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Biomedical subjects

J Lin

Publications and source records attributed to J Lin.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Isolation of an aerobic denitrifying bacterial strain NS-2 from the activated sludge of piggery wastewater treatment systems in Taiwan possessing denitrification under 92% oxygen atmosphere.

AIMS: To isolate aerobic denitrifying bacteria which will be applied to piggery wastewater treatment facilities for enhanced nitrate and nitrite removal. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nitrate-supplemented basal medium in airtight, crimp-sealed serum bottles containing an atmosphere of 92% oxygen was inoculated with denitrifiers, strains NS-2 and SM-3, and incubated at 30 degrees C. After 20 h, the concentration of nitrate was decreased rapidly by both NS-2 and SM-3. Nitrite production was almost zero during the whole experimental period for both strains. Nitrogen gas production peaked at the 20 h for both NS-2 (8.20 +/- 1.03 mmol l(-1)) and SM-3 (3.93 +/- 0.16 mmol l(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: Strain NS-2, which produced the highest N2 concentration in this work, was identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri. This strain is the most capable of aerobic and anaerobic conversion of nitrate to N2 without forming a nitrite intermediate. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Strain NS-2 is highly promising for future application in in situ piggery wastewater treatment.

Aerobiosis↗
PubMed2001

Obesity-related glomerulopathy: an emerging epidemic.

BACKGROUND: We report the first large renal biopsy-based clinicopathologic study on obesity-related glomerulopathy. METHODS: Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI)> 30 kg/m2. Obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) was defined morphologically as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and glomerulomegaly (O-FSGS; N = 57) or glomerulomegaly alone (O-GM; N = 14). RESULTS: Review of 6818 native renal biopsies received from 1986 to 2000 revealed a progressive increase in biopsy incidence of ORG from 0.2% in 1986-1990 to 2.0% in 1996-2000 (P = 0.0001). Mean BMI in ORG was 41.7 (range 30.9 to 62.7). Indications for renal biopsy included proteinuria (N = 40) or proteinuria and renal insufficiency (N = 31). Seventy-one patients with ORG were compared to 50 patients with idiopathic FSGS (I-FSGS). Patients with ORG were older (mean 42.9 vs. 32.6 years, P < 0.001) and more often Caucasian (75% vs. 52%; P = 0.003). ORG patients had a lower incidence of nephrotic range proteinuria (48% vs. 66%; P = 0.007) and nephrotic syndrome (5.6% vs. 54%; P < 0.001), with higher serum albumin (3.9 vs. 2.9 g/dL; P < 0.001), lower serum cholesterol (229 vs. 335 mg/dL; P < 0.001), and less edema (35% vs. 68%; P = 0.003). On renal biopsy, patients with ORG had fewer lesions of segmental sclerosis (10 vs. 39%; P < 0.001), more glomerulomegaly (100% vs. 10%; P < 0.001), and less extensive foot process effacement (40 vs. 75%; P < 0.001). Glomerular diameter in ORG (mean 226 mu) was significantly larger than age- and sex-matched normal controls (mean 168 mu; P < 0.001). Follow-up was available in 56 ORG patients (mean 27 months) and 50 idiopathic FSGS controls (mean 38 months). A total of 75% of ORG patients received angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition or A2 blockade while 78% of the I-FSGS patients received immunosuppressive therapy. ORG patients had less frequent doubling of serum creatinine (14.3% vs. 50%; P < 0.001) and progression to ESRD (3.6% vs. 42%; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, presenting serum creatinine and severity of proteinuria were the only predictors of poor outcome in ORG. CONCLUSION: ORG is distinct from idiopathic FSGS, with a lower incidence of nephrotic syndrome, more indolent course, consistent presence of glomerulomegaly, and milder foot process fusion. The ten-fold increase in incidence over 15 years suggests a newly emerging epidemic. Heightened physician awareness of this entity is needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Death as a complication of peripherally inserted central catheters in neonates.

We report 2 neonatal deaths caused by cardiac tamponade related to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). A total of 3 deaths were noted for 390 PICCs placed, giving an incidence of 0.76%. To determine the magnitude of neonatal death related to PICCs, directors of neonatal intensive care units in the United States were surveyed by means of a questionnaire. Myocardial perforation and pericardial effusion were reported by 29% and 43%, respectively. Deaths were attributed to PICCs by 24% of the respondents. Uniform guidelines need to be formulated to avoid this complication.

Cardiac Tamponade↗
PubMed2001

Optimal treatment for distal ureteral calculi: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy versus ureteroscopy.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for distal ureteral calculi remains controversial. We present data from our institution to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy with different lithotripsy modalities (URSL). METHODS: From January 1994 to September 1997, 954 distal ureteral calculi were treated at our institution using in situ SWL (Siemens Lithostar) in 524 patients and ureteroscopy (Wolf 8.0F instrument and Swiss Lithoclast) in 430 patients. Stone sizes and patient ages were similar in these two groups. RESULTS: In the SWL group, the 3-month stone-free rate was 87%, and the effectiveness quotient (EQ) was 68.7%. In the URSL group, there was a 96% stone-free rate with an EQ of 92.1%. The SWL treatment was more expensive than URSL. CONCLUSION: At our institution, ureteroscopy is more efficacious than SWL for the treatment of distal ureteral calculi. In selected patients who had stones >10 mm with evidence of impaction and severe colic pain, we strongly suggest that URSL is the best choice.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Sacral insufficiency fractures: a report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF) are a type of stress fracture that occur primarily in postmenopausal women. They were first described in 1982 by Lourie and have since been frequently overlooked as a cause of low back, buttock, or groin pain. We present two cases of SIF to demonstrate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with SIF. Both patients were elderly women with complaints of pelvic and low back pain in the absence of significant trauma. Physical examination was significant for marked sacral tenderness. Diagnostic imaging supported the diagnosis of SIF. Both patients underwent early rehabilitation, including early ambulation, and had good functional outcomes. These patients serve to illustrate how conservative treatment yields excellent clinical results in the majority of patients, with most reporting improvement within 1-2 weeks after fracture and complete resolution of symptoms after 6-12 months of treatment.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2001

Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder using serotonin agents.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 20%-50% of all women. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can be conceptualized as a more severe variant of PMS, can affect 3%-9% of all women. Because a significant number of women suffer from premenstrual disorders and afflicted women may spend up to half the month suffering from symptoms, it is important to identify and provide effective treatment for such women. Historically, it has been difficult to distinguish premenstrual disorders from other depressive disorders, given the high comorbidity of the two disorders. Most studies attempt to remove this confounding factor by excluding women with concurrent depressive disorders. Despite the difficulties and limitations inherent in studying treatments for premenstrual disorders, most investigations support the use of serotonin agents in treating PMDD.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Developmental changes in the long form leptin receptor and related neuropeptide gene expression in the pig brain.

The hypothalamus is the key site of central regulation of energy homeostasis, appetite, and reproduction. The long form leptin receptor (Ob-Rl) is localized within the hypothalamus along with several neuropeptides that are involved in regulation of the neuroendocrine axis. In the present study, developmental changes in gene expression of the Ob-Rl, preproorexin, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), somatostatin, and GnRH in the hypothalamus was studied. Expression of Ob-Rl and neuropeptide mRNA was examined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in hypothalami collected from 106-day-old fetus (n = 3) and 7-day-old (n = 3), 3.5-mo-old (n = 3), and 6-mo-old (n = 2) gilts. In addition, leptin mRNA expression in the first three ages was examined in back fat. Leptin mRNA expression increased (P < 0.05) by 7 days postnatal, but Ob-Rl mRNA expression increased (P < 0.01) by 3.5 mo. Expression of preproorexin (P < 0.05), somatostatin, and GnRH (P < 0.01) mRNA peaked by 3.5 mo of age while POMC mRNA expression increased markedly (P < 0.01) by 6 mo of age. The CRF mRNA expression did not change across ages. These findings suggest a possible relationship among Ob-Rl and a number of hypothalamic and peripheral peptides in the development of the neuroendocrine axis. These peptides may serve as messengers that link mechanisms that regulate reproduction and energy balance.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Hemoglobin desaturation after succinylcholine-induced apnea: a study of the recovery of spontaneous ventilation in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Because of the rapid recovery of neuromuscular function after succinylcholine administration, there is a belief that patients will start breathing sufficiently rapidly to prevent significant oxygen desaturation. The authors tested whether this belief was valid. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers aged 18-45 yr participated in the study. After preoxygenation to an end-tidal oxygen concentration greater than 90%, each subject received 5 mg/kg thiopental and 1 mg/kg succinylcholine. Oxygen saturation (SaO2) was measured at both a finger and an ear lobe (beat to beat). During the period of apnea and as they were recovering, the volunteers received continuous verbal reassurance by the investigators. If the SaO2 decreased below 80%, the volunteers received chin lift and, if necessary, assisted ventilation. The length of time the subject was apneic and level of desaturation were related by linear regression analysis. One hour after recovery and again 1 week later, subjects were asked a series of questions regarding their emotional experience. RESULTS: In six volunteers, SaO2 decreased below 95% during apnea; in four, SaO2 decreased below 80%, necessitating chin lift and assisted ventilation in three. Apnea time was significantly longer in volunteers who reached SaO2 less than 80% than in those who did not (7.0+/-0.4 and 4.1+/-0.3 min, respectively), and there was a significant correlation between the length of time the subject was apneic and the magnitude of desaturation. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous recovery from succinylcholine-induced apnea may not occur sufficiently quickly to prevent hemoglobin desaturation in subjects whose ventilation is not assisted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Bending strength and holding power of tibial locking screws.

The bending strength and holding power of two types of specially designed tibial locking devices, a both-ends-threaded screw and an unthreaded bolt, were studied and compared with four types of commercially available tibial interlocking screws: Synthes, Howmedica, Richards, and Osteo AG. To test bending strength, the devices were inserted into a high molecular weight polyethylene tube and loaded at their midpoint by a materials testing machine to simulate a three point bending test. Single loading yielding strength and cyclic loading fatigue life were measured. To test holding power, the devices were inserted into tubes made of polyurethane foam, and their tips were loaded axially to measure pushout strength. The devices were tested with two different densities of foam materials and two different sizes of pilot holes. Insertion torque and stripping torque of the screws were measured first. Pushout tests were performed with each screw inserted with a tightness equal to 60% of its stripping torque. Test results showed that the yielding strength and the fatigue life were related closely to the inner diameter of the screws. The stripping torque predicted the pushout strength more reliably than did the insertion torque. All tested devices showed greater holding power in the foam with the higher density and with the smaller pilot holes. The both-ends-threaded screw had the highest pushout strength and a satisfactory fatigue strength. The unthreaded bolt had the highest fatigue strength but only fair holding power. Clinical studies of the use of these two types of locking devices are worthwhile.

Bone Screws↗
PubMed2001

Benchmarking the endodontic literature on MEDLINE.

The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify the endodontic literature available for clinical decision making. A search strategy based on Medical Subject Headings for endodontics was developed to examine MEDLINE. The identified articles were limited to human subjects and English. Sensitive and specific methodological search filters identified four categories of information: etiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. The results were then subdivided by year to identify trends. Between 1990 and 1998 MEDLINE identified 3,152 articles published in English on endodontics in humans. The number of articles per year (mean +/- SD) for sensitive and specific searches was etiology (28+/-10, 1+/-2), diagnosis (38+/-11, 1+/-1), therapy (59+/-15, 3+/-3), and prognosis (40+/-13, 10+/-5), respectively. The number of articles in each category increased by 1 to 3% each year. There were 150 articles/yr in endodontics in at least 120 journals cited on MEDLINE on which to base clinical decisions.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Unreamed locked tight-fitting nailing for acute tibial fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of tibial fractures by unreamed locked nailing with loose-fitting nails has previously been shown to be associated with a low union rate and high implant failure rate. This report describes the authors' experience in using tight-fitting nails that were relatively larger than loose-fitting nails. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: Forty-eight consecutive patients with fifty-two tibial fractures (excluding open IIIC fractures and those with bone loss) were studied: thirty-four men and fourteen women, with a mean age of 38 years. There were twenty-five closed fractures, nine Type I, eight Type II, four Type IIIA, and six Type IIIB open fractures. INTERVENTION: Unreamed nailing with tight-fitting nails using the Russell-Taylor system. OUTCOME MEASURES: Union rate, time to union, complication rate, and functional recovery, as well as nailing time, hospital time, and crutch-walking time were recorded. RESULTS: Union occurred in forty-eight of fifty-two fractures (92%) with a mean time to union of 18.2 weeks. Compartment syndrome occurred in three patients. Deep infection occurred in one Type II and one Type IIIB open fracture. Four fractures required additional exchange nailing or bone grafting to achieve union: one Type II, one Type IIIA, and two Type IIIB open fractures. Three malalignments resulted from operative technical error. The rate of both intraoperative bony split and screw breakage was 3.8% (2 of 52), but neither complication interfered with fracture healing. Recovery of joint motion was essentially normal in those patients without knee or ankle injury. CONCLUSIONS: Unreamed locked nailing with tight-fitting nails can produce satisfactory clinical results for acute tibial fractures. It has the advantages of technical simplicity and an acceptable risk of implant failure.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor is an autocrine mediator of human prostate stromal cell growth in vitro.

PURPOSE: The physiological mechanisms by which soluble mediators of cell proliferation and survival alter expansion of the prostatic stroma in benign prostatic hyperplasia are poorly understood. We recently identified heparin-binding epidermal growth factor like growth factor (HB-EGF) as a product predominantly of the smooth muscle cell compartments of the adult human prostate. We assess the potential role of this growth factor as a stromal cell regulator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary cultures of desmin and alpha-actin positive human prostate stromal cells were shown to express several cell associated HB-EGF isoforms as well as the primary cognate HB-EGF receptor, ErbB1/HER1, suggesting the existence of an autocrine or juxtacrine regulatory loop. The related receptor tyrosine kinase, ErbB2/HER2, was also expressed as assessed by reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HB-EGF messenger RNA levels in human prostate stromal cells increased modestly (70%) in response to a repetitive mechanical stimulus, a lower response than has been reported for neonatal rat bladder smooth muscle cells, in which HB-EGF was originally identified as a mechanically responsive gene. RESULTS: HB-EGF, epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor stimulated human prostate stromal cell growth, while a specific antagonist of HB-EGF, [Glu52]-diphtheria toxin/CRM197, inhibited human prostate stromal growth in serum-free medium by a mechanism that did not involve increased apoptosis. A function blocking antibody against CD9/DRAP27/MRP-1, a cell surface binding partner of the membrane form of HB-EGF, also stimulated human prostate stromal cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: HB-EGF is an endogenously produced human prostate stromal cell growth factor and, thus, may have a role as a physiologically relevant autocrine or juxtacrine mediator of stromal expansion in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Shotgun optical maps of the whole Escherichia coli O157:H7 genome.

We have constructed NheI and XhoI optical maps of Escherichia coli O157:H7 solely from genomic DNA molecules to provide a uniquely valuable scaffold for contig closure and sequence validation. E. coli O157:H7 is a common pathogen found in contaminated food and water. Our approach obviated the need for the analysis of clones, PCR products, and hybridizations, because maps were constructed from ensembles of single DNA molecules. Shotgun sequencing of bacterial genomes remains labor-intensive, despite advances in sequencing technology. This is partly due to manual intervention required during the last stages of finishing. The applicability of optical mapping to this problem was enhanced by advances in machine vision techniques that improved mapping throughput and created a path to full automation of mapping. Comparisons were made between maps and sequence data that characterized sequence gaps and guided nascent assemblies.

Contig Mapping↗
PubMed2001

A novel method for beat-to-beat detection of ventricular late potentials.

A novel method for beat-to-beat detection of ventricular late potentials (VLP) from high-resolution electrocardiograms (ECGs) is presented. ECG signals from the X lead are first filtered using a bandpass filter, and then a time-sequence adaptive filter, to improve its signal-to-noise ratio. Eight features are extracted using wavelet transform, from the VLP time-frequency distribution of the filtered ECG signals, and used as inputs of specially designed artificial neural network for VLP recognition. The artificial neural network was trained and tested using clinical data, respectively. The results show that the presented method can detect beat-to-beat-based VLP with sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 77%, and the detection accuracy is 78%.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2001

A case of Kaposi's sarcoma associated with pemphigoid nodularis.

Pemphigoid nodularis is a rare variant of bullous pemphigoid. Bullous pemphigoid complicated by internal malignancy has been well documented. There have been only a few reported cases of bullous pemphigoid associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. We described a case of pemphigoid nodularis who later developed Kaposi's sarcoma that might be related to immunosupressive therapy, a situation that has not been reported previously.

Aged↗