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Biomedical subjects

X Zhu

Publications and source records attributed to X Zhu.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia: a series of 24 patients with clinicopathological and radiological correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate two rare benign lesions, hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and evaluate differential diagnosis. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with presumed HCA and FNH were studied at the Liver Cancer Institute from January 1996 to May 1999. Preoperative assessment included clinical evaluation, symptoms and laboratory tests. New imaging techniques were prospectively appraised in addition to usual techniques. All had hepatic resections and follow-up. Histologic examination of surgical specimens was obtained in all cases. RESULTS: In every instance, FNH was an incidental finding. FNH consists of nodular aggregates of cytologically normal hepatocytes with foci of intranocular bile duct proliferation. In this series, patients with HCA had larger tumors and more often were symptomatic but the occurrence was unrelated to oral contraceptive steroids (OCS) usage. Intralesional hemorrhage or necrosis is common, and was seen in 75% of cases. The best imaging procedure in the diagnosis of FNH was MRI. Color Doppler US was a useful adjunct, but CT lacked specificity, making histological diagnosis mandatory. All patients underwent tumor resected were tumor--free during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: FNH is a distinct histopathologic entity, and is distinguishable from HCA. FNH is a hyperplastic response by the liver parenchyma to a pre-existing arterial malformation. HCA is a liver neoplasia and has the potential of malignant transformation to HCC. Based on these findings, we believe that if the clinical suspicion of HCA or FNH is strong, resection is usually the best approach if technically feasible and histologic diagnosis is mandatory.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗
PubMed2000

Clinicopathologic analysis of angiomyofibroblastoma of the female genital tract.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathologic features and immunoprofile of angiomyofibroblastoma (AMF) with emphasis on differential diagnosis. METHODS: Seven vulvar, two vaginal and one perineal angiomyofibroblastomas were evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical studies were performed on paraffin-embedded sections using the standard ABC method with a panel of antibodies. RESULTS: Angiomyofibroblastoma predominantly occurred in middle-aged women in the genital region, especially in the superficial area of the vulva. Clinically, most of the tumors presented as slowly growing painless masses and were often diagnosed as Bartholin's gland cysts. Histologically, the tumors were all well-circumscribed and characterized by alternating hypocellular and hypercellular areas with abundant thin-walled blood vessels. The tumor cells were bland and spindle-shaped or epithelioid and tended to concentrate around the vessels or cluster in small nests. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells expressed vimentin and estrogen receptor protein in all 10 cases and desmin in 9 cases. Three cases showed weak or focal immunoreactivity to alpha-smooth muscle actin and muscle specific actin. All ten patients were treated by local excision. Follow-up showed a benign course with no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Angiomyofibroblastoma is a distinctive neoplasm that has a propensity to occur in the female genital tract. Recognition of this entity is important to avoid misdiagnosis with other vulvar angiomyxoid neoplasms.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Anatomic, sialographic, histologic and ultrastructural studies of normal parotid gland of the miniature pig].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the morphology of normal parotid gland of the miniature pig (minipig). METHODS: Anatomic, sialographic, histologic and ultrastructural studies of parotid glands were performed in 11 Chinese experimental minipigs. RESULTS: Sialograms showed a long main duct and a triangular shape gland. All branching ducts extended from the inferior-posterior of the main duct. No necessary glands were found. Typical serous acini were found microscopically. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides basic structural information of the parotid gland of the minipig. It is considered that minipig is a useful animal model in the investigation of parotid gland diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[p16 gene deletion and point mutation in highly purified fresh breast neoplasm].

OBJECTIVE: To study the form and frequency of p16 gene deletion and point mutation in human breast neoplasm and the effective detection. METHODS: Cell culture was made using repeat-adhering method to purify human breast neoplasm cells and PCR-SSCP analysis in 14 highly purified fresh breast neoplasm, 14 fresh none-purified specimens, 27 paraffin-embedded specimens and corresponding normal tissues beside neoplasms. RESULTS: The rate of p16 gene deletion and point mutation was 42.9% (6/14) in the highly purified group, in which exon 1st - 3rd, showed homozygous deletion (5 cases) and exon 2nd showed mutation (1 case). The rate of p16 gene mutation in the other three groups was 7.1%, 7.4% and 4.9%. The detection rate of mutation was significantly higher in the highly purified group than in the other three groups (P < 0.01), but it was not significantly different in the other three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: p16 gene deletion and point mutation exist in primary breast cancer. Homozygous deletion and small fragment deletion may be an important mechanism of inactivation in human breast neoplasm. Purified cancer cells will enhance the detection rate.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Vascular endothelial factor of meningomas and peritumoural vasogenic brain edema].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in meningomas correlated with peritumoral vasogenic brain edema (PVBE) and angiogenesis. METHODS: VEGF protein expression in 33 patients with meningomas (12 men, average 50 +/- 12 years; 21 women average 46 +/- 14 years) was examined by immunohistochemical and western blotting. The number of microvessels which were immunostained with von willelrand factor was counted and PVBE was assessed blindly before MRI scan or CT scan. RESULTS: The expression of VEGF protein was found in 75.8% (25/33). The mean rate of immunostaining was 2.03 and the mean rate of PVBE was 2.39. The rate of staining intensity was correlated with PVBE rate (r = 0.7352, P < 0.01) and vascular counts (r = 0.6974, P < 0.01). VEGF protein isoform of molecular sizes corresponding to VEGF165 was detected in cytosolic extracts of meningomas. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF is highly related to PVBE and angiogenesis of meningoma. Wide-spread distribution of VEGF in meningomas suggests VEGF165 isoform.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Anatomical basis of autonomic nerve-preserving radical resection for rectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To clarify anatomical basis of autonomic nerve-preserving radical resection for rectal cancer. METHOD: Of 10 cadavers, 4 were male and 2 female. Four had hemisected pelvis in the mid-sagittal plane without damaging the retrorectal anatomy. All stages of each dissection were recorded photographically. RESULTS: Hypogastric nerves were identified. The superior hypogastric plexus is the direct extension of the aortic plexus below the aortic bifurcation. It lies immediately behind the peritoneum and descends over the anterior surface of the 5th lumbar vertebra in the retroperitoneal tissue. The superior hypogastric plexus ends by bifurcating into the right and left hypogastric nerves. The two hypogastric nerves diverge from each other at about the level of the sacral promontory and run down and forward along the walls of the pelvis in the lamina of the pelvic fascia closest to the peritoneum. Both of them are strong fibres with white-grey and reticular appearance and well located just below and close to the aortic bifurcation. And after bifurcation each of them also gives rise to several branches. But it is difficult to identify the pelvic splanchnic nerves in complete samples. In mid-sagitted samples they take origin from the second to fourth sacral ventral rami just after the sacral nerves have emerged from the pelvic sacral foramina. They always form plexus at the lateral ligament and are crossed by middle rectal artery. CONCLUSIONS: It is not very difficult to preserve the hypogastric nerves to spare functions in resection for rectal cancer to the anatomical knowledge of the pelvic autonomic nerves. When the pelvic splanchnic nerves are to be preserved, dissection must be cautious at the level of the lateral ligment on the side of nerve-preservation. The operation should be performed near the rectum as close as possible to achieve functional preservation.

Autonomic Pathways↗
PubMed2000

[Comparison of atrio-ventricular and total cavo-pulmonary connections versus atrio-pulmonary anastomosis for repair of tricuspid atresia in dogs].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the hemodynamic effect and energy loss of atrio-ventricular and total cavo-pulmonary connections versus atrio-pulmonary anastomosis for modified Fontan in dogs. METHODS: Fifteen adult mongrel dogs were divided into three groups. Group I underwent right atrium to right ventricle (using 50% and 25% right ventricular chamber, respectively) connection with the flap of valved homo-pulmonary artery (modified Bjoerk procedure). Group II underwent total cavo-pulmonary connection. Group III received atrio-pulmonary anastomosis. Right atrium pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and cardiac output were measured by Swan-Ganz catheter. The volumes of the right pulmonary artery, left pulmonary artery, superior vena cava and inferior vena cava were measured by electromagnetic flowmeter. The flow-rate of the right pulmonary artery, left pulmonary artery, superior vena cava and inferior vena cava were measured echocardiographically. The fluid energy loss was calculated. RESULTS: The postoperative right atrium pressure in group I was lower than in group III (P < 0.05). The postoperative stroke index in group I and group II was higher than in group III (P < 0.01). The fluid energy loss was decreased when 50% or 25% right ventricle chamber was used (P < 0.01) and the fluid energy less in group II was less than in group III. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggested that atrio-ventricular connection and total cavo-pulmonary connection would be better than atrio-pulmonary anastomosis for modified Fontan repair of tricuspid valve atresia.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Photoreceptor apoptosis and p53 gene expression in inherited retinal degeneration of RSC rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gene regulation of photoreceptor apoptosis in inherited retinal degeneration. METHOD: The retinas of inherited retinal degeneration in animal models of RCS (Royal College of Surgeons) rats, ranging from 13(th) to 60(th) postnatal days in age, were studied by TdT-mediated biotin-dUTP nickend labeling (TUNEL) for apoptosis, immunohistochemistry for p53 protein, in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for p53 mRNA. RESULTS: The photoreceptor of RCS rats underwent apoptosis from 25(th) postnatal day, and reached the highest level at 30 - 35(th) postnatal days. At the early stage of photoreceptor apoptosis, the level of p53 protein and mRNA in photoreceptors increased significantly. RT-PCR also showed that there was more production of p53 mRNA at 25 to 35(th) postnatal days in the retinas of RCS rats. CONCLUSION: P53 gene expression increases significantly at the early stage of photoreceptor apoptosis, indicating that p53 gene might play a role in the regulation of photoreceptor apoptosis in inherited retinal degeneration.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Cause and management of dislocated nuclear fragments during phacoemulsification].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cause and management of posteriorly dislocated lens nucleus in the vitreous cavity during phacoemulsification. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective study of 18 patients with dislocation of nuclear fragment into vitreous cavity during phacoemulsification at Tong Ren Hospital from August 1994 to January 1999. RESULTS: 4 cases with dislocated nuclei floated in the anterior vitreous were removed by a lens loop from limbal extensive incision. 2 cases with their dislocated nuclei less than 1/4 of the normal size were under follow-up for 3 - 4 years, and no complications were observed. The final outcome in 1 case with a dislocated nucleus half of its normal size was ocular atrophy as a result of phacoanaphylactic endophthalmitis. 11 cases underwent pars plana vitrectomy. In the operation the nuclei were floated anteriorly by injection of perfluoro-1, 3-dimethylcyclohexane, then they were removed by a lens loop through the limbus and in 2 cases they were fragmented by ultrasound. The main post-operative complication was corneal edema. The final visual acuities generally were improved in varying degrees in 1 month to 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: During phacoemulsification, the dislocation of a nucleus is liable to first occur in the peripheral sculpting stage, and secondly in central sculpting stage. A radial tear extending posteriorly from a discontinuous anterior capsulorrhexis is the major risk factor predisposing to posterior dislocation of the nucleus or nuclear fragment. During phacoemulsification, vitrectomy should be performed as soon as possible for a nucleus dislocated into middle or posterior vitreous cavity, and it is a safe and effective method for management of dislocated nucleus.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Long-term observation of curative effects of posterior scleral reinforcement surgery in patients with juvenile progressive myopia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term curative effects of the scleral reinforcement surgery in juvenile progressive myopia. METHOD: 25 patients (34 eyes) with the disease (average age, 17.12 +/- 7.47 years old) were observed for 3 to 5 years after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery. RESULTS: The naked visual acuities at postoperative one and three years were better than that before the operation (P < 0.01). The average axial elongation in the first, third and fifth year after the operation was 0.098 mm/year, 0.073 5 mm/year and 0.115 mm/year, respectively; the increment of refractive diopter was smaller than 0.50 D/year. CONCLUSION: The scleral reinforcement surgery is a safe and effective treatment for juvenile progressive myopia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[The morphological characteristics of desmoplastic fibroblastoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of desmoplastic fibroblastoma. METHODS: Three cases of desmoplastic fibroblastoma were evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The patients were all adults, 2 males and 1 female, age range 46 - 62 years (mean 53 years). Clinically, the tumors presented as slowly growing painless masses, which were located in the deep soft tissue of the lower extremity, the subcutaneous tissue of the forearm and the ankle respectively. Grossly, they were well-circumscribed neoplasms with a firm consistency. Histologically, the tumors were composed of paucicellular spindle or stellate-shaped fibroblastic cells embedded in a densely fibrous or fibromyxoid stroma. The neoplastic fibroblastic cells resembled the reactive fibroblasts by containing fine chromatin and small distinct nucleoli without cellular atypia or mitotic figures. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells showed diffuse and strong immunoreactivity for vimentin, focal staining for alpha-SMA, MSA and desmin. CONCLUSION: Desmoplastic fibroblastoma is a benign fibroblastic neoplasm with distinctive clinical and pathological characteristics. It should be differentiated from a variety of reactive or low-grade fibroblastic lesions.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

[A clinicopathological study of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathological features of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). METHODS: The clinicopathological characteristics of 25 cases of FNH were studied retrospectively. 20 cases followed for 6 to 47 months. All were evaluated by use of paraffin-embedded sections, special and immunohistochemical staining (EnVision method) and electron microscope. RESULTS: 17 female and 8 male FNH patients aged 14 to 58 (median 38) years of age, all alpha-fetoprotein negative, asymptomatic and normal biochemical liver tests in most cases. The macroscopic hallmark is a central stellate fibrotic scar, composed of fibrous connective tissue and tortuous blood vessels, the fibrous tissue radiated peripherally, dividing the mass into multiple, variably sized nodules, simulating the pattern of cirrhosis. Microscopically, multinodular proliferation of benign-appearing hepatocytes separated by bile-duct-containing fibrous septae that radiate from the central scar. Internodular bile duct proliferation is abundant and merge imperceptibly with the hepatocyte elements near the fibrous septa. Immunohistochemically, the keratin expessed by hepatocytes and by the proliferated bile ducts were similar. Electron microscopic examination found that the ultrastructure of tumor cells were similar to normal hepatocytes. 20 cases were followed for 6-47 months, all survived with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: FNH is a benign hepatocytic lesion, i.e. a reactive proliferation of hepatic cells to local blood vessel anomalies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Clinical study on effect of combined treatment with shenlong oral liquid and radiotherapy in treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shenlong Oral Liquid (SLOL) combined with radiotherapy in treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: Effects of the combination therapy, including clinical effect, changes of cellular immunity and side effects, in treating 60 NPC patients (treated group) were observed and compared with those of the other 60 patients treated with radiotherapy alone (control group). RESULTS: (1) The side effect of radiation in the treated group was lower than that in the control group significantly (P < 0.05); (2) The immediate regression rate of nasopharyngeal and neck tumor in the two groups was not different significantly (P > 0.05); (3) The doses for complete remission of nasopharyngeal and neck tumor in the treated group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01); (4) No change of T-lymphocyte subsets was found in the treated group after treatment, but in the control group, OKT3, OKT4 and OKT4/OKT8 ratio were markedly decreased (P < 0.05); (5) The survival rate in the treated group was higher than that in the control group, but without statistical significance (P = 0.0518). CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of NPC by SLOL and radiotherapy is able to reduce side effect of radiotherapy, improve the cellular immunity, reduce the dose of radiation for tumor remission and enhance the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy, it might raise the survival rate of NPC patients.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2000

[Alteration of free radical generation in pulmonary tissue after quick decompression].

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate decompression-induced pulmonary injury by means of measurement of ascorbate free radical (Vc-.) alteration in pulmonary tissue of the rats which experienced rapid decompression. 29 male S-D rats were divided into 4 groups: A was executed at 45 min post-decompression; B was control for A; C was executed at 90 min; D was ontrol for C. Group A and group C were to compress up to 0.5 MPa(air) and stay for 60 min, then were decompressed smoothly to normbaric in 1 min. The 0.05 M N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN) was given at 20 min after completion of decompression (groups A and B) or at 65 min (groups C and D). At 25 min after PBN injection the animals were killed by cutting arteria coeliaca, and 0.75 g pulmonary tissues were taken. These tissues were homogenized for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) assay. The results demonstrated that the ascorbate free radical (Vc-.) signals were obtained at all samples. The intensity of signals measured in group C rose markedly (P < 0.05) and that in group A was close to control's. So it can be concluded that rapid decompression would increase the generation of free radical in lung.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Effect of AMI on proliferative cycle phase of bone marrow cells in mice].

By using culture of bone marrow cells in vitro and flowcytometry, effect of Astragalus membranaceus injection (AMI) on proliferative cycle phase of bone marrow cells in normal and anemic mice was studied. AMI 40 micrograms/ml (concentration in culture system) can promote normal murine bone marrow cells (BMC) entering proliferative cycle phase (S + M/G2 phase), so do AMI 40 micrograms/ml and AMI 400 micrograms/ml to anemic murine BMC. The results suggested AMI maybe enhance hematopoietic function in mice.

Anemia↗
PubMed1999

Misfolding of HLA-B27 as a result of its B pocket suggests a novel mechanism for its role in susceptibility to spondyloarthropathies.

The MHC class I protein HLA-B27 is strongly associated with susceptibility to spondyloarthropathies and can cause arthritis when expressed in rats and mice, implying a direct role in disease pathogenesis. A prominent hypothesis to explain this role suggests that the unique peptide binding specificity of HLA-B27 confers an ability to present arthritogenic peptides. The B pocket, a region of the peptide binding groove that is an important determinant of allele-specific peptide binding, is thought to be critical for arthritogenicity. However, this hypothesis remains unproven. We show that in addition to its role in peptide selection, the B pocket causes a portion of the pool of assembling HLA-B27 heavy chains in the endoplasmic reticulum to misfold, resulting in their degradation in the cytosol. The misfolding phenotype is corrected by replacing the HLA-B27 B pocket with one from HLA-A2. Our results suggest an alternative to the arthritogenic peptide hypothesis. Misfolding and its consequences, rather than allele-specific peptide presentation, may underlie the strong link between the HLA-B27 B pocket and susceptibility to spondyloarthropathies.

Amino Acid Substitution↗