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Chiang PH, Yeh WC, Lee CT, Weng JY, Huang YY, Lien CC. M(1)-like muscarinic acetylcholine receptors regulate fast-spiking interneuron excitability in rat dentate gyrus. Neuroscience 2010; 169:39-51. [PMID: 20433901 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic transmission through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) plays a key role in cortical oscillations. Although fast-spiking (FS), parvalbumin-expressing basket cells (BCs) are proposed to be the cellular substrates of gamma oscillations, previous studies reported that FS nonpyramidal cells in neocortical areas are unresponsive to cholinergic modulation. Dentate gyrus (DG) is an independent gamma oscillator in the hippocampal formation. However, in contrast to other cortical regions, the direct impact of mAChR activation on FS BC excitability in this area has not been investigated. Here, we show that bath-applied muscarine or carbachol, two mAChR agonists, depolarize DG BCs in the acute brain slices, leading to action potential firing in the theta-gamma bands in the presence of blockers of ionotropic glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors at physiological temperatures. The depolarizing action persists in the presence of tetrodotoxin, a voltage-gated Na(+) channel blocker. In voltage-clamp recordings, muscarine markedly reduces background K(+) currents. These effects are mimicked by oxotremorine methiodide, an mAChR-specific agonist, and largely reversed by atropine, a non-selective mAChR antagonist, or pirenzepine, an M(1) receptor antagonist, but not by gallamine, an M(2/4) receptor antagonist. Interestingly, in contrast to M(1)-receptor-mediated depolarization, M(2) receptor activation by the specific agonist arecaidine but-2-ynyl ester tosylate down-regulates GABA release at BC axons-the effect is occluded by gallamine, an M(2) receptor antagonist. Overall, muscarinic activation results in a net increase in phasic inhibitory output to the target cells. Thus, cholinergic activation through M(1)-like receptor enhances BC activity and promotes the generation of nested theta and gamma rhythms, thereby enhancing hippocampal function and associated performance.
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Huang YY, Liu F, Li HD. Degradation of tetrachloromethane and tetrachloroethene by Ni/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/188/1/012014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Huang YY, Gau ML, Huang CM, Lee JT. Supplementation with cup-feeding as a substitute for bottle-feeding to promote breastfeeding. CHANG GUNG MEDICAL JOURNAL 2009; 32:423-431. [PMID: 19664349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have provided evidence to verify that bottle-feeding has negative effects on breastfeeding. There is insufficient evidence to support the practice of cup-feeding to supplement breastfeeding. However, it has been applied as a substitute for bottle-feeding to promote breastfeeding. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in infant sucking competence, infant sucking behavior and maternal milk supply among babies who were exclusively breastfeeding (breast group), breast feeding with cup supplementation (cup group) and breast-feeding with bottle supplementation (bottle group) at different periods postpartum. METHODS A longitudinal study was carried out at a medical center located in northern Taiwan. The cup and bottle groups were recruited at two different times to avoid interaction. The breast group consisted of infants who were fully breastfed and were never exposed to a bottle or a cup during the hospital stay. Two hundred and five healthy mothers and their full-term, singletoninfants were eligible for enrollment. We used structured questionnaires and made observations to obtain information on breastfeeding at the first breastfeeding and the third day after birth, and then followed up these cases at two and four weeks. RESULTS The bottle group was significantly more fretful during breastfeeding (p< .01). Mothers in the bottle group perceived that their milk supply was less sufficient than those in breast and cup groups (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Some indicators of breastfeeding were similar in the breast and cup groups. Cup-feeding was better than bottle-feeding when supplementary formula was needed for medical treatment.
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Huang YY, Liao MC, Chen YH, Deng CH. [Promoting the accuracy of chemotherapy medication administration for nurses: an application of root cause analysis]. HU LI ZA ZHI THE JOURNAL OF NURSING 2009; 56:57-65. [PMID: 19472113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Drug administration error in the hospital ward is an ever-present problem and an all-too-frequent occurrence. Such errors are often made by nurses who fail to follow relevant nursing standards. The aim of this article was to describe an adverse event of chemotherapy-related medication error that happened in an academic hospital located in central Taiwan. The authors and their colleagues used root cause analysis to survey the adverse event and to suggest ways to improve the accuracy of nurse chemotherapy medication administration. We investigated medication administration of chemotherapy made by nurses between February 24th and 26th, 2008, and found that a number of nurses failed to administer medication properly. Based on data analysis, root causes were identified as: (1) directed prescriptions were unclear, (2) chemotherapy medication administration lacked protocol guidance, (3) education was insufficient and (4) computer systems were inadequately designed. Based on a literature review and matrix analysis, the task force identified four major categories in which improvements were needed. These included: (1) prescription promotion, (2) protocol development and standardization, (3) education for healthcare practitioners and (4) improvement of computer systems. After improvements were put into practices, the accuracy of chemotherapy medication administration by nurses increased to 100%. We shared the promotion experience with clinical managers to analyze and avoid adverse events.
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Zhou KJ, Cui MQ, Hua W, Ma CY, Zhao YD, Huang YY, He W, Wu ZY. Dysprosium compounds studied by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering and high-resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2008; 71:516-522. [PMID: 18289927 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2007.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A set of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) studies focusing on the 2p64f(n)-->2p54f(n)5d1(2p54f(n+1)5d0)-->2p63d94f(n)5d1(2p63d94f(n+1)5d0) channel of dysprosium in Dy metal, Dy2O3, DyNi3 and Dy25Fe18 compounds have been carried out. Data showed with high statistics and resolution, the different delocalization degree of the 5d band of dysprosium in these compounds, e.g., decreasing from Dy metal to DyNi3, Dy25Fe18 and to dysprosium oxide, in agreement with the high-resolution XANES (HRXANES) spectra. Band structure calculations performed on Dy metal and Dy2O3 confirm both RIXS and HRXANES results in the increasing delocalization of the dysprosium 5d band in Dy metal with respect to Dy2O3. The 5d orbital occupancies of DyNi3 and Dy25Fe18 alloys have been also studied by comparison of the HRXANES white line (WL) area with the behavior of the final states energy position in RIXS spectra and we show that DyNi3 has a higher 5d orbital occupancy than Dy25Fe18.
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Huang YY, Walther I, Martinson SA, López A, Yason C, Godson DL, Clark EG, Simko E. Porcine circovirus 2 inclusion bodies in pulmonary and renal epithelial cells. Vet Pathol 2008; 45:640-4. [PMID: 18725467 DOI: 10.1354/vp.45-5-640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is the cause of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The most common lesions of PMWS are lymphohistiocytic to granulomatous lymphadenitis, interstitial pneumonia and interstitial nephritis, with intracytoplasmic amphophilic botryoid inclusion bodies in macrophages. In addition to these typical changes, intracytoplasmic botryoid inclusion bodies were observed in bronchial, bronchial glandular, and renal tubular epithelium of several pigs from 4 different farms in Western and Eastern Canada. PCV2 inclusion bodies were demonstrated to be located in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells by immunohistochemical staining for PCV2 and cytokeratin antigens and by ultrastructural demonstration of viral particles in the inclusion bodies within renal tubular epithelium.
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Pan HF, Long GF, Li Q, Feng YN, Lei ZY, Wei HW, Huang YY, Huang JH, Lin N, Xu QQ, Ling SY, Chen XJ, Huang T. Current status of thalassemia in minority populations in Guangxi, China. Clin Genet 2007; 71:419-26. [PMID: 17489847 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2007.00791.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thalassemia is one of the most common monogenic disorders in the world. In order to develop a community-based prevention program, we screened 12,900 individuals for alpha- and beta-thalassemia in Baise City, Guangxi, China, with hematological methods and molecular assays. We found that the frequency of carriers in this area for alpha-thalassemia is 15%. Beta-thalassemia carriers comprise 4.8% of the populations. Five mutations account for 98% of alpha-thalassemia [--SEA 46.7%; -alpha/4.2, 23.9%; -alpha/3.7, 21.7%; hemoglobin (Hb) Constant Spring, 6.5%; Hb Quong Sze, 1.1%]. Seven mutations in the beta-globin gene account for 99% of the mutations [codon (CD) 41/42 (-TCTT) (39.4%), CD 17(A-->T) (32%), CD 71/72 (+A) (7.4%), -28 (A-->G) (5.8%), IVS-2-654 (C-->T) (5.8%), CD26 (Hb E) (4%), IVS-1 (G-->A) (3.7%), and CD 43(G-->T) (1.9%)]. Most individuals with alpha-thalassemia major die in the uterus or shortly after birth. Among 106 patients with beta-thalassemia major followed by our clinic, the majority died before 5 years of age. Knowledge surveys about thalassemia were conducted. Our results show a severe lack of knowledge about thalassemia in both medical professionals and in the general populations. This study shows that thalassemia is a very severe public health issue in minority populations in Baise City, China. Identification of the common mutations will allow us to design cost-effective molecular tests. There is an urgent need to educate the general population and the medical community for a successful community-based prevention program.
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Huang YY, Yang CL, Lin SY, Chang CC, Chen SC. [Strategies for discussing death with child cancer sufferers]. HU LI ZA ZHI THE JOURNAL OF NURSING 2007; 54:79-84. [PMID: 17431847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Since a curriculum concerning life and death was established and palliative care began to be promoted, people have gradually awakened to the needs of dying patients. Because of the nature of oriental culture, however, ultimate decisions concerning someone with a terminal disease have traditionally been made by family, so dying patients, especially children with cancer, have usually not been told of their true condition. The purpose of this article was to gain an understanding of the necessity of talking about death with child cancer patients and how to communicate with these children. The results show that helping the family to talk about death and decision making concerning treatment can help them to adapt to the grieving period when the children pass away. The tactics that nurses can use for communication with dying children include: to acknowledge the decision maker in the family, adopt the concept of death appropriate to a person of the child's age, discuss the prognosis for the development of the disease, and opt to use the medium of communication. The findings of this article may serve as a source of reference for nurses caring for dying children, and cause greater attention to be paid to these issues.
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Huang YY, Huang CY, Lin SM, Wu SC. [Effect of very early kangaroo care on extrauterine temperature adaptation in newborn infants with hypothermia problems]. HU LI ZA ZHI THE JOURNAL OF NURSING 2006; 53:41-8. [PMID: 16874601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased morbidity and mortality has been associated with neonates admitted with body temperatures below 36 degrees C. We employed an experimental design in a randomized control trial to compare the effectiveness of using early kangaroo care (KC) for extrauterine temperature adaptation against that of using radiant warmers. Trial subjects included 78 consecutive cesarean newborn infants with hypothermia problems. The KC group received skin-to-skin contact with their mothers in the post-operative room, while infants in the control group received routine care under radiant warmers. The mean temperature of the KC group was slightly higher than that of the control group (36.29 degrees C vs. 36.22 degrees C, p = .044). After four hours, 97.43% of KC group infants had reached normal body temperatures, compared with 82.05% in the radiant warmer group. Results demonstrate the positive effects of KC for extrauterine temperature adaptation in hypothermia infants. In the course of evidence-based practice, KC could be incorporated into the standard care regimen in order to improve hypothermia care.
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Knight JB, Huang YY, Halperin SA, Anderson R, Morris A, Macmillan A, Jones T, Burt DS, Van Nest G, Lee SF. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a recombinant filamentous haemagglutinin from Bordetella pertussis. Clin Exp Immunol 2006; 144:543-51. [PMID: 16734625 PMCID: PMC1941966 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03097.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough, a major childhood pathogen; acellular vaccines consisting of purified B. pertussis antigens such as filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) are commonly used to prevent pertussis. Despite the importance of FHA in B. pertussis pathogenesis and its inclusion in most acellular vaccines, the functional importance of individual domains in the induction of protective immunity is largely unknown. In this study, we have purified a recombinant FHA protein from Escherichia coli consisting of a 42 kDa maltose binding domain of E. coli and the 43 kDa type I immunodominant domain of FHA. The fusion protein (Mal85) was purified from E. coli cell lysates via affinity chromatography with an amylose column. Mal85 was then delivered to BALB/c mice intranasally encapsulated in liposomes, formulated with Protollin(TM) or in conjunction with an immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotide. Mice were also vaccinated intraperitoneally with alum-adsorbed Mal85. Sera from all treatment groups showed strong IgG responses to Mal85 and recognized native FHA. Specific salivary IgA was induced in mice vaccinated with Mal85 in liposomes, Protollin(TM) and delivered with CpG. Vaccination with Mal85 encapsulated in liposomes or formulated with Protollin(TM) provided protection against aerosol challenge with B. pertussis in BALB/c mice. These data indicate that the type I domain of FHA is a protective antigen in mice and may serve as a candidate for inclusion in new acellular pertussis vaccines.
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MESH Headings
- Adhesins, Bacterial/immunology
- Adhesins, Bacterial/isolation & purification
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bacterial/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Antigens, Bacterial/isolation & purification
- Bordetella pertussis/immunology
- CpG Islands/immunology
- Cysteine Endopeptidases
- Drug Combinations
- Female
- Hemagglutinins/immunology
- Hemagglutinins/isolation & purification
- Immunization/methods
- Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin G/biosynthesis
- Lipopolysaccharides
- Liposomes
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Pertussis Vaccine/immunology
- Saliva/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Virulence Factors, Bordetella/immunology
- Virulence Factors, Bordetella/isolation & purification
- Whooping Cough/prevention & control
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Huang YY, Huang CM. [Nipple confusion and breastfeeding: a literature review]. HU LI ZA ZHI THE JOURNAL OF NURSING 2006; 53:73-9. [PMID: 16602050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Among the ten steps to successful breastfeeding advocated by the WHO and UNICEF, steps six and nine clearly state that formula supplementation and pacifier use, except when medically necessary, should be avoided. Early formula supplementation may not only interfere with the mother's lactation but also result in nipple confusion on the part of the baby. To avoid nipple confusion, the encouragement of cup feeding and the non-provision of pacifiers or bottles are required nursing practice in baby-friendly hospitals. However, the relationship between nipple confusion and the duration of breastfeeding has not been well examined. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between three methods of feeding (i.e. pacifier, bottle feeding, and cup feeding), nipple confusion, and duration of breastfeeding. A hypothetical framework is proposed to explain these relationships on the basis of a review of the literature.
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Huang YY, Zuo Z, Yuan HB, Tsou MY, Chen MT, Tsai SK. A paraspinal abscess following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section and patient-controlled epidural analgesia for postoperative pain. Int J Obstet Anesth 2005; 14:252-5. [PMID: 15935643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2005.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2005] [Revised: 03/01/2005] [Accepted: 03/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We present a rare case in which a healthy parturient developed a paraspinal abscess after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section and epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management. The catheter was in situ for 58 h. Backache was the initial and major symptom. A concealed course with no neurological deficit resulted in a delayed diagnosis and treatment in this case. The infection was not diagnosed until 20 days after the removal of the epidural catheter when there was a purulent discharge from the epidural puncture site. Surgical drainage was required. Anaesthesiologists should be aware that serious epidural analgesia-related infections can happen in extra spinal-epidural spaces. Vigilance for these infections, especially in postpartum patients with backache, is needed.
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Shi JY, Chen YX, Huang YY, He W. SRXRF microprobe as a technique for studying elements distribution in Elsholtzia splendens. Micron 2004; 35:557-64. [PMID: 15219902 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2004.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2003] [Revised: 11/11/2003] [Accepted: 02/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Elsholtzia splendens is a copper tolerant plant growing in copper mine areas in south of China and accumulates considerable heavy metals in plant tissue. In this study, synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SRXRF) microprobe was used to study the Cu and other elements distribution in E. splendens. The element (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) in the leaf epidermis and cross-sections of the stem and leaf could be checked by SRXRF which was considered a sensitive technique for trace element analysis. The highest Cu levels were measured in the vascular tissues of stem and petiole, while Cu levels in mesophyll were higher than in leaf epidermis. The levels of most elements were not higher in trichomes than in other tissues. It seems that the celluar compartmentation of heavy metals in epidermis and epidermal trichomes was not the general feature of all plants. There was a significant correlation between Cu and P, S, Ca in distribution, which suggested P, S, and Ca played an important role in Cu accumulation of E. splendens. Based on the significant correlation between Cu and elements Mn, Fe, and Zn in distribution, it seemed that Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn could be transported by the same transporters with a broad substrate range.
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Placidi GP, Oquendo MA, Malone KM, Huang YY, Ellis SP, Mann JJ. Aggressivity, suicide attempts, and depression: relationship to cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite levels. Biol Psychiatry 2001; 50:783-91. [PMID: 11720697 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(01)01170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have proposed a stress-diathesis model for suicidal behavior, in which major depression is a stressor and the diathesis is shared with aggression. Neurotransmitter correlates of the stress or diathesis have not been adequately evaluated by previous studies, because they did not simultaneously examine the relationship of multiple neurotransmitters to all three psychopathologies in the same population. In the present study we investigated the relationship of monoamine metabolites to aggressivity, suicidal behavior, and depression in patients with mood disorders. METHODS Ninety-three drug-free subjects with a major depressive episode underwent lumbar puncture and psychiatric evaluation. Cerebrospinal fluid CSF levels of 5hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA) and methoxy-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG) were assayed. The relationships between monoamine metabolites and clinical variables were statistically evaluated. RESULTS Higher lifetime aggressivity correlated significantly with lower CSF 5-HIAA. Lower CSF 5-HIAA and greater suicidal intent were found in high-lethality suicide attempters compared with low-lethality suicide attempters. Low-lethality attempters did not differ biologically from nonattempters. No correlation between CSF HVA and any of the psychopathological variables was found. Only aggression showed a trend statistically in correlating positively with CSF MHPG levels. CONCLUSIONS Lower CSF 5-HIAA concentration was independently associated with severity of lifetime aggressivity and a history of a higher lethality suicide attempt and may be part of the diathesis for these behaviors. The dopamine and norepinephrine systems do not appear to be as significantly involved in suicidal acts, aggression, or depression. The biological correlates of suicide intent warrant further study.
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Chiou SH, Wu WT, Huang YY, Chung TW. Effects of the characteristics of chitosan on controlling drug release of chitosan coated PLLA microspheres. J Microencapsul 2001; 18:613-25. [PMID: 11508767 DOI: 10.1080/02652040010019497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Chitosan has been shown to be a biomaterial with good biocompatibility, and is highly biodegradable. This study investigated the effect of post-coating PLLA microspheres with different chitosans on the initial burst and controlling the drug release of the microspheres. Without chitosan, 19.2% of encapsulated lidocaine would release from PLLA microspheres within the first hour (R1), and the time of 50% release (T50) was 25 h. After the microspheres were coated with chitosan of viscosity (eta) 384 +/- 10cp, R1 and T50 could be reduced and prolonged to 14.6% and 90 h, respectively, for all tested molecular weights (Mw) of chitosan. In the case of the same Mw of chitosan being applied, the efficacy of reducing the initial burst of drug release was higher for a lower degree of deacetylation (D.D.). With chitosan in acetic acid solution, coating the microspheres with high Mw and high viscosity could most effectively reduce the initial burst and control drug release of PLLA microspheres. For example, the microspheres coated with chitosan solution of Mw 800 kDa and eta of 1479 cp, R1 and T50 could be reduced and prolonged to 7.4% and 245 h, respectively. The study indicated that manipulating the viscosity of the chitosan solution was the most important factor in contributing to controlling the drug release of chitosan post-coated PLLA microspheres.
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Huang YY, Chung TW. Microencapsulation of gentamicin in biodegradable PLA and/or PLA/PEG copolymer. J Microencapsul 2001; 18:457-65. [PMID: 11428675 DOI: 10.1080/02652040010019479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable carriers containing gentamicin for local treatment of bone infection were developed. This paper describes the preparation and in vitro evaluation of these biodegradable implants. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) and poly-L-lactic acid:polyethylene glycol (PLA/PEG) disk implants containing gentamicin sulphate were obtained by compression of microspheres prepared by a double emulsion process. The mean particle size distribution of the microspheres, based on volume, ranged from 95-270 microm. The gentamicin sulphate loading of the microspheres, after a methylene chloride-water extraction procedure, exceeded 90% of the theoretical value. In vitro dissolution studies on the microspheres and implants with drug loadings 10-40% w/w indicated that the rate of drug release from both PLA and PLA/PEG implants increased, with an increase in drug loading. The release of gentamicin from microspheres was dependent on the properties of PLA and/or PLA/PEG. The PLA/PEG copolymer was more hydrophilic than the PLA homopolymer, and with a smaller pH change in the microenvironment with polymer being degraded. In comparison, the PLA/PEG implant released antibiotic faster and had a larger inhibitory zone based on the Bauer-Kirby experiments used to test the inhibitory activity of antimicrobial devices. Experimental results showed that the biodegradable PLA/PEG gentamicin delivery system had a potential for prophylaxis of post-operative infection.
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Nong BR, Huang YF, Hsieh KS, Huang YY, Huang CF, Chuang SL, Liu CC. A comparison of clinical use of fluticasone propionate and beclomethasone dipropionate in pediatric asthma. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2001; 17:302-11. [PMID: 11559968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhaled steroids play a very important role in the prevention and treatment of asthma. Previous studies indicated that fluticasone propionate (FP) had low bioavailability and high local potency. However, the laboratory data in these studies were not obtained among Taiwan population. It is very important that native data should be established. Thus a 12-week research program was designed, involving 77 patients, 51 for FP group and 26 for beclomethasone dipropionate (BD) group. The objects were victims of moderate to severe asthma and their age ranged from 4 to 14 years old. An open, comparative and randomized method was adopted. Except for the 4-week-later daytime symptom score(P = 0.033, BD group was better), no other significant differences were found between the two groups in the symptom score improvement(P > 0.05). All the P-values for the daytime & night-time scores were lower than 0.001, which means obvious improvement after treatment in both groups. P-value for PEF improvement was 0.003 after 4 weeks (BD group was better) and 0.943 after 8 weeks; for FEV1 improvement, it was 0.005 after 4 weeks(BD group was better) and 0.252 after 8 weeks; and for FEV1/FVC improvements, it was 0.067 after 4 weeks and 0.097 after 8 weeks. There was no statistic significance in total eosinophil count (TEC), IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) serum level changes after 4 or 8 weeks. Adverse effects were all anticipated and no statistic significance showed up, either, between the two groups or in the cortisol levels (P > 0.05). In conclusion, native data indicated that the potency of 100 micrograms of FP was equal to that of 200 micrograms of BD and that few side effects were noted in FP group. It is recommended that this drug be introduced for clinical use.
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Wu HC, Huang YL, Lai SC, Huang YY, Shaio MF. Detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type A using immuno-PCR. Lett Appl Microbiol 2001; 32:321-5. [PMID: 11328498 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2001.00909.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS An immuno-polymerase chain reaction (immuno-PCR) has been developed for the sensitive detection of antigens, which greatly extends the detection limits of immunoassays. In the current study, the method was applied to the detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type A (BTx-A). METHODS AND RESULTS Anti-BTx-A antibody-DNA conjugates were synthesized using a heterobifunctional cross-linker reagent to covalently link the reporter DNA and the antibodies. The antibody-DNA conjugates with antigens were amplified by PCR, and dose-dependent relationships for each analyte were demonstrated. Detection limits of immuno-PCR for BTx-A (3.33 x 10(-17) mol) exceeded the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (3.33 x 10(-14) mol) by a 1000-fold enhancement in detection sensitivity. CONCLUSION Detection of BTx-A antigens by immuno-PCR demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in 100-fold magnitude below the detection limit of ELISA. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY It is concluded that the immuno-PCR method could be used to detect a very low level of BTx-A for clinical diagnosis.
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Tsai MS, Huang YY, Hwa KY, Cheng CC, Lee FK. Combined measurement of fetal nuchal translucency, maternal serum free beta-hCG, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A for first-trimester Down's syndrome screening. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:319-25. [PMID: 11432311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been proposed that first-trimester Down's syndrome screening has a higher detection rate compared to second-trimester biochemical screening. This study investigated the accuracy of Down's syndrome screening during gestational weeks 10 to 13 using the combination of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) measurement with maternal serum concentrations of free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). METHODS A total of 1,514 women with singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this study. Fetal NT was measured using the criteria published by the Fetal Medicine Foundation. Maternal serum concentrations of free beta-hCG and PAPP-A were determined by microtiter-plate ELISA. Down's syndrome risk was calculated using multivariate Gaussian distribution and Alpha software. RESULTS Seventeen (1.12%) of the 1514 screened pregnancies had a fetal NT of at least 3 mm, and 41.2% of these had a poor pregnancy outcome, including four fetal aneuploidies. The odds of a fetal aneuploidy when the NT was greater than 2.0 multiples of median (MoM) was 90, when serum PAPP-A concentration was less than 0.45 MoM, it was 8.6, and when serum free beta-hCG concentration was greater than 2.2 MoM, it was 4.7. Using a risk cut-off level of 1 in 400, nine of 10 fetal aneuploidies were identified with a 4.7% false-positive rate, including two with trisomy 21, one with trisomy 18, and three with Turner's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that Down's syndrome screening using the combined test in the first trimester had a higher detection rate than that of serum screening in the second trimester. Implementation of NT measurement in the first trimester provides substantial advantages for Down's syndrome detection and early diagnosis of fetal structural abnormalities.
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Chung TW, Huang YY, Liu YZ. Effects of the rate of solvent evaporation on the characteristics of drug loaded PLLA and PDLLA microspheres. Int J Pharm 2001; 212:161-9. [PMID: 11165073 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-5173(00)00574-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of the rate of solvent removal by varying ambient pressure at a fixed temperature on the morphology, particle sizes, drug encapsulation efficiency and releases pattern of lidocaine loaded poly-L-lactatide (PLLA) and poly-D,L-lactatide (PDLLA) microspheres, prepared with O/W emulsion-solvent evaporation process. Prepared in the fast rate of solvent evaporation (FRSE) process by reducing ambient pressure, smoothly morphological surface of drug loaded PLLA and PDLLA microspheres was observed. While in the normal rate of solvent evaporation (NRSE) process, roughness or pinhole surface was only found at drug loaded PLLA microspheres. Fabricated in the FRSE process, both PLLA and PDLLA microspheres showed smaller particle sizes and lower drug encapsulation efficiencies than those prepared in NRSE process. In regard to two materials, PLLA microspheres had higher drug encapsulation efficiencies than PDLLA ones for both processes. Although initial burst releases of drug were observed for both PLLA and PDLLA microspheres prepared in whatever solvent removal process, drug release for PLLA microspheres was slightly less than that for PDLLA ones in the earlier stage of drug release. However, in the subsequent stage of drug release, there was no difference between two materials. In corporation with different crystalline characteristics of PLA polymer and its derivatives, FRSE process by reducing ambient pressure could be further applied to produce different characteristics of microspheres for drug delivery.
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Shimamura M, Miura-Ohnuma J, Huang YY. Major sites for the differentiation of V alpha 14(+) NKT cells inferred from the V-J junctional sequences of the invariant T-cell receptor alpha chain. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2001; 268:56-61. [PMID: 11121102 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.01842.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CD1d-restricted mouse NK1.1(+) TCR alpha beta(+) natural killer T (NKT) cells predominantly use an invariant TCR alpha chain encoded by V alpha 14 and J alpha 281 gene segments with a one-nucleotide N region. We found that NKT cells generated in the culture of fetal liver precursors possessed V alpha 14-J alpha 281 junctions that could be produced without the action of terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT), indicating that NKT cells derived from fetal liver precursors are distinguishable from those from adult precursors with TdT expression. In fact, the frequency of the fetal-form sequences decreased with ageing. Surprisingly, the fetal-type sequences were predominantly observed in the lymphoid organs of athymic mice with the exception of bone marrow, where a sequence peculiar to the organ, with TdT-involved conversion from the invariant junction, was frequently present. These findings suggest that there are two independent sites of V alpha 14(+) NKT cell development, the hematopoietic organs throughout life (the developing liver and adult bone marrow) and, principally, the mature thymus.
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Liu JZ, Huang YY, Liu J, Weng LP, Ji LN. Effects of metal ions on simultaneous production of glucose oxidase and catalase by Aspergillus niger. Lett Appl Microbiol 2001; 32:16-9. [PMID: 11169035 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2001.00851.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The effects of various metal ions on the simultaneous production of glucose oxidase and catalase by Aspergillus niger were investigated. Calcium carbonate induced synthesis of both enzymes. The induction of calcium carbonate was accompanied by a metabolic shift from the glycolytic pathway (EMP, Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas) to direct oxidation of glucose by glucose oxidase. The time course of the biosynthesis of both enzymes is reported. The logistic model was in good agreement with the experimental growth results. The production of both enzymes was growth-associated. Finally, a model of growth and product formation was also proposed.
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Bailey CH, Giustetto M, Huang YY, Hawkins RD, Kandel ER. Is heterosynaptic modulation essential for stabilizing Hebbian plasticity and memory? Nat Rev Neurosci 2000; 1:11-20. [PMID: 11252764 DOI: 10.1038/35036191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In 1894, Ramón y Cajal first proposed that memory is stored as an anatomical change in the strength of neuronal connections. For the following 60 years, little evidence was recruited in support of this idea. This situation changed in the middle of the twentieth century with the development of cellular techniques for the study of synaptic connections and the emergence of new formulations of synaptic plasticity that redefined Ramón y Cajal's idea, making it more suitable for testing. These formulations defined two categories of plasticity, referred to as homosynaptic or Hebbian activity-dependent, and heterosynaptic or modulatory input-dependent. Here we suggest that Hebbian mechanisms are used primarily for learning and for short-term memory but often cannot, by themselves, recruit the events required to maintain a long-term memory. In contrast, heterosynaptic plasticity commonly recruits long-term memory mechanisms that lead to transcription and to synpatic growth. When jointly recruited, homosynaptic mechanisms assure that learning is effectively established and heterosynaptic mechanisms ensure that memory is maintained.
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Huang YY, Martin KC, Kandel ER. Both protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase are required in the amygdala for the macromolecular synthesis-dependent late phase of long-term potentiation. J Neurosci 2000; 20:6317-25. [PMID: 10964936 PMCID: PMC6772981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The lateral amygdala (LA) is thought to be critical for the specific acquisition of conditioned fear, and the emotionally charged memories related to fear are thought to require a form of synaptic plasticity related to long-term potentiation (LTP). Is LTP in the lateral amygdala enduring, and, if so, does it require gene expression and the synthesis of new protein? Using brain slices, we have examined the molecular-signaling pathway of LTP in the cortico-amygdala and the thalamo-amygdala pathways. We find that a single high-frequency train of stimuli induces a transient LTP (E-LTP); by contrast, five repeated high-frequency trains induce an enduring late phase of LTP (L-LTP), which is dependent on gene expression and on new protein synthesis. In both pathways the late phase of LTP is mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Application of the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin induced L-LTP in both pathways, and this potentiation is blocked by inhibitors of protein synthesis. The late phase of LTP also is modulated importantly by beta-adrenergic agonists. An inhibitor of beta-adrenergic receptors blocks L-LTP; conversely, application of a beta-adrenergic agonist induces the L-LTP. Immunocytochemical studies show that both repeated tetanization and application of forskolin stimulate the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding proteins (CREB) in cells of the lateral nucleus of the amygdala. These results suggest that PKA and MAPK are critical for the expression of a persistent phase of LTP in the lateral amygdala and that this late component requires the synthesis of new protein and mRNA.
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Mann JJ, Huang YY, Underwood MD, Kassir SA, Oppenheim S, Kelly TM, Dwork AJ, Arango V. A serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and prefrontal cortical binding in major depression and suicide. ARCHIVES OF GENERAL PSYCHIATRY 2000; 57:729-38. [PMID: 10920459 DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.57.8.729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depression and suicide are associated with fewer serotonin transporter (5-HTT) sites. The 5'-flanking promoter region of the 5-HTT gene has a biallelic insertion/deletion (5-HTTLPR). We assayed prefrontal cortical (PFC) 5-HTT binding in major depression and suicide and examine the relationship to the 5-HTTLPR allele. METHODS Postmortem brain samples from 220 individuals were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Binding of 5-HTT was assayed by quantitative autoradiography in the PFC of a subset of subjects (n = 159). Clinical information, including DSM-III-R Axis I diagnoses, was obtained by psychological autopsy and medical chart review. RESULTS Binding to 5-HTT was lower in the ventral PFC of suicides compared with nonsuicides and was lower throughout the PFC of subjects with a history of major depression. The 5-HTTLPR genotype was associated with major depression but not with suicide or 5-HTT binding. CONCLUSIONS A diffuse reduction of 5-HTT binding in the PFC of individuals with major depression may reflect a widespread impairment of serotonergic function consistent with the range of psychopathologic features in major depression. The localized reduction in 5-HTT binding in the ventral PFC of suicides may reflect reduced serotonin input to that brain region, underlying the predisposition to act on suicidal thoughts. The 5-HTTLPR genotype was not related to the level of 5-HTT binding and does not explain why 5-HTT binding is lower in major depression or suicide. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2000;57:729-738
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