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Biomedical subjects

W M Tang

Publications and source records attributed to W M Tang.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Novel function of the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A: regulation of cytochrome c oxidase activity and cytochrome c release.

There have been speculations that the regulatory (R) subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) may have other functions. A recent study has shown that the catalytic (C) subunit of PKA may be regulated in a cAMP- and R subunit-independent manner. However, evidence linking a function to the R subunit apart from inhibiting the C subunit has been elusive. In this report, interaction cloning experiments showed that the RIalpha subunit association with the cytochrome c oxidase subunit Vb (CoxVb) is cAMP-sensitive. Interaction was detected with a GST-RIalpha fusion protein as well as by coimmunoprecipitation. Transient treatment with cAMP-elevating agents inhibited cytochrome c oxidase in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with a concomitant decrease in cytochrome c levels in the mitochondria and an increase in its release into the cytosol. Furthermore, mutant cells harboring a defective RIalpha show increased cytochrome c oxidase activity and also constitutively lower levels of cytochrome c in comparison to either the wild-type cells or the C subunit mutant. These results suggest a novel mechanism of cAMP signaling through the interaction of RIalpha with CoxVb thereby regulating cytochrome c oxidase activity as well as the cytochrome c levels.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Costal osteochondroma. A rare cause of spinal cord compression.

STUDY DESIGN: Report of a rare cause of spinal cord compression: costal osteochondroma. OBJECTIVE: To describe a very rare cause of spinal cord compression, costal osteochondroma, which was present in a 16-year-old girl with a history of hereditary multiple exostoses. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Only four cases of expansion of costal osteochondroma into the spinal canal through an intervertebral foramen have been reported previously. METHODS AND RESULTS: The origin of the osteochondroma at the head of the right 12th rib, the invasion of the spinal canal through the right T12-L1 intervertebral foramen, and the compression of the spinal cord were shown on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The exact extent of the osteochondroma, particularly the cartilage cap, was delineated accurately by magnetic resonance imaging. Complete excision followed by full recovery occurred 19 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred method of investigation in cases of osteochondroma related to spine, because it allows for better pre-operative planning and helps to prevent incomplete excision of the tumor.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Necrotizing fasciitis due to Vibrio alginolyticus following an injury inflicted by a stingray.

We describe the case of a patient with necrotizing fasciitis due to Vibrio alginolyticus in a patient with cirrhosis following an injury inflicted by a stingray. The patient was successfully treated with aggressive surgical debridement and a combination of ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Cases of invasive V. alginolyticus reported in the literature were reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The association of HLA-DR15 and intermediate uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DR15) specificity and intermediate uveitis. METHODS: Eighteen patients diagnosed with intermediate uveitis underwent HLA-DR15 serotyping. Additionally, DNA-based phenotyping for a specific HLA-DR15 allele was performed in four patients. The clinical features of HLA-DR15-positive intermediate uveitis were compared with those of HLA-DR15-negative intermediate uveitis. RESULTS: Thirteen of 18 patients (72%) were positive for HLA-DR15. The frequency of the HLA-DR15 specificity in intermediate uveitis patients was significantly higher than in the control subjects (relative risk, 6.36; P < .001). Each of four patients tested carried the specific allele, DR beta 1*1501, which has been associated with multiple sclerosis. In the HLA-DR15-positive group were four patients (31%) with coexisting multiple sclerosis or optic neuritis, one patient with coexisting narcolepsy, and three patients (23%) with a family history of multiple sclerosis. Retinal periphlebitis, especially if bilateral, was a frequent ophthalmoscopic finding in HLA-DR15-positive intermediate uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies a significant association between intermediate uveitis and the HLA-DR15 specificity. Patients who are HLA-DR15-positive and have intermediate uveitis may have systemic findings of another HLA-DR15-related disorder. Intermediate uveitis may belong to a constellation of HLA-DR15-related disorders, which includes multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, and narcolepsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Psychotic symptoms preceding ocular deviation in a patient with tardive oculogyric crises.

This report describes a patient with schizophrenia who developed episodes of ocular dystonia as a delayed side effect of neuroleptic medication. Each episode was preceded and accompanied by marked agitation, stereotypic behaviour and exacerbation of hallucinations. Both the psychotic and dystonic symptoms responded to anticholinergic medication. The theoretical and practical implications of this observation are discussed.

Adult↗