Biomedical subjects

Q Yao

Publications and source records attributed to Q Yao.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Gene transfer of p53 to arthritic joints stimulates synovial apoptosis and inhibits inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints. During the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial lining becomes dramatically thickened and hyperplastic. This highly aggressive tissue invades and destroys articular cartilage and bone. Several lines of evidence suggest that the proliferation of the synovial tissue may be due to disruption in the control of the cell cycle or apoptotic pathways. In particular, mutations in the tumor suppressor protein p53 have been found in synovial tissue from RA joints. We have examined the effects of overexpression of p53 by adenoviral infection in synovial cells in culture and in synovial tissue in vivo in a rabbit model of arthritis. Here we demonstrate that p53 overexpression resulted in significant apoptosis in human and rabbit synovial cells in culture. Furthermore, intraarticular injection of Ad-p53 resulted in extensive and rapid induction of synovial apoptosis in the rabbit knee without affecting cartilage metabolism. Interestingly, a significant reduction in the leukocytic infiltrate was observed within 24 h postinfection of Ad.p53. These results suggest that intraarticular gene transfer of p53 is able to induce synovial apoptosis as well as reduce inflammation and thus may be useful clinically for the treatment of RA.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2001

Atrial fibrillation: a risk factor for increased mortality--an AVID registry analysis.

Emerging evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation is not a benign arrhythmia. It is associated with increased risk of death. The magnitude of association is controversial and potential causes remain unknown. Patients in the registry of the Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) Trial form the basis for this report. Baseline variables, in particular the presence or absence of a history of atrial fibrillation/flutter, were examined in relation to survival. Multivariate Cox regression was used to adjust for differences in important baseline co-variables using 27 pre-selected variables. There were 3762 subjects who were followed for an average of 773+/-420 days; 1459 (39 %) qualified with ventricular fibrillation and 2303 (61 %) with ventricular tachycardia. A history of atrial fibrillation/flutter was present in 24.4 percent. There were many differences in baseline variables between those with and those without a history of atrial fibrillation/flutter. After adjustment for baseline differences, a history of atrial fibrillation/flutter remained a significant independent predictor of mortality, (relative risk=1.20; 95 % confidence intervals=1.03-1.40; p=0.020). Antiarrhythmic drug use, other than amiodarone or sotalol, was also a significant independent predictor of mortality (relative risk 1.34; 95 % confidence intervals 1.07-1.69, p=0.011. Atrial fibrillation/flutter is a significant independent risk factor for increased mortality in patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. This risk may have been overestimated in previous studies that could not adjust for the proarrhythmic effects of antiarrhythmic drugs other than amiodarone or sotalol.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Lead- and device-related complications in the antiarrhythmics versus implantable defibrillators trial.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) by use of a nonthoracotomy approach has become routine therapy for survivors of life-threatening tachyarrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to identify and prospectively characterize the frequency of lead- and ICD-related complications from the Antiarrhythmics versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) Trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between June 1, 1993, and April 7, 1997, 539 patients received nonthoracotomy ICDs either as initial treatment assignment (477) or as crossover from medical management (62). A total of 62 first complications occurred. The subclavian route of insertion resulted in more complications than the cephalic vein route, 46 of 339 (14%) versus 6 of 135 (4%), P = .005, as did the abdominal versus pectoral generator site, 31 of 238 (13%) versus 17 of 291 (6%), P<.02. Most dislodgements and system infections tended to occur in the 3 months after implantation, whereas lead fractures continued to occur throughout follow-up. Failure to use perioperative antibiotics was a predictor of system infection (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that cephalic vein access and pectoral generator site may result in fewer complications. The continued occurrence of lead fractures and the need for premature system revision supports the practice of close routine ICD system surveillance.

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents↗

PubMed2001

[Cerebral watershed infarcts].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical types and characteristics of cerebral watershed infarcts (CWI). METHODS: Analysis of the clinical data and imaging characteristics of 192 cases with CWI confirmed by CT scan or MRI. RESULTS: In 69 cases (35.9%), CWI appeared as wedge-shaped areas on CT scan or MRI, the infarcts located at marginal zones between the anterior and middle cerebral arteries and were usually associated clinically with hemiparesis, transcortical motor aphasia and dementia. In 74 cases (38.5%) the infarcts also appeared as wedge-shaped areas on CT scan and MRI, but located at marginal zones between the middle and posterior cerebral arteries, the patients mainly showed mild hemiparesis and apathy. In 49 cases (25.5%), the long-line or triangle-shaped infarct areas usually located at marginal zones between the superficial and deep territory of the middle cerebral arteries in the basal ganglia and posterolateral angulus frontalis. CONCLUSION: The presentation of CWI is complicated, and the diagnosis of that mainly depends on imaging studies such as CT scan and MRI.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Morphological observation of Mahaim's fibers in 7 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the Mahaim's fibers of the cardiac conduction system (CCS) of human hearts and study their morphological features. METHODS: The CCS from 165 cases of sudden death without extracardiac causes and those from 760 cases of non-cardiac death were sampled using a method established by the authors. Serial sections were prepared for histological observation. RESULTS: Mahaim's fibers were discovered in 7 cases, 5 cases were in the sudden death group, accounting for 3% in that group, 2 cases were in the non-cardiac death group, accounting for 0.26% in that group. All cases belonged to the bundle-ventricular branch type. The characteristics of Mahaim's fibers were found to be as follows. Their transverse diameter was 10 - 35 microns. The bodies of the Mahaim's fibers that originated from A-V bundle were slender with nucleus in the middle of the cell. While the shape of cells from the left bundle branch varied according to the origin of the Mahaim's fiber with size enlarging from up downward. Both types of cells showed abundant lightly stained cytoplasm, similar to A-V bundle and left bundle branch cells. The cells were not bifurcated and some of them were surrounded by a thin layer of fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: Mahaim's fibers are not a rarity and it is an abnormal development of an A-V by-path.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Study on gas chromatographic method for the evaluation of residual solvents by using wide bore open tubular columns].

A GC method using wide bore open tubular columns was developed to evaluate residual organic solvents. Sixteen organic solvents commonly used for pharmaceutical synthesis were analysed. The effects of different polarity columns and extraction solvents on the assay of residual solvents were studied in this work. It showed that most solvents can be well separated from each other on non-polar or less polar wide-bore columns. Extraction solvents differed in their extraction recovery and peak shape. Satisfactory results can be obtained when the proposed method was employed and a suitable extraction solvent was selected. The procedures summarized in this paper can be used as a guidance for the evaluation of residual organic solvents in bulk pharmaceuticals.

Chromatography, Gas↗

PubMed2001

[Audiological findings of the aging across the urban and rural of Suzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological characteristics of old people's hearing. METHOD: Questionnaires, physical examination, audiometry and bio-chemical tests were performed on the elders above 60 years old in part of the urban and rural area of Suzhou with random sample survey. RESULT: A total of 1,040 individuals was investigated, among which 505 were from urban, and 535 were from rural. 33 of 505 senior citizen (6.53%) were nososacusis, 282 (55.84%) were presbycusis and 21 (4.16%) were noise-induced deafness; In the rural area, 35 of 535 (6.54%) were nososacusis, 232 (43.36%) were presbycusis, and 4 (0.75%) were noise deafness. There was significant difference of the incidence of presbycusis between urban and rural. The audiometric thresholds chart manifested that the threshold elevated with age increasing especially in high-frequency. CONCLUSION: The etiology of hearing loss of elders was mainly due to presbycusis. The higher incidence of psychotic disorder in urban probably caused a correspondingly higher incidence of presbycusis. So the prevention and cure of some age-induced diseased (e.g. hypertension, arteriosclerosis and diabetes) may be helpful to release and improve presbycusis.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Direct interaction between endothelial nitric-oxide synthase and dynamin-2. Implications for nitric-oxide synthase function.

Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is regulated in part through specific protein interactions. Dynamin-2 is a large GTPase residing within similar membrane compartments as eNOS. Here we show that dynamin-2 binds directly with eNOS thereby augmenting eNOS activity. Double label confocal immunofluorescence demonstrates colocalization of eNOS and dynamin in both Clone 9 cells cotransfected with green fluorescent protein-dynamin and eNOS, as well as in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) expressing both proteins endogenously, predominantly in a Golgi membrane distribution. Immunoprecipitation of eNOS from BAEC lysate coprecipitates dynamin and, conversely, immunoprecipitation of dynamin coprecipitates eNOS. Additionally, the calcium ionophore, a reagent that promotes nitric oxide release, enhances coprecipitation of dynamin with eNOS in BAEC, suggesting the interaction between the proteins can be regulated by intracellular signals. In vitro studies demonstrate that glutathione S-transferase (GST)-dynamin-2 quantitatively precipitates both purified recombinant eNOS protein as well as in vitro transcribed (35)S-labeled eNOS from solution indicating a direct interaction between the proteins in vitro. Scatchard analysis of binding studies demonstrates an equilibrium dissociation constant (K(d)) of 27.6 nm. Incubation of purified recombinant eNOS protein with GST-dynamin-2 significantly increases eNOS activity as does overexpression of dynamin-2 in ECV 304 cells stably transfected with eNOS-green fluorescent protein. These studies demonstrate a direct protein-protein interaction between eNOS and dynamin-2, thereby identifying a new NOS-associated protein and providing a novel function for dynamin. These events may have relevance for eNOS regulation and trafficking within vascular endothelium.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Common structure in panels of short ecological time-series.

Typically, in many studies in ecology, epidemiology, biomedicine and others, we are confronted with panels of short time-series of which we are interested in obtaining a biologically meaningful grouping. Here, we propose a bootstrap approach to test whether the regression functions or the variances of the error terms in a family of stochastic regression models are the same. Our general setting includes panels of time-series models as a special case. We rigorously justify the use of the test by investigating its asymptotic properties, both theoretically and through simulations. The latter confirm that for finite sample size, bootstrap provides a better approximation than classical asymptotic theory. We then apply the proposed tests to the mink-muskrat data across 81 trapping regions in Canada. Ecologically interpretable groupings are obtained, which serve as a necessary first step before a fuller biological and statistical analysis of the food chain interaction.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Induction of long-term protective effects against heterologous challenge in SIVhu-infected macaques.

A group of three rhesus macaques were inoculated with SIV isolated from a human (SIVhu) accidentally exposed and infected with SIVsm. Extensive sequence analyses of SIVhu obtained from the human and macaques following infection indicated the presence of truncated nef. Not only did nef fail to repair itself in vivo postinfection (p.i.), but instead, further mutations added additional stop codons with increasing time p.i. Infection of these animals was associated with minimal acute viral replication, followed by undetectable plasma viral loads and only intermittent PCR detection up to 5 years p.i. The three SIVhu infected and three control monkeys were then challenged with the heterologous highly pathogenic SHIV89.6p. All three controls became infected and showed rapid declines in peripheral CD4(+) lymphocytes, disease, and death at 10 and 32 weeks p.i., respectively. In contrast, all three animals previously infected with SIVhu are healthy and exhibit stable CD4(+) lymphocyte levels and undetectable plasma viral loads at >20 months post-SHIV89. 6p challenge. Only transient, low levels of SHIV replication were noted in these animals. Whereas responses to SIVgag/pol were noted, no evidence for SIV/SHIV envelope cross-reactivity was detected by antibody or CTL analyses, suggesting that the protective immune mechanisms to the heterologous challenge isolate were most likely not directed to envelope but rather to other viral determinants.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Phospholamban remains associated with the Ca2+- and Mg2+-dependent ATPase following phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

We have used fluorescence and spin-label EPR spectroscopy to investigate how the phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB) by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) modifies structural interactions between PLB and the Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-dependent ATPase (Ca-ATPase) that result in enzyme activation. Following covalent modification of N-terminal residues of PLB with dansyl chloride or the spin label 4-isothiocyanato-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl ('ITC-TEMPO'), we have co-reconstituted PLB with affinity-purified Ca-ATPase isolated from skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with full retention of catalytic function. The Ca(2+)-dependence of the ATPase activity of this reconstituted preparation is virtually identical with that observed using native cardiac SR before and after PLB phosphorylation, indicating that co-reconstituted sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic-reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 1 (SERCA1) and PLB provide an equivalent experimental model for SERCA2a-PLB interactions. Phosphorylation of PLB in the absence of the Ca-ATPase results in a greater amplitude of rotational mobility, suggesting that the structural linkage between the transmembrane region and the N-terminus is destabilized. However, whereas co-reconstitution with the Ca-ATPase restricts the amplitude of rotational motion of PLB, subsequent phosphorylation of PLB does not significantly alter its rotational dynamics. Thus structural interactions between PLB and the Ca-ATPase that restrict the rotational mobility of the N-terminus of PLB are retained following the phosphorylation of PLB by PKA. On the other hand, the fluorescence intensity decay of bound dansyl is sensitive to the phosphorylation state of PLB, indicating that there are changes in the tertiary structure of PLB coincident with enzyme activation. These results suggest that PLB phosphorylation alters its structural interactions with the Ca-ATPase by inducing structural rearrangements between PLB and the Ca-ATPase within a defined complex that modulates Ca(2+)-transport function.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Production and characterization of simian--human immunodeficiency virus-like particles.

We have produced and characterized, in a baculovirus expression system, simian-human immunodeficiency virus-like particles (SHIV VLPs) containing SIV Gag and HIV envelope (Env) proteins. Recombinant SIV gag (SIVmac239) and full-length or cytoplasmic domain-truncated HIV env from either HIV BH10 or HIV 89.6 virus were coexpressed in insect cells and Env incorporation into released SHIV VLPs was characterized. The expression level of the Env protein was found to be about 20-50% higher in both strains producing the truncated Env. Cell surface expression of the truncated Env proteins was found to be about eightfold higher than that of the full-length Env proteins. Furthermore, the truncated Env proteins exhibited higher levels of cleavage into gp120 and gp41 compared with the full-length Env. The SHIV VLPs produced by the coexpression of SIV gag and truncated HIV env contained both precursor (gp160) and gp120, while predominantly gp160 was found in the VLPs containing full-length Env. Coinfection of a recombinant virus expressing the protease furin also resulted in more efficient cleavage of gp160 to gp120. Both full-length and truncated Env were found to induce CD4+ cell fusion. Analysis of VLPs by immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated the incorporation of both full-length and truncated Env on the surface of VLPs. Truncated Env also was incorporated at higher levels on the surfaces of VLPs than full-length Env. The assembly of VLPs containing biologically active Env proteins may be useful in vaccine development and in functional studies of the HIV envelope protein.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Determinants of outcome in patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias: the antiarrhythmics versus implantable defibrillators (AVID) study registry.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias varies according to clinical characteristics. We sought to identify predictors of survival in a large population of patients with documented sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias not related to reversible or correctable causes included in the Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) Registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the impact of 36 demographic, clinical, and discharge treatment variables on the outcome for 3559 patients. Survival status was assessed with the use of the National Death Index. Multivariate analyses were performed with the use of the Cox proportional hazards model. After a mean follow-up of 17 +/- 12 months, 631 patients died. Actuarial survival was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85 to 0.88), 0.79 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.81), and 0.72 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.74) at 1, 2, and 3 years. Multivariate predictors of worse survival included older age, severe left ventricular dysfunction, lower systolic blood pressure, history of congestive heart failure, diabetes, smoking or atrial fibrillation, and preexistent pacemaker. The hemodynamic impact of the qualifying arrhythmia was not a predictor of outcome. Defibrillator implantation and hospital discharge while the patient was taking a beta-blocker or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor were associated with better prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite therapeutic advances, the mortality rates of patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias remain high. Prognosis depends on the severity of underlying heart disease, as reflected by the extent of left ventricular dysfunction and the presence of heart failure. Well-tolerated ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease does not carry a significantly better prognosis than ventricular tachyarrhythmia with more severe hemodynamic consequences.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Vector systems for gene transfer to joints.

The prospects for the development of gene therapy treatments for certain orthopaedic diseases have been fueled by advances in the understanding of the molecular components of these disorders. These studies have identified molecules that could have therapeutic or reparative effects in certain settings. The ability to transfer and appropriately express the genes encoding these molecules is dependent on the availability of effective gene transfer vectors. Numerous vector systems have been used to transfer and express genes in joints with varied levels of success. The current review is designed to briefly outline the basics of the different gene transfer vector systems available for use by researchers in the orthopaedic fields.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2000

Filamentous particle formation by human parainfluenza virus type 2.

Some paramyxoviruses form long filamentous virus particles: however, the determinants of filament formation and the role of such particles in virus transmission and pathogenicity are not clearly defined. By using conventional immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) forms filamentous particles ranging from 5 to 15 microm in length in virus-infected, polarized epithelial cells. The formation of filamentous particles was found to be virus type-specific and was not observed when the same cell types were infected with parainfluenza virus type 3 or Sendai virus, suggesting that different paramyxovirus genera exhibit distinct morphological properties. HPIV2 filamentous particle formation was found to be inhibited by cytochalasin D (CD) or jasplakinolide treatment in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of 4 microg/ml CD or 1 microM jasplakinolide, the formation of filamentous particles was completely abolished, although similar haemagglutination and p.f.u. titres of virus were found to be released into the culture medium at 24 h post-infection. These observations indicate that host cell components, including the actin microfilament network, are important determinants of the morphology of parainfluenza viruses. The predominance of filamentous particles in polarized epithelial cells may reflect specific pathogenic roles of these particles in infection of human epithelial tissues.

Actins↗

PubMed2000

Does snoring predict sleepiness independently of apnea and hypopnea frequency?

Obstructive apneas and hypopneas during sleep are a well recognized cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. Snoring is also associated with excess sleepiness, although it is not known whether this reflects an independent effect of snoring or whether snoring is simply a marker for obstructive sleep apnea. To further explore the relation of snoring to sleepiness, we conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of community-dwelling adults participating in the Sleep Heart Health Study. The study sample comprises 2,737 men and 3,040 women with a mean age of 64 (SD 11) yr. Sleepiness was quantified using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Snoring history was obtained via a self-completion questionnaire. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI), defined as the number of apneas plus hypopneas per hour of sleep, was measured during in-home polysomnography. The ESS score increased progressively with increasing RDI, from a mean of 7.1 (4.2) in subjects with RDI < 1.5 to 8.8 (4.8) in subjects with RDI >/= 15 (p < 0.001). A progressive increase in ESS score was also seen across five categories of snoring frequency, from 6.4 (4.2) in current nonsnorers to 9.3 (4.8) in subjects who snored six to seven nights per week (p < 0.001). The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, defined as an ESS score >/= 11, increased from 15% in never-snorers to 39% in those who snored six to seven nights per week. The relation of snoring to sleepiness was seen at all levels of RDI, with no significant change in the relation of snoring to ESS score after adjustment for RDI in multivariate models. The effects of snoring and RDI on sleepiness were little affected by adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, or questionnaire evidence of insufficient sleep time or nocturnal leg jerks or cramps. We conclude that both snoring and RDI are independently associated with excess sleepiness in community-dwelling, middle-aged and older adults.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Study on the relationship of alteration and expression of p16 gene to pancreatic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To directly investigate the effect of genetic alteration(homozygous deletion and point mutation) and expression of p16 gene on pancreatic carcinomas. METHODS: Thirty-five cases were analyzed for genetic alteration and expression of p16 gene by polymerase chain reaction(PCR), single strand conformation polymorphism(SSCP), DNA sequencing and immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The analysis of pancreatic carcinoma for p16 gene revealed alteration in 19 of 35 cases, among which 12 pancreatic carcinomas had 522 bp homozygous deletion at least and 7 cases had two point mutations at the same site. One of them is 126th codon GTC --> AAT (Val126Asn); the other is 127th codon GCA --> GCG (A127A). The 3D (three-dimensional) structure of P16 protein determined by computer techniques according to PDB indicated that Val126Asn influenced the space structure of P16 protein and affected the function of P16 protein. Twelve cases revealed no P16 protein and 9 cases showed low level expression of P16 protein. CONCLUSION: The alteration of p16 gene and abnormal expression of P16 protein are significantly correlated with the biological behavior and clinical staging of pancreatic carcinoma and may hence be helpful to prognostication

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Inhibitory effect of panicoin on platelet activation and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory pathway and the possible mechanism of panicoin on platelet activation. METHODS: The effect of panicoin on platelet aggregation, thromboxane B2 release, P-selectin (GMP-140) count, levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP induced by ADP, epinephrine, arachidonic acid (AA) or thrombin were observed. RESULTS: (1) Panicoin significantly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arachidonic acid and epinephrine in a dose-dependent manner; (2) It reduces the P-selectin number on platelet surface which was stimulated by thrombin; (3) It inhibits TXB2 release induced by AA and increases the platelet cyclic AMP level, while cyclic GMP level was not changed. CONCLUSION: Panicoin shows a potent inhibition on platelet activation and antithrombotic effect. The mechanisms seem to be related with the elevation of platelet cyclic AMP.

Blood Platelets↗