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Biomedical subjects

Yong Cui

Publications and source records attributed to Yong Cui.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Ovarian H3K27ac remodeling is associated with impaired follicular development in laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome.

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disease of laying hens that reduces egg production and is accompanied by reproductive impairment, but the ovarian regulatory mechanisms that connect nutritional stress to follicular dysfunction remain unclear. This study examined whether active chromatin remodeling in the ovary is associated with FLHS induced by a high-energy, low-protein (HELP) diet. Hy-Line Brown hens were assigned to a basal diet or HELP diet, and ovarian tissue was collected for histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing. The HELP diet reduced laying performance and the numbers of small yellow and hierarchical follicles, indicating compromised follicular development. Genome-wide H3K27ac profiling identified 2,111 regions with lower acetylation and 1,707 regions with higher acetylation in FLHS ovaries. Genes linked to differential H3K27ac regions were enriched in pathways related to oocyte meiosis, cell cycle control, FoxO signaling, gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. RNA sequencing identified 341 differentially expressed genes, with a predominance of downregulated genes. Integration of chromatin and transcriptome data highlighted folliculogenesis-related genes, including FGF1, FGF9, and MMP10, that showed reduced H3K27ac enrichment together with decreased expression. Super-enhancer analysis further identified 131 regions with reduced H3K27ac signal in FLHS ovaries, including regions located near PCNA and RAP1A, two genes involved in cellular proliferation and survival signaling. Motif enrichment of differential H3K27ac regions implicated Fos, SF-1/NR5A1, and GATA-4 as candidate transcriptional regulators. These findings indicate that HELP diet-induced FLHS is associated with broad attenuation of active ovarian regulatory elements and reduced expression of genes required for follicle growth, tissue remodeling, and steroidogenic function. The study provides an ovarian epigenomic framework for understanding reproductive decline in FLHS-affected laying hens.

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome↗

Evidence for a novel psoriasis susceptibility locus at 9q33-9q34 in Chinese Hans.

Psoriasis is a heterogeneous disease for which nine linkage loci (PSORS loci 1-5 and PSORS7-10) have been accepted by the Human Genome Nomenclature Committee and an additional 16 potential susceptibility loci have been reported so far. Our previous genome-wide scan in 61 Chinese Han psoriasis vulgaris families found two susceptibility loci at 6p21.3 and 4q31 and additional suggestive linkage evidence at other regions, including 9q33. In this follow-up study, the linkage evidence at 9q33 was further investigated using an expanded sample of 160 families and improved marker coverage. Our follow-up linkage analysis of the 160 families demonstrated strong linkage evidence (P < or = 0.000022) throughout a region between 133.38 and 146.23 cM with a maximum nonparametric linkage (NPL) score of 4.64 (P = 0.00000023) and a heterogeneity LOD (HLOD) score of 5.03 (alpha = 46%) at 142.39 cM near the marker D9S290. By stratifying the 160 families into the subtypes of 130 early-onset and 30 late-onset families, we revealed stronger linkage evidence in the early-onset psoriasis families with a maximum multipoint HLOD score of 6.48 (alpha = 58%) and a maximum NPL score of 4.69 (P = 0.00000012) near marker D9S290. Our follow-up study has confirmed a novel susceptibility locus at 9q33-34 for early-onset psoriasis in the Chinese population.

Age of Onset↗

Follow-up analysis of PSORS9 in 151 Chinese families confirmed the linkage to 4q31-32 and refined the evidence to the families of early-onset psoriasis.

Psoriasis linkage to 4q28-32 (PSORS9) was initially identified by our genome-wide scan in 61 Chinese families and subsequently supported by a meta-analysis of five genome-wide linkage scans of European populations. In this study, we performed a follow-up analysis of PSORS9 using an additional 90 families and improved marker coverage. Joint analysis of all 151 families obtained significant linkage evidence (HLOD=4.53, nonparametric linkage (NPL)=4.03 (P=0.000003)) at the marker interval D4S2997-D4S3033, and the same was obtained for the analysis of the independent new families (HLOD=4.33, NPL=3.15 (P=0.00004)). The linkage evidences from the whole families and the new families exceeded the genome-wide criteria for significant linkage. Furthermore, by performing an ordered subset analysis using mean age at onset as a covariate, we demonstrated that evidence for linkage to PSORS9 is concentrated in the early-onset families and suggested that further study of PSORS9 should focus on early-onset patients. This finding is contradictory to what was found in the Icelandic population and, together with other linkage results, suggests that Chinese and European populations are genetically different for linkage to PSORS9, which may partially explain the influence of ethnic factors on the varying prevalence of psoriasis.

Age of Onset↗

Impact of newly diagnosed breast cancer on quality of life among Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a very stressful event that has a profound impact on multiple aspects of a patient's daily life. Little is known about the quality of life (QOL) of Chinese women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. METHODS: The authors evaluated QOL in 2,236 Chinese women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who were recruited into the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2004. Patients' QOL was assessed after cancer diagnosis (median time 6.4 months; range 3.6-11.1 months) by using the General Quality of Life Inventory. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations of QOL outcomes with medical and socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: Patients showed significantly worse overall QOL and perceived health status than healthy women, reflected mainly by lower QOL scores in physical and psychological well-being domains. Completion of radiotherapy, ever use of tamoxifen, being underweight, having an increased number of chronic diseases, and low household income were significantly associated with lower overall QOL scores after adjusting for other factors. Age at diagnosis was inversely associated with physical well-being, positively associated with material well-being, and had minimal influence on overall QOL. Stage of disease, chemotherapy, and education were only associated with certain domains, but had no influence on overall QOL. Estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor status and type of surgery or immunotherapy did not appear to be associated with QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study provide important information on QOL and their correlates among Chinese women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and are helpful in developing treatment strategies accordingly.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Systematic evaluation of association between the microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 common variation and psoriasis vulgaris in Chinese population.

Several recent studies have demonstrated the possible involvement of the microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 (MGST2) gene in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The objectives of this work are to determine whether the genetic polymorphisms of the MGST2 gene were associated with an increased risk of psoriasis in Chinese patients. We first characterized the linkage disequilibrium pattern within MGST2 and identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for tagging common genetic variants. Genotype- and haplotype-based analyses were then performed by genotyping the Tag SNPs in a large-scale sample of cases and controls. We characterized the linkage disequilibrium pattern within MGST2 using 12 densely distributed SNPs and identified 6 SNPs for tagging common genetic variants. We then performed an association analysis by genotyping the six SNPs in 552 cases and 384 controls, but none of the genotype- and haplotype-based analyses revealed significant evidence for association. We also performed family-based association analysis by genotyping the six SNPs in 95 trios; no evidence for association was identified. Our comprehensive genetic analysis of MGST2 common variants in a large Chinese sample of psoriasis did not provide any supporting evidence for MGST2 to be the susceptibility gene within the PSORS9 locus.

Adolescent↗

The phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces strong cell-mediated immune responses in mice.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) catalyzes guanosine or adenosine mononucleotide-dependent reversible conversion of oxaloacetate (OAA) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). Mycobacterium (M) tuberculosis possesses a putative GTP-dependent PEPCK. To analyze the immune responses caused by PEPCK, the effects of PEPCK on the induction of CD4(+) T cells and cytokines such as IFN-gamma, IL-12 and TNF-alpha were evaluated in mice. It was found that the number of CD4(+) T cells was increased in the PEPCK immunized mice although the change of the number of CD8(+) T cells was not significant. The cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-12 and TNF-alpha were increased significantly in the mice immunized with PEPCK than those of incomplete adjuvant. These characteristics were further demonstrated in the mice infected by pckA mutated BCG strain. The results indicate that PEPCK can effectively induce cell-mediated immune response by increasing activity of cytokines and PEPCK may be a promising new subunit vaccine candidate for tuberculosis.

Animals↗

Association of ginseng use with survival and quality of life among breast cancer patients.

The authors evaluated the associations of ginseng use as a complementary therapy with survival and quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of 1,455 breast cancer patients who were recruited to the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study between August 1996 and March 1998 in Shanghai, China. Patients were followed through December 2002. Information on ginseng use before cancer diagnosis was collected at baseline recruitment and was linked to survival. Survivors' ginseng use after cancer diagnosis was obtained at the follow-up survey and was correlated to QOL at the same time. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models were applied to evaluate the association of ginseng use with overall and disease-free survival. The relation of ginseng use and QOL was evaluated by using multiple linear regression models. Approximately 27% of study participants were regular ginseng users before cancer diagnosis. Compared with patients who never used ginseng, regular users had a significantly reduced risk of death; adjusted hazard ratios associated with ginseng use were 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.52, 0.98) for total mortality and 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.53, 0.93) for disease-specific mortality/recurrence. Ginseng use after cancer diagnosis, particularly current use, was positively associated with QOL scores, with the strongest effect in the psychological and social well-being domains. Additionally, QOL improved as cumulative ginseng use increased.

Adult↗

Potential of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin forming DNA adducts.

DNA adducts consist of DNA monoadducts, DNA intrastrand crosslinks, DNA interstrand crosslinks, and DNA-protein crosslinks. If not repaired or mistakenly repaired, DNA adducts may lead to gene mutations and initiate carcinogenesis. Two insecticides, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin, were studied for their potential of forming DNA monoadducts, DNA interstrand crosslinks, and DNA-protein crosslinks in primary mouse hepatocytes via the assays of bioluminescence, ethidium bromide fluorescence, and K+-SDS precipitation. DNA interstrand crosslinks were also measured on calf thymus DNA. It was shown that chlorpyrifos could not form DNA adducts. Cypermethrin formed DNA monoadducts and DNA interstrand crosslinks in hepatocytes. However, cypermethrin didn't form DNA interstrand crosslinks on calf thymus DNA and in hepatocytes treated with SKF-525A, a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, which suggests that active metabolites of cypermethrin instead of cypermethrin itself caused DNA interstrand crosslinks and that cytochrome P450 may be involved in the activation of cypermethrin.

Animals↗

Characterization of supersaturated lidocaine/polyacrylate pressure sensitive adhesive systems: thermal analysis and FT-IR.

Supersaturated and crystallized lidocaine (LC)/pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) systems have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR with the objective of characterizing the thermodynamic states and compatibility of the two-component systems. Analysis of the phase behavior of LC/DT2287 systems indicates that LC and DT2287 are thermodynamically miscible within the composition range containing less than approximately 20% w/w LC, beyond which LC may crystallize from the blends forming a separated crystalline phase. The composition dependence of the glass transition temperature (T(g)) was used to characterize the physical and thermodynamic states of the supersaturated systems. The Fox, Gordon-Taylor, Kwei, Kovacs, and Brekner, Schneider and Cantow (BSC) equations were employed to conduct the analysis. It was found that the PSA in the supersaturated LC/PSA systems underwent significant entropic relaxation upon mixing. LC in the miscible systems is absorbed into and swells the polymer network of the PSA, thereby exhibiting reduced molecular mobility, while the PSA attains significant molecular conformation relaxation and entropy increase. It was also found that LC molecules extensively participate in molecular relaxation of the PSA throughout the composition range studied. The molecular mobility of LC is inhibited as the volume fraction of DT2287 increases, suggesting that the PSA molecular network reduces the molecular mobility of LC by closely involving LC molecules in its relaxation, and thereby may enhancing the physical stability of the systems. No strong intermolecular interactions between the two components were found based upon the results of T(g)-composition analysis, and was confirmed by FT-IR studies. This indicates that the analysis based on the BSC equation provides more precise characterization of polymer systems than the T(g) -composition analysis based on other equations cited.

Acrylic Resins↗

A novel MGST2 non-synonymous mutation in a Chinese pedigree with psoriasis vulgaris.

A balanced translocation was recently identified in a German psoriasis patient. One of the breakpoints was mapped immediately upstream of the microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 (MGST2) gene, suggesting it as a candidate gene. Here, we report the identification of a novel non-synonymous mutation in MGST2 by a comprehensive sequence analysis of MGST2's coding region in Chinese psoriasis samples. We demonstrate that this mutation co-segregated with the disease phenotype within a Chinese family affected with psoriasis vulgaris and is predicted to have an impact on the normal function of MGST2 protein. However, the mutation was absent in 551 additional cases and 384 healthy Chinese controls. While requiring independent confirmation, our results suggest that this rare mutation could play a causal role in a small subset of psoriasis individuals.

Adult↗

Inversa acne (hidradenitis suppurativa): a case report and identification of the locus at chromosome 1p21.1-1q25.3.

Acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent draining sinuses and abscesses, predominantly in skin folds that carry terminal hairs and apocrine glands. The genetic basis for this disease is unknown. In this study, we performed a genome-wide scan in a four-generation Chinese family to map the chromosome location of the responsible gene. We first identified a locus at chromosome 1p21.1-1q25.3 with the maximum logarithm of odds (LOD) score of 3.26 at the marker D1S2624 (at recombination fraction=0.00). The other two-point LOD scores >/=3 were observed at markers D1S2695, D1S2726, D1S252, and D1S2777. Haplotype analysis localized this locus to a 76 Mb region flanked by D1S248 and D1S2711. This is the first locus for the inversa acne and will be a starting point towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of this disease.

Adult↗

[Cloning and identification of ROP2 gene of Toxoplasma gondii].

OBJECTIVE: To amplify ROP2 from the genomic DNA of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain and construct eukaryotic expression plasmid pc-DNA3-ROP2. METHODS: Tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain were collected and depurated to obtain genome. A pair of primers was designed and synthesized according ROP2 gene sequence. The gene fragment encoding ROP2 was amplified from the genomic DNA of T. gondii RH strain by means of PCR. It was then reclaimed and purified, and inserted into cloning vector pUCm-T. The recon was cut by EcoR I, Hind III, and the inserted ROP2 gene fragment was subcloned into pc-DNA3 eukaryotic expression vector using T4DNA ligase, followed by further PCR identification, double digestion via restrictive enzymes, and sequencing. RESULTS: The amplified specific gene fragment of ROP2 was about 1.7 kb in length. The gene fragment cloned and subcloned into pc-DNA3 was correct, and the eukaryotic expression plasmid contained ROP2 gene fragment was successfully constructed. CONCLUSION: The recombinant plasmid pc-DNA3-ROP2 was successfully constructed.

Animals↗

Association of HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles with alolpecia areata in Chinese Hans.

Accumulative evidences have shown that certain HLA loci are associated with alopecia areata (AA), but with existing differences in ethnic distribution. No report has ever been published about this in Chinese Hans. To investigate whether HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles are associated with AA, and the correlation of the HLA profile with age of onset, severity, duration of current attack, recurrence and family history of AA in Chinese Hans. The polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method was used to analyze the distribution of HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles in 192 patients with AA and 273 healthy controls in Chinese Hans. The significant increased frequencies of HLA-DQA1*0104 (OR=3.38, P(c)<0.001), HLA-DQB1*0604 (OR=5.17, P(c)=0.006) and HLA-DQA1*0606 (OR=3.73, P(c)<0.001) were observed in patients compared with controls. The DQA1*0104-DQB1*0604, DQA1*0104-DQB1*0606, and DQA1*0302-DQB1*0606 were found as high-risk haplotypes in developing AA in this study. HLA-DQA1*0104 (OR=5.31, P(c)<0.001) and -DQB1*0604 (OR=5.56, P(c)=0.015) were more prevalent only in AA patients with long duration than controls. The frequencies of HLA-DQB1*0604 (OR=5.42, P(c)=0.009) and -DQB1*0606 (OR=4.11, P(c)<0.001) were obviously increased in patients less than 50% scalp hair loss. No locus was merely associated with early onset, severe involvement, recurrence and a positive family history of AA. This study demonstrated the positive association of HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes with AA. There may be differences in genetic background in patients with different duration.

Adolescent↗

Association of HLA class I alleles with aloplecia areata in Chinese Hans.

BACKGROUND: Some studies suggested that human HLA status may potentiate development of the AA phenotype and exists ethic differences. No report has been published about HLA class I alleles associated with AA in Chinese Hans. OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of HLA class I alleles and haplotypes in Chinese Hans AA patients and the relation of HLA class I profile with age of onset, severity, duration of current attack, past history and family history. METHODS: The polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method was used to analyze the distribution of HLA class I alleles in 192 patients with AA and 252 healthy controls in Chinese Hans. RESULTS: The frequencies of HLA-A*02, -A*03, -B*18, -B*27, -B*52 and -Cw*0704 were significantly higher in patients than in controls. The A*2-B*18, A*2-B*27, A*2-B*52, A*2-Cw*0704, B*18-Cw*0704, B*27-Cw*0704, B*52-Cw*0704 were found as high-risk haplotypes in developing AA in this study. The HLA-A*02 and -A*03 were observed increased frequencies in patients less than 50% hair loss, and HLA-B*27 equally in patients of 50-99% hair loss, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. The frequencies of HLA-A*02 and -B*27 were significantly raised in recurrent patients, and ones of HLA-A*02, -A*03 and -B*27 similarly in patients without a positive family history. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the positive association of HLA class I alleles and haplotypes with AA. There may be differences in genetic background in patients with different age of onset, grade of scalp hair loss, duration of current attack, a past history and a family history.

Adolescent↗

Risk factors and their effects on the dynamic process of smoking relapse among veteran smokers.

Smoking cessation programs can help smokers make a successful attempt at quitting, but many initial quitters relapse over time. This study aims to identify risk factors for smoking relapse and examine the influence of these factors on the dynamic relapse process in an outpatient smoking cessation program for veterans. Baseline information included socio-demographic description, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, smoking history and behavior, nicotine dependence, smoking motives, and confidence in the ability to quit. The intervention involved a 4-session group therapy consisting of cognitive and pharmacological treatments. The 189 initial quitters by program completion were followed via a telephone interview 6 months later. We identified six risk factors associated with relapse within the first 6 months post quit. Furthermore, we described characteristics of the dynamic process of smoking relapse and studied the influence of the identified risk factors on the relapse curve. The effects of these risk factors can be categorized into two patterns. Annual income and age at smoking initiation showed a delayed action that influenced the relapse curve after several weeks post quit, whereas age, number of smoking coworkers, history of schizophrenia, and number of sessions attended modified the relapse process soon after quitting. The information will be useful in targeting veteran smokers who are at high risk for relapse, choosing the optimal time for post-cessation services, and developing strategies accordingly.

Adult↗

Supramolecular assemblies of a series of 2-arylbenzimidazoles at the air/water interface: in situ coordination, surface architecture and supramolecular chirality.

The spreading behavior and supramolecular assemblies of some arylbenzimidazoles with 2-substituted aromatic groups such as phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl and pyrenyl on water surface and the subphase containing AgNO3 were investigated. It was observed that although these compounds lack long alkyl chains, they showed surface activity when spread from chloroform solution on water surface and formed the supramolecular assemblies. When AgNO3 was present in the subphase, a coordination between the imidazole group of the compounds and Ag(I) occurred in situ in the spreading film, which was verified by the surface pressure/area (pi-A) isotherms and UV/Vis absorption spectra. Both the spreading films from water and the aqueous AgNO3 subphase were transferred onto solid substrates and their surface morphologies as well as properties were characterized by AFM, UV/Vis absorption and CD spectra. Various surface morphologies such as nanoparticles, block domains and nanoutensils were observed depending on the substituted aromatic groups. Interestingly, although all of these compounds were achiral, supramolecular chirality was obtained for some of the arylbenzimidazole films assembled from either the water surface or the subphase containing AgNO3. It was revealed that chiral assemblies could be obtained from water surface for the benzimidazoles which have pyrenyl or alpha-naphthyl groups. For benzimidazole derivative with anthryl group, chiral assemblies could be obtained when spreading on the aqueous AgNO3 subphase. For the benzimidazoles with phenyl or beta-naphthyl groups, no chirality was obtained. It was suggested that both the overcrowded stacking of the aromatic groups and the cooperative arrangement of the molecules on water surface or aqueous AgNO3 subphase play a crucial role in forming the chiral supramolecular assemblies.

Journal Article↗