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Biomedical subjects

T W Huang

Publications and source records attributed to T W Huang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Evaluation of the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in a population exposed to prolonged low dose-rate 60Co gamma-irradiation.

PURPOSE: Chromosomal aberration analysis in peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed to evaluate late cytogenetic effects of long-term low dose-rate gamma-irradiation exposure among students and residents exposed in radiocontaminated buildings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 1913 subjects (age 17.8+/-13.6, mean+/-SD) 5-8 years after their relocation from radioactive environments as well as from 176 non-exposed subjects (age 29.6+/-11.9) from the local community. Their lymphocytes were cultured for 48 h and metaphase spreads were prepared. A total of 208 900 metaphases were analysed for different types of chromosomal aberrations. RESULTS: Relatively higher frequencies of translocations (2.1 x 10(-3)), rings (0.6 x 10(-3)) and dicentrics (0.6 x 10(-3)) were noted in the exposed population as compared with the nonexposed reference populations. Moreover, 356 (78.6%) of the 453 inversions were found on 14q11.2q32 in the exposed population. Among 392 well-demonstrated translocations, 167 (42.6%) and 175 (44.6%) occurred in chromosomes 7 and 14, respectively, while 139 (35.5%) occurred as t(7;14). In particular, the aberrations t(7;14)(p13;q11.2), t(7;14)(p15;q11.2) and t(7;14)(q36;q11.2) were the most prevalent, occurring with frequencies of 19 (13.7%), 20 (14.4%) and 27 (19.4%), respectively. In these, 3205 breakpoints were documented, with chromosomes 7, 9 and 14 shown to carry significantly higher frequencies of breakpoints than expected (chi(2)-test, p<0.0001). A further six hotspots were identified on 7p15 (57, 1.8%), 7q36 (42, 1.3%), 9q12 (244, 7.6%), 9q13 (86, 2.7%), 14q11.2 (509, 15.9%) and 14q32 (387, 12.1%) in the exposed population. CONCLUSION: In comparison with the unexposed population, we observed increased frequencies of various chromosomal aberrations in this human population with previous exposure to prolonged low dose-rate gamma-radiation. Moreover, several hotspot breakpoints and inversions and translocations were observed on chromosomes 7 and 14.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Treatment of painful heel syndrome with shock waves.

In a prospective clinical study, the effectiveness of shock waves on painful heel syndrome in 80 patients (20 men and 60 women) with an average age of 48 years was investigated. Six patients had bilateral treatments. Each treatment consisted of 1,000 impulses of shock waves at 14 kV. A 100-point scoring system (70 points for pain and 30 points for function) was used for evaluation. The intensity of pain was measured with a visual analog scale from 0 to 10. The overall results were no complaints in 20.6%, significantly better in 52.9%, slightly better in 17.6%, and unchanged in 8.8% of 64 patients (68 heels) with 12 weeks followup; no complaints in 59.3%, significantly better in 27.7 %, slightly better in 13% of 52 patients (54 heels) with 6 months followup. None of patients' symptoms became worse. Seventeen patients (18 heels) who did not respond favorably to the first treatment had significantly better results after a second treatment. There were no device-related problems, and no systemic or local complications. Shock wave treatment is a new modality of therapy that is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with painful hell syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Role of clonazepam in the treatment of idiopathic downbeat nystagmus.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Downbeat nystagmus is defined as spontaneous nystagmus present with fixation in the primary position or lateral gaze. Those who have downbeat nystagmus but negative magnetic resonance imaging results are termed as idiopathic. Patients with idiopathic downbeat nystagmus, although unconcerned with their etiology, have visual symptoms such as oscillopsia, diplopia, or blurred vision. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of clonazepam in treating idiopathic downbeat nystagmus. METHODS: Patients with downbeat nystagmus were rechecked by electronystagmography (ENG); then 0.5 mg clonazepam was administered orally. One hour later, follow-up ENG was performed again to evaluate the evolution of the downbeat nystagmus. If the test was effective, then 1.0 mg clonazepam twice daily was administered to the patients. RESULTS: Seven cases had downbeat nystagmus, including idiopathic in five, cerebellar degeneration in one, and cerebellopontine angle tumor in one. The efficacy rate for the clonazepam test was 100% in five cases of idiopathic downbeat nystagmus, whereas it was ineffective in the case of cerebellar degeneration. After long-term therapy with clonazepam, all patients with idiopathic downbeat nystagmus experienced elimination of oscillopsia, relief of diplopia, and improvement of visual acuity. Although temporary relief of downbeat nystagmus was observed 1 hour after the clonazepam test, downbeat nystagmus was not eliminated permanently. CONCLUSION: We recommend long-term therapy by clonazepam with a dosage of 1.0 mg twice daily in cases of idiopathic downbeat nystagmus. Reducing the downbeat nystagmus as well as eliminating the oscillopsia can be anticipated.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung in a coal miner with pneumoconiosis.

Inflammatory pseudotumors of the lung are uncommon and etiologically diverse lesions that often present as solitary masses in the lung. It may be difficult to distinguish these lesions from more commonly encountered lung neoplasms. Inflammatory pseudotumors can also occur in other organs, but the lung is most commonly involved. We describe a 63-year-old male coal miner with a 40-year history of dust exposure, who had a large right middle lobe mass on chest roentgenograms, with slow growth over the 7 years prior to admission. Repeated transthoracic echo-guided biopsies of the mass were indicative of an inflammatory and reactive process. The radiographic, histologic, and clinical findings indicated a diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor. The patient refused surgical intervention and was regularly followed at our outpatient clinic. Follow-up chest roentgenograms for 1 year revealed that the tumor size was stable. This case suggested that inflammatory pseudotumor, although uncommon, should be included in the differential diagnosis in a patient with pneumoconiosis and a solitary mass in the lung.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed2000

Right middle lobe atelectasis associated with endobronchial silicotic lesions.

BACKGROUND: In a period of 18 months, we have encountered 4 cases of right middle lobe atelectasis associated with endobronchial silicotic lesions of right middle lobe bronchi. All patients had occupational exposure to mineral dusts (3 coal miners and 1 sand blaster) for months to decades. METHODS: The nature of the endobronchial silicotic lesions that caused the bronchial obstruction has been confirmed by endobronchial biopsies and energy-dispersive spectrometry of the lesions. Extrinsic compression has been excluded by careful radiographic and computed tomographic image analysis. RESULTS: The endobronchial silicosis does not appear to correlate with the degree of pneumoconiosis of the lung parenchyma. The endobronchial silicosis may cause bronchial obstruction in the absence of radiographic evidence of pulmonary silicosis. CONCLUSION: The endobronchial silicosis and consequent lung atelectasis may be associated with silica exposure.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (CHPP) with anticancer agents in warm saline was performed in 10 patients with cancer of the digestive tract and peritoneal carcinomatosis after resection of primary and metastatic lesions or both. Eight patients had colorectal cancer and one patient had recurring gastric cancer. CHPP was performed using saline containing mitomycin-C and 5-flurouracil at 42 degrees C to 43 degrees C for 60 minutes. One patient with pancreatic cancer received CHPP twice. After CHPP, the preoperative ascites of three patients disappeared. Four patients died of malignancy within 1 year of CHPP and one patient died of respiratory failure 5 months post-CHPP. The remaining five patients survived for more than 1 year after CHPP. There were no significant immediate postoperative complications, except for transient changes in liver function, white blood cell count and serum albumin level. While CHPP treatment appears to be a safe method of treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis, its long term benefits need further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Human papillomavirus and cervical neoplasia: a case-control study in Taiwan.

As part of a large-scale, community-based cervical neoplasia screening project in rural Taiwan, a case-control study was undertaken to evaluate the etiologic role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in this mainly monogamous (2% reported having multiple sexual partners) female population. A total of 88 biopsy-confirmed cases and 261 cytologically normal controls were selected for the study. The case group included 40 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 9 of CIN 2, 36 of CIN 3 and 3 cases of invasive cancer. Cervical swabs collected at screening from study subjects were tested for HPV DNA by an LI consensus primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technique. HPV DNA was found in 92% of high-grade cases (CIN 2-3 and invasive cancer); 54% of low-grade cases (CIN 1); and 9% of controls. HPV was significantly associated with both high-grade and low-grade cervical neoplasia. As reported in Western countries, HPV 16 was the predominant type among HPV-positive high-grade cases. However, HPVs 52 and/or 58 combined were the most common types among HPV-positive low-grade cases and controls. Among women without any high-risk HPV infection (types 16, 18, 31 or 45), those with multiple-type HPV infection had a higher risk for high-grade cervical neoplasia than those with single-type infection. Overall, 91% of high-grade cases and 50% of low-grade cases could be attributed to HPV infection. Our results show that, even in this monogamous population, HPV is the major risk factor for high-grade cervical neoplasia.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome with immature teratoma of the ovary at age 4 years.

We describe a rare combination of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome and immature teratoma of the ovary in a 4-year-old girl. The patient was admitted due to increased abdominal size. Sonagraphy and C-T scan revealed a heterogeneous mass with cystic, calcified, and solid parts. A right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed under the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) staging of stage Ia. The diagnosis of immature teratoma, grade II, was confirmed by histopathologic examination. Agenesis of the upper third of the vagina and the uterus was also confirmed by the surgery.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1995

Obstructive leiomyoma of the female urethra: report of a case.

We report a case of leiomyoma of the female urethra and review the literature. A mass protruding from the urethral meatus during voiding caused dysuria. Urodynamic study showed an obstructive pattern with low maximum urine flow and high detrusor pressure in initiating voiding. Cystourethroscopy revealed a mass extending from the proximal segment of the left lateral urethral wall into the bladder. At transurethral resection of the tumor 12.2 gm. of tissue were excised. Histopathological studies confirmed urethral leiomyoma. Surgery completely resolved the original symptoms of dysuria.

Female↗
PubMed1994

Ischemic colitis caused by an isolated dissecting aneurysm of the left colic artery: a presumed case of segmental mediolytic arteriopathy.

A 54-year-old male suddenly developed cramping abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. A segmental narrowing with multiple mucosal ulcers of the colon near the splenic flexure was noted on both barium enema and fiberoptic colonoscopy. Cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea persisted, associated with a body weight loss of 13 kg. Four months later, angiography revealed an isolated, complete occlusion of the left colic artery near the point of branching from the inferior mesentery artery. The artery was biopsied and the severely strictured colon was removed. The artery showed an eccentric organized hematoma between the outer media and the adventitia. The lumen was occluded by organized thrombi. The pathologic findings were those of an organized dissecting hematoma (aneurysm), probably caused by segmental mediolytic arteriopathy.

Aortic Dissection↗
PubMed1993

Pathology of subcutaneous sparganosis: report of two cases.

Two cases of subcutaneous sparganosis were discovered at the Taipei Institute of Pathology in early spring of 1992. They had been resected under the impression of lipomas of the chest and abdomen. Both lesions contained characteristic plerocercoid larva (sparganum) of Spirometra sp., presumably Spirometra mansoni. Characteristic tissue reactions included necrosis, granulomatous reaction, and lymphoplasma cell infiltrates with focal collections of eosinophils. Since the worm can be readily dislodged from the tissues, an accurate diagnosis may not be possible in every instance. Thus, the prevalence of the disease may have been underestimated. Consuming raw flesh of infected second intermediate hosts or paratenic hosts and drinking unboiled water contaminated by infected Cyclops seems to favor the endemic occurrence of the disease in Taiwan.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1990

Benign cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum: report of a case.

A 36-year-old multiparous woman presented with the chief complaint of mass and fullness over the lower abdomen for the previous 3 months. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a uniloculated, thin-walled cyst attached to the peritoneal surface of the right lower abdomen. The cyst was surgically excised and confirmed to be cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum by histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies. Benign cystic mesothelioma is an extremely rare intraperitoneal tumor. Although its etiology remains unclear, one distinctive clinicopathologic feature is a symptomatic abdominal mass in young females. The presence of a thin-walled cyst attached to the peritoneum on ultrasound should alert physicians to the possibility of this disease. The treatment of choice is complete resection and reexcision may be required due to a preponderance for local recurrence. Regular postoperative ultrasound follow-up is recommended to check for possible recurrence.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Expression of Bradyrhizobium japonicum nodulation gene in Rhizobium fredii nod mutants.

The B. japonicum USDA 110 pLAFR1 gene library was transferred to Tn5-induced Rhizobium fredii USDA 191-4 Nod- mutants with helper plasmid pRK2013. SmR TcR transconjugants occurred with a frequency of 5 x 10(-4). The transconjugants were purified and used to inoculate germinated soybean seeds. Seven nodules were obtained in the nodulation experiment. The fast-growing Nod+ SmR TcR Rhizobium fredii strain was isolated from all nodules. Each isolate had acquired a new plasmid with a molecular mass of approximately 51 kb. This recombinant plasmid was transferred to E. coli HB101 by helper pRK2013 at a frequency of 1 x 10(-4). In addition to the vector fragment, all the recombinant plasmids gave 23 kb and 6.5 kb fragments on EcoRI digestion. A DNA-DNA hybridization test with a 32P-labelled nod gene probe (prepared from pRmSL26) confirmed that the 20 kb EcoRI-BamHI DNA fragment of the plasmids exhibited sequence homology with an R. meliloti nod gene probe.

Blotting, Southern↗
PubMed1989

Tumor markers of lung cancer: carcinoembryonic antigen and TuMark.

To assess the value of tumor marker determinations in diagnosing lung cancer and monitoring the response to therapy in lung cancer patients, we tested the serum concentration of TuMark-reactive protein and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in 78 patients with lung cancer and 81 patients with non-malignant diseases. The sensitivity of TuMark in detecting the presence of lung cancer was 63.8%, compared to 37.2% for CEA (p less than 0.05). The specificity was 91.3% for TuMark and 97.5% for CEA. The combination of TuMark and CEA increased the sensitivity to 74.3%. The sensitivity of TuMark for non-small cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that for small cell carcinoma (67.6% vs 30.0%) (p less than 0.05). The incidence of positive TuMark reactivity did not correlate with the stages of lung cancer. Since the incidence of positive CEA reactivity was lower in the limited stage than in the extensive stage of lung cancer (20.0% vs 43.1%), the sensitivity of TuMark with regard to the detection of early stage lung cancer appeared far superior to CEA (65.0% vs 20.0%, p less than 0.05). Serial monitoring of TuMark levels in 32 patients with all types of lung cancer showed that 84% correlated with their clinical courses. Six patients with stage I or II disease received complete surgical resection of tumors. All showed a decline of the TuMark level to normal levels in 17 to 48 days (average of 32 days). These results suggested that the TuMark test may be a useful new marker for diagnosing lung cancer and monitoring response to therapy, especially for non-small cell lung cancer.

Adolescent↗