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Biomedical subjects

M Lin

Publications and source records attributed to M Lin.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Transfusion-associated respiratory distress in Taiwan.

Transfusion-associated respiratory distress occurred more often in the past in Taiwan but recently only very rarely. From the results of our studies it would appear that the former cases did not represent immune reactions involving red blood cells, serum proteins (especially IgA), HLA or granulocyte-specific antigens. Other causes, such as improper handling of the blood units may have been involved, but further study is also needed to investigate the possibility of the role of cytokine release from leukocytes or other factors. In addition, it appears that both plasma and serum obtained by recalcification of plasma may cause false-positive reactions in the granulocyte microagglutination test.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Modification of standard Western pretransfusion testing procedures for Taiwan.

Due to significant differences in blood group antigen and antibody frequencies between Taiwanese and Caucasians, standard Western pretransfusion testing procedures have been modified for use in Taiwan. Pretransfusion testing consists simply of ABO grouping and antibody screening/major cross-matching using the manual Polybrene method without any antiglobulin phase. The manual Polybrene method is preformed using regents prepared in house and is rapid (about 3 min), inexpensive and easy to perform. Rh(D) typing of patients is unnecessary as the frequency of D in Taiwanes is 99.67% and the occurrence of anti-D in patients (or in haemolytic disease of the newborn) is uncommon. Great reductions in both cost and labour have resulted from these modifications, and it is suggested that other countries may consider similar modifications.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1994

[Cloning of T7 lysozyme gene and construction of the vector for transgenic plants resistant to bacterial infection].

DNA were extracted from bacteriophage T7 and digested partially with Ava II. T7 lysozyme gene was obtained by PCR. DNA sequence analysis showed that the nucleotide sequence of T7 lysozyme gene was 99.5% homologous with the reported sequence and its deduced amino acid sequence was the same as reported. DNA fragment encoding the signal peptide of the pathogenesis-related protein 1b(PR-1b) from tobacco and cecropin (Shiva-I) gene cloned in pUC19 were modified by PCR. The PR-1b signal peptide gene was fused respectively to the 5' terminals of T7 lysozyme gene and expression vector, so that T7 lysozyme gene and Shiva-I gene could express simultaneously in transgenic plants and the two gene products could be secreted to extracellular space.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Pre-discharge atrial pacing test in evaluation of risk stratification after uncomplicated myocardial infarction.

Right atrial pacing (RAP) using three pacing stages (I: 100 BPM/5 min; II: 120 BPM/5 min; III: 140 BPM/5 min) was performed for residual myocardial ischemia, hypotensive response and related prognostic significance in 55 uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. We aimed to clarify whether early risk stratification and jeopardized myocardium score, calculated using pacing results, could predict disease severity and future major cardiac events during long-term follow-up. During RAP testing, 24 patients displayed negative and 31 patients positive RAP. The positive RAP group had a significantly higher incidence of multivessel disease, higher jeopardized myocardium scores and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure than the negative RAP group. As expected, according to pacing response the disease severity score also showed a significant difference. During the one-year follow-up, there were three recurrent angina attacks, reinfarction and two congestive heart failures in the negative RAP group. In the positive RAP group, four died, six had new or recurrent myocardial infarctions and six developed congestive heart failure. Only six patients in the positive RAP group carried the critical risk, four suffered from recurrent angina, two developed reinfarction, three developed congestive heart failure, and two died. Total major cardiac events in the positive RAP group appeared to significantly increase compared to those in the negative RAP group. Our results show that early RAP with three pacing stages is useful in predicting subsequent major cardiac events after uncomplicated myocardial infarction. We also observed that hypotensive response during positive RAP represents the best predictor of critical risk requiring further invasive studies. We believe that RAP is justified for risk strategy.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Right atrial pacing for risk stratification in patients with angina pectoris.

Right atrial pacing (RAP) has been used to assess the physiologic impact of coronary artery disease (CAD). Several variables have served as markers of pacing-induced myocardial ischemia or for predicting disease severity, but their clinical implications remain uncertain. Therefore, three-stage RAP was performed to evaluate whether this strategy could predict the disease severity of CAD and foretell subsequent major cardiac events in 49 patients with typical chest pain. RAP was considered positive if 1 mm or more of horizontal or downward ST depression developed. Of the 49 cases, 28 had positive RAP (group A), and the remaining 21 had negative RAP (group B). For hemodynamic data, early positive RAP had the highest post-pacing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). The LVEDP increased significantly in Group A (p < 0.05), whereas there was no apparent change in group B. Furthermore, group A (36%) tended to develop typical chest pain more easily than group B (14%), but this was statistically insignificant. Group A had a higher incidence of multivessel disease than that of group B (p < 0.001), whereas group A had a lower incidence of non-significant CAD than that of group B (p < 0.001). During the mean two-year follow-up period, there were 23 major cardiac events (MCE) in group A in contrast to two episodes in group B (p < 0.005). The early positive subset had 18 episodes, whereas the late positive subset had only five episodes (p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Down-regulation of mRNA for the low density lipoprotein receptor in transgenic mice containing the gene for human cholesteryl ester transfer protein. Mechanism to explain accumulation of lipoprotein B particles.

To evaluate the effects of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on apoB-containing lipoproteins, we analyzed plasma lipoproteins from three different lines of human CETP transgenic mice, with plasma CETP concentration ranging from low (1.5 microgram/ml) to high levels (8.5 micrograms/ml). With increasing CETP concentration, very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesteryl ester (CE) and apoB were progressively increased, and high density lipoprotein CE was decreased. To investigate the mechanism of accumulation of lipoproteins containing apoB (lipoprotein B), the abundance of hepatic LDL receptor mRNA was determined. LDL receptor mRNA was reduced as a result of CETP expression, with maximum repression to about 48% of the level of non-transgenic mice. Among the different lines of CETP transgenic mice there was an inverse relationship between plasma CETP concentration and hepatic LDL receptor mRNA abundance (r = -0.94, p < 0.01). CETP expression also led to increased cholesterol and cholesteryl ester content in liver and to decreased abundance of mRNAs encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and 7-alpha-hydroxylase. Thus, CETP expression results in increased cholesteryl ester concentration in very low density lipoprotein and LDL, probably reflecting both CE transfer from high density lipoprotein and accumulation of lipoprotein B particles. The accumulation of lipoprotein B particles results from CETP-mediated down-regulation of liver LDL receptors, possibly due to enhanced return of cholesterol to the liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Lysophosphatidylcholine disrupts the acrosome of tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) spermatozoa.

The acrosomal status of wallaby spermatozoa was evaluated by light and electron microscopy after incubation in 1-100 microM lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) for up to 120 min. Treatment with 1 and 10 microM LPC for 120 min did not lead to acrosomal loss, or detectable alteration to the acrosome, as detected by Bryan's staining and light microscopy. Incubation with 25 microM LPC had little effect on acrosomal loss, however statistically significant changes (P < 0.05) in the acrosomal matrix (altered) were detected after 10-min incubation by light microscopy. Around 50% of acrosomes were altered after 20-min incubation in 50 microM LPC (P < 0.001), and 40% of spermatozoa had lost their acrosome after 60-min incubation (P < 0.001). Treatment with 75 and 100 microM LPC led to rapid acrosomal loss from around 50% of spermatozoa within 10 min (P < 0.001), and by 60 min acrosomal loss was 70-80%. LPC, like the diacylglycerol DiC8 (1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol), is thus an effective agent to induce loss of the relatively stable wallaby sperm acrosome, and it also induces changes within the acrosomal matrix. Ultrastructure of the LPC-treated spermatozoa revealed that the plasma membrane and the acrosomal membranes were disrupted in a manner similar to that seen after detergent treatment (Triton X-100). There was no evidence of point fusion between the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome and the outer acrosomal membrane. The plasma membrane was the first structure to disappear from the spermatozoa. The acrosomal membranes and matrix showed increasing disruption with time and LPC concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acrosome↗
PubMed1993

Frequency of platelet-specific antigens among Chinese in Taiwan.

The frequencies of six platelet-specific antigens among Chinese in Taiwan are reported, which have not previously been well studied. HPA-1a (PlA1) antigen was positive in all 1100 Chinese tested. HPA-4b (Yukb) antigen was positive in all 100 persons tested. HPA-2b (Ko(a), Sib(a)) antigen was positive in 9 percent of 100 persons tested, HPA-3a (Bak(a)) in 77 percent, and NAKa in 96 percent. HPA-4a (Yuk(a)) antigen occurred in 0 percent in this study but is estimated to be present in 0.5 percent of the Taiwanese population.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗
PubMed1993

The unique stability of the marsupial sperm acrosomal membranes examined by unprotected freeze-thawing and treatment with the detergent Triton X-100.

In this study of the unique stability of the marsupial acrosome, experiments were carried out on the acrosomes of spermatozoa of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and grey short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Light microscopy showed that 4% of opossum and 15% of possum and wallaby spermatozoa lost their acrosomes after freeze-thawing. Electron microscopy revealed that freeze-thawing also induced changes in the acrosomal matrix of some acrosome intact spermatozoa. In both possum and wallaby, freeze-thawing increased the number of spermatozoa with vesiculation of the acrosomal matrix. Freeze-thawing disrupted the plasma membrane of spermatozoa but the acrosomal membranes remained intact. Immediately on addition of high concentrations of TX-100 (0.02% and 0.04%) there was significant loss of acrosomes and motility in possum and wallaby spermatozoa. Lower concentrations of TX-100 (< or = 0.01%) did not affect motility for up to 30 min in all three species, and there was no significant loss of acrosomes. Although loss of acrosomes did not occur under mild detergent treatment, 56% of wallaby and 70% of possum spermatozoa had altered acrosomes after 30 min in 0.01% TX-100. Electron microscopy revealed that acrosomes were undergoing a vesiculation process similar to that seen after freeze-thawing. Often the plasma membrane of detergent-treated spermatozoa was disrupted and had formed plasma membrane vesicles. However, the acrosomal membranes remained intact despite major changes to the acrosomal matrix. The study confirmed the remarkable stability of the marsupial acrosome and suggested that this is probably based in the acrosomal membranes.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1993

Pericardiocentesis guided by two-dimensional contrast echocardiography.

The clinical application of two-dimensional contrast echocardiography to pericardiocentesis was investigated in 20 patients with pericardial effusion. Multiple views were obtained to determine the ideal needle entry route. During pericardiocentesis, after 5 to 10 mL of pericardial fluid was withdrawn, 3 to 5 mL of agitated saline solution was injected through the exploring needle into the pericardium and a cloud of echoes indicated the needle's position. Contrast echoes were observed in all 20 patients. The procedure was performed smoothly in all patients except two (10%): the exploring needle was inserted into the right atrium in one patient and into the right ventricle in the other patient. The former promptly underwent a surgical drainage procedure, and the latter a second pericardiocentesis successfully guided by contrast echocardiography. The pericardial fluid was simply, safely, and successfully aspirated in the other 18 patients. We conclude that two-dimensional contrast echocardiography is valuable for locating needle position, thus facilitating successful pericardiocentesis in clinical practice.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Induction of the marsupial sperm acrosome reaction in vitro by treatment with diacylglycerols.

The diacylglycerol DiC8 (1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol; 100 mumol l-1) was found to induce acrosomal loss in 70% of wallaby spermatozoa and 40% of possum spermatozoa after incubation for 120 min. If 10 mumol calcium ionophore l-1 was present, the time required to reach these end points was reduced to 30 and 60 min, respectively. The diacylglycerol OAG (1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol; 100 mumol l-1) produced some acrosomal loss, particularly when 10 mumol calcium ionophore l-1 was present, but when the ionophore was absent, results were equivocal. The other diacylglycerol tested DOG (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol; 100 mumol l-1) did not induce significant acrosomal loss in possum or wallaby spermatozoa. The concentration of DiC8 required to induce acrosomal loss in marsupial spermatozoa (50-100 mumol l-1) was relatively high compared with that for placental mammals, suggesting a less specific mode of action than enzyme activation. Of the diacylglycerols tested alone, only DiC8 led to significant loss of motility. In wallabies, this was detectable after incubation for 60 min and in possums after incubation for 120 min. The ultrastructure of the DiC8-induced acrosomal loss was essentially identical to the acrosome reaction described for a broad range of placental mammals. A membrane vesicle shroud covered the acrosomal surface of the sperm head. The vesicles appeared to be formed by multiple point fusions between the plasma membrane and the outer acrosomal membrane. The mechanism of DiC8-induced acrosomal loss remains to be established.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acrosome↗
PubMed1993

Is left ventricular systolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients with heart failure normalized by long-term antihypertensive therapy?

The critical left ventricular (LV) mass when hypertensive heart failure appears, and whether LV dysfunction in hypertensives with heart failure is normalized by long-term antihypertensive therapy were investigated. LV dimension, LV mass, LV mass index, LV ejection time (LVET) and pre-ejection period (PEP) were measured in 27 normal subjects and 56 essential hypertensives, the latter divided into three groups: group I, without LV hypertrophy; group II, with LV hypertrophy; and group III, with hypertensive heart failure. LV mass and LV mass index were 135.0 +/- 23.8 g and 85.8 +/- 11.7 g/m2, respectively, in normal controls, 133.0 +/- 30.8 g and 82.0 +/- 18.4 g/m2 in group I, 222.3 +/- 38.0 g and 136.1 +/- 19.9 g/m2 in group II, and 422.0 +/- 30.3 g and 235.7 +/- 19.6 g/m2 in group III of essential hypertensives. The upper limits of LV mass and LV mass index in group II (mean + 2SD) were about 300 g and 180 g/m2, respectively. Significant shortening of LVET was observed only in group III, but PEP was prolonged with an increase in LV mass. LV diastolic dimension and PEP were not normalized by long-term antihypertensive therapy (mean: 16 months). These results indicate that the critical LV mass marking the transition from non-failing hypertrophied left ventricle to failing ventricle associated with essential hypertension is about 300 g, or LV mass index of 180 g/m2, and that LV dilatation and depressed myocardial contractility in essential hypertensives with a past history of congestive heart failure were not normalized by chronic antihypertensive therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Populus tomentosa carr].

Populus tomentosa Carr. a Chinese folk medicine, has been used for treatment of arthritic disease. A new flavonoid(1), with molecular formula C30H26O12 was isolated from this plant along with four known compounds. They were identified as apigenin-7-O-(6"-O-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (I), salicin (II), tremulodin (III), tremulacin (IV) and daucosterol (V) by the use of 1HNMR, 13CNMR and 1H-13C COSY spectroscopy.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1993

Hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by maternal anti-Dib: a case report in Taiwan.

Possibly the first case of hemolytic disease caused by anti-Dib in a Chinese infant is reported. The infant developed jaundice soon after birth; based on study, the jaundice has been diagnosed as a result of maternal anti-Dib which was most likely induced by previous pregnancies. The phenotype of the mother's red cells was Di (a+b-). The frequency of the Dia antigen among Chinese in Taiwan is 3.2%. In Orientals, hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by maternal anti-Dib is likely to be more severe than that caused by anti-Dia.

Blood Group Antigens↗