Biomedical subjects

Qi Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Qi Wang.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Optimization of preparation of DHAQ-loaded PEG-PLGA-PEG nonaparticles using central composite design.

Mitoxantrone (DHAQ)-loaded poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) -poly (ethyleneglycol) (PELGE) nanoparticles (NP) were fabricated using an emulsification/solvent evaporation technique. A central composite design (CCD) was applied to evaluate the joint influence of three formulation variables: the amounts of polymer, concentration of the DHAQ, and the ratio of the organic phase (inner-phase) and the aqueous phase (outer-phase). In this study, we optimize the preparation technology on the basis of the single factor evaluation. The optimal conditions for the preparation of DHAQ-loaded nanoparticle were found to be: the concentration of PELGE was 9 mg/mL, the concentration of inner-phase of DHAQ was 27.5 mg/L, and the ratio of inner-phase/outer-phase was 8.5/1. The results showed that CCD is an ideal technique for formulation studies. The entrapment efficiency ratio (ER) was 90% and particle sizes are less than 500 nm. The nanoparticles, as examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), have a smooth and spherical surface. The DHAQ could be loaded into PELGE copolymers. In this study, the DHAQ nanoparticle-polymer delivery system was established by using PELGE polymers as carrier material.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2006

Research on leachate recirculation from different types of landfills.

Landfills can produce a great amount of leachate containing highly concentrated organic matter. This is especially true for the initial leachate from landfilled municipal solid wastes (MSW) that generally has concentrations of COD(Cr) and BOD(5) up to 80,000 and 50,000mg/L, respectively. The leachate could be disposed by means of recirculating technique, which decomposes the organics through the action of proliferating microorganisms and thereby purifies the leachate, and simultaneously accelerates organic decomposition through water saturation control. Data from experimental results indicated that leachate recirculating could reduce the organic concentration considerably, with a maximum reduction rate of COD(Cr) over 95%; and, using a semi-aerobic process, NH(3)-N concentration of treated leachate could be under 10mg/L. In addition, the organic concentration in MSW decreased greatly.

Aerobiosis↗

PubMed2006

Solution and conformational properties of wheat beta-D-glucans studied by light scattering and viscometry.

The solution properties of wheat beta-glucan were investigated by light scattering and viscometric methods. The hydrodynamic radius (R(h)), weight average molecular weight (M(w)), radius of gyration (R(g)), and the second virial coefficient (A(2)) of wheat beta-glucan were determined by both dynamic and static light scattering methods, whereas the critical concentrations (c) of the solution were derived from [eta] via viscometric method. The structure sensitive parameters, rho (1.52-1.62), the conformation parameter nu (0.62), and the Mark-Houwink-Sakurada exponents alpha (0.78) confirmed the random coil conformation of wheat beta-glucan in 0.5 M NaOH solution. The characteristic ratio (4.97) was obtained by the random flight model, and the statistical segment length (8.83 nm) was derived from the wormlike cylinder model. It was found that the wormlike cylinder model could explain the chain stiffness better than the random flight model, which suggested an extended random coil conformation of wheat beta-glucan in 0.5 M NaOH solution. The study also revealed that the structure feature of wheat beta-glucan; that is, the higher trisaccharide-to-tetrasaccharide ratio contributed to the stiffer chain conformation compared with other cereal beta-glucans.

Light↗

PubMed2006

Earliest recollections of self and others in European American and Taiwanese young adults.

This study examined the age and content of earliest childhood memories of self and others. European American and Taiwanese participants (N= 111) retrieved their earliest memories in response to the cue words self, mother, family, friend, and surroundings. Memory for mother was from an earlier age than memory for self, and memories for mother, family, and friend were more socially oriented in content than memories for self or surroundings. In addition, in response to all cue words, Euro-Americans recalled memories from an earlier age than did Taiwanese. Euro-Americans also had a greater tendency to report memories of specific events and focused more on their own roles and autonomy than did Taiwanese, who more often described routine events and emphasized the roles of others. These findings have important implications for infantile amnesia and the memory-self interplay.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

cDNA cloning of two novel T-superfamily conotoxins from Conus leopardus.

The full-length cDNAs of two novel T-superfamily conotoxins, Lp5.1 and Lp5.2, were cloned from a vermivorous cone snail Conus leopardus using 3'/5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cDNA of Lp5.1 encodes a precursor of 65 residues, including a 22-residue signal peptide, a 28-residue propeptide and a 15-residue mature peptide. Lp5.1 is processed at the common signal site-X-Arg- immediately before the mature peptide sequences. In the case of Lp5.2, the precursor includes a 25-residue signal peptide and a 43-residue sequence comprising the propeptide and mature peptide, which is probably cleaved to yield a 29-residue propeptide and a 14-residue mature toxin. Although these two conotoxins share a similar signal sequence and a conserved disulfide pattern with the known T-superfamily, the pro-region and mature peptides are of low identity, especially Lp5.2 with an identity as low as 10.7% compared with the reference Mr5.1a. The elucidated cDNAs of these two toxins will facilitate a better understanding of the species distribution, the sequence diversity of T-superfamily conotoxins, the special gene structure and the evolution of these peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Supported employment outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of ACT and clubhouse models.

OBJECTIVE: In a randomized controlled trial, a vocationally integrated program of assertive community treatment (ACT) was compared with a certified clubhouse in the delivery of supported employment services. METHODS: Employment rates, total work hours, and earnings for 121 adults with serious mental illness interested in work were compared with published benchmark figures for exemplary supported employment programs. The two programs were then compared on service engagement, retention, and employment outcomes in regression analyses that controlled for background characteristics, program preference, and vocational service receipt. RESULTS: Outcomes for 63 ACT and 58 clubhouse participants met or exceeded most published outcomes for specialized supported employment teams. Compared with the clubhouse program, the ACT program had significantly (p<.05) better service engagement (ACT, 98 percent; clubhouse, 74 percent) and retention (ACT, 79 percent; clubhouse, 58 percent) over 24 months, but there was no significant difference in employment rates (ACT, 64 percent; clubhouse, 47 percent). Compared with ACT participants, clubhouse participants worked significantly longer (median of 199 days versus 98 days) for more total hours (median of 494 hours versus 234 hours) and earned more (median of $3,456 versus $1,252 total earnings). Better work performance by clubhouse participants was partially attributable to higher pay. CONCLUSIONS: Vocationally integrated ACT and certified clubhouses can achieve employment outcomes similar to those of exemplary supported employment teams. Certified clubhouses can effectively provide supported employment along with other rehabilitative services, and the ACT program can ensure continuous integration of supported employment with clinical care.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[RNA fingerprinting of the differential expression fragments related to cytoplasmic male sterility in Chinese cabbage].

In order to investigate the differential expression of the genes related to cytoplasmic male sterility in Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Penkinsis), a modified RNA fingerprinting technique was developed to compare the difference in the total RNA from flower bud of Chinese cabbage among cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) lines, maintainer lines and F1 hybrids. Four stably differential fragments S47-412, S93-622, S176-343 and S199-904 were amplified, cloned and sequenced with primers selected from 186 random primers. Based on the nucleotide sequence of the four differential fragments, four pairs of specific primers were designed to validate the differential fragments. The validation showed S47-412 and S93-622 were false positives and S176-343 and S199-904 were confirmed by PCR with the specific primers. Sequence analysis revealed that both of two differential fragments had strong homology with the nucleotide sequence of orf224/atp6 site of Polima CMS and the nucleotide sequence of S176-343 and S199-904 had a superposed region. All these indicate that the two fragments probably have strong relationship with cytoplasmic male sterility in Chinese cabbage.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Maternal antenatal administration of vitamin K1 results in increasing the activities of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in umbilical blood and in decreasing the incidence rate of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants.

AIMS: Infants less than 35 weeks' gestation age are susceptible to periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH). This may be partially attributable to low concentrations of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the umbilical blood activity levels of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X; (2) to investigate the change in activities of these factors in premature infants' umbilical blood after prenatal administration of vitamin K1 to the mothers; and (3) to study the prophylactic effects on PIVH after maternal antenatal supplemental vitamin K1. METHODS: Pregnant women in preterm labor at less than 35 weeks of gestation were randomly selected to receive antenatal vitamin K1 10 mg per day injection intramuscularly or intravenously for 2-7 days (vitamin K1 group, n = 40), or no such treatment (control group, n = 50). At the same period, cord blood samples were collected from thirty full-term neonates to compare the factor levels with those of premature infants. Intracranial ultrasound was performed by the same sonographer to determine the presence and severity of PIVH. RESULTS: The activities of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in umbilical blood in the control group were: factor II 25.64+/-9.49%, factor VII 59.00+/-17.66%, factor IX 24.67+/-8.88%, and factor X 30.16+/-5.02%. In full-term infants, the respective values were: factor II 36.70+/-4.88%, factor VII 64.54+/-10.62%, factor IX 30.18+/-5.69%, and factor X 34.32+/-12.63%. In vitamin K1 group these factors were: factor II 36.35+/-6.88%, factor VII 69.59+/-16.55%, factor IX 25.71+/-10.88%, and factor X 39.26+/-8.02%. The data suggest the absence of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in preterm infants, and antenatal supplement of vitamin K1 may increase the cord blood activity of factor II, VII and factor X (P < 0.001). In addition, the overall rates of PIVH in the vitamin K1 group and in controls were 32.4 and 52.0%, respectively (P = 0.036), and the frequency of severe PIVH was 5.0 and 20.0%, respectively (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of vitamin K1 to pregnant women at less than 35 weeks' gestation age may result in improved coagulation and may reduce the incidence as well as the severity degree of PIVH.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

PubMed2006

Sequential events in ribonuclease A thermal unfolding characterized by two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy.

The conformational changes in the thermal denaturation of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A was followed with infrared spectra and analyzed by second derivative and two-dimensional correlation techniques. By analyzing the sequential events in each transition stage, the results were consistent with a step-wise thermal denaturation mechanism in which the structural adjustment of the N-terminal and the opening of the central structure of the protein come before the main unfolding process. Non-native turns were found to form along with the unfolding of the native structures. The central region that is composed of some beta-sheet and alpha-helical structures was found to be the most stable part that might form the residual structure at high temperatures.

Circular Dichroism↗

PubMed2006

A study of maternal hemodynamic change during healthy pregnancy and women with gestation hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the maternal hemodynamic changes that occurs during pregnancy. To find out the difference that lie in healthy pregnancy and women with gestational hypertension. To introduce a method that is applied to shift high-risk women of gestational hypertension in pregnancy women. METHOD: Serial hemodynamic investigations (total 8 times) were performed throughout pregnancy period by radioulnar pulse wave electrical monitoring in 182 women (130 with healthy pregnancies, 52 with gestational hypertension). Analysis of variance with repeated measurements was used to evaluate the course of a number of hemodynamic indices. To identify the correlation between these changes and gestational hypertension by using above method. RESULTS: A significant difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), total Peripheral Resistance (TPR) and heart rat (HR) was observed different between normal pregnancy and women with gestational hypertension. The changes of parameters in normal woman and gestational hypertension were recorded and the mechanism of gestational hypertension was heterogenous. CONCLUSION: These results provide sensitive parameters for use in early risk assessment and as a guide to preventive intervention during pregnancy.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2006

[Effect of acupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on glucose metabolism in the patient of dysmenorrhea].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the central modulating mechanism of acupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) in treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: 18F-FDG positron emission tomograph imaging of whole brain was performed in six patients with primary dysmenorrhea during two stimulation: pseudo acupuncture and real acupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The areas of cerebral glycometabolism change were obtained by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Meanwhile the pain intensity before and after pseudo-acupuncture and real acupuncture was assessed with 0-10 numerical pain intensity scale. RESULTS: No differences in the values of pain before and after pseudo-acupuncture (P > 0.05). The value of pain after acupuncture was significantly lower than that before acupuncture (P < 0.01). Most of the activated brain areas were shared with the areas activated by pain as described in the literature. The brain areas of increasing glycometabolism were ipsilateral lentiformn nucleus (globus pallidus, putamen), cerebellum and insula, bilateral thalamus, ipsilateral paracentral lobule, bilateral amygdala, contralateral midbrain, bilateral second somatosensory cortex, ipsilateral hippocampus and anterior cingulate, contralateral mammillary body. The brain areas of decreasing glycometabolism were limited in small cerebral cortex. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can relieve significantly the pain of the patient. Primary dysmenorrhea is cured mainly by activating the area involved in pain. It is indicated that acupuncture can relieve pain and balancing the pain-related central networks. Also neuroendocrine may play a role in the therapy.

Acupuncture↗

PubMed2006

[Comparison of two types of double-lined simulated landfill leakage detection based on high voltage DC method].

Two types of double high density polyethylene (HDPE) liners landfill that clay or geogrid was added between the two HDPE liners. The general resistance of the second mode is 15% larger than the general resistance of the first mode in the primary HDPE liner detection, and 20% larger than that of the first one in the secondary HDPE liner detection. High voltage DC method can accomplish the leakage detection and location of these two types of landfill and the error of leakage location is less than 10cm when electrode space is 1m.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed2006

[Immune responses in rhesus induced by recombinant adenovirus Ad-LMP2].

BACKGROUND: To observe the LMP2 specific cellular and humoral immune responses after immunization with recombinant adenovirus Ad-LMP2 in rhesus. METHODS: The rhesuses were immunized with Ad-LMP2 through intra muscular injection in three groups, high dosage (4.5 x 10(11) VP/kg), medium dosage (1.5 x 10(11) VP/kg) and low dosage (0.5 x 10(11) VP/kg) groups. They were totally immunized six times at intervals of 5 days. The specific cellular immune responses were tested during the 7th week by ELISPOT after immunization. And the titers of anti-LMP2 antibody were tested by EIA throughout the period of immunization. RESULTS: LMP2 induced specific cellular and humoral immune responses in all three dosage group. The potency of immune responses was related with the dosage of immunization. Higher dosage elicited more potent immune response. Both the neutralizing antibody to adenovirus and anti-LMP2 antibody could be detected from 2 weeks after immunization. They would reach the peak during 3-4 weeks after immunization, then declined during the 7th week after immunization. CONCLUSION: The recombinant adenovirus LMP2 could induce specific cellular and humoral responses in rhesus after immunization.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2006

[Effect of perfusion CT scan on hepatic hemodynamic changes in rats with liver micrometastases].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Hepatic metastases are common for patients with malignant tumors, especially for the gastrointestinal malignancies. Early diagnosis confers better prognosis. This study was designed to investigate the hepatic hemodynamic changes by multi-slice helical perfusion CT in rats with liver micrometastatases of Walker-256 tumor cells. METHODS: Liver micrometastatases were produced in 22 SD rats by injecting 2 x 10(7) Walker-256 cells into the spleens. The ten experimental control rats were injected with normal saline solution. Ten rats were randomized into empty self control group from the experimental group before injecting tumor cells, which were studied by CT perfusion technique before being injected tumor cells. The time-density curves of the aorta, portal vein, and liver were used to calculate liver perfusion parameters by gradient method designed for the dual blood supply. These liver perfusion parameters were hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP), portal vein perfusion (PVP), hepatic perfusion index (HPI) and total hepatic blood flow. All the parameters were compared between the groups. H&E staining method was used to confirm the micrometastases pathologically. RESULTS: In the experimental group, 19 rats were found with micrometastases, of which the diameter was 0.5 mm to 6.6 mm. HAP was (97.67+/-31.42) ml x min(-1) x (100 ml) (-1) in metastasis group, and (43.35+/-17.39)ml x min(-1) x (100 ml) (-1) in control group, and (40.77+/-18.91) ml x min(-1) x (100 ml) (-1) in empty self control group. PVP was (295.49+/-61.85) ml x min(-1) x (100 ml) (-1) in metastasis group, and (385.7+/-71.25) ml x min(-1) x (100 ml) (-1) in control group, and (362.73+/-78.56) ml x min(-1) x (100 ml) (-1) in empty self control group, It was found that the HAP was higher in the rats with micrometastases than in those of the empty control group and also those of control group (F=47.84, P<0.000,1). While the PVP was lower in the rats with micrometastases than in those of the two control groups (F=14.10, P<0.000,1). For the total hepatic blood flow, no significant difference was found among the three groups (F=1.39, P=0.255). CONCLUSION: Higher HAP and lower PVP was noted in the rats with micrometastases. Perfusion CT technique can be used to evaluate the hepatic hemodynamic changes and thus has a potential clinical value for early diagnosis of liver micrometastases.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 promoter gene polymorphism is significantly associated with ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by the T-cell excessive activation of intestinal mucosa. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a negative regulator of T-lymphocyte activation. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between CTLA-4 promoter -1722 (T/C), -1661 (A/G) polymorphisms and ulcerative colitis (UC) in Han Chinese, in Hubei province of central China. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with UC and 116 healthy controls were genotyped for CTLA-4 promoter -1722 and -1661 polymorphisms with a method of polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The frequency of "A/G + G/G" genotype at the -1661 site was statistically higher in UC patients than in healthy controls (34.5% vs 15.5%, P = 0.002, OR = 2.865, 95% CI = 1.467-5.596). The frequency of the G allele at the -1661 site was also significantly higher in UC patients than in the controls (19.0% vs 8.2%, P = 0.002, OR = 2.624, 95% CI = 1.435-4.796). However, the distribution of the genotypes at -1722 site was not significantly different between the UC patients and the controls. CONCLUSION: The G allele of CTLA-4 promoter -1661 polymorphism showed a highly significant association with UC in Han Chinese of the central China.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Seasonal variation of bioavailable phosphorus in sediments in northeast part of Taihu Lake].

The concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), bioavailable phosphorus (BAP) and their seasonal changes in the surface sediments (0-10 cm) from three different regions of northeast of Taihu Lake were investigated. The results show that the concentrations of TP and BAP in the sediment are coincided with the corresponding trophic level of the overlying water. The concentrations of TP and BAP in the sediments varied widely not only between sampling sites but also between seasons. There is a significant correlation between BAP and TP in surface sediments, and their regression analysis equation varies with seasons. It is suggested to evaluate potential phosphorus-release risk of the sediment based on the TP concentration of the corresponding seasons.

China↗

PubMed2006

[Spatial variability of temperature in semi-aerobic landfilling structure].

The study indicated that the semivariogram function of temperature in semi-aerobic landfilling structure could be well modeled by the linear with sill model. The correlation range of the profile was 3.5 m, and the sill value was 83.6. The unmeasured temperature values were interpolated with Kriging method, and the temperature isoline showed that high temperature region located at 3 to approximately 5.5 m in the vertical direction of the middle part, while low temperature area laid in 0 to approximately 1 m on the two sides of the landfill structure and substrate. The weighted average temperature of the profile was 59.80 degrees C, which could be regarded as the indicator of landfilling structure' s formation.

Models, Theoretical↗

PubMed2006

[Identification of serum biomarkers for ovarian cancer using protein chips and time of flight mass spectrometry technology].

OBJECTIVE: To screen relatively specific biomarkers in serum of ovarian cancer patients using surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and protein chip technology. METHODS: Serum samples from 99 ovarian cancer patients, 87 healthy volunteers and 21 patients with other ovarian diseases were analyzed using metal affinity chromatography protein chip IMAC3 and cation exchange protein chip WCX2, which can specifically bind the metal-combining-proteins. Proteomic spectra were generated by mass spectrometry. The peaks were detected and filtrated by Ciphergen proteinchip software 3.2.0. Using the Biomarker Pattern 5.0 software, a diagnostic system was developed for separating ovarian cancer from the healthy group. RESULTS: Thirty-one protein peaks were significantly different between ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05). A diagnostic model consisting of protein peaks from IMAC3 and WCX2 was established. Large scale blind test generated a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98% respectively. A differentially expressed protein with a mass-to-charge rate of 7769 was identified as potential biomarkers to distinguish ovarian cancer from other ovarian diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Time of flight mass spectrometry is a useful tool for the detection and identification of new protein markers in serum. It will provide a highly accurate and innovative approach for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Adult↗