Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the goldfish Carassius auratus.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
W Zheng
Publications and source records attributed to W Zheng.
Differentiation of epidemic-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes by restriction fragment length polymorphism in a gene region essential for growth at low temperatures (4 degrees C).
The growth of Listeria monocytogenes in food stored in the cold has often been implicated in outbreaks of listeriosis. Many subtyping schemes have suggested that epidemic-associated strains belong to a unique genetic group. It has not yet been possible, however, to identify molecular or bacteriologic markers unique to epidemic-associated strains. Recently we cloned three genes of L. monocytogenes, ltrA, ltrB, and ltrC, which are essential for growth at low temperatures (4 degrees C). The use of a 1.2-kb PstI fragment derived from ltrB as a probe in Southern blots of HindIII-digested DNA revealed three hybridization patterns: the first (a 5.0-kb band) was observed in strains of serotypes 4b, 1/2b, and 3b; the second (a 3.1-kb band) was seen in strains of serotypes 1/2a, 3a, 1/2c, and 3c; and the third (a 9.5-kb band) was characteristic of epidemic-associated serotype 4b strains. These and other data suggest that probes derived from this gene region that is essential for growth at low temperatures can be useful molecular tools for the subtyping of strains implicated in food-borne listeriosis.
Base Sequence↗
Behavioural and endocrinological responses of mature male goldfish to the sex pheromone 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one in the water
The behavioural response of spermiated male goldfish to the sex pheromone 17alpha,20ss-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17alpha,20ss-P) in the ambient water was measured using a computerized video-image analysis system. The position and spontaneous locomotor activity of single spermiated male goldfish were continuously recorded in an artificial stream. 17alpha,20ss-P (final concentration 10(-11) mol l-1) was supplied to one half and its ethanol carrier to the other half of the test area. The results showed that the fish spent significantly less time in water scented with 17alpha,20ss-P than in control water. Moreover, both the spontaneous locomotor activity and the gonadotropin II concentration in the plasma increased significantly because of contact with 17alpha,20ss-P in the ambient water. The swimming speed was unchanged, whether the fish resided in the 17alpha,20ss-P section or in the section without 17alpha,20ss-P added. In view of the complex dual hormone-pheromone system in goldfish, the possibility of an additional function of 17alpha,20ss-P is discussed. Because the release of the pheromone 17alpha,20ss-P occurs before ovulation and the level then drops drastically, we suggest that the avoidance reaction observed allows the sexually mature male to avoid misdirected courting of non-ovulated females and thus to continue its search for an ovulated female.
Journal Article↗
Hormonal replacement therapy and morbidity and mortality in a prospective study of postmenopausal women.
We assessed the association of hormonal replacement therapy with mortality and incidence of multiple diseases in over 40,000 postmenopausal women followed for 6 years as part of the Iowa Women's Health Study. Compared with women who never used hormone replacement therapy, current users had multivariate adjusted relative risks (RR) as follows: total mortality (RR = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.65, 0.94), coronary heart disease mortality (RR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.48, 1.12), endometrial cancer incidence (RR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.7, 6.9), breast cancer incidence (RR = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.99, 1.55), colon cancer incidence (RR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.46, 1.12), and hip fracture incidence (RR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.91).
Cardiovascular Diseases↗
An analysis on follow-up results of photoreactive keratectomy for treatment of myopia.
A prospective study of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was performed with the aim of correcting a range of myopic errors between -1.00 and -10.00 diopters on 422 myopic eyes that were followed for more than one year. At postoperative one year, 91.4% of the eyes had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, and 97.4% were within +/- 1.00 diopter of the desired emmetropia, and the corneal haze disappeared in most of the eyes. Elevated intraocular pressures were observed in 20.4% of the eyes. The decrease of one line of the best corrected visual acuity occurred in 7.6% and of two lines in 0.5% of the eyes. We think that the excimer laser PRK is a very predictable, safe, stable, and effective method to correct myopia up to -10.00 D, and longer follow-up will be necessary.
Adult↗
Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia in China. A report of 750 eyes with a 6-month follow-up.
A total of 750 six-month follow-up records of myopia treated with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) were analyzed. By 6 months, in group 1 (up to -6.00D, 587 eyes), uncorrected visual acuity was improved to 20/20 or better in 86.7% of treated eyes and 95.4% fell into the range of refraction of +/- 1.00D. In group 2 (-6.25D to -11.00D, 163 eyes), 74.5% of treated eyes had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better and 89.4% of the eyes were within +/- 1.00D. The designed predictability of the two groups was the same (P > 0.1). The refractive stability from 3 to 6 months between the two groups was not statistically different, and no severe complications were observed in these two groups. The excimer laser PRK for correcting myopia up to -11.00D appears to be effective, predictable, stable and safe in this study. The ideal outcome may result from the precise ablation quality of excimer laser, its computerized surgical manipulation and an appropriate postoperative management including detection of refractive indices by corneal topography and modulation by steroid.
Adult↗
Immunological screening of homologous recombination in genes that encode surface antigens.
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Animals↗
[Glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension after photorefractive keratectomy].
1,628 myopic eyes were performed with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and 1% prednisolon eyedrops was used for postoperative regime. All patients after PRK were followed 2-14 months, 9.89% had an intraocular pressure of more than 2.933 kPa (22mmHg) at first month and 15.05% at third month. Male patients showed higher response to glucocorticoid than female patients. There was no correlation between elevations of intraocular pressue and refractive powers.
Administration, Topical↗
[Photorefractive keratectomy for myopia: 6 month results].
The argon fluoride excimer laser is able to ablate the superficial cornea and to correct refractive problems. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was performed on 103 myopic eyes ranging from -0.75D to -6.00D. We prospectively evaluated visual and refractive results that were followed for more than 6 months. Uncorrected visual acuity of 1.0 or better was achieved in 88.35%. The difference between attempted and achieved refractive correction was within +/- 1.00D in 94.17%. 10 eyes (9.71%) had trace to mild subepithelial hare and 19 eyes (18.45%) had loss of one line of best spectacle corrected visual acuity. The excimer laser PRK appears to be a predictable and effective method to correct myopia under -6.00D.
Adult↗
Cloning and characterization of a calcium channel alpha 1 subunit from Drosophila melanogaster with similarity to the rat brain type D isoform.
We report the complete sequence of a calcium channel alpha 1 subunit cDNA cloned from a Drosophila head cDNA library. This cDNA encodes a deduced protein containing 2516 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 276,493. The deduced protein shares many features with vertebrate homologs, including four repeat structures, each containing six transmembrane domains, a conserved ion selectivity filter region between transmembrane domains 5 and 6, and an EF hand in the carboxy tail. The Drosophila subunit has unusually long initial amino and terminal carboxy tails. The region corresponding to the last transmembrane domain (IVS6) and the adjacent cytoplasmic domain has been postulated to form a phenylalkylamine-binding site in vertebrate calcium channels. This region is conserved in the Drosophila sequence, while domains thought to be involved in dihydropyridine binding show numerous changes. The Drosophila subunit exhibits 78.3% sequence similarity to the rat brain type D calcium channel alpha 1 subunit, and so has been designated as a Drosophila melanogaster calcium channel alpha 1 type D subunit (Dmca1D). In situ hybridization shows that Dmca1D is highly expressed in the embryonic nervous system. Northern analysis shows that Dmca1D cDNA hybridizes to three size classes of mRNA (9.5, 10.2, and 12.5 kb) in heads, but only two classes (9.5 and 12.5 kb) in bodies and legs. PCR analysis suggests that the Dmca1D message undergoes alternative splicing with more heterogeneity appearing in head and embryonic extracts than in bodies and legs.
Amines↗
[Posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the absence of posterior capsular support].
The authors retrospectively studied the clinical records of 15 eyes without posterior capsular support receiving transscleral ciliary sulcus fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses. Postoperative followup period range from 2 weeks to 8 months, an average of 2.2 months. Postoperative visual acuity improved in all patients, 20% of which had 0.6 or better and 40%-between 0.2 and 0.5. Lens rotation was the primary complication and accounted for poor acuity in some cases. The results indicate that ciliary sulcus fixation in the absence of posterior capsular support appears to be safe and effective and may represent a significant advance in anterior segment surgery.
Adolescent↗
Familial clustering of breast and prostate cancers and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that cancers of the breast and prostate cluster in families and that the presence of both diseases in a family may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to evaluate whether 1) prostate cancer aggregates in families with postmenopausal breast cancer, 2) families with cancers of the breast and prostate are the same ones as families with cancers of the breast and ovary, and 3) a family history of prostate cancer is associated with increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. METHODS: We analyzed data from a large prospective cohort study of Iowa women that were (at baseline) aged 55-69 years in 1986. At the third follow-up survey in 1992, self-reported data on family history of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers in parents and siblings were provided by 30,883 women. Additional information was collected to ascertain whether the age-of-onset of breast cancer in mothers or sisters was before or after the age of 45 years. Cancer occurrence was documented using the State Health Registry of Iowa. RESULTS: History of prostate cancer in their father or a brother was reported by 3384 (11.0%) of the women, and a total of 4090 women (13.2%) reported breast cancer in their mother or a sister. A positive family history of both cancers was reported by 556 women, significantly (two-sided P < .001) greater than the 457 women expected if the family histories were independent. The aggregation of breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers was reported by 22 participants, greater than the 2.7 expected (two-sided P < .0001). During 6 years of follow-up, 578 breast cancers were identified in the cohort at risk. Compared with women without a family history of either cancer, women with a family history of breast cancer had a relative risk (RR) of 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.79) if the affected relative had onset after the age of 45 years, and an RR of 1.71 (95% CI = 1.13-2.61) if the affected relative had onset at or before the age of 45. A family history of prostate cancer in the absence of a family history of breast cancer was associated with an RR of 1.19 (95% CI = .90-1.56). However, a family history of both breast and prostate cancers was associated with RRs of 2.06 (95% CI = 1.23-3.45) and 2.35 (95% CI = .97-5.67) for breast cancer onset in relatives of greater than 45 and less than or equal to 45 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These observations are concordant with recent reports that suggest a shared familial risk (inherited or environmental) for these hormone-dependent malignancies.
Aged↗
Transposon-induced mutants of Listeria monocytogenes incapable of growth at low temperature (4 degrees C).
Transposon mutagenesis was used to pursue the molecular basis of cold resistance in Listeria and its possible involvement in pathogenesis. We have generated transposon-induced mutants of Listeria monocytogenes which were unable to grow at 4 degrees C but grew at 8 degrees C, 22 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The transposon was localized in the same 1.8-kb EcoRI fragment in two independently derived mutants. Mutants which carried single transposon insertions had normal hemolytic activity, motility and invasion of cultured fibroblasts. These results indicate that in L. monocytogenes cold sensitivity can be single transposon insertions and that loss of cold resistance may not interfere with other phenotypes, including invasion in a cell culture model.
Cold Temperature↗
[Analysis and comparison of different methods in topical treatment of herpes zoster].
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Administration, Topical↗
In vivo actions of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist on gonadotropin-II and growth hormone secretion in goldfish, Carassius auratus.
In our previous in vitro studies, [Ac-delta 3-Pro1, 4FD-Phe2, D-Trp3,6]-mGnRH (analog E) suppressed both gonadotropin-II (GTH-II) and growth hormone (GH) release stimulated by sGnRH and cGnRH-II. In the present study analog E significantly inhibited the increases in plasma GTH-II levels stimulated by sGnRH in sexually mature female and sexually recrudescent goldfish. Treatment of goldfish with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosin methyl ester (alpha-MPT) inhibits dopamine synthesis and abolishes the inhibitory actions of dopamine on GTH-II release, resulting in a potentiation of the GTH-II response to sGnRH. Following alpha-MPT pretreatment, analog E significantly reduced basal plasma GTH-II levels, and suppressed both sGnRH and cGnRH-II actions on GTH-II release. Analog E also inhibited the increase in plasma GTH-II levels in sexually mature male goldfish exposed to the female sexual pheromone, 17 alpha, 20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17 alpha 20 beta-P), demonstrating that the increase in plasma GTH-II levels is due to release of endogenous GnRH. Analog E significantly inhibited the increases in plasma GH levels stimulated by treatment with sGnRH. Implantation of estradiol pellets increases basal plasma GH levels and increases the GH responsiveness to sGnRH in sexually recrudescent goldfish; analog E also suppressed the increase in plasma GH levels stimulated by injection of sGnRH in estradiol-treated fish. Analog E suppressed basal GTH-II and GH levels in fish that were unhandled prior to injection; however, analog E was not effective in reducing basal plasma GTH-II or GH levels in experiments in which the fish were blood sampled or subjected to some experimental manipulation prior to injection of analog E. Analog E also suppressed basal levels of GTH-II in alpha-MPT-treated fish, suggesting that stress inhibition of GTH-II release may be mediated by the dopaminergic system. In summary, the results demonstrate that (i) analog E can suppress the actions of exogenous sGnRH and cGnRH-II on GTH-II and GH release in vivo, (ii) the GnRH system mediates, at least in part, the plasma GTH-II response in sexually mature male goldfish following exposure to the female sexual pheromone 17 alpha 20 beta-P, and (iii) endogenous GnRH peptides are important in the regulation of basal plasma levels of GTH-II as well as GH, particularly in low stress conditions.
Animals↗
Dietary cholesterol, fat, and lung cancer incidence among older women: the Iowa Women's Health Study (United States).
To test the hypothesis that a high intake of dietary cholesterol and fat is associated with elevated risks of lung cancer, we analyzed data from a population-based, prospective, cohort study conducted among 41,837 postmenopausal Iowa (United States) women who completed, in 1986, a comprehensive mailed questionnaire including information on usual intake of 127 food items. All cohort members were followed for cancer incidence through the statewide cancer registry. By 1991, after six years of follow-up, 272 incident lung-cancer cases were identified. After controlling for total energy intake and other confounding factors, dietary cholesterol, total fat, and animal fat were unrelated to lung cancer risk. Intake in the upper three quartiles of plant-derived fat, however, was related to a 30 to 40 percent lower incidence of lung cancer, comparative with those in the lowest quartile, with more pronounced reduction in risk observed among smokers (relative risk = 0.6, 95 percent confidence interval = 0.4-0.9). This prospective cohort study suggests that high intake of fat of plant origin may be associated with reduced risk of lung cancer, while dietary cholesterol and animal fat intake is unrelated to the etiology of this malignancy in postmenopausal women.
Animal Population Groups↗
Occupation, physical activity, and risk of prostate cancer in Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Based on occupational data for all (n = 264) prostate cancer cases diagnosed during 1980-84 in urban Shanghai and on employment information from the 1982 census, standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated for occupational groups classified by job type and physical activity level. White-collar workers (professionals, government officials, clerical workers, salespersons) had an elevated incidence of prostate cancer, although the excesses were not significant. In addition, when jobs were classified by time spent sitting or energy expenditure, men employed in occupations with low physical activity levels tended to have moderately elevated risks of prostate cancer. Findings from this study in an area with one of the world's lowest incidence rates of prostate cancer add to the accumulating evidence that jobs with a low level of physical activity are associated with an increased prostate-cancer risk.
Adult↗
Current status of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in Shanghai.
The status of diagnosis and treatment of lung cancers discovered during 1 year in the Shanghai population are presented. A total of 940 lung cancers was detected from inhabitants of 35-64 years of age, with a male/female ratio of 1.8:1. Pathology showed 35.7% adenocarcinoma and 35.1% squamous cell carcinoma. There was a predominance of adenocarcinoma (47.6%) in females and of squamous cell carcinoma (44.6%) in males. Most (68.6%) of the lesions detected were already advanced in contrast to 14.7% of Stage I disease. The need for vigilance on the part of doctors was demonstrated by the fact that 23.3% of patients were seen by the doctor within 1 month after presenting with symptoms and 44.5% of them had their diagnosis suspected within 1 month after their first hospital visit. The treatment consisted of surgery for 33.3%, chemotherapy for 35%, traditional Chinese medicine for 20% and symptomatic management for 9.6% of patients. As only 55.8% Stage I patients were treated by surgery, the treatment protocol seemed to be improperly biased. The adequate training of health workers was shown by the fact that 79.7% of these patients were confirmed by pathology and/or cytology and most of the Stage I lesions were diagnosed outside the hospital.
Adult↗