Biomedical subjects

J Lu

Publications and source records attributed to J Lu.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Cervical venous structure in the inter-transverse and intra-transverse foraminal region: an anatomic study.

Vertebral venous bleeding is frequently encountered during anterolateral cervical decompression. The present study was undertaken to identify the pattern and location of the vertebral vein in relationship to the vertebral artery in the inter-transverse and intra-transverse foraminal regions. Twenty-one cadavers were dissected to determine the anatomic features of the vertebral vein in the inter-transverse and intra-transverse foramina. The vertebral veins in the inter-foraminal and intraforaminal regions from C-3 to C-6 can be classified into three types: single or double veins, venous plexus, and absence of the vein. Of the 21 specimens, vertebral veins were found bilaterally in five specimens (24%) and unilaterally in eight specimens (38%). The veins were situated either anterolateral or anteromedial to the vertebral artery. The venous structures showed in venous plexus in two specimens (9.5%). In six specimens (29%), there were no obvious venous structures related to the vertebral artery in its intra-transverse and inter-transverse foraminal course. The veins are contained in a fibrous and osseous tunnel as they descend through the transverse foramina. Subperiosteal dissection of fibrous tissue from the lateral aspect of the uncinate process after removal of the anterior wall of the transverse foramen may minimize hemorrhages from the vertebral vein in the inter-transverse and intra-transverse foraminal region during resection of the uncovertebraljoint or neural foraminotomy with retraction of the vertebral artery laterally.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[The association between A55V variant in UCP2 gene and body fat distribution, serum lipid profile in Chinese].

OBJECTIVE: Uncoupling protein 2(UCP2) could play an important role in energy metabolism and body weight regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate Ala55Val(A55V) variant in the UCP2 gene has effects on serum lipid profile, body fat and its distribution in Chinese. METHODS: The genotypes of A55V variant in the UCP2 gene were determined by a PCR-RFLP assay in 359 unrelated Chinese [including 193 normal glucose tolerance(NGT) and 166 type 2 diabetic subjects by ADA 97' criteria]. The parameters for regional adipose tissue distribution were measured by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). RESULTS: In NGT group, an association between A55V variant in the UCP2 gene and body mass index(BMI) (P=0.0246), as well as femoral subcutaneous adipose tissue area (FA) (P=0.0017), was noted in females. A55V variant in the UCP2 gene was also associated with serum triglyceride (TG) level (P=0.0072) in males. However, in type 2 diabetes group, an association between A55V variant in the UCP2 gene and FA (P=0.0150) was replicated in females too. Those females who were homozygotes of AA in the UCP2 gene had decreased FA not only in NGT group but also in type 2 diabetes group. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that FA (P=0.0098 in NGT females, P=0.0071 in type 2 diabetic females) and BMI (P=0.0016 in NGT females), as well as TG level (P=0.0040 in NGT males) were associated with this variant in the UCP2 gene. CONCLUSION: A55V variant in the UCP2 gene is associated not only with FA (in NGT females and type 2 diabetic females) but also with BMI (in NGT females). Therefore A55V variant in the UCP2 gene appears to play a role in body fat and its distribution in Chinese females.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2000

Anatomic evaluation of the first three sacral vertebrae and dorsal screw placement.

Although the anthropometric studies of the first sacral vertebra have been previously described, there are few studies that define and compare the morphological features of the S-1 to S-3 vertebrae. Twenty sacra were directly measured, and then digitized images of macroscopic cross-sectional specimens were measured by using Color Image 1.31 software. Measurements, including parameters from sacral vertebral bodies, sacral canal, and auricular articular surfaces of the first three sacral vertebrae, were obtained. The contributions by the first, second, and third sacral vertebrae to the auricular articular surface area were 50%, 35%, and 15%, respectively. The parameters related to the S-1 and S-2 medial and lateral screw placement were also determined. All measured parameters of the upper three sacral vertebral bodies and the sacral canal gradually decreased from S-1 to S-3. This study provides morphometric data of the first three sacral vertebrae that may prove helpful for better understanding the unique anatomy of the sacrum and transpedicular and lateral mass screw placement.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Statistical aspects of evaluating treatment and prognostic factors for clinically localized prostate cancer.

This article reviews the fundamental assumptions for survival analysis and discusses some of the difficulties specific to the treatment evaluation and the analysis of prognostic factors in clinically localized prostate cancer. What makes clinically localized prostate cancer different from other forms of cancer is the chronic nature of the disease and the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) evaluation following a primary treatment. It is known that a study evaluating survival benefit for localized prostate cancer requires a long-term follow-up. This brings up issues of time varying treatment effect and the necessary use of cause-specific survival. In addition, biochemical failure following radiation therapy based on ASTRO consensus definition is another major topic. We question the appropriateness of the last observation approach that censors patients at their last observation and uses the Kaplan-Meier method. We show that the last observation approach can underestimate the biochemical failure rate for a treatment, especially when follow-up is short. The estimate of lower and upper bounds for biochemical failure is recommended. Examples based on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group prostate cancer trials are provided. This article concludes with a discussion of some novel statistical approaches to the design of prostate cancer studies and the analysis of trajectories of PSA values.

Cause of Death↗

PubMed2000

Cloning and sequencing of partial genes of hepatitis C virus genome in patients with acute hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the etiological role of HCV in patients with acute hepatitis. METHODS: The prevalence of HCV infection in 89 patients with acute hepatitis was investigated by analysis of HCV RNA and HCV second generation antibody. HCV RNAs extracted from the sera of 5 patients with NANB acute hepatitis, which were positive for HCV RNA, were converted to cDNA by reverse transcription with random primer and genotyping by PCR with type-specific primers. The partial genes of HCV genome were amplified. The PCR products were expressed in E. coli with p-GEM-T vector, and their nucleotide sequences were determined by dideoxynucleotide chain-termination method. RESULTS: The incidence of hepatitis virus infection was 47. 2% in HAV, 28.1% in HBV and 15.7% in HCV, respectively. The incidence of HAV and HBV coinfection was 14.6% and the rate of non-A, non-B and non-C hepatitis was 9% in all patients. The genotype of HCV-RNA positive patients was 85.8% in HCV-II, 7.1% in HCV-III and 7. 1% in combining HCV-II/III, respectively. The partial sequence of HCV genome in 5 patients with non-A and non-B acute hepatitis was amplified and the fragment was 424 bp in accordance with original design. The homology of the sequences was 98.1%-99.5% in nucleotide acid and 97.6%-99.2% in amino acid among five isolates. The average homology was 91.9% or 94.3%-95.6% for nucleotide sequences between HCV-I or HCV-II and the 5 isolates, and 92.3%-95.8% for amino acid sequences between the 5 isolates and HCV-I or HCV-II, respectively. CONCLUSION: HCV infection is one of the main hepatitis viruses in patients with acute hepatitis, in which the HCV-II genotype is dominant and should be paid attention to it.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2000

Location of the first and second sacral nerve roots in relation to pedicle screw placement.

Dissection and measurements of the first 2 sacral nerve roots with regard to the commonly used entrance points for S1 and S2 pedicle screw placement were performed to determine the location of the first 2 sacral nerve roots in relation to the pedicle screw entrance points in the upper 2 sacral vertebrae. The sacral nerve roots, dural sac, and pedicles were exposed after laminectomy. The mean distance from the reference point to the adjacent nerve roots superiorly and inferiorly at the S2 pedicle level was smaller than those at the S1 pedicle level. The medial angle of the sacral nerve roots progressively decreased from L5 to S3. The nerve root passing through the next foramen formed an immediate medial relation to the sacral pedicle rather than the dural sac. Pedicle screw placement in the first 2 sacral vertebral pedicles has been recommended for lumbosacral fusion and internal fixation of sacral fractures. No anatomic study is available regarding the location of the sacral nerve roots relative to the entrance points of sacral pedicle screw placement. Violation of the sacral canal and foramina by a sacral pedicle screw may injure the sacral nerve roots, especially at the level of the S2 pedicle.

Bone Screws↗

PubMed2000

[Response of Capsicum frutescens metapopulation to simulated insect herbivorous behaviors].

Based on the theory of metapopulation, this paper studied the response of different leaf-cutting Capsicum frutescens metapopulation to simulated short-term insect pestes during high temperature period in July. Variance analysis (ANOVA), principal component analysis(PCA) and plant growth analysis were applied. The result shows that C. frutescens had a strong compensatory ability. The number, dry weight and leaf area of old leaves decreased with increasing leaf-cutting, but contrarily for new leaves. The total leaf number did not show any significant difference, but the total area and weight of leaves were significantly different, because of the influence of old leaves. The number, weight and lenght of branches were not significantly different with different treatments, and the number of fruits, flowers and flower buds also showed no significant difference. However, the difference of their dry weights was significant. It is practical to use number indexes, but not dry weight, leaf area and length for plant growth analysis in metapopulation, when the difference of dry weight between modulars is small. It is suggested that a certain degree of herbivory might be beneficial to the growth and fruit yield of C. frutescens during the high temperature period.

Capsicum↗

PubMed2000

[Qingshishan watershed agro-ecology information system and its application with the support of Geographic Information System (GIS)].

Geographic Information System(GIS) is applied to establish Qingshishan Watershed Agro-Ecology Information System (QWAEIS), QWAEIS integrates spatial information such as land use, soil, water and topography with basic information such as population, climate and agricultural production. The watershed agro-ecology information was effectively analyzed and managed by QWAEIS, land suitable classes were evaluated by QWAEIS and the land evaluation result are given, QWAEIS also can support watershed planning with its spatial information.

Agriculture↗

PubMed2000

[Fiberoptic ductoscopy for patients with intraductal papillary lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical significance of fiberoptic ductoscopy in patients with intraductal papillary lesions. METHODS: Fiberoptic ductoscopy was applied to patients with nipple discharge. The characteristics of those with intraductal papillary lesion were analysed. RESULTS: 92 patients were found to have intraductal papillary lesions. 68 patients were revealed to have single papillomas and 21 multiple papilloma. Three patients were diagnosed with papillomatosis. A total of 114 lesions were observed. 29.8% of these lesions were located in the segmental duct. 43.9% lesions were located in the first branch of the segmental duct and 17.5% in the second branch. Only 7.9% and 0.9% lesions were located in the third and the fourth branch. The average distance from lacteous pore to papillary lesion was 2.7 cm. Fiberoptic ductoscopy did not find lesions in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fiberoptic ductoscopy can be used to diagnose and locate intraductal papillary lesions. It is an effective diagnostic method for nipple discharge.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Survival analysis after kidney transplantation in 1,180 cadaveric graftings].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcome of twenty-two years of cadaveric kidney transplantation and the predict factors impacting on graft survival. METHODS: The data of 1,180 cadaveric kidney graftings in 1,039 patients between October of 1977 and June of 1999 were summarized by calculation of patient and graft survival rates using Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates. 13 factors that may influence on graft survival were analyzed by the log-rank and Cox model. RESULTS: The total of 1-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year patient survival rates were 93.02%, 80.25%, 67.86%, 65.34% and 65.34%, and the corresponding graft survival rates 88.6%, 68.3%, 43.8%, 43.8%, and 32.8%, respectively. Graft half-life was (13.98 +/- 0.96) years. The longest survivor was 22 years after cadaveric kidney transplantation. The quality of life after grafting in 835 alive patients was improved apparently; 95% of them had a normal graft function and 85% returned to work. The result of multivariable analysis using Cox model showed that 8 factors of patient's age, grafting time, pretransplant blood transfusion, cold ischemia time, delayed graft function, time of normal graft function, immunosuppressive regimen, and acute rejection were very important to affect the graft survival. CONCLUSION: Cadaveric kidney transplantation is a successful and effective method to rescue the patients with end-stage renal disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[The effect of splenectomy on circulating endotoxin clearance and tissue distribution of endotoxin in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of splenectomy on circulating endotoxin clearance and tissue distribution of endotoxin, and investigate the potential mechanism(s) underlying inflammatory response and multiple organ damage following splenectomy. METHODS: 112 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 56, included omentectomy and mobilization of the spleen), and splenectomy group (n = 56). The latter was further sub divided into 10-min, 0.5-, 1.5-, 4-, 12-, 24-hour groups after endotoxin challenge. Tissue and systemic blood endotoxin concentrations were measured using the chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which was modified by perchloric acid (PCA) pretreatment for samples. Liver function parameter and lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also measured. RESULTS: After endotoxin administration, plasma endotoxin concentrations were higher in splenectomized rats than in controls at 10 minutes and 0.5 hour (P < 0.01). Endotoxin clearance was delayed in liver and lung in animals after splenectomy. MPO values of the control group were significantly higher than those of splenectomy groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Splenectomy can lead to impairment of intravascular clearance of endotoxin and endotoxin accumulation in liver and lung. Endotoxin accumulated in local sites may be involved in the development of inflammatory response and multiple organ dysfunction following splenectomy.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Clinical use of acellular allogenic dermis or acellular porcine dermis with split-thickness autologous skin graft in 119 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acellular allogenic dermis or acellular porcine dermis together with split-thickness autologous skin graft on coverage of deep burn wound and the wound of scar excision. METHODS: Acellular allogenic dermis or acellular porcine dermis produced by our unit, with split-thickness autologous skin graft, were used in repairing various wounds in 119 cases. The take rate of various wounds was compared, and the take rate of wounds in which autologous skin from different sites was used to cover either acellular allogenic dermis or acellular porcine dermis was also compared. Histological examination and follow-up were made in some cases. RESULTS: After tangential excision, eschar excision and scar excision, the wounds were covered with either allogenic acellular dermis or porcine acellular dermis and autologous split-thickness skin. The take rate was found to be (93.4 +/- 3.4)%, (92.1 +/- 4.6)%, (94.5 +/- 3.5)%, respectively. There was no a significant difference in take rate (P > 0.05). No significant difference in take rate between the transplantation of allogenic acellular dermis with autologous split-thickness skin and transplantation of porcine acellular dermis with autologous split-thickness skin was found (P > 0.05). When autologous split-thickness skin harvested from the trunk or extremities was used, the take rate was (93.1 +/- 4.8)%, (89.0 +/- 6.2)%, respectively, whereas the take rate was only about 70% - 80% when skin harvested from the scalp was used. The take rate was only about 40% when acellular allogenic dermis and autologous micro-skin graft were used to cover the wound. Histological examination 19 months after the transplantation revealed normal structure. Collagenous fibers were orderly arranged. There was no apparent hyperplasia of collagenous fibers. Hair follicles, sweat glands and other skin appendages were not found in the healed area. Grossly, no obvious pigmentation was seen, the surface was smooth with slight wound contraction, and the consistency was flexible. CONCLUSION: Acellular allogenic split-thickness dermis or acellular porcine split-thickness dermis with autologous split-thickness dermis for coverage of deep burn wound and the wound of scar excision is an ideal material.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Sagittal profile restoration of thoracolumbar fracture with rod rotation and in situ bending technique].

OBJECTIVE: To restore the sagittal profile at the time of regaining vertebral height during surgery of thoracolumbar fracture by rotation, screw-hook combination and in situ bending technique. METHODS: In 48 patients who have been treated since 1997, 41 were male and 7 female. Their age ranged from 17 to 54 years. Surgical procedures were (L(1) fracture for example): CD or TSRH pedicle screws inserted in T(12) and L(2), offset laminar hooks placed on T(11) and L(2), and two rods contoured according to the normal sagittal profile of the instrumental segment and inserted into the pedicle screws with the rod contouring curve in the frontal plane. Distraction force was used to regain vertebral height. The rods were rotated by 90 degrees and fixed with the set screws. The contouring curve of the rod at this time was transferred from the frontal plane to the sagittal plane where the normal sagittal profile was restored. The offset laminar hooks were compressed toward the screws. If lordosis was not satisfactory, the rods could be bent in situ. Posterolateral bone grafting was finally performed. RESULTS: No death and no neurological worsening were noted except deep infection in one patient. Average vertebral height was restored by 96%. 39 patients had complete restoration of vertebral height. Sagittal kyphotic Cobb angle was corrected from average 24 degrees before operation to average -2 degrees after operation. Follow-up (20 months on average) showed no pseudarthrosis but two screws broken in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Rod rotation and in situ rod bending technique can satisfactorily restore the normal sagittal profile and regain vertebral height. Offset laminar hooks can effectively protect pedicle screws, and minimise mechanical failure of instrumentation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Spectrum of mycotic keratitis in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spectrum of mycotic keratitis in China. METHODS: We scraped and evaluated 615 mycotic keratitis in microbiology laboratories of Zhengzhou (central China), Shijiazhuang (north China) and Guangzhou (south China) in the twenty-two years between Jan. 1, 1975 and Jun. 30, 1997. RESULTS: Organisms of 18 genuses and 615 species isolated from corneal ulcers were found. Fusarium species were isolated the most frequently (65.0% in Zhengzhou, 33.3% in Shijiazhuang and 39.2% in Guangzhou), followed by Aspergillus (20.5% in Zhengzhou, 21.7% in Shijiazhuang, 30.7% in Guangzhou), Penicillium (3.6% in Zhengzhou, 11.6% in Shijiazhuang) and Curvularis (13.1% in Guangzhou). Between Jan. 1, 1975 and Dec. 31, 1986, Aspergillus species were most commonly isolated in Guangzhou (48.5%), followed by Fusarium (27.7%) and Penicillium (14.27%). CONCLUSIONS: Just as different regions of the world are characterized by specific endemic infections, the predominating organisms in corneal fungal infections also vary throughout the world. These regional differences in causative organisms in mycotic keratitis are clinically important because they influence the initial and more definite therapy. This study shows that Fusarium species are the most common organisms of mycotic keratitis in China.

Aspergillus↗

PubMed2000

[An analysis of bacterial culture results in infectious endophthalmitis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of positive rate of bacterial culture of vitreous specimens from patients with infectious endophthalmitis during the past ten years and search for sensitive antibiotics for its treatment. METHODS: Vitreous specimens were taken from 304 eyes of 304 cases with clinically diagnosed infectious endophthalmitis for bacterial culture, and drug sensitivity test was carried out for the positive specimens. RESULTS: Bacterial positive rate was 53% with insignificant changes among the different years. Cefoperazone was the most sensitive antibiotic. CONCLUSION: Bacterial culture combined with drug sensitivity test of vitreous specimens is important in guiding the treatment of infectious endophthalmitis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[A case-control study on the risk factors of esophageal cancer in Linzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of prevalence and influencing factors on the genesis of esophageal cancer. METHODS: A population-based 1:1 matched case-control study was conducted in Linzhou. A total number of 352 pairs of cases and controls matched on sex, age and neighborhoods. Data was analysed by SAS software to calculate the odds ratio of and to evaluate the relative risks. RESULTS: It was found that lower socio-economic status, environmental pollution around the residential areas, lampblack in room, lower body mass index (BMI), more pickled food intake, cigarette smoking, alcoholic drinking, vigor mental-trauma and depression were risk factors of esophageal cancer. It also showed that the subjects having had history of upper digestive tract operation, dysplasia of esophagus and family history of carcinoma markedly increased the risks of developing esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION: Esophageal cancer seemed to be resulted from the combination of genetic and environmental factor, hence called for of medical surveillance and comprehensive prevention.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Pathological features of liver biopsy from 66 cases of long term blood donors with chronic hepatitis C].

OBJECTIVE: To study the pathological features of liver biopsy from long-term blood donors with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: From 250 long-term blood donors with positive serum anti-HCV antibody for more than five years, 66 donors with abnormal ALT level were selected and enrolled in this study. Liver biopsy was performed on these cases and the specimens stained with HE, and reticulin. Modified Schemer's classification for grading and staging was used during pathological observation. Twenty biopsies with serum HCV-RNA levels higher than 5.0 Meq/ml (bDNA) were studied immunohistochemically (SABC) for NS5. RESULTS: All cases displayed mild pathological changes. Grade 1 (G(1)) inflammation was 4.8% (3/63), G(2) 63.5% (40/63), G(3) 28.6%(18/63), G(4) two case. Stage 1 (S(1)) fibrosis was 60.3% (38/63), S(2) 34.9% (22/63), S(3) 3.2% (2/63), S(4) only one case. The main lesion was periportal inflammation, such as bile duct damage (100.0%), dense lymphoid aggregates (82.5%) and piecemeal necrosis (89.5%). Intralobular injury of hepatocytes was rather mild. Bridging necrosis and steatosis were not common and observed in only 12.3% (8/66) and 9.2% (6/66) respectively. As for fibrosis, proliferation and deposition of collagen were mainly distributed in the portal and perisinusoidal areas. Among 20 specimens with serum HCV-RNA levels higher than 5.0 Meq/ml (bDNA), all bile duct epithelial cells were positive for HCV-NS5 antigen, while hepatocytes in 4 cases were negative. CONCLUSION: (1) The pathological changes in this series show overall similarity with that of patients with posttransfusion hepatitis C. The main damages are portal and periportal inflammation, such as lymphoid aggregates, bile duct damage, piecemeal necrosis, and extensive periportal and perisinusoidal fibrosis. Intralobular damage was mild with occasional steatosis, which may be related to malnutrition, low level of serum iron due to long term donation. (2) Epithelial cells of the bile duct may be of another site for virus replication, thus it is related with bile duct damage and periportal inflammation.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Dynamic analysis of junctional sequences of T cell receptor (TCR) delta and gamma gene rearrangement in childhood with acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the junctional sequence difference of T cell receptor delta and gamma gene rearrangement in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis, complete remission (CR) and relapse. METHODS: By using the T-vector molecular cloning and sequencing and polymerase chain reaction, the junctional sequences of TCRdeltaV-D and TCRgammaV-J were dynamically analyzed in 34 bone marrow samples of ALL. RESULTS: The junctional sequence of TCR delta, gamma gene showed significant difference and regularity before and after remission and during relapsed periods. The sequence of TCRdeltaV-D were analyzed in 24 samples from ALL. Among them, the intact Vdelta2 and 5'Ddelta3 sequences were observed in 10 samples at diagnosis, of which 7 samples had T-->C mutation in Ddelta3 nonamer sequence. The deletions of rearranged Vdelta2, 5'Ddelta3 and Ddelta3 haptamer sequences were found in 11 complete remission (CR) samples with ALL, but none had T-->C mutation in Ddelta3 nonamer sequence. The deletion rate of Vdelta2 or Ddelta3 sequences and the T-->C mutation in Ddelta3 nonamer sequence were extremely differed between samples at diagnosis and in remission (calculate exact probabilities P = 0.001). The junctional rearrangement sequence of 5'Ddelta3 sequences tended to remain intact in 3 relapsed samples. The findings of TCRgammaV-J sequences were similar to that of TCRdeltaV-D in 10 ALL patients. CONCLUSION: The difference of TCRdeltaV-D and TCRgammaV-J junctional sequences were related to the development, therapeutic effectiveness and outcome in ALL.

Child↗