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Chang DC, Lin JJ, Lin JC. Parkinsonism as an initial manifestation of brain tumor. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 2000; 63:658-62. [PMID: 10969454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Parkinsonism secondary to neoplasm is uncommon. We report two patients with bilaterally symmetric parkinsonism as the initial presentation of their brain tumors. The first patient was a 71-year-old woman who presented with a gradual onset of bilateral resting tremor, bradykinesia and rigidity. Computerized tomography (CT) of the brain revealed a large parasagittal tumor in the left frontal lobe. The patient completely recovered from the parkinsonian symptoms after removal of the brain tumor. The second patient, a 74-year-old man with a history of renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney suffered from an insidious onset of bilateral bradykinesia, rigidity and gait difficulty. Cerebral metastasis was noted on the brain CT scan. Early recognition of intracranial tumor as the cause of parkinsonism is important for the management of this type of movement disorder. Moreover, brain CT scanning plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of patients with parkinsonian symptoms.
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Lin JC. The development of human exposure standards for radio-frequency fields. RADIATSIONNAIA BIOLOGIIA, RADIOECOLOGIIA 2000; 40:425-8. [PMID: 11031489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Biological effects and health implications of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields have been a subject of scientific investigation for more than 50 years. It has become a focus of attention because of the expanded use of RF radiation in the frequency range between 300 MHz and 6 GHz for wireless communication over the past decade. Another cause for the attention is the uncertainty of some observed responses and lack of understanding of the mechanism of interaction of RF electromagnetic fields with biological systems. At present, considerable efforts are devoted to developing and revising RF exposure standards. Each of these efforts should aim to make explicit the philosophy and process by which they reason and decide guidelines for deeming exposure as safe. Furthermore, the reconciliation of philosophies of protection will definitely be an asset, in practice, to those interested in international harmonization of RF exposure standards.
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Jiang HK, Wang JY, Lin JC. The central mechanism of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system hyperfunction in depressed patients. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2000; 54:227-34. [PMID: 10803820 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1819.2000.00663.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
While hypercortisolemia is commonly observed in depression, exactly where in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (H-P-A) axis this dysfunction arises remains undefined. In attempting to distinguish between central or peripheral locus of dysfunction, we studied in 12 patients (10 females, two males) with primary major depression and eight age-matched controls (six females, two males) in their adrenal cortisol response to infused adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (cosyntropin 0.05 microg/kg bodyweight) while endogenous ACTH was suppressed with 1 mg of dexamethasone. Compared with the control group, pre-dexamethasone plasma baseline cortisol level was significantly higher in depressed patients while ACTH level remained normal. Post-dexamethasone responses of both hormones were greatly non-suppressed in the depressed group. Exogenous cosyntropin-elicited rise in plasma cortisol was significantly lower in depressed patients while the ACTH response was not significantly different. These findings suggest that an adrenal cortisol response to ACTH was significantly decreased during depression as compared with normals in Chinese depressed patients. Therefore, the central mechanism of hyperfunctioning H-P-A axis causing hypercortisolemia should be emphasized.
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Kim KE, Gu C, Thakur S, Vieira E, Lin JC, Rabson AB. Transcriptional regulatory effects of lymphoma-associated NFKB2/lyt10 protooncogenes. Oncogene 2000; 19:1334-45. [PMID: 10713675 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1203432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
C-terminal truncations of the NFKB2 p100 gene product have been observed in a number of cases of human cutaneous T cell lymphomas, as well as human B-cell lymphomas and myelomas. The contribution of these alterations to lymphomagenesis is not understood; however, truncation at amino acid 666 to generate 80 - 85 kD proteins in the HUT78 cell line is associated with addition of a short (serine-alanine-serine) fusion at the 3' end of p80HT, as well as with increased expression of NFKB2 mRNA. We therefore examined the effects of p80HT on the regulation of NFKB2 expression, as well as the properties of a series of other tumor-associated, and site directed mutations of NFKB2. While p80HT had not itself acquired novel transcriptional activation properties with respect to the NFKB2 P1 or P2 promoters or the IL-6 kappaB promoter, p80HT had lost the potent inhibitory (IkappaB-like) activity associated with the wild-type, p100 gene product. Loss of the inhibitory property depended on the SAS residues in the fusion protein, direct truncation at aa666 was fully inhibitory, as was a substitution of three alanines for the SAS residues. The presence of as few as two C-terminal ankyrin motifs was sufficient for inhibition of NF-kappaB-mediated transcriptional activation. Assays of a series of additional lymphoma-associated NF-kappaB-2 truncation suggested that the C-terminal truncation associated with these proteins was also associated with a loss of the IkappaB-like activities of p100 NF-kappaB-2, for at least some NF-kappaB target promoters. Thus, the loss of IkappaB-like activity of lymphoma-associated NFKB2 mutations may play an important role in the genesis of a subset of human lymphomas.
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Wu JS, Lin JC, Chang FY. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in community-acquired pneumonia in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2000; 33:34-8. [PMID: 10806962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia worldwide. This study examined the role of C. pneumoniae in 229 patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The ages of the patients ranged from 2 to 95 years. Sera were assayed for IgM and IgG antibodies with microimmunofluorescence (MIF). An IgM titer equal to or greater than 1:20 and IgG titer equal to or greater than 1:64 were considered positive. The prevalence of positive IgG among all of the patients was 75.1% (172/229). The seroprevalence was 81.8% (9/11) for patients in the 11- to 20-year-old group, 63.6% (14/22) in the 31- to 40-year-old group and 88.1% (52/59) in the 71- to 80-year-old group. All patients had a negative result for IgM antibody. Twenty-five of the patients had an IgG titer equal to or greater than 1:512, indicating the presence of current infection or reinfection. Age older than 60 years (vs. < or = 60 years) was a risk factor for C. pneumoniae seropositivity in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (p < 0.001). Males had a significantly higher seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae infection (p = 0.1010). Patients older than 60 years were more likely to have C. pneumoniae infection (p = 0.1107). In this series, C. pneumoniae infection accounted for 10.9% (25/229) of community-acquired pneumonia. The most common clinical manifestations included fever (92%), productive cough (52%), white blood cell more than 10,000/mm3 (56%), and bilateral pulmonary infiltrate (60%).
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Lin JC, Wu JS, Chang FY. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis with septic embolism of popliteal artery: a case report. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2000; 33:57-9. [PMID: 10806967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
A 20-year-old man presented with a 14-day course of fever. Physical examination showed petechiae of the conjunctivae, Janeway lesions on both hands, a grade III/VI systolic murmur over the apex, pulseless dorsal pedal artery and posterior tibial artery of the right leg, and a pale right foot. Femoral arteriogram of the right leg revealed total occlusion of the popliteal artery with collateral circulation of the posterior tibial artery. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed trace mitral regurgitation. Embolectomy of the right popliteal artery was done, and penicillin and gentamicin treatment was administered. However, postoperative fever developed intermittently. Transesophageal echocardiogram disclosed vegetation over the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from all three cultures of blood drawn at admission and from the septic embolus during operation. He had neither evidence of underlying heart disease, nor history of intravenous drug abuse or hospitalization. Exploratory cardiotomy with removal of vegetation on the mitral valve was performed followed by a 4-week treatment with intravenous vancomycin. After discharge, he was well at 2-year follow-up.
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Lin JC, Tsai CS, Wang WY, Jan JS. Detection of circulating tumor cells in venous blood of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients by nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2000; 16:1-8. [PMID: 10741009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a radiosensitive tumor. Because of recent advances in radiation oncology, distant metastasis has become the predominant failure site after adequate radiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to establish a nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) system and to evaluate the potential of cytokeratin 19 (CK-19) mRNA as a target for detecting micrometastasis in the blood of NPC patients. Venous blood samples from 40 patients with biopsy-proven NPC (25 previously untreated and 15 after radiotherapy) and 20 healthy volunteers were tested. We divided the 40 patients into 4 groups: cured, early stage, advanced stage, and metastasized, according to results of clinical staging work-up. Under our nested RT-PCR experimental conditions, 2 of 8 early stage patients (25.0%), 6 of 15 advanced stage patients (40%), and 6 of 8 patients with distant metastasis (75%) had CK-19 positive cells in peripheral blood (P = 0.11). No CK-19 positive cells were detected in 9 "cured" patients and 20 healthy volunteers. Our data indicated that the positive detection rate for CK-19 mRNA in peripheral blood increased as the clinical stage of disease increased, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the significance of CK-19 mRNA in blood, as well as its relation to subsequent metastasis and prognosis of NPC.
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Yang AD, Chang CH, Wang YM, Lin JC. Relapsing pancreatitis in a child duplication in an aberrant pancreatic lobe. Pediatr Surg Int 2000; 16:517-8. [PMID: 11057557 DOI: 10.1007/s003839900326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
An aberrant pancreatic lobe associated with an enteric duplication cyst is a rare cause of relapsing pancreatitis in childhood. We present an 8-year-old boy with relapsing pancreatitis caused by this rare congenital foregut anomaly. The computed tomography (CT) findings revealed an unusually long segment of aberrant pancreatic lobe arising from the pancreatic neck, projecting anteriorly at a distance to a cystic duodenal duplication and appearing as an inflammatory mass. There has been no previous report of this unusual appearance on CT. Appreciation of the relevant anatomy provided by CT led to the successful management of this surgically-treatable cause of relapsing pancreatitis.
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Maytin EV, Lin JC, Krishnamurthy R, Batchvarova N, Ron D, Mitchell PJ, Habener JF. Keratin 10 gene expression during differentiation of mouse epidermis requires transcription factors C/EBP and AP-2. Dev Biol 1999; 216:164-81. [PMID: 10588870 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.1999.9460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The epidermis forms a vital barrier composed of stratified keratinocytes and their differentiated products. One of these products, keratin K10, is critical to epidermal integrity, because mutations in k10 lead to abnormal blistering. For the normal expression of k10, differentiation-associated transcription factors C/EBPalpha, C/EBPbeta, and AP-2 are well positioned to play an important role. Here, regulation of the k10 gene is examined in keratinocytes in the skin of normal mice and in transgenic mice carrying targeted deletions of c/ebpbeta and ap-2alpha. In cultured cells, C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta are each capable of activating the k10 promoter via three binding sites, identified by site-directed mutagenesis. In a given epidermal cell in vivo, however, the selection of C/EBPalpha versus C/EBPbeta for k10 regulation is determined via a third transcription factor, AP-2. This novel regulatory scheme involves: (1) unique gradients of expression for each transcription factor, i.e., C/EBPbeta and AP-2 most abundant in the lower epidermis, C/EBPalpha in the upper; (2) C/EBP-binding sites in the ap-2alpha gene promoter, through which C/EBPbeta stimulates ap-2alpha; and (3) AP-2 binding sites in the c/ebpalpha promoter, through which AP-2 represses c/ebpalpha. Promoter-analysis and gene-expression data presented herein support a regulatory model in which C/EBPbeta activates and maintains AP-2 expression in basal keratinocytes, whereas AP-2 represses C/EBPalpha in those cells. In response to differentiation signals, loss of AP-2 expression leads to derepression of the c/ebpalpha promoter and activation of k10 as cells migrate upward.
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Lin JC, Wiechmann RJ, Szwerc MF, Hazelrigg SR, Ferson PF, Naunheim KS, Keenan RJ, Yim AP, Rendina E, DeGiacomo T, Coloni GF, Venuta F, Macherey RS, Bartley S, Landreneau RJ. Diagnostic and therapeutic video-assisted thoracic surgery resection of pulmonary metastases. Surgery 1999. [PMID: 10520909 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-6060(99)70116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriateness of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pulmonary metastasectomy for curative intent has been a controversial topic. We reviewed our experience with VATS wedge resection for peripheral lung metastases to determine the efficacy and potential adverse consequences of this approach for pulmonary metastasectomy. METHODS One hundred seventy-seven patients underwent VATS resection of pulmonary metastases. Diagnostic resection (VATS-dx) was performed for 78 patients when percutaneous biopsy was unsuccessful or not feasible. Potentially curative resections (VATS-rx) were performed for 99 patients. The histologic findings in this group included colorectal (68), renal (7), sarcoma (6), breast (4), melanoma (3), head/neck (3), lymphoma (2), uterine (1), and "other" (5). The average number of lesions resected was 1.4 (range, 1-7). RESULTS VATS resection was successfully performed for all VATS-dx and VATS-rx patients. There were no perioperative deaths. Longitudinal follow-up demonstrated a mean survival of 18 months in the VATS-dx group and 28 months in the VATS-rx group. In the VATS-rx group, 37 (37%) of 99 were free of disease, at a mean follow-up interval of 37 months. Of the 57 recurrences, 5% were local, 26% were regional, and 69% were distant. CONCLUSIONS Results with VATS resection of peripheral pulmonary metastases for diagnostic and potentially curative intentions appear comparable with historical results by "open" thoracotomy. Careful patient selection based on high-resolution helical CT scanning is important to avoid compromise of therapeutic intent. Conversion to thoracotomy is indicated when lesions identified preoperatively are not found or when technical problems encountered may compromise surgical margins when resecting lung metastases for potential cure.
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Szwerc MF, Benckart DH, Lin JC, Johnnides CG, Magovern JA, Magovern GJ, Magovern GJ. Recent clinical experience with left heart bypass using a centrifugal pump for repair of traumatic aortic transection. Ann Surg 1999; 230:484-90; discussion 490-2. [PMID: 10522718 PMCID: PMC1420897 DOI: 10.1097/00000658-199910000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the indications, results, and limitations of using left atrial to femoral artery (LA-FA) bypass to provide distal perfusion during repair of traumatic aortic injuries. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA There is no consensus about the best method for repair of traumatic aortic transection. Distal aortic perfusion with LA-FA bypass and a centrifugal pump has been the authors' preferred technique for injuries to the aortic isthmus and descending thoracic aorta. METHODS From 1988 to 1998, the authors operated on 30 patients with traumatic aortic transection using LA-FA bypass. The mean age of the group was 36+/-2 years. The mechanism of injury was from a motor vehicle accident in 97% of the cases. Distal aortic perfusion was maintained at 50 to 75 mm Hg with flow rates of 1.5 and 3 L/min. The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 38+/-2 minutes, and the mean bypass time was 49+/-2 minutes. RESULTS No complications related to cannulation, arterial thromboembolism, renal failure, mesenteric ischemia, or hepatic insufficiency occurred. There were no cases of postoperative paraplegia and no deaths. CONCLUSION Left atrial to femoral artery bypass is a safe, simple, and effective adjunct to the repair of traumatic injuries to the thoracic aorta. Active distal aortic perfusion preserves spinal cord, mesenteric, and renal blood flow and eliminates the potential catastrophic consequence of spinal cord ischemia from an unexpectedly prolonged aortic cross-clamp time.
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Abstract
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is a new surgical procedure that revascularizes the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) without the need for a median sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. This operation is performed through a small left anterior thoracotomy. With this exposure, it can be difficult to locate the left anterior descending coronary artery. We have identified anatomic features on the surface of the pericardium that can serve as a landmark for finding the left anterior descending coronary artery.
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Lin JC, Wiechmann RJ, Szwerc MF, Hazelrigg SR, Ferson PF, Naunheim KS, Keenan RJ, Yim AP, Rendina E, DeGiacomo T, Coloni GF, Venuta F, Macherey RS, Bartley S, Landreneau RJ. Diagnostic and therapeutic video-assisted thoracic surgery resection of pulmonary metastases. Surgery 1999; 126:636-41; discussion 641-2. [PMID: 10520909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriateness of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pulmonary metastasectomy for curative intent has been a controversial topic. We reviewed our experience with VATS wedge resection for peripheral lung metastases to determine the efficacy and potential adverse consequences of this approach for pulmonary metastasectomy. METHODS One hundred seventy-seven patients underwent VATS resection of pulmonary metastases. Diagnostic resection (VATS-dx) was performed for 78 patients when percutaneous biopsy was unsuccessful or not feasible. Potentially curative resections (VATS-rx) were performed for 99 patients. The histologic findings in this group included colorectal (68), renal (7), sarcoma (6), breast (4), melanoma (3), head/neck (3), lymphoma (2), uterine (1), and "other" (5). The average number of lesions resected was 1.4 (range, 1-7). RESULTS VATS resection was successfully performed for all VATS-dx and VATS-rx patients. There were no perioperative deaths. Longitudinal follow-up demonstrated a mean survival of 18 months in the VATS-dx group and 28 months in the VATS-rx group. In the VATS-rx group, 37 (37%) of 99 were free of disease, at a mean follow-up interval of 37 months. Of the 57 recurrences, 5% were local, 26% were regional, and 69% were distant. CONCLUSIONS Results with VATS resection of peripheral pulmonary metastases for diagnostic and potentially curative intentions appear comparable with historical results by "open" thoracotomy. Careful patient selection based on high-resolution helical CT scanning is important to avoid compromise of therapeutic intent. Conversion to thoracotomy is indicated when lesions identified preoperatively are not found or when technical problems encountered may compromise surgical margins when resecting lung metastases for potential cure.
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Lin JC, Wu CH. Surface characterization and platelet adhesion studies on polyurethane surface immobilized with C60. Biomaterials 1999; 20:1613-20. [PMID: 10482416 DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9612(99)00068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Due to its distinctive molecular configuration, C60 and its derivatives have been the research focus in exploring its electrical, mechanical, optical, and even biological applications during the past decades. In this investigation, C60 molecules are grafted onto the polyurethane surface, which is pretreated with oxygen plasma activation, through amine-terminated silane coupling agents. ESCA analysis indicates that the C60 molecules spontaneously grafted onto the amine-terminated PU substrate through nucleophilic additions to the fullerene double bonds which fuse two six-membered rings. More amine functional groups are formed on the PU surface if 4-aminobutyldimethylmethoxysilane is used as the coupling agent. In vitro platelet adhesion assay shows the C60 grafted PU are more platelets activating than the nontreated PU control. This might be attributed to the synergistic effect of the grafted C60 molecules and the few residual amine functional groups which are left after the C60 grafting reaction. Further applications using these C60 grafted polyurethane surfaces as the cell adhesion and cell growth substrates are currently under exploration.
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Juan CW, Wu FF, Chang WH, Chou CC, Lee TC, Lin JC. Failure of screening to detect HIV in a foreign laborer who died of toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system. J Formos Med Assoc 1999; 98:639-42. [PMID: 10560241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common neurologic complication in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is cerebral toxoplasmosis. Patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis have characteristic findings on clinical examination and neuroimaging. They require prolonged treatment and have a considerable mortality rate. We report a case of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a foreign laborer with AIDS, in whom a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening test failed to detect-HIV infection. The patient, a 23-year-old man from Thailand, presented in a confused state 2 weeks after his arrival in Taiwan. Computed tomography showed a mass effect, and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple ring-enhanced lesions in the cerebrum. Serologic tests were positive for anti-HIV antibody and also showed high anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G titers. Although symptomatic treatment was initiated, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly and he died of multiple organ failure due to brain stem herniation a few days after admission. As the number of foreign laborers working in Taiwan has increased dramatically in recent years, the issues raised by this case are the efficacy of our screening protocols for foreign laborers and the increased occupational hazards encountered by medical personnel in Taiwan.
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Silver JH, Lin JC, Lim F, Tegoulia VA, Chaudhury MK, Cooper SL. Surface properties and hemocompatibility of alkyl-siloxane monolayers supported on silicone rubber: effect of alkyl chain length and ionic functionality. Biomaterials 1999; 20:1533-43. [PMID: 10482407 DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9612(98)00173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled monolayers of alkylsiloxanes supported on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) rubber were used as model systems to study the relation between blood compatibility and surface composition. The inner lumen of PDMS tubes were first treated with an oxygen plasma. The resultant oxidized surfaces were post-derivatized by reaction with alkyltrichlorosilanes to form the monolayer films. The alkyl chain lengths used were slightly longer than in a previous study, and this may alter the phase-state of the monolayer from liquid-like to crystalline. The chemical properties of the monolayer were controlled by varying the chemical composition of the alkyltrichlorosilanes used. Terminal functionalities included -CH3, -CF3, -COOH, -SO3H and -(CH2CH2O)4OH. Surface derivatization was verified with static contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Blood compatibility was evaluated using a canine ex vivo arterio-venous series shunt model. Surfaces grafted with hydrophobic head groups such as -CH3 and -CF3 were significantly less thrombogenic than the surfaces composed of ionic head groups such as -COOH and -SO3H. Surfaces enriched in -(CH2CH2O)4OH had an intermediate thrombogenicity. Silastic pump grade tubing and polyethylene tubing, used as controls, were found to be the least thrombogenic of all the surfaces tested.
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Kothari M, Keaveny TM, Lin JC, Newitt DC, Majumdar S. Measurement of intraspecimen variations in vertebral cancellous bone architecture. Bone 1999; 25:245-50. [PMID: 10456392 DOI: 10.1016/s8756-3282(99)00161-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A three-dimensional technique was developed for the quantification of the number and cross-sectional geometry of individual trabeculae oriented along a given direction. As an example application, the number of vertical and horizontal trabeculae and their respective cross-sectional geometry were determined for a set of six vertebral cancellous bone specimens (L3-L4 female vertebral bodies; age range 39-63 years). Three-dimensional optical images at a spatial resolution of 20 microm were obtained using an automated serial milling technique. The thickness distributions were generally right skewed. The mean true thickness for both the vertically and horizontally oriented trabeculae showed a strong relationship with volume fraction (vertical: r2 = 0.86; p < 0.05; horizontal: r2 = 0.80; p < 0.05), and mean trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) (vertical: r2 = 0.81; p < 0.05; horizontal: r2 = 0.72; p < 0.05). The horizontal trabeculae were greater in number and were thinner than the vertical trabeculae. The coefficient of variation of the intraspecimen vertical trabecular thicknesses ranged from 25% to 42%, and showed a weak, albeit insignificant, positive correlation with volume fraction (r2 = 0.46). The findings demonstrated substantial intraspecimen variations exist in trabecular thickness that are not related to volume fraction. Further studies are recommended to determine the potential role of such intraspecimen variations in architecture on biomechanical properties.
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Lin JC, Chen YF, Chen CY. Surface characterization and platelet adhesion studies of plasma polymerized phosphite and its copolymers with dimethylsulfate. Biomaterials 1999; 20:1439-47. [PMID: 10458557 DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9612(98)00200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to its capability for using a wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds as the monomer source, including those which are not polymerizable by conventional methods, plasma polymerization has been used to incorporate various functional groups onto the substrates of interest. Plasma polymerization of trimethylphosphite and triisopropylphosphite was attempted with an aim to deposit a thin film with phosphorous-containing functional groups such as phosphate or phosphite onto the glass substrate. Sulfur-containing functional groups, such as sulfonate, were incorporated as well with the addition of dimethylsulfate to the phosphite monomer inlet. These plasma polymers and plasma copolymers were very hydrophilic. Incomplete surface coverage was noticed under the processing conditions of low phosphite flow rate, low RF input power and shorter deposition time. Extended deposition duration and higher power input resulted in the formation of voids and pits on the plasma polymer surface. In addition, the surface coverage of the plasma copolymers becomes discontinuous if the flow rate ratio of dimethylsulfate to triisopropylphosphite is too high. In vitro platelet adhesion studies indicated the plasma polymers and plasma copolymers with continuous surface coverage are less platelet activating than the glass control. Moreover, the addition of dimethylsulfate into the phosphite monomer flow led to a further reduction in platelet adhesion and activation than the comparable one. This may be attributed to the effect of the sulfur-containing functionalities, such as sulfonate or sulfate, found on the plasma copolymers.
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Wu WC, Lin JC. The experience to use a modified en bloc excision technique in vitrectomy for diabetic traction retinal detachment. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 1999; 15:461-7. [PMID: 10518362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Modified en bloc excision is a technique in which all posterior hyaloid is excised except the portions essential for membrane dissection. Then, bimanual dissection techniques allow excision of retained fibrovascular membrane "en bloc" with hyaloid. In a consecutive series of 16 eyes with diabetic traction retinal detachment treated with this technique, visual acuity of 5/200 or better was obtained in 11 (69%) of the cases, and complete macula reattachment was noted in 14 (87%) of 16 eyes. The final visual acuity was improved in 12 (75%) cases. While this surgical technique allows a higher rate of anatomic success and less postoperative morbidity, visual results remain limited by irreversible alteration in retinal function.
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Lin JC, Cepko CL. Biphasic dispersion of clones containing Purkinje cells and glia in the developing chick cerebellum. Dev Biol 1999; 211:177-97. [PMID: 10395781 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.1999.9316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is a highly conserved structure which exhibits patterns of gene expression and axonal connections that are organized into parasagittal domains. These aspects of the mature cerebellum are presaged during embryonic development by the expression patterns of vertebrate homologs of Drosophila segmentation genes. We wished to determine whether the parasagittal domains of gene expression are compartments of lineage restriction. To this end, a clonal analysis of the chick cerebellum was conducted with a complex retroviral library. From embryonic day (E) 8 to E12, clones derived from the more medial portion of the cerebellar ventricular zone (VZ) were observed to spread preferentially in the mediolateral direction, crossing the boundaries of the parasagittal domains of gene expression. In late embryonic and posthatch periods, VZ clones were found to comprise Purkinje cells, glial cells, or both types of cells. At these later times, clonally related glial cells formed tight parasagittal clusters, while clonally related Purkinje cells were scattered extensively in the anteroposterior direction. We propose that a subset of the cerebellar VZ clones, those with medial origins, undergoes a biphasic dispersion: an early phase of mediolateral dispersion and a late phase of anteroposterior dispersion. This novel pattern of clonal dispersion suggests that the cerebellar VZ is not partitioned into parasagittal domains of lineage restriction. It leaves open the possibility that the later dispersion along the anteroposterior axis results from the parasagittal patterns of gene expression in the developing cerebellar cortex.
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Lin JC. Current developments in telemedicine. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY MAGAZINE : THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY SOCIETY 1999; 18:27. [PMID: 10429898 DOI: 10.1109/memb.1999.775485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Lin JC. Applying telecommunication technology to health-care delivery. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY MAGAZINE : THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY SOCIETY 1999; 18:28-31. [PMID: 10429899 DOI: 10.1109/51.775486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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100
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Winsor EJ, Tomkins DJ, Kalousek D, Farrell S, Wyatt P, Fan YS, Carter R, Wang H, Dallaire L, Eydoux P, Welch JP, Dawson A, Lin JC, Singer J, Johnson J, Wilson RD. Cytogenetic aspects of the Canadian early and mid-trimester amniotic fluid trial (CEMAT). Prenat Diagn 1999; 19:620-7. [PMID: 10419609 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0223(199907)19:7<620::aid-pd599>3.0.co;2-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cytogenetic results from a large multicentre randomized controlled study of 2108 amniotic fluids obtained at 11+0-12+6 weeks (EA) and 1999 fluids at 15+0-16+6 weeks (MA) were compared. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of chromosome abnormalities (EA =1.9 per cent; MA=1.7 per cent) or level III mosaicism (EA=0.2 per cent; MA= 0.2 per cent) between the groups. Level I and Level II mosaicism occurred more frequently in MA. Maternal cell contamination was not significantly different between the groups, but maternal cells only were analysed from one bloody EA fluid. The number of repeat amniocenteses because of cytogenetic problems was 2.2 per cent in the EA group compared with only 0.3 per cent in the MA group. On average, culture of EA fluids required one day more than MA fluids. Although both culture success (97.7 per cent) and accuracy (99.8 per cent) were high for patients randomized to the EA group, routine amniocentesis prior to 13 weeks' gestation is not recommended for clinical reasons including an increased risk of fetal loss and talipes equinovarus.
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