Biomedical subjects

G Tao

Publications and source records attributed to G Tao.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Prevalence of and factors associated with hormone replacement therapy counseling: results from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study estimated the prevalence of and the factors associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) counseling. METHODS: We analyzed the responses of 3170 women, aged 40 to 60 years, from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey. RESULTS: The prevalence of HRT counseling was 43.6%. Women were more likely to report having received HRT counseling if they were White, older, more educated, had had a hysterectomy, had experienced menopausal symptoms, and had a regular source of care. CONCLUSIONS: More attention should be directed at counseling non-White women and women with less formal education. Reducing the barriers to having a regular source of care appears to increase the likelihood of receiving HRT counseling.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[FPMULTI--a software for multi-layer composition and thickness analysis and its applications].

Main features of FPMULTI, a software for analyzing composition and thickness of multi-layer samples simultaneously using XRF, are briefly described in this paper. Based on fundamental parameter method, the software has the capability of determining multi-layer samples containing up to 10 layers and 25 elements. Calibration standards can be bulk or multi-layer of pure element or multi-element standards. Application examples for tin-plates, hot dip galvanized zinc-plates and 'fingerprint-resistant' plates were given. FPMULTI is used to predict the relationship between intensities of different X-ray lines and the thickness first and then to analyze those samples. When using only few calibration standards, the results from FPMULTI are much better than those from linear regression method, and this reflects the advantages of the fundamental parameter approach.

English Abstract↗

PubMed1998

[PCR in combination with silver as a method for the determination of apolipoprotein E alleles].

OBJECTIVE: To present a rapid, sensitive and safe procedure for the determination of human apolipoprotein E alleles. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from 0.5ml whole blood by a non-phenol protocol. After PCR and restriction enzyme digestion,short DNA fragments were detected by a simplified silver staining method. This technique was used to assay apolipoprotein E alleles in 19 patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease and 41 normal aged persons. RESULTS: The short DNA fragments were visualized clearly on polyacrylamide gel processed by silver staining. It took 24 hours from DNA extraction to the final result. The A4 allele frequency in patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease was 0.29, much higher than that in control group (0.02, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: PCR in combination with silver staining can satisfy the need for high-resolution and high-efficiency in the determination of apolipoprotein E alleles and can be used as a routine procedure in clinical and epidemiological investigations.

Alleles↗

PubMed1998

Economic evaluation of an HIV prevention intervention for gay and bisexual male adolescents.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an HIV prevention intervention for gay and bisexual male adolescents. The intervention included individualized risk assessment and counseling, peer education, optional HIV testing, and referrals to needed services. From 1989 to 1994, 501 male volunteers, 13 to 21 years of age, who self-identified as gay/bisexual or as having had sex with men, completed preintervention and postintervention surveys to assess changes in HIV risk behavior. An HIV transmission model was constructed to project the HIV seroprevalence in the target population over a 10-year period from the self-reported number of partners for unprotected anal intercourse. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed from a societal perspective. Total costs of the intervention, including medical treatment costs saved, were projected to be $1.1 million U.S. for the 10-year period. The number of HIV infections averted and the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) saved were projected to be 13 and 180, respectively. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was projected to be $6180 U.S. per QALY saved. The intervention was found to be cost-effective from the societal perspective. In addition, HIV prevalence in the target population was projected to be 6.1% without and 5.6% with intervention by the end of the 10-year period. This study highlights that an HIV prevention program can be cost-effective even if the effects on behavior are partial and short term.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Determination of total mercury in biological tissues by flow injection cold vapour generation atomic absorption spectrometry following tetramethylammonium hydroxide digestion.

A simple, rapid and reliable method was developed for the determination of total mercury in biological samples. Samples were solubilized using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). The organically bound mercury was cleaved and converted to inorganic mercury by on-line addition of KMnO4. The decomposed mercury together with inorganic mercury originally present in samples was determined by flow injection cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry after reduction to elemental mercury vapour using NaBH4. A sample throughput of 100 measurements per hour was achieved after a 30 min dissolution with TMAH. The relative standard deviation for 20 micrograms l-1 Hg was 1.3% (n = 11) and the limit of detection was 0.1 microgram l-1 (3 sigma). The proposed method was validated by the analysis of a suite of certified marine biological reference materials, DORM-2 (dogfish muscle), DOLT-2 (dogfish liver) and TORT-2 (lobster hepatopancreas), with calibration against simple HgII standards.

Flow Injection Analysis↗

PubMed1998

[Preliminary studies on the relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and osteoporosis in Chinese women].

The relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and osteoporosis were studied. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect VDR genotype in 162 healthy postmenopausal women and 17 patients with osteoporosis. The genotype frequencies of VDR were calculated later with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium formula. The results showed that in controls, the bb, Bb, and BB genotype accounted for 91.36%, 8.64%, and 0% respectively. Of those patients with osteoporosis, they were 82.35%, 17.65%, and 0% respectively. The results suggested that there was no association between VDR genotype and osteoporosis noticed.

Asian People↗

PubMed1998

[An epidemiological study on senile dementia among 1,390 elderly people in Haidian district, Beijing].

An epidemiological study on senile dementia was carried out among 1,390 people over 60 years of age in Haidian district, Beijing. All the elderlies were from the communities. Senile dementia was diagnosed according to MMSE. AD was diagnosed according to DSM-III-R and MID by modified Hachinski score. The morbidity of senile dementia was 2.33% (AD was 0.37% and MID was 0.96%). The morbidity of AD was similar to those in other parts of China, but the morbidity of MID was lower. People with older age and lower education seemed to be more susceptible to AD and MID, whereas females to AD.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1998

[Mifepristone in the treatment of 47 ectopic pregnancy patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and indication of mifepristone in treating ectopic pregnancy, 47 patients were divided into three groups. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases were effective; 18 cases were ineffective and operated on in which we observed the gestational termination, bleeding capacity, and pathological changes in fallopian tube. We found that the effect was related to the drug dosage, levels of beta-hCG in blood and the operating time. CONCLUSION: High dosage of mifepristone in treating ectopic pregnancy is convenient, safe, and has no side-effects. It is suitable for patients with early ectopic pregnancy who have smooth life-sign, beta-hCG < 10 ng.ml-1, the mass in pelvic cavity < or = 5 cm, without acute belly-ache and pulsation of fetal heart in fallopian tube and who ask for the conservative treatment.

Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal↗

PubMed1998

[Prospective study on the correlation factors of fetal macrosomia].

The increase of body weight in pregnancy women, 50 g oral glucose challenge test (50 g GCT), pregnant women and umbilicus vein blood insulin (INS), growth hormone (GH), glucose and neonate weight were measured in 110 pregnant women and their neonates were measured to explore the correlation factors of fetal macrosomia. The incidence of macrosomia was higher in pregnant women whose increased weight > or = 15 kg than those < 15 kg. 50 g GCT plasma glucose showed positive correlation with neonatal weight. Which was higher in the group of the fetal macrosomia than of the normal neonates. The results suggest that both the increasing weight of the pregnant women and the 50 g GCT are related parameters to predict fetal macrosomia. To prevent fetal macrosomia the diet should be limited in those who have had a high increasing body weight in pregnancy and appropriate intervention is required to those whose 50 g GCT are positive.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Research on detection of type C2 staphylococcus enterotoxin in food with piezoelectric immunosensors].

Using the biosensor of immobilization of antibody by Piezoectric Immunosensors (PEI) method, the concentration of antigen was determined. When the concentration of antigen was 10 micrograms/L-2 mg/L, the linear response was found. When the sensor was applied to detect type C2 staphylococcus enterotoxin in food, the method was proved with high specificity and selectivity.

Enterotoxins↗

PubMed1997

Home collection kits for HIV testing: evaluation of three strategies for dealing with insufficient dried blood specimens.

Home collection kits allow individuals to obtain a blood specimen at home and send it to a laboratory for HIV testing. In preliminary studies, 15% of kit users submitted specimens considered to be insufficient for analysis. The current Public Health Service policy requires the laboratory to reject all such specimens entirely and request a second specimen, even though some specimens are sufficient to perform an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) but not a Western blot (WB) test. Using decision analysis, we evaluated three strategies to handle specimens sufficient to perform an EIA but insufficient to perform a WB analysis: current recommendation, or baseline, for which no test is preformed and "quantity not sufficient" is reported; alternative 1 , for which an EIA is done and reported as "negative" or "quantity not sufficient" (if initially reactive); and alternative 2, for which an EIA is done and reported as "negative" or "a reactive screening test" (if initially reactive). Baseline strategy requires all consumers with an initial specimen sufficient for EIA only to submit a second specimen, but either alternative requires fewer than 3% to submit a second specimen. Although 80% of consumers with an initial specimen sufficient for EIA learn their test results only with the baseline strategy, more than 99% learn their test results with either alternative. With the scenario of high (2%) HIV prevalence, 91% of consumers who would be told "reactive screening test" are truly infected. At a low (0.1%) HIV prevalence, 33% of consumers who would be told "reactive screening test" are truly infected. When a specimen is sufficient for EIA only, it is preferable to perform the EIA instead of rejecting the specimen, because many persons can get results from the initial specimen and because many fewer are required to submit a second specimen. Current policy should be reexamined in light of these findings.

Blood Specimen Collection↗

PubMed1997

[Clinical obeservation of improved passing peritoneum extraperitoneal cesarean sectron].

One hundred and fifty puerperas who had indications for cesarean section and factors associated with intrauterine infection were random divided into three groups and adopted three different operative proccdures which were improved passing peritoneum extraperitoneal, extraperitoneal and low segement cesarean section respectively. Three were 50 puerperas in each group, seven paremeters were observed during and after operation. The results showed that the mean times of three groups from cutting skin to fetal head delivered were 19.5, 22.6 and 19.9 minutes respectively (P < 0.05), the mean operative times were 58.04, 68.2 and 72.0 minutes in proper urder (P < 0.01). Gastrointestinal function recovery mean times were 26.6, 26.0 and 47.9 hours (P < 0.01) in sequence. Postoperative morhidity rates were 10%, 12% and 24% (P < 0.01) in order. Postoperative comlicatins were 0%, 26% and 6% (P < 0.01). There were no significant difference both in newborn one minute Apgar grading and blood loss volume during the operation in three groups. Improved passing peritoneun extraperitoneal cesarean section is a simple, convenient, safe and practical oprative method. It is especially applied to those cases who have a bad form of uterine hypomere and factors of intrauterine infection.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Trends and predictors of human immunodeficiency virus antibody testing by homosexual and bisexual adolescent males, 1989-1994.

OBJECTIVE: To identify temporal trends and predictors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing in homosexual and bisexual youth, using the Health Belief Model as a conceptual framework. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS: Five hundred one male volunteers, 13 to 21 years old, self-identified as homosexual, bisexual, or as having sex with men, were enrolled from June 1, 1989, to May 30, 1994. METHODS: Structured reviews and written instruments, including measures of perceived susceptibility to and severity of HIV disease, benefits and barriers to testing, and cues to action. Based on significant (P < .001) bivariate association, variables were selected for forward stepwise logistic regression analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported HIV antibody testing. RESULTS: Forty-five percent of the subjects had undergone HIV antibody testing, with no significant differences between annual cohorts. Predictors of testing were having discussed same-sex feelings or experiences with a physician or counselor, a history of unprotected receptive anal intercourse, substance abuse, younger age at self-identification as bisexual or homosexual, ever having had a steady male partner, having many friends who understand sexual orientation, living away from family, and older age. CONCLUSIONS: Testing practices did not change significantly across time. Human immunodeficiency virus testing was related to age, risky behaviors, living situation, bisexual or homosexual acculturation, and contacts with health professionals, corresponding to Health Belief/Model dimensions of perceived susceptibility, barriers, and cues to action.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

PubMed1996

New developments in flow injection separation and preconcentration techniques for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

Flow injection (FI) on-line separation and preconcentration systems for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) are reviewed, highlighting the main developments in the field since 1990 and work achieved in the authors' laboratory. These include developments in on-line preconcentration systems based on column techniques, solvent extraction, coprecipitation and hydride sequestration. Advantages, limitations and potentials of the FI-ETAAS combination are discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1994

Quantifying HIV-1 proviral DNA using the polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid and blood of seropositive individuals with and without neurologic abnormalities.

To quantify the number of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proviral copies per 1,000 CD4+ cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood in relationship to stage of infection and HIV-1 neurologic disease (HND), 87 HIV-1 seropositive men without CNS opportunistic infections, tumors, or neurosyphilis, 9 high-risk, and 14 not-at-risk seronegative controls underwent a structured interview, and physical and neurologic examination followed by blood and CSF collection. A custom-designed, fully automated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system performed amplification with use of two HIV-1 gag primer pairs, Southern blotting, and hybridization with product-specific probes. Image analysis was used to quantify band intensities relative to a dilution series. Eighty-one of 87 (93%) seropositive patients, 1 of 9 high-risk patients, (11%) and none of 14 seronegative controls had PCR-detectable HIV-1 in their blood. Fifty-seven of 63 (90%) seropositive patients, 2 of 5 (40%) high-risk seronegative patients, and none of 14 controls had HIV-1 in their CSF. The proviral load in seropositive patients, all stages, was significantly greater in CSF than blood [median 25 vs. 0.6 copies/1,000 CD4+ cells (p = 0.0001)]. The median proviral load in blood was 0.09 copies/1,000 CD4+ cells in seropositive, asymptomatic subjects, 10.7 in patients with AIDS, and 1.4 in patients with AIDS-related complex (p = 0.0281). CSF proviral load was greater in seropositive patients with HND than those without HND, median 43.5 vs. 17.6 copies/1,000 CD4+ cells (p = 0.0614). Proviral load was greater in the blood and CSF of subjects with more advanced systemic disease and HND. There was a substantial penetration of HIV-1 into the CNS/CSF in both systemically and neurologically asymptomatic HIV-1 disease.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗

PubMed1993

A program to support small rural hospitals.

Rural hospitals continue to face the threat of closure. Congress passed legislation in 1989 and 1990 to offer an alternative for small rural hospitals; the legislation encourages hospitals to form networks comprising an essential access community hospital (EACH) and one or more rural primary care hospitals. This legislation is a tightly focused program that will affect no more than an estimated 150 hospitals in seven states; implementation of the program has been controversial, as this DataWatch demonstrates. The authors describe the profile of rural hospitals that are likely to apply to participate in the program, based on distances between hospitals and number of beds.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗

PubMed1992

Contribution of no-reflow phenomenon to hepatic injury after ischemia-reperfusion: evidence for a role for superoxide anion.

Controversy exists as to the role of oxygen-derived free radicals in tissue injury and the no-reflow phenomenon in reperfusion injury after ischemia. In this study using an experimental rat model, left hepatic lobar ischemia followed by reperfusion resulted in an increase of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase at 30 min with concomitant histological evidence of hepatocellular necrosis at 24 hr. In the in vivo liver microcirculation, reperfusion after ischemia resulted in an initial transient return of blood flow, but stasis of blood flow later developed in the liver sinusoids. Thus a no-reflow phenomenon in the microcirculation was demonstrated. Intravenous administration of a long-acting form of superoxide dismutase (half-life 6 hr, dose 4 or 8 mg/kg) significantly decreased the hepatocellular necrosis and reduced the microcirculatory stasis in the liver sinusoids. These studies established the important contribution of the no-reflow phenomenon in ischemia-reperfusion injury to the liver and the participation of superoxide anions in mediating the no-reflow phenomenon.

Animals↗