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Biomedical subjects

L Zou

Publications and source records attributed to L Zou.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Lymphoreticular dissemination of metal particles after primary joint replacements.

Twenty-three patients with a history of primary joint replacement followed by lymph node dissection procedure were studied. These specimens included pelvic, gastric, paraaortic, inguinal, retroduodenal, and axillary node chains. The lymph node specimens were sectioned, processed for scanning electron microscopic study, and viewed with backscattered electron imaging to identify metal particles. On detection of a metal particle, energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis was conducted to determine its elemental composition. Seven of 23 patients had metal alloy particles within the lymph node specimens. Metal particles were identified in the pelvic and axillary node chains. In each case, the metal alloy identified corresponded with the implanted type of alloy. The shortest interval between joint implantation and dissemination of metal to a lymph node chain was 6 months. These data suggest the need for continued followup to determine long term effects, if any, of this distribution of metal particles through the lymphatic system.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

CDC45, a novel yeast gene that functions with the origin recognition complex and Mcm proteins in initiation of DNA replication.

The CDC45 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was isolated by complementation of the cold-sensitive cdc45-1 mutant and shown to be essential for cell viability. Although CDC45 genetically interacts with a group of MCM genes (CDC46, CDC47, and CDC54), the predicted sequence of its protein product reveals no significant sequence similarity to any known Mcm family member. Further genetic characterization of the cdc45-1 mutant demonstrated that it is synthetically lethal with orc2-1, mcm2-1, and mcm3-1. These results not only reveal a functional connection between the origin recognition complex (ORC) and Cdc45p but also extend the CDC45-MCM genetic interaction to all known MCM family members that were shown to be involved in replication initiation. Initiation of DNA replication in cdc45-1 cells was defective, causing a delayed entry into S phase at the nonpermissive temperature, as well as a high plasmid loss rate which could be suppressed by tandem copies of replication origins. Furthermore, two-dimensional gels directly showed that chromosomal origins fired less frequently in cdc45-1 cells at the nonpermissive temperature. These findings suggest that Cdc45p, ORC, and Mcm proteins act in concert for replication initiation throughout the genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Isolation of a liver-specific promoter for human growth hormone receptor gene.

The biological actions of growth hormone (GH) are mediated through the growth hormone receptor (GHR). The GHR gene is expressed in a tissue specific manner and multiple variants (V1 to V8) of GHR mRNA have been detected in human tissues. To understand the regulation of GHR gene expression, a human genomic clone containing the 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) of the V1, V4, V7 and V8 exons of the GHR was isolated. The 2 kilobase (kb) 5' upstream sequence of the V1 specific UTR has promoter activity in transient transfection assays of the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. The exclusive expression of the V1 variant in adult liver, and the lack of expression of the other variants in this tissue, suggests that the V1 5'UTR represents the liver specific 5' noncoding exon for the human GHR gene. The data are consistent with the first isolation of a liver specific promoter for human GHR.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Observation of the serum acidic isoferritin levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma].

The levels of serum acidic isoferritin (SAIF) in 48 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 30 patients with hepatitis, 28 patients with liver cirrihosis, and 33 healthy subjects were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA--double-determinant). The result revealed that the SAIF values of HCC, HP and LC did not show normal distribution. The median values were 440 micrograms/L, 21 micrograms/L, 120 micrograms/L and, in normal subjects, 66 micrograms/L respectively. There were statistically significant differences between HCC and the control groups. The sensitivity of SAIF to HCC was 85.46%, with the cut-off point being 250 micrograms/L. SAIF was not correlated to AFP in HCC cases. The values of SAIF had no relationship with the volume of the tumors and the clinical stages. SAIF may be an available and useful serum marker and be beneficial to the diagnosis of early-staged HCC.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Intrarenal production of angiotensin II.

The intrarenal renin-angiotensin system plays a critical role in the paracrine regulation of renal hemodynamics and tubular transport function. Much of the intrarenal angiotensin II (ANG II) is formed locally as evidenced by intrarenal ANG II contents that are much greater than can be explained from the circulating ANG II concentration. Intrarenal ANG II is formed from systemically delivered ANG I and from intrarenally formed ANG I derived from systemically delivered angiotensinogen as well as locally synthesized angiotensionogen. There is a regional distribution of intrarenal ANG II in that the medullary content per gram of tissue is four to five times higher than the cortical content. In addition, most of the cortical ANG II is compartmentalized in the renal interstitial fluid and in the tubular fluid. Proximal tubule cells contain all the components of the renin-angiotensin system necessary for synthesis and secretion of ANG II. Proximal tubule concentrations of ANG II as well as ANG I and angiotensinogen support the concept that the proximal tubule cells secrete ANG II or precursors of ANG II into the tubular fluid. The intratubular concentrations of ANG II are in the nanomolar range, indicating a substantial capability to influence luminal ANG II receptors on the tubule cell membranes. Thus, much of the ANG II-dependent actions on tubular transport functions could be due to specific effects of locally synthesized ANG II on luminal ANG II receptors. Experimental evidence shows that the intratubular ANG II concentrations are regulated independently of the circulating concentrations, but the specific mechanisms responsible remain to be delineated.

Angiotensin I↗
PubMed1997

[The effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 on cyclic change of tendon cell].

In order to investigate the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1 on the cyclic change of tendon cell, the 6th generation of cultured tendon cell were selected, and 20 ng/ml IGF-1 was added to the medium. After 48 hours, the cells were determined by flow cytometer, as well as the control cells. The results showed that the time of G1 phase, DNA synthesis phase and G2M phase in IGF-1 group were 11.8 hours, 21.4 hours and 6.8 hours respectively, while those were 25.6 hours 22.6 hours and 21.8 hours respectively in the control group. It was showed that the time needed for G1 phase and G2M phase was shortened by IGF-1.

Cell Cycle↗
PubMed1997

[Implantation of allogenic osteoblast combined with calcium phosphate composites].

The aim of this experiment was to study the osteogenesis in vivo of allogenic osteoblast combined culture with calcium phosphate composites. The osteoblasts were obtained by enzymatic digestion of periosteum from fibula subcultured to 13 generations, the cells were combined culture with hydroxyapatite and biphasic calcium phosphate. Subseguently, the composite was implanted into rabbits subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The blank material was implanted in the contralateral side as control. Four weeks later, all animals were sacrificed. All the implants were examined by gross observation, histological examination and EDXA. The results showed: 1. obvious ingrowth of connective tissue with very little inflammatory reaction; 2. new bone formation in the composites with deposit of Ca and P on the surface of osteoblast, but none in the blank materials; 3. no significant difference of new bone formation between the different sites of implantation or different materials, but those implanted intramuscularly had lamellae form of new bone while those implanted subcutaneously had only mineralization of extracellular matrix. The conclusion were: 1. the composites are biocompatible with prior osteogenesis property; 2. periosteal-derived allogenic osteoblasts obatined by enzymatic digestion could survive following implantation with bioactivity; 3. rich blood supply might be advantageous to new bone formation and its maturation.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Analysis of pure titanium implants-bone interface by TOF-SIMS].

In order to study the Titanium-bone interaction and integration mechanism, the titanium implant was implanted in the tibia of 9 Newzealand rabbits, and the Ti-bone interface performed for 1, 3, and 6 months were examined and analyzed by fluorescence microscope and advanced TOF-SIMS techniques. The results showed that Ti-bone tissue was integrated closely in a very reactive manner. Both physical and chemical integration occurred in the Ti-bone interface. The Ti-bone could diffuse into the bone tissue though the diffusion was very limited. It was up to 100 microns in depth during the early period. The diffusion density was high, and later in a smooth distribution. Furthermore, while Ti+ diffused into the bone tissue, other elements such as Ca+, OH-, O-, etc, could also diffuse into titanium in exchange. The growth pattern around the bone tissue was in two fashions, one was implantefugal and the other was implantopetal. In this study, based on the ionic distribution, osmosis and impurity elements distribution, the Ti-bone integration mechanism was discussed at molecular and atomic level.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Assessment of shoulder dimensions and angles of porcelain bonded to metal crown preparations.

The metal ceramic crown is the most popular extracoronal restoration in the United Kingdom. These restorations may fail because of fracture or esthetics. A potential cause of failure is the quality and width of the facial shoulder preparation. In this study 24 extracted human teeth were prepared to receive metal ceramic crowns by one of three dentists. Preparations were replicated and scanned in the midfacial plane by a coordinate measuring machine with a noncontact probe. The x, y, and z surface coordinates were recorded. The results indicated a mean (+/-SD) shoulder width value of 0.752 mm (+/-0.174 mm) and a shoulder angle of 108.54 (+/-15.06) degrees. From these data it would appear that there are deficiencies in shoulder preparations, particularly in width. These inadequacies may have implications for longevity of the restoration and periodontal health in a clinical situation.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed1996

[Application of the thoraco-umbilical flap for the repair of large infected wounds on the limb].

We have repaired large infected wounds on the limb in 18 cases using the thoraco-umbilical flap. Of them, 6 were island flaps and 12 were free flaps. The size of the flap ranged from 10 cm x 12 cm, to 10 cm x 40 cm. All flaps survived. The advantages of the flap were (1) rich blood supply providing good anti-infection property; (2) the muscle carried by the flap could be used to fill a bone cavity, aiding to cure osteomyelitis; (3) the flap could be made rather big and has long vascular pedicle that was flexible for transferring.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Cloning of the promoter-regulatory region of the murine growth hormone receptor gene. Identification of a developmentally regulated enhancer element.

The growth hormone (GH) receptor is essential for the actions of GH on postnatal growth and metabolism. To identify DNA sequences involved in the regulation of transcription of the murine GH receptor gene, a 17-kilobase genomic clone containing the 5'-flanking region, exon 1, and part of intron 1 of the murine GH receptor gene was isolated. Utilizing primer extension and ribonuclease protection assays, two major transcription start sites were identified in RNA from liver of male, female, and pregnant mice. Transient transfection studies using a reporter gene demonstrated promoter activity in a variety of eukaryotic cells. Deletional analysis and DNA-protein binding assays led to the identification of a 30-base pair enhancer element located about 3.4 kilobases upstream of the transcription start sites. Computer analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the enhancer element did not reveal any potential DNA binding motifs for known transcription factors, and this DNA element failed to exhibit binding activity for some common transcription factors. Analysis of both functional activity and DNA-protein binding activity of this enhancer element in adult and fetal hepatocytes suggests that this DNA element may play a role in the developmental expression of the GH receptor gene.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Isolation of a highly cytopathic lentivirus from a nondomestic cat.

A feline immunodeficiency virus-like virus (FIV-Oma) isolated from a Pallas' cat (Otocolobus manul) is highly cytopathic in CrFK cells, in contrast to the chronic, noncytolytic infection established by an FIV isolate from a domestic cat (FIV-Fca). The virions have typical lentivirus morphology, density, and magnesium-dependent reverse transcriptase activity. The major core protein is antigenically cross-reactive with that of FIV-Fca; however, FIV-Oma transcripts do not cross-hybridize with FIV-Fca. A conserved region of the FIV-Oma pol gene has 76 to 80% nucleic acid identify with the corresponding pol regions of other feline lentiviruses and 64 to 69% identity with those of human, ovine, and equine lentiviruses.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Human osteoblasts in culture metabolize both 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 into their respective lactones.

1 alpha, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3], the hormonal form of vitamin D3, is further metabolized in the kidney and intestine through the carbon 24 (C-24) oxidation pathway initiated by C-24 hydroxylation, and the carbon 23 (C-23) oxidation pathway initiated by C-23 hydroxylation. The C-24 oxidation pathway leading to the formation of calcitroic acid has been previously reported to be present in bone cells, but the C-23 oxidation pathway leading to the formation of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone has not been described in bone cells, even though 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone is noted to have a significant effect on bone formation. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the production of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone in normal human osteoblasts, and our studies revealed that human osteoblasts possess the activity of both 24- and 23-hydroxylases constitutively. Thus, 1 alpha, 24(R),25-(OH)3D3, 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2-24-oxo-D3, 1 alpha, 23(S), 25-(OH)3-24-oxo-D3, 1 alpha, 23-(OH)2-24,25,26,27-tetranor D3, and calcitroic acid formed through the C-24 oxidation pathway and 1 alpha, 23(S),25-(OH)3D3 and 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone formed through the C-23 oxidation pathway were detected under basal conditions. Also, the synthesis of these metabolites was increased significantly when the cells were treated with 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 (50 nM) for 24 h before incubation with the tracer. As 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) follows similar side-chain modifications as 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3, the metabolism of 25OHD3 in normal human osteoblasts was studied under basal conditions. We found that 25OHD3 was also metabolized through both C-24 and C-23 oxidation pathways, resulting in significant synthesis of 24(R),25-(OH)2D3 along with 25OH-24-oxo-D3, 23(S),25-(OH)2-24-oxo-D3, 23(S),25-(OH)2D3, and 25OHD3-26,23-lactone. Under the same experimental conditions, we looked for 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 synthesis, as earlier studies have shown production of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 in human bone cells. During a time-course study ranging from 1-24 h, we found that by 2 h, the 24(R), 25-(OH)2D3 concentration rose and accumulated considerably during the following 24 h, but 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 did not accumulate at any time. However, other 1-hydroxylated metabolites, 1 alpha, 23(S),25-(OH)3D3, 1 alpha, 23(S),25-(OH)3-24-oxo-D3, as well as 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone were detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Calcifediol↗
PubMed1995

A member of the CTF/NF-1 transcription factor family regulates murine growth hormone receptor gene promoter activity.

Deletional analysis by transient transfection of COS-7 cells with the murine growth hormone (GH) receptor gene promoter for the L1 transcript identified a 16-bp enhancer element located approximately 3.0 kb upstream of the major transcription start sites. The sequence of this enhancer element suggested a binding motif for the CTF/NF-1 family of transcription factors. In electromobility shift assays (EMSA) this DNA-element formed a sequence-specific complex with nuclear proteins from COS-7 cells. Competition experiments with oligonucleotide containing a consensus binding motif for CTF/NF-1 protein(s) and supershift EMSA with an anti-CTF/NF-1 antibody established that a CTF/NF-1 like protein binds to this enhancer element.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Enhancement of intrarenal angiotensin II levels in 2 kidney 1 clip and angiotensin II induced hypertension.

Previous studies have indicated that the hypertension that develops after unilateral arterial constriction (2 kidney, 1 clip) involves an active participation by the non-clipped contralateral kidney. Even though the non-clipped kidney is not the initial causative factors, and despite the progressive renin depletion during the early weeks following clipping, the non-clipped kidney is highly responsive to angiotensin blockers. Furthermore, the non-clipped kidney has augmented tissue ANG II levels and ACE activity suggesting that some renin-independent mechanism may be stimulating intrarenal ANG II formation. This model has been simulated by infusing ANG II at low subpressor doses (40 ng/min) to uninephrectomized rats for 14 days. With this model, plasma and renal renin levels are markedly suppressed; however, the renal ANG II levels are increased to levels above those that can be explained on the basis of circulating ANG II. In agreement with the responses observed in the non-clipped kidney of 2K1C rats, there is also an increased renal ACE activity. In contrast to the marked suppression of renin gene expression and renin activity, angiotensinogen gene expression is not suppressed. These results support the hypothesis that small elevations in circulating ANG II stimulate intrarenal ANG II production through a renin-independent mechanism.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1995

Hyaluronidase in human somatic tissues and urine: polymorphism and the activity in diseases.

The polymorphism of hyaluronidase (EC 3.2.1.35) (Hyase) was studied on a hyaluronan-polyacrylamide gel. Liver, placenta, ovary and breast tissue were found to have 7 active isoforms while leukocytes and platelets 5 and fibroblasts displayed no hyaluronidase activity. In serum, synovial fluid and urine soluble the most acidic forms are present. Desialylation showed that most of the hyaluronidase isoforms differ in the content of sialic acid. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, hyaluronidase activity in the synovial fluid varied from not detectable to very high. A partial deficiency was demonstrated in sera from some patients with dysostosis multiplex without mucopolysacchariduria. In I-cell disease, hyaluronidase activity in serum was as that in controls.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1995

[Analysis of human DNA fingerprints by using fluorescein labelled probe JH12.6].

A method of analysis of human DNA fingerprints has been established by using fluorescein (Fl-11-dUTP) labelled probe JH12.6. The clear and high distinctive patterns of human DNA fingerprints were obtained with this method. The DNA fingerprints of 78 unrelated individuals living in Yunnan province of China were detected, and their probability of chance association between random individuals was calculated as 7.4 x 10(-11), and their mean allelic frequency as 0.09. Comparing of DNA fingerprints with labelling probe JH12.6 by using between radioactive 32P and fluorescein showed that the method by using fluorescein labelled probe JH12.6 was simple, fast, safe and economical. It can totally replace the method by using radioactive 32P labelled probe JH12.6, and it can be broadly applied in forensic medicine and other fields.

DNA Fingerprinting↗