1
|
Sun C, Lin KC, Yeung CY, Ching ESC, Huang YT, Lai PY, Chan CK. Revealing directed effective connectivity of cortical neuronal networks from measurements. Phys Rev E 2022; 105:044406. [PMID: 35590680 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.105.044406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the study of biological networks, one of the major challenges is to understand the relationships between network structure and dynamics. In this paper, we model in vitro cortical neuronal cultures as stochastic dynamical systems and apply a method that reconstructs directed networks from dynamics [Ching and Tam, Phys. Rev. E 95, 010301(R) (2017)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.95.010301] to reveal directed effective connectivity, namely, the directed links and synaptic weights, of the neuronal cultures from voltage measurements recorded by a multielectrode array. The effective connectivity so obtained reproduces several features of cortical regions in rats and monkeys and has similar network properties as the synaptic network of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, whose entire nervous system has been mapped out. The distribution of the incoming degree is bimodal and the distributions of the average incoming and outgoing synaptic strength are non-Gaussian with long tails. The effective connectivity captures different information from the commonly studied functional connectivity, estimated using statistical correlation between spiking activities. The average synaptic strengths of excitatory incoming and outgoing links are found to increase with the spiking activity in the estimated effective connectivity but not in the functional connectivity estimated using the same sets of voltage measurements. These results thus demonstrate that the reconstructed effective connectivity can capture the general properties of synaptic connections and better reveal relationships between network structure and dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chumin Sun
- Institute of Theoretical Physics and Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - K C Lin
- Institute of Theoretical Physics and Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - C Y Yeung
- Institute of Theoretical Physics and Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Emily S C Ching
- Institute of Theoretical Physics and Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Department of Physics and Center for Complex Systems, National Central University, Chungli, Taiwan 320, ROC
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 115, ROC
| | - Pik-Yin Lai
- Department of Physics and Center for Complex Systems, National Central University, Chungli, Taiwan 320, ROC
| | - C K Chan
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 115, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ali MA, Balaganesh M, Al-Odail FA, Lin KC. Effect of ammonia and water molecule on OH + CH 3OH reaction under tropospheric condition. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12185. [PMID: 34108500 PMCID: PMC8190139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90640-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate coefficients for OH + CH3OH and OH + CH3OH (+ X) (X = NH3, H2O) reactions were calculated using microcanonical, and canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) between 200 and 400 K based on potential energy surface constructed using CCSD(T)//M06-2X/6-311++G(3df,3pd). The results show that OH + CH3OH is dominated by the hydrogen atoms abstraction from CH3 position in both free and ammonia/water catalyzed ones. This result is in consistent with previous experimental and theoretical studies. The calculated rate coefficient for the OH + CH3OH (8.8 × 10-13 cm3 molecule-1 s-1), for OH + CH3OH (+ NH3) [1.9 × 10-21 cm3 molecule-1 s-1] and for OH + CH3OH (+ H2O) [8.1 × 10-16 cm3 molecule-1 s-1] at 300 K. The rate coefficient is at least 8 order magnitude [for OH + CH3OH(+ NH3) reaction] and 3 orders magnitude [OH + CH3OH (+ H2O)] are smaller than free OH + CH3OH reaction. Our calculations predict that the catalytic effect of single ammonia and water molecule on OH + CH3OH reaction has no effect under tropospheric conditions because the dominated ammonia and water-assisted reaction depends on ammonia and water concentration, respectively. As a result, the total effective reaction rate coefficients are smaller. The current study provides a comprehensive example of how basic and neutral catalysts effect the most important atmospheric prototype alcohol reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Akbar Ali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, PO Box 380, Al Hufuf, 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
| | - M Balaganesh
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Faisal A Al-Odail
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, PO Box 380, Al Hufuf, 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - K C Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu H, Shi WZ, Liu L, Gong MC, Guo Y, Deng GP, Xu TL, Lin KC. [Practice and Reflection on the Battle against COVID-19 by Guangdong Medical Aid Team in the city of Honghu]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2020; 100:E018. [PMID: 32157848 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20200228-00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H Zhu
- Nanfang Hospital, South Medical University,Guangzhou 510151 China
| | - W Z Shi
- Digital China Health Technologies Co.ltd, Beijng 100085 China
| | - L Liu
- Nanfang Hospital, South Medical University,Guangzhou 510151 China
| | - M C Gong
- Digital China Health Technologies Co.ltd, Beijng 100085 China
| | - Y Guo
- Nanfang Hospital, South Medical University,Guangzhou 510151 China
| | - G P Deng
- Nanfang Hospital, South Medical University,Guangzhou 510151 China
| | - T L Xu
- Nanfang Hospital, South Medical University,Guangzhou 510151 China
| | - K C Lin
- Nanfang Hospital, South Medical University,Guangzhou 510151 China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chiang SK, Ni CH, Tsai CP, Lin KC. Validation of the cognitively normal range and below normal range subtypes in chronically hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res Cogn 2016; 5:28-34. [PMID: 28740814 PMCID: PMC5514302 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Many studies have found a substantial minority of patients whose performance puts them within the normal range of neuropsychological functioning. Recently, a study has seen the delineation of two neurocognitive subtypes of schizophrenia –‘cognitively normal range’ (CNR) and ‘below normal range’ (BNR) – based on neurocognitive performance across multiple domains. Methods The participants were from two studies that collected neurocognitive, psychopathology and social function data between 2008 and 2015. In total the complete data from one hundred and thirty one patients of Han Chinese ethnicity with schizophrenia were collected on 21 neurocognitive indexes (assessing the domains of processing speed, attention, working memory, verbal memory, visual memory, reasoning and problem solving and IQ). Fifty-five patients of the one hundred and thirty one participants received additional ratings on their psychopathology and social functions. An exploratory graphic analysis was conducted on the neurocognitive measures for the entire sample. Difference analyses were also performed according to the aims of the study using the Independent t test, Chi-square test, and Cohen's d effect size. Results Analyses revealed the existence of two patients subtypes. The post hoc tests showed that there were significant differences on all of their neurocognitive measures and on most of the psychopathology and social functions between the two subtypes. These two subtypes could be referred to as the CNR subtype and the BNR subtype respectively. Conclusions There are neurocognitive subtypes of schizophrenia with differential illness characteristics comparable with the CNR and the BNR in patients of Han Chinese ethnicity with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Kuang Chiang
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, National Dong Hwa University, No. 1, Sec. 2, Da Hsueh Rd., Shoufeng, Hualien, 97401, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Ching-Huan Ni
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, National Dong Hwa University, No. 1, Sec. 2, Da Hsueh Rd., Shoufeng, Hualien, 97401, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Chih-Pu Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, No.2, Zhongzheng 1st. Rd., Lingya District, Kaohsiung City 80284, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Keng-Chang Lin
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kaohsiung, Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, No.130, Kaisyuan 2nd Rd., Lingya Dist., Kaohsiung City 80276, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lin KC, Twu MJ, Deng RH, Liu CH. The Impacts of Contact Etch Stop Layer Thickness and Gate Height on Channel Stress in Strained N-Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2015; 15:2673-2679. [PMID: 26353480 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2015.9834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The stress induced by strain in the channel of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET) is an effective method to boost the device performance. The geometric dimensions of spacer, gate height, and the contact etch stop layer (CESL) are important factors among the feasible booster. This study utilized the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients of stressors to simulate the process-induced stress in the N-MOSFET. Different temperatures are applied to different region of the device to generate the required strain. The analysis was performed by well-developed finite element package. The composite spacers with variant width of inserted silicon nitride (SiO2/SiN/SiO2, ONO) were proposed and their impacts on channel stress were compared. Two aspects of the impacts of those factors on the channel stress in the longitudinal direction for N-MOSFET with variant channel length were investigated. Firstly, the channel stresses of device without CESL for different gate heights were studied. Secondly, with stress applied to CESL and ONO spacers, the induced stresses in the channel were analyzed for long/short gate length. Two conclusions were drawn from the results of simulation. The N-MOSFET device without CESL shows that the stressed spacer alone generates compressive stress and the magnitude increases along with higher gate height. The channel stress becomes tensile for device with CESL and increases when the thickness of CESL and the height of gate increase, especially for device with shorter gate length. The gate height plays more significant role in inducing channel stress compared with the thickness of CESL. The channel stress can be used to quantify the mobility of electron/hole for strained MOSFET device. Therefore, with the guideline disclosed in this study, better device performance can be expected for N-MOSFET.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chin HY, Lin KC, Chiang CH, Wang CJ. Single uroflow study as a tool in predicting the possibility of abnormal voiding symptoms after the administration of antimuscarinic agents in treating overactive bladder syndrome. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2015; 42:152-155. [PMID: 26054108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of uroflowmetry in predicting the possibility of abnormal voiding symptoms following antimuscarinic treatment for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in Taiwanese women. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on women with OAB. Forty-five women with abnormal voiding patterns shown by urodynamic study comprised the main group and 38 women with normal voiding patterns comprised the control group. All patients were prescribed two mg tolterodine once daily for one week. Follow-up on complaints of abnormal voiding symptoms was done one week later. RESULTS One woman in control group and 12 women in main group complained of abnormal voiding symptoms. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of abnormal voiding symptoms after antimuscarinic administration between main study group and control group (26.7 % vs 2.6 %, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIOn: Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive and simple tool to predict the occurrence of abnormal voiding symptoms after antimuscarinic use.
Collapse
|
7
|
Huber B, Drewes JE, Lin KC, König R, Müller E. Revealing biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion in sludge digesters: detection of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria within full-scale digesters. Water Sci Technol 2014; 70:1405-1411. [PMID: 25353947 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2014.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion (BSA) is a costly problem affecting both sewerage infrastructure and sludge handling facilities such as digesters. The aim of this study was to verify BSA in full-scale digesters by identifying the microorganisms involved in the concrete corrosion process, that is, sulfate-reducing (SRB) and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB). To investigate the SRB and SOB communities, digester sludge and biofilm samples were collected. SRB diversity within digester sludge was studied by applying polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) targeting the dsrB-gene (dissimilatory sulfite reductase beta subunit). To reveal SOB diversity, cultivation dependent and independent techniques were applied. The SRB diversity studies revealed different uncultured SRB, confirming SRB activity and H2S production. Comparable DGGE profiles were obtained from the different sludges, demonstrating the presence of similar SRB species. By cultivation, three pure SOB strains from the digester headspace were obtained including Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiomonas intermedia and Thiomonas perometabolis. These organisms were also detected with PCR-DGGE in addition to two new SOB: Thiobacillus thioparus and Paracoccus solventivorans. The SRB and SOB responsible for BSA were identified within five different digesters, demonstrating that BSA is a problem occurring not only in sewer systems but also in sludge digesters. In addition, the presence of different SOB species was successfully associated with the progression of microbial corrosion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Huber
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 8, 85748 Garching, Germany E-mail:
| | - J E Drewes
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 8, 85748 Garching, Germany E-mail:
| | - K C Lin
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 8, 85748 Garching, Germany E-mail:
| | - R König
- Weber-Ingenieure GmbH, Bauschlotter Straße 62, 75177 Pforzheim, Germany
| | - E Müller
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 8, 85748 Garching, Germany E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chao MS, Tornero J, Lin KC, Stolte S, González Ureña A. Decoherence cross-section in NO + Ar collisions: experimental results and a simple model. J Phys Chem A 2013; 117:8119-25. [PMID: 23556513 DOI: 10.1021/jp401005v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Quantum decoherence can be viewed as the mechanism responsible for the quantum-to-classical transition as the initially prepared quantum state interacts with its environment in an irreversible manner. One of the most common mechanisms responsible for the macroscopically observed decoherence involves collisions of an atom or molecule, initially prepared in a coherent superposition of states, with gas particles. In this work, a coherent superposition of quantum internal states of NO molecules is prepared by the interaction between the molecule with both a static and a radiofrequency electric field. Subsequently, NO + Ar collision decoherence experiments are investigated by measuring the loss of coherence as a function of the number of collisions. Data analysis using a model based on the interaction potential of the collisional partners allowed to unravel the molecular mechanism responsible for the loss of coherence in the prepared NO quantum superposition of internal states. The relevance of the present work relies on several aspects. On the one hand, the use of radio-waves introduces a new way for the production of coherent beams. On the other hand, the employed methodology could be useful in investigating the Stereodynamics of chemical reactions with coherent reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M-S Chao
- Unidad de Láseres y Haces Moleculares Instituto Pluridisciplinar, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen YC, Dong GH, Lin KC, Lee YL. Gender difference of childhood overweight and obesity in predicting the risk of incident asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2013; 14:222-31. [PMID: 23145849 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789x.2012.01055.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [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: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aims of our meta-analysis were (i) to quantify the predictability of childhood overweight and obesity on the risk of incident asthma; and (ii) to evaluate the gender difference on this relationship. The selection criteria included prospective cohort paediatric studies which use age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) as a measure of childhood overweight and the primary outcome of incident asthma. A total of 1,027 studies were initially identified through online database searches, and finally 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. The combined result of reported relative risk from the 6 included studies revealed that overweight children conferred increased risks of incident asthma as compared with non-overweight children (relative risk, 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.37). The relationship was further elevated for obesity vs. non-obesity (relative risk, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.16-3.50). A dose-responsiveness of elevated BMI on asthma incidence was observed (P for trend, 0.004). Obese boys had a significantly larger effect than obese girls (relative risk, boys: 2.47; 95% CI, 1.57-3.87; girls: 1.25; 95% CI, 0.51-3.03), with significant dose-dependent effect. Proposed mechanisms of gender difference could be through pulmonary mechanics, sleep disordered breathing and leptin. Further research might be needed to better understand the exact mechanism of gender difference on the obesity-asthma relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y C Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chin HY, Lin KC, Chiang CH, Wang CJ. Combination of baclofen and antimuscarinics to reduce voiding difficulty in treating women with overactive bladders. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2012; 39:171-174. [PMID: 22905457] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY To evaluate the efficacy of baclofen in combination with antimuscarinics to treat women with an overactive bladder (OAB) with abnormal voiding patterns. METHODS An action research and chart review was conducted in 245 OAB women. Women were prescribed tolterodine or oxybutynin with or without baclofen after urodynamics. The complaint of voiding difficulty was followed up one week later. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the occurrence of voiding difficulty after antimuscarinic administration in OAB women with abnormal voiding patterns compared with normal patterns (18% vs 4.9%, respectively; p = 0.013). The clinical difference of voiding difficulty after treating with antimuscarinics between both voiding patterns disappeared after adding baclofen (abnormal voiding pattern vs normal pattern; 11.1% vs. 5.6%, respectively; p = 1.000). CONCLUSION Combined use of baclofen and antimuscarinic agents could reduce voiding difficulty in treating women with overactive bladders with abnormal voiding patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Y Chin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lo HM, Chiang CF, Tsao HC, Pai TY, Liu MH, Kurniawan TA, Chao KP, Liou CT, Lin KC, Chang CY, Wang SC, Banks CJ, Lin CY, Liu WF, Chen PH, Chen CK, Chiu HY, Wu HY, Chao TW, Chen YR, Liou DW, Lo FC. Effects of spiked metals on the MSW anaerobic digestion. Waste Manag Res 2012; 30:32-48. [PMID: 20880938 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x10383079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight metals on the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in bioreactors. Anaerobic bioreactors containing 200 mL MSW mixed completely with 200 m L sludge seeding. Ca and K (0, 1000, 2000 and 6,000 mg L(-1)) and Cr, Ni, Zn, Co, Mo and W (0, 5, 50 and 100 mg L(-1)) of various dose were added to anaerobic bioreactors to examine their anaerobic digestion performance. Results showed that except K and Zn, Ca (~728 to ~1,461 mg L(-1)), Cr (~0.0022 to ~0.0212 mg L(-1)), Ni (~0.801 to ~5.362 mg L(-1)), Co (~0.148 to ~0.580 mg L(-1)), Mo (~0.044 to ~52.94 mg L(-1)) and W (~0.658 to ~40.39 mg L(-1)) had the potential to enhance the biogas production. On the other hand, except Mo and W, inhibitory concentrations IC(50) of Ca, K, Cr, Ni, Zn and Co were found to be ~3252, ~2097, ~0.124, ~7.239, ~0.482, ~8.625 mg L(-1), respectively. Eight spiked metals showed that they were adsorbed by MSW to a different extent resulting in different liquid metals levels and potential stimulation and inhibition on MSW anaerobic digestion. These results were discussed and compared to results from literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Lo
- Department of Environmental Engineering and anagement, Chaoyang University of Technology, Wufong Township, Taichung County, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Masek-Hammerman K, Miller AD, Lin KC, MacKey J, Weissenböck H, Gierbolini L, Burgos A, Perez H, Mansfield KG. Epizootic myocarditis associated with encephalomyocarditis virus in a group of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Vet Pathol 2011; 49:386-92. [PMID: 21653204 DOI: 10.1177/0300985811409254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Six cases of fatal myocarditis associated with encephalomyocarditis virus occurred over a 14-month period in a group of outdoor-housed juvenile rhesus macaques. All animals were younger than 3 years of age and died or were euthanized following acute onset of dyspnea or pulmonary effusion (3 of 6) or were found dead without premonitory signs (3 of 6). Gross findings included pulmonary congestion (6 of 6), variable degrees of pleural effusion (4 of 6), multifocal pale tan foci throughout the myocardium (3 of 6), hepatomegaly and hepatic congestion (3 of 6), and pericardial effusion (1 of 6). Histologically, affected myocardium was infiltrated multifocally by lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic inflammation admixed with necrotic and degenerate myofibers and infrequent mineralization (6 of 6). Pulmonary edema was present in all animals. Encephalomyocarditis virus was confirmed in 6 of 6 hearts by immunohistochemistry, and virus was isolated from one case by polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing of virus isolated from 1 affected animal indicated infection with a novel encephalomyocarditis virus. Encephalomyocarditis virus should be considered as a differential etiology in outbreaks of myocarditis and pulmonary edema in juvenile primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Masek-Hammerman
- New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA 01772, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lo HM, Kurniawan TA, Sillanpää MET, Pai TY, Chiang CF, Chao KP, Liu MH, Chuang SH, Banks CJ, Wang SC, Lin KC, Lin CY, Liu WF, Cheng PH, Chen CK, Chiu HY, Wu HY. Modeling biogas production from organic fraction of MSW co-digested with MSWI ashes in anaerobic bioreactors. Bioresour Technol 2010; 101:6329-6335. [PMID: 20400299 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at investigating the effects of MSW incinerator fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) on the anaerobic co-digestion of OFMSW with FA or BA. It also simulates the biogas production from various dosed and control bioreactors. Results showed that suitable ashes addition (FA/MSW 10 and 20 g L(-1) and BA/MSW 100 g L(-1)) could improve the MSW anaerobic digestion and enhance the biogas production rates. FA/MSW 20 g L(-1) bioreactor had the higher biogas production and rate implying the potential option for MSW anaerobic co-digestion. Modeling studies showed that exponential plot simulated better for FA/MSW 10 g L(-1) and control bioreactors while Gaussian plot was applicable for FA/MSW 20 g L(-1) one. Linear and exponential plot of descending limb both simulated better for BA/MSW 100 g L(-1) bioreactor. Modified Gompertz plot showed higher correlation of biogas accumulation than exponential rise to maximum plot for all bioreactors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Lo
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung County, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Small intestinal adenocarcinomas are uncommon neoplasms that are rarely reported in nonhuman primates. These neoplasms are also rare in humans, although they are thought to share a similar pathogenesis with the more common colorectal carcinoma. Herein the authors report the clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics of small intestinal adenocarcinoma in 10 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Retrospective analysis of necropsy records revealed small intestinal carcinoma to be the most common neoplastic cause of morbidity and mortality in aged common marmosets. The average age of affected animals was 6.6 years old, and there was no sex predilection. Nine of 10 (90%) tumors arose within the proximal small intestine near the interface with the duodenum. All cases were characterized by disorganization, loss of polarity, and proliferation of neoplastic epithelial cells along the crypt to midvillous interface. Two of 10 (20%) were defined as carcinoma in situ. Eight of 10 (80%) had some degree of invasion, with lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis present in 6 of 10 (60%) animals. Immunohistochemically, 10 of 10 (100%) expressed cytokeratin; 7 of 9 (77%) expressed E-cadherin; and 8 of 9 (88%) expressed beta-catenin. The expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin was decreased in the cell membrane and increased in the cytoplasm. No Helicobacter-like bacteria were observed via silver stain, and callitrichine herpesvirus 3 was detected by polymerase chain reaction with equal frequency from neoplastic and nonneoplastic intestinal sections. The tumors described in this population illustrate comparable features to human cases of small intestine carcinoma and may serve as a potential animal model for small intestinal carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A D Miller
- New England Regional Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, One Pine Hill Drive, Southborough, MA 01760, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lin YF, Wu ZY, Lin KC, Chen CC, Jian WB, Chen FR, Kai JJ. Nanocontact resistance and structural disorder induced resistivity variation in metallic metal-oxide nanowires. Nanotechnology 2009; 20:455401. [PMID: 19822926 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/45/455401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Several systems of metallic metal-oxide nanowires (NWs), including pure RuO2 and as-implanted and annealed Ru(0.98)Cu(0.02)O2 and Ru(0.93)Cu(0.07)O2 NWs, have been employed in two-probe electrical characterizations by using a transmission electron microscope-scanning tunneling microscope technique with a gold tip. Thermal, mechanical, and electron beam exposing treatments are consecutively applied to reduce the electrical contact resistance, generated from the interface between the NW and the gold tip, so as to evaluate the intrinsic NW resistance. It is found that the residual contact resistance cannot be entirely removed. For each system of metallic metal-oxide NWs, several tens of NWs are applied to electrical characterizations and the total resistances unveil a linear dependence on the ratio of the length to the area of the NWs. As a result, the average resistivity and the contact resistance of the metallic metal-oxide NWs could be evaluated at room temperatures. The average resistivities of pure RuO2 NWs agree well with the results obtained from standard two- and four-probe electrical-transport measurements. In addition, the as-implanted Cu-RuO2 NWs reveal disordered crystalline structures in high-resolution TEM images and give higher resistivities in comparison with that of pure RuO2 NWs. The residual contact resistances of all kinds of metallic metal-oxide NWs unveil, more surprisingly, an approximation value of several kilohms, even though the average resistivities of these NWs change by more than one order of magnitude. It is argued that the ductile gold tip makes one or more soft contacts on the stiff metal-oxide NWs with nanometer roughness and the nanocontacts on the NWs contribute to the electrical contact resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y F Lin
- Department of Electrophysics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chou JW, Lin KC, Tang YT, Hsueh FK, Lee YJ, Luo CW, Chen YN, Yuan CT, Shih HC, Fan WC, Lin MC, Chou WC, Chuu DS. Fluorescence signals of quantum dots influenced by spatially controlled array structures. Nanotechnology 2009; 20:415201. [PMID: 19755732 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/41/415201] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence signals of quantum dots (QDs) influenced by different array structures of gold-coated silicon nanorods (SiNRs) were investigated via experimental observations and two-dimensional (2D) finite element method (FEM) simulations. On the densest gold-coated SiNRs array structure, the highest QD fluorescence quenching rates were observed and on the sparsest array structure, the highest QD fluorescence enhancement rates were observed. By developing a new technique which obtains the optical image of the array structures without losing information about the QD locations, we were able to further investigate how the QD fluorescence is influenced by spatially controlled array structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J W Chou
- Department of Electrophysics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30050, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen WS, Chen CH, Lin KC, Tsai CY, Liao HT, Wang HB, Chen YK, Yang AH, Chen TC, Chou CT. Immunohistological features of hip synovitis in ankylosing spondylitis with advanced hip involvement. Scand J Rheumatol 2009; 38:154-5. [PMID: 19165649 DOI: 10.1080/03009740802409504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
18
|
Lo HM, Liu MH, Pai TY, Liu WF, Lin CY, Wang SC, Banks CJ, Hung CH, Chiang CF, Lin KC, Chen PH, Chen JK, Chiu HY, Su MH, Kurniawan TA, Wu KC, Hsieh CY, Hsu HS. Biostabilization assessment of MSW co-disposed with MSWI fly ash in anaerobic bioreactors. J Hazard Mater 2009; 162:1233-1242. [PMID: 18653282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2007] [Revised: 05/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash has been examined for possible use as landfill interim cover. For this aim, three anaerobic bioreactors, 1.2m high and 0.2m in diameter, were used to assess the co-digestion or co-disposal performance of MSW and MSWI fly ash. Two bioreactors contained ratios of 10 and 20 g fly ash per liter of MSW (or 0.2 and 0.4 g g(-1) VS, that is, 0.2 and 0.4 g fly ash per gram volatile solids (VS) of MSW). The remaining bioreactor was used as control, without fly ash addition. The results showed that gas production rate was enhanced by the appropriate addition of MSWI fly ash, with a rate of approximately 6.5l day(-1)kg(-1)VS at peak production in the ash-added bioreactors, compared to approximately 4l day(-1)kg(-1)VS in control. Conductivity, alkali metals and VS in leachate were higher in the fly ash-added bioreactors compared to control. The results show that MSW decomposition was maintained throughout at near-neutral pH and might be improved by release of alkali and trace metals from fly ash. Heavy metals exerted no inhibitory effect on MSW digestion in all three bioreactors. These phenomena indicate that proper amounts of MSWI fly ash, co-disposed or co-digested with MSW, could facilitate bacterial activity, digestion efficiency and gas production rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Lo
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168, Jifong East Road, Wufong, Taichung County, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lo HM, Lin KC, Liu MH, Pai TZ, Lin CY, Liu WF, Fang GC, Lu C, Chiang CF, Wang SC, Chen PH, Chen JK, Chiu HY, Wu KC. Solubility of heavy metals added to MSW. J Hazard Mater 2009; 161:294-299. [PMID: 18457918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.03.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Revised: 01/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the six heavy metal levels (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) in municipal solid waste (MSW) at different pHs. It intends to provide the baseline information of metals solubility in MSW co-disposed or co-digested with MSW incinerator ashes in landfill or anaerobic bioreactors or heavy metals contaminated in anaerobic digesters. One milliliter (equal to 1mg) of each metal was added to the 100ml MSW and the batch reactor test was carried out. The results showed that higher HNO3 and NaOH were consumed at extreme pH of 1 and 13 compared to those from pH 2 to 11 due to the comparably higher buffer capacity. Pb was found to have the least soluble level, highest metal adsorption (%) and highest partitioning Kd (lg(-1)) between pH 3 and 12. In contrast, Ni showed the highest soluble level, lowest metal adsorption (%) and lowest Kd (lg(-1)) between pH 4 and 12. Except Ni and Cr, other four metals seemed to show the amphibious properties as comparative higher solubility was found in the acidic and basic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Lo
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168 Gifong E. Road, Wufong, Taichung County 41349, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lin CH, Lin KC, Tang TB, Pai WW. Anomalous surface diffusion of C60 and anisotropic growth of nano islands on Ni(111). J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2008; 8:602-7. [PMID: 18464377 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2008.d224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The migration behavior of C60 on Ni(111) has been inferred from its growth morphology at various substrate temperatures, as observed with scanning tunneling microscopy. The number density of islands increased and their average sizes decreased anomalously in the temperature range of approximately 573 K to approximately 973 K. This trend contradicts the prediction in conventional nucleation theory. At low and high temperatures, C60 commence nucleation on both sides of surface steps in a "bi-directional step flow" mode. However, anisotropy occurs within an intermediate temperature range, in which C60 nucleate predominantly at upper step edges. Surprisingly, in-situ growth measurements at this intermediate temperature range revealed that C60 actually start nucleating from lower step edges, with concomitant formation of Ni terraces underneath. These anomalous thermal dependence of diffusivity and the peculiar growth morphology of C60 on Ni(111) are attributed to C60-induced reconstruction of Ni(111) at higher temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C H Lin
- Center for Condensed Matter Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, RO China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen HA, Lin KC, Chen CH, Liao HT, Wang HP, Chang HN, Tsai CY, Chou CT. The effect of etanercept on anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 65:35-9. [PMID: 15975966 PMCID: PMC1797988 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2005.038851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the changes in anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) following etanercept treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS The study included 90 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who failed treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). All patients were allowed to continue treatment with DMARDs; 52 of them received etanercept as a twice weekly 25 mg subcutaneous injection for three months, and the others did not. Serum samples were collected at baseline and one month intervals during the treatment course. The serum levels of anti-CCP and RF were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and nephelometry, respectively. RESULTS At baseline, 45 of the 52 etanercept treated patients (86.5%) and 32 of the 38 controls (84.2%) were positive for anti-CCP. Tests for RF were positive in 78.9% and 84.2% of patients with or without etanercept treatment, respectively. The serum levels of anti-CCP and RF decreased significantly after a three month etanercept treatment (p = 0.007 and p = 0.006, respectively). The average decrease from baseline calculated for each individual patient in the etanercept treated group was 31.3% for anti-CCP and 36% for RF. The variation in anti-CCP was positively correlated with the variation in disease activity, swollen and tender joint counts, RF, and C reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS Etanercept combined with DMARDs leads to a much greater decrease than DMARDs alone in the serum levels of anti-CCP and RF in rheumatoid arthritis, compatible with a reduction in clinical disease activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H A Chen
- Section of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chou CT, Lin KC, Wei JCC, Tsai WC, Ho HH, Hwang CM, Cherng JM, Hsu CM, Yu DTY. Study of undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy among first-degree relatives of ankylosing spondylitis probands. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2005; 44:662-5. [PMID: 15741196 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keh577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate in a Chinese population the prevalence of undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (USpA) among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) probands, and to compare the clinical features of familial USpA with those of sporadic USpA. METHODS The FDRs of two separate cohorts of consecutive AS probands were evaluated for the prevalence of USpA, using the Modified New York criteria and the European Spondylitis Study Group criteria for AS and SpA, respectively. Sporadic USpA and FDRs of non-SpA rheumatic patient probands served as separate controls. RESULTS Among the 301 FDRs of 102 AS probands, 7.0% were USpA. This was 1000 times higher than the 147 FDRs of 40 non-SpA probands (P = 0.00230). Within the AS families, USpA was less male-dominated than AS (33.3 vs 72.5%) (P = 0.006). The only feature distinguishing familial from sporadic USpA was that the percentages of HLA B27 were 100 and 50%, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION USpA and AS coexist in the same Chinese families, both being predisposed by HLA B27. In these families, a female gender favours the development of USpA rather than AS. A significant subset of sporadic USpA (HLA B27-negative group) has a different genetic predisposition compared with familial USpA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C T Chou
- Division of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shipai Road, Beitou Chiu, Taipei, Taiwan 112.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Past reports of the water relations of epiphytes, particularly bromeliads, indicate that tissue osmotic potentials in these tropical and subtropical plants are very high (close to zero) and are similar to values for aquatic plants. This is puzzling because several ecophysiological studies have revealed a high degree of drought stress tolerance in some of these epiphytes. The goal of this study was two-fold: (1) to increase the number of epiphytic taxa sampled for tissue osmotic potentials; and (2) to explain the apparent discrepancy in the significance of the tissue water relations and tolerance of drought stress in epiphytes. Tissue osmotic potentials of 30 species of epiphytic ferns, lycophytes, and orchids were measured in a subtropical rain forest in northeastern Taiwan. Nearly all values were less negative than -1.0 MPa, in line with all previous data for epiphytes. It is argued that such high osmotic potentials, indicative of low solute concentrations, are the result of environmental constraints of the epiphytic habitat on productivity of these plants, and that low rates of photosynthesis and transpiration delay the onset of turgor loss in the tissues of epiphytes such that they appear to be very drought-stress tolerant. Maintenance of photosynthetic activity long into drought periods is ascribed to low rates of transpiration and, hence, delayed tissue desiccation, and hydration of the photosynthetic tissue at the expense of water from the water-storage parenchyma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig E Martin
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sharma RC, Thakur SN, Lin KC. A3Pi1u<--X1Sigmag+ laser photoacoustic spectroscopy of Br2 vapor in the extreme red wavelength region 665-720 nm. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2004; 60:1889-1893. [PMID: 15248965 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2003.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2003] [Accepted: 08/01/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The A3Pi1u<--X1Sigmag+ photoacoustic spectrum of Br2 vapor has been studied and vibronic analysis performed using earlier data available for this system of bands from optical spectroscopy in the region 665-720 nm. The vibronic levels involved in these transitions are 4< or =v'< or =21 and 1< or =v''< or =4. The relative photoacoustic intensities of the vibronic bands have been used in estimating the non-radiative relaxation rate from vibrational levels of A3Pi(1u) state. The non-radiative relaxation is found to be a nonlinear function of the upper state vibrational quantum number. The radiative rate constants for the A3Pi(1u) state vibrational levels have been compared with the corresponding non-radiative constants obtained from present work. Non-radiative decay rate constants for the vibrational levels of A3Pi(1u) state have been experimentally determined for the first time from photoacoustic spectrum of Br2 vapor in the extreme red region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, National Taiwan University, Academia Sinica, Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Niu KC, Lin KC, Yang CY, Lin MT. Protective effects of alpha-tocopherol and mannitol in both circulatory shock and cerebral ischaemia injury in rat heatstroke. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2003; 30:745-51. [PMID: 14516413 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1681.2003.03905.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
1. There is evidence that hydroxyl radicals are accumulated and oxidative stress is produced in multiple organs, including the brain, of rats with heat stroke. Herein, we investigated the effect on heat stroke-induced circulatory shock and cerebral ischaemic injury of two free radical scavengers, namely mannitol and alpha-tocopherol. 2. Urethane-anaesthetized rats were exposed to heat stress (ambient temperature 42 degrees C) to induce heat stroke. Control rats were exposed to 24 degrees C. Mean arterial pressure and cerebral blood flow after the onset of heat stroke were significantly lower in heat stroke rats than in control rats. However, cerebral free radicals, lipid peroxidation and the neuronal damage score were greater in heat stroke rats compared with control rats. Similarly, plasma cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6, were significantly higher in heat stroke rats compared with their normothermic controls. 3. Pretreatment with alpha-tocopherol (20 mg/kg, i.v.) or mannitol (10%, i.v.) 30 min before the onset of heat exposure significantly attenuated heat stroke-induced arterial hypotension, cerebral ischaemia and neuronal damage, the increased free radical formation and lipid peroxidation in the brain and the increased plasma levels of cytokines. Pretreatment with alpha-tocopherol or mannitol resulted in a prolongation of survival time in heat stroke. 4. These results demonstrate that although pretreatment with alpha-tocopherol and mannitol does not prevent the heat stroke syndrome entirely, an attenuation of the syndrome is observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Niu
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Yung Kang, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mansfield KG, Lin KC, Xia D, Newman JV, Schauer DB, MacKey J, Lackner AA, Carville A. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and ulcerative colitis in cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus). J Infect Dis 2001; 184:803-7. [PMID: 11517446 DOI: 10.1086/322990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2001] [Revised: 05/24/2001] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cotton-top tamarin (CTT; Saguinus oedipus) is an endangered New World primate that develops a highly prevalent idiopathic colitis resembling human ulcerative colitis. This study found that enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) caused acute colitis in CTTs, which was associated with ulcerative colitis. EPEC clinical isolates revealed localized adherence patterns by HEp-2 assay and were devoid of Shiga-toxin production. Sequencing of the eae gene (GenBank accession no. AF319597) revealed 99.2% identity to sequences of human isolates (GenBank AF116899) and corresponded to the epsilon intimin gene subtype. Detection of intimin sequences by polymerase chain reaction on primary fecal cultures indicated widespread EPEC infection in the CTT colony. Prospective analysis revealed that animals with fecal cultures positive for intimin sequences had a higher frequency of active colitis (75.0% vs. 27.2%; P<.005, chi(2) test) and higher histological scores of colonic inflammation (0.875 vs. 0.455, respectively; P<.05, Mann-Whitney rank sum test).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K G Mansfield
- New England Regional Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA 01772-9012, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
The first examples of hetero Diels-Alder reaction of masked o-benzoquinones with nitroso dienophiles leading to novel and highly functionalized heterocycles, which are potential intermediates for nitrogenous natural products are reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 300
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mansfield KG, Veazey RS, Hancock A, Carville A, Elliott M, Lin KC, Lackner AA. Induction of disseminated Mycobacterium avium in simian AIDS is dependent upon simian immunodeficiency virus strain and defective granuloma formation. Am J Pathol 2001; 159:693-702. [PMID: 11485927 PMCID: PMC1850540 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)61740-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common disseminated bacterial disease in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. Although murine models of disseminated MAC exist, they are primarily based on underlying genetic susceptibilities and cannot adequately address the complex interactions that occur between host, mycobacteria, and immunosuppressive lentivirus. To address this problem we have developed an experimental system to co-inoculate rhesus macaques with the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and a clinical M. avium isolate that results in a disease virtually identical to that observed in human cases. Using this experimental system we have found that the development of disseminated MAC is dependent on viral strain. Animals co-infected with SIVmac251 and M. avium developed progressive disease, whereas control animals and animals inoculated with closely related viruses (SIVmac239 and SIVmac239MER) developed self-limiting infections. The ability of animals infected with SIVmac239 or SIVmac239MER to eliminate mycobacterial disease was independent of viral load and CD4 T-cell number but was correlated with the size and composition of microgranulomas. This work establishes a novel primate model of disseminated MAC in the context of immunosuppressive lentiviral infection and advances our understanding of why human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients are remarkably sensitive to the development of mycobacterial disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K G Mansfield
- New England Regional Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA 01772-9012, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ke CB, Su KD, Lin KC. Laser-enhanced ionization and laser-induced atomic fluorescence as element-specific detection methods for gas chromatography. Application to organotin analysis. J Chromatogr A 2001; 921:247-53. [PMID: 11471808 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(01)00885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We have demonstrated that flame laser-enhanced ionization (LEI) and flame laser-induced atomic fluorescence (LIAF) techniques can be used as, alternative sensitive detectors for gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of organotin compounds. These two element-specific detection methods are free from interferences from the organic solvent. Two types of LEI schemes for Sn detection are employed. For the two-step LEI scheme (TLEI), the tin atoms in the flame were stepwise excited and then ionized collisionally. In contrast, in detection with the single-step LEI scheme (SLEI), only one dye laser is used. For the analysis of tetramethyltin and tetraethyltin, the GC-TLEI, GC-SLEI, and GC-LIAF systems yield linear dynamic ranges of 0.015-400, 0.39-600 and 0.5-600 ng, respectively. The corresponding detection limits reach 0.15, 3.9 and 5.0 mg/l, with absolute quantities corresponding to 15, 390 and 500 pg, respectively, for an injection volume of 0.1 microl. These detection methods prove to be more sensitive and selective than the conventional flame ionization detection, which achieves absolute detection limits of 800 and 1667 pg for tetraethyltin and tetramethyltin, respectively, under identical GC conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C B Ke
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lin KC, Chen HF, Huang PT, Wu MY, Ho HN, Yang YS. Effectiveness of postoperative adjuvant therapy in improving reproductive outcome of endometriosis-associated infertility. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:466-70. [PMID: 11579612] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility has not yet become standardized. Various protocols including surgical treatment, medical therapy, and a combination of both have been suggested but their use remains controversial. The objective of the present study was to determine whether postoperative adjuvant therapy for endometriosis is effective in improving reproductive outcome. METHODS Medical records of infertile patients with newly diagnosed endometriosis treated in a university teaching hospital during a 50-month period were reviewed. After exclusion of patients with other major infertility factors, a total of 209 patients were included in the retrospective analysis. These patients were divided into those receiving (n = 78) or not receiving (n = 131) peri- or postoperative adjuvant medical therapy. The adjuvant therapies included danazol (n = 62), gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (n = 11), progestins (n = 3), oral contraceptives (n = 1), and mixed treatment (n = 1). RESULTS The pregnancy rate was lower in those receiving adjuvant therapy, although this result was not significant (32.1% vs 45.8%; p = 0.05). When patients using postoperative danazol therapy were considered alone, the pregnancy rate in patients receiving adjuvant therapy was significantly lower than that in patients not receiving it (p = 0.047). When the stage of endometriosis was considered, the pregnancy rate in patients receiving adjuvant therapy was again lower than in those not receiving it in patients with minimal or mild endometriosis (42.9% vs 60%; p = 0.043). However, in patients with moderate or severe endometriosis, the pregnancy rate was not different in the two groups (31% vs 36%; p = 0.56). Postoperative assisted reproductive techniques (ART) including controlled ovarian hyperstimulation/intrauterine insemination (COH/IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) were effective in improving the pregnancy rates for all patients (53.9% with ART vs 33.1% without; p = 0.003) and for patients with advanced endometriosis (47.7% with ART vs 27.2% without; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that postoperative adjuvant therapy is ineffective in improving reproductive outcome in patients with either early (minimal or mild) or advanced (moderate and severe) endometriosis. This finding suggests that if fertility is the goal of treatment, adjuvant therapy may be unnecessary after surgery. In contrast, our data suggest that empirical ART, including COH/IUI or IVF, may be a better alternative to improve the pregnancy outcome after surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chou P, Lin KC, Lin HY, Tsai ST. Gender differences in the relationships of serum uric acid with fasting serum insulin and plasma glucose in patients without diabetes. J Rheumatol 2001; 28:571-6. [PMID: 11296961] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore gender differences in the relationship of serum uric acid levels with fasting serum insulin and fasting plasma glucose concentrations among an adult Chinese nondiabetic population in Kinmen, Taiwan. METHODS A total of 7,483 nondiabetic subjects (4,265 women, 3,218 men, aged 30 to 89 years) were involved in a community based epidemiologic study. Those with known or newly diagnosed diabetes were excluded. Overnight fasting blood samples were drawn for serum uric acid, glucose, insulin, lipid, and other biochemical measurements. Demographic and clinical variables including body mass index (weight/height2), waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure were measured and documented during face-to-face interviews with structured questionnaires. RESULTS Stratified analyses revealed that (1) serum uric acid levels were positively associated with hyperinsulinemia and HOMA-insulin resistance in both men and women after adjusting for hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, obesity, and plasma glucose levels; and (2) serum uric acid levels were more strongly associated with hyperinsulinemia and plasma glucose levels in women than in men. CONCLUSION; Hyperuricemia was positively associated with hyperinsulinemia among patients of both sexes without diabetes. Elevated levels of uric acid should alert physicians to the possibility of insulin resistance. The serum uric acid level was associated with insulin resistance and plasma glucose levels more strongly in females than in males in our study population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Chou
- Community Medicine Research Center and Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Progressive glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis develop in 1-year-old rats even after relief (R) of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) at 5 days of age. The present study investigated whether a progressive renal injury model of UUO could be achieved after reversal of UUO (RUUO) in adult instead of neonatal rats. The potential for alpha-tocopherol modulation of mRNA for the fibrogenic cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1), apoptosis (TUNEL assay), and the presence of the stress protein, heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70), was also studied in this post-obstructive model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 125-150 g were randomly assigned to groups of 4 animals each for durations of 7 or 14 days of alpha-tocopherol supplementation after RUUO. The groups included: (i) sham, regular chow; (ii) RUUO, regular chow; (iii) RUUO, contralateral nephrectomy (NX); and (iv) RUUO, NX plus alpha-tocopherol supplementation. We found a significant increase in the ratio of kidney weight/body weight in the RUUO+NX group at 14 days compared with the sham and RUUO groups. This rise in the RUUO+NX group was significantly reduced after 14 days of alpha-tocopherol administration. The elevated level of kidney TGFbeta1 mRNA in the RUUO+NX group was only partially reduced at 7 days. But at 14 days this became significantly reduced with the continued alpha-tocopherol treatment. The HSP-70 staining and the apoptosis of the kidney showed results parallel to those of TGFbeta mRNA at 14 days. To separate the effects of hypertrophy after unilateral NX from the RUUO studies, we carried out a second experiment in control animals subjected to NX, with and without alpha-tocopherol supplementation. Fourteen days after NX, the apoptosis and TGFbeta1 mRNA showed no significant differences from the control animals. Our data suggest that a model of progressive renal injury in RUUO can be established in adult rats. After contralateral NX, the progressive injury is evidenced by the increase in the ratio of kidney weight/total body weight, the apoptotic counts, as well as fibrogenic cytokine TGFbeta1 mRNA in the post-obstructed kidney. Finally, our data also support the concept that alpha-tocopherol is renal protective, as judged by TGFbeta1 mRNA, apoptosis, and HSP-70 staining, even in the progressive disease process of the post-obstructed model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mansfield KG, Lin KC, Newman J, Schauer D, MacKey J, Lackner AA, Carville A. Identification of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected infant and adult rhesus macaques. J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:971-6. [PMID: 11230413 PMCID: PMC87859 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.3.971-976.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) was recognized as a common opportunistic pathogen of simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with AIDS. Retrospective analysis revealed that 27 of 96 (28.1%) animals with AIDS had features of EPEC infection, and EPEC was the most frequent pathogen of the gastrointestinal tract identified morphologically. In 7.3% of animals dying with AIDS, EPEC represented the sole opportunistic agent of the gastrointestinal tract at death. In 20.8% of cases, it was seen in combination with one or more gastrointestinal pathogens, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Mycobacterium avium, Entamoeba histolytica, Balantidium coli, Strongyloides stercoralis, cytomegalovirus, and adenovirus. Clinically, infection was associated with persistent diarrhea and wasting and was more frequent in animals that died at under 1 year of age (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test). The organism was associated with the characteristic attaching and effacing lesion in colonic tissue sections and produced a focal adherence pattern on a HEp-2 assay but was negative for Shiga toxin production as assessed by PCR and a HeLa cell cytotoxicity assay. A 2.6-kb fragment encompassing the intimin gene was amplified and sequenced and revealed 99.2% identity to sequences obtained from human isolates (GenBank AF116899) corresponding to the epsilon intimin subtype. Further investigations with rhesus macaques may offer opportunities to study the impact of EPEC on AIDS pathogenesis and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K G Mansfield
- Harvard Medical School, New England Regional Primate Research Center, P.O. Box 9102, Southborough, MA 01772-9012, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Huang SL, Lin KC, Pan WH. Dietary factors associated with physician-diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis in teenagers: analyses of the first Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. Clin Exp Allergy 2001; 31:259-64. [PMID: 11251627 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2001.00938.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of asthma and allergy are related to lifestyle factors, and dietary pattern may be one of the contributing factors. To examine the possible association between dietary intake and the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in teenagers. In a population-based cross-sectional survey, the relationship was sought between food frequency and physician-diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis in 1166 adolescents aged 13-17. The prevalence was 4.0% for asthma and 12.4% for rhinitis. Living in an urbanized area was a significant predictor of asthma and rhinitis. In univariate analysis, higher frequencies of oily fish, butcher's meat, liver and deep-fried foods were associated with asthma. Relevant food frequency variables were dichotomized at the 75th percentile for multivariate logistic regression analysis, which included adjustment for two levels of urbanization. Asthma was associated with intakes of liver (OR = 2.32, 95%CI 1.11-4.80), deep-fried foods (OR = 2.13, 95%CI 1.06-4.30) and butcher's meat (OR 1.84, 95%CI 0.89-3.80). In a similar analysis, allergic rhinitis was associated with liver (OR = 1.67, 95%CI 1.06-2.63). No protective effect was demonstrated for any of the food items examined. Protein-rich and fat-rich foods of animal origin were associated with a higher prevalence of asthma in teenagers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Huang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong Street, Taipei 11221, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current theories of motor control in rehabilitation focus on how the nervous system responds to many types of external and internal constraints to execute motor behavior to accomplish a task. However, the dynamic interplay between these 2 constraints remains unclear. This study examined the impact of some aspects of internal and external constraints on motor performance in persons with stroke. METHODS Twenty-seven persons with stroke used the uninvolved arms to perform an upper-extremity reaching task under 4 experimental conditions, formed by the crossing of functional goals and personal preferences. For the higher level of a functional goal, subjects took a drink from a can of beverage. For the lower level of a functional goal, subjects brought the can to the mouth without drinking. The level of personal preferences was determined, by interview, by the degree of predilection for particular beverages. RESULTS Significant and large effects of functional goals and personal preference were found in the variables of movement time and reaction time. However, the data trend of the 4 testing conditions varied according to presence of visuospatial neglect and side of lesion. CONCLUSIONS Offering choices for the treatment activities and incorporating functional goals to therapeutic tasks might enhance response rate or movement efficiency, depending on the side of the lesion and presence of visuospatial neglect. The findings suggest that the consideration of the neglect phenomenon is a necessity when rehabilitative treatment planning incorporates constraint factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Y Wu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Affiliation(s)
- T C Chang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences Academia Sinica P.O. Box 23-166, Taipei, 10764 Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Chlorination has been the major strategy for disinfecting drinking water in Taiwan. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the chlorination of drinking water was associated with abnormal sex ratios, an indicator of exposure to pollutants. A "chlorinating municipality" (CHM) was defined as one in which more than 90% of the municipality population was served with chlorinated water. A "nonchlorinating municipality" (NCHM) was one in which less than 5% of the municipality population was served with chlorinated water. The results of this study found no association between the use of chlorinated drinking water and abnormal sex ratios at birth in Taiwan. The imbibing of chlorinated water may not reflect contaminant exposure using sex ratio as a biomonitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Y Yang
- School of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abraham WM, Gill A, Ahmed A, Sielczak MW, Lauredo IT, Botinnikova Y, Lin KC, Pepinsky B, Leone DR, Lobb RR, Adams SP. A small-molecule, tight-binding inhibitor of the integrin alpha(4)beta(1) blocks antigen-induced airway responses and inflammation in experimental asthma in sheep. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2000; 162:603-11. [PMID: 10934094 DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.162.2.9911061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The leukocyte integrin very late antigen-4 (alpha(4)beta(1), CD49d/CD29) is an adhesion receptor that plays an important role in allergic inflammation and contributes to antigen-induced late responses (LAR) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). In this study, we show that single doses of a new small-molecule, tight-binding inhibitor of alpha(4), BIO-1211, whether given by aerosol or intravenously, either before or 1.5 h after antigen challenge blocks allergen- induced LAR and post-antigen-induced AHR in allergic sheep. Multiple treatments with doses of BIO-1211 that were ineffective when given singly, were protective. BIO-1211 also provided dose-dependent inhibition of the early airway response (EAR) to antigen. In conjunction with the functional protection against the antigen-induced LAR and AHR, sheep treated with BIO-1211 before challenge showed significantly reduced: (1) numbers of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), (2) BAL levels of the inflammatory marker tissue kallikrein, and (3) numbers of inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, eosinophils, metachromatic staining cells, and neutrophils) in bronchial biopsies obtained after challenge when compared with corresponding biopsies after vehicle treatment. More importantly, we show for the first time that an inhibitor of alpha(4) was able to reverse post-antigen-induced AHR, thereby decreasing the time of recovery from the normal period of > 9 d to 3 d. Our results show that effective inhibition of antigen-induced airway responses can be achieved with single doses of a potent small-molecule inhibitor of alpha(4) and that such agents may be used therapeutically, as well as prophylactically, to alleviate allergen- induced inflammatory events. These data provide further support and extend the evidence for the role of alpha(4) integrins in the pathophysiologic events that follow airway antigen challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W M Abraham
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Miami at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yang CY, Cheng BH, Tsai SS, Wu TN, Lin MC, Lin KC. Association between chlorination of drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcome in Taiwan. Environ Health Perspect 2000; 108:765-8. [PMID: 10964797 PMCID: PMC1638297 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.00108765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Chlorination has been the major means of disinfecting drinking water in Taiwan. The use of chlorinated water has been hypothesized to lead to several adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm delivery. We performed a study to examine the relationship between the use of chlorinated water and adverse birth outcomes in Taiwan. The study areas included 14 chlorinating municipalities (CHMs), which were defined as municipalities in which > 90% of the municipal population was served by chlorinated water, and 14 matched nonchlorinating municipalities (NCHMs), defined as municipalities in which < 5% of the municipal population is served by chlorinated water. The CHMs and NCHMs were similar to one another in terms of level of urbanization and sociodemographic characteristics. The study population comprised 18,025 women residing in the 28 municipalities who had a first parity singleton birth between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1996 and for which complete information on maternal age, education, gestational age, birth weight, and sex of the baby were available. The results of our study suggest that there was no association between consumption of chlorinated drinking water and the risk of low birth weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Y Yang
- College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chen CH, Lin KC, Tsai ST, Chou P. Different association of hypertension and insulin-related metabolic syndrome between men and women in 8437 nondiabetic Chinese. Am J Hypertens 2000; 13:846-53. [PMID: 10933578 DOI: 10.1016/s0895-7061(00)00255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance may cause a metabolic syndrome but whether insulin resistance causes hypertension is very controversial. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the link between the insulin-resistance-related metabolic syndrome and hypertension is different between men and women. We examined fasting insulin, glucose, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio in a dataset from 8437 nondiabetic residents (age range, 30 to 89 years) in Kinmen. Factor analysis, a multivariate correlation statistical technique, was used to investigate the clustering and interdependence of these risk variables. Factor analysis identified two factors for men (n = 3659) and three factors for women (n = 4778, respectively. In men, a cluster of insulin, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio (metabolic syndrome) accounted for 29.7%, and a cluster of systolic blood pressure and glucose (hyperglycemia plus hypertension) accounted for 18.1% of the total variance in all variables considered. In women, a cluster of insulin, triglyceride, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and systolic blood pressure (metabolic syndrome plus hypertension) accounted for 29.4%, a cluster of systolic blood pressure, glucose, and triglyceride (hyperglycemia plus hypertension plus dyslipidemia) accounted for 14.0%, and a cluster of triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol (dyslipidemia) accounted for 16.2% of the total variance. In conclusion, a distinct insulin-resistance-related metabolic syndrome characterized by hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and obesity was observed for both men and women in this Chinese population. However, hypertension was linked to the metabolic syndrome in women only.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C H Chen
- Department of Social Medicine and Community Medicine Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lin KC, Lin HY, Chou P. The interaction between uric acid level and other risk factors on the development of gout among asymptomatic hyperuricemic men in a prospective study. J Rheumatol 2000; 27:1501-5. [PMID: 10852278] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence of gout and the interaction between uric acid level and other risk factors in the development of gout. METHODS Two hundred twenty-three asymptomatic hyperuricemic men initially studied in 1991-92 were reassessed in 1996-97. Gout was clinically diagnosed by a senior rheumatologist based on history and physical according to the clinical criteria of Wallace. Basic demographic and lifestyle variables as well as biochemical data were collected in both baseline and followup periods. Both the stability analysis and the analysis of repeated relationships were applied. RESULTS The 5-year cumulative incidence of gout was 18.83% (42/223). The risk factors for gout based on the analysis of repeated relationships were uric acid level, alcohol consumption, use of diuretics, and obesity. The only predictor of gout at baseline was uric acid level. After adjusting for baseline uric acid level, followup uric acid increase, persistent alcohol consumption, use of diuretics in the followup period, and body mass index increase were independent predictors for gout among asymptomatic hyperuricemic men. Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly if occasional, was the most important factor in the development of gout, even when the concentration of uric acid level was below 8 mg/dl. CONCLUSION Uric acid level is the key factor for prevention of gout and needs constant monitoring. Other contributing or possible etiologic factors such as alcohol consumption, diuretics use, and excess weight gain carry an increased risk of gout attack among patients with hyperuricemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Community Medicine Research Center & Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, and Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lin KC, Lin HY, Chou P. Community based epidemiological study on hyperuricemia and gout in Kin-Hu, Kinmen. J Rheumatol 2000; 27:1045-50. [PMID: 10782835] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This is a population survey conducted in 1991-92 among residents aged > or =30 years in Kin-Hu, Kinmen, with a 77.7% response rate to study the prevalence of hyperuricemia and hyperuricemia associated gout. A stratified analysis based on sex and age was used to assess the interaction and analyze the associated risk factors for hyperuricemia and gout. METHODS Hyperuricemia was defined as uric acid > or =7.0 mg/dl for men and > or =6.0 mg/dl for women. Gout was clinically diagnosed by a senior rheumatologist based on patient's history and examination according to the clinical criteria of Wallace. Basic demographic and lifestyle variables as well as biochemical data were collected. RESULTS The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 25.8% (391/1515) in men and 15.0% (250/1670) in women. The prevalence of gout among hyperuricemic subjects was 11.5% for men and 3% for women. According to age spectrum, the risk factor for hyperuricemia was hyperlipidemia in young adults (30-39 yrs); lifestyle and some clinical syndromes played a significant role in middle aged persons (40-59 yrs). The different risk factors between the sexes in middle age were alcohol consumption effect in men and menopause effect in women. Impaired renal function and use of diuretics became the important factors in the elderly (> or =60 yrs). The risk factors for gout among either the general population or subjects with hyperuricemia were concentration of serum uric acid, alcohol consumption, and central obesity. CONCLUSION Risk factors for hyperuricemia tended to be different with respect to sex and age. Alcohol consumption and central obesity were independent predictors of gout among hyperuricemic subjects irrespective of uric acid level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Community Medicine Research Center and Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chin C, Chiueh TS, Yang WC, Yang TH, Shih CM, Lin HT, Lin KC, Lien JC, Tsai TF, Ruo SL, Nichol ST, Ksiazek TG, Rollin PE, Peters CJ, Wu TN, Shen CY. Hantavirus infection in Taiwan: the experience of a geographically unique area. J Med Virol 2000; 60:237-47. [PMID: 10596027 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(200002)60:2<237::aid-jmv21>3.0.co;2-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses, and they, mainly the Hantaan (HTN) serotype, are the causative agents of a group of febrile nephropathies known as "hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). " Despite the fact that HFRS is frequently reported in China, with an annual incidence of 50,000-100,000 cases, one puzzling observation that no local case of HFRS has been confirmed in Taiwan has yet to be explained. We hypothesized that the hantavirus strain prevailing in Taiwan mainly belongs to the mild strain, the Seoul (SEO) strain, and the absence of severe disease was related to the absence of HTN. To test these hypotheses, this epidemiologic study was performed, including a seroprevalence survey and phylogenetic analysis on hantavirus isolated from the rodent population trapped in major seaports, rural, and mountainous areas of Taiwan. This study also included rodents and viruses from two isolated islands, Kinmen and Matzu, which are geographically adjacent to the east coast of mainland China. There were a total of 5,461 rodents of 16 species captured, and R. norvegicus was the most common species, with an antibody prevalence much higher in international seaports (20%) than in rural regions (approximately 5%) and intermediate in some domestic seaports. By reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 33.9% of the seropositive R. norvegicus were found to have amplifiable hantavirus sequences in their lung tissues, and subsequent phylogenetic analyses indicated that almost all hantavirus in Taiwan was most closely related to the prototype SEO strain, and no HTN strain was recovered from any rodent species indigenous to Taiwan. The seroprevalence of SEO infection in R. norvegicus on Kinmen and Matzu was also different from that in southern provinces of China but closely resembled that in seaports in Taiwan, and the SEO identified was genetically linked to Taiwanese SEO strains. These results substantiate our hypotheses, and suggest that the epidemiology of hantavirus infection in Taiwan are different from that in China, where the HTN and SEO strains and HFRS concurrently prevail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Chin
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Effective gene therapy requires efficient delivery and expression of the necessary genetic information to the target tissue. We demonstrate here that plasmid DNA, injected as naked, uncomplexed DNA into the cortical region of rat kidney, or intravenously, is localized and expressed in the kidney. The plasmid pRSVZ contained the Rous sarcoma virus promoter and a reporter gene, the beta-galactosidase gene, derived from bacteria. The beta-galactosidase gene hydrolyzes the artificial substrate X-gal to produce an intense blue color in cells that have taken up and expressed the plasmid genes. We have used X-gal staining and Western blotting to study plasmid gene expression 1, 4, and 8 days and 6 months after intrarenal injection of 50 microg of plasmid DNA and at 1 and 4 days after intravenous injection. Expression was apparent in the kidneys and several other tissues 24 h after injection and persisted for at least 8 days; expressed proteins could still be detected in the injected kidney 6 months later. These observations were corroborated by use of a plasmid, pEGFP-Puro, harboring the cytomegalovirus promoter in conjunction with a different reporter gene, the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Histological localization and Western blotting analysis of GFP expression after intrarenal injection of pEGFP-Puro paralleled results obtained with the plasmid pRSVZ. Our findings support the suggestion that intrarenal or intravenous injection of naked plasmid DNA may be an effective means of delivering therapeutic genes to the kidney and several other tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N B Kuemmerle
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Male Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) were randomly assigned to sham operation (n=6) or 5/6 nephrectomy (n=12) procedures. Two weeks after the completion of the 5/6 nephrectomy, these animals were again randomly assigned to two groups: non-treatment or treatment with vitamin E supplementation at 200 IU/kg chow. Two weeks later, all animals were sacrificed and the kidneys harvested. The secretory phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity was elevated (150%) in the untreated remnant kidney but returned to sham values in the vitamin E-treated kidneys. The cytoprotective heat shock protein (HSP70) and the intracellular antioxidant superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, Cu/ZnSOD) were similar in sham, remnant, and vitamin E-treated remnant kidneys. We conclude that the sudden reduction of renal mass secondary to the 5/6 nephrectomy procedure stimulates PLA(2) activity but not HSP70, MnSOD, or Cu/ZnSOD. This increased activity of PLA(2) in the remnant kidney returned to sham values after vitamin E treatment. The intrinsic cellular antioxidant enzymes, MnSOD, Cu/ZnSOD, as well as the cytoprotective heat shock protein HSP70, showed no significant changes in either vitamin E-treated or untreated kidneys compared with sham. These data are suggestive that the elevation of PLA(2) is a specific and localized response to the sudden reduction of renal mass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Dorsam
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lin KC. Increase of leptin levels following exogenous administration of estrogen in women with normal menstruation. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2000; 16:13-9. [PMID: 10741011] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the acute effect of exogenous estrogen on the changes of leptin production, the time sequence of changes in plasma leptin concentration were determined following i.v. administration of premarin, a conjugated estrogen, during the follicular phase (days 5-9) in women (n = 12) with normal menstruation. The mean circulating estradiol level abruptly (P < 0.0001) increased from 4 h to a level of 72-fold from baseline and was still significantly (P < 0.05) elevated at 72 h after injection of conjugated estrogen. The mean leptin level showed a significant (P < 0.05) gradual increase from 24 h (10.8 +/- 1.0 ng/mL) continuing on up to a peak at 32 h (11.6 +/- 0.9 ng/mL); significantly (P < 0.05) sustained to 48 h (10.7 +/- 0.7 ng/mL) and then slowly decreased at 56 h after injection of premarin, as compared with the preinjection level (7.8 +/- 0.7 ng/mL). However, there were no changes of leptin levels in women (n = 10) who received normal saline injection. These data clearly suggest that a higher level of estrogen could stimulate the increase of plasma leptin concentration during the follicular phase of normal cyclic women. This result provides evidence that supraphysiological level of estrogen may act on the adipocyte to modulate leptin production through the endocrine mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Lin KC, Hsu SC, Kuo CH, Zhou JY. Difference of plasma leptin levels in venous and arterial cord blood: relation to neonatal and placental weight. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 1999; 15:679-85. [PMID: 10645128] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the physiological significance of umbilical plasma leptin in the fetal growth and its possible origin of production during pregnancy, plasma leptin concentrations in venous and arterial cord bloods were measured in 42 neonates (male = 23, female = 19, gestational age 36-41 weeks, birth weight 2600-4000 g). Leptin concentrations in umbilical veins (5.65 +/- 0.53 ng/mL, n = 42) and umbilical arteries (0.56 +/- 0.07 ng/mL, n = 42) were significantly (P < 0.001) lower than those in maternal peripheral veins (22.36 +/- 1.06 ng/mL, n = 42). Mean plasma leptin concentration (+/- SEM) in venous cord blood was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of arterial cord blood. There was significantly positive correlation (r = 0.447, P < 0.01) between umbilical venous leptin levels and neonatal body mass index (BMI). A positive correlation (r = 0.435, P < 0.01) was also found between umbilical arterial leptin and neonate BMI. There was no positive correlation between umbilical leptin levels in venous cord blood and placental weight. We thus conclude that umbilical plasma leptin may play an essential role in the fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy and placenta is one of the major sources of leptin production, but the level of leptin in umbilico-placental circulation is independent of the weight of placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lin KC. Increase of maternal plasma leptin concentrations during pregnancy: comparison with nonpregnant women. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 1999; 15:640-5. [PMID: 10630060] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the physiological changes of leptin levels and whether placenta is linked to its production during pregnancy, plasma of 65 pregnant women at various gestational weeks were compared with those of 34 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched nonpregnant women in the study. The leptin levels showed a gradual increase from 7-13 gestational week, then continuously elevated during weeks 14-20, 21-27, 28-34, virtually reaching a peak at 35-41 weeks' gestation. When they were compared to those of age- and BMI-matched nonpregnant women, a significant (P < 0.0001) increase was found with every gestational week. There were positive correlations between maternal leptin and BMI of first (7-13th week), second (14-27th week) and third (28-41st week) trimesters, with the correlation coefficients of 0.40 (P < 0.05), 0.54 (P < 0.001), and 0.49 (P < 0.001), respectively. No correlation (r = -0.17, P > 0.05, n = 31) was found between maternal leptin level and the neonatal birth weight. These data suggest that placental production of leptin is one major source of higher levels in maternal circulating leptin other than maternal gain of fat mass and that maternal leptin level is not related to fetal birth weight during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lin KC. Changes of circulating leptin levels during normal menstrual cycle: relationship to estradiol and progesterone. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 1999; 15:597-602. [PMID: 10603707] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A possible role of ovarian steroids on the modulation of leptin production has recently been suggested. To investigate the relationship between leptin and ovarian steroids during the normal menstrual cycle, twenty-three healthy, normal-weight women were enrolled in the study. Blood was collected into chilled EDTA tubes on cycle days (D) 3, 7, 10, preovulatory (D13-15), midluteal (D 21-23) and late luteal (D 25-27) phases. Plasma leptin, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by RIA. Leptin levels showed no significant changes throughout the follicular (D7 and D10), preovulatory (8.6 +/- 0.5 ng/mL), midluteal (8.9 +/- 0.6 ng/mL) and late luteal (7.7 +/- 0.4 ng/mL) phases, as compared with those of D3 (7.4 +/- 0.5 ng/mL) level. There was no positive correlation between leptin and E2 levels in D 3 and D 7 (r = 0.14, P > 0.05) or in D 10 and preovulatory day (r = 0.25, P > 0.05). Also, no positive correlation between leptin and E2 (r = 0.12, P > 0.05) or leptin and P (r = 0.17, P > 0.05) levels were observed in the mid- and late luteal phases. These data clearly indicate that physiological alterations of circulating E2 and P concentrations have no significant influence on the leptin changes during normal menstrual cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Uterine lipoleiomyoma may associate with certain concomitant metabolic disorders. The possible clinical correlates and the potential implications on the pathogenesis are elaborated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | | | | |
Collapse
|