501
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von Fellenberg A, Lin S, Burgunder JM. Disturbed trafficking of dystrophin and associated proteins in targetoid phenomena after chronic muscle denervation. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2004; 30:255-66. [PMID: 15175079 DOI: 10.1046/j.0305-1846.2004.00529.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin and associated proteins form a complex with an important role at the sarcolemma. Expression of this protein complex is highly regulated during development and regeneration. In order to better understand assembling patterns of these proteins, we have studied their expression in targetoid-like phenomena found in human muscle after chronic denervation, a situation known to give rise to abnormal protein trafficking. In eight biopsies of patients with chronic denervation, mainly resulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we found a number of targetoid phenomena. Selective accumulation of a number of sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmatic proteins occurred in targetoid phenomena. The larger majority of them contained gamma-sarcoglycan (gammaSG), but none contained the developmental heavy chain myosin isoform. In a series of 166 targetoid phenomena which could be studied with 17 different antibodies recognizing sarcolemmal and cytoplasmatic proteins, a high level of colocalization of gammaSG with desmin and alpha-actinin was found. Colocalization rate was much lower with other proteins, including other members of the dystrophin-associated protein complex. These data show that selective changes in expression of otherwise closely related proteins occur during disturbed trafficking leading to target formation. Because members of the dystrophin-associated protein complex do not accumulate in a similar fashion within targets, we suggest that a complex molecular control of gene expression and trafficking of this complex is involved after chronic muscle denervation.
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502
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Salesiotis AN, Samara RN, Kauh J, Laguinge LM, Lin S, Marshall JL, Jessup JM. AG879, a c-erbB2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, causes G1 arrest in pancreas cancer cells through p27Kipl independent transcriptional repression of cyclin Dl. J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.4095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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503
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Lin S, Kirk EPE, McKenzie F, Francis C, Shalhoub C, Turner AM. De novo interstitial duplication 4(q28.1q35) associated with choanal atresia. J Paediatr Child Health 2004; 40:401-3. [PMID: 15228573 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2004.00411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of direct interstitial duplication of chromosome 4 from 4q28.1 to 4q35 associated with bilateral choanal atresia. The child also had dysmorphic features including a broad nasal bridge, telecanthus, downward slanting palpebral fissures, prominent ears, mild bilateral clinodactyly of the 5th fingers and bilateral hypoplasia of the 2nd-5th toenails. There was also a slightly dilated renal collecting system. At the age of 2.5 years, he had moderate global developmental delay, short, wide and tapering fingers, and short toes with hypoplastic toenails. To our knowledge, this is the second report of choanal atresia in a patient with trisomy 4q involving this region.
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504
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Niimi K, Harding DRK, Parshot R, King A, Lun DJ, Decottignies A, Niimi M, Lin S, Cannon RD, Goffeau A, Monk BC. Chemosensitization of fluconazole resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and pathogenic fungi by a D-octapeptide derivative. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2004; 48:1256-71. [PMID: 15047528 PMCID: PMC375246 DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.4.1256-1271.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperexpression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae multidrug ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter Pdr5p was driven by the pdr1-3 mutation in the Pdr1p transcriptional regulator in a strain (AD/PDR5(+)) with deletions of five other ABC-type multidrug efflux pumps. The strain had high-level fluconazole (FLC) resistance (MIC, 600 microg ml(-1)), and plasma membrane fractions showed oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity up to fivefold higher than that shown by fractions from an isogenic PDR5-null mutant (FLC MIC, 0.94 microg ml(-1)). In vitro inhibition of the Pdr5p ATPase activity and chemosensitization of cells to FLC allowed the systematic screening of a 1.8-million-member designer D-octapeptide combinatorial library for surface-active Pdr5p antagonists with modest toxicity against yeast cells. Library deconvolution identified the 4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethylbenzensulfonyl-substituted D-octapeptide KN20 as a potent Pdr5p ATPase inhibitor (concentration of drug causing 50% inhibition of enzyme activity [IC(50)], 4 microM) which chemosensitized AD/PDR5(+) to FLC, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. It also inhibited the ATPase activity of other ABC transporters, such as Candida albicans Cdr1p (IC(50), 30 microM) and Cdr2p (IC(50), 2 microM), and chemosensitized clinical isolates of pathogenic Candida species and S. cerevisiae strains that heterologously hyperexpressed either ABC-type multidrug efflux pumps, the C. albicans major facilitator superfamily-type drug transporter Ben(R)p, or the FLC drug target lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase (Erg11p). Although KN20 also inhibited the S. cerevisiae plasma membrane proton pump Pma1p (IC(50), 1 microM), the peptide concentrations required for chemosensitization made yeast cells permeable to rhodamine 6G. KN20 therefore appears to indirectly chemosensitize cells to FLC by a nonlethal permeabilization of the fungal plasma membrane.
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505
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Poothullil AM, McLeod SD, Lin S. Employing endoscopic guidance for placement of a black diaphragm aniridia intraocular lens following destructive Acanthamoeba sclerokeratitis. Br J Ophthalmol 2004; 88:596-7. [PMID: 15031197 PMCID: PMC1772089 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2003.031583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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506
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Chen J, Lin S. A Neural Network Approach—Decision Neural Network (DNN) for Preference Assessment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1109/tsmcc.2003.819703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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507
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Lin S, Sartori MJ, Mezzano L, de Fabro SP. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in the Human Placental Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Placenta 2004; 25:283-6. [PMID: 15028420 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2003.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2003] [Revised: 08/29/2003] [Accepted: 09/22/2003] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Maternal infection of Trypanosoma cruzi is associated with premature births, abortions and placentitis. A decrease in EGF levels has been suggested to occur in animals infected by T. cruzi, but there is no research about the levels of EGF in human patients with Chagas' disease. We evaluated serum EGF levels in pregnant women with and without the disease, and with immunological methods detected EGF receptors and EGF in both groups of placentae and in cultures of normal placental villi with and without parasites. PLAP in placentae from those women was also immunologically detected, since EGF can induce the release of PLAP from the trophoblast surface and PLAP is suggested to be a receptor allowing parasite invasion of the placenta. Plasma from women with Chagas' disease contained lower level of EGF when compared to plasma of healthy women. Placentae from women with Chagas' disease showed lower PLAP expression but same level of detectable EGF receptors and EGF when compared with placentae from women without the disease. Culture with parasites did not reduce EGFr level. Results suggest a lower availability of EGF in women with Chagas' disease, which could explain several malfunctions of the placenta associated with maternal Chagas' disease.
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508
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Zhao Y, Wang H, Hammond RW, Jomantiene R, Liu Q, Lin S, Roe BA, Davis RE. Predicted ATP-binding cassette systems in the phytopathogenic mollicute Spiroplasma kunkelii. Mol Genet Genomics 2004; 271:325-38. [PMID: 15024644 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-004-0983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2003] [Accepted: 01/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spiroplasma kunkelii is a cell wall-free, helical, and motile mycoplasma-like organism that causes corn stunt disease in maize. The bacterium has a compact genome with a gene set approaching the minimal complement necessary for cellular life and pathogenesis. A set of 21 ATP-binding cassette (ABC) domains was identified during the annotation of a draft S. kunkelii genome sequence. These 21 ABC domains are present in 18 predicted proteins, and are components of 16 functional systems, which account for 5% of the protein coding capacity of the S. kunkelii genome. Of the 16 systems, 11 are membrane-bound transporters, and two are cytosolic systems involved in DNA repair and the oxidative stress response; the genes for the remaining three hypothetical systems harbor nonsense and/or frameshift mutations, so their functional status is doubtful. Assembly of the 11 multicomponent transporters, and comparisons with other known systems permitted functional predictions for the S. kunkelii ABC transporter systems. These transporters convey a wide variety of substrates, and are critical for nutrient uptake, multidrug resistance, and perhaps virulence. Our findings provide a framework for functional characterization of the ABC systems in S. kunkelii.
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509
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Arizzi MN, Cervone KM, Aberman JE, Betz A, Liu Q, Lin S, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. Behavioral effects of inhibition of cannabinoid metabolism: The amidase inhibitor AM374 enhances the suppression of lever pressing produced by exogenously administered anandamide. Life Sci 2004; 74:1001-11. [PMID: 14672756 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2003.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Biochemical investigations have identified putative enzymatic pathways for the synthesis and metabolism of endogenous cannabinoids. Anandamide amidase is an enzyme that metabolizes anandamide into arachadonic acid and ethanolamine. Using in vitro methods, various inhibitors of amidase have been identified. The present studies were undertaken to determine if the amidase inhibitor AM 374 could enhance the effects of intraperitoneal (IP) injections of anandamide. Three studies were conducted to investigate the effects of various drug treatments on fixed ratio 5 operant lever pressing for food reinforcement. In the first study, the effects of different doses of anandamide were assessed, and it was demonstrated that 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg anandamide IP significantly suppressed lever pressing, while 2.5 mg/kg produced very little effect. The second study tested the effects of intraventricular (ICV) injections of AM 374, and it was observed that doses up to 10.0, 20.0 and 40 microg AM 374 had no significant effect upon lever pressing. The third study investigated the combined effect of AM374 with a low dose of anandamide. Rats received two drug injections: one ICV and one IP. Four different drug treatments were assessed: 1) ICV vehicle + IP vehicle, 2) ICV vehicle + 2.5 mg/kg anandamide IP, 3) ICV 20.0 microg AM 374 + IP vehicle, and 4) ICV 20 microg AM 374 + 2.5 mg/kg anandamide IP. Combined administration of AM 374 plus anandamide led to a significant decrease in lever pressing compared to either AM374 or anandamide administered alone. Observations of the animals treated with the combination of AM374 plus anandamide indicated that the drug combination resulted in motor slowing, which is consistent with the notion that stimulation of cannabinoid receptors produced a motor deficit that interfered with lever pressing. Although AM374 produced no effect on its own, this amidase inhibitor did enhance the behavioral effect of a low dose of anandamide. These results are consistent with the notion that AM 374 inhibited the enzymatic breakdown of exogenously injected anandamide. This type of procedure can be used to assess a variety of different compounds for their ability to inhibit cannabinoid metabolism.
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510
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Pan R, Huang C, Lin S. Reuse of fresh water sludge in cement making. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2004; 50:183-188. [PMID: 15581011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing demand for high quality water, a large quantity of chemical agent must be added in the water purification process, which in turn generates enormous amount of fresh water sludge. Of all the options for sludge disposal, sludge reuse has been considered most economical and environmentally sound. This study evaluated the possibility of incorporating fresh water sludge in the making of Portland cement through the sintering process. The goal was to search for the optimal condition to maximize the replacement of clay with the fresh water sludge. Characteristics of fresh water sludge were collected and analyzed. The analysis showed that water source and water treatment process dominate th characteristics, particularly the chemical composition of the fresh water sludge. The fresh water sludge was mixed with the cement clay in various percentages, from 0% to 100%, as raw material for cement-making. The effects of its addition on the sintering condition and the quality of cement were evaluated. The analysis of the clinkers showed that the addition of the fresh water sludge did not change the phase form and the f-CaO content of the cement. The compressive strength of the masonry increased with the increasing addition of fresh water sludge. All cement products made from various replacement ratios met the Chinese National Standard of first degree Portland cement.
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511
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Haffa ALM, Lin S, Williams JC, Bowen BP, Taguchi AKW, Allen JP, Woodbury NW. Controlling the Pathway of Photosynthetic Charge Separation in Bacterial Reaction Centers. J Phys Chem B 2003. [DOI: 10.1021/jp035904w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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512
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513
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Lin S. Reproducibility of temperature response and long-term stability of thermo-responsive membrane prepared by adsorption of binary liquid crystals. J Memb Sci 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2003.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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514
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Zhang F, Oswald T, Lin S, Cai Z, Lei M, Jones M, Angel MF, Lineaweaver WC. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and the effect of exogenous VEGF on survival of a random flap in the rat. BRITISH JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2003; 56:653-9. [PMID: 12969663 DOI: 10.1016/s0007-1226(03)00214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The induction of endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in the skin flap with ischemic injury and the effect of exogenous VEGF on survival of the ischemic skin flap were studied in rats. A dorsal flap model (3x10 cm(2)) was used in this study. In Part I, biopsies were taken from the flap at 2.5, 5.5, and 8.5 cm distances from the distal edge at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h after the flaps were sutured. Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and VEGF(165) protein level were measured. In Part II, exogenous VEGF (1 microg/ml) was injected subdermally into the flaps in 14 rats before the flaps were replaced. Flaps that received a saline injection were used as the controls. The skin paddle survival was measured on postoperative day five. The results showed that the MDA level in the distal part of the flap significantly increased at 24 h postoperatively when compared to MDA in other parts of the flap. However, VEGF levels in the distal part of the flap significantly decreased when compared to the middle part of the flap. Subdermal injection of exogenous VEGF to the distal area of the flap could significantly improve survival of the distal flap (89% of total skin paddle) when compared to the control, which had a 64% mean percent survival. We conclude that production of endogenous VEGF protein is significantly increased in the skin flap with mild ischemia, but decreased in the flap with severe ischemia. Administration of exogenous VEGF could significantly enhance survival of ischemic flaps.
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515
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Sartori MJ, Mezzano L, Lin S, Muñoz S, de Fabro SP. Role of placental alkaline phosphatase in the internalization of trypomatigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi into HEp2 cells. Trop Med Int Health 2003; 8:832-9. [PMID: 12950669 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2003.01090.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro, Trypanosoma cruzi invades a wide variety of mammalian cells by an unique process that is still poorly understood. Trypomastigotes adhere to specific receptors on the outer membrane of host cells before intracellular invasion, causing calcium ion mobilization and rearrangement of host cell microfilaments. OBJECTIVE To test if placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), a trophoblast plasma membrane protein anchored by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol molecule, is involved in the transplacental transmission of this parasite. METHOD We cultured HEp2 cells with the parasite and studied PLAP and actin microfilaments. The results were correlated with invasion rate. RESULTS Human HEp2 tumour cells express PLAP. HEp2 cells infected with trypomastigotes showed alteration in their alkaline phosphatase activity and a different pattern of actin organization, compared to control cells. Perturbation of PLAP from HEp2 cells before infection with T. cruzi trypomastigotes decreased the invasion rate. CONCLUSION Placental alkaline phosphatase could be involved in the internalization of T. cruzi into HEp2 cells, via activation of tyrosine kinase and rearrangement of actin microfilaments.
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516
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Sartori MJ, Pons P, Mezzano L, Lin S, de Fabro SP. Trypanosoma cruzi infection induces microfilament depletion in human placenta syncytiotrophoblast. Placenta 2003; 24:767-71. [PMID: 12852867 DOI: 10.1016/s0143-4004(03)00111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Congenital Chagas disease, endemic in Latin America, is associated with premature labour, miscarriage, and placentitis. Metacyclic trypomastigotes adhere to specific receptors on the outer membrane of host cells as a prelude to intracellular invasion, causing calcium ion mobilization, rearrangement of host cell microfilaments, recruitment of lysosomes and parasite internalization. The actin cytoskeleton plays an important role in many cellular processes including the parasite invasion into mammalian cells. In order to observe if placental cytoskeleton is altered in the process of parasite invasion into placental villi, actin microfilaments were studied. Using immunohistochemical techniques, it was observed that the presence of actin in the syncytiotrophoblast was intense throughout the brush border in control placentae belonging to non-chagasic women. But after culture with the trypomastigote, this labelling disappeared, indicating that the parasite induced disassembly of the cortical actin cytoskeleton when the placenta was infected. As a control, placentae from chagasic women were studied, and no actin was found. The same results were obtained by the electron microscope. We confirmed that cortical actin rearrangements may be an early step in the Trypanosoma cruzi invasion mechanism into placental cells, in order to allow lysosomes access to the plasma membrane, and formation of the parasitophorous vacuole. The recruitment of lysosomes occurs directly beneath the invasion site, and this process is required for parasite internalization.
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517
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Zhao Y, Hammond RW, Jomantiene R, Dally EL, Lee IM, Jia H, Wu H, Lin S, Zhang P, Kenton S, Najar FZ, Hua A, Roe BA, Fletcher J, Davis RE. Gene content and organization of an 85-kb DNA segment from the genome of the phytopathogenic mollicute Spiroplasma kunkelii. Mol Genet Genomics 2003; 269:592-602. [PMID: 12845528 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-003-0878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2003] [Accepted: 06/01/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Spiroplasma kunkelii, the causative agent of corn stunt disease in maize (Zea maysL.), is a helical, cell wall-less prokaryote assigned to the class Mollicutes. As part of a project to sequence the entire S. kunkelii genome, we analyzed an 85-kb DNA segment from the pathogenic strain CR2-3x. This genome segment contains 101 ORFs and two tRNA genes. The majority of the ORFs code for predicted proteins that can be assigned to respective clusters of orthologous groups (COGs). These COGs cover diverse functional categories including genetic information storage and processing, cellular processes, and metabolism. The most notable gene cluster in this genome segment is a super-operon capable of encoding 24 ribosomal proteins. The organization of genes in this operon reflects the unique evolutionary position of the spiroplasma. Gene duplications, domain rearrangements, and frameshift mutations in the segment are interpreted as indicators of phase variation in the spiroplasma. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of a large genome segment from a plant pathogenic spiroplasma.
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518
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Barton Pai A, Lin S, Arruda JAL, Lau AH. Long-term therapy with paricalcitol for secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients. Int J Artif Organs 2003; 26:484-90. [PMID: 12866654 DOI: 10.1177/039139880302600606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The efficacy of the vitamin D analog paricalcitol has mainly been shown in short-term studies. There are limited data regarding long-term treatment with this agent. This purpose of this study was to determine long-term effects of paricalcitol therapy on parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppression and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product (Ca x P). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who received paricalcitol for > or = 3 months had the following data collected: demographics, drug dosage, serum PTH, corrected serum calcium concentration, serum phosphorus concentrations and serum Ca x P values. RESULTS Sixteen patients received paricalcitol for a mean of 18 months. The mean +/- SD dose of paricalcitol was 0.13 +/- 0.12 mcg/kg. The mean +/- SD pre-paricalcitol serum PTH concentration was 705 +/- 423 pg/mL. PTH concentration did not change significantly over the duration of treatment (mean +/- SD: 821 +/- 480 pg/mL). The number of patients who had at least one corrected serum calcium concentration > or = 11.5 mg/dL, one serum phosphorus concentration > or = 6.5 mg/dL, or one Ca x P level > or = 70 were 75%, 94% and 82%, respectively. Hypercalcemia and elevated Ca x P value resulted in a mean of 17% of doses being withheld during therapy. CONCLUSION During the study, PTH was not adequately suppressed by paricalcitol. This was primarily attributed to withholding paricalcitol doses due to elevated serum calcium and Ca x P levels.
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519
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Liu D, Cai X, Ren D, Liu R, Lin S, Zeng L, Tang X. [Changes in chloroquine resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in Hainan province]. ZHONGGUO JI SHENG CHONG XUE YU JI SHENG CHONG BING ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY & PARASITIC DISEASES 2003; 17:32-4. [PMID: 12563813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM To observe the variation in resistance of Plasmodium falciparum after the cessation of chloroquine medication. METHODS WHO standard in vitro microtest and in vivo test were used. RESULTS In vitro test showed that the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum dropped from 97.9% in 1981 to 26.7% in 1997 (P < 0.001). The mean concentration of chloroquine for complete inhibition of schizont formation declined from 10.46 +/- 7.14 pmol/ul blood in 1981 to 1.63 +/- 1.47 pmol/microliter blood in 1997(P < 0.001). In vivo test showed that the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum decreased from 84.2% in 1981 to 18.4% in 1997(P < 0.001). The proportion of R III cases to the total resistant cases dropped from 53.1% in 1981 to 14.3% in 1997. CONCLUSION A tendency of progressive decline of resistance of the parasite was revealed after the cessation of chloroquine medication.
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520
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Small-bowel enteroscopy (SBE) is frequently used to examine patients suspected of small-bowel disease. Unfortunately, the diagnostic yield varies widely, from 13 % to 78 % of cases. This disparity may be in part attributable to the vast array of indications for the use of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic yield of small-bowel enteroscopy for various indications. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent SBE over a 5-year period, from 1995 to 1999. RESULTS The indications were grouped into in-patient gastrointestinal blood loss (46% of the patient population), outpatient gastrointestinal blood loss (33 %), abnormal radiographic study (7%), iron-deficiency anemia (5%), and others (9%, defined as anemia not otherwise specified, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss). The overall diagnostic yield was 42 %. Gastrointestinal bleeding had the highest yield, at 44% (in-patient gastrointestinal blood loss 51%, outpatient gastrointestinal blood loss 40%; P=0.1314). Patients with iron-deficiency anemia had a yield of 42%, and patients with a previous abnormal radiograph had a yield of 41%. The combined diagnostic yield for the indications in the "other" category was 21% --significantly lower than in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, abnormal radiographs, and iron deficiency (P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS SBE is safe and useful in the evaluation of small-bowel disease. Although the overall yield is highly dependent on the specific indication, it is effective for patients with in-patient or outpatient gastrointestinal blood loss, patients with abnormal radiographs that demonstrate small-bowel pathology considered to be within reach of the enteroscope, and iron-deficiency anemia. There are insufficient data to support the use of enteroscopy for other indications such as anemia not otherwise specified, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and chronic diarrhea, and in these cases it is unlikely to be useful.
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521
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LeGeros RZ, Lin S, Rohanizadeh R, Mijares D, LeGeros JP. Biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics: preparation, properties and applications. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2003; 14:201-9. [PMID: 15348465 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022872421333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bioceramics belong to a group of bone substitute biomaterials that consist of an intimate mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA), Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2), and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), Ca(3)(PO(4))(2), of varying HA/beta-TCP ratios. BCP is obtained when a synthetic or biologic calcium-deficient apatite is sintered at temperatures at and above 700 degrees C. Calcium deficiency depends on the method of preparation (precipitation, hydrolysis or mechanical mixture) including reaction pH and temperature. The HA/beta-TCP ratio is determined by the calcium deficiency of the unsintered apatite (the higher the deficiency, the lower the ratio) and the sintering temperature. Properties of BCP bioceramics relating to their medical applications include: macroporosity, microporosity, compressive strength, bioreactivity (associated with formation of carbonate hydroxyapatite on ceramic surfaces in vitro and in vivo), dissolution, and osteoconductivity. Due to the preferential dissolution of the beta-TCP component, the bioreactivity is inversely proportional to the HA/beta-TCP ratio. Hence, the bioreactivity of BCP bioceramics can be controlled by manipulating the composition (HA/beta-TCP ratio) and/or the crystallinity of the BCP. Currently, BCP bioceramics is recommended for use as an alternative or additive to autogeneous bone for orthopedic and dental applications. It is available in the form of particulates, blocks, customized designs for specific applications and as an injectible biomaterial in a polymer carrier. BCP ceramic can be used also as grit-blasting abrasive for grit-blasting to modify implant substrate surfaces. Exploratory studies demonstrate the potential uses of BCP ceramic as scaffold for tissue engineering, drug delivery system and carrier of growth factors.
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522
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Baird DT, Brown A, Critchley HOD, Williams AR, Lin S, Cheng L. Effect of long-term treatment with low-dose mifepristone on the endometrium. Hum Reprod 2003; 18:61-8. [PMID: 12525442 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deg022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mifepristone in low daily doses has contraceptive potential by inhibiting ovulation and menstruation. Because follicular development is maintained, the endometrium is exposed to estrogen for prolonged periods unopposed by progesterone. METHODS Endometrial biopsies were collected from 90 women in Edinburgh and Shanghai before (late proliferative) and 60 and 120 days after taking 2 or 5 mg mifepristone per day for 120 days. RESULTS Ovulation and menstruation were inhibited in >90% of cycles and estrogen production was similar to that observed during the follicular phase of the control cycle. By 120 days, endometrial thickness increased significantly in women in Edinburgh but decreased in Shanghai. Endometrial histology showed inactive proliferative or cystic changes with dense stroma. There was a significant decrease in markers of proliferation, i.e. mitotic index and Ki67 staining. There were no pregnancies in a total of 200 women-months in 50 sexually active women who used no other method of contraception. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that ovulation and menstruation were suppressed in the majority of cycles and there was asynchrony between ovarian activity and endometrial histology, which showed no signs of hyperplasia or atypia. These preliminary data suggest that daily low-dose mifepristone is potentially a safe estrogen-free contraceptive pill which has the added health benefit of amenorrhoea.
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Ohgami N, Sugii S, Lin S, Chang C, Chang TY. 4P-1021 Identification of NPC1 protein as a cholesterol binding protein by photoaffinity labeling. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(03)91278-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Jarvis E, Smith V, Wada K, Rivas M, McElroy M, Smulders T, Carninci P, Hayashizaki Y, Dietrich F, Wu X, McConnell P, Yu J, Wang P, Hartemink A, Lin S. A framework for integrating the songbird brain. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2002; 188:961-80. [PMID: 12471494 PMCID: PMC2509580 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-002-0358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2002] [Revised: 08/13/2002] [Accepted: 09/05/2002] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Biological systems by default involve complex components with complex relationships. To decipher how biological systems work, we assume that one needs to integrate information over multiple levels of complexity. The songbird vocal communication system is ideal for such integration due to many years of ethological investigation and a discreet dedicated brain network. Here we announce the beginnings of a songbird brain integrative project that involves high-throughput, molecular, anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioral levels of analysis. We first formed a rationale for inclusion of specific biological levels of analysis, then developed high-throughput molecular technologies on songbird brains, developed technologies for combined analysis of electrophysiological activity and gene regulation in awake behaving animals, and developed bioinformatic tools that predict causal interactions within and between biological levels of organization. This integrative brain project is fitting for the interdisciplinary approaches taken in the current songbird issue of the Journal of Comparative Physiology A and is expected to be conducive to deciphering how brains generate and perceive complex behaviors.
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Abstract
Glaucoma surgery can be classified as either cyclodestructive (reducing inflow) or filtering (increasing outflow). Filtration has traditionally been the procedure of first resort because of its efficacy and relative predictability, whereas ciliary destruction has been reserved for more refractory cases of glaucoma and in eyes which have little or no visual potential. Refractory glaucomas include neovascular glaucoma, post-traumatic glaucoma, glaucoma associated with aphakia, severe congenital/developmental glaucoma, post-retinal surgery glaucoma, glaucoma associated with penetrating keratoplasties, and glaucoma in eyes with scarred conjunctiva from surgery or disease processes.
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