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Zhu XQ, Podolska M, Liu JS, Yu HQ, Chen HH, Lin ZX, Luo CB, Song HQ, Lin RQ. Identification of anisakid nematodes with zoonotic potential from Europe and China by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1703-7. [PMID: 17694403 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0699-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 07/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Using genetic markers defined previously in the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), isotopic, and non-isotopic polymerase-chain-reaction-coupled single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) were utilized to identify each of three anisakid species [Anisakis simplex (s.l.), Contracaecum osculatum (s.l.), and Hysterothylacium aduncum] from different host species and geographical locations in Poland and Sweden. While subtle microheterogeneity was observed within each of Anisakis simplex (s.l.) and H. aduncum, distinct SSCP profiles were displayed for each of the three species, allowing identification and differentiation of the three taxa. Subsequent sequencing of the ITS-1 and ITS-2 rDNA revealed that A. simplex (s.l.) represented Anisakis simplex s.s. and Contracaecum osculatum (s.l.) represented C. osculatum C. Application of the non-isotopic SSCP assay of ITS-2 to larval anisakid samples from different hosts and geographical locations in China revealed three distinct SSCP profiles, one of which was consistent with that of A. simplex (s.l.), and the other two had different SSCP profiles from that of C. osculatum C and H. aduncum. Sequencing of the ITS-1 and ITS-2 rDNA for representative Chinese anisakid samples examined revealed three anisakid species in China, i.e., Anisakis typica, Anisakis pegreffii, and Hysterothylacium sp. These molecular tools will be useful for identification and investigation of the ecology of anisakid nematodes in China and elsewhere.
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Wang W, Chen HH, Yang XH, Xu G, Chan KM, Qin L. Postoperative Programmed Muscle Tension Augmented Osteotendinous Junction Repair. Int J Sports Med 2007; 28:691-6. [PMID: 17497589 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-964864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The postoperative programmed muscle tension induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES) was evaluated for its potential efficacy on acceleration of osteotendinous junction healing using an established partial patellectomy model in rabbits. After immobilization of the operated knee for 6 weeks, daily FES was applied to quadriceps muscles for 30 minutes per day and 5 days per week for 6 weeks in the treatment group and compared with the non-treatment control group at postoperative week 12 and 18, radiologically, histologically and biomechanically. Results showed that FES-induced muscle tension significantly increased new bone formation, bone mineral density, and fibrocartilage zone restoration in the osteotendinous healing interface. The failure load and ultimate strength of the repairing osteotendinous complex were also improved significantly with healing over time. In conclusion, the postoperative programmed FES-induced muscle tension was favorable for acceleration of osteotendinous junction repair and therefore recommended for clinical trails in orthopedic sports medicine and rehabilitation.
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Chen HH, Stark CJ, Atreya CD. The rubella virus nonstructural protease recognizes itself via an internal sequence present upstream of the cleavage site for trans-activity. Arch Virol 2006; 151:1841-51. [PMID: 16570206 PMCID: PMC7086818 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-006-0744-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2006] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The substrate requirement for rubella virus protease trans-activity is unknown. Here, we analyzed the cleavability of RV P200-derived substrates varying in their N-terminal lengths (72–475 amino acids) from the cleavage site by the RV protease trans-activity. Only substrates with at least 309 amino acid residues N-terminal to the cleavage site were able to undergo cleavage. Further, rubella sequence was found to be necessary in the N-terminal region of the substrate, whereas a heterologous sequence C-terminal to the cleavage site was tolerated. These results demonstrated a requirement for residues located between amino acids 994–1102 of the RV P200 polyprotein, besides its cleavage site for RV protease trans-activity. This region overlaps with the starting site of the essential cis-protease activity of RV P200 polyprotein. This is a novel observation for a viral protease of the family Togaviridae.
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Chen HH, Shiau S, Lin YC. Membrane bioreactor application in wastewater re-use from the effluent of Bali primary WWTP, northern Taiwan. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2006; 53:131-40. [PMID: 16841736 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Two MBR pilot systems were constructed and tested in the Bali Primary WWTP. The pilot study shows that two MBR systems, i.e. the Green-MenBio system (MBR-1) and the Bio-MF system (MBR-2), can both fulfill the requirement of wastewater reclamation standard. The MBR-2 system is more economical compared with MBR-1 system. The cost of US dollars 0.10-0.16/m3 is estimated to reclaim the effluent of primary WWTP in Taiwan. The Bali Primary WWTP has the capacity of 1,320,000 cmd which is the biggest in Taiwan. The domestic wastewater of partial Taipei City and Taipei County are collected and transported to the Bali Primary WWTP. The effluent of the Bali Primary WWTP is then discharged into the ocean through two 3.8 m marine outfalls. The AO processes are installed in both MBR systems. More than 90% of the NH3-N can be removed through the AO and membrane processes. The outflow of the MBR systems (without RO) can reach the quality of COD <30 mg/l, BOD <10 mg/l, SS <5 mg/l, NH3-N <3 mg/L. The outflow of the MBR system is proposed to transport 40 km south to the Taoyuan County where four new industrial parks are to be constructed. Part of the reclaimed water is to be used on irrigation and another portion is to be sent to the industries after RO treatment.
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Liu WC, Chen HH, Hsieh WH, Chang CH. Linking watershed and eutrophication modelling for the Shihmen Reservoir, Taiwan. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2006; 54:39-46. [PMID: 17302303 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The Shihmen Reservoir, located in northern Taiwan, features the second storage volume of impoundments on the island. The watershed of the Shihmen Reservoir has been subjected to serious pollutants due to anthropogenic interference. This study applies a watershed model, BASINS, to simulate the flow and nutrients loads from the watershed. BASINS then drives the CE-QUAL-W2 model for water quality predictions in the reservoir. The watershed modelling results are compared with field data. They reveal that significant nutrient loads were generated from the watershed during storms. The model calibration and verification were achieved with water surface elevation, temperature, and water quality constituents including nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a in the reservoir using the eutrophication model.
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Lien WH, Yeh TL, Yang YK, Cherng CFG, Chen HH, Chen PS, Yu L. Cycloheximide enhances maintenance of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2004; 47:23-30. [PMID: 15239591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Accrued evidence demonstrated the necessity of protein synthesis at acquisition, consolidation and expression stages in conditioning/learning tasks, while the underlying mechanisms of the maintenance of memory remained less explored. This study was designed to characterize the maintenance of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference, a drug-induced learning and memory. In addition, cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, was used to examine the involvement of protein synthesis in the maintenance of such place preference memory. We found that the maintenance of the rapidly-established methamphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) -induced conditioned place preference could be long-lasting and even over fifty days under the present protocol of extinction. Moreover, it was of interest to note the undulating expression of this conditioned place preference throughout the extinction protocol. Most importantly, as the methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference was acquired and expressed by mice, the saline-pretreated control mice underwent numbers of intermittent extinction across a long-term retention test period, while cycloheximide-pretreated mice exhibited unaltered methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference throughout the same retention test period. Taken together, we conclude that [1] methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference could last for a long period of time, and such place preference memory is reluctant to extinguish even animals' repeated exposure to the previous conditioned environment at a drug-free status, and [2] blockade of protein synthesis may enhance the maintenance of the methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference.
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Chen HH, Yang YK, Yeh TL, Cherng CFG, Hsu HC, Hsiao SY, Yu L. Methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference is facilitated by estradiol pretreatment in female mice. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2003; 46:169-74. [PMID: 15074837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hormones were well documented to modulate the dopamine release in the central dopaminergic systems. The dopamine-releasing effects in the nucleus accumbens, a major target of the mesolimbicortical dopaminergic system, were closely associated with the reinforcing effects of two psychomotor stimulants, cocaine and methamphetamine. This study aimed to examine the sex differences in the cocaine- and methamphetamine-reinforcing behavior, conditioned place preference. In addition, the modulating effects of estradiol and progesterone on methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference were investigated in both sexes of adult gonadectomized mice. There was no sex difference in the sensitivity to the cocaine (5 mg/kg)-induced conditioned place preference. However, female mice exhibited a more potent methamphetamine (1 mg/kg)-induced conditioned place preference than did male mice. Moreover, pretreatment with estradiol for two consecutive days before the beginning of the conditioning and throughout the four daily conditionings (0.47 microg/day for totally six days) effectively facilitated methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in gonadectomized female mice, but not in gonadectomized male mice. Progesterone, under a similar treatment regimen (0.47 microg/day for six consecutive days), did not alter the methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in either sex of gonadectomized mice. Taken together, we conclude that the facilitating effects of estradiol on methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference could be sex-dependent with an eminent sensitivity associated with the adult female mice.
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Duffy SW, Tabar L, Vitak B, Yen MF, Warwick J, Smith RA, Chen HH. The Swedish Two-County Trial of mammographic screening: cluster randomisation and end point evaluation. Ann Oncol 2003; 14:1196-8. [PMID: 12881376 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdg322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Swedish Two-County Trial has been criticised on the grounds of the cluster randomisation and alleged bias in classification of cause of death. PATIENTS AND METHODS In the Two-County Trial, 77 080 women were randomised to regular invitation to screening (active study population, ASP) and 55 985 to no invitation (passive study population, PSP), in 45 geographical clusters. After approximately 7 years, the PSP was invited to screening and the trial closed. We analysed data using hierarchical statistical models to take account of cluster randomisation, and performed a conservative analysis assuming a systematic difference between ASP and PSP in baseline breast cancer mortality in one of the counties. We also analysed deaths from causes other than breast cancer and from all causes among breast cancer cases diagnosed in the ASP and PSP. RESULTS Taking account of the cluster randomisation there was a significant 30% reduction in breast cancer mortality in the ASP. Conservatively, assuming a systematic difference between ASP and PSP clusters in baseline breast cancer mortality, there was a significant 27% reduction in mortality in the ASP. Ignoring classification of cause of death, there was a significant 13% reduction in all-cause mortality in breast cancer cases in the ASP. CONCLUSIONS Breast cancer mortality is a valid end point and mammographic screening does indeed reduce mortality from breast cancer. The criticisms of the Swedish Two-County Trial are unfounded.
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Wu CJ, Sheu JR, Chen HH, Shyur SD, Chen PG, Chen YJ. Anti-leukemic immunity against U937 cells in uremic patients. Neoplasma 2003; 50:54-9. [PMID: 12687279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
To examine anti-tumor immunity in uremic patients undergoing regular hemodialysis, we designed this study using in vitro mononuclear cell (MNC) cultures, with human leukemic U937 cells as the target. MNC were collected and cultured from uremic subjects and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Conditioned media from the cultures (MNC-CM) were collected after stimulation with various concentrations of phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The proliferation-inhibiting and differentiation-inducing activities of the PHA-MNC-CM on U937 cells were evaluated. The growth inhibition activity of uremic patients' PHA-MNC-CM was lower than that of controls. The differentiation-inducing effects were evaluated by morphological scoring, superoxide production, and monocyte-associated antigen expression (CD14 and CD68). All three parameters demonstrated that the differentiation-inducing effect of MNC-CM increased with increasing doses of PHA. These effects, however, were significantly less in uremic patients compared to controls at higher doses of PHA. The levels of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in PHA-MNC-CM increased in a PHA dose-dependent manner and were much higher in the controls. We conclude that the capacity of MNC from uremic hemodialysis patients to produce anti-leukemic immunity is significantly lower than that of healthy controls.
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Ahmad QR, Allen RC, Andersen TC, Anglin JD, Barton JC, Beier EW, Bercovitch M, Bigu J, Biller SD, Black RA, Blevis I, Boardman RJ, Boger J, Bonvin E, Boulay MG, Bowler MG, Bowles TJ, Brice SJ, Browne MC, Bullard TV, Bühler G, Cameron J, Chan YD, Chen HH, Chen M, Chen X, Cleveland BT, Clifford ETH, Cowan JHM, Cowen DF, Cox GA, Dai X, Dalnoki-Veress F, Davidson WF, Doe PJ, Doucas G, Dragowsky MR, Duba CA, Duncan FA, Dunford M, Dunmore JA, Earle ED, Elliott SR, Evans HC, Ewan GT, Farine J, Fergani H, Ferraris AP, Ford RJ, Formaggio JA, Fowler MM, Frame K, Frank ED, Frati W, Gagnon N, Germani JV, Gil S, Graham K, Grant DR, Hahn RL, Hallin AL, Hallman ED, Hamer AS, Hamian AA, Handler WB, Haq RU, Hargrove CK, Harvey PJ, Hazama R, Heeger KM, Heintzelman WJ, Heise J, Helmer RL, Hepburn JD, Heron H, Hewett J, Hime A, Howe M, Hykawy JG, Isaac MCP, Jagam P, Jelley NA, Jillings C, Jonkmans G, Kazkaz K, Keener PT, Klein JR, Knox AB, Komar RJ, Kouzes R, Kutter T, Kyba CCM, Law J, Lawson IT, Lay M, Lee HW, Lesko KT, Leslie JR, Levine I, Locke W, Luoma S, Lyon J, Majerus S, Mak HB, Maneira J, Manor J, Marino AD, McCauley N, McDonald AB, McDonald DS, McFarlane K, McGregor G, Meijer Drees R, Mifflin C, Miller GG, Milton G, Moffat BA, Moorhead M, Nally CW, Neubauer MS, Newcomer FM, Ng HS, Noble AJ, Norman EB, Novikov VM, O'Neill M, Okada CE, Ollerhead RW, Omori M, Orrell JL, Oser SM, Poon AWP, Radcliffe TJ, Roberge A, Robertson BC, Robertson RGH, Rosendahl SSE, Rowley JK, Rusu VL, Saettler E, Schaffer KK, Schwendener MH, Schülke A, Seifert H, Shatkay M, Simpson JJ, Sims CJ, Sinclair D, Skensved P, Smith AR, Smith MWE, Spreitzer T, Starinsky N, Steiger TD, Stokstad RG, Stonehill LC, Storey RS, Sur B, Tafirout R, Tagg N, Tanner NW, Taplin RK, Thorman M, Thornewell PM, Trent PT, Tserkovnyak YI, Van Berg R, Van de Water RG, Virtue CJ, Waltham CE, Wang JX, Wark DL, West N, Wilhelmy JB, Wilkerson JF, Wilson JR, Wittich P, Wouters JM, Yeh M. Measurement of day and night neutrino energy spectra at SNO and constraints on neutrino mixing parameters. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2002; 89:011302. [PMID: 12097026 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.89.011302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2002] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) has measured day and night solar neutrino energy spectra and rates. For charged current events, assuming an undistorted 8B spectrum, the night minus day rate is 14.0%+/-6.3%(+1.5%)(-1.4%) of the average rate. If the total flux of active neutrinos is additionally constrained to have no asymmetry, the nu(e) asymmetry is found to be 7.0%+/-4.9%(+1.3%)(-1.2%). A global solar neutrino analysis in terms of matter-enhanced oscillations of two active flavors strongly favors the large mixing angle solution.
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Ahmad QR, Allen RC, Andersen TC, D Anglin J, Barton JC, Beier EW, Bercovitch M, Bigu J, Biller SD, Black RA, Blevis I, Boardman RJ, Boger J, Bonvin E, Boulay MG, Bowler MG, Bowles TJ, Brice SJ, Browne MC, Bullard TV, Bühler G, Cameron J, Chan YD, Chen HH, Chen M, Chen X, Cleveland BT, Clifford ETH, Cowan JHM, Cowen DF, Cox GA, Dai X, Dalnoki-Veress F, Davidson WF, Doe PJ, Doucas G, Dragowsky MR, Duba CA, Duncan FA, Dunford M, Dunmore JA, Earle ED, Elliott SR, Evans HC, Ewan GT, Farine J, Fergani H, Ferraris AP, Ford RJ, Formaggio JA, Fowler MM, Frame K, Frank ED, Frati W, Gagnon N, Germani JV, Gil S, Graham K, Grant DR, Hahn RL, Hallin AL, Hallman ED, Hamer AS, Hamian AA, Handler WB, Haq RU, Hargrove CK, Harvey PJ, Hazama R, Heeger KM, Heintzelman WJ, Heise J, Helmer RL, Hepburn JD, Heron H, Hewett J, Hime A, Howe M, Hykawy JG, Isaac MCP, Jagam P, Jelley NA, Jillings C, Jonkmans G, Kazkaz K, Keener PT, Klein JR, Knox AB, Komar RJ, Kouzes R, Kutter T, Kyba CCM, Law J, Lawson IT, Lay M, Lee HW, Lesko KT, Leslie JR, Levine I, Locke W, Luoma S, Lyon J, Majerus S, Mak HB, Maneira J, Manor J, Marino AD, McCauley N, McDonald AB, McDonald DS, McFarlane K, McGregor G, Meijer Drees R, Mifflin C, Miller GG, Milton G, Moffat BA, Moorhead M, Nally CW, Neubauer MS, Newcomer FM, Ng HS, Noble AJ, Norman EB, Novikov VM, O'Neill M, Okada CE, Ollerhead RW, Omori M, Orrell JL, Oser SM, Poon AWP, Radcliffe TJ, Roberge A, Robertson BC, Robertson RGH, Rosendahl SSE, Rowley JK, Rusu VL, Saettler E, Schaffer KK, Schwendener MH, Schülke A, Seifert H, Shatkay M, Simpson JJ, Sims CJ, Sinclair D, Skensved P, Smith AR, Smith MWE, Spreitzer T, Starinsky N, Steiger TD, Stokstad RG, Stonehill LC, Storey RS, Sur B, Tafirout R, Tagg N, Tanner NW, Taplin RK, Thorman M, Thornewell PM, Trent PT, Tserkovnyak YI, Van Berg R, Van de Water RG, Virtue CJ, Waltham CE, Wang JX, Wark DL, West N, Wilhelmy JB, Wilkerson JF, Wilson JR, Wittich P, Wouters JM, Yeh M. Direct evidence for neutrino flavor transformation from neutral-current interactions in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2002; 89:011301. [PMID: 12097025 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.89.011301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2002] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Observations of neutral-current nu interactions on deuterium in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory are reported. Using the neutral current (NC), elastic scattering, and charged current reactions and assuming the standard 8B shape, the nu(e) component of the 8B solar flux is phis(e) = 1.76(+0.05)(-0.05)(stat)(+0.09)(-0.09)(syst) x 10(6) cm(-2) s(-1) for a kinetic energy threshold of 5 MeV. The non-nu(e) component is phi(mu)(tau) = 3.41(+0.45)(-0.45)(stat)(+0.48)(-0.45)(syst) x 10(6) cm(-2) s(-1), 5.3sigma greater than zero, providing strong evidence for solar nu(e) flavor transformation. The total flux measured with the NC reaction is phi(NC) = 5.09(+0.44)(-0.43)(stat)(+0.46)(-0.43)(syst) x 10(6) cm(-2) s(-1), consistent with solar models.
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Wu TF, Chen HH, Wu H. Functional characterization of Marek's disease virus (MDV) origin-binding protein (OBP): analysis of its origin-binding properties. Virus Genes 2002; 23:227-39. [PMID: 11724278 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011829313123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In previous studies, we identified a Marek's disease virus (MDV) origin-binding protein (OBP) gene that is highly homologous to the herpes simplex virus type 1 UL9 gene that encodes an OBP and functions as an initiator protein for viral DNA replication. In this study, a protein of 95 kDa was produced in coupled in vitro transcription-translation reaction with the plasmid containing the wild type MDV OBP gene. The in vitro synthesized protein was detected by immunoprecipitation with a penta-histidine specific monoclonal antibody. Further characterization of MDV OBP was accomplished using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) with the in vitro expressed MDV OBP using a double-stranded (ds) 26-mer oligonucleotide as the probe, which was designed from the putative MDV OBP binding site present in the serotype 1 or 2 MDV replication origin. The EMSA results indicated that MDV OBP could form a protein-DNA complex with the ds 26-mer oligonucleotide designed from serotype 1 or 2 replication origin. A series of 26-mer oligonucleotides with two-base-pair (bp) substitution across the putative MDV OBP binding site were used in competitive EMSA to determine the recognition sequence for the MDV OBP. The results demonstrated that the recognition sequence for MDV OBP was the TTCGCACC that is a subset of a 9-bp element (CGTTCGCAC) conserved in the replication origins of alphaherpesviruses. Furthermore, the results of EMSA with a series of deletion mutants from the N-terminus of MDV OBP indicated that the origin-binding domain was located at the amino acids region 528 to 841 of the wild-type MDV OBP. Taken together, our results suggest that the MDV OBP gene encodes an OBP of MDV.
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Tang R, Ko MC, Wang JY, Changchien CR, Chen HH, Chen JS, Hsu KC, Chiang JM, Hsieh LL. Humoral response to p53 in human colorectal tumors: a prospective study of 1,209 patients. Int J Cancer 2001; 94:859-63. [PMID: 11745489 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
p53 Antibodies (p53-Abs) have been detected in the serum of a proportion of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. It is not yet known at which stage during colorectal tumor progression p53-Abs appear in the serum. The utility of these antibodies as markers for CRC prognosis remains to be clarified. Using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we analyzed serum samples from 998 CRC patients and from 211 patients with polyp. Levels of p53-Abs were defined as negative (<10 U/microL), low (10-76 U/microL) and high (>76 U/microL). Overall, 13.0% of CRC patients and less than 1% of polyp patients had increased serum p53-Ab levels. High p53-Ab levels were only seen in patients with invasive carcinomas. The parameters that were significantly and independently associated with a greater frequency of high p53-Ab levels were the left colon (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.1-10.5), the rectum (OR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.0-8.8) and advanced lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.6; 95% CI, 2.2-9.6). In univariate analysis, patients with high p53-Ab levels had a shorter survival times than did those without (p = 0.007). However, the significant effect disappeared in a Cox regression model adjusting for sex, age, tumor location, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, gross findings, histologic grade, mucin production and TNM stage. Thus, autoantibodies against p53 occur with tumor progression in multistep colorectal carcinogenesis and increase with advanced node metastasis. Furthermore, the seemingly adverse effect of high p53-Ab levels on the survival of CRC patients may be explained by other prognostic factors.
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Chen HH, Iroatulam A, Alabaz O, Weiss EG, Nogueras JJ, Wexner SD. Associations of defecography and physiologic findings in male patients with rectocele. Tech Coloproctol 2001; 5:157-61. [PMID: 11875683 DOI: 10.1007/s101510100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2001] [Accepted: 12/01/2001] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the incidence and physiological findings in male patients with rectoceles. All defecographic studies were evaluated by a single colorectal surgeon. After diagnosis of rectocele in male patients, the patient's history, symptoms, and physiologic tests (anal manometry, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency [PNTML], assessment and electromyography [EMG]) were studied. A prominent rectocele was defined as one that did not empty during defecography and was associated with outlet obstructive syndrome. Forty (17%) rectoceles were diagnosed in 234 male patients with evacuatory disorders who underwent defecography. Rectoceles were anterior in 19 (48%) and posterior in 21 (52%) patients. The main complaint was constipation with difficult defecation in 33 (83%), followed by rectal pain in 5 (13%), rectal prolapse in 1 (3%), and incontinence in 1 (3%). Previous prostatic surgery had been performed in 16 (40%) patients. The mean age and duration of symptoms were 72.4 years (range, 30-88) and 10.3 years (range, 0.5-70), respectively. Excessive straining during evacuation was noted in 73%, unilateral or bilateral pudendal neuropathy in 24.5%, paradoxical puborectalis contraction in 49% and abnormal EMG in 11% of patients. Higher resting pressures with a mean 3.9 cm high pressure zone were noted in 29% of patients. The accompanying findings in defecography were, non-relaxing or partially relaxing puborectalis muscle (66%), perineal descent (65%), intussusception (23%), and sigmoidocele (15%). None of the patients underwent surgery for rectocele alone. In conclusion, rectocele is uncommon in males; it rarely appears as an isolated dysfunction as it is often associated with functional disorders of the pelvic floor. There is a frequent association between rectocele and prostatectomy. Clinical significance and therapeutic strategy remain unknown.
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Chen HH, Cataliotti A, Burnett JC. Role of the natriuretic peptides in the cardiorenal and humoral actions of omapatrilat: insights from experimental heart failure. Curr Hypertens Rep 2001; 3 Suppl 2:S15-21. [PMID: 11716801 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-001-0102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Vasopeptidase (VP) inhibitors are novel molecules that co-inhibit neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP), which degrades natriuretic peptides and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). We review the biology of the natriuretic peptide system and a recent study of the role for the natriuretic peptide system in the mechanism of action of omapatrilat (the most clinically advanced VP inhibitor). This study compared the cardiorenal and humoral actions of omapatrilat with those of ACE inhibition. The actions of omapatrilat were further defined in the presence and absence of a natriuretic peptide receptor antagonist. This investigation provided insight into a unique new pharmacologic agent that has beneficial renal actions in experimental mild heart failure that exceed those seen with ACE inhibition alone and that are linked to the natriuretic peptide system.
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Chen CH, Huang CW, Chen HH, Lai ML. Recurrent hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage among Taiwanese. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2001; 17:556-63. [PMID: 11852462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) was once thought to be a one-time event with very rare recurrence, but recent studies have revealed that the recurrent hemorrhage due to hypertension is not unusual. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of HICH among Taiwanese. From June 1988 to December 1999, 1421 HICH patients were admitted to our hospital. Among them, 68 patients (4.8%) had recurrent HICH. We reviewed their medical records and computed tomographic findings. There were 46 males and 22 females (M/F = 2.1) with a mean age of 59.9 +/- 11.9 years at the onset of the second hemorrhage. The median interval between the first two hemorrhages was 22.5 months (range: 1-107 months). Most of the recurrence was within two years of the first hemorrhage (within 1 year in 27.9%, within 1-2 years in 25%). The location of the second hemorrhage was typical for HICH (putamen in 44.1%, thalamus in 33.8%, cerebellum in 5.9%, pons in 4.4%, and caudate nucleus in 1.5%) except for 7 patients (10.3%) who had lobar hematoma. Forty-nine patients (72%) had both hemorrhages located in the supratentorium and in most of them (40 patients) the recurrent HICH occurred contralaterally to the first one. Putaminal-thalamic pattern was the most common (23.5%), followed by the putaminal-putaminal pattern (20.6%). The mortality rate of the second HICH was 17.6%. Seven patients (10.3%) experienced more than 2 episodes of hemorrhages. This report found that the recurrent HICH was not rare among Taiwanese. A substantial proportion (19.1%) of recurrence was after 5 years. The male predominance and risk factor for recurrent HICH require further study.
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Grogan M, Tabar L, Chua B, Chen HH, Boyages J. Estimating the benefits of adjuvant systemic therapy for women with early breast cancer. Br J Surg 2001; 88:1513-8. [PMID: 11683751 DOI: 10.1046/j.0007-1323.2001.01902.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognostic factors are commonly used to help identify women with node-negative breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. Although many are available, knowing which risk factor or combination of factors to use to estimate prognosis for an individual woman is often difficult. This study documented the baseline prognoses for a group of women with node-negative breast cancers, and estimated the potential benefits of adjuvant systemic therapy. METHODS Ten-year, actuarial, cause-specific survival based on tumour size and histological grade using data from the Swedish Two-County Trial of mammographic screening was calculated for 1200 women with node-negative cancers of less than 30 mm diameter. The benefits of adjuvant systemic therapy for these women were then estimated using the published odds reductions in death from adjuvant systemic therapy from the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group overview. RESULTS The absolute 10-year survival benefits for subgroups of women based on tumour size and histological grade were estimated for women aged under 50 years by the addition of chemotherapy, and over 50 years by the addition of tamoxifen and/or chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Decisions about adjuvant systemic therapy in women with node-negative breast cancer need to be individualized, taking into account treatment efficacy and toxicity. The quantitative methods presented in this paper facilitate such decisions.
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Chen HH, Tso DJ, Yeh WB, Cheng HJ, Wu TF. The thymidylate synthase gene of Hz-1 virus: a gene captured from its lepidopteran host. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2001; 10:495-503. [PMID: 11881814 DOI: 10.1046/j.0962-1075.2001.00289.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The sequence analysis of a thymidylate synthase gene was identified in the Hz-1 virus HindIII-D fragment. The viral thymidylate synthase gene encodes a protein of 295 amino acids, and is closely related to that of insect, mammals and herpesvirus. The thymidylate synthase gene identified was a genuine viral gene in that it was only detected in cells infected with Hz-1 virus but not in the mock infected cells, by Southern blot analysis and by RT-PCR. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on non-synonymous and amino acid distances suggested that the TS gene of Hz-1 virus was grouped closely with that of Bombyx mori. High bootstrap values confirmed that the thymidylate synthase of Hz-1 virus was acquired by a capture event from its lepidopteran host. Results of both sequence divergences and phylogenetic analysis suggested that TS genes in insect viruses, Hz-1, CIV, and MsEPV may have a different history or originated from different capture events.
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Chen HH, Lin HC, Yeh JC, Chen CP. Renal biopsy in pregnancies complicated by undetermined renal disease. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2001; 80:888-93. [PMID: 11580732 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2001.801004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this retrospective study was to verify the role of renal biopsy in pregnancies complicated by renal dysfunction. METHODS A series of 15 percutaneous renal biopsies performed in 15 pregnant women with renal disease presenting during pregnancy over the past 10 years (1990-1999) were reviewed. RESULTS All the patients underwent renal biopsy before 30 weeks of gestation. The indications for renal biopsy were renal dysfunction of unknown cause or symptomatic nephrotic syndrome (NS). Patients with toxemia were excluded. Eight women had lupus nephritis, including five with diffuse crescenteric changes and three with a mesangial proliferative pattern. Three had chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), two had mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and one each had diabetic nephrosclerosis and endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis. There were no significant complications except in one patient who experienced gross hematuria. Early induction of labor was recommended for the four patients with diabetic nephrosclerosis or CGM. The other 11 patients received intravenous pulse methylprednisolone or high dose oral prednisolone therapy. The responses to steroid therapy in these 11 patients were as follows: five achieved complete remission of NS, three achieved incomplete remission, and three achieved partial remission. After 2 years' follow-up, seven mothers achieved complete remission, three had died, three developed chronic renal failure (CRF), and two progressed to end stage renal failure (ESRF) requiring chronic hemodialysis. Fourteen of the 15 pregnancies resulted in live births and the other child was stillborn. CONCLUSIONS Renal biopsy performed during pregnancy is not contraindicated. The results of histopathological studies are extremely useful in counseling regarding continuation or termination of pregnancy, potential maternal and fetal outcome, and recommending specific therapeutic modalities.
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Weinreich M, Liang C, Chen HH, Stillman B. Binding of cyclin-dependent kinases to ORC and Cdc6p regulates the chromosome replication cycle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:11211-7. [PMID: 11572976 PMCID: PMC58709 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.201387198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cdc6p and the origin recognition complex (ORC) are essential for assembly of a pre-replicative complex (preRC) at origins of replication, before the initiation of DNA synthesis. In the absence of Cdc6p, cells fail to initiate DNA replication and undergo a "reductional" mitosis, in which the unreplicated chromosomes are randomly segregated to the spindle poles. We show here that the cells harboring a mutation in the essential Cdc6p Walker A-box arrest in late mitosis, probably at anaphase. This cell cycle block requires either the three Cdc28p phosphorylation sites within the N terminus of Cdc6p or a short region (aa 8-17) that contains a Cy (Cyclin) interaction sequence. These same two Cdc6p mutants that allow a reductional mitosis are defective in binding Cdc28p kinase. In addition to Cdc6p, ORC also binds to cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Interestingly, Sic1p, a CDK inhibitor protein, blocked the S phase-specific Cdc28p-Clb5p kinase from interacting with ORC, but did not prevent the G(1)-specific Cdc28p-Cln2p kinase-ORC interaction. We suggest that ORC, Cdc6p, and Sic1p bind to different CDKs in a cell cycle-dependent manner to temporally regulate events that (i) allow preRC formation after mitosis, (ii) prevent mitosis before DNA replication can occur, and (iii) promote initiation of DNA replication.
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Chen HH, Zhou JF. Low cholesterol in erythrocyte membranes and high lipoperoxides in erythrocytes are the potential risk factors for cerebral hemorrhagic stroke in human. BIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES : BES 2001; 14:189-198. [PMID: 11723718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the association of risk for human cerebral hemorrhage with blood cholesterol, free radicals, oxidation and lipoperoxidation. METHODS 351 cerebral hemorrhage patients (CHP) in the acute phase and 100 healthy adult volunteers (HAV) were investigated by testing the contents of cholesterol (CH), lipoperoxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma and erythrocytes (RBC), and by assessing the contents of CH and LPO in RBC with spectrophotometric assays. RESULTS Compared with the average values (AV) of the above biochemical parameters (BP) in the HAV group, the AV of CH in plasma and RBC, VC and VE in plasma as well as SOD in plasma and RBC in the CHP group were significantly decreased (P = 0.0000), while the AV of the LPO in plasma and RBC as well as NO in plasma in the CHP group were significantly increased (P = 0.0000). The findings of linear correlation analysis for the CHP group showed that the above biochemical parameters were significantly correlated with both intracranial hemorrhagic sizes (IHS) and neurotic functional defective scales (NDS). The findings of stepwise correlation analysis for the CHA group suggested that HIS was closely correlated with the values of CH and LPO in RBC as well as NO and VE in plasma, and that NDS was closely correlated with the values of CH and LPO in RBC as well as NO and VC in plasma. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study suggest that marked low RBC cholesterol and marked high RBC lipoperoxides may constitute the potential main risk factors for human cerebral hemorrhage, and that the oxidative and lipoperoxidative stress in the CHP bodies is pathologically aggravated, leading to the oxidative and lipoperoxidative damages in the CHP.
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Ahmad QR, Allen RC, Andersen TC, Anglin JD, Bühler G, Barton JC, Beier EW, Bercovitch M, Bigu J, Biller S, Black RA, Blevis I, Boardman RJ, Boger J, Bonvin E, Boulay MG, Bowler MG, Bowles TJ, Brice SJ, Browne MC, Bullard TV, Burritt TH, Cameron K, Cameron J, Chan YD, Chen M, Chen HH, Chen X, Chon MC, Cleveland BT, Clifford ET, Cowan JH, Cowen DF, Cox GA, Dai Y, Dai X, Dalnoki-Veress F, Davidson WF, Doe PJ, Doucas G, Dragowsky MR, Duba CA, Duncan FA, Dunmore J, Earle ED, Elliott SR, Evans HC, Ewan GT, Farine J, Fergani H, Ferraris AP, Ford RJ, Fowler MM, Frame K, Frank ED, Frati W, Germani JV, Gil S, Goldschmidt A, Grant DR, Hahn RL, Hallin AL, Hallman ED, Hamer A, Hamian AA, Haq RU, Hargrove CK, Harvey PJ, Hazama R, Heaton R, Heeger KM, Heintzelman WJ, Heise J, Helmer RL, Hepburn JD, Heron H, Hewett J, Hime A, Howe M, Hykawy JG, Isaac MC, Jagam P, Jelley NA, Jillings C, Jonkmans G, Karn J, Keener PT, Kirch K, Klein JR, Knox AB, Komar RJ, Kouzes R, Kutter T, Kyba CC, Law J, Lawson IT, Lay M, Lee HW, Lesko KT, Leslie JR, Levine I, Locke W, Lowry MM, Luoma S, Lyon J, Majerus S, Mak HB, Marino AD, McCauley N, McDonald AB, McDonald DS, McFarlane K, McGregor G, McLatchie W, Meijer Drees R, Mes H, Mifflin C, Miller GG, Milton G, Moffat BA, Moorhead M, Nally CW, Neubauer MS, Newcomer FM, Ng HS, Noble AJ, Norman EB, Novikov VM, O'Neill M, Okada CE, Ollerhead RW, Omori M, Orrell JL, Oser SM, Poon AW, Radcliffe TJ, Roberge A, Robertson BC, Robertson RG, Rowley JK, Rusu VL, Saettler E, Schaffer KK, Schuelke A, Schwendener MH, Seifert H, Shatkay M, Simpson JJ, Sinclair D, Skensved P, Smith AR, Smith MW, Starinsky N, Steiger TD, Stokstad RG, Storey RS, Sur B, Tafirout R, Tagg N, Tanner NW, Taplin RK, Thorman M, Thornewell P, Trent PT, Tserkovnyak YI, Van Berg R, Van de Water RG, Virtue CJ, Waltham CE, Wang JX, Wark DL, West N, Wilhelmy JB, Wilkerson JF, Wilson J, Wittich P, Wouters JM, Yeh M. Measurement of the rate of nu(e) + d --> p + p + e(-) interactions produced by (8)B solar neutrinos at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2001; 87:071301. [PMID: 11497878 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.87.071301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2001] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Solar neutrinos from (8)B decay have been detected at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory via the charged current (CC) reaction on deuterium and the elastic scattering (ES) of electrons. The flux of nu(e)'s is measured by the CC reaction rate to be straight phi(CC)(nu(e)) = 1.75 +/- 0.07(stat)(+0.12)(-0.11)(syst) +/- 0.05(theor) x 10(6) cm(-2) s(-1). Comparison of straight phi(CC)(nu(e)) to the Super-Kamiokande Collaboration's precision value of the flux inferred from the ES reaction yields a 3.3 sigma difference, assuming the systematic uncertainties are normally distributed, providing evidence of an active non- nu(e) component in the solar flux. The total flux of active 8B neutrinos is determined to be 5.44+/-0.99 x 10(6) cm(-2) s(-1).
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Tang R, Chen HH, Wang YL, Changchien CR, Chen JS, Hsu KC, Chiang JM, Wang JY. Risk factors for surgical site infection after elective resection of the colon and rectum: a single-center prospective study of 2,809 consecutive patients. Ann Surg 2001; 234:181-9. [PMID: 11505063 PMCID: PMC1422004 DOI: 10.1097/00000658-200108000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 376] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing elective resection of the colon and rectum. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA SSI causes a substantial number of deaths and complications. Determining risk factors for SSI may provide information on reducing complications and improving outcome. METHODS The authors performed a prospective study of 2,809 consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resection via laparotomy between February 1995 and December 1998 at a single institution. The outcome of interest was SSI, which was classified as being incisional or organ/space with or without clinical leakage. A likelihood ratio forward regression model was used to assess the independent association of variables with SSIs. RESULTS The overall SSI, incisional SSI, and organ/space SSI with and without clinical anastomotic leakage rates were 4.7%, 3%, 2%, and 0.8%, respectively. Risk factors for overall SSI were American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score 2 or 3 (odd ratio [OR] = 1.7), male gender (OR = 1.5), surgeons (OR = 1.3-3.3), types of operation (OR = 0.3-2.1), creation of ostomy (OR = 2.1), contaminated wound (OR = 2.9), use of drainage (OR = 1.6), and intra- or postoperative blood transfusion (1-3 units, OR = 5.3; >/=4 units, OR = 6.2). However, SSIs at specific sites differed from each other with respect to the risk factors. Among a variety of risk factors, only blood transfusion was consistently associated with a risk of SSI at any specific site. CONCLUSIONS In addition to ASA score and surgical wound class, blood transfusion, creation of ostomy, types of operation, use of drainage, sex, and surgeons were important in predicting SSIs after elective colorectal resection.
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Chen HH, Lainchbury JG, Matsuda Y, Harty GJ, Burnett JC. Endogenous natriuretic peptides participate in renal and humoral actions of acute vasopeptidase inhibition in experimental mild heart failure. Hypertension 2001; 38:187-91. [PMID: 11509474 DOI: 10.1161/01.hyp.38.2.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mild heart failure is characterized by increases in atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the absence of activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Vasopeptidase (VP) inhibitors are novel molecules that coinhibit neutral endopeptidase 24.11, which degrades the natriuretic peptides (NPs) and ACE. In a well-characterized canine model of mild heart failure produced by ventricular pacing at 180 bpm for 10 days, we defined the renal and humoral actions of acute VP inhibition with omapatrilat (OMA, n=6) and acute ACE inhibition (n=5) alone with fosinoprilat. We also sought to determine whether the NPs participate in the renal actions of acute VP inhibition by the administration of OMA together with an intrarenal administration of the NP receptor antagonist HS-142-1 (n=5). OMA resulted in a greater natriuretic response than did ACE inhibition in association with increases in plasma cGMP, ANP, BNP, urinary cGMP, urinary ANP excretion, and glomerular filtration rate (P<0.05 for OMA versus ACE inhibition). Plasma renin activity was increased only in the group subjected to ACE inhibition. Administration of intrarenal HS-142-1 attenuated the renal properties of OMA in association with a decrease in urinary cGMP excretion despite similar increases in plasma ANP and BNP. This study provides new insight into a unique new pharmacological agent that has beneficial renal actions in experimental mild heart failure beyond the actions that are observed with ACE inhibition alone and that are linked to the NP system.
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Choo KB, Chen HH, Cheng WT, Chang HS, Wang M. In silico mining of EST databases for novel pre-implantation embryo-specific zinc finger protein genes. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 59:249-55. [PMID: 11424210 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Progress in the understanding of early mammalian embryo development has been severely hampered by scarcity of study materials. To circumvent such a constraint, we have developed a strategy that involves a combination of in silico mining of new genes from expressed sequence tags (EST) databases and rapid determination of expression profiles of the dbEST-derived genes using a PCR-based assay and a panel of cDNA libraries derived from different developmental stages and somatic tissues. We demonstrate that in a random sample of 49 independent dbEST-derived zinc finger protein genes mined from a mouse embryonic 2-cell cDNA library, more than three-quarters of these genes are novel. Examination of characteristics of the human orthologues derived from these mouse genes reveals that many of them are associated with human malignancies. Expression studies have further led to the identification of three novel genes that are exclusively expressed in mouse embryos before or up to the 8-cell stage. Two of the genes, designated 2czf45 and 2czf48 (2czf for 2-cell zinc finger), are zinc finger protein genes coding for a RBCC protein with a RFP domain and a protein with three C2H2 fingers, respectively. The third gene, designated 2cpoz56, codes for a protein with a POZ domain that is often associated with zinc finger proteins. These three genes are candidate genes for regulatory or other functions in early embryogenesis. The strategy described in this report should generally be applicable to rapid and large-scale mining of other classes of rare genes involved in other biological and pathological processes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59:249-255, 2001.
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