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Colonne M, Chen Y, Wu K, Freiberg S, Giasson S, Zhu XX. Binding of Streptavidin with Biotinylated Thermosensitive Nanospheres Based on Poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Bioconjug Chem 2007; 18:999-1003. [PMID: 17429939 DOI: 10.1021/bc060302b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thermosensitive polymer nanospheres based on N,N-diethylacrylamide and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) have been prepared, characterized, and conjugated with biotin. The thermosensitivity of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) was enhanced by the incorporation of HEMA up to about 40 mol %. Atomic force microscopic images show that these particles can be closely packed even without the surface charges as in the latex particles. Biotinylation reduces the thermosensitivity of the copolymer nanospheres. The biotinylated hydrogel nanospheres showed a reduction in size upon binding with streptavidin, indicating the formation of a less hydrophilic conjugate. No aggregation of the biotinylated particles due to the cross-linking effect of streptavidin was observed. This size change could be reversed by the addition of free biotin to the system. The interaction is specific, and no such changes were observed when streptavidin was replaced by bovine serum albumin.
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Witzke O, Wiemann J, Patschan D, Wu K, Philipp T, Saller B, Mann K, Reinhardt W. Differential T4 degradation pathways in young patients with preterminal and terminal renal failure. Horm Metab Res 2007; 39:355-8. [PMID: 17533577 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-976536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to analyze thyroid hormone parameters in large homogenous patient cohorts with preterminal (stage 4) and terminal (stage 5) renal failure in an area of low iodine intake. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thyroid parameters were measured in healthy controls (n=48), patients with preterminal renal failure (n=48) and patients with terminal renal failure undergoing hemodialysis (n=288). All patients were assessed by measurement of TSH, T4, T3, fT4, rT3, Tg and TPO-antibodies. RESULTS There was a significant decrease of T4 and fT4 from healthy controls to patients with preterminal renal failure and to patients with terminal renal failure. T3 showed a decrease from healthy controls to patients with preterminal renal failure and to patients with terminal renal failure (1.54+/-0.06 microg/l VS. 1.05+/-0.05 microg/l VS. 1.09+/-0.23 microg/l, p<0.001 VS. controls). rT3 was significantly decreased in patients with terminal renal failure (0.24+/-0.01 microg/l VS. 0.25+/-0.02 microg/l VS. 0.16+/-0.01 microg/l, p<0.001). The rT3/T3 ratio was significantly elevated in patients with preterminal renal failure (p<0.01). TSH concentrations were in the normal range in all groups. CONCLUSION Our data suggest different T4 degradation pathways in patients with preterminal and terminal renal failure.
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Wu K, Walker E, Owen G. Nurse-led ‘one stop’ clinic for elective tonsillectomy referrals. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology 2007; 121:378-81. [PMID: 17403264 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215106003239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Balancing new referrals with limited clinic capacity is a challenge. At Lincoln County Hospital, referrals for tonsillectomy have been managed by an experienced ENT nurse practitioner, in order to deal with this problem more effectively. We reviewed tonsillectomy referrals made in a one year period to determine if surgical outcomes were satisfactory. Results were compared with figures available from the national prospective tonsillectomy audit.Methods: This was a retrospective study, assessing patients referred to the ENT department at Lincoln County Hospital. We reviewed the number of patients who had proceeded to surgery and the rate of complications.Results: One hundred and fifty-nine patients had been referred for tonsillectomy over the one year period. One hundred and forty-seven patients had been seen in clinic and 12 had not attended their clinic appointment. Following consultation with the nurse practitioner, 125 patients had proceeded to surgery. Five episodes of bleeding were recorded as complications postoperatively; giving a bleeding complication rate of 4.7 per cent, compared with a rate of 5.7 per cent from the national prospective tonsillectomy audit.Conclusion: A trained nurse practitioner can safely and effectively facilitate the complete process of managing a routine pre-operative tonsillectomy patient, from primary care referral to arranging admission for surgery.
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Wu K, Wang X, Kim EK, Willson CG, Ekerdt JG. Experimental and theoretical investigation on surfactant segregation in imprint lithography. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2007; 23:1166-70. [PMID: 17241028 DOI: 10.1021/la061736y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The effects of template surface composition on fluorinated surfactant segregation were investigated for imprint lithography with photopolymerizable vinyl ether formulations. Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl vinyloxy-methyloxy dimethylsilane, containing a vinyl ether group, was employed as the surfactant, and blanket templates were pressed onto the liquid and illuminated with UV radiation from below. The extent of surfactant segregation to the vinyl ether-template interface before polymerization was characterized using contact angle measurements and angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy after removing the template from the cured vinyl ether polymer. Blanket surfaces consisting of bare quartz, high-density polyethylene, and quartz treated with tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2,-tetrahydrooctyltrichlorosilane afforded templates with different surface energy and polarity. The highest degree of surfactant segregation was found with tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2,-tetrahydrooctyltrichlorosilane-treated quartz, whereas little surfactant segregation was found for bare quartz. A thermodynamic model is developed to predict the surface segregation profiles.
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Han Z, Hong L, Wu K, Han S, Shen H, Liu C, Han Y, Liu Z, Han Y, Fan D. Reversal of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells by downregulation of Akt1 with Akt1 siRNA. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2006; 25:601-6. [PMID: 17310852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT1 pathway was an important intracellular pathway that was frequently activated in cancer cells. In the present study, we constructed the siRNA eukaryotic expression vectors of AKT1 and transfected them into AGS cells to examine whether the down-regulation of AKT1 increased cell sensitivity towards chemotherapeutic drugs. After transfection, the expression of AKT1 was dramatically decreased in AKT1 siRNA transfectants compared with that in parental cells and empty vector control cells. The down-regulation of AKT1 could significantly enhance the sensitivity of AGS cells to vincristine, adriamycin, 5-fludrouracil and cisplatin. AKT1 siRNA could significantly down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, and up-regulate the expression of Bax, but not alter the expression of PTEN in gastric cancer cells. These observations suggested that the siRNA constructs of AKT1 we obtained could effectively down-regulate the expression of AKT1 and reverse the resistant phenotype of gastric cancer cells. The further study of the biological functions of AKT1 may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer and developing possible strategies to treat gastric cancer.
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Liu P, Stenger S, Li H, Wenzel L, Tan B, Krutzik S, Ochoa M, Schauber J, Wu K, Meinken C, Kamen D, Wagner M, Bals R, Steinmeyer A, Zugel U, Gallo R, Eisenberg D, Hewison M, Hollis B, Adams J, Bloom B, Modlin R. Vitamin D3–Triggered Antimicrobial Response—Another Pleiotropic Effect beyond Mineral and Bone Metabolism. J Am Soc Nephrol 2006. [DOI: 10.1681/asn.2006091030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Thygesen LC, Wu K, Gronbaek M, Willett WC, Giovannucci E. Risk of Colorectal Cancer by Alcohol Intake Status - A Comparison of Approaches for Modeling Repeated Measurements of Intake. Am J Epidemiol 2006. [DOI: 10.1093/aje/163.suppl_11.s29-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Liu J, Lian Z, Han S, Waye MMY, Wang H, Wu MC, Wu K, Ding J, Arbuthnot P, Kew M, Fan D, Feitelson MA. Downregulation of E-cadherin by hepatitis B virus X antigen in hepatocellullar carcinoma. Oncogene 2006. [PMID: 16247464 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc1209138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-encoded X antigen (HBxAg) contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A frequent characteristic of HCC is reduced or absent expression of the cell adhesion protein, E-cadherin, although it is not known whether HBxAg plays a role. To address this, the levels of E-cadherin were determined in HBxAg-positive and -negative HepG2 cells in culture, and in tumor and surrounding nontumor liver from a panel of HBV carriers. The results showed an inverse relationship between HBxAg and E-cadherin expression both in tissue culture and in vivo. In HBxAg-positive cells, E-cadherin was suppressed at both the mRNA and protein levels. This was associated with hypermethylation of the E-cadherin promoter. Depressed E-cadherin correlated with HBxAg trans-activation function, as did the migration of HepG2 cells in vitro. Decreased expression of E-cadherin was also associated with the accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm and/or nuclei in tissues and cell lines, which is characteristic of activated beta-catenin. Additional work showed that HBxAg-activated beta-catenin. Together, these results suggest that the HBxAg is associated with decreased expression of E-cadherin, accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and increased cell migration, which may contribute importantly to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Liu J, Lian Z, Han S, Waye MMY, Wang H, Wu MC, Wu K, Ding J, Arbuthnot P, Kew M, Fan D, Feitelson MA. Downregulation of E-cadherin by hepatitis B virus X antigen in hepatocellullar carcinoma. Oncogene 2006; 25:1008-17. [PMID: 16247464 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-encoded X antigen (HBxAg) contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A frequent characteristic of HCC is reduced or absent expression of the cell adhesion protein, E-cadherin, although it is not known whether HBxAg plays a role. To address this, the levels of E-cadherin were determined in HBxAg-positive and -negative HepG2 cells in culture, and in tumor and surrounding nontumor liver from a panel of HBV carriers. The results showed an inverse relationship between HBxAg and E-cadherin expression both in tissue culture and in vivo. In HBxAg-positive cells, E-cadherin was suppressed at both the mRNA and protein levels. This was associated with hypermethylation of the E-cadherin promoter. Depressed E-cadherin correlated with HBxAg trans-activation function, as did the migration of HepG2 cells in vitro. Decreased expression of E-cadherin was also associated with the accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm and/or nuclei in tissues and cell lines, which is characteristic of activated beta-catenin. Additional work showed that HBxAg-activated beta-catenin. Together, these results suggest that the HBxAg is associated with decreased expression of E-cadherin, accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and increased cell migration, which may contribute importantly to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Wu K, Bailey TC, Willson CG, Ekerdt JG. Surface hydration and its effect on fluorinated SAM formation on SiO2 surfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2005; 21:11795-801. [PMID: 16316116 DOI: 10.1021/la0516330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Substrate hydration is demonstrated to be crucial to film quality during self-assembled (SA) film deposition of tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2,-tetrahydrooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS) from the vapor phase. The surface hydration was studied by thermogravimetric analysis, and a model was developed to predict the conditions necessary to desorb all of the water adsorbed on a fused silica surface without significantly altering the concentration of the surface hydroxyl groups. The nature of the SA film was investigated as a function of the degree of rehydration of the dehydrated silica surface. The wettability and microstructure of the SA films were examined by water contact angle, ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. There is an optimum degree of substrate hydration, on the order of 1-1.2 monolayers of adsorbed water, required to produce a dense, durable and uniform FOTS film with high water repellency and a smooth surface.
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Danesh J, Lewington S, Thompson SG, Lowe GDO, Collins R, Kostis JB, Wilson AC, Folsom AR, Wu K, Benderly M, Goldbourt U, Willeit J, Kiechl S, Yarnell JWG, Sweetnam PM, Elwood PC, Cushman M, Psaty BM, Tracy RP, Tybjaerg-Hansen A, Haverkate F, de Maat MPM, Fowkes FGR, Lee AJ, Smith FB, Salomaa V, Harald K, Rasi R, Vahtera E, Jousilahti P, Pekkanen J, D'Agostino R, Kannel WB, Wilson PWF, Tofler G, Arocha-Piñango CL, Rodriguez-Larralde A, Nagy E, Mijares M, Espinosa R, Rodriquez-Roa E, Ryder E, Diez-Ewald MP, Campos G, Fernandez V, Torres E, Marchioli R, Valagussa F, Rosengren A, Wilhelmsen L, Lappas G, Eriksson H, Cremer P, Nagel D, Curb JD, Rodriguez B, Yano K, Salonen JT, Nyyssönen K, Tuomainen TP, Hedblad B, Lind P, Loewel H, Koenig W, Meade TW, Cooper JA, De Stavola B, Knottenbelt C, Miller GJ, Cooper JA, Bauer KA, Rosenberg RD, Sato S, Kitamura A, Naito Y, Palosuo T, Ducimetiere P, Amouyel P, Arveiler D, Evans AE, Ferrieres J, Juhan-Vague I, Bingham A, Schulte H, Assmann G, Cantin B, Lamarche B, Després JP, Dagenais GR, Tunstall-Pedoe H, Woodward M, Ben-Shlomo Y, Davey Smith G, Palmieri V, Yeh JL, Rudnicka A, Ridker P, Rodeghiero F, Tosetto A, Shepherd J, Ford I, Robertson M, Brunner E, Shipley M, Feskens EJM, Kromhout D, Dickinson A, Ireland B, Juzwishin K, Kaptoge S, Lewington S, Memon A, Sarwar N, Walker M, Wheeler J, White I, Wood A. Plasma fibrinogen level and the risk of major cardiovascular diseases and nonvascular mortality: an individual participant meta-analysis. JAMA 2005; 294:1799-809. [PMID: 16219884 DOI: 10.1001/jama.294.14.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Plasma fibrinogen levels may be associated with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationships of fibrinogen levels with risk of major vascular and with risk of nonvascular outcomes based on individual participant data. DATA SOURCES Relevant studies were identified by computer-assisted searches, hand searches of reference lists, and personal communication with relevant investigators. STUDY SELECTION All identified prospective studies were included with information available on baseline fibrinogen levels and details of subsequent major vascular morbidity and/or cause-specific mortality during at least 1 year of follow-up. Studies were excluded if they recruited participants on the basis of having had a previous history of cardiovascular disease; participants with known preexisting CHD or stroke were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION Individual records were provided on each of 154,211 participants in 31 prospective studies. During 1.38 million person-years of follow-up, there were 6944 first nonfatal myocardial infarctions or stroke events and 13,210 deaths. Cause-specific mortality was generally available. Analyses involved proportional hazards modeling with adjustment for confounding by known cardiovascular risk factors and for regression dilution bias. DATA SYNTHESIS Within each age group considered (40-59, 60-69, and > or =70 years), there was an approximately log-linear association with usual fibrinogen level for the risk of any CHD, any stroke, other vascular (eg, non-CHD, nonstroke) mortality, and nonvascular mortality. There was no evidence of a threshold within the range of usual fibrinogen level studied at any age. The age- and sex- adjusted hazard ratio per 1-g/L increase in usual fibrinogen level for CHD was 2.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.24-2.60); stroke, 2.06 (95% CI, 1.83-2.33); other vascular mortality, 2.76 (95% CI, 2.28-3.35); and nonvascular mortality, 2.03 (95% CI, 1.90-2.18). The hazard ratios for CHD and stroke were reduced to about 1.8 after further adjustment for measured values of several established vascular risk factors. In a subset of 7011 participants with available C-reactive protein values, the findings for CHD were essentially unchanged following additional adjustment for C-reactive protein. The associations of fibrinogen level with CHD or stroke did not differ substantially according to sex, smoking, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, or several features of study design. CONCLUSIONS In this large individual participant meta-analysis, moderately strong associations were found between usual plasma fibrinogen level and the risks of CHD, stroke, other vascular mortality, and nonvascular mortality in a wide range of circumstances in healthy middle-aged adults. Assessment of any causal relevance of elevated fibrinogen levels to disease requires additional research.
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Charonis A, Sideraki V, Kaltezioti V, Alberti A, Vlahakos D, Wu K, Tsilibary E. Basement membrane peptides: functional considerations and biomedical applications in autoimmunity. Curr Med Chem 2005; 12:1495-502. [PMID: 15974982 DOI: 10.2174/0929867054039071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Basement membranes are specialized extracellular matrices that surround certain cell types (muscle cells, adipose cells, etc) and are present under the basal surface of cells exhibiting polarity (epithelial, endothelial and mesothelial cells). They have a unique macromolecular composition, consisting mainly of type IV collagen isoforms, laminin isoforms, entactin/nidogen, and perlecan. These components self associate and interact with each other to form networks. Other macromolecules may be found in specialized basement membranes. In this short review, the role of selected basement membrane proteins in autoimmune diseases will be highlighted. As an example, Goodpasture's syndrome will be presented and the relatively long quest for identification of the antigenic epitope on specific domains of the alpha3(IV)NC1 will be summarized. Chagas disease will be discussed as an example of laminin-mediated autoimmunity, with emphasis on the role of sugar-based antigenic epitope(s) will be presented. Immune-mediated tubulointerstitial nephritis will be introduced and the role of a synthetic peptide in detecting proximal tubule damage in acute renal failure will be discussed. Auto-immune diseases where other basement membrane macromolecules are involved will be mentioned. Finally, the importance of understanding the functions served by domains at close proximity to the antigenic epitope(s) will be highlighted.
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Noorhasan D, Huang J, Wun A, Goldsby J, Lee S, Wu K. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor δ Ligand Is a Survival Factor of Pre-Implantation Embryo. Fertil Steril 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.07.1055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Schmitt MT, Schreinemachers D, Wu K, Ning Z, Zhao B, Le XC, Mumford JL. Human nails as a biomarker of arsenic exposure from well water in Inner Mongolia: comparing atomic fluorescence spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. Biomarkers 2005; 10:95-104. [PMID: 16076725 DOI: 10.1080/13547500500087913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is found naturally in the geological strata within the Ba Men Region of Inner Mongolia, China. A study was conducted to compare the total As measurements from two analytical techniques: instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), and to verify nails as an exposure biomarker in this population. In 1999, nail and water samples were collected in a pilot study. Fingernails and toenails were pooled from 32 participants and analysed for total As by both INAA and AFS. Mean nail As values were 14.8+/-2.4 and 19.4+/-2.8 microg g-1 (+/-SEM) for INAA and AFS, respectively. Results from these two methods were significantly correlated (r=0.93, p<0.0001). In 2000, a second study was conducted and INAA was used to measure total As in toenails from 314 Ba Men residents. Well water samples were collected from 121 households and analysed by AFS. A significant correlation was observed between toenail and well water As (r=0.84, p<0.0001). Based on the results, INAA was significantly correlated with AFS and proved to be a reliable measure of nail As levels. In this population, toenail samples are a useful internal As exposure biomarker from drinking water sources.
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Tan W, Wu K. Prostate cancer: biopsy proven rare sites of metastases. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.4794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Wu K, Gong Y, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Mu Y, Liu F, Song D, Zhu Y, Wu J. Inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by recombinant small interfering RNAs. Acta Virol 2005; 49:235-41. [PMID: 16402680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological phenomenon in which introduction of a small, double-stranded interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into a cell causes a specific degradation of homologous single-stranded RNA. siRNA can be delivered into the cell by different approaches including synthetic RNA, in vitro transcribed RNA and RNA transcribed from polymerase III-based recombinant vectors. As hepatitis B (HB) represents a worldwide health problem, we attempted to develop a fast and easy approach to generation and screening of specific siRNA-targeted HB virus (HBV) genes. Using PCR amplification, specific siRNA expression cassettes (SECs) were developed and used to generate effective siRNAs against HB virus (HBV) replication and gene expression in mammalian cells. After screening, we identified two SECs that expressed siRNAs which efficiently decreased the level of HBV pre-c/c gene expression in transfected Bel-7402 cells by 81.9% and 87.3%, respectively. In addition, the level of HBV DNA was decreased by 83.5% and 85.2% in HepG2 2.2.15 cells, respectively. This study provides (i) a new effective application of RNA interference to study viral gene function and viral replication and (ii) a new tool for the prevention and treatment of human HBV infection.
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Song S, Zhang Y, Wu K, Lopez‐Valdivieso A, Lu S. Flotation of Coal Fines as Hydrophobic Flocs for Ash Rejection. J DISPER SCI TECHNOL 2004. [DOI: 10.1081/dis-120027671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Wu K, Ahmed A, Woolford TJ. Treatment of home oxygen induced rhinitis: an unusual use for a nasal obturator. Rhinology 2004; 42:244-5. [PMID: 15626260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Patients requiring home oxygen can experience drying and crusting of nasal mucosa. On occasion it can be severe causing significant discomfort. In this report we present such a case. To prevent nasal airflow and hence reduce symptoms the patient was fitted with a nasal obturator. The use of the nasal obturator resulted in a rapid resolution of her symptoms. In this case the use of the nasal obturator was reversible and a simple solution for the treatment of a difficult condition.
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Zehelein J, Thomas D, Khalil M, Wimmer AB, Koenen M, Licka M, Wu K, Kiehn J, Brockmeier K, Kreye VAW, Karle CA, Katus HA, Ulmer HE, Schoels W. Identification and characterisation of a novel KCNQ1 mutation in a family with Romano–Ward syndrome. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2004; 1690:185-92. [PMID: 15511625 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2004.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2004] [Revised: 06/16/2004] [Accepted: 06/16/2004] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Romano-Ward syndrome (RWS), the autosomal dominant form of the congenital long QT syndrome, is characterised by prolongation of the cardiac repolarisation process associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias of the torsades de pointes type. Genetic studies have identified mutations in six ion channel genes, KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1 and KCNE2 and the accessory protein Ankyrin-B gene, to be responsible for this disorder. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and subsequent DNA sequence analysis have identified a KCNQ1 mutation in a family that were clinically conspicuous due to several syncopes and prolonged QTc intervals in the ECG. The mutant subunit was expressed and functionally characterised in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. A novel heterozygous missense mutation with a C to T transition at the first position of codon 343 (CCA) of the KCNQ1 gene was identified in three concerned family members (QTc intervals: 500, 510 and 530 ms, respectively). As a result, proline 343 localised within the highly conserved transmembrane segment S6 of the KCNQ1 channel is replaced by a serine. Co-expression of mutant (KCNQ1-P343S) and wild-type (KCNQ1) cRNA in Xenopus oocytes produced potassium currents reduced by approximately 92%, while IKs reconstitution experiments with a combination of KCNQ1 mutant, wild-type and KCNE1 subunits yielded currents reduced by approximately 60%. A novel mutation (P343S) identified in the KCNQ1 subunit gene of three members of a RWS family showed a dominant-negative effect on native IKs currents leading to prolongation of the heart repolarisation and possibly increases the risk of malign arrhythmias with sudden cardiac death.
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Sakaki Y, Watanabe H, Taylor T, Hattori M, Fujiyama A, Toyoda A, Kuroki Y, Itoh T, Saitou N, Oota S, Kim CG, Kitano T, Lehrach H, Yaspo ML, Sudbrak R, Kahla A, Reinhardt R, Kube M, Platzer M, Taenzer S, Galgoczy P, Kel A, Blöecker H, Scharfe M, Nordsiek G, Hellmann I, Khaitovich P, Pääbo S, Chen Z, Wang SY, Ren SX, Zhang XL, Zheng HJ, Zhu GF, Wang BF, Zhao GP, Tsai SF, Wu K, Liu TT, Hsiao KJ, Park HS, Lee YS, Cheong JE, Choi SH. Human versus chimpanzee chromosome-wide sequence comparison and its evolutionary implication. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2004; 68:455-60. [PMID: 15338648 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2003.68.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Chen T, Jiang G, Fu X, Wang L, Qian H, Wu K, Zhao S. Prognostic significance of CK19 mRNA expression measured by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung cancers treated by chemo-radiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2004.06.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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273
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Wu K, Majumdar S, Bull PD. Blocked nose and snoring in a 6-year-old boy. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004; 68:597-600. [PMID: 15081236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2003.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2003] [Revised: 12/04/2003] [Accepted: 12/05/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nasal obstruction, mouth-breathing, snoring and deafness are common symptoms seen in children presenting to the otorhinolaryngology clinic. The aetiopathologies are frequently due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and otitis media with effusion. Rarely however, nasal obstruction and snoring may be associated with more sinister pathology. We report a case of a child with nasopharyngeal B-cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma whose initial symptoms were of nasal obstruction and snoring.
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Zheng MY, Wu K, Liang M, Kamado S, Kojima Y. Interface of Al18B4O33w/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite after thermal exposure at 600 °C. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1023/b:jmsl.0000004655.81623.0a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Thomas D, Kathofer S, Zhang W, Wu K, Wimmer A, Zitron E, Schoels W, Katus H, Kiehn J, Karle C. A32-3 Acute effects of dronedarone on both components of the cardiac delayed rectifier K+ current: Mechanisms of HERG and KvLQT1/mink potassium channel inhibition. Europace 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/eupace/4.supplement_2.b49-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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