Uptake and elimination of cadmium by Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, at various temperatures.
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Anguilla↗
Biomedical subjects
H C Chen
Publications and source records attributed to H C Chen.
Rapid detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters by immunofluorescence microscopy.
A method of indirect immunofluorescence microscopy was developed for the rapid detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters. Affinity-purified antibodies against two outer membrane proteins (molecular mass 36 and 34 kDa, respectively) of V. parahaemolyticus were used as the primary antibodies to label the vibrio, and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G was used to reveal the antigen-antibody reaction. Of 85 strains of V. parahaemolyticus tested, all produced strong fluorescence under the fluorescence microscope. However, for 63 strains (including 27 vibrios) of other bacteria tested, 6 produced weak to moderate fluorescence. The sensitivity and specificity of the immunostaining technique were 100 and 90.5%, respectively. In the inoculation experiments, as low as 1.7 CFU/g of V. parahaemolyticus spiked in oysters could be detected by the immunostaining method after 18-h enrichment in alkaline peptone water containing 3% NaCl. The immunofluorescence microscopy is recommended for rapid screening of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters; a presumptive positive result could be obtained within 24 h.
Animals↗
Transbasal nasal polyposis masquerading as a skull base malignancy.
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Diagnosis, Differential↗
Inhibition of hepatitis B surface antigen secretion on human hepatoma cells. Components from Rubia cordifolia.
The antiviral activity in the roots of Rubia cordifolia was examined, and three naphthohydroquinones, furomollugin (1), mollugin (2), and rubilactone (3), were isolated from it. Compounds 1 and 2 strongly suppressed the secretion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), both with IC50 = 2.0 micrograms/mL, in human hepatoma Hep3B cells while having little effect on the viability of the cells. Evaluation of structurally related derivatives of 1 and 2 revealed that a 6-hydroxy group and a pyran or furan ring contribute to this suppressive effect.
Animals↗
Regional retinal blood flow and vascular autoregulation.
The temporal retina is larger than the nasal retina and contains the metabolically active fovea. The variation in the distribution of blood between the temporal and nasal retinal circulations was investigated in 15 healthy volunteers, and the autoregulatory capacity of the temporal and nasal circulations was quantitated using 60% oxygen in the inspired air. Retinal blood flow was determined from red cell velocity using laser Doppler velocimetry and retinal vessel diameter from retinal photographs using a digital image analysis system. Volume flow was lower in the nasal than the temporal circulation by 52.49% (p < 0.001). This is a consequence of both significantly smaller vessels (20.4%, p < 0.001) and slower blood velocity in the nasal circulation (24.64%, p = 0.003) compared with the temporal vessels. After breathing 60% oxygen for 10 minutes, there was significant vasoconstriction (temporal, 10.42 +/- 1.24%, p < 0.001; nasal, 7.66 +/- 1.48%, p < 0.001), slower red cell velocity (temporal, 27.10 +/- 3.92%, p < 0.001; nasal, 27.36 +/- 5.51%, p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in the volumetric flow rate (temporal, 41.16 +/- 3.64%, p < 0.001; nasal, 37.99 +/- 5.07%, p < 0.001). The reduction in the haemodynamic parameters was comparable in the temporal and nasal circulations, indicating similar autoregulatory capacity. Retinal vascular conductance was calculated from volume flow and retinal perfusion pressure. It was 53% larger in the temporal than the nasal circulations. This provides an index of the metabolic needs of the different regions of the retina.
Adult↗
Stepping over obstacles: dividing attention impairs performance of old more than young adults.
BACKGROUND: Tripping over an obstacle is a common cause of falls in the elderly. An earlier study of abilities to avoid stepping on suddenly appearing obstacles found that, although healthy old adults had a lower rate-of-success than young adults, the magnitude of that difference was not large. The present study inquired whether dividing attention during such a task would differentially affect young and old healthy adults. METHODS: Rates-of-success were observed in 16 young and 16 old healthy adults (mean ages 24 and 72 years) in avoiding stepping on a band of light that was suddenly projected across their gait path while they walked at their comfortable gait speed. This virtual obstacle was placed at predicted next-footfall locations to give 350 or 450 msec available response times before footfall. During most of the trials the subjects were asked, in addition to trying not to step on the obstacle, simultaneously to respond vocally as quickly as possible when red lights near the end of the walkway turned on. These attention-dividing reaction time tests were of two types: synchronized, when only red lights lit at intervals synchronized with the appearance of the obstacle, and unsynchronized, when green or yellow lights lit in addition to the red lights, with lighting intervals not synchronized with the appearance of the obstacle. RESULTS: When synchronized and unsynchronized reaction time tests were conducted concurrently with the obstacle avoidance tasks, mean rates-of-success in avoidance decreased significantly in both young and old adults. With available response times of 350 msec, mean success rates decreased from their no-division values in the young adults by 14.7% for synchronized reaction and by 19.9% for unsynchronized reaction, attention-dividing tests. Corresponding mean decreases for the old adults were 32.0 and 35.7%. This age difference in the effects of dividing attention was significant. CONCLUSION: Both young and old adults had a significantly increased risk of obstacle contact while negotiating obstacles when their attention was divided, but dividing attention degraded obstacle avoidance abilities of the old significantly more than it did in the young. Diminished abilities to respond to physical hazards present in the environment when attention is directed elsewhere may partially account for high rates of falls among the elderly.
Accidental Falls↗
Microvascular free posterior interosseous flap and a comparison with the pedicled posterior interosseous flap.
The posterior interosseous flap has been used as a pedicled flap for coverage of hand wounds. However, the pedicled flap is associated with partial or even complete loss when there is venous congestion. This happens because it depends on retrograde venous drainage. Another pitfall of the pedicled posterior interosseous flap is the undetected damage to the communicating vessels between the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries before surgery. This would result in failure if the flap is used as a distally based flap. Thirty-four patients had been reconstructed with the microvascular free posterior interosseous flap. The free flap has a large draining vein. Flap survival rate was 97%. There was no venous congestion and no partial loss of the flap. It is thin, sensate, and reliable. The free posterior interosseous flap is indicated for coverage of the following wounds: (1) first web space and thumb, (2) radial side of the index and ulnar side of the small finger if a cross-finger flap cannot be used, and (3) defects at the dorsum of multiple fingers. It can also be used as a free fascial flap. The free posterior interosseous flap provides a reliable option for coverage of hand wounds. Previously, another 14 patients with hand wounds had been reconstructed with a pedicled posterior interosseous flap. The results of pedicled and free posterior interosseous flaps are compared.
Adolescent↗
Salvage of a devascularized digit with free arterialized venous flap: a case report.
Significant soft tissue and vascular loss is always encountered in salvage of a devascularized digit that has sustained crush or avulsion injury. Ideal reconstruction should include repair of the vascular defect and provision of stable soft tissue coverage simultaneously in a single operation to facilitate early recovery and early rehabilitation. A venous flap is a composite cutaneous flap that contains a segment of vein traversing it. A free venous flap is used in a devascularized digit to cover the soft tissue defect and restore the digital circulation by perfusion of arterial blood through the flap's venous network (i.e., free arterialized venous flap). Satisfactory result, both for the flap and for the digit, is obtained. The free arterialized venous flap is a useful, up-to-date option for such dual-purpose reconstruction.
Debridement↗
Chronic volar dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb: a case report and review of the literature.
A 61-year-old man sustained a chronic volar dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. He did not present for treatment until he experienced recently progressive joint pain 2 year after injury. Arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint was performed to correct the deformity of the thumb because of its extensive tissue scarring and erosion of the articular cartilage of the metacarpal head. Six weeks of splint immobilization followed by a physiotherapy program allowed the patient to resume his daily activities with his right hand.
Arthrodesis↗
The salvage of a degloved hand skin flap by arteriovenous shunting.
Nine cases of hand degloving injuries were treated successfully with arteriovenous shunting technique. Of these nine cases, four were degloved from the wrist level and one from the forearm, three were degloved at the palm and one at the dorsum of the hand. All injuries resulted in distally based skin flaps, which were either superficial to the palmar fascia or within the subcutaneous layer. Lack of active bleeding from the periphery of the avulsed flaps substantiated circulatory compromise before revascularization. Survival of the avulsed flaps was achieved by directing the proximal arterial flow into the venous channel within the avulsed skin flaps. The post-operative care and rehabilitation were straightforward, and functional results were satisfactory.
Adolescent↗
Aesthetic refinements in toe-to-hand transfer surgery.
Techniques for aesthetic refinement are as important as those for functional improvement in toe-to-hand transfer. The appearance of the thumb reconstructed using various types of great toe transfer can be improved by reduction of the soft tissue, bone, interphalangeal joint, and nail and by secondary pulp reduction and contouring procedures. Finger and thumb reconstructions using lesser toes can be improved aesthetically by minimal inclusion of adipofibrous tissue under the plantar skin flap especially at the metatarsophalangeal joint region, thus decreasing the anterior-posterior bulkiness. Tight extensor repair, temporary K-pin fixation of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joint in extension, followed by prolonged use of a nighttime extension splint and secondary pulp reduction help to avoid the claw and drumstick appearances of the transferred lesser toe. Adequate soft-tissue coverage, cruciate skin incisions, extensive mobilization, and thinning and trimming of the skin flaps of the digital amputation stump lead to a smooth junction between the amputated digit and the transferred toe. In the distal digital reconstruction, skeletonization of medial and lateral neurovascular bundles of the harvested toe helps primary closure of the digital wound, thus avoiding the unsightly skin graft on the sides of the reconstructed digit. Regarding the donor foot, preservation of the proximal 0.5 to 1 cm of the proximal phalangeal stump of the great toe maintains the span of the foot, thus improving donor site appearance. In single lesser toe or combined second and third toe transfer, the proximal phalanx should not be preserved but an optimal web space should be reconstructed. Primary closure without skin graft is essential for aesthetic appearance of the donor foot.
Amputation, Traumatic↗
Vascularized toe joint transfer to the hand.
From 1984 to 1993, 36 vascularized toe joints were transferred in 33 patients. The present study group excludes 3 toe joint transfers to elbow and temporomandibular joints and 4 toe joint to hand transfers lost to follow-up. The final study group includes 29 vascularized toe joint transfers in 27 patients, 21 males and 6 females. All were performed for posttraumatic reconstruction, except one transfer for congenital deformity. Follow-up averaged 32.4 months. Mean range of motion was 34 degrees in toe metatarsophalangeal joint to hand metacarpophalangeal joint transfers, 32 degrees in toe proximal interphalangeal joint to hand metacarpophalangeal joint transfers, and 24 degrees in toe proximal interphalangeal joint to hand proximal interphalangeal joint transfers. Although vascularized toe joint transfer is an alternative to arthrodesis, in order to have a greater range of motion than average, the patient must have well-functioning muscle and associated tendons effecting joint motion. Good results were obtained in two immediate free vascularized toe joint transfers to complex injuries involving loss of the metacarpophalangeal joint. We encourage toe joint transfer in selected complex hand injuries.
Adolescent↗
Spontaneous pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma in an aging CD rat.
Naturally occurring squamous cell carcinomas of lung of laboratory rodents are rare, and few cases have been reported and illustrated. A solid peripheral lung mass was observed grossly in a untreated 573-day-old male Sprague Dawley CD (Crl:CD [SD] BR) rat. Microscopically, the mass was composed of neoplastic squamous epithelial cells arranged in nests, cords, nodules, or solid sheets. Epithelial pearls were present. The mitotic index was high, and intercellular bridging (prickles) was noted. In some areas, neoplastic cells rimmed large cystic areas containing neutrophils, cell debris, and laminated keratin masses. Neoplastic cells had both expansive and invasive growth with entrapment of bronchioles and marked fibroplasia.
Age Factors↗
Decreased urinary epidermal growth factor in children with acute renal failure: epidermal growth factor/creatinine ratio not a reliable parameter for urinary epidermal growth factor excretion.
To verify some animal experimental results in humans, we have studied urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) excretion in normal children as well as children with acute renal failure (ARF). Urinary EGF excretion was expressed as a ratio of urinary EGF to urinary creatinine concentration (EGF/Cr) for random and 24-h urine, and a daily total urinary EGF for 24-h urine. The highest urinary EGF/Cr in children was found at 1 mo to 3 y of age. There was a highly significant correlation between random urine EGF/Cr and 24-h urine EGF/Cr (r = 0.92, p < 0.001), whereas no correlation of urinary EGF/Cr with daily total urine EGF was found. During the course of ARF, a decline in urinary EGF/Cr from the period before peak serum creatinine to the period after the declination of serum creatinine was noted (p = 0.013, n = 13, by repeated measure analysis), with a constant low daily total urine EGF (p value not significant). However, a rise in both urinary EGF/Cr and daily total urine EGF was found between the period of serum creatinine decline and the period of completely normal serum creatinine (p < 0.001). Serum EGF remained unchanged throughout the course of ARF. These results suggest 1) the possible role of EGF in renal growth or maturation during the first 2 or 3 y of life, 2) the possible renal origin of human urinary EGF, and 3) decreased urinary EGF excretion in children with ARF. In particular, EGF/Cr is not a reliable indicator for the expression of actual urinary EGF excretion in ARF. Instead of urinary EGF/Cr, urinary EGF concentration may be used to predict the daily total urinary EGF excretion during ARF. These results provide the pattern of urinary EGF excretion during ARF in children and may be of help for further clinical studies.
Acute Kidney Injury↗
Biliary complications in long-term recipients of reduced-size liver transplants.
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Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗
Risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection in a Taiwanese aboriginal community.
The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with anti-HCV positive status in a Bunun aboriginal community in Taiwan. In a door-to-door survey we collected 712 blood samples, and employed an enzyme immunoassay for anti-HCV to detect the recombinant antigen of viral genome including one structural and two nonstructural proteins. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 16.9% for the whole community covering an age range of five years to 84 years, but it was 48% in individuals older than 45 years. The calculated annual incidence rate was 1.25%. Information about possible risk factors was obtained from questionnaires completed in 1992. Age, sex, village of residence, educational level, and the extraneous factor of having been iatrogenic injected during a period one or two years before the survey, showed a significant association with positive anti-HCV status. A dose response relationship between the rate of positive anti-HCV status and frequency of injections was found statistically significant (P < 0.001). Accordingly, a second visit was made to find the possible infection source, and according to information obtained from the recall of 211 interviewees, an illegal medical service was suspected of spreading the recent infection.
Adolescent↗
Surgical management of the buried penis.
BACKGROUND: Buried penis is a congenital abnormality in which the phallus is concealed within the surface of prepubic skin. It is probably more common than is generally recognized. The objective was to describe the pathophysiology, and search for the best management of this disease. METHODS: Over a period of 6 years, a total of 31 cases receiving surgery for buried penis at this hospital were analyzed. According to their major pathophysiology, patients were divided into three groups: in the first, the major mechanism was poor skin suspension; in the second, prominent suprapubic fat pad was the major cause. In the third group, the dartos fascia was abnormally thickened and attached to the penile shaft. Different surgical techniques were applied in the different groups. RESULTS: All 15 children in the first group had satisfactory results after penile skin fixation. In the second group, nine children underwent adjunctive lipectomy but only five had satisfactory results. Seven patients in the third group needed degloving of the penis and the three cases who underwent preputial unfurling had severe lymphedema of the inner preputial layer. One of them received revision. The end results were good in the other six patients after long-term follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The buried penis occurs in a spectrum. Although, there are three major pathophysiology mechanisms, most of the patients had a combination. Surgical management should be individualized, and results are usually satisfactory. For the obese patient, weight loss is important. Preputial unfurling and using inner preputial layer to cover the defect should be avoided because of severe postoperative lymphedema.
Child↗
Antenatal diagnosis and early surgery for choledochal cyst: a report of two cases.
Since the advent of routine antenatal sonography to detect fetal abnormalities, two cases of choledochal cyst have been found prenatally in our hospital. The first presented when a choledochal cyst was demonstrated at 31 weeks of gestation, and a firm diagnosis established within 2 days of birth. Technetium 99m disofenin (DISIDA) cholescintigram revealed delayed visualization of the small bowel. The second case was found by ultrasound examination at 21 weeks of gestation to have a choledochal cyst, and diagnosis was confirmed within 3 days of birth. DISIDA scintigram demonstrated complete obstruction of the extrahepatic biliary tree. Both infants received early excision of the cyst at the ages of three and four days respectively. The postoperative course was quite smooth, and there were no abnormal symptoms after follow up of four and two years, respectively. Neonates with distal common bile duct obstruction in association with presumed choledochal cyst should have prompt surgical exploration, and early excision of the cyst is a safe procedure in the newborn.
Adult↗