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Biomedical subjects

T Wu

Publications and source records attributed to T Wu.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Drug therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis: follow-up study.

A series of 33 patients with juvenile dermatomyositis was reviewed in terms of their prognosis in relation to their drug therapy. This retrospective study was intended to help clarify the use of various therapies in this rare, heterogeneous disease from our hospital's experience in the last 24 years. The results confirmed that oral corticosteroids should remain the undisputed first line of treatment. For more refractory, chronic patients, the results suggest that azathioprine should be the favored drug of first choice (in addition to corticosteroids). There may be a role for cyclosporine as a "rescue" treatment, but this needs to be further defined.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1998

Side effects and discontinuation rates of intrauterine contraceptive device use in the Jilin Province of China.

Data from the Fertility and Contraception Survey undertaken in the Jilin Province in 1988 were used to examine both the rates of side effects and discontinuation among women using intrauterine devices (IUDs). The results show that among the 1,912 first time IUD users, the combined side effects rate comprising excessive bleeding, irregular menstruation, or abdominal pain was 11.7 percent; 0.2 percent of first time IUD users became seriously ill due to faulty insertion techniques. The gross cumulative failure rates at the end of the first, second and third year following insertion were 5.3%, 9.2% and 11.9%, respectively. Total gross cumulative discontinuation rates for these three time periods were 9.9%, 19.3%, and 28.3%, respectively. It was also found that selected social and service factors such as nationality, farm/non-farm residency, medical institution where the insertion was provided, interval between the data of last pregnancy and the date of the insertion, and the number of children at the time of insertion were associated with IUD-related side effects and/or discontinuation. The findings are further discussed with respect to governmental intervention in regulating family size, in terms of the reliability of the self-reported data, and other IUD related effects.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1998

Expression of Mel-CAM in implantation site intermediate trophoblastic cell line, IST-1, limits its migration on uterine smooth muscle cells.

An immortalized implantation site intermediate trophoblastic cell line, IST-1, was established from a human placenta of 7 weeks gestation. IST-1 cells phenotypically resembled the implantation site intermediate trophoblastic cells in situ and expressed Mel-CAM (MUC 18 or CD146). Mel-CAM is a cell adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. It is involved in heterophilic cell-cell adhesion and plays a role in several biological processes including tumor progression. We have previously shown that Mel-CAM was highly expressed in the intermediate (extravillous) trophoblast in the human implantation site. In this study we determined the function of Mel-CAM in the interaction of trophoblast and uterine smooth muscle in the implantation site. IST-1 cells failed to adhere to immobilized recombinant Mel-CAM in solid phase whereas the uterine smooth muscle cells did. The presence of the putative Mel-CAM ligand in smooth muscle cells was further supported by the finding that Mel-CAM-transfected but not the mock-transfected U937 leukemia cells bind to the confluent monolayer of uterine smooth muscle cells. IST-1 cells attached efficiently to the monolayer of the uterine smooth muscle cells and acquired a spindle-shaped morphology simulating smooth muscle cells. The cell binding was only marginally affected by Mel-CAM blocking antibodies. However, Mel-CAM blocking antibodies and recombinant Mel-CAM promoted cell migration from IST-1 cell spheroids on the smooth muscle monolayer. Taken together, our results suggest that IST-1 cells express Mel-CAM but not the putative Mel-CAM ligand. In contrast, the uterine smooth muscle cells express the putative Mel-CAM ligand which binds to Mel-CAM on the surface of the IST-1 cells. The interaction between Mel-CAM and its putative ligand confers a stationary phenotype for trophoblastic cells. These observations are consistent with an important role for Mel-CAM in limiting trophoblastic migration within the myometrium in the implantation site.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Presence of antibodies to heat stress proteins in workers exposed to benzene and in patients with benzene poisoning.

Heat shock or stress proteins (Hsps) are a group of proteins induced by a large number of xenobiotics, many of which are common in the working and living environment. The biological significance of the presence of antibodies against Hsps in humans is presently unknown. In the present study, 112 workers were selected and divided into four groups on the basis of their level of occupational exposure to benzene: a control group, two groups of workers exposed to either low (< 300 mg/m3) or high concentrations of benzene (> 300 mg/m3) and a group of workers who had experienced benzene poisoning. Blood samples from these workers were assayed for the number of peripheral white blood cells, concentration of hemoglobin, activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), lymphocyte DNA damage and finally for the presence of antibodies to different human heat-shock proteins (Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp71 and Hsp90). Benzene-poisoned workers showed a high incidence of antibodies against Hsp71 (approximately 40%) which was associated with a decrease in white blood cells (3.84+/-1.13 x 10(9)versus 7.68+/-1.84 x 10(9) in controls) and with an increase in activities of serum SOD (138.43+/-23.15 micro/ml) and lymphocyte DNA damage (18.7%). These data suggest that antibodies against Hsps can potentially be useful biomonitors to assess if workers are experiencing or have experienced abnormal xenobiotic-induced stress within their living and working environment.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Regulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 ternary complex formation in pregnancy.

The IGFs are believed to be important in pregnancy and are implicated in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. In adults the IGFs circulate primarily with IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and an acid-labile glycoprotein (ALS) in a 140 kDa complex which limits IGF bioavailability. Less than 10% of IGFBP-3 is in lower molecular weight forms. We have investigated the developmental regulation of the IGF/IGFBP system in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies with particular emphasis on the IGFBP-3 ternary complex. Circulating levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and ALS, and their degree of association in the ternary complex in the fetus increased with gestational age. In neonatal serum from deliveries <35 weeks' gestation IGFBP-3 was predominantly in 30-50 kDa form(s) and ALS was a limiting factor for ternary complex formation. In serum from deliveries >35 weeks both ALS and IGFs were limiting but approximately 25% of IGFBP-3 was unable to form the ternary complex even in the presence of excess ALS and IGF-I. Serum IGFBP-1, -2 and -6 concentrations tended to decrease with increasing gestational age. In pre-eclamptic pregnancies, amniotic fluid IGFBP-2, -3 and -6 levels decreased with gestational age while IGFBP-1 levels did not show the normal decline. We speculate that the endocrine IGF system develops in the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy when ALS levels increase.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[A study on efficacy of rabies vaccine prepared by primary hamster kidney cells in Guangxi].

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of post-exposure use of concentrated rabies vaccine prepared by primary hamster kidney cells during the past 16 years (1980-1995) in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the role of ambulant care for the victims injured by dog-bite. METHODS: Data of rabies incidence notified from all the prefectures and cities in Guangxi were summarized and corroborated, field studies were conducted and rabies antibodies were determined. RESULTS: Incidence of rabies fell to 0.04 per ten thousand in 1995 from 2.46 per ten thousand in 1981 with increased use of post-exposure rabies immunization with concentrated vaccine and in-time treatment for dog-bite wounds in the widespread ambulant care settings. CONCLUSION: Rabies vaccine prepared by primary hamster kidney cells has good efficacy in protection from rabies and early and in-time treatment for dog-bite wounds could enhance their protective effects. It is suggested that concentrated vaccine be purified to avoid adverse effects caused by its allergen.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Skeletal effects of constant and terminated use of sodium risedronate in ovariectomized rats.

AIM: To study the skeletal effects of constant and terminated use of sodium risedronate (Ris) treatment in the ovariectomized (Ova) rats. METHODS: Ris 5 micrograms.kg-1, s.c., twice a wk. The proximal tibial metaphysis (PTM) were processed undecalcified for quantitive bone histomorphometry. RESULTS: (1) Placebo-treated (normal saline) Ova rats were characterized by decreased trabecular area (TA) on d 60, d 81, and d 150 compared with aging controls, and bone resorption was over formation with high bone turnover. (2) Ova rats were treated with Ris for 60, 81, and 150 d (Ris-on) increased. (TA 217%, 108%, and 101%) respectively, vs Ova rats and depressed bone turnover indices to aging control level, but bone mass did not maintain at high level in 150-d group as in the early stage. (3) Ova rats were pretreated with Ris for 60 d and then terminated (Ris-on/off), followed by sequential sacrifice of rats on 21 and 90 d. Withdrawal on 21 d showed the same results as the match-age Ris-on group. Withdrawal on 90 d still maintained cancellous bone mass at a high level vs 150 d Ris-on groups (+26%) and aging control group (+27%). CONCLUSION: Regimen of Ris 60 d on then 90 d off prevented the development of osteoporosis in Ova rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Relationship between hematocrit (Hct) and cardiac systolic time intervals (STI) in residents at 4300 m altitude].

In order to study the relationship between Hct and cardiac systolic time intervals (STI) in residents at high altitude, STI and cardiac function were determined by electrical impedance and carotid arteriogram in 113 subjects with different Hct at an altitude of 4300 m. There was a negative correlation between Hct and SV or EF (r = -0.841 and -0.628), respectively (P < 0.001). With increase of Hct there were prolonged pre-ejection period (PEP), shortened left ventricular ejection time (LVET), and increased PEP/LVET. SV, CO were lower in high altitude polycythemia (HAPC) than in the control (P < 0.05). It demonstrated that there is a close relationship between STI and Hct, and excessive polycythemia is one of the important factors that cause decrease of cardiac function decreasing in high altitude residents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Lichen striatus-like leukoderma.

A particular pigmentary disorder develops on the skin of Chinese children. The lesions are composed of whitish macules and patches arranged in linear bands on the extremities unilaterally. Histologically these lesions are hypopigmented chronic dermatitis. Although the lesions are arranged in a lichen striatus pattern, they differ clinically from lichen striatus by the absence of papules and plaques. These cases may represent a new entity. The differential diagnosis includes lichen striatus, vitiligo, piebaldism, nevus depigmentosus, and hypomelanosis of Ito. The differences between the disorder presented here and those of different diagnosis are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Distance-dependent electron transfer in DNA hairpins.

The distance dependence of photoinduced electron transfer in duplex DNA was determined for a family of synthetic DNA hairpins in which a stilbene dicarboxamide forms a bridge connecting two oligonucleotide arms. Investigation of the fluorescence and transient absorption spectra of these hairpins established that no photoinduced electron transfer occurs for a hairpin that has six deoxyadenosine-deoxythymidine base pairs. However, the introduction of a single deoxyguanosine-deoxycytidine base pair resulted in distance-dependent fluorescence quenching and the formation of the stilbene anion radical. Kinetic analysis suggests that duplex DNA is somewhat more effective than proteins as a medium for electron transfer but that it does not function as a molecular wire.

Base Composition↗
PubMed1997

P11, a unique member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, interacts with and inhibits the activity of the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2.

Using a two hybrid system screen of a human cDNA library, we have found that p11, a unique member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, interacts with the carboxyl region of the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). p11 synthesized in a cell-free system interacts with cPLA2 in vitro. The p11-cPLA2 complex is detectable from a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS 2B). Furthermore, p11 inhibits cPLA2 activity in vitro. Selective inhibition of p11 expression in the BEAS 2B cells by antisense RNA results in an increased PLA2 activity as well as an increased release of prelabeled arachidonic acid. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism for the regulation of cPLA2 by an S100 protein.

Annexin A2↗
PubMed1997

Extracellular release of the type I intracellular IL-1 receptor antagonist from human airway epithelial cells: differential effects of IL-4, IL-13, IFN-gamma, and corticosteroids.

Three IL-1R antagonists (IL-1Ra) exist: secreted IL-1Ra and intracellular IL-1Ra (icIL-1Ra) types I and II. We have previously reported that human airway epithelial cells (HAEC) express icIL-1Ra type I, which can be up-regulated by corticosteroids. This study assessed whether cytokines and corticosteroids differentially effect icIL-1Ra type I protein release from HAEC to the extracellular compartment. We report that icIL-1Ra type I mRNA and intracellular protein are up-regulated in NCI-H292 cells, a human pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell line, in response to IL-4, IL-13, IFN-gamma, and dexamethasone. The icIL-1Ra type I protein was detected in concentrated cell culture supernatants from NCI-H292 cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells. The release of biologically relevant concentrations of active IL-1Ra from normal human bronchial epithelial cells was demonstrated by the ability of a neutralizing anti-IL-1Ra Ab to augment IL-1beta-mediated IL-8 secretion. IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-gamma induced immunoreactive IL-1Ra release into supernatants from NCI-H292 cells. Dexamethasone inhibited constitutive and cytokine-induced release of immunoreactive IL-1Ra. The release of icIL-1Ra type I protein was not related to cytotoxicity, as measured by lactate dehydrogenase. We propose that icIL-1Ra type I release from HAEC represents a novel mechanism by which IL-1 bioactivity in the airway microenvironment may be modulated. Cytokine-mediated icIL-1Ra type I synthesis may increase both intracellular protein and release to the extracellular space, where cell surface IL-1R can be antagonized. In contrast, corticosteroid-induced increases in icIL-1Ra type I synthesis and inhibition of extracellular protein release promote accumulation of icIL-1Ra type I protein within the intracellular compartment.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1997

Leukemia inhibitory factor induces the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 gene expression in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells.

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has become increasingly recognized as an important regulator of inflammation. This study is designed to determine whether LIF has an effect on arachidonate metabolism in human airway epithelial cells. LIF (100 ng/ml) induced a significantly increased release of prelabeled [3H] arachidonic acid (AA) from the human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS 2B cell) as well as from the primary cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells. Exposure of the LIF stimulated BEAS 2B cells to calcium ionophore A23187 (10(-5) M, 15 min) caused a further increase of [3H]AA release. To identify the role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in this upregulation of AA release, further experiments were performed to determine the expression of cPLA2 in the BEAS 2B cells. Immunoblot analysis indicated that LIF increased cPLA2 protein expression. Ribonuclease protection assay showed that LIF induced an increase of cPLA2 mRNA levels following 3 h to 24 h treatment. Nuclear run-on experiments suggested that LIF upregulated cPLA2 gene expression through post-translational regulation. These results demonstrate that LIF induces cPLA2 gene expression and modulates arachidonate metabolism in airway epithelial cells.

Arachidonic Acid↗
PubMed1997

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide enhances the GABAergic synaptic transmission in cultured hippocampal neurons.

The whole-cell mode of patch-clamp techniques was used to investigate the effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on spontaneous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) of cultured hippocampal neurons. Application of VIP caused a significant increase in the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs with a reversible and dose-dependent manner. VIP had no effect on the mean amplitude and kinetic parameters of spontaneous IPSCs. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, VIP increased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) without affecting their mean magnitude. Forskolin, but not its inactive analog 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, mimicked the stimulatory effect of VIP on spontaneous IPSCs and mIPSCs. VIP and forskolin failed to modulate GABAergic IPSCs in the presence of Rp-cAMPs, a cell permeable antagonist of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Calcium channel blocker CdCl2 did not prevent VIP and forskolin from increasing the frequency of mIPSCs. These results suggest that the activation of presynaptic VIP receptor enhances the GABAergic synaptic transmission in cultured hippocampal neurons through the cAMP-PKA pathway and that VIP is likely to increase GABA release by directly stimulating the vesicular release apparatus.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
PubMed1997

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) increases survival and haematopoietic recovery in total body irradiated C3H/HeNCr mice.

Basic fibroblast growth factor is known to stimulate the proliferation of bone marrow stem and/or progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo. We examined a similar cytokine, acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1), for its in vivo radiomodifying effects. Female C3H/HeNCr mice were given human recombinant FGF1 intravenously at doses ranging from 1 to 24 micrograms. FGF1 was delivered in two equal doses 24 and 4 h before or 24 h after otherwise lethal total body irradiation (TBI). In vivo FGF1 radioprotection of C3H mice was maximized at a total dose of 12 micrograms/mouse given before TBI. The radiomodification was 1.16 +/- 0.03 (+/- 1 SD) with an increase of LD50/30 from 736 +/- 9 to 854 +/- 16 cGy (P < 0.01). Some retroactive radiomodification was observed even when FGF1 was given 24 h after irradiation (P < 0.05). FGF1 radioprotected mice by improving the repopulation of haematopoietic progenitor cells of bone marrow. The radioprotection was not associated with an increase in S-phase fraction or detectable circulating IL-3, TNF-alpha or GM-CSF, suggesting that other mechanisms of protection were responsible.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Preliminary studies on the relationship between autoantibodies to heat stress proteins and heat injury of pilots during acute heat stress.

Comparison in the heart rate, oral temperature and lymphocyte DNA damage during heat stress was made in pilots with negative antibodies to heat stress proteins (HSPs) and those with positive antibodies in the man-made climate room with Western blot and comet assay. Our results showed that the increase in oral temperature, heart rate and lymphocyte DNA damage in pilots with the positive antibodies to HSPs were higher than those in pilots with the negative antibodies during heat stress. These results indicated that the presence of autoantibodies in plasma of pilots might reflect heat damage and high sensitivity to heat.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Genetically variable triplet repeats in a RING-finger ORF of Helicoverpa species baculoviruses.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of the Helicoverpa zea S-type nucleopolyhedrovirus (HzSNPV) genomic interval between the polh and iel genes has revealed an open reading frame (HOAR ORF) that contains a complex A 1-T rich triplet repeat region (RAT-repeats). HOAR ORF is predicted to encode an acidic, arginine residue rich. 712 aa protein, with a C3HC4 (RING-finger) zinc binding motif. RAT-repeats, distributed over 450 bp. consist of GAT. AAT, and GTT codons, correspond to Asp, Asn and Val residues which display an extreme codon bias not seen with nine other genes of this virus. A survey of four other (field) isolates of Helicoverpa sp. NPVs confirms a high incidence of mutation in the RAT-repeat region. A 158-bp conserved block, homologous to the pe38-ien promoter of AcMNPV, was identified upstream of HOAR ORF. The sub-region of the genome in which HOAR ORF is located is susceptible to rearrangement.

Amino Acid Sequence↗