151
|
Popov VL, Chen SM, Feng HM, Walker DH. Ultrastructural variation of cultured Ehrlichia chaffeensis. J Med Microbiol 1995; 43:411-21. [PMID: 7473674 DOI: 10.1099/00222615-43-6-411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The ultrastructure of Ehrlichia chaffeensis (Arkansas strain) was studied in non-irradiated and irradiated monolayers of mouse embryo, Vero, BGM and L929 cells, and in non-irradiated DH82 cells. Within the intracellular parasitophorous vacuoles (morulae), two types of ehrlichial cells were found regularly--those with uniformly dispersed nucleoid filaments and ribosomes (dense-cored cells), which represent the normal life cycle of ehrlichiae. In addition, large reticulate cells were observed, forming long projections of the cell wall, protrusions of cytoplasmic membrane into the periplasmic space, or budding of protoplast fragments (minute forms) into the periplasmic space. Ehrlichiae with abnormalities of protoplast fission were found, apparently leading to formation of giant, multilobular or elongated rod-like ehrlichiae. Morulae were usually surrounded by cisterns of granular endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and often contained vesicles, long tubules 25nm in diameter, probably originating from the ehrlichial cell wall, and fibrillar ehrlichial antigen apparently shed from the surface of the cell wall. Some cells contained, in addition to normal morulae, a whole morula that had become dense and contained degenerating ehrlichiae. These results indicate that as well as normal growth and reproduction, ehrlichiae exhibit pathological events: they can be remarkably damaged inside the host cell vacuoles, presumably phagolysosomes, or enter a process morphologically similar to bacterial L-transformation.
Collapse
|
152
|
Lin JH, Liaw LJ, Chen SM, Lee CH. A study of different postures on isometric lifting strength in normal college students. GAOXIONG YI XUE KE XUE ZA ZHI = THE KAOHSIUNG JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 1995; 11:678-85. [PMID: 8551529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe norms of isometric lifting strength for normal college students and to investigate the effects of gender, body weight, height, and upper and lower limb length on lifting strength. Three types of lifting (i.e., arm, back, and leg lifting) were measured in a sample of 104 college students aged between 18 and 26 years. A Force Evaluation and Testing System (FET 5000) was used for strength measurements with three standard lifting positions. The average of three trials for each lifting strength test was used as the subject's test score. The results showed that the highest mean lifting strength was recorded for leg lifting in both males and females. Both groups also had the lowest score in arm lifting. Of the total sample, there was a difference of strength of nearly three- times between leg and arm lifting. Males were stronger than females in all lifting patterns. In addition, lifting strengths were significantly affected by such variables as sex, weight and height. Body weight was an effective predictor of arm lifting strength, and height an effective predictor of leg lifting strength. Finally, we found that strength in one position had positive relations with strength in other positions. These findings and the establishment of data base can in future provide therapists with an objective evaluation regarding lifting strength of individuals for clinical use.
Collapse
|
153
|
Bai JZ, Bardon O, Blum I, Breakstone A, Burnett T, Chen GP, Chen HF, Chen J, Chen SJ, Chen SM, Chen Y, Chen YB, Chen YQ, Cheng BS, Cowan RF, Cui HC, Cui XZ, Ding HL, Du ZZ, Dunwoodie W, Fan XL, Fang J, Fero M, Gao CS, Gao ML, Gao SQ, Gao WX, Gratton P, Gu JH, Gu SD, Gu WX, Gu YF, Guo YN, Han SW, Han Y, Harris FA, Hatanaka M, He J, He KR, He M, Hitlin DG, Hu GY, Hu HB, Hu T, Hu XQ, Huang DQ, Huang YZ, Izen JM, Jia QP, Jiang CH, Jin Y, Jones L, Kang SH, Kelsey MH, Kim BK, Lai YF, Lan HB, Lang PF, Lankford A, Li F, Li J, Li PQ, Li Q, Li RB. Direct measurement of the Ds branching fraction to phi pi. PHYSICAL REVIEW. D, PARTICLES AND FIELDS 1995; 52:3781-3784. [PMID: 10019603 DOI: 10.1103/physrevd.52.3781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
|
154
|
Lo GH, Lai KH, Cheng JS, Hwu JH, Chang CF, Chen SM, Chiang HT. A prospective, randomized trial of sclerotherapy versus ligation in the management of bleeding esophageal varices. Hepatology 1995. [PMID: 7635414 DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840220215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a prospective, randomized trial comparing sclerotherapy and ligation in 120 patients with acute bleeding of esophageal varices. All the patients were cirrhotic, 59 received sclerotherapy, and 61 received ligation. Treatment was repeated regularly until the varices were obliterated. The mean follow-up period was 295 +/- 120 days and 310 +/- 105 days for the sclerotherapy and ligation groups, respectively. The control of active bleeding was 12/15 (80%) in the sclerotherapy group and 18/19 (94%) in the ligation group (P = .23). The numbers of treatment sessions required to achieve variceal obliteration were 6.5 +/- 1.2 in the sclerotherapy group and 3.8 +/- 0.4 in the ligation group (P < .001). Recurrent bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract was 51% in the sclerotherapy group compared with 33% in the ligation group (P < .05). Recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices was 36% in the sclerotherapy group and 11% in the ligation group (P < .01). However, bleeding from ectopic varices and congestive gastropathy was less common in the sclerotherapy group (7%) than in the ligation group (18%) (P = .05). Significant complications were encountered in 19% of the sclerotherapy group and in 3.3% of the ligation group (P < .01). Comparison of Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to death of both groups showed a significantly lower mortality in the ligation group (P = .011). Both sclerotherapy and ligation can effectively arrest active bleeding from esophageal varices. However, ligation is more effective than sclerotherapy in decreasing the risk of rebleeding from esophageal varices with fewer complications. Ligation can also achieve obliteration of esophageal varices more rapidly than sclerotherapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Collapse
|
155
|
Dumler JS, Chen SM, Asanovich K, Trigiani E, Popov VL, Walker DH. Isolation and characterization of a new strain of Ehrlichia chaffeensis from a patient with nearly fatal monocytic ehrlichiosis. J Clin Microbiol 1995; 33:1704-11. [PMID: 7665632 PMCID: PMC228253 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.33.7.1704-1711.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis is the causative agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, a disease that ranges in severity from asymptomatic infection to death. Only one isolate of E. chaffeensis has been made, the Arkansas strain, upon which all characterizations of the agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis have been based. We report the isolation and characterization of a new strain of E. chaffeensis, the 91HE17 strain, which was cultivated from a patient with a nearly fatal illness. The new isolate grows best in culture with careful control of pH. The two isolates are nearly identical as determined by light and electron microscopy and have significant antigenic identity in fluorescent-antibody and immunoblot assays using polyclonal antisera and the E. chaffeensis-specific monoclonal antibody 1A9. Isolate 91HE17 had 99.9% nucleotide sequence identity with the Arkansas strain in the 16S rRNA gene. Parts of the Escherichia coli GroE operon homologs had identical restriction enzyme digestion patterns, and a 425-bp region of the GroEL gene had at least 99.8% sequence identity between the E. chaffeensis Arkansas and 91HE17 strains. Isolate 91HE17 lacked an epitope identified in E. chaffeensis Arkansas by the monoclonal antibody 6A1. This new E. chaffeensis isolate is very similar to the Arkansas strain and provides the opportunity to substantiate the existence of diversity among ehrlichiae which infect humans. Specific factors which differ among strains may then be compared to assess their potential contributions toward cellular pathogenicity and ultimately toward the development of disease in humans.
Collapse
|
156
|
Bai JZ, Bardon O, Blum I, Breakstone A, Burnett T, Chen GP, Chen HF, Chen J, Chen SJ, Chen SM, Chen Y, Chen YB, Chen YQ, Cheng BS, Cowan RF, Cui HC, Cui XZ, Ding HL, Du ZZ, Dunwoodie W, Fan XL, Fang J, Fero M, Gao CS, Gao ML, Gao SQ, Gao WX, Gratton P, Gu JH, Gu SD, Gu WX, Gu YF, Guo YN, Han SW, Han Y, Harris FA, Hatanaka M, He J, He KR, He M, Hitlin DG, Hu GY, Hu HB, Hu T, Hu XQ, Huang DQ, Huang YZ, Izen JM, Jia QP, Jiang CH, Jin Y, Jones L, Kang SH, Kelsey MH, Kim BK, Lai YF, Lan HB, Lang PF, Lankford A, Li F, Li J, Li PQ, Li Q, Li RB. Direct measurement of the pseudoscalar decay constant, fDs. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 1995; 74:4599-4602. [PMID: 10058551 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.74.4599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
|
157
|
Sheih CP, Liao YJ, Liao CL, Chen SM, Chiang CD. Ultrasonic detection of persistent small unilateral hematocolpos in two girls. J Formos Med Assoc 1995; 94:358-60. [PMID: 7549558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Two girls with unilateral hematocolpos are reported. In both cases, a small amount of blood which had accumulated in the partially obstructed hemivagina was detected by real-time high resolution ultrasonography, and was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Both patients were asymptomatic, and were regularly followed up at an outpatient clinic. To date, the hematocolpos persists but continues to be small.
Collapse
|
158
|
Chen SM. Images. West J Med 1995; 162:479. [PMID: 18750998 PMCID: PMC1022820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
|
159
|
Chen SM, Popov VL, Feng HM, Wen J, Walker DH. Cultivation of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in mouse embryo, Vero, BGM, and L929 cells and study of Ehrlichia-induced cytopathic effect and plaque formation. Infect Immun 1995; 63:647-55. [PMID: 7822034 PMCID: PMC173044 DOI: 10.1128/iai.63.2.647-655.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We successfully propagated Ehrlichia chaffeensis in mouse embryo, Vero, BGM, and L929 cells inoculated with host cell-free ehrlichiae, indicating that E. chaffeensis is capable of entry, survival, and growth in a relatively wide range of cell types derived from different species. We demonstrated rapid adaptation of E. chaffeensis in these cell lines, so that typical morulae could be detected as early as 5 days after inoculation. E. chaffeensis-induced cytopathic effect with different morphological characteristics in mouse embryo, Vero, and L929 cells. The earliest cytopathic effect appeared in untreated and irradiated mouse embryo cells at 4 days postinoculation. As the infected foci gradually expanded, the center of the foci showed necrotic cells with pyknotic nuclei and degraded morulae. E. chaffeensis caused cell lysis in untreated and irradiated L929 cells, with formation of distinct, round macroscopic plaques at 18 days postinoculation. In untreated and irradiated Vero cells, E. chaffeensis produced infected foci composed of loosely interwoven necrotic cells, spaces of detached cells, cells filled with morulae, and uninfected cells, resulting in characteristic reticular foci. Irradiated cells generally contained many large morulae and presented larger cytopathic foci. DH82 and BGM cells did not develop obvious cytopathic foci under the conditions employed. The findings reported herein offer the opportunity to study the pathogenic mechanism of cell injury by E. chaffeensis, the basis for quantification of infectious E. chaffeensis, improved approaches for recovery of ehrlichiae from human patients and tick hosts, and additional methods for cultivation of E. chaffeensis for molecular analysis.
Collapse
|
160
|
Hsu CH, Lee LS, Chang JJ, Liao ST, Chen SM, Hwang JY, Lo NI. Serum thyrotropin-binding inhibiting immunoglobulin and thyroperoxidase antibody in Graves' hyperthyroidism after 131I therapy. J Formos Med Assoc 1995; 94:5-9. [PMID: 7613234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Seventeen patients who received radioiodine (131I) therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism had serial blood samples taken before therapy and after therapy for a period of at least 1 year. At 1 year post-therapy, six patients were hypothyroid. Seven patients were euthyroid, and four patients were hyperthyroid. Prior to isotope administration, 14 patients had detectable serum thyrotropin-binding inhibiting immunoglobulin (TBII) and 16 patients had detectable serum thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb). Three to 6 months after therapy, 11 of 14 TBII-positive patients demonstrated a marked increase (> 10%) in serum TBII activity. Four patients out of 11 developed hypothyroidism and six of the 11 developed euthyroidism. A decrease in TBII was observed in three patients who developed hyperthyroidism. In the three patients with undetectable TBII prior to therapy, two had high titers of TPOAb. Seven patients demonstrated a marked increase in TPOAb 3 to 6 months after therapy. Of these, four developed hypothyroidism and three developed euthyroidism, whereas three of the four patients who had a marked decrease in TPOAb developed hyperthyroidism. This study demonstrated that an increase in serum TBII and TPOAb activity 3 to 6 months after 131I therapy, may be useful in predicting which patients may develop euthyroidism or hypothyroidism after 1 year of 131I therapy.
Collapse
|
161
|
Carlström G, Chen SM, Miick S, Chazin WJ. NMR studies of complex DNA structures: the Holliday junction intermediate in genetic recombination. Methods Enzymol 1995; 261:163-82. [PMID: 8569494 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(95)61009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
162
|
Shi GY, Chang BI, Chen SM, Wu DH, Wu HL. Function of streptokinase fragments in plasminogen activation. Biochem J 1994; 304 ( Pt 1):235-41. [PMID: 7998939 PMCID: PMC1137477 DOI: 10.1042/bj3040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Several peptide fragments of streptokinase (SK) were prepared by incubating SK with immobilized human plasmin (hPlm) and purified by h.p.l.c. with a reverse-phase phenyl column. The N-terminal sequences, amino acid compositions and molecular masses of these peptide fragments were determined. The SK peptide fragment of 36 kDa consisting of Ser60-Lys387 (SK-p), was the only peptide fragment that could be tightly bound to immobilized hPlm. Another three large SK peptide fragments, SK-m, SK-n and SK-o, with molecular masses of 7 kDa, 18 kDa and 30 kDa, and consisting of Ile1-Lys59, Glu148-Lys333, Ser60-Lys333 respectively, were also obtained from the supernatant of the reaction mixture. The purified SK-p had high affinity with hPlm and could activate human plasminogen (hPlg) with a kPlg one-sixth that of the native SK. SK-o had low affinity with hPlm and could also activate hPlg, although the catalytic constant was less than 1% of the native SK. SK-n, as well as SK-m, which is the N-terminal 59 amino acid peptide of the native SK, had no activator activity. However, SK-m could enhance the activator activity of both SK-o and SK-p and increase their second-order rate constants by two- and six-fold respectively. It was concluded from these studies that (1) SK-o, the Ser60-Lys333 peptide of SK, was essential for minimal SK activator activity, (2) the C-terminal peptide of SK-p, Ala334-Lys387, was essential for high affinity with hPlm, and (3) the N-terminal 59-amino-acid peptide was important in maintaining the proper conformation of SK to have its full activator activity.
Collapse
|
163
|
Chen SM, Chazin WJ. Two-dimensional 1H NMR studies of immobile Holliday junctions: nonlabile proton assignments and identification of crossover isomers. Biochemistry 1994; 33:11453-9. [PMID: 7918359 DOI: 10.1021/bi00204a007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The nonlabile protons of two 32-base-pair models of the Holliday junction intermediate in genetic recombination have been studied by two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The sequence of these models is designed to fully inhibit branch migration of the junction and to probe the possible sequence dependence of these four-arm DNA structures. Overlap of resonances in homonuclear two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) spectra necessitates the use of a multipathway approach for obtaining sequence-specific assignments, wherein all possible NOE connectivities are analyzed in parallel. Using this strategy, 1H resonance assignments were obtained for virtually all nonlabile base protons and C1', C2', and C3' sugar protons. Several unambiguous cross-arm NOE connectivities were identified, directly establishing the stacking arrangements of each contiguous (two-arm) helical domain. The distribution of the two possible stacking isomers is distinctly different for the two junctions studied, thereby indicating that the relative stability of the isomers is dependent on the sequence at the junction.
Collapse
|
164
|
Chen SM, Lo GH, Lai KH, Cheng HH, Cheng JS, Shen MT, Huang RL, Chang CF, Lin CK. Serum and ascitic concentration of C3, C4 and protein in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 1994; 54:87-92. [PMID: 7954051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower concentration of ascitic or serum complement (C3, C4) or protein has been reported to participate in the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). In Taiwan, the etiology of hepatic cirrhosis is mainly post-hepatic and SBP is the common complication. This study aims to determine the role of protein and complements in the pathogenesis of SBP. METHODS 119 cirrhotic patients were divided into two groups, 30 SBP and 89 non-SBP. The concentrations of ascitic and serum complement and protein were measured for comparison. RESULTS The ascitic and serum C3, C4 and protein levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with SBP than in non-SBP patients. No significant differences were noted in the ascites/serum ratio of C3, C4 and protein in patient with or without SBP. CONCLUSIONS Low levels of ascitic and serum protein and complements, C3 and C4, may be prone to develop SBP in our patients mostly with post-hepatitic cirrhosis.
Collapse
|
165
|
Bakken JS, Dumler JS, Chen SM, Eckman MR, Van Etta LL, Walker DH. Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in the upper Midwest United States. A new species emerging? JAMA 1994; 272:212-8. [PMID: 8022040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the clinical presentation and course, laboratory findings, and treatment outcome of 12 patients with human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. SETTING The 12 patients were male, ranged in age from 29 to 91 years, and contracted their illness in Wisconsin or Minnesota. METHODS Cases were recognized by the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions (morulae) in peripheral neutrophils of patients presenting with temperature of 38.5 degrees C or higher, chills, severe headache, and myalgias. All patients had a complete blood cell count and blood chemistry profile. Blood smears were examined by light microscopy. All available paired serum samples were analyzed for presence of indirect fluorescent antibodies against Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia phagocytophila, and Ehrlichia equi. Blood samples from 12 patients were subjected to polymerase chain reaction analysis using primers specific for the E phagocytophila/E equi group, primers that include the agent identified in our patients, as well as E chaffeensis. RESULTS Varying combinations of leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were found in all but one patient. All 12 patients demonstrated morulae in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, but not in mononuclear white blood cells. Serum assays failed to detect antibodies against E chaffeensis, but eight of 10 patients and seven of 10 patients tested had antibody titers of 1:80 or more for E phagocytophila and E equi, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction products obtained with primers for E phagocytophila, E equi, and the granulocytotropic Ehrlichia revealed that seven patients were infected with the same agent. The results of serological assays or polymerase chain reaction strongly suggest that all 12 patients were infected by E phagocytophila, E equi, or a closely related Ehrlichia species. Two of the 12 patients died. The other 10 patients improved rapidly with oral doxycycline treatment. CONCLUSIONS We believe that all 12 patients have been infected with a granulocytic Ehrlichia species, reflecting a recently described new disease entity. The infective organism appears to be closely related to E phagocytophila and E equi. The geographic domain of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis is currently unknown. This novel granulocytic Ehrlichia species is capable of causing fatal infections in humans. Early detection and treatment with tetracycline drugs appear to offer the best chance for complete recovery.
Collapse
|
166
|
Capelli JP, Kushner H, Camiscioli TC, Chen SM, Torres MA. Effect of intradialytic parenteral nutrition on mortality rates in end-stage renal disease care. Am J Kidney Dis 1994; 23:808-16. [PMID: 8203363 DOI: 10.1016/s0272-6386(12)80134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have now demonstrated that low serum albumin and/or low protein catabolic rates correlate with increased risk of death in the chronic hemodialysis patient. A study involving 81 patients receiving thrice-weekly hemodialysis treatments and who had either a low serum albumin and/or protein catabolic rate was conducted to compare the effect of intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) on mortality rates. Fifty patients received IDPN and 31 patients did not. Thirty-eight of the patients were black (47%), 34 were white (42%), and 9 were Hispanic (11%). The study included 33 diabetic patients (41%), 20 of whom received IDPN. Nondiabetic patients received an average of 725 kcal/hemodialysis treatment and diabetic patients received an average of 670 kcal/hemodialysis treatment. The average length of treatment was 9 months. The results of the study revealed a better survival rate (64% v 52%) for patients treated with IDPN. Using Cox analysis, the IDPN-treated group had a significantly better survival rate (P < 0.01). Serum albumin increased by 12% in the survivors. There was no difference in survival when considered separately for diabetic and nondiabetic patients who received IDPN (mortality rate for diabetics: 50% for treated patients and 54% for untreated patients; mortality rate for nondiabetics: 26% for treated patients and 44% for untreated patients). However, the nondiabetic treated patients had the lowest mortality rates. In conclusion, correction of hypoalbuminemia by IDPN significantly reduced mortality rates overall.
Collapse
|
167
|
Sheih CP, Li YW, Liao YJ, Chen WL, Lin JY, Chen SM. Early detection of unilateral occlusion of duplicated müllerian ducts: the use of serial pelvic sonography for girls with renal agenesis. J Urol 1994; 151:708-10. [PMID: 8308993 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)35065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
For early detection of unilateral occlusion of duplicated müllerian ducts, serial pelvic sonography was performed in 215 girls with known renal agenesis, especially following menarche, during the last 6 years. To date, 16 girls with unilateral occlusion of duplicated müllerian ducts were detected. We stress the value of this modality, which can lead to a prompt diagnosis, and allow for early and appropriate surgical intervention.
Collapse
|
168
|
|
169
|
Chen SM, Dumler JS, Bakken JS, Walker DH. Identification of a granulocytotropic Ehrlichia species as the etiologic agent of human disease. J Clin Microbiol 1994; 32:589-95. [PMID: 8195363 PMCID: PMC263091 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.32.3.589-595.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 679] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Six patients from northern Minnesota and Wisconsin with a febrile illness accompanied by granulocytic cytoplasmic morulae suggestive of ehrlichial infection were identified. Two patients died, and splenic granulocytes of one patient contained cytoplasmic vacuoles with organisms ultrastructurally characteristic of ehrlichiae. From one patient, a 1.5-kb DNA product was amplified by PCR with universal eubacterial primers of 16S rDNA. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the amplified product revealed 99.9 and 99.8% similarities with E. phagocytophila and E. equi, respectively, neither of which has previously been known to infect humans. From the variable regions of the determined sequence, a forward primer specific for three organisms (human granulocytic ehrlichia, E. phagocytophila, and E. equi) and a reverse primer for these ehrlichiae and E. platys were designed. By nested PCR with amplification by the universal primers and then reamplification with the specific primers described above, the expected 919-bp product was generated from the blood of the index patient and three additional patients. Blood from these four patients and two more patients with granulocytic morulae contained DNA which was amplified by nested PCR involving a combination of a universal primer and the human granulocytic ehrlichia-E. phagocytophila-E. equi-E. platys group-specific primer. This apparently vector-borne human granulocytic ehrlichia has only 92.5% 16S rDNA homology with E. chaffeensis. Nested PCR with group-specific primers did not amplify E. chaffeensis DNA, and E. chaffeensis-specific primers did not amplify DNAs of the human granulocytic ehrlichia. Thus, six patients were shown to be infected by an Ehrlichia species never previously reported to infect humans.
Collapse
|
170
|
Chen SM, Dumler JS, Feng HM, Walker DH. Identification of the antigenic constituents of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1994; 50:52-8. [PMID: 8304572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the novel etiologic agent of human ehrlichiosis in the United States, was first isolated in 1990 and reported in 1991. To analyze the antigenic components of E. chaffeensis, we cultivated these obligate intracellular bacteria in DH82 cells, purified the ehrlichiae by renografin density gradient centrifugation, and examined the antigens by Western immunoblotting. Rabbit and human antisera to E. chaffeensis revealed more than 20 bands ranging from 20 to 200 kD. The distinct 22-kD protein was heat labile. The rest of the major immunoreactive components were heat stable. The immunoblots of E. chaffeensis were highly similar when probed with antisera to E. chaffeensis, E. canis, and E. ewingii, indicating the close antigenic relationships among the three species. The 22-kD protein cross-reacted only with anti-E. canis serum. The antibody against E. sennetsu reacted strongly with the 66-, 64-, 55-, and 44-kD antigens of E. chaffeensis. The E. risticii antisera reacted strongly with the 55- and 44-kD bands but only faintly with the 66-kD band. The major immunoreactive antigens of E. chaffeensis (66, 55, and 44 kD) showed cross-reactions with all the different antisera tested. The results indicated that E. chaffeensis is antigenically most closely related to E. canis, is less closely related to E. ewingii, and is only distantly related to E. sennetsu and E. risticii.
Collapse
|
171
|
Wan YL, Eng HL, Lee TY, Tsai CC, Chen SM, Chou FF. Computed tomography of an exophytic gastric hemangioma with torsion and intratumoral hemorrhage. Clin Imaging 1993; 17:210-2. [PMID: 8364795 DOI: 10.1016/0899-7071(93)90113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A case of exophytic gastric hemangioma with intratumoral bleeding due to torsion of the tumor pedicle is reported. A radiograph showed a mass without phleboliths. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 14-cm mass with high densities due to hemorrhage, which was contiguous to the stomach and extended to the pelvis. The tumor showed no remarkable enhancement on post-enhanced CT due to torsion of the tumor pedicle.
Collapse
|
172
|
Chen SM, Heffron F, Chazin WJ. Two-dimensional 1H NMR studies of 32-base-pair synthetic immobile Holliday junctions: complete assignments of the labile protons and identification of the base-pairing scheme. Biochemistry 1993; 32:319-26. [PMID: 8418851 DOI: 10.1021/bi00052a040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The labile protons of two 32-base-pair, four-arm models of immobile Holliday junctions have been studied by two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Overlap of resonances in the imino-imino region of two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) spectra necessitates the use of a multi-pathway approach for obtaining sequence-specific assignments wherein all possible NOE connectivities to the labile protons are utilized, including those from the 2H of adenine, 5CH3 of thymine, and 5H of cytosine. Resonance assignments are obtained for all slowly exchanging imino and cytosine amino protons. Base-pairing up to and including the junction point is found in all four arms of both Holliday junctions. Several cross-arm NOE connectivities are identified and can be used to infer the geometry of the helical stacking domains. The two Holliday junctions studied, which differ only by the exchange of two base pairs at the branch point, appear to have opposite arm stacking geometries. These assignments form an important part of the critical background for detailed NMR analysis of Holliday junction structure and dynamics.
Collapse
|
173
|
Ye YH, Huang YS, Wang ZQ, Chen SM, Tian Y. Synthesis of new amino acid and peptide derivatives of estradiol and their binding affinities for the estrogen receptor. Steroids 1993; 58:35-9. [PMID: 8430443 DOI: 10.1016/0039-128x(93)90015-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A series of amino acid and peptide derivatives of estradiol have been synthesized by coupling 17 beta-aminoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol, 17-hydrazonoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol with amino acids or peptides, using tetrahydrothiazole-2-thione, N-hydroxy-1,4-epoxycyclohex-5-ene-2,3-dicarbonylimide, benzotriazolyloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate, and p-nitrophenol as reagents. N-protected peptidyl steroids were deprotected by traditional methods. The relative binding affinities of the deprotected derivatives to the estrogen receptor were determined by competitive radioligand binding assay.
Collapse
|
174
|
Wang JS, Yang AH, Chen SM, Young TK, Chiang H, Liu HC. Amelioration of antioxidant enzyme suppression and proteinuria in cyclosporin-treated puromycin nephrosis. Nephron Clin Pract 1993; 65:418-25. [PMID: 8289993 DOI: 10.1159/000187523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of cyclosporin (CS) on intrinsic glomerular level of antioxidants in puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis was examined. A single intravenous dose of PAN (50 mg/kg body weight) given to Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in marked proteinuria. Ten days after PAN injection, the rats were treated with daily intraperitoneal injection of CS (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 10 days. PAN-treated rats without CS treatment (PAN rats) had significantly lower activities of glomerular superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) than normal rats (p < 0.05, respectively). When compared with PAN rats, CS-treated PAN rats had significantly less proteinuria and higher activities of glomerular SOD and CAT (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Significant elevation of glomerular malondialdehyde (MDA) level characteristic of PAN rats was absent in CS-treated PAN rats. Moreover, segmental sclerosis with capsular adhesion, hyalinosis, epithelial cell foot process fusion and microvillous transformation seen in PAN rats were apparently attenuated in CS-treated PAN rats. When compared with normal rats, rats receiving CS only had a significantly higher CAT activity and MDA level (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Assessment of glomerular reduced glutathione revealed no significant differences among PAN rats, CS-treated PAN rats, normal rats, and rats receiving only CS. These data indicate that glomerular antioxidant enzyme activities are modulated by CS.
Collapse
|
175
|
Hochstrasser RA, Chen SM, Millar DP. Distance distribution in a dye-linked oligonucleotide determined by time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer. Biophys Chem 1992; 45:133-41. [PMID: 1286148 DOI: 10.1016/0301-4622(92)87005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence energy transfer is potentially a useful technique for obtaining structural and dynamic information on duplex and branched DNA molecules suitably labeled with donor and acceptor dyes. We have assessed the accuracy and limitations of FET measurements in nucleic acids with respect to the localization of the dyes and the flexibility of the dye-DNA linkages. A nine base-pair duplex oligonucleotide was synthesized with donor and acceptor dyes linked at the opposing 5' termini by alkyl chains. A careful analysis of the fluorescence decay of the donor revealed that the donor-acceptor distance in this molecule was not well defined, but was described by a rather broad distribution. The mean donor-acceptor distance and the distribution of distances have been recovered from the donor decay. Orientational effects on energy transfer have been included in the analysis. The implications of these findings for FET measurements in nucleic acids are considered.
Collapse
|