Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Z Liao

Publications and source records attributed to Z Liao.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with initial supradiaphragmatic presentation: natural history and patterns of disease progression.

PURPOSE: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma commonly presents in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Supradiaphragmatic MALT lymphoma is less common and its natural history is not well defined. This study was conducted to understand the natural history, to determine the frequency of synchronous disease in the GI tract, and to understand the patterns of disease progression after treatment for supradiaphragmatic MALT lymphoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 39 patients who presented with supradiaphragmatic MALT lymphoma between 1991 and 1997. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 58 years (range, 25-90 years) with 16 male and 23 female patients. The most common primary site was salivary gland followed by ocular adnexa, lung, oral cavity, and others. Sixteen patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy (EGD + Bx) and 4 were found to have gastric involvement. Ann Arbor stages were the following: IEA, 17; IIEA, 5, IIEB, 1; and IVA, 16. The initial treatments were: involved field radiation therapy (n = 10), chemotherapy (n = 14), combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy (n = 9), observation after biopsy (n = 4), antibiotics only (n = 1), and patient refusal of further intervention (n = 1). Seven patients received antibiotics as a part of the initial treatment. Every patient except for 1 was alive at a median follow-up of 39.5 months (range, 3-83 months). Thirty-six patients achieved complete response (CR) to the initial treatment. The actuarial 5-year progression-free survival rate was 83%. Progression of the disease occurred in 4 patients, with 2 in the stomach. Salvage attempts were made to 4 and were successful in 3. Of the 2 patients who relapsed in the stomach, 1 had negative EGD + Bx at the time of initial diagnosis. An EGD + Bx was not done in the second patient. CONCLUSION: Supradiaphragmatic MALT lymphoma appears to have a favorable prognosis. However, routine evaluation of the stomach is recommended for patients who present with supradiaphragmatic MALT lymphoma at the time of initial evaluation and at the time of relapse. Patients who failed initial therapy can be successfully salvaged with further treatment.

Adult↗

LuSIV cells: a reporter cell line for the detection and quantitation of a single cycle of HIV and SIV replication.

A single cycle of viral replication is the time required for a virus to enter the host cell, replicate its genome, and produce infectious progeny virions. The primate lentiviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), require on average 24 h to complete one cycle of replication. We have now developed and characterized a reporter assay system in CEMx174 cells for the quantitative measurement of HIV/SIV infection within a single replication cycle. The SIV(mac)239 LTR (-225 --> +149) was cloned upstream of the firefly luciferase reporter gene and this reporter plasmid is maintained in CEMx174 cells under stable selection. This cell line, designated LuSIV, is highly sensitive to infection by primary and laboratory strains of HIV/SIV, resulting in Tat-mediated expression of luciferase, which correlates with viral infectivity. Furthermore, manipulation of LuSIV cells for the detection of luciferase activity is easy to perform and requires a minimal amount of time as compared to current HIV/SIV detection systems. The LuSIV system is a powerful tool for the analysis of HIV/SIV infection that provides a unique assay system that can detect virus replication prior to 24 h and does not require virus to spread from cell to cell. Thus these cells can be used for the study of replication-deficient viruses and the high throughput screening of antivirals, or other inhibitors of infection.

Cell Line↗

Locoregional irradiation for inflammatory breast cancer: effectiveness of dose escalation in decreasing recurrence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of radiation dose escalation on locoregional control, overall survival, and long-term complication in patients with inflammatory breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 1977 to December 1993, 115 patients with nonmetastatic inflammatory breast cancer were treated with curative intent at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The usual sequence of multimodal treatment consisted of induction FAC or FACVP chemotherapy, mastectomy (if the tumor was operable), further chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to the chest wall and draining lymphatics. Sixty-one patients treated from September 1977 to September 1985 received a maximal radiation dose of 60 Gy to the chest wall and 45-50 Gy to the regional lymph nodes, 22 treated once a day at 2 Gy per fraction, and 35 were treated b.i.d. (32 after mastectomy and all chemotherapy was completed, and 2 immediately after mastectomy; one patient had distant metastases discovered during b.i.d. irradiation, and treatment was stopped). Four additional patients received preoperative radiation with standard fractionation. Based on the analysis of the failure patterns of the patients, the dose was increased for the b.i.d. patients in the new series, with 51 Gy delivered to the chest wall and regional nodes, followed by a 15-Gy boost to the chest wall with electrons. From January 1986 to December 1993, 39 patients were treated b.i.d. to this higher dose after mastectomy and all the chemotherapy was completed; and 8 additional patients received preoperative irradiation with b.i.d. fractionation to 51 Gy. During this period, another 7 patients were treated using standard daily doses of 2 Gy per fraction to a total of 60 Gy, either because they had a complete response or minimal residual disease at mastectomy or because their work schedule did not permit the b.i.d. regimen. Comparison was made between the groups for locoregional control, disease-free and overall survival, and complication rates. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 5.7 years (range, 1.8-17.6 years). For the entire patient group, the 5- and 10-year local control rates were 73.2% and 67.1%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 32.0% and 28.8%, respectively, and the overall survival rates for the entire group were 40.5% and 31.3%, respectively. To evaluate the effectiveness of dose escalation, a specific comparison of patients who received b.i.d. radiation after mastectomy and completion of adjuvant chemotherapy was performed. There were 32 patients treated b.i.d. to 60 Gy in the old series versus 39 patients treated b.i.d. to 66 Gy in the new series. There was an significant improvement in the rate of locoregional control for the b.i.d. patients for the old vs. new series, from 57.8% to 84.3% and from 57.8% to 77.0% (p = 0.028) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Chemotherapy regimens did not change significantly during this time period.Long-term complications of radiation, such as arm edema more than 3 cm (7 patients), rib fracture (10 patients), severe chest wall fibrosis (4 patients), and symptomatic pneumonitis (5 patients), were comparable in the two groups, indicating that the dose escalation did not result in increased morbidity. Significant differences in the rates of locoregional control (p = 0.03) and overall survival (p = 0.03), and a trend of better disease-free survival (p = 0.06) were also observed that favored the recently treated patients receiving the higher doses of irradiation. CONCLUSION: Twice-daily postmastectomy radiation to a total of 66 Gy for patients with inflammatory breast cancer resulted in improved locoregional control, disease free survival, and overall survival, and was well tolerated.

Adult↗

Increased infectivity of HIV type 1 particles bound to cell surface and solid-phase ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 through acquired adhesion molecules LFA-1 and VLA-4.

HIV-1 incorporates a variety of host membrane proteins during budding. We have previously shown that adhesion molecules are acquired by the virus in their activated or functional states. Our studies and those of others indicate that adhesion molecules can have profound effects on virus infectivity and its resistance to neutralization by antiviral antibodies. In this study we have examined the effect on infectivity of immobilization or margination of HIV-1 through acquired integrins LFA-1 and VLA-4 onto nonsusceptible cells and solid-phase adhesion ligands (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, respectively). LFA-1- and VLA-4-mediated HIV-1 binding was supported by ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 immunoglobulin Fc chimeras, respectively. Integrin-mediated HIV-1 binding was also supported by 293 cells transfected with ICAM-1. In both cases the specificity of binding was confirmed with the appropriate blocking monoclonal antibodies or soluble adhesion ligands. We used a sensitive single-cycle infection assay based on a cell line expressing an LTR-luciferase cDNA construct to compare the infectivity of bound virus with that of free virus. Our results show that the binding of HIV-1 to nonsusceptible cells or immobilized adhesion ligands through acquired integrins can increase its infectivity by as much as two orders of magnitude. These results have implications for in vivo dissemination and transmission of HIV-1 and may also explain the high level of virus replication seen in solid lymphoid organs.

CD4 Antigens↗

[Expression of c-fos mRNA following moderate lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rats].

This experiment was designed to study the expression of c-fos mRNA in brain following moderate lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rats and to observe the temporal pattern of its expressions following percussion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal control, sham operation control and injury groups. The rats of the injury group were subjected to moderate lateral fluid percussion injury (0.2 MPa). The injury group was then subdivided into 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h groups according to the time elapsed after injury. The expression of c-fos mRNA was studied with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) semi-quantitatively. c-fos mRNA in cortex and brain stem was expressed weakly in control groups. After 5 min of percussion, the expression of c-fos mRNA increased progressively and remained elevated up to 2 h after brain injury. This result suggested that the induction and expression of the c-fos mRNA in cortex and brain stem after fluid percussion brain injury were increased rapidly. The temporal pattern of induction in cortex was similar to that in brain stem.

Animals↗

[The influences of human apolipoprotein E mutants on the learning and memory of cerebral cortex in transgenic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the influences of the mutants of human apolipoprotein E on the function of cerebral cortex. METHODS: The Southern blot hybridization and ELISA techniques were used for identification of integration and expression of human apoE4 and apoE7 genes at the mice chromosome and in the serum of F1 transgenic mice. Then the active avoidance response test was performed to determine the alteration of learning and short term and long term memory of the transgenic mice. The serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were determined simultaneously with enzymatic procedure. RESULTS: (1) In F1 transgenic mice the human apoE genes integrated at the chromosome and expressed in their serum stably. (2) In apoE4 mice the learning and short term memorizing abilities were decreased, and in apoE7 mice the short term memorizing abilities were decreased as well. In addition, the TC and TG increased statistically. CONCLUSIONS: The overexpression of human apoE4 and apoE7 genes in transgenic mice could damage the function of cerebral cortex. It denoted that the mutations of apoE might correlate the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Animals↗

[Study on simultaneous determination of multiplex trace elements in Chinese herbal medicine loulu by ICP-AES].

A method for the simultaneous determination of multiplex trace elements in Chinese herbal medicine Loulu by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES) has been presented. The operating condictions and the suitable internal standard elements were selected. The detection limits of the method are 0.005-1.24 micrograms.mL-1 for Fe, Mn, Cu, Ti, Cr, Ba, Sr, Zn, Al with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 1.20%-3.90% (n = 7). The recoveries of most elements are in the range of 90.1%-104.2%. The method proposed has been applied to the analysis of real samples and biological standard samples (GBW 08501) peach leaves. The determined values of trace elements in the biological standard sample were in good agreement with the certified values.

Asteraceae↗

Immunization with amyloid-beta attenuates Alzheimer-disease-like pathology in the PDAPP mouse.

Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) seems to have a central role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Familial forms of the disease have been linked to mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the presenilin genes. Disease-linked mutations in these genes result in increased production of the 42-amino-acid form of the peptide (Abeta42), which is the predominant form found in the amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease. The PDAPP transgenic mouse, which overexpresses mutant human APP (in which the amino acid at position 717 is phenylalanine instead of the normal valine), progressively develops many of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in an age- and brain-region-dependent manner. In the present study, transgenic animals were immunized with Abeta42, either before the onset of AD-type neuropathologies (at 6 weeks of age) or at an older age (11 months), when amyloid-beta deposition and several of the subsequent neuropathological changes were well established. We report that immunization of the young animals essentially prevented the development of beta-amyloid-plaque formation, neuritic dystrophy and astrogliosis. Treatment of the older animals also markedly reduced the extent and progression of these AD-like neuropathologies. Our results raise the possibility that immunization with amyloid-beta may be effective in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer Disease↗

DNA damage by copper(II) complexes: coordination-structural dependence of reactivities.

A variety of copper complexes with different structural features have been shown to bind double-helical DNA with binding constants of 10(4)-10(7) M-1 and to promote double-strand DNA damage upon reductant/H2O2 activation. The interaction of the Cu complex with DNA results in hyperchromism and shifts to longer wavelengths of the strongest transitions in the Cu complexes, as well as striking hypochromism or hyperchromism of DNA absorption at 260 nm. In the presence of DMPO as the spin trap, the solution of each copper complex exhibits typical four-line ESR spectra of the hydroxyl radical by adding 2-mercaptoethanol and H2O2 to the solution. Quantitation by 2-deoxy-D-ribose shows that the competence of hydroxyl radical generation by the copper complexes upon reductant and H2O2 activation decreases in order, that is, Cu(HTCD)(2+)-Cu(Im)4Cl2-Cu(IDB) (NO3)2 > Cu(IDB)Cl2 > Cu(IDBt)Cl2. The copper complex-mediated hydroxyl radical, a powerful oxidant that attacks the adjacent DNA, is responsible for the DNA oxidative damage. The lambda DNA damage chemistry illustrates that the competence and selectivity of double-strand lambda DNA damage by the copper complexes are dependent on their geometric structures and types of ligands. The decreasing order of the DNA damage capacity by the present complexes is Cu(Im)4Cl2-Cu(IDB)-(NO3)2 > Cu(HTCD)2+ > Cu(IDBt)Cl2 > Cu(IDB)Cl2.

Animals↗

The channel-forming toxin aerolysin neutralizes human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Aerolysin is a channel-forming toxin secreted by Aeromonas spp. that binds to glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, such as Thy-1, on sensitive target cells. Receptor binding is followed first by oligomerization of the toxin and then by insertion of the oligomers into the membrane to form stable channels that disrupt the permeability barrier. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) produced from T cells is known to incorporate Thy-1 and other GPI-anchored proteins into its membrane. Here, we show that aerolysin is capable of neutralizing HIV-1 in a dose-dependent manner and that neutralization depends upon the presence of these proteins in the viral envelope. Pretreatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C to remove GPI-anchored proteins greatly reduced HIV-1 sensitivity to the toxin, and virus originating from a mutant cell line that lacks GPI-anchored proteins was not neutralized. Aerolysin variants with single amino acid changes that prevent oligomerization or insertion of the toxin were unable to inactivate the virus, implying that channel formation is necessary for neutralization to occur. These findings represent the first evidence that a pathogenic human virus can be neutralized by a bacterial toxin.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

[The establishment of a modified lateral fluid percussion model of brain injury in rat and the pertinent pathologic changes].

For the purpose of studying the molecular mechanism of the traumatic brain injury, we have established a reproducible graded lateral fluid percussion model of experimental brain injury in the rat with a modified fluid percussion device. The device consists of a stainless steel cylindrical reservoir instead of the plexiglass reservoir, a steel reservoir filled with compressed gas instead of the pendulum for making more accurate percussion pressure, an apparatus for releasing the pressure immediately after the percussion, and a computer for recording and storing the percussion data. Pathologic examination demonstrated subdural hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hemorrhage in the lateral ventricle and corpus callosum on the percussion side. The severity of pathologic changes increased with the magnitude of percussion. The results indicate that the new device could inflict reproducible graded lateral fluid percussion brain injury on rats and the model can be used for the studies of neuropathologic and molecular mechanism of brain injury.

Animals↗

[Clinical and experimental study of yushen jiangtang tablet in treating non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of Yushen Jiangtang Tablet (YSJTT) in treating non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) of Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome (QYD). METHODS: One hundred and one patients of NIDDM with QYD were treated with YSJTT and compared with 60 patients of the control group treated with Shenqi Jiangtang Tablet. The experimental study on pharmacologic effect and toxicity of YSJTT was also conducted. RESULTS: The total effective rate of the YSJTT group was 87.12% and the markedly effective rate 44.55%, while those of the control group were 70.00% and 18.33% respectively, comparison between the two groups showed that the effect of the YSJTT group was superior to that of the control group, P < 0.01. No acute or chronic toxic or side effect was found in animal experiment. Pharmacologic study showed that YSJTT had obvious effect in decreasing blood glucose and serum triglyceride levels in rats with alloxan induced diabetes. CONCLUSION: YSJTT is effective in treating NIDDM, and apparent toxic-side effect of it was not found.

Adult↗

[Intracerebral distribution of albumin after closed brain traumas].

Twenty cases of closed brain traumas were investigated immunohistochemically to detect intracerebral distribution of albumin. The brain contusions' areas were heavily stained in all cases, even in those of only 15 minutes' survival. Some neurons, nerve fibers, astrocytes and gitter cells of the softening area both nearby the contusion areas and far from the contusion areas, including thalamus, midbrain, pons and medulla, were also heavily stained in all cases. The marked immunoreactivity to albumin also took place in extravascular spaces, endothelial cells and membrane of red blood cells. The results suggested that immunohistochemical staining of albumin should be a sign of early brain trauma, inclusive of brainstem trauma. It is especially useful in the identification of brain traumas without bleeding.

Adolescent↗

[Treatment of chronic prostatitis with computerized herbal drug penetrator].

A computerized herbal drug penetrator for chronic prostatitis was designed and developed on the basis of a combination of the authors' clinical practice with modern Traditional Chinese Medicinal theories. The device has integrated many hi-techs of current engineering science. It works by applying special herbal medicine, electro-magnetic effects, thermal moxibustion, perfusion and pulsated massage with water-capsule. The result of using this technique in the treatment of 100 cases has demonstrated its satisfying effectiveness.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

[Determination of trace aluminium by ETV-ICP-AES].

The effect of mixed halogenation agent (polytrifluorochloroethylene (PTFCE)/hexachloroethane (C2Cl6)) on the vaporization of aluminium has been studied in electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-AES). The mixed halogenation agent hastens the vaporization of Al to the plasma at low temperature compared with individual halogenation agent, and the metallic material can be prevented affectively from forming in the furnace. The detection limit of this method was 0.12 ng with RSD of 3.8% (Al: 0.3 microg x mL(-1), n = 7). The analytical results of real samples were in good agreement with those of pheumatic nebulization (PN)-ICP-AES, and the recoveries were in the range of 94.1%-102.5%.

English Abstract↗

Subdiaphragmatic stage I & II Hodgkin's disease: long-term follow-up and prognostic factors.

PURPOSE: To report long-term follow-up results and to analyze prognostic factors for overall and disease-free survival in patients with subdiaphragmatic Stage I & II Hodgkin's disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From September 1962 to April 1995, 109 patients presented at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center with subdiaphragmatic Hodgkin's disease. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed; 22 patients who received no treatment at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center or who had radiation therapy at other institutions were excluded. The remaining 87 patients formed the basis of this study. The median age of our group was 33 years with a male: female ratio of 3.3:1. The histological subtypes were nodular sclerosis in 21 (24.1%) patients, mixed cellularity in 31 (35.6%), lymphocyte predominance in 33 (37.9%), lymphocyte depletion in 1 (1.1%) and unclassified histology in 1 (1.1%). Of the patients, 32 (36.8%) underwent laparotomy for diagnosis or staging purpose, 74 (85.1%) had lymphangiography, and 35 (40.2%) had computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis. Among the patients, 22 (25%) had more than three sites of nodal involvement at presentation, 56 (64.4%) had pelvic or abdominal disease, and 14 (18.4%) had bulky disease that was defined as disease with the largest dimension > or = 7 cm. Stage distribution was IA in 33.3%, IIA in 39.1%, and IIB in 27.6%. Treatment was radiotherapy alone in 60 (69%) patients, chemotherapy and radiation in 23 (26.4%), and chemotherapy alone in 4 (4.6%). RESULTS: The 10- and 20-year actuarial overall survival rates for all patients were 74.6% and 55.3%, and the corresponding disease-free survival rates were 72.4% and 67.5%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age > 40 years, B symptoms, nodular sclerosis or mixed cellularity histology, and decreased albumin or hemoglobin levels were statistically significant adverse pretreatment factors for overall survival. B symptoms, decreased albumin level, more than 3 sites of disease at presentation, and Stage II were statistically significant negative pretreatment prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Only B symptoms and decreased albumin level predicted worse outcome in both overall and disease-free survivals. On multivariate analysis, age > 40 years, nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity histology, and decreased hemoglobin levels were three independent risk factors for overall survival. An analysis of the pattern of failure revealed that the majority of the patients with central Stage II disease who did not receive mantle radiation failed in the supradiaphragmatic area. Late complications of radiation were infrequent. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up of this group of patients revealed similar overall and disease-free long-term survival, as would be expected from supradiaphragmatic Hodgkin's disease. For patients with central Stage II disease, it is anticipated that supradiaphragmatic radiation therapy would improve the disease-free survival.

Adolescent↗

Lymphocytes produce IL-1beta in response to Fcgamma receptor cross-linking: effects on parenchymal cell IL-8 release.

Neutrophils mediate tissue injury in response to immune complexes, although the factors that induce their recruitment are incompletely understood. We have reported that lymphocytes may be important regulators of monocyte and macrophage IL-8 release in the presence of immobilized IgG. Since tissue parenchymal cells are important local producers of IL-8 but are not directly stimulated by FcgammaR cross-linking, we hypothesized that lymphocytes may also regulate parenchymal IL-8 release. Supernatants from lymphocytes incubated on immobilized IgG induced primary human fibroblasts and human mesangial cells to produce IL-8 (17 +/- 3.5 and 44 +/- 8 ng/ml, respectively). Fibroblast and mesangial cell IL-8 mRNA levels were similarly increased by the conditioned lymphocyte supernatant. Immobilized anti-human FcgammaRIII, but not FcgammaRI or FcgammaRII Abs, could stimulate this IL-8-inducing activity in lymphocytes, suggesting that FcgammaRIII-bearing lymphocytes were responsible. Supernatants from lymphocytes incubated on immobilized IgG contained 2.2 +/- 0.8 ng/ml of IL-1beta, while enriched monocyte preparations from the same donors incubated on immobilized IgG released only 0.1 +/- 0.04 ng/ml of IL-1beta (p = 0.05). Consistent with the identification of IL-1beta as the lymphocyte factor, fibroblast or mesangial cell IL-8 release induced by the IgG-stimulated lymphocyte supernatants was inhibited by 1) the combination of IL-1R antagonist and soluble type II IL-1R, 2) an IL-1-converting enzyme inhibitor, or 3) anti-IL-1beta but not preimmune Abs. These data suggest that targeted deposits of IgG can stimulate FcgammaRIII-bearing lymphocytes to produce IL-1beta, which induces parenchymal cell IL-8 release.

Cells, Cultured↗

[A retrospective study of neurogenic pulmonary edema following intracranial injury without open wound].

To find factors that relate to the occurrence of neurogenic pulmonary edema(NPE) following intracranial injury without open wound, thirty-founr autopsies on such cases were studied retrospectively. The rate of NPE in the 34 cases was 41.18%, and it was 44.44% in those aged 10 to 49. The rate of NPE in the persons who died immediately or 0-6 hours after injury was 41.18%, and in those who died 7-48 hours after injury, 41.18% too. The rate of NPE was 69.23% for the cases with only one site of bleeding and 23.81% for ones with multiple sites of bleeding. These findings suggest that the occurrence of NPE is not related with the duration of time after head injury or the location of brain injury, but it is related with the severity of brain injury.

Adolescent↗