Biomedical subjects

J Fan

Publications and source records attributed to J Fan.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Rapid diagnosis of human parainfluenza virus type 1 infection by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR-enzyme hybridization assay.

The detection and quantitation of human parainfluenza virus type 1 (HPIV-1) RNA in nasal wash specimens from 49 children with lower respiratory infections were performed by a reverse transcription-PCR-enzyme hybridization assay (RT-PCR-EHA). The HPIV-1 RT-PCR-EHA was then used to test 40 samples from asymptomatic children. Primers and probes were designed from regions within the HPIV-1 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene which are highly conserved among all known genotypes. HPIV-1 was detected in all nine children who were culture positive. Other common respiratory viruses (HPIV-2, -3, and -4, mumps virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza virus) were not detected by the HPIV-1 assay. Forty symptomatic children were negative by culture, and four of these were positive by RT-PCR-EHA. All of the samples from asymptomatic children were negative by culture and RT-PCR-EHA. RT-PCR-EHA was 100% sensitive (95% confidence interval, 0.66 to 1.00) and 95% specific (95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 0.99) compared with culture. The four false-positive results (relative to the results of culture) were in children with lower respiratory infections compatible with HPIV-1 infection and suggest that RT-PCR-EHA may be more sensitive than culture. Our data indicate that HPIV-1 may be underdiagnosed by routine culturing methods. RT-PCR-EHA has been demonstrated to be an easy, rapid, sensitive, and specific test for diagnosing HPIV-1 infection and provides a methodology for the rapid detection of closely related respiratory viruses.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed1996

IL-1 receptor antagonist attenuates sepsis-induced alterations in the IGF system and protein synthesis.

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether endogenously produced interleukin (IL)-1 mediates the changes in insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) induced by chronic abdominal sepsis in rats and to correlate the changes in the IGF system with the alternations in protein synthesis. A constant infusion of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was begun after the induction of sepsis and was continued for 5 days. Sepsis decreased IGF-I levels in the blood, liver, and gastrocnemius muscle, increased the content in the kidney, and did not alter IGF-I levels in heart, jejunum, and spleen. IL-1ra attenuated the sepsis-induced decrease in plasma IGF-I and completely prevented the changes in IGF-I observed in liver, kidney, and the gastrocnemius. IGFBP-1 was increased in the blood, liver, and muscle of septic rats. IL-1ra prevented this increase in IGFBP-1 in blood and liver but not in muscle. The rate of in vivo protein synthesis was decreased in the gastrocnemius and kidney and unaltered in the heart, liver, jejunum, and spleen. A strong linear correlation existed between levels of IGF-I and the rate of protein synthesis determined simultaneously in the gastrocnemius. These results provide evidence for the role of IL-1 as an endogenous mediator of the sepsis-induced changes in IGF-I and IGFBP-1 and suggest that the accompanying changes in muscle protein synthesis are partially mediated via changes in IGF-I.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I mRNA and peptide and IGF-binding proteins by interleukin-1.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether interleukin (IL)-1 would alter the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in rats and whether this change was mediated by glucocorticoids. The IGF-I concentration was decreased in plasma (32%), liver (35%), skeletal muscle (40-50% depending on fiber type), pituitary (36%), and brain (52%), and increased in kidney (73%) 6 h after intravenous injection of IL-1 beta. IL-1 beta also decreased IGF-I mRNA levels in liver and muscle and increased expression in kidney. These changes were associated with a > 2.5-fold elevation in plasma corticosterone levels. Pretreatment of rats with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-486 prevented the IL-1 beta-induced decrease in plasma and liver IGF-I concentration and the reduction in hepatic IGF-I mRNA expression. In contrast, RU-486 did not significantly attenuate the fall in IGF-I content in skeletal muscle, heart, brain, or pituitary or the increase in IGF-I observed in kidney after IL-1 beta. Furthermore, pretreatment with RU-486 did not completely prevent the IL-1 beta-induced decrease in IGF-I mRNA in skeletal muscle. The concentration of both IGF-binding protein (BP)-1 and BP-2 was increased in plasma, liver, and muscle in response to IL-1 beta, and these changes were also not prevented by RU-486. These results indicate that the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta is capable of influencing multiple components of the IGF system. Whereas the enhanced endogenous production of glucocorticoids appears to mediate the IL-1 beta-induced decrease in IGF-I synthesis in liver, the changes in IGF-I content observed in other tissues and the increase in IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 appear to be largely glucocorticoid independent.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Regulation of the insulin-like growth factor system by acute acidosis.

Many catabolic conditions are characterized by disturbances in acid-base balance and concomitant alterations in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. However, the influence of acidosis per se on the various components of the IGF system has not been extensively examined. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of acute metabolic acidosis on the plasma and tissue concentrations of IGF-I and the various IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Conscious unrestrained fasted rats were infused iv with either 0.2 N HCl or an equal volume of saline for 4 h. The arterial blood pH decreased within 60 min after starting the HCl infusion and remained lower than time-matched control values for the entire experimental protocol. Although the plasma IGF-I concentration fell gradually and was reduced by 30%, compared to time-matched control values, GH levels were unaltered. The IGF-I content of tissues collected at the conclusion of the experiment was increased in liver (35%) and kidney (63%), and unchanged in skeletal muscle. However, whereas acidosis moderately increased IGF-I messenger RNA abundance in liver, no significant alteration in IGF-I expression was detected in kidney. Acidosis also increased the plasma levels of IGFBP-1 and -2 as well as the IGFBP-1 content of liver and kidney. In contrast, the concentration of intact IGFBP-3 was decreased in acid-infused rats, and this reduction was associated with an increased rate of IGFBP-3 protease activity. Acidotic rats demonstrated unremarkable changes in the plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin, but corticosterone levels were elevated throughout the experiment. The results of the present study demonstrate that in the absence of underlying pathology, acute metabolic acidosis decreases circulating levels of IGF-I, probably by increasing renal clearance of the peptide, not by decreasing hepatic IGF-I synthesis.

Acidosis↗

PubMed1996

Effect of short-term fasting on free/dissociable insulin-like growth factor I concentrations in normal human serum.

A small portion of circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is detected in the free or readily dissociable state, which is thought to be the metabolically active form. The amount of free/dissociable IGF-I in serum is dependent on a complex interplay between the production rate and the concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGF availability is also influenced by posttranslational changes in IGFBPs that affect the affinity of IGFBPs for IGF-I. In the present study, we examined whether a short term fast (approximately 12 h) alters the serum concentration of free/dissociable IGF-I, and whether these changes are associated with alterations in IGFBP-1 and the proteolysis status of IGFBP-3. Circulating free/dissociable IGF-I concentrations, as assessed by a two-site immunoradiometric assay, did not differ between fasting and 4 h after a morning meal (1.48 +/- 0.07 vs. 1.50 +/- 0.07 microgram/L, respectively). Likewise, free/dissociable IGF-I levels measured by RIA after separation by centrifugal ultrafiltration were not different between the two groups (1.43 +/- 0.14 vs. 1.38 +/- 0.18 microgram/L, respectively). IGF-I bioactivity, as measured by thymidine incorporation by fibroblasts, did not differ in fasting and 4-h postprandial sera. There was no difference in IGFBP-3 and total acid-ethanol-extractable IGF-I concentrations in serum from fasted and fed subjects. In contrast, the concentration of IGFBP-1 in the serum was increased approximately 5-fold in the fasted state compared to fed values. IGFBP-1 existed in a highly phosphorylated form under fasting conditions. There was no change in IGFBP-3 proteolysis assessed either in vivo or in vitro between the fasting and fed states. The results indicate that a physiologically relevant short term overnight fast does not alter the circulating levels of free/dissociable IGF-I despite a marked elevation in IGFBP-1.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Regulation of the insulin-like growth factor system by insulin in burn patients.

The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether there is a net uptake of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) by the leg after burn injury and to elucidate the regulatory role of insulin exerted on this system under in vivo conditions in burn patients. Studies were performed on nine patients after burn injury (approximately 60% body surface area). Each patient was studied twice during a continuous infusion of a carbohydrate-rich enteral diet. Blood was collected simultaneously from the femoral artery and vein for the measurement of various elements of the IGF system after 7 days of enteral diet alone (basal period) and after 7 days of the enteral diet plus the infusion of insulin (insulin period). Data from these patients were compared to values in age-matched fed healthy volunteers. During the basal period, burn patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the venous concentration of IGF-I and an increase in both IGFBP-1 and -2 compared to control values. Insulin produced a significant 15% increase in the IGF-I concentration in burn patients, but decreased the circulating levels of IGFBP-1 by 50%. The IGF-I and IGFBP-1 concentrations at the end of the insulin period were still significantly different from those in control subjects. Burn patients also exhibited a marked reduction in intact IGFBP-3 and the acid-labile subunit under basal conditions, and these alterations were not reversed by insulin. Under basal conditions, all burn patients had a positive arterio-venous (A-V) difference for IGF-I across the leg. The A-V difference was increased 50% in response to insulin. The net uptake of IGF-I by the leg was 2.4 micrograms/min under basal conditions, and as leg blood flow also tended to increase in response to insulin, IGF-I uptake was elevated more than 3-fold during the insulin period. No A-V difference across the leg was detected for IGFBP-1, -2, or -3 in burn patients. In conclusion, burn injury in humans produces dramatic and sustained alterations in various components of the IGF system that persist despite adequate nutritional support. Our data indicate the presence of a net uptake of IGF-I by the leg in burn patients that may serve to counteract the catabolic state.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

DNA sequencing with [alpha-33P]-labeled ddNTP terminators: a new approach to DNA sequencing with Thermo Sequenase DNA polymerase.

A new approach to DNA sequencing is described. The method is based on the use of [alpha-33P]-labeled dideoxyribonucleoside triphosphate terminators and Thermo Sequenase DNA polymerase in cycle sequencing. Thermo Sequenase DNA polymerase incorporates ddNTPs as efficiently as dNTPs, allowing the use of low concentrations of these nucleotides in DNA sequencing. Because only the properly terminated chains are labeled and visualized on autoradiography of the sequencing gels, the sequence results are free of background. The intensity of DNA bands generated are remarkably uniform, which makes reading of DNA sequences easy. By staggered loading of the sequencing gel (at 2-3 hour intervals), it is possible to sequence DNA at least 450 to 500 nucleotides. Exposure time for autoradiography with [alpha-33P] labels is much shorter than with [35S] and does not substantially compromise autoradiographic resolution. Data can be obtained after only 12 hours of exposure of an X-ray film. Moreover, cycle sequencing requires very small amounts of single- or double-stranded template. Consequently, it is even possible to generate sequence data from a single bacterial colony. The details of the protocol are presented in a stepwise manner, and some important parameters to be considered for sequencing with this method are discussed.

Codon, Terminator↗

PubMed1996

External device for tissue expansion: clinical evaluation of the skin extender.

Tissue expansion is a well known way of repairing soft tissue defects. However, traditional tissue expanders have certain disadvantages such as the need for repeated outpatient visits for the filling of the expander and a long period of time required before the final result is achieved. A series of other devices have recently been developed. We have evaluated one of these, a skin extender developed by Blomqvist and Steenfos, in 10 lesions of the extremities in nine adult patients. The defects ranged from 3.5-10 cm wide and the extenders were inserted under local anaesthesia. The patients were taught how to tighten the extenders themselves, so there was no need for repeated visits to the outpatient department. Nine of the 10 defects were excised within 14 days; the remaining one developed a wound infection. The results show that this skin extender is a simple, fast, and economical device for repairing soft tissue defects, and in certain cases it is more suitable than a traditional tissue expander. Its major drawback is unsightly scars in the normal skin beside the previous defect.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Textual research on Ji Jiu Xian Fang (Excellent recipes for emergent cases)].

In medical subsection of the third part (zi part) of A complete book in four parts, there is a 6-volume Ji Jiu Xian Fang. Based on the author's study, the currently circulated Ji Jiu Xian Fang from Daozang Collections is no longer an original but an apocrypha with interpolations imposed when it was revised during the Zhengtong reign of the Ming dynasty. Only its 8th and 9th volumes are of original ones. Whereas the copy from the A complete book in four parts still preserves the original pages of the said book. The contents of this book is not restricted to external diseases but a comprehensive medical book for emergent and practical use compiled by Song authors.

China↗

PubMed1996

[Restricting effects of geologic background system on genuine crude drugs in Sichuan].

The distribution, growth, output and quality of genuine crude drugs are restricted by geologic background system (GBS), whose extensional vector system "rock-->soil-->medicinal plants" accomplishes the unity of geological grand cycle and biological pulmonary circulation. This article describes how genuine crude drugs in Sichuan, such as Coptis chinensis, etc. for example, are restricted by GBS.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Two-state stochastic models for memory in ion channels.

AIM: To study quantitatively the memory existing in ion channels. METHODS: Stochastic processes were used to model 2 categories of memory (short-term and long-term) by persisting in the standpoint of two-state, instead of multiple states, but with different transition mechanism. RESULTS: A two-state Markov process with constant transition intensities well fitted the short-term memory and a two-state Markov process within a kind of random environment well fitted the long-term memory. Statistical procedures for parameter estimation were proposed and demonstrated with 2 real examples on the channels of PC12 cells. CONCLUSION: The memory in ion channels can be quantitatively modelled as stochastic process with 2 states.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

PubMed1996

[Toxicity of cadmium and its mechanism on renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro].

The direct effects of cadmium on the functions and metabolism of renal tubular epithelial cells were observed with radio-immune assay, cytochemical and biochemical methods to study further the mechanism of nephrotoxicity of cadmium. Results revealed uptake of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside (alpha-MG) in renal tubular epithelial cells obviously reduced, outflow of potassium ions increased, c-AMP content reduced and activity of Na+-K+-ATPase was inhibited significantly after exposure to cadmium. Electrochemical gradient of tubular cells maintained by Na+-K+-ATPase played an important role in transference of sodium and glucose, and damage in energy resource system within tubular epithelial cells may be one of the pathogenic mechanisms of kidney injury caused by cadmium. In addition, changes in a group of biological markers and functional enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, AKP; gamma-glutamyltransferase, gamma-GT; lactate dehydrogenase, LDH; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G-6-PD; N-acetylglucoside, NAG) were determined in the study, and it was found that they all could reflect better the degree of injury in tubular epithelial cells and their metabolic status and could be used in clinical practice.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Characteristics of the inward-rectifying potassium current in mouse ventricular myocytes and its relation to early after-depolarization.

The properties of the inward-rectifying potassium current (IK1) were studied in the single myocytes isolated from adult mouse ventricles by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique for the first time. Most of the properties of IK1 including channel conductances, activation, inactivation, rectification and external K+ sensitivity in mouse ventricular myocyte were similar to those in other species, but the current-voltage (I-V) curve of mouse ventricular myocyte showed no negative slope, i.e the slope in the range of membrane potential 50 mV positive to the reversal potential (VRev) was virtually flat and remained at a low current level ((59 +/- 39) pA). Under the superfusion of Tyrode's solution with 3 mmol/L K+ and 3 mmol/L Cs+, IK1 in the above region nearly decreased to zero, and then the early after-depolarization (EAD) occurred. The results suggest that this distinctive characteristic of IK1 in mouse ventricular myocyte may relate to the high susceptibility to EAD in mouse myocardium. The inhibition of IK1 seems to be a prerequisite for the occurrence of EAD in this experiment.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1996

Endotoxin-induced alterations in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of insulin receptor, IRS-1, and MAP kinase in skeletal muscle.

Sepsis and endotoxin (LPS) have been demonstrated to impair insulin-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. However, the intracellular mechanism responsible for this defect is not fully defined. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether specific elements of the insulin receptor (IR) signaling pathway in skeletal muscle are altered by LPS. In vivo injection of Escherichia coli LPS resulted in a 44% reduction in whole body glucose disposal under euglycemic hyperinsulinemic conditions, which was largely accounted for by a decreased rate of glycogen synthesis. Scatchard analysis indicated that the number and affinity of the high-affinity insulin binding sites in muscle were similar between control and LPS-treated rats. Western blot analysis indicated that under basal conditions, the levels of total and phosphorylated IR, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase were not significantly different between control and endotoxic rats. In control animals, muscle obtained 2 min after intravenous injection of a maximally stimulating dose of insulin demonstrated a marked increase in the amount of phosphorylated IR (approximately 5-fold), IRS-1 (approximately 10-fold), and MAP kinase (approximately 10-fold). Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IR, IRS-1, and MAP kinase was markedly diminished (approximately 75%, 90%, and 78%, respectively) in LPS-treated rats. However, there was no concomitant reduction in the total abundance of these proteins under hyperinsulinemic conditions. These data demonstrate that LPS alters multiple steps in the insulin signal transduction pathway, but not insulin binding, in skeletal muscle that may mediate the observed impairment in glucose uptake.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1996

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the evaluation of pediatric brain tumors, Part I: Introduction to MRS.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a means to assess functional (metabolic activity) of the brain. It is now possible to perform MRS in a clinical setting with the use of an inexpensive software package called Proton Brain Exam/Single Voxel (PROBE/SV) developed by General Electric Medical System for use on their 1.5-T MR scanner. We have used PROBE for over a year and have found it to be useful in the evaluation of brain abnormalities. Most of our experience with MRS has been in the evaluation of children with brain tumors. In this first article of a two-part series, a simplified introduction to single-voxel MRS is presented, including: 1) the differences in the normal MRS spectra of the brains of infants, children, and adults demonstrating the variation in peaks of the common metabolities (N-acetylasparate, creatine, and choline); 2) the two types of MRS pulse sequences, stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM), a T1-weighted sequence, and point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS), a T2-weighted sequence; and 3) some of the factors that influence the production of diagnostic and nondiagnostic spectra. Part Two will report findings on the efficacy of MRS in children with brain tumors. With a basic understanding of MRS, the abnormal spectra in the diagnosis of brain tumors can be appreciated.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the evaluation of pediatric brain tumors, Part II: Clinical analysis.

Over a 1-year period (1994-1995), 75 children with brain neoplasms were evaluated with a new automated magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) software package called Proton Brain Exam/Single-Voxel (PROBE/SV) to determine the efficacy of this modality in children. The children ranged in age from newborn to 17 years and were comprised of 30 girls and 45 boys. The types of brain neoplasms consisted of 45 astrocytomas, 4 medulloblastomas, 2 ependymomas, 3 craniopharyngiomas, 3 germinomas, 1 pineoblastoma, 2 teratomas, 1 choroid plexus papilloma, 4 meningiomas, 2 astroblastomas, 3 rhabdoids, and 5 metastases from primary brain neoplasms. All children underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the same setting as the MRS examination. The MRS examination was performed with the stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) pulse sequence in all children, and occasionally the point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence also was used. Qualitative spectra were obtained in all children, and at times quantification data also were obtained. We found that our spectra over the brain neoplasms were consistent with the MRS findings of brain neoplasms in the literature. There was markedly elevated choline with markedly decreased or absent N-acetylasparate and at times elevated lactate and lipid peaks. In children with meningiomas, there was also an elevated alanine peak. We found MRS to be extremely useful in 1) characterizing a brain mass as a neoplasm, 2) differentiating radiation necrosis and radiation-induced meningiomas from the recurrent primary tumor, 3) following treatment response of the primary neoplasm, 4) differentiating residual or recurrent primary neoplasm from postsurgical changes, and 5) identifying inactive neoplasms or neoplasms in remission.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Studies on prophylactic effect of artesunate on schistosomiasis japonica.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prophylactic effect of artesunate on schistosomiasis japonica by killing schistosomula. METHODS: Mice, rabbits and dogs after infection with cercariae of schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) were treated with artesunate on the 7th day at a dose of 300 mg/kg, 20-40 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg respectively once a week for 4-6 weeks. A double-blind test was used. A total of 864 persons in highly endemic areas for schistosomiasis were administered either artesunate at a dose of 6 mg/kg once a week for 8 weeks or identical placebo with the same dose-schedule during transmission season for S. japonicum. Four weeks after the last dosing, fecal examinations for S. japonicum eggs and miracidia were carried out to evaluate the prophylactic effect. RESULTS: Worm reduction rates in mice, rabbits and dogs were 77.50-90.66%, 99.53% and 97.10% respectively. All of the 467 residents in 2 trials were free from eggs or miracidia upon stool examinations whereas in the control groups with placebo, 15 out of 218 (6.9%) and 26 out of 179 (14.5%) were stool eggs and/or miracidia positive in the first and second trial, respectively. Side effects were mild. No significant changes in routine blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram, hepatic and renal functions were observed after artesunate administration. CONCLUSIONS: Animal experiments and field trials have demonstrated good efficacy of artesunate on killing schistosomula with little side effects. Thus, the drug is suggested to be used on the population in endemic areas for prevention of schistosomiasis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Surgical treatment and classification of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by break-up of bullae].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the appropriate operation for surgical treatment and a better classification for spontaneous pneumothorax caused by break-up of bullae. METHODS: Eighty two cases of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by break-up of bullae were reported and classified by their clinical characteristics and manifestations during operation. RESULTS: All cases were classified into type I (apical), type II (lobular), type III (diffusive) and type IV (bilateral) on the basis of bullae's appearance and location. And the cases of type I were further classified into Ia (simple) and Ib (pneumohemothoracic). CONCLUSION: The clinical classification was thought to be valuable for diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by break-up of bullae.

Adolescent↗