Biomedical subjects

C C Chuang

Publications and source records attributed to C C Chuang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Perception of the medical risk of spaceflight.

We conducted an opinion survey to improve the characterization of medical risk during spaceflight, using a questionnaire designed to elicit space medicine experts' perceptions of the probability, health effect, and mission impact of selected medical events occurring during spaceflight missions of 30-90 d. This questionnaire was directed toward those events about which little data currently exist, therefore medical events that have occurred during spaceflights with some frequency, such as space motion sickness, were excluded from the questionnaire. The questionnaire was mailed to 99 clinical and research professionals involved with NASA medical programs; 65 responses were returned, of which 60 could be analyzed. The experts rated skin disorders as the most likely to occur, but which would have little effect on mission completion or astronaut health. Circulatory diseases were rated as having the lowest probability of occurrence, but the highest effect on the mission or on a crewmember's health. The results of this survey will be combined with data from analogous populations and existing astronaut health data to establish a data set to support decisions about allocation of health care resources.

Humans↗

PubMed1996

[The effect of blood AST, ALT and lactate after short and middle distance exercise training].

Twenty-four nursing college students aged 16 and 17 years were selected as research subjects and divided into two groups. Group A comprised 12 individuals who were trained for short distance running (5km/day) over a four-week period, while group B was trained for middle distance running (7km/day) during the same period. Blood AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and lactate were performed at rest (before training) and after exercise every week. After both short and middle distance exercise training, the lactate values after 1-3 week(s) training period were persistently higher than those before training and the differences between then are significant. However, the lactate value after 4 weeks training period is lower than that after the third week training. There are significant differences between the AST values after 1-4 week(s) training period and those before exercise in short distance exercise training. There are no significant differences between the AST values after training and those before exercise in middle distance exercise training. The ALT values after 1-4 week(s) training period were lower than those before exercise in short and middle distance exercise training. In conclusion, after 4 weeks training, the lactate and AST values can't reduce to those before training in middle distance exercise training, and the lactate value in short distance exercise training is the same as former. Further investigation is needed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Bronchial responsiveness of aged asthmatic patients to bronchodilator and methacholine.

Geriatric asthma is characterized by prolonged illness, lower remission rate, poor response to therapy and higher mortality rate. We studied bronchodilator response and methacholine challenge in 25 aged non-smoking asthmatic patients; thirty-two young asthmatic patients were included as control. The elderly patients had poorer baseline pulmonary function and were more responsive to a bronchodilator than the younger patients. The response to bronchoprovocation did not show any difference between the two groups. Our findings suggested that the airways of elderly asthmatics are as sensitive as those of younger patients and should not be under-treated.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Enhancement of drug sensitivity of human malignancies by epidermal growth factor.

We have previously shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) enhances the in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of human ovarian carcinoma 2008 cells to cisplatin. EGF was found to enhance selectively the in vivo toxicity of cisplatin to 2008 cell xenografts without altering the toxicity of cisplatin to non-malignant target tissues such as the kidney or bone marrow. We now show that recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) enhances the cisplatin sensitivity of cell lines representative of many other types of malignancies in addition to ovarian carcinoma, including cancers of the head and neck, cervix, colon, pancreas and prostate, as well as non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung. In addition, rhEGF was found to sensitise cells to other platinum-containing drugs and several other classes of chemotherapeutic agents. rhEGF sensitised 2008 cells not only to cisplatin, but also to carboplatin and tetraplatin, as well as taxol, melphalan and 5-fluorouracil. We conclude that modulation of drug sensitivity by rhEGF is observed in cell lines representative of many human malignancies and for multiple classes of chemotherapeutic agents, indicating that it alters one or more components of the cellular damage response that are both common between cell lines and classes of drugs and fundamental to survival.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1995

Double-rib composite free transfer to reconstruct a single-spared lower extremity defect.

The case of a 43-year-old man is reported in which a 15-cm defect of the tibia sustained 8 months previously was treated by the double-rib composite microvascular free transfer. The fracture site united, and the grafted ribs showed some hypertrophy at 1 year. He returned to his job. At 5 years follow-up, the x-ray film showed good hypertrophy of the grafted ribs.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Impact of exercise on athlete's cardiac muscle evaluated by Troponin T test].

Twenty-four nursing college students ages 16 to 17 Year were selected as research subjects and divided into two group. Group A comprised 12 individuals who were trained for short distance running (5KM/day) over a five week period, while Group B was trained for middle distance running (7KM/day) during the same period. Breathing frequency, blood pressure, pulse rate and body surface skin temperature were measured at rest (before training) and after exercise every week. Troponin T (TnT). Creatin kinase (CK), Creatine kinase -MB (CK-MB), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) tests were performed using blood samples and were used as indicators of the impact on heart muscle during exercise. There were no significant differences in breathing frequency, blood pressure, pulse rate or body surface skin temperature between groups A and B before or after training. After one week, the CK levels in both group were higher after exercising than before the training program had begun, and there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Thenceforth, the CK levels in group A decreased to the normal values and stayed the same throughout the fifth week. The CK levels in group B decreased to the normal value after training for three weeks, and there were significant differences between the values before exercising and those for the forth and fifth weeks of training. Although the levels of CK-MB, LDH, and Troponin-T increased after training, all were within the normal range, and no significant difference was observed before or after five weeks of training.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Torsion of an ovarian borderline tumor with extreme serum tumor markers: a case report.

A postmenopausal woman with torsion of the left ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with borderline malignancy is reported. Extremely elevated serum tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (398.0 ng/mL, normal < 3.0 ng/mL), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) (240 U/mL, normal < 37 U/mL) and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) (1,918 U/L, normal < 110 U/L) were found preoperatively. Imaging studies such as ultrasound and computed tomogram favored a diagnosis of ovarian malignancy, and advanced ovarian cancer was suspected prior to operation. Diagnosis of borderline malignancy was first made by frozen section during laparotomy. The patient recovered following simple total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Serum levels of the tumor markers became normal gradually following operation. To present knowledge, this is the first reported case with extremely high serum tumor markers in a postmenopausal woman with torsion of a stage-Ia ovarian mucinous cystadenoma of borderline malignancy. Rapid release of these tumor markers into circulation secondary to necrosis and degeneration of the tumor cells following torsion might account for such an unusual finding.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Distal phalanx replantation.

Microsurgical replantation has been attempted in the distal phalanx of the digits. Twenty-three complete, single digit amputations are reviewed. The patients' ages ranged from 9 months to 48 years. Viability was 78%. Sensory recovery averaged 7 mm static two-point discrimination. Range of motion in the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger and the interphalangeal joint of the thumb averaged 64 and 51 degrees, respectively. Eight of the 17 successfully replanted digits had mild to moderate atrophy. Eighty-two percent of patients were able to use the replanted digit successfully in their daily work. We feel that distal digital replantation is rewarding. In successful cases, it always preserves acceptable function and good appearance at a price of an average of 2.3 months off work.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Selection of recipient vessels for free flaps to the distal leg and foot following trauma.

The recipient vessels are of prime importance in free flap transfers to the lower limbs. To determine the incidence and pattern of vascular trauma, a study was carried out in 126 patients who had Gustillo Type III open fractures of the distal legs and feet that required free flaps for wound coverage. In comparison with the posterior tibial artery, the anterior tibial artery has a much higher incidence of injury with more extensive damage. It can be injured at a more proximal level than estimated from gross inspection during surgery. This should be borne in mind when the anterior tibial artery is selected as the recipient artery in order to prevent reexploration and failure of the flaps. However, the posterior tibial artery is much less vulnerable to damage in most injuries and is more reliable as the recipient artery. In this series there was no problem in finding proper recipient veins in the legs. A general principle is proposed for selecting recipient vessels in crushed legs, with a warning against the pitfalls that have been encountered.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Miniature plates and screws in acute complex hand injury.

Thirty-six patients with 72 metacarpal and phalangeal fractures with associated injuries to the neurovascular bundle, tendon, soft tissue, or bone following acute complex hand injury were treated with miniature plates and screws and reconstruction of the disrupted and missing structures. The results were judged according to the criteria of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. The overall results were good in 46.3%, fair in 32.2%, and poor in 21.5%. Although traditional wiring techniques are certainly useful in complex hand injuries, internal osteosynthesis with miniature plates and screws has definite indications in cases requiring stable and rigid internal fixation.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Microsurgical thumb reconstruction with toe transfer: selection of various techniques.

Microsurgical toe transfer is an established method for reconstruction of missing thumbs. However, there is little agreement on which of the various techniques represents the ideal transfer. Basically, selection of technique requires balancing the patient's functional needs, appearance of the reconstructed thumb, and donor-site cosmesis. Based on our experience with 103 toe-to-thumb transfers performed over the past 9 years, this paper attempts to provide guidelines for appropriate selection among the four most commonly employed toe transfer techniques (e.g., second toe, total great toe, great toe wrap-around, trimmed great toe) so that optimal results and patient's acceptance can both be achieved.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

[Physiological changes in the metabolism of football trainees following a match under high temperature].

The effects of a football match on the muscle metabolism of long-term football players were studied. Twenty-two senior high school students (Age: 16.95 +/- 0.82 y/o) were divided into two groups. Group A, included the subjects with longer histories of playing football (7 years) and group B were those with a shorter histories (6 years). There was no statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The temperature of all muscles tested showed statistical differences after exercise (p < 0.05). After 24 hours, all muscles except the gluteus maximus returned to the normal state while the skin temperature of the latissimus dorsi did not have any change. Body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and diastolic pressure all significantly increased immediately after the match (p < 0.05) and they all returned to their normal resting rate within one hour, except the body temperature, which required two hours to return to normal. A comparison between groups A and B showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in creatine kinase level immediately and one hour after the match. It is inferred that energy is derived from the aerobic system.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Reconstruction of four damaged or destroyed ipsilateral fingers with free toe-to-hand transplantations.

Three patients with traumatic partial or complete loss of all ipsilateral digits, excluding the thumb, were reconstructed with free microvascular toe transplantations for all involved digits. In two cases, two pairs of combined second and third toe transplantations were utilized; in the third case, four separate toes were employed. Clinical follow-up was 8 1/2 years, 2 years, and 1 2/3 years. Detailed functional analysis was performed. All patients except the first had initially undergone reconstruction of only two digits and had requested a second procedure to transfer two additional toes. While reconstruction of the thumb and two opposing digits is adequate in most cases, selected patients may benefit from the additional two digits, especially with respect to improving hook grip.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Functional and esthetic reconstruction of a mutilated hand using multiple toe transfers and iliac osteocutaneous flap: a case report.

With reconstructive microsurgical techniques, some previously hopelessly mutilated hands have become reconstructable. The functional and esthetic results of such hands can be improved to an acceptable degree with through prereconstruction evaluation and planning. This case report demonstrates the approach to reconstruction of a mutilated hand using the following: a pedicle groin flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the first web space and the amputation stump of the thumb; a combined second and third toe transfer for reconstruction of opposable fingers at the amputated index and middle finger stumps; a single second toe for reconstruction of the thumb, and an iliac osteocutaneous flap for reconstruction of the ulnar border of the palm.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed1993

Microsurgical reconstruction of distal digits following mutilating hand injuries: results in 121 patients.

From 1982-1989, 152 mutilated distal digits were reconstructed with microsurgical foot tissue transfers in 121 patients. These various foot tissues included wrap-around flaps or pulp from the great toe, second toe, or third toe, as well as partial toe, nail, web space skin, and other portions of the foot. The reconstructions were carried out primarily and secondarily in 78 and 74 patients respectively. The immediate success rate was 98%. Most of the patients were satisfied with both the cosmetic appearance and the functional result. This relatively minor microsurgical foot tissue transfer proved to be an ideal reconstructive option for distal digital defects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

[Reconstructive microsurgery in the elderly].

Between 1989 and 1990, 20 patients older than 60 years underwent reconstructive microsurgery in our hospital. The procedures consisted of 6 digital replantations in 5 patients and 17 free tissue transfers in 15 patients. The success were 5 out of 6 digital replantations and 16 out of 17 free tissue transfers. This success rate had no significant difference compared with other age groups of our reconstructive microsurgery series. There was no additional complications which might always be considered to encounter with elder patients after prolonged anesthesia. We conclude that with good preoperative work up, careful intraoperative or postoperative care as well as meticulous operative technique, the operative risk remains low and the success rate is comparable to other age groups.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1992

Emergency free-flap transfer for reconstruction of acute complex extremity wounds.

Nine patients with complex extremity injuries were treated with emergency free-flap transfers over a 3 1/2-year period. The transferred emergency free flaps were performed to cover exposed vital structures. All flaps survived without infection. Complete and careful assessment of the systemic condition of the patient and the nature of the injured extremity is mandatory. Emergency free-flap transfers may salvage the limb or finger and may improve the functional and aesthetic results with the shortest possible hospital stay.

Accidents↗

PubMed1991

Molecular cloning of a member of a new class of low-molecular-weight GTP-binding proteins.

We report the cloning of a low-molecular-weight GTP-binding protein that appears to be the first member of a new class of G proteins. This G protein was cloned from the HT4 neural cell line and has the closest homology to the rab, sec4, and ypt1 members of the low-molecular-weight (LMW) G-protein family. The amino acid sequence identity is only 30% with these other LMW G proteins, but in the four conserved GTP-binding domains, amino acid identity increases to 50-100%. A unique feature that distinguishes this G protein from other LMW G proteins is its carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence -Cys-Cys-Pro. In keeping with the current nomenclature for other members of the ras superfamily, we will designate this new class as rah (ras-related homolog). On the basis of sequence homology, rah may function in vesicular trafficking and possibly in neurotransmitter secretion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗