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Biomedical subjects

Z Q Zhu

Publications and source records attributed to Z Q Zhu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Nanocrystalline silicon-based oligonucleotide chips.

A novel oligonucleotide array sensor has been developed with nanocrystalline Si (ncSi) substrates. The ncSi was prepared by electrochemical etching technique. Our study indicated that both the binding capacity and the hybridization efficiency are dependent upon the particle size of ncSi. In contrary, the chips developed with Si substrates exhibit the lower binding capacity and hybridization efficiency. The improved performances of the sensor chips are attributed to the large specific surface area of ncSi compared to the existing conventional techniques. The sensor chips with the ncSi substrate of 13 nm-sized particle can be regenerated and reused for at least 12 times. The oligonucleotide array sensor also shows high stability, which can bear relatively the stringent conditions (e.g. 80 degrees C, 75% of relative humidity and 3.6 klx of irradiation).

Nanoparticles↗

Assessment of low quantitative ultrasound values of calcaneus in Chinese mainland women.

Calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment is a safe and reliable method for evaluating skeletal status. Until now, considerable data have been accumulated on the distribution of QUS in Caucasian populations, whereas such data are still insufficient in Asian populations, especially in Chinese mainland. The present study aimed to obtain the distribution characteristic of calcaneus QUS in healthy Chinese women, and to further investigate the distribution of low bone mass by QUS stiffness index (SI). This study included 2,498 healthy Chinese females aged 10-87 yr. The QUS exhibited a characteristic mild rise and then fall pattern with increasing age. Age, body height, and weight were significant influencing factors on SI, especially age and weight. The prevalence of osteoporosis detected using instrument-derived T-score or internal T-score was different from that calculated according to calcaneus bone mass density (BMD) previously reported. Furthermore, between instrument-derived T-scores and internal T-scores, there were also significant differences. We concluded that the World Health Organization criteria from BMD may not be appropriate for QUS, and the instrument-derived T-score may also not be appropriate for the studied population. The results will be useful for predicting fracture risk of Chinese women and determining diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis by QUS.

Adolescent↗

An improved procedure for production of human epidermal growth factor from recombinant E. coli.

An improved procedure for the fermentation and purification of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) was developed. Recombinant Escherichia coli HB-101 [lacUV5omp08hEGF] harboring plasmid lacUV5omp08hEGF encoding hEGF was used in fermentation to increase levels of hEGF. Medium composition, and the levels of inoculum, inducer (isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside) and ampicillin were optimized with respect to volumetric fermentation of hEGF. As a result, the hEGF concentration reached a high value of 242 mg l(-1) and the amount of heterogeneous protein decreased by 62% compared with that before optimization in batch fermentation. High-quality hEGF was purified from the fermentation culture by centrifugation, salting-out, resuspension, recentrifugation and finally gel chromatography on a Grad-iFrac System using Sephadex G-50 superfine. The purity of hEGF and the total yield were more than 94% and higher than 36%, respectively, and SDS-PAGE of the purified hEGF demonstrated a single band corresponding to an hEGF standard. In particular, a very important phenomenon was found, i.e. that the amount of heterogenous protein in fermentation broths cultured in media with high concentrations of lactose is far less than that cultured in media with high concentrations of glucose.

Biotechnology↗

Corpora amylacea and heat shock protein 27 in Ammon's horn sclerosis.

Increased numbers of corpora amylacea have been observed in the resected mesial temporal lobe of many patients with complex partial seizures (CPS) and Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS). Several heat shock proteins (HSPs) are induced by seizures and have been suggested as an etiologic factor in the formation corpora amylacea. We quantified corpora amylacea and HSP27-immunoreactive astrocytes in temporal lobe specimens from patients with CPS (28 AHS; 10 non-AHS) and in 5 autopsy controls. Corpora amylacea were increased in each sector of Ammon's horn in the AHS group, significantly so in CA1 and CA3 (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0097, respectively), compared with the non-AHS group, although there was considerable variability among the specimens. We found HSP27 to be significantly but nonspecifically increased in the resected temporal lobe specimens from all patients with CPS, regardless of the underlying pathology. HSP27 was not, however, expressed within the corpora amylacea, and did not correlate with the number of corpora amylacea in any of the 9 mesial and lateral temporal lobe areas examined.

Adult↗

[Tissue culture induced translocation conferring powdery mildew resistance between wheat and Dasypyrum villosum and its marker-assisted selection].

Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) electrophoretic analyses were performed in 175 regenerants arising from immature embryos of crosses between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and 6D/6V substitution stocks. The GOT-V2 coding specific enzyme band was absent in two regenerants, designated 98R149 and 98R159 respectively, originated from cross of Yi 4095 and 6D/6V substitution stock c.v. RW15. Pm21 gene linked SCARs (Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions) analysis indicated that 6VS chromosome arms existed in 98R149 and 98R159. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with total genomic DNA extracted from Dasypyrum villosum (L.) as a probe confirmed the occurrence of translocation between 6V chromosome and a wheat one in the two regenerants mentioned above. 98R149 and 98R159 were immune to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminisDC. f. sp. tritici) inoculation with mix races collected from Hebei Province. The results of the present paper added another feasible example of useful translocations via tissue culture.

Aspartate Aminotransferases↗

[High efficient intergeneric chromosomal translocations between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Dasypyrum villosum arising from tissue culture and irradiation].

Intergeneric chromosomal translocations were discernable both in callus cells and in regenerants arising from crosses between Triticum aestivum and T. durum-Dasypyrum villosum amphiploid c.v. TH1 and TH1W by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization. There were not only reciprocal translocations, but small fragment translocations. The results proved again the feasibility of creating intergeneric translocations via tissue culture. Irradiation facilitated numerical and structural chromosome changes in callus cells. The frequency of translocations was as high as 7.4 percent in irradiated callus cells. Callus age had an important impact on numerical and structural chromosome abnormalities. During a given time of culture, the frequency of unchanged cells was declined, while those cells with chromosome losses were inclined. The duration of culture had not significant effects on cells with chromosome gains. As structural chromosome changes is concerned, the duration of culture predominantly increased the frequency of cells with telocentric chromosomes. The chromosomal changes occurred at the initiation period of tissue culture. A number of cells which were doubled their chromosome numbers (2n = 84) were observed at a certain frequency in the period of tissue culture. These cells, however, disappeared in the successive culture.

Crosses, Genetic↗

[Localization and characterization of partial immunodominant antigen epitopes of Trichinella spiralis].

OBJECTIVE: To screen and characterize immunodominant antigen epitopes on the soluble antigens of Trichinella spiralis (T.s.). METHODS: 15 monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against T.s. muscle larva(ML) soluble antigens were obtained by using hybridoma technique. The reactivity of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were tested by ELISA, Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay(IFA). RESULTS: The Western blotting result showed that of the 15 McAbs, 6 could bind to the T.s. ML antigens displaying molecular weights of 40-70 kDa. Polyclonal sera could react with more than 10 bands having molecular weights of 20-200 kDa. Among the 6 McAbs, 4 could recognize epitopes on the cuticle surface and the other two could recognize epitopes on both the cuticle surface and the stichosome. CONCLUSION: The antigen epitopes of T.s. recognized by 6 McAbs had been characterized.

Animals↗

Disproportionate loss of CA4 parvalbumin-immunoreactive interneurons in patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis.

We studied differences in the number and morphology of parvalbumin-immunoreactive (PV-IR) interneurons in 43 hippocampal specimens from patients with classical Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS) who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy, as compared with 14 autopsy and non-AHS surgical control specimens. PV-IR neuronal loss in the AHS specimens varied significantly from that expected based on overall AHS-associated pyramidal and granule neuron loss. Most striking was the loss of PV-IR interneurons in CA4 of the AHS specimens, which was 12 times greater than AHS-associated pyramidal neuron loss, and significantly exceeded the PV-IR interneuron loss observed in the other sectors of the hippocampus. In addition, the PV-IR interneurons in the AHS specimens had markedly smaller and less defined cell bodies and shortened and simplified dendritic arbors compared with the PV-IR interneurons in the control specimens. Other differences noted in the AHS specimens included prominent dendritic varicosities; the loss or interruption of a band formed by PV-IR terminals in the dentate gyrus; and the virtual absence of a small, intensely staining PV-IR interneuron with a short, exuberant dendritic arbor that was readily identified in the autopsy specimens. We discuss these findings in relationship to the development of classical AHS and complex partial seizures (CPS).

Adolescent↗

Some physicochemical and enzymic properties of selenium-containing abzyme.

We successfully prepared the Se-containing abzyme (Se-abzyme) with glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and further studied its physicochemical and enzymic properties and stabilities. Data showed that the isoelectric point of the abzyme was 6.95-7.08, and its molecular weight was 158 KD. The ranges of optimum pH and temperature of the Se-abzyme were wider than the native GPX. The store stability of the abzyme was higher than the native GPX. The Se content in the abzyme was found to be 5 mol Se/mol abzyme by X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and binding constant 1.11 x 10(7)M-1 by using ELISA method. The Se-abzyme was inhibited competitively by dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), and inhibition constant was determined to be 1.25 x 10(-3)M-1.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

Generation of selenium-containing abzyme by using chemical mutation.

A new strategy for generating abzyme was developed. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX, EC 1.11.1.9) is one of the important members of antioxidation enzyme system; it catalyzes the reductions of a variety of hydroperoxides in presence of glutathione(GSH). We have first prepared the monoclonal antibody (McAb) with GSH binding sites, then incorporated GPX catalytic group selenocystein (SeCys) into the antibody combining sites by using chemical mutation. Thus the mutated antibody displays high GPX activity, which approaches the magnitude level of native GPX, exhibits the kinetic behavior similar to native GPX, and has some advantages over native GPX.

Animals↗

Development of a model for Parkinson's disease in sheep using unilateral intracarotid injection of MPTP via slow continuous infusion.

The effects of unilateral intracarotid administration of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) in sheep were studied with the goal of producing a non-primate, large animal model of Parkinson's Disease. Adult female sheep were given an acute (over 30 min) or chronic (over 1 week) injection of MPTP (0.4-5.0 mg/kg) via the common carotid artery. Both methods produced parkinsonian-like behavior. Turning contralateral to the side of injection was induced by apomorphine (APO) in both groups. However, amphetamine (AMP) induced ipsilateral turning only in the chronic treatment group. Acute and chronic MPTP treatment resulted in a loss of substantia nigra tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (THIR) neurons with a significantly greater loss ipsilateral to the injection in each treatment group (acute p < 0.05; chronic p < 0.01). Caudate dopamine (DA) was depleted in both treatment groups, although the difference between ipsilateral and contralateral DA content was significant only in the chronic treatment group (p < 0.05). The best results were seen in those animals with chronic infusion with the occipital artery occluded to prevent entry of drug into the posterior circulation with subsequent bilateral distribution. Use of slow and continuous intracarotid administration of MPTP with the ipsilateral occipital artery occluded can prevent some of the bilateral effects of acute treatment, and results in statistically significant ipsilateral reduction of THIR neurons in the substantia nigra and reduction of tissue levels of DA in the caudate nucleus. Such treatment produces appropriate turning responses to both AMP and APO challenge not seen in the acute treatment group, and appears to be an effective method of producing parkinsonian-like behavior in a large animal.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Glial cell nuclear hypertrophy in complex partial seizures.

The white matter of resected temporal lobes from patients with intractable complex partial seizures shows increased cellularity which appears to be related to glia and neurons. This study, using quantitative methods, defines an increase in glial cell numbers and a significant increase in glial nuclear size within a defined area of white matter in the lateral temporal lobe. Evaluation was made on specimens from ten patients with complex partial seizures compared with two patients with non-epileptic brain lesions and five autopsy patients with no neurologic disease. The importance of recognizing these alterations in glia and the possible relevance to the pathoetiology of epilepsy are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Four saponins from Oxytropis ochrocephala.

From Oxytropis ochrocephala Bunge, four saponins 1, 2, 3, and 4 were isolated. Saponins 1 and 2 are new compounds. The common genuine aglycone of the saponins is soyasapogenol B. The structures of those saponins were established by means of 13C-NMR, MS analyses, and chemical methods. In addition, a new interesting artifact aglycone 6 was obtained from the hydrolysate of these saponins and its structure was elucidated by spectral analyses and chemical transformations.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the temporal lobe in complex partial seizures.

The anterior mesial portion of the temporal lobe removed from 16 patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of complex partial seizures was found to contain tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons. The distribution of these neurons was correlated with the underlying neuropathological features. Ammon's horn sclerosis was present in 8 patients; a ganglioglioma, in 7 patients; and an infarction in the distribution of the middle cerebral artery, in 1 patient. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons were found in Ammon's horn of 6 of the 8 patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis, and in the subiculum and entorhinal cortex of all 8 patients with the same pathology. None of these neurons were found in Ammon's horn of the 7 patients with a ganglioglioma, but were found in the subiculum of 5 of the 7 patients and in entorhinal cortex of all 7 patients. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was also studied in 13 control autopsy specimens. No tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons were found in Ammon's horn or the subiculum of any of the control specimens, but were found in the entorhinal cortex of 6 of the 13 specimens. The tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the mesial portion of the temporal lobe of patients with complex partial seizures may contribute to the increased levels of tyrosine hydroxylase found in neurochemical studies of specimens taken at temporal lobectomy.

Adolescent↗