compartments in series controlling CBF. Each compartment consists of a group of identical vessels in parallel. The response of each vessel category to changes in perfusion pressure was simulated using reported experimental data. The CBF-pressure curve was calculated from the resistance of the ARD. The predicted autoregulation curve was consistent with reported experimental data. The lower and upper limits of autoregulation (LLA and ULA) were predicted as 69 and 153 mmHg, respectively. The average value of the slope of the CBF-pressure curve below LLA and beyond ULA was predicted as 1.3 and 3.3% change in CBF per mmHg, respectively. Our four-compartment ARD model, which simulated small arteries and arterioles, predicted an autoregulation function similar to experimental data with respect to the LLA, ULA, and average slopes of the autoregulation curve below LLA and above ULA.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

An experimental study on rhBMP-2 composite bone substitute for repairing craniomaxillary bone defects.

OBJECTIVE: To measure bone regenerative effects in animal calvarial or mandibular critical-size defects using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) combined with four selected carriers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The composite bone grafts were obtained by combining rhBMP-2 with chitin, coral, coral-based porous HA (CHA), and xenogeneic cancellous bone, respectively. These materials were implanted on the calvarial or mandibular defect of rabbits and on the calvarial defect of rats. Each carrier material was also studied as a control group. The animals were examined 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation by radiography, histology (under light microscope and scanning electron microscope), immunohistochemistry, and biomechanics. RESULTS: The results showed that the composite graft was absorbed gradually after it was implanted into the defect, during which time new bone was formed within the combined material in the defect site; the amount of new bone increased as time elapsed. At 12 weeks the composite was replaced completely by bone except in the CHA group. In contrast, a large amount of fibrous tissue, and little new bone, formed on the area of the bone defect when the carrier material alone was implanted. CONCLUSIONS: All materials tested seem to be suitable carriers for rhBMP-2, which plays a very important role in new bone formation. These composite bone substitutes may be ideal materials for repairing various bone defects in the craniomaxillofacial region.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Relationship between sex hormone levels and blood lipids/immunity in perimenopausal women].

To investigate the relationship between sex hormone levels and blood lipids/immunity and to evaluate the therapeutical effects of nylestriol, 96 women without coronary heart disease(CHD) were studied during their perimenopausal period. The estimation of serum biochemical components included serum 17 beta-estradiol(E2), testosterone(T), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low density protein cholesterol(LDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I(ApoAI), apolipoprotein B(ApoB), lipoprotein (a)[Lp(a)], immunoglobulin G(IgG), and IgG antibody against cardiolipin(ACAIgG). Thirty-six postmenopausal volunteers were divided into two groups and randomized to treat with either 2 mg nylestriol or placebo. In postmenopausal women, serum levels of E2, E2/T, HDL, and ApoAI decreased, while those of T, TC, TG, LDL, ApoB, Lp(a), IgG, and ACAIgG increased. Serum level of E2 was positively correlated to HDL-C and negatively correlated to TC, ApoB, LDL, IgG, and ACAIgG. Serum level of T was positively correlated to LDL, IgG, and ACAIgG and negatively correlated to HDL. In the nylestriol group, as compared with the results before treatment, serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, IgG, and ACAIgG decreased and that of HDL-C increased after treatment. We conclude that estradiol is a protective factor of CHD, whereas testerone is a dangerous factor. After menopause, the imbalance of the estradiol/testosterone ratio increases the incidence of CHD. Nylestriol is an effective substitute for estradiol to prevent CHD in post menopausal women.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed1998

[Semiquantitative measurement of progesterone receptors in luteal-phase-defect endometrial cells during secretory phase].

To investigate the changes of endometrial progesterone receptor (PR) of luteal-phase-defect (LPD) patients during the secretory phase, thirteen patients with complaints of infertility or habitual abortion were studied. During the early-mid secretory phase, endometrial tissue was obtained by dilatation and curettage (D & C) for histological and receptor study: meanwhile serum E2, P, FSH, LH and PRL were measured. Based on histologic diagnosis, the patients were divided into two groups: the LPD group (n = 7) and the normal control group(n = 6). PR content was determined by immunohisto-chemical (IHC) assay. The results showed that during the early-mid luteal phase a significantly low PR content on endometrial glandular nucleus was observed in LPD group, compared with normal control(6.75 +/- 2.57 vs 9.50 +/- 1.64 P < 0.05), but no difference in serum progesterone was noted between the two groups. These findings suggest that during early-mid secretory phase, PR content on endometrial glandular nucleus decreases in LPD cases, which results in deficient response of endometrium to proper stimulus of progesterone. This change may cause endometrial secretory deficiency and blockade of embreyo implantation. That is why infertility or habitual abortion happened.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed1998

[Study on the health of cotton mill workers].

A group of 110 workers in a cotton mill was investigated by questionnaire, skin testing, and the measurement of airway responsiveness through forced expiratory volume for one second(FEV1) by spirometry. The workers were examined before starting work, 10 weeks and one year after exposure. Decreases in FEV1 over shifts were small at 10 weeks and one year, and were slightly higher among people with positive skin reactions to cotton dust extracts. Airway responsiveness, defined as the average decrease in FEV1 after 1.25 mg methacholin, was increased at 10 weeks. It remained about the same after one year, except in the workers with positive skin test. Subjective symptoms of chest tightness and cough with phlegm increased progressively at 10 weeks and one year. Nasal irritation remained unchanged and dry cough decreased in one year. The results suggest that the airway inflammation caused by cotton dust increases with the exposure time and that the changes are more notable in workers with reactivity to cotton dust extract.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Human bone morphogenetic protein-2: recombinant expression in E. coli].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the way of producing human bone morphogenetic protein-2(hBMP-2) for bone healing by using the gene engeneering techniques. METHODS: hBMP-2 cDNA fragment, which consists of 3' end partial propeptide and mature peptide sequence, was inserted into the multiple cloning site of expression vector pkpL-3a via ligation. The recombinant plasmid pkpL-3a/hBMP-2 was transformed into E. coli pOp2136. By the method of restriction map, the positive expression clone was selected. SDS-PAGE analysis showed a new foreign protein band near 27,000 after induction. The yield of induced hBMP-2 accouned for 10% of the total bacterial proteins. RESULTS: The partial purified recombinant hBMP-2 was implanted into Wistar rat thigh. After 4 weeks, histological analysis showed that it induced the proliferation of mesenchymal type cells and formation of new cartilage and bone in the implantation area. CONCLUSION: The hBMP-2 produced by gene engeneering techniques has the biologic capacity of ectopic bone formation.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Reconstruction of transcriptional regulatory elements of human alpha-fetoprotein gene].

OBJECTIVE: To construct vectors that express therapeutic genes specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma, the TREs (Tissue-specific transcriptional regulatory elements) of natural human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was reconstructed. METHODS: Using subcloning techniques, the -870 bp(-)-3.06 kb fragment of the natural human AFP TREs was deleted to construct an artificial AFP(e/p) TREs which contains the "core" promoter and the -3.06 kb(-)-5.1 kb fragment of natural human AFP TREs that contains enhancer activity. RESULTS: By using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assay, the artificial AFP(e/p) TREs showed an activity 1.8 fold as high as that of the natural AFP TREs in an AFP positive human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2, and it also remained to be tissue-specific since there was no activity was detected in an AFP negative human larynxcarcinoma cell line Hep2. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the artificial AFP(e/p) TREs we have constructed has higher activity than the natural AFP TREs and it also remains its hepatocarcinoma specificity. The reconstructed AFP(e/p) TREs is suitable for constructing of gene therapy vector with hepatocarcinoma expression specificity.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1998

[The experimental research of transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression during fracture healing].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of TGF-beta 1 in the regulation of fracture healing. METHOD: The expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in different period of fracture healing was investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: It was found that the expression of TGF-beta 1 changed in different period. The cells in the cambial layer of the periostlum showed low or negative signal in the immediate injury response period. The osteoblasts differentiated from the periosteum cells stained strongly in the intramembranous ossification period, and the differentiated chondrocytes stained most strongly in the chondrogenesis period. The hypertrophic chondrocytes showed negative signal and the osteoblasts stained strongly in the endochondral ossification period. These results suggested that the expression of TGF-beta 1 was closely related to the proliferation and differentiation state of repair cells. CONCLUSION: TGF-beta 1 is intimately involved in the control of fracture healing.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Retroviral-mediated transcriptional regulatory elements of alpha-fetoprotein gene directed specific expression of interleukin-2 in murine hepatoma].

OBJECTIVE: To target expression of interleukin-2 in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) positive hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: A retroviral vector pDOR-mAFP-IL2 was constructed by coupling the transcriptional regulatory elements (TREs) of murine AFP gene with interleukin-2 cDNA in a retroviral vector. RESULTS: Subsequent to retroviral infection, expression of IL-2 could be detected in an AFP positive murine hepatoma cell line Hepa1-6 but not in psi 2, an AFP negative murine fibroblast cell line. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that specific expression of IL-2 in hepatoma cell can be achieved by using of AFP TREs to control the expression of IL-2, and the retroviral vector which we have constructed may be used for further experimental studies on in vivo gene therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[The timing and mode of surgery in patients with severe acute pancreatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the timing and mode of surgical management in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHOD: The timing, mode of operation and mortality were reviewed retrospectively in 50 SAP cases undergoing laparotomy in our hospital from 1985 to 1994. RESULT: The overall mortality was 14% and 85.7% of the mortality falls on the age between 40 to 60 years, with no difference in etiology and sex. The operative mortality reduced gradually in patients with longer duration of illness (P > 0.05). The operative mortality of 31.8% in patients undergoing laparotomy within 12 h after hospitalization was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in these operated on later. When the number of injured extra-pancreatic organs increased, the mortality also increased significantly (chi(2) = 5.99, P < 0.05). The related mortality with shock, pancreatic necrosis and multiorgan failure (MOF) was 31.8%, 31.6% and 28%, respectively (P < 0.05). The main procedures of surgical management were pancreatic debridement and/or drainage, and combined surgical measures. CONCLUSION: The laparotomy timing is an important factor influencing mortality as well as the severity of pancreatic necrosis, sepsis, and MOF. Delayed laparotomy and 24 h preoperative management is recommended. Surgery adopted should be simple, efficient in drainage and debridement.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Long-term results of combined splenorenal shunt and porta-azygos devascularization in patients with portal hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effects of combined splenorenal shunt and porta-azygos devascularization in patients with portal hypertension. METHOD: We analysed retrospectively the follow-up results of 140 portal hypertensive patients undergoing the combined therapy in our hospital from April 1978 to April 1997. Changes of portal hemodynamics were studied by Doppler Flowmeter and DSA pre- and-postoperatively and direct FPP measurement intraoperatively. RESULT: The operative mortality was 3.6%. No rebleeding was noted in a short period and rebleeding rate was 8.3% in a long term follow-up. The rate of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy was 5.0%. The long-term survival rate of 5-, 10- and 15-years was 83.6%, 64.5% and 54.5%, respectively. After operation FPP and PVP decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and FPP maintained at the level of 3.2 +/- 0.4 kPa. CONCLUSION: The combined procedure is a rational and practical procedure for the treatment of patients with portal hypertension.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Studies on microbiological factor in colour change of mogao graffito's mural. II. Effect of microorganism on the pigment of imitative mural].

Throung the assay and analysis of the imitative mural after cultivated with microorganisms, it has been shown that microorganisms had a pronounced effect on the pigments of the mural: the pigments secreted by microorganisms changed the colour of the mural, and produced much oxalic acid salt, which damaged the formation of crystals of the pigment, moreover, the chemical combination valence of Pb3O4 had been changed due to the metabolic products of microorganisms, that may play an important role in the chemical change of Pb3O4.

Bacterial Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1998

[Cloning of DNA sequences involved in exopolysaccharide synthesis of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris].

By using a cloned DNA segment containing the mutated sequences from the exopolysaccharide-deficient mutant T117 of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris as a probe, a 9.4 kb HindIII fragment harbouring DNA sequences corresponding to the mutated site was identified and cloned from the wild-type strain. The fragment could complement the mutant strain T117 in trans and restore the synthesis of exopolysaccharide. This indicates that the fragment contains at least an intact gene which is involved in the exopolysaccharide synthesis of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed1997

Down-regulation of major histocompatibility complex Q1b gene expression by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

We analyzed mouse hepatoma cells using differential display to discover new genes that respond to the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). We identified a class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene, which we designated as MHC Q1b, whose expression decreases in the presence of TCDD. TCDD-induced down-regulation of MHC Q1b requires both the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor and the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator, transcription factors that up-regulate other genes in response to TCDD. Down-regulation of MHC Q1b by TCDD appears to involve both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory events; the post-transcriptional destabilization of MHC Q1b mRNA is probably a secondary response to TCDD. Our findings reveal new mechanistic aspects of gene regulation by TCDD. In addition, our observations suggest a mechanism that might account for some of TCDD's immunotoxic effects.

Amino Acid Sequence↗