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Biomedical subjects

C Lee

Publications and source records attributed to C Lee.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Prehospital management of lower limb fractures.

Lower limb fractures are common injuries in prehospital care. Untreated fractures can lead to hypovolaemic shock especially if open, and should be treated with effective haemorrhage control and splintage. A brief assessment for open fractures, deformity, and neurovascular compromise should be followed by effective analgesia, wound management, reduction (if needed), splintage, and packaging of the patient. Early appropriate management reduces the morbidity and mortality of lower limb fractures.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

The effect of active immunization against adrenocorticotropic hormone on cortisol, beta-endorphin, vocalization, and growth in pigs.

Because the poor growth performance of intensively housed pigs is associated with increased circulating glucocorticoid concentrations, we investigated the effects of glucocorticoid suppression by inducing a humoral immune response to ACTH on physiological and production variables in growing pigs. Grower pigs (28.6 +/- 0.9 kg) were immunized with amino acids 1 through 24 of ACTH conjugated to ovalbumin and suspended in diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) dextran-adjuvant or adjuvant alone (control) on d 1, 28, and 56. The ACTH-specific antibody titers generated suppressed increases in cortisol concentrations on d 63 in response to an acute stressor (P = 0.002; control = 71 +/- 8.2 ng/mL; ACTH-immune = 43 +/- 4.9 ng/mL) without altering basal concentrations. Plasma beta-endorphin concentrations were also increased (P < 0.001) on d 63 (control = 18 +/- 2.1 ng/mL; ACTH-immune = 63 +/- 7.3 ng/mL), presumably because of a release from negative feedback on the expression of proopiomelanocortin in pituitary corticotropes. Immunization against ACTH did not alter ADG (P = 0.120; control = 1,077 +/- 25; ACTH-immune = 1,143 +/- 25 g) or ADFI (P = 0.64; control = 2,719 +/- 42; ACTH-immune = 2,749 +/- 42 g) and did not modify behavior (P = 0.681) assessed by measuring vocalization in response to acute restraint. In summary, suppression of stress-induced cortisol responses through ACTH immunization increased beta-endorphin concentrations, but it did not modify ADG, ADFI, or restraint vocalization score in growing pigs.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2005

Community psychiatry in Singapore: a pilot assertive community treatment (ACT) programme.

Severe mental illnesses cause their sufferers dismal functional impairment. The Global Burden of Disease lists schizophrenia among the top 10 contributors to health burden and disability around the world. In the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) of Singapore, 9 out of 10 Class-C beds are occupied by patients whose hospitalisation periods last 300 days on average. Whilst de-institutionalisation has not seen its expected level of success overseas, the provision of community-based psychiatric care has been shown to be more cost-effective than hospital-based inpatient care. As such, there is a need for increased emphasis on community psychiatric services, both to provide and to effectively utilise available resources to assist patients with severe mental illnesses in living and functioning within the community. In line with several other efforts, a pilot Assertive Community Treatment or ACT Programme was launched by IMH in November 2003. This article details the aims, set-up and services of this pilot project funded by the Health Service Development Programme (HSDP) for 3 years, which receives referrals from IMH psychiatrists. With the services provided by the ACT team including psychosocial rehabilitation, it is hoped that patients will continue to receive adequate psychiatric care as well as maintain sufficient skills for self-care and independent living within the community despite the well-documented deteriorating course of psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed2005

Analysis of community structures in anaerobic processes using a quantitative real-time PCR method.

The methanogenic community structures of four different anaerobic processes were characterized using a quantitative real-time PCR with group-specific primer and probe sets targeting the 16S rRNA gene (rDNA). The group specific primer and probe sets were developed and used to detect the orders Methanosarcinales, and the families Methanosarcinaceae and Methanosaetaceae. Two separate sets targeting the domains Archaea and Bacteria were also used. Each microbial population in different anaerobic processes was determined and the relative abundance in the system was compared with each other. Dominant methanogenic populations and the community structures in the processes were varied by hydraulic retention time and acetate concentration. This indicates that the real-time PCR method with the primer and probe sets is a promising tool to analyze community structures in anaerobic processes.

Acetates↗
PubMed2005

Biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal with biological aerated filter using denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organism.

In order to accomplish the biological nutrient removal with a weak sewage at low temperature, a hybrid process consisted of anoxic denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organism (dPAO) and nitrifying biological aerated filter (BAF) was studied in both lab and field pilot plants with weak sewage. The biofilm BAF was used as a post-nitrification process that provided sufficient nitrate to suspended growth dPAO. The anoxic/BAF configuration could remove nitrogen and phosphorus appreciably compared to other BNR systems. The enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) was mainly occurred in anoxic zone of suspended growth reactor. It has been found that P removal efficiency of dPAO was enhanced with an addition of a short oxic zone in suspended reactors compared to that of without oxic zone. However, the degree of aerobic P uptake in oxic zone was far lower than anoxic P uptake. The operating results of field plant indicated that dPAO/BAF configuration successfully reduced the adverse temperature effects at lower than 15 degrees C.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗
PubMed2004

A comparative study of three-dimensional saline infusion sonohysterography and diagnostic hysteroscopy for the classification of submucous fibroids.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare three-dimensional saline infusion sonohysterography (3D SIS) and diagnostic hysteroscopy for the diagnosis and classification of submucous uterine fibroids. METHODS: This was a prospective double-blind study of 49 women who presented with a history of menorrhagia, diagnosed on non-enhanced two-dimensional ultrasonography with submucous fibroids. Fibroids were classified on 3D SIS according to the proportion of fibroid contained within the endometrial cavity, using the European Society of Hysteroscopy Classification of Submucous Fibroids. These results were then compared with the findings at diagnostic hysteroscopy. RESULTS: A total of 61 submucous fibroids was identified in 49 symptomatic women. Diagnostic hysteroscopy confirmed these findings in all cases. There was agreement between the two methods in 11/12 cases of Type 0 fibroids (92%), 34/37 (92%) of Type I fibroids and 9/12 (75%) of Type II fibroids. The overall level of agreement was good with a kappa value of 0.80. CONCLUSIONS: There is a good overall agreement between 3D SIS and diagnostic hysteroscopy in classification of submucous fibroids. Agreement is better in cases where a greater proportion of the fibroid is contained within the uterine cavity.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese herbal mixtures have been used to treat atopic eczema for many years. Their efficacy has attracted public attention and recently some clinical trials have been undertaken. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of Chinese herbal mixtures in the treatment of atopic eczema. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) ( January 2004), the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register (January 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2004), EMBASE (1980 to January 2004), CINHL (1980 to January 2004) and a number of complementary medicine databases. In addition, the cited references of all trials identified and key review articles were searched. Pharmaceutical companies involved in oral traditional Chinese herbs and experts in the field were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of Chinese herbal mixtures used in the treatment of atopic eczema. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed the quality of the trials and extracted data. Any discrepancies were discussed to achieve consensus. MAIN RESULTS: Four randomised controlled trials, with eight weeks for each phase, met the inclusion criteria. The trials randomised 159 participants aged from 1 to 60 years. The withdrawal rates ranged from 7.5% to 22.5% and no trial used intention to treat analysis. Three trials were randomised placebo controlled, two-phase cross-over designs assessing the same Chinese herbal mixture, Zemaphyte. In two of these three trials the reduction in erythema and surface damage was greater on Zemaphyte than on placebo, and participants slept better and itched less and expressed a preference for Zemaphyte. The fourth trial was an open-label design comparing Zemaphyte in herbal form with Zemaphyte as a freeze dried preparation. There was a reduction in erythema and surface damage with both formulations, but no comparison between the two formulations was reported. Some adverse effects were reported in all four trials, but none were regarded as serious. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: Chinese herbal mixtures may be effective in the treatment of atopic eczema. However, only four small poorly reported RCTs of the same product, Zemaphyte, were found and the results were heterogeneous. Further well-designed, larger scale trials are required, but Zemaphyte is no longer being manufactured.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗
PubMed2004

A novel option in proton pump inhibitor dosing: lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet dispersed in water and administered via nasogastric tube.

BACKGROUND: Lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet, which rapidly disintegrates on the tongue or in water, provides a dosing alternative for patients with difficulty in swallowing. Gastric and nasogastric tubes are increasingly placed in patients with more severe swallowing disorders. AIM: This study assessed the pharmacokinetic profile of lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet dispersed in a small volume of water and administered through a small-bore nasogastric tube. METHODS: Forty healthy adult men and women (18-43 years) received two single 30 mg lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet doses (one administered directly onto the tongue without water, and one dispersed in water and administered via nasogastric tube) in a randomized, crossover fashion. RESULTS: The total plasma exposure to lansoprazole was comparable following both dosing regimens; mean AUC values for the lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet nasogastric dispersion were < or =8.6% greater than those for the intact lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet. Lansoprazole Cmax for the lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet nasogastric dispersion was 20.9% greater than that for the intact lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet, a difference of no clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Dispersion of the lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet in a small volume of water and administering via nasogastric tube does not reduce the pharmacokinetic profile of the intact lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet. This alternative dosing method may be useful in patients with nasogastric or gastric tubes.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2004

Anisotropy of acceleration in turbulent flows.

Third-order Lagrangian stochastic models for the evolution of fluid-particle hyperaccelerations (material derivatives of Lagrangian accelerations) are shown to account naturally for the anisotropy of acceleration variances in low-Reynolds-number turbulent flows and for their dependency upon the energy-containing scales of motion. Model predictions are shown to be in close accord with the results of direct numerical simulations for a turbulent channel flow and with previously acquired simulation data for a homogeneous turbulent shear flow.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

A novel option for dosing of proton pump inhibitors: dispersion of lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet in water via oral syringe.

BACKGROUND: A new formulation of lansoprazole, the lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet, rapidly disintegrates in water eliminating the need for swallowing whole pills. AIM: To assess the effect that dispersing the lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet in water would have on lansoprazole pharmacokinetics. METHODS: Forty healthy adult men and women (18-43 years) received two single 15 mg lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet doses separated by 3 days (one administered directly onto the tongue without water and one dispersed in water and administered orally via syringe) in a randomized, crossover fashion. Serial plasma samples were determined from 0 to 12 h for each dose. Ratios of central values for peak plasma exposure (C(max)) and mean overall extent of exposure (area under the plasma concentration) were used to compare the bioavailability. RESULTS: The two dosing regimens were bioequivalent, with the point estimate for area under the plasma concentration equalling 1.080 (confidence interval 1.012-1.152) and the point estimate for C(max) equalling 1.082 (confidence interval 0.961-1.218). CONCLUSIONS: Dispersing the 15 mg lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet in water and administering the dose orally via syringe is bioequivalent to the 15 mg intact lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet with respect to lansoprazole area under the plasma concentration and C(max). This dosing route provides an additional, convenient dosing option for lansoprazole.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2004

Comprehensive conventional and molecular cytogenetic characterization of B-CPAP, a human papillary thyroid carcinoma-derived cell line.

Cell lines derived from different thyroid tumor histotypes are useful for the in vitro study of both the phenotypic and genetic features of these cancers. Although karyotypic changes are known to be associated with thyroid lesions, the chromosome patterns of only a few cell lines have been published. Herein, we report an extensive conventional and molecular cytogenetic investigation of the human papillary thyroid carcinoma derived cell line B-CPAP. Morphological studies and expression of tumor markers in this cell line have been reported previously, but no detailed characterization on the origin of the chromosome markers is available. B-CPAP cells have a rather stable hypertriploid karyotype, with chromosome polysomies and structural chromosome abnormalities featuring whole chromosome arm imbalances. Chromosome banding revealed a main clone with nine chromosome markers, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with whole chromosome paint (wcp), partial chromosome paint (pcp), and centromeric probes clarified their origin. The use of centromeric probes provided accurate refinement of the rearrangements classified as whole-arm translocations by banding and FISH with wcp probes. Both chromosomal and array-based comparative genomic hybridization experiments confirmed the cytogenetic characterization of this cell line. Moreover, the use of fluorescence immunophenotyping and interphase cytogenetics as a tool for the investigation of neoplasms (FICTION) technique, which simultaneously shows nuclear ploidy and cytoplasmic immunofluorescence, detailed the oncocytic feature of the cells. Intriguingly, despite their origin, they lack most of the features expressed in papillary thyroid tumor cells and have a chromosomal pattern reminiscent of that of a subgroup of oncocytic malignant thyroid tumors.

Carcinoma, Papillary↗
PubMed2004

Clusterin as a possible predictor for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy with intermediate Gleason scores: a preliminary report.

Disease recurrence following radical prostatectomy is a major concern in prostate cancer patients. Gleason scores are useful in predicting recurrence. Low Gleason scores are usually associated with long disease-free intervals, while high Gleason scores are suggestive of early recurrence. However, prediction of recurrence has been difficult with intermediate Gleason scores. Clusterin is a ubiquitous secretory sulfated glycoprotein. It is also an antiapoptotic mediator in prostate cancer. The objective of the present study is to determine if clusterin can serve as a predictive biomarker for recurrence of prostate cancer with intermediate Gleason scores in patients following radical prostatectomy. Prostatic specimens with Gleason score of 6 (3+3) or 7 (3+4) were obtained from the archival bank. Three groups of specimens were investigated. The first group was from nine patients who developed recurrent disease according to a persistent rise of serum PSA within 3 years following radical prostatectomy. Those in the second group and the third group were from patients who showed no evidence of disease recurrence for at least 5 y (11 patients) and 10 y (eight patients), respectively following the surgery. Histological sections were subjected to immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal antibody specific for clusterin. The staining intensity was scored as 0, 1, 2, and 3, with 0 being no staining, 1 showing less than 25% positive staining, 2 being 25-50% positive, and 3 showing greater than 75% positive staining. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis. Evaluation of the scores of clusterin staining was carried out according to four specific areas in each specimen. They were (a) benign epithelial cells, (b) malignant epithelial cells (cancer epithelia), (c) stromal cells surrounding benign cells, and (d) stromal cells surrounding malignant cells (cancer stroma). Staining score in prostatic epithelial cells, benign as well as malignant, showed no significant relationship among the three patient groups. However, when staining scores in stromal cells were compared, there was a significant difference between patients with recurrent disease and those showed no evidence of disease recurrence for at least 10 y. Results of this preliminary study support the important role of clusterin in the stromal component for prostate cancer progression. Clusterin immunostaining may be useful to aid the prediction of chance of disease recurrence in patients with Gleason score 6 or 7 prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy. Further studies with a large number of cases are warranted to verify this preliminary finding.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2004

Type IV collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9) in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The type IV collagenases/gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. In the present study, we measured the expression of mRNAs and enzymatic activities of MMP-9 and -2 in prostate tissues and serum samples from men with or without prostate cancer. METHODS: A total of 44 tissue samples (three from healthy volunteers, 21 from patients with benign prostate hyperplasia, 10 from patients with localized prostate cancer and 10 from patients with metastatic disease) and 71 serum samples were collected (20 from healthy volunteers, 26 from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 10 from patients with localized cancer, 15 from patients with metastatic cancer). The level of mRNA for MMP-2 and -9 was determined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The enzymatic activity of MMPs was determined by zymography. RESULTS: Expression of MMP-9 mRNA was significantly higher in malignant than in nonmalignant prostate tissues (P < 0.001), while no significant difference of MMP-2 expression was detected in different prostate tissues. Results of zymography showed that there was significant difference in the enzymatic activity of MMP-9, but not MMP-2, among normal prostate, BPH, localized and metastatic prostate cancer tissues, serum samples (P < 0.05). The active form of MMP-2, with a molecular mass of 62 kDa, was detected in normal prostate, BPH and prostate cancer tissues, but not in the serum samples. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the ratio of the active form (62 kDa) and proform (72 kDa) of MMP-2 among normal, BPH and prostate cancer tissues. This ratio was further increased in metastatic prostate cancer tissues. CONCLUSION: The activity of MMP-9 and the ratio of active form/proform of MMP-2 are associated with the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Is clinical otolaryngology publishing patient-centred research?

We asked how patient centred is Clinical Otolaryngology? Using two new models for analysing the patient-centredness of medical literature, three reviewers classified 176 papers (91 articles and 85 abstracts) published in this journal during the year 2000. Patients appeared as clinical subjects in 98 (56%), were interviewed by closed questionnaires in 21 (12%) and open questionnaires in 6 (3%), represented only by demographic details in 40 (23%) and not part of the study in 11 (6%) of papers. Papers were considered to address a biomedical frame of reference in 48 (27%), the patient's frame of reference in 6 (3%), technical aspects of the clinical encounter in 109 (62%) and communicative aspects in 7 (4%), and the setting for the encounter in 6 (3%) of papers. We show that some patient-centred research is published in Clinical Otolaryngology but suggest that it could publish more.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Malignant vasovagal syndrome?

We present the management of a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a history of recurrent syncopal attacks diagnosed as malignant vasovagal syndrome. We discuss clinical presentation as well as the resolution of disease symptoms. The importance of metastatic nasopharyngeal malignancy in relation to syncope is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Introduction of the Taser into British policing. Implications for UK emergency departments: an overview of electronic weaponry.

The Taser is a development of the stun gun. It has recently been introduced into British policing as a "less lethal" weapon to fill the operational gap between the baton and the gun for controlling potentially dangerous and violent suspects. It is inevitable that "tasered" victims will be brought to hospitals. A review of clinical experience with electronic weaponry is presented. Suggestions for managing "tasered" subjects are provided.

Crime↗