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Biomedical subjects

A Lai

Publications and source records attributed to A Lai.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Evaluation of surgical staples in cesarean section.

Experience with Lactomer absorbable surgical staples (Auto Suture Poly CS 57 disposable surgical stapler) in 62 cesarean sections was compared with an equal number of operations performed with standard techniques. The technique of application of the stapler evolved with experience. Countertraction to staplers with Allis' clamps prevented uterine V incisions. Operative time was longer for the stapled suture group for primary cesarean sections, but was unchanged for repeat procedures. Excellent hemostasis of the uterine incision was achieved even when varicose sinusoidal veins were present. Significant reductions of hemoglobin deficits from 2.16 to 1.31 gm/dl, postoperative anemia from 29% to 6.4%, and endometritis from 22.5% to 6.4% occurred respectively in nonstapled and stapled groups. A reduced hospital stay, shortened by 2.1 days, saved each patient +F42950. Blood loss estimates by surgeons or anesthetists were often at variance. Surgeons' acceptance of the procedure grew with experience. On the basis of these results, use of absorbable staples offers certain advantages in reducing blood loss, infection, and hospital stay in cesarean deliveries.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Computer corner #18. A computer program suitable for routine hip replacement follow up and clinical research.

A computer program was developed to facilitate routine follow up examination of patients with total hip replacements and to allow detailed analysis of the collected data for clinical research purposes. Information on more than 800 low friction arthroplasties has now been entered into the computer program. The system is versatile and can be modified to suit particular needs. The method of entering and recalling data can be learned rapidly by those unfamiliar with computers, however, analysis of the data requires advanced computer expertise. Hardware and software requirements for the program are listed at the end of this article.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed1987

NMR spin-lattice relaxation times of intracellular Na-23 on rat livers and related lipid peroxidation following CCl4 intoxication.

Liver tissues were isolated from rats acutely intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride, and Na-23 NMR signals were analyzed to investigate the T1 relaxation times of intracellular sodium ions under pathological conditions in presence of the paramagnetic shift reagent (dysprosium tripolyphosphate). We studied the significant increase of T1 found in CCl4 treated rats with respect to controls, which was elsewhere demonstrated as being independent of cell necrosis. Evidence is given that neither fat accumulation nor proliferative processes affect the observed T1 lengthening. When T1 relaxation times were measured in the liver of vitamin E treated rats subsequently intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride, a significative shortening of T1 with respect to CCl4-intoxicated rats was observed. These results were discussed in terms of the antioxidant action exerted by vitamin E, taking into account that peroxidation of microsomal lipids is the key factor in the process of carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury. Furthermore, the observed T1 changes were discussed in terms of the interactions of Na+ with cell membranes and/or the occurrence of viscosity changes.

Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning↗
PubMed1986

Na-23 NMR spin-lattice relaxation times in rat tissues, and related modifications following CCl4 intoxication.

Intracellular Na-23 NMR signals were analyzed to investigate the T1 nuclear magnetic relaxation times of sodium ions in rat tissues under physiological conditions in presence of the shift reagent Dy(PPPi)2(7-). The T1 values so measured showed a high degree of reproducibility (10%). The order of T1 values found for the investigated rat tissues was the following: liver, spleen less than kidney less than muscle, brain less than blood. Furthermore, livers of rats treated with the known hepatotoxic agent CCl4 were studied. This tissue showed a significative increase of T1 with respect to those of normal rats. The T1 lengthenings were discussed in terms of various cellular injuries induced in the liver by CCl4 intoxication and our results showed that T1 lengthening did not depend on liver necrosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Pharmacokinetics of atracurium in anaesthetized infants and children.

The pharmacokinetics of atracurium were studied in infants and children anaesthetized with isoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. There were no significant differences in volume of distribution (area) (139 v. 152 ml kg-1), clearance (5.1 v. 5.3 ml kg-1 min-1), T1/2 alpha (2.1 v. 2.0 min), or T1/2 beta (19.1 v. 20.3 min) between children with normal hepatic and renal function and those with moderately impaired hepatic function presenting for hepatic transplantation. There were significant differences in volume of distribution (area) (176 v. 139 ml kg-1) and in clearance of atracurium (9.1 v. 5.1 ml kg-1 min-1) between infants and children with normal excretory function. In infants the clearance of atracurium in ml m-2 min-1 (153 v. 133) tended to be greater and the T1/2 alpha and T1/2 beta tended to be shorter (1.0 v. 2.0 and 13.6 v. 19.1) than in children with normal excretory function; however, these trends did not reach statistical significance. Plasma laudanosine concentration was around 100 ng ml-1 greater in patients with liver disease than in normal children from 15-45 min following a bolus of atracurium 0.5 mg kg-1.

Anesthesia, Inhalation↗
PubMed1986

Vaginal spermicides and spontaneous abortion of known karyotype.

The relationship between spermicide use and spontaneous abortion was examined in a New York City case-control study carried out during 1974-1982. In a series of matched sample analyses, case groups categorized by karyotype of the abortus were compared to a control group of prenatal patients with respect to spermicide use. Spermicide use was defined in terms of proximity to the date of conception of the study pregnancy and duration of the episode of use most recent to the study pregnancy. There was no association between spermicide use defined either in terms of recency or duration of use and chromosomally normal abortions, which comprise about 60% of all spontaneous abortions. Similarly, there was no association between spermicide use and the various types of chromosomally abnormal abortions, with the exception of trisomic abortion. Spermicide use for more than one year at any time prior to conception was more common in the cases aborting trisomic conceptions than in the control group (odds ratio = 1.9, confidence limits = 1.2, 3.0). There was evidence to suggest that the association varied with maternal age and phase of entrance into the study.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1986

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of atracurium during isoflurane anesthesia in normal and anephric patients.

We compared the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of atracurium in eight normal and eight anephric patients during isoflurane anesthesia. Plasma concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography after a single injection of 0.5 mg/kg, and neuromuscular effects were evaluated by the single twitch method. With regard to pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters, we found no statistically significant differences between normal and anephric patients. We conclude that during isoflurane anesthesia, anephric patients distribute and eliminate atracurium much as normal patients do.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed1984

Effects of various levels of dietary calcium during pregnancy on maternal calcium utilization and fetal growth in rats.

The effects of calcium-free and normal (0.6%) and high (1.0%) calcium diets on the transfer of calcium from pregnant mothers to fetuses were investigated by balance experiments. Pregnant rats receiving calcium-free, normal and high calcium diets ate totals of 353, 324 and 280 g of the diet, respectively, during pregnancy, and the food consumption of the latter two groups decreased near term. The group on calcium-free diet was able to maintain pregnancy and produce normal fetuses by using calcium resorbed from the dam's bones. The calcium retentions due to pregnancy in rats on normal and high calcium diets were 116 and 128 mg, respectively, during the first 15 days, and -9 and -109 mg, respectively, during the last 6 days of pregnancy. Fetuses contained about 130 mg of calcium at term and most of this calcium was supplied from the dam's bones, in which extra calcium were retained during early-mid pregnancy. Unexpectedly, the true rate of calcium absorption was appreciably lower during late pregnancy than during early-mid pregnancy in both dietary groups. Thus, extra calcium retention during early-mid pregnancy seemed to be physiological adaptation to a decrease in either food consumption or calcium absorption during late pregnancy. Phosphorus absorption and its balance were examined in relation with the dietary calcium levels.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Temporoparietal fascial flap in orbital reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of the temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) in the primary or secondary reconstruction of difficult orbital defects and to review the surgical techniques. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: Nine patients with diverse orbital cavity or periorbital soft tissue and bony defects due to trauma, benign or malignant neoplasms, and radiation treatment. INTERVENTIONS: Temporoparietal fascial flap anatomy and techniques of harvest and inset are reviewed in detail. Four cases are presented to illustrate possible variables in orbital reconstruction. Variables examined include the location of defects, the success of flap survival in orbital cavities after primary or secondary reconstruction, the effects of prior irradiation on flap survival, and the possibility of concurrent osteointegrated implant placement with TPFF reconstruction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional and aesthetic outcomes were determined by physical examination and preoperative and postoperative photographs. RESULTS: All patients had successful transfer of TPFF grafts without flap compromise. Temporoparietal fascial flap was a viable option for subtle orbital and malar contour defects. In chronically inflamed wounds such as with osteoradionecrosis and orbitoantral fistula, TPFF successfully restored vascularity, obliterated the defects, and enabled the placement of osteointegrated implants. The TPFF also supported the concurrent placement of a free calvarial bone graft. Finally, split-thickness skin grafted onto a pedicled TPFF showed 100% survival. CONCLUSIONS: The TPFF is one of the most reliable and versatile regional flaps in the head and neck for orbital reconstruction. This study presents the use of TPFF in a variety of orbital defects, from lateral bony rim defects to total exenteration. Timing of repair in this study spans from immediate reconstruction to reconstruction delayed more than 50 years after the initial injury. In all cases, reconstruction with TPFF resulted in improved bony and soft tissue contours, and incurred minimal morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Differential characteristics of AIDS in foreign immigrants].

BACKGROUND: AIDS in foreign migrants can have specific characteristics compared with that of Spanish patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, including cases from the Barcelona AIDS register diagnosed from 1988 to 1998. Global characteristics of migrants are compared with those of Spanish patients. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated through logistic regression. A formal analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Among the 4,663 patients included, 5% were migrants. 33% of patients were diagnosed with AIDS 10 years after having migrated to Spain. They differentiate at the multivariate level by sex (OR [male]: 1.70; CI: 1.10-2.64), district of residence (OR [district I]: 2.07, IC: 1.50-2.87) and transmission pattern (OR [other than injecting drug users]: 4.08; IC: 2.77-5.99). No significant differences in survival were showed. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of migrants among AIDS cases in Barcelona is low. Migrants are more frequently men, more often live in the inner city and are less frequently injecting drug users.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

CT findings after uterine artery embolization.

Asymptomatic uterine leiomyoma can be detected on routine computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis. Leiomyomas have been described as low attenuation masses that can disrupt the smooth contour of a normal uterus. Four women underwent uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma. CT findings include initial retention of contrast in fibroids the day of the procedure and central necrosis of the fibroid with subsequent cavitation as early as 1 month postprocedure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Anti-B[a]PDE-DNA formation in lymphomonocytes of humans environmentally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons].

[Anti-B[a]PDE-DNA formation in lymphomonocytes of humans environmentally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons] We are currently evaluating anti-benzo[a]pyrenediolepoxide-(B[a]PDE)-DNA adduct levels in lymphomonocytes of humans exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to validate this indicator of biologically effective dose in a surrogate tissue. The study protocol (October 2002-June 2005) implies: (a) a signed informed consent by each participant; (b) recruitment of 600 Padua municipal workers during visits at our outpatient clinic; (c) administration of a questionnaire regarding non occupational sources of PAH (B[a]P) exposure; (d) collection of blood (15 ml) and urine (200 ml) samples. Anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct levels in lymphomonocytes are detected by HPLC-fluorescence analysis. To date, 438 subjects have been examined (age range 20-62 years; 52% males). We found that: (i) anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct levels are significantly lower than those we previously found in coke-oven workers (N=95) occupationally exposed to high levels of PAHs (1.51 +/- 2.68 versus 4.07 +/- 3.78 anti-B[a]PDE-adduct/10(8) nucleotides, p < 0.001; 37% versus 97% positive subjects with > or =1 adduct/10(8) nucleotides; p < 0.001); (ii) smokers (23%) have significantly higher adduct levels than non smokers (p < 0.001); iii) non smokers who consume PAH-rich meals > or =52 times/year (142 subjects, 42%) have significantly increased adduct levels than those <52 times/year (p < 0.01). Dietary and smoking habits did not influence the occupationally-induced adduct levels in coke-oven workers. This is the first study that examines anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct levels in a large cohort showing that anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adducts can be detected in humans environmentally exposed to low doses of PAH (B[a]P and are modulated by smoke and dietary habits.

7,8-Dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene 9,10-oxide↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The role of ferritin and hemosiderin in the MR appearance of cerebral hemorrhage: a histopathologic biochemical study in rats.

A rat model of cerebral hemorrhage using stereotaxic injection of blood into the right basal ganglia was developed to investigate the influence of iron metabolism on the appearance of cerebral hemorrhage on MR images. Images of in vitro fixed brain sections stained specifically for different iron-storage substances, ferritin and hemosiderin, created by digitization of the pathology sections using an Eikonix CCD camera, were compared with the in vivo MR images of late-phase hematomas. Areas of the pathologic and MR features of the lesions were quantitatively correlated. The single-slice MR images were obtained with the use of T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo pulse sequences, as well as T2-weighted spin-echo pulse sequences in which the 180 degrees refocusing pulse was offset from the center of the echo time; this was termed an asymmetric spin-echo pulse sequence. The symmetric and asymmetric T2-weighted images allowed the calculation of line-width images, which emphasize line broadening from intravoxel magnetic field inhomogeneities that arise from the presence of iron-containing substances. From biochemical and histochemical staining, we conclude that at least two iron-storage substances are present in the late phase of resolving cerebral hematomas. Ferritin has a wider distribution than hemosiderin, showing a similar distribution to the MR signal changes of the calculated line-width images. Line-width mapping is a sensitive means of detecting magnetic field inhomogeneities caused by the magnetic susceptibility differences introduced by the aggregation of these iron-storage substances.

Animals↗