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Biomedical subjects

X Han

Publications and source records attributed to X Han.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Viral fusion peptides: a tool set to disrupt and connect biological membranes.

The structure and function of viral fusion peptides are reviewed. The fusion peptides of influenza virus hemagglutinin and human immunodeficiency virus are used as paradigms. Fusion peptides associated with lipid bilayers are conformationally polymorphic. Current evidence suggests that the fusion-promoting state is the obliquely inserted alpha-helix. Fusion peptides also have a tendency to self-associate into beta-sheets at membrane surfaces. Although the conformational conversion between alpha- and beta-states is reversible under controlled conditions, its physiological relevance is not yet known. The energetics of peptide insertion and self-association could be measured recently using more soluble "second generation" fusion peptides. Fusion peptides have been reported to change membrane curvature and the state of hydration of membrane surfaces. The combined results are built into a model for the mechanism by which fusion peptides are proposed to assist in biological membrane fusion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

[An experimental study of a new route for Acyclovir administration for anti-keratitis therapeutic treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To study the significance of a collagen shield made by centrifugal method that can deliver Acyclovir. METHODS: 28 white rabbits were divided into four groups for observing releasing of Acyclovir into aqueous at 0.5, 1, 3, 5 hours after adding drugs in two different administrative ways, that were putting drug loaded collagen shields on one eye of the rabbit and subconjunctival injection of drug in another eye of the rabbit as control. The drug concentrations in aqueous of rabbit at different times using different administrative routes were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: At 0.5 hr of drug administration, the Acyclovir concentrations in aqueous of subconjunctival injected rabbits were obviously higher than that in collagen shields loaded rabbits (t = 4.050, P <0.01), but it became not so notable at the time of 1 hr. (t =2.074, P>0.05). At the time of 3 hrs and 5 hrs, the drug concentrations in aqueous of collagen shield loaded eyes of the rabbits not only were higher than that of the subconjunctival injected rabbits (t=4.761, t=4.190, respectively, P <0.01), but also could sustain rather a long time. CONCLUSIONS: A drug delivering way using collagen shield made by centrifugal method can replace the subconjunctival injection.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed2000

[Review on research of plant nutrient use efficiency].

The concept of nutrient use efficiency is the central to the understanding of ecosystem function. We reviewed the concept of nutrient use efficiency and resorption, its expression and calculation, affecting factors and biochemical basis, we also analyzed the current problems in the studies of nutrient use efficiency, and pointed out the directions for future research work of this field.

Absorption↗
PubMed2000

[Stable carbon isotope characteristics of some woody plants in warm temperate zone].

It was found that the delta 13C values of the foliar, trunk, flower, and fruit of some woody plants in broad-leaved forest in warm temperate zone were affected by many factors, and showed a great interspecific difference and temporal and spatial heterogeneity. The intraspecific variation of delta 13C values was also great, with the order of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla 6.549@1000(-22.226@1000(-)-28.775@1000), Fraxinus rhynchophylla 5.706@1000(-23.687@1000(-)-29.393@1000), Jugans mandshurica 5.229@1000 (-26.146@1000-31.375@1000), Quercus liaotungensis 3.333@1000 (-24.324@1000(-)-27.657@1000), Syringa pekinensis 2.414@1000(-25.655@1000(-)-28.070@1000), and Prunus armeniaca var. ansu 2.296@1000 (-23.436@1000(-)-26.432@1000). Different organs of the same species had different delta 13C values: trunk and root barks had the low, while xylem had the highest delta 13C value. According to the relationship analysis between delta 13C value of Prunus armeniaca var. ansu xylem and environment factors, it was found that delta 13C value was strongly affected by annual mean temperature and followed by annual precipitation, mean temperature and precipitation in growth season.

Carbon Isotopes↗
PubMed2000

Effect of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP on neuron specific enolase, heat shock protein, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide synthase mRNA in human retinoblastoma HXO-Rb44 cells and cell differentiation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP) on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNA, NOS and nitric oxide (NO) product, heat shock protein (hsp) 70 and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in human retinoblastoma HXO-Rb44 cells and the effect related to cell differentiation. METHODS: Cultured human retinoblastoma HXO-Rb44 cells were divided into two aliquots. One was cultured with 2 x 10(-5) mol/L of 8-Br-cAMP for 24 hours as the experiment group; the other was treated with no 8-Br-cAMP as the control group. The cell suspensions in concentration of 1 x 10(7)/ml in both groups were dropped onto the nitrocellulose membrane (NCM). The NOS mRNA was detected with the biotin-labeled NOS cDNA probe by RNA dot blot. The NOS activity was detected by protein dot blot. The immunoreactivity (IR) of hsp70 and NSE was detected by protein dot blot. The NO was detected by nitrate reductase method. NCM specimens were analyzed by a TLC scanner for detection of the dot blot signal intensity. RESULTS: The signals of NOS mRNA, NOS activity, hsp70-IR, NSE-IR, and NO content in the experiment group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05-0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 8-Br-cAMP could increase NO product and the expression of NOS mRNA, NOS, NSE and hsp70. The results indicate that 8-Br-cAMP could facilitate synthesis of NO in the neuroblastoma HXO-Rb44 cells, which could have tendency toward neuron development, suggesting that the increased hsp70, NO and NOS may involve cell differentiation of the retinoblastoma HXO-Rb44.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed2000

[Study on relationship between endometrium laminin expression and irregular uterine bleeding in Norplant users].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between endometrium laminin (LN) expression and irregular uterine bleeding in Norplant users. METHODS: Eighteen endomerium samples obtained during day 10-14th from Norlant users for 1/2, 1 or > 2 years respectively with irregular bleeding were studied morphologically and immunohistochemically for LN expression. Six normal proliferative endometria and 18 connterpacts with regular bleeding were used as control. RESULTS: In Norplant users, endometrial glands decreased in numbers and asynchromized in appearance. The LN expression on basal lamina of glandular epithelium and vascular endothelium was lower in those with irregular bleeding as compared with regular bleeders (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The decline of LN expression may related to irregular bleeding in Norplant users.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[The role of Werner's syndrome gene in the genetic susceptibility to the type 2 diabetes in Chinese population].

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that Werner's syndrome gene (WRN) contributes to the genetic susceptibility to the type 2 diabetes in Chinese population. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-restrictive fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to test the distribution of a polymorphism (Cys1367Arg ) of the WRN gene in 241 type 2 diabetes patients and 108 normal control subjects. RESULTS: The frequency of "R" allele of the WRN gene in type 2 diabetes patients whose diagnosis age >/= 45 was significantly increased as compared with that in the control subjects (9.6% vs 4.6%, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of allele "R" of the WRN gene in early onset Chinese type 2 diabetes patients suggests that the WRN gene may contribute to the genetic susceptibility of type 2 diabetes in Chinese population through either directly causing diabetes or interacting with the diabetogenic gene.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation for the treatment of type I diabetes with end-stage renal disease].

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate whether simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is practical for the treatment of Type I diabetes with end-stage renal disease. METHODS: Eight cases of combined pancreas-kidney transplantation were performed in our institute. The age ranged from 35 years to 48 years (average 43.46 years). All cases were diagnosed as type I diabetes with end-stage nephropathy, two cases with blindness due to retinopathy. The case history ranged from 2 years to 22 years. Pancreas allograft was placed in the right iliac fossa with pancreas exocrine drainage to bladder, whereas renal allograft the in left iliac fossa. Initial immunosuppression regimen is quadruple. RESULTS: Seven patient could be insulin free after transplantation, with normal fasting blood glucose. One patient received insulin treatment for 40 days after operation. One patient survived 1 year and 9 months after transplantation with normal functioning pancreas allograft and kidney allograft. Four patient survived 2 months with normal allograft function. Fasting blood glucose was between 4.5 and 6.2 mmol/L; Cr was between 53 and 106 micromol/L. Diet control was not necessary. Two patient died of encephalorrhagia, and 1 pancreatic vascular thrombosis and necrotic pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Combined pancreas-kidney transplantation is feasible to treat type I diabetes with end-stage nephropathy. Functional pancreas allograft could be procured in the present condition. Pancreatic exocrine is drained to bladder. The diagnosis of acute rejection could be made earlier by detecting urine amylase. Heparin should be added in order to prevent pancreatic thrombosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[MMF and CyA in the prevention of early acute rejection after renal transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of MMF and low dose CyA on the prevention of early acute rejection after renal transplantation. METHODS: 146 patients with kidney transplantation were analyzed retrospectively from December 1997 to January 1999. These patients were divided into two groups according to the immunosuppressive regimen: Aza group (78 patients) and MMF group (68 patients). All patients met the following criteria: HLA mismatch </= 3 loci, lymphocytes toxicity test < 10%, PRA < 20% for second or third transplantation, warm ischemia time 5-11 minutes, and cold ischemia time 3-24 hours. RESULTS: There were 24 patients with acute rejection episodes (30.77%) in the Aza group; and 10 patients (14.71%) in the MMF group, (P < 0.05). The dosage of CyA and blood concentration of CyA were significantly different; 6.00 +/- 1.21 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 286.00 +/- 20.02 microg/L in the Aza group; 4.00 +/- 1.14 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 204.00 +/- 20.18 microg/L in the MMF group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MMF with low dose CyA based triple regimen could prevent the acute rejection episodes effectively at the early period of post transplantation. This triple regimen can reduce the acute rejection episodes by 50%. To some extent, low dose CyA may avoid nephrotoxicity. The long-term effect of this regimen on allograft is still needed to observe.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Changes of surfactant A and B in alveolar type II cells in hamster with elastase-induced emphysema].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of surfactant A and B (SP-A and SP-B) in alveolar type II cells of lungs in hamsters with elastase-induced emphysema. METHODS: After intratracheal instilling of elastase, hamsters were killed at the 30th, 60th and 90th day of the experiment respectively. Slides of lung tissue were examined under light microscope and measured by calculating the mean linear intercepts. Then the slides were stained under immunohistochemistry procedures and measured by using a morphometric analysis system. Meanwhile, slides were also checked by electron microscopy. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal group, MLI of the elastase group was significantly increased (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry showed that the percentage of both SP-A and SP-B positive cells was significantly decreased 30 days after the intratracheal instilling of elastase (from 48.0% +/- 3.0% to 9.5% +/- 4.0% and from 28.0% +/- 4.0% to 13.3% +/- 4.1%, respectively; P < 0.01), however, a time-dependent recovery 90 days after instilling was seen. Electron microscopy showed a significantly decrease of the number of lamellae. CONCLUSION: The decrease of SP-A and SP-B in alveolar type II cells seems to play an important role in the development of emphysema.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Seven years' summary report on the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with arsenic trioxide--an analysis of 242 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effectiveness of arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). METHODS: Data of clinical observation, seven year follow-up survey were analysed with American SAS system software, concentration of arsenic in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was determined by atomic absorbing spectrum. RESULTS: The complete remission (CR) and effectiveness rates were 87.9% and 94.4% for the previously untreated group; 60.0% and 65.0% for the relapsed in As(2)O(3) maintenance treatment group; 69.5% and 84.8% for the relapsed in other than As(2)O(3) maintenance treatment group; and 48.7% and 94.1% for the refractory group, respectively. In the previously untreated group, the relapse rate at 3 years after CR was 26.7%. The probability of survival in 136 follow-up survey patients was 92.0% and 76.7% at 5 years and 7 years, respectively. There were mild side effects. Central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) occurred in 138 out of 412 cases in 6 years, including some refractory leukemia, extramedullary residual leukemia and extramedullary relapse. Prophylactic intrathecal injection could reduce the incidence rate of CNSL. Determination of arsenic concentration indicated that it was difficult for arsenic to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. CONCLUSION: The CR rate and long-term survival are high and the relapse rate is low in APL patients treated with As(2)O(3). There is no cross-resistance between ATRA and As(2)O(3) and other chemotherapeutic agents. As(2)O(3)-resistance occurs scarcely. It can also be used in maintenance treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Study on physical properties of titanium alloy sample fabricated with vacuum-sintered powder metallurgy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physical properties of titanium alloy fabricated with vacuum-sintered powder metallurgy. METHODS: The titanium powders of three different particle sizes(-160mesh, -200 - +300mesh, -300mesh) were selected, and mixed with copper and aluminum powder in different proportions. Two other groups were made up of titanium powder(-200 - +300mesh) plated with copper and tin. The build-up and, condensation method and a double-direction press with a metal mold were used. The green compacts were sintered at 1000 degrees C for 15 minutes in a vacuum furnace at 0.025 Pa. In the double-direction press, the specimens were compacted at the pressure of 100 MPa, 200 MPa and 300 MPa respectively. Then the linear shrinkage ratio and the opening porosity of the sintered compacts were evaluated respectively. RESULTS: 1. The linear shrinkage ratio of specimens decreased with the increased compacted pressure(P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the linear shrinkage ratios of three different titanium powders at the same compacted pressure(P > 0.05), but that of titanium powder plated with copper and tin was higher than those of other specimens without plating(P < 0.05). 2. The opening porosity of specimens decreased with the increased compacted pressure(P < 0.05). Three different sized particle of titanium powder did not affect the opening porosity at the same compacted pressure(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The composition of titanium-based metal powder mixtures and the compacted pressures affect the physical properties of sintered compacts. Titanium powder plated with copper and tin is compacted and sintered easily, and the physical properties of sintered compacts are greatly improved.

Dental Alloys↗
PubMed2000

[Preventive and therapeutic effect of Chinese herbs naofeikang on experimental emphysema and pulmonary artery hypertension in hamsters].

OBJECTIVE: To observe preventive and therapeutic effect of Chinese herbs Naofeikang on hypoxic pulmonary artery hypertension of elastase-induced emphysema hamsters and investigate its mechanism. METHODS: Hamsters for 30 days after intratracheally-instilled elastase, were kept in hypoxia environment under normal atmospheric pressure for 15 days, 50 hamsters were divided into prevention group (Prv), treatment group (T), emphysema + hypoxia (EH), and control group(N). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) was measured before hamsters were killed. And then right ventricle hypertrophy index (RVHI) was measured, as well as circulating endothelial cells (CEC) and cells recoveries from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted. Meanwhile, pulmonary tissue changes were studied under light microscope with morphometric analysis. RESULTS: Compared with EH group, MPAP, CEC, and cells recoveries of BALF of Prv and T groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); Mean linear intercept and percentage of arterial media area of Prv and T groups had totally a significant difference (P < 0.01) in comparison with EH group. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese herbs Naofeikang could lower pulmonary hypertension, preserve vessel endothelial cells and lessen the inflammatory reaction in pulmonary tissue. Thereby, it could hinder the further development of emphysema and inhibit the remodeling of pulmonary small artery.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Interaction of mutant influenza virus hemagglutinin fusion peptides with lipid bilayers: probing the role of hydrophobic residue size in the central region of the fusion peptide.

The amino-terminal region of the membrane-anchored subunit of influenza virus hemagglutinin, the fusion peptide, is crucial for membrane fusion of this virus. The peptide is extruded from the interior of the protein and inserted into the lipid bilayer of the target membrane upon induction of a conformational change in the protein by low pH. Although the effects of several mutations in this region on the fusion behavior and the biophysical properties of the corresponding peptides have been studied, the structural requirements for an active fusion peptide have still not been defined. To probe the sensitivity of the fusion peptide structure and function to small hydrophobic perturbations in the middle of the hydrophobic region, we have individually replaced the alanine residues in positions 5 and 7 with smaller (glycine) or bulkier (valine) hydrophobic residues and measured the extent of fusion mediated by these hemagglutinin constructs as well as some biophysical properties of the corresponding synthetic peptides in lipid bilayers. We find that position 5 tolerates a smaller and position 7 a larger hydrophobic side chain. All peptides contained segments of alpha-helical (33-45%) and beta-strand (13-16%) conformation as determined by CD and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The order parameters of the peptide helices and the lipid hydrocarbon chains were determined from measurements of the dichroism of the respective infrared absorption bands. Order parameters in the range of 0.0-0.6 were found for the helices of these peptides, which indicate that these peptides are most likely aligned with their alpha-helices at oblique angles to the membrane normal. Some (mostly fusogenic) peptides induced significant increases of the order parameter of the lipid hydrocarbon chains, suggesting that the lipid bilayer becomes more ordered in the presence of these peptides, possibly as a result of dehydration at the membrane surface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

NMR structure of an antisense DNA.RNA hybrid duplex containing a 3'-CH(2)N(CH(3))-O-5' or an MMI backbone linker.

The solution structure of an antisense DNA.RNA hybrid duplex, d(CGCGTT-MMI-TTGCGC).r(GCGCAAAACGCG) (designated R4), containing an MMI backbone linker [3'-CH(2)N(CH(3))-O5'], is elucidated. The structural details of the MMI linker, its structural effects on the neighboring residues, and the molecular basis of the MMI effects are examined. The lipophilic N-methyl group of MMI is peripheral to the helix, assuming a conformation that is most stable with regard to the N-O torsion angle. The MMI linker promotes a 3'-endo conformation for the sugar moieties at both 3'- and 5'-adjacent positions and a backbone kink involving distant residues along the 3'-direction. Comparison of R4 with other analogous hybrid duplexes previously studied in this laboratory reveals a new family of low-energy helical conformations that can be accommodated in stable duplexes and a common feature of C3'-modified sugars for adopting a C3'-endo pucker. The results of these studies emphasize the interplay of several factors that govern the formation of stable hybrid duplexes and provide a basis for the understanding of the biological role of the MMI modifications, which are important building blocks for a family of promising chimeric antisense oligonucleotides.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1999

The protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor is a serpin.

In the presence of phospholipid vesicles and calcium ions, protein Z (PZ) serves as a cofactor for the inhibition of coagulation factor Xa by a plasma protein called PZ-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI). To further characterize ZPI, its cDNA has been isolated and cloned from a human liver cDNA library. The ZPI cDNA is 2.44 kb in length and has a relatively long 5' region (466 nt) that contains six potential ATG translation start codons. ATG's 1-4 are followed by short open reading frames, whereas ATG(5) and ATG(6) are in an uninterrupted open reading frame that includes the encoded ZPI protein. In vitro experiments show that ATG(6) is sufficient for the expression of rZPI in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. Northern analysis suggests the liver is a major site of ZPI synthesis. The predicted 423 residue amino acid sequence of the mature ZPI protein is 25-35% homologous with members of the serpin superfamily of protease inhibitors and is 78% identical to the amino acid sequence predicted by a previously described cDNA isolated from rat liver, regeneration-associated serpin protein-1 (rasp-1). Thus, ZPI is likely the human homologue of rat rasp-1. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of ZPI with those of other serpins predicts that Y387 is the P(1) residue at the reactive center of the ZPI molecule. Consistent with this notion, rZPI(Y387A), an altered form of ZPI in which tyrosine 387 has been changed to alanine, lacks PZ-dependent factor Xa inhibitory activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Neuregulin signaling in the heart. Dynamic targeting of erbB4 to caveolar microdomains in cardiac myocytes.

Two of the neuregulins (NRG1 and NRG2) and their receptors (erbB2 and erbB4) are essential for normal cardiac development and can mediate hypertrophic growth and enhance survival of embryonic, postnatal, and adult rat ventricular myocytes. The expression of erbB4, the predominant NRG receptor in postnatal rat ventricular muscle, declines after midembryogenesis, and its expression is limited to cardiac myocytes. A full-length erbB4 rat cDNA isolated from neonatal ventricular muscle was found to be highly homologous to human erbB4 and contained a caveolin binding motif within the cytoplasmic kinase domain. Using the complementary techniques of detergent-free density-gradient ultracentrifugation of myocyte lysates and coimmunoprecipitation of erbB4 and caveolin-3, the caveolin isoform expressed in cardiac myocytes, erbB4 could be localized (using both approaches) to caveolar microdomains. Moreover, addition of a soluble NRG1, recombinant human glial growth factor 2, resulted in rapid (2-minute) translocation of erbB4 out of caveolar microdomain in cardiac myocytes. Thus, erbB4 is dynamically targeted to caveolar microdomains within cardiac myocytes. Its rapid translocation after NRG1 binding may contribute to receptor desensitization in the continuous presence of ligand.

Age Factors↗