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Biomedical subjects

C Hu

Publications and source records attributed to C Hu.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Anti-Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Sera from 18 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), 20 with nonA-nonB acute hepatitis and 19 healthy subjects were tested for the presence of antibodies to the viral capside of Epstein-Barr virus. In patients with SLE the mean titre of anti-VCA IgG was significantly higher than in normal subjects (p less than 0.02), and the percentage of patients with titres greater than 1:160 was significantly higher than in normal population (p less than 0.01). These high anti-VCA) titres in SLE patients are probably related to a defective immune surveillance.

Adolescent↗

Antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Sera from 28 patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) and 20 healthy subjects were tested for the presence of antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). No difference was noted in the mean titre of anti-CMV antibodies in patients and in controls. For what concerns EBV, the mean titre of anti-EBNA antibodies was significantly higher in SS patients than in normals (p less than 0.001); moreover, within the SS population, titres were higher in SSB-positive than in SSB-negative patients (p less than 0.05). These results, together with the fact that anti-SSB antibodies (characteristic of Sjögren's Syndrome) recognize also two EBV-encoded RNAs, strengthen the hypothesis that EBV is involved in the pathogenesis of SS.

Adult↗

Investigations on methyl mercury contamination of fishes in the Second Songhua River.

Fishes in the middle reaches of the Second Songhua River in Jilin Province were heavily contaminated by methyl mercury, the average content of 61 fish samples being 0.42 mg/kg. The upper and lower reaches were less contaminated and the averages were 0.12 mg/kg (53 samples) and 0.08 mg/kg (20 samples), respectively. The average methyl mercury content of fishes (20 samples) collected from a nearby "nonpolluted" water reservoir was 0.03 mg/kg. In a total of 134 fish samples collected from the Second Songhua River, 41% of the samples had a methyl mercury content exceeding the National Tolerance Limit of 0.2 mg/kg.

Animals↗

The enhancer sequence of human hepatitis B virus can enhance the activity of its surface gene promoter.

The transcriptional enhancer sequence has recently been demonstrated in the hepatitis B viral genome. This enhancer sequence has also been shown to increase the activity of HBcAg gene promoter. Using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene expression system, we demonstrated that the intrinsic promoter activity of HBsAg gene promoter was stronger than that of HBcAg gene promoter in both human hepatoma cell lines, Hep3B and HuH-7. Furthermore, we showed that the HBV enhancer sequence not only stimulated the HBcAg gene promoter activity, but also stimulated the HBsAg gene promoter activity in both Hep3B and HuH-7 cells. The enhancer sequence increased the HBsAg gene promoter activity 20-fold in both Hep3B and HuH-7 cell lines, while the increase of the HBcAg gene promoter was 2- and 8-fold in Hep3B and HuH-7 cells, respectively.

Acetyltransferases↗

Production and Preliminary Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against Cationic Peanut Peroxidase.

Ten monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) have been produced against the cationic peroxidase from peanut suspension cell culture. Eight of these antibodies were found to be of the immunoglobulin (Ig)G(1) subclass and two were of IgA subclass. A combination of competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting analysis, and direct antigen-binding assay revealed that the antibodies are directed against four different epitopes on the cationic peroxidase and the McAbs can be subdivided into four groups. Only group A inhibits peroxidase activity. Group B and D bind equally well to the native and the denatured form of cationic peroxidase, whereas the remaining McAbs react with more or less reduced affinity to the denatured antigen. Group C probably recognizes a conformation-dependent epitope. All the McAbs cross react weakly with the anionic peanut peroxidase, suggesting a structural nonidentity as well as some similarity between these two peroxidase isozymes. Cross reactivities of these McAbs with peroxidases of various plant species were also demonstrated.

Journal Article↗

Age- and sex-dependent changes in natural killer cell activity.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 40 normal individuals, 20 men and 20 women, divided according to age were evaluated for their ability to mediate natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity, using the K562 erythroleukemic cells as target. The results of a specific 51Cr release assay demonstrated that NK activity was greater in men than in women. There was a significant correlation between NK activity and the percentages of Leu 11a+ cells in younger women, but not in the other groups and no correlation between NK activity and Leu 7+ cells.

Age Factors↗

Clinical superiority of a new nonionic contrast agent (iopamidol) for cardiac angiography.

The hemodynamic and electrophysiologic alterations induced by ionic contrast agents during cardiac angiography are well described. Recently nonionic contrast agents have become available for cardiac angiography. To evaluate the safety of these new agents, a double-blind randomized study was performed comparing a new nonionic agent (iopamidol) with a commonly used ionic contrast agent (Renografin-76). Eighty-one patients undergoing left ventriculography and coronary angiography were included; 41 received iopamidol and 40 received sodium meglumine diatrizoate (Renografin-76). After left ventriculography, there was a decrease in the arterial pressure with both contrast agents. However, the severity and the duration of hypotension were both significantly greater with Renografin-76 compared with the new nonionic agent (p less than 0.001). After selective injections of the coronary arteries, electrocardiographic analysis demonstrated that the increase in the QT interval (p less than 0.0002) and the changes in both the ST segment and T wave amplitude (p less than 0.001) were significantly greater in the Renografin-76 group compared with the iopamidol group. During coronary angiography, 8 of the 40 patients receiving Renografin-76 required temporary pacing for sinus pauses of 2.5 seconds or more, and 2 of the 40 also developed ventricular fibrillation. None of the 41 patients receiving iopamidol had these complications. This report demonstrates that the electrocardiographic changes, the severity and duration of hypotension and the incidence of serious arrhythmias are significantly greater with Renografin-76 than with iopamidol. Thus, this new nonionic agent appears to enhance the safety of cardiac angiography.

Aged↗

Long-term follow-up of solitary hemangioma of the choroid.

Three cases of solitary hemangioma of the choroid are reported. One patient, followed for 22 years, was untreated, and the natural course was chronic and progressive. Although the tumor itself did not enlarge markedly, the serous detachment of the retina was extensive. Cystoid degeneration and deterioration of visual acuity was the final result. Two patients were treated with argon green laser and then followed for eight years and one year, respectively. Laser photocoagulation is the method of choice. Clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis are discussed. Early diagnosis and early treatment are important for preserving vision in an eye affected with hemangioma of the choroid.

Adult↗