Alcoholism treatment in managed private sector plans. How are carve-out arrangements affecting costs and utilization?
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
W Zhang
Publications and source records attributed to W Zhang.
[Effect of flow shear stress on the expression of adhesion molecules of endothelial cells].
Adherence of various leukocytes, including monocyte, to vascular endothelial cells may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. In vivo, the hemodynamic shear forces have a critical effect on the surface expression of adhesion proteins. In order to elucidate the effect of flow shear stress on the expression of adhesion molecules of endothelial cells, we investigated the effect of flow shear stress (2.23-6.08 dyne/cm2) on the expression of adhesive molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule(ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), and E-selectin on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs). The expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of HUVECs induced by shear stress was analyzed using flow cytometry. The results showed that compared with stationary control, the surface expression of ICAM-1 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) on HUVECs after exposure to different shear stress (2.23, 4.20, 6.08 dyne/cm2), and it was found to be in close relationship with the shearing time (r = 0.992, 0.997, 0.997; P < 0.05). After exposure to shear(2.23 dyne/cm2), VCAM-1 expression was significant increased(P < 0.05), and it was positively correlated with the shearing time(r = 0.930; P < 0.05), while VCAM-1 expression dropped down to basal level(P < 0.05) after it was sheared at 4.20 or 6.08 dyne/cm2, and the magnitude of the reduction of VCAM-1 expression was negatively correlated with the shearing time (r = -0.975, -0.989; P < 0.05). E-selectin expression was less sensitive to shear stress, especially at the lower magnitudes of shear. These results indicate that the increase of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in endothelial cells induced by low shear stress may play a prominent role in the development of both inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Cells, Cultured↗
Inhibition of steroidogenesis and induction of apoptosis in rat luteal cells by cell-permeable ceramide in vitro.
The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ceramide on progesterone production and apoptosis in rat luteal cells in vitro. Luteal cells were prepared from the ovaries of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) primed female Wistar rats and incubated with cell permeable C2-ceramide. The effects of ceramide on progesterone production and apoptosis in luteal cells were assessed by radio immunoassay (RIA) and flow cytometry analysis. In addition, changes in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production by luteal cells treated with C2-ceramide were also evaluated. Ceramide was found to reduce hCG-stimulated progesterone production in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it had little effect on basal progesterone content. Spontaneous apoptosis in luteal cells was observed after a 12-hour incubation in vitro and 5 mumol/L of ceramide significantly increased the apoptotic rate (P < 0.05). Enhanced apoptotic peak was seen in the histogram by flow cytometry. Moreover, 50 mumol/L of C2-ceramide significantly increased NOS activity (P < 0.01) and NO production (P < 0.001). It is suggested that ceramide may serve as an important signaling molecule mediating certain ovarian processes, such as luteal regression.
Animals↗
Cancer genomics: promises and complexities.
The impending final deciphering of the complete human genome, coupled with the advancement of high-throughput technologies, is positioned to bring about a fundamental transformation in cancer research. The era of molecular biology is transforming into the era of genomic biology, with an unprecedented promise of understanding multifactorial diseases and of identifying specific targets that can be used to develop patient-tailored therapies. Although the genomic approach is in an early phase of its development and its tools need to be honed, the application of genomic technologies to cancer research has already generated exciting results both in target identification and in disease classification. In this article, we review some of the developments pertinent to cancer research, discuss potentially problematic areas associated with them, and comment on future trends and issues.
DNA, Neoplasm↗
Effects of acupuncture on humoral immunologic function and trace elements in 20 cases of Behcet's disease.
Acupuncture therapy could normalize both increased light chain K value of IgM and lowered trace element Zn content in patients with Behcet's disease with statistically significant differences, suggesting that acupuncture therapy can elevate humoral immunologic function and improve metabolism of the trace element in these patients.
Acupuncture Therapy↗
[Clinical and pathological study of autoimmune hepatopathy].
OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and histologic characteristics of autoimmune hepatopathy, and to explore the diagnostic criteria and therapy. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with autoimmune hepatopathy were studied between 1996 and 1998 to compare primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in the clinical symptoms, signs, laboratory findings and histologic features. RESULTS: PBC was 59.68% and AIH 40.32% in the autoimmune hepatopathy. The morbidity in middle and old aged female patients with autoimmune hepatopathy was 83.8%. The ratio of male and female was 1:10. Whereas, the ratio of male and female was 1:5 in AIH patients and average age was 35 years old. Seropositive autoimmune antibodies were detected in 53 serum sample (PBC 85.29%; AIH 78.95%). Positive rates of the mitochondrial antibody and subtype-M2 were 100% for PBC. IgM increasing was 80% in PBC (P<0.05) and 82.35% in AIH (P<0.025). Histologic features in PBC group consisted of cholangitis, destruction or proliferation of the bile duct and inflammation within the portal tract; while in AIH group inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis of periportal region, the aggregation of lymphocytes, mononuclear cells and plasma cells in the portal tract or periportal area were found. CONCLUSIONS: PBC and AIH are the most common two types in the patients with autoimmune hepatopathy. AIH-I is more often seen clinically. AMA-M2 is the special autoimmune antibody of PBC. The efficacy of prednisolone is better for AIH than PBC.
Adult↗
The study of levels of norepinephrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
BACKGROUND: The present work aimed to study the changes of both norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH) in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). METHODS: NE levels and DbetaH activity in blood were determined in 116 patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension and 40 normal control subjects using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Among patients with PIH, 28 were graded as mild, 34 moderate and 54 severe. The normal control subjects were selected from patients at a normal term pregnancy receiving elective cesarean section. RESULTS: NE levels and DbetaH activity in blood were significantly higher in patients with severe PIH than those in control subjects (p < 0.05 for both). Both patients and control subjects had higher NE levels and DbetaH activity in the umbilical artery blood than in the umbilical vein blood (p < 0.05). NE levels and DbetaH activity in both umbilical artery and vein blood were higher in the moderate and severe PIH groups than in the mild (p < 0.05) and control (p < 0.05) groups. NE levels in the umbilical artery blood were five times higher than those in the maternal blood, and DbetaH activity was three times higher. NE levels and DbetaH activity in the umbilical artery blood were significantly higher in the PIH group with complicated intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) or fetal distress than in the PIH group without such complication. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenesis of PIH may relate to increase of excitability of the sympathetic nervous system in fetus.
Adult↗
Pressure assessment in intercavernous embedding of bulboperineal urethra for treatment of urinary incontinence after prostatic operation.
AIM: To put forward criteria for the pressure assessment in the operation of intercavernous embedding of bulboperineal urethra for the treatment of urinary incontinence after prostatic operation. METHODS: A F14 urethral catheter is inserted during the operation and upon suturing the corpora cavemosa centrally, the catheter is slowly pushed in and pulled out in order that the operator feels a certain degree of close-fit resistance. The degree of tightness of the stitches, which regulate the compression pressure, is adjusted in accordance with this close-fit sensation. To further ascertain the adequacy of the force of compression, the bladder is filled with 300 ml physiological saline and observe the appropriateness (size and continuity) of the outflow stream when the lower abdomen is depressed with a pressure of 80-90 cm H2O. The operation was given to six patients suffered from urinary incontinence for 20 or more months after prostatic operation. RESULTS: Five cases achieved complete recovery, while the therapeutic effect of the 6th one was not satisfactory. A second stage operation was carried out 3 months later with the addition of one more stitch both proximally and distally to reinforce the compression force. The condition was improved dramatically. The follow-up period averaged 3.5 years. CONCLUSION: The adequacy of the compression pressure exerted by the juxtaposed corpora cavernosa is the key point determining the outcome of the operation. The measures for assessing the compression pressure suggested by the authors are helpful in obtaining the good results of the present paper (6/6 success) as compared with 25/34 success in the previous report.
Aged↗
[A simulating study of biophysical features along meridians on a gel model].
A physical model was used to study the mechanism of specific biophysical features along the classic acupuncture meridian lines. A sol channel within a gel bed was made by a resistance string heating during electrification. A saline channel was produced by withdrawing some fibers in the gel bed and injecting saline into the gaps. A hydraulic resistance instrument composed by two pressure transducers was used to measure the hydraulic resistance across the two kinds of channels. The impedance on both channels was measured by a four-electrode impedance instrument with 5 KHz constant current. A vibration generator was put on one set of the channel to produce about 50 Hz sound waves. The signal was detected by a crystal pickup on the other set of the channel to examine the transmission of the wave along the two kinds of channels. The results showed that the low hydraulic resistance appeared on saline channel while no such feature on sol channel. Both channels showed low impedance while saline channel had more marked low impedance than control area. There was a better transmission of sound wave along saline channel while a bad transmission along the sol channel. The results suggest that the specific biophysical feature along meridians may be caused by a continuous rich distribution of interstitial fluid which mainly contains salt, water and protein.
Electric Impedance↗
[The study on the shear stress responsive element in endothelial cells].
Vascular endothelial cells, by virtue of their unique anatomical position, are constantly exposed to the fluid mechanical forces generated by flowing blood. The fluid forces could influence endothelial cell's gene expression. At a molecular level, fluid shear stress is known to increase or decrease the expression of a wide variety of genes. The shear stress responsive element (SSRE) was proposed after the identification of the first SSRE, the GAGACC sequence identified in the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B chain promoter and subsequently identified in other genes whose promoters respond to shear stress. In addition, there are the existence of other positive shear responsive regulatory elements. There is a report on the activation of these promoters in vitro and in vivo and propose an application of these mechanically inducible promoters in the treatment of vascular diseases.
Animals↗
[Fingerprints of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae].
OBJECTIVES: To establish fingerprints of the Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae from Shangluo Dansben Base of Tasly Group Co. Ltd., and to compare the fingerprints with fingerprints of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae from Tianjin market of medicinal materials. METHOD: By HPLC to establish fingerprint of water-soluble extract of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae. CONCLUSION: The fingerprints of 10 batches of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae from Shangluo conformed to the requirements of fingerprints of Chinese medicinal materials issued by State Drug Administration in 2000. And there were obvious differences between the fingerprints of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae from Shangluo and from Tianjin market of medicinal materials.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
CT virtual endoscopy of the auditory ossicular chain: clinical applications.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical applications and limitations of CT virtual endoscopy (CTVE) in the auditory ossicular chain. METHODS: CTVE of the auditory ossicular chain was performed with 1.0 mm collimation at pitch 1.0, bone algorithm, 9.6 cm field of view, and 0.1-0.2 mm reconstruction interval in 40 patients with middle ear diseases. 30 cases were confirmed by surgery. Results were compared with the findings of axial high resolution CT (HRCT) and multiplanar reformation (MPR) images and surgery. RESULTS: The accuracy of CTVE images in detecting ossicular destruction was 92.6%, significantly higher than that of axial HRCT (83.9%) and multiplanar reformation (76.5%) images. CTVE could also clearly reveal the postoperative condition and congenital dysplasia of the auditory ossicular chain. CONCLUSIONS: CTVE can clearly demonstrate a three-dimensional image of the auditory ossicular chain and is useful in evaluating diseases of the ear, especially the auditory ossicles. CTVE could not clearly demonstrate abnormal soft tissue within the tympanic cavity, abnormal changes of the tympanic membrane and tympanic walls, and could be easily influenced by artificial factors.
Adolescent↗
Sympathetic cotransmission in rabbit saphenous artery in vitro: effect of electric stimulation and potentiation by alpha,beta-methylene ATP.
AIM: To analyze the cotransmission characteristics of contractile responses to electric field stimulation with submaximal voltage and short train in the rabbit saphenous artery. METHODS: Isometric vasoconstriction of the rabbit saphenous arterial rings was recorded, and the sympathetic nerves of the arterial rings were activated with electric field stimulation. RESULTS: Electric stimulation produced contractile responses in a frequency-dependent manner in the rabbit saphenous artery. Selective alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (1 micromol/L) did not affect the vasoconstriction induced by electric stimulation at 2 Hz significantly, but inhibited 39.9 % - 53.8 % of the vasoconstriction at 8 - 16 Hz. On the other hand, desensitization of the P2X1 receptor with alpha,beta-methylene ATP (3 micromol/L) abolished all the vascular responses induced by stimulation at 2 Hz, and obviously potentiated those induced by stimulation at 16 Hz, but it did not affect the concentration-dependent response curves for exogenous norepinephrine. The vasoconstriction responses induced by electric stimulation were all abolished by the treatment of a combination of prazosin (1 micromol/L) and alpha,beta-methylene ATP (3 micromol/L). CONCLUSION: The sympathetic and purinergic contractile responses can be induced by 2 Hz stimulation, and ATP is the sole transmitter causing the vasoconstriction in the rabbit saphenous artery. Contractile responses to higher frequencies are related to both norepinephrine and ATP. Desensitization of the P2X1 receptor with alpha,beta-methylene ATP potentiates the vascular responses to electric stimulation via a presynaptic mechanism.
Adenosine Triphosphate↗
[The clinical value of surgical-pathological staging for endometrial carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE: To explore the practical value of surgical-pathological staging for endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with endometrial carcinoma accepted primary surgical treatment from January 1995 to December 1999 were analyzed retrospectively in our hospital. The clinical and surgical pathologic staging of these patients were compared. RESULTS: The total differences between clinical and surgical-pathologic staging were 44 cases (45.8%), in stage I 24.0%, stage II 76.9%, in stage III 2 of 5 cases. The metastasis rate of pelvic lymph nodes was 10.3%, in stage I 1 of 16 cases, stage II 14.7%. Fourteen patients (14.6%) with extrauterine pelvic metastasis were found, of which 2 of 19 cases in stage I b, 23.1% in stage II. 9.4% with ovarian metastasis, in stage I a 9.7%, stage II 10.3%. 7.9% with positive peritoneal cytology, in stage I 4.0%, stage II 10.3%. 5.2% with omentum metastasis. 2.1% with appendix metastasis. Clinical stages, depth of myometrial invasions, pathological grades and histological types were related to the extent of pelvic and abdominal cavity by univariate analysis (P < 0.01, 0.05). The first three factors were significantly correlated to dissemination by multivariate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical-pathological staging is more accurate than the clinical staging, especial in stage II clinical stage depth of myoinvasion, patho-histological grades were closely related to the dissemination in pelvic-abdominal cavity. The surgical-pathological staging is able to assess prognosis objectively and guide therapy for endometrial carcinoma.
Abdominal Neoplasms↗
[AFLP analysis on genetic structure of planted Acacia auriculiformis population in Heshan].
AFLP analysis of Acacia auriculiformis populations in 3 different planted communities with the same provenance and same planting time indicated that the genetic heterozygosity was quite high in the plantation population. 90.73% of total genetic variance distributed within a population, while only 9.27% among populations. The most distinct genetic structural difference was found between pure plantation and legume mixed plantation, next was between legume and non-legume mixed plantation, and the most similar was between pure and non-legume mixed plantation, which revealed that the genetic variation in this Acacia auriculiformis population was relatively higher than that from the natural forests by isoenzymic analysis data. The genetic differentiation was not the result of gene flow, but the result of the artificial selection and the microenvironmental changes.
Acacia↗
[The application of air-lift loop column filling with porous carrier in wastewater treatment].
An air lift loop reactor filling with porous carrier particles was utilized as aeration column. Experiments were carried out in wide operating conditions. The experimental results showed that in the range of gas flow rate from 0.117 to 0.156 m3/(min.m3), a higher efficiency of removal of ammonium-N was achieved, and when the gas flow rate was above 0.039 m3/(min.m3), the COD was completely degraded in about 1 h. The filling ratio of the porous carriers in the column was an important factor for the removal of C and N compounds, and a filling ratio of 15% was proved to be most suitable in the operation ranges. The experimental results also indicated that the effect of aeration temperature on the removal efficiency was significant and the highest efficiency was obtained at around 25 degrees C.
Nitrogen↗
[A prospective study on the association between underweight and mortality from all cause].
OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between underweight and mortality from all cause. METHOD: We examined the relationship of underweight and mortality among subjects who participated in the survey of cardiovascular risk factors (in 1984-1986 and in 1992). Relative Risks (RRs) were estimated from the COX proportional hazard model by using a BMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 as reference category. RESULTS: During an average 12.40 years follow-up, we documented 307 deaths of which 158 were from cancer, 93 from cardiovascular diseases, and 56 from other causes. We observed a L-shaped relation between BMI and overall mortality. (P for trend < 0.01); In multivariated analyses, we found that the RR of mortality for a BMI of < 18.5 kg/m2 was 1.58 (95% CI 1.16-2.14) as compared with the risk among subjects with BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2. The RR of overall mortality among subjects with BMI of < 18.5 kg/m2 was still significant after the exclusion of subjects who died from cancers during the first five years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Total mortality was increased among underweight people, and this association can not been completely explained by smoking and early deaths from cancer.
Adult↗
[Research advance of primary cutaneous B cell lymphoma].
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Humans↗