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Wong SH, Huang WY, Cerin E, Gao Y, Lai PC, Burnett A. Home and neighbourhood environment: association with children's physical activity and obesity-related dietary behaviour. Hong Kong Med J 2016; 22 Suppl 6:43-47. [PMID: 27807318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
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Hu JL, Huang WY, Xu X. [Solitary fibrous tumor in trachea: report of a case]. ZHONGHUA BING LI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 45:723-724. [PMID: 27760620 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0529-5807.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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Pinsky PF, Yu K, Black A, Huang WY, Prorok PC. Active follow-up versus passive linkage with cancer registries for case ascertainment in a cohort. Cancer Epidemiol 2016; 45:26-31. [PMID: 27687075 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ascertaining incident cancers is a critical component of cancer-focused epidemiologic cohorts and of cancer prevention trials. Potential methods: for cancer case ascertainment include active follow-up and passive linkage with state cancer registries. Here we compare the two approaches in a large cancer screening trial. METHODS The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial enrolled 154,955 subjects at ten U.S. centers and followed them for all-cancer incidence. Cancers were ascertained by an active follow-up process involving annual questionnaires, retrieval of records and medical record abstracting to ascertain and confirm cancers. For a subset of centers, linkage with state cancer registries was also performed. We assessed the agreement of the two methods in ascertaining incident cancers from 1993 to 2009 in 80,083 subjects from six PLCO centers where cancers were ascertained both by active follow-up and through linkages with 14 state registries. RESULTS The ratio (times 100) of confirmed cases ascertained by registry linkage compared to active follow-up was 96.4 (95% CI: 95.1-98.2). Of cancers ascertained by either method, 86.6% and 83.5% were identified by active follow-up and by registry linkage, respectively. Of cancers missed by active follow-up, 30% were after subjects were lost to follow-up and 16% were reported but could not be confirmed. Of cancers missed by the registries, 27% were not sent to the state registry of the subject's current address at the time of linkage. CONCLUSION Linkage with state registries identified a similar number of cancers as active follow-up and can be a cost-effective method to ascertain incident cancers in a large cohort.
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Cai XZ, Huang WY, Qiao Y, Chen Y, Du SY, Chen D, Yu S, Liu N, Dou LY, Jiang Y. Downregulation of TIM-3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 48:77-82. [PMID: 25493386 PMCID: PMC4288496 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20143701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (TIM) family is associated with autoimmune
diseases, but its expression level in the immune cells of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) patients is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate
whether the expression of TIM-3 mRNA is associated with pathogenesis of SLE.
Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis
(qRT-PCR) was used to determine TIM-1, TIM-3, and TIM-4 mRNA expression in peripheral
blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 132 patients with SLE and 62 healthy controls.
The PBMC surface protein expression of TIMs in PBMCs from 20 SLE patients and 15
healthy controls was assayed by flow cytometry. Only TIM-3 mRNA expression decreased
significantly in SLE patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). No
significant differences in TIM family protein expression were observed in leukocytes
from SLE patients and healthy controls (P>0.05). SLE patients with lupus nephritis
(LN) had a significantly lower expression of TIM-3 mRNA than those without LN
(P=0.001). There was no significant difference in the expression of TIM-3 mRNA within
different classes of LN (P>0.05). Correlation of TIM-3 mRNA expression with serum
IgA was highly significant (r=0.425, P=0.004), but was weakly correlated with total
serum protein (rs=0.283, P=0.049) and serum albumin (rs=0.297,
P=0.047). TIM-3 mRNA expression was weakly correlated with the Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; rs=-0.272, P=0.032). Our
results suggest that below-normal expression of TIM-3 mRNA in PBMC may be involved in
the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Tanaka C, Reilly JJ, Huang WY. Longitudinal changes in objectively measured sedentary behaviour and their relationship with adiposity in children and adolescents: systematic review and evidence appraisal. Obes Rev 2014; 15:791-803. [PMID: 24899125 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review aimed to determine longitudinal changes in objectively measured overall sedentary behaviour, and to examine their associations with adiposity in children and adolescents. A search for longitudinal studies was performed using several electronic databases. Of 161 potentially eligible papers, 10 for change in sedentary behaviour and 3 for longitudinal associations with change in adiposity were included. Weighted mean increase in daily sedentary behaviour per year was 5.7% for boys and 5.8% for girls. Only one paper included preschool children, and it showed a decrease in sedentary behaviour. Nine studies were from Western countries. Null associations were reported between sedentary behaviour and adiposity in two studies, the other found that increases in sedentary behaviour were associated with increases in adiposity, but only in those with body mass index above the 50th percentile. There was consistent evidence that sedentary behaviour increases with age in school-age children and adolescents, by approximately 30 min extra daily sedentary behaviour per year. There was little evidence on the influence of changes in sedentary behaviour on changes in adiposity. There is a need for more longitudinal research, for more evidence from outside the Western world, and for more studies that examine 'dose-response' associations between changes in sedentary behaviour and changes in adiposity.
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Wu XF, Wang AF, Chen L, Huang EP, Xie WB, Liu C, Huang WY, Chen CX, Qiu PM, Wang HJ. S-Nitrosylating protein disulphide isomerase mediates α-synuclein aggregation caused by methamphetamine exposure in PC12 cells. Toxicol Lett 2014; 230:19-27. [PMID: 25090657 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) belongs to Amphetamine-type stimulants, METH abusers are at high risk of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there are still no effective treatments to METH-induced neurodegeneration because its mechanism remains unknown. In order to investigate METH's neurotoxic mechanism, we established an in vitro PD pathology model by exposing PC12 cells to METH. We found the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO) and α-synuclein (α-syn) was significantly increased after METH treatment for 24h, in addition, the aggregattion of α-syn and the S-nitrosylation of protein disulphideisomerase(PDI) were also obviously enhanced. When we exposed PC12 cells to the NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine(L-NNA) with METH together, the L-NNA obviously inhibited these changes induced by METH. While when we exposed PC12 cells to the precursor of NO L-Arginine together with METH, the L-Arginine resulted in the opposite effect compared to L-NNA. And when we knocked down the PDI gene, the L-NNA did not have this effect. Therefore, PDI plays a significant role in neurological disorders related to α-syn aggregation, and it suggests that PDI could be as a potential target to prevent METH-induced neurodegeneration.
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Tan WL, Huang WY, Yin B, Xiong J, Wu JS, Geng DY. Can diffusion tensor imaging noninvasively detect IDH1 gene mutations in astrogliomas? A retrospective study of 112 cases. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2014; 35:920-7. [PMID: 24557705 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE IDH1 mutational status probably plays an important role in the predictive response for patients with astroglioma. This study explores whether DTI metrics are able to noninvasively detect IDH1 status in astrogliomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS The DTI data of 112 patients with pathologically proven astroglioma (including 25, 12, and 10 cases with IDH1 mutation and 11, 11, and 43 cases without mutation in grades II, III, and IV, respectively) were retrospectively reviewed. The maximal fractional anisotropy, minimal ADC, ratio of maximal fractional anisotropy, and ratio of minimal ADC in the tumor body were measured. In the same World Health Organization grading, the imaging parameters of patients with and without IDH1 R132H mutation were compared by means of optimal metrics for detecting mutations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. RESULTS The maximal fractional anisotropy and ratio of maximal fractional anisotropy values had statistical significance between patients with IDH1 R132H mutation and those without mutation in astrogliomas of grades II and III. The areas under the curve for maximal fractional anisotropy and ratio of maximal fractional anisotropy were both 0.92 in grade II and 0.80 and 0.82 in grade III. The minimal ADC value and ratio of minimal ADC value also demonstrated statistical significance between patients with mutation and those without mutation in all astroglioma grades. The areas under the curve for minimal ADC were 0.94 (II), 0.76 (III), and 0.66 (IV), and the areas under the curve for ratio of minimal ADC were 0.93 (II), 0.83 (III), and 0.70 (IV). CONCLUSIONS Fractional anisotropy and ADC from DTI can noninvasively detect IDH1 R132H mutation in astrogliomas.
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Cai XZ, Huang WY, Qiao Y, Du SY, Chen Y, Chen D, Yu S, Che RC, Liu N, Jiang Y. Inhibitory effects of curcumin on gastric cancer cells: a proteomic study of molecular targets. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 20:495-505. [PMID: 23351961 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin, a natural anticancer agent, has been shown to inhibit cell growth in a number of tumor cell lines and animal models. We examined the inhibition of curcumin on cell viability and its induction of apoptosis using different gastric cancer cell lines (BGC-823, MKN-45 and SCG-7901). 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) assay showed that curcumin inhibited cell growth in a dose- (1, 5, 10 and 30 μM) and time- (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) dependent manner; analysis of Annexin V binding showed that curcumin induced apoptosis at the dose of 10 and 30 μM when the cells were treated for 24 and 48 h. As cancers are caused by dysregulation of various proteins, we investigated target proteins associated with curcumin by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometer. BGC-823 cells were treated with 30 μM curcumin for 24 h and total protein was extracted for the 2-DE. In the first dimension of the 2-DE, protein samples (800 μg) were applied to immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips (24 cm, pH 3-10, NL) and the isoelectric focusing (IEF) was performed using a step-wise voltage ramp; the second dimension was performed using 12.5% SDS-PAGE gel at 1 W constant power per gel. In total, 75 proteins showed significant changes over 1.5-fold in curcumin-treated cells compared to control cells (Student's t-test, p<0.05). Among them, 33 proteins were upregulated and 42 proteins downregulated by curcumin as determined by spot densitometry. 52 proteins with significant mascot scores were identified and implicated in cancer development and progression. Their biological function included cell proliferation, cycle and apoptosis (20%), metabolism (16%), nucleic acid processing (15%), cytoskeleton organization and movement (11%), signal transduction (11%), protein folding, proteolysis and translation (20%), and immune response (2%). Furthermore, protein-protein interacting analysis demonstrated the interaction networks affected by curcumin in gastric cancer cells. These data provide some clues for explaining the anticancer mechanisms of curcumin and explore more potent molecular targets of the drug expected to be helpful for the development of new drugs.
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Luo HL, Wang DY, Wang HJ, Nie K, Huang WY. WITHDRAWN: MyD88 is required for the recruitment of eosinophils and neutrophils but dispensable for host protective immune responses during Fasciola hepatica infection. Immunobiology 2011:S0171-2985(11)00265-8. [PMID: 22226670 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2011] [Revised: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.
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Huang WY, Lo MC, Wang SJ, Tsai JJ, Wu HM. Topiramate in prevention of cluster headache in the Taiwanese. Neurol India 2010; 58:284-7. [PMID: 20508351 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.63784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Topiramate could potentially effective as prophylaxis for cluster headache, but the experience remains limited in Asians. We performed an open-label clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of topiramate in the tolerable dosage to prevent cluster headache. We studied patients who fulfilled the criteria of episodic or chronic cluster headaches (International Classification of Headache Disorders second edition) prospectively. Headache severity was assessed using a verbal rating scale (excruciating, severe, moderate, mild, and no headache). Treatment was started with a topiramate dose of 50 mg twice daily and was increased by 50-100 mg a day every 3 to 7 days as tolerated to a maximal daily dosage of 400 mg. Of the 12 patients with episodic cluster headache, nine patients had remission of headache at a mean daily dosage of 273 mg (range 100-400 mg), and the patient with chronic cluster headache had remission at a daily dosage of 400 mg. The adverse effects included: paresthesia (84%), slow speech (54%), and dizziness (46%), but were tolerated by most patients. Two patients discontinued topiramate due to adverse events and one due to lack of efficacy. This open-label study suggests that topiramate is effective in the treatment of cluster headache in Taiwanese patients.
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Su QL, Song HQ, Lin RQ, Yuan ZG, Yang JF, Zhao GH, Huang WY, Zhu XQ. The detection of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" in cattle and buffalo in China. Trop Anim Health Prod 2010; 42:1805-8. [PMID: 20596775 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-010-9640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
"Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" is a hemoplasma species found in cattle and has been recently reported in Switzerland and Japan. In this study, "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" was shown to occur in cattle and buffalo in tropical China by PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from blood samples. Based on the 16S rDNA sequence, a specific PCR assay was developed. Occurrence of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" in cattle and buffalo in Guangxi, China, was determined by examining 25 buffalo blood samples, 12 yellow cattle blood samples and 42 dairy cow blood samples. The results showed that 32% (8/25) of buffalo, 41.7% (5/12) of yellow cattle, and 14.3% (6/42) of dairy cows were positive for "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos", respectively. Direct sequencing of representative PCR products confirmed that the amplified partial 16S rDNA sequence represented "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos". This is the first report of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" in buffalo, yellow cattle, and dairy cows in China.
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Huang WY, Chang RC, Kastin AJ, Coy DH, Schally AV. Isolation and structure of pro-methionine-enkephalin: Potential enkephalin precursor from porcine hypothalamus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 76:6177-80. [PMID: 16592735 PMCID: PMC411826 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.76.12.6177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexapeptide that we have named pro-methionine-enkephalin has been isolated from acid extracts of porcine hypothalami and found to have the amino acid sequence H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met(O)-Arg-OH. This peptide is not a fragment of either porcine beta-lipotropin or beta-endorphin, which suggests that it could be a precursor of [Met]enkephalin in the brain by a pathway differing from the one usually postulated. The existence of still larger precursors of [Met]enkephalin, perhaps related to the recently reported alpha-neo-endorphin, is strongly implied by these studies. Synthetic H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Arg-OH exhibited low, but significant, opiate activity in vitro.
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Ai L, Dong SJ, Zhang WY, Elsheikha HM, Mahmmod YS, Lin RQ, Yuan ZG, Shi YL, Huang WY, Zhu XQ. Specific PCR-based assays for the identification of Fasciola species: their development, evaluation and potential usefulness in prevalence surveys. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2010; 104:65-72. [PMID: 20149293 DOI: 10.1179/136485910x12607012373713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Among the helminths infecting ruminants in China are three taxa belonging to the genus Fasciola: F. hepatica, F. gigantica and the so-called 'intermediate form' that appears to lie between these two species. Based on the sequences of the second internal-transcribed spacers (ITS-2) within the parasites' nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), a pair of primers (DSJf/DSJ3) specific for F. hepatica and a pair (DSJf/DSJ4) specific for F. gigantica were designed and used to develop PCR-based assays. These assays allowed the identification and differentiation of F. hepatica, F. gigantica and the 'intermediate' Fasciola, with no amplicons produced from heterologous DNA samples. The results of sequencing confirmed the species-specific identity of the amplified products. The assays showed good sensitivity, giving positive results with as little as 0.11 ng of F. hepatica DNA and 0.35 ng of F. gigantica DNA. This meant that the DNA from a single Fasciola egg or a single infected snail was sufficient for identification of the Fasciola taxon. The developed PCR assays could provide useful tools for the detection, identification and epidemiological investigation of Fasciola infection in humans, other mammals and snails.
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Lin RQ, Dong SJ, Nie K, Wang CR, Song HQ, Li AX, Huang WY, Zhu XQ. Sequence analysis of the first internal transcribed spacer of rDNA supports the existence of the intermediate Fasciola between F. hepatica and F. gigantica in mainland China. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:813-7. [PMID: 17356892 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0512-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2007] [Accepted: 03/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, a polymerase chain reaction-linked single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) approach combined with DNA sequencing was used to characterise samples of Fasciola spp. from different host species and geographical locations in mainland China. The first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was amplified by PCR from individual Fasciola and analysed by SSCP. SSCP analyses displayed three different banding profiles that allowed the identification of all Fasciola samples examined into three groups: Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica and the "intermediate" Fasciola. Then, the ITS-1 rDNA was sequenced from representative Fasciola samples, and analysis of the complete ITS-1 sequences supported the identification of all Fasciola samples by SSCP approach. The length of the ITS-1 sequences was 422 bp for all Fasciola samples sequenced. Although there was no variation in length or composition of the ITS-1 sequences among multiple specimens within each of the taxa, F. hepatica and F. gigantica differed by 1.2% in their ITS-1 sequences, whereas the "intermediate" Fasciola was unique, in which two different ITS-1 sequences exist in the rDNA array within a single Fasciola worm. One of the sequences is identical to that of F. hepatica, and the other is identical to that of F. gigantica. This study demonstrated that PCR-SSCP analysis of the ITS-1 rDNA followed by selective sequencing provides a reliable approach for the accurate identification of Fasciola spp., and also supports the existence of the "intermediate" Fasciola between F. hepatica and F. gigantica in mainland China.
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Wang JW, Wu JH, Huang WY, Tan RX. Laccase production by Monotospora sp., an endophytic fungus in Cynodon dactylon. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2006; 97:786-9. [PMID: 16006124 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2005.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2004] [Revised: 03/28/2005] [Accepted: 03/28/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the carbon and nitrogen sources, initial pH and incubation temperature on laccase production by the endophytic fungus Monotospora sp. were evaluated. The optimal temperature and initial pH for laccase production by Monotospora sp. in submerged culture were found to be 30 degrees C and 8.5, respectively. Maltose (2 g l(-1)) and ammonium tartrate (10 g l(-1)) were the most suitable carbon and nitrogen source for laccase production. Under optimal culture medium, the maximum laccase activity was determined to be 13.55 U ml(-1), which was approximately four times higher than that in basal medium. This is the first report on laccase production by an endophytic fungus.
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Kao CM, Huang WY, Chang LJ, Chen TY, Chien HY, Hou F. Application of monitored natural attenuation to remediate a petroleum-hydrocarbon spill site. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2006; 53:321-8. [PMID: 16594351 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of groundwater by petroleum-hydrocarbons is a serious environmental problem. The Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) approach is a passive remediation to degrade and dissipate groundwater contaminants in situ. In this study, a full-scale natural bioremediation investigation was conducted at a gasoline spill site. Results show that concentrations of major contaminants (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) dropped to below detection limit before they reached the downgradient monitor well located 280 m from the spill location. The results also reveal that natural biodegradation was the major cause of the observed contaminant reduction. The calculated natural first-order attenuation rates for BTEX and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (1,2,4-TMB) ranged from 0.051 (benzene) to 0.189 1/day (1,2,4-TMB). Evidence for the occurrence of natural attenuation includes the following: (1) depletion of dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate; (2) production of dissolved ferrous iron, sulfide, and CO2; (3) decreased BTEX concentrations and BTEX as carbon to TOC ratio along the transport path; (4) increased alkalinity and microbial populations; (5) limited spreading of the BTEX plume; and (6) preferential removal of certain BTEX components along the transport path. Additionally, the biodegradation capacity (44.73 mg/L) for BTEX and 1,2,4-TMB was much higher than other detected contaminants within the plume. Hence, natural attenuation can effectively contain the plume, and biodegradation processes played an important role in contaminant removal.
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Hwu YM, Lin SY, Huang WY, Lin MH, Lee RKK. Ultra-short metformin pretreatment for clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2005; 90:39-43. [PMID: 15921686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2005.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2005] [Accepted: 04/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of ultra-short (12 days) metformin pretreatment in clomiphene-citrate (CC) resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHOD Eighty women with CC-resistant PCOS were randomly allocated to metformin pretreatment or usual treatment. Forty women received 1500 mg metformin daily for 12 days, followed by clomiphene 150 mg daily for 5 days along with metformin. Forty women (control group) received the same dose of clomiphene but no metformin pretreatment. RESULTS In the metformin group, 17 (42.5%) women ovulated, and 6 (15%) conceived. In the control group, 5 (12.5%) women ovulated but none conceived. Compared with the control group, the metformin group had significantly higher ovulation (P = 0.03) and pregnancy rates (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION Twelve days of metformin pretreatment improves ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with CC-resistant PCOS.
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Zhang WY, Moreau E, Yang BZ, Li ZQ, Hope JC, Howard CJ, Huang WY, Chauvin A. Humoral and cellular immune responses to Fasciola gigantica experimental infection in buffaloes. Res Vet Sci 2005; 80:299-307. [PMID: 16143354 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2005.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2004] [Revised: 01/04/2005] [Accepted: 07/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Humoral and cellular immune responses to Fasciola gigantica experimental infection in buffaloes were studied. The results showed that 33.4+/-9.1% of the infection dose was recovered as adult flukes from infected animals at necropsy. Significant differences of weight gain between infected and non-infected buffaloes was observed at 4 MPI (months post-infection). Anti F. gigantica excretory-secretory products (FgESP)-IgG levels increased significantly from 3 WPI (weeks post-infection) and displayed a peak at 13 WPI. Western blot indicated that in FgESP six major bands of 11.5, 19.0, 23.4, 29.8, 47.5 and 53.2kDa were recognized by F. gigantica-infected buffaloes sera after 0 WPI. Eosinophil numbers increased significantly from 3 WPI in F. gigantica-infected buffaloes and displayed a peak at 8 WPI. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation induced by FgESP increased from 2 WPI with a peak at 5 WPI. IFNgamma secretion by FgESP-stimulated PBMC appeared early from 1 WPI with three peaks at 2, 5 and 8 WPI, respectively. IL-10 production was observed from 2 WPI with two peaks at 4 and 9 WPI, respectively. Our results suggested that buffaloes were highly susceptible to F. gigantica infection, and this susceptibility could be associated with the late and weak cellular immune response in the early phase of infection and the Th0-like response throughout the infection.
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Zhang WY, Moreau E, Hope JC, Howard CJ, Huang WY, Chauvin A. Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica: comparison of cellular response to experimental infection in sheep. Exp Parasitol 2005; 111:154-9. [PMID: 16126202 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2005.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2005] [Revised: 06/10/2005] [Accepted: 06/26/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cellular responses to Fasciola gigantica and to Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep were compared. Eosinophil numbers increased more quickly and strongly in F. gigantica-infected sheep than in F. hepatica-infected sheep. In both groups, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in response to the parasitic excretory-secretory products (ESP) showed similar kinetics. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by ESP-stimulated PBMC was early and showed similar kinetics in both groups. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) production by FhESP-stimulated PBMC was very high throughout infection even at 0 weeks post-infection (WPI) in F. hepatica-infected sheep, while in F. gigantica-infected sheep, IL-10 production by FgESP-stimulated PBMC increased between 1 and 4 WPI. IL-10 production in F. gigantica-infected sheep was significantly lower than in F. hepatica-infected sheep during infection. The lower susceptibility to F. gigantica infection in sheep could be explained by the more intense cellular response induced by the parasite and the weaker capacity of F. gigantica to evade the immune response.
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Huang WY, He B, Wang CR, Zhu XQ. Characterisation of Fasciola species from Mainland China by ITS-2 ribosomal DNA sequence. Vet Parasitol 2004; 120:75-83. [PMID: 15019145 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2003.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2003] [Revised: 11/21/2003] [Accepted: 12/01/2003] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Isolates of Fasciola (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda: Digenea) from different host species and geographical locations in Mainland China were characterised genetically. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was amplified from individual trematodes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the representative amplicons were cloned and sequenced. The length of the ITS-2 sequences was 361-362bp for all Chinese Fasciola specimens sequenced. While there was no variation in length or composition of the ITS-2 sequences among multiple specimens from France, Sichuan and Guangxi, sequence difference of 1.7% (6/362) was detected between specimens from France and Sichuan, and those from Guangxi. Based on ITS-2 sequence data, it was concluded that the Fasciola from Sichuan represented Fasciola hepatica, the one from Guangxi represented Fasciola gigantica and the one from sheep from Heilongjiang may represent an "intermediate genotype", as its ITS-2 sequences were unique in that two different ITS-2 sequences exist in the rDNA array within a single Fasciola worm. One of the sequences is identical to that of F. hepatica, and the other is almost identical to that of F. gigantica in that nucleotides at five of the six polymorphic positions represent F. gigantica. This microheterogeneity is possibly due to sequence polymorphism among copies of the ITS-2 array within the same worm. Based on the sequence differences, a PCR-linked restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was established for the unequivocal delineation of the Fasciola spp. from Mainland China using restriction endonuclease Hsp92II or RcaI. This assay should provide a valuable tool for the molecular identification and for studying the ecology and population genetic structures of Fasciola spp. from Mainland China and elsewhere.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Buffaloes/parasitology
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases/parasitology
- China
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA, Helminth/analysis
- DNA, Helminth/isolation & purification
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/analysis
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/isolation & purification
- Electrophoresis, Agar Gel/veterinary
- Fasciola hepatica/genetics
- Fascioliasis/genetics
- Fascioliasis/veterinary
- Female
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
- Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sheep
- Sheep Diseases/parasitology
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Kao CM, Chen KF, Chen YL, Chen TY, Huang WY. Biobarrier system for remediation of TCE-contaminated aquifers. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2004; 72:87-93. [PMID: 15058658 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-003-0244-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
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Huang WY, Vallés S, Qwarnstrom EE. Translocation of the IL-1 receptor to focal adhesions is regulated through the C-terminal end of the cytoplasmic domain. Cell Biol Int 2001; 25:309-17. [PMID: 11319837 DOI: 10.1006/cbir.2000.0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of translocation of the IL-1 receptor to focal adhesions were analysed using EGFP reporter constructs and confocal microscopy. In fibronectin-attached cells, the receptor fusion protein was present in distinct punctate areas, co-localizing with the transmembrane-linkage protein vinculin. In migrating cells, the two proteins co-localized at the leading edge in ruffle-like structures. Experiments using a series of receptor mutants revealed that translocation of the IL-1 receptor to focal adhesions was dependent on motifs conserved between members of the TIR family, in the C-terminal end of the receptor. Further, an enhanced level of expression of the wild-type receptor at attachment sites was shown to correlate with an increased severity of IL-1 induced structural effects. This report demonstrates that translocation of the IL-1 receptor to focal adhesions is dependent on conserved domains in the C-terminal end of the protein, and that receptor localization at these sites is important in structural regulation of IL-1 mediated responses.
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Kasahara H, Wakimoto H, Liu M, Maguire CT, Converso KL, Shioi T, Huang WY, Manning WJ, Paul D, Lawitts J, Berul CI, Izumo S. Progressive atrioventricular conduction defects and heart failure in mice expressing a mutant Csx/Nkx2.5 homeoprotein. J Clin Invest 2001; 108:189-201. [PMID: 11457872 PMCID: PMC203028 DOI: 10.1172/jci12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2001] [Accepted: 06/04/2001] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A DNA nonbinding mutant of the NK2 class homeoprotein Nkx2.5 dominantly inhibits cardiogenesis in Xenopus embryos, causing a small heart to develop or blocking heart formation entirely. Recently, ten heterozygous CSX/NKX2.5 homeoprotein mutations were identified in patients with congenital atrioventricular (AV) conduction defects. All four missense mutations identified in the human homeodomain led to markedly reduced DNA binding. To examine the effect of a DNA binding-impaired mutant of mouse Csx/Nkx2.5 in the embryonic heart, we generated transgenic mice expressing one such allele, I183P, under the beta-myosin heavy chain promoter. Unexpectedly, transgenic mice were born apparently normal, but the accumulation of Csx/Nkx2.5(I183P) mutant protein in the embryo, neonate, and adult myocardium resulted in progressive and profound cardiac conduction defects and heart failure. P-R prolongation observed at 2 weeks of age rapidly progressed into complete AV block as early as 4 weeks of age. Expression of connexins 40 and 43 was dramatically decreased in the transgenic heart, which may contribute to the conduction defects in the transgenic mice. This transgenic mouse model may be useful in the study of the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction associated with CSX/NKX2.5 mutations in humans.
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Huang WY, Dains JE, Chang TH, Rogers JC. Does a reduction in family medicine clerkship time affect educational outcomes? Fam Med 2001; 33:435-40. [PMID: 11411971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Little is known about the relationship between the length of a family medicine clerkship and its educational outcomes. After our family medicine clerkship time decreased from 6 weeks to 4 weeks in July 1997, we studied how this change in clerkship length affected educational outcomes. METHODS Educational outcomes for the 2-year periods before and after the change were examined and compared whenever possible. Outcome measurements included student ratings of different aspects of the clerkship and student performance on clerkship examinations. RESULTS Students' exposure to common clinical problems was unaffected by the change. For the 4-week clerkship, there was a slight increase in student ratings of the adequacy of number of patients seen, the opportunity to follow-up with patients, the ability to develop health promotion plans, and overall satisfaction. Because the combinations of examinations used differed each year, student performance on clerkship examinations could not be directly compared. CONCLUSIONS Educational outcomes of the 4-week clerkship were similar to the 6-week clerkship. A few key outcomes improved. Various curricular and structural changes instituted for the 4-week clerkship contributed to the stability in outcomes. Reports from other medical schools may give additional insight into understanding this relationship.
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Huang WY, Heifner RG, Taylor H, Uri ND. Using insurance to enhance nitrogen fertilizer application to reduce nitrogen losses to the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2001; 68:209-233. [PMID: 11393425 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010755424263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The advantage of using insurance to help a farmer adopt a best nitrogen management plan (BNMP) that reduces the impact of agricultural production on the environment is analytically and empirically demonstrated. Using an expected value analysis, it is shown that an insurance program can be structured so as to reduce a farmer's cost of bearing the adoption risk associated with changing production practices and, thus, to improve the farmer's certainty equivalent net return thereby promoting the adoption of a BNMP. Using the adoption of growing-season only N fertilizer application in Iowa as a case study, it is illustrated how insurance may be used to promote the adoption of this practice to reduce N fertilizer use. It is shown that it is possible for a farmer and an insurance company both to have an incentive to develop an insurance adoption program that will benefit both the farmer and the insurance company, increasing net social welfare and improving environmental quality in Iowa.
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