Showing papers by "Taipei Veterans General Hospital published in 1994"
TL;DR: Radiofrequency ablation in elderly patients with supraventricular tachycardia was effective, however, it must be performed cautiously in those patients with left-sided accessory pathways.
99 citations
TL;DR: Methamphetamine poisoning was confirmed in eight patients admitted to intensive care 1989 through 1992 because of altered mental status and hemodynamic instability, and leucocytosis was noted in seven cases.
Abstract: Methamphetamine poisoning was confirmed in eight patients admitted to intensive care 1989 through 1992 because of altered mental status and hemodynamic instability. Four patients were male and four...
79 citations
TL;DR: In a follow-up period of at least two years, the authors found less thigh pain (13% versus 46.2%) and higher Harris hip scores (86 versus 79) in the cemented group in comparison with the uncemented group as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Four hundred forty-seven patients with 451 displaced fractures of the femoral neck were treated with Bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty (190 cemented and 261 uncemented) between 1985 and 1990 in the authors' institution. During a follow-up period of at least two years, the authors found less thigh pain (13% versus 46.2%) and higher Harris hip scores (86 versus 79) in the cemented group in comparison with the uncemented group. Radiographic examination showed less radiolucent zones and subsidence in the cemented group. Heterotopic ossification was more common in the cemented group. Despite the fact that the cemented group had longer operative times (average, 20 minutes) and more blood loss (average, 160 ml) during the operation, there was no significant difference in the early mortality rate observed between these two groups. The cemented prostheses provided better functional and radiographic results and fewer failures in the early stage. In addition, the cemented prostheses did not lead to more complications and higher mortality rates. Thus, for elderly patients who need early ambulation and functional recovery, the cemented Bateman bipolar prosthesis appears to be a better choice than the uncemented Bateman prosthesis.
61 citations
TL;DR: The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of berberine on the expression of GR and its relation to cell cycle progression of HepG2 cells and found that GR were expressed not only in G0-G1 phases, but also in S and G2+M phases.
56 citations
TL;DR: Over a 5 year period, 56 phalloplasties using sensate free forearm flaps were performed for 56 primary female transsexuals, and the urethrocutaneous fistula rate was 38/56 and one flap totally necrosed.
Abstract: One of the primary goals of phalloplasty on female to male transsexuals is to void while standing. However, achieving competence of the neourethra, sensation, and rigidity of the neophallus still present a challenge. Over a 5 year period (1988–1993), 56 phalloplasties using sensate free forearm flaps were performed for 56 primary female transsexuals. The urethrocutaneous fistula rate was 38/56 and one flap totally necrosed. However, when the flap was prefabricated with a tubed graft of vaginal mucosa for the 28 cases (the later part of the series), there were less complications and a lower fistula rate within this portion of the neourethra. Although the whole procedure was time consuming, it was worthwhile and patient satisfaction was high. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Foreign Text Ignored. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
53 citations
TL;DR: It was confirmed that the degree of portal hypertension and the hyperdynamic circulation were more severe in patients with ascites than in those without ascites and a positive correlation found between Pugh's score and cardiac output and hepatic venous pressure gradient and systemic vascular resistance.
Abstract: The relationship between the severity of cirrhosis and systemic and hepatic haemodynamic values was evaluated in 193 patients with cirrhosis, most of whom were diagnosed with post-necrotic cirrhosis. It was found that the hepatic venous pressure gradient and cardiac output in Pugh's A patients (13.6 +/- 4.8 mmHg and 6.2 +/- 1.6 L/min, mean +/- s.d.) were significantly lower than in both Pugh's B (16.8 +/- 4.3 mmHg and 7.3 +/- 2.1 L/min) and Pugh's C (18.8 +/- 5.5 mmHg and 7.4 +/- 2.3 L/min) patients (P < 0.01), respectively. In contrast, the systemic vascular resistance in Pugh's A patients (1232 +/- 369 dyn/s per cm5) was significantly higher than in both Pugh's B (1016 +/- 345 dyn/s per cm5) and Pugh's C (935 +/- 234 dyn/s per cm5) patients (P < 0.01), respectively. Additionally, not only was there a positive correlation found between Pugh's score and cardiac output and hepatic venous pressure gradient, but a negative correlation was found between Pugh's score and systemic vascular resistance. It was also confirmed that the degree of portal hypertension and the hyperdynamic circulation were more severe in patients with ascites than in those without ascites. However, there were no statistically significant differences in hepatic venous pressure gradient among patients with F1, F2 and F3 esophageal varices (15.7 +/- 4.0, 17.0 +/- 4.8 and 18.0 +/- 4.8 mmHg, respectively). It is concluded that in those patients with cirrhosis, the severity of cirrhosis is closely related to the degree of the hyperkinetic circulatory state and portal hypertension.
38 citations
TL;DR: Findings demonstrated that the induction of ALP in BC-M1 cells by dexamethasone is mainly due to the increase in the transcription of the ALP gene.
Abstract: Treatment of the cultured human breast-cancer cells BC-M1 with dexamethasone induced a placental-type alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Both the ALP activity and the mRNA level in the cells were increased. The induction of ALP activity by dexamethasone was time- and dose-dependent. The accumulation of ALP mRNA was inhibited by both actinomycin D and cycloheximide, indicating that its induction is a complex event and may involve other regulatory proteins. Retinoic acid showed opposing effects with dexamethasone on the expression of alkaline phosphatase. Retinoic acid (RA) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also substantially reduced the dexamethasone-induced expression of ALP. Studies on thermostability and sensitivity to various amino acid inhibitors indicated that the BC-M1 ALP is most similar to the placental form. Northern hybridization analysis also revealed that ALP mRNA transcripts in BC-M1 and term placenta are similar in size and are distinct from that of the placental-like mRNA transcript in choriocarcinoma cells. Analysis of the degradation of BC-M1 ALP mRNA showed a similar half-life of 27 h in the untreated and in dexamethasone- or RA-treated cells. These findings demonstrated that the induction of ALP in BC-M1 cells by dexamethasone is mainly due to the increase in the transcription of the ALP gene.
30 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that transjugular liver biopsy is a safe, valuable and alternative procedure to obtain liver specimens, especially in patients who were contraindicated for percutaneous liver biopsies.
Abstract: A transjugular liver biopsy was performed on 60 patients. Specimens were successfully obtained from 57 (95%) patients. Specimens obtained from cirrhotic patients were frequently small-sized/fragmented. The wedge hepatic venous pressure and hepatic venous pressure gradient were higher in patients with small-sized/fragmented specimens than those with non-fragmented specimens (16.3 +/- 6.4 vs 12.3 +/- 4.9 and 10.9 +/- 6.2 vs 7.3 +/- 3.4 mmHg, P < 0.05, respectively). During the same period of time, percutaneous liver biopsies were consecutively performed on 277 patients. The liver specimens by transjugular method were generally smaller (0.63 +/- 0.58 vs 1.50 +/- 0.86 cm, P < 0.001) and more fragmented (63% vs 16%, P < 0.01) than those obtained by percutaneous method. Biopsy specimens obtained for diagnosis by the former method were inadequate from 6 (10%) patients and by the latter route were inadequate from 7 (2%) patients. Subcapsular haematoma in one patient was associated with the transjugular liver biopsy. Minor complications occurred in three patients: neck haematoma in two and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia during the procedure in one. In comparison, percutaneous liver biopsy was followed by minor complications in 20 patients and major complications in four patients. It is concluded that transjugular liver biopsy is a safe, valuable and alternative procedure to obtain liver specimens, especially in patients who were contraindicated for percutaneous liver biopsy.
25 citations
TL;DR: Octreotide inhibited the postprandial increase in portal pressure in patients with postnecrotic cirrhosis and decreased hepatic blood flow in the fasting state, and when given before a meal, the increase in blood flow induced by the meal restored the liver flow to basal levels.
21 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that the epitope recognized by MAb 9-13 is a common (C) epitope shared by Lol pI and Cyn d Bd68K, 48K, 38K, and Cyn pI does not share significant antigenicity with Lol dI, the major allergen of BGP.
Abstract: The present study disclosed the cross-reactivity between Bermuda grass pollen (BGP) and other grass pollens using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and polyclonal antiserum. MAb 9-13, directed against a group of minor allergens of BGP (Cyn d Bd68K, 48K, 38K) was found to cross-react with extracts of ten other grass pollens. Immunoblotting assays illustrated that MAb 9-13 cross-reacted with multiple components of most of these pollens, and the major cross-reactive components had molecular weights of 29-36 kD. The crossreactivity between BGP and Lol pI, the group I allergen of rye grass pollen, was further evaluated; Lol pI was recognized by MAb 9-13, but not by our MAbs/polyclonal antiserum against Cyn dI, the major allergen of BGP. These results suggest that the epitope recognized by MAb 9-13 is a common (C) epitope shared by Lol pI and Cyn d Bd68K, 48K, 38K, and Cyn dI does not share significant antigenicity with Lol pI. In a modified radio-allergosorbent test, IgE antibodies in the serum of BGP-allergic patients reacted mildly with C-epitope-bearing components of both BGP and rye grass pollens, and this binding could be blocked specifically by MAb 9-13. This suggests that in addition to an antigenic cross-reaction, the C epitope can also lead to an allergenic cross-reaction. Copyright 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel
19 citations
TL;DR: A 37‐year‐oid man who had corundum type Atrial septal defect, mirror‐image Dextrocardia, and drug‐refractory Atrial tachycardia is described, in whom catheter‐mediated radio frequency energy successfully eliminated the tachycardsia without complication.
Abstract: RF Catheter Ablation in Dextrocardia. Introduction: There has been limited experience with radio frequency catheter ablation in patients with Dextrocardia. This report describes a 37-year-oid man who had corundum type Atrial septal defect, mirror-image Dextrocardia, and drug-refractory Atrial tachycardia, in whom catheter-mediated radio frequency energy successfully eliminated the tachycardia without complication.
Methods and Results: On electrophysiologica study, the Atrial tachycardia could be induced and terminated by Atrial extra stimulation or rapid Atrial pacing. Mixed resetting response pattern and manifest entrainment were also demonstrated. These findings suggested that the mechanism of atrial tachycardia might be related to reentry with an excitable gap. Because of the mirrorimage dextrocardia, biplane fluoroscopy was adjusted to the right anterior oblique (RAO) 60°G and left anterior oblique (LAO) 30° positions. Inducibility of the tachycardia was completely abolished after the sixth application of radiofrequency current (30 W). It was noted that the successful electrogram preceded the onset of P wave during Atrial tachycardia by about 40 msec.
Conclusion: This report presents another case in which radiofrequency catheter ablation was used in a patient with Dextrocardia. Atrial tachycardia in patients with congenital heart disease may be difficult to control pharmacologically; however, the use of radiofrequency catheter ablation could be recommended as an alternative to medication and surgery.
TL;DR: A flexible and target-specific campaign should be undertaken in the future for hepatitis B vaccination in Taiwan because a certain percentage of the population declined vaccination.
TL;DR: Mucocutaneous manifestations were found in both primary type and myeloma-associated amyloidosis and the existence of amyloids in tongue and rectum biopsies in 17 cases and abdominal fat aspiration in 1 case and biopsie from clinically normal-looking skin also showed positive results.
Abstract: Systemic amyloidosis is a rare disorder and usually occurs in aged persons with a poor prognosis. Certain mucocutaneous symptoms and signs may act as important clues for diagnosis. Skin or tongue biopsy may also provide important information to establish a firm diagnosis. During the past 14-year period, we found 19 cases of systemic amyloidoses: 8 (42%) with primary systemic amyloidosis, 8 (42%) associated with multiple myeloma and 3 (16%) were secondary amyloidosis. Ages of the patients ranged from 52 to 71 years with a mean age of 62 years at diagnosis. Median survival was only 8 months. Mucocutaneous manifestations were found in both primary type and myeloma-associated amyloidosis. In addition to the existence of amyloid in tongue and rectum biopsies in 17 cases and abdominal fat aspiration in 1 case, biopsies from clinically normal-looking skin also showed positive results in 18 out of 19 cases.
TL;DR: The results suggest that volume loading-induced increases in Rp are not caused by either vascular engorgement or the stimulation of muscarinic receptors.
Abstract: Pulmonary congestion leads to an increase in airway resistance. It is still unknown whether this is due to vascular engorgement or to submucosal oedema. The present study was designed to determine the relative contribution of these two potential mechanisms. We examined the effect of intravenous volume loading on canine peripheral airway resistance (Rp). Bronchoscopes were wedged in contralateral sublobar segments and used to record Rp during rapid infusion of normal saline. Volume loading with normal saline increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and Rp. Unlike normal saline, dextran 70 did not increase Rp when infused at a rate that produced similar changes in PCWP. During infusion of normal saline, delta Rp was significantly enhanced in lung segments previously challenged with dry air when compared to contralateral control lungs, unexposed to dry air, and the use of dextran 70 significantly reduced this effect. Vasoconstriction with phenylephrine significantly decreased baseline Rp, but did not completely reverse the effect of fluid infusion. In addition, in lung segments exposed to dry air, delta Rp was significantly greater after volume loading and treatment with phenylephrine when compared to contralateral control lung. Finally, muscarinic receptor blockade was ineffective in preventing Rp from increasing during infusion of normal saline. Our results suggest that volume loading-induced increases in Rp are not caused by either vascular engorgement or the stimulation of muscarinic receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: It is concluded that neoadjuvant CEF dose not significantly change the hormonal receptor status of primary breast cancer, and the hormonal receptors assay is unnecessary before chemotherapy.
Abstract: In order to know whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy would change the hormonal receptor status of primary breast cancer, 10 patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant CEF (endoxan, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil) were studied. Tissue was obtained by incisional biopsy before chemotherapy and by mastectomy after three courses of treatment. All the specimens were subjected to histology study and the tests of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptors. The results revealed that the only hormonal status of one out of 10 tumors was altered. Among the 10 tumors, 2 out of 10 ER and 3 out of 10 PgR were changed after neoadjuvant CEF. From our results together with others findings, it is concluded that neoadjuvant CEF dose not significantly change the hormonal receptor status of primary breast cancer. The hormonal receptor assay is unnecessary before chemotherapy. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TL;DR: The expression of IL-3, 4, and 5 mRNAs suggested that Th2 cells were involved, a phenomenon also observed in studies of the cutaneous and nasal late phase Although informative, these studies using the techniques of in sitir hybridization as well as ELISAlbioassay for the various cytokines can be extremely laborious, time-consuming, and an accurate quantitation of cytokine m RNAs is not possible.
Abstract: Bronchial asthma is typically associated with bronchial hyperreactivity to a variety of stimuli. such a s inhaled allergens.' Studies of the inflamed asthmatic airways have demonstrated the presence of eosinophils and activated T-lymphocytes infiltrating the bronchial mucosa.'.? It has been suggested that this inflammatory state is a consequence of the elaboration of various proinflammatory cytokines and mediators in the asthmatic airways.'-3 It has also become evident that a network of cytokines control the chronic inflammatory state.? Further understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of asthma is thus intimately linked to identifying the types and sources of these cytokines coupled with functional studies of their respective roles in inducing asthma. Using the technique of in sitir hybridization, mRNAs for granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-2 (IL-2). IL-3, IL-4, and IL-5 have been found in the infiltrating cells of asthmatic airways.' The expression of IL-3, 4, and 5 mRNAs suggested that Th2 cells were involved, a phenomenon also observed in studies of the cutaneous and nasal late phase Although informative, these studies using the techniques of in sitrr hybridization as well as ELISAlbioassay for the various cytokines can be extremely laborious, time-consuming, and an accurate quantitation of cytokine mRNAs is not possible, particularly for the purpose of monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic intervention. Since its introduction, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used
TL;DR: The data suggest that SP may exert an inhibitory action on the alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the NRGC that are involved in central cardiovascular regulation, possibly via a presynaptic modulation on noradrenergic neurotransmission.
TL;DR: Urinary bladder outlet obstruction seemed to induce carcinogenesis in the obstructed bladder mucosa by forming several infrared spectral abnormalities.
TL;DR: Increased plasma and pleural fluid levels of sIL-2R should not be viewed as a diagnostic test specific for tuberculous pleural effusion, but sIL -2R level appears to be clinically useful as a biochemical marker to differentiate tuberculosous and carcinomatous Pleural effusions.
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) in differentiating tuberculous and carcinomatous pleural effusions. Methods: Levels of sIL-2R were measured simultaneously in plasma and pleural fluid in 111 patients with pleural effusions of unknown causes. Results: The causes of pleural effusions were tuberculosis in 42 cases, carcinoma in 41 cases, pneumonia in 18 cases, and heart failure in 10 cases. In all groups of patients, sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in pleural fluid than in plasma. Plasma and effusion levels of sIL-2R were highest in the patients with tuberculosis, followed by those with carcinoma, pneumonia, and heart failure. Levels were significantly higher in the tuberculous group than in the carcinomatous group. To differentiate tuberculous from carcinomatous effusions, the highest plasma and effusion sIL-2R values obtained from the carcinomatous group were chosen as cutoff points (test specificity, 100%). The sensitivities of plasma and effusion sIL-2R levels in differentiating tuberculous and carcinomatous pleural effusions were 50% (21 of 42 samples) and 81% (34 of 42 samples), respectively. Conclusions: Although increased plasma and pleural fluid levels of sIL-2R should not be viewed as a diagnostic test specific for tuberculous pleural effusion, sIL-2R level appears to be clinically useful as a biochemical marker to differentiate tuberculous and carcinomatous pleural effusions. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:1097-1101)
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Biomechanical analysis showed that the bending force of the ribs was located at posterolateral segments where fractures tend to occur, and Predominant muscle forces are generated by forced coupling of scapular retraction and protraction, acting through the serratus anterior.
Abstract: Background Stress fractures of the ribs are sometimes seen at the Outpatient Department in patients with a history of playing golf enthusiastically. Many are diagnosed as "muscle strain" or "myofascial pain" and patients are simply advised to take some rest or are treated with analgesics and local injection. This case study investigated 11 amateur golfers whose chief complaint was anterior, posterior or lateral chest pain. After X-ray and bone scan evaluation, "stress fracture of the ribs" was diagnosed. A questionnaire presented to them trying to find the possible mechanisms of these stress fractures. Biomechanical analysis showed that the bending force of the ribs was located at posterolateral segments where fractures tend to occur. Overuse, poor technique and inadequate stretch in beginners are postulated as causes for apparent increased susceptibility to these skeletal injuries. Methods Questionnaires inquired about (1) warm-up time, (2) number of strikes, (3) fracture sites, (4) pain patterns, (5) combined injuries. Results All 11 patients were beginners with right side hand dominance who had begun to play golf within the year. Right side ribs fracture occurred in six cases; left side ribs fracture occurred in eight cases including three patients with two fracture sites. Localized pain was reported in six cases and there were five cases with radiating pain along costal margins. All the golfers had spent no more than 10 minutes in warm up them. Seven patients suffered from multiple injuries after they had played. Five were diagnosed by X-ray and six showed positive finding after Tc-99m MDP bone scan. All lesions were located at the posterolateral segments of the ribs. Conclusions Stress fractures of the ribs in amateur golfers are certainly not uncommon. Predominant muscle forces are generated by forced coupling of scapular retraction and protraction, acting through the serratus anterior. With early diagnosis and relative rest for four to eight weeks, the pain will improve. Overuse, poor technique and inadequate stretch will probably lead to stress fracture of the rib.
TL;DR: It is considered that a galloyl group in 3-O-position increased the scavenger activity of flavan-3-ol tannins as well as their potency in inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Abstract: We induced lipid peroxidation in rat heart mitochondria with FeSO4 and compared the inhibitory effect of various flavan-3-ol tannins on it. These tannins were purified from Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis). Oxygen consumption and malondialdehyde formation were used to quantitate the amount of lipid peroxidation. The free radical scavenger activity of tannins was then measured with a diphenyl-p-picrylhydrazyl method. These tannins significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation at micromolar concentration. Their potencies were higher than that of Trolox, a water soluble analogue of vitamin E. Since epicatechin-3-O-gallate, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and gallocatechin-3-O-gallate were more potent than other flavan-3-ol tannins in these assays, we considered that a galloyl group in 3-O-position increased the scavenger activity of flavan-3-ol tannins as well as their potency in inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
TL;DR: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were 100, 86 and 88% with the cut-off value of an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count; and were 93, 91 and 92% with that value > or = 500 cells/mm3, respectively.
TL;DR: HBeAg seroconversion may occur in about one third of the anti‐HBc‐positive carrier infants during the first decade, and the anti-HBc-negative HBsAg carrier infants' immune incompetence to the HBV antigens could persist for more than 10 years.
Abstract: One hundred twenty-two hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier infants were followed-up for 8–10 years. One hundred eleven had antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc; 83 had been vaccinated) and the remaining 11 were without anti-HBc (7 had been vaccinated). During the follow-up period, 29 (26.1%) carrier infants with anti-HBc had one or more episodes of ala-nine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation and up to 32.8% (21/64) of the carriers in this group lost their hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) before the age of 10. In addition, 2 (1.8%) carriers lost their HBsAg at the age of 3 and 8, respectively. No significant symptom or sign was noted during HBeAg seroconversion. In contrast, all the carrier infants without anti-HBc were still positive for both HBeAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DMA and none displayed abnormal ALT levels or any symptom related to liver disease. One became anti-HBc positive at the age of 9, and 5 other carriers had inconsistent borderline or weakly positive titers of anti-HBc. The episodes of ALT elevation and the prevalence of HBeAg seroconversion were not significantly different between immunized carrier infants. In conclusion, HBeAg seroconversion may occur in about one third of the anti-HBc-positive carrier infants during the first decade. On the other hand, the anti-HBc-negative HBsAg carrier infants' immune incompetence to the HBV antigens could persist for more than 10 years. Hepatitis B immunization did not have significant effect on the clinical course in carriers. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TL;DR: The HT cell line was derived from the term-placenta of a 29-year-old oriental woman who gave birth to a 4070g female by Cesarian section because the mother was a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier and no clinical abnormality or complication was recorded before or after delivery.
Abstract: Dear Editor: Trophoblasts are temporal endocrine cells of the placenta capable of elaborating various cytokines and hormones that are vital to the maturation and protection of the developing fetus (1). In addition, abnormal growth, differentiation, and neoplastic transformation of these ceils may result in miscarriage and the development of different gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTDs). These unique features make trophoblasts ideal models for studies of cell growth regulation, differentiation as well as carcinogenesis. The present study describes the establishment and characterization of such a cell line designated HT from a normal placenta. Human term-placentas were obtained from healthy patients admitted to our hospital with informed consent; a total of 28 placentas were used in the present study. Primary cultures were prepared as described previously (2) in Dulbecco's minimal essential medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 25 mM hepes, and 30 #g/ml of gentamycin and incubated at 37 ° C and 5% CO 2. At about 4 days postestablishment of one of the cultures, a colony of proliferating cells was observed and since then the cells had been maintained by serial subculturing for over 2 years without showing any sign of degeneration. The HT cell line was derived from the term-placenta of a 29-year-old oriental woman who gave birth to a 4070g female on May 24, 1991, by Cesarian section because the mother was a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier. No clinical abnormality or complication was recorded before or after delivery. Morphologically the HT ceils were mostly polygonal in shape with relatively large nucleus/cytoplasm ratio and often contained three to four well-defined nucleoli (Fig. 1A). Under the electron microscope, the cells could be seen as having a rather complex general cytoplasmic structure with numerous mitochondria, ribosomes, and rough endoplasmic reticulum (Fig. 1B). Desmosomelike intercellular attachment (Fig. 1B) could only be detected occasionally, suggesting that the cells are not fully differentiated (6). Population doubling time of the HT cells was about 24 h at an initial inoculum of 200 /000 ceils/ml based on direct cell count. To establish the correct identity of the new cell line, we prepared cover-slip cultures (10 mm X 10 mm) of HT cells and assayed for the presence of various phenotypic markers including: cytokeratin, vimentin, fibronectin, factor VIII, W6/32, placental alkaline phosphatase, hCG, hPL (all from Dako, A/S, Glostrup, Denmark), Trop 2 (ATCC # HB18), PAI-1 and 2 (American Diagnostica Inc., #395G & 375G) by conventional perioxidase-antiperoxidase method. Furthermore, the constitutive release of o~ and ~-hCG, estradiol (Sorono Diagnostici S.p.A. Milano, Italy), progesterone (bioMerieux, Lyon, France), placental ferritin (Travenol-Genetech,
Journal Article•
TL;DR: CRS provides a sensitive method for making a direct evaluation of proximal root conduction and is a good aid for pre-surgical evaluation of cervical radiculopathy.
Abstract: For precise evaluation of cervical radiculopathy, cervical root stimulation (CRS), conventional electromyographic (EMG) studies, nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies and F responses were done in 32 patients with clinical symptoms and signs of cervical radiculopathy. While performing CRS, a monopolar needle was inserted into the paraspinal muscles, and the compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) in the biceps, triceps and abductor digiti minimi muscles were recorded. Conventional EMG was abnormal in 18 (56.2%), whereas CRS was abnormal in 25 (78.1%). Among the 25 patients with positive CRS tests, 13 received surgical decompression for cervical root compression caused either by a cervical disc or by foramen narrowing due to spondylosis. Only 10 out of 13 (76.9%) had abnormal conventional EMG findings. CRS provides a sensitive method for making a direct evaluation of proximal root conduction and is a good aid for pre-surgical evaluation of cervical radiculopathy.
TL;DR: The biochemical composition of physiologically moist mucosa and serosa of rabbit bladder before and after bladder outlet obstruction was determined by means of FT-IR spectroscopy with the ATR method and second-derivative analysis.
Abstract: The biochemical composition of physiologically moist mucosa and serosa of rabbit bladder before and after bladder outlet obstruction was determined by means of FT-IR spectroscopy with the ATR method and second-derivative analysis. A predominantly beta-sheet structure was found in the amide I band for mucosa and serosa before and after obstruction, but the random coil structure increased in both obstructed bladder samples. However, the major beta-sheet structure associated with some alpha-helical structure in the amide II band of mucosa and serosa for non-obstructed bladder changed into a predominantly alpha-helical structure after bladder obstruction. The obstructed bladder serosa was more pronounced. The amount of glycoproteins doubled in the obstructed bladder serosa, but did not change in the bladder mucosa.
TL;DR: The most common symptoms and signs were gastrointestinal complaints, sinus tachycardia, and atrial arrhythmias, which are rarely mentioned as a specific feature of theophylline intoxication, and mixed atrial and ventricular arrhythms, which accounted for 29% of the cardiovascular manifestations.
Abstract: We reviewed the clinical manifestations of 53 episodes of theophylline intoxication in 50 patients over a one year study period, in order to identify the specific features as they presented to the Emergency Department (ED). There was a trend to an increase in the serum theophylline concentration with increased severity of clinical features, but the difference between the mild and the moderate cases was not statistically significant. The most common symptoms and signs were gastrointestinal complaints, sinus tachycardia, and atrial arrhythmias. Mixed atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, which are rarely mentioned as a specific feature of theophylline intoxication, were found in 16% of our patients and accounted for 29% of the cardiovascular manifestations. Four patients developed rhabdomyolysis, which presumably was secondary to a seizure or profound hypokalaemia. Cases of theophylline intoxication presenting to the ED had higher serum concentrations of theophylline and tended to have more severe toxicity than those patients in the non-ED group. Delayed diagnosis may contribute to the severity of the outcome, since severe cases in the ED were usually suspected to have developed intoxication at some point later in the stay in the ED than at the time of presentation, or after admission to the hospital, thus permitting the occurrence of an additional iatrogenic component to the intoxication. They also complained of symptoms not associated with the theophylline toxicity, which may have diverted the physician's attention from recognizing this concurrent problem.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: A new model of erythrocyte sedimentation is presented with the following capacities: the skew-symmetric sedimentation curves can be modeled, the experimental data can be fitted better with the new sedimentation equations, a fractal dimension, D, and a new rate constant, k, can be defined.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that prolonged bleeding time is common in patients with cirrhosis and peripheral vasodilation is probably an important factor in addition to platelet counts and the severity of liver disease in determining the bleeding time in cirrhotic patients.
Abstract: A prolonged bleeding time (> 540 s), measured with a Simplate single template device, was found in 0% of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis and 38% of 154 cirrhotic patients. Cirrhotic patients with a prolonged bleeding time (n = 59) had lower platelet counts (P 80 x 10(9)/L and a prothrombin time 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: It is concluded that surgical resection offers the best prognosis and a surgical bypass using cholangioenteric anastomosis achieved the most satisfactory palliation for the majority of patients.
Abstract: The diagnosis and treatment of 126 consecutive patients with tissue-proved cholangiocarcinoma which originates in or proximal to the common hepatic duct was reviewed. They are further divided into the hilar type and peripheral type tumours. The clinical presentations were commonly compatible with the hilar type tumour. However, the accurate pre-operative diagnosis of the peripheral type tumour was difficult because of the frequent association with hepatolithiasis (43.3%) and the high prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Taiwan; 25% of these patients underwent surgery for chronic cholangitis and 12.5% for HCC rather than cholangiocarcinoma. Among the 40 (31.7%) patients who had tumour resections, 24 were hilar type and 16 were peripheral type. There were no operative deaths and the mean survival time was 36.1 months (27.9 months for the hilar types, 52.2 months for the peripheral types). Sixty-three (50%) patients with hilar type tumours were only suitable for palliative procedures to relieve the jaundice. The 30-day mortality rate was 50 and 33.3% for the patients who received non-surgical and surgical drainages, but zero for the patients who had surgical bypasses. All the bypass patients experienced > 50% decrease of serum bilirubin, but this effect was obtained in less than half the patients receiving drainage procedures. Surgical resection significantly prolonged the survival (resection vs palliation vs no treatment = 36.1 vs 6.6 vs 3.6 months, P 5 years. We conclude that surgical resection offers the best prognosis. For the majority of patients, however, a surgical bypass using cholangioenteric anastomosis achieved the most satisfactory palliation.