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Wu YJ, Lu YC, Wu YH, Lin YH, Hsu CL, Wang CY. Effects of high-pressure processing on the physicochemical properties and glycemic index of fruit puree in a hyperglycemia mouse model. J Sci Food Agric 2022; 102:6138-6145. [PMID: 35478405 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11967] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, the duration of high-pressure processing (HPP) required to achieve a 5 log reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fruit purees was evaluated. Banana, cantaloupe, and dragon fruit purees were subjected to HPP at 600 MPa for 300, 270, and 270 s, respectively, and their physicochemical properties and enzyme activities were then analysed. Diabetic mice were fed fresh and HPP-treated purees to observe their effects on the glycemic index (GI) and postprandial blood glucose response. RESULTS Compared with their fresh counterparts, the HPP-treated banana and dragon fruit purees exhibited significantly higher viscosities, lower glucose concentrations, and higher glucose dialysis retardation indices and showed disrupted sucrose invertase and polygalacturonase activities. The GI and postprandial blood glucose response were not significantly different between the fresh and HPP-treated cantaloupe purees. By contrast, the peak time of glucose response (Tmax ) was delayed from 30 min to 60 min, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was reduced by 40% in the mice fed HPP-treated banana and dragon fruit purees. The GIs of the HPP-treated banana and dragon fruit purees (were 50.3 and 44.8, respectively) were significantly lower than those of their fresh counterparts (85.1 and 75.2, respectively). CONCLUSION HPP can change the physicochemical properties of fruit purees, resulting in stabilized blood glucose levels and lower GIs after consumption. Therefore, purees processed in this manner would benefit consumers and patients with diabetes/pre-diabetes who need to maintain stable blood glucose levels (Fig. S1). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jing Wu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Lu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Wu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Han Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Lin Hsu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yi Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan
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2
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Hsu SC, Wu NP, Lu YC, Ma YH. Laminin Receptor-Mediated Nanoparticle Uptake by Tumor Cells: Interplay of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Magnetic Force at Nano–Bio Interface. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081523. [PMID: 35893779 PMCID: PMC9330565 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081523] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major tea catechin, enhances cellular uptake of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), but the mechanism remains unclear. Since EGCG may interact with the 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), we investigate whether a receptor and its downstream signaling may mediate EGCG’s enhancement effects on nanoparticle uptake. As measured using a colorimetric iron assay, EGCG induced a concentration-dependent enhancement effect of MNP internalization by LN-229 glioma cells, which was synergistically enhanced by the application of a magnetic field. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that EGCG increased the number, but not the size, of internalized vesicles, whereas EGCG and the magnet synergistically increased the size of vesicles. EGCG appears to enhance particle–particle interaction and thus aggregation following a 5-min magnet application. An antibody against 67LR, knockdown of 67LR, and a 67LR peptide (amino acid 161–170 of 67LR) attenuated EGCG-induced MNP uptake by 35%, 100%, and 45%, respectively, suggesting a crucial role of 67LR in the effects of EGCG. Heparin, the 67LR-binding glycosaminoglycan, attenuated EGCG-induced MNP uptake in the absence, but not presence, of the magnet. Such enhancement effects of EGCG were attenuated by LY294002 (a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor) and Akt inhibitor, but not by agents affecting cGMP levels, suggesting potential involvement of signaling downstream of 67LR. In contrast, the antibody against EGFR exerted no effect on EGCG-enhanced internalization. These results suggest that 67LR may be potentially amenable to tumor-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Chieh Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Master Program in Biotechnology Industry, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
| | - Nian-Ping Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Ching Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
| | - Yunn-Hwa Ma
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Tsai CL, Huang CY, Lu YC, Pai LM, Horák D, Ma YH. Cyclic Strain Mitigates Nanoparticle Internalization by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:969-981. [PMID: 35280334 PMCID: PMC8909538 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s337942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Liang Tsai
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ching-Yun Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ching Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Li-Mei Pai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 33305, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Daniel Horák
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague 6, 162 06, Czech Republic
| | - Yunn-Hwa Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 33305, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yunn-Hwa Ma, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, Republic of China, Email
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Zhou M, Wang CL, Tang JJ, Niu YW, Liu YK, Lu YC, Huang LF, Zhou JQ, Wu FY, Ma X. [Advice on the rationalized layout of outpatient clinics in a wound repair department]. Zhonghua Shao Shang Za Zhi 2021; 37:666-667. [PMID: 34304407 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501120-20210224-00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
According to a document issued by the General Office of National Health Commission, "one person, one diagnosis, and one room" is required in the process of outpatient consultation. However, the patient will need to go to another room for dressing change after the doctor checks the wound if sticking to the conventional layout of current wound repair specialist outpatient clinic in hospitals and following the regulation of "separation of diagnosis and treatment". To allow a patient walking back and forth with the exposed wounds to different clinics or going to another clinic for dressing change with the original dressing reapplied to the wound is against the regulation of nosocomial infection control and the principle of sterility. To ensure that the layout of the outpatient clinic in the wound repair outpatient department not only conforms to the principle of "one person, one diagnosis, and one room", but also meets the characteristics of the diagnosis and treatment process of chronic wounds, this paper proposes the layout of "large space and small partition" in the wound repair clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zhou
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Third People's Hospital of Jingzhou City of Hubei Province, Jingzhou 434001, China
| | - C L Wang
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - J J Tang
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Y W Niu
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Y K Liu
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Y C Lu
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - L F Huang
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - J Q Zhou
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - F Y Wu
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - X Ma
- Wound Repair Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Wound Repair Research Center, Shanghai 200025, China
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Lu YC, Hsu CY. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increases the prevalence of maintenance haemodialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 121:348-351. [PMID: 32437208 DOI: 10.4149/bll_2020_055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and incidence of maintenance haemodialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS We enrolled patients diagnosed with CKD between 2001 and 2007. The patients were categorized into two groups based on abdominal ultrasound finding, namely those with NAFLD and those without NAFLD. The disease (maintenance haemodialysis)-free survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses was used to evaluate the hazard ratios of covariates for the incidence of maintenance haemodialysis. RESULTS A total of 161 patients (61 with NAFLD and 100 without NAFLD) were enrolled. The mean age was 69.3 years. The mean follow-up was 7.4 years. The patients with NAFLD had an increased incidence of maintenance haemodialysis (39.3 % vs 24.0 %; p=0.0396) and inferior disease-free survival rate (p=0.006). Furthermore, diabetes (p=0.0126) and proteinuria (p=0.0003) were identified as significant predictors of CKD progression. CONCLUSION NAFLD was associated with an increased incidence of maintenance haemodialysis and inferior disease-free survival rate. NAFLD may impair renal function and patients with renal impairment should be monitored carefully (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 25) Keywords: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, haemodialysis, chronic kidney disease, proteinuria.
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Siow WX, Chang YT, Babič M, Lu YC, Horák D, Ma YH. Interaction of poly-l-lysine coating and heparan sulfate proteoglycan on magnetic nanoparticle uptake by tumor cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1693-1706. [PMID: 29599614 PMCID: PMC5866726 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s156029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poly-l-lysine (PLL) enhances nanoparticle (NP) uptake, but the molecular mechanism remains unresolved. We asked whether PLL may interact with negatively charged glycoconjugates on the cell surface and facilitate uptake of magnetic NPs (MNPs) by tumor cells. Methods PLL-coated MNPs (PLL-MNPs) with positive and negative ζ-potential were prepared and characterized. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze cellular internalization of MNPs. A colorimetric iron assay was used to quantitate cell-associated MNPs (MNPcell). Results Coadministration of PLL and dextran-coated MNPs in culture enhanced cellular internalization of MNPs, with increased vesicle size and numbers/cell. MNPcell was increased by eight- to 12-fold in response to PLL in a concentration-dependent manner in human glioma and HeLa cells. However, the application of a magnetic field attenuated PLL-induced increase in MNPcell. PLL-coating increased MNPcell regardless of ζ-potential of PLL-MNPs, whereas magnetic force did not enhance MNPcell. In contrast, epigallocatechin gallate and magnetic force synergistically enhanced PLL-MNP uptake. In addition, heparin, but not sialic acid, greatly reduced the enhancement effects of PLL; however, removal of heparan sulfate from heparan sulfate proteoglycans of the cell surface by heparinase III significantly reduced MNPcell. Conclusion Our results suggest that PLL-heparan sulfate proteoglycan interaction may be the first step mediating PLL-MNP internalization by tumor cells. Given these results, PLL may facilitate NP interaction with tumor cells via a molecular mechanism shared by infection machinery of certain viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiong Siow
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Healthy Aging Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ting Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Healthy Aging Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Michal Babič
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yi-Ching Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Healthy Aging Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Daniel Horák
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yunn-Hwa Ma
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Healthy Aging Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
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7
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Abstract
Without conjunctive administration of an anticoagulant, endothelial injury-induced thrombosis is resistant to thrombolysis and prone to re-thrombosis. We hypothesized that co-delivery of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) with annexin V-containing anticoagulants that specifically target the injured endothelium may passivate the thrombogenic elements of the vascular injury site and enhance rtPA-induced thrombolysis. In this study, the effects of conjunctive administration of Kinexins (Kunitz inhibitor-annexin V fusion proteins) with rtPA on thrombolysis were determined in vitro and in vivo. Thromboelastometry showed that both TAP-A (tick anticoagulant peptide-annexin V fusion protein; an inhibitor of factor Xa [FXa] and prothrombinase) and A-6L15 (annexin V-6L15 fusion protein; an inhibitor of tissue factor/FVIIa) exerted concentration-dependent (10-100 nM) effects on clot formation, with TAP-A being several folds more potent than A-6L15 in whole blood. Combination of TAP-A or A-6L15 with rtPA (1 μg/mL) led to decrease in lysis index, suggesting conjunctive enhancement of thrombolysis by combined use of rtPA with TAP-A or A-6L15. In a rat cremaster muscle preparation subjected to photochemical injury, conjunctive administration of rtPA and TAP-A significantly restored tissue perfusion to 56%, which is approximately two fold of that by rtPA or TAP-A alone. Near-infrared fluorescence images demonstrated local retention of a fluorescent A-6L15-S288 at the injury site, suggesting a targeting effect of the fusion protein. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that 123I-labelled TAP-A and A-6L15 had initial distribution half-lives (T1/2α) of approximately 6 minutes and elimination half-lives (T1/2β) of approximately 2.3 hours. In conclusion, Kinexins were potentially useful adjunctive agents with rtPA thrombolytic therapy especially for thrombosis induced by endothelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunn-Hwa Ma
- Department of Pharmacology & Healthy Aging Research Center, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chao-Wei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology & Healthy Aging Research Center, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chih-Jen Wen
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ching Lu
- Department of Pharmacology & Healthy Aging Research Center, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shiaw-Pyng Wey
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Tian YP, Che FY, Su QP, Lu YC, You CP, Huang LM, Wang SG, Wang L, Yu JX. Effects of mutant TDP-43 on the Nrf2/ARE pathway and protein expression of MafK and JDP2 in NSC-34 cells. Genet Mol Res 2017; 16:gmr-16-02-gmr.16029638. [PMID: 28510254 DOI: 10.4238/gmr16029638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and lacks an effective treatment. The disease pathogenesis has not been clarified at present. Pathological transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALS. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is found in a mutant TDP-43 transgenic cell model, but its downstream antioxidant enzyme expression is decreased. To elucidate the specific mechanism of Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant responsive element) signaling dysfunction, we constructed an ALS cell model with human mutant TDP-43 using the NSC-34 cell line to evaluate the impact of the TDP-43 mutation on the Nrf2/ARE pathway. We found the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, but the expression of total Nrf2, cytoplasmic Nrf2, and downstream phase II detoxifying enzyme (NQO1) was decreased in NSC-34 cells transfected with the TDP-43-M337V plasmid. Besides, TDP-43-M337V plasmid-transfected NSC-34 cells were rounded with reduced neurites, shortened axons, increased levels of intracellular lipid peroxidation products, and decreased viability, which suggests that the TDP-43-M337V plasmid weakened the antioxidant capacity of NSC-34 cells and increased their susceptibility to oxidative damage. We further showed that expression of the MafK protein and the Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) was reduced in TDP-43-M337V plasmid-transfected NSC-34 cells, which might cause accumulation of Nrf2 in nuclei but a decrease in NQO1 expression. Taken together, our results confirmed that TDP-43-M337V impaired the Nrf2/ARE pathway by reducing the expression of MafK and JDP2 proteins, and provided information for further research on the molecular mechanisms of TDP-43-M337V in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y P Tian
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
| | - F Y Che
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China.,Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
| | - Q P Su
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
| | - Y C Lu
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
| | - C P You
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
| | - L M Huang
- Department of Emergency, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
| | - S G Wang
- Department of Neurology, Rizhao People's Hospital, Rizhao, , China
| | - L Wang
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
| | - J X Yu
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China .,Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, , China
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Lu YC, Luo PC, Huang CW, Leu YL, Wang TH, Wei KC, Wang HE, Ma YH. Augmented cellular uptake of nanoparticles using tea catechins: effect of surface modification on nanoparticle-cell interaction. Nanoscale 2014; 6:10297-10306. [PMID: 25069428 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00617h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles may serve as carriers in targeted therapeutics; interaction of the nanoparticles with a biological system may determine their targeting effects and therapeutic efficacy. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of tea catechins, has been conjugated with nanoparticles and tested as an anticancer agent. We investigated whether EGCG may enhance nanoparticle uptake by tumor cells. Cellular uptake of a dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) was determined by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry or a potassium thiocyanate colorimetric method. We demonstrated that EGCG greatly enhanced interaction and/or internalization of MNPs (with or without polyethylene glycol) by glioma cells, but not vascular endothelial cells. The enhancing effects are both time- and concentration-dependent. Such effects may be induced by a simple mix of MNPs with EGCG at a concentration as low as 1-3 μM, which increased MNP uptake 2- to 7-fold. In addition, application of magnetic force further potentiated MNP uptake, suggesting a synergetic effect of EGCG and magnetic force. Because the effects of EGCG were preserved at 4 °C, but not when EGCG was removed from the culture medium prior to addition of MNPs, a direct interaction of EGCG and MNPs was implicated. Use of an MNP-EGCG composite produced by adsorption of EGCG and magnetic separation also led to an enhanced uptake. The results reveal a novel interaction of a food component and nanocarrier system, which may be potentially amenable to magnetofection, cell labeling/tracing, and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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10
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Abstract
Towards developing a more universal and productive nanoprecipitation processes, we focus on the preparation of polysulfone (PSF) nanoparticles through instantaneous solvent displacement in a metal membrane contactor between dimethylformamide (DMF) and water. In the original nanoprecipitation process, cubic nuclei can form instantaneously, but slow growth and aggregation have intensive interactions. Moreover, the reservation of DMF may enhance the adhesive effect between polymeric particles, causing severe particle aggregation. To overcome this difficulty, a modified nanoprecipitation method appending a quenching step was proposed. The well-dispersed PSF nanoparticles are successfully obtained when ethyl acetate is introduced. In this way, DMF can be extracted from water solution, thus facilitating the precipitating of PSF. Furthermore, selecting water as the continuous fluid, the particle size can be adjusted simply by tuning the operating parameters, including the PSF concentration in the dispersed fluid and the ratio of two feeds. Compared with previous reports on the continuous nanoprecipitation process for polymeric nanoparticles preparation, this work shows advantages including expanding the adaptability to more functional polymers, providing better flexibility on process or product development independent of the use of surfactant, and presenting a high throughput and easy-to-scale-up equipment platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Lu YC, Chen CC, Lu CS. Photocatalytic degradation of bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane by a visible light-driven BiVO4 photocatalyst. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Yang HW, Hua MY, Lin KJ, Wey SP, Tsai RY, Wu SY, Lu YC, Liu HL, Wu T, Ma YH. Bioconjugation of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to magnetic nanocarriers for targeted thrombolysis. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:5159-73. [PMID: 23055728 PMCID: PMC3464084 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s32939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-toxicity magnetic nanocarriers (MNCs) composed of a shell of poly [aniline-co-N-(1-one-butyric acid) aniline] over a Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticle core were developed to carry recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in MNC-rtPA for targeted thrombolysis. With an average diameter of 14.8 nm, the MNCs exerted superparamagnetic properties. Up to 276 μg of active rtPA was immobilized per mg of MNCs, and the stability of the immobilized rtPA was greatly improved during storage at 4°C and 25°C. In vitro thrombolysis testing with a tubing system demonstrated that magnet-guided MNC-rtPA showed significantly improved thrombolysis compared with free rtPA and reduced the clot lysis time from 39.2 ± 3.2 minutes to 10.8 ± 4.2 minutes. In addition, magnet-guided MNC-rtPA at 20% of the regular rtPA dose restored blood flow within 15-25 minutes of treatment in a rat embolism model without triggering hematological toxicity. In conclusion, this improved system is based on magnetic targeting accelerated thrombolysis and is potentially amenable to therapeutic applications in thromboembolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Wei Yang
- Chang Gung Molecular Medicine Research Center, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the multiple pathways of perceived child-rearing practices, cognitive-executive functions, and personality characteristics in incest and other sexual offenders. The participants consisted of 217 male sexual offenders who were in custody in southern Taiwan. Participants were divided into two groups of 25 incest and 192 nonincest sexual offenders. The incest offenders tended to be less extraverted and worse in abstract reasoning ability, and to have more perseverative thinking, and perceived less parental care than other sexual offenders. Moreover, the structural equation model showed that the effect of parental care on the type of sexual offense is mediated by cognitive-executive functions and personality traits. This finding suggests that the personality traits, cognitive function, and parental attachment of incest offenders differ from other sexual offenders. This result can be a helpful reference in sexual-offender intervention programs for relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Liu ZY, Wang JY, Liu HH, Ma XM, Wang CL, Zhang XP, Tao YQ, Lu YC, Liao JC, Hu GH. Retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc-finger gene 1 (RIZ1) dysregulation in human malignant meningiomas. Oncogene 2012; 32:1216-22. [PMID: 22614009 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc-finger gene 1 (RIZ1) expression is often silenced in many types of human tumors. However, the relationship between RIZ1 expression and malignant meningiomas remains unclear. Here we have found for the first time that the expression of RIZ1 genes are associated with meningiomas progression through extensive analyses of Affymetrix GeneChip microarray data. Further validation methods for gene expression included quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis, and these methods confirmed that RIZ1 is significantly downregulated in malignant meningioma tissues, as compared with benign meningiomas. In addition, malignant meningioma cells were stably transfected with ectogenic RIZ1 using Lentivirus-mediated transfection, and the transfections were followed by an in vitro 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridin incorporation assay, colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis, invasive analysis, apoptotic assay and western blot analysis. Our results demonstrate that the forced expression of RIZ1 in a malignant meningioma cell line inhibited cellular proliferation and arrested the cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. We also confirmed that overexpression of RIZ1 may induce apoptosis of malignant meningioma cells. Furthermore, RIZ1 overexpression in malignant meningioma cells was associated with the downregulation of c-myc expression. These results from our study indicate that RIZ1 expression is significantly downregulated as the formation of meningiomas progressed, and suggest that RIZ1 may represent a promising candidate tumor suppressor gene that contributes to malignant meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Chen YC, Lu YC, Lung FW. Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological Dimensions of Schizophrenia. Int J Neurosci 2011; 121:528-35. [DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2011.582239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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16
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Liu ZY, Qi XQ, Wu XJ, Luo C, Lu YC. Solitary Intracranial Plasmacytoma Located in the Spheno-Clival Region Mimicking Chordoma: A Case Report. J Int Med Res 2010; 38:1868-75. [PMID: 21309504 DOI: 10.1177/147323001003800535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Solitary intracranial plasmacytoma (SIP) is very rare. This case report presents serial findings of SIP located in the spheno-clival region in a 54-year old female who presented with an inferior hemianopia in the right eye and an enlarged physiological blind spot in both eyes. Based on the initial diagnosis of a spheno-clival region chordoma, the tumour was partially resected by the nasal–sphenoidal sinus approach. Subsequently, the correct diagnosis of SIP was made based on the pathology and immunohistochemical staining of the tumour. The patient was treated using a whole skull-base radiation therapy protocol with 45 Gy and she was in good physical condition during the subsequent 22 months. The findings of a series of similar case reports documenting SIP in 20 cases published from 1976 to 2008 are also reviewed. Based on these case reports, the key features of SIP, including their clinical manifestations, clinical imaging characteristics, treatment and prognosis, are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZY Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Zheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - XQ Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Zheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - XJ Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Zheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - C Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Zheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - YC Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Zheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Abstract
A feasible way to manipulate the scales of Ag wires through the polyol process is presented. By adjusting the amounts of either Pd or Ag precursor used in this process, we demonstrated the ability to control the scale of the wires. The presence of Pd ultrafine particles reduced by EG in advance served as the nuclei for inducing the subsequent formation of Ag wires, and the diameter of the resulting wires was observed to be inversely proportional to the quantity of Pd added. Further, the wire length was demonstrated to be proportional to and highly correlated with the total amount of Ag added, by a linear relationship. A glass plate coated with Ag wire film by the spray method is shown to be both transparent and conductive. The effect of scaling the wires on their performance is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, Republic of China.
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18
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Lin YY, Li JJ, Chang CH, Lu YC, Hwang JJ, Tseng YL, Lin WJ, Ting G, Wang HE. Evaluation of pharmacokinetics of 111In-labeled VNB-PEGylated liposomes after intraperitoneal and intravenous administration in a tumor/ascites mouse model. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2009; 24:453-60. [PMID: 19694580 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2008.0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoliposomes are important drug carriers that can passively target tumor sites by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in neoplasm lesions. This study evaluated the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of 111In-labeled vinorelbine (VNB)-encapsulated PEGylated liposomes (IVNBPL) after intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration in a C26/tk-luc colon carcinoma ascites mouse model. IVNBPL was prepared by labeling VNB-encapsulated PEGylated liposomes with 111In-oxine. BALB/c mice were i.p. inoculated with 2 x 10(5) C26/tk-luc cells in 500 muL of phosphate-buffered saline. Peritoneal tumor lesions were confirmed by 124I-FIAU/micro-PET (positron emission tomography) and bioluminescence imaging. Ascites production was examined by ultrasound imaging on day 10 after tumor cell inoculation. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies of IVNBPL in a tumor/ascites mouse model were conducted. The labeling efficiency was more than 90%. The in vitro stability in human plasma at 37 degrees C for 72 hours was 83% +/- 3.5%. For i.p. administration, the areas under curves (AUCs) of ascites and tumor were 6.78- and 1.70-fold higher, whereas the AUCs of normal tissues were lower than those via the i.v. route. This study demonstrates that i.p. administration is a better approach than i.v. injection for IVNBPL, when applied to the treatment of i.p. malignant disease in a tumor/ascites mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yu Lin
- Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University , Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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19
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Li YM, Li WQ, Pan Y, Lu YC, Long NY, Tao XF, Yu HY. Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumour of the fourth ventricle with previous intratumoural haemorrhage: case report and review of the literature. J Int Med Res 2009; 37:958-66. [PMID: 19589282 DOI: 10.1177/147323000903700342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The case is reported of a rosette-forming glioneuronal tumour of the fourth ventricle (RGTFV) in a 27-year-old male. Symptoms included headache, severe vomiting and clumsy walking that had progressively worsened over 14 days. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a 3.0 x 2.5 x 2.0 cm solid-cystic mass in the fourth ventricle and obstructive hydrocephalus. The tumour showed evidence of previous intra-tumour haemorrhage, with heterogeneous enhancement after contrast administration. Complete excision of the lesion was performed. Signs of previous intra-tumoural haemorrhage were seen intra-operatively. The detailed clinical, radiological and pathological features in this patient are described and compared with existing literature on this type of tumour. Despite benign histological features and a reported favourable post-operative course, there is still limited clinical experience with this type of tumour, however intratumoural haemorrhage may result in morbidity and mortality. This report will help provide better characterization of this entity, improving the diagnosis and potentially reducing mortality in RGTFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Wang K, Lu YC, Xu JH, Luo GS. Determination of dynamic interfacial tension and its effect on droplet formation in the T-shaped microdispersion process. Langmuir 2009; 25:2153-2158. [PMID: 19152256 DOI: 10.1021/la803049s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial tension is an important physical property affecting the droplet formation process in microfluidic devices. This work presents the variation of dynamic interfacial tension caused by slow adsorption of surfactant, as well as its influence on the liquid/liquid microdispersion process in a T-shaped microchannel. Using hexane/water-Tween 20 as the working system, it was observed that the droplet size changed with the variation of surfactant concentration when the concentration of Tween 20 was lower than 10 mmol/L, but hardly changed at higher concentrations, which was caused by the unsaturated adsorption and saturated adsorption of surfactant, respectively. The saturated interfacial tension was measured with an interfacial tension meter, and the relationship between the interfacial tension and the droplet diameter was established. Accordingly, the dynamic interfacial tension with unsaturated adsorption of surfactant was determined. The main factors affecting the dynamic interfacial tension were discussed, and a semiempirical equation was established to characterize those effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
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21
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Chang HC, Cheng HH, Huang CJ, Chen WC, Chen IS, Liu SI, Hsu SS, Chang HT, Wang JK, Lu YC, Chou CT, Jan CR. Safrole-Induced Ca2+Mobilization and Cytotoxicity in Human PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2008; 26:199-212. [PMID: 16777715 DOI: 10.1080/10799890600662595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the carcinogen safrole on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and on viability of human PC3 prostate cancer cells was examined. Cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) were measured by using fura-2 as a probe. Safrole at concentrations above 10 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 350 microM. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by more than half after removing extracellular Ca2+ but was unaffected by nifedipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, diltiazem, or verapamil. In Ca2+-free medium, after treatment with 650 microM safrole, 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) failed to release Ca2+. Neither inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 nor modulation of protein kinase C activity affected safrole-induced Ca2+ release. Overnight incubation with 0.65-65 microM safrole did not affect cell viability, but incubation with 325-625 microM safrole decreased viability. Collectively, the data suggest that in PC3 cells, safrole induced a [Ca2+]i increase by causing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C- and protein kinase C-independent fashion, and by inducing Ca2+ influx. Safrole can decrease cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Chang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Liu SI, Cheng HH, Huang CJ, Chang HC, Chen WC, Chen IS, Hsu SS, Chang HT, Huang JK, Chen JS, Lu YC, Jan CR. Melittin-induced [Ca2+]i increases and subsequent death in canine renal tubular cells. Hum Exp Toxicol 2008; 27:417-24. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327108094606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effect of melittin on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and viability is largely unknown. This study examined whether melittin alters Ca2+ levels and causes Ca2+-dependent cell death in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. [Ca2+]i and cell death were measured using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and WST-1 respectively. Melittin at concentrations above 0.5 μM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by 75% by removing extracellular Ca2+. The melittin-induced Ca2+ influx was also implicated by melittin-caused Mn2+ influx. After pretreatment with 1 μM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), melittin-induced Ca2+ release was inhibited; and conversely, melittin pretreatment abolished thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. At concentrations of 0.5–20 μM, melittin killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 0.5 μM melittin was nearly completely reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA. Melittin at 0.5–2 μM caused apoptosis as assessed by flow cytometry of propidium iodide staining. Collectively, in MDCK cells, melittin induced a [Ca2+]i rise by causing Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx from extracellular space. Furthermore, melittin can cause Ca2+-dependent cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- SI Liu
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - HH Cheng
- Section of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - CJ Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Ping-Tong, Taiwan
| | - HC Chang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - WC Chen
- Department of Surgery, Ping Tung Christian Hospital, Ping Tung, Taiwan
| | - IS Chen
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - SS Hsu
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - HT Chang
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - JK Huang
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - JS Chen
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - YC Lu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - CR Jan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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23
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Lung FW, Chou FHC, Lu YC, Wen JK, Yen YC, Kao CY. In-prison treatment for sexual offenders in Taiwan. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2007; 51:340-7. [PMID: 17478863 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x06292676] [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: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the current status of mandated treatment in prison for sexual offenders in Taiwan. The information-gathering methods were composed of two parts: questionnaires and interviews. The results showed the difficulties of mandated treatment in prison, including poor client adherence, the lack of consistent disciplines for the therapists, a standardized algorithm, and explicit laws and rules, the safety concerns of the therapists, and a shortage of staff. The development of mandated treatment in prison of sexual offenders in Taiwan is still in its early stage, and the treatment models have not yet been integrated. A cooperative and collaborative center for the mandated treatment in prison of sexual offenders and an integrated rule and treatment model should be set up in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- For-Wey Lung
- Military Kaohsiung General Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University
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24
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Lu YC, Shu BC, Chang YY, Lung FW. The mental health of hospital workers dealing with severe acute respiratory syndrome. Psychother Psychosom 2007; 75:370-5. [PMID: 17053338 DOI: 10.1159/000095443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on health care workers in Taiwan. The possible predisposing and perpetuating factors in developing mental symptoms were investigated. METHODS Participantsconsisted of 135 health care workers who had had contact with or took care of patients who were probable or suspected SARS cases, during the SARS outbreak, at a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. All participants completed questionnaires, including the Chinese Health Questionnaire, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and Parental Bonding Instrument. RESULTS Twenty-two participants (17.3%) developed significant mental symptoms, and 105 participants (82.7%) showed no obvious symptoms. The structural equation model showed that maternal care (beta = -0.18, p = 0.011) and neuroticism (beta = 0.54, p < 10(-6)) directly influenced the ability of health care workers to deal with the impact of SARS. Maternal overprotection (beta = 0.30, p < 10(-4)) had an indirect influence on the ability to cope with the impact of SARS. CONCLUSION Both neuroticism and maternal attachment influenced the mental health of health care workers during the SARS epidemic. The results can be a helpful reference for intervention and prevention programs for health care workers facing disasters in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Lu
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences and School of Nursing, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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25
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Lung FW, Lin TJ, Lu YC, Shu BC. Personal characteristics of adolescent prostitutes and rearing attitudes of their parents: a structural equation model. Psychiatry Res 2004; 125:285-91. [PMID: 15051189 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2003.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2002] [Revised: 09/06/2003] [Accepted: 12/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of family structure, personality traits, and other variables among adolescent prostitutes. The subjects comprised 158 adolescent prostitutes in a halfway house as the case group and 65 high school girls as the control group. Data were collected by using questionnaires about demographic information, the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Parental Bonding Instrument. A high rate of tobacco, alcohol and drug use was found in the case group. Numerous factors distinguished the cause-effect relationship among adolescent prostitutes. Of all risk factors studied, maternal protection, paternal care, neurotic characteristics, tobacco use, discontinuous schooling and a dysfunctional family had the most direct effect. These results provide useful information for the evaluation of and interventions with adolescent prostitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- For-Wey Lung
- Department of Psychiatry, Military Kaohsiung General Hospital, No.2, Chung Cheng 1st Rd., Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan, ROC.
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26
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterized by a range of clinical manifestations, including cerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, myoclonus, choreoathetosis, and dementia. Outside the Japanese population, the prevalence is extremely low worldwide. The reason for different ethnic prevalences of DRPLA is unclear. A previous assumption was that large normal alleles contribute to generation of expanded alleles and the relative frequencies of DRPLA. OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical, radiological, and genetic features of the first reported Chinese family with DRPLA, to our knowledge, and to compare the size distribution of normal alleles at the DRPLA locus in healthy Chinese individuals with that of other ethnic groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of 80 Chinese kindreds with autosomally dominant spinocerebellar ataxias, 1 pedigree with 2 affected patients was found by polymerase chain reaction to carry the characteristic DRPLA mutation. The allele frequencies of different CAG repeat lengths at the DRPLA locus in 225 healthy Chinese individuals were also analyzed and compared with Japanese, white, and African American distributions. RESULTS The clinical presentations of the 2 Chinese patients affected with DRPLA are similar to those described in Japanese patients, except that the affected father exhibited myoclonus but not chorea. Although the normal DRPLA allele size is distributed similarly in Chinese and Japanese populations, DRPLA in Chinese individuals is rare. Thus far, to our knowledge, only 1 intermediate-sized allele containing more than 30 CAG repeats has been reported among healthy Chinese individuals, in contrast to 3 among Japanese populations. CONCLUSION The ethnic prevalence of DRPLA seems to be correlated with the prevalence of intermediate-sized alleles in individual populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- I H Lee
- The Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Rd, Taipei, Taiwan 112, Republic of China
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Abstract
A 10-year longitudinal follow-up study of hearing was conducted in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in order to elucidate the mechanism of hearing loss in irradiated ears. Ten NPC patients were subjected to a battery of audiological tests before irradiation and 6 months, 5 years, and 10 years after irradiation. The tests included pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, eustachian tube function testing, and myringotomy to confirm middle ear effusion. The prevalences of otitis media with effusion (OME) were 25%, 25%, 40%, and 25% at the 4 testing periods described above, respectively. The prevalences of chronic otitis media were 0%, 0%, 15%, and 25%, respectively. In myringotomized ears (n = 17), the mean hearing levels for both air conduction and bone conduction were preserved from the preirradiation period to 10 years after irradiation. In contrast, in grommeted ears (n = 3), the mean hearing levels for both air conduction and bone conduction deteriorated progressively from the preirradiation period to 10 years after irradiation. We conclude that hearing can be preserved in NPC patients 10 years after irradiation if middle ear inflammation is well controlled. We do not recommend grommet insertion in irradiated NPC patients with OME, as it may result in persistent otorrhea and hearing deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Young
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various surface treatments on the bond strength at the In-Ceram/resin composite interface. Ninety-eight In-Ceram specimens were divided into seven groups and exposed to various surface treatments as follows: (A) control (B) saliva contamination (C) saliva contamination plus aluminum oxide sandblasting (D) glove powder contamination (E) glove powder contamination plus aluminum oxide sandblasting (F) rough aluminum oxide sandblasting and (G) excess glass infiltration. A resin composite cylinder was cemented to each In-Ceram specimen with Panavia 21 resin luting cement. Half of the cemented specimens in each group were stored in water for 24 h, and the other half were stored in water for 2 weeks and then were thermo-cycled for 2000 cycles. Shear bond strengths (SBS) of seven specimens in each subgroup were determined and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test as well as Student's t-test. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to identify the type of bond failure. Shear bond strength was significantly decreased by saliva and glove powder contaminations (P < 0.05). Sandblasting treatment did not improve the saliva-contaminated specimens. However, the glove powder plus sandblasting group showed no significant difference in SBS compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in SBS between the excess glass-infiltrating group and the control group. The SBS was significantly decreased by rough aluminum oxide sandblasting (P < 0.05). The SBS values of groups without thermocycling were significantly greater than those of groups with thermocycling (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among SBS values of the seven groups with thermocycling. Combined cohesive and adhesive bond failures were seen in every group. Various surface treatments or contaminants may significantly influence the bond strength of In-Ceram restorative in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Lu
- Department of Dentistry, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Tiao WM, Yeh LR, Lu YC, Liang HL, Chen CK. Lipoma arborescens of the knee: a case report. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:412-5. [PMID: 11480252] [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: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoma arborescens is a rare intraarticular lesion of unknown etiology. We describe the radiographic, computerized tomographic, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of lipoma arborescens in a 17-year-old boy presenting with chronic painful swollen knee. Histologic examination after surgical synovectomy confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma arborescens. The fatty nature and frond-like appearance of this lesion can be demonstrated on imaging studies, especially MR imaging. Open synovectomy is curative in most cases. Although lipoma arborescens is rare, it is important to recognize and differentiate it from other synovial lesions by MR imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Tiao
- Department of Radiology, Ton Yen General Hospital, Taiwan
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30
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Abstract
Community-based services are being developed as mental health services. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect between home care and half-way house services on patients with schizophrenia. The design was quasi-experimental and used repeated measurements. There were 60 subjects, 37 receiving home care and 23 receiving half-way house care which were affiliated with one general hospital in the south of Taiwan. Of the 60 chronic schizophrenic patients, there were 34 males and 26 females with an average age of 34 years. The Quality of Life Scale was applied to measure each patient four times, at an interval of two months. These follow-up data were analyzed by Generalized Estimating Equation-I (GEE-I) because repeated observations on an individual may be correlated. The result showed that the total QOL in patients receiving home care programs was significantly higher than those receiving half-way house service. The total scores of QOL in patients under half-way house and home care services did not show secular change. The patients under home care program showed a somewhat improvement for a short period of time. However, as time went on, the patients showed no obvious improvement in their life quality. The dimensions of independence and social activity in QOL also showed significantly different between these two groups. The results may provide guides on designing programs and activities for the chronic mental patients. However, the best decision to apply which program for patients need continouous and comprehensive assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Shu
- Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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31
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Abstract
On-line carcass inspection of chickens in the United States is currently done using visual (organoleptic) methods. Inspectors from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspect the viscera and carcass and, for older birds, the heads using a sequence of observations and palpations at a postmortem inspection station. The streamlined inspection system (SIS) and the new line speed inspection system (NELS) are the most prevalent visual inspection methods. The former has a line speed of 70 birds/min with two inspectors per line, and the latter has a line speed of 91 birds/min requiring three inspectors per line. Both inspection methods are labor intensive and prone to human error. In addition, the speed of the slaughter line is dictated by the number of birds per minute that can be inspected by FSIS inspectors. Ninety-one birds/min is currently the maximum visual inspection line speed allowed under current Federal regulations. This study evaluates the economic benefits of using automated inspection in place of visual inspection from the perspective of both the slaughter plant and FSIS. The results indicate that FSIS and slaughter plants would gain economic benefits by using automated inspection in place of visual inspection. The economic benefits to FSIS would accrue from labor savings, whereas the economic benefits to slaughter plants would accrue primarily from increased throughput from faster inspection line speeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Watkins
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Remote Sensing and Modeling Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA.
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32
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Mann JS, Lu YC, Grzybowski SC. The race of the millennium: CD-ROM versus the textbook. CMAJ 1999; 161:1527-8. [PMID: 10624411 PMCID: PMC1230869] [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
OBJECTIVE To determine whether CD-ROMs are as fast as everyone thinks they are. METHODS A grand contest between 2 textbooks and their electronic versions, held with the help of 10 victims. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION We can't be expected to tell you that now. You'll have to read the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Mann
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver
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Wang PW, Wang ST, Liu RT, Chien WY, Tung SC, Lu YC, Chen HY, Lee CH. Levothyroxine suppression of thyroglobulin in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999; 84:4549-53. [PMID: 10599717 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.84.12.6190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
For patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, the appropriate degree of TSH suppression by levothyroxine (L-T4) is still unknown. To find the target level of TSH suppression, we analyzed the relationship between the degree of TSH suppression determined by third generation assay and thyroglobulin (Tg) response during the titration of the dosage of L-T4. Ninety-two patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (19 males and 73 females; age, 40.5+/-13.5, mean +/- SD) were included. All of the recruited patients had near-total thyroidectomy, 30-150 mCi 131I thyroid ablation, and negative Tg autoantibodies. They were classified into 3 groups. Group A was composed of 25 patients with local or distant relapse. Group B was composed of 12 patients without clinically detectable relapse, but Tg levels either above 2 ng/mL under L-T4 suppression or above 3 ng/mL off L-T4 therapy. Group C included 55 patients who had no active disease and Tg levels below 2 and 3 ng/mL during and off L-T4 suppression, respectively. Serum TSH and Tg were measured simultaneously at the end of 8-12 weeks of a certain dose of L-T4 therapy during dosage titration and also after withdrawal of L-T4 for 4-6 weeks for the total body scan. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare paired samples of Tg, and Spearman rank correlation was used to determine the correlation of relative changes in TSH to changes in Tg calculated by individual. The results showed that 1) Tg levels were significantly higher during the period off L-T4 therapy than on L-T4, therapy in all 3 groups (P < 0.01); 2) during L-T4, therapy, within the same treatment course, mean Tg levels were higher when TSH levels were normal than when TSH levels were suppressed, statistically significant in group A (P = 0.001), nonsignificant in group B (P = 0.09), and nonsignificant in group C (P = 0.30); and 3) when TSH was suppressed below normal, there was no correlation between the relative changes in TSH and Tg by individual in all 3 groups (P > 0.05). The data suggest a stratified postoperative thyroid hormone management of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. TSH should be lowered to below normal in patients with active disease. If patients are clinically disease free with Tg levels below 2 ng/mL, TSH can be kept within the normal range. For the most controversial group B patients, it is recommended that the TSH be suppressed and be closely followed up.
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Affiliation(s)
- P W Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Republic of China.
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Wu JS, Ku YH, Li LS, Lu YC, Ding X, Wang YG. Corticotropin releasing factor and substance P mediate the nucleus amygdaloideus centralis-nucleus ventromedialis-nucleus dorsomedialis pressor system. Brain Res 1999; 842:392-8. [PMID: 10526135 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(99)01862-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged emotional stress is an important factor in the development of neurogenic hypertension, but its mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the possible neural basis of hypertension induced by prolonged emotional stress. In the brain many nuclei are involved in emotional reaction, stress or defense response; among them the nucleus amygdaloideus centralis (AC) is the most important one which widely connects with other nuclei controlling emotion and stress, such as nucleus ventromedialis (NVM), nucleus dorsomedialis (NDM), nucleus paraventricularis (NPV) etc. These nuclei contain corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)- and substance P (SP)-immunoreactive cell bodies, nerve terminals and corresponding receptors. Our previous and present studies showed that microinjection of CRF or SP into these nuclei induced pressor responses. These data imply that excitation of the AC can activate many nuclei controlling emotion and stress via CRF and SP, and excessive activities of these nuclei may be the neural basis of hypertension induced by prolonged emotional stress. The present study revealed that (1) the AC pressor response to glutamate (Glu) could be reduced by preinjection of CRF antagonist (alpha-Helical CRF[9-41] or SP antagonist ([D-Pro(2), D-Phe(7), D-Trp(9)]-substance P) into bilateral NVM, (2) the NVM pressor response to Glu were decreased by pretreatment of the NDM with CRF- or SP-antagonist, (3) the AC-, NVM- or NDM-pressor responses were all attenuated by preinjection of CRF- or SP-antagonist into bilateral NPV or rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL). The results indicate that excitation of the AC can indirectly activate the NPV and RVL to evoke pressor response via the NVM-NDM, CRF and SP are transmitters in each connection of this pathway; this is one component of the mechanism underlying the AC pressor response. Taken together with the findings of our previous studies, it provides neurophysiological basis for the above-mentioned implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Wu
- Department of Physiology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Abstract
A case of acute progressive disseminated histoplasmosis complicated with hypercalcemia is reported and the literature is reviewed. This and the previously reported cases imply that physicians should have a higher index of suspicion for this infection and the probable underlying diseases resulting from impaired cellular-mediated immunity when encountering patients with hypercalcaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define the imaging characteristics of intra-articular tophi of the knee. DESIGN AND PATIENTS Twelve patients with intra-articular tophi in the knee were studied with routine MR imaging, gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MR imaging, and CT over a 4-year period. There were 11 men and one woman, 25-82 years of age (mean age 48 years). Four patients did not have a documented history of gout at the time of the MR examination. The diagnosis of intra-articular tophi was provided by arthroscopy and histological examination (5 patients), by microscopic study of joint fluid (5 patients), or by characteristic clinical, laboratory and imaging findings (2 patients). RESULTS In 15 MR examinations the tophi were located purely intra-articularly in 10 knees. In the remaining five MR studies, periarticular soft tissues or bone, or both, were involved. All the intra-articular tophi manifested low to intermediate signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. All five Gd-enhanced MR examinations demonstrated a heterogeneous peripheral enhancement. All 10 CT scans showed varying degrees of stippled calcifications within the tophi. The nature of the calcifications was confirmed on histological examination in three patients. CONCLUSION Presenting clinical manifestations of gout may relate to intra-articular tophaceous deposits. Such deposits present as masses on MR images with low to intermediate signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images and a characteristic enhancement pattern following intravenous Gd administration. These features relate primarily to internal calcifications, which are most evident on CT images. MR evaluation (including Gd administration) supplemented, in some cases, with CT scanning allows accurate diagnosis of intra-articular tophaceous deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Chen
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
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Yu GS, Lu YC, Gulick T. Co-regulation of tissue-specific alternative human carnitine palmitoyltransferase Ibeta gene promoters by fatty acid enzyme substrate. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:32901-9. [PMID: 9830040 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.49.32901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) catalyzes the rate-determining step in mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. CPT-I has two structural genes (alpha and beta) that are differentially expressed among tissues. Our CPT-Ibeta isolates from a human cardiac cDNA library contained two different extreme 5'-sequences derived from short alternative first untranslated exons that utilize a common splice acceptor site in exon 2. Primer extension identified single dominant start sites for each transcript, and ribonuclease protection assays showed the presence of one 5'-exon in liver, muscle, and heart mRNAs, indicating that the cognate promoter U (upstream/ubiquitous) is active in each of these tissues. By contrast, mRNAs containing the alternative 5'-exon were present only in muscle and heart, indicating a muscle-specific promoter M (muscle). CPT-Ibeta mRNA levels increased markedly in tissues of fasted rats, when circulating free fatty acid concentrations are elevated. Using CPT-Ibeta promoter/reporter transient transfection of murine C2C12 myotubes and HepG2 hepatocytes, fatty acids were found to increase promoter activity in a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)-dependent fashion. A promoter fatty acid response element (FARE) was mapped, mutation of which ablated fatty acid-mediated production of both transcripts. PPARalpha/retinoid X receptor alpha formed specific complexes with oligonucleotides containing the FARE, and anti-PPARalpha antibody shifted nuclear protein-DNA complexes, confirming the role of this factor in regulating the expression of this critical metabolic enzyme gene. The constitutive repressor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor competitively binds at the FARE and modulates fatty acid induction of the promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Yu
- Diabetes Unit and Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
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Wang PW, Liu RT, Tung SC, Chien WY, Lu YC, Chen CH, Kuo MC, Hsieh JR, Wang ST. Outcome of Graves' disease after antithyroid drug treatment in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 1998; 97:619-25. [PMID: 9795530] [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: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The outcome of Graves' disease after treatment with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) varies widely among countries, and large-scale studies in Asia are rare. We investigated the associations of various clinical and laboratory features with the outcome of ATD therapy for Graves' disease in Taiwan. A total of 210 patients (177 women, 33 men; mean +/- SD age, 41.7 +/- 15.1 yr) treated with ATD in Taiwan were included. ATD therapy started with methimazole 30 mg daily or propylthiouracil 300 mg daily and was continued until a euthyroid state was achieved. Afterwards, 154 patients received a maintenance dose of ATD alone, while 56 patients received a combination of an ATD and thyroxine (L-T4). Patients were considered to be in remission if they remained in a euthyroid state for more than 2 years after drug withdrawal. The mean follow-up periods were 45.0 +/- 20.9 months for patients with remission and 30.4 +/- 19.8 months for those with relapse. Relapse occurred in 126 (60%) patients during the follow-up period, within 3 months after drug withdrawal in 47 (37%), and within 6 months in 60 (46%). The relapse rate was 100% among patients with two or more previous relapses. Patients with a second occurrence had a higher relapse rate than those with a first occurrence (84% vs 43%). Past history of recurrence, goiter size, thyroid-stimulating hormone level and thyrotropin-binding inhibition immunoglobulin activity at the end of ATD treatment were independently associated with relapse. Prolonged duration of treatment did not yield better results in patients with larger goiters or a history of recurrence, or both. Combination therapy with L-T4 yielded similar results to those achieved with ATD treatment alone. In conclusion, the relapse rate of Graves' disease after ATD treatment in Taiwanese patients was high, especially in those with a history of recurrence. The treatment duration and drug regimen did not affect the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P W Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Yu GS, Lu YC, Gulick T. Expression of novel isoforms of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-1) generated by alternative splicing of the CPT-ibeta gene. Biochem J 1998; 334 ( Pt 1):225-31. [PMID: 9693124 PMCID: PMC1219683 DOI: 10.1042/bj3340225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) catalyses the rate-determining step in mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. The enzyme has two cognate structural genes that are preferentially expressed in liver (alpha) or fat and muscle (beta). We hypothesized the existence of additional isoforms in heart to account for unique kinetic characteristics of enzyme activity in this tissue. Hybridization and PCR screening of a human cardiac cDNA library revealed the expression of two novel CPT-I isoforms generated by alternative splicing of the CPT-Ibeta transcript, in addition to the beta and alpha cDNA species previously described. Ribonuclease protection and reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR assays confirmed the presence of mRNA species of each splicing variant in heart, skeletal muscle and liver, with differing relative concentrations in the tissues. The novel splicing variants omit exons or utilize a cryptic splice donor site within an exon. Deduced polypeptide sequences of the novel enzymes include omissions in the region of putative membrane-spanning and malonyl-CoA regulatory domains compared with the previously described CPT-Is, implying that the encoded enzymes will exhibit unique features with respect to outer mitochondrial membrane topology and response to physiological and pharmacological inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Yu
- Diabetes Unit and Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH East, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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40
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Abstract
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) catalyzes the rate-determining step in mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. The enzyme has two cognate structural genes (alpha and beta) that are differentially expressed in tissues. We show multiple mature mRNAs in rat heart derived from alternative splicing of CPT-Ibeta transcripts. Two novel messages are deleted for regions of the previously described mRNA that encode membrane-spanning and regulatory domains, suggesting that the cognate isozymes will exhibit unique kinetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Yu
- Diabetes Unit and Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Thirteenth Street, MGH East, CNY 149 8218, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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Chen WH, Wang YH, Lu YC, Huang CC, Wong SL. Endobronchial metastasis from an occult papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report. Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi 1998; 21:200-5. [PMID: 9729656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that occult papillary thyroid cancers can result in regional lymph node metastasis. However, this small, clinically undetectable cancer rarely causes distant metastasis; moreover, an endobronchial presentation has not been described previously. We report on a 48-year-old man who experienced hemoptysis. A fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy established the diagnosis of endobronchial metastasis in the absence of clinically apparent thyroid cancer. After the patient was treated with a total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (131I), a whole body radioiodine scan revealed no evidence of distant functioning metastasis. A histological evaluation of the thyroid gland showed the presence of a 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 cm nodule in the right lobe. A left pneumonectomy was undertaken to treat the distant metastasis of the disease. Since most papillary thyroid carcinomas are curable, an aggressive surgical approach to the solitary metastasis is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
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Lu YC, Gu YH, Liang Y, Wang YG, Li LS, Tan L. [Role of substance P in pressor response of central amygdaloid nucleus to glutamate]. Sheng Li Xue Bao 1997; 49:419-26. [PMID: 9812874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Substance P (SP)-immunoreactive cells and the axon terminals are widely distributed in the central amygdaloid nucleus (AC) and its important projection areas. The present study showed that (1) Excitation of the AC by glutamate (Glu) or injection of SP into the AC projection areas: locus coeruleus (LC), nucleus parabrachialis (NPB), periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) or lateral hypothalamus-perifornical region (LH/PF), all elicited pressor response. (2) Preinjection of DPDPDT (a SP antagonist) into bilateral LC, NPB, PAG or LH/PF could attenuate the AC pressor response to Glu. (3) Intra-RVLM (rostral ventrolateral medulla) preinjection of either phentolamine, propranolol or atropine (but not GDEE, a Glu antagonist) could also reduce the AC pressor response. Taken together with our previous findings that the alpha-, beta-, M-receptors in RVLM mediated the pressor response to LC excitation, alpha-receptors mediated the NPB pressor response, alpha- and beta-receptors mediated the PAG pressor response; these results indicate that the SPergic projections of the AC not only directly act upon the brainstem pressor areas (LC, NPB, PAG)-RVLM system, but also indirectly via the LH/PF act upon the brainstem pressor areas-RVLM system to induce the pressor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Lu
- Department of Physiology, Beijing Medical University
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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the hormonal and psychological responses of young men about to engage in a potentially life-threatening event. Subjects were recruited to take their first skydiving jump. The scores on questionnaires designed to assess anxiety were not significantly increased at 0800 h on the morning before the jump by comparison with scores obtained from the same subjects 3-5 days previously. However, a psychological instrument for rating of events indicated significantly increased intensity, and sympathetic nervous system activity, as measured by the salivary amylase response, was increased over self-control values. Salivary cortisol and testosterone levels were significantly lower on the morning of the jump than self-control values and values in control subjects determined at the same time of day. However, plasma LH was not suppressed. The anxiety and stress measures as well as the rating of events rose to high levels just before the jump. With the exception of testosterone, which remained low, serum cortisol, PRL, and GH all increased greatly subsequent to the rise in psychological measures, reached peak values before or shortly after landing, and declined significantly within the next hour. Anxiety and subjective stress scores declined to those of the self-control values within 15 min after landing, but the rating of events scale remained significantly elevated. In summary, reported anxiety associated with a purely psychological stressor was suppressed until within a few hours preceding the event, but was preceded by an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and suppression of plasma cortisol and salivary testosterone levels. The event itself was associated with a reversal of the cortisol decline; other stress-associated hormones increased, but salivary testosterone remained low.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Chatterton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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Abstract
We have developed a simple, direct radioimmunoassay for progesterone in saliva. The correlation coefficient (r) between the direct assay and an extraction procedure was 0.92 (n = 65, P < 0.001), and the correlation between concurrent serum and salivary progesterone concentrations in the luteal phases of menstrual cycles of 48 women was 0.75 (P < 0.001). Whereas certain polystyrene and polyethylene vials and tubes were found to bind and remove up to 87% of the progesterone from saliva, other plastic and glass surfaces were satisfactory for the procedure. Intraassay and interassay CVs from values greater than 300 pmol/L were 12.0 and 12.4%, respectively. The assay sensitivity was 48 pmol/L. Collection of saliva is a more convenient and less invasive technique for frequent sample collection than phlebotomy, and is useful for monitoring ovulation and assessment of luteal function in women clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Gu YH, Xu WK, Lu YC, Wang YG, Tan L. [Involvement of nucleus amygdaloideus centralis, lateral hypothalamus/perifornical region and nucleus paraventricularis in insular cortex-pressor response]. Sheng Li Xue Bao 1997; 49:221-6. [PMID: 9812861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In urethane-anesthetized, tubocurarine-immobilized and artificially ventilated rats, glutamate (Glu) injection into the insular cortex (INS) and substance P injection into the lateral hypothalamus-perifornical region (LH/PF) or nucleus paraventricularis (NPV) caused pressor responses. Preinjection of procaine or glutamate diethyl ester (GDEE, a glutamate antagonist) bilaterally into the nucleus amygdaloideus centralis (AC) and [D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9]-substance P (DPDPDT, a substance P antagonist), but not GDEE, into the LH/PF markedly attenuated the pressor response induced by glutamate injection into the INS. Procaine or DPDPDT preinjection into the NPV also reduced the INS-pressor response. Since the LH/PF and NPV were found to mediate the AC-pressor response, the above results suggest that the INS-pressor response is the final outcome of activation of AC (Glu-receptor)-LH/PF and NPV (SP receptor) system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Gu
- Department of Physiology, Beijing Medical University
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Hsieh CJ, Wang PW, Liu JC, Tung SC, Chien WY, Lu YC, Kuo MC. Glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism: a case report. Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi 1997; 20:52-7. [PMID: 9178594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism (GRA) is a hereditary cause of mineralocorticoid hypertension. The most common presentation is asymptomatic hypertension. Hypokalemia, hyperaldosteronism and suppressed plasma renin activity are other forms of primary hyperaldosteronism. However, the aldosterone secretion in these patients is regulated by adrenocortico-tropic hormone (ACTH) rather than the reninangiotension system. Here, we report a patient with a 12-year history of hypertension without response to any treatment until dexamethasone was administered. The diagnosis of GRA was confirmed by elevated plasma level of 18-oxocortisol, which is a unique steroid biochemical abnormality of this disease. In GRA, hybrid steroids (18-oxocortisol and 18-hydroxycortisol) are synthesized at the C-18 carbon of cortisol in a similar way as when corticosterone is converted to aldosterone. The gene duplication defect is on chromosome 8 codes for a chimerical 11 beta-hydroxylase/aldosterone synthase enzyme, causing ectopic expression of aldosterone synthase in zona fasiculata. Because this hypertension is remediable by exogenous glucocorticoid, this case was reported to raise attention about treatable aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaoshiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Lu YC, Liu S, Gong QZ, Hamm RJ, Lyeth BG. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase potentiates hypertension and increases mortality in traumatically brain-injured rats. Mol Chem Neuropathol 1997; 30:125-37. [PMID: 9138424 DOI: 10.1007/bf02815154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), on mortality, morbidity, and cardiovascular parameters following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat. Rats were anesthetized with 2% isoflurane prior to moderate (2.0 atmosphere), central fluid percussion TBI. Temporalis muscle temperature was maintained at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. L-NAME (10 mg/kg iv) was administered once at either 5 min before, 5 min after, or 15 min after TBI. Sensorimotor deficits and spatial learning/ memory deficits were assessed after injury. Separate groups of rats were monitored for cardiovascular parameters. Preinjury administration of L-NAME significantly increased mortality from 13 (vehicle) to 70% (associated with pulmonary edema), whereas postinjury, L-NAME had no effect on mortality (14 and 25%). L-NAME administered at 5 or 15 min after injury had no significant effect on motor performance or cognitive performance deficits associated with TBI. L-NAME in uninjured rats increased arterial blood pressure by 25 mmHg within 2 min. L-NAME injected 5 min before TBI greatly prolonged the hypertensive episode associated with TBI (1 min in vehicle vs 60 min in L-NAME). L-NAME injected 5 min after TBI caused a sustained 35 mmHg increase in blood pressure. These findings suggest that acute inhibition of NOS has detrimental consequences on mortality that may be owing to its cardiovascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Lu
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA
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Abstract
This investigation was designed to evaluate the production rates and concentrations of salivary alpha-amylase as a measure of adrenergic activity under several conditions of stress in human subjects. Saliva and blood samples were simultaneously collected from men at four 15 min intervals both before and after regimens for exercise, a written examination, or a rest period. The regressions of salivary alpha-amylase on plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentrations were significant for both exercise (P < 0.001) and examination (P < 0.01) protocols. Aerobic exercise induced a 3-fold mean increase in alpha-amylase; both NE and epinephrine (EP) increased approximately 5-fold over control levels. Levels of alpha-amylase and NE returned to control levels within 30-45 min after exercise, but EP remained elevated by approximately 2-fold during the remaining hour of observation. During the written examination, alpha-amylase and NE, but not EP, concentrations increased in parallel. In further studies the effects of exercise and exposure to heat and cold on the relationship of salivary alpha-amylase to heart rate and body temperature were investigated. Greater intensities of exercise were associated with greater increases in alpha-amylase concentrations. During heat exposure in a sauna (66 degrees C for 40 min) amylase, heart rate and body temperature all increased progressively. However, during exposure to cold (4 degrees C for 40 min) amylase increased rapidly, though heart rate and body temperature remained unchanged. Salivary cortisol concentrations were unchanged during exposure to heat or cold. We conclude that salivary alpha-amylase concentrations are predictive of plasma catecholamine levels, particularly NE, under a variety of stressful conditions, and may be a more direct and simple end point of catecholamine activity than are changes in heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Chatterton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Chen CH, Wang PW, Liu RT, Tung SC, Jean WY, Lu YC, Kao CL, Chen L. Ectopic parathyroid adenoma with severe hungry bone syndrome: a case report. Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi 1996; 19:196-202. [PMID: 8828266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The presentation rate of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma is about 5 approximately 22%. Ectopic parathyroid adenoma is a common etiology of failed parathyroid surgery as well as a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. We reported a case of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. A 20-year-old girl presented with arthralgia for 2 years before hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed. Parathyroid ultrasonography failed to find the lesion, but a vivid uptake in the superior mediastinum was discovered by thallium-201 (Tl-201) and technetium-99m-sestamibi (Tc-99m-MIBI) images. Removal of the ectopic adenoma resulted in severe Hungry bone syndrome, which required a large amount of calcium and phosphorous supply. Later, the patient suffered from bilateral femoral neck fracture due to marked osteoporosis. Bone mineral density study revealed marked increase of fracture risk. Although bone disorder is rare in cases of hyperparathyroidism nowadays, it still should be considered in patients with arthritis of unknown etiology like our case. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan, ROC
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50
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Abstract
A coordinate measurement machine with laser probe was used to measure the vertical distortion of the casts produced by use of three types of impression materials (irreversible hydrocolloid, condensation silicone, and addition silicone) and two types of trays (stock and custom trays). Results indicated that all impression groups showed positive vertical distortion (ranging from 0.00566 to 0.30299 mm) at the edentulous ridges and palatal area. The amount of the vertical distortion was greatest at the palatal area and was followed by the high edentulous ridge and the low edentulous ridge. Addition silicone, with either custom tray or stock tray, was the most accurate impression material. Condensation silicone was more accurate than irreversible hydrocolloid in custom tray impression. However, in stock tray impression the irreversible hydrocolloid was more accurate than the condensation silicone. The results suggest that, with careful manipulation, irreversible hydrocolloid with stock tray impression may provide a satisfactory cast for fabricating the framework of a distal extension removable partial denture.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Y Wang
- Department of Dentistry, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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