Biomedical subjects

C Y Li

Publications and source records attributed to C Y Li.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

The agreement between self-reporting and clinical diagnosis for selected medical conditions among the elderly in Taiwan.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to consider whether there is agreement between self-report and clinical diagnosis in the prevalence of selected common chronic diseases among elderly Taiwanese. Between July 1992 and June 1993, both face-to-face interview and clinical evaluation were applied to a sample of 228 Taiwanese aged 65 y and older to estimate the prevalence of heart diseases, hypertension and diabetes. The results showed that a self-reported history of diabetes had the highest sensitivity (66. 7%) and specificity (95.2%). The self-report of heart diseases was the least sensitive (20.5%), while self-reports of hypertension was the least specific (82.8%). Multivariate analyses showed that age, education and number of self-reported diseases suffered from, appeared to influence the accuracy of the self reported data. Our data suggest a notable lack of agreement abetween self-report and clinical diagnosis for medical conditions, even for those with clear and unambiguous diagnostic criteria. The elderly in Taiwan tended to under report (with a consistently higher false negative rate than false positive rate) the existence of the three selected medical conditions. This was especially so for heart diseases. Our findings suggest that, if the level of disease prevalence in the population needs to be known for health planning estimates for hypertension and diabetes would not necessarily be a problem. However, the prevalence for heart disease would be seriously under-estimated. We also argue that information obtained by self-report should be validated before use, especially in the case of assessment of the prevalence of medical conditions in the elderly.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Neural electrophysiological effect of crude venom of conus textile from the south China Sea.

In the present study, we characterized effects of the crude venom from Conus textile, a marine molluscivorous snail collected from the South China Sea, on neural electrophysiological activity in insect, molluscan and mammalian species. Our results demonstrate that the venom reversibly blocks the cholinergic synaptic transmission of cockroach Periplaneta americana central nervous system, partially blocks Na(+) currents in rat hippocampal CA(1) pyramidal neurons, and enhances the excitability and spontaneous activity of the giant neurons of garden snail Achatina fulica.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Bacterial endobionts in the big non-mycorrhizal roots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.).

Subsurface bacterial growth occurred in an N-free medium inoculated with interior tissues of big non-mycorrhizal roots (7 to 8 mm diameter) of 15-20 years-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing on sand dunes at the Baltic Sea of Poland. The bacteria were not N2 fixers as determined by the acetylene reduction method. Light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic observations revealed massive bacterial clusters residing in the cortical cells underlying epidermis and parenchyma. The bacteria produced yellow-green pigments on King's medium, which fluoresced under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at 366 nm wavelength, and could be a siderophore-producing Pseudomonas.

Cycadopsida↗

PubMed2000

Role of incipient angiogenesis in cancer metastasis.

Metastasis is the primary cause of mortality in cancer patients. Angiogenesis is intimately involved in metastasis at the site of entry of tumor cells into the vasculature and at the site of eventual metastasis growth. In this commentary, we review current paradigms regarding angiogenesis in metastatic sites. Recent discoveries challenge some of the existing paradigms. Significant prior data suggest that successful formation of metastases requires: 1) angiogenesis in the primary tumor site; 2) downregulation of cohesive molecules and tumor cell increased motility, resulting in invasion into neovessels; 3) tumor cell embolism; 4) arrest and attachment in capillary beds of distant organs; 5) extravasation and proliferation in the organ parenchyma; and 6) re-establishment of angiogenesis when the tumor reaches > 1-2 mm in size [1]. While most recent data largely confirm the aforementioned sequence of events, a few reports have revealed new knowledge about the earliest phases of angiogenesis of metastases. Of particular importance has been the ability to create tumor cell lines that are stably transfected with reporter genes, such as green fluorescence protein. With these tools it is now literally possible to monitor tumor formation from a single cell [2-7].

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Megakaryocyte c-Mpl expression in chronic myeloproliferative disorders and the myelodysplastic syndrome: immunoperoxidase staining patterns and clinical correlates.

The objectives of this study were to expand on recent observations that have suggested decreased thrombopoietin receptor (c-Mpl) expression in megakaryocytes of patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM). We applied an immunoperoxidase method with anti-c-Mpl antibody to 55 bone marrow sections from previously untreated patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorder (CMPD) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). These included 8 patients with PV, 15 with AMM, 9 with essential thrombocythemia, 5 with chronic myelocytic leukemia, 9 with the 5q-syndrome and 9 with MDS with fibrosis. The findings were compared with those in four patients with reactive erythrocytosis (RE), six with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and five normal controls. Staining intensity (SI) was moderate to strong both in normal controls and in patients with RE or ITP. In contrast, SI was weak in variable proportions of the megakaryocytes in every one of the aforementioned clonal myeloid disorders. The staining pattern (SP) was relatively uniform in MDS and heterogeneous in CMPD. Neither SI nor SP was significantly correlated with certain clinical or laboratory parameters. We concluded that altered megakaryocyte c-Mpl expression may be a nonspecific phenomenon in various subtypes of both CMPD and MDS. However, the characteristic staining patterns may complement the morphological distinction between clonal and reactive myeloproliferation.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Image analysis and flow cytometric DNA studies of benign and malignant body cavity fluids: reappraisal of the role of current methods in the differential diagnosis of reactive versus malignant conditions.

Cytologic examination of body fluids is commonly performed in the clinical laboratory. Determination of the presence of malignancy may sometimes be difficult. In this study, we prospectively studied 60 body fluids with a panel of antibodies, including MOC-31, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, B72.3, keratin, desmin, and CA-125. DNA and S-phase studies were performed both by flow cytometry and image analysis. Thirty-seven fluids were classified as benign and 23 were classified as malignant. The sensitivity of the antibodies for identification of carcinoma in descending order of percentage detection rate were MOC-31 (95%), epithelial membrane antigen (93%), B72.3 (84%), and carcinoembryonic antigen (80%). Desmin stained mesothelial cells in all cases. CA-125 gave similar results but was less specific. Flow cytometry detected 14 of 20 malignant fluids and image analysis 17 of 23 by identifying an aneuploid population. Benign reactive mesothelial cells were not aneuploid. Tetraploidy due to reactive mesothelial cells was found in 9 of 37 body fluids. Their S-phase fraction was low (average, 3.2%). Tetraploidy in malignant cells was distinguished from the reactive mesothelial cells by high S-phase (average, 25.95). S-phase had some use as a discriminating factor, because no benign reactive cases had more than 17%. However, 7 of 23 malignant cases had a value below 17%. DNA analysis by image was more sensitive and specific than flow. Either may be used when immunocytochemistry is nondiagnostic or cannot be performed.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Special postpartum dietary practices of Hong Kong Chinese women.

OBJECTIVE: A 'ginger vinegar soup' and other special dietary practices have been traditionally recommended for postpartum Chinese women. This paper describes these practices in the first 6 weeks postpartum, and details of the calcium and iron content of the 'ginger vinegar soup'. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Results of this paper were generated from a longitudinal study on the nutritional status of Hong Kong Chinese postpartum women. 'Ginger vinegar soup' samples were collected at the 2 week home visits. Calcium and iron content were measured by the combination of dry ashing method and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were compared with other types of soup and food sources. A food frequency questionnaire was completed at the 6 week interview to assess the special dietary practices during this period. RESULTS: Fifty-one subjects completed the food frequency questionnaires. Twenty-two ginger vinegar soup samples and six other soup samples were collected. Consumption of special food items such as ginger, pig's trotters, egg and chicken varied greatly among subjects. More poultry and similar amounts of egg were consumed by our subjects as compared with the Hong Kong general population. Chicken soup and ginger vinegar soup were commonly consumed. Median calcium and iron contents of the ginger vinegar soup were 4.65 and 0.84 mg/dl, respectively. This calcium content was higher than that of the other six soup samples, but was low as compared with other calcium-rich foods. Iron content of ginger vinegar soup was higher than that of the other six samples and was comparable to some iron-rich foods. CONCLUSIONS: Hong Kong Chinese postpartum women followed traditional dietary practices to different degrees. These practices were characterized by an increased poultry consumption. Iron content of ginger vinegar soup was comparable to some iron-rich foods.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Breastfeeding failure in a longitudinal post-partum maternal nutrition study in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: To describe factors associated with breastfeeding failure during the first 6 months post-partum in a sample of Hong Kong Chinese women participating in a longitudinal study of maternal nutrition. METHODOLOGY: Forty-four Hong Kong Chinese lactating mothers who intended to breastfeed exclusively for at least 3 months were recruited and followed for 6 months post-partum. Demographic data were compared with 20 mothers who intended to use formula feeding. Mothers were followed up at 2 and 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months and details of infant feeding practices were obtained. Information was sought on breastfeeding management in hospital, reasons for discontinuation of breastfeeding or for providing supplements to babies and intention to seek, and sources of, lactation support. RESULTS: Thirty-nine mothers who planned to breastfeed completed the follow up. Compared with mothers in the formula-feeding group, breastfeeding mothers were more likely to be professionals or housewives. Continuation of any breastfeeding (total and partial) was noted in 30 (77%), 22 (57%), 16 (41%) and 12 (31%) mothers at 2 and 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months post-partum, respectively. The majority (97%) of mothers stated that they were given information on the benefits and management of breastfeeding. However, late initiation of breastfeeding and providing supplements to babies were common. Perceptions of insufficient milk supply (44%), breast problems (31%) and being too tired (28%) were the main reasons stated for stopping breastfeeding or for providing supplements to babies. Midwives from the postnatal wards and hotlines were the main sources of lactation support. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight difficulties in sustaining breastfeeding, either exclusive or partial, in Hong Kong Chinese women. Despite being recruited on the basis of intending to exclusively breastfeed for 3 months, less than half these mothers were still breastfeeding and only approximately one-third were exclusively or predominantly breastfeeding at 3 months. More needs to be done within the hospital environment to initiate breastfeeding immediately after birth and to avoid giving unnecessary supplements and more effort is needed to foster a mother's confidence, commitment and knowledge of breastfeeding.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising in pleomorphic adenoma of the palate.

A case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) in pleomorphic adenoma (PA) occurring in the palate of a 72-year-old woman is reported. The tumor was composed of 2 different components, PA and EMC, accounting for approximately 40% and 60% of the whole tumor, respectively. The EMC showed multiple tubular or solid nests, which were separated by a basement membrane and consisted of variable proportions of 2 cell types, cuboidal epithelial cells positive for cytokeratin and clear myoepithelial cells positive for glial fibrillary acid protein, whereas the myoepithelial nests of PA intermingled with hyaline and myxoid stroma. The malignancy was demonstrated by convincing evidence of invasion into the submucosa, although the EMC component was mostly surrounded by the PA components. An increased immunoreactivity of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the EMC area in comparison to the PA area also suggested EMC arising in a PA.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

PubMed2000

Longest held occupation in a lifetime and risk of disability in activities of daily living.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between the longest held occupation in a lifetime and risk of disability in activities of daily living (ADL) among elderly people (65 years and older) in northern Taiwan. METHODS: A case-control design was used nested within two cohorts of a total of 2198 elderly people who had been followed up either between 1993 and 1997 or between 1996 and 1997. Cases were 360 elderly people with ADL disability within the study period. For each case, two sex matched controls were randomly sampled from the pool of elderly people free from ADL disability. Occupational data were collected through interviews conducted in 1997. Performed job contents were classified into occupational categories and occupation based social classes. Unconditional logistic regression techniques were used to estimate relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of ADL disability. RESULTS: Compared with people who were former legislators, government administrators, or business executives and managers, workers in agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, or fishing (odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.5) and workers in craft and related trades (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.4) had significantly increased risks of subsequent ADL disability. Differential risks of ADL disability were found across social classes, with a significant dose-response trend in which unskilled blue collar workers had an 1.8 times higher risk of ADL disability than higher social classes of white collar workers. CONCLUSIONS: After adjustment for education, there was still an inverse relation between risk of ADL disability and social class. Although total control for all the known risk factors for ADL disability among elderly people was impossible, the results tend to suggest a potential for an effect of longest held occupation in a lifetime on risk of ADL disability.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2000

Cellular distribution of platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, basic fibroblast growth factor, and their receptors in normal bone marrow.

We performed an immunohistochemical study on 5 normal marrow samples and 3 fibrotic marrow samples to investigate the cellular distribution of various isoforms of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and their corresponding receptors. Immature hematopoietic precursors strongly expressed PDGF-B, all the TGF-beta isoforms, PDGFRbeta, TGFbetaRI and II, and FGFR1, 3, and 4. Megakaryocytes stained primarily for PDGF-B, TGF-beta2-3, and PDGFRbeta. Histiocytes displayed intense TGF-beta1, bFGF, and FGFR2 expression. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells carried receptors for all the aforementioned cytokines. The last 2 cell types also expressed the ligand cytokines to varied degrees.

Bone Marrow Cells↗

PubMed2000

von Willebrand factor is the most reliable immunohistochemical marker for megakaryocytes of myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic myeloproliferative disorders.

To find the best immunohistochemical marker for megakaryocytes in normal marrow, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD), 57 marrow biopsy specimens were studied semiquantitatively with immunohistochemical methods using a panel of 7 antibodies. The staining intensity was graded 0 to 3 for scoring 100 consecutive megakaryocytes in each stained section. The final score for each stain was the sum of these 100 megakaryocytes individually multiplied by their corresponding grade. In normal marrow (11 cases), the average scores for antivon Willebrand factor (vWF) and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1) were 177.1 and 195.1, respectively. The scores for the other 5 markers, including anti-platelet-derived growth factor-BB, 2 anti-transforming growth factor-beta 3, anti-CD61, and anti-CD79a ranged from 96.1 to 124.1. In MDS (27 cases), the scores were 200.8 (vWF), 152.6 (UEA-1), and 28.7 to 98.5 (others). In CMPD (19 cases), the scores were 220.5 (vWF), 179.2 (UAE-1), and 64.8 to 101.2 (others). These results show that vWF and UEA-1 are good immunohistochemical markers for megakaryocytes in normal marrow, and vWF is the best marker in MDS and CMPD. For routine practice, vWF is the most reliable marker for identifying atypical megakaryocytes, especially in the cases of 5q-syndrome and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2000

Occupational exposures of pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants to 60 Hz magnetic fields.

We carried out the study to assess, using field surveys and personal dosimetry, the potential exposure of pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants to 60 Hz magnetic fields in a medical center of Taiwan. Field surveys were conducted twice in the pharmacy where two workers were randomly selected and solicited to wear personal dosimetry instruments for a full-shift assessment of personal exposure. We used an EMDEX II for on site measurements and did not consider any specific instrument or equipment for health care services as potential sources of magnetic field. The results showed that the average magnetic flux densities for the selected areas were between 0.63 mill-Gauss (mG) and 2.23 mG, while the full-shift time-weighted-average exposure for the two selected workers was 4.98 mG and 6.54 mG, respectively. Both inadequate consideration for the field survey of the temporal variability in magnetic flux densities over the workday and that the monitored workers spent almost half of the full-shift working in places outside of the study areas may have contributed to such discrepancy in results between field survey and personal dosimetry. This study suggests that the potential for elevated exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields in health care settings does exist, and that using job title as a surrogate for magnetic fields exposure classification might entail certain degrees of misclassification. Although limited in its scope and sample size, the study presented here seems to demonstrate the inadequacy of using stationary workplace measurements for the assessment of personal occupational exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields.

Allied Health Personnel↗

PubMed2000

Biomechanical evaluation of foot pressure and loading force during gait in rheumatoid arthritic patients with and without foot orthosis.

Foot orthoses are commonly used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to support the foot and relieve pain, however little is known about the biomechanical effects of in-shoe foot orthoses in reducing or redistributing high pressures and loading forces. The purpose of this study was to compare the foot pressures and loading forces during gait in rheumatoid arthritic patients and healthy subjects, and evaluate the biomechanical effects of the foot orthoses in the RA patients. Twelve female RA patients with foot pain in walking, all Steinbrocker class II, and 8 healthy women without foot pain were matched for age. Foot pressures and loading forces with and without orthoses were measured using the F-Scan program. The pressure distributions and loading forces were standardized by the body weight and compared, and the effects of the foot orthoses were evaluated. The foot orthoses of RA patients provided higher pressure reduction than those of the control group (3.00 +/- 0.38 g/cm2/BW and 3.29 +/- 0.29 g/cm2/BW respectively, p < 0.001). Similar redistribution of plantar pressures and loading forces were found between two groups but the RA patients had a greater change at the stance phase of gait (p < 0.0001). The foot orthosis produces greater pressure and loading force relief and redistribution in RA patients than in normal subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Primary localized amyloidosis of the urinary bladder: a case series of 31 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presentation and prognosis of primary localized amyloidosis of the urinary bladder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 31 patients with primary localized amyloidosis of the urinary bladder were reviewed. Immunohistochemical amyloid typing was performed on bladder biopsy specimens from 27 patients. RESULTS: The median age of the 22 men and 9 women was 55 years. Twenty-four patients (77%) presented with gross hematuria (associated with irritative urinary tract symptoms in 6 patients), and 7 (23%) had only irritative lower urinary tract symptoms. Multiple bladder areas were involved in 20 patients (65%), a single area was involved in 8 (26%), and diffuse involvement was present in 3 (10%). Twenty-four patients had immunoglobulin light chain, and 3 had transthyretin-related amyloid. Local recurrences were common. None of the patients developed systemic amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: Primary localized amyloidosis of the urinary bladder can be easily confused with a neoplasm. Immunohistochemical amyloid typing is important. Transthyretin-related amyloid of the bladder requires no further work-up. Repeated work-ups for systemic amyloidosis are unnecessary for patients with light chain-related amyloidosis of the urinary bladder. Early eradication with fulguration or laser therapy is indicated. Cystoscopic follow-up is necessary.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[AFLP analysis of photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterile(PGMS) rice mutant lines].

The reaction conditions for rice AFLP assay were optimized. The relative efficiencies for polymorphism detection of RFLP, RAPD and AFLP were compared through the analysis between a pair of PGMS allelic mutant lines(NK58S and NK58F). Results indicated that the efficiency for polymorphism detection in rice is in the order of AFLP > RAPD > RFLP, and also indicated that AFLP is a powerful DNA molecular marker technique for polymorphism detection, especially in the cases of extremely low polymorphism, such as isogeneic lines and allelic mutant lines. The advantages and disadvantages of these three molecular marker systems were discussed. Using AFLP in conjunction with bulked segregating analysis, 5106 AFLP loci were screened and 9 of them showed polymorphism between NK58S and NK58F, 4 of the polymorphic AFLP products were cloned, Southern bloting analysis showed that two of them were single copy sequences while the other two were low copy sequences in rice genome.

Mutation↗

PubMed2000

Bone marrow histochemical studies of fibrogenic cytokines and their receptors in myelodysplastic syndrome with myelofibrosis and related disorders.

Cellular and extracellular alterations of various fibrogenic cytokines have been described in a number of different chronic myeloid disorders that are associated with myelofibrosis. However, the available information related to both myelodysplastic syndrome with myelofibrosis (MDS-f) and bone marrow histochemical analysis is limited. In the current study, bone marrow immunohistochemical staining for platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and their receptors was performed in 9 patients with MDS-f, 9 patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), 8 patients with 5q- syndrome, and 5 healthy control subjects. In addition, TGF-beta1 messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis was performed in 5 patients, each with MDS-f, myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM), polycythemia vera (PV), ET, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and in healthy control subjects. In general, protein and transcript expression patterns were similar to normal patterns and not significantly different among the various disease groups. The only exception was a reduced concentration of bFGF-expressing stromal cells in patients with PV, ET, and MMM.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Experimental study on repair of peripheral nerve defect by basic fibroblast growth factor combined with autogenous vein graft conduit].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with autogenous vein graft conduit on peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS: Fifty four New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups. The main trunk of sciatic nerve of rabbit in one side was severed and bridged by autogenous vein. 0.2 ml bFGF solution (4,000 U/ml) was intravenously injected to the vein graft conduit as group A, the same amount of saline solution as group B, and no solution injection as group C. Microscopic examination, axon video analysis and nerve conduct velocity were performed at the 10th, 30th, and 100th day after operation. RESULTS: The nerve fibers were grown into vein graft conduit in all groups at 30th after operation, they were more and regular in group A than that of group B and C, and the axon regeneration rate in group A was more than that of group B and C. CONCLUSION: bFGF combined with autogenous vein graft conduit can markedly promote nerve regeneration.

Animals↗