Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T H Liu

Publications and source records attributed to T H Liu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Diagnosis and treatment of caecal volvulus.

Caecal volvulus is an infrequently encountered clinical condition and an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Patients with this condition may present with highly variable clinical presentations ranging from intermittent, self limiting abdominal pain to acute abdominal pain associated with intestinal strangulation and sepsis. Lack of familiarity with this condition is a factor contributing to diagnostic and treatment delays. The objective of this review is to promote clinicians' awareness of this disease through patient case illustration, discussion of disease pathogenesis, clinical features, and management strategies.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Application of three-dimensional body scanner: observation of prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This retrospective cross-sectional study correlates blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid and uric acid levels with anthropometric measurements. METHODS: A total of 3975 visitors to the Department of Health Management were randomly selected to participate in this cross-sectional study. Whole body three-dimensional (3-D) laser scans were used to obtain anthropometric measurements. A health index (HI) was also designed based on anthropometric parameters. Subjects were defined as having metabolic syndrome when three of the following criteria were met: obesity (BMI of at least 30 kg/m(2); or a WHR of over 0.9 for males and 0.85 for females); triglyceride of at least 150 mg/dl; high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol below 35 mg/dl for males and 39 mg/dl for females; fasting sugar levels of at least 110 mg/dl and hypertension. RESULTS: Of 3975 subjects, 341 (8.6%) met the criteria for diabetes mellitus (DM); of these, 32.8% were diagnosed with hypertension. This proportion exceeded 18% of the subjects had normal glucose levels. Of the 3975 subjects, 658 (16.6%) met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Proportionally, more male subjects than female subjects were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (18.5% vs 14.7%). Of these, central obesity, elevated triglyceride and low HDL-cholesterol were the main factors in men, while fasting glucose, hypertension and central obesity were the main factors in women. This investigation found that larger proportions of subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (41.1%) and DM (64.2%) than of subjects with normal glucose subjects, suffered from metabolic syndrome (9.5%). CONCLUSIONS: 3-D body scanning is useful in correlating pertinent factors with metabolic syndrome, these factors include central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia and hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Patient evaluation and management with selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of triage guidelines for patients with cholelithiasis and suspected choledocholithiasis, incorporating selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: ERCP is the most frequently used modality for the diagnosis and resolution of choledocholithiasis before LC. MRC has recently emerged as an accurate, noninvasive modality for the detection of choledocholithiasis. However, useful strategies for implementing this diagnostic modality for patient evaluation before LC have not been investigated. METHODS: During a 16-month period, the authors prospectively evaluated all patients before LC using triage guidelines incorporating patient information obtained from clinical evaluation, serum chemistry analysis, and abdominal ultrasonography. Patients were then assigned to one of four groups based on the level of suspicion for choledocholithiasis (group I, extremely high; group 2, high; group 3, moderate; group 4, low). Group 1 patients underwent ERCP and clearance of common bile duct stones; group 2 patients underwent MRC; group 3 patients underwent LC with intraoperative cholangiography; and group 4 patients underwent LC without intraoperative cholangiography. RESULTS: Choledocholithiasis was detected in 43 of 440 patients (9.8%). The occurrence of choledocholithiasis among patients in the four groups were 92.6% (25/27), 32.4% (12/37), 3.8% (2/52), and 0.9% (3/324) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P <.001). MRC was used for 8.4% (37/440) of patients. Patient triage resulted in the identification of common bile duct stones during preoperative ERCP in 92.3% (36/39) of the patients. Unsuspected common bile duct stones occurred in six patients (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The probability of choledocholithiasis can be accurately assessed based on information obtained during the initial noninvasive evaluation. Stratification of risks for choledocholithiasis facilitates patient management with the most appropriate diagnostic studies and interventions, thereby improving patient care and resource utilization.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Implementation of whole body scanner for determining somatotype index at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) using 1-dimensional circumference data have been proven to be highly related to blood pressure and total cholesterol; these 2 indices have been widely used as health indicators in preventive diagnosis and health examination. Sophisticated software, which allows calculation of the triangular mesh related to the body surface in 3D space, is capable of computing the circumference, width, sectional surface, volume, and surface area of the body. METHODS: Chang Gung Whole Body Scanner (CGWBS) was used to capture 3D whole body surface images. In this study, the human body was divided into 10 segments consisting of the head, breast, wrist, hip, upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, calf, and foot. Five independent assessments were made on a total of 32 anthropometric sites, including 12 circumferences, 3 widths, 3 profile areas, 7 surface areas, and 7 volumes. In this study, the somatotype index (SI) was computed through anthropometric data after 1,323 subjects were investigated. Correlation analysis was used to describe the relationship between BMI, WHR, SI, and anthropometric data. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range tests were used to examine differences between examination variables across sex and SI groups. RESULTS: This study found 4 somatotypes from anthropometric data. SI determined by CGWBS has better correlation with anthropometry than WHR or BMI. Of the 644 male subjects, 155 were in the ectomorph group, 232 in the semi-mesomorph group, 136 in the full-mesomorph group, and 121 in the endomorph group. Of the 679 female subjects, 160 were in the ectomorph group, 235 in the semi-mesomorph group, 168 in the full-mesomorph group, and 116 in the endomorph group. CONCLUSION: The results show that SI has great potential to perform precise somatotype classification.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Research on the transformation of ginsenoside Rg1 by intestinal flora].

OBJECTIVE: The decomposition of Ginsenoside Rg1(Rg1) by intestinal bacteria in rats or human was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. METHOD: The decompositions were investigated by means of thin-layer chromatography and Electron spurt ion mass. RESULT: It was found that Rg1 was converted into two metabolites [Rh1 and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol(20S-Ppt)] by human intestinal bacteria in vitro, while three compounds [Rh1, F1, and 20(S)-Ppt] were detected in rat intestinal bacteria metabolism in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: The decomposition and/or metabolism of Rg1 in rat and human digestive tract was confirmed. The mode of metabolism in rat is Rg1-->Rh1(F1)-->Ppt, while in human it is Rg1-->Rh1-->Ppt.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The pan-neural bHLH proteins DEADPAN and ASENSE regulate mitotic activity and cdk inhibitor dacapo expression in the Drosophila larval optic lobes.

Developmental regulators and cell cycle regulators have to interface in order to ensure appropriate cell proliferation during organogenesis. Our analysis of the roles of the pan-neural genes deadpan and asense defines critical roles for these genes in regulation of mitotic activities in the larval optic lobes. Loss of deadpan results in reduced cell proliferation, while ectopic deadpan expression causes over-proliferation. In contrast, loss of asense results in increased proliferation, while ectopic asense expression causes reduced proliferation. Consistent with these observations endogenous Deadpan is expressed in mitotic areas of the optic lobes, and endogenous Asense is expressed in cells that will become quiescent. Altered Deadpan or Asense expression results in altered expression of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor gene dacapo. Thus, regulation of mitotic activity during optic lobe development may, at least in part, involve deadpan and asense mediated regulation of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor gene dacapo. genesis 26:77-85, 2000.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Inflammatory pseudotumor presenting as a cystic tumor of the pancreas.

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the pancreas occurs rarely. Eighteen cases have been described in the English literature. In all previous patients IPT of the pancreas presented as solid pancreatic mass. We are reporting a case of IPT presenting as a cystic mass of the pancreas, which has not been described previously. A review of IPT of the pancreas and a discussion regarding the management of pancreatic cystic neoplasm is provided.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Pathogenesis and presentation of common bile duct stones.

Common bile duct stones are generally classified as primary or secondary stones based on the locations of origin. The vast majority of the stones found in the biliary tree are secondary stones. The current review discusses the pathogenesis and presentations of primary and secondary biliary stones. Based on discussion of disease pathogenesis and presentation, recommendations for the evaluation and management of common and uncommon disease processes associated with choledocholithiasis are proposed.

Common Bile Duct↗
PubMed2000

Metabolism of ginsenoside Rg1 by intestinal bacteria. II. Immunological activity of ginsenoside Rg1 and Rh1.

AIM: To compare the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 and its metabolite Rh1 on proinflammatory cytokines and their mRNA expression by THP-1 cells. METHODS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were incubated with Rg1 and Rh1 at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/L, and the cell proliferation was measured 24 h after incubation. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect the production of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF alpha, IL-1 alpha, and IL-8. TNF alpha mRNA level was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after administration of Rg1 and Rh1. RESULTS: Rg1 and Rh1 (at concentration of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 mg/L) had no effect on PBMC proliferation. Rh1 1 mg/L could upregulate the productions of TNF (and IL-8 induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 10 mg/L plus phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) 200 nmol/L, however, Rg1 showed an inhibitory effect on TNF alpha production induced by LPS 100 mg/L. Rg1 1 mg/L and Rh1 100 mg/L enhanced the production of IL-1 alpha level in THP-1 cells in the presence of LPS 10 mg/L. RT-PCR revealed that Rh1 stimulated TNF alpha mRNA expression in suitable stimulatory conditions. CONCLUSION: Rg1 and Rh1 have different effects on the production of cytokines produced THP-1 cells stimulated by LPS and PMA.

Ginsenosides↗
PubMed1999

Association of Chk1 with 14-3-3 proteins is stimulated by DNA damage.

The protein kinase Chk1 is required for cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage. We have found that the 14-3-3 proteins Rad24 and Rad25 physically interact with Chk1 in fission yeast. Association of Chk1 with 14-3-3 proteins is stimulated in response to DNA damage. DNA damage results in phosphorylation of Chk1 and the 14-3-3 proteins bind preferentially to the phosphorylated form. Genetic analysis has independently implicated both Rad24 and Rad25 in the DNA-damage checkpoint pathway. We suggest that DNA damage-dependent association of phosphorylated Chk1 with 14-3-3 proteins mediates an important step along the DNA-damage checkpoint pathway, perhaps by directing Chk1 to a particular substrate or to a particular location within the cell. An additional role for 14-3-3 proteins in the DNA-damage checkpoint has been suggested based on the observation that human Chk1 can phosphorylate Cdc25C in vitro creating a 14-3-3 binding site. Our results suggest that in fission yeast the interaction between the 14-3-3 proteins and Cdc25 does not require Chk1 function and is unaffected by DNA damage, in sharp contrast to the interaction between the 14-3-3 proteins and Chk1.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1999

The efficacy of magnetic resonance cholangiography for the evaluation of patients with suspected choledocholithiasis before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is the most commonly utilized tool for the identification of common bile duct stones (CBDS) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy, whereas the role of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) for patient evaluation before laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently undefined. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of MRC for the identification of CBDS among patients with high risk for choledocholithiasis. Patient selection was based on clinical, sonographic, and laboratory criteria. Standard cholangiograms were obtained when possible for verification of MRC results. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients underwent evaluation with preoperative MRC. CBDS was visualized in 30% of patients. MRC sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 85%, 90%, 77%, 94%, and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MRC is useful for the evaluation of patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Advantages of MRC include its noninvasive nature, ease of application, and accuracy in identifying and estimating the size of CBDS. Application of MRC in this setting reduces the need for diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Future investigations should be directed at the development of cost-effective utilization strategies for MRC application.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Induction of glutathione depletion, p53 protein accumulation and cellular transformation by tetrachlorohydroquinone, a toxic metabolite of pentachlorophenol.

Glutathione (GSH) conjugate formation with tetrachlorohydroquione (TCHQ) and the GSH content in vivo were measured by capillary zone electrophoresis. A more than 60% depletion of GSH content was found in liver tissue of mice treated with TCHQ. In addition, p53 protein accumulation and DNA fragmentation was induced by TCHQ. A two-stage model of chemical transformation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts was used to elucidate the transformation activity of TCHQ in vitro, and a 33% foci formation efficiency was found at the concentration of 5 microM. GSH depletion caused by TCHQ could abolish the protective ability of the cell against reactive oxygen species provided by GSH. When DNA was damaged, p53 protein accumulated in the nucleus and, in the case of severe damage, initiated apoptosis. TCHQ's ability to cause GSH depletion and DNA damage may play a role in the cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of its metabolic precursor, PCP.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1996

Neonatal jaundice and molecular mutations in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient newborn infants.

Molecular mutations of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene and clinical manifestations of neonatal jaundice in 112 male and 50 female Chinese neonates with G6PD deficiency were studied. In the 112 males, the nucleotide (nt) 1376 (G-->T) mutation was the dominant type (50.0%), followed by nt 1388 (G-->A) (16.1%), nt 493 (A-->G) (8.0%), nt 1024 (C-->T) (6.2%), nt 95 (A-->G) (5.4%), nt 392 (G-->T) (1.8%), nt 487 (G-->A) (1.8%), nt 871 (G-->A) (0.9%), and nt 1360 (C-->T) (0.9%). The nt 871 variant has not been reported in Taiwan before. The occurrence rates for nt 1376, nt 1388, nt 493, nt 95, and nt 1024 mutations in the 50 females were 44.0%, 18.0%, 12.0%, 6.0%, and 6.0%, respectively. The type of G6PD mutation in 10 male and 7 female neonates has not been identified yet. Although G6PD deficient neonates had higher frequency of phototherapy than G6PD normal neonates in both sexes, a significant difference in the prevalence of hyperbilirubinemia (peak bilirubin > or = 15.0 mg/dl) between G6PD deficient and normal neonates was found only in males. Further analysis showed that duration of phototherapy was longer in G6PD deficient male neonates than in the control group, while the outcome of phototherapy was better in subjects with non-nt 1376 mutations than subjects with the nt 1376 mutation. Most (78.3%) of the 23 G6PD deficient neonates who subsequently suffered from neonatal hyperbilirubinemia carried the nt 1376 mutation. The results of this study indicate that the nucleotide substitution at 1376 is the most common and important mutation for G6PD deficiency in Chinese neonates in Taiwan.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Receptor alterations in subcortical structures after bilateral middle cerebral artery infarction of the cerebral cortex.

Ischemic damage to the prefrontal, motor, and somatosensory cortex induces alterations in the receptor systems of the caudate putamen and some subcortical brain regions. These alterations may represent an attempt of various neuronal systems to compensate for the reduction in innervation caused by the cortical infarction. Assessment of the receptor changes induced by cortical infarction define neuropharmacologic correlates of cortical damage, indicate possible neurotransmitters associated with neuroanatomically defined subcortical pathways, and suggest possible pharmacologic interventions to counteract the consequences of stroke. Bilateral cortical infarction, induced by ligation of both middle cerebral arteries and temporary occlusion of both common carotid arteries, was investigated in the rat. The infarction resulted in dramatic alterations in subcortical receptor populations as determined by autoradiography. Sodium-dependent, high-affinity, choline-uptake (SDHACU) sites and D1-dopamine receptors in the caudate putamen were unaffected by the infarction, whereas muscarinic and glutamate receptors were increased and D2 receptors were decreased in this structure. A reduction in SDHACU sites caused by the lesion was found in regions including the medial septum, vertical nucleus of the diagonal band, thalamus, nucleus basalis magnocellularis, and basolateral amygdala. M1 receptors were increased in the basolateral and central amygdaloid nuclei whereas non-M1 receptors were increased in the basolateral and central amygdaloid nuclei, but were diminished in the medial septum, vertical nucleus of the diagonal band, thalamus, and nucleus basalis magnocellularis. No significant alterations in muscarinic binding were observed in the various laminae of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Pathological study on thoracic carcinoids accompanied with Cushing's syndrome].

Eight patients with carcinoid tumors (5 from the lungs and 3 from the thymus) associated with Cushing's syndrome were studied. Among them, 5 were male and 3 female with a mean age of 32.5 years. Histologically, all were typical carcinoids. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were strongly positive of NSE, chromogranin A and ACTH in all 8 cases. Some tumors also positive for S-100, calcitonin, HCG alpha and HCG beta. Various amounts of neurosecretory granules were found in the tumors by electron microscopy and ACTH positive dots were also noticed in some of the neurosecretory granules in the tumor cells by immunoelectron microscopical colloidal gold labelling technique. By in situ hybridization technique, overexpression of chromogranin A mRNA was detected in all of the tumors reported.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[The effects of epidermal growth factor and its antibody on the growth of xenografts in athymic nude mice].

Soybean trypsin inhibitor was added to the primary cell culture for establishing a novel moderately differentiated human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, PC-7. The PC-7 cell line was confirmed to be a malignant human pancreatic adenocarcinoma by morphological and biological studies. Chromosomal analysis and DNA content of PC-7 determined by flow cytometry showed a hypodiploid karyotypic pattern. Cultured PC-7 cells were inoculated into the back of athymic nude mice to create a transplanted tumor model. The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and anti-EGF antiserum on PC-7 transplanted tumor were observed by injecting EGF or anti-EGF at the periphery of the solid tumors. In comparing to the control group, the tumor weights of the EGF group and the anti-EGF group were 138% and 67% respectively. Histological and electron microscopic studies higher mitotic rate in the EGF group and a lower rate in the anti-EGF group compared to the control. The results indicate that EGF stimulated and anti-EGF partially inhibited the growth of transplanted PC-7 solid tumors in athymic nude mice.

Adenocarcinoma↗