Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Y Lin

Publications and source records attributed to S Y Lin.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Postero-medio-anterior approach of the ankle for the pilon fracture.

A good view of the operative field is important for better reduction and fixation in surgical treatment of fractures. The exposure of the ankle joint for the pilon fracture is commonly through the anterior approach, or combined with the medical approach. But sometimes it is still difficult to have complete viewing of the articular surface and to apply internal fixation by that approach. In recent years, we developed a "postero-medio-anterior" approach of the ankle joint by one incision. This approach provides an excellent exposure of the anterior, medial and posterior aspects of the ankle joint with a clear view of the articular surface. In our 45 cases of pilon fracture during 1991 to 1995, there was no incisional injury to the neurovascular bundle. Superficial wound edge necrosis was noted in two cases which healed later without further procedure. Therefore, we recommend this approach as a simple and reliable incision for open reduction of pilon fractures.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Isothermal Fourier transform infrared microspectrosopic studies on the stability kinetics of solid-state intramolecular cyclization of aspartame sweetener.

A novel Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectrophotometer equipped with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the kinetics of intramolecular cyclization of aspartame (APM) sweetener in the solid state under isothermal conditions. The thermal-dependent changes in the peak intensity of IR spectra at 1543, 1283, and 1259 cm(-1) were examined to explore the reaction. The results support that the intramolecular cyclization process in APM proceeded in three steps: the methoxyl group of ester was first thermolyzed to release methanol, then an acyl cation was attacked by the lone pair of electrons available on nitrogen by an S(N)1 pathway, and finally ring-closure occurred. The intramolecular cyclization of APM determined by this microscopic FT-IR/DSC system was found to follow zero-order kinetics after a brief induction period. The bond cleavage energy (259.38 kJ/mol) of thermolysis for the leaving group of -OCH(3), the bond conversion energy (328.88 kJ/mol) for the amide II NH band to DKP NH band, and the CN bond formation energy (326.93 kJ/mol) of cyclization for the DKP in the APM molecule were also calculated from the Arrhenius equation. The total activation energy of the DKP formation via intramolecular cyclization was 261.33 kJ/mol, calculated by the above summation of the bond energy of cleavage, conversion, and formation, which was near to the value determined by the DSC or TGA method. This indicates that the microscopic FT-IR/DSC system is useful as a potential tool not only to investigate the degradation mechanism of drugs in the solid state but also to directly predict the bond energy of the reaction.

Aspartame↗
PubMed2000

Differentiation of hair growth cycle from scalp hair roots for the diagnosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in neonates.

Hair analysis can be used as a screening tool in the diagnosis of genetic diseases. The scalp hair roots of 67 normal neonates and 39 neonates with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency were analysed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy to differentiate the stages of the hair growth cycle and to diagnose the genetic disorder on the basis of spectral differences. We have demonstrated that FT-IR microspectroscopy is a rapid and effective noninvasive diagnostic method to differentiate scalp hair roots of normal neonates into the anagen, catagen or telogen phases of the hair growth cycle, using IR spectral differences within the 3000-2800 cm(-1) region and the IR peak area ratio of 2854 cm(-1)/2873 cm(-1) or 1084 cm(-1)/amide II band (p<0.001). Moreover, G6PD-deficient neonates could be accurately diagnosed from telogen phase hair roots owing to significant differences in IR peak area ratios of 2854 cm(-1)/2873(-1) or 1084 cm(-1)/amide II band compared to normal values in healthy neonates. The result suggests that the application of FT-IR microspectroscopy may be capable not only of differentiating the hair growth cycle into anagen, categen or telogen phases but also of detecting G6PD deficiency. Hair root analysis promises to be a useful complement to serum and urine analysis in the diagnosis of genetic diseases.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Effect of skin-penetrating enhancers on the thermophysical properties of cholesteryl oleyl carbonate embedded in a thermo-responsive membrane.

The effect of skin-penetrating enhancers such as propylene glycol (PG), Azone and ethanol on the thermophysical properties of cholesteryl oleyl carbonate (COC) was investigated using differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) and microscopic Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that PG did not influence the DSC thermograms and IR spectra of COC in the different ratios of COC and PG mixture; whereas Azone interacted with COC not only to lower the semectic-cholesteric phase transition temperature of COC but also to induce a new IR spectral peak at 1653 cm(-1) which shifted from the carbonyl stretching band (1636 cm(-1)) of Azone. Ethanol did not interact with COC, but it influenced the IR spectral peak intensity of COC at 1253 cm(-1). The peak intensity at 1253 cm(-1) gradually rose with the time of ethanol evaporation and was similar to that of the temperature effect. The solubility parameter was also used to explain the miscibility and interaction between COC and PG, Azone or ethanol.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Simultaneous formation and detection of the reaction product of solid-state aspartame sweetener by FT-IR/DSC microscopic system.

The solid-state stability of aspartame hemihydrate (APM) sweetener during thermal treatment is important information for the food industry. The present study uses the novel technique of Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy equipped with differential scanning calorimetry (FT-IR/DSC microscopic system) to accelerate and determine simultaneously the thermal-dependent impurity formation of solid-state APM. The results indicate a dramatic change in IR spectra from 50, 110 or 153 degrees C, which was respectively attributed to the onset temperature of water evaporation, dehydration and cyclization processes. It is suggested that the processes of dehydration and intramolecular cyclization occurred in the solid-state APM during the heating process. As an impurity, 3-carboxymethyl-6-benzyl-2,5-diketopiperazine (DKP) degraded from solid state APM via intramolecular cyclization and liberation of methanol. This was evidenced by this novel FT-IR/DSC microscopic system in a one-step procedure.

Aspartame↗
PubMed2000

Causes of interruption of radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is now curable with early diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment. In the past several decades, few studies have investigated why some patients fail to complete the recommended full course of radiotherapy. METHODS: A total of 3273 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were treated at the Radiation Oncology Department of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in a span of 18 years from 1979 to 1996. Among these patients, 276 did not complete the full course of treatment of radiation therapy. The medical records of these patients were reviewed to determine the factors contributing to treatment interruption. RESULTS: Of the 276 patients whose treatment was interrupted, 120 (43.5%) were unable to endure the acute side effects of radiation therapy and were afraid of the possible complications resulting from the treatment; 57 (20.7%) had doubts about the diagnosis or had the subjective perception that the treatment offered would be ineffective in view of the severity of their disease; 50 (18.1%) resorted to folk prescriptions; 17 (6.2%) were faced with socioeconomic problems; 15 (5.4%) sought treatment at another hospital owing to transport considerations; 10 (3.6%) stopped radiation therapy and switched to chemotherapy for palliative management; seven (2.5%) resorted to praying, god worshipping and taking incense powder and magic elixirs because their families were against any established therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The acute side effects and complications caused by radiation therapy were the major factors influencing patients' decisions to discontinue treatment. This finding suggests that more attention should be paid to providing care with regard to the acute side effects of radiotherapy and to reinforcing pretreatment education.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Dome corrective osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity.

Between 1994 and 1998, 15 patients had corrective dome-shaped osteotomy of the humerus for posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity. Thirteen patients had surgery before puberty and two patients had surgery after puberty. In the prepuberty group, all the osteotomies were done by a posterior approach with triceps muscle splitting, and cross pins were used to fix the osteotomy. In the postpuberty group, the osteotomies were done by a posterior approach with olecranon osteotomy, and reconstructive plates were used for fixation. The average followup was 2 years and 4 months. Preoperative carrying angle ranged from 19 degrees to 31 degrees varus (average, 26.2 degrees) and postoperative carrying angle ranged from 7 degrees to 15 degrees valgus (average, 10.7 degrees). No loss of correction was observed and all osteotomies united. The preoperative and postoperative differences of the lateral condylar prominence index ranged from -67% to +6% (average, -30.1%). After reviewing these cases, a dome-shaped osteotomy was found to have the following advantages for correction of cubitus varus deformity: the osteotomy site is more stable than a lateral closing wedge osteotomy for maintaining the correction obtained; the domed osteotomy avoids having the lateral condyle becoming prominent; and the posterior scar is more cosmetically acceptable than the lateral scar in the lateral closing wedge osteotomy.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Extensor digitorum brevis rotational muscle flap for lower leg and ankle coverage.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue reconstruction around the ankle has been a challenging problem. This article reports our experience using the extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap; some technical variations are discussed. METHODS: The extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap is vascularized by the well-defined lateral tarsal artery, a branch of the dorsalis pedis artery originating at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum. This flap was used for coverage of soft tissue defects in the lower leg and the ankle in 10 patients with various injuries. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely. Complications included delayed healing of donor skin in two cases. Flap elevation was possible even in the traumatized donor foot. CONCLUSION: The advantages of this flap include constant and reliable blood supply, easy and rapid flap dissection, adequate bulk, and one-stage procedure. However, disadvantages include the small size of the flap and the sacrifice of the dorsalis pedis artery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage.

The root of Arctium lappa Linne (A. lappa) (Compositae), a perennial herb, has been cultivated for a long time as a popular vegetable. In order to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of A. lappa, male ICR mice were injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 32 microl/kg, i.p.) or acetaminophen (600 mg/kg, i.p.). A. lappa suppressed the SGOT and SGPT elevations induced by CCl4 or acetaminophen in a dose-dependent manner and alleviated the severity of liver damage based on histopathological observations. In an attempt to elucidate the possible mechanism(s) of this hepatoprotective effect, glutathione (GSH), cytochrome P-450 (P-450) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were studied. A. lappa reversed the decrease in GSH and P-450 induced by CCl4 and acetaminophen. It was also found that A. lappa decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in CCl4 or acetaminophen-intoxicated mice. From these results, it was suggested that A. lappa could protect the liver cells from CCl4 or acetaminophen-induced liver damages, perhaps by its antioxidative effect on hepatocytes, hence eliminating the deleterious effects of toxic metabolites from CCl4 or acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed2000

Thermal-Dependent dehydration process and intramolecular cyclization of lisinopril dihydrate in the solid state.

The pathway of dehydration and intramolecular cyclization of lisinopril dihydrate in the solid state was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a combination of thermal analyzer with Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (thermal FT-IR microscopic system). The results indicate that the dehydration from the solid-state lisinopril dihydrate had a two-step process from dihydrate to monohydrate at 76 degrees C and then from monohydrate to anhydrate at 99-101 approximately C, which could be clearly observed from the above three methods. Only the thermal FT-IR microscopic system could give vital information on diketopiperazine (DKP) formation via intramolecular cyclization in anhydrous lisinopril. A new peak at 1670 cm(-1) assigned to the carbonyl band of DKP formation was clearly evidenced. The water of reaction byproduct was liberated at a temperature >157 degrees C and appeared on the IR spectra near 3200-3400 cm(-1). Moreover, the peak at 1574 cm(-1) assigned to carboxylate shifted to 1552 cm(-1) due to the DKP formation. The peak at 1670 cm(-1) related to the DKP formation changed slightly in intensity from 147 degrees C and significantly near 157 degrees C. DSC and TGA methods were poor for use in supplying information on DKP formation in lisinopril. The thermal FT-IR microscopic system is useful from the view point that it can quickly and directly show the solid-state stability of drug.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed2000

Characteristics of foot and mouth disease virus in Taiwan.

Since March 1997 two strains of foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus have found their way into Taiwan, causing severe outbreaks in pigs and in Chinese yellow cattle. Outbreaks occurred in March 1997 were caused by a pig-adapted virus strain (O/Taiwan/97) which did not infect other species of cloven-hoofed animals by natural route. The epidemic spread over the whole region of Taiwan within two months and the aftermath was 6,147 pig farms infected and 3,850,746 pigs destroyed. In June 1999, the second strain of FMD virus (O/Taiwan/99) was isolated from the Chinese yellow cattle in the Kinmen Prefecture and in the western part of Taiwan. By the end of 1999, Chinese yellow cattle were the only species infected and those infected cattle did not develop pathological lesions. Seroconversions of serum neutralization antibody and on non-structural protein (NSP) antibodies were the best indicators for infection in non-vaccinated herds. The infected animals, however, excreted infectious levels of virus to infect new hosts. Based on the detection of the specific antibody to FMD virus, and virus isolation from oesophageal-pharyngeal (OP) fluid samples, ten herds of Chinese yellow cattle located in Kinmen and Taiwan were declared to have been infected. During the period of January to March 2000, however, five outbreaks caused by FMD virus similar to the O/Taiwan/99 virus occurred in four prefectures of Taiwan. The infected species included goats, Chinese yellow cattle and dairy cattle. Those outbreaks have caused high mortality in goat kids under two weeks old and also developed typical clinical signs of infection in dairy cattle.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Core decompression for osteonecrosis of the femoral head at pre-collapse stage.

Twenty-five patients (27 hips) were retrospectively studied for core decompression in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral heads at pre-collapse stage, Ficat and Alert stages I and II, from Apr. 1984 to Jun. 1998 with follow-up period at least 1 yr (mean 28 months). Eleven hips (10 patients) were considered to have failed due to progressive collapsed more than 2 mm, severe pain or reoperation. We further analyzed the results with regard to the stages, the size of the necrotic area according to the Ohzono classification, the lateral head index (LHI) and the Kerboul combined necrotic angle. The survival rate according to the Ohzono classification was type 1B: 100%, 1C: 44%, 2: 25%, and 3B: 0%. Hips with Kerboul angle less than 250 degrees revealed satisfactory results in all except one hip. All hips with Kerboul angle more than 250 degrees collapsed. Fourteen of the 15 hips (93%) with lateral head index more than 20% did not collapse and all hips except one (7/8) with LHI less than 12% collapsed. We conclude core decompression yields satisfactory results in osteonecrotic femoral heads at pre-collapse stage and with small necrotic area or good lateral buttress.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Direct angioplasty of totally occluded left main coronary artery in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: report of two cases and literature review.

Acute total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is usually characterized by a rapid course of deterioration that challenges therapeutic intervention. Unlike subtotal occlusion of the left main coronary artery, acute total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is extremely rare and has a grave prognosis. Most patients with this problem die suddenly or go into cardiogenic shock. Direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed on 2 patients, both suffering from cardiogenic shock due to acute total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. Both patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery subsequently. One patient, who had substantial intercoronary collaterals, remained asymptomatic at 31 months of follow-up. The other, who had no intercoronary collateral circulation, expired 3 days after coronary artery bypass surgery. We conclude that direct PTCA to the acutely occluded unprotected left main coronary artery in cardiogenic shock patients is a potentially life-saving procedure, and the presence or absence of collaterals from the dominant right coronary artery will influence the clinical outcome.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2000

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome manifested as venous stasis retinopathy.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome is a condition in which antiphospholipid antibodies may be present without any associated medical disorder. Thrombosis is the hallmark of this syndrome. We report the case of a 22-year-old female with the chief complaint of floating spots in the right eye for two months. No underlying connective tissue disease or systemic disease was noted. Ophthalmic examination revealed retinal hemorrhage, retinal vein engorgement and optic disk swelling in the right eye only, and normal visual acuity in both eyes. Retinal fluorescein angiography showed venous stasis and branch vein leakage in the right eye. An antibody profile revealed the presence of immunoglobulin G anticardiolipin antibodies, which confirmed the diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Thermographic study of palmar and facial skin temperature of hyperhidrosis patients before and after thoracic sympathectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of the second thoracic sympathetic segment in the sympathetic innervation of the hands and face, and to compare skin temperature changes in the palms, fingers, face, and neck of palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) patients before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. METHODS: Twenty-two patients, 14 women and eight men, with severe PH were treated with endoscopic ablation of the T2 segment. The skin temperatures of the hands, neck, and face were assessed by infrared thermography both before and after operation. RESULTS: All obtained satisfactory relief of PH. Before sympathectomy, thermography revealed that the palmar skin temperature (PST) was significantly lower than the facial temperature by 1.3 degrees C (paired t-test, p < 0.005). After sympathectomy, thermography showed significant elevations in temperature mainly of the thenars, palms, digits, and nose, but not of the forehead, mandible, or neck (ANOVA, p < 0.05 with Bonferroni t-test). The variations in PST among PH patients were much greater preoperatively than postoperatively. More prominent postoperative PST elevation was found in PH patients with lower preoperative PST (r = 0.898, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that the T2 segment is the key source of sympathetic innervation to the hand and that the T2 segment contributes only trivial sympathetic innervation to the face. The results of the present thermography studies offer descriptive information about the autonomic innervation of the upper thoracic sympathetic trunk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of optic disc changes in severe myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in the optic nerve head in highly myopic subjects by means of confocal laser scanning opthalmoscope. METHODS: Using laser scanning and a three-dimensional image analysis system, we studied 114 young (21.4 +/- 1.4 years), highly myopic subjects with refractive errors greater than -8.0 D and a control group of 29 subjects (18.9 +/- 1.2 years) with myopia of -3.0 D or less. Measurements included cycloplegic refraction, corneal curvature, biometric axial length, and morphometric values of the optic disc obtained with a laser scanning disc analyzer. RESULTS: The optic disc area in highly myopic eyes was similar to that in mildly myopic eyes. However, regression analysis revealed that the optic disc area increased with axial length in subjects with severe myopia. The cup/disc ratio, the disc depth, the neuroretinal rim area, and the tilting of the disc were not significantly different between the severe and mild myopia groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may be useful in further investigations of myopic progression and of the mechanisms responsible for the development of myopic complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Greater tuberosity osteotomy for treatment of impinge rotator cuff tear.

Forty-two consecutive patients in whom an impingement of rotator cuff tear had been treated with greater tuberosity osteotomy and repair were evaluated by relief of pain, return of range of motion and strength of shoulder. The oriental acromion is thin and easy to break during the traditional acromioplasty procedures. When the decompression is achieved by osteotomy on the greater tuberosity which is the common location of cuff tear, not only is adequate decompression achieved but also the coracoacromial ligament is preserved. Comparison of the results of greater tuberosity osteotomy with those of previous acromioplasty studies shows they are mostly similar. At present, these techniques can be recommended for use by Chinese orthopaedic surgeons who have to deal with the typical oriental bony structures.

Adult↗