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Biomedical subjects

M S Wang

Publications and source records attributed to M S Wang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Prostitutes, prostitution and STD/HIV transmission in mainland China.

China's opening to the world has enabled massive social and economic transformations and the liberalization of many policies, but also the rise of coincident social problems and diseases. A revival of wide-scale female prostitution since the 1980s has now accelerated to a nationwide dilemma. Prostitutes have long been considered to be reservoirs, if not 'vectors' for the transmission of sexual diseases. A well established STD epidemic in the last decade, plus the presence of growing HIV infections in China now, underscore the need to evaluate the prostitute's role in STD and HIV propagation. This report examines unobtrusive data on female prostitutes in the People's Republic of China through an analysis of prison records from eight sexually segregated prisons (six in Sichuan Province and two in Guizhou Province), two female re-education institutions, and arrest records for convicted prostitutes from four counties in Sichuan Province and Chengdu City (also in Sichuan). Collectively, these data represent 2057 female prostitution cases, and span the years 1988-1990. Demographics are examined to enable a profile of the prostitute as based on data reviewed, and this is contrasted to the stereotype of the prostitute as described in government propaganda against prostitution. STD prevalence rates in the samples are examined and contrasted to two other studies on STDs in nonprostitution populations made available to the authors. Prostitute arrest records reveal a majority had active STD infection[s] at the time of their apprehension, with gonorrhea being the most common bacterium; in many instances, prostitutes also had a history of other sexually transmitted diseases. Thus, data examined support the notion of prostitution as an agent in STD transmission. Presence of HIV infection in prostitutes could not be corroborated through sampled records, nor could prostitution itself be confirmed as an agent in HIV transmission at present. However, given the type of clients serviced by prostitutes in China, a prostitute's own risk of HIV infection is discussed. Control measures by the Chinese government to curb prostitution are examined at both national and provincial levels. Questions are raised as to the effectiveness of present tactics as adjunctive strategies in reducing STD infection and HIV risk in the prostitution population.

China↗
PubMed1995

Rat neutrophil defensins. Precursor structures and expression during neutrophilic myelopoiesis.

Defensins constitute a family of 3- to 4-kDa antimicrobial peptides that are stored in the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils, some macrophages, and intestinal Paneth cells. We have assessed defensin gene expression during myeloid differentiation by first characterizing cDNAs for each of the four known rat neutrophil defensins (RatNP 1-4). The cDNA sequences revealed that the peptides are synthesized as 87-94 amino acid precursors, each containing signal, pro-, and mature peptide segments. RatNP-3 and -4 mRNAs, but not those for RatNP-1 and -2 or other myeloid defensins, contained unique polypurine tracts located close to the termination codon in the 3' untranslated region. By using cDNA probes and/or riboprobes, we evaluated defensin transcript levels in a variety of tissues and in the full spectrum of neutrophil precursors. By in situ hybridization, defensin mRNAs were localized to neutrophil precursors in the bone marrow, with the highest mRNA levels occurring in promyelocytes and somewhat lower signals occurring in myeloblasts and myelocytes. Defensin mRNAs were not detectable in bands or mature neutrophils, nor at significant levels in tissues other than bone marrow. The accumulation of defensin protein in bone marrow cells was assessed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-RatNP-1 Ab. RatNP 1-4 mRNAs and protein levels were then correlated for each stage of neutrophilic differentiation to reveal the maturational profile of myeloid defensin gene expression in the rat.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Topical GM1 ganglioside to promote crushed rat sciatic nerve regeneration.

The effects of topical GM1 ganglioside on crushed rat sciatic nerve regeneration were studied in this presentation. Thirty-four rats, with 68 bilateral sciatic nerves, were divided into seven groups: one group of four rats for measurement of normal motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), three as controls, and another three in the GM1-treated groups. Sciatic nerves were exposed and crushed at a site 6 mm distal to the sciatic notch by the standard technique. In this manner, 3 mm wide crush injuries were created. Then 2.1 microliters of normal saline was injected into the crush site in the control groups and an equal volume of GM1 solution (containing 10 micrograms GM1) was injected into the GM1-treated groups. Electrophysiological, histological, and morphometric evaluations were carried out at 12, 28, and 56 days. A significantly higher muscle action potential (MAP) rate was found in the GM1-treated group (70%) vs. the controls (none) at 12 days (P < 0.005), and increased MNCV was found in the GM1-treated groups at both 28 and 56 days, especially at 56 days, when it was 39.59 +/- 9.23 m/sec vs. 31.42 +/- 4.07 m/sec in controls (P < 0.05). Morphometrically, there were more regenerated myelinated fibers (RMFs) at 12 days, and larger diameter of RMFs were observed at 12, 28, and 56 days in the GM1-treated groups.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1995

Effects of nerve growth factor on crushed sciatic nerve regeneration in rats.

The effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) on crushed sciatic nerve regeneration were studied in 30 rats, with 60 bilateral nerves. The nerves were crushed at a site 6 mm distal to the sciatic notch by the standard technique and 3 mm wide crush injuries were created. Then 2.1 microliters of normal saline in the control groups and an equal volume of NGF solution (containing 1 microgram of NGF) in the NGF-treated groups was injected into the crush sites and followed for 12, 28, and 56 days, respectively. At the end of the observation, electrophysiological evaluation was carried out; then samples 10 mm distal to the crush site were removed and prepared for histological and morphometric studies. Evoked muscle action potential (MAP) was recorded in 50% of the NGF-treated group at 12 days but not in the control group; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was increased in NGF-treated groups compared with control groups at 28 and 56 days (P < 0.05). Morphometrically, significantly more regenerated myelinated fibers (RMFs) were seen at 12 days, and larger diameter RMFs were found at 12, 28, and 56 days in NGF-treated groups than in control groups. These results indicate that topically applied NGF stimulates nerve regeneration and promotes function recovery in crushed rat sciatic nerves.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1994

Study of microvascular polyester prosthesis in rat carotid arteries.

The implantation of a microvascular polyester prosthesis (MPP) (internal diameter 1 mm, length 10 mm) in the carotid arteries was studied in 48 Sprague-Dawley rats. The left carotid artery was resected to 7 mm in length and replaced with MPP by means of sleeve anastomoses. Postoperatively the patency was monitored with Doppler ultrasound at 24 and 72 hr, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and was confirmed either by direct inspection intraoperatively or by angiography at the time of removal. At each monitoring time, all the thrombosed and some selected patent grafts were removed and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study. The early patency rate was 100% within 24 hr, and the cumulative long-term patency rate was 77.1% at 12 weeks. Rapid and complete endothelial lining (EL) restoration was demonstrated 3 weeks after operation, which provided a smooth and nonthrombogenic surface, and contributed to the long-term patency. Ten of the 11 failed grafts occurred within 3 weeks, that is, before EL, due to thrombosis. These observations indicate that MPP can be successfully used as arterial conduits in rats, and an enhanced patency rate may be expected with the use of anticoagulants or endothelial cell seeding for prevention of early thrombosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Facilitation of retinal function recovery by natural products after temporary ischemic occlusion of central retinal artery.

The b-wave of electroretinogram (ERG) was used as an indicator of the retinal function in this research to study the facilitation of retinal function recovery by some natural products isolated from medicinal plants. The retinal ischemia was induced by occlusion of the central retinal artery. It was found that the recovery of b-waves was limited to approximately 30-37% in control animals, whereas the b-wave recovery was doubled by natural products, including scoparone, corylifolinin and EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-0-gallate). Lespedeza flavanone A had biphasic action by suppressing the b-wave recovery below control level initially, then enhancing the b-wave recovery over the control rate later. These results indicate that some natural products could be used for the treatment of ischemic retinopathy.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The dynamic change of plasma endothelin-1 during the perioperative period in patients with rheumatic valvular disease and secondary pulmonary hypertension.

The arterial plasma endothelin-1 concentration was substantially more elevated in 15 patients with rheumatic valvular disease and secondary pulmonary hypertension than in healthy volunteers (3.66 +/- 2.20 versus 1.17 +/- 0.38 pg/ml, mean +/- standard deviation; p < 0.01). The preoperative plasma endothelin-1 level was highly correlated with the pulmonary hemodynamics: pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r = 0.94, p < 0.001), pulmonary artery mean pressure (r = 0.86, p < 0.001), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), and pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.63, p < 0.02). After valve replacement, the plasma endothelin-1 concentration declined substantially and the pulmonary hemodynamics improved markedly. Two weeks after the operation, the plasma endothelin-1 level in patients (1.26 +/- 0.45 pg/ml, mean +/- standard deviation) was not statistically different from that in the healthy volunteers. The plasma endothelin-1 concentration continuously increased during the course of cardiopulmonary bypass and peaked after cessation of bypass. The peak plasma endothelin-1 level (13.49 +/- 4.60 pg/ml, mean +/- standard deviation) positively correlated with the bypass time (r = 0.64, p < 0.02) and negatively correlated with the urine volume during bypass (r = -0.69, p < 0.01). We conclude that (1) increased plasma endothelin-1 might be implicated in the pathogenesis of secondary pulmonary hypertension caused by rheumatic valvular disease and (2) markedly elevated plasma endothelin-1 concentrations might be associated with the mechanism of cardiac or renal dysfunction after prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Furacilin compound cream for profound frostbite].

Furacilin compound cream in the treatment of profound frostbite was studied. The results of animal experiment showed that furacilin cream might greatly reduce vascular permeability of frostbite. The average survival rate of frostbite tissue increased from 12.0 +/- 1.2% in the control group to 62.0 +/- 3.7% in the treated group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Five patients with profound frostbite were clinically treated with the cream with satisfactory results.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Studies on constituents of Ilex chinensis Sims].

Several compounds characterised as protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, syringin, rotundic acid and pedunculoside were isolated from the leaves of Ilex chinensis, a Chinese crude drug. A novel compound cyclohexanone pedunculosyl-3,23-O-acetal was identified and proposed as a pedunculoside derivative produced in the extracting procedure.

Caffeic Acids↗
PubMed1992

[Distinguishing Anopheles dirus of Hainan Province by gas chromatography of cuticular hydrocarbons].

In order to identify the members of Anopheles dirus complex of Hainan Province an analysis of relative content of cuticular saturated n-paraffins of Anopheles dirus collected from different localities and in different months in Hainan Province was performed by using gas chromatography. The difference among the cuticular hydrocarbons n-paraffins components was statistically insignificant. The values of stepwise cluster analysis (Q model) were very close for all the collected populations. These data suggested that there might be one species of Anopheles virus complex which was further confirmed by the similarities between blood preference, seasonal variation, and nocturnal activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Can cancer pain attenuate the physical dependence on chronic long-term morphine treatment?

This prospective and comparative study was designed to determine the role of cancer pain and attitudes towards morphine in attenuating the intensity and duration of physical dependence following chronic morphine treatment. Morphine was administered via a stepwise ladder approach in order of oral, spinal and intravenous routes depending on the adequacy of analgesia. On-demand titration of a dose, either upward or downward, was liberal and unlimited. Withdrawal strategy was evaluated and initiated either by patients (PI group) or their families (FI group). The manifestation of physical dependence on morphine was compared between patients who successfully withdrew (total withdrawal), and patients who failed to withdraw (episodic withdrawal), from morphine for a period of more than two weeks. Eighty-eight out of 627 patients (14.1%) were excluded from our protocol; 75% of these exclusions were due to objections toward morphine as the major form of analgesic. Drop-out due to poorly tolerated side effects was relatively rare (18.2%). Fifty-four (10.0%) achieved total withdrawal and 212 (39.3%) experienced episodic withdrawal. Non-pain-related abstinence symptoms were highly prevalent but were tolerable for both groups. Pain-related symptoms were more exaggerated during episodic withdrawal. Intolerable pain, rather than physical dependence, contributed to the failure to withdraw from morphine. Among a total of 539, addiction was found in only one patient (0.18%) who began drug use long before entering our protocol. Attitudes towards morphine affect the acceptance of treatment and hasten the withdrawal strategy. Families were more anxious about morphine than the patients themselves which led to more aggressive, but less tolerable, withdrawal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Do postsuctioning transcutaneous PO2 values change when a neonate's movements are restrained?

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of containment (restraint of an infant's movements) on premature infants' postsuctioning transcutaneous PO2 values. The hypothesis was that premature infants receiving containment would have significantly different postsuctioning transcutaneous PO2 levels than infants receiving no containment. Premature infants with respiratory disease require suctioning to remove excess secretions from their lungs. Research studies document a variety of infant responses to suctioning; hypoxia, hypoxemia, increased blood pressure, bradycardia, increased intracranial pressure, and increased cerebral blood flow velocity. Most studies have examined only a few isolated variables and the magnitude and duration of hypoxemia in response to suctioning. Our sample comprised 24 infants less than 72 hours of age, who had respiratory distress syndrome and had been born at between 24 and 33 weeks' gestational age. The setting was a neonatal intensive care unit of a large county hospital. The same nurse performed the suctioning and containment procedures in all subjects. Student's t-tests and analysis of variance were carried out to determine the effect of the technique.

Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous↗
PubMed1990

Comparison of continuous epidural infusion of fentanyl and fentanyl-bupivacaine for post cholecystectomy pain control.

Epidural narcotics has been shown to produce profound and long-lasting analgesia. It has been suggested that lipid-soluble narcotics such as fentanyl, because of their short transit time in the CSF, are less likely to be associated with delayed respiratory depression and side effects. We tried to combine low concentrations of fentanyl with bupivacaine to minimize side effects and to see if synergistic effect existed. Forty ASA physical status I or II patients who present for cholecystectomy were included in the trial. Before surgery a thoracic epidural catheter was inserted and pain control began when patients became fully awake and complained of pain in the recovery room after surgery. Patients were randomized in a double-blind fashion to one of four groups. Patients in group I were given epidural infusions of fentanyl 0.001%; patients in group 2 received fentanyl 0.001% mixed with bupivacaine 0.1%; patients in group 3 received fentanyl 0.0005%; patients in group 4 received fentanyl 0.0005% mixed with bupivacaine 0.1%. A continuous epidural infusion of these drugs began at a rate of 10 mL/h after a 5-mL bolus of the solution. Pain relief was assessed with visual analogue pain scale. Respiratory rates, vital signs, and mental status were assessed hourly. Except the group 3, the degree of analgesia achieved was similarly satisfactory in all other groups. There was no respiratory depression developed in either group. Motor block was minimal or absent in all groups. The incidence of nausea and pruritus was significant less in group 3 and group 4. In conclusion, the continuous infusion of dilute bupivacaine with fentanyl provides synergistic analgesia with minimal side effects.

Analgesia, Epidural↗
PubMed1989

[Serological survey of cytomegalovirus infection in Guizhou].

From August to October 1987, 577 serum samples were examined for the presence of CMV-IgG antibody by using indirect ELISA in Guizhou. The positive rate of CMV antibody varied from 87.5 to 92.4% in three areas and from 80.9-94.9% in various ages groups. It was suggested that the main transmission route of CMV infection in early life might be transmitted from mothers to their infants, but there might be some close contact transmission in population. The results showed that CMV infection was common in Guizhou. It was necessary to study further the correlation between CMV infection and birth defects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Prevention of hypothermia during abdominal surgery: comparison of thermal tube and blanket.

Twenty patients who received elective abdominal surgery for more than two hours were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 was warmed by using "EXACON" thermal therapy system model TT8200. Group 2 was warmed by using a thermal blanket of aquamatic K-thermia (electronic control), model PK-600 of American Hamilton medical systems. Other variables were kept constant, and the theater temperature was maintained at 24 degrees C. Core temperature was recorded every five minutes in a two hour period. There were statistically significant differences between these two groups intra-operatively. Decrease of temperature between these two groups had significant changes from 30 minutes to 2 hours (p less than 0.05). The warming effect of esophageal thermal tube was well controlled by directly warming the central compartment. However, the effect of blanket was unpredictable due to wet dressing and superficial warming of surgical fields. There were no side effects during the study.

Abdomen↗