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Biomedical subjects

C C Wu

Publications and source records attributed to C C Wu.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Retained vaginal gauze with unusual complication: a case report.

We report a case of a postpartum retained vaginal gauze which migrated to the bladder and presented as a bladder stone. The patient had received numerous clinical evaluations for her chronic abdominal pain, of all which failed to detect or indicate the presence of retained gauze. Retained surgical gauze is a preventable problem but continues to occur periodically. Prevention remains the key to this problem. The gauze packed within the vagina either after transvaginal surgery or delivery should be cared for as in other parts of the body. Though extremely rare, retained surgical gauze should be considered in the differential diagnosis in postpartum patients with chronic abdominal pain, irritable bladder symptoms or pelvic abscess.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1997

Optimal surgical strategy for potentially curable serosa-involved gastric carcinoma with intraperitoneal free cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Radical gastrectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy (RG) remains controversial in the treatment of gastric carcinoma. On the other hand, the prognosis of gastric carcinoma, in the presence of intraperitoneal free cancer cells, is poor. The optimal surgical strategy for serosa-involved gastric carcinoma with intraperitoneal free cancer cells remains undefined. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of intraperitoneal cytologic washing was conducted on 134 patients with potentially curable serosa-involved gastric carcinoma who underwent RG. During the same period, 28 patients with resectable tumors who received palliative simple gastrectomies because of the presence of gross incurable conditions (eg, multiple hepatic metastases, peritoneal carcinomatosis, or extra-abdominal metastasis) were used as controls. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal free cancer cells were found in 26 patients (19.4 percent). Compared with the remaining 108 patients without free cancer cells, there were no significant differences in the clinicopathologic characteristics and pathologic stages. No patients died after palliative resection, but five patients died after RG. The patients with free intraperitoneal free cancer cells had a poorer long-term prognosis after RG than those without free cancer cells (p < 0.0001). The prognosis for such patients was similar to the prognosis of those who underwent palliative resection. CONCLUSIONS: A peritoneal washing cytologic examination is mandatory before resection for potentially curable serosa-involved gastric carcinoma. When free cancer cells appear in the washing fluid, the cancer is incurable. Simply gastrectomy without additional lymphadenectomy is the optimal strategy for treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine: a case report.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine is a very rare tumor. Only limited cases have been reported in the literature. The tumor is more malignant than the usual adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. Here we report a 59-year-old female patient who was referred from a local hospital after suffering persistent hematochezia, abdominal pain and distention for three months. Because of persistent intestinal obstruction and bleeding, reoperation at our hospital was performed. A huge tumor, originating from the ileum and with multiple liver and bone metastasis, was found. Palliative resection of the tumor with two segments of the small intestine and sigmoid colon was carried out. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma. She died two months after operation.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed1997

Effect of hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity on clustering of DNA damage.

We have shown previously that the thiol N-(2'-mercaptoethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane (WR-1065) can attenuate the formation of strand breaks associated with ionizing radiation. The mechanism of this protection is predominantly the reduction of DNA radical species which otherwise would attenuate the chemical repair of DNA radical species which are strand break precursors. We had observed that the presence of a hydroxyl radical scavenger during irradiation resulted in a decrease in the ability of WR-1065 to attenuate the formation of strand breaks. Since ionic compounds are known to affect the binding of the dicationic WR-1065 with the polyanion DNA, the effect of the scavenger was initially attributed to its polar nature having a similar effect on the interaction of WR-1065 with DNA, and not as a consequence of its ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. After examining additional scavengers, we now conclude that an increased hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity does attenuate the repair of strand break precursors to some extent. The probable explanation for this observation is that an increased scavenging capacity results in a greater degree of radical clustering on the DNA, and that these clusters of multiple radicals are repaired more slowly than are single radical species.

DNA Damage↗
PubMed1997

Biomechanical considerations in fracture treatment.

Adherence to biomechanical principles provides a proven method for improving fracture treatment. Utilizing the mechanism of the fracture healing process, the application of biomechanical principles is advantageous in three ways: (1) by providing adequate stability, (2) by enforcing osteogenetic power, and (3) by preventing implant failure. The aim of fracture treatment is to let a bony fracture heal functionally as early as possible. Although the precise effect of biomechanics has not yet to be defined, biomechanical principles have shown both experimentally and clinically that they can indeed provide a valuable contribution. Whenever possible, biomechanical principles should be comprehensively applied during fracture treatment.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1996

Evidence for inducible nitric oxide synthase in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

This study investigates the mechanism of the production of nitric oxide (NO) caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) or Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The injection of LPS (5 mg/ kg, i.v.) caused a mild hypotension in WKY rats, while it induced a more severe hypotensive effect in SHR. The basal level of plasma nitrite was slightly higher in SHR than in WKY rats. At 3 h after injection of LPS, the increment in plasma nitrite was more significant in SHR. Prior to the treatment of rats with LPS, the plasma level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) was also higher in SHR than in WKY rats, and LPS induced a more significant increase of TNF alpha level (at 1 h) in SHR. In rats treated with LPS, acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly impaired in thoracic aortic rings obtained from WKY rats, but not in those from SHR. By contrast, L-arginine (1 mM) did not cause any relaxations in rings without the endothelium obtained from WKY rats while it slightly relaxed those from SHR, and this difference was further augmented by treatment of rats with LPS for 3 h. In addition, the basal cGMP level was higher in SHR, which was inhibited by aminoguanidine (AG, 1 mM). The treatment of rats with LPS further increased the formation of cGMP in both strains and this increment was greater in SHR than in WKY rats, which was also attenuated by AG to a similar level between both strains. Interestingly, an expression of inducible NO synthase (NOS II) protein was only observed in SHR, and further enhanced by treated rats with LPS. We conclude that an increased production of NO in SHR, which was further enhanced by LPS, is attributed to a basal expression of NOS II.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1996

Neonatal capsaicin treatment alters the metabolic activity of subcortical somatosensory structures of developing rats in response to whisker stimulation.

Sprague-Dawley rats neonatally treated with capsaicin exhibited significant changes in 2-deoxy-glucose uptake in the subcortical somatosensory structures following repetitive whisker deflection. There was an increased uptake in the spinal trigeminal nucleus pars caudalis and a decrease in the principal sensory nucleus and the ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus. The present study suggests that disruption of nociceptive afferents during development causes functional changes to subcortical somatosensory trigeminal nuclei.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Comparison of the effects of aminoguanidine and N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on the multiple organ dysfunction caused by endotoxaemia in the rat.

This study compares the effects of aminoguanidine, a relatively selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a selective inhibitor of endothelial NO synthase, on hypotension and multiple organ dysfunction caused by endotoxaemia in the anaesthetised rat. In the sham-operated rats, L-NAME, but not aminoguanidine, caused a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure. Endotoxin caused hypotension, increased in plasma nitrite (an indicator of inducible NO synthase activity), and dysfunction of kidney, liver and pancreas. Treatment of endotoxic rats with aminoguanidine or L-NAME caused significant and sustained rises in blood pressure. The increase in plasma nitrite caused by endotoxin was inhibited by aminoguanidine, but not by L-NAME. Aminoguanidine, but not L-NAME, attenuated the renal, liver and pancreatic dysfunction caused by endotoxaemia. Thus, selective inhibition of inducible (aminoguanidine), but not endothelial NO synthase (L-NAME) attenuates the circulatory failure and the multiple organ failure caused by endotoxaemia.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Mechanisms-regulated platelet spreading after initial platelet contact with collagen.

In static condition, 6F1, an anti-glycoprotein Ia/IIa monoclonal antibody, almost completely prevented initial platelet adhesion to fibrillar collagen, but markedly lost its action with prolonged incubation. The platelet adhesion and spreading at the later stage were prevented by adding the peptide GRGDS, aspirin, and apyrase, suggesting that after initial recognition of platelet glycoprotein Ia/IIa with collagen the activation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and the release of thromboxane A2/ADP would promote platelet spreading, thus strengthening the stability of adhesion. Both initial platelet adhesion and platelet spreading were prevented by cytochalasin B, an inhibitor of actin polymerization. In contrast, BAPTA (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator) only inhibited platelet spreading. Inhibition of protein kinase C or protein tyrosine kinase by staurosporine or genistein, respectively, had only little effect on platelet adhesion. These data suggest that actin polymerization and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization are involved in the regulation of platelet spreading after initial platelet contact with collagen.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Acute cardiovascular effects of OPC-18790 in patients with congestive heart failure. Time- and dose-dependence analysis based on pressure-volume relations.

BACKGROUND: OPC-18790 is a water-soluble quinolinone derivative that shares the pharmacological properties of vesnarinone and that may be useful for treating heart failure. We studied the contribution and relative dose sensitivities of the inotropic, lusitropic, and vascular effects of OPC-18790 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pressure-volume (PV) analysis was performed in 17 patients who received either 5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 (low dose, n = 10) or 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 (high dose, n = 7) OPC-18790 by 1-hour IV infusion. Right heart pressures and flow and left heart PV relations (conductance catheter) were measured at baseline and every 15 minutes during infusion. Transient inferior vena caval obstruction was used to determine PV relations. Both doses produced venodilation reflected by a 10% decline in left ventricular end-diastolic volume and a 30% fall in atrial and pulmonary artery pressures. Arterial dilation was four times greater at the high dose, with an approximately 40% fall in effective arterial elastance and systemic resistance. Contractility rose by 25% to 100% (depending on PV index) with both doses. Ventricular-arterial coupling (ratio of ventricular end-systolic to arterial elastances) was approximately 0.25 at baseline and doubled (or tripled) at low (or high) dose, correlating with improved efficiency. Isovolumetric relaxation shortened, whereas the diastolic PV relation was generally unchanged. Heart rate was unaltered. CONCLUSIONS: OPC-18790 has potent venous and arterial vasodilator effects and moderate inotropic and lusitropic effects without a change in heart rate. These combined actions suggest a unique potential of OPC-18790 for heart failure treatment.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1996

Inoue balloon deformity and rupture during percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty.

In the management of mitral stenosis, similar long-term results can be obtained by using either an Inoue balloon catheter or a double-balloon technique for percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. There have been few reports concerning any deformity of an Inoue balloon. From January 1988 to June 1995, 263 procedures of either mitral or tricuspid valvuloplasty have been performed in this center. The Inoue balloon catheter technique was used for 245 procedures. A deformity of the Inoue balloon catheter was noted in 4 (1.6%) and actual rupture of deformed balloon occurred in one (0.4%). All deformities were found at the distal portion of the Inoue balloon. Valvular insufficiency became more severe after valvuloplasty in two cases. Following rupture of the balloon, neither arterial embolization nor perforation of the cardiac chambers developed. In conclusion, a deformity of the Inoue balloon, although rare, can develop during percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. The deformity may portend balloon rupture if additional maximal dilatations are undertaken.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects and limitations of prolonged intermittent ischaemia for hepatic resection of the cirrhotic liver.

Intermittent clamping of the hepatic pedicle during hepatectomy may reduce operative bleeding, but its limitations and long-term effects on the cirrhotic liver are unknown. Eighty-three patients with cirrhosis undergoing hepatectomy with repeated clamping for 15 min and declamping for 5 min were divided into three groups based on total clamping duration: group 1 less than 40 min (39 patients); group 2 40-80 min (28); group 3 more than 80 min (16). Larger tumours were associated with longer ischaemia times (P = 0.002), longer operating times, greater operative blood loss and increased blood transfusion requirements (P < 0.001), and resulted in higher postoperative levels of serum transaminases and lactic dehydrogenase (P < 0.001). Operative morbidity and mortality rates, and the late hepatic failure rate, were not affected. The longest total ischaemia time was 204 min but the uppermost time limit for hepatic ischaemia remains to be determined.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1996

Factors influencing tumor cell kinetics in cervical cancer.

Fresh tumor tissues instead of paraffin-embedded sections were used to study the clinical significance of the tumor cell kinetics in cervical carcinomas by flow cytometry. We analyzed specimens from 153 women with cervical cancer, and DNA aneuploidy was found in 61 cases (39.9%). The mean age of patients with aneuploid tumors was significantly higher than the age of patients with diploid tumors (P < 0.001). The mean proliferation index for aneuploid tumors was significantly higher than those for diploid tumors. There was a significant correlation between the proliferation index and age. However, tumor cell kinetics is not related to the status of human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virsuses I and II, lymph nodes, histology or tumor size. The mean age and S-phase fraction for stage-II tumors were significantly higher than those for stage-I tumors (P < 0.01). The tumors of menopausal patients exhibited a relatively higher rate of lymph node metastasis, and significantly higher aneuploidy rate and proliferation index than tumors of premenopausal patients. In summary, age and, what is more important, menopausal status may significantly influence DNA ploidy and cell kinetics of tumors, and subsequently influence clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. However, tumor cell kinetics is of limited value in the prediction of lymph node metastasis and prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Experimental studies on the pathway for migration and the development of Taiwan Taenia in domestic pigs.

The pig is the most favorable experimental intermediate host of Taiwan Taenia. Cysticerci in infected pigs are located in the liver except for a few extrahepatic ones. The present study was designed to investigate the pathway of migration of the oncospheres of Taiwan Taenia in the pig. In the first group, each of 5 Small-Ear-Miniature (SEM) and one Landrace-Small-Ear-Miniature (L-SEM) pigs were injected with 5000 hatched oncospheres into the ear vein. Three SEM and one L-SEM pigs were found to harbor 88 degenerated or calcified cysticerci only in the liver 51-81 days after injection. In the second group, each of 3 L-SEM pigs were injected with 5000 hatched oncospheres into the jugular vein. One of the 3 pigs was found to have 5 cysticerci (2 mature and 3 degenerated or calcified) only in the liver at 89 days post-injection. In the third group, each of 4 SEM, three L-SEM, and 3 L-SEM pigs were injected with 10,000, 10,000, and 5000 hatched oncospheres, respectively, directly into the portal vein after surgical opening of the abdominal cavity. All 10 pigs were found to be infected with a total of 1088 cysticerci (44 mature and 1044 degenerated or calcified) only in the liver 23-62 days after injection. Although the sites of injection in these three groups were different, the liver was the only final location of the cysticerci. These findings give strong evidence that the oncospheres migrate to the liver through the venous circulation and develop in this organ.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic livers: is it unjustified in impaired liver function?

BACKGROUND: Resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis and impaired liver function is usually unjustified because of higher surgical risks and poorer long-term prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective comparison of the background and resectional results of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was carried out between those with preoperative indocyanine green 15-minute retention rate of 20% or greater (group A, impaired function group, n = 36) and those with indocyanine green 15-minute retention rate of 10% or less (group B, normal function group, n = 34). RESULTS: The group A patients had significantly lower serum albumin level and higher serum bilirubin level, longer prothrombin time, higher incidence of associated esophageal varices, and poorer Child's classifications for cirrhosis. Although the tumor diameter in both groups was similar (A, 6.9 versus B, 7.1 cm; p = 0.94), the resected liver amount in group B was greater (227.4 versus 473.2 gm; p = 0.038) because of a greater extent of liver resection (p < 0.001) and a wider surgical margin (0.34 versus 1.85 cm; p < 0.0001). The amount of operative blood loss and blood transfusion, operative morbidity, and operative mortality were not different between the two groups. The pathologic characteristics and staging were also comparable. The 5-year disease-free and actuarial survival rates of groups A and B were 30.9% and 29.6% (p = 0.16) and 45.2% and 33.4% (p = 0.11), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If the amount of resected nontumorous liver parenchyma could be reduced, resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in selected patients with cirrhosis and impaired liver function is still justified in spite of a narrow surgical margin.

Adult↗