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Biomedical subjects

J X Guo

Publications and source records attributed to J X Guo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Efficacy and safety of telmisartan vs. losartan in control of mild-to-moderate hypertension: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind study.

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study compared the efficacy and safety of telmisartan with those of losartan after 8 weeks' treatment. In total, 330 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] <180 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure [DBP] 95-109 mmHg) were randomly assigned to receive once-daily treatment with telmisartan 40 mg (n = 164) or losartan 50 mg (n = 166). After 4 weeks' treatment, if a patient's DBP was > or = 90 mmHg, the dose was increased to telmisartan 80 mg or losartan 100 mg, respectively. The results show that mean trough seated blood pressure was reduced significantly more in the telmisartan group than that in the losartan group (SBP 12.5 mmHg vs. 9.4 mmHg, p = 0.037; DBP 10.9 mmHg vs. 9.3 mmHg, p = 0.030). The overall DBP response rate (reduction from baseline in mean seated DBP > or = 10 mmHg and/or a mean seated DBP <90 mmHg) at the end of the study in the telmisartan group was higher than that in losartan group (70.1% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.020). At both the low and high doses, the DBP response rates for telmisartan were significantly higher than those for losartan (telmisartan 40 mg vs. losartan 50 mg: 46.3% vs. 32.5%, p = 0.010; telmisartan 80 mg vs. losartan 100 mg: 79.3% vs. 65.3%, p = 0.008). Adverse events with the two treatments were comparable (telmisartan vs. losartan 23.2% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.952). Most events were mild in intensity and abated within 72 h. Thus, telmisartan 40 mg or 80 mg administered once daily can reduce SBP and DBP effectively and safely.

Adolescent↗

Molecular dynamics simulation of the human U2B" protein complex with U2 snRNA hairpin IV in aqueous solution.

A 2200-ps molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the U2 snRNA hairpin IV/U2B" complex was performed in aqueous solution using the particle mesh Ewald method to consider long-range electrostatic interactions. To investigate the interaction and recognition process between the RNA and protein, the free energy contributions resulting from individual amino acids of the protein component of the RNA/protein complex were calculated using the recently developed glycine-scanning method. The results revealed that the loop region of the U2 snRNA hairpin IV interacted mainly with three regions of the U2B" protein: 1) beta 1-helix A, 2) beta 2-beta 3, and 3) beta 4-helix C. U2 snRNA hairpin IV bound U2B" in a similar orientation as that previously described for U1 snRNA with the U1A' protein; however, the details of the interaction differed in several aspects. In particular, beta 1-helix A and beta 4-helix C in U2B" were not observed to interact with RNA in the U1A' protein complex. Most of the polar and charged residues in the interacting regions had larger mutant free energies than the nonpolar residues, indicating that electrostatic interactions were important for stabilizing the RNA/protein complex. The interaction was further stabilized by a network of hydrogen bonds and salt bridges formed between RNA and protein that was maintained throughout the MD trajectory. In addition to the direct interactions between RNA and the protein, solvent-mediated interactions also contributed significantly to complex stability. A detailed analysis of the ordered water molecules in the hydration of the RNA/protein complex revealed that bridged water molecules reside at the interface of RNA and protein as long as 2100 ps in the 2200-ps trajectory. At least 20 bridged water molecules, on average, contributed to the instantaneous stability of the RNA/protein complex. The stabilizing interaction energy due to bridging water molecules was obtained from ab initio Hartree-Fock and density functional theory calculations.

Autoantigens↗

Experimental studies on small hooks preceding large hooks in the growth and development of Taenia solium metacestodes.

In the present study, we have determined the growth and development pattern of rostellar hooklets of Taenia solium cysticerci (Zhengzhou and Harbin strains) in three pigs (1 SEM and 2 L-SEM strains) 89-196 days post experimental infection. A total of 3,675 cysticerci were collected from 3 pigs, 3,007 (82%) of 3,675 cysticerci were evaginated by enzyme method. 439 (15%) evaginated cysticerci were carefully examined and measured after dehydration, staining, and mounting on microscopic slides. Among 439 cysticerci, 234 (53%) had pair rostellar hooks, 88 (20%) with unpair hooks, 60 (14%) only small (outer row) hooks, and 57 (13%) no hooks including 34 hooks were completely dropped and 23 no hooks developed. The number ranged from 10 to 17 pairs for pair hooks and 1 to 29 for unpair ones. The length and width of rostallar hooks on the scolex of cysticerci were usually larger in the pig with longer infection time. Moreover, cysticerci with pair and unpair rostellar hooks had only small hooks and no hooks were present on their scolices. However, cysticerci with only large (inner row) hooks were not found. These findings indicate that the growth and development of small hooks precedes that of the large hooks in the formation of the two-row pattern rostellar hook in Cysticercus cellulosae.

Animals↗

Experimental studies on physiological and morphological aspects of Cysticercus cellulosae in pigs.

Three Small-Ear-Miniature, 3 Landrace-Small-Ear-Miniature, and one Douc-Yorkshire-Landrace pigs were inoculated orally with 100 000 eggs of Zhengzhou strain or 10 000 eggs of Harbin strain of Taenia solium. A total of 3739 cysticerci were recovered from 3 Small-Ear-Miniature and 3 Landrace-Small-Ear-Miniature pigs, giving an infection rate of 85.7% and a cysticercus recovery rate of 1.1%. The predilection sites of Cysticercus cellulosae in descending order were leg muscles, abdominal muscles, thoracic muscles, liver, head muscles, diaphragm, tongue, heart, trachea, and omentum/testes. Except 2 calcified cysticerci in the tongue, 2 in the heart, and 176 in the liver, the remaining cysticerci were all alive. The greatest number of cysticerci per 100 g of muscles or viscera was found in the head muscles, followed by the leg, diaphragm, heart, tongue, thoracic, abdominal, omentum, testes, and trachea. All cysticerci were evaginated in pig's bile after fluid was drawn out from cysticerci, whereas evagination occurred in only 83.2% of those without fluid drawing. In 364 evaginated cysticerci, the mean length and width of scolex, proglottid, and bladder, and diameter of rostellum and sucker were 826 x 747 microm, 5,370 x 1,734 microm, 2,885 x 3,002 microm, 155 microm, and 253 microm, respectively. In the protoscolex, the mean number of segments was 33. Each cysticercus had 2 rows of rostellar hooks on the scolex, and the mean length and width of inner and outer hooks were 151 x 18 microm and 117 x 14 microm, respectively. The number of paired hooks ranged from 10 to 18.

Animals↗

Studies on abnormality of metacestodes and adult worms of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata asiatica in rodents and pigs.

Abnormalities are not uncommon in Taenia saginata and T. solium. After examining 328 mature proglottids from 2 adult worms from two experimentally infected hamsters, 13 (4.0%) were found to have no genital pore but with numerous testes and several vas efferents; 1 (0.3%) one genital pore with one reproductive system; 12 (3.7%) one on each side with two sets of reproductive system; 17 (5.2%) two on one side with 2 sets of reproductive system; 8 (2.4%) one on one side and two on the other side with 3 sets of reproductive system; 2 (0.6%) two on each side with 4 sets of reproductive system; 4 (1.2%) three on one side with 3 sets of reproductive system, and 4 one on one side and three on the other side with 4 sets of reproductive system. Nine evaginated abnormal cysticerci of T. s. asiatica from three experimentally infected SCID mice each had two protoscoleces and a big bladder. From two experimentally infected pigs, one abnormal cysticercus was observed to have two invaginated canals each in one end. Another one had a neck-band behind the scolex and a big bladder. This paper is not only the first report of abnormality of T. solium from hamster but also the first one of abnormal cysticerci of T. s. asiatica from pigs and mice.

Animals↗

[Transdermal delivery of cyclosporin A solubilized in mixed micelles through mice skin].

AIM: To investigate the transdermal delivery effects of cyclosporine A solubilized in mixed micelles composed of phospholipid and different surfactants. METHODS: When applied onto the excised abdominal skin of the mice occlusively, the enhancing effects of various mixed micelles on the penetration of cyclosporin A were assessed by an in vitro permeation technique. In vivo study was carried out by topical application of sodium cholate-phospholipid mixed micelles onto the mice skin and drug blood concentration was detected. RESULTS: In vitro, mixed micelles containing different surfactants displayed distinct permeability and corresponded to the following order: sodium cholate > sodium deoxycholate > Trition X-100 > Tween-20. In vivo, peak drug concentration was detected at 5 h and after that the concentration fell down slowly. CONCLUSION: Mixed micelles were shown to be efficient carrier for the transdermal delivery of the lipophilic polypeptide when kept in solution during the application process.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Preparation and evaluation of insulin-loaded polylactide microspheres using factorial design.

The aim of this work was to study the influence of the concentration and molecular weight of poly(DL-lactide) (PLA) on the characteristics and in vivo biological activity of protein-loaded microspheres. At the same time, an attempt was made to achieve further optimization of the formulation. In the study, insulin was chosen as a model of protein drugs. Nine formulations of injectable insulin-loaded PLA microspheres were prepared using an emulsification and solvent evaporation process according to a factorial design. The trapping efficiency, drug loading, and the drop percentages of blood glucose levels at 24 hr and 72 hr in mice were used to evaluate the formulations. The results showed that PLA molecular weight and, especially, PLA concentration exerted influences on the characteristics and in vivo biological activity of insulin-loaded microspheres. The drug-trapping efficiency increased with the increase of the polymer concentration. The drug loading decreased with the increase of the polymer concentration and was not obviously affected by PLA molecular weight. The drop percentage of blood glucose level at 24 hr increased with the increase of polymer concentration and molecular weight. At 72 hr, the drop percentages of blood glucose levels were slightly increased with the increase of PLA concentration and then significantly decreased after the PLA concentration was above 150 mg/ml. An optimized formulation was prepared with PLA-10k at a concentration of 200 mg/ml. The experimental values of the response variables were close to the predicted values. The results suggest that the in vivo release behavior should be taken into consideration in the design of protein-loaded PLA microspheres.

Biocompatible Materials↗

[Transdermal delivery mechanisms of lecithin nanoparticles with cyclosporin A through mice skin].

AIM: To investigate the transdermal delivery mechanisms of the flexible nano-liposomes, conventional nano-liposomes and lecithin-cholate mixed micelles through mouse skin. METHODS: Liposomes and micelles were applied onto the mouse skin non-occlusively in vitro and in vivo, then the drug concentrations in the skin, receiver and blood were determined. RESULTS: In vitro permeation studies showed that flexible nano-liposomes and mixed micelles transported measurable amount of cyclosporin A through the skin. Conventional liposomes precluded drugs permeate through the skin while deposited it in the skin. In vivo studies indicated that blood concentration reached peak value at 8 h after the application of flexible nano-liposomes. Both conventional nano-liposomes and mixed micelles failed to deliver measurable amount of drug into the blood. CONCLUSION: Liposomes fuse with the skin. Flexible nano-liposomes penetrate through the skin under the pressure of hydration force. Mixed micelles promote transfer in state of solution.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Oncospheres of Taenia solium and T. saginata asiatica develop into metacestodes in normal and immunosuppressed mice.

Normal and immunosuppressed mice were infected with oncospheres of Taenia saginata asiatica and T. solium. Although normal ICR mice were not susceptible to these two parasites, cysticerci were recovered from the immunosuppressed ones following venous injection. For T. s. asiatica, immunosuppressed ICR mice had an infection rate of 12.5% and six cysticerci of this parasite were recovered from three males. After injection of T. solium oncospheres, a high infection rate of 57% was obtained and 23 cysticerci were collected from 13 male immunosuppressed ICR mice. The immunosuppressed C57 mice had the highest infection rate (100%) and cysticercus recovery rate (2.4%) for T. solium. The infection rate and cysticercus recovery rate in six normal C57 mice were 40% and 3% respectively. The immunosuppressed ICR, Balb/c and C3H mice were also susceptible to T. s. asiatica.

Animals↗

Chemical pattern recognition of three Chinese herbal medicines from the genus Stephania lour.

Chemical pattern recognition was applied to three Chinese herbal medicines from the genus Stephania Lour., viz. S. kwangsiensis Lo, S. viridiflavens Lo and M. Yang and S. mashanica Lo and B.N. Chang. Based on the chemical features obtained from HPLC, SIMCA program was carried out and the results showed that the classification accuracy was 100%. In addition, the obtained features showed three major classes by NLM. The results of both methods were consistent with those of plant taxonomical identification. It suggested that chemical pattern recognition could be a helpful method to classify and identify Chinese herbal medicines.

Alkaloids↗

Sexual development of Taenia solium in hamsters from rodent-derived cysticerci.

In order to determine whether Taenia solium can be maintained in the laboratory using rodents as definitive hosts, six nude rats, 20 immunosuppressed Mongolian gerbils and 20 immunosuppressed Syrian hamsters were each inoculated through a stomach tube with three cysticerci recovered from SCID mice. No adult worms of T. solium were found in the intestinal tract of any of these 46 rodents. In addition, five immunosuppressed Syrian hamsters were fed with the same number of cysticerci enclosed in rodent muscles from SCID mice. Two of these hamsters were found to be infected 40 days post-infection, each harbouring a sexually developed worm in the intestinal tract. Although no eggs were produced, prepatent infections may be possible if a longer time was allowed for worm development. Moreover, the maintenance of the life cycle of T. solium in the laboratory using the rodent model can be established.

Animals↗

[Decrease of calcitonin gene-related peptide release from mesenteric arterial bed in diabetic rats and effect of nitric oxide].

Our previous work has shown that endotoxin triggers the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from the mesenteric arterial bed, which is partially mediated by nitric oxide. In the present study, the changes of endotoxin-induced CGRP release from the isolated mesenteric arterial bed and the CGRP mRNA levels in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of diabetic rats were studied in relation to the effect of nitric oxide. CGRP level in perfusate and the steady-state level of mRNA for CGRP in DRG were determined by RIA and semi-quantitatively by RT-PCR. The results showed that endotoxin (1-25 micrograms/ml) accumulated in perfusate caused concentration-dependent release of CGRP, which was significantly decreased in mesenteric arterial bed of diabetic rats. As compared with age-related control, the endotoxin (10 and 25 micrograms/ml) -induced CGRP release in diabetic rats was attenuated by 27% and 40%, respectively. L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, inhibited the effect of endotoxin in dose of 10 and 25 micrograms/ml by 23% and 46%, respectively against the control rats. However, there was no inhibitory effect of L-NAME on endotoxin-induced CGRP release in diabetic rats. The CGRP mRNA level in DRG showed no significant difference between the two groups. These results indicate that the response of the isolated mesenteric arterial bed to endotoxin-induced CGRP release in diabetic rats is significantly lower than that in control. The mechanism, at least in part, is due to a decrease of nitric oxide mediated release of CGRP, rather than a decrease of CGRP gene expression.

Animals↗

Expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mRNA in rat lymphocytes.

We recently found that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity was present in lymphocytes of rat thymus and lymph node. In order to investigate whether these cells were capable of synthesizing CGRP, CGRP mRNA of rat dorsal root ganglia, thymocytes and mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes were determined by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) utilizing synthetic oligonucleotides bracketing a portion of the calcitonin/CGRP gene. A discrete band of the expected size of 90 base pairs was found in the dorsal root ganglia (positive control), and in both thymocytes and mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes. These data strongly suggest that CGRP is not only an important neuropeptide, but it is also synthesized in lymphocytes of both thymus and lymph nodes, which is identical to that in sensory neurons. CGRP from lymphocytes may act as an immunomodulator and serve as a common ligand in immune and nervous systems.

Animals↗

No subacute thrombosis and femoral bleeding complications under full anticoagulation in 150 consecutive patients receiving non-heparin-coated intracoronary Palmaz-Schatz stents.

Intracoronary stenting has been shown to have better immediate and long-term clinical outcomes and less restenosis than standard balloon angioplasty. However, the benefit was achieved at the cost of higher rates of coronary thrombosis, bleeding complications, the need for anticoagulation, and longer hospital stay. For the latter reasons there is a tendency to replace the anticoagulants by antiplatelet agents alone after stenting. However, we prospectively monitored 150 consecutive patients (133 men, 17 women, mean age 58.5 years) from two centers since February 1993. They all had coronary artery disease and underwent percutaneous implantation of non-heparin-coated Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents under a full but lower dose of anticoagulation. The femoral approach was used in all patients except one. In the 150 patients, 200 stents were implanted in 165 target arteries with 172 lesions. Stenting was performed without the guidance of intravascular ultrasonography; high-pressure poststenting inflation was used in only 17.3% of patients with less than optimal angiographic results. Coronary angiography was performed at baseline, immediately after the procedure, and after 6 months (mean 207 +/- 53.6 days SD) of stenting. The mean (+/-SD) coronary minimum luminal diameter increased from 0.52 0.31 mm to 3.13 +/- 0.42 mm immediately after stenting was performed and was 2.12 +/- 0.91 mm at 6 months. There was a 0% subacute thrombosis rate and a 0% femoral bleeding complication rate in the whole series. Only three (2%) major events occurred: one Q-wave myocardial infarction from closure of an angioplasty site distal to the stent on a very long lesion, one cerebrovascular accident, and one noncoronary-related death. The only patient who underwent the brachial approach had hematoma; otherwise no other minor event occurred. The mean hospital stay was 4.5 days in one of the two study centers. The long-term clinical follow-up rate was 97.3%. The mean (+/- SD) clinical follow-up period was 589 +/- 363 days. Clinical symptoms improved; the percentage of patients who had angina according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society functional class II, III, and IV was 31.3%, 44.7%, and 4%, respectively, before stenting was performed and was reduced to 4.7%, 3.7%, and 0%, respectively at 6-month follow-up after stenting was performed. The 6-month angiographic restudy rate was 90.6%, and the restenosis rate was 18.3%. In contrast to other reported series, these results support the idea that with careful puncture technique and meticulous postoperative wound care, intracoronary stenting can be successfully performed with the patient under full anticoagulation without major risks of bleeding and femoral vascular complications. Furthermore with a full but comparatively lower dose of anticoagulation, subacute thrombotic complications can be reduced to 0% even with non-heparin-coated stents without the use of intravascular ultrasound guidance and without the use of adjunctive high-pressure poststenting inflation in most patients. The restenosis rate and long-term clinical outcomes remained very favorable.

Acute Disease↗

[Percutaneous intra-aortic balloon pumping in cardiogenic shock].

Eleven patients with cardiogenic shock underwent percutaneous intra-aortic balloon pumping (PIABP). Six (55%) survived and 5 (45%) died. Seven patients were referred to the hospital after acute myocardial infarction and 4 of them survived after the therapy in conjunction with thrombolysis or percutaneous transluminal coronary. In another four patients receiving postcardiotomy, half survived without complication. We believe that PIABP can make early revascularization safe by combating reperfusion injury.

Adult↗