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Vaccarino A, Anderson K, Borowsky B, Craufurd D, Giuliano J, Guttman M, Ho A, Landwehrmeyer B, Paulsen JS, Sills T, Evans K. L07 The functional rating taskforce for pre-huntington's disease: development of the furst-21 scale. J Neurol Psychiatry 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-303524.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Birch M, Morgan PE, Handley S, Ho A, Ireland R, Flanagan RJ. Simple methodology for the therapeutic drug monitoring of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors dasatinib and imatinib. Biomed Chromatogr 2012; 27:335-42. [PMID: 22886846 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.2796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A simple HPLC method has been developed to measure imatinib and N-desmethylimatinib (norimatinib) in plasma or serum at concentrations attained during therapy. Adaptation of this method to LC-MS/MS also allows dasatinib assay. A small sample volume (100 μL HPLC-UV, 50 μL LC-MS/MS) is required and analysis time is <5 min in each case. Detection was by UV (270 nm) or selective reaction monitoring (two transitions per analyte) tandem mass spectrometry. Assay calibration was linear (0.05-10 mg/L imatinib, 0.01-2.0 mg/L norimatinib and 1-200 µg/L dasatinib), with acceptable accuracy (86-114%) and precision (<14% RSD) for both methods. A comparison between whole blood and plasma confirmed that plasma is the preferred sample for imatinib and norimatinib assay. For dasatinib, although whole blood concentrations were slightly higher, plasma is still the preferred sample. Despite considerable variation in the (median, range) plasma imatinib and norimatinib concentrations in patient samples [1.66 (0.02-4.96) and 0.32 (0.01-0.99) mg/L, respectively, N = 104], plasma imatinib was >1 mg/L (suggested target for response) in all but one sample from patients achieving complete molecular response. As to dasatinib, the median (range) plasma dasatinib concentration was 13 (2-143) µg/L (N = 33). More observations are needed to properly assess the potential role of therapeutic drug monitoring in guiding treatment with dasatinib.
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103
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Reiss N, Kristen A, Schoenland S, Hegenbart U, Buss S, Sack FU, Schnabel P, Roecken C, Dengler T, Ho A, Ruhparwar A, Karck M, Katus H. 443 Is Heart Transplantation a Reasonable Concept in Patients with Severe Cardiac Amyloidosis? J Heart Lung Transplant 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2012.01.454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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104
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Tie ST, Wong JL, Beniyamin A, Ho A, Kannan SKK, Jamalul Azizi AR. Methacholine challenge test as an adjunctive investigative tool in patients with asthma-like symptoms: the Sabah experience. THE MEDICAL JOURNAL OF MALAYSIA 2012; 67:204-206. [PMID: 22822644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with asthma-like symptoms pose a diagnostic dilemma when physical examination is normal. The usual practice in Malaysia would be to give empirical asthma treatment. Bronchial challenge test (BCT) is widely used in many countries to diagnose asthma objectively but it is not widely available in Malaysia. OBJECTIVE To describe our experience with BCT using methacholine at Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a supporting tool in the investigation of patients with asthma-like symptoms. METHODOLOGY Review of case notes of patients who underwent BCT from July 2008 till April 2009. BCT was performed via dosimeter technique. Results were classified as high hyper responsiveness if the provocative dose of methacholine required to achieve 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20) was less than or equal to 0.125 micromol, moderate hyper responsiveness if PD20 was between 0.125 to 1.99 micromol or mild hyper responsiveness if PD20 was between 2.00 to 6.6 micromol. PD20 of more than 6.6 micromol constitutes a negative MCT. RESULTS 29 patients had BCT during the study period. 19 cases were included in this review. The age ranged from 13 to 70 years old. There were 12 males and 7 females. Duration of symptoms ranged from 2 weeks to 23 years. BCT was positive (mild or moderate hyper responsiveness) in 10 out of 19 patients. No patient had high bronchial hyper responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS BCT is a useful adjunctive tool in the investigation of patients presenting with asthma-like symptoms. This test obviates empirical asthma treatment. BCT should be made available in all major hospitals in Malaysia.
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Ho A, Lüke C, Cao Z, Frenzel P. Ageing well: methane oxidation and methane oxidizing bacteria along a chronosequence of 2000 years. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2011; 3:738-43. [PMID: 23761364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1758-2229.2011.00292.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Rice is the staple food for more than half of the world's growing population. While the area planted to wetland rice is expected to increase further, virtually nothing is known about the long-term development of the respective microbial communities, and how these might influence biogeochemistry. Focusing on methane oxidizing bacteria, we studied a chronosequence of paddy fields in China aged 50-2000 years. Potential methanotrophic activity increased substantially with age of soil. Community composition was relatively similar in all fields. However, growth and activity of one particular subgroup of methanotrophs correlated to soil age suggesting an intricate abiotic control on methanotrophs evolving with time. Our results demonstrate that continuous rice agriculture does not only shape the microbial community, but also modifies the micro-environment in a way enabling faster growth and higher activity of selected populations.
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McGhee SM, Brazier J, Lam CLK, Wong LC, Chau J, Cheung A, Ho A. Quality-adjusted life years: population-specific measurement of the quality component. Hong Kong Med J 2011; 17 Suppl 6:17-21. [PMID: 22147354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
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107
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Wang D, Ho A, Wu X, Hamilton A, Goodman M, Fleming S, Rao C, German R, Owen J. Results of Patterns of Care Study of Patients Treated with External Beam Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer in 2004. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2011.06.888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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108
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Ho A, White JR, Owen JB, Trentham-Dietz A, Wilson JF. Geographic disparity in the use of surgical management (SM) and radiotherapy (RT) for female breast cancer (BC) in Wisconsin (WI). J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.27_suppl.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
209 Background: The WICaRE Program is a part of the cross sectional Patterns of Care Study–Breast and Prostate (PoC-BP) that sought to evaluate the patterns of BC care in the state WI and to identify areas for potential improvement in data collection and factors associated with variation in care. This study was to examine the geographic disparities in SM and the use of RT in female BC patients diagnosed in WI in 2004. Methods: The Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System (WCRS) receives reports from 130+ facilities. Information of patient (disease status, sociodemographic, treatment, county of residence) was obtained from cancer registries and supplemental data was reabstracted from medical charts across 66 counties. Geographic regions were counties grouped by WI Dept. of Health Services (DHS) as Northeastern (NE), Northern (N), Southeastern (SE), Southern (S), Western (W). Results: A total of 1037 cases were reported. 25% age 20-49, 49% age 50-69, and 28% age 70+; Caucasian had 82%, black 10% and others 8%. 34% had T1 stage, 9% T2, 4% T3+, and 53% TX-T0/unknown stage. 46% had reported mild comorbidity, 9% had moderate or severe comorbidity. Majority (73%) lived in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). 29% patients from NE region, 10% from N, 36% SE, 17% S and 8% W. Patients in the S and W had significantly lower % who received RT (46 and 48% respectively) than those in NE (61%), N (62%) and SE (63%), p=0.01; % mastectomy (MA) by regions were 43% (NE), 42% (N), 33% (SE), 47% (S) and 35% (W), p=0.009. Multivariate models adjusting for disease status, comorbidity, and sociodemographic factors showed that patients in MSA region were more likely to have RT compared to those in non-MSA (odds ratio, OR=1.66, 95%CI=1.14-2.40), but those in S were less likely than those in SE (OR=0.59, 95%CI=0.38-0.91). Patients in MSA had a decreased likelihood of undergoing mastectomy. NE (OR=1.6, 95%CI=1.08-2.29) and S (OR= 2.04, 95%CI=1.31-3.17) had significantly higher odds of having MA than those in SE. Conclusions: This study showed evidence of geographic disparity in medical care for BC patients in Wisconsin. Identifying factors mediating this disparity will help in developing appropriate treatment options and improving outcomes.
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Schlussman SD, Cassin J, Zhang Y, Levran O, Ho A, Kreek MJ. Regional mRNA expression of the endogenous opioid and dopaminergic systems in brains of C57BL/6J and 129P3/J mice: strain and heroin effects. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 100:8-16. [PMID: 21807019 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown strain and dose differences in heroin-induced behavior, reward and regional expression of somatostatin receptor mRNAs in C57BL/6J and 129P3/J mice. Using Real Time PCR we examined the effects of five doses of heroin on the levels of the transcripts of endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors and dopaminergic receptors in the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways in these same mice. Compared to C57BL/6J animals, 129P3/J mice had higher mRNA levels of Oprk1 in the nucleus accumbens and of Oprd1 in the nucleus accumbens and a region containing both the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA). In the cortex of 129P3/J mice, lower levels of both Oprk1 and Oprd1 mRNAs were observed. Pdyn mRNA was also lower in the caudate putamen of 129P3/J mice. Strain differences were not found in the levels of Oprm1, Penk or Pomc mRNAs in any region examined. Within strains, complex patterns of heroin dose-dependent changes in the levels of Oprm1, Oprk1 and Oprd1 mRNAs were observed in the SN/VTA. Additionally, Oprd1 mRNA was dose-dependently elevated in the hypothalamus. Also in the hypothalamus, we found higher levels of Drd1a mRNA in C57BL/6J mice than in 129P3/J animals and higher levels of DAT (Slc6a3) mRNA in the caudate putamen of C57BL/6J animals than in 129P3/J counterparts. Heroin had dose-related effects on Drd1a mRNA in the hypothalamus and on Drd2 mRNA in the caudate putamen.
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Tang Y, Chua B, Guan SP, Zhou S, Ho A, Wong K, Wong KL, Wong F, Kemeny D. Antigen-specific effector CD8 T-cells inhibit allergic responses via IFN-gamma secretion and dendritic cell interaction (103.4). THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.186.supp.103.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Allergic inflammation of the airways causes changes in the lung wall that lead to inflammatory diseases such as asthma. Using a mouse model this response can be divided into an induction phase and an effector phase. Previously we have shown that transfer of CD8 T cells inhibits the induction of Th2 responses. In this study we have investigated the effect of CD8 T cells on the effector phase of the inflammatory lung response. In vitro activated OT-I CD8 T cells were transferred to ovalbumin (OVA)-alum immunized mice one day before challenge with OVA. Eosinophil infiltration and mucus secretion were inhibited by transfer of CD8 T cells. When OT-IxIFN-gamma-/-T cells were transferred, the inhibitory effect was abolished, suggesting an important role for IFN-gamma. In fact, without IFN-gamma, effector CD8 T cells were able to induce asthma-like inflammation which further proved the importance of IFN-gamma in the suppression of type II inflammation. We also investigated the effect of CD8 T cells on lung dendritic cell (DC) function. CD11c+CD11b+CD103- DCs from CD8 transferred mice increased largely in number and when co-cultured with CD4 T cells, they were able to induce more IFN-gamma production. These results suggest that in addition to regulating the induction of the allergic immune response, CD8 T cells can subsequently divert the local lung environment to one that favors Th1 immunity, through IFN-gamma and CD8-DC interaction.
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Prabhu P N, Ho A, Kemeny D. Interferon gamma limits the magnitude of CD8 T cell responses in the lung during influenza infection (49.24). THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.186.supp.49.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In response to a viral challenge, antigen specific CD8 T cells proliferate and gain effector functions while simultaneously acquiring the capacity to secrete cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ). IFN-γ is thought to play a role in the homeostatic control of antigen specific CD8 T cell numbers although the mechanism by which this occurs is still unclear. Infection of mice deficient for IFN-γ (IFN-γ-/-) with PR/8 influenza was associated with increased antigen-specific CD8 T cell counts in the lung and the BAL fluid when compared to wildtype (WT) C57BL/6 mice. Using in vitro experiments, we show that there is no difference in the rates of proliferation of the WT and IFN-γ-/- CD8 T cells. However upon stimulation, we observed increased cell death in WT CD8 T cells compared to their IFN-γ-/- counterparts. This effect could be reversed upon addition of IFN-γ to the IFN-γ-/- CD8 T cells in a dose-dependent manner. We also observed decreased cell death in the WT CD8 T cells after blocking IFN-γ signaling. These experiments suggest that increased antigen specific CD8 T cell counts in IFN-γ-/- mice is not the result of increased proliferative capacity but is instead due to the absence of IFN-γ-induced CD8 T cell death. Our results suggest that IFN-γ plays a role in promoting cell death that limits the CD8 T cell response during an influenza viral infection.
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Abrahao L, Bhargava V, Babaei A, Ho A, Mittal RK. Swallow induces a peristaltic wave of distension that marches in front of the peristaltic wave of contraction. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011; 23:201-7, e110. [PMID: 21083789 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01624.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current understanding is that swallow induces simultaneous inhibition of the entire esophagus followed by a sequential wave of contraction (peristalsis). We observed a pattern of luminal distension preceding contraction which suggested that inhibition may also traverses in a peristaltic fashion. Our aim is to determine the relationship between contraction and luminal distension during bolus transport. METHODS Eight subjects using two solid-state pressure and two ultrasound (US) transducers were studied. Synchronous pressure and US images were obtained with wet swallows and after edrophonium and atropine. Luminal cross-sectional area (CSA) at 2 cm and 12 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were recorded. Relationship between pressure and CSA at each site, propagation velocity of peak pressure and peak distension waves were determined. Fluoroscopy coupled with manometry was also performed in five normal subjects. KEY RESULTS Esophageal distension precedes contraction wave at both-recorded sites. During distension, esophageal pressure remains constant while luminal CSA increases significantly. The onset and the peak of distension wave traverses in a peristaltic fashion between both sites. A tight coupling exists between the peak distension and peak contraction waves with similar velocities (3.7 cm s(-1) and 3.6 cm s(-1)) of propagation. The degree of distension is greater at 2 cm compared to 12 cm. Atropine and edrophonium reduced and increased the contraction pressure respectively, without affecting the distension wave. Fluoroscopic study confirmed that the wave of distension traverses the esophagus in a peristaltic fashion. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Distension and contraction waves are tightly coupled to each other and both traverse in a peristaltic fashion.
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Potter V, Tindell V, Reiff-Zall L, Ho A, Kenyon M, Marsh J, Pagliuca A, Mufti G, Lim Z. Alemtuzumab vs ATG for T-Cell Depletion in Sibling Donor Reduced Intensity Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (RIC HSCT) for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.12.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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114
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Ho A, McGarry G, Peters E. Treatment of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis with voriconazole in an HIV patient. J Int AIDS Soc 2010. [PMCID: PMC3112972 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-13-s4-p190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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115
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Patel N, Cordeiro P, Gelblum D, Ballangrud A, Nerbun C, Woch K, Shi W, Zhang Z, McCormick B, Ho A. Bilateral Breast Implants Do Not Compromise the Delivery of Postmastectomy Radiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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116
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Ho A, Shankland GS, Seaton RA. Penicillium marneffei infection presenting as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV patient. Int J STD AIDS 2010; 21:780-2. [DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2010.010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We describe a case of Penicillium marneffei infection acquired in Thailand, manifesting as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a Caucasian man with advanced HIV-related immunosuppression (CD4 72 cells/mm3). Initial presentation was consistent with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and empirical co-trimoxazole resulted in clinical improvement. One month after initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), an enlarging scaly lesion on his forehead and erythematous nodules on his face, trunk and limbs developed. P. marneffei was isolated from a skin aspirate. Response to antifungal therapy was complicated by drug interactions but cure was complete after four months of treatment. Few cases of IRIS associated with P. marneffei have been reported.
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Kiess A, McArthur H, Mahoney K, Patil S, Morris P, Ho A, Hudis C, McCormick B. Adjuvant Trastuzumab Reduces Locoregional Recurrence in Women who Undergo Breast Conservation Therapy for Node-Negative HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.07.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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118
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Saljooque F, Ho A, Wu B, Zahra A, U HS. Induction of pancreatic phenotypes in central nervous system derived pluripotential progenitor cells. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 119:101-10. [PMID: 20827659 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal rat brain stem cells (RSCs) have been induced to express pituitary properties when exposed to pituitary cells (U et al., 2002). In this study, we explored whether these RSCs could also be influenced to acquire properties characteristic of the pancreas. To this end, RSCs in culture were exposed to media conditioned by rat islet tumor cells and media containing Exendin-4 and nicotinamide since both have been shown to induce pancreatic phenotypes in embryonic stem cells. Lastly, an expression construct for pdx-1 was introduced into RSCs. The expression of pancreatic markers was analyzed using RT-PRC and immunocytochemistry. When RSCs were exposed to rat islet tumor cell conditioned media and media containing Exendin-4 and nicotinamide, the expression of pdx-1, insulin and somatostatin were observed. They also acquired a spherical shape typical of pancreatic cells in culture. Under these varied conditions, transcriptional factors essential to pancreatic development such as pdx-1 and Isl-1 were induced. The critical role of pdx-1 in stimulating certain endocrine pancreatic properties in RSCs was further confirmed upon the introduction of an expression construct for pdx-1 which markedly induced insulin and somatostatin. Taken together, these findings suggests that fetal brain stem cells are pluripotent and can be reprogrammed to acquire pancreatic properties through pathways which involved the transcription factor Pdx1.
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119
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Evans K, Anderson K, Borowsky B, Giuliano J, Guttman M, Ho A, Paulsen J, Sills T, Vaccarino A, van Kammen D. F08 The functional rating taskforce for pre-huntington's disease: results so far. J Neurol Psychiatry 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2010.222620.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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120
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Guzmán A, Ho A, Ruth P, Tortajada A, Fernández De Henestrosaa A, Thirlwell P, García C, Ruiz M, Marín A. Maternal and developmental toxicity study of tetrodotoxin in rats. Toxicol Lett 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2010.03.650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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121
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Kulkarni RP, Tohari S, Ho A, Brenner S, Venkatesh B. Characterization of a hypoxia-response element in the Epo locus of the pufferfish, Takifugu rubripes. Mar Genomics 2010; 3:63-70. [PMID: 21798198 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Animals respond to hypoxia by increasing synthesis of the glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (Epo) which in turn stimulates the production of red blood cells. The gene encoding Epo has been recently cloned in teleost fishes such as the pufferfish Takifugu rubripes (fugu) and zebrafish (Danio rerio). It has been shown that the transcription levels of Epo in teleost fishes increase in response to anemia or hypoxia in a manner similar to its human ortholog. However, the cis-regulatory element(s) mediating the hypoxia response of Epo gene in fishes has not been identified. In the present study, using the human hepatoma cell line (Hep3B), we have identified and characterized a hypoxia response element (HRE) in the fugu Epo locus. The sequence of the fugu HRE (ACGTGCTG) is identical to that of the HRE in the human EPO locus. However, unlike the HRE in the mammalian Epo locus, which is located in the 3' region of the gene, the fugu HRE is located in the 5' flanking region and on the opposite strand of DNA. This HRE is conserved in other teleosts such as Tetraodon and zebrafish in a similar location. A 365-bp fragment containing the fugu HRE was able to drive GFP expression in the liver of transgenic zebrafish. However, we could not ascertain if the expression of transgene is induced by hypoxia in vivo due to the low and variable levels of GFP expression in transgenic zebrafish. Our investigations also revealed that the Epo locus has experienced extensive rearrangements during vertebrate evolution.
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Lo A, Ho A, Dieterich S. SU-GG-T-442: Dose Verification of SRS Monte Carlo Plan with a Moving Anthropomorphic Phantom. Med Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3468840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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123
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Hsu A, Wang L, Ho A, Dieterich S. SU-GG-T-527: Patient Specific Delivery Quality Assurance for Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Functional Targets. Med Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3468924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Proudnikov D, Kroslak T, Sipe JC, Randesi M, Li D, Hamon S, Ho A, Ott J, Kreek MJ. Association of polymorphisms of the cannabinoid receptor (CNR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) genes with heroin addiction: impact of long repeats of CNR1. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2010; 10:232-42. [PMID: 20010914 PMCID: PMC3810151 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2009.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in expression of a cannabinoid receptor (CNR1, CB1), and of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) that degrades endogenous ligands of CB1, may contribute to the development of addiction. The 385C>A in the FAAH gene and six polymorphisms of CNR1 were genotyped in former heroin addicts and control subjects (247 Caucasians, 161 Hispanics, 179 African Americans and 19 Asians). In Caucasians, long repeats (>or=14) of 18087-18131(TAA)(8-17) were associated with heroin addiction (P=0.0102). Across three ethnicities combined, a highly significant association of long repeats with heroin addiction was found (z=3.322, P=0.0009). Point-wise significant associations of allele 1359A (P=0.006) and genotype 1359AA (P=0.034) with protection from heroin addiction were found in Caucasians. Also in Caucasians, the genotype pattern, 1359G>A and -6274A>T, was significantly associated with heroin addiction experiment wise (P=0.0244). No association of FAAH 385C>A with heroin addiction was found in any group studied.
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Piras AP, Zhou Y, Schlussman SD, Ho A, Kreek MJ. Acute withdrawal from chronic escalating-dose binge cocaine administration alters kappa opioid receptor stimulation of [35S] guanosine 5'-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate acid binding in the rat ventral tegmental area. Neuroscience 2010; 169:751-7. [PMID: 20452406 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that the kappa opioid system plays an important role in cocaine addiction and that chronic cocaine administration and withdrawal from chronic cocaine alter kappa opioid receptor (KOPr) density. The present study employed in situ [(35)S]guanosine 5'-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate acid (GTPgammaS) binding autoradiography to measure KOPr-stimulated activation of G-protein in the caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens core and shell, lateral hypothalamus, basolateral amygdala, substantia nigra compacta, substantia nigra reticulata and ventral tegmental area (VTA), in response to chronic cocaine administration or acute and chronic withdrawal from chronic cocaine. Male Fischer rats were injected i.p. with saline or cocaine three times daily at 1 h intervals in an escalating-dose paradigm for 14 days (from 3x15 mg/kg/injection on days 1-3 up to 3x30 mg/kg/injection on days 10-14). Identically treated separate groups were withdrawn from cocaine or saline for 24 h or 14 days. No significant change in KOPr agonist U-69593-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS was found in the seven regions studied 30 min or 14 days after chronic 14 days escalating-dose binge cocaine administration. However there was an increase in KOPr -stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in the VTA (P<0.01) of rats withdrawn for 24 h from chronic cocaine. Our results show a cocaine withdrawal induced increase of KOPr signaling in the VTA, and suggest that the KOPr may play a role in acute withdrawal from cocaine.
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