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Biomedical subjects

S Zhu

Publications and source records attributed to S Zhu.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Anti-lipid A antibodies in childhood arthritis: methods of immobilization affect quantitation and crossreactivity measured by ELISA.

OBJECTIVE: To find an optimal method to study antibodies reactive with monophosphoryl lipid A characteristic of oligoarticular arthritis in children. METHODS: ELISA using 3 different methods of immobilization were compared, in (1) HCO3 buffer, pH 9.6; (2) HCl, pH 2.0; and (3) methanol. Competitive inhibition studies were carried out to quantitate relative avidity of cross reactions with suspected autoantigens. RESULTS: Sera from healthy children reacted significantly more strongly with monophosphoryl lipid A after immobilization in acid or in methanol than in a basic buffer. Sera from children with oligoarticular arthritis reacted more strongly than normal sera with the basic buffer method and even more strongly with the methanol method, but were not distinguishable from normal sera with the acid method. Results with individual oligoarticular sera correlated from method to method, but results with normal sera did not. Collagen types I and II, cardiolipin, and denatured DNA can block the anti-monophosphoryl lipid A reactivity to varying degrees on plates prepared with basic buffer, but only collagen type I and DNA block reactivity on plates prepared with methanol. CONCLUSION: The epitope on monophosphoryl lipid A recognized by oligoarticular sera is differentially affected by the method of immobilization. The crossreactivity of the anti-monophosphoryl lipid A antibody in this disease is confirmed.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1996

VH4-34 (VH4.21) gene expression in the chronic arthritides of childhood: studies of associations with anti-lipid A antibodies, HLA antigens, and clinical features.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the germ line gene VH4-34 (VH4.21) encodes the antimonophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) polyspecific antibodies found in oligoarticular arthritis of childhood. METHODS: Sera from a range of rheumatic diseases of childhood were assayed for VH4-34 derived antibodies by ELISA using the antiidiotype monoclonal antibody 9G4. Results were compared to assays for anti-MPL antibodies, C4d, and Bb, and for HLA type, joint count, and sedimentation rate. RESULTS: VH4-34 derived antibodies were elevated in all diseases studied except rheumatoid factor positive polyarticular disease. In oligoarticular arthritis, VH4-34 gene expression correlated with C4d concentration, and VH4-34 encoded globulins were more concentrated in synovial fluid than in blood. No association was found with HLA type. An association between VH4-34 expression and IgG anti-MPL was found in sera from patients from Cincinnati but not from Stanford. No other evidence supported a direct association between VH4-34 derived and anti-MPL antibodies in these children. CONCLUSION: The expression of VH4-34 is increased in several rheumatic diseases of childhood, but, as in adults, not in rheumatoid arthritis. VH4-34 expression is not associated with HLA type. The polyspecific autoantibody nature of some VH4-34 derived antibodies may explain the wide range of the unusual antibodies found in oligoarticular arthritis.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1996

Field evaluation of the QBC technique for rapid diagnosis of vivax malaria.

The QBC (quantitative buffy coat) technique was compared with that of the Giemsa-stained thick blood film (GTF) under field conditions in Junlian and Mingshan counties, Sichuan, China, for rapid diagnosis of vivax malaria. Blood samples were collected from 364 volunteer villagers, and each sample was examined with both the QBC and GTF techniques. For each GTF sample (10 microliters of blood), as many as 300 oil-immersion fields were examined; each QBC tube was inspected for up to 5 minutes. The GTF technique resulted in 86 positive blood samples and 278 negative; the QBC technique indicated 89 positive and 275 negative samples. Relative to the results obtained with GTF, the QBC technique had a sensitivity and specificity of 87.2% and 95.0%, respectively; concordance between the tests was 93.1%. The median time-to-positive diagnosis with the QBC technique (1.12 min) was 11% of that with GTF. The distribution of different developmental stages of Plasmodium vivax parasites was also examined in the centrifuged QBC tubes: all stages except schizonts could be found in the lower part of the platelet zone (the interphase between the monocyte and platelet layers), especially ring forms.

Azure Stains↗
PubMed1996

Recommendations for the prevention of coronary artery disease in Asians: a scientific statement of the International College of Nutrition.

There has been a rapid increase in coronary artery disease (CAD) in most Asian countries in association with rapid economic development; however, there is no consensus of opinion on diet and lifestyle guidelines and desirable levels of risk factors for prevention of CAD in these countries. The proportion of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in Asians may be about 15% but there are wide variations. In view of the lower fat intake of the low-risk rural populations of India, the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand and Japan compared with that of urban subjects, the limit for total energy from fat intake in an average should be 21% (7% each from saturated, polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids). The n-6: n-3 fatty acids ration should be < 5.0. The carbohydrates intake should be > 65% and mainly from complex carbohydrates (> 55%). A body mass index of 21 kg/m2 may be safe but the range may be 18.5-23.0 kg/m2 and someone with a body mass index > 23 kg/m2 should be considered overweight. A waist: waist:hip ratio > 0.88 for men and > 0.85 for women should be considered to define central obesity. The desirable limit for serum total cholesterol may be 170 mg/dl, the borderline high level may be 170-199 mg/dl and the high level 200 mg/dl or above. The corresponding values for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be 90, 90-109 and 110 mg/dl or above. Fasting serum triglycerides may be < 150 mg/dl and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 35 mg/dl, which are close to the levels in low-risk rural populations. Fasting blood glucose > 140 mg/dl and postprandial blood glucose > 200 mg/dl may be considered conditions for diabetes, and 140-200 mg/dl, glucose intolerance. An intake of 400 g/day fruit, vegetables and legumes, mustard or soybean oil (25 g/day) instead of hydrogenated fat, coconut oil or butter in conjunction with moderate physical activity (1255 kJ/day), cessation of tobacco consumption and moderation of alcohol intake may be an effective package of remedies for prevention of CAD in Asians.

Asia↗
PubMed1996

Vascularized iliac periosteal transfer for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and a new evaluation grading system.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the surgical technique and a new evaluation grading system and to report the results of the vascular iliac periosteal grafting for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1983 to 1994, a new technique was used to treat 75 hips of 60 patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head using the vascular iliac periosteum with deep iliac circumflex artery and vein pedicle. 52 patients (66 hips) were followed up for 3-11 years and all patients were evaluated clinically and roentgenographically according to the new evaluation grading system for AVN by the Chinese Society for Osteonecrosis. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the average AVN score was 57 pts., and all patients had significant pain and limp. Five hips were at Ficat/Arlet stage IV, 40 were at stage III, and 21 were at stage II. Postoperatively, the average AVN score was 83 pts., 47 hips were pain free, 13 had mild pain, and 6 had moderate pain. At the latest follow-up, according to the new evaluation grading system, 26 hips were graded as excellent, 32 hips as good, 5 hips as fair, and 3 hips as poor. CONCLUSION: It is one of the better alternatives that can prevent the necrotic femoral head from progressing to collapse and promote revascularization and new bone formation by a direct mechanism, and it is suitable for the treatment of AVN of the stage I to III.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Alterations of level of total genomic DNA methylation and pattern of c-myc, c-Ha-ras oncogene methylation in human gastric carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status of DNA methylation in gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS: We analysed methylation pattern of c-myc, c-Ha-ras oncogenes by southern blot hybridization. DNA from cancerous, paracancerous and non-cancerous area of surgically resected samples in 21 cases of advanced gastric cancer were digested with MspI/HpaII and hybridized with the two genomic 32P labelled probes. In addition, the level of total genomic DNA methylation was measured by incubating DNA with 3H-S-Adenosylmethionine (3H-SAM) in the presence of a methylase which methylates all the cytosine residues that are in the double CpG (cytosine-guanine). RESULTS: The results indicated that both c-myc and c-Ha-ras oncogene fragments containing CCGG sequence were hypomethylated in DNA samples from cancerous (10/21 and 5/10) and paracancerous (13/21 and 4/10) areas. Moreover, the level of total genomic DNA methylation in cancerous tissue was significantly lower than that in non-cancerous and paracancerous mucosa tissues (P < 0.05). The results from two methods are incompletely alike. CONCLUSION: These results supported a strong correlation between DNA hypomethylation and gastric carcinogenesis, particularly methylated pattern of c-myc and c-Ha-ras oncogenes fragments containing CCGG sequence was abnormal in gastric mucosa tissue from gastric cancerous and paracancerous areas.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Effects of electroacupuncture at du meridian on contents of nitric oxide and endothelin in rats with acute cerebral ischemia].

Thirty rats were randomly assigned to three groups, control group (10 cases), acute cerebral ischemia group (10 cases) and electroacupuncture (EA) group (10 cases). The bilateral common carotid arteries were occluded, which caused sharp drop of regional cerebral bloodflow and led acute cerebral ischemia. Contents of nitric oxide (NO) and endothalin (ET) in the cerebral cortex and boold were determined in normal, during occluding and after EA of Du meridian (GV 20, GV 14) point in rats. It was found that in acute cerebral ischemia, the brain contents of NO and ET increased, the plasme level of ET elevated and serum level of NO decreased. After EA of Du meridian point, the levels of ET and NO in the brain and blood were returned significantly to normal. It is suggested that EA at Du meridian have protective effect on neural damage induced by brain ischemia. NO and ET are possibly involved in the regulative effect of EA.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Changes of plasma endothelin concentrations before and after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis.

Plasma concentrations of endothelin in blood from the femoral vein and the antecubital vein were measured in 35 patients with mitral stenosis and heart failure before and after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). The basal plasma concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubital vein in the patients were significantly higher than those in 32 control subjects (15.40 +/- 3.32 vs. 9.59 +/- 2.66 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Plasma endothelin concentrations in patients in New York Heart Association functional classes II and III were significantly higher than those in control subjects, respectively. The concentrations of endothelin in patients with atrial fibrillation were also significantly higher than those in patients with normal sinus rhythm. Ten to fifteen minutes after PBMV, plasma endothelin concentrations in blood from the femoral vein significantly decreased from 16.14 +/- 3.34 to 13.74 +/- 3.78 pg/ml (P < 0.01). Seventy-two hours after the procedure, the concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubital vein had fallen to 12.31 +/- 2.55 pg/ml (P < 0.001 vs. before PBMV and control subjects). Plasma endothelin concentrations still tended to be higher in patients with atrial fibrillation than those in normal sinus rhythm, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. There were weak but significantly correlations of plasma endothelin concentrations with the mean left atrial pressure (r = 0.424, P < 0.001), mean right atrial pressure (r = 0.323, P < 0.01), mean transmitral pressure gradient (r = 0.397, P < 0.001), heart rate (r = 0.350, P < 0.005) and mitral valve area (r = -0.454, P < 0.001) in the patients before and after PBMV.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Changes of plasma levels of monoamines in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension women and their significance].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of plasma levels of monoamines in pregnant women and investigate the relationship between the monoamines and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). METHODS: Using fluorescence spectrophotometry, we determined the contents of plasma monoamines in 130 normal pregnant (NP), 32 normal non-pregnant (NNP), and 58 PIH women. RESULTS: The levels of norepinephrine (NE) in NP from the 2nd trimester to parturiency were more markedly increased than those of the 1st trimester and of NNP (P < 0.05). The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were also obviously increased at the 2nd and 3rd trimester respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with NP, the contents of DA in moderate and severe PIH were markedly and very markedly decreased respectively (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), while the levels of 5-HT in PIH increased significantly (P < 0.05). NE in PIH was also tending to increase. CONCLUSION: The changes of monoamines may be one of the causes of small artery spasm in PIH.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Heel pain and calcaneal spurs].

The authors of this paper have reviewed 137 X-ray films of the involved feet and followed up 30 patients all of them suffering from heel pain treated in the authors' hospital during 1980-1985, in order to find out the relationship between the length, shape and the direction of the spurs with the heel pain. We have found: (1) There are no clear relationship between heel pain and the length, shape and the direction of the calcaneal spur. (2) The plantar soft tissue of the painful foot was thickened, indicating the heel pain was due to inflammation in the plantar soft tissue. (3) Heel pain is related to the patient's age and sex. (4) The spurs still exist and grow even bigger after the syndrome disappears.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[The role of heng nai jin, a high energy liquid diet, in labor process].

Satisfactory results of "Heng Nai Jin", a high energy liquid diet, in shortening the first, second and third stage of labor and its total duration were observed in normal primiparas. The parturients were randomized into 2 groups: The study group (using "Heng Nai Jin") and the control group. The difference was statistically significant.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Surgical treatment of aortoesophageal fistula induced by foreign body in esophagus].

It is well known that there is no effective therapy to cure aortoesophageal fistula induced by a foreign body in the esophagus all over the world. In 220 cases of foreign body in esophagus, 4 developed the life-threatening complication of aortoesophageal fistula as the foreign body eroded through the esophageal wall and perforated the aorta. Although 3 of 4 patients were operated upon, only one survived by means of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest. According to the successful experience and a review of the literature, the authors considered that some patients with aortoesophageal fistula may be saved if an emergency operation is undertaken immediately after the diagnosis made. Meanwhile, they divided this disease into 3 pathological types, and suggested the optimal operation procedure individualized to the different pathological types.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Effects of hypertonic sodium lactate dextran resuscitation in severely burned dogs].

12 dogs with 35% TBSA third degree burns received HLD resuscitation (HLD group, n = 6) or LR resuscitation (LR group, n = 6). Fluid resuscitation started one hour postburn. The amount of fluid infused with HLD resuscitation was calculated by that after giving HLD 19.6 ml/kg in 3 hours and 6 ml/kg/% TBSA lactate Ringer's solution followed. The amount of fluid infused with LR resuscitation was calculated by 8 ml/kg/% TBSA lactate Ringer's solution. Infusion of lactated Ringer's solution in both groups was adjusted by maintaining urinary output 0.5-1 ml/kg/h. The volume of fluid infused in HLD group (5.05 +/- 1.11 ml/kg/% TBSA) was much less than that of LR group (10.03 +/- 1.30 ml/kg/%TBSA) (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in urinary output, serum Na+ and albumin, and plasmacrystalloid osmolarity between two groups. Plasma level of MDA decreased after resuscitation with HLD, which (0.81 +/- 0.20 mmol/g Hb) was much lower than that (1.39 +/- 0.44 mmol/g Hb) of LR group 4 hours postburn (P < 0.05). Plasma SOD activity (7.22 +/- 0.68 u/g Hb) of HLD group were much higher than that of LR group (4.86 +/- 0.53 u/g Hb) 4 hours postburn (P < 0.05). HLD resuscitation could significant reduce the amount of fluid infused comparing with lactate Ringer's solution. HLD resuscitation could attenuate postburn damage to tissue induced by lipid peroxide by elevating plasma SOD activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Study of relationship between the bacteria in air and the clinic infection].

The Source of infectious bacteria is the first problem in provension of infection considered by the medical workers. In this paper, with the method of bacteria plasmid analysis, chromosome DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, drug resistance experiment (antibacterial drug, sterilizing drug) and so on. We confirmed that staphylococci of nosocomi is mainly from air; but the gram-negative bacteria is mainly from the patient's pharyngeal portion; and cause hospital infection indirectly. The drug resistance of gram-negative from air was lower than the same gram-negative bacilli's isolated from the patient. Moreover, kill bacteria the infectious strain is same strain in air. Above-mentioed results provided the important basis for control of the hoslpital infection.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed1996

A population-based study of lens opactities.

PURPOSE: Age-related lens opacity is the main cause of vision disability in elderly population all over the world. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of lens opacity. METHODS: 1817 eyes of 932 adults over 45 years-old were sampled randomly from 4 villeges within Doumen, a county located in the south of Guangdong provience, China. The procedure of the examination was performed by ophthalmologists. The lens opacities were graded according to a standarized photo of the Lens Opacities Classification System II (LOCS-II). RESULTS: The prevalence of lens opacities in nuclear color, nuclear opacity, cortical opacity and subcapsular opacity was 16.1%, 28.6%, 30.3% and 8.7%, respectively. The frequency of all four types of opacities increased with age. The prevalence of lens opacities in four types was higher in female than that in male. CONCLUSION: The data we got are important for prevalence of lens opacities of population-based study as well as basic information for cohort study in the future.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

The etiology of vision impairment in target population.

PURPOSE: research the etiology of vision impairment in target persons over 45 years old in Doumen county, Guangdong province. METHODS: Depending on the prevalences of the blindness among the person aged over 50 years, the theoretic sample rate is 1,000/4,8733 x 100% = 2.05%. The 8 districts were divided into 3 parts according to the local economic situation and the proportion of the population in the areas. In fact, the sampling rate is 932/10055 = 88.34%. RESULTS: We found that impairment < 0.3 accounted for 10.94%. The prevalence of bilateral blindness and low vision was 1.61% and 3.22%, respectively. Both prevalences of blindness and low vision were increased with age. The leading cuase of blindness was cataract (45.2%). The second was corneal opacity (16.7%). Prevalences of the low vision and the blindness were higher in females than in males (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Curable and preventable diseases were the leading cause for the blindness (70%). Prevalences of blindness and the low vision increase with age. We will continually follow up the population over 50 years of age in Doumen county.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

[Botanical origin of commercial samples of traditional Chinese drug xixin (Herba Aasari)].

It has been found out that amony the 158 samples of commercial drug. Xixin (Herba Asari) collected from 28 provinces/cities of China, only three guarters are derived from the species specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the rest are not. One hundred and eleven samples are derived from Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum and are presently used in 26 provinces/cities, 25 samples are derived from A. himalaicum and used in 10 provinces, the other 22 samples are derived from 9 species such as A. sieboldii, A. forbesii, etc.

China↗