Biomedical subjects

H Zhuang

Publications and source records attributed to H Zhuang.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

A case-control study of hepatitis B and C virus infection as risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in Henan, China.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world and is particularly prevalent in China. China is also a hyperendemic area for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Although a strong association between HBV infection and HCC has been established previously, the role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the interaction between HBV and HCV in the development of HCC has not been adequately explored. The major objective of this study is to determine the relationship between HBV or HCV infection and HCC by use of case-control study in Henan, China. METHOD: In all, 152 HCC patients and 115 control patients were collected from four hospitals in Henan, China between January 1994 and October 1995. The demographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable. In further analysis, a 1:1 pair-matched case-control study was performed. Of 152 HCC patients, 113 were randomly selected to be pair-matched by sex and age (+/-5 years) to controls with non-hepatic disease. All the cases and controls were interviewed during hospitalization by two specially trained interviewers using a standard questionnaire. All sera were tested for HBV and HCV markers. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI for HCC risk factors were calculated by logistic regression model controlling for possible confounding factors such as sex and age. The multivariate analysis was done on the basis of the univariate analysis. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) were much higher in HCC patients (63.2% and 11.2% respectively) than in the control patients (5.2%, 3.5%). The difference between two groups was significant (P < 0.05). Risk factor analysis revealed that both HBV and HCV infection were important factors for HCC in Henan, China and HBV appeared to have a key role in the development of HCC. Odds ratios of HBsAg and HBV infection were 28.82 (95% CI: 11.18-78.78) and 31.22 (95% CI: 13.86-72.15), respectively. Moreover, the risk of developing HCC increased significantly and showed an additive effect when both viral markers of HBV and HCV infection were considered (OR = 42.85). Results from the 1:1 pair-matched case-control study also showed that HBV infection was an important risk factor for HCC, which was consistent with the results from the group-matched case-control study. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case-control study of HCC in Henan, China. This study provides further evidence that chronic HBV infection is strongly associated with the development of HCC among this population. Our results have demonstrated that HCV and HBV infection are independent and probably additive risk factors for HCC.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

A case-control study of risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in Henan, China.

A case-control study was carried out to investigate risk factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Henan, China. A total of 152 patients with HCC and 115 control patients with nonhepatic disease were included in this study. The risk factor analysis indicated that individual history of liver disease (odds ratio [OR]=11.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.94-35.18), family history of liver disease (OR=11.80, 95% CI=2.75-50.61), drinking of alcohol (OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.02-1.10), corn consumption (OR=19.43, 95% CI=3.67-102.98), peanut and peanut oil consumption (OR=13.75, 95% CI=3.69-51.16), and infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) (OR=44.59, 95% CI=12.54-158.49) were significantly different between the case and control groups (P < 0.01). We also found that there was a dose-response relationship between drinking of alcohol and development of HCC, whereas heavy drinkers experienced an approximately 3-4-fold risk increase compared with nondrinkers. In further analysis, a 1:1 pair-matched case-control study was performed. One hundred thirteen of 152 HCC patients were randomly selected to be pair-matched by sex and age (+/-5 years) with the controls with nonhepatic disease. The results from the 1:1 pair-matched case-control study were consistent with the results from the group-matched case-control study. The findings of this study suggest that hepatitis virus (HBV, HCV) infection, drinking of alcohol, and dietary exposure to aflatoxin are likely etiologic agents of HCC in Henan, China.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Comparison of partial sequencing of 5' non-coding region of seven HGV strains isolated from different areas in China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the variation of Chinese hepatitis G virus (HGV) strains. METHODS: HGV RNA was detected by reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) with a designed primer derived from the 5' non-coding region of Chinese HGV strains. HGV cDNA was sequenced in seven samples with positive products by ABI prism 377 DNA automatic sequencer. RESULTS: Homology of nucleotide sequence of the 5' non-coding region of HGV strains in seven Chinese strains was 88.26%, 85.92%, 88.26%, 85.45%, 86.85%, 85.92% and 88.26%, respectively, as compared with the African strains GBV-C (u 36380), and 92.02%, 86.85%, 86.67%, 89.02%, 89.67%, 89.67% and 91.55%, respectively, as compared with the strains isolated from the U.S. (u 44402). Homology of nucleotide sequence was 92.02% to 97.18% between HGV strains isolated in China. CONCLUSION: Genotypes of Chinese HGV strains differ from those of GBV-C and HGV subtypes reported in the U.S.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1998

[Clinical study on left ventricular diastolic heart failure in the aged patients].

Forty aged patients with LVDHF and 30 with left ventricular systolic heart failure (LVSHF), confirmed by radionuclide ventriculography were studied by clinical, echocardiography and treadmill test. Twenty healthy aged persons were served as control group. Compared with LVSHF, short duration and less severe manifestations of heart failure in LVDHF were observed. Compared with the control, left atrium was enlarged but not the left ventricular chamber, and LV wall was thickened in LVDHF, while enlargement of LV chamber was only found in LVSHF. However, LV systolic function was remained normal in LVDHF. The exercise tolerance was decreased in both LVDHF and LVSHF groups, but more marked in LVSHF.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

[A cross-sectional study on HGV infection in a rural population].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and clinical significance of HGV infection, and to compare with HBV and HCV infections. METHODS: Anti-HGV, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HCV were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA). Anti-HGV positive sera were further tested for HGV RNA by a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR). RESULTS: The anti-HGV prevalence rate was 12.9%. It was relatively low in children under 10 years, and then increased with age and peaked in the group of 50-60 years of age (29.2%). The positive rate of HBsAg was 12.6%, and it quickly reached the highest (16.2%) in the 5-year old group. The prevalence rate of HBV infection was 64.9%, and increased to a high level in the group of 10 years of age, and maintained high up to 79.2% in the 50 years old group. The HCV infection rate was 15.3%. No anti-HCV positive cases were found in the group under 10 years of age. It was particularly high in the 20-40 years age group, and reached the peak in the group of 30 years old. No significant differences were found in the infection rates of HBV, HCV and HGV between male and female. HGV infection was associated with the history of blood donation, and the sexual transmission between couples. The anti-HGV positive rate of wives with anti-HGV positive husbands was 53.3%, significantly higher than that of those with anti-HGV negative husbands (7.8%). HGV coinfection with HBV or HCV had no influence on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). NO ALT elevation was found in the group with HGV infection alone. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological characteristics of HGV infection are different from those of HBV and HCV. HGV is transmitted by blood and sex, and does not seem to cause liver damage.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Dynamics of anti-HEV ORF2, ORF3, IgM and IgG in serial sera of patients with hepatitis E and their clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To study the dynamics of anti-HEV ORF2, ORF3, IgM and IgG in serial sera of patients with hepatitis E. METHODS: Anti-HEV was detected in serial sera of 52 patients, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) based on two synthetic peptides separated or combined from open reading frame (ORF) 2 and 3 of HEV genome. RESULTS: Both anti-ORF2 and anti-ORF3 in serum were at the highest levels in early acute phase of the disease, and declined gradually with the course, especially anti-ORF3. The sensitivity of the EIA using both ORF2 and ORF3 peptides was higher than that of either alone. The positive rates of anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG were separately 71.1% (32/45) and 97.8% (44/45) within 15 days after onset, then decreased more dramatically in IgM than in IgG with the course. CONCLUSION: Both ORF2 and ORF3 proteins should be used for the development of anti-HEV EIA kit. It seems to be more specific in anti-HEV IgM and more sensitive in anti-HEV IgG as a diagnostic marker of hepatitis E.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Clinical analysis of laser prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of laser prostatectomy for benign hypertrophy of prostate by transurethral noncontact laser ablation. METHOD: 204 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated by transurethral noncontact laser ablation. RESULT: 163 patients resumed urination in a week, and 37 in two weeks. Four patients were treated by open procedure. Patients were followed up for 14 months. Symptomatic scores (I-PSS) exceeded the middle rank in 90% patients and the maximum urinary flow rate was 89%. CONCLUSION: It is an effective method for adjusting the strength, direction, range and frequency of laser to prevent bleeding, perforation and long-term urethral stricture.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

[Genome shift of hepatitis E virus in Asia].

Dideoxy chain termination method was applied to sequence hepatitis E virus structure gene of Asia isolates, cDNA sequence and amino acid residues were determined. The results showed that among Asia countries: Indian, Burma, China, Pakistan and Kirghiz Republic, Hepatitis E virus genome shifted within the range of 5% and amino acid residues shifted within 1% compared with Mexico isolate. Asia Hepatitis E virus isolates have limited genome shift, which suggests recombinant Hepatitis E vaccine based on Asia HEV gene might protect all HEV infection in this area.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Electrical stimulation induces the level of TGF-beta1 mRNA in osteoblastic cells by a mechanism involving calcium/calmodulin pathway.

It is well-known that electrical stimulation can prompt healing of bone fractures. However, the mechanism involved is less clear. In this study, we found that capacitively coupled electric field-induced proliferation of osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) accompanied increased levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA determined by quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction. Previous reports have shown that verapamil and W-7, both of which block voltage gated calcium channels and inhibit the activation of cytosolic calmodulin, respectively, blocked capacitively coupled electric field-induced proliferation of the osteoblast cells. Interestingly, we found that verapamil and W-7 can also block capacitively coupled electric field-induced elevation of TGF-beta1 mRNA. This result suggested that electrical stimulation induces the level of TGF-beta1 mRNA in osteoblastic cells by a mechanism involving calcium/calmodulin pathway. The potential roles of TGF-beta in the electrical signal-induced osteogenesis was discussed.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1997

Amino-terminal epitopes are exposed when full-length open reading frame 2 of hepatitis E virus is expressed in Escherichia coli, but carboxy-terminal epitopes are masked.

We constructed a panel of overlapping and non-overlapping fragments of cDNA derived from open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and fused to the gene encoding glutathione S-transferase (GST), from which proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. IgG-specific immunoreactivity against each protein was measured by Western immunoblotting using sera from experimentally infected Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) or from HEV-infected patients. Under these conditions, full-length ORF2 protein (GST-ORF2) was strongly reactive with acute-phase sera from either macaques or patients, but was poorly reactive with convalescent sera. Recombinant protein GST-ORF2.3, representing amino acids 1-110 of the 660 encoded by ORF2, demonstrated a pattern of reactivity largely indistinguishable from the full-length protein. Conversely, GST-ORF2.1, representing amino acids 394-660 of the ORF2 protein was strongly reactive with both acute- and convalescent-phase sera. Extension of GST-ORF2.1 towards the N-terminus led to a progressive loss of convalescent-phase reactivity, apparent with as few as 20 additional HEV-specific amino acids. Deletion of 40 or more amino acids from the N-terminus of ORF2.1 also led to reduced convalescent-phase reactivity, however a protein representing this "reactive" region, containing amino acids 394-473, was poorly reactive, suggesting that the convalescent-reactive epitopes are conformational. Expression of full-length ORF2 protein in E. coli therefore masks the convalescent-reactive epitopes within the C-terminal part of the protein, without affecting N-terminal, acute-reactive epitopes.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Heterogeneous nucleation of calcium phosphates on solid surfaces in aqueous solution.

The heterogeneous nucleation of calcium phosphates on solid surfaces of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly-(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP), silicone rubber, mica, and radiofrequency glow discharge (RFGD)-treated PMMA, FEP, and silicone rubber has been studied in solutions supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite. The surface properties of the substrates were characterized by contact angle measurements. For the RFGD-treated surfaces, the Lifshitz-Van der Waals surface tension component changes very little, but the Lewis acid-base surface tension parameters vary greatly depending upon the materials. With scanning electron microscopy, nucleation of calcium phosphates was observed only on the surfaces: mica, RFGD-treated PMMA and FEP, with relatively high values of the Lewis base surface tension parameter. The more hydrophobic surfaces having low Lewis acid-base surface tensions, untreated PMMA and FEP, silicone rubber, and even RFGD-treated silicone rubber showed no nucleation.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed1997

Aerosol delivery to non-ventilated infants by metered dose inhaler: should a valved spacer be used?

In a randomized double-blind cross-over study on 20 spontaneously breathing, oxygen-dependent preterm infants who had received positive pressure ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome, we tested the hypothesis that the one-way non-rebreathing valves of aerosol spacer devices might impair rather than enhance the delivery of aerosols to small infants by metered dose inhalers (MDI). Ten infants were given 2 doses (200 micrograms/dose) of MDI albuterol through a neonatal Aerochamber 4 h apart. At random sequence, one dose was delivered with the non-rebreathing valve of the Aerochamber in place; for the other dose, the valve had been removed. The experiment was repeated on another ten infants using a different spacer device (Babyhaler) with or without its one-way inspiratory valve removed. During the first hour following aerosol administration, use of the non-valved spacers was associated with a significantly greater degree of tachycardia in both groups, and also lower transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension in the Aerochamber group. All infants showed a reduction in respiratory system resistance and an improvement in functional residual capacity following albuterol treatment. In both groups, maximum reduction in respiratory system resistance, recorded 30 min after aerosol delivery, was significantly greater following the use of the non-valved spacers (Aerochamber: 51.2 +/- 3.1% vs. 35.0 +/- 2.8%, P < 0.0001; Babyhaler: 38.8 +/- 2.3% vs. 19.2 +/- 1.4%, P < 0.0001) than following the use of the spacers with a valve. The findings provide indirect evidence supporting our hypothesis and suggest that when the MDI is used to deliver therapeutic aerosols to non-ventilated newborns or small infants, a spacer device without a non-rebreathing valve should be used.

Aerosols↗

PubMed1997

The increased level of PDGF-A contributes to the increased proliferation induced by mechanical stimulation in osteoblastic cells.

Mechanical stimulation can prompt healing of bone fractures. However, it is largely unknown how osteogenesis is promoted by mechanical stimulation. In this study, we found that mechanical strain-induced proliferation of osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) accompanied increased levels of platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) mRNA, determined by quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction. In addition, neomycin and W-7, which blocked mechanical strain-induced proliferation of the osteoblast cells, also blocked mechanical stimulation-induced elevation of PDGF-A mRNA. Finally, an antibody against PDGF can inhibit physical stimulation-induced proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, suggesting that the increased MC3T3-E1 cells produced by mechanical stimulation at least partially depends on the increased activity of PDGF.

Calcium↗

PubMed1997

Total body potassium and body fat: relevance to aging.

Understanding the mechanisms that govern sarcopenia (depletion of muscle mass with age) may suggest ways to preserve lean tissue and functional capacity, and to maintain quality of life in the elderly. We investigated the body-composition changes in normal aging in a cross-sectional study of 188 healthy volunteers aged 20-89 y, which examines the differences in body cell mass and fat as a function of age. In aging, the assumptions of indirect body-composition-measurement techniques, such as the "constant" hydration coefficient of lean body mass or the "constant" density of fat-free mass, may not hold. Therefore, we selected body-composition-measurement techniques that are not sensitive to assumptions about the composition of lean tissue. Cellular mass, lean body mass, and fat were assessed "directly" by total body potassium (TBK) measurements and neutron inelastic scattering. Our results show that TBK content declines at a rate of 7.20 +/- 1.00 mg K.kg body wt-1.y-1 for females (r = 0.601, P < or = 0.001) and 9.16 +/- 0.96 mg K.kg body wt-1.y-1 for males (r = 0.710, P < or = 0.001). Body fat measurements by neutron inelastic scattering have shown a significant increase of percentage body fat with age for female volunteers between the ages of 20 and 50 y and a continuous increase for male volunteers throughout adult life.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Partial nucleotide sequencing of hepatitis E virus isolated from sera of patients with acute sporadic hepatitis E in China].

28 hepatitis E virus (HEV) cDNA isolates were obtained from 41 sera of patients with acute sporadic hepatitis E (HE) in Shenzhen, Changchun and Hangzhou by a reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) and 3 of the 28 RT-nPCR products of HEV cDNA ORF2 region were sequenced. The nucleotide homology of these three HEV isolates was 80.2%, 79.9% and 79.4%, respectively, as compared with the Maxico strain of HEV (M); 93.4%, 92.3% and 93.8% with the Burma epidemic strain of HEV(B) (Ep); 95.5%, 93.9% and 95.1% with the Burma sporadic strain of HEV(B) (Sp); 97.0%, 96.5% and 95.9% with the Xinjiang epidemic strain of HEV CH 1.1. It is demonstrated that these three isolates of HEV obtained from sera of acute sporadiic hepatitis E cases have a higher degree of homology with the Xinjiang strain of HEV CH 1.1 and the Burma strain of HEV(B). The data indicate that these three HEV isolates may belong to HEV(B) subtype, as the HEV CH 1.1 does.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

[Partial nucleotide sequencing of 7 hepatitis E virus strains isolated from sera of patients with acute sporadic hepatitis E in China].

OBJECTIVE: To compare partial nucleotide and amino acid sequences between epidemic and sporadic hepatitis E viruses (HEV) in China and their relation to the frequency of hepatitis E (HE). METHODS: A reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) was used for the amplication of HEV open reading frame 2 (ORF2) cDNA from sera of patients with acute sporadic HE. The RT-nPCR products of HEV ORF2 cDNA were directly sequenced using a sequenase version 2.0 kit with the dideoxy sequencing method. RESULTS: 28 of 41 sera of patients with acute sporadic HE obtained from Shenzhen, Changchun, Hangzhou, Xian and Beijing by RT-nPCR were HEV ORF2 cDNA positive, and 7 of them were sequenced. The nucleotide homology of the seven HEV ORF2 cDNA was 78.9%-80.2%, as compared with the Mexico strain of HEV (M); 93.1%-95.1% with the Burma epidemic strain of HEV (B) (Ep); 92.3%-94.2% with the Burma sporadic strain of HEV (B) (Sp); 96.5%-98.9% with the Xinjiang epidemic strain of HEV CH 1.1; and 95.7%-100.0% between them. CONCLUSIONS: The seven strains of HEV ORF2 cDNA isolated from sera of acute sporadic HE cases have a higher degree of homology with the HEV CH 1.1 and the HEV (B), and may belong to HEV (B) subtype, as the HEV CH1.1 does.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

[Comparison of sequences of hepatitis B virus S gene fragment in eight cities of China].

Sequencing and comparative analysis of 52nd to 512th nucleotide of S gene in hepatitis B virus (HBV) were conducted in 43 cases of sero-positive and 52 cases of sero-negative HB from eight cities, including Changchun, Datong, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingtao, Xi'an, Kunming and Lahsa, to study the relationship between focal variation of HBV S gene and seronegative HB. It was found that sequences of HBV S gene fragment in the same genotype were more conservative, most of its mutation happened randomly, and no insertion, deletion or null mutation occurred. There were three and five hypervariable nucleotide points in HBV isolated from two different HB groups with identical genotype and serotype (C genotype/adr serotype and C genotype/ayw1 serotype), respectively, and there were five hypervariable nucleotide points in HBV of D genotype/ayw1 serotype (five strains of sero-positive HBV) and D genotype/ayw3 serotype (ten strains of sero-negative HBV), respectively. It suggests that most cases of sero-negative HB may correlate with low level of HBV in their blood, and a small number of cases may be caused by HBV S gene mutation.

China↗

PubMed1997

[Follow-up studies on hepatitis G infection in plasma donors with positive antibody against hepatitis C].

Antibodies against hepatitis G (anti-HGV) and HGV RNA were detected for frozen stored sera collected from 102 plasma donors and those subjects with positive anti-HGV and HGV RNA were followed-up for three years to study prevalence of HGV infection in them and their end-results. Anti-HGV was detected by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with embedded antigen of synthetic peptide derived from different function regions of HGV. HGV RNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers derived from NS3 region of HGV. Results showed that 19.61 percent (20/102) and 17.65 percent (18/102) of the plasma donors were positive for HGV RNA and anti-HGV, respectively, and 24.51 percent of them were infected with HGV (either positive for anti-HGV or HGV RNA), while only 0.94 percent (1/106) positive in the controls. It suggests that plasma donation is an important risk factor for HGV infection. Negative conversion rates of HGV RNA and anti-HGV during three-year follow-up were only 35.00 and 11.11 percent, respectively (7/20 and 2/18), which indicated a tendency of chronic carriage status in HGV infection.

Blood Donors↗