PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Qu

Publications and source records attributed to S Qu.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Regulation of ApoE gene expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages by VLDL.

Mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) were incubated with ApoE-poor VLDL or ApoE-rich VLDL at same concentrations for 24 h. The ApoE mRNA content increased in both groups than that in control and the highest ApoE mRNA content was seen in MPM incubated with ApoE-poor VLDL. The results suggest that VLDL could stimulate ApoE gene expression in MPM and the ApoE-poor VLDL has more pronounced effect. We think that the ApoE secreted by MPM may be incorporated into VLDL, especially the ApoE-poor VLDL, and thereby enhance the uptake of those lipoproteins by MPM or other local cells via ApoE-mediated receptor pathways.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Raised concentration of serum bile acids following occupational exposure to halogenated solvents, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane and trichloroethylene.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were threefold. First, to examine the hepatic effects of occupational exposure to 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (FC 113) using conventional and newer tests (serum bile acids) of hepatobiliary function. Second, to assess the effects of altered work practices that included a reduced exposure to a different halogenated solvent (trichloroethylene) on the same parameters of liver function; and finally, to gather further data to support or refute the contention that serum bile acid (SBA) levels could provide a sensitive biological marker of exposure to these solvents. DESIGN: Two groups of workers (control and exposed) in an Australian steel industry participated in the study. The exposed group (n = 5-6) comprised individuals who had either exposure to FC 113 (68.2 +/- 12.6 ppm) or trichloroethylene (8.9 +/- 3.1 ppm) during the application of these solvents in a cleaning procedure, whereas the control group (n = 7-11) was composed of non-solvent-exposed office workers in the same company. The initial investigation involved exposure to FC 113 while a follow-up study was undertaken after changes in work practices were made including replacement of FC 113 with trichloroethylene (TRI). METHODS: Standard liver function tests and individual serum bile acids (ISBA) were measured before and after exposure to solvents and simultaneously in the control subjects by enzymatic methods and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data showed a significant increase in the concentration of total serum bile acids (TSBA), some of the subgroups of SBA, and a few of the ISBA in workers after a period of exposure to FC 113. After TRI replaced FC 113 together with other changes in work practices to give substantial reduction in exposure to solvent, a repeat study also found elevated SBA after the cleaning procedure but to a lesser extent. No other indications of adverse liver effects, as measured by conventional parameters of hepatobiliary function, were detected. CONCLUSION: Exposure to FC 113 was clearly associated with a significant rise in SBA levels, which are sensitive indicators of liver function. This finding is consistent with, and provides further support for, our previous investigations on chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents which showed that SBA levels are a sensitive biological marker of exposure to these solvents. Changes in work practices including replacement of FC 113 resulted in a reduced effect on SBA, consistent with lower exposures.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Osteogenic responses to extraskeletally implanted synthetic porous calcium phosphate ceramics: an early stage histomorphological study in dogs.

In this experiment, synthetic porous calcium phosphate ceramics (hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate) were prepared and implanted in dorsal muscles of dogs. The purpose was to study the biological processes prior to and during the morphogenesis of bone in extraskeletally implanted porous calcium phosphate ceramics. Specimens were harvested after implantation for 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days. Decalcified and undecalcified sections were prepared for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) histochemical localization and comparative histological analysis. The results show that bone morphogenesis in the pore regions of the extraskeletally implanted ceramics follows a complex process involving clot formation, vascular invasion, granulation-like tissue formation, polymorphic cell aggregation, osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. The characteristic feature preceding bone formation was polymorphic cell aggregation on the pore inner surface and near the invading capillaries or small venules. These cells were of various sizes and shapes, and some of them were positive for ALP activity. ALP-positive cell aggregates were more numerous where capillaries or venules were close to the pore inner surface. Osteoblast differentiation occurred within the cell clusters aggregated on the pore inner surface and bone matrix was secreted in direct contact with the ceramics. During bone formation, capillaries or small venules were always found close to the developing fronts of the osseous nidi. It is suggested that those cells which first appeared near the invading vasculature, the cells which aggregated on the pore inner surface and those cells which finally differentiated into osteoblasts may be interrelated in some way.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Transcriptional activation and transformation by FosB protein require phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal activation domain.

The transcription factor AP-1, composed of Fos-Jun dimers, mediates some aspects of the cellular response to growth factors. Transcriptional activation and neoplastic transformation by FosB, a member of the Fos family of proteins, require the presence of a potent C-terminal activation domain. Here we show by mutational analysis that the FosB C-terminal domain has a proline-based motif that is essential for both of these functions. Phosphopeptide mapping experiments show that the C terminus of FosB is phosphorylated within a cluster of functionally redundant serine residues that is adjacent to this proline-based motif. Mutation of these serine residues to alanine severely reduces the ability of this region to function as an activation domain and inhibits the ability of FosB protein to function as a transforming protein. Several observations suggest that the kinase responsible for phosphorylation of these sites is distinct from the mitogen-activation protein kinases and stress-activated protein kinases. Our results show that transcriptional activation and neoplastic transformation by the FosB protein are dependent on phosphorylation within the C terminus. This form of control may provide a potential mechanism of signal integration at the level of a single transcription factor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Polydactyly and ectopic ZPA formation in Alx-4 mutant mice.

Correct development of the limb is dependent on coordination between three distinct signaling centers. Recently, fibroblast growth factor-4 has been identified as a crucial determinant of AER function, which directs limb bud outgrowth, and Sonic hedgehog has been identified as a signaling molecule that mediates ZPA function, which specifies anterior-posterior patterning in the developing limb bud. In addition, Shh and FGF-4 reciprocally reinforce each other's expression via a positive feedback loop, providing a molecular basis for the coordination of limb bud outgrowth and anterior-posterior patterning. The mechanisms by which these signaling centers come to occupy their normal positions in the posterior limb bud during development are not understood. Here we identify and characterize Alx-4, a gene that encodes a paired-type homeodomain protein. Alx-4 is expressed in several populations of mesenchymal cells, including mesenchymal cells in the anterior limb bud, and mice homozygous for targeted disruption of the Alx-4 gene have multiple abnormalities, including preaxial polydactyly. The polydactyly is associated with the formation of an ectopic anterior ZPA, as indicated by anterior expression of Sonic hedgehog, HoxD13 and fibroblast growth factor-4. The expression of other candidate regulators of anterior-posterior positional information in the limb bud, including HoxB8 and Gli3, is not altered in Alx-4 mutant embryos. By chromosomal mapping experiments, Alx-4 is tightly linked to Strong's luxoid, a polydactylous mouse mutant. The results identify Alx-4 as a determinant of anterior-posterior positional identity in the limb and a component of a regulatory program that restricts ZPA formation to the posterior limb bud mesenchyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Mutations at the Ser50 residue of translation factor eIF-2alpha dominantly affect developmental rate, body weight, and viability of Drosophila melanogaster.

Phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF-2alpha downregulates protein synthesis by sequestering the guanylate exchange factor eIF-2B. The importance of this regulation has been demonstrated in the context of stress and virally induced repression of protein synthesis but has not been investigated relative to the control of protein synthesis during development. Transgenic Drosophila strains bearing aspartic acid or alanine substitutions at the presumed regulatory phosphorylation site (Ser50) of Drosophila eIF-2alpha were established. The expression of the eIF-2alpha mutant transgenes, under the transcriptional control of the hsp70 promoter, was induced at various times during development to assess the developmental and biochemical effects. Flies bearing the aspartic acid eIF-2alpha mutant (HD) transgene displayed a slow growth phenotype and small body size. Repeated induction of the HD transgene resulted in cessation of development. In contrast, flies bearing the alanine eIF-2alpha mutant (HA) displayed a fast growth phenotype and females were significantly larger than nontransgenic control sisters. The HD transgenic flies exhibit a relatively lower level of global protein synthesis than the HA transgenic flies, although the difference is statistically insignificant.

Alanine↗
PubMed1997

[Study of arginase activity in alveolar macrophages from patients with lung cancer].

Alveolar macrophages (AM) were obtained from 20 patients with primary lung cancer and 20 cases with nonmaligment pulmonary disease by BAL and were incubated in vitro in medium with and without BCG and/or IFN-alpha. Then the cell-free supernatants were harvested. The activity of arginase was assayed. It was found that: arginase was produced spontaneously by AM: The spontaneous production of arginase is lower in AMs from the tumor-bearing segments than either nontumor-bearing segments or AMs from the patients with nonmalignant pulmonary diseases (P < 0, .05). The production of arginase was icreased on AMs from the tumor-bearing segments stimulated with BCG and/or IFN-alpha (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The results suggested that (1) There are some function at defects of tumor. (2) The mechanism of anti-tumor and anti-infection activity of BCG and IFN-alpha may possibly increase the production of arginase of AMs.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Study of heat shock protein HSP90 alpha, HSP70, HSP27 mRNA expression in human acute leukemia cells.

The expression of three heat shock proteins (HSPs)-HSP90 alpha, HSP70, HSP27 in cells obtained from 22 patients with leukemia, K562 erythroleukemia cell line, and normal blood cells was observed by means of RNA dot blot analysis. The results showed that the expression of the HSP27 gene was enhanced in 4 cases of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), 7 cases of acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL) and 2 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as compared with that of the normal blood cells, yet there was no significant difference in the HSP27 expression between the ALL and ANLL cells. The expression of HSP70 in all the 5 ALL and ANLL patients was much lower than that of the normal subjects, except 1 case of ALL and 1 case of MDS, in which the expression was obviously enhanced. All the cases including 11 ANLL, 5 ALL and 1 MDS had higher HSP90 alpha expression than the normal subjects. The enhanced expression of HSP90 alpha in leukemia cells may be associated with the active and indefinite proliferation of leukemia cells. Our results also suggest that the high expression of the HSP27 gene may not be confined to a specific type of acute leukemia.

HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins↗
PubMed1996

Construction of eukaryotic expression vector pBlacz and its expression both in vitro and in vivo.

A novel eukaryotic expression vector pBlacZ was constructed, which was transfected into the cell lines of NIH/3T3, COS-1, CHO and the primary culture of murine dermatic fibroblasts in vitro, and also into the murine subcutaneous layer and skeletal muscles of rats in vivo. It was detected that the gene expression vector could encode the E. Coli beta-galactosidase effectively in all these histocytes. The results suggested that pBlacZ, as a novel expression vector, might have certain value of application.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1996

[Study clinical application to determine heparin requirements during hemodialysis].

A de nove Weighted Stepwise Linear Model based on Gotch's heparin pharmacokinetic model has been designed to determine the heparin elimination rate constant during hemodialysis (HD). 100 times of HD in 26 patients with unstable dosage requirements of heparin were performed according to the computing method and the new heparin pharmacokinetic Weighted Stepwise Linear Model monitored be program of pocket calculator. The results showed not only stable anticoagulation but also successful prevention of patients's bleeding and avoidance of coagulation in hemodialyzer and blood tubing. The computer diagram presented in this paper is useful for propramming with different computer languages to calculate the heparin dosage requirements of patients undergoing HD.

Computers↗
PubMed1995

Heat shock effects on phosphorylation of protein synthesis initiation factor proteins eIF-4E and eIF-2 alpha in Drosophila.

Heat shock of mammalian cells causes changes in initiation factor phosphorylation that likely contribute to or cause the translation reprogramming characteristic of heat shock. In these investigations we have carried out a parallel analysis of Drosophila, focusing on eIF-4E and eIF-2 alpha. eIF-4E plus associated proteins was purified from lysates by m7GTP-Sepharose chromatography. A minor fraction (< 10%) of eIF-4E is phosphorylated under normal growth conditions, and phosphorylation decreases during heat shock. Drosophila eIF-2 alpha has been identified by in vitro translation of T7 RNA polymerase-transcribed mRNA, and immunoblotting with anti-Drosophila eIF-2 alpha antiserum. 32P-labeling analysis (unfractionated cell lysates and immunoprecipitates) detects phosphorylated eIF-2 alpha, whose amount increases approximately 2-3-fold upon heat shock. Immunoblotting analysis of two-dimensional gel-resolved proteins to determine the mass fraction of eIF-2 alpha phosphorylated detects a single eIF-2 alpha spot in both normal temperature and heat shocked cells, indicating less than 5% phosphorylation after and before heat shock. Staining quantification is consistent with this low prevalence. A major phosphoprotein which copurifies with eIF-4E on m7GTP-Sepharose shows decreased overall phosphorylation and decreased association with eIF-4E following heat shock. Several distinctive characteristics of this phosphoprotein suggest it is Drosophila eIF-4B.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The combined effects of high temperature and carbon monoxide on heat stress response.

In this study, we have examined the effects of exposure to high temperature, carbon monoxide or a combination of both conditions in a model system, the rat and in industrial workers. In the rat liver, HSP70 mRNA and HSP70 synthesis were measured by dot hybridization and western blot. The results showed that after a heat stress HSP70 mRNA and its product, HSP70 increased significantly and there was a synergism in the combined effects of high temperature and carbon monoxide exposure on the induction of HSP70 mRNA and HSP70 synthesis. Heat played a major role in this induction. The presence of antibodies to human HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, HSC73, HSP89 alpha and beta in workers exposed to heat, carbon monoxide was also measured by western blot using purified HSPs as antigens. Plasma free amino acids were measured in the same group of workers. The incidence of antibodies to HSP27 and HSP70 was significantly higher in the workers working in an environment with extreme heat, and high carbon monoxide emission than in a control group. The carbon monoxide exposed group showed the highest incidence of antibodies to HSPs. Although our previous results indicated that workers had an insufficient protein intake, plasma free amino acids tended to increase, especially in methionine and tryptophan two kinds of amino acids which are absent from the main stress protein, HSP70. These results suggest that the major problems that these workers may face are how to facilitate the use of plasma free amino acids and reduce the inhibition of synthesis of normal proteins when they are exposed to occupational harmful factors. These results also add new information on the measurement of HSPs as a potential biomonitor to assess whether organisms are experiencing metabolic stress within their environment.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Voice rehabilitation using tissue flap of trachea and esophagus].

A downward facing tissue flap from the posterior wall of trachea and the anterior wall of esophagus was made after total laryngectomy, then inserted into the esophageal cavity to form a fistula. In order to cover the fistular opening and also to avoid food aspiration, 2-3 mm of the valvular tip must be kept. Of 11 cases undergoing this operation, 5 patients obtained a good vocalization, a comparative dysphonia occurred in 3 patients and another 3 patients got a esophageal voice due to shut of their fistulae. We consider this method a rather simple one, vocalization can recover easily without any special training, and also there were few complications will emerge.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Isolation and characterization of the Drosophila melanogaster eIF-2 alpha gene encoding the alpha subunit of translation initiation factor eIF-2.

Genomic and cDNA clones encoding the Drosophila melanogaster alpha-subunit of translational initiation factor 2 (eIF-2 alpha) were isolated. The D. melanogaster eIF-2 alpha gene encodes a 341 amino-acid (aa) protein that shares 57 and 44% identity to its human and yeast homologues, respectively. The regulatory phosphorylation site at Ser50 is embedded in a segment of 19 conserved aa residues. Analysis of the genomic DNA and cDNA clones indicated that eIF-2 alpha is a single-copy gene and its coding region is interrupted by a 260-bp intron. The D. melanogaster eIF-2 alpha mRNA is 1350 nt in length and is expressed throughout development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Injecting drug use and HIV infection in southwest China.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of drug injection among drug users, the seroprevalence of HIV and risk factors for HIV infection among injecting drug users (IDU), and to determine heterosexual transmission of HIV among IDU and their spouses in southwest China. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, we conducted an HIV seroprevalence and behavioral survey in three rural counties of Yunnan province, Ruili, Longchuan and Luxi in southwest China, bordering Myanmar (Burma). A total of 860 drug users were recruited in randomly selected communities at the three study sites (response rate, 97%). In addition, a random sample of 62 wives of HIV-infected IDU were assembled from 460 known HIV-positive IDU in Ruili and Longchuan (response rate, 81%). RESULTS: In the sample of 860 drug users, 33% reported injecting drugs. Among the 282 subjects who injected drugs, 82% began intravenous drug use after 1988; 64% injected drugs at least once every day. All subjects shared needles but none cleaned the injection equipment with alcohol or bleach. Overall, 49% tested HIV-positive. HIV seropositivity was independently correlated with a longer history of drug injecting, daily injecting, frequent needle-sharing, being younger, and living in Ruili county. Among the 62 wives of HIV-positive IDU, none used condoms during sex and 10% tested HIV-positive. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the introduction of HIV into drug-using communities and the rapid increase in heroin injecting in this population appear to have triggered an explosive HIV epidemic among IDU in southwest China. We recommend that AIDS prevention efforts should begin immediately and focus on discouraging the shift from opium smoking to heroin injecting, needle-sharing, and unprotected sex among drug users and their partners.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Cohort study of HIV infection among drug users in Ruili and other counties in Yunnan Province, China].

In 1993, a second survey was conducted in Ruili City and other two counties, where a cohort study field was established last year. Seven hundred and fifty five drug users and one hundred and two spouses of HIV infected IDUs were interviewed. Nine samples among 54 from 89 IDUs in cohort were tested as seroconversion. The seroconversion rate (incidence rate) in IDUs (per hundred person years) in Ruili, Longchuan, and Luxi as well were 40.0, 12.2 and 0, respectively in 1993, comparing to 43.2, 12.2 and 0 in 1992. Thirty eight were tested as positive among 108 samples from 116 newly recruited IDUs. The seroprevalence rates in this three counties were 85.7%, 40.0% and 0 in 1993, comparing to 81.8%, 44.6% and 5.1% in 1992. A coordination of the level between seroconversion and seroprevalence was observed. A increasing trend of seroprevalence among the spouses of HIV positive IDUs was found, the seroprevalence rate were 3.1% in 1990, 9.8% in 1992 and 7.4% in 1993. More attention should be paid to Luxi where the ratio of intravenous drug using increased rapidly, although fewer positives and later starting of drug using was found in this county.

China↗
PubMed1993

Use of fluorescent substrate 4-MUP in the detection of biotin-labeled DNA probes.

To improve the sensitivity of detecting biotin-labeled DNA Probes, a new fluorescent substrate of alkaline phosphatase, 4-methylum belliferylphosphate (4-mup) was studied instead of conventional BCIP-NBT. The result of dot-blot hybridization demonstrates that this new substrate can be used for the colorimetric detection of biotin-labeled probes after hybridization to immobilized nucleic acids. The sensitivity is about one order of magnitude higher than that of BCIP-NBT system, and the time required for color development is very short, only about five min. It is suggested that the Bio-SA-Bio-AP-4-MUP colorimetric detection system can be widely used in gene diagnosis.

Biotin↗