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Biomedical subjects

B T Wang

Publications and source records attributed to B T Wang.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Calreticulin expression in neuroblastoma--a novel independent prognostic factor.

BACKGROUND: Calreticulin (CRT), an endoplasmic reticulum protein, has been reported to be essential for the differentiation of neuroblastoma (NB) cells, suggesting that CRT may affect the tumor behavior of neuroblastoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of clinicopathologic factors and patient survival with the expression of CRT in patients with NB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight NBs were investigated by immunohistochemical staining against CRT, and were divided into positive and negative immunostaining groups. Correlations between calreticulin expression, various clinicopathologic and biologic factors, and patient survival were studied. In seven tumor samples, CRT mRNAs and proteins were evaluated with real-time PCR and western blot, respectively, and correlated with immunohistochemical findings. RESULTS: Among 68 NBs, 32 (47.1%) showed positive CRT expression. Positive CRT immunostaining strongly correlated with differentiated histologies, as well as known favorable prognostic factors such as detected from mass screening, younger age (< or =1 year) at diagnosis and early clinical stages, but inversely correlated with MYCN amplification. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that NB patients with CRT expression did have better survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated CRT expression to be an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, CRT expression also predicted better survival in patients with advanced-stage NBs, and its absence predicted poorer survival in patients whose tumor had no MYCN amplification. The amount of CRT mRNAs and proteins in NB tumor samples tested correlated well with the immunohistochemical expressions. CONCLUSIONS: CRT expression correlates with the differentiation of NB and predicts favorable survival, thereby suggesting CRT to be a useful indicator for planning treatment of NB.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2004

Redundant skin over the nape in a girl with monosomy 1p36 caused by a de-novo satellited derivative chromosome: a possible new feature?

We present a case of monosomy 1p36 who, in addition to delayed growth and development, and mild facial dysmorphism also had redundant skin over the nape. Chromosome analysis showed that the monosomy 1p36 was caused by a de-novo satellited derivative chromosome. We propose that the redundant skin over the nape should be considered as a feature of this condition.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1↗
PubMed1994

Chorionic villi sampling: laboratory experience with 4,000 consecutive cases.

Experience with 4,000 consecutive CVS cases shows that 1) the combination of both the direct and culture methods greatly reduces false diagnoses and maternal cell contamination; 2) the time interval between the sampling procedure and processing of villus specimens influences the quality of direct preparations; 3) maternal cell contamination (MCC) can be minimized with dissection of CVS specimens. We have compiled a large volume of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) cases to serve as a resource in interpreting mosaic cytogenetic findings. It was noted that, in up to 92% of the mosaic cases, the abnormal cell line was confined to the placenta. The frequency of true chromosomal mosaicism was 0.2%, and is not different from that for amniocentesis.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1991

Plasma shock wave lithotripsy of gallstones in vitro. Animal experiments and clinical application.

It is sometimes very difficult to extract a huge impacted stone through the T-tube fistulous tract by conventional techniques with choledochoscope. To simplify the procedure, a lithotriptor PSW-G type using plasma shock wave to disintegrate the stone was designed. The efficacy to fragmentate stone was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Stones can be shattered into pieces less than 3 mm in diameter in about 30 times of spark with lower energy ranging from 1.7-3.4 kV and 1-3 J. Animal experiments were carried out to prove the safety of the lithotriptor. There was neither interference with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems nor obvious damage to the adjacent tissue where plasma shock wave applied to break stones. Six patients with retained calculi impacted both in extra- and intra-hepatic duct were successfully treated by plasma shock wave lithotripsy. It appears very useful in dealing with a huge impacted stone in the biliary tract.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Growth of Japanese encephalitis virus in Culex tritaeniorhynchus cell cultures.

Ovarian cells from the mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus established in continuous tissue cultures have been found to support the growth of Japanese encephalitis virus with titers reaching as high as 10(7.36) MICLD50 per 0.03 ml. Virus-cell cultures were serially subcultured 60 times over 300 days and the virulence of the virus was determined after each passage. A gradual loss in virus titer was observed, with titers always higher in the medium than in the cells. Cytopathogenic effects were not observed in the infected cell cultures, either in primary or subsequent passages. However, the cell growth rate suggested that the cells may have been metabolically or mechanically damaged. The chromosome complement of the cells remained unchanged. Direct-fluorescent antibody studies during early and late passages revealed a loss in virus infectivity from chronically infected cells which may have been due to a gradual decrease in virus replication as the passages increased. The infectivity of virus particles, however, returned to previous levels after passage into fresh cell cultures. The loss of virus particles during serial passage may be correlated with the condition of the cells.

Animals↗