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Biomedical subjects

K S Lim

Publications and source records attributed to K S Lim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Case selection in macular relocation surgery for age related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: To date there has been no randomised controlled trial demonstrating the safety and efficacy of macular relocation surgery (MRS) for age related macular degeneration (AMD). Vision can be improved in some patients and made worse in others despite successful surgery or because of complications. PURPOSE: To determine which patients would benefit from MRS. METHODS: Twenty nine patients with exudative AMD took part in a prospective, non-comparative, interventional study. Macular relocation surgery involved phacoemulsification, vitrectomy, 360 degrees retinotomy, excision of choroidal neovascular membrane, and macular relocation using an infusion of 5-fluorouracil and low molecular weight heparin as adjuvant to prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Patients underwent protocol refraction preoperatively and six-monthly postoperatively by designated optometrists. Preoperative fundus fluorescein angiograms were read by masked observers and the lesions were classified according to a set protocol. The main outcome measures were visual improvement, final vision of better than 20/400, reading speed, critical print size. Logistic and multiple stepwise linear regressions were used to identify independent factors which predicted the main outcomes. RESULTS: Preoperative visual acuity (20/120 or worse) and lesion type (predominantly classic or submacular haemorrhage) were significantly associated with visual improvement (coefficient of regression B = 26.8, p<0.001 and B = 14.9 with p = 0.045 respectively). There were no significant independent factors which predicted a final distance logMAR visual acuity of 1.3 (20/400) or any arbitrary definition of blindness. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that it was possible to select cases that were more likely to experience an improvement in vision following MRS.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Therapeutic laparoscopy for abdominal trauma.

BACKGROUND: Instead of open laparotomy, laparoscopy can be used safely and effectively for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic abdominal injuries. METHODS: Between February 1998 and January 2002, 78 hemodynamically stable patients (49 males and 29 females) with suspicious abdominal injuries underwent diagnostic or therapeutic laparoscopy. The patients ranged in age from 15 to 79 years (median, 40.9 years). Of these patients, 52 were evaluated for blunt trauma and 26 had sustained a stab wound. Preoperative evaluation with enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed some significant injuries in all cases. All of the laparoscopic procedures were performed in the operating room with the patient under general anesthesia. Pneumoperitoneum was established using an open Hasson technique at the umbilicus, and a forward-viewing laparoscope (30 degrees) was inserted. Two additional 5- or 10- and 12-mm trocars were placed in the right and left lateral quadrants for manipulation, retraction, aspiration-irrigation, coagulation, and the like. The abdominal cavity was systemically examined, the hemoperitoneum aspirated, and the lesion causing the bleeding or spillage located. RESULTS: On the basis of the laparoscopic findings, diagnostic laparoscopy was enough for 13 patients, and therapeutic laparoscopy was performed in 65 patients (83%) for gastric wall repair [8], small bowel repair [15], small bowel resection-anastomosis [19], ligation of bleeders in the mesentery and omentum [8], sigmoid colon repair [4], Hartmann's procedure [5] cholecystectomy [2], distal pancreatectomy [2], and splenectomy [2]. Totally laparoscopic procedures were performed in 43 patients, laparoscopically assisted procedures in 20 patients, and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery in 2 patients. No significant abdominal injuries were missed as a result of laparoscopy, and no conversion to exploratory laparotomy was noted. The mean operation time was 142 min, and the mean hospital stay was 9.8 days. There were three cases of postoperative complications (1 wound infection, 1 paralytic ileus, and 1 atelectasis), but no missed injuries and no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term results from this study suggest that laparoscopy is a safe, feasible, effective procedure for the evaluation and treatment of hemodynamically stable patients with abdominal trauma, and that it can reduce the number of nontherapeutic laparotomies performed.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2002

Inhibition of tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion from rat astrocytes by Sesim-Tang.

Substance P (SP) can stimulate secretion of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from astrocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we have examined whether an aqueous extract of Sesim-Tang inhibits the secretion of TNF-alpha from primary cultures of rat astrocytes. Sesim-Tang (10-1000 microg/mL) significantly inhibited the TNF-alpha secretion by astrocytes stimulated with LPS and SP. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to elevate TNF-alpha secretion from LPS-stimulated astrocytes while having no effect on astrocytes in the absence of LPS. We therefore examined whether IL-1 mediated inhibition of TNF-alpha secretion from primary astrocytes by Sesim-Tang. Treatment with Sesim-Tang (10-1000 microg/mL) of astrocytes stimulated with both LPS and SP decreased IL-1 secretion significantly. Moreover, the secretion of TNF-alpha by LPS and SP in astrocytes was progressively inhibited with increasing amounts of IL-1 neutralizing antibody. Our results suggest that Sesim-Tang may inhibit TNF-alpha secretion by inhibiting IL-1 secretion and that Sesim-Tang has an antiinflammatory activity in the central nervous system.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Severe pulmonary hypertension in a patient with bronchiectasis complicated by cor pulmonale and a right-to-left shunt presenting for surgery.

A patient with advanced bronchiectasis, severe pulmonary hypertension complicated by cor pulmonale and a right-to-left shunt at atrial level presented for sigmoid colectomy. We outline the potential perioperative problems of this situation, discuss the perioperative risks and describe our clinical approach. A total intravenous anaesthetic technique using midazolam, fentanyl, ketamine and rocuronium was used to minimize changes in pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance and not induce bronchospasm. Preoperative nebulized salbutamol and ipratroprium were given to prevent bronchospasm and adrenaline and noradrenaline were infused to maintain cardiac output and the balance between systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance.

Anesthesia, Intravenous↗
PubMed2001

Phenothiazine deposits in corneo and lens.

Phenothiazines have been associated with various ocular adverse effects, in particular cataract and corneal deposits. Several effects are vision threatening. Awareness of these effects, in particular by Psychiatrists and Ophthalmologist, is essential for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We report two patients presented to us with corneal deposits and lenticular opacities following long term use of Phenothiazines.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Knowledge-based grouping of modeled HLA peptide complexes.

Human leukocyte antigens are the most polymorphic of human genes and multiple sequence alignment shows that such polymorphisms are clustered in the functional peptide binding domains. Because of such polymorphism among the peptide binding residues, the prediction of peptides that bind to specific HLA molecules is very difficult. In recent years two different types of computer based prediction methods have been developed and both the methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. The nonavailability of allele specific binding data restricts the use of knowledge-based prediction methods for a wide range of HLA alleles. Alternatively, the modeling scheme appears to be a promising predictive tool for the selection of peptides that bind to specific HLA molecules. The scoring of the modeled HLA-peptide complexes is a major concern. The use of knowledge based rules (van der Waals clashes and solvent exposed hydrophobic residues) to distinguish binders from nonbinders is applied in the present study. The rules based on (1) number of observed atomic clashes between the modeled peptide and the HLA structure, and (2) number of solvent exposed hydrophobic residues on the modeled peptide effectively discriminate experimentally known binders from poor/nonbinders. Solved crystal complexes show no vdW Clash (vdWC) in 95% cases and no solvent exposed hydrophobic peptide residues (SEHPR) were seen in 86% cases. In our attempt to compare experimental binding data with the predicted scores by this scoring scheme, 77% of the peptides are correctly grouped as good binders with a sensitivity of 71%.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

Modulating conjunctival wound healing.

Advances in molecular and cell biology have led to an expansion in our knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in wound healing. We review existing and potential therapies modulating the conjunctival scarring response, with particular reference to glaucoma filtration surgery. We discuss how the refinement of present antimetabolite regimens can minimise complications and improve surgical results, and advocate their use in carefully selected patient groups. Perhaps the most promising approach is targeting biological molecules. Hence, use of fully human neutralising monoclonal antibodies to the growth factor TGF beta has potential as a useful strategy for modifying conjunctival scarring. Combination therapies may also afford an improved therapeutic index. It is hoped that future therapies can offer safer, more specific, focal and titratable treatment, with far-reaching clinical applications.

Antimetabolites↗
PubMed2000

Taraxacum officinale inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from rat astrocytes.

Substance P (SP) can stimulate production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from astrocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of Taraxacum officinale (TO) on the production of TNF-alpha from primary cultures of rat astrocytes. TO (100 and 1000 microg/ml) significantly inhibited the TNF-alpha production by astrocytes stimulated with LPS and SP. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to elevate TNF-alpha production from LPS-stimulated astrocytes while having no effect on astrocytes in the absence of LPS. We therefore examined whether IL-1 mediated inhibition of TNF-alpha production from primary astrocytes by TO. Treatment of TO (100 and 1000 microg/ml) to astrocytes stimulated with both LPS and SP decreased IL-1 production significantly. Moreover, the production of TNF-alpha by LPS and SP in astrocytes was progressively inhibited with increasing amount of IL-1 neutralizing antibody. Our results suggest that TO may inhibit TNF-alpha production by inhibiting IL-1 production and that TO has an antiinflammatory activity in the central nervous system.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A case report of the use of magnesium sulphate during anaesthesia in a patient who had adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with phaeochromocytoma have haemodynamic instability during adrenalectomy. CLINICAL PICTURE: A case showing major swings of blood pressure during tumour handling. TREATMENT: Magnesium sulphate infusion alone failed to prevent severe hypertension. OUTCOME: The patient had to be given phentolamine and sodium nitroprusside to control the severe hypertension. CONCLUSION: The greatest value of magnesium sulphate is in controlling catecholamine release at induction and intubation, and in association with other agents in controlling arrhythmias and hypertension during tumour handling.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

Magnoliae flos inhibits mast cell-dependent immediate-type allergic reactions.

The mast cell plays a pivotal role in initiating allergic response by secreting intracytoplasmic granular mediators such as histamine. Magnoliae flos has been used for the treatment of allergic disease in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. The present report describes an inhibitory effect of Magnoliae flos on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. Topical application of compound 48/80 can induce an ear swelling response in normal (WBB6F1-+/+) mice but not in the congenic mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice. Magnoliae flos inhibited concentration-dependently mast cell-dependent ear swelling response induced by compound 48/80 by topical application. Magnoliae flos inhibited concentration-dependently passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE in rats by topical application. Magnoliae flos also inhibited concentration-dependently the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, Magnoliae flos had a significant inhibitory effect on compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction. These results indicate that Magnoliae flos inhibits immediate-type allergic reactions by inhibition of mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1999

Cell and protein adhesion studies in glaucoma drainage device development. The AGFID project team.

AIM: To examine in vitro whether phosphorylcholine coating of poly(methylmethacrylate) can reduce the adhesion of fibrinogen, fibrin, human scleral fibroblast and macrophage compared with current biomaterials used in the construction of glaucoma drainage devices. METHODS: Sample discs (n=6) of poly(methylmethacrylate), silicone, polypropylene, PTFE, and phosphorylcholine coated poly(methylmethacrylate) were seeded with fibrinogen, fibrin, fibroblast, and macrophages and incubated for variable lengths of time. The quantification was performed using radioactivity, spectrophotometry, ATP dependent luminometry, and immunohistochemistry respectively. RESULTS: Fibrinogen and fibrin adhesion to phosphorylcholine coated poly(methylmethacrylate) were significantly lower than PMMA (p=0.004). Phosphorylcholine coating of poly(methylmethacrylate) also significantly reduced the adhesion of human scleral fibroblast (p=0.002) and macrophage (p=0.01) compared with PMMA. All the other biomaterials showed either similar or insignificantly different levels of adhesion to all the proteins and cells tested compared with PMMA. CONCLUSION: Phosphorylcholine coating is a new material technology that offers considerable promise in the field of glaucoma drainage device development.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Shini-san inhibits mast cell-dependent immediate-type allergic reactions.

Shini-San has been used for treatment of allergic disease in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. The mast cell plays a pivotal role in initiating allergic response by secreting intracytoplasmic granular mediators such as histamine. The present report describes an inhibitory effect of Shini-San on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. Topical application of compound 48/80 can induce an ear swelling response in normal (WBB6F1(-)+/+) mice but not in congenic mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/WV mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration-dependent mast cell-dependent ear swelling response induced by compound 48/80 in normal mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) in rats by topical application. Shini-San also inhibited in concentration-dependent fashion the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, Shini-San had a significant inhibitory effect on compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction. These results indicate that Shini-San inhibits immediate type allergic reactions by inhibition of mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro.

Animals↗