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Biomedical subjects

J D Lee

Publications and source records attributed to J D Lee.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Relation between severity of magnesium deficiency and frequency of anginal attacks in men with variant angina.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated whether the severity of magnesium deficiency was correlated with the frequency of attacks of variant angina. BACKGROUND: Magnesium deficiency may be associated with the development of variant angina. However, the relation between the activity of variant angina and magnesium deficiency remains to be elucidated. METHODS: We assessed the body magnesium status of 18 men with variant angina: Group 1 (> or = 4 attacks/week, n = 7) and Group 2 (< 4 attacks/week, n = 11). Concentrations of magnesium were determined in serum, urine, mononuclear cells and erythrocytes, and the 24-h magnesium retention rate was determined. RESULTS: Group 1 showed a higher 24-h magnesium retention rate (mean +/- SEM 63.5 +/- 7.6% vs. 24.9 +/- 2.7%, p < 0.01) and a lower intracellular concentration of magnesium in mononuclear cells and erythrocytes than did Group 2 (respectively, 156.3 +/- 13.5 vs. 212.1 +/- 6.9 fg/cell, p < 0.01; and 3.5 +/- 0.5 vs. 5.2 +/- 0.4 fg/cell, p < 0.05), demonstrating the presence of magnesium deficiency in Group 1. The 24-h magnesium retention rate and intracellular concentrations of magnesium in mononuclear cells and erythrocytes correlated well with the frequency of anginal attacks (r = 0.78, p < 0.01; r = -0.78, p < 0.01; r = -0.62, p < 0.01, respectively) for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that the magnesium status of men with variant angina is closely related to disease activity.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Long-term 1-carnitine treatment prolongs the survival in rats with adriamycin-induced heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The most serious consequence of heart failure is the shortened life expectancy, which may be associated with myocardial energy starvation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats received 6 intraperitoneal injections of adriamycin (group A: total dose; 15 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle (group C) over 2 weeks. Rats then received either 272 mg/kg daily of oral 1-carnitine (A-LC and C-LC groups) or saline (A-S and C-S groups) for 6 weeks. The cumulative mortality rate in the A-LC group was significantly lower than in the A-S group (13 vs 42%, P = .028). Myocardial levels of high-energy phosphate compounds (ATP and creatine phosphate) and fatty acid metabolites (free carnitine, short-chain and long-chain acylcarnitine, and long-chain acyl CoA) in the left ventricle were measured the day after the last dose of drug or vehicle was administered. ATP was decreased by 73%, creatine phosphate by 61%, free carnitine by 52%, short-chain acylcarnitine by 48%, and long-chain acylcarnitine by 56% in the A-S group compared to the C-S group. Long-chain CoA was increased by 168% in the A-S group. Levels of myocardial high-energy phosphate compounds and fatty acid metabolites were near normal in adriamycin- and 1-carnitine-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the myocardial level of carnitine by 1-carnitine treatment prolonged survival of rats with adriamycin-induced failure by improving the myocardial metabolism of fatty acids.

Acyl Coenzyme A↗
PubMed1996

Role of T cell subpopulations in mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

When C57BL/6 mice were infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the percentage of T helper (CD4+) cells and T supressor (CD8+) cells in peripheral blood increased weekly until the third and seventh week respectively, and then gradually decreased. C57BL/6 mice were depleted of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by in vivo injection of anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies, respectively, and then infected with A. cantonensis. There were significantly more and less worms recovered in the mice depleted of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells respectively than in undepleted mice. Discrete subpopulations of T cells from mice exposed to A. cantonensis for 3 weeks or 7 weeks were adoptively transferred to syngeneic recipients which were then given a challenge infection. Protection was mediated by a CD4+ T cell population present in mice after 3 weeks of infection but was not demonstrable with cells taken 7 weeks after infection. When CD4+ T cells obtained from 3-week infected mice were mixed with 5% CD8+ T cells obtained from mice infected for 7 weeks, no significant transfer of resistance was observed. Thus, immune responses to A. cantonensis in mice were regulated by discrete subpopulations of T lymphocytes.

Adoptive Transfer↗
PubMed1996

Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins produced by Vero cells, human oviductal cells and human endometrial cells, and the role of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 in mouse embryo co-culture systems.

Co-culturing embryos on helper cells can mimic the in-vivo environment, thereby enhancing embryo development in vitro. Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and their binding proteins (IGFBP) also enhance embryo development. To investigate the kinds of IGFBP produced by various cell monolayers and the effects of IGFBP-3 on mouse embryo co-culture systems, 2-cell ICR mouse embryos were cultured in either human tubal fluid medium alone or in the presence of Vero cells, human oviductal cells or endometrial cells. The helper cells were analysed immunohistochemically to investigate the types of IGFBP produced by various cell monolayers. The concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in media obtained from the culture of embryos alone, cells alone or cells plus embryos were determined by radioimmunoassays. On day 7, more blastocysts hatched in the co-culture groups (73% in the Vero cell group, 76% in the endometrial cell group and 74% in the oviductal cell group) than in the control group (43%) (P < 0.0001). The results of immunohistochemistry revealed that (i) all three cell groups produced a lot of IGFBP-1, -2 and -3, but only a little of IGFBP-4 and -5; and (ii) IGFBP-1, -2, and -3 were present in blastocysts in either the presence or absence of helper cells. The IGF-I secreted by cell monolayers or embryos was undetectable (detection limit 0.83 microg/l). The IGFBP-3 concentrations in media obtained from co-cultured embryos and cells were significantly higher than in media without embryos (median values in oviductal cell culture medium, 165 versus 127 microg/l, P = 0.04; median values in endometrial cell culture medium, 277.5 versus 183.5 microg/1, P = 0. 0002; median values in Vero cell culture medium, 219 versus 120 microg/l, P = 0.011). Although IGFBP-3 concentration in the medium that contained embryos alone was undetectable by radioimmunoassay (detection limit 1.1 microg/l), immunohistochemistry demonstrated the presence of IGFBP-3 in the embryos. Co-culture in systems in which there was an increased production of IGFBP-3 led to an improved development of mouse embryos. IGFBP can improve the binding of IGF to cell surface receptors of target tissue, and thus enhance the effect of limited IGF concentrations in promoting embryo development in a co-culture system. We conclude that Vero cells, human endometrial cells and oviductal cells produce IGFBP-1, -2, -3, -4 and -5. IGFBP-3 may play a role in embryotrophic potential by either regulating the action of IGF or directly enhancing embryo development.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Analysis of chromosome constitution of human spermatozoa with normal and aberrant head morphologies after injection into mouse oocytes.

The chromosome constitution of human spermatozoa was determined after injecting individual spermatozoa into mouse oocytes. Of a total 279 eggs arrested at first cleavage metaphase, 200 (71.7%) were suitable for the analysis of sperm chromosomes. Incidences of spermatozoa with numerical and structural chromosome aberrations were 1.3 and 6.9% respectively in spermatozoa with normal head morphology, showing values comparable with those found in previous studies using the hamster oocyte-human sperm fusion system. The ratio of X- to Y-bearing spermatozoa did not differ significantly from the expected 1:1 ratio. The incidence of structural chromosome aberrations was about four times higher in spermatozoa with amorphous, round and elongated heads (26.1%) than in those with morphologically normal heads, whereas the incidence of aneuploidy was not significantly different between the two groups. No increase in chromosome aberrations was found in spermatozoa with large heads. The same was true for spermatozoa with small heads. Although the sample size used in this study is rather small, the results nevertheless indicate that some morphological abnormalities in the sperm heads are associated with their chromosome defects.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Phase II trial of Oral UFT and leucovorin in advanced gastric carcinoma.

A phase II trial was performed with oral UFT plus leucovorin (LV) in 16 patients with advanced gastric carcinoma. Treatment consisted of UFT, 480 mg/m(2)/day, in conjunction with LV administered at 25 mg/m(2)/day per os in divided daily doses for 21 days followed by a 7-day rest period. The median age of patients was 64 years, with a median World Health Organization (WHO) performance status of 2. One patient was previously treated with etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (EAP). A median of four courses of treatment were given per patient (range: 1-9). Among 14 evaluable patients, one patient achieved a complete response and 3 had partial responses (response rate: 28.5%, 95% confidence interval, 4.9 to 52.3%). Stable disease was reported in 5 patients (35.7%) and another 5 showed progression. The time to progression was 17, 18, 27, and 76+ weeks for the responding patients, respectively. The median duration of survival was 25 weeks (range: 10-76+) for 14 evaluable patients. All patients were evaluable for toxicity. The main toxicity was diarrhea and oral mucositis. Significant toxicity (WHO grade 3 or 4) included diarrhea in 7 patients (43.8%), oral mucositis in 2 (12.5%), and nausea/vomiting in 2, respectively. We conclude that oral UFT plus LV, an out-patient regimen, has favorable activity in gastric carcinoma patients and has tolerable toxicities.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

Massive hepatic necrosis and death following repeated isoflurane exposure: case report and review of the literature.

Multiple exposures to halothane have been shown to produce hepatic injury and subsequent hepatic failure often leading to death. Isoflurane, a related haloalkane, is considered a nonhepatotoxic alternative to halothane and its potential to cause injury has been greeted with skepticism. Described is a 30-year-old woman who developed hepatic failure and died after being exposed twice to isoflurane. Recent exposure to anesthetic agents must be considered when death is caused by massive hepatic necrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 in pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) and IGFBP-3 in the mother and the fetus in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia, and the relationship between serum levels of IGFBPs and fetal birthweight. DESIGN: A prospective study over an 18 month period. SETTING: A tertiary care academic medical centre. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (35 cases of mild/moderate pre-eclampsia and 31 cases of severe pre-eclampsia) and 78 nonpre-eclamptic pregnant women of matched gestational weeks and maternal ages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum concentrations of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 at the time of delivery. RESULTS: In pre-eclampsia associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), maternal and cord serum IGFBP-1 levels at the time of delivery were elevated. By contrast, circulating IGFBP-3 levels in both the mother and the fetus were lower in pre-eclampsia with IUGR than in nonpre-eclamptic pregnancy. However, there was no difference in serum IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 levels between pre-eclampsia without IUGR and nonpre-eclamptic pregnancy in both the mother and the fetus. CONCLUSIONS: In pre-eclampsia, elevated concentrations of circulating IGFBP-1 and decreased serum IGFBP-3 levels were observed in both the mother and the fetus. However, these changes may simply reflect low birthweight in pre-eclampsia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Specific inhibition of mature fungal serine proteinases and metalloproteinases by their propeptides.

The function of the long propeptides of fungal proteinases is not known. Aspergillus fumigatus produces a 33-kDa serine proteinase of the subtilisin family and a 42-kDa metalloproteinase of the thermolysin family. These extracellular enzymes are synthesized as preproenzymes containing large amino-terminal propeptides. Recombinant propeptides were produced in Escherichia coli as soluble fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase or thioredoxin and purified by affinity chromatography. A. fumigatus serine proteinase propeptide competitively inhibited serine proteinase, with a Ki of 5.3 x 10(-6) M, whereas a homologous serine proteinase from A. flavus was less strongly inhibited and subtilisin was not inhibited. Binding of metalloproteinase propeptide from A. fumigatus to the mature metalloenzyme was demonstrated. This propeptide strongly inhibited its mature enzyme, with a Ki of 3 x 10(-9) M, whereas thermolysin and a metalloproteinase from A. flavus were not inhibited by this propeptide. Enzymatically inactive metalloproteinase propeptide complex could be completely activated by trypsin treatment. These results demonstrate that the propeptides of the fungal proteinases bind specifically and inhibit the respective mature enzymes, probably reflecting a biological role of keeping these extracellular enzymes inactive until secretion.

Aspergillus fumigatus↗
PubMed1996

Atretic encephalocele/myelocele--case reports with emphasis on pathogenesis.

Atretic encephaloceles or myelomeningoceles are frequently solid due to hamartomatous proliferation of fibrous tissue and blood vessels. Because of the fibrous nature of the tumor with no cystic cavity and unusual location with no connection to CNS, they are frequently regarded as insignificant hamartomas. Apart from this terminology, they are also described as cutaneous meningiomas or hamartomas with ectopic meningothelial elements by the presence of meningothelial cells. We report a case of atretic encephalocele in the parietal scalp of an 8 year-old boy and a case of myelomeningocele in the posterior mediastinum of a 31 year-old woman. The terms atretic encephalocele and myelomeningocele are more appropriate for these cases because they include their pathogenesis and the non-neoplastic nature of the lesion.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Microcystic meningioma. A case report.

Microcystic meningioma is a distinct morphological variant of meningioma, characterized by loose texture and microcysts with formation of large extracellular spaces containing edematous fluid. The tumor cells have stellate and vacuolated cytoplasm with long cytoplasmic processes. We experienced a case of typical microcystic meningioma occurring in the falx cerebri adjacent to the left superior parasagittal sinus in a 41-year-old man. The tumor showed the typical histologic features with a few nests of meningothelial whorls. The tumor cells showed diffuse immunoreactivity for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and S-100 protein. Ultrastructural study confirmed the meningiomatous nature of the tumor.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The functional relationships between hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis.

The purpose of this research was to investigate functional studies by which the hiatal hernia (HH) may be relevant to a reflux esophagitis (RE). Group I consisted of healthy controls who were endoscopically normal (n = 21). Group II consisted of patients with hiatal hernia but no reflux esophagitis (n = 8). Group III had patients with hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis (n = 9). Group IV had patients with reflux esophagitis but no hiatal hernia (n = 16). Esophageal manometry, ambulatory 24 hour intraesophageal pH monitoring, acid clearance test, and gastric emptying scan were performed in each of the patients. The contraction amplitude at 3 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter did not differ significantly among the four groups, but the mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly decreased in group II. The DeMeester score in ambulatory 24 hour intraesophageal pH monitoring was significantly higher in group III compared with the controls. No significant difference among the groups was found with respect to acid clearance. Total and proximal gastric emptying times (T1/2) were significantly delayed in group III. We found that hiatal hernia combined with delayed gastric emptying may bear a relationship to the multifactorial origins of reflux esophagitis, and we suggest a rationale for using prokinetic agents as the therapeutic regimen in patients with HH complicated by RE.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

HMPAO SPECT to assess neurologic deficits during balloon test occlusion.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to determine if one could objectively and preoperatively predict the safety of permanent occlusion of an internal carotid artery with 99mTc-HMPAO brain SPECT. METHODS: Twenty-four patients underwent balloon test occlusion of the internal carotid arteries because of neck and skull base tumors. We assessed the uptake of both middle cerebral artery territories before and during balloon test occlusion with 99mTc-HMPAO brain SPECT using the semiquantitative analysis. The results were compared with other factors, including neurologic examination, arterial stump pressure and electroencephalogram. RESULTS: Nineteen patients experienced no neurological deterioration or any problem during balloon test occlusion. The comparative uptake of their middle cerebral artery territories was 95%-101% of the pre-balloon test occlusion state. The remaining five patients showed severe neurologic symptoms, such as transient hemiplegia and unconsciousness. The comparative uptake of their middle cerebral artery territories was 77%-85% of the pre-balloon test occlusion state and was well matched with other factors. CONCLUSION: Technetium-99m-HMPAO brain SPECT before and during balloon test occlusion seems to be a simple and objective method for predicting permanent neurologic deficits when the comparative uptake of middle cerebral artery territories during balloon test occlusion is less than 85% of that before balloon test occlusion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Lung cancer staging: the value of ipsilateral scalene lymph node biopsy performed at mediastinoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The accurate preoperative staging of lung cancer remains an essential element in its proper treatment. In most centers, N3 disease contraindicates an operative approach, despite the advent of combined modality therapy. Although it is used to confirm palpable supraclavicular disease, routine scalene lymph node biopsy to stage nonpalpable disease has been abandoned. METHODS: From January 1991 to July 1995, 408 cervical mediastinoscopies were performed by a single surgeon for the staging of lung cancer. In those patients eligible for induction therapy, when N2 or N3 disease was strongly suspected or identified, ipsilateral scalene lymph node biopsy was performed through the same cervical incision using the mediastinoscope to reach the scalene fat pad. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients underwent this additional staging procedure. There was minimal morbidity and no deaths. Of these 81 fully staged patients, primary tumor histology was non-small cell in 95.1%. Thirty-nine patients were staged as N2 after standard mediastinoscopy. Of these, 6 (15.4%) harbored occult nonpalpable supraclavicular lymph node disease as well. Nineteen patients were staged as N3-contralateral after standard mediastinoscopy. Of these, 13 (68.4%) had occult supraclavicular disease as well. Of all 58 patients with superior mediastinal nodal involvement identified by standard mediastinoscopy, 19 (32.8%) also harbored occult scalene lymph node disease, rendering them ineligible for our induction therapy protocols. Scalene positive primary tumors were all centrally located (visualizable by flexible bronchoscopy) (19 of 19) and were uniformly of nonsquamous origin. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this technique is a valuable extension to standard cervical mediastinoscopy and can be used in N2 or N3 staged patients with central, nonsquamous tumors before considering a combined modality therapeutic approach that includes operation. Through its use, more accurate staging before initiation of therapy and elimination of those patients who may derive no benefit from an aggressive surgical approach may be possible.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

[Parasitic infections among wild rats from two areas of Kaohsiung].

Wild rats including four strains were captured for examination of parasitic infections. The numbers were 101 from areas of Kaohsiung harbor and 98 from areas of Kaohsiung airport. Most of the examined wild rats were Rattus norvegicus and second most were Suncus murinus. The infection rates of intestinal helminths in rats of both areas did not display any significant difference. The overall infection rate was 29.6%. The infection rate was highest in R. norvegicus and the most frequently found parasite in rats was Hymenolepis diminuta. Moniliformis moniliformis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis were revealed in two separated R. norvegicus rats. The infection rates of intestinal helminths in R. norvegicus were significantly correlated with the size of rats. There was no find in microscopic observation of blood smear from these rats stained with Giemsa's dye.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Increased contralateral cerebellar uptake of technetium-99m-HMPAO on ictal brain SPECT.

UNLABELLED: Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) is a well-known brain SPECT finding in stroke patients. Two reports, however, have described supratentorial and contralateral cerebellar hyperperfusion (crossed cerebellar hyperperfusion) on ictal brain SPECT in epileptic patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of crossed cerebellar hyperperfusion (CCH) for the detection of epileptic foci on ictal scan. METHODS: Twelve patients with complex partial seizures having characteristic clinical, electroencephalographic (EEG) and brain SPECT findings were included. Fifteen to 20 mCi 99mTc-HMPAO were injected intravenously during the seizure period or the aura for the ictal SPECT study. The SPECT findings were visually assessed to determine whether the finding of CCH was valuable in the localization of ictal foci. RESULTS: Epileptic foci were found in the right temporal (n = 6), left temporal (n = 4), right occipital (n = 1) and left frontal (n = 1) areas. CCH was observed in 8 (75%) of the 12 patients. In two patients, contralateral cerebellar uptake was more obvious than that in the epileptic foci. In the interictal scans, cerebellar activity, which was increased in ictal period, was equalized in seven of eight patients, while perfusion was diminished in the remaining patient. CONCLUSION: CCH is a frequent finding of ictal brain SPECT and may aid in the lateralization of epileptic foci.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Reversible extraskeletal uptake of bone scanning in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Metastatic calcification within soft tissue, such as the lung and stomach, is associated with hyperparathyroidism, chronic renal failure, hemodialysis, metastatic neoplasm and hypervitaminosis D. Bone scanning agents variably accumulate within these extraskeletal metastatic calcifications. We report a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism whose bone scan revealed abnormal uptake in the liver, lung, stomach and parathyroid gland followed by complete resolution of extraskeletal uptake less than 1 wk after parathyroidectomy.

Adenoma↗