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Biomedical subjects

S Cai

Publications and source records attributed to S Cai.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Electronic effects in transition metal porphyrins. 10. Effect of ortho substituents on the temperature dependence of the NMR spectra of a series of spin-admixed perchloratoiron(III) tetrakis(2,6- or 2,4,6-phenyl substituted)porphyrinates.

The perchloratoiron(III) complexes of a series of 2,6-disubstituted tetraphenylporphyrin ligands, where the 2,6-phenyl substituents were -H, -F, -Cl, -Br, or -OMe, as well as two 2,4,6-phenyl-substituted complexes, where the substituents were -Me and -OMe, have been investigated as a function of temperature by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Curvature in the 1/T dependence was evident in most cases. Forced linear extrapolation of the temperature dependence observed over the range of the study yielded Curie plots that include negative slopes with very large positive 1/T intercepts (Cl approximately Br > Me > H) to negative slope with near zero intercept (tri-OMe) to positive slope with very large negative intercept (F, di-OMe). The NMR results were combined with EPR spectroscopic data and curve-fitting procedures based on an expanded Curie law to arrive at a consistent overview of the variety of temperature-dependence behaviors observed. This overview relies upon the premise that, in addition to the ground state observed by EPR spectroscopy, one (or more) thermally accessible excited state(s) are populated to varying degrees over the temperature range of the NMR measurements. If only one excited state is considered, the analysis is consistent with the ground state being a largely intermediate-spin state (S = 3/2) for the majority of the complexes but a largely high-spin state (S = 5/2) for ((2,6-F2)4TPP)FeOClO3 and ((2,6-(OMe)2)4TPP)FeOClO3.

Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy↗

Observation of T lymphocyte subsets in the liver of patients with advanced schistosomiasis and advanced schistosomiasis accompanied with hepatitis B.

T lymphocyte subsets in the liver were detected by Avidin-Biotin Complex (ABC) assay in 22 patients with advanced schistosomiasis (AS) and 5 cases of AS accompanied with hepatitis B. T lymphocytes in the liver of AS patients were distributed in the peripheral layer of egg granuloma or the area near eggs in non-granuloma. No infiltrative T lymphocytes were observed in area with extensive fibrosis. There was infiltration of many T cells in the portal tract, piecemeal and focal necrosis area as well as in hepatic sinus in AS patients accompanied with hepatitis B. CD8+ T cells (suppressor/cytotoxic T cells, Ts/Tc) in the liver were predominant in the two groups. In AS patients, marked hepatic fibrosis, a small number of T cell infiltration and slight hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were observed. However, obvious hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were seen in AS patients accompanied with hepatitis B, and 3 cases of them developed active liver cirrhosis. The results indicated immune response was weak in the liver in AS patients and Ts cells might be predominant in the subset of CD8+ T lymphocytes. Cellular immune response was relatively strong in AS patients accompanied with hepatitis B and the infiltrative CD8+ T lymphocytes might be mainly Tc cells.

Adolescent↗

Study on biologic activity for membrane of normal bone marrow cells with infection of epidemic hemorrhagic fever virus.

Using DPH fluorescence probe, the membrane of normal bone marrow cells with infection of epidemic hemorrhagic fever virus (EHFV) was labeled. The membrane lipid fluidity was obviously decreased from the membrane lipid fluorescence polarization. The membrane lipid fluidity of lymphocyte, monocyte and neutrophilic granulocyte was dynamically observed. After culturing the cells for 1, 6, 24 and 72 h, it was found that all the membrane lipid fluidity of the infected cells was decreased obviously with the longer the culturing time, the more obvious it. Compared with the normal control groups, there was a significant difference statistically (P < 0.05-0.01). It was suggested that the decrease of the membrane lipid fludity of normal bone marrow cell with infection of EHFV had correlation with the degree of virus invading and cell-function injury.

Bone Marrow Cells↗

The role of natural killer cells in protection of mice against death and corneal scarring following ocular HSV-1 infection.

C57BL/6 mice depleted of NK (natural killer) cells with anti-asialo-GM1 antibody were more susceptible to lethal HSV-1 ocular challenge (12% survival) than control C57BL/6 mice (100% survival), CD4+ depleted mice (100% survival), CD8+ depleted mice (80% survival), or macrophage depleted mice (85% survival). NK depletion also resulted in significantly higher levels of HSV-1 induced corneal scarring than was seen with any of the other groups. C57BL/6 mice depleted of NK cells with PK136 (anti-NK1.1 antibody which is more specific for NK cells than is anti-asialo-GM1 antibody) were also more susceptible to HSV-1 ocular challenge than T cell or macrophage depleted mice. Vaccination completely protected NK depleted mice against death and corneal scarring. In contrast to C57BL/6 mice, in BALB/c mice, NK depletion had no effect on survival or corneal scarring following ocular HSV-1 challenge. Experiments with IFN-gamma knockout mice (IFN-gamma(o/o) mice) suggested that IFN-gamma played a minor role in protection of naïve mice against death following HSV-1 challenge. However, IFN-gamma did not appear to be an important factor in protection against HSV-1 induced eye disease. Thus, protection against HSV-1 induced corneal scarring in naive mice appeared to be due to a non-INF-gamma NK function. Our results therefore suggest that NK cells were very important in protecting naive C57BL/6 mice but not vaccinated C57BL/6 mice against corneal scarring and death following ocular HSV-1 challenge.

Animals↗

Antimicrobial effects of novel siderophores linked to beta-lactam antibiotics.

As a strategy to increase the penetration of antibiotic drugs through the outer membrane of gram-negative pathogens, facilitated transport through siderophore receptors has been frequently exploited. Hydroxamic acids, catechols, or very close isosteres of catechols, which are mimics of naturally occurring siderophores, have been used successfully as covalently linked escorting moieties, but a much wider diversity of iron binding motifs exists. This observation, coupled to the relative lack of specificity of siderophore receptors, prompted us to initiate a program to identify novel, noncatechol siderophoric structures. We screened over 300 compounds for their ability to (1) support growth in low iron medium of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa siderophore biosynthesis deletion mutant, or (2) compete with a bactericidal siderophore-antibiotic conjugate for siderophore receptor access. From these assays we identified a set of small molecules that fulfilled one or both of these criteria. We then synthesized these compounds with functional groups suitable for attachment to both monobactam and cephalosporin core structures. Siderophore-beta-lactam conjugates then were tested against a panel of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus strains. Although several of the resultant chimeric compounds had antimicrobial activity approaching that of ceftazidime, and most compounds demonstrated very potent activity against their cellular targets, only a single compound was obtained that had enhanced, siderophore-mediated antibacterial activity. Results with tonB mutants frequently showed increased rather than decreased susceptibilities. suggesting that multiple factors influenced the intracellular concentration of the drugs.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Stat1 as a component of tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1-TRADD signaling complex to inhibit NF-kappaB activation.

Activated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) receptor 1 (TNFR1) recruits TNFR1-associated death domain protein (TRADD), which in turn triggers two opposite signaling pathways leading to caspase activation for apoptosis induction and NF-kappaB activation for antiapoptosis gene upregulation. Here we show that Stat1 is involved in the TNFR1-TRADD signaling complex, as determined by employing a novel antibody array screening method. In HeLa cells, Stat1 was associated with TNFR1 and this association was increased with TNF-alpha treatment. TNFR1 signaling factors TRADD and Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) were also found to interact with Stat1 in a TNF-alpha-dependent process. Our in vitro recombinant protein-protein interaction studies demonstrated that Stat1 could directly interact with TNFR1 and TRADD but not with FADD. Interaction between Stat1 and receptor-interacting protein (RIP) or TNFR-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) was not detected. Examination of Stat1-deficient cells showed an apparent increase in TNF-alpha-induced TRADD-RIP and TRADD-TRAF2 complex formation, while interaction between TRADD and FADD was unaffected. As a consequence, TNF-alpha-mediated I-kappaB degradation and NF-kappaB activation were markedly enhanced in Stat1-deficient cells, whereas overexpression of Stat1 in 293T cells blocked NF-kappaB activation by TNF-alpha. Thus, Stat1 acts as a TNFR1-signaling molecule to suppress NF-kappaB activation.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are involved in protection against HSV-1 induced corneal scarring.

AIM: To determine the relative impact of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in protecting mice against ocular HSV-1 challenge. METHODS: CD4+ T cell knockout mice (CD4-/- mice), CD8+ T cell knockout mice (CD8-/- mice), and mice depleted for CD4+ or CD8+ T cells by antibody (CD4+ depleted and CD8+ depleted mice), were examined for their ability to withstand HSV-1 ocular challenge. The parental mice for both knockout mice were C57BL/6J. RESULTS: These results suggest that: (1) both CD4+ deficient mice (CD4-/- and CD4+ depleted mice) and CD8+ deficient mice (CD8-/-, and CD8+ depleted mice) developed significantly more corneal scarring than their C57BL/6J parental strain; (2) the duration of virus clearance from the eyes of the CD4+ deficient mice was 4 days longer than that of the CD8+ deficient mice; and (3) the severity of corneal scarring in the CD4+ deficient mice was approximately twice that of the CD8+ deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS: It was reported here that: (1) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were both involved in protection against lethal ocular HSV-1 infection; and (2) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were both involved in protection against HSV-1 induced corneal scarring.

Animals↗

Influence of antimicrobial subinhibitory concentrations on hemolytic activity and bacteriocin-like substances in oral Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is considered for its role in colonization of initial and late microorganisms in dental plaque and for its coaggregation with other bacterial species. It is known that action of different antimicrobial substances may interfere with either virulence factors or with host-bacteria interaction. The goal of this study was to examine the influence of subinhibitory concentrations of chlorhexidine, triclosan, penicillin G and metronidazole on hemolytic activity and bacteriocin-like substance production of oral F. nucleatum. A high resistance to penicillin G was observed and 63% of the isolates were beta-lactamase positive. All the tested isolates were susceptible to metronidazole. F. nucleatum isolates grown with or without antimicrobials were alpha-hemolytics. Bacteriocin-like substance production was increased in isolates grown with penicillin G. Impaired production of hemolytic or antagonic substances can suggest a role in the regulation of oral microbiota.

Adult↗

Secretory response of endothelin-1 in cultured human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells to shear stress.

The shear-induced secretory response of endothelin-1 (ET-1) by human microvascular endothelial cells was studied using paired human glomerular microvascular endothelial cell (HGMEC) cultured monolayers exposed to steady-state laminar shear stress for up to 10 hours. The first cell monolayer was subjected to a shear stress of 0.65 N m-2 and the second, 1.3 N m-2. ET-1 secretion was determined by radioimmunoassay. Over 10 hours of shear, the total cumulative secretion of ET-1 was 237.4 pg/cm2 for the monolayer exposed to 1.3 N m-2 and 143.6 pg/cm2 for the monolayer exposed to 0.65 N m-2. The average ET-1 secretion rate was 20.90 +/- 2.15 and 12.45 +/- 1.05 pg/cm2.h at 0.65 N m-2 and 1.3 N m-2, respectively. The results showed that ET-1 secretion varied with the time of shear in a nonlinear fashion. Although the level of shear stress affected the absolute value of ET-1 cumulative secretion and secretion rate, the major secretion period for both monolayers occurred between 2.0 and 8.0 hours, with the peak secretion rate occurring at approximately 5 hours. Thus, the response of cultured human microvascular endothelial cells to shear stress differed from that of large vessel endothelial cell cultures in terms of ET-1 secretion. In addition to the level of shear stress, the time of shear was also an important determinant of ET-1 secretion. Consequently, the heterogeneity of vascular endothelial cells and the time of shear should both be considered in future research on the secretion of vascular endothelial cell cultures.

Capillaries↗

[Optimizing design in tissue engineering].

Tissue engineering may provide an alternative to organ transplantation and tissue transplantation which are both suffering from the limited condition of supply, so it is one of the research high-lights. This article puts forward the viewpoint of optimizing design according to its components and makes relevant suggestion; the aim is to lay a foundation for tissue engineering.

Biocompatible Materials↗

[Community characteristics of rare trees at Dalaoling of Three-Gorge reservoir area in western Hubei Province].

The quantitative characteristics, plant frequency in layers and species diversity of David involucrata var. vilnoriniara, Euptlea pleiosperma, Stewartia sinensis and Pterostyrax psilophtila communities at Dalaoling National Forest Park Reserve of Yichang were studied qualitatively and quantitatively. The community composition and structure were made clear, the succession courses and stages of the communities were revealed, and the role of these rare trees on the succession course of communities and the cause of being in imminent danger were analyzed, which provided a theoretical basis for protecting the rare trees in the Three-Gorge reservoir area.

China↗

Expression of the MAGE-1 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: To further investigate the expression of MAGE-1 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: The tumors and adjacent liver tissue from 45 HCC patients and liver tissue from 28 non-HCC patients (16 with liver cirrhosis and 12 with normal liver) were characterized by RT-PCR. A 421 bp PCR product from a cDNA fragment spanning exons 1, 2 and 3 was sequenced. The HLA type was assayed by standard ELISA in 43 HCC patients. RESULTS: Thirty-two of 45 tumor tissues from HCC patients expressed MAGE-1 mRNA (71.1%). In contrast, MAGE-1 mRNA was not detected in adjacent tissues. Three were found to have point mutations at 3 identical sites resulting in the substitution of two amino acid residues. The most frequent HLA types in 43 HCC patients were: HLA-A2, 53.5%; A11, 25.6%; A24, 20.9%; A33, 20.9%; HLA-B13, 28.3% and B35, 23.2%. Expression of HLA-A33 (20.9%) was higher in HCC patients than that predicted in the normal Chinese population (8.8%). There was no discemable correlation between MAGE-1 expression and alpha-FP level, tumor size and hepatitis B or C virus infection. The identification of peptides which are restricted by haploptypes other than A1 should increase the opportunity for peptide based immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that MAGE-1 mRNA is highly expressed in HCC tumor tissue in Chinese patients. Previously unreported point mutations in the MAGE-1 gene are described and may also provide additional opportunities for immunotherapy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Melanoma antigen-3 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of melanoma antigen-3 (MAGE-3) mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and probe into the theoretical feasibility that MAGE-3 antigens can be developed as a new peptide vaccine for immunotherapy in HCC patients. METHODS: The expression of MAGE-3 mRNA in HCC tissues and the adjacent non-HCC liver tissues was studied using RT-PCR in 45 HCC patients. The results were compared with those of 16 cirrhotic patients and 12 patients whose liver tissues were pathologically normal. MAGE-3 mRNA positive PCR products were DNA sequenced in 3 HCC patients. The sequenced fragments of MAGE-3 cDNA were used as template by which a [alpha(32)P] labeled probe was synthesized and employed for Southern blot analysis. HLA class I-A and -B typing of 43 HCC patients were assayed by ELISA. RESULTS: Of the 45 HCC samples, 35 (78%) expressed MAGE-3 mRNA and six HCC adjacent tissues were also positive in MAGE-3 expression. Pathological examination showed cellular heteromorphism in these adjacent tissues. The non-HCC liver tissues from cirrhosis and normal liver samples were not MAGE-3 mRNA detectable. The DNA sequence confirmed that the target gene fragment in all of the 3 samples of PCR products was MAGE-3 cDNA. Southern blotting result confirmed that of RT-PCR assay. In HCC patients, the predominant types of HLA were A(2) (53.5%), A(11) (25.6%), A(24) (20.9%), A(33) (20.9%), B(13) (28.3%), and B(35) (23.2%). MAGE-3 mRNA expression in HCC showed no correlation with the level of serum AFP and the size of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: MAGE-3 mRNA is expressed at a high percentage of HCC samples. This tumor rejection antigen may be used as peptide vaccine for immunotherapy of HCC patients. The phenomena that some non-HCC adjacent tissues with heteromorphism can express MAGE-3 like their paired HCC tissues indicate that the expression of MAGE-3 may be an indicator in the early stage of carcinogenesis of liver tissues.

Aged↗

[The modulating effect of panax pseudoginseng wall saponins on the DAG-PKC signal pathway and TNF secretion of macrophages].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the roles of panax pseudoginseng wall saponins on the DAG-PKC signal pathway and TNF secretion of macrophages. METHODS: The changes of the activities of postburn inositol lipid signal system factors such as PLC, DAG, cytomembrane PKC, cytoplasma PKC, and intracellular calcium concentration and the secretory amount of macrophage TNF were observed. RESULTS: Panax pseudoginseng wall saponins could reduce the increased PLC activity from 57.58 +/- 8.19 to 27.00 +/- 2.31 and the intracellular calcium concentration from 393.18 +/- 392.62 to 90.56 +/- 7.21. With the role of panax pseudoginseng wall saponins, DAG activity reduced from 488.10 +/- 40.20 to 288.30 +/- 30.00, cytomembrane PKC activity decreased from 3081.50 +/- 698.50 to 1699.50 +/- 218.50, and cytoplasmic PKC activity from 2 188.60 +/- 258.30 to 848.40 +/- 138.30. The secretory TNF amount of macrophage decreased by 55%. CONCLUSION: Panax pseudoginseng wall saponins might play an very important role in the modulating of the DAG-PKC signal pathway and decreased TNF secretion of macrophage.

Animals↗

[Randomized controlled trial of sequence mass screening program for colorectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: In order to assess the effectiveness of mass screening program for colorectal cancer, a sequence mass screening program based on RPHA-FOBT and individual quantitative risk assessment model (attributive degree value, AD) was used and evaluated on its effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The residents of Jiashan county aged 30 years and over were randomized to either screening or control groups in 1989. Participants in screening group were asked to fill in a questionnaire and to submit one paper slide with stool. Participants who tested positive underwent diagnostic evaluations including flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. RESULTS: According to the cancer registry of Jiashan, after initial mass screening in 1989, the 8-year cumulative incidence per 1,000 of colorectal cancer in screening and control groups appeared to be 3.95 (95% CI 3.81 - 4.10) and 4.01 (95% CI 3.86 - 4.16) respectively. There was no significant statistical difference between two groups (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the 8-year cumulative mortality for colorectal cancer in screening group (2.08 per 1,000; 95% CI 1.96 - 2.18) was reduced 14.7% comparing with the control group (2.44 per 1,000; 95% CI 2.33 - 2.55). In particular, the cumulative mortality of rectal cancer was significantly (31.7%) lower than that in control group. Log-rank test showed that survival rate of rectal cancer in screening group was higher than that in controls (log-rank = 9.01, P = 0.0027). CONCLUSIONS: The sequential mass-screening program which based on RPHA-FOBT and ADV might reduce the mortality for colorectal cancer in the Chinese population.

Adult↗

[Effects of YMB injection on hemorheology in rats].

This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of YMB Injection on anti-CAD therapy. Fufang Danshen Injection was used as positive control and saline was taken as negative control to study the effects of traditional medicine YMB Injection on hemorheological parameters in normal rats and hypostasis rats. The results showed YMB Injection had no effect on hemorheological parameters of normal rats, but it could effectively decrease whole blood viscosity and whole blood reduction viscosity of hypostasis rats. The data implied that YMB Injection could decrease blood viscosity and hence improve blood supply of the graft in anti-CAD therapy.

Animals↗

[Establishment of a TLC identification method for xuanshen(radix scrophulariae)].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a TLC identification method for Xuanshen(Radix Scrophulariae). METHOD: Using TLC with harpagoside and harpagide as reference substances. RESULT: A TLC identification method of Xuanshen has been established. The specificity of the method has been proved by a comparative detection of Xuanshen from different habitats and several crude drugs which are easily confused with Xuanshen. CONCLUSION: The method is simple, accurate and reliable.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗

[Effects of sulpiride on morphine-induced reward and its relation to cyclic AMP levels in mice].

This study examined the effects of sulpiride, a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, on morphine rewarding properties and its relation to cyclic AMP levels in brain. The morphine-induced reward in mice was observed in a conditioned place preference test. Cyclic AMP was estimated by radioimmunoassay. The time of staying in morphine pairing compartment and the cAMP levels in brain of mice in the morphine group increased as compared with those in other groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the time of staying in morphine pairing compartment and the cAMP levels in brain between the saline group and the sulpiride plus morphine groups (P > 0.05). These suggest that the inhibition of morphine-induced reward by sulpiride be due to the prevention of an increase in cyclic AMP levels in brain.

Animals↗