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Liu CY, Speitel GE, Georgiou G. Kinetics of methyl t-butyl ether cometabolism at low concentrations by pure cultures of butane-degrading bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2001; 67:2197-201. [PMID: 11319100 PMCID: PMC92855 DOI: 10.1128/aem.67.5.2197-2201.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Butane-oxidizing Arthrobacter (ATCC 27778) bacteria were shown to degrade low concentrations of methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE; range, 100 to 800 microg/liter) with an apparent half-saturation concentration (K(s)) of 2.14 mg/liter and a maximum substrate utilization rate (k(c)) of 0.43 mg/mg of total suspended solids per day. Arthrobacter bacteria demonstrated MTBE degradation activity when grown on butane but not when grown on glucose, butanol, or tryptose phosphate broth. The presence of butane, tert-butyl alcohol, or acetylene had a negative impact on the MTBE degradation rate. Neither Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b nor Streptomyces griseus was able to cometabolize MTBE.
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Abstract
Samples of maize imported into Taiwan during 1997-1998 were collected and analyzed for the presence of fumonisin B1 (FB1) using high performance liquid chromatography. Eight (6.8%) of 118 samples were found to contain FB1 (334-1614 microg kg(-1)). The frequency of FB1 found in maize samples imported from Australia was 20%, followed by Thailand (10%), and USA (5.1%). In analyzing the distribution pattern, it was found that 93.2% of the samples had FB1 concentrations below 100 microg kg(-1), and only 3.4% (or four samples) were in excess of 300 microg kg(-1).
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Wang FD, Cheng YY, Kung SP, Tsai YM, Liu CY. Risk factors of catheter-related infections in total parenteral nutrition catheterization. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 2001; 64:223-30. [PMID: 11458760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of central venous catheter for administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a risk factor of catheter-related infections (CRIs) that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and increased medical costs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors of CRIs in patients with administration of TPN. METHODS A total of 1134 patients receiving TPN between January, 1996 and December, 1998 were studied. The category of infection included definite catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI), probable CR-BSI, and insertion site infection. Statistical analysis of risk factors was performed. RESULTS A total of 131 episodes of CRI occurred, representing an infection rate of 11.46%. Ninety-three episodes (8.1%) had probable CR-BSI, 13 episodes (1.1%) had definite CR-BSI, and 25 episodes (2.2%) had insertion site infection. Duration of TPN infusion and frequency of catheter insertion showed statistically significant difference by logistic regression multivariate analysis. The isolated organisms were in sequence of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (19.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (17.2%) and Candida albicans (14.4%). CONCLUSIONS Risk factors influencing the occurrence of CRI in TPN administration were multifactorial; however, duration of TPN infusion and frequency of catheter insertion were the main factors in our study.
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Chyang CS, Liu CY, Chang YD. Incineration of paper sludge in a prototype vortexing fluidized bed combustor. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2001; 51:542-551. [PMID: 11321911 DOI: 10.1080/10473289.2001.10464291] [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
All experiments were carried out in a prototype vortexing fluidized bed combustor (VFBC). The dimension of the combustion chamber is 0.7 x 1.4 x 2 m, and the freeboard section is 1 m i.d. and 4 m in height. Paper sludge was used as the feeding material. Two types of coal particles were employed as the supplementary fuel. In order to understand the characteristics of the VFBC system for paper sludge incineration, the effect of various operating parameters, such as the primary airflow, excess air ratio, and secondary airflow rates, on temperature distribution, ash elutriation, combustion efficiency, and pollutant emissions were investigated.
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Wang CH, Lin HC, Liu CY, Huang KH, Huang TT, Yu CT, Kuo HP. Upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cytokine secretion in peripheral blood monocytes from pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2001; 5:283-91. [PMID: 11326829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) are the main source of alveolar macrophages, which have an upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta are thought to be involved in the immune response to mycobacterial infection. OBJECTIVE To identify whether iNOS expression and cytokine release of PBM are upregulated and have a connection in TB infection. DESIGN The expression of iNOS immunoreactivity on PBM from TB patients and normal subjects was measured by loading with anti-macrophage iNOS polyclonal primary antibody analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of iNOS mRNA in PBM was detected by RT-PCR. The spontaneous generation of nitrite and cytokines (IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha) by cultured monocytes was also determined. RESULTS Compared to normal subjects, iNOS immuno-reactivity, the capacity for spontaneous nitrite generation and the level of TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta secretion of PBM were significantly higher in TB patients. The amount of nitrite, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta released from PBM of TB patients was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), a competitive inhibitor of NOS. The level of iNOS immunoreactivity on PBM was highly correlated with nitrite generation both in all the subjects studied and in TB patients alone. Spontaneous TNF-alpha production showed a stronger correlation with nitrite production than with IL-1 beta. CONCLUSION The NO and cytokine synthase activities of monocytes appear to be concomitantly upregulated in response to mycobacterial infection. The enhanced NO generation by monocytes in TB patients may play an autoregulatory role in amplifying the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Su JJ, Liu BY, Liu CY. Comparison of aerobic denitrification under high oxygen atmosphere by Thiosphaera pantotropha ATCC 35512 and Pseudomonas stutzeri SU2 newly isolated from the activated sludge of a piggery wastewater treatment system. J Appl Microbiol 2001; 90:457-62. [PMID: 11298242 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2001.01265.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study compares the ability of Thiosphaera pantotropha ATCC 35512 and the newly isolated Pseudomonas stutzeri SU2 to perform aerobic denitrification. METHODS AND RESULTS Nitrate-supplemented basal medium in airtight crimp-sealed serum bottles containing an atmosphere of 92% oxygen was inoculated with Ps. stutzeri SU2 or T. pantotropha and incubated at 30 degrees C. During the 92-h incubation period, aerobic denitrification by Ps. stutzeri SU2 (NO3(-) - N removal 99.24%) was more efficient than that by T. pantotropha (NO3(-) - N removal 27.29%). CONCLUSION Pseudomonas stutzeri SU2, which was isolated from the activated sludge of a sequencing batch reactor treating piggery wastewater, rapidly reduced the nitrate to nitrogen gas without nitrite accumulation. The nitrate removal rate of SU2 was 0.032 mmol NO3(-) - N g cell-1 h-1 after 44 h incubation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Pseudomonas stutzeri SU2 can be used in a full-scale sequencing batch system for efficient in situ aerobic nitrate removal from piggery wastewater.
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Liu CY, Yim BT, Wozniak AJ. Anticoagulation therapy for radiation-induced myelopathy. Ann Pharmacother 2001; 35:188-91. [PMID: 11215838 DOI: 10.1345/aph.10168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the use of heparin and enoxaparin for radiation-induced myelopathy. CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old White woman with presumed metastatic lung cancer presented with worsening numbness and weakness of both legs. The neuro-oncology service was consulted and determined that the symptoms were consistent with radiation-induced myelopathy. The patient briefly responded to steroid treatment. A trial of intravenous heparin therapy was initiated by the primary team and managed by the clinical pharmacy services. Her symptoms improved when heparin was begun. She was able to walk and was subsequently discharged home on enoxaparin. DISCUSSION Spinal cord injury is one of the known adverse effects of radiation. The onset of symptoms can be acute or delayed. The clinical signs and symptoms of delayed neurologic injury are related to the narrowing and occlusion of the vessel lumen, ischemia, edema, and cell death in the surrounding nervous tissue. Treatment often consists of corticosteroids and/or hyperbaric oxygen; however, the outcomes are often disappointing. In addition to the inhibition of serum protein-mediated coagulation, heparin inactivates or prevents the release of mediators of vascular injury inflammation, permeability, and edema. Therefore, patients with radiation-induced spinal cord injury may benefit from anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSIONS Heparin and/or enoxaparin may be considered as potential treatments for patients with radiation-induced myelopathy.
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Xia XH, Wang Q, Liu CY. [Clinical study on treatment of exogenous infection caused fever by infantile umbilical paste]. ZHONGGUO ZHONG XI YI JIE HE ZA ZHI ZHONGGUO ZHONGXIYI JIEHE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED TRADITIONAL AND WESTERN MEDICINE 2001; 21:99-101. [PMID: 12577389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of infantile umbilical paste (IUP) in abating infantile fever. METHODS Two hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into two groups, the 120 cases in Group A were treated with IUP and the 100 cases in Group B treated with compound Aspirin (APC). The effect in abating fever and side-effects were observed. RESULTS The total effective rate of the two groups were not statistically different (P > 0.05). But a better effect in abating fever was shown in Group A 4 hrs later (P < 0.01). The effect in patients of age under 1 year was the best. CONCLUSION IUP has good effect in abating infantile fever, and it shows no influence on white blood cells, liver and kidney functions.
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Abstract
There have been few studies of the psychiatric characteristics of analgesics addiction. The physician's perceptions that patients were addicted to analgesics might be partially attributable to frustration with poor response to treatment. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the medical records of 20 subjects (15 male and 5 female) who were perceived as having addiction to meperidine by general physicians. The most common medical diagnosis among these patients was chronic pancreatitis (7/20). Among them, five had a past history of suicide attempt and three had self-injury behavior during the index admission. The fact that subjects were perceived as being addicted might be attributable to a vicious cycle of the following factors: 1) chronic intractable pain; 2) poor staff-patient relationship; 3) lower pain threshold or tolerance due to anxiety or depression; 4) patients with a history or tendency of substance abuse; 5) placebo use and inadequate analgesics regimen. The findings of this study suggest that the importance of the following diagnostic and treatment procedures in these patients: 1) suicide risk should be evaluated; 2) comorbid psychiatric diseases should be treated; 3) factors that cause a vicious cycle in pain control should be identified; 4) misconceptions of opiate analgesics among medical staff should be discussed; 5) poor staff-patient relationship should be managed aggressively; and 6) "addiction" is a critical diagnosis that should be avoided if possible.
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Wang KS, Sun CJ, Liu CY. Effects of the type of sintering atmosphere on the chromium leachability of thermal-treated municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2001; 21:85-91. [PMID: 11150137 DOI: 10.1016/s0956-053x(00)00041-6] [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
The sintering process offers an opportunity to combine detoxification and resource recovery for the treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator fly ash. However, the chromium (Cr) in the sintered fly ash becomes more readily leachable with increasing sintering time and temperature, thus posing severe threats to the environment and human health when the sintered ash is recycled or reused. This study investigated the enhanced leachability of fly ash containing Cr, by heating the chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3)-spiked fly ash to 800 degrees C in atmospheres containing air, nitrogen gas (N2), and 5% H2 + 95% N2, respectively. The results indicated that trivalent chromium was converted to its soluble hexavalent form during sintering in the air atmosphere; whereas sintering in a nitrogen atmosphere significantly reduced the leachability of Cr due to lack of oxygen (O2) to oxidize. The effects of the sintering temperature on the total chromium content and the leaching concentration in the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extract are also discussed.
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Abstract
The human lumican gene was shown to possess one major transcription start site, resulting in exon 1 of the gene giving rise to the first 74 base pairs (bp) of the 5'-untranslated region. About 1.6 kilobase pairs of upstream promoter sequence were sequenced and analyzed to identify elements responsible for gene expression. No typical TATAA sequence was identified in the vacinity of the transcription start site, but an atypical TATCA sequence residing 41 bp upstream was shown to be necessary for transcription, although it was incapable of supporting transcription by itself. A GC box residing 74 bp upstream of the transcription start site also was essential for the initiation of transcription. Sp3 was identified as the transcriptional activator binding to the GC box. No additional elements that significantly modulated transcription were noted in the promoter sequence analyzed, when using human adult chondrocytes as the cell source for transfection in reporter assays. In contrast, reporter assays carried out in human fetal lung fibroblasts, where lumican expression is deplete, revealed the presence of a repressor element located between 384 and 598 bp upstream of the transcription start site. A GATA-binding site located between bp -386 and -391 was identified as being necessary for repression of transcription. The mouse lumican promoter does not possess an equivalent site, and this may explain why the lumican gene is expressed in fetal murine cartilage but not in fetal human cartilage.
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Lin KN, Teng EL, Wang PN, Chuang YY, Chen C, Liu CY, Liu HC. Patients' versus caregivers' report of poor memory in relation to dementia and tested abilities. Neurology 2000; 55:1758-9. [PMID: 11113247 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.55.11.1758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Fung CP, Lee YM, Kuo BI, Yang SP, Chan YJ, Liu CY, Ho LT, Liu WT. Using buffy coat for reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of dengue virus infection: preliminary study. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2000; 33:217-22. [PMID: 11269364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect and type from viremic human serum samples for dengue virus infection is widely used today. However, a few false-negative results were reported due to very low titers of the virus particle in serum samples. As mononuclear cells, macrophages or monocytes are target cells for dengue virus infection, and the replication of virions can be observed in peripheral leukocytes frequently, the amount of virus particle in buffy coat should be higher than those in serum samples. Here, we describe a procedure in which RNA extraction from the buffy coat of a patient with a false-negative serum sample yielded specific viral RNA amplifiable by RT-PCR, thereby providing an alternative choice for the accurate diagnosis of dengue infection.
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Liu CY, Ho YW, Pai YF. Preparation and evaluation of an imidazole-coated capillary column for the electrophoretic separation of aromatic acids. J Chromatogr A 2000; 897:383-92. [PMID: 11128222 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(00)00845-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An imidazole-coated capillary column for electrophoresis has been prepared by means of organosilanization. With mesityl oxide as neutral marker, the results indicated that the electroosmotic flow of the bonded phase displays a dramatic difference in pH dependence in comparison with that of the bare fused-silica column. The presence of positive charges on the coating surface and the anionic exchange property, due to the cationic property of the imidazole group at pH values below 6, allows the separation of geometric isomers that are very similar in ionic mobility. Separation parameters including buffer composition and concentration, pH, applied voltage, and the influence of other additives were investigated. By using acetate buffer (100 mM, pH 5.2) and an applied voltage of -15 kV with UV detection at 212 nm, the separation of 11 aromatic acids including mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-carboxylic acids could be achieved in less than 14 min. The average plate number was 3 x 10(5)/m. With acetate buffer (25 mM, pH 5.5) and an applied voltage of -25 kV, the addition of silver nitrate or beta-cyclodextrin significantly improved the resolution of some more highly charged carboxylic acids.
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Liu CY, Liu JZ, Li ZY, Liu KJ. [The vagus nerve coordinates the motion of gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi in the interdigestive period in rabbits]. ZHONGGUO YING YONG SHENG LI XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO YINGYONG SHENGLIXUE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY 2000; 16:347-9. [PMID: 11236698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of vagus nerve on coordinating the motion of gallbladder (GB) and sphincter of Oddi (SO) in the interdigestive period in rabbits. METHODS Fasted for 15 h-18 h, but allowed to drink water, the rabbib were anesthetized with urethane (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.). In order to measure GB pressure, a frog bladder filled with normal saline was put into GB and connected to a transducer (TP-200T). Myoelectric signals of SO was recorded by a pair of copper electrodes. RESULTS In the interdigestive period, phasic contractions of GB (PCGB) and clusters of spike potentials of SO (CSPSO) was 1:1 correlated (Y = 0.962X + 0.587, r = 0.982, P < 0.01). That is, every PCGB was accompanied by one CSPSO. Microinjection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, 0.8 nmol, 1 microliter) or monosodium glutamate (MSG, 2 mumol, 1 microliter) into dorsal vagal complex (DVC) enhanced the motility of GB and SO, and the 1:1 temporal relation between PCGB and CSPSO still existed. Vagotomy or intravenous injection of atropine inhibited the PCGB and the spike potentials of SO, and the 1:1 correlation between PCGB and CSPSO disappeared. The spike bursts of SO did not respond to the artificial rise of gallbladder pressure. CONCLUSION In the interdigestive period in rabbits, gallbladder and SO contract and relax rhythmically and simultaneously. This eoordinated motion between GB and SO is controlled by DVC via vagus nerve and peripheral M receptors.
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Wang FD, Chen YY, Liu CY. Analysis of sharp-edged medical-object injuries at a medical center in Taiwan. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2000; 21:656-8. [PMID: 11083184 DOI: 10.1086/501710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A total of 733 incidents by sharp-edged objects occurred among healthcare workers between 1995 and 1998. Injuries occurred most frequently among interns. The workplace location with the highest incidence of injury was the patient ward, and the object that most frequently inflicted injury was a needle. The most frequent work practice was recapping of syringes. One healthcare worker demonstrated seroconversion for hepatitis C.
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Chang SW, Yen DH, Fung CP, Liu CY, Chen KK, Tiu CM, Wang LM, Lee CH. Klebsiella pneumoniae renal abscess. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 2000; 63:721-8. [PMID: 11076428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical characteristics of renal abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae have not been previously reported in case-series studies. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the clinical characteristics of K pneumoniae renal abscess for early diagnosis and to identify the clinical risk factors associating with poor prognosis. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 24 patients with K pneumoniae renal abscess, from April, 1982 through February, 1998. The clinical presentations, including the demographic characteristics, predisposing disorders, initial signs and symptoms, laboratory test results, diagnostic radiology studies, therapeutic modalities and risk factors associated with mortality were studied. RESULTS The mean age was 58.7 years and the male to female ratio was 10:14. The most common predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus (58%), urolithiasis (25%) and immunosuppression (17%). Fever, chills and flank pain were the most common symptoms and signs, whereas pyuria, elevation of leukocyte count, glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were the common laboratory features. The distinct complications of K pneumoniae renal abscess were bacteremia in 13 (54%), emphysematous pyelonephritis in five (21%), and metastatic septic infection in three (12.5%). The cure rate was 52% (11/21) in patients treated with a combination of antibiotics and percutaneous drainage; however, six (35%) patients who survived required another surgical procedure for complete recovery. The overall mortality rate was 25%. The clinical factors of elderly age (>65 years) at presentation, lethargy, elevation of serum blood urea nitrogen and pulmonary complications were associated with poor prognoses. CONCLUSIONS Focusing on the early diagnosis of K pneumoniae renal abscess and recognition of the prognostic factors for a poor prognosis, we highlight the specific clinical characteristics that include elderly age, lethargy, impairment of renal function, metastatic septic lesions and pulmonary complications. All patients with K pneumoniae renal abscesses should receive empiric antibiotics and percutaneous drainage or aspiration, and surgical intervention as necessary for patients with intractable disease.
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Reich H, Liu CY, Vidali A. An Update on Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction. Surg Technol Int 2000; IX:173-188. [PMID: 12219295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic floor reconstruction have recently undergone some degree of evolution. New instrumentation has appeared, such as the vaginal delineator, but overall most of the instruments used have remained basically unchanged. This is related mostly to the need of keeping costs down by limiting the use of disposable instrumentation. For pelvic reconstruction, the laparoscopic approach is now usually considered the optimal approach, as it allows the surgeon to visualize structures that the vaginal surgeon could in the past only palpate.
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Zuo L, Christofi FL, Wright VP, Liu CY, Merola AJ, Berliner LJ, Clanton TL. Intra- and extracellular measurement of reactive oxygen species produced during heat stress in diaphragm muscle. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2000; 279:C1058-66. [PMID: 11003586 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.2000.279.4.c1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscles are exposed to increased temperatures during intense exercise, particularly in high environmental temperatures. We hypothesized that heat may directly stimulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in diaphragm (one kind of skeletal muscle) and thus potentially play a role in contractile and metabolic activity. Laser scan confocal microscopy was used to study the conversion of hydroethidine (a probe for intracellular ROS) to ethidium (ET) in mouse diaphragm. During a 30-min period, heat (42 degrees C) increased ET fluorescence by 24 +/- 4%, whereas in control (37 degrees C), fluorescence decreased by 8 +/- 1% compared with baseline (P < 0.001). The superoxide scavenger Tiron (10 mM) abolished the rise in intracellular fluorescence, whereas extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD; 5,000 U/ml) had no significant effect. Reduction of oxidized cytochrome c was used to detect extracellular ROS in rat diaphragm. After 45 min, 53 +/- 7 nmol cytochrome c. g dry wt(-1). ml(-1) were reduced in heat compared with 22 +/- 13 nmol. g(-1). ml(-1) in controls (P < 0.001). SOD decreased cytochrome c reduction in heat to control levels. The results suggest that heat stress stimulates intracellular and extracellular superoxide production, which may contribute to the physiological responses to severe exercise or the pathology of heat shock.
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Cheesman EJ, Sharp RJ, Zlot CH, Liu CY, Taylor S, Marcovina SM, Young SG, McCormick SP. An analysis of the interaction between mouse apolipoprotein B100 and apolipoprotein(a). J Biol Chem 2000; 275:28195-200. [PMID: 10837476 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m002772200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The assembly of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) involves an initial noncovalent interaction between apolipoprotein (apo) B100 and apo(a), followed by the formation of a disulfide bond between apoB100 cysteine 4326 and apo(a) cysteine 4057. The structural features of apoB100 that are required for its noncovalent interaction with apo(a) have not been fully defined. To analyze that initial interaction, we tested whether apo(a) could bind noncovalently to two apoB proteins that lack cysteine 4326: mouse apoB100 and human apoB100-C4326G. Our experiments demonstrated that both mouse apoB and the human apoB100-C4326G bind noncovalently to apo(a). We next sought to gain insights into the apoB amino acid sequences required for the interaction between apoB100 and apo(a). Previous studies of truncated human apoB proteins indicated that the carboxyl terminus of human apoB100 (amino acids 4330-4397) is important for Lp(a) assembly. To determine whether the carboxyl terminus of mouse apoB100 can interact with apo(a), transgenic mice were produced with a mutant human apoB gene construct in which human apoB100 amino acids 4279-4536 were replaced with the corresponding mouse apoB100 sequences and tyrosine 4326 was changed to a cysteine. The mutant apoB100 bound to apo(a) and formed bona fide disulfide-linked Lp(a), but Lp(a) assembly was less efficient than with wild-type human apoB100. The fact that Lp(a) assembly was less efficient with the mouse apoB sequences provides additional support for the notion that sequences in the carboxyl terminus of apoB100 are important for Lp(a) assembly.
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Loder RT, Hernandez MJ, Lerner AL, Winebrener DJ, Goldstein SA, Hensinger RN, Liu CY, Schork MA. The induction of congenital spinal deformities in mice by maternal carbon monoxide exposure. J Pediatr Orthop 2000; 20:662-6. [PMID: 11008750 DOI: 10.1097/00004694-200009000-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) has been shown to be teratogenic in mice. High altitude hypoxia has also been shown to induce congenital vertebral anomalies in mice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal hypoxia owing to CO exposure and the production of congenital spinal deformities in the offspring. Sixty DBA-1J mice were bred using polygamous timed breeding methods. Pregnant females were exposed to 200, 400, or 600 ppm CO using a custom-designed gas blender system. Seven-hour exposures were performed on day 8.5, 9.5, or 10.5 of the 21-day gestation cycle. The neonates were euthanized at birth; the specimens were fixed, eviscerated, and radiographed. Congenital spinal deformities were observed (wedge, hemi, fused, and missing vertebrae; fused ribs) and were located in all regions of the spine. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of spinal deformities between all groups, with no defects in the controls and a 77% incidence at 600 ppm (p < 0.0001). There was no apparent correlation between the time of exposure and defect location. The most sensitive time of gestation was 9.5 days. We identified an animal model of congenital spinal deformities that compares favorably with the evidence of human congenital spinal deformities in cases of maternal exposure to CO and other gas and chemical fumes.
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Liu CY, Schröder M, Kaufman RJ. Ligand-independent dimerization activates the stress response kinases IRE1 and PERK in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:24881-5. [PMID: 10835430 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m004454200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IRE1 and PERK are type I transmembrane serine/threonine protein kinases that are activated by unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to signal adaptive responses. IRE1 is present in all eukaryotic cells and signals the unfolded protein response through its kinase and endoribonuclease activities. PERK signals phosphorylation of a translation initiation factor to inhibit protein synthesis in higher eukaryotic cells but is absent in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. The amino acid sequences of the amino-terminal ER luminal domains (NLDs) from IRE1 and PERK display limited homology and have diverged among species. In this study, we have demonstrated that the NLD of yeast Ire1p is required for signaling. However, the NLDs from human IRE1alpha and murine IRE1beta and the Caenorhabditis elegans IRE1 and PERK function as replacements for the S. cerevisiae Ire1p-NLD to signal the unfolded protein response. Replacement of the Ire1p-NLD with a functional leucine zipper dimerization motif yielded a constitutively active kinase that surprisingly was further activated by ER stress. These results demonstrate that ER stress-induced dimerization of the NLD is sufficient for IRE1 and PERK activation and is conserved through evolution. We propose that ligand-independent activation of IRE1 and PERK permits homodimerization upon accumulation of unfolded proteins in the lumen of the ER.
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Xia JH, Yu KP, Liu CY, Pan Q, Zheng D, Dai HP. [Molecular clonging of the human dimethyglycine dehydrogenase-like gene (DMGDHL1) from the sarcosinemia critical region at 9q34]. YI CHUAN XUE BAO = ACTA GENETICA SINICA 2000; 26:591-7. [PMID: 10876657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Through the analysis of EST database, we obtained one human EST (GenBank: H28856) which showed significant similarity with the partial coding sequence of rat dimethylglycine dehydrogenase gene. This EST was mapped to 9q34 due to 95.6% identity with one genomic sequence (GenBank: AC002295). A pair of primers (HRP-1/HRP-2) designed on the sequence of the EST were coupled with the primers (lambda gt10-5/lambda gt10-3) on the vector flanking cloning site respectively to amplify the 5' and 3' cDNA beyond the EST. New primers designed based on novel cDNA sequence overlapped with the sequence within EST H28856 were used for amplification with lambda gt10-5 and lambda gt10-3 by the similar way as above untill a complete ORF was obtained. Finally, a 1,970 bp sequence (termed as dimethylglycine dehydrogenase like gene isoform I, DMGDHL1a) containing a 1,428 bp complete coding sequence from the live cDNA library and 1,475 bp sequence (isoform II, termed as DMGDHL1b) containing a 1,296 bp complete coding sequence from the fetas live cDNA library were obtained. Fourteen exons were identified in isoform I and the first nine exons of isoform II which shared with isoform I could be determined too. The last 105 bp cDNA sequence of isoform II could not be found in the public database, indicating a very large intron (> 123 kb) existed between exon 9 and exon 10 of isoform II. DMGDHL1 showed highly homology on both cDNA and amino acid level with rat dimethylglycine dehydrogenase (60% identity in 135 bp and 35% identity in 436 residues respectively). It was reported that human sarcosinemia gene was mapped at 9q34. Therefore it could be a good candidate gene for the sarcosinemia.
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Lin HC, Wang CH, Liu CY, Yu CT, Kuo HP. Erythromycin inhibits beta2-integrins (CD11b/CD18) expression, interleukin-8 release and intracellular oxidative metabolism in neutrophils. Respir Med 2000; 94:654-60. [PMID: 10926336 DOI: 10.1053/rmed.1999.0781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Macrolides have therapeutic benefits on chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Thus, macrolides are supposed to have variable biological effects apart from antimicrobial activity. Neutrophil adherence and influx with oxidants and cytokines production implicates involvement in airway inflammation. To investigate whether erythromycin (EM) affects neutrophil activity in vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated neutrophils were continuously incubated for 4 h in the absence or presence of increasing doses of EM from 1 microg ml(-1) to 100 microg ml(-1) in the last 2 h. Leukocyte adhesion molecules Mac-1 and intracellular H2O2(DCFH) were determined by flowcytometric assay. IL-8 and TNFalpha in supernatant was measured by ELISA method. The expression of Mac-1 and mean intracellular DCF fluorescence intensity (DCFH) of neutrophils significantly increased after stimulation with LPS. Pretreatment with EM significantly decreased LPS induced Mac-1 expression on neutrophils compared with LPS stimulation only. EM alone (100 microg ml(-1)) also decreased Mac-1 expression on neutrophils. EM significantly reduced the LPS-increased DCFH. EM alone (100 microg ml(-1)) also caused a decrease in DCFH. Increasing doses of EM also significantly decreased the IL-8 released by LPS-stimulated neutrophils. In conclusion, EM exerts a direct effect on the neutrophils by downregulating the expression of beta2-integrin on neutrophils, thus leading to a decrease in the intracellular H2O2, as well as the production of IL-8. Our conclusion provides an explanation for the clinical efficacy of erythromycin in neutrophil-mediated airway inflammation.
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Liu CY, Farahani K, Lu DS, Duckwiler G, Oppelt A. Safety of MRI-guided endovascular guidewire applications. J Magn Reson Imaging 2000; 12:75-8. [PMID: 10931566 DOI: 10.1002/1522-2586(200007)12:1<75::aid-jmri8>3.0.co;2-#] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic radiofrequency (RF) fields applied during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may induce heating in devices made from conductive materials. The present paper reports on theoretical and experimental studies on the RF heating resonance phenomenon of an endovascular guidewire. A nitinol-based guidewire was inserted into a vessel phantom and imaged at 1.5 and 0.2 T with continuous temperature monitoring at the guidewire tip. The heating effects due to different experimental settings were examined. A model is developed for the resonant current and the associated electric field produced by the guidewire acting as an antenna. Temperature increases of up to 17 degrees C were measured while imaging the guidewire at an off-center position in the 1.5 T MR system. Power absorption produced by the resonating wire decreased as the repetition time was increased. No temperature rise was measured at 0.2 T. Considering the potential utility of low-field, open MR systems for MRI-guided endovascular interventions, it is important to be aware of the safety of such applications.
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