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Biomedical subjects

Z R Li

Publications and source records attributed to Z R Li.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Differential binding of nuclear c-ets-1 protein to an intron I fragment of the c-myb gene in growth versus differentiation.

For growth, ML-1 human myeloblastic leukemia cells require insulin-like growth factor 1 together with transferrin, whereas for differentiation they depend upon transforming growth factor beta in combination with transferrin. As shown in this study, growth stimulation is accompanied by c-myb expression, whereas initiation of differentiation results in the cessation of c-myb expression through premature termination of transcription in the first intron of the myb gene. Growth factor-stimulated c-myb elongation was found to correlate with an elevated level of nuclear c-ets-1 protein and with increased binding of this protein to an 18-base pair sequence in intron 1 of the c-myb gene containing the putative regulatory element PEA 3. In contrast, differentiation factor-initiated ML-1 cell maturation was accompanied by a very low level of nuclear c-ets-1 protein, by the inability to detect binding of the protein to the 18-base pair sequence, and by the cessation of c-myb expression. These results show a correlation to exist between c-ets-1 binding to intron 1 of the c-myb gene and c-myb expression. The mechanism underlying this correlation is under further study.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

A decision-support system for the analysis of clinical practice patterns.

Several studies documented substantial variation in medical practice patterns, but physicians often do not have adequate information on the cumulative clinical and financial effects of their decisions. The purpose of developing an expert system for the analysis of clinical practice patterns was to assist providers in analyzing and improving the process and outcome of patient care. The developed QFES (Quality Feedback Expert System) helps users in the definition and evaluation of measurable quality improvement objectives. Based on objectives and actual clinical data, several measures can be calculated (utilization of procedures, annualized cost effect of using a particular procedure, and expected utilization based on peer-comparison and case-mix adjustment). The quality management rules help to detect important discrepancies among members of the selected provider group and compare performance with objectives. The system incorporates a variety of data and knowledge bases: (i) clinical data on actual practice patterns, (ii) frames of quality parameters derived from clinical practice guidelines, and (iii) rules of quality management for data analysis. An analysis of practice patterns of 12 family physicians in the management of urinary tract infections illustrates the use of the system.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed1994

Construction of a medical informatics thesaurus.

Medical Informatics needs a specific terminology that reflects the multi-disciplinary nature of the field and can rapidly change as the discipline evolves. Using the four primary methods of thesaurus construction, a group at the University of Missouri-Columbia is developing a thesaurus that meets these criteria and includes both user and literary warrant. The steps in construction include using existing thesauri, medical informatics literature, and the terminology of experts to produce a thesaurus arranged within a hierarchical structure.

Medical Informatics↗
PubMed1993

[Clinical and experimental studies on membranous pulp-capping agent with Chinese medicinal herbs].

A membranous pulp-capping agent of Chinese medicinal herbs was made by ourselves prescription, and was filled in capsules for medication. Direct pulp-capping and pulpotomy were performed on 102 permanent teeth. During the observation period of more than one year, the successful rate was 82.4%. Under light microscope, the artificial exposed sites of normal sheep teeth were fully sealed after capping for 45 days. There were calcification under the exposed sites. The inner lines were preparative dentins. Experiments on dogs' teeth revealed that the pulps were normal after two month's direct pulp-capping, and the new dentins appeared. The bacteria culture test was made before and after the pulp-capping agent was used on ten deep carious teeth. It revealed that the bacteria all converted negative after medication of two weeks. Clinical and experimental studies indicated that the pulp-capping agent is valuable in clinical treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

CT scanning of spinal injuries.

Ninety-one patients with spinal injuries were studied by CT scanning. A comprehensive classification of spinal injuries was proposed according to the mechanism of trauma, the concept of three-column anatomical structure of the spine and the degree of spinal canal stenosis. CT scanning was advantageous in the diagnosis of spinal injuries such as clear detection of the three-column anatomical structure of the spine and spinal canal, demonstration of fracture lines in all 3 planes, determination of the amount of displacement of bony fragment into the spinal canal, assessment of spinal stability or instability, and restricted movement of the patient. The key points in general CT diagnosis, its role and limitation in the diagnosis of spinal injuries were discussed. The authors conclude that combined comprehensive classification of spine injuries is helpful in planning suitable treatment for the patient and predicting prognosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Interspinous process segmental instrumentation with bone-button-wire for correction of scoliosis.

From May 1985 to May 1988, 55 patients with scoliosis were given interspinous process segmental spinal instrumentation with bone button-wire. The Harrington distraction rod and Luque's rod were placed separately in the concave and convex sides of the curvature fixed with bone button-wire. The fixations were subjected to biomechanical analysis, and the patients were followed up for an average of 18 months with satisfactory results. The curves were corrected from 69.4 degrees to 33.2 degrees, with a corrective rate of 47.8%. The merits of this procedure lie in (1) no injury to the spinal cord and minimal neurological complications, (2) strong fixation for correcting deformities, and (3) minimal blood loss and short time for operation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Comprehensive classification and surgical treatment of injury of the thoracolumbar spine].

Based on the theory of three-column of spine and in combination with the findings on CT scannings, particularly the status of the spinal canal, of 47 patients sustained trauma of thoracolumbar spine, a comprehensive classification has been proposed and described in the paper. 26 patients out of the 47, who had had signs of neurological damage and spinal instability, were operated upon and their spines were stabilized with Harrington-Luque instrumentation. 14 of the patients treated operatively enjoyed, at the time of follow-up, the satisfactory result. We have been convinced that this comprehensive classification serves as a very good guidance in selection the procedure of treatment, operation or conservatism, and in predicting prognosis.

Adult↗