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Biomedical subjects

R Xu

Publications and source records attributed to R Xu.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Temporal changes in cancellous bone structure of rats immediately after ovariectomy.

To understand the structural changes accompanying estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss, we examined the temporal changes in cancellous bone structure in an animal model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Matured rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy, and groups of eight animals were sacrificed at 5-day intervals. Histomorphometric and trabecular strut analyses of the excised proximal tibia, and bone mineral density measurement of the distal femur, were used to investigate cancellous bone loss as a result of estrogen deficiency. There was an immediate increase in bone turnover after ovariectomy, as evidenced by rapid increases in osteoclast surface (400%) and bone formation rate (270%). The resultant time-dependent decrease in cancellous bone volume was highly related to a decrease in trabecular plate number and connectivity parameters, but was not related to the thickness of the remaining cancellous plates. Our results suggest that cancellous bone loss due to estrogen deficiency is the result of decreased connectivity, likely due to osteoclast perforation of trabecular plates, followed by complete removal of the plate without prior generalized thinning.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Modulation of retinoblastoma and retinoblastoma-related proteins in regenerating rat liver and primary hepatocytes.

Protein expression of the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor gene product was examined by immunoblot analysis of nuclei isolated from regenerating rat liver after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). Levels were almost undetectable in quiescent 0-h livers but increased 15- to 60-fold 3 to 24 h post-PH, 105-fold at 30 h, and 20- to 50-fold at 60 to 72 h post-PH. Expression returned to near baseline levels at 18, 42, and 48 h post-PH. A similar pattern of Rb protein expression in the regenerating liver was observed by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, with peak nuclear expression at 30 h post-PH. Rb-related proteins with apparent molecular masses of 300, 156, and 74 kDa were detected in regenerating liver using mAbs to the Rb protein. Their expression increased 6- to 8-fold during regeneration, and only p156 returned to baseline levels at 60 h post-PH. Rb and its related proteins were detected in cultured primary hepatocytes, and although total protein levels did not change appreciably, there was a dramatic shift from cytosol into nuclei through 96 h. The half-life of the Rb protein was determined to be 1.9 h in regenerating liver and 2.2 h in cultured primary hepatocytes. Rb protein abundance in synchronized HuH-7 human hepatoma cells was cell cycle dependent and exhibited peak nuclear expression during S phase. Rb protein was detected primarily in its hyperphosphorylated state during liver regeneration and through the cell cycle of the HuH-7 cells. In vivo administration of transforming growth factor beta 1, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis in regenerating liver, resulted in reduced expression of Rb as well as its protein partners, cell cycle-dependent kinase 4 and cyclin E. The results suggest that in the regenerating rat liver and in synchronized HuH-7 cells, expression of Rb protein is modulated in a cell cycle-dependent fashion, remains primarily in a hyperphosphorylated state, and exhibits a relatively short half-life. The inhibition of Rb protein expression by transforming growth factor beta 1 may be linked to its simultaneous suppression of cell cycle-dependent kinase 4 and cyclin E protein levels.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Anatomic considerations for dorsal sacral plate-screw fixation.

Five cadaveric pelves and 40 dry bony specimens were used to assess the feasibility of the lumbosacral plate fixation extending to beyond the S1 region and quantitatively to evaluate the posterior sacroiliac region and the dimensions of S1 and S2 pedicle and lateral mass. Partial removal of the posterior ilium was undertaken to measure the surface area available for plate fixation on the dorsal aspect of the sacrum. The results showed that the average distances between the outer edges of S1 and S2 dorsal foramina and the medial edge of the posterior ilium increased from 11.3 mm before removal of a portion of the medial posterior ilium to 16.6 mm after removal at the S1 level, and from 8.4 mm before removal of partial medial posterior ilium to 13 mm after removal at the S2 level, respectively. The average depths of the S1 and S2 pedicles were 37.1 and 32.2 mm in the direction anteromedial to the sagittal plane, respectively. The average depths of the S1 and S2 lateral mass were 37.3 and 33.9 mm in the direction anterolateral to the sagittal plane, respectively. In cases of vertebral metastases or osteoporosis, plating extending to S2 may be needed if good bony purchase cannot be achieved by the S1 pedicle or lateral mass screw. This study suggested also that partial removal of the posterior ilium enhances the space on the posterior aspect of the sacrum without severe compromise of the sacroiliac joint.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt performed under ultrasonic guidance].

We visualized and located the portal and hepatic venous systems before and during the procedure of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) with color Doppler ultrasonography instead of X-ray in 23 cases in our hospital since November 1993. TIPSS was performed under US guidance, and had the lowest frequency of failure. The gastroesophageal hemorrhage stopped immediately with less complication, the ascites was alleviated. US assisted TIPSS is a safe and simplified procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[A study on the effective way and dosage of intravas deferens injection of HFMC for male contraception].

To investigate the effective way and dosage of intravas deferens injection of HFMC for male contraception, Teflon tubes of 1 mm caliber were used to imitate intravas injection of HFMC. We injected HFMC first, then the precipitant; thus HFMC could adhere to the walls and blend with the precipitant to precipitate. Eight adult male rabbits, exposed reproductive ducts were injected with dyed HFMC in opposite directions (upward and downward), HFMC flowed out of the distal end of the vas easily when its volume was more than that of the vas. 14 adult rabbits were used for the comparison of sperm density and fertility index between upward and downward injections of HFMC, and between the dosage of HFMC (50 microliters and 100 microliters) injected upward. The results show that it is difficult to attain contraception by intravas injection of HFMC downward, but contraception is quite possible by intravas injection of HFMC upward providing the volume is enough. The result also suggest that HFMC should be injected into vas deferens upward first; its volume should be 3 time as much as the natural volume of the vas from the injecting point to the epididymal end. Then a little precipitant is injected into the vas.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Effect of cholecystokinin on prolactin release and its action mechanism in the rats].

The effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on the release of prolactin (PRL) in male rats were studied in vivo and in vitro. CCK-8 at the concentrations (microgram) of 0.05 and 0.5 was injected into the third cerebral ventricle (3rd, V. I) of conscious rats, outfitted with chronic 3rd. V. and jugular cannulae, a significant increase in resting secretion and restraint stress-induced release of PRL were observed. The effects of CCK-8 at the concentration of 0.05 microgram were stronger than those of 0.5 microgram. To determine if CCK-8 would exert any direct action on anterior pituitary, CCK-8 of 0.05, 0.5, 1.00 microgram were added to the medium of dispersed anterior pituitary cell, and caused dose-dependent increase of PRL secretion. To study a mechanism of intracellular signal transduction in the action of CCK-8, the levels of cAMP and [Ca2+] in the medium were measured. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration of disperse anterior pituitary cell was significantly elevated by CCK-8 (2 x 10(-4) mol/L), but CCK-8 (10(-8)-10(-6) mol/L) did not change intracellular cAMP content. The results indicate that CCK-8 stimulate prolactin release at both sites of hypothalamic and anterior pituitary and the mechanism of stimulating effects of CCK-8 might be mediated by [Ca2+] but not cAMP.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Prediction of bone graft strength using dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry.

STUDY DESIGN: A biomechanical study of anterior iliac crest bone was done to investigate a relationship between the compressive strength of tricortical iliac crest grafts and bone mineral density (BMD) of the iliac crest measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the potential usefulness of DEXA for measuring BMD of the iliac crest and documented bone graft strength predictability by BMD measurements. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The corticocancellous iliac bone is frequently used as an interbody graft for anterior spine fusion. The decreased compressive strength of bone graft may lead to collapse, pseudarthrosis and recurrence of symptoms, particularly in the osteoporotic patient. The DEXA accurately determines BMD of the spine and the hip, but no previous studies are available on the pelvis. METHODS: The BMDs were measured on the intact pelvis of the elderly and the corresponding tricortical grafts, using DEXA. The strut and Smith-Robinson type grafts were placed under axial loading using Material Testing System. Load to failure and compressive strength were obtained and statistically correlated to BMDs. RESULTS: There was a high correlation between the BMDs of the intact pelvis and each graft (R = 0.8, P < 0.001). The ultimate load to failure and compressive stress were linearly correlated to the BMD of the intact pelvis (R = 0.82, P < 0.001, R = 0.78, P < 0.001, respectively) as well as to the BMD of the graft (R = 0.77, P < 0.001, R = 0.75, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the biomechanical strength of the iliac bone graft is very dependent on its BMD, and DEXA has a potential clinical value in predicting iliac bone graft strength for cervical spine fusion.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1994

Does high MHC class II gene expression in normal lungs account for the strong immunogenicity of lung allografts?

Clinical experience has demonstrated that lung allografts are considerably more immunogenic than liver allografts although both organs contain equivalent amounts of lymphoreticular tissue. Northern blot analysis of MHC class II gene expression in various murine organs with I-AB and I-EB gene-specific oligonucleotide probes revealed that MHC class II expression in lungs is semiquantitatively higher than in the liver and other organs with the exception of the spleen. We conclude that this high MHC class II expression strongly suggests that the lymphoreticular tissue in the lungs is in a state of activation. This may be an important reason for the strong immunogenicity of lung allografts.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Effect of n-3 fatty acid-rich fish oil supplementation on the oxidation of low density lipoproteins.

This study was aimed at determining the effect of fish oil supplementation on copper-catalyzed oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) from nine hypertriglyceridemic human subjects. A rapid headspace gas chromatographic method was used to measure the volatile oxidation products from LDL. Propanal and hexanal were the major volatile products formed in the oxidation of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), respectively. Fish oil supplementation resulted in a significant increase in propanal formation from 3.7 to 13.4 nmol/mL LDL (P < 0.01); it also resulted in small decreases in pentanal formation from 14.7 to 11.4 nmol/mL LDL and in hexanal formation from 138 to 108 nmol/mL LDL (P < 0.05). The changes in peroxidation products paralleled the changes in LDL composition, which showed a significant increase in n-3 PUFA from 3.2 to 14.6% (P < 0.01) and a decrease in n-6 PUFA from 43.7 to 35.0% (P < 0.05). Propanal formation was highly and significantly correlated with n-3 PUFA content (r = 0.950, P < 0.001). Since total volatiles remained unchanged, this indicated that the two groups of LDL samples did not differ in overall oxidative susceptibility. Although fish oil intake did not alter the oxidative susceptibility of LDL, the chemically modified LDL particles generated a distinct pattern of volatile oxidation products that reflected changes in their fatty acid composition.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed1994

New triterpenoid saponins from Mussaenda pubescens.

Three new triterpenoidal saponins, mussaendosides O [1], P [2], and Q [3] were isolated from whole plants of Mussaenda pubescens. These structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral methods, such as their 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, TOCSY, and NOESY nmr spectra.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗
PubMed1994

[Study on the specific binding site of NF-k B-like factor at the 5' upstream region of human lymphotoxin gene].

Lymphotoxin(LT) is a glycoprotein secreted by activated T lymphocytes. The expression of LT gene is primarily controlled at the level of transcription. By using human LT DNA as a probe, we have carried out a RNA dot blotting test and found that the longer the Jurkat cells exposed to the PMA and PHA, the more was the endogenous LT mRNA. Results of gel retardation assay showed that nuclear extract from Jurkat cells treated with PMA and PHA formed different complexes. Changes in the complex patterns were observed in different time of PMA and PHA induction. A specific protein-binding site was mapped to a 22bp sequence at the 5' upstream region of human LT gene by DNase I footprinting analysis. This region is similar to the sequence recognized by the proteins of NF-KB family. The results of fragment competition test and homology analysis indicated that the 22-bp sequence contains a KB-like motif only, which located at base pairs -100 to -90(5' -GGGGGCTTCCC-3'). Thus the NF-KB-like factors were involved in the protein-DNA interaction. Furthermore, there were more than one retarded bands appearing in the gel retardation assay. It suggested that there may be various kinds of NF-KB-like factors involved in the regulation of LT gene transcription at the same site.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

[Analysis on refraction status of eyes with normal vision].

Refractive status of 1,324 eyes with normal vision of the juvenile students in four grades was analysed. It was raised that the meaning of refractive status was different between the medical physiological optics and the physical or geometrical optics. "Emmetropia" did not really mean "the normal eye" in refraction as viewed from normal physiology, and the problem about the physiological refractive status of eyes in the juvenile was discussed preliminarily.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Structural characterization of an N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene (AAF) modified DNA oligomer by NMR, energy minimization, and molecular dynamics.

An N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene (AAF) modified deoxyoligonucleotide duplex, d(C1-C2-A3-C4-[AAF-G5]-C6-A7-C8-C9).d(G10-G11-T12-G13-C14-++ +G15-T16-G17-G18), was studied by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Eight of the nine complementary nucleotides form Watson-Crick base pairs, as shown by NOEs between the guanine imino proton and cytosine amino protons for G.C base pairs or by an NOE between the thymine imino proton and adenine H2 proton for A.T base pairs. The AAF-G5 and C14 bases show no evidence of complementary hydrogen bond formation to each other. The AAF-G5 base adopts a syn conformation, as indicated by NOEs between the G5 imino proton and the A3-H3' and A3-H2'/H2" protons and by NOEs between the fluorene-H1 proton of AAF and the G5-H1' or C6-H1' proton. The NOEs from the C4-H6 proton to C4 sugar protons are weak, and thus the glycosidic torsion angle in this nucleotide is not well defined by these NMR data. The remaining bases are in the anti conformation, as depicted by the relative magnitude of the H8/H6 to H2' NOEs when compared to the H8/H6 to H1' NOEs. The three base pairs on each end of the duplex exhibit NOEs characteristic of right-handed B-form DNA. Distance restraints obtained from NOESY data recorded at 32 degrees C using a 100-ms mixing time were used in conformational searches by molecular mechanics energy minimization studies. The final, unrestrained, minimum-energy conformation was then used as input for an unrestrained molecular dynamics simulation. Chemical exchange cross peaks are observed, and thus the AAF-9-mer exists in more than a single conformation on the NMR time scale. The NMR data, however, indicate the presence of a predominant conformation (> or = 70%). The structure of the predominant conformation of the AAF-9-mer shows stacking of the fluorene moiety on an adjacent base pair, exhibiting features of the base-displacement [Grunberger, D., Nelson, J. H., et al. (1970) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 66, 488-494] and insertion-denaturation models [Fuchs, R.P.P., & Daune, M. (1971) FEBS Lett. 14, 206-208], while the distal ring of the fluorene moiety protrudes into the minor groove.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗
PubMed1993

Recognition and catalysis in nucleic acid chemistry.

The enzyme ribonuclease A catalyzes the cleavage of RNA, using the imidazole groups of histidine-12 and histidine-119 as its principal catalytic groups. Model studies show that RNA can be cleaved by imidazole buffer itself and that, as in the enzyme, a bell-shaped pH vs. rate profile is seen. This indicates that one imidazole functions as a base, while the other, as the imidazolium ion, functions as an acid. However, in contrast to the enzymatic case, the simple model uses the imidazoles in sequential, rather than simultaneous, bifunctional catalysis. Mechanistic studies on this reaction and on the reactions of simple dinucleotides catalyzed by imidazole and other buffers establish the details of the process. The results let us propose a mechanism for the enzymatic process different from the standard one; they also stimulated us to design an improved mimic of the enzyme that uses a mechanism like that proposed for the enzyme. Critical to the mechanistic studies is observation of the rearrangement of normal 3',5'' RNA nucleotides to the 2',5'' isomers. This led us to investigate the properties of DNA isomers in which a 2',5'' link also replaces the normal 3',5'' one. The results indicate that poor base stacking in a double helix with such links makes them less suitable as genetic units.

Buffers↗
PubMed1993

Increased mRNA accumulation in a psaB frame-shift mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii suggests a role for translation in psaB mRNA stability.

Regulation of mRNA stability is an important control in the differential accumulation of chloroplast mRNAs that occurs in response to developmental and environmental signals. The mechanism by which differential mRNA accumulation is achieved is unknown. We have examined mRNA accumulation in a chloroplast mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii previously shown to contain a single AT base-pair deletion in the psaB gene. In this mutant, steady-state levels of mRNA from psaB accumulate to a level more than twice that found in cells that have had the mutation repaired by chloroplast transformation. In vivo pulse labeling of RNA shows that increased mRNA accumulation is due to a more stable transcript. We show that inhibitors of chloroplast protein synthesis also increase mRNA accumulation from the psaB gene. The results are consistent with a link between polysome association, active synthesis and stability of psaB transcripts.

Animals↗