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Biomedical subjects

C L Lu

Publications and source records attributed to C L Lu.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Comparison of clinico-pathological features in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma with or without hepatitis D virus superinfection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatitis D virus superinfection in hepatitis B virus carriers produces additional damage in an already injured liver. Earlier reports noted that the development of hepatocellular carcinoma may be accelerated in hepatitis D virus-superinfected patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hepatitis D virus on the clinical course of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 42 consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma cases seropositive for antibody against hepatitis D virus antigen (anti-HDV) were found from 1986 to 1994; the clinical manifestations, treatment and outcomes were compared with 255 consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma cases seropositive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen but seronegative for anti-HDV. RESULTS: The mean age was 60 years in both groups of patients. Other features, including sex, duration of follow-up, presence of cirrhosis or ascites, serum biochemistry, status of HBV-e antigen, and gross and microscopic tumor appearance, were not significantly different between the two groups. Though more patients in the anti-HDV-positive group underwent active treatment (operation or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization) than those in the anti-HDV-negative group (54.8% in 42 versus 34.9% in 255 cases, p = 0.02), the cumulative 4-year survival rates (9.5% versus 9.8%) were similar. For the anti-HDV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma patients, tumor size < 5 cm and active treatment were favorable prognostic predictors associated with survival > 18 months. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis D virus superinfection does not accelerate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The clinical manifestations were similar, and the outcome in anti-HDV-positive patients was not worse than in the general HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma patients, as long as they were diagnosed at an early stage and actively treated.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

C-fos expression during vocal mobbing in the new world monkey Saguinus fuscicollis.

In order to find brain areas involved in the vocal expression of emotion, we compared c-fos expression in three groups of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis). One group, consisting of three animals, was made to utter more than 800 mobbing calls by electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal grey of the midbrain (PAG). A second group, consisting of two animals, was stimulated in the PAG with the same intensity and for the same duration as the first group but at sites that did not produce vocalization. These sites lay somewhat medial to the vocalization-eliciting sites. A third group, consisting of two animals, was stimulated at vocalization-eliciting sites in the PAG but with an intensity below vocalization threshold. Fos-like immunoreactivity that was found in the vocalizing but not in the non-vocalizing animals was located in the dorsomedial and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, ventrolateral premotor cortex, sensorimotor face cortex, insula, inferior parietal cortex, superior temporal cortex, claustrum, entorhinal and parahippocampal cortex, basal amygdaloid nucleus, anterior and dorsomedial hypothalamus, nucleus reuniens, lateral habenula, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, ventral and dorsolateral midbrain tegmentum, nucleus cuneiformis, sagulum, pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei, ventral raphe, periambigual reticular formation and solitary tract nucleus. For some of these structures (e.g. anterior cingulate cortex and periambigual reticular formation), there is evidence also from electrical stimulation, lesioning and single-unit recording studies that they are involved in vocal control. For other structures (e.g. lateral habenula, Edinger-Westphal nucleus), the available evidence speaks against such a role. Fos activation in these cases is probably related to non-vocal reactions accompanying the electrically elicited vocalizations. A third group of structures consists of areas for which a role in vocal control cannot be excluded but for which the present study presents the first evidence for such a role (e.g. claustrum and sagulum). These structures deserve further studies using more specific methods.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Risk factor analysis of patients with chronic hepatitis C in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Parenteral transmission is the major route for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, in western countries, 40% of patients with chronic hepatitis C have no apparent risk factor of HCV infection. This study was designed to investigate the possible risk factors of HCV transmission in chronic hepatitis C patients in Taiwan. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-one consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C and 161 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Risk factors, including blood transfusion, injection with nondisposable needles, education status, surgery, dental procedure, tattooing, ear-piercing, sexual behavior and alcoholism, were obtained in every patient through questionnairing and interviewing. RESULTS: Patients with chronic hepatitis C, compared with healthy controls, had significantly higher rates of previous history of blood transfusion, frequent nondisposable needle injections, and lower education status (43.5% vs. 10.6%, 19.9% vs. 6.2%, 42.2% vs. 23.0%, respectively, all p < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed blood transfusion, frequent nondisposable needle injections and low education as significant risk factors of HCV infection (all p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis again revealed them all to be independent significant risk factors associated with HCV infection in chronic hepatitis C patients. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral transmission of HCV via transfusion and frequent nondisposable needle injections were the main routes of contracting HCV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Taiwan. Also, people with low education ran the higher risk of transmission by HCV. Meticulous screening of the transfused blood for HCV, usage of disposable needles, and mass public education are important in our efforts to decrease chronic HCV infection in Taiwan.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Possible mechanism of the analgesic effect of interleukin-2 in central nervous system].

The monoclonal antibody against IL-2R (Tac) could not block the analgesic effect of IL-2, and IL-2 mutant that could not bind to beta subunit of IL-2 receptor still had capability of increasing the pain threshold of rats. All these facts suggest that the analgesic effect of IL-2 in CNS is not mediated through the IL-2 receptor, and that the immune and analgesic effects of IL-2 are mediated through different receptor mechanisms. It is suggested that there are common antigenic determinants and similar structure between IL-2 and endogenous opioid peptides (EOP). This implies that the analgesic effect of IL-2 might be mediated by interaction between IL-2 and opioid receptors in CNS. Using radioimmunoassay the contents of EOP of different nuclei were measured at different times after injecting IL-2 into the lateral ventricle of rats. The results suggested that the analgesic effect of IL-2 may be related to beta-EP and LEK in arcuate hypothalamic nucleus, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and locus ceruleus.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗
PubMed1996

Ciliary neurotrophic factor antagonizes gentamicin-induced alterations of electric potentials in auditory pathway in guinea pigs.

AIM: To study the effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on the expressions of gentamicin ototoxicity in guinea pigs. METHODS: The auditory function of pigmented guinea pigs was examined using auditory brainstem response (ABR), cochlea microphonic potential (CM), and action potential of auditory nerve (AP). RESULTS: In animals injected gentamicin (80 mg.kg-1.d-1, i.m.), ABR threshold began to elevate on d 20, and prolongations of ABR wave I, IV and the I-IV interpeak latencies were observed. The animals treated with gentamicin for 30 d displayed lower amplitudes of CM and AP (N1) than the controls. CNTF (0.44 mg.kg-1.d-1, s.c.) inhibited the gentamicin-induced elevation of ABR thresholds, the prolongation of ABR wave I, IV and the I-IV interpeak latencies, and the decreases in amplitudes of CM and AP (N1). CONCLUSION: CNTF attenuated the gentamicin-elicited auditory impairment in guinea pigs.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1995

Quantitative branched DNA assay and genotyping for hepatitis C virus RNA in Chinese patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C.

To determine the value of a quantitative branched DNA (bDNA) assay for detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, 309 serum specimens were collected from 100 patients with acute or chronic hepatitis C for detection of HCV RNA by bDNA assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. There were 256 samples positive by RT-PCR; 199 (78%) were also positive by bDNA assay. All but 1 of the remaining 53 samples negative by RT-PCR were also negative by bDNA assay. Combination of the two methods clearly demonstrated changes in HCV RNA titers during and after interferon (IFN) treatment. The most common genotype of HCV infection was Okamoto type II (Simmonds type 1b, 60.0%), followed by type III (type 2a, 16.5%) and type IV (type 2b, 8.2%); mixed or underdetermined types were noted in 15.3%. Patients with chronic type II HCV infection tended to have higher HCV RNA titers. These findings suggest that the bDNA assay is a reliable test for HCV RNA.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid associated cholestasis in a patient with chronic hepatitis B: a case report.

We described a patient with history of chronic hepatitis B in whom cholestatic hepatitis occurred after amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin) therapy, which to our knowledge is the first case reported in Asia. An atypical serology profile of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers, demonstrated by negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) associated with transient positivity of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA, was noted during the development of cholestasis.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Psychiatric disturbances associated with hyperthyroidism: an analysis report of 30 cases.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthyroidism has numerous physical and mental concomitants. This study attempted to explore the clinical features, treatment and outcome of a psychiatric disturbance which developed during hyperthyroid disease. METHODS: A retrospective study was made of 30 patients, hospitalized with psychiatric disturbances and concurrent diagnoses of hyperthyroidism between January 1990 and May 1994. Data included age, sex, date of admission or consultation, age of onset of thyroid and psychiatric disorders, duration of thyroid and psychiatric disorders, psychiatric discharge diagnoses, psychiatric symptoms/signs, treatment and outcome. Follow-up investigations were done after one year. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients, 27 (90.0%) were female and 3 (10.0%) were male. The psychiatric disturbances had persisted from a few days to a decade following the presenting hyperthyroidism, with an average of seventeen months. There were 6 (20.0%) patients who were diagnosed with neurotic disorders, 11 (36.7%) with mood disorders, 8 (26.7%) with schizophrenia-like syndromes and 5 (16.7%) with delirium. The psychiatric features were variable; insomnia, irritability and anxiety most commonly occurred. Most (96.7%) of these patients accepted both antithyroid and psychotropic medication therapy. Follow-up investigations were made after one year. Twenty-six patients were analyzed, including 13 (50%) who had recovered completely, 9 (34.6%) who recovered partially, and 4 (15.4%) who showed no change in mental status. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of psychiatric features were found in the hyperthyroid patients, concomitantly with their psychiatric disturbances. Half of the patients showed a chronic or unremitting psychiatric condition after normalization of thyroid function tests. It is possible that the present psychiatric disturbances could be caused or precipitated by hyperthyroidism, or simply occur independently by chance. It is suggested a foremost benefit would be incorporation of internist and psychiatrist into the care of hyperthyroid patients with psychiatric disturbances which may improve the clinical condition.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of modified staphylococcal protein A containing phospholipid monolayer on both solution and slide surfaces.

A method is described for incorporation of water-soluble protein Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) into phospholipid monolayer using covalent protein-lipid conjugates in detergent solution. The amphiphilic conjugates have solubility properties very similar to intergral membrane proteins. When the conjugates are applied into dipalmitoyl-phosphatidic acid monolayer, a protein containing monolayer is formed on subphase surface. The monolayer is transferred to pre-coated substrate surface to form an artificial membrane. Results show that unmodified SpA is readily ejected from the monolayer when compressing the monolayer but modified SpA incorporates into the monolayer stably. The incorporation of the protein is proportional to the lipid coupling degree. When the protein is excessively modified, the IgG binding activity of the SpA in the membrane is lost significantly.

Immunoglobulin G↗
PubMed1994

Clinical evaluation of erythrocytosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy in southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. During its clinical course, patients may manifest a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes, including erythrocytosis. However, there are few reports on the clinical and biochemical characteristics of HCC patients who manifest erythrocytosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of erythrocytosis in a large series of the Chinese patients with HCC, and to investigate the association of erythrocytosis with tumor volume and with serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and erythropoietin. METHODS: Among 792 Chinese HCC patients who were seen during a 3-year period, we identified HCC patients with erythrocytosis as those with hemoglobin levels greater than 16.7 gm/dL (two standard deviations above the mean hemoglobin level of matched normal controls). The tumor size and serum levels of AFP and erythropoietin were evaluated in HCC patients with erythrocytosis to compare with HCC patients without erythrocytosis. RESULTS: 20 (2.5%) of 792 Chinese HCC patients presented with erythrocytosis. Nineteen of these 20 HCC patients were found to have either bi-lobar tumor involvement or a large tumor mass confined to one lobe of the liver. The estimated mean tumor volume of HCC patients with erythrocytosis was 50% of whole liver. When compared with HCC patients without erythrocytosis, the 20 HCC patients with high hemoglobin levels had significantly higher serum levels of AFP and erythropoietin (356,343 +/- 145,807 vs. 16,881 +/- 10,425 ng/mL, 135 +/- 45 vs. 25 +/- 4 mU/mL, respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Base on our findings, detection of erythrocytosis in a patient with HCC would indicate the presence of a large tumor burden, and high serum levels of both AFP and erythropoietin should be associated with this paraneoplastic syndrome.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1994

[Comparison of sensitivity of six indices indicating genetic damage to human blood lymphocytes by benzo(a)pyrene].

Comparison of sensitivity of six indices, i.e., SCE, MN, CA, FADU, DRSI and UDS, in detection of genetic damage to human peripheral blood lymphocytes caused by benzo(a)pyrene were studied under the same condition for in vitro toxicant treatment and cell culture. Ratio of the slope of regression straight line of concentration-response to the standard deviation of regression staigy line from observed values was used as an indicator reflecting sensitivity of all the above indices. The results showed the order of sensitivities of all the above indices are as follows: SCE > MN > CA > FADU > DRSI > UDS. SCE and MN (cytokinesis block method) should be choice of indices to monitor genetic damage in human population exposed to benzo(a)pyrene. And, it is warranted to use FADU, as a simple, convenient and rapid method, in human population monitoring.

Benzo(a)pyrene↗
PubMed1993

The effects of periaqueductally injected transmitter antagonists on forebrain-elicited vocalization in the squirrel monkey.

In 15 squirrel monkeys, vocalization-eliciting electrodes were implanted into the following forebrain structures: anterior cingulate cortex, genu of the internal capsule, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, hypothalamus, midline thalamus, inferior thalamic peduncle and periventricular grey. Then, injections of 29 transmitter antagonists were made into the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) and their effects tested on the elicitability of vocalization from the forebrain. Vocalization could be blocked completely with glutamate antagonists. NMDA receptor antagonists as well as kainate/quisqualate receptor antagonists were effective. Facilitatory effects, i.e. a decrease in threshold of forebrain-elicited vocalization, was obtained with GABA-A receptor, glycine and opioid antagonists. The facilitatory effect of the opioid antagonist naloxone was limited to vocalizations expressing aversive emotional states. GABA-A receptor antagonists not only facilitated forebrain-induced vocalization but also produced vocalization themselves, i.e. without concomitant forebrain stimulation. No effects were obtained with antagonists of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, with the GABA-B receptor antagonist phaclofen and antagonists of the monoamines dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin and histamine. It is concluded that the PAG represents a crucial relay station of the vocalization-controlling system. In this station, transmission of vocalization-relevant information depends upon the activation of glutamatergic synapses. Inhibitory control is exerted by GABA, glycine and endogenous opioids. Acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin and histamine may play a transient modulatory role; forebrain-induced vocalization, however, does not depend upon the cholinergic or monoaminergic activation of PAG neurons.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Interactions between glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine and histamine in the periaqueductal gray's control of vocalization in the squirrel monkey.

In the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), vocalization was elicited by periaqueductal injections of the glutamate agonist homocysteic acid, the acetylcholine agonist carbachol, the GABA antagonist bicuculline and the monoaminergic transmitter histamine. All chemically induced vocalizations could be blocked completely by prior periaqueductal injections of the non-specific glutamate antagonist kynurenic acid and the GABA agonist muscimol. The acetylcholine antagonist scopolamine and the histamine antagonist diphenhydramine, in contrast, blocked their respective transmitter agonists' vocalizations but had only a minor effect on glutamatergically induced vocalizations. It is concluded that the periaqueductal control of vocalization is brought about by the simultaneous activation of glutamatergic and inhibition of GABAergic mechanisms. Acetylcholine and histamine seem to play only a modulatory role.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1993

Kinetic study of collagen fixation with polyepoxy fixatives.

A new biomaterial has been developed by fixing native collagen with a polyepoxy compound (PC) fixative. In this study, bovine internal thoracic arteries were fixed with PC under various conditions to help understand the kinetics of the collagen-PC reactions and optimize the fixation process. At predetermined time intervals, small samples were cut from the arteries to determine the quantities of the remaining unreacted amino acids in the collagen. Temperature, concentration, and solution pH were among the key parameters studied. The overall fixation rate was found to be reaction-rate controlled, as the rate of fixation was relatively slow compared with the rate of diffusion of PC. As might be expected, the reaction rate was favored by a higher temperature, concentration, and solution pH. A kinetic model, with a 2.5th reaction order with respect to the reactive functional groups of collagen and a first order with respect to PC, was developed that gave a good fit to the experimental data. Based on this model, the degree of fixation, X, as a function of time, t, is given by (1 - X)-1.5 = 1 + Kt, where K is a constant related to the initial concentrations and the reaction rate constant.

Amino Acids↗