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Biomedical subjects

Qing Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Qing Wang.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

[Analysis of the literature in West China Journal of Stomatology cited by science periodical embodied by Chinese biological medical disc].

OBJECTIVE: The literature published in West China Journal of Stomatology (WCJS) cited by science periodical from 1983 to 2001 were analyzed to evaluate the academic level and quality of WCJS. METHODS: The cited literature was searched by Chinese biological medical disc (CBMDisc) from 1983 to 2001. The distributions of the times, the periodical and the authors were described. RESULTS: The quantities of cited literature were 1 338 and increased with years. The periodical and the authors were 266 and 1 003 respectively from 1998 to 2001. The cited frequencies of stomatological periodicals were more than that of other academic periodical. The authors scattered in 32 provinces and 448 units of China. The medical university and affiliated hospital were 32.14%, the local hospital and stomatological dispensary were 54.69%, the military hospital was 10.71%, and other unit was 2.46%. CONCLUSION: The literature published in WCJS are superior in quality. The cited frequency of WCJS is high relatively. WCJS is one of the most important informational source of stomatology.

Bibliometrics↗

[Advances in the studies on the molecular and genetic aspects of epilepsy].

Epilepsy is one of the most common and debilitating neurological diseases that affects more than 40 million people worldwide. Genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Molecular genetic studies have identified 15 disease-causing genes for epilepsy. The majority of the genes encode ion channels, including voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, sodium channels SCN1A, SCN2A, and SCN1B, chloride channels CLCN2, and ligand-gated ion channels CHRNA4, CHRNB2, GABRG2, and GABRA1. Interestingly, non-ion channel genes have also been identified as epilepsy genes, and these genes include G-protein-coupled receptor MASS1/VLGR1, GM3 synthase, and proteins with unknown functions such as LGI1, NHLRC1, and EFHC1. These studies make genetic testing possible in some patients, and further characterization of the identified epilepsy genes may lead to the development of new drugs and new treatments for patients with epilepsy.

CLC-2 Chloride Channels↗

[Ecological footprint in building green university].

Ecological footprint is one of the best indexes to evaluate the level of green university. The approaches of ecological footprint are made up of compound approach and component approach. This paper introduces the basic principle and algorithm of the componential approach of ecological footprint, taking Northeastern University as an example and using this approach in the research of campus. Result show that the ecological footprint of Northeastern University 2003 was 24 787hm2, needing the productive land of ecology about 25 000hm2 support all kinds of consumption of the school and absorb the offal. The ecological efficiency of the school was 0.94cap/hm2. In the ecological footprints, the energy's footprints is the largest, it accounted for more than 2/3 of the total footprints, the next are food consumption and solid rubbish.

China↗

[Effects of antisense acid invertase gene on reducing sugar and starch contents of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber stored at low temperature].

Two transgenic potato lines with antisense AcInv gene and the non-transgenic varieties were used to test the reducing sugar and starch contents. The results indicated that the reducing sugar content increased and total starch content decreased in all samples after tubers were stored at 4 degrees C for 40 d. The reducing sugar content in tubers of transgenic line "Anti-AcInv Atlantic" and "Anti-AcInv Gannongshu No.2" were lower about 23% and 18% than those of Atlantic and Gannongshu No.2 (Table 1). The total starch and the amylopectin were also decreased by 1% and 1.3% in "Anti-AcInv Atlantic" and 1.4% and 1.7% in "Anti-AcInv Gannongshu No.2" respectively (Table 2). The proportions of amylose and amylopectin were lower in the transgenic lines than the non-transgenic varieties (Figs. 1 and 2). It was only 0.29 for "Anti-AcInv Atlantic" and 0.38 for "Anti-AcInv Gannongshu No.2". Meanwhile, there are fewer dark blue starch particles in transgenic tuber, which is less than in tuber of the non-transgenic varieties by paraffin-cut section method (Fig. 3). After the tubers were transferred to the storage temperature 15-17 degrees C for 20 d, the reducing sugar contents in tubers of the two transgenic lines were significantly lower than that of non-transgenic varieties. It was 0.23% for "Anti-AcInv Atlantic" and 0.24% for "Anti-AcInv Gannongshu No.2" (Table 1). It is suggested that the trans-antisense AcInv gene in the transgenic potato down-regulates the AcInv gene expression after the tubers were stored under low temperature.

Amylopectin↗

[Research on EMD and its application in biomedical signal processing].

In this paper a new technique, Empirical Mode Decomposition(EMD), for use in non-stationary and non-linear data processing, was introduced. Some simulated signal, real ECG and RRI signals combined with Hilbert Transform method were analyzed. The authors also put emphasis on the differences between EMD and Wavelet Transform.

Algorithms↗

Evaluation of the MDR-MDCK cell line as a permeability screen for the blood-brain barrier.

The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize MDR-MDCK monolayers as an in vitro model to predict brain uptake potential; (2) examine the ability of MDR-MDCK monolayers to identify the brain uptake potential of compounds that interact with P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The study measured the bi-directional transport of 28 compounds across MDR-MDCK monolayers. The brain uptake of a subset of the compounds was determined in the rat brain perfusion model. Drug concentrations were analyzed by LC-MS-MS. CNS-positive drugs exhibited absorptive permeability coefficients (Papp, A-B) values ranging from 3.4 x 10(-6) to 20.2 x 10(-6) cm/s; whereas CNS-negative drugs showed Papp (A-B) ranging from 0.03 x 10(-6) to 0.83 x 10(-6) cm/s. Inhibition of P-gp by cyclosporin A (CsA) significantly reduced secretory flux of compounds known to be P-pg substrates, but only enhanced the absorptive flux of compounds with high efflux ratio (>100). In vitro results were confirmed by brain perfusion studies on selected compounds. MDR-MDCK monolayers can be used to classify compounds into CNS-positive or CNS-negative based on the permeability coefficients (Papp, A-B). Under our experimental conditions, compounds with Papp (A-B)>3 x 10(-6) cm/s have high brain uptake potential; compounds with Papp (A-B)<1 x 10(-6) cm/s are unable to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB); the brain uptake of compounds with Papp (A-B)<1 x 10(-6) cm/s and a P-gp-mediated efflux ratio of >100 may be enhanced by inhibiting P-gp.

Animals↗

Genome-wide linkage scan identifies a novel genetic locus on chromosome 5p13 for neonatal atrial fibrillation associated with sudden death and variable cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and patients with AF have a significantly increased risk for ischemic stroke. Approximately 15% of all strokes are caused by AF. The molecular basis and underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology of AF remain largely unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have identified a large AF family with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The AF in the family manifests with early onset at the fetal stage and is associated with neonatal sudden death and, in some cases, ventricular tachyarrhythmias and waxing and waning cardiomyopathy. Genome-wide linkage analysis was performed for 36 family members and generated a 2-point logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 3.05 for marker D5S455. The maximum multipoint LOD score of 4.10 was obtained for 4 markers: D5S426, D5S493, D5S455, and D5S1998. Heterozygous carriers have significant prolongation of P-wave duration on ECGs compared with noncarriers (107 versus 85 ms on average; P=0.000012), but no differences between these 2 groups were detected for the PR interval, QRS complex, ST-segment duration, T-wave duration, QTc, and R-R interval (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that AF can be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and define a novel genetic locus for AF on chromosome 5p13 (arAF1). A genetic link between AF and prolonged P-wave duration was identified. This study provides a framework for the ultimate cloning of the arAF1 gene, which will increase the understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms of atrial fibrillation.

Adolescent↗

Multilayer assembly and patterning of poly(p-phenylenevinylene)s via covalent coupling reactions.

Poly(p-phenylenevinylene)s with amines and pentafluorophenyl esters on side chains were synthesized and assembled on solid substrates by sequential layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition. This approach enables the creation of robust multilayer thin films via in-situ covalent coupling reactions between successive layers. The buildup of the multilayers was followed by UV/vis absorption spectroscopy and ellipsometry. The observed complex assembly behavior suggests that both covalent and hydrogen-bonding interactions are involved in the formation of multilayer films. The organized structure and surface morphology of resultant multilayers were investigated by reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. This covalent LBL method was further applied to generate conjugated polymer micropatterns using microstamped self-assembled monolayers as templates.

Journal Article↗

Transcription factor MEF2A mutations in patients with coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD), including its most serious complication myocardial infraction (MI), is the leading cause of death in the US and developed countries. We recently discovered that a seven-amino acid deletion in MEF2A, a transcription factor with a high level of expression in the endothelium of coronary arteries, co-segregates with CAD/MI in one family, and it suppresses transcription activation activity of MEF2A by a dominant-negative mechanism. In this study, we used single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequence analyses to identify mutations in MEF2A in 207 independent CAD/MI patients and 191 controls with normal angiograms. We identified three novel mutations in exon 7 of MEF2A in four of 207 CAD/MI patients (1.93%). No mutations were detected in the 191 controls. The mutations identified here include N263S identified in two independent CAD patients, P279L in one patient and his father with the diagnosis of CAD and G283D in one patient. These mutations are clustered within or close to the major transcriptional activation domain of MEF2A. They significantly reduce the transcriptional activation activity of MEF2A and act by a loss-of-function mechanism. The gene carriers with loss-of-function mutations appear to be associated with less severe CAD. These results suggest that CAD/MI can result from a spectrum of MEF2A transcription dysfunctions ranging from loss-of-function to dominant-negative suppression and that a significant percent of the CAD/MI population (1.93%) may carry mutations in MEF2A, although further definition of the prevalence of MEF2A mutations is warranted.

Adult↗

Monitoring molecular beacon/DNA interactions using atomic force microscopy.

The molecular beacon (MB) is a new fluorescence probe containing a single-stranded oligonucleotide with a probe sequence embedded in complementary sequences that form a hairpin stem. Due to the inherent fluorescent signal transduction mechanism, an MB functions as a sensitive probe with a high signal-to-background ratio for real-time monitoring and provides a variety of exciting opportunities in DNA, RNA, and protein studies. To better understand the properties of MBs, the specific interactions between MB and target DNA (complementary and one-base mismatch) have been directly investigated by atomic force microscopy. The interaction force between a linear DNA probe and the target DNA was also detected and compared to that between MB and target DNA. The results demonstrate the high specificity of the MB/target DNA compared to the linear DNA/target DNA interaction.

DNA↗

Up-regulation of Egr1 by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 contributes to increased expression of p35 activator of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and consequent onset of the terminal phase of HL60 cell differentiation.

Advances in differentiation therapy of cancer are likely to depend on improved understanding of molecular events that underlie cell differentiation. We reported recently that cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)5 and p35Nck5a (p35) are expressed in human leukemia HL60 cells induced to differentiate to monocytes by an exposure to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D(3)), form a complex, and this complex has kinase activity (F. Chen and G. P. Studzinski, Blood 2001;97:3763). This laboratory has also provided evidence that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is active in the early (24-48 h) stages of HL60 cell differentiation induced by 1,25D(3) but declines in the later, terminal phase of this form of differentiation (X. Wang and G. P. Studzinski, J Cell Biochem 2001;80:471). We examine now the hypothesis that Egr1 protein contributes to the up-regulation of p35 gene transcription and, thus, activated Cdk5/p35 kinase phosphorylates and inactivates mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1 (MEK1). Our data show that in 1,25D(3)-treated cells, p35 and Egr1 protein levels are elevated in a dose-dependent manner at the onset of the late stage of differentiation. We show also that 1,25D(3) treatment of HL60 cells markedly increases the binding of Egr1 to an element in the p35 gene promoter, whereas transfection of an excess of this Egr1-binding oligonucleotide ("promoter decoy") reduces p35 gene transcription and cell differentiation. Additionally, Cdk5/p35 phosphorylates MEK1 and inhibits its ability to phosphorylate its downstream target Erk2. These data suggest that in 1,25D(3)-treated HL60 cells, Egr1 up-regulates p35 gene transcription and that Cdk5/p35 kinase inactivates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by phosphorylation of MEK1, and this contributes to terminal differentiation of these cells.

Calcitriol↗

Effectiveness of sotalol treatment in symptomatic Brugada syndrome.

We describe a 53-year-old man with recurrent syncopal events and a malignant family history who was treated for 13 years with sotalol drug therapy with no further occurrence of Brugada syndrome symptoms. Genetic testing revealed that he carried a Brugada syndrome sodium channel SCN5A mutation (4189delT). This finding suggests that sotalol may be of therapeutic benefit in such patients.

Adult↗

Mutations in a human ROBO gene disrupt hindbrain axon pathway crossing and morphogenesis.

The mechanisms controlling axon guidance are of fundamental importance in understanding brain development. Growing corticospinal and somatosensory axons cross the midline in the medulla to reach their targets and thus form the basis of contralateral motor control and sensory input. The motor and sensory projections appeared uncrossed in patients with horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS). In patients affected with HGPPS, we identified mutations in the ROBO3 gene, which shares homology with roundabout genes important in axon guidance in developing Drosophila, zebrafish, and mouse. Like its murine homolog Rig1/Robo3, but unlike other Robo proteins, ROBO3 is required for hindbrain axon midline crossing.

Adult↗

Genomewide linkage scan identifies a novel susceptibility locus for restless legs syndrome on chromosome 9p.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder that affects 5%-12% of all whites. To genetically dissect this complex disease, we characterized 15 large and extended multiplex pedigrees, consisting of 453 subjects (134 affected with RLS). A familial aggregation analysis was performed, and SAGE FCOR was used to quantify the total genetic contribution in these families. A weighted average correlation of 0.17 between first-degree relatives was obtained, and heritability was estimated to be 0.60 for all types of relative pairs, indicating that RLS is a highly heritable trait in this ascertained cohort. A genomewide linkage scan, which involved >400 10-cM-spaced markers and spanned the entire human genome, was then performed for 144 individuals in the cohort. Model-free linkage analysis identified one novel significant RLS-susceptibility locus on chromosome 9p24-22 with a multipoint nonparametric linkage (NPL) score of 3.22. Suggestive evidence of linkage was found on chromosome 3q26.31 (NPL score 2.03), chromosome 4q31.21 (NPL score 2.28), chromosome 5p13.3 (NPL score 2.68), and chromosome 6p22.3 (NPL score 2.06). Model-based linkage analysis, with the assumption of an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance, validated the 9p24-22 linkage to RLS in two families (two-point LOD score of 3.77; multipoint LOD score of 3.91). Further fine mapping confirmed the linkage result and defined this novel RLS disease locus to a critical interval. This study establishes RLS as a highly heritable trait, identifies a novel genetic locus for RLS, and will facilitate further cloning and identification of the genes for RLS.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Identification of an angiogenic factor that when mutated causes susceptibility to Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Angiogenic factors are critical to the initiation of angiogenesis and maintenance of the vascular network. Here we use human genetics as an approach to identify an angiogenic factor, VG5Q, and further define two genetic defects of VG5Q in patients with the vascular disease Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). One mutation is chromosomal translocation t(5;11), which increases VG5Q transcription. The second is mutation E133K identified in five KTS patients, but not in 200 matched controls. VG5Q protein acts as a potent angiogenic factor in promoting angiogenesis, and suppression of VG5Q expression inhibits vessel formation. E133K is a functional mutation that substantially enhances the angiogenic effect of VG5Q. VG5Q shows strong expression in blood vessels and is secreted as vessel formation is initiated. VG5Q can bind to endothelial cells and promote cell proliferation, suggesting that it may act in an autocrine fashion. We also demonstrate a direct interaction of VG5Q with another secreted angiogenic factor, TWEAK (also known as TNFSF12). These results define VG5Q as an angiogenic factor, establish VG5Q as a susceptibility gene for KTS, and show that increased angiogenesis is a molecular pathogenic mechanism of KTS.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chronic hyperaldosteronism in a transgenic mouse model fails to induce cardiac remodeling and fibrosis under a normal-salt diet.

Primary aldosteronism causes severe hypertension in humans (Conn's syndrome) with cardiac hypertrophy, characterized by a fibrosis more severe than the one observed in patients with essential hypertension. This suggests that aldosterone by itself may have specific and direct effects on cardiac remodeling through the activation of the cardiac mineralocorticoid receptor. Experimental evidence obtained in studying uninephrectomized rats treated with aldosterone or deoxycorticosterone (DOC) together with salt loading has led to similar conclusions. To examine the direct consequences of chronically elevated aldosterone levels on cardiac pathophysiology, we analyzed a mouse model (alpha-epithelial Na channel -/-Tg) that is normotensive under normal-salt diet but exhibits chronic hyperaldosteronism. Sixteen-month-old transgenic rescue mice that were kept under a regular salt diet that contains a small amount of sodium (0.3% Na(+)) displayed a compensated PHA-1 phenotype with normal body weight, normal kidney index, normal blood pressure, but 6.3-fold elevated plasma aldosterone levels compared with the age-matched control group. Peripheral resistance of distal colon to aldosterone was shown by a significant decrease of the amiloride-sensitive rectal potential difference, and its diurnal cyclicity was blunted. Despite chronically high plasma aldosterone levels, these animals do not show any evidence of cardiac hypertrophy, remodeling, or fibrosis, using collagen staining and anti-alpha-skeletal and alpha-smooth actin immunochemical labeling of heart sections. Cardiac fibrosis as seen in DOC- or aldosterone/salt-treated animal models is therefore likely to be due to the synergistic effect of salt, aldosterone, and other confounding factors rather than to the elevated circulating aldosterone levels alone.

Aging↗

Mechanisms by which SCN5A mutation N1325S causes cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A are responsible for type-3 long QT disease (LQT3). The genesis of cardiac arrhythmias in LQT3 is multifaceted, and the aim of this study was to further explore mechanisms by which SCN5A mutations lead to arrhythmogenesis in vivo. METHODS: We engineered selective cardiac expression of a long QT syndrome (LQTS) mutation (N1325S) in human SCN5A and generated a transgenic mouse model, TGM(NS31). RESULTS: Conscious and unrestrained TGM(NS31)L12 mice demonstrated a significant prolongation of the QT-interval and a high incidence of spontaneous polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF), often resulting in sudden cardiac death (n=52:156). Arrhythmias were suppressed by mexiletine, a sodium channel blocker for the late persistent sodium current. Action potentials (APs) from TGM(NS31)L12 ventricular myocytes exhibited early afterdepolarizations and longer 90% AP durations (APD90=69 +/- 5.9 ms) than control (APD90=46.7 +/- 4.8 ms). Voltage-clamp experiments in transgenic myocytes revealed a peak inward sodium current (INa) followed by a slow recovery from inactivation. After mexiletine application, transgenic ventricular APDs were shortened, and recovery from inactivation of INa was enhanced. These suggest that the N1325S transgene is responsible for the abnormal signals present in transgenic cells as well as the genesis of lethal arrhythmias in mice. Interestingly, transgenic but not wild-type myocytes displayed longer APDs with a shortening of CLs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that a new model for LQTS has been established, and we report on an arrhythmogenic mechanism that, unlike other SCN5A mutations, results in poor restitution of APD with increasing rate as a possible substrate for arrhythmogenesis.

Action Potentials↗