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Chang HT, Huang JK, Wang JL, Cheng JS, Lee KC, Lo YK, Lin MC, Tang KY, Jan CR. Tamoxifen-induced Ca2+ mobilization in bladder female transitional carcinoma cells. Arch Toxicol 2001; 75:184-8. [PMID: 11409540 DOI: 10.1007/s002040100212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of tamoxifen, an anti-breast cancer drug, on Ca2+ handling in bladder female transitional cancer cells. Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ levels were recorded by using the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. In a dose-dependent manner, tamoxifen induced intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) increases between 5 and 20 microM with an EC50 of 10 microM. External Ca2+ removal reduced the response by 60+/-6%. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ caused a [Ca2+]i increase after pretreatment with 10 microM tamoxifen in Ca2+-free medium. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 10 microM tamoxifen abolished the [Ca2+]i increase induced by 1 microM thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor. Conversely, pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin prevented tamoxifen from releasing more Ca2+. Inhibition of phospholipase C-dependent inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate formation with 2 microM U73122 did not alter 10 microM tamoxifen-induced Ca2+ release. The [Ca2+]i increase induced by 5 microM tamoxifen was not altered by 10 microM La3+, nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. Collectively, it was found that tamoxifen increased [Ca2+]i in bladder cancer cells by releasing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in a manner independent of phospholipase C activity, and by inducing Ca2+ entry from external medium.
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Liao CM, Lin MC. Toxicokinetics and acute toxicity of waterborne zinc in abalone (Haliotis diversicolor supertexta Lischke). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2001; 66:597-602. [PMID: 11443329 DOI: 10.1007/s001280050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2000] [Accepted: 02/12/2001] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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Tsai WT, Chang CY, Lin MC, Chien SF, Sun HF, Hsieh MF. Characterization of activated carbons prepared from sugarcane bagasse by ZnCl2 activation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2001; 36:365-378. [PMID: 11411858 DOI: 10.1081/pfc-100103576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Activated carbons were prepared from the agricultural waste of sugarcane bagasse by the chemical activation with zinc chloride (ZnCl2) at the activation temperature of 500 degrees C with soaking time of 0.5 hour. The influence of activation parameters on the final carbon products was examined by varying the impregnation ratio (i.e., mass ratio of added ZnCl2 to bagasse) and bagasse size. The physical properties of carbon products were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms (at 77 K) and helium displacement method. The surface area and pore volume of carbons were thus obtained by the BET equation and t-plot method. Also, the particle density and porosity of carbons were estimated by the total pore volume and true density. The increases of the values of surface area and pore volume are approximately proportional to the impregnation ratio. The microporous carbon product with the BET surface area of 905 m2/g and total pore volume of 0.44 cm3/g was obtained in the present study. Further, the adsorption isotherms of two acid dyes from aqueous solutions onto the carbon products were performed at 30 degrees C. The results show that the adsorption isotherms of acid dyes with high molecular weight or large molecular size on the microporous adsorbents of activated carbons are plateau forms, indicating multilayer adsorptions, which may be attributed to the steric hindrance of the adsorbate molecules.
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Lin MC, Nahin R, Gershwin ME, Longhurst JC, Wu KK. State of complementary and alternative medicine in cardiovascular, lung, and blood research: executive summary of a workshop. Circulation 2001; 103:2038-41. [PMID: 11319191 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.103.16.2038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recently cosponsored a workshop on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cardiovascular, lung, and blood research. In view of the increasing use of CAM by the general public, it is imperative to promote credible research by the established biomedical community. The goal of this workshop was to enhance the exchange of information and ideas between alternative medicine practitioners and scientists in cardiovascular, lung, and blood research and to foster collaborative research among these researchers. The workshop focused on 5 areas of research, including a historical and cultural perspective of CAM, methodological issues in clinical trials, herbal medicine, chelation therapy, mind/body (meditation) therapy, and acupuncture. CAM has become widely used without rigorously proven efficacy and safety. To protect the public, it was recommended that the fundamental mechanistic research for these CAM approaches be vigorously pursued and that any large-scale clinical trial be carefully executed to avoid any waste of resources and any unnecessary risk. It was felt that standardization of botanical products and procedure-based CAM intervention, such as acupuncture and meditation, is essential for meaningful basic and clinical research. Although botanical products properly consumed are perceived as generally safe, potential herb-drug interactions are a major safety concern. Clearly, many challenges need to be addressed by the scientific community before the public can be assured of the proper use of CAM.
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Chang HC, Chang JJ, Chan SH, Huang AH, Wu TL, Lin MC, Chang TC. Evaluation of Etest for direct antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts in positive blood cultures. J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:1328-33. [PMID: 11283051 PMCID: PMC87934 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.4.1328-1333.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance of the Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) for direct antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts in positive blood cultures was compared with that of the macrodilution method for determining the MICs of five antifungal agents. Culture broths with blood from bottles positive for yeasts were inoculated directly onto plates for susceptibility testing with the Etest, and the MICs were read after 24 and 48 h of incubation. A total of 141 positive blood cultures (72 cultures of Candida albicans, 31 of Candida tropicalis, 14 of Candida glabrata, 11 of Candida parapsilosis, 3 of Candida krusei, and 3 of Cryptococcus neoformans, 4 miscellaneous yeast species, and 3 mixed cultures) were tested, and the rates of MIC agreement (+/-1 log(2) dilution) between the direct Etest (at 24 and 48 h, respectively) and macrodilution methods were as follows: amphotericin B, 81.8 and 93.5%; flucytosine, 84.8 and 87.7%; fluconazole, 89.4 and 85.5%; itraconazole, 69.7 and 63.8%; ketoconazole, 87.9 and 79.0%. By a large-sample t test, the difference in log(2) dilution between the direct Etest and the macrodilution method was found to be small (P < 0.05). The lone exceptions were ketoconazole at 48 h of incubation and itraconazole at both 24 and 48 h of incubation (P > 0.05). By Tukey's multiple comparisons, the difference between the direct Etest (48 h) and reference methods among different species was found to be less than 1 log(2) dilution. When the MICs were translated into interpretive susceptibility, the minor errors caused by the direct Etest (at 24 and 48 h, respectively) were as follows: flucytosine, 2.3 and 1.4%; fluconazole, 3.0 and 3.6%; itraconazole, 21.2 and 21.3%. Itraconazole also produced an additional 3.0 and 3.6% major errors as determined by the direct Etest at 24 and 48 h, respectively. It was concluded that, except for itraconazole, the Etest method was feasible for direct susceptibility testing of blood cultures positive for yeasts. The method is simple, and the results could be read between 24 and 48 h after direct inoculation, whenever the inhibition zones were discernible.
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Lin MC, Liaw MY, Chen WJ, Cheng PT, Wong AM, Chiou WK. Pulmonary function and spinal characteristics: their relationships in persons with idiopathic and postpoliomyelitic scoliosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001; 82:335-41. [PMID: 11245755 DOI: 10.1053/apmr.2001.21528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify what influence the various features of spinal deformity have on pulmonary function in persons with idiopathic and the postpoliomyelitic scoliosis. DESIGN Prospective, cohort, observational study with clinical and radiologic evaluations. SETTING Hospital-based rehabilitation units. PATIENTS Forty-four patients with idiopathic scoliotis and 16 with postpoliomyelitic scoliotis. Each group was divided into subgroups: normal and abnormal pulmonary function. INTERVENTION Clinical and radiologic evaluation of spinal deformity, full pulmonary functional test and respiratory muscle strength were performed. Presence of dyspnea on exertion and low back pain (LBP) was recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pulmonary function: spirometry, lung volume test, and diffusing capacity. Respiratory muscle strength: maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Presence of dyspnea on exertion (DOE), and LBP were also recorded. Characteristics of spinal deformity: direction of convexity, uppermost vertebra, number of involved vertebrae, Cobb angle, the apical vertebra, degree of rotation at the apical vertebra, type of scoliotic curve, and presence of balanced spine and pelvic obliquity. Chi-square analyses and Mann-Whitney U test for between-groups comparisons. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient to determine the existence and magnitude of a relationship. RESULTS We found significant differences between the idiopathic and postpoliomyelitis groups in the degree of rotation at the apical vertebra, MIP, average percentage of predicted vital capacity, residual volume/total lung capacity, presence of double or triple curves, pelvic obliquity, and DOE. Between the idiopathic scoliotis subgroups we found significant differences in the uppermost vertebra and number of vertebrae in the scoliotic curve. Between the subgroups of the postpoliomyelitis group were significant differences in the location of the apical vertebra and the uppermost vertebral body of scoliotic curve. In the idiopathic group, pulmonary function was mostly related to scoliotic angle, number of vertebrae in the scoliotic curve, location of the uppermost vertebra, and the patients' age; MIP and MEP were negatively related to the scoliotic angle and degree of rotation of apical vertebra. In the postpoliomyelitis group, pulmonary function was mostly related to scoliotic angle, kyphotic angle, location of the uppermost vertebra of the scoliotic curve, and age. CONCLUSION No single factor can predict the severity of impairment in scoliotic patients' pulmonary function. In both groups, severity of pulmonary impairment was related to the combined features of the spinal deformity. However, uppermost vertebra, scoliotic angle, and patient's age may play important roles influencing pulmonary function in both groups.
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Kao KC, Tsai YH, Lin MC, Huang CC, Tsao CY, Chen YC. Hypokalemic muscular paralysis causing acute respiratory failure due to rhabdomyolysis with renal tubular acidosis in a chronic glue sniffer. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 2001; 38:679-81. [PMID: 11185978 DOI: 10.1081/clt-100102021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
CASE REPORT A 34-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department with the development of quadriparesis and respiratory failure due to hypokalemia after prolonged glue sniffing. The patient was subsequently given mechanical ventilatory support for respiratory failure. He was weaned from the ventilator 4 days later after potassium replacement. Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon found in glues, cements, and solvents. It is known to be toxic to the nervous system, hematopoietic system, and causes acid-base and electrolyte disorders. Acute respiratory failure with hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure should be considered as potential events in a protracted glue sniffing.
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Lau GT, Wong OG, Chan PM, Kok KH, Wong RL, Chin KT, Lin MC, Kung HF, Chow KL. Embryonic XMab21l2 expression is required for gastrulation and subsequent neural development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 280:1378-84. [PMID: 11162683 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.4290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell fate determining gene mab-21 regulates the proper establishment of neural cell fate and sensory organ identity in nematode. Mammalian homologs of mab-21 have also been implicated to play critical roles in mid-, hindbrain and craniofacial differentiation. We report here the isolation of a mab-21 homolog, XMab21l2, from Xenopus. We showed that its expression in Xenopus was initiated at gastrulation and prominent signal was detected in neurulating embryos at the neural tube, the optic tissue, the developing midbrain, and the pharyngeal pouches. We demonstrated by RNA interference (RNAi), together with other antisense approaches, that XMab21l2 expression is required for the completion of gastrulation and subsequent neural development.
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Jiang XH, Wong BC, Yuen ST, Jiang SH, Cho CH, Lai KC, Lin MC, Kung HF, Lam SK, Chun-Yu Wong B. Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells through up-regulation of p53 and activation of caspase-3. Int J Cancer 2001. [PMID: 11146441 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0215(200002)9999:9999<::aid-ijc1039>3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) can induce clinical remission in patients suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia, through induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases. We investigated the potential use of As(2)O(3) in human gastric cancer and its possible mechanisms. Human gastric cancer cell lines AGS and MKN-28 were treated with various concentrations (0.1 to 100 microM) of As(2)O(3) for 24 to 72 hr. Apoptosis was determined by acridine orange staining, flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation. Protein levels of p53, p21(waf1/cip1), c-myc, bcl-2 and bax were detected by Western blotting. Effects of As(2)O(3) on caspase-3 protease activity, its protein concentration and cleavage of poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) were also studied. As(2)O(3) inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in both cell lines, though AGS cells were more sensitive. As(2)O(3) induced apoptosis in AGS cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Treatment resulted in a marked increase in p53 protein levels as early as 4 hr. Co-incubation with p53 anti-sense oligo-nucleotide suppressed As(2)O(3)-induced intracellular p53 over-expression and apoptosis. As(2)O(3) increased the activity of caspase-3, with appearance of its 17 kDa peptide fragment, and cleavage of PARP, with appearance of the 85 kDa cleavage product, both in parallel with the induction of apoptosis. Both the tripeptide caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk and the specific caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-fmk partially suppressed As(2)O(3)-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. As(2)O(3) inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, involving p53 over-expression and activation of caspase-3. The potential use of this compound in the treatment of gastric cancer is worth further investigation.
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Jiang XH, Wong BC, Yuen ST, Jiang SH, Cho CH, Lai KC, Lin MC, Kung HF, Lam SK, Chun-Yu Wong B. Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells through up-regulation of p53 and activation of caspase-3. Int J Cancer 2001. [PMID: 11146441 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0215(200002)9999:9999%3c::aid-ijc1039%3e3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) can induce clinical remission in patients suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia, through induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases. We investigated the potential use of As(2)O(3) in human gastric cancer and its possible mechanisms. Human gastric cancer cell lines AGS and MKN-28 were treated with various concentrations (0.1 to 100 microM) of As(2)O(3) for 24 to 72 hr. Apoptosis was determined by acridine orange staining, flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation. Protein levels of p53, p21(waf1/cip1), c-myc, bcl-2 and bax were detected by Western blotting. Effects of As(2)O(3) on caspase-3 protease activity, its protein concentration and cleavage of poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) were also studied. As(2)O(3) inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in both cell lines, though AGS cells were more sensitive. As(2)O(3) induced apoptosis in AGS cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Treatment resulted in a marked increase in p53 protein levels as early as 4 hr. Co-incubation with p53 anti-sense oligo-nucleotide suppressed As(2)O(3)-induced intracellular p53 over-expression and apoptosis. As(2)O(3) increased the activity of caspase-3, with appearance of its 17 kDa peptide fragment, and cleavage of PARP, with appearance of the 85 kDa cleavage product, both in parallel with the induction of apoptosis. Both the tripeptide caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk and the specific caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-fmk partially suppressed As(2)O(3)-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. As(2)O(3) inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, involving p53 over-expression and activation of caspase-3. The potential use of this compound in the treatment of gastric cancer is worth further investigation.
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111
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Wu YJ, Chen SY, Lin MC, Lan C, Lai JS, Lien IN. Energy expenditure of wheeling and walking during prosthetic rehabilitation in a woman with bilateral transfemoral amputations. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001; 82:265-9. [PMID: 11239324 DOI: 10.1053/apmr.2001.19019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the energy expenditure of locomotion by wheelchair with that required for prosthetic ambulation in a person with bilateral transfemoral (TF) amputations. DESIGN Observational, single patient, descriptive. SETTING An 80-meter long rectangular hallway in a rehabilitation unit. PATIENT A 41-year-old woman with bilateral TF amputations that were performed 79 days before her admission to the rehabilitation unit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The oxygen uptake, oxygen cost, heart rate, speed, cadence, and stride length of walking measured during a 4-month course of prosthetic rehabilitation. Five locomotion conditions were evaluated: (1) wheelchair propulsion, (2) walking with short-leg prostheses (stubbies) and a walker, (3) long-leg prostheses and a walker, (4) long-leg prostheses without knee mechanism and axillary crutches, and (5) long-leg prostheses with right polycentric knee and left locked knee and axillary crutches. A portable and telemetric system was used to measure the metabolic parameters. An arm ergometry graded exercise test was performed at the end of rehabilitation. RESULTS Oxygen cost (range, 466%--707% of that of wheeling) and heart rate (range, 106%--116% of that of wheeling) were higher during walking with various combinations of prostheses and walking aids. The speed of prosthetic walking was only 24% to 33% of that of wheeling. Our patient preferred using a wheelchair to prosthetic walking after discharge. CONCLUSIONS People with bilateral TF amputations require very high cardiorespiratory endurance to fulfill the energy demand during prosthetic rehabilitation. The high energy cost of prosthetic walking will limit its application in daily activities.
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Rushlow C, Colosimo PF, Lin MC, Xu M, Kirov N. Transcriptional regulation of the Drosophila gene zen by competing Smad and Brinker inputs. Genes Dev 2001; 15:340-51. [PMID: 11159914 PMCID: PMC312624 DOI: 10.1101/gad.861401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of expression domains of developmentally regulated genes depends on cues provided by different concentrations of transcriptional activators and repressors. Here we analyze the regulation of the Drosophila gene zen, which is a target of the Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signaling pathway during cellular blastoderm formation. We show that low levels of the Dpp signal transducer p-Mad (phosphorylated Mad), together with the recently discovered negative regulator Brinker (Brk), define the spatial limits of zen transcription in a broad dorsal-on/ventral-off domain. The subsequent refinement of this pattern to the dorsal-most cells, however, correlates with high levels of p-Mad that accumulate in the same region during late blastoderm. Examination of the zen regulatory sequences revealed the presence of multiple Mad and Brk binding sites, and our results indicate that a full occupancy of the Mad sites due to high concentrations of nuclear Mad is the primary mechanism for refinement of zen. Interestingly, several Mad and Brk binding sites overlap, and we show that Mad and Brk cannot bind simultaneously to such sites. We propose a model whereby competition between Mad and Brk determines spatially restricted domains of expression of Dpp target genes.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver resection in a patient with cirrhosis carries increased risk. The purposes of this study were to review the results of cirrhotic liver resection in the past decade and to propose safe strategies for cirrhotic liver resection. METHODS Based on the date of operation, 359 cirrhotic liver resections in 329 patients were divided into two intervals: period 1, from September 1989 to December 1994, and period 2, from January 1995 to December 1999. The patient backgrounds, operative procedures and early postoperative results were compared between the two periods. The factors that influenced surgical morbidity were analysed. RESULTS In period 2, patient age was higher and the amounts of blood loss and blood transfused were lower. Although postoperative morbidity rates were similar, blood transfusion requirement, postoperative hospital stay and mortality rate were significantly reduced in period 2. No death occurred in 154 consecutive cirrhotic liver resections in the last 38 months of the study. Prothrombin activity and operative time were independent factors that influenced postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION With improving perioperative assessment and operative techniques, most complications after cirrhotic liver resection can be treated with a low mortality rate. However, more care should be taken if prothrombin activity is low or there is a long operating time.
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Jiang XH, Wong BC, Yuen ST, Jiang SH, Cho CH, Lai KC, Lin MC, Kung HF, Lam SK, Chun-Yu Wong B. Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells through up-regulation of p53 and activation of caspase-3. Int J Cancer 2001; 91:173-9. [PMID: 11146441 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0215(200002)9999:9999<::aid-ijc1039>3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) can induce clinical remission in patients suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia, through induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases. We investigated the potential use of As(2)O(3) in human gastric cancer and its possible mechanisms. Human gastric cancer cell lines AGS and MKN-28 were treated with various concentrations (0.1 to 100 microM) of As(2)O(3) for 24 to 72 hr. Apoptosis was determined by acridine orange staining, flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation. Protein levels of p53, p21(waf1/cip1), c-myc, bcl-2 and bax were detected by Western blotting. Effects of As(2)O(3) on caspase-3 protease activity, its protein concentration and cleavage of poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) were also studied. As(2)O(3) inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in both cell lines, though AGS cells were more sensitive. As(2)O(3) induced apoptosis in AGS cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Treatment resulted in a marked increase in p53 protein levels as early as 4 hr. Co-incubation with p53 anti-sense oligo-nucleotide suppressed As(2)O(3)-induced intracellular p53 over-expression and apoptosis. As(2)O(3) increased the activity of caspase-3, with appearance of its 17 kDa peptide fragment, and cleavage of PARP, with appearance of the 85 kDa cleavage product, both in parallel with the induction of apoptosis. Both the tripeptide caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk and the specific caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-fmk partially suppressed As(2)O(3)-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. As(2)O(3) inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, involving p53 over-expression and activation of caspase-3. The potential use of this compound in the treatment of gastric cancer is worth further investigation.
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Liao CM, Tsai JW, Lin MC. A simple modeling approach towards hydroperiod effects on fish dynamics in a northern Taiwan wetland ecosystem. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2001; 36:1205-1226. [PMID: 11545347 DOI: 10.1081/ese-100104872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we develop a simple dynamic model to describe the seasonality of fish population subjected to the pattern of water level fluctuations (i.e., hydroperiod) in a northern Taiwan wetland ecosystem, Kuandu Natural Reservation. We use a harmonic oscillation to characterize hydroperiod quantitatively by obtaining the amplitude and timing of the dominant periodic component in a time series of water levels. The model illustrates the temporal pattern of fish dynamics through the year that can result in very high density of fish at the end of a hydroperiod as well as the importance of ponds and other depressions that both are refuges and sinks during dry periods. We suggest that a 9-mon effective threshold in the length of the hydroperiod must be exceeded to produce high fish population densities. Our results also indicate that the large, piscivorous fish appear to have a major impact on smaller fish in the marsh habitat. Simulation results reveal that the recovery of small fish populations in the marsh following a major drought requires up to two years. The collective results imply that human activities such as drainage or other alterations of the hydrology can exacerbate natural cycles and results in detrimental stresses on fish production and the higher trophic levels dependent on this production.
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Liao CM, Lin MC. Acute toxicity modeling of rainbow trout and silver sea bream exposed to waterborne metals. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2001; 16:349-360. [PMID: 11501285 DOI: 10.1002/tox.1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Of three proposed acute toxicity models, the uptake-depuration (UD) model, the time-integrated concentration (TIC) model, and the concentration-time (CT) model are derived and verified with acute toxicity data to estimate the internal residues of waterborne metals in fish as a function of a few constants and variables. The main factors are the exposure time, the external exposure concentration, the bioconcentration factor (BCF), and the depuration rate constant (k2). The UD model is based on the concept of residue levels at the cell membrane well correlating with the whole-body concentrations, whereas the TIC and the CT models are based on the idea of irreversible inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) governing the metal acute toxicity in that metals in the entire fish or in the aqueous phase can be described by the critical area under the time-concentration curve that is associated with a critical TIC of toxicant in the target tissue. A highly significant correlation (r2 > 0.9) was found between predictions and LC50(t) data for both the TIC and the CT models, indicating successfully describe 4- to 18-d LC50(t) data of arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and Co/Cu mixture in rainbow trout (Oncorhyuchus mykiss) and of Cu in fingerlings and subadults of silver sea bream (Sparus sarba). The time-dependent lethal internal concentration at the site of action that causes 50% mortality is also predicted for a given compound and species. It concludes that the TIC and the CT models can be applied to regulate the acute toxicity and to estimate incipient LC50 values and internal residues of waterborne metals in fish.
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Huang CC, Tsai YH, Lin MC, Tsao TC, Hsu KH. Gastric intramucosal PCO2 and pH variability in ventilated critically ill patients. Crit Care Med 2001; 29:88-95. [PMID: 11176166 DOI: 10.1097/00003246-200101000-00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gastric intramucosal PCO2 (PiCO2) and pH (pHi) are currently used as indices of the adequacy of splanchnic perfusion and as end points to guide therapeutic intervention. However, little is known about their spontaneous variability over time. The present study was designed to define the magnitude of spontaneous variability of PiCO2 and pHi in sedated medical intensive care unit (ICU) patients using an automated recirculating air tonometer and to test whether high-level positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or inverse inspiratory/expiratory (I:E) ratio ventilation resulted in a greater variability than low PEEP with conventional I:E ratio ventilation. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Medical ICU in a tertiary medical center. PATIENTS Twenty-three acute respiratory failure patients. INTERVENTIONS After being sedated, patients were randomized to undergo pressure control ventilation at the following three settings: A, high PEEP (15 cm H2O) with conventional I:E ratio (1:2), and B, low PEEP (5 cm H2O) with inverse I:E ratio (2:1) alternately, and then C, low PEEP (5 cm H2O) with conventional I:E ratio (1:2). Each ventilation setting period lasted 1 hr. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The PiCO2 and pHi were measured at baseline (time 0), and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 mins thereafter. The corresponding coefficients of variation (CVs) of PiCO2 for overall pooled group and settings A, B, and C were 4.0%, 4.4%, 3.4%, and 4.2%, respectively. The corresponding CVs of pHi for overall pooled group and settings A, B, and C were 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.33%, and 0.4%, respectively. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference in the CVs of PiCO2 or pHi between the three settings. The 95% confidence interval is approximately +/-8% variability for PiCO2 and +/-0.7% variability for pHi. CONCLUSIONS In critically ill medical ICU patients with stable hemodynamics, the spontaneous variability of PiCO2 or pHi are not substantial. High PEEP (15 cm H2O) and inverse ratio ventilation (2:1), which does not change the cardiac output or hemodynamics, does not contribute to increased spontaneous variability in PiCO2 or pHi.
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Lin MC, Fu YC, Tseng JJ, Jan SL, Chi CS. Congenital complete heart block. ACTA PAEDIATRICA TAIWANICA = TAIWAN ER KE YI XUE HUI ZA ZHI 2001; 42:42-5. [PMID: 11270185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Congenital complete heart blocks (CCHB) are mostly related to the neonatal lupus syndrome. The purpose of this paper was to assess the clinical spectrum of CCHB in our hospital. Nine patients were retrospectively enrolled between 1994 and 1999. The birth history, electrocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring, pacemaker insertion and its complications, maternal disease, and maternal and infant autoantibody levels were studied. All nine cases were diagnosed prenatally. Hydrops fetalis was noted in five (55.6%). Six cases were live births and the other three were terminated. No anatomical heart defects were noted. Initial electrocardiography revealed the atrial rates ranged from 150 to 166 beats per minute. The minimal ventricular rates ranged from 46 to 80 beats per minute. VVI mode pacemakers were inserted through xyphoid approach in all live-birth infants. Complications were noted in three of them (50%). Antinuclear antibody and anti-SSA/Ro antibody were positive in all 8 mothers (100%). The anti-SSB/La antibody was positive in 6 of the eight mothers (75%). Five infants tested positive for anti-SSA/Ro antibody. None of the infants tested positive for anti-SSB/La antibody. In conclusion, all CCHBs in our series were associated with maternal autoantibodies. Because of high complication rate of permanent pacemaker insertion during the neonatal period, it should be restricted in certain conditions.
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Chen RJ, Huang PT, Lin MC, Huang SC, Chow SN, Hsieh CY. Advanced stage squamous cell carcinoma arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2001; 80:84-6. [PMID: 11167196 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2001.800117.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Wu CC, Hsieh SR, Chen JT, Ho WL, Lin MC, Yeh DC, Liu TJ, P'eng FK. An appraisal of liver and portal vein resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombi extending to portal bifurcation. ARCHIVES OF SURGERY (CHICAGO, ILL. : 1960) 2000; 135:1273-9. [PMID: 11074879 DOI: 10.1001/archsurg.135.11.1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombi involving the major portal vein is controversial because of a high operative risk and poor prognosis. Previously, a resection was performed only when the tumor thrombi were limited to the first branch of the portal vein without extension to the portal bifurcation. HYPOTHESIS Concomitant liver and portal vein resection may be beneficial in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombi extending to portal bifurcation. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING University hospital, tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Among 368 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent a curative resection, portal vein involvement occurred in 112 patients. Fifteen of the 112 patients underwent a concomitant liver and portal vein resection owing to extension of tumor thrombi to the portal bifurcation (group 1). The remaining 97 patients did not need portal vein resection (group 2). INTERVENTION Surgical indications, procedures, and results of pathological examination of resected specimens were assessed in patients in group 1. The clinicopathological characteristics, operative morbidity and mortality, and operative results were compared between the 2 groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Disease-free and actuarial survival rates. RESULTS Intramural tumor infiltration was found at the site of thrombi adhesion to the portal vein cuff in 11 of 15 patients in group 1. Owing to patient selection bias, patients in group 1 were significantly younger and had better liver function and greater resected liver weight. The operative time, postoperative hospitalization, operative blood loss, amount of blood transfusion, and operative morbidity and mortality did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The 5-year disease-free survival rates of groups 1 and 2 were 21.6% and 20.4% (P =.19), respectively, while the actuarial survival rates were 26. 4% and 28.5% (P =.33), respectively. CONCLUSION Liver resection with partial resection of the portal vein is justified in selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombi extending to portal bifurcation.
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Chen SC, Lin MC, Chang JW, Wang SW, Lee CH, Tsao TC. Phase II study of regimen of gemcitabine and cisplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2000; 30:494-8. [PMID: 11155919 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyd123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many novel drugs, including gemcitabine, navelbine, paclitaxel and docetaxel have been used in combination with cisplatin. Of these drugs, gemcitabine is reported to have a high response rate and acceptable toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin. METHODS Thirty-two patients with NSCLC, who met the selection criteria from June 1998 to January 1999, were enrolled. All of them were confirmed by histology and were in an advanced stage, i.e. stage IIIB with pleural effusion or stage IV. Cisplatin at a dose of 80 mg/m2 was given monthly on day 15, in combination with gemcitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 administered on days 1, 8 and 15 of the 28-day cycle. RESULTS Of the 32 assessable patients, two showed complete remission and 11 achieved partial remission. The overall response was 40.6% (95% CI, 24.8-56.4%). The median time to disease progression was 7.2 months (95% CI, 4.87-9.53 months). The major hematological toxicity was neutropenia. Seven patients (22.9%) developed grade 3 and 4 neutropenia, but none developed febrile neutropenia. One patient (3.1%) had grade 3 thrombocytopenia. One patient (3.1%) developed grade 3 anemia. Nausea and vomiting were seen in 12 patients (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS The regimen of combined gemcitabine with cisplatin is safe and effective. With this combination, a lower dose of cisplatin seems to have an efficacy similar to that in previous reports.
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Peng Y, Kok KH, Xu RH, Kwok KH, Tay D, Fung PC, Kung HF, Lin MC. Maternal cold inducible RNA binding protein is required for embryonic kidney formation in Xenopus laevis. FEBS Lett 2000; 482:37-43. [PMID: 11018519 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)02019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We cloned a major isoform of Xenopus homologue of cold inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP), XCIRP-1. XCIRP-1 was neither cold inducible nor essential for cell division during early embryonic development. Suppression of XCIRP-1 dose dependently produced tailbuds with deformations of the brain and internal organs. The defects were XCIRP-1 specific as they could be rescued by sense transcript. Suppression of XCIRP-1 also disrupted the morphogenetic migration of the C3 blastomeres (lineaged to become the embryonic kidney, the pronephros). In animal cap explants, depletion of XCIRP-1 inhibited activin/retinoic acid induced expressions of pronephros related Xlim-1 and WT1 genes. These results suggest that XCIRP-1 is required for the specification and morphogenetic lineage migration of the pronephros.
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Kao KC, Huang CC, Tsai YH, Lin MC, Tsao TC. Hyperkalemic cardiac arrest successfully reversed by hemodialysis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: case report. CHANG GUNG MEDICAL JOURNAL 2000; 23:555-9. [PMID: 11092145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Severe hyperkalemia is a potential life-threatening cardiac emergency especially in the patients who suffer from a defective renal capacity to excrete potassium such as the dialysis patient. Various conventional therapies including intravenous sodium bicarbonate, insulin with glucose and several beta-2 agonists are commonly employed as transient measures to enhance shift of potassium from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment. If the potassium load is massive and situation is critical, emergency hemodialysis may be useful. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the external cardiac compression can support adequate blood flow for hemodialysis. We report a case of a 68-year-old woman who developed sudden cardiac arrest secondary to hyperkalemia with renal insufficiency. Despite 100 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and conventional treatment for hyperkalemia, the cardiac arrest still persisted. Hemodialysis was then initiated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the patient restored spontaneous heart beat 20 minutes later. There was no neurologic sequela after her recovery. Hemodialysis should be considered early in the course of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in severe hyperkalemia induced cardiac arrest if conventional therapies were judged to be ineffective.
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Yang CY, Cheng BH, Tsai SS, Wu TN, Lin MC, Lin KC. Association between chlorination of drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcome in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2000; 108:765-8. [PMID: 10964797 PMCID: PMC1638297 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.00108765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Chlorination has been the major means of disinfecting drinking water in Taiwan. The use of chlorinated water has been hypothesized to lead to several adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm delivery. We performed a study to examine the relationship between the use of chlorinated water and adverse birth outcomes in Taiwan. The study areas included 14 chlorinating municipalities (CHMs), which were defined as municipalities in which > 90% of the municipal population was served by chlorinated water, and 14 matched nonchlorinating municipalities (NCHMs), defined as municipalities in which < 5% of the municipal population is served by chlorinated water. The CHMs and NCHMs were similar to one another in terms of level of urbanization and sociodemographic characteristics. The study population comprised 18,025 women residing in the 28 municipalities who had a first parity singleton birth between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1996 and for which complete information on maternal age, education, gestational age, birth weight, and sex of the baby were available. The results of our study suggest that there was no association between consumption of chlorinated drinking water and the risk of low birth weight.
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Chie L, Amar S, Kung HF, Lin MC, Chen H, Chung DL, Adler V, Ronai Z, Friedman FK, Robinson RC, Kovac C, Brandt-Rauf PW, Yamaizumi Z, Michl J, Pincus MR. Induction of oocyte maturation by jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) on the oncogenic ras-p21 pathway is dependent on the raf-MEK signal transduction pathway. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2000; 45:441-9. [PMID: 10854130 DOI: 10.1007/s002800051017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have previously found that microinjection of activated MEK (mitogen activated kinase kinase) and ERK (mitogen-activated protein; MAP kinase) fails to induce oocyte maturation, but that maturation, induced by oncogenic ras-p21 and insulin-activated cell ras-p21, is blocked by peptides from the ras-binding domain of raf. We also found that jun kinase (JNK), on the stress-activated protein (SAP) pathway, which is critical to the oncogenic ras-p21 signal transduction pathway, is a strong inducer of oocyte maturation. Our purpose in this study was to determine the role of the raf-MEK-MAP kinase pathway in oocyte maturation and how it interacts with JNK from the SAP pathway. METHODS We microinjected raf dominant negative mutant mRNA (DN-raf) and the MEK-specific phosphatase, MKP-T4, either together with oncogenic p21 or c-raf mRNA, into oocytes or into oocytes incubated with insulin to determine the effects of these raf-MEK-MAP kinase pathway inhibitors. RESULTS We found that oocyte maturation induced by both oncogenic and activated normal p21 is inhibited by both DN-raf and by MKP-T4. The latter more strongly blocks the oncogenic pathway. Also an mRNA encoding a constitutively activated MEK strongly induces oocyte maturation that is not inhibited by DN-raf or by MKP-T4. Surprisingly, we found that oocyte maturation induced by JNK is blocked both by DN-raf and MKP-T4. Furthermore, we discovered that c-raf induces oocyte maturation that is inhibited by glutathione-S-transferase (GST), which we have found to be a potent and selective inhibitor of JNK. CONCLUSION We conclude that there is a strong reciprocal interaction between the SAP pathway involving JNK and the raf-MEK-MAP kinase pathway and that oncogenic ras-p21 can be preferentially inhibited by MEK inhibitors. The results imply that blockade of both MEK and JNK-oncogenic ras-p21 interactions may constitute selective synergistic combination chemotherapy against oncogenic ras-induced tumors.
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