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Biomedical subjects

P Chou

Publications and source records attributed to P Chou.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

An immunohistologic characterization of human prostatic atypical hyperplasia.

In an effort to better distinguish the morphologic relationship of atypical hyperplasia of the prostate to benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic cancer, 43 prostate specimens were analyzed with ten immunohistologic markers. Two cytokeratin antibodies appeared useful (Cyto M and Cyto P, with the latter slightly more discriminatory). In summary, it appears that atypical hyperplasia is immunohistopathologically related to both benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic cancer, having characteristics of both.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Chondrosarcoma of the head in children.

Chondrosarcoma usually manifests in adult and elderly patients and involves primarily the long bones of the extremities and the osseous pelvis. Children and adolescents may be affected, however. In the young, these neoplasms tend to grow in atypical anatomic sites. A review of clinical experience at a pediatric institution disclosed three chondrosarcomas, including one of mesenchymal type, arising in tissues of the head in patients aged 15, 9, and 13 years. From a review of the pertinent literature as well as clinical experience, it appears that pediatric pathologists are apt to encounter chondrosarcomas rarely, and in those cases the clinical and pathologic features are at variance with those described for chondrosarcoma in adult patients. Low-grade lesions may pursue an indolent course, necessitating prolonged surveillance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver: ultrastructure, immunohistochemistry, and DNA ploidy analysis of two cases.

We describe the histopathologic, immunohistochemical, electronmicroscopic features, and DNA flow cytometric analysis of 2 cases of undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver. The tumor cells were found to be uniformly nonreactive to antibodies that identify cells belonging to the macrophagic-monocytic system. Focal expression of cytokeratin was an unexpected finding. We conclude that the observations are compatible with origin of this sarcoma from primitive mesenchyme. Uncertainty still exists about histogenesis, but the morphologic features of this neoplasm are quite characteristic. Both tumors demonstrate aneuploid stem lines with high S phase. Whether these findings are prognostically significant remains to be seen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Accuracy of screening for cervical cancer in Taiwan, 1974-1984.

The cervical cancer screening program in Taiwan was carried out in two phases. This study attempted to estimate the specificity, predictive value, and cancer detection rate of screening for cervical cancer in Taiwan, 1974-1984. They were 99.30%, 46.28%, and 0.60% respectively for Phase I screening (1974-1978) and 99.44%, 50.14% and 0.57% respectively for Phase II screening (1979-1984). It was found consistently that the suspicious rate for women screened for the first time in Taiwan was around 1.30%. Some issues of laboratory errors (or technical errors) in the screening were discussed by screening year and by geographic area respectively. A problem in the cytologic laboratory which produced some technical errors resulting in high false negative results was identified. In order to correct the above laboratory errors, an intensive and obligatory training program including lecture and laboratory sessions was set up and a quality control protocol was established, in which 10% random samples were selected and re-read by the supervisor, and consistency was established and monitored. Besides, subjectivity of cytopathologists was also considered and discussed. Standardization and quality control of the cytopathological laboratory is the most important issue in the accuracy of screening for cervical cancer.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1990

Epidemiology of cervical cancer in the screened population in Taiwan, 1979-1984.

This study was based on the screening data of April 1979-June 1984 to provide descriptive epidemiology of cervical cancer in Taiwan. During the 63 months, 175,823 women were screened and 1988 (1.13%) suspicious cases were found. The predictive value of a positive test was 50.14% and the specificity of the screening test was 99.44%. The estimated cancer rate among the screened population was 0.57%. The ratio of carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma was 1.91. The mean ages were 37.5 years for screened population, 44.1 years for suspects, 46.3 years for cancer cases (44.1 years for carcinoma in situ and 50.8 years for invasive carcinoma), 57.3 years for cervical cancer deaths in 1981 and 58.1 years for uterine cancer deaths in 1981. Univariate descriptive analyses on all women screened revealed the following variables to be positively associated (p less than 0.05) with suspicious Pap smears and cancer confirmed cases: age, number of years married, number of full-term deliveries, number of abortions/miscarriages, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Negative associations were found with age at first marriage, education level, previous Pap smear and use of condom for contraception. Suspicious rates (but not detected cancer rates) were significantly higher for those women who themselves or whose husbands worked in mining, salt production, fishery or agriculture occupations. They were lowest for those (self or husband) employed in civil service, teaching, military service or police. By residence, suspicious rates were highest for those residing in the most urbanized areas (cities) and lowest for those in the second most urbanized areas (country cities). Thus urbanization level was not significantly involved. Other risk variables reported in the literature such as family history of uterine and other cancers were not significantly associated with either the suspicious or the cancer rate in this study.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Community-based epidemiological study on hypertension and diabetes--community-based preventive medicine by Yang-Ming Crusade in 1989].

A community-based preventive medicine project was carried out by the Yang-Ming Crusade, organized by more than 180 students of National Yang-Ming Medical College, in July 1989. All of the registered residents over 40 years old of 13 villages (from 8 towns) were chosen for the study population. Their blood pressure, urine sugar, urine protein, high and weight were taken by the crusaders through door by door interviews. The screening positive cases were referred to the local Group Practice Center for confirm diagnosis and follow-up treatment. Among 7598 study population. 5088 (67%) were interviewed including male 48.9% and female 51.0%. About one third of the interviewee were in 50-59 age group. 762 hypertensive cases out of 3462 interviewee with blood pressure taken were found. The prevalence of hypertension was 21.0%. 334 diabetes cases out of 4713 interviewee with urine sugar taken were found. The prevalence of diabetes was 7.1%. Among 762 hypertensive cases, 560 (77.1%) were self-recognized and treated with the following methods: modern medicine 79.2%, traditional medicine 8.7%, drug stores 6.4%, and herbs 2.8%. Among 334 diabetes cases, 203 (60.8%) were self-recognized and only 171 (51.2%) were treated with the following methods: modern medicine 79.5%, traditional medicine 8.2%, drug stores 3.5%, and herbs 4.1%. Univariate analysis on hypertension showed that age, ethnicity, obesity, diabetes, hypertension history of mother, and hypertension history of siblings were significant variables. All of the above 6 variables were significant in multiple logistic regression analysis. Univariate analysis on diabetes showed that age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, diabetes history of father, diabetes history of mother, and diabetes history of siblings were significant variables. However only 4 variables, age, hypertension, diabetes history of mother, and diabetes history of siblings, were significant in multiple logistic regression analysis.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Two-phase test of fecal occult blood screening for colorectal cancer].

The detection of colorectal cancer in an early curable stage has become the focus of considerable interest recently. A two-phase test using both guaiac test and Hemolex latex immuno-agglutination test was applied for fecal occult blood screening of colorectal cancer. A total of 4,725 veterans aging 60 to 69 years were registered, and 2,176 persons (average age 66 years) completed the test giving a compliance rate of 46%. The positive rates of both tests were accounted 20.5% and 6.7% respectively. Five hundred and forty five persons had positive reaction for at least one of the tests. Of these, 90 had a follow up diagnosis with colonoscopy or combined with barium enema. Three rectal adenocarcinomas were detected, of which only one was positive by guaiac test, but two by Hemolex test. A rectal carcinoid was found by rectodigital examination. It was negative by both tests. Nineteen cases were detected to have one or more polyps in colon or rectum, of which only 6 were positive by guaiac test, but 18 by Hemolex test. Hemolex test using antibody against human hemoglobin is based on latex agglutination reaction. It is more sensitive and specific than guaiac test. Moreover, no dietary restriction is required. In the view point of cost-effectiveness, mass screening for colorectal cancer in general public is not recommended, but hospital-based screening for high risk group is still worthwhile to study.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

[A feasibility study on teaching evaluation system in medical education].

The purpose of this study is to develop an evaluation instrument with high feasibility and acceptability, and to quantify the outcome of evaluation, in order to set up an efficient evaluation system. Teaching evaluation with questionnaire by students has been carried out in National Yang-Ming Medical College for two years. With the support of both teachers and students, the system has been established and conducted on a regular basis. The most important purpose of evaluation is to improve the quality of teaching. During the two academic years (Sep. 1986-June 1988) of the program, the overall response rate was 44.5%, the Department of Nursing had the highest response rate, followed by Dentistry, Medicine-Post Graduate, Medical Technology, and Medicine. Taking into consideration of the year and the class size, the regression analysis found that higher year or smaller size of the class had better response rate. The response rates dropped significantly after the first academic year regardless of department or year. A total of 23 classes were included in the evaluation program and 99 courses were evaluated. All questions in the questionnaire used a 0 to 4 ordinal scale, in which 0 (improvement needed) was the low end and 4 (excellent) the high end. The mean score of the seven questions of teaching evaluation was 2.47. As a whole, the students were satisfied with the teaching. As to the categories of courses, clinical courses had better mean score than basic medical courses, and basic medical courses had better mean score than common required courses. To evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching, students' achievement was used as the outcome variable. The most important predictive variable was the method of instruction, followed by the content of lecture such as degree of difficulty of the lecture and cognitiveness of the contents. The above 3 variables explained 76% of the variation of the students' achievement. However, the significant of teachers' speech, performance and attitude were not so influential. Analysis based on the characteristics of the teachers (sex, age, position, and teaching experience), the characteristics of students (department and year), teaching environments (time and place), and the 3 categories of courses (clinical, basic medical and common required courses) showed that all the above variables only explained less then 10% of the variation of the students' achievement.

Education, Medical↗
PubMed1989

Mass screening for cervical cancer in Taiwan from 1974 to 1984.

The cervical cancer screening program in Taiwan was carried out in two phases. This study focused on the first 10-year screening program. Univariate descriptive analysis with chi-square test and multivariate analysis with logistic regression were applied to find the significant risk factors related to cervical cancer in Taiwan. Comparison of Phase I and II screening revealed a cohort effect. The high examination rate in women aged 30 to 39 years in Phase I resulted in a drop in the suspicious rate in the 35 to 44 year age group in Phase II, and a decreasing trend of age-specific death rates from both cervical and uterine cancer in the 40 to 49 year age group based on all of the female population in Taiwan. In Phase II, an increasing trend in ratio of carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma was also found. These findings suggest that the 10-year screening program in Taiwan conducted by the Cancer Society of the Republic of China has been effective. How to increase the examination rate is the key issue in the control of cervical cancer in Taiwan.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Giant cell fibroblastoma.

Two cases of giant cell fibroblastoma in children are described and the available literature on these uncommon neoplasms is summarized. Several local recurrences were noticed in both of our cases, but no metastases occurred. The histologic appearance was distinctive, but no firm conclusions regarding histogenesis could be drawn. Immunostaining methods ruled out a vascular origin. The evidence was not sufficient enough to either confirm or refute a neoplastic histiocytic component of these tumors. The clinical course and pathologic findings suggested that these lesions be classified tentatively with the fibromatoses of childhood.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[A community-based study on risk factors of hypertension in Luh-Guu Township].

This is a community-based study on hypertension conducted in 1987 to assess the risk of demographic factors and life style of inhabitants aged over 30 in Luh-Guu Township. One-stage cluster sampling was applied. Through home visit interview, the height, weight, and blood pressure as well as demographic and life style data were taken, and 1171 (57.4%) valid data were completed. Hypertension was defined by American National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute as BP greater than = 140/90mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.2% (the prevalence was 13.4% if defined by the WHO criteria), and only 27.4% of those hypertensives were self-aware. Univariate analysis found that age, educational level, marital status, job condition, smoking habit, father's hypertension history, and usage of contraceptive were correlated with hypertension. With obesity index in addition to the above 6 factors, except contraceptive usage, as independent variables, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, only age and obesity index were significantly correlated with hypertension and the best model were fitted.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Risk assessment of diet in a community-based study.

A community-based screening for colorectal cancer targeted to all residents over 30 in Luh-Guu Town in Taiwan was conducted in mid-1986 and diet history was taken at the same time to examine the relationship between diet and screening positives of Hemoccult Test. Using dichotomous screening result as the outcome variable, we divided the exposure variable, diet history, into 3 categories: (A) meat less than vegetable, (B) meat = vegetable, and (C) meat greater than vegetable. The control variables in this study were age, sex, and upper G.-I bleeding history. The bivariate analysis with Chisquare test and the multivariable analysis with logistic regression were applied respectively. Although upper G-I bleeding was a protective factor for screening positive (OR = 0.5732 and 95% C.I = 0.34-0.96), it was not a confounder in this study. The main effect of age and sex were not correlated with screening positive. The interaction terms up to 3-factor were not significant. Based on the best fitted model in this study, those taking more meat than vegetable have a 1.74 times higher risk for screening positive of colorectal cancer than those taking less meat than vegetable (OR (3.1) = 1.74, 95% C.I. = 1.09-2.80). However the 95% C.I. for OR (2,1) and OR (3,2) included the null value OR = 1 [OR (2,1) = 1.30, 95% C.I = 0.93-1.82 and OR (3,2) = 1.34, 95% C.I = 0.84-2.08)]. High vegetable together with low meat diet is recommended.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1988

Plasma cell granuloma of the heart.

A case of plasma cell granuloma arising in the free ventricular wall and involving the coronary arteries of a 10-month-old female infant is presented. Morphologic characteristics were comparable with those of plasma cell granulomas arising elsewhere. The histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural observations, and in particular the quiescent clinical course of the disease and its control with anti-inflammatory medication, favor a nonneoplastic nature of the lesion. This report documents the presence of an intracardiac plasma cell granuloma for the second time in the medical literature.

Coronary Vessels↗
PubMed1988

Mass screening of primary hepatocellular carcinoma by alpha-fetoprotein in a rural area of Taiwan--a dried blood spot method.

A prospective survey of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) was conducted in a rural area of Taiwan using a two-site enzyme immunoassay for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in dried blood samples collected on filter paper. Of 1894 men over 40 years of age who were tested, 20 (1%) had AFP levels of greater than 20 ng/ml of blood on screening. Nineteen of these men received ultrasound examinations, and small PHCs were detected in 4 (21%). The remaining 15 cases had other types of hepatobiliary tract diseases, and 6 (40%) were also serum HBsAg positive. They should all be closely followed up by AFP determination and ultrasound examination of the liver. In contrast to the low resection rate of PHC in symptomatic patients who were admitted through the outpatient clinic during the period of this survey, the four cases with small PHC discovered by AFP screening had their tumors successfully removed (5/57 vs. 4/4, p less than 0.005). Our preliminary results showed that this method is a simple, sensitive and convenient assay for AFP and may be used as a first-line screening test in mass population surveillance programs for PHC, particularly in areas where PHC is highly prevalent.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Development of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in the ovine fetus and newborn.

Despite the importance of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the regulation of thermogenesis and energy expenditure in both newborn and adult mammals, the functional ontogenesis of this tissue is largely unknown. In the present study, we describe the maturation of several aspects of BAT thermogenesis in fetal and newborn sheep. Cell respiration of brown adipocytes isolated from perirenal BAT was measured using a Gilson differential respirometer. Cells were isolated from four fetal animals at 121-124 days gestation (group 1), five fetal animals at 137-140 days gestation (group 2), and five newborns between birth and 4 days of age (group 3). In addition to basal oxygen consumption, in vitro cell respiration also was measured after the addition of norepinephrine (NE), (Bu)2cAMP, alpha-glycerophosphate (alpha GP), and butyric acid. Mean (+/- SEM) basal respiration (in microliters of O2 per 10(6) cells/h) increased from 11 +/- 1 in group 1 to 31 +/- 2 in group 2 and 45 +/- 7 in group 3. Cell volume increased from 9 +/- 1 pl in group 1 to 13 +/- 2 pl in group 2 and 18 +/- 2 pl in group 3. After adjustment for variations in basal respiration due to differences in cell volume, basal respiration in group 2 was greater than that in group 1 and equal to that in group 3. Maximal NE (10(-6) M)-stimulated respiration increased from 74 +/- 16 in group 1 to 294 +/- 47 in group 2. Maximal NE-stimulated respiration in group 3 (133 +/- 30) was less than that in group 2, but equal to that in group 1. (Bu)2cAMP-stimulated respiration increased from 51 +/- 12 in group 1 to 175 +/- 22 in group II, with no further increase in group III. Neither NE- nor (Bu)2cAMP-stimulated respiration varied significantly with cell volume. alpha GP substrate respiration demonstrated significant increases from group 1 to group 2, with another significant increase in Group 3. Butyric acid substrate respiration in group 1 was less than those measured in groups 2 and 3, while respiration values in groups 2 and 3 were equal. After adjustments for variations due to differences in cell volume, the patterns of development of both alpha GP and butyric acid substrate respiration were unaltered. The following conclusions were reached 1) Full maturation of BAT catecholamine-stimulated cellular respiration occurs before delivery near term in the ovine fetus. 2) In the neonatal lamb, a decrease in catecholamine-stimulated respiration occurs without a decrease in (Bu)2cAMP-stimulated respiration. This suggests that a decrease in BAT sensitivity to NE occurs after delivery at the receptor adenyl cyclase level. 3) The perinatal increase in alpha GP substrate respiration without an increase in butyric acid substrate respiration suggests that mitochondrial alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity is increased. This was confirmed by measuring increased alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity in crude BAT mitochondrial fractions in group 3 animals.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗