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Jiang Q, Wu KLK, Hu XQ, Cheung MH, Chen W, Ma CW, Shum DKY, Chan YS. Neonatal GABAergic transmission primes vestibular gating of output for adult spatial navigation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:147. [PMID: 38502309 PMCID: PMC10951018 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
GABAergic interneurons are poised with the capacity to shape circuit output via inhibitory gating. How early in the development of medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) are GABAergic neurons recruited for feedforward shaping of outputs to higher centers for spatial navigation? The role of early GABAergic transmission in assembling vestibular circuits for spatial navigation was explored by neonatal perturbation. Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging were utilized to reveal the expression of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing MVN neurons and their perineuronal nets. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording, coupled with optogenetics, was conducted in vitro to examine the synaptic function of MVN circuitry. Chemogenetic targeting strategy was also employed in vivo to manipulate neuronal activity during navigational tests. We found in rats a neonatal critical period before postnatal day (P) 8 in which competitive antagonization of GABAergic transmission in the MVN retarded maturation of inhibitory neurotransmission, as evidenced by deranged developmental trajectory for excitation/inhibition ratio and an extended period of critical period-like plasticity in GABAergic transmission. Despite increased number of PV-expressing GABAergic interneurons in the MVN, optogenetic-coupled patch-clamp recording indicated null-recruitment of these neurons in tuning outputs along the ascending vestibular pathway. Such perturbation not only offset output dynamics of ascending MVN output neurons, but was further accompanied by impaired vestibular-dependent navigation in adulthood. The same perturbations were however non-consequential when applied after P8. Results highlight neonatal GABAergic transmission as key to establishing feedforward output dynamics to higher brain centers for spatial cognition and navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiufen Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiao-Qian Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Man-Him Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chun-Wai Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
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Ma CW, Cheng PS, Chan YS, Tipoe GL. Virtual reality: a technology to promote active learning of physiology for students across multiple disciplines. Adv Physiol Educ 2023; 47:594-603. [PMID: 37382503 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00172.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The usefulness of virtual reality (VR) technology in physiology education is largely unexplored. Although VR has the potential to enrich learning experience by enhancing the spatial awareness of students, it is unclear whether VR contributes to active learning of physiology. In the present study, we used a mixed-method research approach to investigate students' perceptions of physiology learning based on VR simulations. Quantitative and qualitative data indicate that the implementation of VR learning environments improves the quality of physiology education by promoting active learning in terms of interactive engagement, interest, problem-solving skills, and feedback. In the Technology-Enabled Active Learning Inventory, which consisted of 20 questions to which students responded along a 7-point Likert scale, the majority of students agreed that VR learning of physiology not only stimulated their curiosity (77%; P < 0.001) but also allowed them to obtain knowledge through diverse formats (76%; P < 0.001), participate in thought-provoking dialogue (72%; P < 0.001), and interact better with peers (72%; P < 0.001). Positive responses in the social, cognitive, behavioral, and evaluative domains of active learning were received from students across different disciplines, including medicine, Chinese medicine, biomedical sciences, and biomedical engineering. Their written feedback showed that VR enhanced their interest in physiology and facilitated the visualization of physiological processes to improve their learning. Overall, this study supports that the integration of VR technology into physiology courses can be an effective teaching strategy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Virtual reality (VR) improves physiology education by promoting active learning in terms of interactive engagement, interest, problem-solving skills, and feedback. Positive responses toward multiple components of active learning were received from students across different disciplines. The majority of students agreed that VR learning of physiology not only stimulated their curiosity but also allowed them to obtain knowledge through diverse formats, participate in thought-provoking dialogue, and interact better with peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wai Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pui-Sum Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - George Lim Tipoe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Lai SK, Wu KLK, Ma CW, Ng KP, Hu XQ, Tam KW, Yung WH, Wang YT, Wong TP, Shum DKY, Chan YS. Timely insertion of AMPA receptor in developing vestibular circuits is required for manifestation of righting reflexes and effective navigation. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 221:102402. [PMID: 36608782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular information processed first by the brainstem vestibular nucleus (VN), and further by cerebellum and thalamus, underlies diverse brain function. These include the righting reflexes and spatial cognitive behaviour. While the cerebellar and thalamic circuits that decode vestibular information are known, the importance of VN neurons and the temporal requirements for their maturation that allow developmental consolidation of the aforementioned circuits remains unclear. We show that timely unsilencing of glutamatergic circuits in the VN by NMDA receptor-mediated insertion of AMPAR receptor type 1 (GluA1) subunits is critical for maturation of VN and successful consolidation of higher circuits that process vestibular information. Delayed unsilencing of NMDA receptor-only synapses of neonatal VN neurons permanently decreased their functional connectivity with inferior olive circuits. This was accompanied by delayed pruning of the inferior olive inputs to Purkinje cells and permanent reduction in their plasticity. These derangements led to deficits in associated vestibular righting reflexes and motor co-ordination during voluntary movement. Vestibular-dependent recruitment of thalamic neurons was similarly reduced, resulting in permanently decreased efficiency of spatial navigation. The findings thus show that well-choreographed maturation of the nascent vestibular circuitry is prerequisite for functional integration of vestibular signals into ascending pathways for diverse vestibular-related behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk-King Lai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Kenneth Lap Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Chun-Wai Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Ka-Pak Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Xiao-Qian Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Kin-Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Wing-Ho Yung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Department of Medicine and Brain Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tak Pan Wong
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.
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Ma CW. How to advance medical education using journal articles? Insight from problem-based learning. GMS J Med Educ 2022; 39:Doc48. [PMID: 36310889 PMCID: PMC9585409 DOI: 10.3205/zma001569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wai Ma
- The University of Hong Kong, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hong Kong
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Wang X, Liu Y, Huang JX, Lu P, Ba Y, Wu L, Bai YX, Zhang S, Feng JF, Cheng Y, Li J, Wen L, Yuan XL, Ma CW, Hu CH, Fan QX, Xu BH, Huang J. [Correlation between nUGT1A1 gene polymorphisms and adverse events of irinotecan plus S-1 for patients with recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial (ESWN 01)]. Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 2021; 43:1177-1182. [PMID: 34794220 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112152-20191022-00678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the correlation between UGT1A1 polymorphisms and the irinotecan plus S-1 regimen-induced toxicities in Chinese advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Methods: A total of 46 recurrent or metastatic ESCC patients selected from ESWN 01 trial were randomly assigned to irinotecan plus S-1 group [intravenous infusion of irinotecan (160 mg/m(2)) on day 1 and oral S-1 (80-120 mg) on days 1-10, repeated every 14 days]. Peripheral venous blood at baseline was collected and genomic DNA was extracted. The genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Irinotecan plus S-1 regimen-induced toxicities of patients with different UGT1A1 polymorphisms were observed. The correlation between UGT1A1 polymorphisms and the adverse effects was analyzed. Results: Among the 46 patients, the numbers of UGT1A1*6 wild type genotype (GG), mutant heterozygote (GA) and mutant homozygote (AA) were 30, 15 and 1, while those with UGT1A1*28 wild type genotype (TA6/6), mutant heterozygote (TA6/7) and mutant homozygote (TA7/7) were 36, 8 and 2, respectively. Only one patient with UGT1A1*6 AA genotype occurred grade 3 diarrhea, while one of the 2 patients with UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 genotype occurred grade 4 diarrhea. No neutropenia was observed in the patient with UGT1A1*6 AA genotype, however, both of the two patients with UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 genotype occurred grade 3-4 neutropenia. Patients with UGT1A1*28 genetic polymorphism (TA 6/7 or TA7/7) had a higher response rate compared with wild-type TA6/6 carriers. (55.6% versus 26.5%). Conclusions: The homozygous genotype of UGT1A1*6 AA and UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 are rare (<5%) in Chinese ESCC population. Not all homozygous AA and TA7/7 carriers occur severe dose limited toxicities (DLT) when treated with irinotecan (160 mg/m(2)) plus S-1 regimen for 2 weeks. However, it's still necessary torigorously observe the occurrence of severe diarrhea and neutropenia in patients with UGT1A1*6 AA and UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 and adjust the dose timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China the first author currently affiliated to: Daycare Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - J X Huang
- Departmentof Medical Oncology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - P Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453100, China
| | - Y Ba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - L Wu
- Departmentof Medical Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Y X Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, China
| | - S Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan 250117, China
| | - J F Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Y Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun 130012, China
| | - J Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shanxi Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan 030013, China
| | - L Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanxi Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan 030013, China
| | - X L Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - C W Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng 024000, China
| | - C H Hu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Q X Fan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - B H Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - J Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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Ma CW, Wu KLK, Chan YS. Vision on the internationalization of physiology education: Trends and prospects. Sheng Li Xue Bao 2020; 72:690-698. [PMID: 33349825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rapid advancement of physiology education has occurred since the twentieth century due to the emergence of new pedagogies and collaborative effort of physiologists worldwide. Physiological organizations and institutions contribute to the teaching of physiology through international congresses, education symposia, teaching workshops, exchange programs, and journal publications. The Internet and information technologies play a crucial role in the promotion and improvement of computer-based physiology education across different countries. Interactive teaching practices and problem-based learning have also become globally applied strategies to enhance students' motivation and facilitate learning effectiveness. In this article, we review the global development and implementation of pedagogical approaches to the teaching of physiology, as well as the emerging trends and practices for physiology education in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wai Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Ma CW, Yang L, Zhao M, Xi B. [Association of abdominal obesity and obesity types with carotid intima-media thickness in children in China]. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2020; 41:1450-1454. [PMID: 33076597 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20200225-00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the association of abdominal obesity and obesity types with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children and provide scientific evidence for the prevention of abnormal vascular structure. Methods: Based on the "Children's Cardiovascular Health Cohort" conducted in Huantai county of Zibo, Shandong province from November 2017 to January 2018, a total of 1 240 children, including 657 boys (53.0%), who had completed data of sex, age, physical examinations, blood biochemical indices and lifestyle variables (collected by questionnaires) were included for the analysis. Covariance analysis was used to compare the levels of cIMT in groups with normal waist circumference, pre-abdominal obesity and abdominal obesity. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of pre-abdominal obesity and abdominal obesity with high cIMT, and the association of combined effect of general overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity or pre-abdominal obesity with high cIMT. Results: The levels of cIMT in children with pre-abdominal obesity (0.47±0.03) mm and abdominal obesity (0.50±0.04) mm were higher than that in children with normal waist circumference (0.45±0.05) mm, the difference was significant (P<0.001). The detection rates of high cIMT in children with pre-abdominal obesity(20.8%) and abdominal obesity (49.5%) were higher than that in children with normal waist circumference (8.8%), the difference was significant (P<0.001). Compared with normal waist circumference, pre-abdominal obesity and abdominal obesity were significantly associated with high cIMT (pre-abdominal obesity: OR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.67-3.84; abdominal obesity: OR=8.56, 95%CI: 5.97-12.29) after adjustment for potential covariates. Compared with normal body mass index and normal waist circumference, abdominal obesity or pre-abdominal obesity alone (OR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.36-3.69), and mixed overweight and obesity (OR=6.94, 95%CI: 4.87-9.90) were significantly associated with high cIMT. Conclusions: The association between abdominal obesity and high cIMT was significant in children, and the association was stronger between mixed overweight or obesity and high cIMT, suggesting that we should consider mixed overweight and obesity in the prevention of abnormal vascular structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University/Children Cardiovascular Research Center of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - L Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University/Children Cardiovascular Research Center of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - M Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - B Xi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University/Children Cardiovascular Research Center of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
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Yang L, Ma CW, Zhao M, Xi B. [Detection of hypertension based on measurements at three occasions in different days and its relationship with obesity in children]. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2020; 41:1445-1449. [PMID: 33076596 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20200225-00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To analyze the trends in blood pressure (BP) values and the elevated BP based on the measurements at three occasions in different days and its relationship with obesity in children and provide scientific evidence for the identification and prevention of hypertension in children. Methods: A public primary school in Huantai county of Zibo, Shandong province, was selected as the investigation field by using a convenient cluster sampling method. The baseline survey of "Children's Cardiovascular Health Cohort" was carried out from November 2017 to January 2018. All the students with willingness and informed consent in this school were included in the survey, and the valid sample size was 1 505 children (aged 6-11 years). Children with elevated BP at the measurement of the first occasion should had a second measurement 2 weeks later, and a third measurement was given 2 weeks later if BP was still high at the measurement of the second occasion. Hypertension was confirmed if elevated BP was detected in the measurements at all the three occasions in different days. Multivariate linear regression model was used to assess the trend in BP values in children in the measurements at three occasions in different days, Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was used to evaluate the trend of elevated BP, and logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship of elevated BP with obesity at three occasions in different days. Results: In this study, with the increase of follow-up visits, the BP levels continued to rise (trend P<0.05). The elevated BP rates at three occasions were 15.5%, 4.0% and 1.9%, respectively, showing a significantly downward trend (trend P<0.05). Compared with both normal weight and normal waist circumference, the association between obesity types (general obesity only, abdominal obesity only, and mixed obesity) and elevated BP at three occasions increased (the first occasion: OR=3.62, 95%CI: 2.65-4.96; the second occasion: OR=9.50, 95%CI: 4.95-18.22; and the third occasion: OR=8.94, 95%CI: 3.48-22.96; all P<0.05). Stratified analysis by gender showed similar results. Conclusions: The elevated BP rates based on the measurements at three occasions in different days in children aged 6-11 years showed a significant decrease trend. The association between different types of obesity (especially mixed obesity) and elevated BP in children became stronger gradually with the progress of the follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University/Children Cardiovascular Research Center of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - C W Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University/Children Cardiovascular Research Center of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - M Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - B Xi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University/Children Cardiovascular Research Center of Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
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Ma CW, Kwan PY, Wu KLK, Shum DKY, Chan YS. Regulatory roles of perineuronal nets and semaphorin 3A in the postnatal maturation of the central vestibular circuitry for graviceptive reflex. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 224:613-626. [PMID: 30460552 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PN) restrict neuronal plasticity in the adult brain. We hypothesize that activity-dependent consolidation of PN is required for functional maturation of behavioral circuits. Using the postnatal maturation of brainstem vestibular nucleus (VN) circuits as a model system, we report a neonatal period in which consolidation of central vestibular circuitry for graviception is accompanied by activity-dependent consolidation of chondroitin sulfate (CS)-rich PN around GABAergic neurons in the VN. Postnatal onset of negative geotaxis was used as an indicator for functional maturation of vestibular circuits. Rats display negative geotaxis from postnatal day (P) 9, coinciding with the condensation of CS-rich PN around GABAergic interneurons in the VN. Delaying PN formation, by removal of primordial CS moieties on VN with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) treatment at P6, postponed emergence of negative geotaxis to P13. Similar postponement was observed following inhibition of GABAergic transmission with bicuculline, in line with the reported role of PN in increasing excitability of parvalbumin neurons. We further reasoned that PN-CS restricts bioavailability of plasticity-inducing factors such as semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) to bring about circuit maturation. Treatment of VN explants with ChABC to liberate PN-bound Sema3A resulted in dendritic growth and arborization, implicating structural plasticity that delays synapse formation. Evidence is thus provided for the role of PN-CS-Sema3A in regulating structural and circuit plasticity at VN interneurons with impacts on the development of graviceptive postural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wai Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Pui-Yi Kwan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
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Ma CW, Lai CH, Han L, De Nogueira Botelho FP, Shum DKY, Chan YS. Development of neural correlates of linear motion in the rat vestibular nucleus. Sheng Li Xue Bao 2014; 66:37-46. [PMID: 24553868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The capability of the central vestibular system in utilizing cues arising from the inner ear determines the ability of animals to acquire the sense of head orientations in the three-dimensional space and to shape postural movements. During development, neurons in the vestibular nucleus (VN) show significant changes in their electrophysiological properties. An age-dependent enhancement of membrane excitability is accompanied by a progressive increase in firing rate and discharge regularity. The coding of horizontal and vertical linear motions also exhibits developmental refinement in VN neurons. Further, modification of cell surface receptors, such as glutamate receptors, of developing VN neurons are well-orchestrated in the course of maturation, thereby regulating synaptic efficacy and spatial coding capacity of these neurons in local circuits. Taken together, these characteristic features of VN neurons contribute to developmental establishment of space-centered coordinates within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wai Ma
- Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry, and Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Li C, Han L, Ma CW, Lai SK, Lai CH, Shum DKY, Chan YS. Maturation profile of inferior olivary neurons expressing ionotropic glutamate receptors in rats: role in coding linear accelerations. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 218:833-50. [PMID: 22706760 PMCID: PMC3695329 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-012-0432-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Using sinusoidal oscillations of linear acceleration along both the horizontal and vertical planes to stimulate otolith organs in the inner ear, we charted the postnatal time at which responsive neurons in the rat inferior olive (IO) first showed Fos expression, an indicator of neuronal recruitment into the otolith circuit. Neurons in subnucleus dorsomedial cell column (DMCC) were activated by vertical stimulation as early as P9 and by horizontal (interaural) stimulation as early as P11. By P13, neurons in the β subnucleus of IO (IOβ) became responsive to horizontal stimulation along the interaural and antero-posterior directions. By P21, neurons in the rostral IOβ became also responsive to vertical stimulation, but those in the caudal IOβ remained responsive only to horizontal stimulation. Nearly all functionally activated neurons in DMCC and IOβ were immunopositive for the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor and the GluR2/3 subunit of the AMPA receptor. In situ hybridization studies further indicated abundant mRNA signals of the glutamate receptor subunits by the end of the second postnatal week. This is reinforced by whole-cell patch-clamp data in which glutamate receptor-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents of rostral IOβ neurons showed postnatal increase in amplitude, reaching the adult level by P14. Further, these neurons exhibited subthreshold oscillations in membrane potential as from P14. Taken together, our results support that ionotropic glutamate receptors in the IO enable postnatal coding of gravity-related information and that the rostral IOβ is the only IO subnucleus that encodes spatial orientations in 3-D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Li
- Department of Physiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Present Address: Department of Medical Science, Tung Wah College, Wyile Road, Kowloon Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Physiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Wai Ma
- Department of Physiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Suk-King Lai
- Department of Physiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hong Lai
- Department of Physiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daisy Kwok Yan Shum
- Department of Biochemistry, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- Department of Physiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
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Ma CW, Zhang FX, Lai CH, Lai SK, Yung KKL, Shum DKY, Chan YS. Postnatal expression of TrkB receptor in rat vestibular nuclear neurons responsive to horizontal and vertical linear accelerations. J Comp Neurol 2013; 521:612-25. [PMID: 22806574 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We examined the maturation expression profile of tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor in rat vestibular nuclear neurons that were activated by sinusoidal linear acceleration along the horizontal or vertical axis. The otolithic origin of Fos expression in these neurons was confirmed with labyrinthectomized controls and normal controls, which showed only sporadically scattered Fos-labeled neurons in the vestibular nucleus. In P4-6 test rats, no Fos-labeled neurons were found in the vestibular nucleus, but the medial and spinal vestibular neurons showed weak immunoreactivity for TrkB. The intensity of TrkB immunoreactivity in vestibular nuclear neurons progressively increased in the second postnatal week but remained low in adults. From P7 onward, TrkB-expressing neurons responded to horizontal or vertical otolithic stimulation with Fos expression. The number of Fos-labeled vestibular nuclear neurons expressing TrkB increased with age, from 13-43% in P7 rats to 85-90% in adult rats. Our results therefore suggest that TrkB/neurotrophin signaling plays a dominant role in modulating vestibular nuclear neurons for the coding of gravity-related horizontal head movements and for the regulation of vestibular-related behavior during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wai Ma
- Department of Physiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Xiao S, Zhang WG, Lee EJ, Ma CW, Ahn DU. Effects of diet, packaging, and irradiation on protein oxidation, lipid oxidation, and color of raw broiler thigh meat during refrigerated storage. Poult Sci 2011; 90:1348-57. [PMID: 21597078 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-01244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary treatment, packaging, and irradiation singly or in combination on the oxidative stability of broiler chicken thigh meat. A total of 120 four-week-old chickens were divided into 12 pens (10 birds/pen), and 4 pens of broilers were randomly assigned to a control oxidized diet (5% oxidized oil) or an antioxidant-added diet [500 IU of vitamin E + 200 mg/kg of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)] and fed for 2 wk. After slaughter, thigh meats were separated, ground, packaged in either oxygen-permeable or oxygen-impermeable vacuum bags, and irradiated at 0 or 3 kGy. Lipid oxidation (TBA-reactive substances), protein oxidation (carbonyl), and color of the meat were measured at 1, 4, and 7 d of refrigerated storage. The lipid and protein oxidation of thigh meats from birds fed the diet supplemented with antioxidants (vitamin E + BHA) was significantly lower than the lipid and protein oxidation of birds fed the control diet, whereas the lipid and protein oxidation of broilers fed the oxidized oil diet was higher than that of birds fed the control diet. Vacuum packaging slowed, but irradiation accelerated, the lipid and protein oxidation of thigh meat during storage. Dietary antioxidants (vitamin E + BHA) and irradiation treatments showed a stronger effect on lipid oxidation than on protein oxidation. A significant correlation between lipid and protein oxidation in meat was found during storage. Dietary supplementation of vitamin E + BHA and the irradiation treatment increased the lightness and redness of thigh meat, respectively. It is suggested that appropriate use of dietary antioxidants in combination with packaging could be effective in minimizing oxidative changes in irradiated raw chicken thigh meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Xiao
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Ma CW, Lai CH, Lai SK, Tse YC, Yung KK, Shum DK, Chan YS. Developmental distribution of vestibular nuclear neurons responsive to different speeds of horizontal translation. Brain Res 2010; 1326:62-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Lai SK, Lai CH, Zhang FX, Ma CW, Shum DKY, Chan YS. [Neuronal plasticity of otolith-related vestibular system]. Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 2008; 30:741-746. [PMID: 19180927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on our effort in addressing the development and lesion-induced plasticity of the gravity sensing system. After severance of sensory input from one inner ear, there is a bilateral imbalance in response dynamics and spatial coding behavior between neuronal subpopulations on the two sides. These data provide the basis for deranged spatial coding and motor deficits accompanying unilateral labyrinthectomy. Recent studies have also confirmed that both glutamate receptors and neurotrophin receptors within the bilateral vestibular nuclei are implicated in the plasticity during vestibular compensation and development. Changes in plasticity not only provide insight into the formation of a spatial map and recovery of vestibular function but also on the design of drugs for therapeutic strategies applicable to infants or vestibular disorders such as vertigo and dizziness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk-King Lai
- Department of Physiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Wang ZL, Xia B, Shrestha U, Jiang L, Ma CW, Chen Q, Chen H, Hu ZG. Correlation between adiponectin polymorphisms and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with or without metabolic syndrome in Chinese population. J Endocrinol Invest 2008; 31:1086-91. [PMID: 19246975 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) 45 and 276 of the adiponectin gene on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with or without metabolic syndrome. METHODS A total of 165 NAFLD, 83 NAFLD with metabolic syndrome and 160 healthy controls from Chinese population were genotyped for the adiponectin gene (+45T>G and +276G>T) by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Plasma adiponectin and insulin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Insulin resistance (IR) was evaluated by using homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). RESULTS NAFLD with metabolic syndrome had further extent of IR and hypoadiponectinemia. No association of SNP45 or SNP276 was found in NAFLD or NAFLD with metabolic syndrome. Subjects carrying the G allele of SNP45 showed higher levels of triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), HOMA, body mass index (BMI), and alanine transaminase (ALT), as well as lower plasma adiponectin levels. In the normal-weight group of SNP276, subjects carrying the G allele showed higher HOMA and subjects carrying the T allele showed lower BMI. CONCLUSIONS Our study observed further hypoadiponectinemia and IR in NAFLD with metabolic syndrome. The T45G and G276T of the adiponectin gene may not be the important determinants of NAFLD in Chinese people, but some of them still influence serum ALT, BMI, IR, lipid, glucose metabolism and plasma adiponectin concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z L Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, PR China.
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Ma CW, Szeto KY. Linear relation on the correlation in complex networks. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2006; 73:047101. [PMID: 16711951 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.73.047101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2005] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Correlation in complex networks follows a linear relation between the degree of a node and the total degrees of its neighbors for six different classes of real networks. This general linear relation is an extension of the Aboav-Weaire law in two-dimensional cellular structures and provides a simple and different perspective on the correlation in complex networks, which is complementary to an existing description using Pearson correlation coefficients and a power law fit. Analytical expression for this linear relation for three standard models of complex networks: the Erdos-Renyi, Watts-Strogatz, and Barabasi-Albert networks is provided. The slope and intercept of this linear relation are described by a single parameter a together with the first and second moment of the degree distribution of the network. The assortivity of the network can be related to the sign of the intercept.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Ma
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Xia B, Xia HHX, Ma CW, Wong KW, Fung FMY, Hui CK, Chan CK, Chan AOO, Lai KC, Yuen MF, Wong BCY. Trends in the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease and Helicobacter pylori infection in family physician-referred uninvestigated dyspeptic patients in Hong Kong. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 22:243-9. [PMID: 16091062 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02554.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peptic ulcer disease is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. AIM To investigate the trends in the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease, H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in uninvestigated dyspeptic patients over recent years in Hong Kong. METHODS Data from consecutive patients with uninvestigated dyspeptic symptoms referred by family physicians for open access upper endoscopy during 1997 and 2003 were analysed in relation to peptic ulcer disease, H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. RESULTS Among 2700 patients included, 405 (15%) had peptic ulcer disease and 14 (0.5%) had gastric cancer. There was a reduced trend from 1997 to 2003 in the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease (17, 20, 14, 16, 13, 14 and 14%, respectively, chi2 = 5.80, P = 0.016) (mainly because of decrease in duodenal ulcers), H. pylori infection (44, 50, 49, 44, 40, 40, 36 and 43%, respectively, chi2 = 13.55, P < 0.001) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (13, 5, 5, 6, 3, 4, 4 and 5% respectively, chi2 = 13.61, P < 0.001). The prevalence of peptic ulcer disease, H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use between 2001 and 2003 were significantly lower than that between 1997 and 2000 (17% vs. 13%, OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63-0.96, P = 0.020 for peptic ulcer disease; 47% vs. 39%, OR =0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.86, P < 0.001 for H. pylori infection; and 6% vs. 4%, OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39-0.82, P = 0.002 for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use). H. pylori infection was associated with both duodenal ulcer (OR = 15.87, 95% CI: 10.60-23.76, P < 0.001) and gastric ulcer (OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.15-4.53, P < 0.001) whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use was only associated with gastric ulcer (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.70-5.20, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of peptic ulcer disease, mainly duodenal ulcers, was reduced in association with a decreasing trend in the prevalence of H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use from 1997 to 2003.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Xia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center of Digestive Diseases of Zhongnan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, Wuhan University School of Medicine, China
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Abstract
This paper reports a study of measurement of horizontal visual sensitivity limits for 16 subjects in single-target and double-targets detection tasks. Two phases of tests were conducted in the double-targets task; targets of the same difficulty were tested in phase one while targets of different difficulty were tested in phase two. The range of sensitivity for the double-targets test was found to be smaller than that for single-target in both the same and different target difficulty cases. The presence of another target was found to affect performance to a marked degree. Interference effect of the difficult target on detection of the easy one was greater than that of the easy one on the detection of the difficult one. Performance decrement was noted when correct percentage detection was plotted against eccentricity of target in both the single-target and double-targets tests. Nevertheless, the non-significant correlation found between the performance for the two tasks demonstrated that it was impossible to predict quantitatively ability for detection of double targets from the data for single targets. This indicated probable problems in generalizing data for single target visual lobes to those for multiple targets. Also lobe area values obtained from measurements using a single-target task cannot be applied in a mathematical model for situations with multiple occurrences of targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H S Chan
- Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
A typical insoluble chlorinated aromatic dye (CAD), disperse red (DR), was used to explore the reaction mechanism and kinetics of photodegradation in non-ionic surfactant solutions. The use of an additional hydrogen source and photosensitizer is also studied to improve the decay rates. The decay rate of dye in surfactants depends on the Km of surfactants and their ability to offering an effective hydrogen source. The photodegradation of CAD can be divided into three stages: the initial lag stage. the fast degradation stage and the final retardation stage. The lag stage will vanish and the decay rates of dye can be greatly improved by 2.5-3.6 times after adding an additional hydrogen source (NaBH4) or photosensitizer (acetone) to the surfactant micellar solution. However, the use of an additional hydrogen source or photosensitizer has dosage limitations in such applications. The photoreduction of DR is the main reaction mechanism, in which photodechlorination is observed first with the generation of HCI as the final product, then followed by photodecolorization by breaking the azo bond of the chromophore.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Ma
- Research Centre for Urban Environmental Technology and Management, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon
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Shi ZY, Ma CW, Huang J, Lin WM, Dong RC, Luo ZY. [Inhibition of parvovirus H-1 on transplantable human hepatoma and its histological and histobiochemical studies]. Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao 1997; 30:247-59. [PMID: 11039020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
A transplantable human hepatoma model, the QGY-9204, was used in this study. The growth kinetics of hepatoma in nude mice were compared after injection of parvovirus H-1 into the tumor growth. Significant difference in growth curves were seen between injected groups with H-1 dosages of 5 x 10(7) PFU and 5 x 10(8) PFU and that of control. It indicated that parvovirus H-1 was capable of suppressing the growth of human hepatoma. Previous studies showed H-1 is oncotropic, oncosuppressive and oncolytic. For histological, ultrastructural and histochemical examinations, transplantable hepatomas were taken at different time interval post H-1 (1 x 10(8) PFU per tumor growth) injection. For H-1 DNA amplification and H-1 nonstructural protein expression, PCR and ABC approach in hepatoma paraffin sections were used. The H-1 treated groups exhibited obvious signs of necrosis. It started on 3rd day post infection (3 d.p.i.) and the area of necrosis enlarged consecutively on 7 d.p.i., 10 d.p.i. and 14 d.p.i., but none was seen in saline-injected group even on 14 d.p.i. H-1 virions were also detected in the damaged tumor cells with numerous vacuoles in cytoplasm. Specific band (908 bp) of H-1 DNA and ABC immunostaining indicated H-1 DNA replication and NS-1 expression in tumors of treated groups, their time course was well in accordance with that process of necrosis. These results suggest that parvovirus H-1 promotes tumor necrosis by its DNA replication and cytotoxic NS-1 protein expression, and thus, it inhibits hepatoma growth and induces oncosuppression and oncolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai
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Abstract
Based on the notion that regions of structural genes which encode critical domains of the corresponding proteins are highly conserved among closely related species, oligonucleotide primers were designed and used to amplify the alpha-globin sequence(s) of the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. Data of these amplified sequence constructs showed that two new rat alpha-globin specific sequences have been identified. Southern hybridization confirmed the presence of these sequences in the rat genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hong Kong
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Das NP, Ma CW. Development of a simple method for the determination of serum vitamin A level as reflector of nutritional status. Singapore Med J 1987; 28:325-31. [PMID: 3423801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Das NP, Ma CW, Salmon YM. The relationship of serum vitamin A, cholesterol, and triglycerides to the incidence of ovarian cancer. Biochem Med Metab Biol 1987; 37:213-9. [PMID: 3593592 DOI: 10.1016/0885-4505(87)90029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Prospective and retrospective studies have suggested that serum vitamin A and total cholesterol levels may be associated with cancer. Our study showed that the mean (+/- SEM) concentrations of serum vitamin A 489 +/- 33.28 (mean +/- SEM micrograms/liter and serum total cholesterol 174.7 +/- 8.96 (mean +/- SEM) mg/dl from ovarian cancer patients in Singapore were significantly lower than the respective values of 668 +/- 25.10 (mean +/- SEM) microgram/liter and 210.7 4.48 (mean +/- SEM) mg/dl from noncancerous control subjects (P less than 0.0001 for both compounds). In addition, ovarian cancer patients did not show significantly lower serum triglyceride levels than the control subjects. Age did not significantly correlate the serum vitamin A and total cholesterol concentrations, but there was correlation with respect to the serum triglyceride levels. There were moderate correlations between vitamin A and cholesterol levels (r = 0.36, P less than 0.0027) and between cholesterol and triglyceride levels (r = 0.37, P less than 0.0024) in the control subjects but not in the cancer patients. Vitamin A levels correlated moderately with triglyceride levels in both the cancer patients (r = 0.42, P less than 0.0258) and the control subjects (r = 0.33, P less than 0.0069). The inverse relationship between the incidence of ovarian cancer and serum vitamin A and serum total cholesterol concentrations may have distinct implications for preventive medicine and public health.
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Das NP, Ma CW, Salmon YM. Serum selenium concentrations in ovarian cancer patients using a simplified fluorimetric procedure. Biol Trace Elem Res 1986; 10:215-22. [PMID: 24254396 DOI: 10.1007/bf02795620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/1986] [Accepted: 02/08/1986] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The serum selenium (Se) concentrations were determined to be 105.6±15.6 μg/L ([Formula: see text]) and 116.7±18.4 μg/L ([Formula: see text]) for the ovarian cancer patients and the control subjects in Singapore, respectively (p<0.0065). When we separated the patients into three age groups, namely <30, 30-50, and >50 yr, the ovarian cancer patients showed significantly lower mean serum Se levels than the control subjects for the 30-50-yr age group only. However, when the analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data, the values indicated that the age of the subject did not significantly affect the serum Se level. Our findings suggest that there is an inverse relationship between serum Se concentration and the incidence of human ovarian cancer.A modified simple fluorimetric method for the determination of serum Se concentration is described. The procedure, with a sensitivity limit of 5 μg/L and percentage recoveries of 96.2-100.7%, requires only 0.2 mL of serum sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, 0511, Singapore
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