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Biomedical subjects

Wei Zhou

Publications and source records attributed to Wei Zhou.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction due to congenital duodenal diaphragm.

The presence of incomplete upper gastrointestinal obstruction in childhood is a rare condition and usually indicates congenital anomaly. We reported a case of incomplete duodenal obstruction in a 16-year-old girl due to a congenital duodenal diaphragm. A duodenal diaphragm with an eccentric aperture was found by upper gastrointestinal series and endoscopic examination in the second part of the duodenum. The patient made an uncomplicated recovery with relief of the symptoms after duodenotomy and excision of the diaphragm. This case underlines that congenital duodenal diaphragm should be kept in mind as a possibility whenever chronic obstruction of the duodenum in childhood is diagnosed. The prognosis of congenital duodenal diaphragm is usually good after excision of the diaphragm, when not associated with other congenital anomalies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Synthesis and anticancer activity of thiosemicarbazones.

Twenty-six thiosemicarbazones (III-1-III-26) were synthesized via three steps starting from hydrazine hydrate and carbon disulfide. The testing of anticancer activity of these compounds in vitro against P-388, A-549, and SGC-7901 shows that compounds III-15 and III-16 possess a higher inhibitory ability for P-388 and SGC-7901. Further testing shows that the value of IC50 of compound III-16 against SGC-7901 reaches to 0.032 microM.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

HIV prevalence and sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men: results from a statewide population-based survey in California.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate HIV prevalence, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) between 18 and 64 years old living in California. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of a statewide population-based sample of MSM. METHODS: Using data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001), 398 men who self-identified as gay or bisexual were recontacted and interviewed by telephone for a follow-up study in 2002. Study participants were interviewed regarding their demographic characteristics and sexual behavior, HIV testing history, and HIV infection status. Those who self-reported as HIV-negative or of unknown status were offered an HIV test using a home urine specimen collection kit. RESULTS: HIV prevalence among MSM in California was 19.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.8% to 25.3%) with higher rates seen among the following subgroups: high school or less education (40.4%), annual income less than dollar 20,000 (35.0%), or history of ever injecting recreational drugs (40.3%). Young age and Hispanic or African-American race/ethnicity were associated with higher proportions of risky sexual behavior and lower HIV testing rates. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence among MSM living in California continues to be high across the whole state, and population-based studies are needed periodically to complement findings from surveys using other sampling designs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Zebrafish z-otu, a novel Otu and Tudor domain-containing gene, is expressed in early stages of oogenesis and embryogenesis.

Several studies have suggested that Otu domain had de-ubiquitinating activity and Tudor domain was important for the formation of germ cells. Here, we reported a novel zebrafish ovary-specific gene containing Otu and Tudor domain, z-otu, which was expressed at stages I-III oocytes and embryonic stages from zygotes to early blastula during embryonic cells maintained their totipotency. Therefore, z-otu might link the ubiquitin signaling pathway to early oogenesis and maintaining the totipotency of embryonic cell.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Expression of small hairpin RNAs for S100A9 used in the protein function research.

To study the function of S100A9 protein in HL-60 cells treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), we had designed and constructed retroviral vectors for expression of small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and silenced S100A9 expression in HL-60 cells treated with ATRA. The silence efficiency of siRNA was detected with RT-PCR and Western blotting. The differentiation of HL-60 was monitored by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction experiment. Western blot showed that shRNAs remarkably reduce of S100A9 expression in HL-60 cells when they were induced to differentiation by ATRA. But NBT positive percentage of differentiated HL-60 cells was no remarked change with S100A9 expression. The data indicated S100A9 could be no important action during differentiation of HL-60 treated with ATRA.

Calgranulin B↗
PubMed2006

Repair of anastomotic abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm utilizing sequential AneuRx aortic cuffs in an overlapping configuration.

Anastomotic aortic pseudoaneurysm is a known late complication following aortic repair and presents a considerable surgical challenge. We herein evaluate the endovascular alternative of using sequential AneuRx aortic cuffs to bridge the degenerative anastomotic pseudoaneurysms as a definitive treatment. Over a 3-year period, six patients with a mean age of 68.7 years (range 58-75) were identified who had proximal anastomotic aortic pseudoaneurysms secondary to previously implanted bifurcated aortic grafts (mean 15, range 12-20 years) following open surgical correction of aortoiliac occlusive disease. Five patients (83%) presented with concomitant palpable femoral anastomotic pseudoaneurysms and one patient (16%) had a pulsatile abdominal mass. All patients had computed tomographic (CT) scans confirming proximal anastomotic pseudoaneuryms without evidence of infection. The mean diameter of the pseudoaneurysms was 5.3 cm (range 4.0-7.0). Five patients were treated with endovascular methods, while one patient was not suitable for endovascular repair due to the diameter of the native aorta as seen on imaging study at the time of the procedure. AneuRx aortic extender cuffs (3.75 cm length) were deployed sequentially in five patients via a femoral approach. Devices were overlapped approximately 1.5 cm in order to achieve total exclusion of the pseudoaneurysms, and all concomitant femoral aneurysms were repaired surgically at the same time. Successful exclusion of the anastomotic pseudoaneurysm was achieved in four patients (80%) using a combination of two or three overlapping aortic cuffs. One patient had a small residual endoleak that had sealed by 1 month, evidenced by follow-up CT. The renal arteries were preserved in all patients. The average estimated blood loss and operative time were 355 +/- 25 cc and 84 +/- 21 min, respectively. The average length of hospital stay was 2.1 days, and there was no mortality or major morbidity. All patients underwent CT scanning surveillance at 6 and 12 months and yearly afterward. There was no evidence of late endoleak, aneurysmal expansion, or device migration during the mean follow-up of 10 months, ranging 6-27 months. Our study demonstrated that utilizing sequential AneuRx aortic cuffs applied in an overlapping configuration is an effective strategy for degenerative aortic anastomotic pseudoaneurysm from previously placed aortic grafts. Additionally, our study suggests this unique endovascular technique is an ideal alternative for creating a customized tube graft in challenging cases, particularly in high-risk patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Molecular cloning of a novel gene ZAhi-1 and its expression analysis during zebrafish gametogenesis.

Proto-oncogen Ahi-1 is closely related to a lot of human and mouse diseases. Ahi-1 mutation will lead to leukemia in mice and Joubert syndrome in human beings. We have cloned the full cDNA sequence of Ahi-1 homologous in zebrafish, and RT-PCR results of ZAhi-1 in different tissues reveal that ZAhi-1 expressed highest in the mature gonad. In situ hybridization results of zebrafish gonad show that ZAhi-1 only expressed in the early stages' gamete cells. RT-PCR analyses of mouse Ahi-1 in different stages of spermatogenesis have been done according to the published Ahi-1 sequence, and the findings reveal that Ahi-1 is expressed in gamete of pachytene stage. It can then be safely concluded that Ahi-1 might take place in the spermatocyte from the early pachytene stage to the late pachytene stage.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Study on interaction between microtubule associated protein tau and prion protein.

Microtubule-associated protein tau is considered to play roles in many neurodegenerative diseases including some transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. To address the possible molecular linkage of prion protein (PrP) and tau, a GST-fusion segment of human tau covering the three-repeat region and various PrP segments was used in the tests of GST pull-down and immunoprecipitation. We found tau protein interacted with various style prion proteins such as native prion protein (PrPc) or protease-resistant isoform (PrPSc). Co-localization signals of tau and PrP were found in the CHO cell tranfected with both PrP and tau gene. The domain of interaction with tau was located at N-terminal of PrP (residues 23 to 91). The evidence of molecular interactions between PrP and tau protein highlights a potential role of tau in the biological function of PrP and the pathogenesis of TSEs.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Recurrent FBN1 mutation (R62C) in a Chinese family with isolated ectopia lentis.

PURPOSE: To examine the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene for mutations in members of a Chinese family with isolated ectopia lentis. DESIGN: Clinically relevant laboratory investigation. METHODS: Family members underwent clinical examinations. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes of peripheral blood from the available members and 100 controls for mutation analysis. The 65 exons of FBN1 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and screened for mutations by a combination of denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: A mutation, c.184C-->T in exon 2 of FBN1, which results in substitution of arginine by cysteine at position 62 of the fibrillin-1 protein (p.R62C) in all affected family members but in none of the unaffected individuals. CONCLUSIONS: A recurrent mutation of FBN1 gene resulted in an arginine-to-cysteine residue (p.R62C), is responsible for the patients with isolated ectopia lentis in a Chinese family.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Catheter-direct thrombolysis versus pharmacomechanical thrombectomy for treatment of symptomatic lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy using the AngioJet catheter (Possis Medical, Minneapolis, MN) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Additional infusion of thrombolytic agents via the device creates a novel treatment strategy of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT), which further enhances thrombectomy efficacy. The purpose of the current study was to compare the treatment outcome in patients with symptomatic DVT who underwent either catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) or PMT intervention. METHODS: During a recent 8-year period, clinical records of all patients with symptomatic lower leg DVT undergoing catheter-directed interventions were evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 treatment groups: CDT or PMT. Comparisons were made with regards to the treatment outcome between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients who underwent 98 catheter-directed interventions for DVT were included in the study. Among them, CDT or PMT was performed in 46 (47%) and 52 (53%) procedures, respectively. In the CDT group, complete or partial thrombus removal was accomplished in 32 (70%) and 14 (30%) cases, respectively. In the PMT cohort, complete or partial thrombus removal was accomplished in 39 (75%) and 13 (25%) cases, respectively. Venous balloon angioplasty and/or stenting in the CDT or PMT groups was necessary in 36 (78%) and 43 (82%), respectively (difference not significant [NS]). Patients in the CDT groups underwent a mean of 2.5 venograms during the hospital course, in contrast to 0.4 venograms per patient in PMT cohorts (P < .001). Immediate (<24 hours) improvement in clinical symptoms in CDT and PMT groups was achieved in 33 (72%) and 42 (81%) cases, respectively (NS). Significant reductions in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay was noted in the PMT group (0.6 and 4.6 days) when compared to the CDT group (2.4 and 8.4 days). During follow-up visits, the primary patency rates at 1 year of CDT and PMT groups were 64% and 68%, respectively (NS). Hospital cost analysis showed significant cost reduction in the PMT group compared to the CDT group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: PMT with adjunctive thrombolytic therapy is an effective treatment modality in patients with significant DVT. When compared to CDT, this treatment provides similar treatment success with reduced ICU, total hospital length of stay, and hospital costs.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Management of in-sent restenosis after carotid artery stenting in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as an acceptable treatment alternative in patients with carotid bifurcation disease. Although early results of CAS have been promising, long-term clinical outcomes remain less certain. We report herein the frequency, management, and clinical outcome of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after CAS at a single academic institution. METHODS: Clinical records of 208 CAS procedures in 188 patients with carotid stenosis of 80% or greater, including 48 (26.5%) asymptomatic patients, during a 42-month period were analyzed. Follow-up serial carotid duplex ultrasound scans were performed. Selective angiography and repeat intervention were performed when duplex ultrasound scans showed 80% or greater ISR. Treatment outcomes of ISR interventions were analyzed. RESULTS: Over a median 17-month follow-up, 33 (15.9%) ISRs of 60% or greater were found, according to the Doppler criteria. Among them, seven patients (3.4%) with a mean age of 68 years (range, 65-87 years) developed high-grade ISR (> or =80%), and they all underwent further endovascular interventions. Six patients with high-grade ISR were asymptomatic, whereas one remaining patient presented with a transient ischemic attack. Five of seven ISRs occurred within 12 months of CAS, and two occurred at 18 months' follow-up. Treatment indications for initial CAS in these seven patients included recurrent stenosis after CEA (n = 4), radiation-induced stenosis (n = 1), and high-cardiac-risk criteria (n = 2). Treatment modalities for ISR included balloon angioplasty alone (n = 1), cutting balloon angioplasty alone (n = 4), cutting balloon angioplasty with stent placement (n = 1), and balloon angioplasty with stent placement (n = 1). Technical success was achieved in all patients, and no periprocedural complications occurred. Two patients with post-CEA restenosis developed restenosis after ISR interventions, both of whom were successfully treated with cutting balloon angioplasty at 6 and 8 months. The remaining five patients showed an absence of recurrent stenosis or symptoms during a mean follow-up of 12 months (range, 3-37 months). By using the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the freedom from 80% or greater ISR after CAS procedures at 12, 24, 36, and 42 months was 97%, 97%, 96%, and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that ISR after CAS remains uncommon. Successful treatment of ISR can be achieved by endovascular interventions, which incurred no instance of periprocedural complications in our series. Patients who developed ISR after CEA were likely to develop restenosis after IRS intervention. Diligent ultrasound follow-up scans are important after CAS, particularly in patients with post-CEA restenosis.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Aortic endograft infection due to Pasteurella multocida following a rabbit bite.

Abdominal aortic endograft infection is a serious complication after an endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Pasteurella multocida, a gram-negative bacterium, is a commonly found organism in the mouth flora of many house pets. We report a case of an aortic endograft infection caused by P multocida after a rabbit bite. Successful treatment was performed by extra-anatomic revascularization followed by endograft removal.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Carotid artery aneurysm: evolution of management over two decades.

INTRODUCTION: Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm (CCA), although uncommon, represents a challenge to treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the treatment evolution and clinical outcome of all patients with CCA over a two decade period. METHODS: Clinical data of all patients diagnosed with CCA who underwent interventions from 1984 to 2004 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (1985-1994) and group II (1995-2004) were compared with regards to clinical presentation, treatment modality, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: A total of 42 cases of CCA were found during the study period (group I, n=22; group II, n=20). Pulsatile neck mass was the most common presenting symptom (n=39, 93%), followed by neurological symptoms (n=6, 14%). Twenty two (52%) were atherosclerotic aneurysms, fifteen (36%) false aneurysms, and five (12%) posttraumatic aneurysms. Both groups shared similar comorbidities and demographic profiles. All patients in group I underwent operative interventions, which included 12 resection with interposition bypass grafting (55%), six resection with patch angioplasty (27%), and four carotid ligation (18%). In group II, five patients underwent resection with interposition placement (25%) and one carotid ligation (5%). The remaining 14 patients underwent endovascular interventions (70%) which included seven stent-graft exclusions, six carotid stenting with coil exclusions, and one endovascular occlusion. Hospital length of stay was significantly shorter in group II than group I (3.5 vs. 9.4 days, p<0.01). The incidence of cranial nerve injury in group I and II were 14% vs. 5% (p<0.04), respectively. The 30-day mortality/major stroke rates in group I and II were 14% vs. 5% (p< 0.04), respectively. During the follow-up period (0.8 months-20 years; mean, 4.6 years), 16 patients died, largely due to cardiac etiologies (n=11, 69%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment modality of CCA has largely evolved from operative to endovascular intervention at our institution. Treatment benefits of endovascular modality include shorter convalescent and less procedural-related complications. This evolution reflects the improvement of endovascular devices and increased utility of endovascular applications.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Endovascular repair of a proximal aortic arch aneurysm: a novel approach of supra-aortic debranching with antegrade endograft deployment via an anterior thoracotomy approach.

Although open surgical repair continues to be the standard therapy for thoracic aortic aneurysms, endovascular intervention has evolved into an acceptable strategy for patients who have prohibitive risks for conventional surgical treatments. Aortic arch aneurysm, in particular, is associated with substantial surgery-related morbidities, yet is typically not suitable for endovascular intervention. We describe a combined technique of supra-aortic trunk debranching through an anterior thoracotomy followed by endovascular repair of a large proximal arch aneurysm in an 82 year-old man 8 years after an ascending aortic aneurysm repair.

Aged, 80 and over↗
PubMed2006

Delayed deformation of self-expanding stents after carotid artery stenting for postendarterectomy restenoses.

Carotid artery stenting has become an acceptable alternative for treating patients with severe atherosclerotic lesions, particularly those with significant surgical risks, such as recurrent stenosis after endarterectomy. Stent deformation, a phenomenon primarily associated with balloon-expandable stents, is largely avoided by exclusively using self-expanding stents in treating carotid artery stenosis. Nonetheless, we herein report two patients who presented with delayed Wallstent deformation after carotid artery stenting for postendarterectomy restenosis. Our cases highlight the need for caution because delayed deformation of self-expanding stents can occur, particularly during treatment of patients with postendarterectomy stenosis. Furthermore, poststent surveillance is imperative in identifying patients with severe restenosis after carotid artery stenting who need reintervention.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Ginkgolide A attenuates homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries.

BACKGROUND: Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether ginkgolide A (GA), a major constituent of Ginkgo biloba, could block homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries. METHODS: Porcine coronary artery rings were assigned to six treatment groups: control; homocysteine (50 micromol/L); low-dose (50 micromol/L) or high-dose (100 micromol/L) GA; and homocysteine plus low-dose or high-dose GA. After 24 hours' incubation, the rings were analyzed for vasomotor function in response to a thromboxane A2 analogue (U46619), bradykinin, and sodium nitroprusside. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was studied by using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analysis. Superoxide anion production was assessed by chemoluminescence analysis. RESULTS: Endothelium-dependent relaxation (bradykinin) was significantly reduced in ring segments treated with homocysteine as compared with the control (P < .05). When homocysteine was combined with either low-dose or high-dose GA, endothelium-dependent relaxation was markedly recovered. There was no significant difference in maximal contraction (U46619) or endothelium-independent relaxation (sodium nitroprusside) among all groups. In addition, superoxide anion production was increased by 113% in the homocysteine-treated group, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the control and GA/homocysteine groups. Furthermore, eNOS messenger RNA and protein levels were substantially reduced in the homocysteine-treated group (P < .05), but not in the GA/homocysteine combined groups. CONCLUSIONS: Homocysteine significantly impairs endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through oxidative stress and downregulation of eNOS in porcine coronary arteries. GA effectively prevents homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction and molecular changes in porcine coronary arteries. This study underscores the potential clinical benefits and applications of GA in controlling homocysteine-associated vascular injury and cardiovascular disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. This study showed that ginkgolide A, a major constituent of Ginkgo biloba, effectively prevents homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction and molecular changes in porcine coronary arteries. This study underscores potential clinical benefits and applications of ginkgolide A in controlling homocysteine-associated vascular injury and cardiovascular disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Endovascular training of vascular surgeons: have we made progress?

The rapid evolution of catheter-based technologies during the last 5 years has created a critical need for development of effective resident level and postgraduate education programs in both open and endovascular techniques and associated cognitive and clinical skills. Currently, significant variability exists in endovascular training formats and in the number of endovascular procedures performed during the course of a graduate or postgraduate program. Little information on the quality of these programs exists and in the subsequent practice patterns of the trainees. This report reviews recommended credentialing requirements, training paradigms, and the growing experience of vascular surgical trainees since 2000.

Catheterization↗