Biomedical subjects

C S Ho

Publications and source records attributed to C S Ho.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

The effect of high salt intake on Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity of tissues in the rat.

1. The effect of chronic feeding of high salt diet on Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity of heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and aorta was studied in the rat. 2. Groups of rats were either given tap water or 18 g/L saline to drink. After 7 days, 3 months or 12 months, the control group and salt loaded groups were sacrificed and Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity of heart, liver, skeletal muscle and kidney was determined by a coupled enzyme assay and that of the aorta by the K(+)-stimulated hydrolysis of 3-0-methylfluorescein phosphate. 3. Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity of heart, liver, skeletal muscle and aorta were not different between the experimental and control groups at 7 days. After 3 months, Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity of liver in salt-loaded group was higher than the control group. After 12 months of salt loading all tissues examined showed higher Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity compared to control groups. The activity of renal medulla of salt-loaded group was higher than that of control group as early as 7 days. 4. We conclude that long term salt loading causes an increase in the activity of Na+, K(+)-ATPase of kidney, heart, liver, muscle and aorta.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Cytomegalovirus cholangitis after renal transplantation.

Clinically significant cytomegalovirus cholangitis is well recognized in patients with AIDS but is less common in other groups of immunocompromised patients. The authors describe a 59-year-old man who had undergone renal transplantation in whom this condition developed, and they emphasize that this diagnosis should be considered in renal transplant patients presenting with biliary obstruction. Careful examination of biopsy material for cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies is necessary.

Cholangitis↗

PubMed1994

[Alternative one lung ventilation anesthesia for bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy].

Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is a common disorder in the oriental subtropical area. There have been many therapeutic methods, such as: oral medication, local treatment and traditional surgical operation, but none of them has proved entirely satisfactory. Since the development of video endoscopic surgery, transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy has been increasing day by day. This study consisted of 124 PH patients under alternative one lung ventilation anesthesia for bilateral thoracoscopic laser sympathectomy. The age of patients ranged from 13 to 64 years, male 45 and female 79. The average anesthesia duration was 60 min. We used glycopyrrolate 0.03 mg/kg, decardon 1 mg/10 kg for premedication. Induction was with fentanyl 0.07 ml/kg, atracurium 0.6 mg/kg and thiopental 4 mg/kg. Maintenance was with isoflurane in 3L/min. oxygen inhalation. The alternative one lung ventilation anesthesia was achieved with double-lumen endobronchial tube. Fr 37, Fr 35, Fr 28 Sheridan Lt. double-lumen bronchial tube were used depending upon the sex and fudgement of the individual patient. All patients tolerated the procedure well so that sympathectomy could be performed smoothly and uneventfully. Immediately after the operation, a transient mild to moderate degree of difficult breathing and substernal discomfort were experienced in the majority of patients. These suffering often relieved spontaneously or with some common analgesic.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

[Comparison of double-lumen endobnonchial versus single-lumen endotracheal tube anesthesia in bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy].

Since the development of video endoscopic surgery, the number of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy has been increasing. The use of double-lumen endobronchial tube or single-lumen endobronchial tube during anesthesia for these surgeries has been a controversial. 385 palmar hyperhidrosis patients divided into three groups: group I, under alterative one lung ventilation anesthesia with double-lumen endobronchial tube; group II, under alterative one lung ventilation anesthesia with single-lumen endobronchial tube; group III, under two lung ventilation anesthesia with single-lumen endobronchial tube were studied. All had received bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The age of patients ranged from 8 to 64 years old. There were 154 male and 231 female. The average anesthesia durations for group I, II and III were 38.56 +/- 10.28, 34.14 +/- 5.21, 31.83 +/- 3.34 min respectively. The variables considered in the study were: physique of the patients; duration of anesthesia; airway pressure changes; SaO2 changes during the operation and post-anesthesia complaints. We found that upon using double-lumen endobronchial tube, SaO2 levels was better maintained especially in the obese patients and the patients who had received a traditional surgical operation before.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

The chronic effects of long-term digoxin administration on Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in rat tissues.

We have studied the effects of digoxin administration on Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in heart, liver, muscle, renal medulla and aorta in the rat. Adult male rats were either treated with digoxin for 3 days, 7 days (5 mg/kg per day) or 3 months (3 mg/kg per day). Another group of rats were treated with the vehicle as controls. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were taken for digoxin measurements, the animals were sacrificed, and the heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle and aorta were removed, homogenised and assayed for Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity. In all tissues except the aorta Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity was measured by an enzyme coupled reaction. Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in the aorta was measured by a fluorometric potassium dependent 3-O-methyl fluorescein phosphatase activity. Plasma digoxin concentration in the digoxin group was 5.34 nmol/l (S.E.M., 0.09) in the 3-day group and 4.38 (0.68) and 4.89 (0.73) nmol/l in the 7-day and 3-month groups, respectively. After treatment for 3 days and 7 days, the Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in all tissues was significantly lower in the digoxin group (the decrease in activity ranging from 13.4% in muscle to 46.9% in the renal medulla). After 3 months of treatment, Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in all the tissues except the aorta was similar in the digoxin and control groups. In the aorta the activity remained low. We conclude that in rats digoxin administration causes upregulation of the Na+/K(+)-ATPase in most tissues.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Effects of syntactic structure in the memory of concrete and abstract Chinese sentences.

Smith (1981) found that concrete English sentences were better recognized than abstract sentences and that this concreteness effect was potent only when the concrete sentence was also affirmative but the effect switched to an opposite end when the concrete sentence was negative. These results were partially replicated in Experiment 1 by using materials from a very different language (i.e., Chinese): concrete-affirmative sentences were better remembered than concrete-negative and abstract sentences, but no reliable difference was found between the latter two types. In Experiment 2, the task was modified by using a visual presentation instead of an oral one as in Experiment 1. Both concrete-affirmative and concrete-negative sentences were better memorized then abstract ones in Experiment 2. The findings in the two experiments are explained by a combination of the dual-coding model and Marschark's (1985) item-specific and relational processing. The differential effects of experience with different language systems on processing verbal materials in memory are also discussed.

China↗

PubMed1993

Dietary electrolytes and urinary natriuretic factors.

We examined the relationship between the excretion of electrolytes (sodium, potassium and calcium), dopamine and digoxin-like immunoreactive substance in 41 young healthy female subjects (age 18-23 years) in order to study the interaction of electrolyte intake on dopamine and digoxin-like immunoreactive substance--factors which have been postulated to have a pathogenic role in hypertension. Sodium excretion was significantly correlated with dopamine excretion (r = 0.545, P < 0.0005) and digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (r = 0.359, P < 0.02). There was also a significant correlation between calcium and digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (r = 0.345, P < 0.03). Stepwise multiple regression analysis further confirmed that sodium is the only contributor to dopamine excretion and calcium is the only contributor to digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (r2 = 0.114). We conclude that in young healthy subjects dopamine excretion is determined partly by sodium intake and that the excretion of digoxin-like immunoreactive substance is independent of sodium intake.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

In vitro evaluation of gallstone dissolution with methyl-tert-butyl ether and ultrasound energy.

Given the large number of cholecystectomies performed annually, a nonsurgical approach to gallstone therapy is of great interest. A laboratory ultrasound system has been developed to study enhancement of methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) dissolution of human gallstones in vitro. A mathematical model that quantitatively characterizes the dissolution process via a rate constant has been developed. Using this model, the kinetics of 15 gallstones from a single patient were evaluated for three dissolution methods: 1) unstirred MTBE, 2) aspirated MTBE, and 3) ultrasonically enhanced MTBE. The results showed excellent fits between the model and measured dissolution rates. 195 kHz continuous-wave (CW) ultrasonically enhanced dissolution rates exhibited a 6.2 fold gain over the manually aspirated MTBE and a 49.5 fold gain over static MTBE dissolution. Investigation of 50% duty cycle pulsed mode ultrasound revealed that total power appears to be the determinant of the observed dissolution rates. Gallstone calcification showed a strong correlation with dissolution rates measured by the model.

Cholelithiasis↗

PubMed1993

[An investigation on public awareness, attitude and behavior toward drinking water quality in Taiwan].

The objective of this study was to investigate the public awareness, attitude and behavior toward drinking water quality. The results showed that (1) Overall, 80.6% of those responding to the survey rated their local drinking water quality as above average or better. (2) Even though most people were happy with the present quality of their drinking water, 79.2% of the public characterized themselves as concerned about encountering substances in drinking water in their lifetime that could lead to bad health effect or death. (3) 73.8% of the survey respondents never examined the water facilities for their own use.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Transrectal drainage of deep pelvic collections under fluoroscopic guidance.

Although transrectal drainage of pelvic fluid collections, guided by fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US), has been reported, the cumulative experience is small. The authors describe a technique for fluoroscopically guided transrectal drainage and present the results obtained for 13 patients. Each patient underwent diagnostic CT and then fluoroscopically guided drainage. A barium enema tube assembly, consisting of an enema tube, a Lunderquist PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram) needle and a small portion of a red rubber catheter, was used to facilitate insertion of the drainage catheter. The procedure was defined as successful if complete clearance occurred after drainage, as temporizing if partial drainage was achieved and clinical improvement occurred, and as failed if the collection showed no response to drainage. Twelve of the patients had abscesses, 9 of which were successfully treated by drainage alone; one drainage was temporizing and two failed. The collection in the last patient represented a hematoma, which did not respond to drainage. The authors conclude that the technique they describe is suitable for draining moderate to large pelvic abscesses. The procedure is safe and can easily be performed in both male and female patients.

Abscess↗

PubMed1993

Percutaneous radiologic drainage of pelvic abscesses.

Several radiologically-guided approaches to drainage of pelvic abscesses have been described in recent years. Previously, surgery was deemed the only option in many such cases. We employed these radiologic techniques in a heterogenous group of 32 patients. Ten patients in this group were drained by the transgluteal route; 12 transrectally (one transvaginally also) and ten via the presacral route. Twenty-four patients had abscess formation as a complication of recent abdomino-pelvic surgery; eight from other causes. Six patients had multiple abscesses. Technical success was achieved in 28/32 (88%) patients. No periprocedural complications were noted. Thirty-day mortality was 9% (three patients). Twenty-one patients (65%) improved clinically post procedure; 16 of them had no further surgical intervention. Five patients had surgery to treat underlying disease. Of the seven patients who did not improve, five underwent surgical drainage of whom two died from multi-organ failure. Three had successful surgery (one combined with further radiologic drainage). One patient had a second percutaneous drainage and the remaining patient died. The pelvic location of an abscess or collection should not preclude radiologically-guided drainage and clinicians should be aware of these techniques.

Abscess↗

PubMed1992

Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy.

Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy is comparable to endoscopic gastrotomy in its simplicity, high success rate and lack of complications. Furthermore, it compares favourably with endoscopic gastrostomy in significant aspects such as a lower incidence of wound infection, reduced risk of aspiration and ease of conversion to jejunal placement. There are also fewer contraindications to radiologic placement and the cost is likely to be less than for endoscopic gastrostomy. Since the emergence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, clinicians have been re-evaluating the role of the gastrostomy in managing patients requiring nutritional support or gastrointestinal decompression. Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy is an eminently suitable alternative to endoscopic or surgical gastrostomy.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

The management of problematic biliary calculi.

Recent advances in modern medical technology have significantly reduced the number of patients with 'problematic calculi'. When a patient does present with a difficult bile duct stone, various non-surgical treatment options are now available. In experienced hands, with healthy or high-risk patients, percutaneous treatment is as safe and as efficacious as endoscopy or surgery. Since it does not require general anaesthesia, and patients recover much more quickly than after surgery, the percutaneous approach is preferred when endoscopy fails to achieve ductal clearance. Surgery is indicated for patients with lesions requiring surgical removal or correction, but seldom for removal of biliary calculi alone.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗

PubMed1992

Atrial natriuretic peptide and urinary dopamine output in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

1. Disturbances of sodium and water homoeostasis may contribute to the close association between diabetes, hypertension and proteinuria. We therefore studied the patterns of two natriuretic hormones, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and urinary dopamine, in 165 Chinese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus controlled by diet or oral hypoglycaemic agents on two occasions over a 6-week period. Patients were divided into three groups based on the mean value of two 24h urinary albumin excretion measurements. In group 1, 88 patients had normoalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion < or = 30 mg/day), in group 2, 48 patients had microalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion between 30 and 300 mg/day), and in group 3, 29 patients had macroalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion > or = 300 mg/day). 2. The supine systolic blood pressure (mean +/- SD) was higher in patients with abnormal albuminuria (group 1: 140.9 +/- 27.4 mmHg; group 2: 158.1 +/- 26.4 mmHg; group 3: 166.7 +/- 23.9 mmHg; F = 13.1, P < 0.001, analysis of variance). Urinary sodium output was similar in these three groups of patients. The geometric means (anti-logarithm of 95% confidence interval logarithm) of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations increased with increasing proteinuria [group 1: 33.3 (29.9-37.1) pg/ml; group 2: 39.1 (34.2-44.6) pg/ml; group 3: 50 (38.6-54.7) pg/ml; F = 4.24, P < 0.01; analysis of variance], whereas those of urinary dopamine output were related inversely to proteinuria [group 1: 1291.7 (1167.2-1437.0) nmol/day; group 2: 1142.3 (975.9-1337.2) nmol/day; group 3: 982.7 (775.7-1245) nmol/day; F = 3.10, P < 0.05, analysis of variance].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atrial Natriuretic Factor↗

PubMed1992

Accelerated gallstone dissolution in methyl tert-butyl ether by sonication. An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The authors tested the effect of 195 KHz therapeutic ultrasound energy on gallstone dissolution in concert with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in vitro. METHODS: Sixteen sets of three gallstones matched for weight and appearance were selected from 16 surgically resected human gallbladders. One stone from each set was analyzed for its density pattern by computed tomography (CT) and biochemically for cholesterol content. Based on CT appearance, the stones were classified into eight noncalcified, four partially calcified, and four heavily calcified sets. The three stones were subjected to dissolution with MTBE: one with simultaneous sonication via an experimental ultrasound unit, one with manual stirring, and one acted as control without added treatment. RESULTS: Sonication reduced the dissolution time of noncalcified stones by 96% (range, 94%-98%; standard deviation [SD], 2%) relative to controls, and it was three to four times more effective than manual stirring. It was similarly effective in helping to dissolve partially calcified stones, but not heavily calcified stones. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the positive effect of sonication in accelerating gallstone dissolution with MTBE in vitro for stones without heavy calcification.

Cholelithiasis↗

PubMed1992

The contribution of steroids to digoxin-like immunoreactivity in cord blood.

Samples of cord serum from 29 healthy neonates were analysed for digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS), cortisol, 17 beta-oestradiol, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), androstenedione, oestriol and ouabain-like activity (OLA; by inhibition of Na+, K+ATPase activity). The mean serum concentration of DLIS was 0.91 (SD = 0.19) nmol/L and the mean OLA was 26.1 (SD = 11.5) nmol/L. There was no correlation between DLIS and OLA. DLIS correlated significantly with oestriol (r = 0.521), progesterone (r = 0.534) and 17OHP (r = 0.43). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that 17 beta-oestradiol, progesterone and androstenedione contributed to DLIS and the intercept was 0.64 (SD = 0.127). The concentrations of steroids (17 beta-oestradiol, progesterone, androstenedione) required to displace digoxin by 50% in the digoxin immunoassay and inhibit Na+,K+ATPase in the OLA assay were 10(3)-10(4)-fold higher than those found in cord serum. We conclude that the contribution of these steroids to DLIS is small and that DLIS and OLA measure different compounds.

Cross Reactions↗

PubMed1992

Interrelationships between urinary sodium, calcium, hydroxyproline and serum PTH in healthy subjects.

The effect of sodium intake on the excretion of calcium, hydroxyproline (OHP) and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was examined. When seven healthy males increased their sodium intake by 200 mmol/day, excretion of calcium increased by 1.70 mmol/day and that of OHP by 27%. Serum PTH, however, did not increase significantly. In a cross-sectional study of 334 healthy female subjects there were strong positive correlations between fasting urinary sodium/creatinine (Na/Cr) and calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) ratios (r = 0.573) and between Na/Cr and urinary OHP/Cr ratios (r = 0.246). Serum PTH was negatively correlated with Na/Cr ratio (r = -0.161). We conclude that an increase in dietary sodium causes calciuria and an increase in hydroxyproline excretion. The results do not support the hypothesis that this is mediated by PTH.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Percutaneous gastrostomy and transgastric jejunostomy.

Gastrostomy for feeding or decompression of the stomach or small intestine can be performed by using surgical or percutaneous, nonsurgical techniques. Although use of the surgical technique is well established, recent interest has focused on the nonsurgical methods because of their lower rates of morbidity. Percutaneous gastrostomy by either the endoscopic or the fluoroscopically guided Seldinger technique was introduced in the early 1980s. A number of technical modifications have been described, and sufficient clinical data have been accumulated and published to validate the safety of the percutaneous approach. Several published studies compare surgical with nonsurgical gastrostomy, but none compare the two percutaneous techniques. The purpose of this article is to review the current status of the fluoroscopically guided technique, its indications, and its results and to examine the relative merits of the surgical and nonsurgical techniques.

Enteral Nutrition↗