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Biomedical subjects

H Fu

Publications and source records attributed to H Fu.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Total pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal carcinoma.

Total pelvic exenteration was performed in 31 patients (30 males and 1 female) who had rectal cancers involving adjoining pelvic structures. Twenty-nine patients had primary tumors and two had recurrent diseases after previous abdominoperineal resection. Preoperative irradiation was used in nine patients with fixed tumors. When performing the surgical procedure, we also actively employed lateral node dissection to make the operation more radical. Three patients (one with primary tumor and two with recurrent) underwent the exenteration with partial sacrectomy because of the sacral involvement and they all died of local failure within 15 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 52 percent for all patients and 56 percent for those who had primary tumors. The results suggest that total pelvic exenteration with lateral node dissection should be performed for locally advanced rectal cancer if the tumor is not completely fixed to the pelvic wall and preoperative irradiation should be used to convert a fixed tumor to a resectable one.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Controversies in the management of laryngeal cancer: results of an international survey of patterns of care.

Cancer of the larynx is the most prevalent non-cutaneous malignancy of the head neck region and its treatment presents a threat to both natural speech and survival. This study examines the manner in which two separate specialties in the same and different geographic regions vary in their opinions about the treatment of glottic laryngeal cancer. The goal was to define options available to patients and to classify controversies about optimal treatment which might be resolved in clinical trials. Questionnaires depicting different presentations of glottic larynx cancer were mailed to 1649 otolaryngologists and radiation oncologists in North America, Europe and Australasia. Half the doctors were asked to describe their preferred treatment for a patient while the others were asked to imagine that they themselves were the patient. In all the disease situations opinions varied significantly with respect to the treatment modality advised (whether to employ surgical or radiotherapy approaches) and in more extensive disease situations the intention of treatment also varied depending on whether a curative approach should involve conservation or loss of the larynx. Doctors also recommended similar treatment for their patients as they would for themselves. Apart from disease extent the most significant variables influencing recommendations were the physicians' specialty (P = 0.0001) and where they practice (P = 0.0001). These findings demonstrate diversity of opinion which is influenced more profoundly by the traditions of the specialties and geographic location of practice than by the reported results of treatments for laryngeal cancer. Convictions about optimal management have become barriers to the assessment of the relative value of different treatments and to ensuring that patients are fully informed about management options. The profession should regard as a high priority efforts to resolve these therapeutic conflicts which are associated with major differences in quality of life.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1994

Engineered biosynthesis of novel polyketides: evidence for temporal, but not regiospecific, control of cyclization of an aromatic polyketide precursor.

BACKGROUND: Aromatic polyketide synthases (PKSs) catalyze the formation and cyclization of polyketide chains of variable lengths, generating a family of compounds of proven medical significance. Initial control over the regiospecificity of cyclization is believed to be exercised by the minimal PKS, composed of the three essential components for polyketide biosynthesis, which catalyzes an intramolecular aldol condensation towards the middle of the chain. Subsequent cyclization reactions are either catalyzed by additional components of the PKS, or occur in the absence of specific catalysts. RESULTS: Structural and biosynthetic studies on SEK4b, a novel octaketide product of a minimal PKS, revealed an unusual cyclization pattern. The first cyclization (an aldol condensation) occurs at the methyl end of the unreduced polyketide backbone precursor. This is followed by hemiketal formation and lactonization. The overall structure of SEK4b is similar to that of SEK4, a previously-identified product of the same genetically-engineered strain, differing only in the positions of a methyl and a pyrone group around a common fused-ring system. The biosynthetic pathways of the two molecules are quite different, however. The yield of SEK4b relative to SEK4 is much higher in the absence of PKS components (aromatases and cyclases) acting later in the pathway. CONCLUSIONS: In this cyclization pathway, the regiospecificity of cyclization is not directly controlled by the minimal PKS. Instead, we propose that the enzyme influences cyclization by controlling the timing of chain release. Chain release and cyclization may be concurrent with synthesis. Other PKS subunits appear to stabilize the complex of the PKS with the nascent chain, preventing premature release.

Catalysis↗
PubMed1994

A NaCl-regulated plant gene encoding a brain protein homology that activates ADP ribosyltransferase and inhibits protein kinase C.

A cDNA clone pCZ1, with a 1.1 kb insert, was isolated from a NaCl-adapted tobacco cell cDNA library that encodes an apparently full-length 29 kDa protein (251 amino acids) with a calculated pI of 5.7. The encoded peptide had a high amino acid sequence identity with bovine 14-3-3 protein which was originally found as an abundant protein in the animal central nervous system. Recently, proteins with sequence identity to 14-3-3 protein have also been found in plants, insects and yeast, and appear to have diverse physiological functions. Similar to the bovine brain 14-3-3 protein, the recombinant pCZ1 protein stimulated ADP-ribosylation of protein substrate by ADP-ribosyltransferase from the plant and animal pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This recombinant protein also inhibited protein kinase C activity in vitro. Southern blot analyses indicated that most likely five genes encoding 14-3-3-like proteins are present in tobacco. The pCZ1 cDNA insert hybridized to a single mRNA of 1.1 kb from cultured tobacco cells. The level of this mRNA transcript in tobacco cells was downregulated upon adaptation to NaCl but was unaffected by short-term treatment with NaCl, ABA or ethylene. In tobacco plants, expression of transcript that hybridized to pCZ1 was tissue specific, and was most abundant in roots and flower parts. Monoclonal antibody raised against GF14 protein, a maize protein with substantial sequence identity with 14-3-3 protein detected two bands on SDS-PAGE of total proteins from unadapted tobacco cells and only a single band from cells adapted to NaCl. The GF14 antibody was also used to illustrate that the G-box element of a salt-induced gene is associated with a 14-3-3-type protein.

14-3-3 Proteins↗
PubMed1994

Shanghai, China, has the lowest confirmed incidence of childhood diabetes in the world.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in 0- to 14-year-old children in Shanghai, China, from 1980 to 1991. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected from hospitals with pediatric departments. The secondary source of validation was primary and middle schools. RESULTS: The average crude annual incidence rate was 0.61/100,000 (95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.77). The ascertainment-corrected incidence rates were 0.72/100,000 (0.57-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of childhood diabetes in Shanghai, China, was one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the world.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The eukaryotic host factor that activates exoenzyme S of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a member of the 14-3-3 protein family.

Exoenzyme S (ExoS), which has been implicated as a virulence factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, catalyzes transfer of the ADP-ribose moiety of NAD+ to many eukaryotic cellular proteins. Its preferred substrates include Ras and several other 21- to 25-kDa GTP-binding proteins. ExoS absolutely requires a ubiquitous eukaryotic protein factor, termed FAS (factor activating ExoS), for enzymatic activity. Here we describe the cloning and expression of a gene encoding FAS from a bovine brain cDNA library and demonstrate that purified recombinant FAS produced in Escherichia coli activates ExoS in a defined cell-free system. The deduced amino acid sequence of FAS shows that the protein (245 residues, calculated molecular mass 27,743 Da) belongs to a highly conserved, widely distributed eukaryotic protein family, collectively designated as 14-3-3 proteins. Various functions have been reported for members of the 14-3-3 family, including phospholipase A2 activity and regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, tryptophan hydroxylase, and, possibly, protein kinase C activities. Identification of FAS as a 14-3-3 protein establishes an additional function for this family of proteins--the activation of an exogenous ADP-ribosyltransferase. Elucidation of the precise role of FAS in activating ExoS will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms by which P. aeruginosa causes disease.

14-3-3 Proteins↗
PubMed1993

[Glucocorticoid receptor-like antigen on neuronal plasma membrane of rat brain].

The existence of glucocorticoid receptor-like antigen on the synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) isolated from rat brain was demonstrated by ABC-gold technique. The SPM was first incubated with McAb 250 (a monoclonal antibody to the glucocorticoid receptor) and then biotinylated horse-anti-mouse IgG and streptavidin-gold (SAG) was added in proper order to the reacting system. The gold particles could be visualized on the external surface of neuronal processes under electron microscope. This is the first morphological demonstration of the existence of glucocorticoid receptor-like antigen on neuronal membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Dynamic study on superficial blood flow in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

Fourteen points superficial bloodflow (SBF) of the skin and tongue in 55 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were measured at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 hours and 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28 days after AMI by LDF (PF2). The dynamic study on multiple points SBF of 576 times showed that (1) The mean SBF of skin was 1.0 +/- 0.04 (V) at 12 hours after AMI. It occupied 70.5% in the normal control. After therapy at 48 hours of AMI, the mean SBF was increased to 1.20 +/- 0.03 (V), and approximated 85.9% of the control. (2) The mean SBF in patients with cardiogenic shock was 1.04 +/- 0.05 (V), and it was significantly lower than that without complications (P less than 0.01). The mean SBF showed a negative correlation with the nailfold microcirculatory values (P less than 0.0025). There was a negative correlation between "Tanzhong" SBF and cardiac muscle enzyme CPK, GOT, LDH (P less than 0.05). (3) The SBF of acupuncture point "Tanzhong, Erxin" related to the heart might more sensitively represent the cardiac condition in AMI. (4) The SBF of tongue was negatively correlated with GOT (P less than 0.05). (5) Continual peripheral microcirculatory observation and electrocardiographic monitoring would be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of earlier complications of AMI in order to reduce the mortality.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed1992

Molecular cytogenetic study of short arm aberrations in human D, G group chromosomes.

Six cases of Dp+/Gp+, 10 cases of D/G translocation, 1 case of supernumerary marker chromosome, and 1 case of Yqs were studied using molecular and cytogenetic techniques. The Ag-NOR frequencies of the Dp+ and Gp+ groups were found to be higher than those of normal controls, while their satellite association frequencies were lower. Autoradiographic silver grains were not significantly distributed along the p+ part of the marker chromosome as revealed by chromosomal in situ hybridization using an rRNA probe. This result differs from our previous report. It is suggested that there might be different mechanisms for the formation of p+ on acrocentric chromosomes. D/G translocation cases were found to have lost their NOR. A study of supernumerary marker chromosomes and Yqs cases suggested that the marker chromosome and Yqs exerted no phenotypic effect. The mechanism of their formation is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Quantitative risk assessment for lung cancer from exposure to metal ore dust.

To quantitatively assess risk for lung cancer of metal miners, a historical cohort study was conducted. The cohort consisted of 1113 miners who were employed to underground work for at least 12 months between January 1, 1960 and December 12, 1974. According to the records of dust concentration, a cumulative dust dose of each miner in the cohort was estimated. There were 162 deaths in total and 45 deaths from lung cancer with a SMR of 2184. The SMR for lung cancer increased from 1019 for those with cumulative dust dose of less than 500 mg-year to 2469 for those with the dose of greater than 4500 mg-year. Furthermore, the risk in the highest category of combined cumulative dust dose and cigarette smoking was 46-fold greater than the lowest category of dust dose and smoking. This study showed that there was an exposure-response relationship between metal ore dust and lung cancer, and an interaction of lung cancer between smoking and metal ore dust exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Molecular cytogenetic study of an extra small chromosome].

An extra small chromosome was observed in a three-generation family. Eight members of this family were involved, but their phenotypes were normal. Molecular cytogenetic study was carried out, using cytogenetic methods and chromosome in situ hybridization with 3H-labelled rDNA probe. The results showed that this chromosome was from the short arm of chromosome of D/G group. The origin and genetic effects of this chromosome and fertility of the carriers were also discussed were also discussed briefly.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Arnold-Chiari malformation presenting in adult life].

Eleven patients of Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM) in adults were reported. Nine of them associated with syringomyelia. The etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, the findings of SSEP, MEP, EMG, NCV, and the treatment of ACM in adults were discussed. Our observations lead us to consider that both clinical symptoms and examinations are crucial in the diagnosis. In addition, the delineation of ACM in adults with or without syringomyelia can be somewhat difficult by traditional radiological examinations, but can be readily demonstrated by MRI.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Estimation of glucocorticoid membrane binding sites in synaptic plasma membrane isolated from porcine brain].

Using radioligand binding assay, we measured the Bmax and Kd of glucocorticoid membrane binding sites (GCMBS) in the synaptic plasma membranes isolated from different regions of porcine brain. The Kds of GCMBS in cerebrum, cerebellum, midbrain, thalamus, nuclei caudatus and hypothalamus are all around 200 nmol/L. The Bmax of GCMBS in the mentioned brain regions ranges from 218.98 fmol/mg to 486.95 fmol/mg protein.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

An improved Tn7-based system for the single-copy insertion of cloned genes into chromosomes of gram-negative bacteria.

A system is described for the single-copy, stable insertion of cloned DNA sequences into the chromosomes of Gram- bacteria. Two narrow-host-range plasmids form the basis of this system: the 'carrier' plasmid contains the mini Tn7-Km transposon, into which foreign DNA can be cloned; the 'helper' plasmid provides the Tn7 transposition functions in trans. Both plasmids are readily transferred into Gram- bacteria by conjugation. The functionality of this system has been demonstrated in Rhodospirillum rubrum.

Chromosomes, Bacterial↗