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Biomedical subjects

K H Hsieh

Publications and source records attributed to K H Hsieh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Comparison of epoxides on grafting collagen to polyurethane and their effects on cellular growth.

The current study investigated the effects of vary epoxides on linking capacity of collagen to carboxyl-group-enriched polyurethane (PU) and the consequent effects on the growth of endothelial cells. Epoxides of EX-810, 1,4BDE, DER732, DER331, and DER332 were initially reacted with the carboxyl groups of PU substrates at 110 degrees C for 20 h. Free epoxy rings of epoxide-PU substrates, characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and quantified by titration with HCl and NaOH, were available for collagen grafting. The amounts of collagen grafted were in accordance with the amounts of free epoxy rings detected and correlated with the growth of endothelial cells on the substrates. Our results indicated that epoxides with shorter aliphatic intermediate chain can graft more collagen to the epoxide-PU substrates than epoxides with longer intermediate chain or with aromatic groups. Epoxides were also demonstrated to be nontoxic linking agents for biomaterials.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1998

Demonstration of tracheal bronchus associated with tracheal stenosis using direct coronal computed tomography.

A 2-year-old boy presented with chronic wheezes and was refractory to medical treatment. A high carina with bilateral bronchial stenosis was erroneously diagnosed by bronchoscopic examination. Serial direct coronal computed tomographic scans showed a displaced right upper lobe tracheal bronchus associated with tracheal stenosis below the abnormal bronchus. A direct coronal computed tomographic scan of the tracheobronchial tree is a useful imaging technique for the delineation of airway configuration when the bronchoscope fails to pass beyond a stenotic region. A coronal computed tomographic scan may make invasive tracheobronchography unnecessary.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1998

Successfully treated sulphasalazine-induced fulminant hepatic failure, thrombocytopenia and erythroid hypoplasia with intravenous immunoglobulin.

We report the simultaneous development of fulminant hepatic failure, thrombocytopenia and erythroid hypoplasia in a child treated with sulphasalazine. A 12-year-old girl with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis developed fulminant hepatic failure, thrombocytopenia and erythroid hypoplasia, which was confirmed by liver histology and bone marrow examination, 2 weeks after initiation of sulphasalazine therapy. The patient recovered after administration of high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin. This is the first reported case of the concurrent development of these complications associated with sulphasalazine hypersensitivity. The use of intravenous immunoglobulin may have helped in the treatment of this rare adverse effect of sulphasalazine.

Antirheumatic Agents↗
PubMed1998

Immunologic changes during immunotherapy in asthmatic children: increased IL-13 and allergen-specific IgG4 antibody levels.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic diseases has increased in recent years. Immunotherapy with allergens is a treatment documented to have an effect on regulating cytokine production and allergen-specific antibody production. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to further investigate immunologic changes during immunotherapy and to explore the possible more efficient approach of immunotherapy. METHODS: Asthmatic children receiving house dust mite immunotherapy were followed to learn immunologic parameters such as allergen-specific antibody levels, proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and cytokine change during immunotherapy. RESULTS: The data suggested (1) IgG4 anti-mite antibody increased 8 months after immunotherapy while IgE antibody level remained the same; (2) allergen-induced, in vitro production of certain cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 decreased after immunotherapy; (3) IL-13 (which can induce IgG4 and IgE antibody production by B cells) increased after immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: Although this needs more study, IL-13 might play an important role in the generation of IgG4-blocking antibody during immunotherapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Mothering, fathering, and infant negativity as antecedents of boys' externalizing problems and inhibition at age 3 years: differential susceptibility to rearing experience?

To examine the effects of infant negative emotionality and of mothering and fathering during the toddler years on 3-year-old boys' externalizing problems and inhibition, as well as explore the proposition that children vary in their susceptibility to rearing influence, 125 first-born, Caucasian boys from maritally intact families were studied. Results revealed that when infant negativity is measured with objective, replicable, and discriminantly valid procedures, no relation obtains between it and externalizing problems (nor inhibition). Moreover, as hypothesized on the basis of prior work, parenting was a stronger predictor of externalizing problems and inhibition in the case of children who were highly negative as infants. Mothering proved a stronger predictor of externalizing problems and fathering of inhibition, with more negative mothering in the 2nd and 3rd year forecasting higher CBCL-externalizing scores and less negative fathering in the 2nd and 3rd year and more positive fathering in the 2nd year forecasting more inhibition at age 3 Implications of these findings for studies of parental influence are considered.

Child Behavior Disorders↗
PubMed1997

2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-terminated polyurethane/polyurethane interpenetrating polymer networks.

The interpenetrating polymer networks (INPs) of polyurethane (PU) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (MEHA)-terminated polyurethane (HPU) were prepared by solution polymerization. PU prepolymer was synthesized from 4,4-diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) and poly(propylene oxide) glycol (PPG). HPU prepolymer was synthesized from MDI, poly(tetramethylene oxide) glycol and HEMA. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the resultant IPN membranes have good compatibility between their constituents. As the HPU content increased, the tensile strength of the IPNs first increased and then decreased. For the highest tensile strength, the optimum HPU content was about 25 wt %. The value of surface tension of IPNs varied from 44.4 to 50.5 dyne/cm, and polarity ranged from 0.59 to 0.91. The relative index of platelet adhesion (RIPA) of the IPN membranes was measured by the dynamic thrombosis test at constant shaking speed and temperature. By the criteria of this test, the IPN membranes with HPU content of about 25 wt% to the minimum platelet adhesion. When measured by the angular dependent ESCA technique on the surface of IPN samples, the variation in the RIPA correlated to the change in the surface soft segment to hard segment ratio. Higher HPU content resulted in more migration of soft segments toward the surface. The platelet adhesion was observed to be minimized when the surface O/N ratio was around 12.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Serial single photon emission computed tomography imaging in patients with cerebral lupus during acute exacerbation and after treatment.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with [99mTc] HMPAO was performed sequentially every week in 4 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), from the acute phase of neurologic involvement until normal cerebral blood flow (CBF) was detected by the scan. SPECT accurately reflects central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in patients with SLE and correlates with subsequent improvement. Correlated with the patients' rapid clinical improvement, the brain SPECT blood flow scan demonstrated homogeneous distribution in 1 to 9 weeks. In these four patients, the defect in CBF could be reversed by optimal treatment. Brain SPECT blood flow scan may be used as a biologic marker of pathologic activity in the brain of patients with SLE.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Allergen gene transfer.

DNA-based immunization induces a biased Th1 immune response, and offers a novel strategy for modulation of the Th2-associated response. Recent studies have provided evidence that antigen-induced allergic responses can be modulated in rodents immunized with plasmid DNAs encoding the sensitizing antigens. Further understanding of the regulatory mechanism involved and optimization of gene transfer/expression systems will assist greatly in proving the clinical utility of this process.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1997

Asthma induced by ice water ingestion in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children: a challenge.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ice water ingestion and the induction of asthmatic symptoms and signs in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children. Sixty asthmatic children with a positive history of exacerbation of symptoms after drinking ice water were divided randomly into two groups: 34 children were instructed to drink 250 ml of 0-4 degrees C ice water within one minute, and 26 to drink 250 ml of 25 degrees C warm water. All of the asthmatic children were stable when studied. Twenty-three healthy children as controls were asked to drink 250 ml of 0-4 degrees C ice water. The three groups had forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) performed at baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after challenge. After the spirometric test at 90 minutes the patients of the two asthmatic groups received three puffs (0.6 mg) of hexoprenaline MDI and a further spirometric test was performed 5 min after the inhalation. Cough and wheeze were monitored throughout the course of the test. The mean FEV1 after challenge decreased significantly only in the ice-water asthmatic group (p = 0.004). Compared with the baseline data, the mean FEV1 at various periods after challenge was only significantly decreased at 60 min (p = 0.035). After hexoprenaline inhalation the FEV1 significantly increased in the two asthmatic groups (p < 0.001). A significant difference in FEV1 change was noted among the three groups (p = 0.015). Nine cases (26%) from the ice water asthmatic group, three (12%) from the warm-water asthmatic group, and none of the ice-water normal control group showed a decrease of FEV1 greater than 15% (p = 0.018). The greatest difference occurred between the two ice water groups. All six cases who developed symptoms after challenge, accompanied by a simultaneous decrease of FEV1 greater than 15%, belonged to the ice-water asthmatic group. Forty-seven percent of the ice-water asthmatic group and 4% each of the two other groups had cough and/or wheeze after challenge (p = 0.0002). IN CONCLUSION: Ice water ingestion may induce or exacerbate asthma in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Immune effector cells induced by complete Freund's adjuvant exert an inhibitory effect on antigen-specific type 2 T helper responses.

BACKGROUND: It has been well documented that environmental factors such as antigenpresenting cells and related cytokines could affect the development of T helper cells. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different adjuvants on T cell development. METHODS: Ovalbumin (OVA) combined with aluminum hydroxide (Alum) plus pertussis toxin (PT) or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) were used to sensitize mice; the production of IgG and IgE anti-OVA antibodies was then followed. In addition, OVA-specific proliferative responses and cytokine production by spleen cells were also investigated. RESULTS: The data showed that the adjuvants themselves could modify the pattern of immune response: (1) IgG2a anti-OVA antibody was higher in mice sensitized with OVA + CFA compared to that of mice sensitized with OVA + Alum + PT; (2) the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 produced by OVA-stimulated spleen cells was higher in mice sensitized with OVA + CFA than that of mice sensitized with OVA + Alum + PT: (3) increased percentage of gamma delta T cells was noted in the peritoneal exudate cells of OVA + CFA immunized mice; and (4) the immune response of mice sensitized with OVA + Alum + PT was inhibited by the adoptively transferred ascitic cells from OVA + CFA immunized mice. CONCLUSION: In general, the data suggested higher IgG2a and the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 was noted in mice sensitized with OVA + CFA. Further elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of allergen-specific T helper cells development and exploration of possible agents for immunotherapy might shed light on the management of atopic diseases.

Aluminum Hydroxide↗
PubMed1997

Latex allergy in hospital employees.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of latex-allergy in hospital personnel and the presence of latex-specific IgE in a latex-allergic group in Taiwan. A total of 1,021 hospital employees were initially screened for latex allergy with a questionnaire, which included sex, age, job categories, number of years of employment, daily working hours, frequency of latex glove wearing, symptoms of immediate reactions to latex gloves and history of previous atopic diseases. Among them, 70 hospital employees (6.8%; 95% confidence interval 1.9%-11.8%) had symptoms associated with glove wearing. The frequencies in different job categories were 28.3% of surgical nurses, 9.2% of surgeons, 5.8% of regular floor nurses, 5.2% of technicians, 4.6% of physicians, and 4.5% of laboratory researchers. The symptoms were significantly related to the frequency of latex glove exposure, surgical work, current hand eczema and history of atopic dermatitis. In contrast, the number of years of employment, daily working hours and previous history of hand eczema were not correlated with the symptoms of latex allergy. Latex-specific IgE was assayed by the dot blot method in 36 hospital employees of the latex allergic group (positive rate, 55.6%). We concluded that the prevalence of latex-allergy among hospital personnel was 6.9% and certain predisposing factors such as atopic dermatitis, current hand eczema ad surgical work may play a critical role in triggering and aggravating the symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Characterization of the allergen Der f 7 from house dust mite extracts by species-specific and crossreactive monoclonal antibodies.

BACKGROUND: The group 7 mite allergens react with IgE in 50% of sera from allergic patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine the molecular and antigenic characteristics and heterogeneity of Der f 7 in mite extracts. METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) produced from mice immunized with recombinant Der f 7 were examined for crossreactivity to Der p 7 and then used for immunoblotting of 1 and 2-D gel electrophoresis. Deglycosylation was studied with N-glycosidase-F and N-terminal sequencing by Edman degradation. The epitopes of the monoclonal antibodies were compared by cross-inhibitory immunoassays. RESULTS: Immunoblotting of D. farinae extracts with all the anti Der f 7 MoAbs showed major reactivities at 31, 30 and 25 kDa. The strongest immunostaining was at 25 kDa which contrasted with Der p 7 where the 31 and 30 kDa bands were strongest. The relative strength of staining however varied between extracts. The 31 and 30 kDa components were glycosylation products of the 25 kDa form which had the N-terminal sequence predicted from cDNA analysis. Two MoAbs stained an 18 kDa band consistent with a degradation product. The 2-D gels showed that different components with pIs from 5.6-6.4. Both species-specific and Der p 7 crossreactive MoAbs were produced and a two-site ELISA assay for detecting group 7 allergen was developed with MoAbs recognizing different epitopes. CONCLUSIONS: Der f 7 has been defined by its natural N-terminal sequence and MoAbs. It apparently exists as different glycosylation and degradation products in mite extracts, the relative abundance of which differs with different preparations. A two-site ELISA to measure the allergen was developed.

Allergens↗
PubMed1997

Functional assessment for shoulder impingement syndrome after anterior acromioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain. Conservative treatment should always be initially considered. But for those patients with persistent symptoms, open acromioplasty is a reliable method to relieve pain and improve function. METHODS: From May 1989 to September 1994, a series of 36 anterior acromioplasties for impingement syndrome of the shoulder in 34 patients was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, rotator cuff tear was found in 25, and concomitant cuff repair was performed in 20. Five shoulders were not repaired because of a massive tear with marked cuff retraction. Neer's functional criteria and Constant's functional score were used to evaluate the results of anterior acromioplasty. The postoperative evaluation included patient satisfaction, relief of pain, range of motion and full use of the shoulder. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with an average follow-up of 34 months were available for assessment. The average Constant's functional score was 94.7 points in the excellent group (55.5%), 77.2 points in the good group (30.5%) and 58.6 points in the poor group (13.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall there was an 86% satisfactory rate by Neer's criteria. Anterior acromioplasty appears to be an effective procedure for shoulder impingement syndrome.

Acromion↗
PubMed1997

Sulphasalazine therapy in chronic uveitis of children with chronic arthritis.

Four children with chronic arthritis (3 juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and 1 juvenile ankylosing spondylitis) and poorly controlled chronic uveitis, were given sulphasalazine (SASP) therapy for a mean period of 3.3 years. Three patients showed an excellent response, as evidenced by a reduction of inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber of the eyes and improvement of visual acuity. The response occurred after a mean of 7.7 weeks. These data suggested SASP therapy may have a role in the treatment of chronic anterior uveitis in children with chronic arthritis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Epicutaneous exposure of protein antigen induces a predominant Th2-like response with high IgE production in mice.

Hapten-induced contact hypersensitivity has been well-characterized in humans as well as in animal models. However, it is not clear whether or not protein Ag can directly sensitize epicutaneously and induce a primary immune response. We demonstrated in this study, for the first time, that through epicutaneous exposure protein Ag in the absence of adjuvant sensitizes animals and induces a predominant Th2-like response. Furthermore, mice receiving repeated protein Ag sustained elevated levels of specific IgE. This animal model can be used to investigate the molecular mechanism controlling the differential Th1/Th2 development in skin diseases.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1996

Effect of forms of collagen linked to polyurethane on endothelial cell growth.

Collagen has been widely coated or grafted onto polymer surfaces to improve the biocompatibility of materials. To better support the growth of endothelial cells on polyurethane (PU), collagen was grafted to the carboxyl group enriched PU through 1,2-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)ethane linking. Our results demonstrated that collagen in various conditions may result in different forms being grafted to the PU substrate, which subsequently affected the growth of endothelial cells. Collagen predialyzed against physiological phosphate buffered saline (PBS) could be reconstituted into native type fibrils with a bigger diameter at 37 degrees C than could collagen neutralized by titration with NaOH. At low temperature, titrated collagen formed floss-like fibrils packed in a ball with cobblestone-like morphology. The amount of collagen grafted was related to the condition of the collagen used, which in consequence affected the diameter of the collagen fibril formed and the growth of endothelial cells. In conclusion, reconstituted collagen fibrils formed from collagen in PBS at 37 degrees C grafted in the highest amounts to an epoxy-PU substrate and that optimally supported the growth of endothelial cells. Such prepared materials may be potentially good vascular bioprosthetic materials and may provide a wide range of biological applications.

Animals↗