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Chong VH, Wang CL. Higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with rheumatic disorders. Singapore Med J 2008; 49:419-424. [PMID: 18465055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic disorders, such as rheumatic disorders, are associated with increased gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. Medications may be a contributory factor. This study assessed the prevalence of GI symptoms among patients followed-up in a rheumatology clinic. METHODS Enquiries about GI, psychological and psychosomatic symptoms (headache, insomnia, anxiety, backache and depression) were made from patients. Non-related visitors served as the control group. The underlying disorders were rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 37 percent), systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE, 23 percent) and others (40 percent). RESULTS The symptom prevalence of the following complaints were: reduced appetite (10.2 percent), nausea (20.2 percent), vomiting (10.7 percent), dysphagia (7.3 percent), odynophagia (5.1 percent), early satiety (27.5 percent), heartburn (15.2 percent), dyspepsia (44.6 percent), abdominal bloating (20.8 percent) and irregular bowel habit (6.7 percent). There were no differences between the various rheumatic disorders (RA/SLE and RA/others) except for more heartburn in SLE compared to others (p-value is less than 0.05). There was no significant difference between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users and non-users. Patients on medications with GI (disease modifying/steroid/NSAIDs) adverse effects, experienced a higher rate of early satiety (odds-ratio [OR] 3.5, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] 1.4-8.9) and dyspepsia (OR 2.1, 95 percent CI 1.2-4.3). Compared to the control group, patients had more GI symptoms (all p-values are less than 0.05) except for irregular bowel habits. Patients also experienced more anxiety (OR 2.1, 95 percent CI 1.1-2.4) and backache (OR 2.6, 95 percent CI 1.6-4.2), and had significantly higher symptom clustering (more than two symptoms) compared to the controls (p-value is less than 0.001). CONCLUSION GI symptoms are common among patients with rheumatic disorders. Medications alone do not account for the high prevalence, suggesting that the underlying conditions predispose to GI symptoms.
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Chen YT, Lo TN, Chiu CW, Wang JY, Wang CL, Liu CJ, Wu SR, Jeng ST, Yang CC, Shiue J, Chen CH, Hwu Y, Yin GC, Lin HM, Je JH, Margaritondo G. Fabrication of high-aspect-ratio Fresnel zone plates by e-beam lithography and electroplating. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2008; 15:170-175. [PMID: 18296784 DOI: 10.1107/s0909049507063510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of gold Fresnel zone plates, by a combination of e-beam lithography and electrodeposition, with a 30 nm outermost zone width and a 450 nm-thick structure is described. The e-beam lithography process was implemented with a careful evaluation of applied dosage, tests of different bake-out temperatures and durations for the photoresist, and the use of a developer without methylisobutylketone. Electrodeposition with a pulsed current mode and with a specially designed apparatus produced the desired high-aspect-ratio nanostructures. The fabricated zone plates were examined by electron microscopy and their performances were assessed using a transmission X-ray microscope. The results specifically demonstrated an image resolution of 40 nm.
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Li RM, Wang CL, Xu GX, Ye L, Tan H. [Effects of different sterilization methods on the corrosion of dental fissure bur]. HUA XI KOU QIANG YI XUE ZA ZHI = HUAXI KOUQIANG YIXUE ZAZHI = WEST CHINA JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2007; 25:580-583. [PMID: 18306631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose was to analyze the effects of three sterilization methods (dry heat sterilization, steam sterilization, chemical sterilization) on the corrosion of dental fissure burs. METHODS 100 dental fissure burs were distributed to 10 groups. One was control, the burs in the other 9 groups were treated by dry heat sterilization, steam sterilization, chemical sterilization with 5, 10, 15 cycles respectively. Weight method, scanning electron microscope, micro-hardness measurement were used to analyze the corrosion of dental fissure burs. RESULTS The fissure burs gained their weight with cycles of sterilization. 5, 10, 15 cycles of dry heat sterilization, 10, 15 cycles of steam sterilization and 15 cycles of chemical sterilization, the weight of fissure burs were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscope showed differences on the surfaces of dental fissure burs among the three sterilization groups. After sterilization, spot or partial erosion were seen on the surface of the burs. The steam sterilization groups showed the most evident changes, followed by chemical sterilization groups and dry heat sterilization groups. X-ray energy spectrometer showed the steam sterilization groups had the largest percentage of W, followed by dry heat sterilization groups, chemical sterilization groups and control group. Fe had the opposite trends. Micro-hardness reduced after sterilization. The reduction was most clear in steam sterilization group, followed by chemical sterilization and dry heat sterilization ( P< 0.05). The difference between 5 and 10 times of steam sterilization and 5, 10, 15 times of chemical sterilization were significant difference (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between 5, 10, 15 times of dry heat sterilization (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The corrosion is most severe in steamsterilization group, followed by chemical sterilization, dry heat sterilization. Dry heat sterilization shows less corrosion.
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Wang CL, Ng TB, Yuan F, Liu ZK, Liu F. Induction of apoptosis in human leukemia K562 cells by cyclic lipopeptide from Bacillus subtilis natto T-2. Peptides 2007; 28:1344-50. [PMID: 17643554 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Revised: 06/07/2007] [Accepted: 06/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A new cyclic lipopeptide (CLP) purified from Bacillus subtilis natto T-2 dose dependently inhibited growth in human leukemia K562 cells. The results of fluorescent staining indicated that CLP brought about apoptosis in K562 cells. Flow cytometric analysis also demonstrated that CLP caused dose-dependent apoptosis of K562 cells through cell arrest at G1 phase. Western blotting revealed that CLP-induced apoptosis in K562 cells was associated with caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) protein. It is estimated that CLP inhibited proliferation in K562 cells by inducing apoptosis.
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Wang CL, Guo XJ, Qiu SB, Lei Y, Yuan ZD, Dong HB, Liu HA. Diagnosis of bacterial hepatic abscess by CT. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2007; 6:271-5. [PMID: 17548250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial hepatic abscess usually is acute and progressive, often resulting in sepsis, impairment of liver function and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The mortality rate was as high as 80% in the past. For the purpose of early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of this disease, we probed the imaging manifestations and their characteristics in bacterial hepatic abscesses by CT scan. METHODS Twenty-four lesions from 21 patients with bacterial hepatic abscesses that were confirmed by clinical features, puncture and culture were reviewed for CT manifestations. Fourteen patients were male and 7 were female, with an average age of 56.2 years. All lesions underwent CT plain scan and three-phase enhanced scan and 15 patients underwent delayed-phase imaging. Three senior radiologists read the films in accordance with a standard. RESULTS Among 24 lesions, 18 (75%) were situated in the right liver with diameters of 1.4-9.3 cm (average 4.5 cm). Nineteen (79.2%) lesions were round or sub-round in shape, and 22 (91.7%) had smooth, uninterrupted and sharp edges. All lesions showed low attenuation of less than 20 Hu. Twenty-two enhanced lesions (91.7%) had rim-shaped enhancement in the abscess wall, and 13 (54.2%) showed single or double-ring signs. Eighteen (75%) displayed honeycomb-like, grid-like or strip-like enhancement. Eighteen (75%) were regionally enhanced in the surroundings or upper or lower layers. Only 2 (8.3%) displayed a gas-liquid surface sign. CONCLUSIONS The CT findings of bacterial hepatic abscess are usually typical, and the diagnosis of the abscess is not difficult. To precisely diagnose atypical cases, it is necessary to combine CT with clinical observations and follow-up.
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Dong GP, Yu ZS, Liang L, Zou CC, Fu JF, Wang CL. IL-18 gene promoter ?137C/G and ?607C/A polymorphisms in Chinese Han children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Int J Immunogenet 2007; 34:75-9. [PMID: 17373930 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2007.00665.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease, and both environmental and genetic factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine capable of inducing interferon-gamma production that is associated with the development of T1DM. The gene for IL-18 is located on chromosome 11q22.2-q22.3 and has been reported to be associated with a susceptibility to T1DM. To test the putative involvement between IL-18 gene polymorphism and predisposition to T1DM, we conducted a case-control study in Chinese Han children. The single nucleotide polymorphisms at position -607(C/A) and -137(C/G) in the promoter region of the IL-18 gene were analysed by sequence-specific primers-polymerase chain reaction in 118 patients with T1DM and 150 healthy controls. (1) The allele frequency of -607A was 41.2% and 53.0%, respectively, in patients and in control subjects (P = 0.01), but the allele frequency of -137C/G was not statistically significant (P = 0.37). (2) The distribution of CC genotype at position -607 was significantly different between patients and normal controls (P = 0.03), while the distribution of AA genotype in patients was significantly lower than that in the controls (P = 0.03). (3) Furthermore, there was a significant increase in haplotype (-137C/-607G) and genotype combination (-137GG/ -607CC) in patients compared with controls (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). The results of this study show that IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms confer susceptibility to T1DM in Chinese Han children. Moreover, subjects carrying AA genotype at position -607 of the promoter of IL-18 gene may be a low risk of T1DM development.
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Li L, Ng TB, Song M, Yuan F, Liu ZK, Wang CL, Jiang Y, Fu M, Liu F. A polysaccharide-peptide complex from abalone mushroom (Pleurotus abalonus) fruiting bodies increases activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and reduces lipid peroxidation in senescence-accelerated mice. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 75:863-9. [PMID: 17347821 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-007-0865-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2006] [Revised: 01/24/2007] [Accepted: 01/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The antioxidant effects of a polysaccharide-peptide complex (F22) from mushroom (Pleurotus abalonus)-fruiting bodies were studied. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver, kidney, and brain of senescence-accelerated mice showed a marked increase after treatment with the polysaccharide-peptide complex. Concurrently, the gene expression levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx, as determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction, were up-regulated in the liver, kidney, and brain, whereas the MDA content in these organs declined. The maximal lifespan of the mice was prolonged.
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Wang CL, Liang L, Wang HJ, Fu JF, Hebebrand J, Hinney A. Several mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene are associated with obesity in Chinese children and adolescents. J Endocrinol Invest 2006; 29:894-8. [PMID: 17185898 DOI: 10.1007/bf03349193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To screen mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) in obese and normal-weight Chinese children and adolescents. METHODS Three hundred Chinese children and adolescents, including 200 obese and 100 healthy non-obese individuals, were evaluated. The coding region of the MC4R gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. RESULTS In obese individuals, we detected two novel heterozygous non-synonymous mutations (c.496G>A, resulting in Val166Ile; c.929G>A, resulting in Arg310Lys) and a novel heterozygous non-sense mutation (c.831T>A, resulting in a premature stop codon Cys277Stop). In both obese individuals and controls, a novel heterozygous non-synonymous mutation (c.68T>G, resulting in Leu23Arg, 0.5 and 1%, respectively) and the Val103Ile polymorphism (c.307G>A, 3 and 2%, respectively) were found. There was no difference in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL) and whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) between obese individuals with and without mutation. The prevalence for heterozygous MC4R mutations was 1.5% in the obese. CONCLUSIONS Two novel heterozygous non-synonymous mutations (Val166Ile; Arg310Lys) and a novel heterozygous non-sense mutation (Cys277Stop) were detected in Chinese obese individuals. Leu23Arg variant might be a polymorphism in the Chinese population. There were no differences between clinical and biochemical profiles in the heterozygous mutations and the wild type.
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Rasmussen MH, Sørensen AB, Morris DW, Dutra JC, Engelhard EK, Wang CL, Schmidt J, Pedersen FS. Tumor model-specific proviral insertional mutagenesis of the Fos/Jdp2/Batf locus. Virology 2005; 337:353-64. [PMID: 15913695 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2005] [Revised: 04/05/2005] [Accepted: 04/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Retroviral activation of the AP-1/ATF super family member Jdp2 was recently reported to be a common event in M-MLV-induced T cell lymphoma in p27-null C57x129 mice as compared to wild type-inoculated mice but has not been found important in other models. On the basis of retroviral tag retrieval from 1190 individual Akv- and SL3-3-induced lymphomas, we here report that insertional mutagenesis into the 250-kb Fos/Jdp2/Batf locus is associated with SL3-3 MLV-induced T but not Akv-induced B cell lymphomas of NMRI and SWR mice. Integration pattern and clonality analyses suggest that Jdp2 participates in SL3-3-induced tumorigenesis distinctly as compared to the M-MLV setting. Northern blot analysis showed Jdp2 to be alternatively spliced in various normal tissues as well as MLV-induced lymphomas. Interestingly, in some tumors, proviral insertion seems to activate different mRNA sub-species. Whereas elevated mRNA levels of the Fos gene could not be correlated with provirus presence, in one case, Northern blot analysis as well as quantitative real-time PCR indicated proviral activation of the AP-1 super family member Batf, a gene not previously reported to be a target of insertional mutagenesis. A novel integration cluster between Jdp2 and Batf apparently did not influence the expression level of either gene, underscoring the importance of addressing expression effects to identify target genes of insertion. Altogether, such distinct insertion patterns point to different mechanism of activation of specific proto-oncogenes and are consequently of importance for the understanding of proviral activation mechanisms as well as the specific role of individual oncogenes in tumor development.
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MESH Headings
- 3T3 Cells
- Animals
- Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- DNA, Neoplasm/isolation & purification
- Disease Models, Animal
- Genes, fos
- Leukemia Virus, Murine/genetics
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mutagenesis, Insertional
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Proviruses/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Thymus Gland/virology
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Virus Latency
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Jiang RG, Pan WS, Wang CL, Liu H. Use of recrystallized lactose as carrier for inhalation powder of interferon a2b. DIE PHARMAZIE 2005; 60:632-3. [PMID: 16124411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of physical properties of the carrier on the in vitro deposition performance of dry powder inhalations (DPIs) of recombination human interferon a2b (IFN a2b). Recrystallized lactose was used as the carrier. Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to assess the surface energy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to assess the roughness and topography of the carrier. In vitro performance of the powder blends was strongly correlated to the physical properties of the carrier. Plotting emitted dose (%) vs. flow rate and fine particle fraction vs. surface energy, yielded an R2 value of 0.9621 and 0.9146, respectively.
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Wang YX, Wang CL, Zhong WL. First-Principles Study of the (001) Surface of Cubic SrHfO3 and SrTiO3. J Phys Chem B 2005; 109:12909-13. [PMID: 16852602 DOI: 10.1021/jp0515840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have performed first-principles calculations on the (001) surface of cubic SrHfO(3) and SrTiO(3) with SrO and BO(2) (B = Ti or Hf) terminations. Surface structure, partial density of states, band structure, and surface energy have been obtained. For the BO(2)-terminated surface, the largest relaxation appears on the second-layer atoms but not on the first-layer ones. The analysis of the structure relaxation parameters reveals that the rumpling of the (001) surface for SrHfO(3) with SrO termination is stronger than that for SrTiO(3). For the HfO(2)-terminated surface of SrHfO(3), the surface state appears near the M point of its band structure.
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Hsu JT, Ho WJ, Wang CL, Cheng NJ. Heart failure due to giant congenital aorto-right atrial fistula: report of a case. Int J Clin Pract 2005:9-11. [PMID: 15875609 DOI: 10.1111/j.1368-504x.2005.00302.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary arterio-venous fistula (CAVF) is a rare coronary artery anomaly. We demonstrated the rare findings of a large congenital aorto-right atrial fistula with initial presentation of heart failure symptoms. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography made the accurate diagnosis. Further haemodynamic and angiographic study proved this large CAVF with extraordinary oxygen saturation step-up (26%) and large pulmonary to systemic shunt (Qp/Qs = 4.25). It was corrected by surgery because of evidence of heart failure and the possible risk of endocarditis and coronary steal effect.
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Wang CL, Li DF, Lu WQ, Wang YH, Lai CH. Influence of cultivating conditions on the alpha-galactosidase biosynthesis from a novel strain of Penicillium sp. in solid-state fermentation. Lett Appl Microbiol 2004; 39:369-75. [PMID: 15355541 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2004.01594.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The work is intended to achieve optimum culture conditions of alpha-galactosidase production by a mutant strain Penicillium sp. in solid-state fermentation (SSF). METHODS AND RESULTS Certain fermentation parameters involving incubation temperature, moisture content, initial pH value, inoculum and load size of medium, and incubation time were investigated separately. The optimal temperature and moisture level for alpha-galactosidase biosynthesis was found to be 30 degrees C and 50%, respectively. The range of pH 5.5-6.5 was favourable. About 40-50 g of medium in 250-ml flask and inoculum over 1.0 x 10(6) spores were suitable for enzyme production. Seventy-five hours of incubation was enough for maximum alpha-galactosidase production. Substrate as wheat bran supplemented with soyabean meal and beet pulp markedly improved the enzyme yield in trays. CONCLUSIONS Under optimum culture conditions, the alpha-galactosidase activity from Penicillium sp. MAFIC-6 indicated 185.2 U g(-1) in tray of SSF. SIGNIFICANT AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The process on alpha-galactosidase production in laboratory scale may have a potentiality of scaling-up.
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Abstract
Myxoma is the most common benign neoplasm of the heart. This work is the first to present an unusual left atrium and mitral valve cardiac myxoma which cannot be completely resected. This cardiac myxoma was also associated with abundant mucopolysaccharidic matrix, including mucin. Mucin gene expression is cell- and tissue-specific, with variations during cell differentiation and inflammation, and is altered during carcinogenesis. The expression of mucin genes in cardiac myxoma has never been elucidated previously. Detailed immunohistochemical analysis of MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC has been performed in this left atrium and mitral valve myxoma. Notably, the expressions of mucins in cardiac myxoma must be further evaluated.
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Kawai J, Tanabe K, Wang CL, Tani T, Yagi T, Shiotani H, Morioka S. Comparison of left atrial size by freehand scanning three-dimensional echocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2004; 5:18-24. [PMID: 15113008 DOI: 10.1016/s1525-2167(03)00050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS As the left ventricular (LV) dimension is a poor indicator of LV volume, there are well-known limitations of left atrial (LA) antero-posterior dimensions as indicators of chamber size. LA volume has been shown to provide a more accurate assessment of LA size than LA dimension. To evaluate two-dimensional (2D)-derived LA volume in assessing LA size, we compared LA dimension and 2D LA volume with three-dimensional (3D)-derived LA volume. METHODS We performed transthoracic freehand scanning 3D echocardiography (3D EchoTech, Germany) using magnetic fields and a harmonic imaging system in 32 patients. We collected a series of LA tomograms by slowly tilting the probe (fan-like scanning) in the parasternal position. The 3D LA volume was calculated by using the multiplanar Simpson's method. The 2D LA volume was measured by using the modified biplane Simpson's rule. RESULTS LA antero-posterior dimensions and 2D volumes showed a significant positive correlation with 3D LA volumes. However, the correlation coefficient was significantly greater for the relationship between 2D LA volumes and 3D LA volumes than for that between LA dimensions and 3D LA volume. CONCLUSIONS The 2D LA volumes provide a more accurate measure of the true size of the LA and are more sensitive to changes in LA size.
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Wang CL, Liu JH, Yao MY. [Recent progress in the research of immunology of Toxoplasma infection]. ZHONGGUO JI SHENG CHONG XUE YU JI SHENG CHONG BING ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY & PARASITIC DISEASES 2003; 19:121-3. [PMID: 12572006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
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Zhang YZ, Zhang SC, Liu XZ, Xu YY, Wang CL, Sawant MS, Li J, Chen SL. Cryopreservation of flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) sperm with a practical methodology. Theriogenology 2003; 60:989-96. [PMID: 12935875 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A simple and convenient protocol for the cryopreservation of the flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) sperm was established for "on the spot" cryopreservation of large quantities of semen. The use of three cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), glycerol (Gly) and methanol was tested in the method. The percentage of motile sperm present in semen after it had been frozen and thawed in the presence of DMSO, Gly or methanol was 60.5+/-3.6, 79.17+/-4.5 and 13.25+/-4.7%, respectively. The fertilization rates of this sperm were 67.06+/-15.1, 76.20+/-10.0 and 44.93+/-22.6%, while the hatching rates of eggs fertilized with this sperm were 37.40+/-8.3, 48.18+/-25.7 and 23.35+/-10.8%, respectively. It was found that Gly and DMSO were better cryoprotectants than methanol, with Gly giving the best overall results. Under scanning electron microscopy, it could be seen that while the majority of the frozen-thawed sperm remained morphologically normal, some exhibited lost or dilated mitochondria, swollen mid-pieces, broken tails, or damaged cell membrane, which probably caused the decrease in motility and fertility of the frozen-thawed sperm.
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Ozanne SE, Olsen GS, Hansen LL, Tingey KJ, Nave BT, Wang CL, Hartil K, Petry CJ, Buckley AJ, Mosthaf-Seedorf L. Early growth restriction leads to down regulation of protein kinase C zeta and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. J Endocrinol 2003; 177:235-41. [PMID: 12740011 DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.1770235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have revealed a relationship between early growth restriction and the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes. A rat model of maternal protein restriction has been used to investigate the mechanistic basis of this relationship. This model causes insulin resistance and diabetes in adult male offspring. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of early growth restriction on muscle insulin action in late adult life. Rats were fed either a 20% or an isocaloric 8% protein diet during pregnancy and lactation. Offspring were weaned onto a 20% protein diet and studied at 15 Months of age. Soleus muscle from growth restricted offspring (LP) (of dams fed 8% protein diet) had similar basal glucose uptakes compared with the control group (mothers fed 20% protein diet). Insulin stimulated glucose uptake into control muscle but had no effect on LP muscle. This impaired insulin action was not related to changes in expression of either the insulin receptor or glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4). However, LP muscle expressed significantly less (P<0.001) of the zeta isoform of protein kinase C (PKC zeta) compared with controls. This PKC isoform has been shown to be positively involved in GLUT 4-mediated glucose transport. Expression levels of other isoforms (betaI, betaII, epsilon, theta) of PKC were similar in both groups. These results suggest that maternal protein restriction leads to muscle insulin resistance. Reduced expression of PKC zeta may contribute to the mechanistic basis of this resistance.
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Lin M, Wang CL, Chen FS, Ho LH. Fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Ku in a Knull patient. Immunohematology 2003; 19:19-21. [PMID: 15373542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
A fatal transfusion reaction due to anti-Ku in a Knull (Ko) patient is reported. The patient was transfused with 34 units of incompatible RBCs during 44 days of hospitalization. Apart from the first transfusion, all subsequent transfusions failed to raise the patient's Hb. No serum antibody was identified until he was transferred to another hospital for dialysis. A compatibility test demonstrated a weak antibody and autocontrol reacting at room temperature by a manual polybrene method. The antibody was considered to be a "cold agglutinin." A blood sample was sent to a reference laboratory where the patient was found to be Knull and the antibody was identified as anti-Ku.
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Wang CL, Thomas F. Egg production by metacercariae of Microphallus papillorobustus: a reproductive insurance? J Helminthol 2002; 76:279-81. [PMID: 12363383 DOI: 10.1079/joh2002115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether metacercariae of Microphallus papillorobustus (Trematoda: Microphallidae) produce eggs by self-fertilization when their intermediate host, the gammarid Gammarus insensibilis, dies before being eaten by predatory definitive hosts. Such a mechanism would allow the parasite to reproduce even if transmission fails. The percentage of metacercariae that produced eggs and the mean number of eggs were significantly higher in metacercariae placed in a Ringer's solution compared with those in salt water or metacercariae remaining inside the dead gammarid. The lack of egg production in metacercariae removed from dead gammarids in the field supported the idea that self-fertilization is not, for this parasite, a mechanism of reproductive insurance when establishment in the definitive hosts fails.
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Abstract
Smooth muscles exist in the wall of hollow organs in our body and are responsible for controlling the flow of vital fluids that are essential for the normal function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Many diseases, such as hypertension, asthma, indigestion, and premature birth, may attribute to malfunction of smooth-muscle contraction. It is therefore important to decipher how smooth-muscle contraction is regulated. This review attempts to give a brief overview of current understanding about the molecular mechanisms of smooth-muscle regulation and, in particular, to discuss possible roles of caldesmon in this regulatory process.
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Wang CL, Renaud F, Thomas F. Negative influence of Gammarinema gammari (Nematoda) on the fecundity of Microphallus papillorobustus (Trematoda): field and experimental evidence. J Parasitol 2002; 88:425-7. [PMID: 12054032 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2002)088[0425:nioggn]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The gammarid amphipod Gammarus insensibilis frequently harbors adult individuals of the ectoparasitic nematode Gammarinema gammari as well as metacercariae of the trematode Microphallus papillorobostus. After the demonstration in a previous study of a negative relationship between the abundance of these 2 parasites, the nature of the relationship between these 2 parasites was explored in more detail by studying, in the field and in the laboratory, the influence of nematode abundance on trematode fecundity. In gammarids collected in the field, a negative relationship between metacercarial fecundity and the number of co-occurring nematodes was found. By manipulating the nematode abundance in the laboratory, it was confirmed that G. gammari has a negative effect on egg production in M. papillorobustus.
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148
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Mabuchi K, Li Y, Carlos A, Wang CL, Graceffa P. Caldesmon exhibits a clustered distribution along individual chicken gizzard native thin filaments. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2002; 22:77-90. [PMID: 11563552 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010392322503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Our earlier immuno-gold electron microscopic study indicated that the distribution of caldesmon (CaD) on actin filaments is not uniform and is restricted to the vicinity of the myosin filaments (Mabuchi K, Li Y, Tao T, Wang CLA (1996) J Muscle Res Cell Motil 17: 243). This suggested that CaD could effectively inhibit muscle contraction, if those actin filaments in the vicinity of myosin filaments were saturated with CaD. In the present study we further examined the distribution of CaD along isolated, crude and purified native thin filaments (NTF). Individual CaD molecules on purified NTF were visualized with the aid of a chemical crosslinker, 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), which efficiently crosslinks CaD to actin (Graceffa P, Adam LP, Lehman W (1993) Biochem J294: 63), and of a monoclonal anti-CaD antibody. The results indicated that individual NTF had alternating CaD-rich and CaD-deficient regions. Moreover, we found that the N-termini of all CaD molecules in a given cluster appeared on the same side of an actin filament. Electron microscopic images of crude NTF immunoprecipitated by a polyclonal antibody clearly indicated that the spacing between the CaD clusters is wide enough for myosin heads to interact with actin subunits. Similar clustering of CaD was also observed in plastic embedded tissue sections. These observations raise the possibility that CaD is not acting as a simple on/off switch, but more likely as a modulator, of smooth muscle contraction.
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Wang CL, Takenaka S, Murakami S, Aoki K. Isolation of a benzoate-utilizing Pseudomonas strain from soil and production of catechol from benzoate by transpositional mutants. Microbiol Res 2002; 156:151-8. [PMID: 11572455 DOI: 10.1078/0944-5013-00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas sp. Ba-0511 was isolated from soil by enrichment cultivation on a medium containing 6 mg/ml of sodium benzoate. The bacterium could grow on a medium containing 20 mg/ml of sodium benzoate by a successive enrichment culture. One hundred and twelve transpositional mutants of the bacterium produced catechol from benzoate and accumulated it outside of the cells. Among the mutants, strain BA+63 produced a maximal amount of catechol (2.3 mg/ml) from 6 mg/ml of sodium benzoate after growing for 10.5 h. The conversion rate of benzoate to catechol was 50% on a molar basis. The catechol production by the resting cells increased in the presence of glycerol, and the maximal amount of catechol produced from 6 mg/ml of sodium benzoate reached 3.3 mg/ml at the conversion rate of 72% after 5 h of incubation. The resting cells converted m-methylbenzoic acid to 3- and 4-methylcatechol and m-chlorobenzoic acid to 3- and 4-chlorocatechol.
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Wang ZZ, Wang CL, Wu TC, Pan HN, Wang SK, Jiang JD. Autoantibody response to heat shock protein 70 in patients with heatstroke. Am J Med 2001; 111:654-7. [PMID: 11755509 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(01)00974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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