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Biomedical subjects

B C Lin

Publications and source records attributed to B C Lin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Autologous biologicals--science/regulations.

There has been increased interest in Targeted Biologicals in the United States for several reasons. First, new technology is available to facilitate science-based isolate selection and manufacture. The science of Autologous/Targeted Biologicals will be discussed later in this presentation. A second reason for the increased interest in Targeted Biologicals is the fact that the livestock production methods have changed to favour herd/flock specific products controlled by a veterinarian. There have been changes in management methods such as segregated early weaning in swine, accelerated feeding and early weaning of dairy calves, and forced moulting in poultry. Herds and flocks have increased in stocking density and size. These factors stress animals and may facilitate mutation, strain variation and increased virulence of pathogens. Under these conditions, Traditional Biologicals may not be relevant to current field isolates. Many veterinarians favour vaccinating only for pathogens isolated from a herd/flock. A third reason for the increased interest in these products is that the licensing procedure for Targeted Biologicals is responsive to the needs of livestock producers. The process is abbreviated, requiring much less time and money. This allows for a more rapid response to emerging pathogens, strain variations and mutations, while facilitating the development of monovalent and multivalent products for limited markets or those for minor species.

Biological Products↗
PubMed2001

A collision model for DNA separation by capillary electrophoresis in dilute polymer solution.

A theoretical description, based on chemical kinetics and electrochemistry, is given of DNA separation in dilute polymer solution by capillary electrophoresis. A self-consistent model was developed leading to predictions of the DNA electrophoretic velocity as a function of the experimental conditions--polymer concentration, temperature, and electric field strength. The effect of selected experimental variables is discussed. The phenomena discussed are illustrated for the example of 100 bp DNA ladder separation in dilute HPMC solution by capillary electrophoresis. This model is the first single model that can fully explain the dependence of DNA electrophoretic velocity on electrophoretic conditions.

DNA↗
PubMed2001

Gallbladder torsion: case report and review of the literature.

Torsion of the gallbladder is a surgical emergency, occurring mainly in the elderly. Female is predominant to male with ratio 3 to 1. Despite its unknown etiology, the anatomical variations in the attachment of gallbladder which occur on the mobile mesentery to the inferior margin of the liver are usually found. When the gallbladder twists around the cystic duct and artery, torsion takes place with ensuing occlusion of the flow of bile and blood. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult to make; however, patients who receive prompt surgical treatment with cholecystectomy always get excellent outcomes. Mortality rate is low with 3% to 5%. Here, we report on elderly male patient with gallbladder torsion at our hospital and review the existing literature.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Acute appendicitis during pregnancy: a clinical assessment.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric reason for laparotomy during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the clinical presentations and postoperative outcomes of these patients and their fetuses. METHODS: Patients who underwent appendectomies during pregnancy from July 1991 to June 1997 were retrospectively identified. Their ages, clinical presentations, the severity of the inflammatory change in the appendices, and the postoperative complications of these patients and fetuses were recorded and analyzed. Long-term outcomes were confirmed by telephone contact, when possible. RESULTS: Forty-five pregnant women who underwent appendectomies for suspected acute appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed. The histopathological inflammatory change in the appendix was proven in 35 patients (78%). Sixty-three percent of the patients were multiparous, and 86% were in the first 2 trimesters. In the clinical settings, pain and tenderness in the right lower abdominal quadrant were the most common symptoms and signs in presentation. Perioperative administration of ritodrine had no obvious advantage in the prevention of fetal loss. Appendectomy was performed beyond 36 hours of onset of symptoms in 28% of the patients, among whom one-half had gangrenous or perforated appendices. Only one fetus was spontaneously lost in 32 patients with diseased appendices (3%), excluding 3 patients choosing artificial abortion. There was no maternal death in our series. CONCLUSION: The rate of fetal loss due to surgery for acute appendicitis during pregnancy was low. Delay of operation was pertinent to the more-inflammatory changes of the appendix and to the higher maternal complication rate. Early surgical intervention is essential.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

[Electrophoretic migration behavior of deoxyribonucleic acid fragments in three polymer solution concentration regions].

The theory of polymer coils shrinking in semi-dilute solution has recently been developed on polymer solution. The polymer solution from coils shrinking concentration Cs to uniform entangled concentt concentration C+ has been defined as semi-dilute solution. We experimentally investigated the electrophoretic migration behavior of 100 bp deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Ladder in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) concentration ranging from 1.25 g/L to 16.06 g/L. The friction force mobility mu f is used to express the friction force that DNA will encounter in capillary electrophoresis. Our results indicate the division of polymer solution into three regions depending on the relationship of mu f and HPMC concentration and Ferguson plot. Resolutions of 200 bp/300 bp and 700 bp/800 bp show semi-dilute polymer solution suits large fragments and small fragments DNA separation respectively. the results confirm that the current polymer theory is valid under actual CE condition.

Attention↗
PubMed2001

[Capillary electrophoresis and chip capillary electrophoresis of carbohydrate].

Carbohydrate has many important functions in various biologic processes. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is one of the key tools of carbohydrate analysis. Chip CE is a new but efficient technique in the study of life science. Carbohydrate analysis with CE and Chip CE are reviewed. Separation strategies and detection of CE for various carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycoconjugates are described. The application and potential ability of Chip CE in carbohydrate research are reviewed as well.

Carbohydrates↗
PubMed2000

Laparoscopic decompression of abdominal compartment syndrome after blunt hepatic trauma.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) can occur in a variety of surgical conditions, particularly those with major life-threatening hemorrhage, massive volume resuscitation, prolonged operation times, and coagulopathy. In severely traumatized patients, the incidence of ACS is reported to be as high as 14% to 15% after damage control laparotomies. Although favorable results have been achieved with nonsurgical management of adult blunt hepatic trauma, the failure rates still range from 0% to 19%. Exploratory laparotomy is considered the intervention of choice in patients with blunt hepatic trauma who fail nonsurgical treatment. Expedient abdominal decompression currently is the treatment of choice after ACS. Oliguria, tachypnea, and tachycardia developed in two blunt hepatic trauma patients with grade IV and V injuries while they were receiving nonsurgical treatment. The intra-abdominal pressures measured more than 35 and 25 cm H 2O, respectively. Two patients with grade II and III ACS received laparoscopic examination instead of laparotomy. Their ACS was decompressed effectively via laparoscopy without any adverse effects. Therefore, we suggest that laparoscopy can be used as a safe alternative for the decompression of ACS.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2000

Combined endoscopic and surgical treatment for the polyposis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Repeated laparotomy with extensive small bowel resectioning and eventual short-bowel syndrome is a major problem in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) patients. This problem is caused by gastrointestinal polyposis with intussusception. A combined surgical and endoscopic approach can assess the extent of the polyposis, and small polyps can be removed by snare polypectomy. This can avert multiple enterotomies and decrease bowel resection segments. We applied an intraoperative colonscope via the enterotomy route in an 20-year-old PJS woman, and successfully removed the other 10 polyps distributed in the whole small bowel. As part of an aggressive approach to the management of polyposis in PJS, complete polypectomy can provide a longer symptom-free interval and remove potentially premaligment polyps.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Blunt hepatic injury: minimal intervention is the policy of treatment.

BACKGROUND: Many publications recommend nonoperative treatment for stable blunt hepatic injury patients. Unstable hemodynamic status is the only indication for surgery. When operation is indicated, controversies exist regarding which operative procedure will be more beneficial to the patients. The purposes of this study are to compare the results of operative and nonoperative management of patients with blunt hepatic injuries and to identify the optimal surgical approach when surgery is indicated. METHODS: Different prospective protocols of treating adult blunt hepatic injuries were conducted. From 1992 to 1993 (group I), urgent surgery would be performed in the presence of hemoperitoneum. The policy shifted to aggressive nonoperative approach between 1996 and 1997 (group II). The patients from each period were divided into three subgroups. Group A included the patients who received nonoperative treatment in either period. Group B consisted of the patients who received surgery in the first period and nonoperative management in the second period. Group C included the patients who were operated on in either group. Comparisons were made between matched groups. RESULTS: Groups IA and IIA patients had minor injuries and could be successfully treated nonoperatively. The results of groups IB and IIB were similar concerning hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. Transfusion requirements of group IIB patients were significantly higher (2.2 vs. 1.1 units,p = 0.01) than those of group IB. However, 25 (58%) celiotomies of group IB patients were nontherapeutic. When surgery was indicated, group IC patients had significantly higher liver-related mortality (14 of 49 vs. 3 of 55, p = 0.002). Anatomic resection was performed more frequently in that period. CONCLUSION: Nonoperative treatment significantly decreased the rate of nontherapeutic laparotomy but carried the risks of higher transfusion requirements and delaying operation. When surgery was indicated, the policy of minimal intervention positively affected the patients' outcomes. The goal of surgery should be hemorrhage control rather than resection of the injured liver tissues.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Factors determining operative mortality of grade V blunt hepatic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in the management of severe hepatic injuries, the operative mortality rate of grade V hepatic injuries still ranges from 67% to 80%. Grade V hepatic injuries involving the retrohepatic cava or main hepatic veins are almost always lethal, especially those from blunt trauma. The purpose of this study is to understand the risk factors determining operative mortality in grade V blunt hepatic trauma, and to try to improve the surgical management of these injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at a medical center that offers services including primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Forty-four patients with grade V blunt hepatic injuries were treated during a 6-year period from January 1, 1991, to December 31, 1996. The operative mortality was compared by a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with grade V blunt hepatic injuries were identified. Seven patients had only parenchymal injuries, and the others had vascular and associated parenchymal injuries. Venorrhaphy was used in 37 patients; 29 were treated using a nonshunting approach, and 8 with an atriocaval shunt. The overall mortality rate was 68% (30 of 44), and liver-related mortality was 50% (22 of 44). Univariate analysis revealed that the significant variables affecting operative mortality were initial systolic blood pressure, initial base deficit, the Glasgow Coma Scale, injury type, number of resected segments, and total intraoperative blood loss. Based on forward stepping logistic regression analysis, patients with an initial base deficit of -6 mmol/L or less (relative risk = 17.3), and a total intraoperative blood loss of 5,000 mL or more (relative risk = 23.5) would, significantly, encounter a worsening prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Initial base deficit and total intraoperative blood loss were the significant factors that determined operative mortality after grade V blunt hepatic trauma. We suggest that prompt resuscitation and expeditious and appropriate surgical management, to control operative blood loss, is the only way to reduce operative mortality in patients with grade V blunt hepatic trauma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Classification and treatment of pooling of contrast material on computed tomographic scan of blunt hepatic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Pooling of contrast material on computed tomographic (CT) scan represents free extravasation of blood as a result of active bleeding. For patients with blunt hepatic injury, aggressive management such as angiography or celiotomy is usually indicated if this sign is detected. The purposes of this study were to further categorize this CT scan finding and to correlate its characteristics with clinical outcomes. This CT scan classification might be helpful for the selection of appropriate management. METHODS: During a 42-month period, 276 patients with blunt hepatic injury were treated. Two hundred twelve of them were hemodynamically stable after initial resuscitation and underwent abdominal CT scan examination. Pooling of contrast material was detected on the CT scans of 15 patients. The CT scans and medical records were reviewed. Special attention was paid to the presence, location, and character of the extravasated contrast material. RESULTS: The finding of pooling of contrast material on CT scan was categorized into three types according to its location and character. Type I showed extravasation and pooling of contrast material in the peritoneal cavity (six patients). All patients with type I CT scan findings became hemodynamically unstable soon after CT scan examination and required emergent laparotomy. Type II findings showed simultaneous presence of hemoperitoneum and intraparenchymal contrast material pooling (six patients). Four patients with type II CT scan findings required laparotomy for hemostasis. Type III findings showed intraparenchymal contrast material pooling without hemoperitoneum (three patients). All patients with type III CT scan signs remained hemodynamically stable. CONCLUSION: With the use of a high-speed spiral CT scanner, it is possible to predict the necessity of operative management or angiography for patients with blunt hepatic injury before deterioration of hemodynamic status. The presence of pooling of contrast material within the peritoneal cavity indicates active and massive bleeding. Patients with this CT scan finding show rapid deterioration of hemodynamic status. Most of these patients might require emergent surgery. Pooling of contrast material in a ruptured hepatic parenchyma indicates active bleeding. Close monitoring and emergent angiography should be performed. Deterioration of hemodynamic status in these patients usually requires prompt surgical intervention. Intraparenchymal pooling of contrast material with unruptured liver capsule often indicates a self-limited hemorrhage. Patients with this CT scan finding have a high possibility of successful nonoperative treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Influence of organic modifier on the retention behaviour in soil leaching column chromatography].

The relationship between capacity factors (k') of 55 nonionic compounds and broad methanol volume percentage (psi) of methanol-water eluent in soil leaching column chromatography (SLCC) was systematically investigated. The compounds consist of 11 chlorobenzenes, 14 alkylbenzenes, 22 polyphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 8 pesticides. Reference soil was dry-packed into a stainless steel chromatographic column (10 mm i.d. x 100 mm) by a homemade pressurizing device, and isocratic methanolwater mixture with psi from 0.0 to 0.80 eluated through the column at a flow-rate of 1 mL.min-1. The column was thermostated at (25.0 +/- 0.1) degree C, and chromatographic peak was monitored by an online ultraviolet detector. The results show that both equations, log k' = log k'w + a psi + b psi 2(1) and log k' = log k'w - S psi (2), well fit the retention values. Equation (2) can be used practically due to few experimental data needed and simpler in formula. Explanation is also given for the existence of the carbon (or chlorine) number rule for two classes of homologous series (i.e. methylbenzenes, n-alkylbenzenes) and weak-polar chlorobenzenes in the SLCC process. The slope and intercept of the rule are also well correlated, and both decreases linearly with increasing eluent psi value.

Chlorobenzenes↗
PubMed2000

[Chiral separation of naproxen and flurbiprofen by capillary electrophoresis].

The acidic chiral drugs naproxen and flurbiprofen were successfully separated into two enantiomers when beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CDs) were used as chiral selectors by capillary zone electrophoresis, under the conditions of 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer with pH 4.92. The comparison of four CDs, namely beta-CD, DM-beta-CD, HP-beta-CD and TM-beta-CD for chiral separation was made. Naproxen can be separated by either beta-CD or its derivatives, while flurbiprofen can only be separated by TM-beta-CD among the CDs. The elution order of enantiomers of naproxen in different CDs was also studied, and the R form always eluted before S form when any of the four CDs was used as chiral selectors. The method of chiral separation for weak acidic compounds was also developed. It was proved that the optimum pH value for their chiral separation was about 5, close to its pKa value.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2000

[Determination of sialic acids in serum of lung cancer with ultrafiltration-capillary electrophoresis].

A method for the determination of sialic acids in serum with ultrafiltration-capillary electrophoresis is described and the operation was optimized. Sialic acids were directly separated and analyzed with UV detection at 195 nm and without pre-or post-column derivatization. The recovery of N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) was 92.6%, the concentration and mass detection limit of NANA were 9.6 mumol/L and 39 fmol respectively. This method was used for the determination of NANA level in the serum of 11 lung cancer patients and 30 normal adults. The results showed that the average concentration of NANA in the serum of patients was much higher than that of normal adults with P < 0.001. The results were also compared with those obtained by the traditional colorimetric method, with good linear relationship of r = 0.983 at n = 10. It is concluded that the method described in this paper is simple and sensitive, and is suitable for basic research and clinical applications to malignant tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Epidemiological investigation on an outbreak of angiostrongyliasis cantonensis in Wenzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the cause and transmission factors of an outbreak of eosinophilic meningoradiculitis in Wenzhou City during October to November in 1997. METHODS: In addition to a retrospective cohort study on 182 persons who had dined at a same restaurant of the city, etiological and immunoserological investigations were conducted. RESULTS: Among 105 cases who had eaten the undercooked Ampullaria gigas in that restaurant, 47 cases were infected, the incidence rate was 44.8%; whereas none of the persons who did not eat the under-cooked Ampullaria gigas in that restaurant got the infection, the difference between the two groups being significant(P < 0.001). The incidence rate of the cases who had eaten 4 and more pieces of the undercooked Ampullaria gigas was 86.2%(25/29), while that of those who had eaten less than 4 pieces was 28.9%(22/76), the difference between the two being very significant (chi 2 = 27.83, P < 0.001, RR = 2.98). The third stage larvae of the Angiostrongylus cantonensis were found out from Ampullaria gigas living in the same locality, and the adult worms of Angiostrongylus contonensis were found out from the rats living in the locality else. The positive rate of serum anti-Angiostrongylus cantonensis antibody in the patients was 84.0%. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the clinical, epidemiological, immunoserological and etiological investigations, an outbreak of the angiostrongyliasis cantonensis caused by eating undercooked Ampullaria gigas was confirmed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Dynorphin A enhances mitogen-induced proliferative response and interleukin-2 production of rat splenocytes.

It has been well known that immune function is modulated by endogenous opioid peptides: beta-endorphin and enkephalins. However, the effect of dynorphin A on the immune function has not been well documented. In this study, we investigated dynorphin A in the regulation of mitogen-induced proliferation and and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production of rat splenocytes. The results showed that dynorphin A 1-13 as well as dynorphin A 1-17 enhanced concanavalin A-stimulated [(3)H] thymidine uptake 46-112% and IL-2 production in a dose-dependent fashion. These effects were reversed by naloxone and norBNI, a selective kappa-receptor antagonist. Dynorphin A reduced cyclic AMP contents in spenocytes in naloxone and norBNI reversible fashion. The data suggest that dynorphin A enhanced mitogen-stumulated lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production via kappa-opioid receptor and cAMP pathway.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1999

Surgical treatment and outcome after delayed diagnosis of blunt duodenal injury.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of 18 patients with duodenal injuries after blunt trauma, the diagnosis of which had been delayed for more than 24 hours. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C. SUBJECTS: 18 patients who presented with duodenal injuries between January 1986 and December 1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The reasons for the delay were: injuries not found during the first operation (n = 6), patients had not sought medical help (n = 6), and injuries treated conservatively at local hospitals (n = 5). There was one delay in our department because the patient lost consciousness. 12 patients were treated by pyloric exclusion with no deaths and four complications (one duodenal fistula and 3 retroperitoneal abscesses). The other 6 had various operations including pancreaticoduodenectomy, jejunostomy, and gastrostomy, with six complications and one death, giving an overall mortality of 6% and morbidity of 50%. Three patients developed delayed extensive retroperitoneal abscesses and all three were treated successfully by laparostomy. 16 of the 18 patients required enteral feeding through a jejunostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Though the complication rate was high, the use of pyloric exclusion and a feeding jejunostomy kept the mortality low. Enteral nutrition should be started early. Laparostomy is a good way to manage retroperitoneal abscesses. To avoid delay, patients at risk of duodenal injuries should be evaluated early by experienced trauma surgeons and any central retroperitoneal haematoma should be explored during the initial laparotomy.

Abscess↗