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Biomedical subjects

Q Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Q Zhang.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Lanthanides enhance pulmonary absorption of insulin.

In an effort to investigate the enhancement effect of lanthanide ions (Ln3+) on the absorption of larger molecules from the pulmonary pathway, insulin (mol. wt. = 5730) was chosen as a model peptide. The absorption of insulin preadministered or coadministered with Ln3+ from the lung was investigated by means of an in situ pulmonary absorption experiment. The enhancement absorption of insulin by Ln3+ ions was evaluated by calculating the various bioavailabilities (Fr) of insulin from pulmonary absorption. Moreover, the temporal change of Gd content in serum was also investigated. Results showed that the promoting effect of Ln3+ on the bioavailability of insulin is closely related to its species, concentration, and delivery order. The effect of the median Ln3+ series was remarkably greater than that of light and heavy Ln3+. The anionic form of Gadolinium (Fr = 68.4%) seemed to be more effective compared with its cationic form (Fr = 59.5%). Coadministration of Gd3+ with insulin (Fr = 80.1%) was the most effective in increasing insulin absorption from the lung. Gd3+ was rapidly absorbed and metabolized to a normal level after 4 h. It was suggested that lanthanides in a very low concentration might become potent absorption enhancers to improve absorption of larger molecules via the pulmonary pathway.

Absorption↗
PubMed2000

Performance status of health care facilities changes with risk adjustment of HbA1c.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a risk adjustment method for HbA1c, based solely on administrative data and to determine the extent to which risk-adjusted HbA1c changes the identification of high- or low-performing medical facilities. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Through use of pharmacy records, 204,472 diabetic patients were identified for federal fiscal year 1996 (FY96). Complete information (HbA1c levels, demographic data, inpatient records, outpatient pharmacy utilization records) was available on 38,173 predominantly male patients from 48 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical facilities. Hierarchical mixed-effects models were used to estimate risk-adjusted unique facility-level HbA1c. RESULTS: Predicted HbA1c demonstrated expected patterns for major factors known to influence glycemic control. Poorer glycemic control was seen in minorities and patients with greater disease severity, longer duration of disease (using treatment type or presence of amputation as surrogates), and more extensive comorbidity (measured by an adapted Charlson index). Better glycemic control was seen in Caucasians, older diabetic patients, and patients with higher outpatient utilization. The number of performance outliers was reduced as a result of risk adjustment. For mean HbA1c levels, 7 facilities that were initially identified as statistically significant outliers were no longer outliers after risk adjustment. For high-risk HbA1c (>9.5%) rates, 12 facilities that were initially identified as statistically significant outliers were no longer outliers after risk adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Risk adjustment using only administrative data resulted in substantial changes in identification of high or low performers compared with non-risk-adjusted HbA1c. Although our findings are exploratory, risk adjustment using administrative data may be a necessary and achievable step in quality assessment of diabetes care measured by rates of high-risk HbA1c (>9.5%).

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of platinum coordination complex (PtCx) on citrate uptake by rat renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV): direct effect of cisplatin.

Platinosis (severe dermatitis and/or asthma) may be broadly defined as the effects of soluble platinum salts on people exposed to them occupationally. Platinum coordination complexes are widely used in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. However, the clinical use of cisplatin (the most useful agent) is limited by the development of nephrotoxicity. High dose exposure of soluble platinum could possibly induce nephrotoxicity, occupationally. Urinary citrate is freely filtered at the glomerulus, and its reabsorption in the proximal tubule is the major determinant of rate. In this study, we exposed isolated rat renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) to cisplatin and examined their citrate uptake characteristics. BBMV were prepared by the divalent cation precipitation method. Citrate uptake was measured by the Millipore rapid membrane filtration technique. The preincubation of BBMV with 5 mM of cisplatin for 4 and 8 hours significantly inhibited citrate uptake compared with that of the control BBMV. These findings might contribute to nephrotoxicity in cisplatin therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Improved controlled release study of lomustine.

Lomustine (CCNU) microcapsules was prepared by improved recoacervation method, then mixed microcapsules with 0.7% collagen swelling solution to prepare the emulsion, spreaded the emulsion on the plate to form membrane and cross-linked it, the membrane would be planted into body and was expected to release at steady speed. The concentration of CCNU and the CCNU content of microcapsules were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry to observe the release of CCNU be slow and constant, approach to 0-class release approximately.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2000

pH-responsive swelling behavior of collagen complex materials.

This article deals with an natural collagen blended with chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA). We investigated the swelling properties of collagen and collagen complex in the solution with different pH, and the swelling/deswelling behavior of collagen and collagen-chitosan complex when changing the pH of the medium from 5.4 to 1.8 and in the reverse. The results show that the swelling degree of collagen and collagen complex are dependent to pH of the solution, and the swelling behavior of collagen and collagen-chitosan complex are pH-responsive.

Absorption↗
PubMed2000

Surgical treatment of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus with double tension band osteosynthesis.

Intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus are usually treated with cancellous screws for the condylar metaphysis itself and two Y-shaped plates for fixation of the metaphysis to the shaft. Twenty-four patients with comminuted intra-articular fractures (class C on AO/ASIF classification) were treated with crossed K-wires for the condylar metaphysis and double tension band osteosynthesis for fixation of the metaphysis block to the shaft. Excellent or good results were achieved in 83% of patients. This technique is easier to perform and more cost effective than most other fixation methods. Additionally, it offers good stability and allows for earlier functioning of the elbow. Complication rates are comparable to other methods of internal fixation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A trial of ademetionine in the treatment of intrahepatic biliary stasis viral hepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of ademetionine in the treatment of viral hepatitis with intrahepatic biliary stasis. METHODS: In this series, 110 patients with viral hepatitis associated intrahepatic biliary stasis were randomly divided into Groups A and B. Patients in Group A received ademetionine for four weeks. Patients in Group B received potassium magnesium aspartate for four weeks. RESULTS: In Group A, at the end of treatment, the effective rate for skin pruritus in patients with cholestatic hepatitis was 86.67% (13/15), and the effective rate for skin pruritus and anorexia were 88.24% (15/17) and 82.35% (14/17), respectively in patients with chronic hepatitis combining intrahepatic cholestasis, which were significantly higher than that in Group B (P<0.05). STB, SCB, TBA, ALT and AST were lower in Group A than Group B (P<0.05). The decrease of ALP and the increase of albumin after treatment were more significant in Group A than in Group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ademetionine has better efficacy than potassium magnesium aspartate in the treatment of patients with cholestatic viral hepatitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Effect of domestic glutathione on the alcoholic liver disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of domestic glutathione (GSH) on serum ALT, AST, SB levels in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) by multicenter, randomized and TAD controlled trial. METHODS: All the 110 patients with ALD enrolled had a history of drinking over 80g-120g daily for 5 years, and were randomized either into GSH (continuous infusion of 600g daily for 30d) or TAD (with the same dosage, course and route as GSH) group. The efficacy and safery were evaluated with clinical and biochemical (ALT, AST and GGT) parameters. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, the clinical signs were improved at a different degree in both groups. ALT, AST and SB showed no significant difference in the two groups (the efficacy rate of 93% vs 96%, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The domestic GSH, with a good tolerance and safety, has a sound efficacy in the improvement of clinical signs and hepatic functions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

HET/SAF-B overexpression causes growth arrest and multinuclearity and is associated with aneuploidy in human breast cancer.

HET/SAF-B was originally cloned as a nuclear matrix protein that bound to matrix attachment regions and as a transcriptional repressor of the small heat shock protein hsp27. In addition, we have found recently that HET/SAF-B is also a corepressor of estrogen receptor activity. Estrogen receptor has a very well-described role in breast cancer, and aberrant expression of nuclear matrix and heat shock proteins has also been implicated in breast tumorigenesis. Therefore, we asked whether HET/SAF-B itself could be important in breast cancer. Toward this goal we examined its expression in breast cancer cell lines and asked whether HET/SAF-B can affect breast cancer cell proliferation. Finally, we studied HET/SAF-B expression in clinical breast cancer samples. HET/SAF-B protein and mRNA were detected at varying levels in all of the eight breast cancer cell lines examined. Using a number of different approaches to modulate the level of HET/SAF-B protein in the cell, we found that HET/SAF-B levels are inversely correlated with cell proliferation. In addition,transfection of HET/SAF-B fused to the green fluorescent protein led to the formation of multinucleated cells not observed in cells transfected with green fluorescent protein alone, suggesting that this effect is a direct result of HET/SAF-B overexpression. Western blot analysis of HET/SAF-B in 61 human breast tumors revealed widely varying levels of HET/SAF-B expression, with some tumors (16%) lacking any detectable HET/SAF-B. Statistical analysis showed that high HET/SAF-B expression in these tumors was associated with low S-phase fraction and with aneuploidy, consistent with our results from transfection experiments in tissue culture cells. We conclude that HET/SAF-B plays an important role in breast cancer, and we discuss possible mechanisms of the involvement of HET/SAF-B in cell proliferation and division.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2000

[The effect of marker density on QTL mapping in a grand-daughter design].

Using Monte Carlo method, the effects of marker density on the accuracy of QTL mapping, measured with mean squared error (MSE) of QTL position estimates, were investigated for a grand-daughter design under different population structures, heritabilities, sizes of QTL effect, and QTL locations. The optimal marker densities for QTL mapping for applying to marker assisted selection, (MAS) were analyzed from an economic point of view. The results show that, in general, with the increase of marker density MSEs decrease much more rapidly when all other factors are at a high level than at a low level. When the sample size reaches a certain level (e.g. 40 families with 100 sons per family), or when the QTL effect is large (e.g. the QTL explains 50% of the genetic variance), the decrease of MSE will be only slightly affected by other factors. For the best benefits of MAS, the optimal marker distances under different combinations of various factors were 5cM (small sample and large QTL, moderate sample, heritability and QTL, or large sample and small QTL), 10cM (moderate sample and high heritability or large QTL, or large sample and moderate heritability and QTL), and 20cM (large sample and high heritability or large QTL).

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed2000

[The genetic effect of estrogen receptor(ESR) on litter size traits in pig].

Litter size is one of the most important economic traits in pig production, and the more piglet numbers per litter is capable to increase pork production and bring more economic profit for pig industry. ESR (estrogen receptor) gene has been determined to be one of the major genes affecting phenotype of litter size without any genetic negative correlation to growth and carcass traits. An optimized standard PCR-RFLP protocol is employed to type 262 sows from 5 different breeds in ESR loci, and then with the computation based on linear model ESR gene is confirmed to be a major locus significantly associated with litter size (P < 0.001). The genetic effect of ESR gene is quite large in these breeds, especially in these Chinese pig population. The sows of beneficial homozygote BB produce 1.40-3.37 total number born/litter and 0.63-3.58 number born alive/litter more than the sows of non-beneficial homozygote AA do. The information found in the present study is very important and could be utilized as DNA marker for improvement of reproduction trait in practice of pig breeding.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Study on preparation and pharmacodynamics of insulin-loaded polyester microparticles].

AIM: To investigate the possibility of using poly (epsilon-caprolactone-block-D, L-lactide) (PLCA) as a kind of materials to prepare the microparticles drug carrier. METHODS: PCLA-MP (microparticle, MP) was prepared by double-emulsification solvent evaporation method. Its morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope. Its size diameter was examined by particle analyser. Insulin (INS), as a model drug, was then encapsulated into PCLA-MP (INS-PCLA-MP). HPLC method was established for determining INS in INS-PCLA-MP. An "antibody-capture" procedure was devised for investigating encapsulation mechanism. The in vitro release behaviour of INS-PCLA-MP was determined in phosphatic buffer solution (pH 7.4). The diabetic rat model was established and blood glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase (GOD-PAP) method to evaluate the hypoglycaemic effects after subcutaneous administration of INS-PCLA-MP. The pharmacological bioavailability (PBA) of INS-PCLA-MP was calculated from the area above the curve (AAC) in contrast with INS-solution. RESULTS: The mean diameter of INS-PCLA-MP was 1.9 microns, while the encapsulation ratio of INS reached to 76.46%. Only 18.25% encapsulated INS was on the surface of the microparticles, it could be measured by "antibody-capture" experiment. The in vitro release curve of INS-PCLA-MP consists of initial rapid release stage followed by slower exponential stage. In pharmacodynamic studies, after subcutaneous administration of INS-PCLA-MP 12 u.kg-1, the hypoglycaemic effect was significant. The PBA of INS-PCLA-MP was 123.08%. CONCLUSION: PCLA might become a new drug carrier material in the future.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

In situ hybridization analysis of transforming growth factor-beta 1 RNA expression during mouse tooth development.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal and spatial expression and localization of transforming growth factor-beta 1 mRNA during mouse tooth development. METHODS: The distribution pattern of TGF-beta 1 mRNA during tooth development was analyzed on 5 microns serial sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded embryonic mouse heads or mandibles. RESULTS: The results show that TGF-beta 1 mRNA is expressed during mouse tooth development in a temporally and spatially regulated fashion. Local expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in the dental epithelium at budstaged (E13) and capstaged (E15) teeth were observed. During bell stage (E16-18), TGF beta 1 mRNA was very abundant in the ameloblast layer and dental papilla cells. The expression of TGF-beta 1 increased in the layer of odontoblast and ameloblast with the differentiation of these cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may have an important role in odontogenesis and that it acts as a paracrine and autoinducing factor.

Ameloblasts↗
PubMed2000

Immunohistochemistry of bone sialoprotein and osteopontin during reparative dentinogenesis in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the stage-specific and tissue expression of bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) during reparative dentinogenesis in vivo. METHODS: Direct pulp-capping with Ca(OH)2 developed a model used for the investigation of reparative dentinogenesis in the exposed dental pulp. In this model, standardized class V cavities were prepared close to the gingival margin on the buccal surface of each tooth. Animals were sacrificed 3, 7, and 10 days post-operation. Immunohistochemical staining determined the tissue-specific expression of BSP and OPN during the process. RESULTS: Odontoblast-like cells and reparative dentin reacted positively with BSP and OPN. The expression of BSP reached a peak at day 7, then gradually decreased, while the expression of OPN showed no significant difference between day 7 and day 10. CONCLUSION: BSP and OPN may play different roles in reparative dentinogenesis. BSP may serve as a nucleator of hydroxyapatite crystal formation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Immunolocalization of heat shock protein 70 during reparative dentinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immunolocalization of heat shock protein 70 (hsp 70) during reparative formation and to discuss the role of heat shock response in dental pulp injury and repair. METHODS: A single cavity was prepared in the mesial surface of the first molars of both maxilla and mandible in Wistar rat. The animals were sacrificed at 3, 15, and 30 days post-operation. After the histological process, the paraffin sections were reacted with monoclonal antibodies against rat hsp 70 using the strept-avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. RESULTS: Immunolocalization demonstrated heavy staining for hsp 70 in normal pulp and at different stages of dental pulp repair. In normal pulp, immunoreactivity was visualized in the odontoblasts and the pulp fibroblast. In the group sacrificed at 3 days, heavy staining was located in the odontoblast process and cytoplasm. After 15 days, the newly formed odontoblast-like cells were strongly stained. At 30 days, the same staining intensity was observed in odontoblast-like cells and in pulp cells. No staining was seen in reparative dentin. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that heat shock protein 70 might play an important role as a molecular chaperone during reparative dentin formation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Discovery of a new subtype of SEO virus].

OBJECTIVE: The M and S segments of Cou3, a Hantavirus strain isolated from Rattus norvegieus were partially reverse transcripted, PCR amplified and sequenced with ABI 373 DNA sequencer to observe the differences from other SEO type viruses. METHODS: RT-PCR was used to amplify M and S segments of Cou3 strain, and then the nucleotide (nt) sequences of the segments were analysed. Phylogenetic tree analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The different property through PCR amplification and partial nucleotide sequence data showed that Gou3 was a Hantavirus of SEO type with significance difference from the other SEO type viruses. The nt sequence homology between Cou3 and the other SEO type viruses was only about 85%, but the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of partial glycoprotein was highly conservative, at least as same as that among the other SEO type viruses. Sequence analysis also showed that nt or aa sequence homology between Gou3, or other SEO type, and HTN type viruses was nearly the same, while the phylogenetic tree analysis showed that Gou3 was a virus which was between HTN and the other SEO type viruses but closer to the latter. CONCLUSIONS: Gou3 is a SEO virus but belongs to a new subtype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

[Cloning and sequencing of complete TT virus genome from Beijing isolate of China].

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the complete TT virus genome from a Beijing isolate of China. METHODS: PCR was performed for amplifying the TT virus genome from serum of a patient with non A-G hepatitis. Five overlapped fragments, that are 199 bp (1-199), 1 267 bp (90-1356), 878 bp (1354-2231),1129 bp(2178-3306),'434 bp(3306-3739), respectively, were obtained. These PCR products were sequenced by standard method. RESULTS: The complete TT virus genome of Beijing isolate consists of 3 739 nucleotides involving two ORFs. The first ORF locates at 589-2902 nt, encoding 770 amino acids, the second ORF locates at 107-715 nt, encoding 202 amino acids. 5' and 3' terminus of the genome are non-coding regions including 106 bp and 837 bp respectively. In this genome, A is 31.2%, C 25.4%, G 22.5% and T 20.9%. The homology of Beijing isolate and Japanese TT virus was more than 95% at both nucleotide and amino acid levels. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully cloned and sequenced the complete TT virus genome from a Chinese patient. This Beijing TT virus isolate and that reported by Japan all belong to a same genotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗