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Jou HJ, Shyu MK, Wu SC, Chen SM, Su CH, Hsieh FJ. Ultrasound measurement of the fetal cavum septi pellucidi. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 1998; 12:419-421. [PMID: 9918090 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1998.12060419.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish normative data for the width of the fetal cavum septi pellucidi at various gestational ages. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 608 consecutive fetuses between 19 and 42 gestational weeks were included in this prospective study. The largest width of the cavum septi pellucidi was measured by two-dimensional ultrasound. Piecewise regression analysis was used to study the relationships between the width of the fetal cavum septi pellucidi, gestational age and biparietal diameter. RESULTS The fetal cavum septi pellucidi width increased gradually between 19 and 27 weeks of gestation and then plateaued between 28 weeks and term. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between cavum septi pellucidi width and gestational age, and cavum septi pellucidi width and biparietal diameter. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides normative data for fetal cavum septi pellucidi width and useful information about the development of the midline brain structure in the fetus.
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Liu SL, Pan JH, Shi DY, Chen KX, Wang QM, Chen SM, Yan XM. Relationship between structure and anti-oxidation of tocopherol with molecular orbit theory. ZHONGGUO YAO LI XUE BAO = ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA 1998; 19:513-8. [PMID: 10437135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the relationship between different structures of tocopherol (Toc) and some phenol compounds and their anti-oxidative activities. METHODS Use the ab initio calculation of molecular mechanics and quantum chemistry. RESULTS The anti-oxidation of Toc was related to the ability to release active hydrogen, i.e., related to the O-H electron populations, frontier orbital energy (au), and the decreased amount of energy at the reaction ending stage. The order of hydroxyl O-H electron populations in different Toc model molecules were alpha < gamma < or = beta < delta, which was consistent with their anti-oxidation reported. CONCLUSION The molecular orbit (MO) theory and the quantum chemical parameters can be used to analyze the anti-oxidation of phenol compounds with different structures.
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Chen SM, Young TK. Effects of zinc deficiency on endogenous antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in glomerular cells of normal and five-sixths nephrectomized rats. J Formos Med Assoc 1998; 97:750-6. [PMID: 9872031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of zinc deficiency on the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rat glomerular cells (GCs). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were fed a zinc-deficient diet and deionized distilled water for 1 week to induce zinc deficiency. Half of the rats (zinc-deficient group) continued on this diet for 4 weeks, and the other half (zinc-replete group) were maintained on the same diet but with zinc-supplemented water (150 mg/Lzinc sulfate solution). Half of each group underwent five-sixths nephrectomy, while the other half underwent a sham operation. Another 12 normal rats (controls) were fed standard rat chow (containing 23.4% protein and 70 ppm zinc) and drank deionized distilled water. The zinc-deficient rats, including sham and five-sixths nephrectomized rats, showed severe growth retardation and poor appetite. Their mean plasma zinc concentrations were half that of normal control rats, but their plasma copper concentration was significantly higher than that of the control rats. Zinc supplementation corrected the abnormality of plasma zinc and copper concentrations and the loss of body weight in zinc-deficient rats. Zinc-deficient rats exhibited lower renal creatinine clearance and higher GC-malondialdehyde (GC-MDA) than zinc-replete rats. The remnant kidney of all five-sixths nephrectomized rats, including zinc-deficient and zinc-replete rats, showed a compensatory elevation in renal creatinine clearance and increased GC-MDA concentrations. Zinc concentrations in the renal cortex were decreased in zinc-deficient rats and the activities of GC-superoxide dismutase and GC-glutathione peroxidase were increased, while zinc-replete rats exhibited normal activities of GC-superoxide dismutase and GC-glutathione peroxidase. We suggest that zinc deficiency enhances the formation of reactive oxygen species but does not affect the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in glomerular cells.
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Zakeri H, Amparo G, Chen SM, Spurgeon S, Kwok PY. Peak height pattern in dichloro-rhodamine and energy transfer dye terminator sequencing. Biotechniques 1998; 25:406-10, 412-4. [PMID: 9762437 DOI: 10.2144/98253st01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing the pattern in peak heights within local sequence contexts improves the accuracy of base calling and the identification of DNA sequence variations in dye-terminator cycle sequencing. We have systematically examined pairs of sequence-tagged sites (STSs) that vary at only a single nucleotide to determine how base changes influence the peak heights of neighboring bases in sequencing traces generated by two recently commercialized dye-terminator chemistries, the dichloro-rhodamine (dRhodamine) and the energy transfer (BigDye) terminators. For sequencing traces generated with the dRhodamine terminators, the peak height of a particular base in 28 of 64 possible 3-base windows (44%) can be predicted by knowing just one or two bases 5' to the base in question. For those generated with the BigDye terminators, the peak height of a particular base in 23 of 64 possible 3-base windows (36%) can be predicted by knowing the local sequence context. When the peak heights are binned slightly differently, 75% (48 out of 64 cases) of the base peaks generated by both dRhodamine and BigDye terminators fall in the middle half, confirming that the peak patterns of these two new dye terminator chemistries are much more even than those found in the original rhodamine dye terminator sequences.
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Chen SM, Young TK, Ho LT. Effects of parathyroid hormone infusion on glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in normal and uremic rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 1998; 41:85-94. [PMID: 9789714 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8227(98)00067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We used thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats with hypocalcemia to evaluate the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) infusion on glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in normal and uremic rats. Animals were subjected to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion before and after TPTX or after their plasma calcium level was normalized by PTH infusion, vitamin D injection or calcium load. In both normal and uremic groups, TPTX produced a significant increase in area under the cure (AUC) of plasma glucose from 0 to 6 h in response to an oral glucose challenge and decrease plasma insulin level in response to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Before TPTX, uremic animals have a normal basal plasma insulin level (29 +/- 3 versus 31 +/- 2 microU/ml) and a normal glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, but significantly increase plasma glucose AUC in response to OGTT as compared with normal rats. TPTX worsen the response of glucose intolerance in uremic rats. After PTH infusion, vitamin D injection or calcium load, all rats in the response of OGTT and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion are recovered to the level before TPTX including normal and uremic rats, but uremic rats still have an abnormal glucose tolerance in response to OGTT. Uremic rats have a low basal plasma glucose level as compared with normal rats. TPTX significantly increase basal plasma glucose level in normal and uremic rats, but the uremic rats with TPTX have been found to elevate basal plasma glucose level to the range of normal rats. The basal plasma glucose level of normal rats with TPTX was recovered to the range before TPTX by PTH infusion, vitamin D injection or calcium load, but PTH infusion, vitamin D injection or calcium load did not decrease the level of basal plasma glucose in uremic rats with TPTX. All TPTX rats, including intact kidney or five-sixths Nx rats, were treated three times weekly by subcutaneous injection of 8 micrograms/kg L-thyroxin. These results indicate that uremia may produce thyroid dysfunction and PTH infusion did not affect the glucose tolerance in OGTT and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in normal and uremic rats. In addition to PTH, other uremic toxins may be responsible for the glucose intolerance of uremia.
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Chen JT, Chen SM, Kuan TS, Chung KC, Hong CZ. Phentolamine effect on the spontaneous electrical activity of active loci in a myofascial trigger spot of rabbit skeletal muscle. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1998; 79:790-4. [PMID: 9685092 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9993(98)90357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of phentolamine, a sympathetic blocking agent, on the spontaneous electrical activity (SEA) recorded from a locus of a myofascial trigger spot (MTrS), equivalent to a human trigger point, in rabbit skeletal muscle. DESIGN Randomized control trial. SETTING A university medical laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Nine adult New Zealand rabbits. INTERVENTION In the experimental group phentolamine mesylate (1mg/kg) was injected into the external iliac artery, followed by flushing with normal saline. The control group was treated with normal saline instead of phentolamine using the same procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES SEA was recorded from multiple active loci of MTrSs in the biceps femoris muscle: initially SEA in the same locus was recorded before and immediately after phentolamine (or normal saline) injection; then SEA was recorded from 25 different active loci. The mean of the average integrated signal (AIS) of SEA was analyzed, comparing the effects of phentolamine and normal saline on SEA. RESULTS In the same active locus, the AIS of SEA showed statistically a linear decay with time after phentolamine injection, with a correlation coefficient of .56 at p < .05. However, no statistical relationship could be derived for the control group data with time by using regression analysis, probably because of large variations among the rabbits and movement artifacts during the experiment. In 25 different loci in the phentolamine group, the mean of the AIS of SEA (7.92 microV) was significantly lower than that of the control group (9.89 microV) at p < .05. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that the autonomic nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of myofascial trigger points. The application of the AIS as an evaluation index seems to be feasible in the quantitative measurement of SEA.
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Heiner CR, Hunkapiller KL, Chen SM, Glass JI, Chen EY. Sequencing multimegabase-template DNA with BigDye terminator chemistry. Genome Res 1998; 8:557-61. [PMID: 9582199 PMCID: PMC310720 DOI: 10.1101/gr.8.5.557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/1997] [Accepted: 03/18/1998] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Using the recently introduced BigDye terminators, large-template DNA can be directly sequenced with custom primers on automated instruments. Cycle sequencing conditions are presented to sequence DNA samples isolated from a number of microbial genomes including 750-kb Ureaplasma urealyticum, 1.2-Mb Mycoplasma fermentans, 2.3-Mb Streptococcus pneumoniae, and 4.6-Mb Escherichia coli. Average read lengths of >700 bp from unique primer annealing sites are often sufficient to fill final gaps in microbial genome sequencing projects without additional manipulations of template DNA. The technique can also be applied to sequence-targeted regions, thereby bypassing tedious subcloning steps.
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Popov VL, Han VC, Chen SM, Dumler JS, Feng HM, Andreadis TG, Tesh RB, Walker DH. Ultrastructural differentiation of the genogroups in the genus Ehrlichia. J Med Microbiol 1998; 47:235-51. [PMID: 9511829 DOI: 10.1099/00222615-47-3-235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrastructural characteristics of 15 strains and isolates of ehrlichiae belonging to three genogroups, or clades of genetically related organisms united in the genera Ehrlichia, Cowdria, Anaplasma, Neorickettsia and a strain of Wolbachia pipientis which represents a fourth genogroup in this cluster of species, were studied in continuous cell culture or in vivo: E. canis (Oklahoma strain and VHE isolate), E. muris (AS 145), E. chaffeensis (Arkansas, 91HE17 and Sapulpa), human granulocytic ehrlichiae (HGE)(BDS, 96HE27, 96HE37, #54, #55 and #72), E. equi (MRK), E. sennetsu (Miyayama), E. risticii (HRC-IL). Wolbachia pipientis was studied in the naturally infected Aedes albopictus mosquito cell line Aa23. All organisms were similar in the normal ultrastructure of individual cells and in the ability to form abnormal, pathological ehrlichial cells of the same type irrespective of the species. Normally all ehrlichiae studied in cell culture existed in two morphological forms - reticulate and dense-cored cells, both of which could divide by binary fission. Most alterations were related to their membranes, especially the cell wall. Differences in the structure of intravacuolar microcolonies (morulae) of ehrlichiae and their inter-relations with the host cells allowed differentiation of the genogroups: the E. canis-E. chaffeensis-E. muris genogroup formed large morulae, with many ehrlichiae, often suspended in a fibrillar matrix, and the host cell mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum usually aggregated near the morulae and were in contact with the morula membrane; the E. phagocytophila-E. equi-HGE group morulae had no fibrillar matrix, no contacts with host cell mitochodria, and they did not aggregate around the morulae; E. sennetsu-E. risticii group usually developed in small individual vacuoles that did not fuse with each other and divided along with the ehrlichiae.
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Huang YT, Cheng YR, Lin HC, Chen SM, Hong CY. Haemodynamic effects of chronic octreotide and tetrandrine administration in portal hypertensive rats. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1998; 13:266-72. [PMID: 9570239 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1998.01554.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Octreotide is an effective portal hypotensive drug in the control of variceal bleeding. Tetrandrine is a type of calcium channel blocker recently reported to reduce portal hypertension. The present study was undertaken to investigate the haemodynamic effects of octreotide and tetrandrine, alone and in combination, in portal hypertensive rats. Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation. Portal hypertensive rats were allocated into one of the four groups: vehicle group (saline, 0.5 mL/day), octreotide group (100 microg/kg per 12 h), tetrandrine group (20 mg/kg per 12 h), and octreotide (100 microg/kg per 12 h) plus tetrandrine (20mg/kg per 12 h) group. Tetrandrine or saline was administered by gavage, and octreotide by subcutaneous injection. The drug was given for 8 consecutive days, starting 1 day before ligation and continuing onwards. Haemodynamic parameters were measured thereafter, using the radioactive microsphere method. The portal venous pressure and portal tributary blood flow were significantly reduced, while portal territory and renal vascular resistances were significantly enhanced, by octreotide, tetrandrine, or octreotide plus tetrandrine in portal hypertensive rats, compared with the vehicle group. Our results showed that long-term administration of octreotide, tetrandrine, or octreotide plus tetrandrine led to portal hypotensive effects in portal hypertensive rats, but octreotide alone exerted better anti-hyperdynamic effects compared with tetrandrine alone. A combination of octreotide and tetrandrine offered no major beneficial anti-hyperdynamic effects compared with octreotide alone.
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Chen SM, Chen JT, Kuan TS, Hong CZ. Myofascial trigger points in intercostal muscles secondary to herpes zoster infection of the intercostal nerve. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1998; 79:336-8. [PMID: 9523788 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9993(98)90016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain in the chest wall is a major complication after herpes zoster infection of intercostal nerves. It is usually difficult to control pain of such origin. Two cases are reported of postherpetic neuralgia after herpes zoster infection involving the intercostal nerves. Both patients had shooting, burning, aching, and localized pain in the muscle supplied by the involved intercostal nerves 1 to 3 months after onset. Compression palpation of a tender spot in one of these muscles induced a referred pain that followed the corresponding interspace, usually in the distal anterior direction. Local twitch responses could be elicited during injection of 0.5% or 1% lidocaine into one of these tender spots; the pain in the interspace was consistently eliminated immediately after injection. One patient had complete pain relief after three series of injections. The effect of pain relief for the other patient lasted for 1 to 2 weeks after the initial injection and lasted progressively longer (up to 2 months) after repeated injections. It appears that many of the tender spots formed in intercostal muscles after herpes zoster are myofascial trigger points that respond to injection with referred pain, local twitch responses, and immediate pain relief.
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Sexton DJ, Corey GR, Carpenter C, Kong LQ, Gandhi T, Breitschwerdt E, Hegarty B, Chen SM, Feng HM, Yu XJ, Olano J, Walker DH, Dumler SJ. Dual infection with Ehrlichia chaffeensis and a spotted fever group rickettsia: a case report. Emerg Infect Dis 1998; 4:311-6. [PMID: 9621205 PMCID: PMC2640120 DOI: 10.3201/eid0402.980222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-documented cases of simultaneous human infection with more than one tick-borne pathogen are rare. To our knowledge only two dual infections have been reported: simultaneous human infection with the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis and Borrelia burgdorferi and simultaneous human infection with B. burgdorferi and Babesia microti (1-2). Rocky Mountain spotted fever has long been known to be endemic in North Carolina; cases of human ehrlichial infection were recognized there soon after Ehrlichia chaffeensis was recognized as an important cause of tick-borne disease in the southeastern United States. Because both Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis are prevalent in North Carolina, occasional cases of simultaneous human infection by rickettsial and ehrlichial agents would not be surprising; however, no such cases seem to have been reported.
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Rosenblum BB, Lee LG, Spurgeon SL, Khan SH, Menchen SM, Heiner CR, Chen SM. New dye-labeled terminators for improved DNA sequencing patterns. Nucleic Acids Res 1997; 25:4500-4. [PMID: 9358158 PMCID: PMC147091 DOI: 10.1093/nar/25.22.4500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have used two new dye sets for automated dye-labeled terminator DNA sequencing. One set consists of four, 4,7-dichlororhodamine dyes (d-rhodamines). The second set consists of energy-transfer dyes that use the 5-carboxy-d-rhodamine dyes as acceptor dyes and the 5- or 6-carboxy isomers of 4'-aminomethylfluorescein as the donor dye. Both dye sets utilize a new linker between the dye and the nucleotide, and both provide more even peak heights in terminator sequencing than the dye-terminators consisting of unsubstituted rhodamine dyes. The unsubstituted rhodamine terminators produced electropherograms in which weak G peaks are observed after A peaks and occasionally C peaks. The number of weak G peaks has been reduced or eliminated with the new dye terminators. The general improvement in peak evenness improves accuracy for the automated base-calling software. The improved signal-to-noise ratio of the energy-transfer dye-labeled terminators combined with more even peak heights results in successful sequencing of high molecular weight DNA templates such as bacterial artificial chromosome DNA.
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Chen SM, Cullman LC, Walker DH. Western immunoblotting analysis of the antibody responses of patients with human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis to different strains of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia canis. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 1997; 4:731-5. [PMID: 9384299 PMCID: PMC170650 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.4.6.731-735.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In order to evaluate the relative sensitivity of the detection of antibodies against various antigenic proteins of Ehrlichia chaffeensis for the diagnosis of the emerging infectious disease human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, Western immunoblotting was performed with 27 serum samples from convalescent patients with antibodies, as demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Among 22 patients with antibodies reactive with the 120-kDa protein, 15 showed reactivity with the 29/28-kDa protein(s) and the proteins in the 44- to 88-kDa range. Two of the serum samples with this pattern reacted with the 29/28-kDa protein(s) of only the 91HE17 strain, and one sample reacted with only that of the Arkansas strain, indicating that the antibodies were stimulated by strain-specific epitopes. Overall, antibodies to the 29/28-kDa protein(s) were detected in only 16 patients' sera, suggesting that this protein is less sensitive than the 120-kDa protein. Two of 12 serum samples from healthy blood donors had antibodies reactive with the 120-kDa protein; one of these samples reacted also with the 29/28-kDa protein(s) of Ehrlichia canis, suggesting that unrecognized ehrlichial infection might have occurred, including human infection with E. canis. A high correlation between reactivity with the 120-kDa protein by Western immunoblotting and the recombinant 120-kDa protein by dot blot supports the potential usefulness of this recombinant antigen in diagnostic serology.
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Hong CZ, Kuan TS, Chen JT, Chen SM. Referred pain elicited by palpation and by needling of myofascial trigger points: a comparison. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1997; 78:957-60. [PMID: 9305268 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9993(97)90057-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the occurrence of referred pain (ReP) elicited by palpation (Pal-ReP) or by needle injection (Inj-ReP) of myofascial trigger point (MTrP), and to assess the correlated factors, including the pain intensity of an active MTrP and the occurrence of local twitch response (LTR). DESIGN Correlational study. PATIENTS Ninety-five patients who were treated with MTrP injections. INTERVENTION MTrP injections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Pain intensity of MTrP and occurrence of Pal-ReP, Inj-ReP, and LTR. RESULTS Both Pal-ReP and Inj-ReP were elicited in 53.9% of MTrPs, Inj-ReP, but not Pal-ReP, was elicited in 33.7% of MTrPs. Both Pal-ReP and Inj-ReP were unobtainable in 12.3% of MTrPs. The occurrence of ReP was significantly correlated to the pain intensity of active MTrP and the occurrence of LTR. CONCLUSION ReP could be elicited more frequently by needling than by palpation. The frequency of occurrence in ReP mainly depends on pain intensity of an active MTrP.
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Chen SM, Su C, Yang UC. Phosphorylation can modulate the association of different sets of RNA binding proteins with the Vg1 localization signal RNA. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1997; 234:419-23. [PMID: 9177286 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1997.6657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
As assayed by both in vivo and in vitro UV-crosslinking techniques, four RNA binding proteins, with apparent molecular weight of 56, 54, 42, and 40 kilodaltons, associated specifically with the Xenopus Vg1 mRNA localization signal (LS) RNA. The 56 and 54 kD proteins were assigned as the masking proteins described previously, on the basis of their thermal stability and the effect of phosphorylation on RNA binding activity. The 42 and 40 kD proteins associated with the LS RNA at a lower extract concentration than the masking proteins did in vitro. Dephosphorylation will eliminate the RNA binding activities of all four proteins. However, either raising the extract concentration or phosphorylating the extract by the catalytic domain of protein kinase A had opposite effects on the crosslinking efficiencies of these two sets of RNA binding proteins. Phosphorylation might regulate this protein exchange process in vitro.
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141
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Ger LP, Chiang AA, Lai RS, Chen SM, Tseng CJ. Association of Sauropus androgynus and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome: a hospital-based case-control study. Am J Epidemiol 1997; 145:842-9. [PMID: 9143215 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In late April 1995, an outbreak of a poorly defined respiratory illness related to the ingestion of leaves of Sauropus androgynus was observed in southern Taiwan. To further evaluate the association between S. androgynus and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, a hospital-based case-control study was conducted with one case group and three different control groups at Veterans General Hospital-Kaohsiung between April and September 1995. A total of 54 cases (50 females, 4 males), 54 age- and sex-matched neighborhood controls, 54 matched routine physical check-up controls, and 54 matched self-referred patron controls (who had ingested S. androgynus yet without obstructive physiology) were interviewed for clinical symptoms, history of S. androgynus consumption, and potential confounding factors. All 54 cases (100%) ingested S. androgynus compared with only five (9%) neighborhood controls (matched odds ratio (OR) incalculable, p < 0.001) and two (4%) physical check-up controls (matched OR incalculable, p < 0.001). In the univariate analysis of 54 cases and 54 self-referred patron controls, factors associated with an increased risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome were methods of food preparation (uncooked juice vs. stir fried or boiled dishes, matched OR 10.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-84.4)); preparer of the S. androgynus-containing food (vendor only vs. patient only or patient plus vendor, matched OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.1-7.1)); total S. androgynus consumption quantity (> 4,500 vs. 413-2,063 g, matched OR 10.0 (95% CI 1.9-53.0)); duration of consumption (> 45 vs. 6-24 days, matched OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.2-3.8)); and midterm interruption (< 2 vs. 2-5 days per week, matched OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.1-6.1)). Additionally, multiple conditional logistic regression analysis of cases and self-referred patron controls revealed that a larger total amount of S. androgynus consumption, preparation of S. androgynus food without cooking, and ingesting S. androgynus food prepared by a vendor were the significant risk factors associated with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
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Chen SM, Yu XJ, Popov VL, Westerman EL, Hamilton FG, Walker DH. Genetic and antigenic diversity of Ehrlichia chaffeensis: comparative analysis of a novel human strain from Oklahoma and previously isolated strains. J Infect Dis 1997; 175:856-63. [PMID: 9086141 DOI: 10.1086/513982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A new Ehrlichia strain, designated as Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Sapulpa strain, was isolated from a patient from Oklahoma with severe ehrlichiosis. Isolation of the ehrlichial pathogen was achieved by inoculating patient blood onto HEL cells and DH82 cells. Antigenic properties of the new isolate were characterized with monoclonal antibodies, homologous patient serum, and polyclonal rabbit serum by Western immunoblotting. The results showed antigenic differences and protein size variation of Sapulpa strain compared with the other 2 strains of E. chaffeensis. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed 100% identity to that of E. chaffeensis, strain 91HE17. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of DNA homologous to the 120-kDa protein gene of E. chaffeensis, Arkansas strain, showed that this gene of Sapulpa strain was smaller than that of Arkansas strain and contained a repeat region with three tandem repeat units.
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Lai CH, Hsueh S, Chang TC, Tseng CJ, Huang KG, Chou HH, Chen SM, Chang MF, Shum HC. Prognostic factors in patients with bulky stage IB or IIA cervical carcinoma undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy. Gynecol Oncol 1997; 64:456-62. [PMID: 9062150 DOI: 10.1006/gyno.1996.4603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
All patients with bulky (> or =4 cm) Stage Ib or IIa cervical carcinoma treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between August 1988 and December 1991 using a strategy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, vincristine, and bleomycin and radical hysterectomy were reviewed. Fifty-nine evaluable patients received 1 to 3 courses of chemotherapy, and 51 underwent subsequent hysterectomy. The remaining 8 patients, not completing planned surgery, were treated with definitive radiotherapy. The overall clinical response rate was 81.4% (48/59) with 18.6% complete response. Clinical response to chemotherapy was not different by stage, histologic type, tumor size, level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen, or DNA ploidy. However, tumors with DNA indices (DI) greater than 1.3 were associated with higher clinical response rates than tumors with DI < or = 1.3 (P = 0.043). Histologically proven pelvic node metastases was noted in 18.5% (10/54) who had laparotomy. Concomitant pregnancy and more than one node metastases had significant adverse influence on recurrence and death. The 5-year survival rate of those patients who received hysterectomy was 80.3%, while only 1 of the 8 patients without hysterectomy survived. Of the 7 patients received hysterectomy despite clinical poor response, only 2 had node metastases and 3 died, whereas all the 4 patients deterred hysterectomy for poor response died. This study demonstrates the value of DNA flow cytometry in predicting chemosensitivity. However, with a DI cutoff at 1.3, only 29.2% patients could be selected. Further studies are necessary to find additional indicators that predict histological response to select better candidates for this approach and to determine optimal adjunctive treatment in case that poor prognostic features are found.
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Chen SM, Jong WT. Comments on "A Petri net model for temporal knowledge representation and reasoning". IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SYSTEMS, MAN, AND CYBERNETICS. PART B, CYBERNETICS : A PUBLICATION OF THE IEEE SYSTEMS, MAN, AND CYBERNETICS SOCIETY 1997; 27:165-6. [PMID: 18255854 DOI: 10.1109/3477.552200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Yao (1994) has presented a unified time Petri net model (TPN) for temporal knowledge representation and reasoning, where the TPN model presented has a good contribution to the aspect of temporal knowledge representation and reasoning. However, there are a number of errors which should be corrected. The purpose of the paper is to identify these errors, and the corrections provided permit the readers who have been confused by the errors to gain a better understanding of the good ideas presented.
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Bai JZ, Bian JG, Chai ZW, Chen GP, Chen HF, Chen JC, Chen SM, Chen Y, Chen YB, Chen YQ, Cheng BS, Cheng ZD, Cui XZ, Ding HL, Ding WY, Du ZZ, Fan XL, Fang J, Gao CS, Gao ML, Gao SQ, Gu JH, Gu SD, Gu WX, Gu YF, Guo YN, Han SW, Han Y, He J, He JT, He M, Hu GY, Hu JL, Hu QH, Hu T, Hu XQ, Huang XP, Huang YZ, Jiang CH, Jin S, Jin Y, Kang SH, Ke ZJ, Lai YF, Lan HB, Lang PF, Li J, Li PQ, Li Q, Li RB, Li W, Li WD, Li WG, Li XH, Li XN, Lin SZ, Liu HM, Liu J, Liu JH, Liu Q, Liu RG, Liu Y, Liu ZA, Lu F. Structure Analysis of the fJ(1710) in the Radiative Decay J/ psi --> gamma K+K-. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 1996; 77:3959-3962. [PMID: 10062352 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.77.3959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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146
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Chen SM. Myopia revisited. West J Med 1996; 165:254. [PMID: 18751054 PMCID: PMC1303768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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147
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of flow cytometric DNA analysis in predicting prognosis of patients with borderline malignant ovarian tumors has been controversial. METHODS Fifty cases of patients with borderline malignant ovarian tumors were analyzed by histology and by flow cytometry on paraffin embedded tissue. Multiple tissue blocks and serial sections were analyzed for each tumor. The results of DNA analysis were correlated to clinicopathologic data. RESULTS DNA aneuploidy was demonstrable in 4 cases (8%) when the most atypical section was analyzed. The overall rate of aneuploidy was 14% if additional blocks and serial sections were studied. Two patients died from tumor. One of the two patients had an initial diagnosis of Stage IIc mucinous borderline tumor with DNA indices (DI) of 1.12, 1.42, and 2.04. She had a recurrence in the contralateral ovary 1 year later (DI = 1.83), and a second frankly malignant recurrence diffusely in peritoneum (DI = 1.89). The other patient had an initial diagnosis of Stage IIIc mucinous borderline ovarian tumor with pseudomyxoma peritonei. DNA diploidy was obtained in all of the samples from the primary tumor. An aneuploid peak (DI = 1.28) was demonstrated in only one serial section of the peritoneal implants. Of the other 5 patients who had aneuploid histograms but were disease-free, the DNA indices were 1.35, 1.14/1.18, 1.15, 1.20, and 1.31 and were demonstrable only in either 1 or 2 of the blocks or unproven on serial sections. All patients with diploid-peridiploid tumors were alive and disease free. CONCLUSIONS Reproducible DNA aneuploidy of high DI may be predicting a poor outcome, whereas the significance of inconsistently reproducible aneuploidy of low DI remains to be determined. Further studies of prospective DNA analysis with adequate sampling are necessary to define the role of flow cytometry in patients with borderline malignant ovarian tumors.
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148
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Lin JH, Chen SM, Liaw LJ, Lee CH. Study of isometric lifting strength in normal Chinese adults. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 1996; 12:400-8. [PMID: 8753142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to describe norms of isometric lifting strength for healthy Chinese adults and to investigate the effects of age, gender, body weight, and body height on lifting strength. Three types of lifting (i.e., arm, back, and leg lifting) were measured in a sample of 350 Chinese adults (172 men and 178 women) aged between 20 and 81 years. A Force Evaluation and Testing System (FET 5000) was used for strength measurements with three standard lifting positions. The average of two trials for each lifting strength test was used as the subjects' test score. The results showed that the greatest strengths for both sexes exist aged between late 20's and early 30's, with a general decline following thereafter. The magnitude of strength decline with age was most prominent in leg lifting strength among all lifting patterns. Males were stronger than females in all lifting patterns among the different age groups. All of the lifting strengths studied correlated positively with gender, body weight, and body height, and negatively with age in the analyses of simple correlation coefficients. In addition, stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that sex, age and body weight were most predictive of all types of lifting strengths. Body height was an effective predictor of back lifting strength. These findings and the establishment of data base can provide therapists with an objective evaluation regarding lifting strength of individuals for clinical use.
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Lai KH, Peng NJ, Cheng JS, Lo GH, Wang EM, Wang NM, Huang RL, Chang CF, Lin CK, Chen SM. Gallbladder function and recurrent stones of the biliary tract in patients after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Scand J Gastroenterol 1996; 31:612-5. [PMID: 8789902 DOI: 10.3109/00365529609009136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Change in gallbladder function may occur in patients with an intact gallbladder after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). This study was designed to evaluate the factors influencing gallbladder filling after EST and the correlation between gallbladder function and stone recurrence. METHODS Sixty Chinese patients with symptomatic choledocholithiasis and an intact gallbladder received EST to clear the bile ducts. They were further investigated with sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM), quantitative cholescintigraphy (QC), and long-term clinical follow-up. RESULTS Fifty-six of the 60 patients in the study group were confirmed to have a loss of sphincteric function by SOM. QC showed normal gallbladder filling in 35 of these patients and delayed or non-filling in 21 patients. A significantly higher incidence of normal gallbladder filling occurred in patients with juxtapapillary diverticulum than in those without (P < 0.02), but preexisting cholecystolithiasis had no effect on it. During the follow-up period (median, 32 months: range, 9-54 months) 10 of 56 patients developed recurrent choledocholithiasis. There was no correlation between the status of gallbladder filling, preexisting cholecystolithiasis, and recurrent stones, but 9 of the 10 patients with recurrent stones had a juxtapapillary diverticulum. Repeated endoscopic treatment was satisfactory in eight patients, and only two patients received cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS EST does not alter gallbladder function in most patients. Juxtapapillary diverticulum may facilitate gallbladder filling after EST, but it is also a possible factor for recurrent choledocholithiasis.
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Bai JZ, Bian JG, Chen GP, Chen HF, Chen SJ, Chen SM, Chen Y, Chen YQ, Chen YB, Cheng BS, Cui XZ, Ding HL, Ding WY, Du ZZ, Fan XL, Fang J, Gao CS, Gao ML, Gao SQ, Gu JH, Gu SD, Gu WX, Gu YF, Guo YN, Han SW, Han Y, He J, He M, Hu GY, Hu T, Hu XQ, Huang DQ, Huang T, Huang YZ, Jiang CH, Jin S, Jin Y, Kang SH, Ke ZJ, Lai YF, Lan HB, Lang PF, Li F, Li J, Li PQ, Li Q, Li RB, Li W, Li WD, Li WG, Li XH, Li XN, Lin SZ, Liu HM, Liu J, Liu JH, Liu Q, Liu RG, Liu Y, Liu ZA, Lu JG, Luo SQ, Luo Y, Ma AM. Studies of xi (2230) in J/ psi radiative decays. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 1996; 76:3502-3505. [PMID: 10060984 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.76.3502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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