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Chiu CC, Yeh SJ, Chen CH. Self-organizing arterial pressure pulse classification using neural networks: theoretical considerations and clinical applicability. Comput Biol Med 2000; 30:71-88. [PMID: 10714443 DOI: 10.1016/s0010-4825(99)00023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A self-organizing classification system for the arterial pressure pulse based on the ART2 (adaptive resonance theory) network was developed. The system consists of a preprocessor and an ART2 recognition network. The preprocessor removes the arterial pressure pulse servo component signals from Finapres, detects the systolic pressure points and divides the acquired signals into minimal cardiac cycles. The ART2 network input is the minimal cardiac cycle detected by the preprocessor. The classification results can be used to assist physicians in evaluating the signs of abnormal and normal autonomic control and has shown its clinical applicability for the examination of the autonomic nervous system.
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Chiu CC. A novel approach based on computerized image analysis for traditional Chinese medical diagnosis of the tongue. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2000; 61:77-89. [PMID: 10661393 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-2607(99)00031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This research is aimed at building a computerized tongue examination system (CTES) based on computerized image analysis for the purpose of quantizing the tongue properties in traditional Chinese medical diagnosis. The chromatic algorithm is developed to identify the colors of the tongue and the thickness of its coating. The textural algorithm is used to detect the grimy coating. CTES is shown to be significantly consistent within itself with P > 0.05 using the Hotelling multivariate statistical test. The overall rate of correctness for CTES to identify the colors of tongue, verifying the thickness of its coating and detecting of any grimy coating exceeds 86%. Therefore, the CTES is helpful to provide the physicians a systematic and objective diagnostic standard for the tongue diagnosis in the clinical practice and research.
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Chiu CC, Chen CE, Wang TG, Lin MC, Lien IN. Influencing factors and ambulation outcome in patients with dual disabilities of hemiplegia and amputation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000; 81:14-7. [PMID: 10638869 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9993(00)90214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the ambulatory outcome and predictive factors of successful ambulation training in patients with both hemiplegia and lower extremity amputation. DESIGN A retrospective study. SETTING A rehabilitation center of a university hospital. PATIENTS Twenty-three patients with dual disabilities consecutively admitted to the rehabilitation center from 1984 to 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Ambulatory outcome was measured using physical therapists' and physicians' notes at discharge or the last available clinical visit. Ambulation ability was graded as community and noncommunity ambulation, which included indoor ambulation and nonambulation. Several clinical features were reviewed to assess their association with ambulation outcome. RESULTS About two thirds of the 23 patients could be trained to be ambulatory: 10 (43.8%) achieved community ambulation and 5 (21.7%) achieved indoor ambulation. Of the clinical factors, only mental status showed a statistically significant association with good ambulation outcome (p<.05). When odds ratios were considered, several factors, including mild motor involvement, transtibial amputation, amputation before cerebrovascular accident, age younger than 60 years, and the presence of ipsilateral hemiplegia and amputation, showed trends toward association with increased ambulation achievement, although these associations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Impaired mental status seemed to be the most influential negative predictive factor of achieving community ambulation. If subjects with dual disabilities are properly selected, satisfactory results of ambulation training will be obtained.
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Chan PC, Lai JF, Cheng CH, Tang MJ, Chiu CC, Chen HC. Suppression of ultraviolet irradiation-induced apoptosis by overexpression of focal adhesion kinase in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:26901-6. [PMID: 10480899 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.38.26901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been implicated to play a role in suppression of apoptosis. In this study, we have demonstrated that UV irradiation induced cleavage of FAK and two of its interacting proteins Src and p130(Cas) in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, concomitant with an increase in cell death. The cleavage of these proteins upon UV irradiation was completely inhibited by ZVAD-FMK, a broad range inhibitor of caspases, and apparently delayed by Bcl2 overexpression. To examine if FAK plays a role in suppressing UV-induced apoptosis, stable Madin-Darby canine kidney cell lines overexpressing FAK were established. Our results showed that a marked (30-40%) increase in cell survival upon UV irradiation was achieved by this strategy. In our efforts to determine the mechanism by which FAK transduces survival signals to the downstream, we found that a FAK mutant deficient in binding to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase failed to promote cell survival. Moreover, the expression of the Src homology 3 domain of p130(Cas), which competed with endogenous p130(Cas) for FAK binding, abrogated the FAK-promoted cell survival. Together, these results suggest that the integrity of FAK and its binding to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and p130(Cas) are required for FAK to exert its antiapoptotic function.
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Huang YC, Wu BN, Lin YT, Chen SJ, Chiu CC, Cheng CJ, Chen IJ. Eugenodilol: a third-generation beta-adrenoceptor blocker, derived from eugenol, with alpha-adrenoceptor blocking and beta2-adrenoceptor agonist-associated vasorelaxant activities. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1999; 34:10-20. [PMID: 10413061 DOI: 10.1097/00005344-199907000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Eugenodilol, derived from natural eugenol, was first investigated with in vivo and in vitro models. In our in vivo study, eugenodilol (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/kg, i.v.) produced dose-dependent hypotensive and bradycardic responses in pentobarbital-anesthetized Wistar rats. Eugenodilol also inhibited the tachycardia and arterial pressor effects induced by (-)isoproterenol and phenylephrine, respectively. In our in vitro study, eugenodilol competitively antagonized (-)isoproterenol-induced positive inotropic and chronotropic effects and tracheal-relaxation responses on isolated guinea pig tissues in a concentration-dependent manner. The apparent pA2 values were 7.88+/-0.12 for right atria, 7.52+/-0.05 for left atria, and 7.33+/-0.15 for trachea, indicating that eugenodilol was a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blocker. In thoracic aorta experiments, the apparent pA2 values of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade were 7.05+/-0.25 and 6.87+/-0.08 for eugenodilol and labetalol, respectively. In addition, eugenodilol produced cumulative relaxation responses on isolated guinea pig tracheal strips. The effects were competitively antagonized by ICI 118,551 (10(-8)-10(-6) M), a relatively selective beta2-adrenoceptor antagonist. In the radioligand-binding assay, the Ki values of [3H]CGP-12177 binding to rat ventricle and lung membranes were 9.72 and 48.29 nM, respectively, and the value of [3H]prazosin binding to rat brain membrane was 38.72 nM. These results further confirmed the alpha/beta-adrenoceptors-blocking activities of eugenodilol reported in the functional studies. We conclude that eugenodilol is a novel third-generation beta-adrenoceptor blocker with ancillary blocking activity at alpha-adrenoceptors and weak sympathomimetic activity at beta2-adrenoceptors.
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Shyu YC, Chiu CC, Lin FP. Cloning, sequencing, expression and characterization of the manganese superoxide dismutase gene from Vibrio alginolyticus. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 1999; 47:803-14. [PMID: 10365251 DOI: 10.1080/15216549900201893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The sodA gene coding for manganese superoxide dismutase from the marine microorganism Vibrio alginolyticus was cloned, sequenced and over-expressed in Escherichia coli using the pET20b (+) expression vector. The full-length gene was consisted of 603bp open reading frame, which encoded a polypeptide of 201 amino acid residues, with a calculated molecular weight of 22672Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of the sodA showed considerable homology to other Mn-SODs. The recombinant enzyme was efficiently purified from crude E. coli cell lysate by the metal ion affinity chromatography. The recombinant VAMn-SOD resisted thermo-denaturation up to 60 degrees C and was insensitive to inhibitors such as H2O2, NaN3 and diethyldithiocarbamic acid.
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Chen WS, Chiu CC, Liu HY, Lee TL, Cheng JT, Lin CC, Wu YJ, Chang HY. Gene transfer via pollen-tube pathway for anti-fusarium wilt in watermelon. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 1998; 46:1201-9. [PMID: 9891853 DOI: 10.1080/15216549800204762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to obtain transgenic fusarium wilt resistant watermelon plants, squash DNA was introduced into the ovaries of watermelon plants via the pollen-tube pathway. The introduction of foreign genes into ovaries was accomplished using co-transformation with the CaMV35S-GUS as a marker. Transformed watermelon plants contained integrated copies of the GUS activity and the seeds of transformed progeny produced a blue color when stained with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl glucuronide, whereas seeds from untransformed control plants did not. Of 200 transformed seedlings, ten were wilt resistant. The presence of the GUS activity in the genome of stable transgenic seedlings was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Furthermore, the generation of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints using primers with embedded restriction sites showed amplification products unique to these transgenic plants. Primers OPA-1 and OPA-9 gave distinct band patterns of genomic DNA using the polymerase chain reaction.
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Harn HJ, Hsieh HF, Ho LI, Yu CP, Chen JH, Chiu CC, Fan HC, Lee WH. Apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma as related to histopathological characteristics and clinical stage. Histopathology 1998; 33:117-22. [PMID: 9762543 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2559.1998.00470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated the significance of apoptosis, using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling method, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma biopsy samples. METHODS AND RESULTS The apoptotic index (AI) in 50 nasopharyngeal carcinomas was compared with various histopathological features and clinical stage. Also, the AI was correlated with p53, bcl-2 and Ki67 expression by immunohistochemistry. In histopathological studies, the AI was significantly higher in mixed cellular type (MC) than in keratizing squamous cell type (KS) and spindle cell type (SC) (P < 0.001) which worsens prognosis. In tumour stage analyses, AI was higher in early stage (stage 2 and 3) than in high stage (stage 4). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the AI and p53 expression (P < 0.001) but not with proliferative activity (P = 0.15). In NPC containing p53 protein positive tumour cells, there was a significantly higher apoptotic rate. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that apoptosis is related to type and stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. They also confirm the role of p53 in regulating tumour apoptosis.
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Chiu CC, Gow RM, McCrindle BW, Hamilton RM. Impact of programmed sensitivity safety factor on atrial sensing in children. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 1997; 20:2163-70. [PMID: 9309739 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1997.tb04232.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between the pacemaker sensitivity safety factor (PSSF) and atrial under- or oversensing as documented by 24-hour Holter monitoring was examined. Our study comprised 78 transvenous fixed atrial leads implanted between 1983-1995 in 71 children. Overall, 210 Holter reports identified 143 (68%) Holters with normal atrial sensing function, 31 (15%) with undersensing, 32 (15%) with oversensing, and 4 (2%) with both problems. From 161 Holter reports in which the PSSF was available, the incidence of undersensing at a PSSF of 2.0 (range 1.5-2.4) was 25% (14/57). There was a dramatic decline in undersensing when the PSSF was > or = 3 (3%) compared to a PSSF < 3 (21%) (P < 0.001). A PSSF cut-off point of 2.0 best predicted occurrence of undersensing with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 67%. Other variable were also examined by multiple logistic regression analysis, but only PSSF remained highly associated with undersensing (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6, P = 0.03). In contrast, PSSF did not have a significant role in predicting oversensing, but presence of sick sinus syndrome (OR = 10.5) or unipolar lead (OR = 5.6) were significantly associated with oversensing (P = 0.0001). The majority of undersensing problems can be avoided by routinely allowing for at least a threefold or more programmed sensitivity margin. Other factors may increase the risk of oversensing, regardless of the PSSF.
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Wu CS, Lin CJ, Chen TC, Chen PC, Chiu CC. Ménétrier's disease: a new variant with duodenal involvement. Am J Gastroenterol 1997; 92:1041-3. [PMID: 9177528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ménétrier's disease is a rare cause of hypertrophic gastropathy, usually confined to gastric body and fundus, which is characterized by giant rugae, hypoalbuminemia, and foveolar hyperplasia. The etiology of this disease is still unknown. We report a case of a 74-yr-old man who had dyspepsia, hypoalbuminemia, weight loss, and diffuse polypoid, nodular lesions affecting the whole stomach and proximal duodenum on gastroscopy and barium meal study. The histology of gastric and duodenal mucosal lesions fulfilled the diagnosis of Ménétrier's disease, that was not described to involve duodenum in the literature. The disease resolved clinically, endoscopically, and pathologically after therapy with famotidine for 3 months. We speculated that extensive pyloric metaplasia and then foveolar hyperplasia of duodenum in this patient might be a variant of Ménétrier's disease with favorable clinical course.
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Lin CL, Chen YF, Chiu CC, Voon WC, Lee CS, Lin CC. Coexistent mitral stenosis and coronary artery fistula presenting as myocardial ischemia: case report. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 1997; 13:117-22. [PMID: 9099050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a 50-year-old female case of mitral stenosis with congenital coronary artery fistula communicating the left anterior descending artery to pulmonary artery. In reviewing the literature, mitral stenosis associated with coronary artery fistula is rare. The case was initially treated medically for congestive heart failure. The electrocardiogram revealed severe myocardial ischemia and no obvious etiology was found clinically. The coronary angiogram demonstrated the diagnosis of coronary artery fistula. Myocardial ischemia improved markedly after surgical correction of the valvular disease and the fistula. The patient continued to do well during 2 years and 10 months follow up. The concomitant mitral stenosis masked the symptoms of coronary artery fistula, and made us fall to diagnose the condition initially. Valvular heart disease associated with severe myocardial ischemia without obvious atherosclerotic stenosis of coronary artery reminded us of the possibility of coronary artery fistula, though it has rarely been reported.
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Abstract
Aneurysm of the main pulmonary artery is an extremely rare entity. The first successful repair of an aneurysm of the main pulmonary artery was reported in 1971. Since then, surgical correction of the aneurysm of main pulmonary artery has been undertaken in only 6 cases. A thorough survey of the literature, including autopsy cases, medical cases, and surgical cases, shows the aneurysm in the present case to be one of the largest.
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Chen YF, Chiu CC, Lee CS, Lai WT, Hwang YS. Surgical correction of giant patent ductus arteriosus. THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 1996; 37:309-12. [PMID: 8698770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In reviewing the literature, there was only one report having the ductus over 30 mm in width. Recently, we utilized cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia, and low flow through a transpulmonary approach to close 2 cases of giant patent ductus arteriosus. Both cases complicated with systemic pulmonary hypertension. Its outside diameters were 31 mm and 36 mm respectively based on the measurement from magnetic resonance imaging. To our knowledge, its seem the biggest ductus in comparison to previous reports. Both cases survived the operation and doing well for a follow-up time of 5 years and 4 years 10 months respectively.
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Chang CZ, Chen YF, Lin HR, Lin PY, Chiu CC, Lin YT. Postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. GAOXIONG YI XUE KE XUE ZA ZHI = THE KAOHSIUNG JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 1995; 11:626-32. [PMID: 7490796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Diaphragmatic elevation after cardiac surgery may result in compromized post operative respiratory function, prolonged ventilator use, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays, poor quality of life and even mortality. 200 patients receiving open-heart surgery during the two years from October 1990 to October 1992 were studied retrospectively. 26 patients developed postoperative diaphragmatic elevation (Group 2). On the other hand, 174 patients did not (Group 1). The mean age of Group 1 (37.3 +/- 20.0 years) was younger than that of Group 2 (57.4 +/- 9.1 years), P < 0.0001. The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 70.1 +/- 38.1 minutes in Group 1. On the other hand, Group 2 had a longer crossclamp time (84.5 +/- 31.3 Minutes), p < 0.03. Our study revealed that the patients who suffered post operative diaphragmatic dysfunction were older and had a longer aortic crossclamp time than the patients who did not.
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Wu JR, Chiu CC, Lin YT, Huang TY. Isolated persistent fifth aortic arch with right-sided aortic arch. JAPANESE HEART JOURNAL 1995; 36:813-7. [PMID: 8627987 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.36.813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A persistent fifth aortic arch was recognized in a 4-year-old boy by echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiocardiography. The case was unique in at least two respects: right-sided aortic arch, and systemic-to-pulmonary connection without intracardiac lesion. This rare type of anomaly was correctly diagnosed and successfully repaired by patch closure of the arch. This is the first report of this combination of lesions in the Orient.
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Chang DS, Chen YF, Chiu CC, Yen HW. The use of right gastroepiploic artery for the bypass of left anterior descending coronary artery--case reports. GAOXIONG YI XUE KE XUE ZA ZHI = THE KAOHSIUNG JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 1995; 11:416-9. [PMID: 7650781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA), a branch of the gastroduodenal artery, supplies the greater curvature of the stomach. It is capable of easily reaching the posterior and lateral surface of the heart as a reliable arterial conduit when appropriately harvested. In the previous reports, it has usually been anastomosed to the right coronary artery (RCA) or left circumflex coronary artery (LCX). Here, we present two cases of ischemic heart disease undergoing coronary revascularization. The RGEA was anastomosed to the left anterior decending coronary artery (LAD), which is the most important coronary artery in terms of patient outcome. Thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy has proven that the RGEA can provide sufficient blood flow to the territory of the LAD. Thus, in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the RGEA is a reliable arterial conduit for LAD revascularization.
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Chiu CC, Chen YF, Lin YT. Surgical treatment of pericardial effusion in cancer patients. GAOXIONG YI XUE KE XUE ZA ZHI = THE KAOHSIUNG JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 1995; 11:300-5. [PMID: 7629914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
31 cancer patients with symptomatic pericardial effusion were treated by subxiphoid pericardiotomy with simultaneous pleuropericardial window creation. There were no patients who died during surgery. In all patients, relief of cardiac compression by the effusion was immediate and complete. 10 patients died of advanced malignancy within 30 days after operation without evidence of recurrent pericardial effusion. During the period of follow-up, another seventeen patients died, and no death was related to pericardial effusion. It is concluded that pleuropericardial window through the subxiphoid approach is the treatment of choice for pericardial effusion in cancer patients. The procedure provides immediate and long-lasting relief of cardiac compression with acceptable mortality and morbidity.
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Wang HH, Lin JT, Chiu CC, Chiang IP, Wu MS, Wang TH. Endoscopic features of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the duodenum. Gastrointest Endosc 1995; 41:258-61. [PMID: 7789690 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5107(95)70352-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Chiu CC, Yang RH. Electromagnetic imaging for complex cylindrical objects. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 1995; 14:752-756. [PMID: 18215879 DOI: 10.1109/42.476116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Electronic imaging of complex cylindrical objects with arbitrary cross sections was investigated, assuming an incident wave upon both penetrable inhomogeneous dielectric cylinders and perfectly conducting cylinders with known shape, and external measurements of the scanned field. By properly processing the scattered held measurements, the dielectric permittivity distribution of the scanned object can be reconstructed. A theoretical formulation was based on proper arrangement of the incident field directions resulting in a set of integral equations derived and solved by the moment method and the unrelated illumination method. Numerical results demonstrate the capability of the imaging algorithm. Good reconstruction results were obtained even in the presence of additive random noise. In addition, noise effects on the reconstruction results were investigated.
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Lee KS, Chen YF, Chiu CC, Lin YT, Lee CS, Lai WT. Surgical correction of sinus venosus atrial septal defect associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to high superior vena cava--case report. GAOXIONG YI XUE KE XUE ZA ZHI = THE KAOHSIUNG JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 1994; 10:592-596. [PMID: 7807616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A 63-year-old woman complained of general malaise and insomnia initially. Atrial septal defect was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography thereafter. She had not received complete cardiac studies until progressive dyspnea was noted half a year later. After a series of examinations, sinus venosus type atrial septal defect (ASD) associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to high superior vena cava (SVC) and persistent left SVC was documented. Surgical correction was performed later. The postoperative course was smooth and her condition improved gradually at 10-month follow-up.
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Chen YF, Chou SH, Chiu CC, Lin YT, Wang HJ. Use of glutaraldehyde solution in the treatment of acute aortic dissections. Ann Thorac Surg 1994; 58:833-5; discussion 836. [PMID: 7944712 DOI: 10.1016/0003-4975(94)90761-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We report on a promising method for toughening and strengthening the fragile aortic wall that involves the direct application of a 25% glutaraldehyde solution and that has proved to be both technically simple and safe. The operation was successfully employed in 5 patients with acute aortic dissections, 3 with a Stanford type A and 2 with a type B dissection. Histologic examination of the glutaraldehyde-treated portions of the aortic wall showed no detectable difference between them and the sections of untreated aortic wall. All patients survived the operation. The duration of follow-up ranged from 9 to 31 months (mean, 14.0 months). All 5 patients were in good condition at the time of the last follow-up. The preliminary results indicate that the use of a 25% glutaraldehyde solution to strengthen the aortic wall during operations for the repair of acute aortic dissections, regardless of whether they are type A or type B, may reduce the incidence of catastrophic perioperative bleeding and promote favorable results.
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Chen YF, Chiu CC, Wu JR. Correction of aortico-left ventricular tunnel in a small Oriental infant: a brief clinical review. THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 1994; 35:71-3. [PMID: 8120083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In reviewing 56 cases of aortico-left ventricular tunnel from 39 reported articles, none of the patients operated on were Oriental. In this report, a 4 month-old male infant was successfully operated on. The tunnel was closed with a Dacron patch on the aortic orifice. The child is now free from symptoms, except for mild residual aortic regurgitation, and is developing normally 5 year-11 month after repair. A brief clinical review has been attempted in these reported cases.
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Kuo KK, Chiu CC, Chen YF, Lin YT. Open heart surgery in a patient with an implanted pacemaker: case report. GAOXIONG YI XUE KE XUE ZA ZHI = THE KAOHSIUNG JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 1993; 9:113-7. [PMID: 8492352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
When a patient has a pacemaker and requires operation, surgeons have to consider some possible intraoperative pacemaker complications induced by electrocautery. Electrocautery is commonly used during surgery to achieve hemostasis. However, this very effective tool may introduce innumerable problems in the paced patient, including irreversible damage to the pulse generator, pacemaker reprogramming, induction of a rise in the capture threshold, and ventricular fibrillation. Although electrocautery may be avoided in some surgical procedures, open heart surgery cannot be performed without it. One case is presented to illustrate how to achieve hemostasis while decreasing electric interference and how to protect the permanent pacemaker while avoiding those possible complications during the defibrillation. The purpose of this article is to call attention to potential problems induced by electrocautery and in an effect to facilitate the perioperative management of the paced patient undergoing open heart surgery.
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Wu CW, Chi CW, Chiu CC, Wu HS, Liu WY, P'eng FK, Wang SR. Can daily dietary arginine supplement affect the function and subpopulation of lymphocytes in patients with advanced gastric cancer? Digestion 1993; 54:118-24. [PMID: 8319840 DOI: 10.1159/000201023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Since arginine can stimulate lymphocyte proliferation in the healthy human, its effect on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro was studied in 7 patients with far advanced gastric cancer. These patients with normal nourishment were ambulatory and could consume a regular diet. A daily dietary supplement of 30 g arginine for 7 days did not alter the total lymphocyte counts or the T/B cell ratio in the peripheral blood. Enhancement of lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogen stimulation was not observed. Furthermore, an in vitro study on the effect of arginine on phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation showed that lymphocytes from gastric cancer patients had poorer responses than those obtained from normal subjects, despite the supplement in the culture medium with normal serum, patient serum, or fetal bovine serum. Arginine ingestion did not impair liver function and had no detectable side effects except transient nausea in 1 patient. These results indicate that dietary arginine supplement appears safe but does not stimulate lymphocyte function in far advanced gastric cancer patients. The suppressed immune function in gastric cancer patients may be the result of their intrinsic lymphocyte defect.
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Wang SR, Su HL, Chiu CC, Huang MH, Tsai CY, Tsai JJ, Yu CL. Alteration of intracellular DNA and RNA patterns by liver arginase studied with flow cytometry. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 1992; 50:267-72. [PMID: 1281752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous study of lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of liver arginase has indicated that arginine-depletion in the culture medium plays an important role in inhibiting cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect of both liver arginase and arginine-free condition on DNA, RNA and protein syntheses in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes were studied in cultures by measuring the incorporation of labeled precursors. Simultaneously, their influence on DNA and RNA contents in cells stained by acridine orange was investigated by automated flow cytometry. With 3 micrograms/ml arginase, the syntheses of DNA, RNA and protein were markedly inhibited after 72 h of culture. The degrees of inhibition were close to that induced in an arginine-free condition. The DNA and RNA contents of the individual cell, either cultured with 3 micrograms/ml arginase or in arginine-free medium, were arrested in G0/G1 phase. The results of cell arrest in G0/G1 phase were similar whether the cells were cultured for 24, 48 or 72 h.
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