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Y K Lin

Publications and source records attributed to Y K Lin.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Predicting the arrhythmogenic foci of atrial fibrillation before atrial transseptal procedure: implication for catheter ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Use of endocardial atrial activation sequences from recording catheters in the right atrium, His bundle, and coronary sinus to predict the location of initiating foci of atrial fibrillation (AF) before an atrial transseptal procedure has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to develop an algorithm using endocardial atrial activation sequences to predict the location of initiating foci of AF before transseptal procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (60 men and 15 women, age 68 +/- 12 years) with frequent episodes of paroxysmal AF were referred for radiofrequency ablation. By retrospective analysis, characteristics of the endocardial atrial activation sequences of right atrial, His-bundle, and coronary sinus catheters from the initial 37 patients were correlated with the location of initiating foci of AF, which were confirmed by successful ablation. The endocardial atrial activation sequences of the other 38 patients were evaluated prospectively to predict the location of initiating foci of AF before transseptal procedure using the algorithm derived from the retrospective analysis. Accuracy of the value <0 msec (obtained by subtracting the time interval between high right atrium and His-bundle atrial activation during atrial premature beats from that obtained during sinus rhythm) for discriminating the superior vena cava or upper portion of the crista terminalis from the pulmonary vein (PV) foci was 100%. When the interval between atrial activation of ostial and distal pairs of the coronary sinus catheter of the atrial premature beats was <0 msec, the accuracy for discriminating left PV foci from right PV foci was 92% in the 24 foci from the left PVs and 100% in the 19 foci from the right PVs. CONCLUSION: Endocardial atrial activation sequences from right atrial, His-bundle, and coronary sinus catheters can accurately predict the location of initiating foci of AF before transseptal procedure. This may facilitate mapping and radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal AF.

Adult↗

Pulmonary vein electrogram characteristics in patients with focal sources of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: The major source of ectopic beats initiating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is from pulmonary veins (PVs). However, the electrogram characteristics of PVs are not well defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: Group I consisted of 129 patients with paroxysmal AF. Group II consisted of 10 patients with a concealed left-sided free-wall accessory pathway. All group I patients had spontaneous AF initiated by ectopic beats, including 169 ectopic foci originating from the PVs. We analyzed PV electrograms from the 169 ectopic foci during sinus beats and ectopic beats. During AF initiation, most (70%) ectopic beats showed PV spike potential followed by atrial potential; 16% of ectopic beats showed PV fragmented potential followed by atrial potential; and 14% showed fusion potentials. The coupling interval between the sinus beat and the ectopic beat was significantly shorter in the inferior PVs than in the superior PVs (171 +/- 48 msec vs 222 +/- 63 msec, P = 0.001) and was significantly shorter in the distal foci than in the ostial foci of PVs (206 +/- 52 msec vs 230 +/- 56 msec, P = 0.01). The incidence of conduction block in the PVs during AF initiation was significantly higher in the inferior PVs than in the superior PVs (12/24 vs 37/145, P = 0.03) and was significantly higher in the distal foci than in the ostial foci of PVs (43/121 vs 6/48, P = 0.04). The maximal amplitude of PV potential was significantly larger in the left PVs than in the right PVs, and the maximal duration of PV potential was significantly longer in the superior PVs than in the inferior PVs during sinus beats in both group I and II patients. CONCLUSION: PV electrogram characteristics were different among the four PVs. Detailed mapping and careful interpretation are the most important steps in ablation of paroxysmal AF originating from PVs.

Adult↗

Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after external cardioversion.

UNLABELLED: Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported to occur in a significant number of patients after internal cardioversion. However, information about early recurrence of AF after external cardioversion has never been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of early recurrence of AF and its role in failure of cardioversion in patients with chronic AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 50 consecutive patients, age 69+/-9, with a history of chronic AF for more than 3 months duration and electrical cardioversion. They were divided into two groups according to the presence (group 1) or absence (group 2) of early recurrence of AF. There were 13 (26%) patients in group 1 and 37 (74%) patients in group 2. The age, gender, duration of AF, left ventricular function, left atrial dimension, and underlying heart disease were similar between group 1 and 2. Forty-five patients were successfully converted to sinus rhythm with a mean energy of 158+/-57 . Among those who failed to be converted to sinus rhythm, 4 (80%) belonged to group 1 and 1 (20%) belonged to group 2. The early recurrences of AF were initiated with consecutive APDs; but the numbers of APD in the first 30 seconds after cardioversion were similar between group 1 and 2. However, the coupling interval of the second APD was shorter in group 1 than group 2 (188+/-22 vs 324+/-59 ms, P = 0.003). Nine of the 13 early recurrences were prevented by an increase of shock energy (n = 3) or intravenous amiodarone infusion (n = 6). There were no differences in duration of follow-up, recurrence rate, and time interval to recurrence between group 1 and group 2. Early recurrence of AF occurred in 26% of chronic AF patients who underwent external electrical cardioversion and was a major cause of failure in cardioversion. Early recurrence of AF was initiated by APDs with decreasing coupling intervals and could be prevented with an increase of shock energy or amiodarone.

Aged↗

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with delayed presentation.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture may occur in patients with thoracoabdominal injuries, and still poses a diagnostic challenge to surgeons. Those patients who survive the events without being diagnosed in the acute phase develop chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. In this study, we reviewed cases of chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia managed over the past 35 years. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical courses and radiologic images of 24 cases with chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. RESULTS: Motor vehicle accident with blunt abdominal trauma was the most important mode of injury. Herniation was more common to the left plural cavity than to the right. The interval between injury and the onset of symptoms ranged from two weeks to 40 years (average, 7.3 years). Vague chest pain, shortness of breath, and bowel obstruction are the most common presentations. Chest radiographic findings suggested the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in 20 patients. Barium study of the gastrointestinal tract was required to confirm the diagnosis. The most common herniated abdominal viscera were the stomach and colon. All patients received thoracotomy with reduction of hernia organs and closure of the diaphragmatic defect. The hospital course was uneventful with no operative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Careful interpretation of radiographic images and early surgical intervention are essential in the management of patients with chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Thoracotomy with reduction of herniated organs can be performed safely with satisfactory results.

Adolescent↗

E5 proteins of human papillomavirus types 11 and 16 transactivate the c-fos promoter through the NF1 binding element.

Human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV-11) and HPV-16 contain an E5 gene that can induce c-fos gene expression in mouse fibroblasts. This study investigated the human c-fos promoter characteristics by mapping the c-fos promoter sequence with several deletion and point mutants that confer responsiveness to E5 of HPV-11 or HPV-16. The mutant studies show that NF1 binding sequences within the c-fos promoter were crucial for the induction of the c-fos gene by E5, and the gel shift assay study suggested that E5 of both HPV-11 and HPV-16 is associated, perhaps indirectly, with this NF1 element in the transactivation of the human c-fos promoter. Using an inducible system, we demonstrate that increased induction of the HPV-11 E5 gene in cells led to increased transactivation of the NF1 element. In addition, the transactivating activity of a series of HPV-11 E5 mutants on the NF1 element had a strong correlation with their respective transforming activities.

3T3 Cells↗

Protein kinase C-and ras-dependent activation of c-jun gene by human papillomavirus type 11 E5a oncoprotein.

E5a of HPV-11 is a transforming oncogene. Previously, we have shown that E5a constitutively activates the expression of protooncogene c-jun by transcriptional regulation through the AP-1 binding site in the c-jun promoter. In the present study, we used two different types of cells: the E5a transfected NIH 3T3 cells and human epidermal keratinocytes, and selectively inhibited different signal transduction pathways to investigate effects of E5a on c-jun expression. We find that protein kinase C and ras-dependent pathways are important for the c-jun induction by E5a, but not the cAMP-dependent pathway.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Differential induction and regulation of c-jun, junB, junD and c-fos by human papillomavirus type 11 E5a oncoprotein.

The E5a gene of human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV-11) is a transforming oncogene. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of E5a induced transformation. Our results show that the expression of c-jun and junB, but not junD, was activated by HPV-11 E5a in NIH 3T3 cells and human epidermal keratinocytes. However, the expression of c-fos was activated by E5a in NIH 3T3 cells, but not in keratinocytes. We further investigated the mechanism of c-jun and junB induction by E5a. The amount of c-jun and junB RNAs correlated with the amount of E5a RNA in the heavy metal inducible system. E5a constitutively activated the expression of c-jun and junB at the initiation of transcription level. In addition, analyses of the effect of serum on c-jun expression in E5a transformed human epidermal keratinocytes show that EGF might have a stimulatory effect on c-jun gene expression in E5a expressing keratinocytes.

3T3 Cells↗

Primary uncommon malignant tumors of the esophagus: an analysis of 30 cases.

BACKGROUND: Uncommon malignant tumors of the esophagus are defined as any histological type of malignant esophageal tumors other than the typical squamous cell carcinoma. Their biological characteristics remain obscure because of their rarity. Thus, this is a retrospective review of patients here with uncommon esophageal cancers in an attempt to evaluate their prognostic factors and proper therapeutic modalities. METHODS: Among 1,674 patients with esophageal cancers, only 30 (1.8%) with uncommon esophageal cancers were collected between 1977 and 1992. The clinical parameters for evaluation consisted of age, sex, histological type, location, staging and a variety of therapeutic management techniques and their results. RESULTS: Histologically, there were 10 adenocarcinomas, 7 small cell carcinomas, 6 adenosquamous carcinomas, 3 carcinosarcomas, 1 mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma, 1 fibrosarcoma, and 1 basal cell carcinoma. The mean age was 65.8 years, ranging from 46 to 85 years. Upon admission to hospital, the most common clinical symptoms included dysphagia, body weight loss and substernal pain. The tumor staging, according to TNM classification was evaluated as follows: Stage I: 13.3%, Stage II: 46.7%, Stage III: 16.9%, Stage IV: 23.3%. The middle third thoracic esophagus was the most common location of tumor occurrence. Overall one-year, two-year, and five-year survival rates were 39.3%, 21.4%, and 10.7% respectively. These results were as poor as those of squamous cell carcinoma. However, the patients with Stage I and Stage II tumors (mean, 23.8 months) had significantly better survivals than those with Stage III and Stage IV (mean, 3.9 months). Furthermore, if the tumor was resectable, the patients undergoing esophagectomy had much better one-year and two-year survival rates than those without esophagectomy (p < 0.01). In addition, patients with small cell carcinoma seemed to have worse treatment outcome than those with other histological types of tumors. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that key factors contributing to prognosis included tumor staging as well as respectability. Thus, it is recommended that, with early detection and diagnosis, esophagectomy might be the treatment-of-choice in managing these uncommon esophageal malignancies. Adjuvant therapy including irradiation and chemotherapy may be helpful, particular for small cell carcinoma.

Aged↗

[Fluorescent in situ hybridization of enriched SFA-DNA on pachytene chromosomes in mouse].

In the present study, the primary constrictions of mouse pachytene chromosomes stained with Hoechst 33258, and those stained by indirect immunofluorescence method with CREST antiserum were compared with those hybridized by the probe DNA isolated from the enriched mouse spindle fiber attachments. It was found that the DNA probe hybridized not only with the centromeric regions on synaptonema complexes but also with the DNA of pericentromeric heterochromatin of all autosomes. Moreover, the DNA probe hybridized also with the centromeric regions of both X and Y chromosomes. It was concluded that the DNA isolated from the enriched mouse spindle fiber attachments contains a complete set of the centromeric DNAs of all autosomes, X and Y chromosomes.

Animals↗

Thoracic epidural anesthesia for major abdominal surgery: a retrospective study.

In 1986-1988, the authors had experiences with thoracic epidural anesthesia for a variety of major abdominal operations in 303 patients. It is proved to be reliable and effective. The puncture levels were between T8 to T12. 2% lidocaine, in plain form or with 1:200,000 epinephrine, was used as anesthetic agent. Perioperative complications were carefully managed with satisfactory results. Post-operative conditions were evaluated and seemed to be superior to those of general anesthesia in many aspects. No patient had neurologic deficit as a result of the epidural anesthesia. We concluded that thoracic epidural anesthesia is an excellent alternative technique in major abdominal surgeries.

Abdomen↗

Bacterial N-succinyl-L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase. Purification, partial characterization, and substrate specificity.

The enzyme N-succinyl-L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase from Escherichia coli has been purified 7,100-fold to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme is part of the diaminopimelic acid-lysine pathway in bacteria and catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-succinyl-L-diaminopimelic acid to produce L-diaminopimelic acid and succinate. The enzyme exists as a mixture of dimeric and tetrameric species of identical subunits of molecular weight approximately 40,000. Activity was completely abolished following dialysis of the enzyme against metal chelators. Cobalt(II) and zinc were effective in restoring the activity. The apparent affinities of the apoenzyme for cobalt and zinc were similar (Kd values near 1 microM) and the cobalt enzyme was 2.2-fold more active than the zinc enzyme. The Km and turnover number for the hydrolysis of the natural substrate, N-succinyl-L-diaminopimelic acid, were 0.4 mM and 16,000 min-1, respectively. The substrate specificity of the enzyme was defined by preparing a number of substrate analogues that systematically lack the various functional groups present in the molecule. These studies show that the enzyme is highly specific for the natural substrate. These properties of N-succinyl-L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase and the fact that the enzyme is essential for bacterial growth make it an ideal target for the development of inhibitors with potential antibacterial activity.

Amidohydrolases↗

Segmentation of Papanicolaou smear images.

A segmentation method for images from Papanicolaou smears is proposed that will locate the cellular boundary based on the stability of the perimeter of the cell and will locate the nucleus based on the thresholding of a smoothed histogram. It emphasizes the selection of the thresholds for nuclear and cytoplasmic boundary tracking. The problem of touching cells was handled by using texture information in the touching area as well as shape information from the cellular boundary. The proposed method, as applied to 11 scenes containing 19 cells of different classes, worked satisfactorily without any human interactions.

Autoanalysis↗