Newcastle disease virus isolated from recent outbreaks in Taiwan phylogenetically related to viruses (genotype VII) from recent outbreaks in western Europe

Three major outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) occurred in Taiwan in the last three decades (in 1969, 1984, and 1995). Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) isolated in the three outbreaks, together with those isolated in 1998, were sequenced between nucleotides 47 and 435 of the fusion gene. A phylogenetic tree based on sequences obtained showed that the NDV isolated in 1969 was similar to the genotype III viruses. In contrast, all isolates in 1984 and seven of the eight isolates in 1995, together with all isolates in 1998, fell into the genotype VII. These results suggest that the 1969 outbreak of ND in Taiwan was caused by the genotype III virus, whereas the 1984 and 1995 outbreaks were caused by the genotype VII viruses. To date, the genotype VII viruses have caused many outbreaks in east Asia and western Europe. We suspect that these outbreaks have constituted the fourth panzootic of ND, which is distinct from the third panzootic caused by the "pigeon PMV-1 viruses." NDV isolated in Taiwan in 1984 was the earliest isolation of the genotype VII virus.

Pyomyositis--with special reference to the comparison between extra- and intrapelvic muscle abscess

Fifteen patients, nine males and six females, diagnosed with pyomyositis from 1988 to 1994, and followed for an average of 69.8 months, were reviewed. Excluding two children, the average age was 56.6 years. Eleven adults (73.3%) had underlying diseases. The lesions were multiple in five patients (33.3%) and a total of twenty-four muscle abscesses, including eleven extrapelvic and thirteen intrapelvic, were identified. When comparing extra- and intrapelvic pyomyositis, intrapelvic pyomyositis presents a diagnostic challenge requiring a high index of suspicion. Distinct clinical features such as local heat and painful swelling were all identified in extrapelvic pyomyositis, but they rarely (in only two of the thirteen lesions) emerged in intrapelvic pyomyositis. The average time from presentation to diagnosis was significantly longer in intrapelvic than in extrapelvic pyomyositis (1.4 vs 9.7 days). Although aspiration showed a high diagnostic rate in extrapelvic muscle abscesses, it was difficult to perform and was occasionally misinterpreted in intrapelvic cases. Routine X-rays were not helpful in making the diagnosis. CT scan was valuable because it provided positive diagnostic findings in all twelve patients who received one. The causative organisms in our patients were Staphylococcus aureus in eight (53.3%), Escherichia coli in three (20%), and Klebsiella in three (20%). Treatments consisted of parenteral antibiotics for all patients, image-guided aspiration in four patients, and surgical drainage in eleven patients. Two intrapelvic pyomyositis patients expired due to sepsis. At the completion of the study, twelve patients were asymptomatic without sequel, and one patient had a recurrence.

Inhibition of the synthesis of eicosanoid-like substances in a human oral cancer cell line by interferon-gamma and eicosapentaenoic acid

The objectives were to examine the production of eicosanoids in a Chinese human oral cancer cell line (OEC-M1) and to test the effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and enzyme inhibitors on this biosynthesis. The eicosanoids were identified by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography. Two predominant peaks appeared in the chromatograms. One compound (P-1) was identified by ultraviolet absorption at a lambda(max) of 278nm with shoulders at 272 and 284nm. The other compound (P-2) was identified by ultraviolet absorption at a lambda(max) of 284 nm with shoulders at 278 and 290 nm. The production of P- was significantly inhibited by the addition of IFN-gamma (200 and 400 U/ml), and EPA (10 to 40 microM). It was only partially inhibited (p < 0.05) by indomethacin (INDO) (0.5 and 1 microM), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) (30 and 60 microM/ml), and eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraynoic acid (ETYA) (20-60 microM). It was almost completely inhibited by indomethacin (2 and 3 microM), and dexamethasone (0.6 and 6 microM). The production of P-2 was almost completely inhibited by IFN-gamma (200 and 400 U/ml), and partially inhibited (p < 0.05) by EPA (10 and 20 microM), NDGA (30 and 60 microM), ETYA (20 and 40 microM), dexamethasone (0.6 and 6 microM). The production of both peaks was significantly reduced by excluding arachidonic acid (AA), and almost completely inhibited by heating at 100 degrees C for 10 min during incubation. These results demonstrate that two eicosanoid-like compounds are synthesized by the OEC-M cell line and that their production can be modulated by IFN-gamma, EPA, indomethacin, NDGA, ETYA, and dexamethasone.

[Research of dynamic measurements of perioral soft tissue]

OBJECTIVE:This article introduced a concept of dynamic image measurement for calculate the quantity of cirumoral soft tissue movements. METHODS: A developed computer image analyzing system was used to calculate the quantity of circumoral soft tissue movement under the three conditions. RESULTS: (1)When/mo/is pronounced,lip protrudes,the upper lip landmarks move upwards,imwards and forwards,and the lower lip landmarks downwards and backwards.The variation of upper lip triangular area will be M2<M3<M1,that of the lower lip will be M3>M2>M1. (2)When/si/is pronounced,as a result of vowel,the amount of lower lip moving down backwards is more than that when/mo/is pronounced,which makes the lower lip triangular area comes to be M3>M2>M1. CONCLUSION: Pronunciation is one of the important oral functins. It could be used as a method of research to measure the facial soft tissue change dynamically and effectively.

The incidence of school-related injuries among adolescents in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of nonfatal school-related injuries in adolescent schoolchildren.

DESIGN

Nurses completed a Student Accident Report Form (SARF) on all injuries in schools meeting standardized criteria from September 1995 to June 1996.

SETTING

Six junior high schools in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan.

SUBJECTS

13,335 adolescents aged 13-15 in six schools.

RESULTS

A total of 3,640 injuries were reported among the city's 13,335 students, for an overall injury rate of 27.3 injuries/100 student years. Injury rates were higher for boys than for girls at all grade levels. The seventh-grade students had the highest incidence rate. Injuries not involving other students accounted for nearly 64% of all injuries. Injuries occurring on the playground/gymnasium and classroom were the two most common types and were more than twice as frequent as injuries occurring in the hall or stairs. Contusions, abrasions, and swelling were the most frequently reported types of injuries. The body sites most frequently injured were the extremities. When exposure time is taken into account, injury rates were higher in the unsupervised areas of the schools.

CONCLUSIONS

School-related injury incidence among adolescents attending junior high school is higher than has been previously reported and should be recognized as a significant public health problem in Taiwan.

The effect of acupuncture on the incidence of postextubation laryngospasm in children

Laryngospasm occurring after tracheal extubation in children is potentially dangerous. This study uses acupuncture with bloodletting at the Shao Shang (L 11) or Shang Yang (Li 1) acupoints to investigate whether this technique can prevent or treat laryngospasm. Seventy-six patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the acupuncture group (n = 38) were treated with bilateral Shao Shang acupunctures at the end of the operation. Patients in the control group (n = 38) were not. The incidence of laryngospasm in the acupuncture group (5.3%) was less than that in the control group (23.7%) (p < 0.05). If laryngospasm developed, patients were immediately treated with acupuncture at either the Shao Shang or Shang Yang acupoints. As judged by an increase in peripheral oxygen saturation, the laryngospasm was relieved within 1 min of acupuncture in all patients. It is concluded that acupuncture with bloodletting at the Shao Shang acupoint may prevent and treat laryngospasm occurring after tracheal extubation in children.

gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter-mediated current from bipolar cells in tiger salamander retinal slices

About 10% of bipolar cells in salamander retina synthesize and take up gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and may use GABA as a neurotransmitter. As GABA uptake is electrogenic, bipolar cells expressing GABA transporters (GATs) should give transport current (IGAT) to extracellular GABA. Using whole-cell patch recording, 28 bipolar cells responded to 30-200 microM GABA puffed to the axon terminals with a picrotoxin (PTX)-sensitive chloride current (ICI) only. Another three bipolar cells had, in addition to ICI, a PTX-resistant, sodium-dependent current that was completely and reversibly blocked by NO-711, an IGAT inhibitor, indicating that this component was an IGAT. This finding provides further support for a subset of GABAergic bipolar cells in the salamander retina.

Calcium and magnesium in drinking water and risk of death from rectal cancer

The possible association between the risk of rectal cancer and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible rectal-cancer deaths (986 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1990 through 1994 were compared with a sample of deaths from other causes (986 controls), and the levels of calcium and magnesium in the drinking water of these residents were determined. Data on calcium and magnesium levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The control group consisted of people who died from other causes, and the controls were pair-matched to the cases by gender, year of birth and year of death. Compared with those with calcium levels below 22.0 mg/liter, the adjusted odd ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.72 (0.53-0.98) for the group with water calcium levels between 22.0 and 40.8 mg/liter and 0.63 (0.45-0.87) for the group with calcium levels of 40.9 mg/liter or more. The adjusted odd ratios were not statistically significant for the relationship between magnesium levels in drinking water and rectal cancer. The results of the present study show that there may be a significant protective effect of calcium intake from drinking water on the risk of rectal cancer.

Small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with liver cirrhosis, diagnosed with glucose H2 or CH4 breath tests

BACKGROUND

Small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been considered a predisposing factor of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients by bacterial translocation or hematogenous spread during spontaneous bacteremia. We investigated 45 cirrhotic patients and 28 healthy subjects to assess the prevalence of SIBO and its relationship with the severity of liver dysfunction and the presence of ascites.

METHODS

Bacterial overgrowth was measured by the glucose hydrogen and methane breath test.

RESULTS

SIBO was documented in 16 (35.6%) of the 45 cirrhotic patients and in 1 (3.6%) of the 28 healthy controls. The prevalence of SIBO was significantly higher in patients with Child-Pugh class B or C (50%) than in those with class A (19%) and had no relationship with the presence or absence of ascites.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the prevalence of SIBO in cirrhotic patients is approximately 35.6% and that it is related to the severity of liver disease. There was no difference among various causes of cirrhosis, such as viral, alcoholic, or idiopathic.

Indoor environmental risk factors and childhood asthma: a case-control study in a subtropical area

This study examined the relation between indoor environmental factors and childhood asthma in a subtropical area. A hospital-based case-control study was performed in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, between July of 1995 and June of 1996. Eighty-six children seen in the out-patient clinic of our university hospital and who had a first-time diagnosis of asthma made by a pediatrician were the test group; 86 control subjects were selected from children attending the Childhood Orthopaedic Clinic in the same hospital and who had no previous diagnosis of asthma or asthma symptoms and no history of physician confirmed atopic diseases. The control subjects were matched with test case children on the basis of gender and age. Information was obtained from parents using a structured questionnaire. Of the many indoor environmental factors included in this study, only home dampness showed an association with asthma (adjusted odds ratio=1.77; 95% confidence intervals, 1.24-2.53). We conclude that dampness in the home is a new public health risk factor related to asthma in subtropical areas.

Childhood asthma and the indoor environment in a subtropical area

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between indoor environmental factors and childhood asthma in a subtropical area.

DESIGN

A case-control study was performed using participants of a prevalence survey that included 165 schoolchildren with asthma and 165 age- and gender-matched control subjects.

SETTING

The study was confined to 4,164 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years attending eight primary schools in Kaohsiung County rural municipalities who participated in a prevalence study concerning the health effects of the indoor environment.

PARTICIPANTS

Cases (n=165) were defined as children with current asthma confirmed by a physician. Control subjects (n=165) were selected from the same school and class and matched for age and gender, and they did not have a previous diagnosis of asthma, history of physician-confirmed atopic diseases, persistent wheezing, cough, or phlegm, or reported chest illness, pneumonia, or bronchitis.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Information regarding the home environment was obtained using a structured written questionnaire, completed by the parents of the children. Of the many indoor environmental factors included in this study, only home dampness showed an association with asthma (odds ratio=2.65).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that dampness in the home is a new public health issue in subtropical areas.

Surface characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy: effect of materials, passivation and autoclaving

The properties of passivated films for Ti6Al4V alloy prepared by various methods (as-polished, brazed at 970 degrees C for 2 h and brazed at 970 degrees C for 8 h) were investigated. Four passivations (non-treated, nitric acid passivation, 400 degrees C-treated in air, and aged in boiling water), with or without autoclaving treatments, were adopted for evaluating the changes of surface properties, including chemical composition, chemical structure, and oxide thickness. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analyses, surface elements of copper and nickel in brazed samples were undetected for non-treated, acid-passivated and boiling water-aged specimens, while they were found in the 400 degrees C-treated specimen. The relative contents of Ti2++Ti3+ to Ti4+ were determined by passivation treatments, but were not related to the experimental materials and autoclaving treatment. Passivation and autoclaving decreased the Ti to Ti4+ ratio by virtue of an increase in oxide thickness. Of the four types of passivation treatment, the 400 degrees C thermal treatment exhibited the lowest content of suboxides and metallic elements and the thickest oxide by XPS analysis; however, this treatment may cause a desorption of the basic OH group in the hydration layer on the surface of titanium alloy.

The effect of intracameral adrenaline infusion on pupil size, pulse rate, and blood pressure during phacoemulsification

Pupillary constriction during phacoemulsification (phaco) and irrigation/aspiration (I/A) is found to be the major cause of iris damage, incomplete cortex removal, posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss and even posterior lens material dislocation. Cataract surgery is performed more easily if mydriasis can be maintained. Irrigation fluid containing adrenaline is thought to be of benefit in this respect. We designed a prospective study assessing the efficacy and safety of using perioperative adrenaline during phacoemulsification, as an adjunct to preoperative topical mydriatics. Forty-two cases were randomized to receive intraocular irrigation fluid with or without 1:1,000,000 adrenaline, as a study or control group. Diameter of the pupil, pulse rate, systolic and diastolic pressure before-phaco, after-phaco-before-I/A and after-I/A were measured. All of the operations were performed by the same surgeon with the same technique. The pupil size after-phaco-before-I/A was 8.00 mm in the study group and 5.96 mm in the control group. The mydriasis maintained during phacoemulsification was significantly greater in the study group, p < 0.00001. The pupil size after-I/A was 8.03 mm in the study group, and 5.54 mm in the control group. The mydriasis maintained during I/A was significantly greater in the study group, p < 0.00001. Pulse rate and blood pressure in patients of the study group, even those with hypertension, showed no significant fluctuation during the surgery. We concluded that intraocular irrigation with 1:1,000,000 adrenaline was a safe and effective way of maintaining mydriasis during cataract surgery.

A comparison of the corrosion behaviour and surface characteristics of vacuum-brazed and heat-treated Ti6Al4V alloy

The corrosion characteristics of the brazed Ti6Al4V specimens were analysed and compared with respect to the conventionally heat-treated specimens by an electrochemical corrosion test. The object of this research was to explore the potentiality of the brazed titanium for biomaterials. The characteristics of the 1300 degrees C heat-treated and the 970 degrees C brazed specimens, with passivation and sterilization treatment, were evaluated by measurement of corrosion potential, Ecorr, corrosion current densities, Icorr, polarization resistance of the reacted surface films, Rp, in a potentiodynamic test. The experimental results show that the corrosion rates of the heat-treated and the brazed samples are similar at Ecorr, and the value of Ecorr for the brazed sample is noble to the heat-treated samples. The passive current density of the brazed specimen is either lower or higher than the heat-treated specimen, depending on the polarization potential. By Auger electron spectroscopic and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis on specimens from the potentiostatic test, the elements of copper and nickel in the brazing filler were not detected while less alumina was found in the reacted film of the brazed specimens when compared with the heat-treated specimens. The implication of the results is discussed.

Nodal disease in purely glottic carcinoma: is elective neck treatment worthwhile?

OBJECTIVE

Although there is a generalized understanding of the relatively low overall incidence of nodal disease from purely glottic carcinoma, the exact role for elective neck treatment in the management of this disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of occult nodal disease (including paratracheal) in patients who have glottic carcinoma without significant extraglottic extension and to identify which patients are at risk for this. A retrospective chart review of 92 such patients who had either undergone neck dissection or been observed for a minimum of 2 years was performed.

RESULTS

For the 92 patients, neck treatment consisted of observation in 68 patients, paratracheal node dissection in four, unilateral neck dissection in four, unilateral neck dissection and excision of paratracheal nodes in 14, and bilateral neck dissection with paratracheal node excision in two. Of the 24 nodal dissections performed, four were positive for occult metastatic disease. No patient in the observation group developed nodal disease.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of occult nodal disease in NO glottic carcinoma is low, 0% in early stage disease (T1-T2) and 19% in late stage disease (T3-T4). Nodes at highest risk included only the paratracheal, level II, and level III. Elective neck treatment should only be undertaken for advanced (T3-T4) disease and even then is of questionable benefit. If undertaken, it should have a low potential morbidity, such as selective neck dissection or radiation. Computed tomography was not useful in staging the neck for this subset of patients.

Colon cancer mortality and total hardness levels in Taiwan's drinking water

The possible association between the risk of colon cancer and hardness levels in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible colon cancer deaths (1,714 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1989 through 1993 were compared with deaths from other causes (1,714 controls) and the hardness levels of the drinking water used by these residents were determined. Data on water hardness throughout Taiwan have been collected from Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The control group consisted of people who died from other causes and the controls were pair matched to the cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death. The results show a significant negative relationship between drinking water hardness and colon cancer mortality. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were 1.22 (1.04-1. 43) and 1.46 (1.22-1.75), respectively, for exposure to moderately hard water and soft water compared with the use of hard water. Trend analyses showed an increasing odds ratio for colon cancer with decreasing levels of hardness in drinking water. This is an important finding for the Taiwan water industry and human health.

Chlorination of drinking water and cancer mortality in Taiwan

Chlorination has been the major strategy for disinfection of drinking water in Taiwan. An ecologic epidemiological study design was used to examine whether chlorination of drinking water was associated with cancer risks. A "chlorinating municipality" (CHM) was defined as one in which more than 90% of the municipality population was served by the chlorinated water while an "nonchlorinating municipality" (NCHM) was one in which less than 5% of the municipality population was served by chlorinated water. Age-adjusted mortality rates for cancer during 1982-1991 among the 14 CHMs were compared to rates among the 14 matched NCHMs with similar urbanization level and sociodemographic characteristics. The results of this study suggest a positive association between consumption of chlorinating drinking water and cancer of the rectum, lung, bladder, and kidney. Although these findings must be interpreted with caution because of limitations in the ecological study design, their public health significance should not be disregarded because chlorination of water is so widely practiced in Taiwan.

Adverse effect of air pollution on respiratory health of primary school children in Taiwan

This study is a part of the Study On Air Pollution and Health In Taiwan (SOAP&HIT), an ongoing research project involving cooperation of several universities in Taiwan. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the effects of ambient air pollution on respiratory symptoms and diseases of school children, in addition to considering indoor air pollution. Six communities were selected: one community located in a rural area (Taihsi), two in urban areas (Keelung and Sanchung), and the other three in petrochemical industrial areas (Toufen, Jenwu, and Linyuan). We sampled 5,072 primary school students in six communities from the main study population of SOAP&HIT. Respiratory health was assessed by evaluation of the children's respiratory symptoms and diseases using a parent-completed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis to compute odds ratios of adverse effect. The school children in the urban communities had significantly more respiratory symptoms (day or night cough, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and nasal symptoms) and diseases (sinusitis, wheezing or asthma, allergic rhinitis, and bronchitis) when compared with those living in the rural community. However, only nasal symptoms of children living in the petrochemical communities were more prevalent than in those living in the rural community. Although the association with ambient air pollution is suggestive, the cross-sectional study cannot confirm a causal relationship; thus further studies are needed.

Absence of a seasonal variation in myocardial infarction onset in a region without temperature extremes

To evaluate whether the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) attack would have circadian, weekly and monthly variations in a subtropical area, 540 consecutive patients with AMI who were admitted to our coronary care units were analyzed. Six-hour intervals over 24 h, daily intervals in a week (7 days) and monthly intervals in a year (12 months) were studied, respectively. Results showed that there was a circadian variation in the onset of AMI with a morning (6 a.m. to noon) peak (34%, p < 0.01) but no secondary late evening (18-24 p.m.) peak. The incidence of AMI was significantly lower on Sundays (9%) than on the other weekdays (Monday through Saturday; p < 0.05). However, no monthly and seasonal variations in the incidence of AMI (no winter or summer peaks) were observed in this series. This study demonstrated a circadian variation in the onset of AMI attack with a predominant morning peak. The fewer AMI cases on Sundays compared to the other weekdays suggested that freedom from 'stress' or 'work-load' on Sundays might have an important impact on this low incidence of AMI. Unlike the large ranges in cold or hot weather found in temperate regions, the warm climate of a subtropical region does not affect the frequency of AMI.

Respiratory symptoms of primary school children living in a petrochemical polluted area in Taiwan

In 1994-1995 a cross-sectional epidemiological study investigating the respiratory health of school children in two Taiwan areas was conducted; one area was located in a region with petrochemical manufacturing complexes (Linyuan), and the other was situated in a reference area with no local industrial emissions (Taihsi). All primary school children residing in the two areas were involved in the study. Four hundred seventy children were studied in the area with high exposure to industrial emissions, and 611 children lived in the reference area. Respiratory health was assessed by evaluation of the children's respiratory symptoms and illnesses, using a parent-completed questionnaire. Particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and acid aerosols levels were significantly higher in the exposed area than in the reference area. The school children in the petrochemical area had significantly more upper respiratory symptoms and asthma compared with the children living in the control area. Although the association with known petrochemical air pollution is suggestive, this cross-sectional study cannot confirm a causal relation and further studies are needed.

The relationship between population density and cancer mortality in Taiwan

Many investigators have examined urbanization gradients in cancer rates. The purpose of this report was to identify urban-rural trends in cancer mortality rates (1982-1991) for municipalities in Taiwan. For this purpose, Taiwan's municipalities were classified as rural, suburban, urban, or metropolitan, using population density as an ordinal indicator of the degree of urbanization. Average annual age-adjusted, site-specific cancer mortality rates were calculated for both sexes within each population density group. Significant increasing trends with more urbanization were observed in mortality rates for cancers of the lung, pancreas, and kidney among both males and females, as well as male prostate cancer, and female breast and ovary cancer. In addition, this study revealed a significant rural excess for nonmelanoma skin cancer among both males and females, as well as male non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the female bone, and female connective tissue. Analytic studies for sites with consistent urban-rural trends may be fruitful in identifying the aspect of population density, or other unmeasured factors, that contribute to these trends.

Prediction of equilibrated postdialysis BUN by an artificial neural network in high-efficiency hemodialysis

In urea kinetic modeling, postdialysis blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is usually underestimated with an overestimation of the Kt/V especially in high-efficiency hemodialysis (HD). Thus, an artificial neural network (ANN) was used to predict the equilibrated BUN (Ceq) and equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V60) by using both predialysis, postdialysis, and low-flow postdialysis BUN. The results were compared to a Smye formula to predict Ceq and a Daugirdas' formula (eKt/V30) to predict eKt/V60. Seventy-four patients on high-efficiency or high-flux HD were recruited. Their mean urea rebound was 28.6+/-2%. Patients were divided into a "training" set (n = 40) and a validation set (n = 34) for the ANN. Their status was exchanged later, and the two results were pooled. In the prediction of Ceq, both Smye formula and low-flow ANN were equally highly accurate. In patients with a high urea rebound (>30%), although Smye formula lost its accuracy, low-flow ANN remained accurate. In the prediction of eKt/V60, both Daugirdas' formula and low-flow ANN were equally accurate, although the Smye formula was not so accurate. In patients with a high urea rebound, although both Smye and Daugirdas' formulas lost their accuracy, low-flow ANN remained accurate. We concluded that low-flow ANN can accurately predict both Ceq and eKt/V60 regardless of the degree of urea rebound.

[A study of color matching of maxillofacial prosthesis]

OBJECTIVE:The color difference between the patient's facial prosthesis and the surrounding skin have long puzzled both of dentist and patient.The purpose of the study was to introduce spectrophotometer into the color matching and set up a set of equations to increase the accuracy of the color matching,Referring to increase the accuracy of the color matching.Referring to color gamut,several sets of shade guide were made according to sixteen kinds of mixture-ratio of four pigments such as red,yellow,white and black,and every shade guide was measured.The mixture-ratio was related to the values of the CIE system by means of statistics,which resulted in the equations for color matching.In a word,use of the spectrophotometer may improve the accuracy of the the color matching of facial prosthesis.

[Stess analysis of conical telescope denture using on the prosthodontic treatment for basic teeth combined periodontal diseases]

OBJECTIVE:Periodontal splints were made both on patients with peridontal absorption of three different degrees and on normal situation respectively followed by finite element calculation.The result sugree that the stesses of the supporting tissues redistributed during mastication in accordance with different degrees of periodontal absorption.The more obvious of the pcriodontal absorption is the more stress value of the periodontal supporting tissue decrease,while those of the subbasal supporting tissues increase.

Arthrodesis with a short Huckstep nail as a salvage procedure for failed total knee arthroplasty

Arthrodesis of the knee with use of a short Huckstep nail was performed in thirty-three patients (thirty-three knees) after failure of a non-constrained total knee arthroplasty. The indication for the arthrodesis was an infection in thirty-one knees and a Charcot joint in two. Three knees had had a failed attempt at arthrodesis with use of external fixation. The Huckstep nail was inserted through the knee, retrograde into the femur, and then antegrade into the tibia. The duration of the operation averaged 104 minutes (range, sixty-five to 155 minutes). Local bone graft was used in all knees. At the time of follow-up, at an average of forty-seven months (range, eighteen to ninety-four months), thirty knees (91 per cent) had radiographic evidence of union. The average time to union was 5.2 months (range, two to ten months) after the arthrodesis. Eight knees that had a grossly purulent infection were treated with debridement, which was followed by the arthrodesis as a second-stage procedure; the other knees had a one-stage arthrodesis. Only one of the thirty-one knees that had had an infection before the arthrodesis had a recurrence after it. Arthrodesis with a short Huckstep nail provides immediate axial and rotational stability and allows weight-bearing without use of external support as well as placement of the knee in a slightly flexed and valgus position. In addition, the nail does not migrate and it may be used even when there is a standard-size prosthesis in the ipsilateral hip.

Calcium and magnesium in drinking water and risk of death from cerebrovascular disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many studies have demonstrated a negative association between mortality from cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases and water hardness. This report examines whether calcium and magnesium in drinking water are protective against cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

All eligible cerebrovascular deaths (17133 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1989 through 1993 were compared with deaths from other causes (17133 controls), and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water of these residents were determined. Data on calcium and magnesium levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The control group consisted of people who died from other causes, and the controls were pair matched to the cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death.

RESULTS

The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.75 (0.65 to 0.85) for the group with water magnesium levels between 7.4 and 13.4 mg/L and 0.60 (0.52 to 0.70) for the group with magnesium levels of 13.5 mg/L or more. After adjustment for magnesium levels in drinking water, there was no difference between the groups with different levels of calcium.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study show that there is a significant protective effect of magnesium intake from drinking water on the risk of cerebrovascular disease. This is an important finding for the Taiwan water industry and human health.

Calcium, magnesium, and nitrate in drinking water and gastric cancer mortality

The possible association between the risk of gastric cancer and the levels of calcium, magnesium, and nitrate in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. Records of gastric cancer deaths among eligible residents in Taiwan from 1987 through 1991 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to the cases by sex, year-of-birth, and year-of-death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each case. Data on calcium, magnesium, and nitrate levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The municipality of residence of the cases and controls was assumed to be the source of the subject's calcium, magnesium, and nitrate exposure via drinking water. The subjects were divided into tertiles according to the levels of calcium, magnesium, and nitrate in their drinking water. The results of the present study show that there is a significant positive association between drinking water nitrate exposure and gastric cancer mortality. The present study also suggests that there was a significant protective effect of calcium intake from drinking water on the risk of gastric cancer. Magnesium also exerts a protective effect against gastric cancer, but only for the group with the highest levels.

Immunocytochemical localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid plasma membrane transporters in the tiger salamander retina

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plasma membrane transporters (GATs) play an important role in regulating GABA neurotransmission in the nervous system. The distribution of two GATs, GAT 1 and GAT 3, in salamander retina was investigated by using affinity-purified polyclonal antisera directed to the predicted C-terminals of rat GAT 1 and rat GAT 3. GAT 1-immunoreactivity (-IR) was found in type IB and IIB orthotopic bipolar cells (BCs) located in the distal and middle of the inner nuclear layer (INL), respectively; in type IIA and IA amacrine cells (ACs) located in the middle and proximal INL, respectively; and in interplexiform cells and cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). No detectable staining was found in horizontal cells (HCs) or in structures resembling Müller cells. GAT 1-immunoreactive fibers were present in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL) in three bands corresponding to the three bands previously reported to be GABA-IR. GAT 3 antibodies labeled fewer cells and cell types than GAT 1 antibodies. GAT 3-IR was localized to type IIA and IA ACs and cells in the GCL, but not to BCs, HCs, or Müller cell-like structures. There was weak labeling of the OPL and stronger labeling of the IPL, with three distinct bands at the same depth as observed with GAT 1-IR. Double-labeling showed that the majority of GAT 1-IR BCs (88%), ACs (88%), and cells in the GCL (78%) colocalized with GABA-IR. The present study provides the first direct evidence of the expression of two GAT subtypes in neurons of nonmammalian retinas. These transporters could regulate GABA neurotransmission by reuptake and termination of GABA's action and, perhaps, by GABA release mechanisms. The presence of GAT 1-IR/GABA-IR bipolar cells further supports our earlier observations that a subgroup of orthotopic bipolar cells are likely to be GABAergic.

In vitro and in vivo mechanical evaluations of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium implants: the effect of coating characteristics

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of coating characteristics on the mechanical strengths of the plasma-sprayed HA-coated Ti-6Al-4V implant system both in vitro and in vivo. Two types of HA coatings (HACs) with quite different microstructures, concentrations of impurity-phases, and indices-of-crystallinity were used. In vitro testings were done by measuring the bonding-strength at the Ti-6Al-4V-HAC interface, with HACs that had and had not been immersed in a pH-buffered, serum-added simulated body fluid (SBF). The shear-strength at the HAC-bone interface was investigated in a canine transcortical femoral model after 12 and 24 weeks of implantation. The results showed a bonding degradation of approximately 32% or higher of the original strength after 4 weeks of immersion in SBF, and this predominantly depended on the constructed microstructure of the HACs. After the push-out measurements, it was demonstrated that the HACs with higher bonding-strength in vitro would correspondingly result in significantly higher shear-strength at each implant period in vivo. Nevertheless, there were no substantial histological variations between the two types of HACs evaluated. The most important point elucidated in this study was that, among coating characteristics, the microstructure was the key factor in influencing the mechanical stability of the HACs both in vitro and in vivo. As a consequence, a denser HAC was needed to ensure mechanical stability at both interfaces.

Primary hyperparathyroidism with cardiac abnormalities: a case report

Primary hyperparathyroidism, characterized by hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to hypercalcemia and relative hypophosphatemia, is quite common in the elderly. Most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have only mild hypercalcemia and are symptomless. But others experience various other organ diseases. Primary hyperparathyroidism is also associated with cardiovascular abnormalities, including QT interval shortening, heart block, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial calcification and, though rarely, with valvular heart disease. We described a case of primary hyperparathyroidism associated with cardiac abnormalities. An 82-year-old male presented with the complaints of chest discomfort, fatigue, general weakness, nausea and vomiting over a period of months and was admitted in July 1996. Physical examination with heart auscultation showed a pansystolic murmur over the right sternal border and apex region, and a blowing diastolic murmur over the left sternal border. Biochemistry profiles revealed elevations of serum calcium (14.3 mg/dl) and chloride/phosphate ratio (> 33). Endocrinological studies showed elevations of serum PTH-C (4.8 ng/ml) and PTH-intact (705 pg/ml) concentrations. Kidney ultrasonography revealed a left renal stone. A spine X-ray revealed spondylosis and a compression fracture of the lumbar-spine with osteoporotic change. Thyroid ultrasonography and Thallium (Tl201)-technetium (Tc99m) subtraction scan showed parathyroid adenoma in the low pole of the right thyroid bed. Parathyroid aspiration cytology revealed few and discrete cells. Echocardiogram revealed moderate to severe aortic valvular calcification as well as stenosis with moderate aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation and myocardial calcification. The patient received parathyroidectomy one month later. During his postoperative days, he suffered from muscle twitching with positive Trousseau's sign and Chvostek's sign. The patient received calcium carbonate and vitamin D for hypocalcemia, diltiazem and capoten for his heart problems. A repeated echocardiogram two months after surgery showed no improvement of valvular calcification.

Gastric cancer mortality and drinking water qualities in Taiwan

The possible association between the risk of gastric cancer and nitrate and hardness in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. Data on gastric cancer deaths among eligible residents in Taiwan from 1987 through 1991 (6,766 cases) were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes (6,766 controls) and were matched individually to the cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death. Data on nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and hardness levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were collected from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The municipality of residence for cases and controls was assumed to be the source of the subject's nitrate and hardness exposure via drinking water. There was no difference in gastric cancer rates between the groups with different levels of nitrate. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for death from gastric cancer was 0.95 (0.87-1.03) for the group with water nitrate levels between 0.23 and 0.44 mg/L, and 1.02 (0.93-1.11) for the group with nitrate levels greater than 0.45 mg/L. However, the results show a significant negative relationship between drinking water hardness and gastric cancer mortality. Odds ratios were 1.16 (1.07-1.26) and 1.65 (1.52-1.79), respectively, for exposure to moderately hard water and soft water compared with the use of hard water. This is an important finding for the Taiwan water industry and human health risk.

Characterization and purification of a lipoxygenase inhibitor in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells

A lipoxygenase inhibitor in the cytosolic fraction of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells was characterized and purified. The cytosolic inhibitor lost the inhibitory activity upon heating at 75 degrees C for 15 min or pretreating with 1 mg/ml trypsin at 37 degrees C for 60 min. Cytosol, after dialysis, lost the inhibitory activity but its inhibitory activity recovered when 1 mM GSH was added to the dialysate. The inhibitory activity of cytosol was also abolished by treatment either with 1 mM iodoacetate at 4 degrees C for 1 h or with 0.5 mM H2O2. The pI of the inhibitor was approx. 7.0. In addition to 12-lipoxygenase, the inhibitor inhibited the activities of 5-lipoxygenase and fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase in a cell-free system. The inhibitor was purified by a series of column chromatographies using CM Sephadex C-50, Sephadex G-100 SF and Mono P columns. A major 22 kDa protein was obtained that was distinct from selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase.

Effects of indoor environmental factors on respiratory health of children in a subtropical climate

This study was conducted to determine whether indoor environmental factors affected respiratory symptoms in 4164 primary school children in Kaohsiung rural areas of Taiwan. Information on respiratory health symptoms and characteristics of the housing was obtained using a written questionnaire, completed by the parents of children. Multiple logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between respiratory health symptoms (cough, wheezing, bronchitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis) and housing factors. Home dampness was significantly associated with all respiratory health symptoms. Incense burning and mosquito repellant burning showed effects on the reporting of coughing symptoms. No apparent associations were found with the other indoor factors included in this study or respiratory health symptoms. We conclude that dampness in the home has a pronounced effects on respiratory health symptoms and is a new public health issue in subtropical areas.

Calcium and magnesium in drinking water and risk of death from colon cancer

The possible association between the risk of colon cancer and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible colon cancer deaths (1714 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1989 through 1993 were compared with deaths from other causes (1714 controls), and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water of these residents were determined. Data on calcium and magnesium levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The control group consisted of people who died from other causes and the controls were pair-matched to the cases by sex, year-of-birth, and year-of-death. The adjusted odd ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.79 (0.64-0.98) for the group with water calcium levels between 24.4 and 42.3 mg/liter and 0.58 (0.47-0.73) for the group with calcium levels of 42.4 mg/liter or more. The adjusted odd ratios were not statistically significant for the relationship between magnesium levels in drinking water and colon cancer. The results of the present study show that there is a significant protective effect of calcium intake from drinking water against colon cancer.

Protein phosphorylation and taurine biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro

Taurine is known to be involved in many important physiological functions. Here we report that both in vivo and in vitro the taurine-synthesizing enzyme in the brain, namely cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD), is activated when phosphorylated and inhibited when dephosphorylated. Furthermore, protein kinase C and protein phosphatase 2C have been identified as the enzymes responsible for phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of CSAD, respectively. In addition, the effect of neuronal depolarization on CSAD activity and 32P incorporation into CSAD in neuronal cultures is also included. A model to link neuronal excitation and CSAD activation by a Ca2+-dependent protein kinase is proposed.

L-glutamic acid decarboxylase- and gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive bipolar cells in tiger salamander retina are of ON- and OFF-response types as inferred from Lucifer Yellow injection

The bipolar cells in vertebrate retinas are considered to be excitatory in nature and use L-glutamate as their neurotransmitter. Our earlier studies have provided evidence demonstrating that a small but significant population of orthotopic bipolar cells in salamander retina may be gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic. In this work, the stratification levels of axon terminals in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of single L-glutamic acid decarboxylase-immunoreactive (GAD-IR) and GABA-immunoreactive (GABA-IR) bipolar cells in the salamander retinal slices were studied. GAD-IR and GABA-IR bipolar cells marked by a fluorescent probe, Texas Red, were injected with Lucifer Yellow (LY) through a patch pipette under visual control. A total number of 42 GAD-IR bipolar cells in 24 slices and 84 GABA-IR bipolar cells in 56 slices were injected. Among these, terminals of nine GAD-IR bipolar cells and 22 GABA-IR bipolar cells were sufficiently filled with LY for determination of the stratification levels in the IPL. The stratification patterns and levels of GAD-IR and GABA-IR bipolar cells were very similar. GAD-IR and GABA-IR orthotopic type I and type II bipolar cells (soma located in the most distal or middle of the inner nuclear layer [INL], respectively), had their axon terminals stratified in sublamina a and sublamina b of the IPL with comparable frequency. Axonal processes were restricted largely to either the distal or the proximal region within sublaminae a and b. In addition, three of the bipolar cells had their terminals located in the middle region of the IPL. The similarities of stratification patterns and levels between GAD-IR and GABA-IR type I and type II bipolar cells indicate that they represent the same population of presumed GABAergic bipolar cells. Based on comparative stratifications of GABA bipolar cells reported here and those derived from electrophysiological studies (Hensley et al. [1993] J. Neurophysiol. 69:2086-2098), it is suggested that putative GABAergic bipolar cells represent cone-dominated and rod-dominated ON- and OFF-bipolar cells and that they subserve a broad role in the ON- and OFF-visual pathways in the retina.

Damp housing conditions and respiratory symptoms in primary school children

There is evidence that indoor air pollution contributes to the development of respiratory symptoms. This study examined the relationships between dampness in houses and respiratory symptoms in 4,164 primary school children in the subtropical rural areas of the Kaohsiung region, Taiwan. Dampness in homes was assessed by questionnaires that reported 1) general dampness, 2) mold or mildew inside the home, or 3) flooding (appearance of standing water within the home, water damage, or leaks of water into the building). Evidence for upper and lower respiratory symptoms were also collected by questionnaires. Recorded symptoms included cough, wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma. Degrees of dampness were reported as 12.2%, 30.1%, and 43.4%, respectively by the parents or guardians of the study population. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was consistently higher in homes with indications of dampness than in non-damp homes. After adjustments for potential confounders, selected respiratory symptoms among the childhood population were significantly higher in damp than non-damp homes, with the exception of pneumonia. We conclude that dampness in the home is a strong predictor of and risk factor for respiratory symptoms and constitutes a significant public health problem in subtropical area.

Studies of the CAG repeat in the Machado-Joseph disease gene in Taiwan

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominant spinocerebellar degeneration characterized by cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal signs associated in varying degrees with a dystonic-rigid extrapyramidal syndrome or peripheral amyotrophy. Unstable CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the MJD gene on the long arm of chromosome 14 has been identified as the pathological mutation for MJD. While investigating the distribution of CAG repeat lengths of the MJD gene in Taiwan's population, we have identified 18 MJD-affected patients and 12 at-risk individuals in seven families. In addition, we have analyzed the range of CAG repeat lengths in 96 control individuals. The CAG repeat number ranged from 13 to 44 in the controls and 72-85 in the affected and at-risk individuals. Our results indicated that the CAG repeat number was inversely correlated with the age of onset. The differences in CAG repeat length between parent and child and between siblings are greater with paternal transmission than maternal transmission. Our data show a tendency towards the phenomenon of anticipation in the MJD families but do not support unidirectional expansion of CAG repeats during transmission. We also demonstrated that PCR amplification of the CAG repeats in the MJD gene from villous DNA was possible and might prove useful as a diagnostic tool for affected families in the future.

Fine-scale molecular genetic (RFLP) and physical mapping of a 8.9 cM region on the top arm of Arabidopsis chromosome 5 encompassing the male sterility gene, ms1

Fine-scale molecular mapping has been conducted using 183 recombinants between the markers lutescens (lu; 17.6 cM) and transparent testa glabra (ttg; 35.5 cM) on the top arm of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5. This region contains a number of genes involved in floral development including Ms1, a gene required for the post-meiotic development of pollen. In homozygous ms1 mutant plants, pollen development is aborted soon after microspore release, regardless of environmental conditions. The ms1 mutation is located at 29.8 +/- 0.8 cM on chromosome 5. Markers have been identified which co-segregate with ms1 and should lie within 39 kb of the gene. The fine-scale map of the lu-ms1-ttg region that has been generated is significantly different from the published integrated map and provides substantially more accurate and higher marker density than the current recombinant inbred map for this region. Using clones derived from four yeast artificial chromosome libraries, a contig has been established between the RFLP markers 4111 and 4556, which encompasses the ms1 gene. This covers a genetic distance of 8.9 cM which corresponds to a physical distance of approximately 1.44 Mb, representing about 1.5-2.0% of the Arabidopsis genome. In this region, 1 cM represents a physical distance of approximately 160 kb.

Geographic variations in mortality from motor vehicle crashes in Taiwan

Mortality from motor vehicle crashes within five urbanization categories in Taiwan between 1981 and 1990 was investigated. Sex-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated within each urbanization category for motor vehicle crash deaths. Most urban areas demonstrated lower SMRs for both males and females. In contrast, most rural areas exhibited higher SMRs for both males and females. Both males and females demonstrated a significant linear relationship between decreasing urbanization and increasing SMRs for motor vehicle crash mortality. A variety of factors may underlie the inverse correlation between SMRs for motor vehicle crashes and urbanization category. These data are most useful in generating hypotheses for further studies to define specific etiological factors operating within urbanization categories.

Parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone related protein assays in the investigation of hypercalcemic patients in hospital in a Chinese population

There are many pathological causes and potential mechanisms for hypercalcemia. We measured intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) in the hypercalcemic in-patients and attempted to evaluate the roles of PTH and PTHrP in hypercalcemia due to malignancy. We performed a prospective study of 178 patients with corrected serum calcium concentrations greater than 2.74 mmol/l in a hospital over a 3-year period. We measured calcium and albumin using a Hitachi 747 autoanalyzer, and we measured PTH and PTHrP by two-site immunoradiometric assays (IRMA). Hypercalcemia was attributed to malignancy alone in 93 patients (52.3%), primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) alone in 28 patients (15.7%), uremia with hemodialysis in 23 patients (12.9%), unknown in 16 patients (9%), primary HPT coexisting with malignancy in 7 patients (3.9%) and other rare causes (6.2%). Plasma PTHrP levels were elevated in 71/93 (76.3%) patients with hypercalcemia due to malignancy, but the elevated PTHrP percentage differed for each kind of tumor. PTHrP levels were elevated in 100% of patients with squamous carcinomas (CA) in the lung, esophagus, skin, cholangiocarcinoma of liver, and breast CA. The positive bony metastatic rate was 44.1% (41/93). There was no correlation between high PTHrP and bony metastasis. There was a good correlation between the corrected serum calcium and PTHrP levels (r = 0.476, p < 0.001), but no correlation between survival time and serum calcium level or PTHrP level. There was no significant difference in life expectancy after cancer diagnosis between the high PTHrP group and normal PTHrP group, and there was no significant difference in life expectancy after the first occurrence of hypercalcemia between the two groups. Measurement of both PTH and PTHrP levels led to a change in the initial diagnosis in 7 patients. In routine practice, measurement of serum PTH alone is not enough. This study suggests that the appropriate combination of PTH and PTHrP assays results in a more accurate diagnosis of the hypercalcemic causes. In addition, especially high PTHrP levels should be screened for malignancy. However, the prognosis in cancer patients after hypercalcemia with high PTHrP group, as compared to those with the normal PTHrP group is not significantly different.

The CAG repeats number of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 gene in normal Taiwanese and in patients with dominant inherited ataxia

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA 1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by neurodegeneration of the cerebellum, spinal cord and brainstem. This neurodegeneration disease is associated with expansion of unstable CAG repeats within the coding region of the gene. We are conducting a local survey of the normal population and candidate patients to analyze the CAG repeats in SCA 1 gene. So far, we have collected peripheral blood from 78 normal individuals and 10 patients with dominant inherited ataxia disorders, and assayed the SCA1 CAG trinucleotide repeat using genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Even though no local SCA 1 patients have been identified, we have established the distributions of the CAG repeat units of SCA 1 gene in the normal population in Taiwan. The normal range of CAG repeats is from 22 to 33 repeats, with the most common being 30 repeats. The range is relatively narrow compared to that reported for other ethnic groups. In addition, direct genomic PCR analysis of the SCA 1 gene from villous DNA has been successful in our laboratory. Screening of SCA 1 patients from patients with dominant inherited ataxia is currently underway in our laboratory. Here, we demonstrate that our molecular analysis technique makes possible the quick and accurate diagnosis of SCA1 patients and prenatal screening for SCA 1 families.

Intramedullary implant of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coating: an interface study

An intramedullary implant model in the canine femora was developed to evaluate the mechanical and histological responses between cancellous bone and plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings (HACs) on ti-6A1-4V implants, with 12- and 24-week follow-ups. HACs of different thicknesses were investigated. Results of the mechanical testings revealed that after 24 weeks of implantation, the mean shear strength (2.49 +/- 0.12 MPa) of the 50 microns HACs was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the 200 microns HACs (1.44 +/- 0.19 MPa). However, using backscattered electron images (BEIs) throughout all the implant periods, no substantial histological variations in the extent of new bone apposition between the two HACs were observed. Occasionally, solution-mediated disintegration of the 50 microns HAC was found 24 weeks postimplantation. Histomorphometric studies from the BEIs demonstrated that for both HACs the percentage of the direct HAC-cancellous bone contact was approximately 50% at 12 weeks and 75% at 24 weeks. After the mechanical tests, the 200 microns HACs had fracture sites either inside the coating layers or at the HAC-titanium interfaces, which might explain why the mechanical performance of the 200 microns HACs was inferior to that of the 50 microns HACs even though both HACs had the same histological behaviors.

Propofol inhibits medullary pressor mechanisms in cats

PURPOSE

Propofol may cause hypotension and the mechanism is complex. The present study was designed to determine the direct actions of propofol in medulla of cats.

METHODS

Mean systematic arterial pressure (MSAP), heart rate (HR) and cardiac contractility (dp/dt) were compared before and after administration of propofol the femoral vein (2, 3, or 4 mg.kg-1), vertebral artery (1 mg.kg-1) or the lateral cerebral ventricle (0.5 mg.kg-1) in eight anaesthetized cats. To study the direct effect of propofol in medulla, pressor areas of the dorsomedial medulla (DM) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), or the depressor area of the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) were first identified with electrical stimuli and then confirmed by pressure microinjection of glutamate (Glu, 0.25M, 30 nl) via a multibarrel-micropipette in 28 cats. One hour later, propofol (0.001%, 50 nl) was microinjected at the same site. Electrical stimulation and Glu were applied again to compare changes of SAP, HR and dp/dt with that of the control.

RESULTS

Propofol dose-dependently decreased SAP, HR and cardiac contractility. The percent increase of MSAP induced by Glu were reduced by propofol in DM (59 +/- 3% vs 13 +/- 2%, n = 11, P < 0.01) or in RVLM (56 +/- 4% vs 18 +/- 2%, n = 9, P < 0.01). In CVLM, propofol slightly but not significantly increased depressor responses elicited by Glu (-27 +/- 2% vs -33 +/- 3%, n = 5, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that propofol principally inhibits the vasomotor mechanism in the dorsomedial and ventrolateral medulla to effect its hypotensive actions.

[Clinical evaluation of ceramic inlay made by CAD/CAM for 3 year]

In this study,ceramic inlays made by CAD/CAM system were used to restore posterior tooth defects.After three years of clinical observation on 21 prostheses no secondary caries was found and patients satisfied with their restoration on aspects of color match and resistance to wear etc.Five cases of inlay fracture and of obvious space between inlay margin and Cavowall were found.The main reason was the insufficient thickness of the inlays meanwhile the selection of bonding agent was not appropriate.The clinical successful rate is 76.20%.As CAD/CAM is a sophisticated technique induced into prosthodontic area just in 1980's,it has still some deficiency to be improved and perfected.

The effect of chronic nicotine and its withdrawal on ED50 inspired halothane requirement in rats

BACKGROUND

Based on previously observed antinociceptive effect of chronic nicotine treatment in rats, the authors measured the ED50 inspired halothane, concentrations in rats having withdrawn from chronically infused nicotine, and in control rats.

METHODS

Rats in nicotine group (n = 19) were chronically exposed to nicotine (6 mg/kg/day for 28 days) infusion via Alzet osmotic pumps. Those in the control group (n = 16) were subjected to a sham operation. In each group, half of the rats was used one month later to explore the effect of nicotine withdrawal. Halothane in oxygen was delivered at a rate of 2 L/min to a box measured 2,912 cm3. The ED50 halothane concentration, measured by mass spectrophotometry, was a midway gas tension at which 50% of rats responded to the tail pinching applied to the distal third of the tail for 30 s.

RESULTS

In nicotine group, the results showed a lower concentration of ED50 inspired halothane on days 1 and 3 in the first week (p < 0.05). In the control group, repeated exposures to halothane gradually decreased the ED50, reaching lowest value on day 7 (p < 0.05 compared to day 1). Nicotine withdrawal did not alter the ED50 concentration of halothane in test rats compared with control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that chronic nicotine infusion could temporarily decrease the ED50 concentration of inspired halothane, and withdrawal of nicotine did not modify the ED50 concentration of halothane. In addition, the ED50 halothane concentration might be influenced by stress.

[Measurement of the three dimensional shape about crown with the digital speckle correlation method]

It is the first step that the data about relative teeth's shape are catched for CAD/CAM system in dental rehabilitation.That is how to measure the teeth's shape.The digtal speckle correlation method are introduced to measure the teeth's shape in the article.For one posterior tooth,we measured the five surfaces that the occlusal surface and the four axial surfaces.According to some special marks,we changed the five group's local data into one coordinate and reconstructed the three dimensional shape of the tooth.At last we drew the graph with the computer.In this paper the author also discussed some factors about the measure system's sensitive and precise and the extent scale.etc.

Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Newcastle disease virus isolates from recent outbreaks in Taiwan

Portions of the hemagglutinin neuraminidase (HN) gene of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates from two recent outbreaks were sequenced to investigate epidemiology of this disease in Taiwan. These NDV isolates were all viscerotropic velogenic according to the clinical lesions produced in chickens. Sequence data were obtained from 14 NDV isolates (12 from 1995 and 2 from 1984). All isolates differed in their nucleotide sequences (from 0.3 to 15.3%), and represented potentially different strains of NDV. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates are closely related to viruses isolated from Japan and Malaysia. Some viruses isolated in 1995 appeared to evolve from viruses isolated in 1984. The results suggest that the 1995 outbreak of Newcastle disease (ND) in Taiwan may have been caused by multiple strains of velogenic NDV that have cocirculated in Taiwan for some time. Moreover, NDV isolates from racing pigeons were very similar to isolates from chickens in the same period, suggesting that both domestic and free-living birds were involved in the spread of ND in Taiwan.

Plasma spraying of zirconia-reinforced hydroxyapatite composite coatings on titanium: part II: dissolution behaviour in simulated body fluid and bonding degradation

The change of phase, morphology and bond strength of plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coating and ZrO2/HA composite coatings immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for various periods of time was studied. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to identify the phase and observe the morphology of the coating surface before and after immersion. In addition, inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP) was used to measure the ion release rate of coatings in SBF for various periods of time. Observation of the morphology by SEM shows that the composite coating with the addition of ZrO2 in HA significantly reduced the dissolution rate of impurity phases in simulated body fluid. The argument was supported by measurement of Ca2+ ion concentration in SBF. During plasma spraying, less OH- ions were lost in a ZrO2-containing composite coating. This factor, together with the reduced effective surface of the ZrO2-containing HA coating, were attributed to the reduced dissolution rate of the composite coatings. All the plasma sprayed coatings degraded after immersion in SBF owing to dissolution of constituents in the coating, however, the addition of ZrO2 in HA improved the bonding strength of HA coating after immersion in SBF.