Biomedical subjects

S C Lai

Publications and source records attributed to S C Lai.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Odors providing sexual information in Djungarian hamsters: evidence for an across-odor code.

Experiments were conducted to determine the repertoire of odors that are involved in sexual recognition and communication about reproductive state in Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus campbelli). By examining the preferences of males for odors of females over those of males, it was found that some odors support preferences across female reproductive states, other odors induce preferences only during estrus, and yet other odors do not elicit sexual preferences. Similarly, female preferences for male odors was restricted to just some scents. Males were also tested for their preferences for female odors from different reproductive states (diestrous, day before parturition, post-partum estrus). Four different odors were found to vary in attractiveness with these reproductive states, and there were three different patterns of change: (1) mouth and urine odors were attractive just during post-partum estrous; (2) midventral gland was most attractive the day before parturition; (3) vaginal secretions showed a graded pattern of attractiveness, peaking at post-partum estrus. These results show that different odors provide some redundant and some different information, and they suggest that an across-odor code could be used to provide very precise information about a female's reproductive state.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Synthesis and antiplatelet effects of omega-aminoalkoxylxanthones.

A series of omega-aminoalkoxylxanthones were synthesized and tested in-vitro for their ability to inhibit aggregation of rabbit washed platelets and human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) induced by various inducers. Nine of these compounds showed more potent antiplatelet effects than natural norathyriol tetraacetate on collagen-induced aggregation. The various omega-aminoalkoxyl side chains of the synthesized compounds modified the antiplatelet effects. All the compounds tested in human PRP showed significant inhibition of secondary aggregation induced by adrenaline, suggesting that the antiplatelet effects of these compounds is mainly due to an inhibitory effect on thromboxane formation. These compounds at high concentration also cause vasorelaxing action in rat thoracic aorta.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

[CHARGE association: report of a case with literature review].

The CHARGE association was described as a cluster of multiple congenital defects by Pagon et al in 1981. The underlining cause of this association is not yet clear. These defects include coloboma of the eye tissues (C), heart disease (H), atresia choanae (A), retarded growth and development and/or CNS anomalies (R), genital anomalies (G), ear anomalies and/or hearing loss (E). Here we report a case of CHARGE association in a 15-year-old female patient. She presented with unilateral ptosis and coloboma of the iris, choroid and retina, patent ductus arteriosus, growth and mental retardation, unilateral ear deformity and a hearing loss. A total of 124 cases have been reported up to now in the literature. We also discuss the frequency of the respective clinical symptoms and signs, and the leading causes of misdiagnosis. We emphasize the importance of ophthalmology and ENT consultations whenever a patient is noted to have multiple congenital anomalies, especially when a cardiac defect is present. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for this rare association.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed1992

Prevalence of goiters in school children residing in villages where underground water is used.

A representative of Fuder village in Taichung County complained that many residents had a goiter problem, which he felt might be related to pollution from the nearby Youshi industrial area. The purpose of this study was to determine whether school children in the Fuder area have a high prevalence of goiters. We chose children of the Schichi elementary school in the Fuder area as the study population, and children of the Goumei elementary school, far from the Youshi industrial area, as controls. Both groups were from a similar geographic location (near the sea), had similar socioeconomic status, and both drank underground water. Thyroid enlargement was examined by palpation as recommended by the World Health Organization. Thyroid antibodies and hormones were determined in school children with a goiter and age-sex-matched normal control children using the particle agglutination method and radioimmunoassay, respectively. In total, 1,692 school children were examined, including 875 males and 817 females. Of these, 126 school children (7.4%) had a goiter of Grade I or above. The prevalence of goiters in Shichi and Goumei were 8.8% (59/671) and 6.6% (67/1,021), respectively. There was no significant difference between these two areas. We compared the prevalence of goiters in these two schools where underground water is drunk with another previous study in Peimen and Putai where tap water is used. There was a statistically significant difference (7.4% vs 2.6%, p < 0.0001). This suggests that the higher prevalence rate of goiters in Shichi and Goumei is related to the drinking of underground water. We recommend that the use of tap water and continued salt iodization is the way to prevent endemic goiter in these areas. A further comprehensive study is needed to determine the nature of the goitrogen in the underground drinking water of the Fuder area.

Child↗