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ABSTRACT: Interfacial heat transfer is a key issue in many solidification processes. In the paper, a novel experimental apparatus has
been designed and on this basis, the instantaneous interfacial heat transfer between molten steel or solidified shell and
copper substrate during the first 0.2 s has been studied. The investigated parameters include melt superheat, substrate temperature
and surface roughness. The results show that the peak value of the interfacial heat flux in the first stage of liquid/solid
contact increases with melt superheat and changes slightly with substrate temperature and surface roughness. The interfacial
heat flux in the stage of solid/solid contact has a similar trend of slow decrease in most conditions.
Key wordsrapid solidification–interfacial heat transfer–heat flux
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University (Science) 04/2012; 16(1):65-70.
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ABSTRACT: To analyze the clinical presentation of venous diethylene glycol (DEG) poisoning in patients with preexisting severe liver disease and factors that correlate with DEG poisoning.
Retrospective chart review was performed to analyze the epidemiology, clinical presentation, hepatorenal functions, hemodynamics and pathological characteristics of 64 patients with severe liver disease who received intravenous armillarisin-A, the solvent of which was DEG. Comparative analyses of correlating factors and causes for poisoning were based on the presence or absence of poisoning.
Of the 64 patients who received armillarisin-A, 15 were found to have DEG poisoning. Twelve poisoned patients died. After a mean of 5 d, the poisoned patients displayed acute renal failure. Metabolic acidosis occurred in 13 cases. BUN, Cr, and CO2 values were significantly elevated and exacerbation of digestive tract symptoms and/or symptom was noted in 11 cases. Neurological system impairment was observed in 10 cases after 2 wk. Compared to the 49 non-poisoned patients, the poisoned patients exhibited significantly lower RBC and Hb values and higher WBC count. Renal biopsy from the poisoned patients revealed acute tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis. Significant differences in preexisting severe hepatitis, ascites, renal disease, and diuretic therapy were found between groups. Prior to diethylene glycol injections, the mean values for neutral granular cells, BUN, Cr, calcium and phosphorous ions differed significantly between groups.
Venous diethylene glycol poisoning is characterized by oliguric acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis, digestive symptoms, nervous system impairment, and a high probability of anemia and WBC proliferation. Mortality is high. Correlative factors include preexisting severe liver disease, renal disease, and infection.
World Journal of Gastroenterology 06/2008; 14(20):3236-41. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To study the predictive value of ALT, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels at baseline and HBV DNA levels at week 12 adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment to the efficacy of it at week 52 in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
Ninety-eight HBeAg-positive CHB patients with serum HBV DNA>or=1x10(6) copies/ml and ALT levels between 1.5 to 10 times of upper limits of normal (ULN) were enrolled in the study. Ten mg/d of ADV was administered for 52 weeks. Line serum samples were collected for measuring HBV DNA and HBV markers. The efficacy of the treatment at week 52 was evaluated in patients with different ALT, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels at baseline and HBV DNA levels at week 12 after treatment.
At week 52 of ADV treatment, the rates of HBV DNA<10(3) were 72.7%, 66.7% and 53.0% respectively in patients with ALT>5xULN, HBeAg<or=350 s/co and HBV DNA<or=10(8) copies/ml. Significant differences were found between them and patients with ALT<2xULN (38.0%, P<0.05), HBeAg>350 s/co (30.2%, P<0.01) and HBV DNA>10(8) copies/ml (34.4%, P<0.05) at baseline. HBeAg seroconversion rates were 42.2% and 7.5% (P<0.01) in patients with HBeAg titer<or=350 and >350 S/co at baseline. In patients with HBV DNA<10(3), 10(3)-10(5) and >10(5) copies/ml at week 12, the ratios of them with HBV DNA<10(3) less than 1000 copies/ml at week 52 were 82.6%, 57.1% and 17.5% and significant differences were found between these groups (P<0.05); HBeAg seroconversion rates were 52.2%, 25.7% and 5.0% (P<0.05); ALT normalization rates were 100%, 83% and 75%, significantly higher in patients with HBV DNA<10(3) copies/ml than those with HBV DNA>10(5) copies/ml (P<0.05) at week 12. HBV DNA and HBeAg seroconversion at week 52 correlated with HBV DNA levels at week 12 (r=0.6 and r=0.5 respectively, P<0.01).
In HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with adefovir dipivoxil, HBV DNA levels at week 12 can be used to predict the efficacy at week 52. HBV DNA<10(3) copies/ml at week 12 predict a better treatment result at week 52.
Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology 06/2008; 16(5):341-4.
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ABSTRACT: To study the specific cellular immunoresponse of peripheral blood lymphocytes in the chronic hepatitis B patients treated with different doses of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine.
Seventy-two chronic hepatitis B patients who did not use any anti-HBV drugs within 6 months were randomized into 3 groups (90 micrograms, 60 micrograms, and placebo) in a ratio of 1:1:1. The patients in different groups were treated with different doses of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in combination with IFN alpha 1b 50 micrograms with 3 times a week for 24 weeks. All patients were followed up for 24 weeks (W24). HBV DNA, HBeAg and liver functions were detected at different time points, and the number of cells that secrete IFN-gamma were detected by ELISPOT.
There were no significant difference in ELISPOT positive ratio among the 3 groups on baseline detection. At W24, 12 cases, 12 cases, and 7 cases showed ELISPOT positive in the group of 90 micrograms, 60 micrograms, and placebo. The proportion of patients who were ELISPOT positive was higher in the groups treated with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (including the dose of 90 micrograms and 60 micrograms) than that in the placebo group (P=0.0446). HBV DNA turned negative in 6/24 of the patients treated with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (at both the doses of 90 micrograms and 60 micrograms), and HBeAg/Anti-HBe seroconversion or HBeAg became negative in 7/24 of them. In the placebo group, none of the patients showed undetectable HBV DNA, HBeAg/Anti-HBe seroconversion or HBeAg disappearance. At the 24W of follow up, in the patients who were ELISPOT positive, HBV DNA became undetectable in 4 of the patients treated with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (at doses of 90 micrograms and 60 micrograms), and HBeAg/Anti-HBe seroconversion or HBeAg disappearance were found in 9 of the cases. In the placebo group, none of the cases showed undetectable HBV DNA, and only 1 case had HBeAg/Anti-HBe seroconversion.
The recombinant hepatitis B vaccine may increase the function of specific T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B. There were no significant differences between the patients treated with the dose of 90 micrograms and 60 micrograms hepatitis B vaccine.
Zhonghua shi yan he lin chuang bing du xue za zhi = Zhonghua shiyan he linchuang bingduxue zazhi = Chinese journal of experimental and clinical virology 01/2008; 21(4):334-6.
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ABSTRACT: To study the active efflux gene qacB, qacJ and smr in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to investigate their effect on the multi-drug resistance (MDR) of MRSA.
The three pairs of ideal primers of active efflux gene qacB, qacJ and smr were designed by computer with Primer Premier 5.0 software. A total of 124 clinical isolates of MRSA were amplified respectively by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with above mentioned primers. The PCR products were separated by electrophoresis on an 1.5% agarose gel with 0.5 microg/ml ethidium bromide. Reserpine inhibition test was used to observe the changes of the susceptibility to antibiotics of MRSA which had qacB, qacJ and smr genes separately.
Of the 124 strains of MRSA, 86 strains had qacB, 45 strains had qacJ and 32 strains had smr gene. Reserpine inhibition test showed that the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) decreased 2 to 32 times for MRSA to levofloxacin and rifampin.
MRSA have qacB, qacJ and smr active efflux systems, which play a very important role in multiple antibiotic resistance.
Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases 02/2007; 30(1):40-3.
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ABSTRACT: To study the clinical features and natural history of post-transfusion hepatitis C (PTHC).
Ninety-nine post-transfusion hepatitis C patients were analyzed using retrospective and prospective study and follow-up.
(1) Ninety-nine post-transfusion HCV patients were infected during 1989-1994, mostly between 1990-1992. (2) Ninety patients were diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C, and 9 as hepatic cirrhosis (period of compensation). (3) The intervals between their transfusions and their initial diagnoses of PTHC were 7.4+/-6.6 years in all 99 patients, and the intervals in 9 cirrhosis patients were 12.7+/-5.8 years. (4) Among 63 male patients, 59 cases were chronic hepatitis C and 4 were cirrhosis while among 36 female patients, 31 were chronic hepatitis C and 5 were cirrhosis. There was no significant difference of the ratio for hepatitis C and cirrhosis between the male and female patients (P>0.05). (5) Repeat abnormal liver function occurred accompanied with a fluctuation of ALT elevation in those patients with cirrhosis. (6) No patient developed hepatic carcinoma during the study period.
(1) The possibility of HCV infection by transfusion has declined greatly since 1995 in Guangzhou. (2) Nine of the 99 (9.1%) chronic HCV-infected patients developed a compensated cirrhosis after 12.7+/-5.8 years. (3) For those PTHC patients with repeat abnormal liver functions, interferon combined with ribavirin is recommended to prevent the development of cirrhosis.
Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology 03/2006; 14(3):199-201.
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ABSTRACT: To study the effect of airway gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) plasmid gene transfer on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice.
Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (group A), an asthmatic group (group B), a plasmid group (group C) and an IFN-gamma plasmid group (group D), 10 mice in each group. Except group A, other groups were sensitized with 0.1 ml 0.1% ovalbumin (OVA) by a combination of intraperitoneal injection and repeated 50 microl 1% OVA intranasal challenges to establish the mouse asthma model. In group A, normal saline of the equal volume was given instead of 0.1% OVA 0.1 ml and 1% OVA 50 microl. Group C was intranasally administered 50 microl mixture of plasmid pcDNA3.1(-) and Lipofectamine 2000, while 50 microl mixture of IFN-gamma plasmid and Lipofectamine 2000 was administered for the mice of group D. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count and differential were studied. Interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IFN-gamma in BALF were determined. Pathologic changes in lung tissues were observed.
The differences were significant (P < 0.05) when the numbers of inflammation cells, eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in BALF of group B [(0.102 +/- 0.020) x 10(9)/L, (0.0193 +/- 0.0047) x 10(9)/L, (0.0107 +/- 0.0039) x 10(9)/L, (0.0255 +/- 0.0042) x 10(9)/L, respectively] were compared with those of group A [(0.082 +/- 0.012) x 10(9)/L, (0.0041 +/- 0.0009) x 10(9)/L, (0.0051 +/- 0.0016) x 10(9)/L, (0.0201 +/- 0.0019) x 10(9)/L, respectively]. The numbers of inflammation cells, eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in BALF of group D [(0.086 +/- 0.016) x 10(9)/L, (0.0116 +/- 0.0031) x 10(9)/L, (0.0062 +/- 0.0018) x 10(9)/L, (0.0182 +/- 0.0041) x 10(9)/L, respectively] were also significantly different (P < 0.05) as compared with those of group B. The IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma levels in BALF of group B [(39.2 +/- 5.1) pg/ml, (83.7 +/- 4.7) pg/ml, (15.7 +/- 2.7) pg/ml, respectively] were significantly different (P < 0.05) as compared with those of group A [(13.3 +/- 1.9) pg/ml, (12.1 +/- 2.3) pg/ml, (31.8 +/- 7.9) pg/ml, respectively]. The IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma levels of group D [(16.4 +/- 3.2) pg/ml, (26.3 +/- 3.4) pg/ml, (65.4 +/- 10.4) pg/ml] were also different (P < 0.05) from those of group B. Lung inflammation was examined in HE stained sections. There was no obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airways of group A. However, there were a great number of inflammatory cells in the interstitial and peribronchovascular regions of group B and group C. Group D exhibited reduced epithelial damage and less infiltration of mononuclear cells and polymorphs in the interstitial and peribronchovascular regions, as compared with group B or group C.
These findings suggest that transtracheal IFN-gamma gene transfer is effective in modulating the imbalance of Th1/Th2 in BALF and inhibiting airway inflammation of asthmatic mice. The result provides experimental data for developing a novel therapeutic approach to asthma.
Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases 08/2005; 28(8):530-3.
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ABSTRACT: To improve competitively differentiated polymerase chain reaction (CD-PCR) in detection of HBV basal core promoter mutation.
Recombinant plasmid of double point mutation A1762T/G1764A in basal core promoter of HBV constructed by site-directed mutagenesis was used as mutant control. To reveal the deficiency mechanism of CD-PCR, relationship between the circle number of PCR and the increased speed of products of each competitive primer was comparatively studied. Diversified amount of dNTPs and mutual primer of the competitive primers were tried to optimize CD-PCR. Optimized CD-PCR was evaluated by detecting A1762T/G1764A mutation in recombinant plasmids and clinical sera from patients with HBV infection.
The deficiency mechanism of CD-PCR was that the products of mismatched competitive primer grew fast when the amplification of matched primer entered into plateau stage, which led to decrease in or disappearance of the difference in the amount of their products. This phenomenon could be eliminated by reducing dNTPs to 10 micromol/L and mutual primer to about 100 nmol/L. Optimized CD-PCR could detect both mutant and wild strain independent of the amount of templates and the number of PCR cycles. Its detection limit was 10(3) copies/mL, about 50 copies/reaction. About 10% of mutant DNAs among wild type DNAs could be detected. A1762T/G1764A mutant was detected in 41.8% (51/122) of patients with HBV infection, but not detected in controls with negative HBsAg.
Optimized CD-PCR can detect mutation independent of the amount of initial templates and the number of PCR cycles.
World Journal of Gastroenterology 07/2005; 11(23):3614-8. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: G1896A mutation in precore or A1762T/G1764A mutations in basal core promoter are suspected to be responsible for patients with detectable level of HBV DNA in serum after seroconversion from HBeAg to anti-HBe. However, G1896A variant has impaired, while A1762T/G1764A variant may have intact replication ability. They themselves or their coexistence status may play different roles in such meaningless seroconversion. For these reasons, the significances of these two types of mutations were comparatively investigated in this study.
One hundred and sixty-five sera with positive anti-HBe and HBV DNA were collected from different patients. Mutations of G1896A and A1762T/G1764A among these serum samples were detected using competitively differentiated PCR. HBV DNA was demonstrated using real-time quantitative PCR.
G1896A and/or A1762T/G1764A mutations were detected in 89.1% (147/165) out of patients with detectable HBV DNA in serum after HBeAg-to-anti-HBe seroconversion. The positive rate of G1896A variants was significantly higher than that of A1762T/G1764A mutations (77.6% vs 50.3%, chi2 = 26.61, P<0.01). The coexistence positive rate of these two types of mutations was 38.8% (64/165). Coexistence mutations were found in 77.1% (64/83) out of sera with A1762T/G1764A mutations, and in 50.0% (64/128) out of sera with G1896A mutation. Compared with variants with G1896A mutation only, the coexistence mutations were predominant in patients with high level of serum HBV DNA, and related to higher total bilirubin, lower serum albumin and progressive liver diseases.
The coexistence of G1896A mutation and A1762T/G1764A mutations is very common, and responsible for the major cases with high level of HBV DNA in serum and progressive liver diseases after HBeAg-to-anti-HBe seroconversion. This coexistence mutation variant may have higher pathogenicity and replication ability.
World Journal of Gastroenterology 06/2005; 11(20):3131-4. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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Jia-Ling Huang,
Jian Huang,
Zhao-Hui Duan,
Jing Wei,
Jun Min,
Xiao-Hong Luo, Jian-Guo Li,
Wei-Ping Tan,
Li-Zhi Wu,
Ran-Yi Liu,
Yan Li,
Jing Shao,
Bi-Jun Huang,
Yi-Xin Zeng,
Wenlin Huang
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ABSTRACT: The immune spectrum of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is poorly understood. To define the dynamics of the immune spectrum in SARS, serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, immunoglobulins, complement and specific antibodies against SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and phenotypes of peripheral lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry in 95 SARS-infected patients. Results showed that interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) were continuously up-regulated during the entirety of SARS. Regulated on activation normally T cell-expressed and secreted (RANTES) levels were decreased, while monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was elevated in acute patients. Immunoglobulins and complement were elevated during the first month of SARS. Both serum-positive rates and titers of specific IgM and IgG antibodies responding to SARS-CoV peaked at days 41-60 from the onset of SARS. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes decreased significantly in acute-phase. CD3+CD8+CD45RO+ T lymphocytes were decreased by 36.78% in the convalescent patients. Conclusion: SARS-CoV seemed to elicit effective humoral immunity but inhibited cellular immunity, especially CD8+ memory T lymphocytes over time. Prolonged overproduction of IL-10 and TGF-beta may play an important role in the disease.
Microbes and Infection 04/2005; 7(3):427-36. · 3.10 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To clarify the relationship between fatal severe form hepatitis occurred during chronic hepatitis B and superinfections of hepatitis A, C, D or E virus as well as hepatitis B e system status and to adopt corresponding measures to reduce the mortality of chronic hepatitis B.
This study detected the superinfections with hepatitis A, C, D or E virus and hepatitis B e system status in 219 patients with fatal severe form hepatitis occurred during chronic hepatitis B by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
The superinfections with hepatitis A, C, D or E virus were found in 1.4% (3/219), 9.6% (21/219), 1.8% (4/219) and 30.1% (66/219) of the patients, respectively, altogether 42.9% (94/219); hepatitis E was prominent and steady in superinfection rate in recent ten years. The causes of 57.1% (125/219) patients were not clear. The positive rate of HBeAg and anti-HBe were 17.0% (16/94) and 54.2% (51/94) in the group of superinfections with hepatitis A, C, D or E virus; and were 27.2% (34/125) and 47.2% (59/125) in the group with unknown causes, respectively.
These results suggested that the patients with superinfections reached 42.9% (94/219), and the superinfections may be a part of causes of fatal severe form hepatitis, and the mortality of chronic hepatitis B may be decreased by strict food sanitation and use of safe blood products. There were no significant relation between hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion and the fatal severe form hepatitis occurred during chronic hepatitis B.
Zhonghua shi yan he lin chuang bing du xue za zhi = Zhonghua shiyan he linchuang bingduxue zazhi = Chinese journal of experimental and clinical virology 04/2005; 19(1):52-4.
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ABSTRACT: The hybridization methods and polymerase-based amplification methods are usually employed to detect pathogens and gene expressions quantitatively in clinical practices nowadays. However, the sensitiveness of the former and the specificity of the latter are not yet satisfied. To solve this problem, some promising comprehensive methods have been developed recently. Here we reported a new comprehensive method, a tandem repeated DNA probe-based amplification (TRPBA) system. To establish the TRPBA, TR48, an artificial tandem repeated DNA probe with 48 repeats of a 50 base pair unit was constructed. It could be efficiently amplified by Bst DNA polymerase at 61 degrees C for only 1 h. The products were analyzed either by direct gel electrophoresis or by gel electrophoresis after the digestion with restriction endonuclease HincII. The sensitiveness was as few as 100 copies per test, which was comparable with PCR-based techniques. The TR48 splicing with the DNA fragment of hepatitis B virus used as probe could successfully develop TRPBA to detect hepatitis B virus DNA. The TRPBA can be used in the future to detect many other genes or microorganisms simply by splicing TR48 with their DNA fragments. Thus, TRPBA might be useful because of its sensitiveness and simpleness.
Molecular and Cellular Probes 01/2005; 18(6):383-8. · 2.08 Impact Factor
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Wei Wu,
Jing-feng Wang,
Shan-ping Jiang,
Pin-ming Liu,
Qing-yu Chen,
Wei-xian Chen,
Song-mei Yin,
Li Yan,
Jun Zhan,
Xi-long Chen, Jian-guo Li
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the differences among various transmission generation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) by comparing the corresponding clinical data.
The clinical data of 84 patients with SARS were retrospectively studied, 66 women and 18 men, mean age (29.2 +/- 10.3) years old, 96.4% of whom were health care workers. All subjects had exposure to a source patient and the epidemic progressively propagated in a short time. For the infectious chain, we defined these patients who had exposure to a source patient as the primary cases, which included 35 patients (41.7%). Patients who got the disease by exposure to the primary cases were defined as secondary cases, which included 34 patients (40.5%). Similarly, the tertiary cases included 15 patients (17.9%).
(1) No statistical differences in age, sex ratio, incubation period and hospitalization duration among various infectious generations were found (P > 0.05). (2) With descending in infectious generations, the initial temperature lowered, and cases with cough decreased (P < 0.05) with no statistical differences in the peak temperature, other accompanying symptoms and leukopenia (P > 0.05). (3) With descending in infectious generations, the course from the appearance of pulmonary lesions to their resolution shortened (P < 0.05). No differences were found in the maximal involved pulmonary fields, duration from initial fever to appearance of pulmonary lesions and course from the initial pulmonary lesions to their peak among the above three generations (P > 0.05). (4) No statistical differences were found in ways of oxygen therapy and classes of antibiotics prescribed (P > 0.05). With descending in infectious generation, cases treated with methylprednisolone, human gamma-immunoglobulin, interferon-alpha, and antiviral drugs (oral ribavirin or oseltamivir) increased (P < 0.05) and the duration of their use also increased (P < 0.05).
With descending in infectious generations, the clinical features of SARS may become ameliorated.
Zhonghua nei ke za zhi [Chinese journal of internal medicine] 07/2004; 43(6):416-9.
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Wei Wu,
Jing-feng Wang,
Pin-ming Liu,
Shan-ping Jiang,
Qing-yu Chen,
Wei-xian Chen,
Song-mei Yin,
Li Yan,
Jun Zhan,
Xi-long Chen, Jian-guo Li
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ABSTRACT: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is characterized by both an atypical pneumonia and efficient nosocomial transmission. However, it remains unknown whether the infectivity and the virulence of the pathogen will change throughout the successive transmission. This study was conducted to compare the clinical features and management regimens of patients with SARS among the multiple generations from nosocomial transmission initiated by a super-spreader.
The clinical data of 84 epidemiologically-linked SARS patients from a hospital outbreak were retrospectively studied. All patients, in whom a clear-cut transmission generation could be noted, had a direct or indirect exposure to the index patient and the epidemic successively propagated through the multiple generations of cases within a short period of time.
There were 66 women and 18 men with mean age of (29.2 +/- 10.3) years in this cluster; and 96.4% of whom were health care workers. Detailed contact tracing identified 35 (41.7%) first-generation cases, 34 (40.5%) second-generation cases, and 15 (17.8%) third-generation cases. No statistical differences among the multiple generations of transmission were found in terms of age, gender, incubation period and length of hospital stay. With the advanced transmission generations, the initial temperature lowered, the number of cases with dry cough decreased. There were no statistical differences in the peak temperature and duration of fever, other accompanying symptoms, leucopenia; however, the time from initial pulmonary infiltrates to radiographic recovery shortened (P < 0.05). No differences were found in maximum number of lung fields involved, duration from the onset of fever to the occurrence of pulmonary infiltrates and time from the initial pulmonary infiltrate to its peak among the multiple transmission generations (P > 0.05). No statistical differences were found in modes of oxygen therapy and sorts of antibiotics prescribed among the various transmission generations (P > 0.05); however, as with the advanced transmission generations, the number of cases prescribed with methylprednisolone, human gamma-globulin, interferon-alpha, antiviral drugs (oral ribavirin or oseltamivir) increased (P < 0.05) and time from admission to starting these medication shortened (P < 0.05).
There is no evidence that SARS infection will evolve or transmit within a fashion that permits it to become less powerful throughout the successive transmission within a short time.
Chinese medical journal 01/2004; 117(1):14-8. · 0.86 Impact Factor
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Shan-ping Jiang,
Li-wen Huang,
Jing-feng Wang,
Wei Wu,
Song-mei Yin,
Wei-xian Chen,
Jun Zhan,
Li Yan,
Xi-long Chen,
Jian-jun Li,
Li-ping Ma, Jian-guo Li,
Zhi-tong Huang
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ABSTRACT: To investigate measures to prevent the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in healthcare workers in isolation units.
The architectural factors and the infection of healthcare workers in different wards in our hospital between 30 January 2003 and 30 March 2003 were analyzed.
Four kinds of isolation wards were evaluated, including the ward where the thirty-first bed lied in on the twelfth floor, the laminar flow ward in the intensive care unit (ICU) where the tenth bed lied in on the fifteenth floor, the ward where the twenty-seventh bed lied in on the thirteenth floor of Building A, and thirty wards on the fourteenth to eighteenth floors of Building B. The ratios (m2/m3) of the area of the ventilation windows to the volume of the room were 0, 0, 1:95 and 1:40, respectively. Numbers of SARS cases in the wards mentioned above were 1, 1, 1 and 96, respectively. The total lengths (hour) of hospitalization were 43, 168, 110 and 1,272, respectively. The infection rates of the healthcare workers in the areas mentioned above were 73%, 32%, 28% and 2%, respectively. The difference of the infection rates was of statistical significance.
In addition to strict personal protective measures, isolation of SARS cases in wards with high ratio of the area of ventilation windows to the volume of the room and good ventilation may be the key to preventing the outbreak of SARS in healthcare workers in isolation units.
Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases 11/2003; 26(10):594-7.
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ABSTRACT: Point mutation, one of the commonest gene mutations, is the most important molecular pathogenesis of cancer and chronic infection. The commonest methods for detection of point mutation are based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These techniques, however, cannot be used in large scale screening since they are neither accurate nor simple. For this reason, this study established a novel method of competitively differentiated PCR (CD-PCR) for screening point mutation in clinical practice.
Two competitively differentiated primers for mutant-type and wild-type templates respectively with an identically complemented region in 3' end except for last 2 base pairs and a different non-complemented region in 5' end were designed. Thus, competitive amplification might be carried out at a lower annealing temperature at first, and then differentiated amplification at a higher annealing temperature when primers could not combine with initial templates. The amplification was performed in one-tube. The products of CD-PCR were detected using microplate hybridization assay. CD-PCR was evaluated by detecting G1896A variant of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in form of recombinant plasmids and in sera from patients with hepatitis B, and compared with allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) and competitive AS-PCR.
CD-PCR was successfully established. It could clearly distinguish wild-type and mutant-type plasmid DNA of G1896A variant when the amount of plasmid DNA was between 10(2)-10(8)copies/reaction, while for AS-PCR and competitive AS-PCR, the DNA amount was between 10(2)-10(4)copies/reaction. CD-PCR could detect one copy of G1896A variant among 10-100 copies of wild-type plasmid DNA. The specificity of CD-PCR was higher than those of AS-PCR and competitive AS-PCR in the detection of HBV G1896A variant in sera from patients with hepatitis B. CD-PCR was independent of the amount of HBV DNA in serum. HBV G1896A variant was more often found in HBeAg (-) patients with a lower level of detectable viremia than that with a higher level of detectable viremia (P=0.0192).
CD-PCR is more specific since it is less influenced by the amount of initial templates and the cross amplification between mutant- and wild-type amplified products. It is also simple and time-saving. Thus, CD-PCR might be useful in routine gene typing and point mutation screening. HBV G1896A or other more important mutations have to be routinely detected in patients with a detectable level of viremia after HBeAg/antibody conversion in clinical practice.
World Journal of Gastroenterology 09/2003; 9(8):1743-6. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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Wei Wu,
Jing-feng Wang,
Pin-ming Liu,
Wei-xian Chen,
Song-mei Yin,
Shan-ping Jiang,
Li Yan,
Jun Zhan,
Xi-long Chen,
Zi-tong Huang,
Jian-xing Xu, Jian-guo Li,
Li-ping Ma,
Hong-zhang Huang
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ABSTRACT: To describe a hospital outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and summarize the clinical features and therapeutic approaches.
Clinical data in this cohort were collected prospectively as they were identified.
The outbreak started with a SARS patient from the community on 30 January 2003, followed by a total of 96 people [76 women and 20 men; mean age (29.5 +/- 10.3) years; 93.8% of whom were health care workers] infected in a short period of time after their exposure to this source patient. The incubation period ranged from 1 to 20 days, with a mean of (5.9 +/- 3.5) days. The initial temperature was (38.3 +/- 0.6) degrees C, while the highest was (39.2 +/- 0.6) degrees C (P < 0.001), with a mean fever duration of (9.0 +/- 4.2) days. Other common symptoms included fatigue, cough, mild sputum production, chills, headache, general malaise and myalgia. The radiographic changes were predominantly bilateral and in the middle or lower lung zones. Leukopenia was observed in 67.7% of this cohort. The mean lowest oxygen saturation was (94.8 +/- 3.1)% with supplementary oxygen through a nasal cannula. 68.8% of the patients were treated with methylprednisolone for a mean period l of (4.9 +/- 2.4) days. The initial dose was (67.3 +/- 28.2) mg/d and the maximal dose was (82.4 +/- 30.5) mg/d. Ninety-five patients (99.0%) had a complete clinical recovery, and 1 patient died of progressive acute respiratory distress syndrome. The mean hospitalized duration was (17.2 +/- 8.0) days.
SARS appears to be highly contagious and potentially lethal among health care workers, characterized by acute onset and rapid progression. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, human gamma-globulin, interferon-alpha, and antiviral drugs, although used empirically, might be of some benefits in shortening the clinical course.
Zhonghua nei ke za zhi [Chinese journal of internal medicine] 07/2003; 42(7):453-7.
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the effects of antireflux treatment on bronchial hyper-responsiveness and lung function in asthmatic patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Thirty asthmatic patients with GERD were randomly divided into two groups (group A and group B). Patients in group A (n=15) only received asthma medication including inhaled salbutamol 200 microg four times a day and budesonide 400 microg twice a day for 6 weeks. Patients in Group B (n=15) received the same medication as group A, and also antireflux therapy including oral omeprazole 20 mg once a day and domperidone 10 mg three times a day for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function tests and histamine bronchoprovocation test were performed before and after the study.
There was no significant difference in the baseline values of pulmonary function and histamine PC(20-FEV1) between the two groups. At the end of the study, the mean values for VC, VC%, FVC, FVC%, FEV(1), FEV(1)%, PEF, PEF%, PC(20-FEV1) were all significantly improved in group B, compared with group A.
Antireflux therapy may improve pulmonary function and inhibit bronchial hyper-responsiveness in asthmatic patients with GERD.
World Journal of Gastroenterology 06/2003; 9(5):1123-5. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The occurrence and development of tumors are controled by oncogene, antioncogene and tumor metastasis-related gene. Cyclin D1 is the expressive product of CCND1(a kind of oncogen). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates the growth of neoplastic angiogenesis, which plays a role in the invasion and metastasis of tumor. The objective of this study was to detect the expression of Cyclin D1 and VEGF in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to explore their association with the prognosis of NSCLC.
Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Cyclin D1 and VEGF in pathological tissue sections of 55 cases of NSCLC and 10 cases of non-malignant tissue from lung lesions. The relationship between the expression of Cyclin D1 and VEGF in 55 NSCLC sections and the age, sex, smoke, size of tumor, histopathological type, differentiation, stage, lymph node metastasis and survival time were analyzed statistically.
The expression rates of Cyclin D1 and VEGF in the 55 NSCLC tissue sections were 61.82% and 74.55%, respectively. In 10 cases of non-malignant tissue sections, cyclin D1 expression was not detected and VEGF expression (+/-) was only in 2 cases. The expression of Cyclin D1 and VEGF showed: (1) there was no significant difference among age, sex, histopathological type, stage, differentiation, tumor size and smoking level; (2) there were significant differences between the patients with and without lymph node metastasis; (3) there were significant differences of survival time between positive and negative expression groups. It meant Cyclin D1 and VEGF would be the poor prognostic factors.
The expression of Cyclin D1 and VEGF occurred in more than 60% cases of NSCLC, which may play a role in the biologic behavior and prognosis of NSCLC.
Ai zheng = Aizheng = Chinese journal of cancer 01/2003; 22(1):86-90.
