Biomedical subjects

Y Zhou

Publications and source records attributed to Y Zhou.

At least 577 records · Page 32Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

[Determination of digoxin-like immunoreactive substances in sera of 15 elder patients with cardiac insufficiency].

The presence of a higher concentration of digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS) in human serum have been reported in a number of pathophysiological conditions. DLIS can react with anti-digoxin antibodies when determination of serum digoxin was performed with immunoassay. It may falsely elevate the serum digoxin concentration and is troublesome in the therapeutic monitoring of digoxin. The apparent digoxin concentrations (DLIS) in serum were determined in 15 elder patients with cardiac insufficiency by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The lowest measurable concentration, defined as the concentration that could be distinguished from zero with 95% confidence, was 0.256 nmol.L-1. Steroids and drugs commonly administered with digoxin showed no significant cross-reactivity. In these patients, the positive ratio for determination of DLIS was 46.7% (7 in 15 cases), and its mean serum concentration was 0.55 +/- 0.44 nmol.L-1 (range 0.26-1.52 nmol.L-1). The results were well consistent with that obtained by Dasgupta et al. In conclusion, there are certain increased concentrations of DLIS in the sera of elder patients with cardiac insufficiency, suggesting that digoxin levels measured by immunoassay method must be interpreted carefully in these patients after treatment with digoxin or other digitalis preparations.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

[Synthesis and anti-influenza virus activities of heteropoly compounds containing rare earth elements].

Tungstoborate and tungstogermanate heteropoly compounds containing rare earth elements with the general formula K15[Ln(BW11O39)2].nH2O and K13[Ln(GeW11O39)2].nH2O, where Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 183W NMR spectra. The results of experiments on cytotoxicity and anti-influenza virus activities using cell-cultivation method showed that four compounds among them exhibited good inhibitory effect on influenza virus.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

[Detection of TT virus infection and clinical investigation in patients with liver diseases].

104 serum samples from patients with liver diseases were detected for TTV DNA by nested-PCR method. The results showed that 25 of 104(24%) were positive for TTV DNA. Among 104 samples, 48%(12/42) were positive for nonA-E and G 19% (4/12) were positive for hepatitis A 25% (8/32) were positive hepatitis B 11.1% (1/9) was positive hepatitis C 4 of 6(66.7%) fulminant hepatitis cases were detected positive for TTV DNA. The partial gene of two TTV isolates from the patients were cloned and sequenced. The sequence analysis shows that there is 98.4% nucleotide identity between AB008394(from Japan) and one isolate from the patient (TTVEC023). The results suggest that TTV is associated with acute, chronic and fulminant hepatitis. TTV infection would be the important cause of non A-E and G hepatitis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Detection of TT virus DNA and sequence analysis of partial gene of TTV in sera from blood donors].

In order to investigate TTV infection in blood donors, 262 sera samples from blood donors were detected by nested--PCR method using primers from ORF1 of TTV genome DNA. The results showed that 18 of 58(31.0%) serum samples from blood donors with elevated transaminase level were positive for TTV DNA. 30 of 204 (14.7%) sera samples from blood donors with normal transaminase levels were positive for TTV DNA. There were significant difference between them (chi 2 = 38.1, P < 0.05). Five products of PCR for TTV DNA were purified and cloned to T Vector. The sequence analysis showed that there were above 97% nucleotide identity among AB008394 (from Japan), TTVCHNI (from China) and our 5 isolates from blood donors. The results suggest that there exists TTV infection among blood donors in China. TTV may be transmitted by blood transfusion. Our isolates, AB008394 and TTVCHN1 share a same genotype.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1998

[Effect on HLA-I expression in the presence of antisense oligonucleotides complementary to hepatitis B virus x gene].

In order to investigate inhibition of HLA-I expression by antisense oligonucleotides in vitro, three pieces of antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (ASODN) complementary to hepatitis B virus (HBV) x gene key regions namely, 1510-1530, 1555-1581, 1768-1791 were synthesized. We also synthesized a SOND (sense strand) with same sequence of 1510-1530 as control. The specificity of inhibitory effect of the ASOND was determined using 2215 cell line by detection of HBxAg. In addition, we observed the inhibitory effect of ASODN on human HLA-I utilizing 2215 cells, the cells were stained with monoclonal antibody against human HLA-I heavy chain molecules, with fluorescenated sheep antimouse antibody as the second antibody and then analyzed on a EPICS profile II flow cytometer. HLA-I mRNA were assayed by in situ hybridization with a HLA-I heavy chain cDNA probe. The results indicated these ASODN could inhibit the expression of HBxAg, as well as HLA-I in cell surface. The result of 1 in situ hybridization showed that the decreased cell surface expression was correlated with steadily decreasing state of mRNA levels. The mechanism of action may be due to the inhibition of HBxAg by sequence specific ASODN, then resulting in decreasing of its transactivating effect on the HLA-I promoter.

Gene Expression↗

PubMed1998

[An analysis of hepatitis G virus infection status in various cases of hepatitis in Guangdong area].

To understand hepatitis G virus(HGV) infection status in different clinical types of hepatitis, 721 cases with hepatitis were analyzed in this article. PT-PCR technique was applied to amplify HGV gene, and heat denaturation method was used to extract HCV-RNA from sera. After turning to cDNA by reverse transcription(PT), a nested amplification was conducted and a 238 bp specific fragment was obtained. In this way, serum specimens of 721 cases with hepatitis, were tested including 587 hospitalized cases. 80 cases were found to be HGV RNA positive, of which positive rate of patients with non A-E hepatitis was high, HCV and HBV + HCV came the second, chronic severe hepatitis and liver cirrhosis (LC) was the lower. Results of research showed that HGV infection is prevalent to a certain degree among patients with viral hepatitis in Guangdong area.

Flaviviridae Infections↗

PubMed1998

[Transient response in electric measurement of human auricular point].

This is an experiment on the measuring E approximately t and R approximately t for human auricular point, which shows there is a transient response of electric potential E(t) and voltage drop U(t) when t < 2 tau and there is at intervals change with the time after 2 tau about R(t) and E(t). We have obtained a response function of the E(t) and U(t) by the circuit analysis. The parameter of the transient character is relaxation time tau, tau approximately RC. The mathematical model is in correspondence with the experimental result of the auricular point and TPM simulation. It indicates that the character changing with the time should be extracted after 2 tau. This experiment is of importance to understanding the electric character of the otopoint.

Acupuncture Points↗

PubMed1998

[Transient response in electric measurement of human auricular point].

This is an experiment on the measuring E-t and R-t for human auricular point, which shows there is a transient response of electric potential E(t) and voltage drop U(t) when t < 2 tau and there is at intervals change with the time after 2 tau about R(t) and E(t). We have obtained a response function of the E(t) and U(t) by the circuit analysis. The parameter of the transient character is relaxation time tau,tau approximately RC. The mathematical model is in correspondence with the experimental result of the auricular point and TPM simulation. It indicates that the character changing with the time should be extracted after 2 tau. This experiment is of importance to understanding the electric character of the otopoint.

Acupuncture Points↗

PubMed1998

[Numerical taxonomy of bifidobacteria and homology analysis of some representative strains].

Fifty five strains of bifidobacteria belonging to Bifidobacterium from various sources were studied by using numerical taxonomic techniques. These organisms included 13 reference strains and 42 newly isolated strains (19 strains of human sources, 25 strains of animal sources and 11 strains obtained from sewage). Several strains isolated from the animals weren't isolated before. Overall similarities of the strains for 75 characters contained morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics and antibacterial susceptibility were determined. Dendrogram of numerical analysis based on unweighted pair cluster average linkage were achieved. Five clusters were defined at 70% Sm level. The relationships of these strains among five clusters were analysed. The strains of human sources were basically separated from the animal strains, and the sewage strains were distributed between the animal clusters and the human clusters. On the basis of the numerical analysis, the G + C content of DNA of some representative strains among these clusters were measured. Biotin-labeled DNA segments, complementary to variable regions of 16S rRNA, were amplified using PCR as probes. In the dot-blot hybridization the relationships of DNA segments among some strains were discussed. The test results showed that the homologies among the strains in same species and various species were different. The studies are valuable for further research in the relationships of some species among bifidobacteria of various sources.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Inhibition effect of transgenic tobacco plants expressing snowdrop lectin on the population development of Myzus persicae.

The cDNAs of snowdrop lectin mature protein and its precursor protein, GNA12 and GNA34, were inserted downstream of a 35S promoter with a double enhancer and a "omega" fragment of TMV-RNA cDNA in the binary vector pBin438, or the phloem-specific CoYMV promoter in the vector pBcop1, respectively, resulting in the construction of four plant expression vectors pBGna12, pBGna34, pBCGna12, and pBCGna34. Leaf stripes of Nicotiana tabacum var. K326 were transformed with A. tumefaciens LBA4404 harboring the above expression vectors, respectively. PCR and Southern blot analysis showed that foreign GNA genes were inserted into the genome of transformed tobacco plants. Western blot analysis indicated that GNA could be expressed efficiently up to 0.08-0.15% of total soluble proteins in transgenic tobacco plants with pBGna34 or pBCGna34, while in those with pBGna12 and pBCGna12 GNA were hardly detected by immunoassay. The results from insect bioassay with a peach aphid (Myzus persicae) demonstrated that the transgenic plants of pBGna34 and pBCGna34 were aphid-resistant as shown by a 45-60% reduction in insect population density, with some individual transgenic lines being reduced by over 90%. In addition, it was evident that the 35S promoter with a double enhancer and CoYMV promoter had similar abilities to direct the GNA gene to express in transgenic tobacco plants, but because the CoYMV promoter drives the foreign gene in a phloem-specific expression manner, the transgenic plants of pBCGna34 showed higher aphid resistance.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

The use of sulfasalazine in psoriatic arthritis: a clinic experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the tolerability of sulfasalazine in a clinic setting and determine its longterm effectiveness with respect to articular disease and prevention of radiographic progression in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: Patients who were given sulfasalazine during their attendance at the University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic were enrolled in the study. For patients that were able to tolerate sulfasalazine for at least 3 months a matched control was identified who did not receive sulfasalazine. The primary outcome measures were the tolerability of sulfasalazine, clinical response of the actively inflamed joints at 6 and 12 months, and the change in radiographic score at 24 months. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients received sulfasalazine. Fourteen of 16 patients discontinued sulfasalazine due to one or more side effects occurring within 3 months of treatment initiation. For the remaining 20 patients, a 50% reduction in actively inflamed joint count was noted in 7/20 patients at 6 months and 11/15 patients at 12 months, compared to 7/19 patients in the control group at 6 months and 10/20 patients at 12 months. The mean change in the radiographic score at 24 months between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Sulfasalazine was not well tolerated in patients with PsA in our clinic. For those able to tolerate sulfasalazine, there was no evidence of a treatment effect with respect to articular involvement. In addition, sulfasalazine does not appear to halt radiographic progression in PsA.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Folding thermodynamics of a model three-helix-bundle protein.

The calculated folding thermodynamics of a simple off-lattice three-helix-bundle protein model under equilibrium conditions shows the experimentally observed protein transitions: a collapse transition, a disordered-to-ordered globule transition, a globule to native-state transition, and the transition from the active native state to a frozen inactive state. The cooperativity and physical origin of the various transitions are explored with a single "optimization" parameter and characterized with the Lindemann criterion for liquid versus solid-state dynamics. Below the folding temperature, the model has a simple free energy surface with a single basin near the native state; the surface is similar to that calculated from a simulation of the same three-helix-bundle protein with an all-atom representation [Boczko, E. M. & Brooks III, C. L. (1995) Science 269, 393-396].

Animals↗

PubMed1997

A mammalian model for Laron syndrome produced by targeted disruption of the mouse growth hormone receptor/binding protein gene (the Laron mouse).

Laron syndrome [growth hormone (GH) insensitivity syndrome] is a hereditary dwarfism resulting from defects in the GH receptor (GHR) gene. GHR deficiency has not been reported in mammals other than humans. Many aspects of GHR dysfunction remain unknown because of ethical and practical limitations in studying humans. To create a mammalian model for this disease, we generated mice bearing a disrupted GHR/binding protein (GHR/BP) gene through a homologous gene targeting approach. Homozygous GHR/BP knockout mice showed severe postnatal growth retardation, proportionate dwarfism, absence of the GHR and GH binding protein, greatly decreased serum insulin-like growth factor I and elevated serum GH concentrations. These characteristics represent the phenotype typical of individuals with Laron syndrome. Animals heterozygous for the GHR/BP defect show only minimal growth impairment but have an intermediate biochemical phenotype, with decreased GHR and GH binding protein expression and slightly diminished insulin-like growth factor I levels. These findings indicate that the GHR/BP-deficient mouse (Laron mouse) is a suitable model for human Laron syndrome that will prove useful for the elucidation of many aspects of GHR/BP function that cannot be obtained in humans.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Reexpression of the retinoblastoma protein in tumor cells induces senescence and telomerase inhibition.

Normal human diploid cells senesce in vitro and in vivo after a limited number of cell divisions. This process known as cellular senescence is an underlying cause of aging and a critical barrier for development of human cancers. We demonstrate here that reexpression of functional pRB alone in RB/p53-defective tumor cells via a modified tetracycline-regulated gene expression system resulted in a stable growth arrest at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, preventing tumor cells from entering S phase in response to a variety of mitogenic stimuli. These cells displayed multiple morphological changes consistent with cellular senescence and expressed a senescence-associated beta-galactosidase biomarker. Further studies indicated that telomerase activity, which was assumably essential for an extended proliferative life-span of neoplastic cells, was abrogated or repressed in the tumor cell lines after induction of pRB (but not p53) expression. Strikingly, when returned to an non-permissive medium for pRB expression, the pRB-induced senescent tumor cells resumed DNA synthesis, attempted to divide but most died in the process, a phenomenon similar to postsenescent crisis of SV40 T-antigen-transformed human diploid fibroblasts in late passage. These observations provide direct evidence that overexpression of pRB alone in RB/p53-defective tumor cells is sufficient to reverse their immortality and cause a phenotype that is, by all generally accepted criteria, indistinguishable from replicative senescence. The results suggest that pRB may play a causal role in the intrinsic cellular senescence program.

Cellular Senescence↗

PubMed1997

Glucose-lowering properties of vanadium compounds: comparison of coordination complexes with maltol or kojic acid as ligands.

Bis(kojato)oxovanadium(IV) [abbreviated VO(ka)2], a close chemical analog of the insulin-mimetic lead compound bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV)--abbreviated BMOV or VO(ma)2--is reported and its reaction chemistry and insulin-mimetic properties are presented. VO(ka)2 [log K1 = 7.61(10), log K2 = 6.89(6), log beta 2 = 14.50(16)] has a reaction chemistry which directly parallels that of VO(ma)2. In aqueous solution it is more slowly oxidized by molecular oxygen to [VO2(ka)2]- than is VO(ma)2 to [VO2(ma)2]-. Variable pH electrochemistry and variable pH 51V NMR of solutions of VO(ka)2 are presented and contrasted with the corresponding results for VO(ma)2. Time course studies (24 hr) in STZ-diabetic rats following the oral or i.p. administration of VO(ka)2, VO(ma)2, VO2+ (vanadyl) as vanadyl sulfate (VOSO4), and [VO2(ma)2]- as its [NH4]+ salt have been performed, as have chronic oral studies comparing VO(ka)2 and VO(ma)2 over a six week period. In all studies, the most potent form of vanadium was the neutrally charged, water soluble, complex VO(ma)2.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Subunit rotation in Escherichia coli FoF1-ATP synthase during oxidative phosphorylation.

We report evidence for proton-driven subunit rotation in membrane-bound FoF1-ATP synthase during oxidative phosphorylation. A betaD380C/gammaC87 crosslinked hybrid F1 having epitope-tagged betaD380C subunits (betaflag) exclusively in the two noncrosslinked positions was bound to Fo in F1-depleted membranes. After reduction of the beta-gamma crosslink, a brief exposure to conditions for ATP synthesis followed by reoxidation resulted in a significant amount of betaflag appearing in the beta-gamma crosslinked product. Such a reorientation of gammaC87 relative to the three beta subunits can only occur through subunit rotation. Rotation was inhibited when proton transport through Fo was blocked or when ADP and Pi were omitted. These results establish FoF1 as the second example in nature where proton transport is coupled to subunit rotation.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1997

Regulation of human placental development by oxygen tension.

Cytotrophoblasts, specialized placental cells, proliferate early in pregnancy and then differentiate into tumor-like cells that establish blood flow to the placenta by invading the uterus and its vasculature. In this study, cytotrophoblasts cultured under hypoxic conditions (2 percent oxygen), mimicking the environment near the uterine surface before 10 weeks of gestation, continued proliferating and differentiated poorly. When cultured in 20 percent oxygen, mimicking the environment near uterine arterioles, the cells stopped proliferating and differentiated normally. Thus, oxygen tension determines whether cytotrophoblasts proliferate or invade, thereby regulating placental growth and cellular architecture.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMed1997

Development of an adenovirus vector with tetracycline-regulatable human tumor necrosis factor alpha gene expression.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a multifunctional cytokine with direct antitumor activity. However, clinical trials using TNF-alpha for cancer treatment have been disappointing due in part to its severe side effects, and it has been estimated that TNF-alpha therapy would be effective only at 5-25 times the maximum tolerated dose. We have recently modified a tetracycline (Tc) repressor/operator-based mammalian gene expression system and have generated a Tc-responsive recombinant adenovirus vector, AdVtTA.TNF-alpha. A variety of human tumor cells and T lymphocytes transduced by AdVtTA.TNF-alpha secreted high-titer (5,000-100,000 pg/10(6) cells/24 h) and biologically active TNF-alpha in the absence of Tc. Expression of TNF-alpha in the transduced cells was nondetectable when the culture medium contained as little as 0.1 microg/ml of Tc. At least a fraction of the clonogenic cells from human peripheral blood stem cell concentrates were also transducible by AdVtTA.TNF-alpha. The availability of this type of adenovirus vector opens a door to tumor- or organ-specific delivery of high-dose TNF-alpha and other therapeutic gene products for systemic cancer gene therapy.

Adenoviridae↗