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Tsai TC, Wu SH, Chen HL, Tung YT, Cheng WTK, Huang JC, Chen CM. Identification of sex-specific polymorphic sequences in the goat amelogenin gene for embryo sexing. J Anim Sci 2011; 89:2407-14. [PMID: 21421829 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-3698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amelogenin (AMEL) is a conserved gene located on the sex chromosomes of mammals. It is involved in the formation of enamel, which is the hard, white material that forms the protective outer layer of each tooth. In this study, we first cloned and determined the intron sequences of the goat AMELX and AMELY genes from female and male ear tissues. The polymorphic AMEL alleles were further analyzed by PCR-based RFLP and Southern blot hybridization analyses. Results showed that intron 5 nucleotide sequences of the goat AMELY gene contains multiple deletions/insertions and shares only 48.5% identity to intron 5 of the goat AMELX gene. Based on the polymorphic AMEL intron sequences, a set of sex-specific triplex primers was designed to PCR amplify a single fragment of 264 bp from the X chromosome of female goats and 2 fragments of 264 and 206 bp from the X and Y chromosomes, respectively, of male goats. An increased sensitivity for sex determination was reached with a single blastomere at the blastula stage isolated from goat embryos. A total of 43 goat embryos were used to estimate a 100% accuracy rate of this method confirmed by chromosomal karyotyping and live births. The embryo sexing technique has been successfully applied in different strains of goats including Alpine, Saanen, Nubian, and Taiwan goats.
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Shih CH, Huang TJ, Chen CM, Lin YL, Ko WC. S-Petasin, the Main Sesquiterpene of Petasites formosanus, Inhibits Phosphodiesterase Activity and Suppresses Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2011:132374. [PMID: 19641087 PMCID: PMC3094704 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nep088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
S-Petasin is the main sesquiterpene of Petasites formosanus, a traditional folk medicine used to treat hypertension, tumors and asthma in Taiwan. The aim of the present study was to investigate its inhibitory effects on phosphodiesterase (PDE) 1–5, and on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a murine model of allergic asthma. S-Petasin concentration-dependently inhibited PDE3 and PDE4 activities with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 25.5, and 17.5 μM, respectively. According to the Lineweaver-Burk analysis, S-petasin competitively inhibited PDE3 and PDE4 activities with respective dissociation constants for inhibitor binding (Ki) of 25.3 and 18.1 μM, respectively. Both IC50 and Ki values for PDE3 were significantly greater than those for PDE4. S-Petasin (10–30 μmol/kg, administered subcutaneously (s.c.)) dose-dependently and significantly attenuated the enhanced pause (Penh) value induced by methacholine (MCh) in sensitized and challenged mice. It also significantly suppressed the increases in total inflammatory cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and levels of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and IL-5, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of these mice. In addition, S-petasin (10–30 μmol/kg, s.c.) dose-dependently and significantly attenuated total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the serum and BALF, and enhanced the IgG2a level in serum of these mice. The PDE4H value of S-petasin was >300 μM; therefore, its PDE4H/PDE4L value was calculated to be >17. In conclusion, the present results for S-petasin at least partially explain why Petasites formosanus is used as a folk medicine to treat asthma in Taiwan.
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Chen JY, Chen HL, Wu SH, Tsai TC, Lin MF, Yen CC, Hsu WH, Chen W, Chen CM. Application of high-frequency ultrasound for the detection of surgical anatomy in the rodent abdomen. Vet J 2011; 191:246-52. [PMID: 21295505 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rats are used extensively in abdominal disease research. To monitor disease progress in vivo, high-frequency ultrasound (HFU) can be a powerful tool for obtaining high-resolution images of biological tissues. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the correlation between rat anatomy and corresponding HFU images. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent abdominal scans using HFU (40 MHz) surgical procedures to identify abdominal organs and major vessels as well as in situ scanning to confirm the imaging results. The results were compared with those of human abdominal organs in ultrasonographic scans. The rat liver, paired kidneys, stomach, intestines, and major blood vessels were identified by HFU and the ultrasonic morphologies of the liver and kidneys showed clear differences between rats and humans. Clinically relevant anatomical structures were identified using HFU imaging of the rat abdomen, and these structures were compared with the corresponding structures in humans. Increased knowledge with regard to identifying the anatomy of rat abdominal organs by ultrasound will allow scientists to conduct more detailed intra-abdominal research in rodents.
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Chen CM, Lee HE, Li SY. Coccidioidomycosis with cutaneous manifestation of erythema nodosum in Taiwan. DERMATOL SIN 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1027-8117(10)60034-1] [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] Open
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105
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Huang CC, Tsao SL, Cheng CY, Hsin MT, Chen CM. Treating frozen shoulder with ultrasound-guided pulsed mode radiofrequency lesioning of the suprascapular nerve: two cases. PAIN MEDICINE 2010; 11:1837-40. [PMID: 21040432 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00970.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many approaches to treatment of frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, including use of steroid injections, provide only short-term relief. We present a method for pulsed mode radiofrequency (PRF) lesioning of the suprascapular nerve using ultrasound guidance in patients with severe pain from frozen shoulder. DESIGN Patients with frozen shoulder were treated by using real-time, high-resolution ultrasound guidance to facilitate PRF lesioning of the suprascapular nerve. SETTING AND PATIENTS Two patients with frozen shoulder of a tertiary hospital were reported. MEASURES Pain intensity and shoulder movement before and after procedure were recorded. Results. In the two cases presented, both patients experienced pain relief and increased shoulder flexibility for 5-6 months. CONCLUSION Ultrasound can not only quickly and effectively identify the suprascapular notch and nerve, but also helps the operator manipulate and advance the needle to a more precise position.
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Kerns JP, Koch PL, Horgan BP, Chen CM, Wong FP. First Report of Brown Ring Patch Caused by Waitea circinata var. circinata on Poa annua in Wisconsin and Minnesota. PLANT DISEASE 2010; 94:1165. [PMID: 30743701 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-94-9-1165a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In summer of 2008, two turfgrass samples were submitted to the Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The samples were from golf courses in Beaver Dam, WI on 12 June and Minneapolis, MN on 14 July. Both samples were collected from 40-year-old native soil putting greens mowed at 3.2 mm that had received annual sand topdressing since 1992. The putting greens were a mixture of approximately 75% annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and 25% creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) Stand symptoms observed in the field were bright yellow, sunken rings that were approximately 5 cm thick and 15 to 35 cm in diameter. Some rings were incomplete, giving a scalloped appearance. Affected plants were severely chlorotic and lacked any discrete lesions or spots. Symptoms were more prominent on annual bluegrass than creeping bentgrass. Upon incubation of samples at room temperature in a moist chamber for 24 h, fungal mycelia with septations and right-angle branching were observed in the foliage and thatch layer. Two isolates were obtained from affected annual bluegrass in each sample. Isolations were performed by washing affected leaves in 0.5% NaOCl solution for 2 min, blotting the tissue dry, and plating the tissue on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with chloramphenicol (0.05 g/liter), streptomycin (0.05 g/liter), and tetracycline (0.05 g/liter). After incubation for 2 days at 23°C, isolates were transferred and maintained on PDA. All four isolates had multinucleate hyphae and displayed sclerotial characteristics similar to those reported for Waitea circinata var. circinata (2). Sequencing the ITS1F/ITS4-amplified rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region confirmed the isolates as W. circinata var. circinata, with ≥99% sequence similarity to published W. circinata var. circinata ITS sequences (GenBank Accession No. FJ755849) (1,2,4). To confirm pathogenicity, isolates were inoculated onto 6-week-old annual bluegrass (True Putt/DW184) grown in 10-cm-diameter pots containing calcined clay (Turface; Profile Products LLC., Buffalo Grove, IL). Two 4-mm-diameter agar plugs for each isolate were removed from the margins of 3-day-old colonies grown on PDA and placed near the soil surface to ensure contact with the lower leaf blades. Each isolate was placed in four separate pots to have four replicated tests per isolate, and four noninfested pots were utilized as negative controls. All pots were placed in moist chambers at 28°C with a 12-h light/dark cycle. Within 4 to 6 days, inoculated plants exhibited severe chlorosis and a minor amount of aerial mycelium was observed. Inoculated plants became necrotic after 15 to 20 days, while the noninoculated plants remained healthy. W. circinata var. circinata was reisolated from inoculated plants and its identity was confirmed by morphological and molecular characteristics. This pathogen was previously reported as a causal agent of brown ring patch of creeping bentgrass in Japan and annual bluegrass in the western United States (2,4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of brown ring patch in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Intensive fungicide practices are needed to control brown ring patch; therefore, this disease could have significant economic impact throughout the Upper Midwest (3). References: (1) C. M. Chen et al. Plant Dis. 93:906, 2009 (2) K. de la Cerda et al. Plant Dis. 91:791, 2007. (3) J. Kaminski and F. Wong. Golf Course Manage. 75(9):98, 2007. (4) T. Toda et al. Plant Dis. 89:536, 2005.
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Shih CH, Lin LH, Lai YH, Lai CY, Han CY, Chen CM, Ko WC. Genistein, a competitive PDE1-4 inhibitor, may bind on high-affinity rolipram binding sites of brain cell membranes and then induce gastrointestinal adverse effects. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 643:113-20. [PMID: 20599919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The affinities of genistein on phosphodiesterase (PDE)1-4 and cause of gastrointestinal adverse effects of genistein remain unclear. Female BALB/c mice were actively sensitized by intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin and challenged by aerosolized ovalbumin (1%). After secondary challenge, aerosolized methacholine (6.25-50mg/ml) induced increases of enhanced pause (P(enh)) values in conscious mice in a concentration-dependent manner. Genistein (30-100 micromol/kg, i.p.) markedly inhibited methacholine (12.5-50mg/ml)-induced increase of P(enh) value in the sensitized and challenged mice. In addition, genistein significantly reduced total inflammatory cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, with the exception that lymphocytes and neutrophils were not significantly inhibited by genistein at the lowest dose (10 micromol/kg). Genistein also markedly attenuated the release of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Genistein competitively inhibited PDE1-4, with a K(i) value ranging from 4.3 to 13.7 microM. Genistein (3-300 microM) concentration-dependently displaced 2nM [(3)H]-rolipram bound on high-affinity rolipram binding sites of brain cell membranes. The therapeutic ratio of genistein was calculated to be 7.9. Genistein (100 micromol/kg, s.c.) significantly shortened xylazine/ketamine-induced anesthesia, suggesting that genistein administered at a higher dose may have gastrointestinal adverse effects. In conclusion, owing to the low therapeutic ratio of genistein, the gastrointestinal adverse effects may be induced via the binding of genistein on high-affinity rolipram binding sites of brain cell membranes, when it is used for a long term or at higher doses for treating allergies, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Chang CC, Chen CM, Adams BR, Trost BM. Leucinopine, a characteristic compound of some crown-gall tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 80:3573-6. [PMID: 16593328 PMCID: PMC394091 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.80.12.3573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An unusual compound has been found in crowngall tumors induced by those Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains that utilize neither octopine nor nopaline. The compound has been isolated and shown by proton and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy and by synthesis to be N(2)-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-L-leucine, which also exists in a cyclized (i.e., lactam) form. This compound, which we name "leucinopine," was not detected in octopine tumors, nopaline tumors, or the tumors induced by A. tumefaciens strains 181 and EU6.
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Whang-Peng J, Cheng AL, Hsu C, Chen CM. Clinical Development and Future Direction for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1878-3317(10)60016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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110
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Shih YC, Chen CM, Huang YH, Liao CW, Fan CK, Yang CH. Subcutaneous cysticercosis diagnosed by mitochondrial DNA analysis. Int J Dermatol 2010; 49:672-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04366.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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111
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Chang TC, Chen CM, Lee YF, You SJ. Mercury recovery from cold cathode fluorescent lamps using thermal desorption technology. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2010; 28:455-460. [PMID: 19723829 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x09335694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) are globally used components of high technology products. A large amount of mercury in waste CCFLs is being recovered by thermal desorption technology in Taiwan. However, the complexity of the samples affects the thermal desorption efficiency and increases costs. This study identifies the mercury release behaviour of amalgam, phosphor and mercury-containing components as well as waste CCFLs by bench scale thermal desorption test. The results show that the mercury was released from amalgam and mercury/fluorescent powder from a real treatment plant at temperatures between 550 degrees C to 850 degrees C, which is much higher than from cinnabar at 300 degrees C to 380 degrees C and that of pure mercury, high pressure mercury lamps, and fluorescent tubes containing mercury/fluorescent-powder at 50 degrees C to 250 degrees C. In addition, the experiment also showed the mercury release peak of the mercury/fluorescent powders from a real treatment plant occurs at much higher temperatures than that of commercial phosphor at 50 degrees C to 200 degrees C. Thus, complete separation of the cracked CCFLs is necessary to effectively recover phosphor and mercury at low financial and energy cost.
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Lee FP, Shih CM, Shen HY, Chen CM, Chen CM, Ko WC. Ayanin, a non-selective phosphodiesterase 1-4 inhibitor, effectively suppresses ovalbumin-induced airway hyperresponsiveness without affecting xylazine/ketamine-induced anesthesia. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 635:198-203. [PMID: 20307524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent in vitro reports, the IC(50) value of ayanin (quercetin-3,7,4'-O-trimethylether) was 2.2microM for inhibiting interleukin (IL)-4 production from purified basophils, and its therapeutic ratio was >19. Therefore, we were interested in investigating the effects on ovalbumin induced airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo, and to clarify its potential for treating asthma. Ayanin (30-100micromol/kg, orally (p.o.)) dose-dependently and significantly attenuated the enhanced pause (P(enh)) value induced by methacholine in sensitized and challenged mice. It also significantly suppressed the increases in total inflammatory cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils, and levels of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of these mice. However, at 100micromol/kg, it significantly enhanced the level of interferon (IFN)-gamma. In addition, ayanin (30-100micromol/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently and significantly suppressed total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and enhanced the IgG(2a) level in serum of these mice. In the present results, ayanin did not affect xylazine/ketamine-induced anesthesia, suggesting that ayanin has few or no adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastric hypersecretion. In conclusion, the above results suggest that ayanin may have the potential for use in treating allergic asthma.
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113
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Tan EK, Peng R, Wu YR, Wu RM, Wu-Chou YH, Tan LC, An XK, Chen CM, Fook-Chong S, Lu CS. LRRK2 G2385R modulates age at onset in Parkinson's disease: A multi-center pooled analysis. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2009; 150B:1022-3. [PMID: 19152345 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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114
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Lee LS, Foo CS, Chen CM, Poh CC. Gastrocolic fistula: a rare complication of gastric carcinoma. Singapore Med J 2009; 50:e274-e276. [PMID: 19710957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Malignant gastrocolic fistula formation is a rare complication of gastric carcinoma. We report a cachectic 82-year-old woman who presented with upper abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of weight and loss of appetite. Further investigation of her symptoms revealed a gastrocolic fistula connecting the ulcerated tumour of the body of the stomach to the splenic flexure of the colon.
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115
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Tan EK, Lu CS, Peng R, Teo YY, Wu-Chou YH, Chen RS, Weng YH, Chen CM, Fung HC, Tan LC, Zhang ZJ, An XK, Lee-Chen GJ, Lee MC, Fook-Chong S, Burgunder JM, Wu RM, Wu YR. Analysis of the UCHL1 genetic variant in Parkinson's disease among Chinese. Neurobiol Aging 2009; 31:2194-6. [PMID: 19329225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2008.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 11/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The inverse association of the functional ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) S18Y variant with Parkinson's disease (PD) among Caucasian populations has been debated. We conducted a large-scale analysis to investigate the age-of-onset effect of the UCHL1 variant in PD among ethnic Chinese. Individual data sets from 5 centers comprising a total of 4088 study subjects were analyzed. In the univariate analysis, only data from 1 center showed a trend towards a protective effect among young subjects. However, in the combined analysis, no significant association between the UCHL1 variant and PD was detected (A allele frequency 0.531 vs. 0.528, p=0.87, OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92-1.1). Among subjects less than 60 years old, the OR is 0.99 (95% CI 0.84-1.16, p=0.88). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that family history, UCHL1 variant and the interaction of UCHL1 variant and age at onset (p=0.816) were not significantly associated with PD.
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116
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Chen CM, Lee JA, Yen CF. Improvement in resolution of laser capture microdissection using near-field probe to capture nanoparticles. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2009; 8:113-9. [PMID: 19336290 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2009.2019698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A modified laser capture microdissection (LCM) system is developed to improve resolution to 400 nm, using a laser light (808 nm) transmitted by a near-field tip probe. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a 150-nm aperture to heat an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) film, melted spots on the average of 400 nm in diameter are generated on the underlying target composed of a 20-nm gold-particle monolayer. The near-field tip probe composed of fiber is set on a 2-D nanometer piezoactuator (PZT) for precise capturing of the monolayer of gold particles. The monolayer of gold particles under the target is bound to the EVA film using a laser, while the remaining EVA film stays on the monolayer. RESULTS The diameter of the melted spots as small as 400 nm are produced and details are provided that demonstrate the feasibility of the nanooperation of this new LCM system. CONCLUSION The new LCM system successfully captures nanoparticles and improves resolution of microdissection to 400 nm. With this LCM system, the isolation of a single organelle or bacterium is possible.
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Chang TC, You SJ, Yu BS, Chen CM, Chiu YC. Treating high-mercury-containing lamps using full-scale thermal desorption technology. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2009; 162:967-972. [PMID: 18603361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.05.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Revised: 05/14/2008] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The mercury content in high-mercury-containing lamps are always between 400 mg/kg and 200,000 mg/kg. This concentration is much higher than the 260 mg/kg lower boundary recommended for the thermal desorption process suggested by the US Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. According to a Taiwan EPA survey, about 4,833,000 cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), 486,000 ultraviolet lamps and 25,000 super high pressure mercury lamps (SHPs) have been disposed of in the industrial waste treatment system, producing 80, 92 and 9 kg-mercury/year through domestic treatment, offshore treatment and air emissions, respectively. To deal with this problem we set up a full-scale thermal desorption process to treat and recover the mercury from SHPs, fluorescent tube tailpipes, fluorescent tubes containing mercury-fluorescent powder, and CCFLs containing mercury-fluorescent powder and monitor the use of different pre-heating temperatures and desorption times. The experimental results reveal that the average thermal desorption efficiency of SHPs and fluorescent tube tailpipe were both 99.95%, while the average thermal desorption efficiencies of fluorescent tubes containing mercury-fluorescent powder were between 97% and 99%. In addition, a thermal desorption efficiency of only 69.37-93.39% was obtained after treating the CCFLs containing mercury-fluorescent powder. These differences in thermal desorption efficiency might be due to the complexity of the mercury compounds contained in the lamps. In general, the thermal desorption efficiency of lamps containing mercury-complex compounds increased with higher temperatures.
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Chen CM, Heinrich J. Re: Exposure to furry pets and the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis. Allergy 2009; 64:494-5. [PMID: 19210364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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119
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Pai TW, Chen CM, Hsiao MC, Cheng R, Tzou WS, Hu CH. An online conserved SSR discovery through cross-species comparison. Adv Appl Bioinform Chem 2009; 2:23-35. [PMID: 21918613 PMCID: PMC3169944 DOI: 10.2147/aabc.s4744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) play important roles in gene regulation and genome evolution. Although there exist several online resources for SSR mining, most of them only extract general SSR patterns without providing functional information. Here, an online search tool, CG-SSR (Comparative Genomics SSR discovery), has been developed for discovering potential functional SSRs from vertebrate genomes through cross-species comparison. In addition to revealing SSR candidates in conserved regions among various species, it also combines accurate coordinate and functional genomics information. CG-SSR is the first comprehensive and efficient online tool for conserved SSR discovery.
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Chen CM, Ho YH, Wu SM, Chang GL, Lin CH. A new method for CE-EC determination of mercaptopurine (MP) in a PMMA biochip with on-chip gold nano-electrode ensemble (GNEE) working and decouple electrodes. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2009; 9:718-722. [PMID: 19441378 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2009.c010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a new method for CE-EC determination of Mercaptopurine (MP), one of the most important medicines for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, in a PMMA-based microfluidic chip. A simple and reliable process for preparing the template of gold nanoelectrode ensemble (GNEE) and fabricating the integrated microfluidic chip is reported in the present study. The use of GNEE electrodes for both electric current decoupling and signal sensing in the proposed CE-EC chip not only enhances the signal response but also decreases the background noise during detection. Results show that a good detection limit of 100 nM for detecting mercaptopurine is achieved with the proposed method. In addition, the measured results also shows a good linear response between the detected CE-EC signals and the concentration of MP within the range of 100 nM-10 mM (R2 = 0.989). The proposed microchip device provides a novel and fast detection method for mercaptopurine analysis.
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Chang Y, Hsieh CY, Peng ZA, Yen TL, Hsiao G, Chou DS, Chen CM, Sheu JR. Neuroprotective mechanisms of puerarin in middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced brain infarction in rats. J Biomed Sci 2009; 16:9. [PMID: 19272172 PMCID: PMC2653511 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-16-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb Radix puerariae (kudzu root), has been reported to be useful in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we examined the detailed mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of puerarin on inflammatory and apoptotic responses induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Treatment of puerarin (25 and 50 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) 10 min before MCAO dose-dependently attenuated focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Administration of puerarin at 50 mg/kg, showed marked reduction in infarct size compared with that of control rats. MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia was associated with increases in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and active caspase-3 protein expressions as well as the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in ischemic regions. These expressions were markedly inhibited by the treatment of puerarin (50 mg/kg). In addition, puerarin (10~50 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited respiratory bursts in human neutrophils stimulated by formyl-Met-Leu-Phe. On the other hand, puerarin (20~500 μM) did not significantly inhibit the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance reaction in rat brain homogenates. An electron spin resonance (ESR) method was conducted on the scavenging activity of puerarin on the free radicals formed. Puerarin (200 and 500 μM) did not reduce the ESR signal intensity of hydroxyl radical formation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that puerarin is a potent neuroprotective agent on MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. This effect may be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of both HIF-1α and TNF-α activation, followed by the inhibition of inflammatory responses (i.e., iNOS expression), apoptosis formation (active caspase-3), and neutrophil activation, resulting in a reduction in the infarct volume in ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. Thus, puerarin treatment may represent a novel approach to lowering the risk of or improving function in ischemia-reperfusion brain injury-related disorders.
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Chen CM, Tsai YL, Chang CC, Chen HC, Chen MK. Is planned surgery important in sinonasal inverted papilloma? B-ENT 2009; 5:225-231. [PMID: 20163048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate which clinical characteristics of inverted papilloma (IP) can result easily in misdiagnosis by clinicians and to determine the recurrence rate of inverted papilloma depending on diagnosis confirmation pre-operatively, intra-operatively or post-operatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-one patients were treated for IP and 47 patients attended regular post-operative follow-up appointments for at least one year (mean: 54 months). RESULTS The patients were assigned to 3 groups: group Ia, in which IP was not confirmed until the post-operative pathology findings; group Ib, in which IP was confirmed during the operation; and group II, in which IP was confirmed before the operation. There were nineteen (37%) patients in group Ia, nine patients (18%) in group Ib and twenty-three patients (45%) in group II. The recurrence rates for groups Ia, Ib and II were 33%, 11% and 5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS The initial presentation of bilateral sinonasal disease can easily lead the doctor into the misdiagnosis of IP. Bony erosion, remodelling, and a widening of the natural orifice of the sinuses on a CT scan are useful signs indicating IP. The correct diagnosis prior to surgery is a determinant of outcome. The use of frozen sections should, however, improve outcome as well. In this study we highlight the high prevalence and relatively low control rate of misdiagnosed IP (pathology undetermined pre-operatively) and hope to remind clinicians that early recognition of the tumour is most beneficial to patients.
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Chen CM, Fan JY, Chen WL, Chen MK. Lethal sphenoid fungal sinusitis in an immunocompromised elderly patient. B-ENT 2009; 5:173-177. [PMID: 19902855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphenoid fungal balls are rare and typically indolent lesions, unless superinfected by bacteria or invasive to adjacent neurovascular structures. If the identification or treatment of underlying complications is delayed in an immunocompromised patient, a catastrophic outcome may result. We report the case of an elderly female patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus suffering from sphenoid fungal sinusitis that is complicated by cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and carotid artery stenosis. In spite of reasonable diagnosis and therapy, the patient's general condition deteriorated and she eventually died. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment strategy are discussed.
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Chen CM, Uen YH, Kuo CY, Huang TC, Lee JA. Fluorimetric Determination of L-3-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in the Serum of Normal and Aristolochic Acid-Treated Mice. BIO-SCIENCE AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-10616-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Sausenthaler S, Rzehak P, Chen CM, Arck P, Bockelbrink A, Schäfer T, Schaaf B, Borte M, Herbarth O, Krämer U, von Berg A, Wichmann HE, Heinrich J. Stress-related maternal factors during pregnancy in relation to childhood eczema: results from the LISA Study. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2009; 19:481-487. [PMID: 20128423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress has been suggested to impact the onset and exacerbation of eczema and other atopic disorders. Whether early exposure to stress-related factors might exert long-term effects remains to be clarified. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate whether stress-related maternal factors during pregnancy are associated with childhood eczema during the first 6 years of life. METHODS Data from 3004 children from a prospective German birth cohort study (LISA) were analyzed. Information from maternity certificates and questionnaire information on unwanted pregnancy were used to evaluate stress-related maternal factors during pregnancy. Prevalence data for physician-diagnosed eczema were available up to the age of 6 years. RESULTS Maternal factors during pregnancy were positively associated with childhood eczema in terms of cumulative prevalence up to the age of 2 years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-2.30) after adjusting for potential confounders. Beyond the second year no increased risk was observed. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that stress-related maternal factors during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of childhood eczema during the first 2 years of life. The impact of postnatal stress such as parental divorce or separation on this association could not be clarified. Future studies should therefore further elucidate how prenatal and postnatal stress interact and whether prenatal stress might have a programming effect. If future studies confirm the findings of this study, reducing maternal stress during pregnancy might be a possible target in the primary prevention of eczema during childhood.
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