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Zhang CG, Li L, Deng MY, Xie F, Wang CL, Zhou WQ, Wang HY, He FC. [Coding region cDNA sequence cloning of rat neuroglobin gene, its polymorphism feature and tissue expression profile analysis]. YI CHUAN XUE BAO = ACTA GENETICA SINICA 2001; 28:997-1001. [PMID: 11725647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The coding region cDNA sequence of rat neuroglobin (NGB) was obtained by RT-PCR technique using a degeneracy PCR primer pair based on previously reported cDNA sequence of human and mouse NGB gene. Result demonstrated that the coding region cDNA sequence of rat NGB gene is 456 bp in length, which could encode a protein of 151 amino acids. The rat NGB gene is highly homology with mouse (96%) and human (88%) NGB gene. However, several polymorphism sites were also detected in the rat NGB coding region: 113 t/c [L38P], 133 a/g [N45D], 388 a/g[R130G], 417 t/c. The cDNA sequence of rat NGB gene has been registered in GenBank under the accession number AF333245. Moreover, highly expression level of rat NGB in brain, liver, kidney, heart and skeletal muscle was detected by using multiple tissue RT-PCR technique, indicating the functional importance of this novel gene.
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Shau YW, Wang CL, Hsieh FJ, Hsiao TY. Noninvasive assessment of vocal fold mucosal wave velocity using color doppler imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2001; 27:1451-1460. [PMID: 11750743 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-5629(01)00453-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The vibratory movement of the vocal folds (VF) plays an important role in normal function of phonation. We developed a noninvasive technique to quantify the human mucosal wave velocity (MWV) in vivo using color Doppler imaging (CDI). During phonation, the motion of mucosa-air interface generates a unique pattern of US color artefacts that assist the identification of true VF location. An in vitro study using a vibrating string phantom was conducted to investigate how the CDI displayed a vibrating soft tissue at high frequency. The vibrating amplitude, frequency, mass density and the acoustic impedance of the soft tissues were found to dominate the formation of color artefacts. Based on the model of finite string with fixed ends, we estimated the mean MWV for 10 adult volunteers (6 men, 4 women, ages 34 +/- 5 years) with normal VF function. The mean MWVs for the men were found to vary from 2.1 to 10 m/s in a frequency range of 85 to 310 Hz at their comfortable pitch and intensity, and the women typically had higher MWVs that varied from 5.0 to 16.5 m/s in a frequency range of 180 to 480 Hz. The MWV increased linearly with the frequency and there was no observable difference in mucosa stiffness due to the effect of gender. The variation in MWV as it propagates vertically can be seen from the color and shape of the artefacts. The VF polyp resulted in abnormal MWV and different CDI vibratory artefacts. The CDI artefacts provide insight on the dynamics of mucosa structure during phonation, and the method presented is promising for noninvasive monitoring of laryngeal functions clinically.
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153
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Wang CL, Hsu LA, Ko YS, Ko YL, Lee YH. Lack of association between the Glu298Asp variant of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and the risk of coronary artery disease among Taiwanese. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:736-40. [PMID: 11802531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a key role in atherosclerosis, because its product, nitric oxide, possesses antiatherogenic properties. Recent reports of molecular genetic analysis have suggested that genetic polymorphisms of the eNOS gene may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) or myocardial infarction (MI). However, some studies have reported discrepant results. The aims of this study were to assess whether any association exists between the Glu298Asp variant of the eNOS gene and the risk of CAD and/or MI among Taiwanese. METHODS The subjects included 218 CAD patients and the same number of age- and sex-matched control subjects from Taiwan. Subjects' DNA was extracted from their blood and genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction mapping using the restriction enzyme MboI. The alleleic and genotypic frequencies were analyzed. RESULTS The frequencies of the eNOS genotypes were similar for CAD patients (GG:GT:TT = 81.7%:17.4%:0.9%) and controls (81.2%:17.4%:1.4%; p = 0.904). No evidence of difference was found in the frequency of the T allele between CAD patients (9.6%) and controls (10.1%; p = 0.822), or between MI patients (7.5%) and controls (p = 0.322). Subjects with the GT or TT genotype did not demonstrate an increased risk of CAD compared with those with a GG genotype (p = 0.89; OR = 0.98; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.76-1.27) in multivariate logistic regression, or when different subgroups of age, sex, or risk factors were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS In the present case-control study, we found no evidence of an association between the Glu298Asp variant of the eNOS gene and CAD/MI among Taiwanese.
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Wang CL, Takenaka S, Murakami S, Aoki K. Production of catechol from benzoate by the wild strain Ralstonia species Ba-0323 and characterization of its catechol 1,2-dioxygenase. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2001; 65:1957-64. [PMID: 11676005 DOI: 10.1271/bbb.65.1957] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ralstonia sp. Ba-0323, a wild strain isolated from soil, produced catechol from benzoate and accumulated it outside the cells. The bacterium produced a maximal amount of catechol (1.6 mg/ml) from 3 mg/ml of sodium benzoate in a 20-h growing culture. The conversion rate of benzoate to catechol was 70% 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 3 mg/ml of sodium benzoate reached 1.9 mg/ml at the conversion rate of 83% after 8 h of incubation. Catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, which catalyzed the ring cleavage of catechol, was purified to homogeneity from a cell extract of Ralstonia sp. Ba-0323 growing on benzoate and characterized. The specific activity of the purified enzyme was much lower than those of the dioxygenases from other microorganisms reported. The Km for catechol of the purified enzyme was much higher than those of other dioxygenases. In addition, the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme was less similar to the other catechol 1,2-dioxygenases than they are to each other.
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155
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Loizou CL, Ozanne SE, Martensz ND, Petry CJ, Wang CL, Hales CN. Early growth restriction, membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition, and insulin sensitivity. Metabolism 2001; 50:1070-7. [PMID: 11555841 DOI: 10.1053/meta.2001.25602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An animal model of protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation with subsequent dietary fatty acid manipulation was used to investigate the association between poor early growth, defective unsaturated fatty acid handling, and later disease. Both control and early growth-restricted animals fed a diet rich in saturated fatty acids showed a doubling of the plasma insulin levels as well as a reduced degree of unsaturation in liver and skeletal muscle membrane phospholipids compared with animals fed diets rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The skeletal muscle of early growth-restricted animals weaned onto a saturated fat diet had reduced proportions of 22:6n-3 and increased proportions of 18:1n-9. This reduction in 22:6n-3 is similar to that observed in Pima Indians, a population with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
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Sohn UD, Cao W, Tang DC, Stull JT, Haeberle JR, Wang CL, Harnett KM, Behar J, Biancani P. Myosin light chain kinase- and PKC-dependent contraction of LES and esophageal smooth muscle. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2001; 281:G467-78. [PMID: 11447027 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.2001.281.2.g467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In smooth muscle cells enzymatically isolated from circular muscle of the esophagus (ESO) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES), ACh-induced contraction and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation were similar. Contraction and phosphorylation induced by purified MLC kinase (MLCK) were significantly greater in LES than ESO. ACh-induced contraction and MLC phosphorylation were inhibited by calmodulin and MLCK inhibitors in LES and by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors in ESO. Contraction of LES and ESO induced by the PKC agonist 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DG) was unaffected by MLCK inhibitors. Caldesmon and calponin concentration-dependently inhibited ACh-induced contraction of ESO and not LES. In ESO, caldesmon antagonist GS17C reversed caldesmon- but not calponin-induced ACh inhibition. GS17C caused contraction of permeabilized ESO but had much less effect on LES. GS17C-induced contraction was not affected by MLCK inhibitors, suggesting that MLCK may not regulate caldesmon-mediated contraction. DG-induced contraction of ESO and LES was inhibited by caldesmon and calponinin, suggesting that these proteins may regulate PKC-dependent contraction. We conclude that calmodulin and MLCK play a role in ACh-induced LES contraction, whereas the classical MLCK may not be the major kinase responsible for contraction and phosphorylation of MLC in ESO. ESO contraction is PKC dependent. Caldesmon and/or calponin may play a role in PKC-dependent contraction.
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Wang CL, Lum AM, Ozuna SC, Clark DS, Keasling JD. Aerobic sulfide production and cadmium precipitation by Escherichia coli expressing the Treponema denticola cysteine desulfhydrase gene. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2001; 56:425-30. [PMID: 11549014 DOI: 10.1007/s002530100660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The cysteine desulfhydrase gene of Treponema denticola was over-expressed in Escherichia coli to produce sulfide under aerobic conditions and to precipitate metal sulfide complexes on the cell wall. When grown in a defined salts medium supplemented with cadmium and cysteine, E. coli producing cysteine desulfhydrase secreted sulfide and removed nearly all of the cadmium from solution after 48 h. A control strain produced significantly less sulfide and removed significantly less cadmium. Measurement of acid-labile sulfide and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that cadmium was precipitated as cadmium sulfide. Without supplemental cysteine, both the E. coli producing cysteine desulfhydrase and the control E. coli demonstrated minimal cadmium removal.
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158
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Hsiao TY, Wang CL, Chen CN, Hsieh FJ, Shau YW. Noninvasive assessment of laryngeal phonation function using color Doppler ultrasound imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2001; 27:1035-1040. [PMID: 11527589 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-5629(01)00399-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Color Doppler imaging (CDI) was used to identify the morphology of vocal folds (VF) and to quantify the tissue horizontal displacement velocity (HDV) in the vibrating portion of VF. Mucosal HDV that gives an estimate of the stiffness of the VF cover is very important clinically. The VF and its cover were shown to be very hypoechoic and not adequately visible in B-scan image. However, in this study, we found that the structure of the true VF, especially the mucosa and the superficial layer of the lamina propria, the so-called "cover," can be easily identified and evaluated using CDI. The mean VF displacement velocity was measured by decoding the pseudocolor codes of the ultrasound (US) image at the vibrating sites. The mucosal mean HDV obtained from 10 normal men of age 34 +/- 8 years phonating at their most comfortable pitch and intensity (98 +/- 12 Hz, 55-65 dB) was about 68 +/- 10 cm/s, which agreed reasonably with the literature. Therefore, the CDI could be used as a potential tool for assessing the phonation function in the larynx nonintrusively.
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Wong KT, Wang ZJ, Chien YY, Wang CL. Synthesis and properties of 9,9-diarylfluorene-based triaryldiamines. Org Lett 2001; 3:2285-8. [PMID: 11463297 DOI: 10.1021/ol016051y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
[reaction: see text] 9,9-Diaryl-2,7-dibromofluorene was synthesized by a triflic acid promoted Friedel-Crafts reaction. Introduction of diarylamino groups at its C2 and C7 positions by a Pd-catalyzed amination results in the formation of a novel class of triaryldiamines. The 9,9-diaryl substituents at the central linkage play a less important role in the photophyscial properties but affect the oxidation potential and improve the morphological stability of these new triarylamines.
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160
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Hou CH, Wang CL, Lin CC. Ultrasound examination of patellar tendon after harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:315-8. [PMID: 11432310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Reconstruction of ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using the middle-third of the patellar tendon has become an established procedure. However, current studies of donor site morbidity have reported discrepant results. This study used ultrasound imaging to evaluate morphologic changes in the patellar tendon after harvest for ACL reconstruction. METHODS Twenty-nine patients who had undergone successful ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon graft more than 1 year previously were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound imaging was used to compare the width, thickness, and tissue reaction of patellar tendons between the operated and contralateral sides. RESULTS The operated side was 4.8% wider on average than the contralateral side (p < 0.05). The operated side was also 58.3% thicker on average (p < 0.0001), with irregular margins and heterogenous echogenecity. CONCLUSION The donor site of the patellar tendon was significantly wider and thicker and was heterogenous when examined on sonogram more than 1 year postoperatively.
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Abstract
The CYP11A1 gene encodes cytochrome P450scc, the enzyme catalyzing the first step of steroid biosynthesis in the adrenal and gonad. We generated transgenic mice containing 2.3 kb of the 5'-flanking region of CYP11A1 driving LacZ reporter gene expression, in order to study hormonal control of CYP11A1 gene expression in different tissues. This 2.3 kb fragment contains information for hormonal control; by ACTH and hCG which increased reporter gene expression, in the adrenal and testis of transgenic mice respectively, while dexamethasone administration decreased reporter activity in the adrenal. The 5'-fragment of CYP11A1 has appreciable promoter activities in mouse adrenal Y1 cells but not in non-steroidogenic COS-1 cells, showing cell-type specificity. Transcription factor SF-1 activates the 2.3 kb promoter, which can be potentiated by cotransfection with c-Jun in steroidogenic JEG3 cells but not in COS-1 cells. We conclude that the 2.3 kb region of CYP11A1 contains elements controlling hormonal-dependent, cell-type-specific expression. In addition, c-Jun and SF-1 could act synergistically to activate CYP11A1 gene expression.
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Yang KD, Yang MY, Li CC, Lin SF, Chong MC, Wang CL, Chen RF, Lin TY. Altered cellular but not humoral reactions in children with complicated enterovirus 71 infections in Taiwan. J Infect Dis 2001; 183:850-6. [PMID: 11237800 DOI: 10.1086/319255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2000] [Revised: 12/05/2000] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV 71) infections have high neurovirulence and fatality. Immune responses were assessed in 78 patients with EV 71 infection. EV 71 meningoencephalitis occurred more frequently in younger children and in boys. C-reactive protein levels were not elevated, although total leukocyte counts were increased in these patients. The CD40-ligand expression on T cells significantly decreased in children with meningoencephalitis (P=.041). Polymorphism of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) at position 49 of exon 1 showed a higher frequency of G/G genotype in patients with EV 71 meningoencephalitis than in those without meningoencephalitis (18/31 vs. 14/47; P=.045) and in control subjects (18/31 vs. 25/93l; P=.007). Specific EV 71 neutralizing antibody titers were detectable but did not differ in children with and without meningoencephalitis in the acute and convalescent stages. Results from this study suggest that younger children with a certain CTLA-4 polymorphism and altered cellular but not humoral response may be linked to EV 71 meningoencephalitis.
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163
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Fu WM, Liou HH, Wang CL. Collaboration of fibronectin matrix and neurotrophin in regulating spontaneous transmitter release at developing neuromuscular synapses in Xenopus cell cultures. Neurosci Lett 2001; 300:115-9. [PMID: 11207388 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(01)01567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Integrins mediate cell-extracellular matrix connection and are particularly important during neuronal development. We here investigated the regulation of fibronectin (FN) matrix and neurotrophins on the embryonic synaptic transmission. Spontaneous synaptic currents (SSCs) were recorded from innervated myocytes of 1-day-old Xenopus cultures by whole-cell recordings. The SSC increasing action of alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate was enhanced in neurons grown on FN substratum, which was further potentiated by chronic treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The SSC increasing action of thapsigargin, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and N-methyl-D-aspartate was also markedly potentiated in neurons grown on FN-coated glass coverslips and chronically treated with BDNF. FN matrix or BDNF alone only exerts slight potentiation on the SSC increasing action of these three drugs. Our results suggest that FN matrix can collaborate with neurotrophin in regulating synaptic transmission at developing motoneurons, which may play an important role in the maturation of embryonic neuromuscular junction.
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Ozanne SE, Dorling MW, Wang CL, Nave BT. Impaired PI 3-kinase activation in adipocytes from early growth-restricted male rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2001; 280:E534-9. [PMID: 11171610 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.2001.280.3.e534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have established a relationship between early growth restriction and subsequent development of type 2 diabetes. Animal studies have shown that offspring of protein-restricted rats undergo a greater age-related loss of glucose tolerance than controls. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that this deterioration of glucose tolerance is associated with changes in adipocyte insulin action. Adipocytes from low-protein offspring had higher basal levels of glucose uptake than controls. Insulin stimulated glucose uptake into control adipocytes but had little effect on low-protein adipocytes. Both groups had similar levels of basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. Insulin inhibited lipolysis in control adipocytes but had a reduced effect on low-protein adipocytes. These changes in insulin action were not related to altered expression of insulin receptors or insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation; however, they were associated with reduced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B activation. These results demonstrate that reduced glucose tolerance observed in late adult life after early growth restriction is associated with adipocyte insulin resistance.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the sonographic features of plantar fasciitis (PF). METHODS High-resolution ultrasound was used to measure the thickness and echogenicity of the proximal plantar fascia and associated heel pad thickness for 102 consecutive patients with PF (unilateral: 81, bilateral: 21) and 33 control subjects. RESULTS The mean thickness of the plantar fascia was greater on the symptomatic side for patients with bilateral and unilateral PF than on the asymptomatic side for patients with unilateral PF, and also control subjects (5.47+/-1.09, 5.61+/-1.19, 3.83+/-0.72, 3.19+/-0.43 mm, respectively, p<0.001). A substantial difference in thickness between the asymptomatic side of patients with unilateral PF and control subjects was also noted (p=0.001). The heel pad thickness was not show different between control subjects and patients with PF. The incidence of hypoechoic fascia was 68.3% (84/123). Other findings among the patients from our test group included intratendinous calcification (two cases), the presence of perifascial fluid (one case), atrophic heel pads (one case), and the partial rupture of plantar fascia (one case). CONCLUSION Increased thickness and hypoechoic plantar fascia are consistent sonographic findings in patients exhibiting PF. These objective measurements can provide sufficient information for the physician to confirm an initial diagnosis of PF and assess individual treatment regimens.
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Cui XM, Chen ZJ, Wang CL, Zeng J. [Studies on saponin accumulative in regularities Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen]. ZHONGGUO ZHONG YAO ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO ZHONGYAO ZAZHI = CHINA JOURNAL OF CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA 2001; 26:24-5. [PMID: 12525115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal harvest time for P. notoginseng through studying the changes of saponin contents with growth periods. METHODS P. notoginseng samples were collected from the experimental plot regularly, and then the contents of total saponin and some main single saponins were analyzed by HPLC. RESULTS Total saponin contents decreased from April through July, and increased from August through December. CONCLUSION The optimal harvest time is determined as from October through December, which corresponds to the traditional harvest time.
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Hsu TC, Wang CL, Shau YW, Tang FT, Li KL, Chen CY. Altered heel-pad mechanical properties in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabet Med 2000; 17:854-9. [PMID: 11168328 DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-5491.2000.00394.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare the heel-pad mechanical properties in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with forefoot ulceration, without forefoot ulceration and age-matched healthy subjects. METHODS Heel-pad mechanical properties in 40 heels of 20 healthy subjects (group I) age-matched with the other groups, 42 heels of 21 diabetic patients without forefoot ulceration (group II), and 14 heels of 12 diabetic patients with active forefoot ulceration (group III) were assessed using a self-constructed loading-unloading device and a 10-MHz linear-array ultrasound transducer. RESULTS There were no differences in the unloaded heel-pad thickness, compressibility index and elastic modulus between the three groups. When compared with group I subjects (mean +/- SD, 27.9 +/- 6.1%), a significant increase (P < 0.001) was found in both group II (36.1 +/- 8.7%) and group III patients (43.2 +/- 6.6%) for the energy dissipation ratio. This ratio was also significantly different (P = 0.003) between groups II and III. CONCLUSIONS The higher impact energy dissipated in the heel-pad may put patients with Type 2 diabetes at higher risk for developing foot ulceration.
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Petry CJ, Dorling MW, Wang CL, Pawlak DB, Ozanne SE. Catecholamine levels and receptor expression in low protein rat offspring. Diabet Med 2000; 17:848-53. [PMID: 11168327 DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-5491.2000.00392.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Low birthweight in humans has been shown to lead to increased resting pulse rate in adult life, suggesting possible increased sympathoadrenal activity. The hypothesis that early growth restriction is associated with permanent alterations in catecholamine metabolism was tested. METHODS Circulating catecholamine concentrations (by radioimmunoassay) and adipocyte adrenoceptor expression from different fat depots (by Western blot) were estimated in 12-week-old male offspring of rat dams fed a reduced protein diet during pregnancy and lactation. RESULTS In the fed state, median (interquartile range) plasma adrenaline concentrations for male control and low protein offspring rats were: 0.65 (0.48-0.86) vs. 1.42 (0.89-1.87) nmol/l (P < 0.005), respectively. Equivalent noradrenaline concentrations were: 2.71 (2.16-3.46) vs. 3.45 (3.00-4.28) nmol/l (P < 0.05). After 24 h starvation, plasma adrenaline concentrations of controls rose to become similar to those of low protein offspring: 1.03 (0.95-1.31) vs. 1.41 (0.69-1.62) nmol/l (P = 0.3), respectively. Noradrenaline concentrations rose in both groups to become similar: 3.84 (3.33-4.54) vs. 4.32 (3.70-6.54) nmol/l (P = 0.3). In epididymal adipocytes adrenoceptor expression (relative to that of controls) was: alpha2A 0.79 (0.66-0.94) (P = 0.08), beta1 2.60 (2.27-3.07) (P = 0.04), beta3 1.37 (1.27-1.46) (P = 0.02). Similar-pattern differences in adrenoceptor expression were observed in subcutaneous and intra-abdominal adipocytes. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with the suggestion that long-term alterations in catecholamine metabolism are present in adult offspring of rats fed a reduced protein diet during pregnancy and lactation.
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Wang CL, Chuang HY, Chang CY, Liu ST, Wu MT, Ho CK. An unusual case of organophosphate intoxication of a worker in a plastic bottle recycling plant: an important reminder. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2000; 108:1103-5. [PMID: 11102304 PMCID: PMC1240170 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.001081103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A young man was sent to our emergency unit because he had suffered from vomiting and cold sweating for 2 days. At the time he was admitted, he had no acute abdominal pains or gastrointestinal symptoms, and a physical examination revealed nothing but a faster heart rate and moist, flushing skin. The patient had worked for 6 years at a plastic bottle-recycling factory, but none of his co-workers had the same symptoms. Nevertheless, because the plant also recycled pesticide bottles, we suspected organophosphate pesticide intoxication. The patient's plasma acetylcholinesterase level was checked, revealing 1498.6 microU/L (normal range: 2,000-5, 000) on the first day and 1,379 microU/L on the second day. Upon questioning, the patient recalled that one of his shoe soles had been damaged and that his foot had been wet from walking all day in rain collected on the factory floor on the day that his symptoms first occurred. We conducted a study in the change of preshift and postshift acetylcholinesterase levels among six of his co-workers on a rainy day. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test to compare the preshift and postshift plasma acetylcholinesterase levels; no significant difference was revealed (p = 0.600), leaving contamination via the damaged shoe sole suspect. We reviewed the literature on organophosphate intoxication; pesticide bottle-recycling factories were reported to be at a low risk of organophosphate toxicity in the working environment. However, because the potential risk of intoxication is still present, protective equipment such as clothing, gloves, and water-proof shoes should be worn, and employees should be educated on the potential risks.
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Tsai WC, Wang CL, Tang FT, Hsu TC, Hsu KH, Wong MK. Treatment of proximal plantar fasciitis with ultrasound-guided steroid injection. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000; 81:1416-21. [PMID: 11030509 DOI: 10.1053/apmr.2000.9175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided steroid injection for the treatment of proximal plantar fasciitis and to evaluate mechanical properties of the heel pad after steroid injection. DESIGN Proximal plantar fascia and heel pad were assessed with a 10-MHz linear array ultrasound transducer. Pain intensity was quantified with a tenderness threshold (TT) and visual analog scale (VAS). The transducer was incorporated into a specially designed device to measure mechanical properties of the heel pad. Evaluations were performed before injection and at 2 weeks and 3 months after injection. SETTING An outpatient clinic of a tertiary care center. PATIENTS Fourteen consecutive patients with unilateral proximal plantar fasciitis. INTERVENTION Ultrasound-guided injection of 7 mg betamethasone and 0.5 mL of 1% lidocaine into the inflamed proximal plantar fascia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES VAS, TT, heel pad and plantar fascia thickness, and echogenicity of the proximal plantar fascia on sonogram were assessed. Mechanical properties included unloaded heel pad thickness, compressibility index, and energy dissipation ratio. RESULTS Both VAS score +/- standard deviation (SD; 5.43 +/- 2.03, 1.39 +/- 2.19, 0.57 +/- 1.40 at the 3 measurements, respectively) and TT +/- SD (5.05 +/- 1.42, 9.34 +/- 1.84, 9.93 +/- 1.98 kg/cm2 at the 3 measurements, respectively) improved significantly (p < .001) after steroid injection. The mean thickness of the plantar fascia was greater in the symptomatic side than in the asymptomatic side before treatment (0.58 +/- 0.13 cm vs 0.40 +/- 0.11 cm, p < .001). The thickness had decreased significantly 3 months after injection (0.46 +/- 0.12 cm at 2 weeks, 0.42 +/- 0.10 cm at 3 months, p < .001). The hypoechogenicity at the proximal plantar fascia disappeared after steroid injection (p < .001). Mechanical properties of the heel pad did not change 3 months after steroid injection (p > .05). CONCLUSION Ultrasound offers an objective measurement of the therapeutic effect on proximal plantar fasciitis. Accurate steroid injection under ultrasound guidance can effectively treat proximal plantar fasciitis without significant deterioration of the mechanical properties of the heel pads.
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Wang CL, Cui XM, Luo WF, Yu SF. [Studies on initial infection sources and channels of black spot on Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen]. ZHONGGUO ZHONG YAO ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO ZHONGYAO ZAZHI = CHINA JOURNAL OF CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA 2000; 25:597-9. [PMID: 12516450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To probe into the occurring and developing regularities of black spot on Panax notoginseng for disease control. METHODS After artificial inoculation, observation and analysis on the planting plots were conducted regularly. RESULTS The main infection sources include diseased seeds, seedlings, plants and soils. On the plot of new cropping, the initial infection sources are diseased seeds and seedlings while diseased plants and soils with pathogens are the main sources onplot of old cropping. CONCLUSION Wiping out the infection centre and sources are the major effective means for control of black spot on P. notoginseng.
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172
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Wang CL, Maratukulam PD, Lum AM, Clark DS, Keasling JD. Metabolic engineering of an aerobic sulfate reduction pathway and its application to precipitation of cadmium on the cell surface. Appl Environ Microbiol 2000; 66:4497-502. [PMID: 11010904 PMCID: PMC92330 DOI: 10.1128/aem.66.10.4497-4502.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2000] [Accepted: 08/02/2000] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of sulfate to an excess of free sulfide requires stringent reductive conditions. Dissimilatory sulfate reduction is used in nature by sulfate-reducing bacteria for respiration and results in the conversion of sulfate to sulfide. However, this dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway is inhibited by oxygen and is thus limited to anaerobic environments. As an alternative, we have metabolically engineered a novel aerobic sulfate reduction pathway for the secretion of sulfides. The assimilatory sulfate reduction pathway was redirected to overproduce cysteine, and excess cysteine was converted to sulfide by cysteine desulfhydrase. As a potential application for this pathway, a bacterium was engineered with this pathway and was used to aerobically precipitate cadmium as cadmium sulfide, which was deposited on the cell surface. To maximize sulfide production and cadmium precipitation, the production of cysteine desulfhydrase was modulated to achieve an optimal balance between the production and degradation of cysteine.
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173
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Xie Y, Li Y, Zhang Q, Stiller MJ, Wang CL, Streilein JW. Haptoglobin is a natural regulator of Langerhans cell function in the skin. J Dermatol Sci 2000; 24:25-37. [PMID: 10960776 DOI: 10.1016/s0923-1811(00)00078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LC), the best-understood antigen presenting cells (APC) of the skin, are functionally plastic. Freshly obtained LC readily activate allogeneic T cells, but are incapable of activating autologous, naive T cells. When placed in culture in the presence of GM-CSF, LC up-regulate surface expression of class I and II MHC molecules along with co-stimulatory molecules, such as B7, CD40 and IL-12. This functional transformation enables the cells to activate naive, autologous T cells in vitro. It is paradoxical that intracutaneous administration of exogenous GM-CSF fails to induce intraepidermal LC to undergo functional transformation in situ. It has been reported that serum contains a factor that prevents fresh LC from undergoing functional transformation in culture, and the relevant serum factor has now been identified as haptoglobin (Hp), based on the following experimental results: (a) SDS-PAGE, amino acid sequencing, and mass spectrometric analyses of the inhibitory factor purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from normal human serum revealed molecules completely homologous to Hp alpha-1 chain; (b) pure human Hp, but not serum depleted of Hp, inhibited fresh LC from acquiring the capacity to activate autologous T cells in vitro; (c) abundant Hp was detected in cytoplasmic compartments of fresh, but not cultured, LC. It was concluded that Hp, an acute phase protein, is a systemically-derived factor that prevents epidermal LC from spontaneously undergoing functional maturation in the skin. This novel property of Hp may be important in ameliorating or preventing certain T cell-dependent inflammatory skin diseases.
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Liu DX, Wang CL, Yue JR, Zhang XY. [Study of bracket placement with the preadjusted appliance for extraction cases]. SHANGHAI KOU QIANG YI XUE = SHANGHAI JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2000; 9:141-2. [PMID: 15014786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the bracket placement with the preadjusted appliance for extraction cases. METHODS Sixty finishing occlusions were chosen as Andrews stated at debonding. The placement of the incisor teeth bracket was in the middle of the clinical crown, and retention arch wire was straight wire without step bends. The measurement from the incisal or occlusal edges to the bracket center was the height of the placement of the bracket. In order to produce bracket placement chart, the values of measurements +0.5 mm and +1.0 mm were added for larger teeth, and -0.5 mm and -1.0 mm for smaller teeth. RESULTS The placement in the second bicuspid and first molar was different between extraction cases and nonextraction cases. CONCLUSION The bracket placement chart improves the accuracy of bracket placement with the preadjusted appliance for extraction cases.
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Wu XP, He JR, Wang CL, Ling QH. [Effect of pantoprazole on non-variceal bleeding]. HUNAN YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = HUNAN YIKE DAXUE XUEBAO = BULLETIN OF HUNAN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2000; 25:361-2. [PMID: 12206002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The treatment effect of 101 non-variceal bleeding(NVB) patients treated with pantoprazole was observed, and it was compared with 57 NVB patients treated with omeprazole. RESULTS 87.1% of the patients in 48 h and 97% of the patients in 72 h with Pantoprazole bleeding-stopped. And the result was almost equal to omeprazole group. The side-effect of pantoprazole was few and slight. It is suggested that pantoprazole is effective and safe on treating NVB.
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