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Wang A, Lu ZJ, Gu XF, Liu JP, Lu CL. [Clinical and pathological features of 20 cases of congenital hepatic fibrosis]. Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi 2023; 31:1187-1191. [PMID: 38238953 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501113-20231107-00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the clinical and pathological features of congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF). Methods: The clinical and pathological findings of 20 patients diagnosed with CHF from 2017 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 20 patients, 8 were males and 12 were females with a median age of 21.5 years. Mostly patients were admitted to the hospital with cirrhosis, portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Pathological features were diffuse fibrosis in the portal area, formation of fibrous septa of varying width, segmentation of the liver parenchyma, with hyperplasia of small bile ducts. Among them, 1 case (5%) was complicated with Caroli's disease, and 1 case (5%) was HNF1α hepatocellular adenoma. IHC GS showed that was positively expressed in acinar region 3 in 75% cases. Conclusion: CHF is mainly manifested by portal hypertension and its complications. Histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis. The possibility of CHF should be considered first in children and adolescents with portal hypertension but no history of hepatitis, and complicated kidney disease. The positive pattern of acinus-3 region of GS in IHC is helpful for the diagnosis of CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua 617000, China
| | - Z J Lu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - X F Gu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - J P Liu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - C L Lu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
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Lu CL, Hsu YH, Su WL, Damayanti NA, Chen CW, Lin YJ, Tsai KS, Li CY. Urban-rural disparity of preventive healthcare utilisation among children under the universal health insurance coverage in Taiwan: a national birth cohort analysis. Public Health 2020; 182:102-109. [PMID: 32247105 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the context of universal health insurance coverage, this study aimed to determine whether urban-rural inequality still exists in preventive health care (PHC) amongst children in Taiwan. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS A total of 184,117 mothers and their children born in 2009 were identified as the study cohort. The number of children born in urban, satellite and rural areas was 40,176, 57,565 and 86,805, respectively. All children were followed for 7 years, before which a total of seven times PHC were provided by Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) programme. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to associate urbanisation level with the frequency of PHC utilisation. Stratified analyses were further performed in accordance with the children's birth weight and the mothers' birthplace. RESULTS Children from satellite areas had higher utilisation for the first four scheduled PHC visits. Children living in urban areas received more PHC for the fifth and sixth scheduled visits. Compared with those from rural areas, children in satellite areas exhibited a small but significant increase in odds in PHC utilisation, with a covariate-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.04 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.02-1.06. By contrast, no significant difference was observed between rural and urban areas (aOR = 1.01). Further stratified analyses suggest more evident urban-rural difference in PHC utilisation amongst children with low birth weight and foreign-born mothers. CONCLUSIONS Given a universal health insurance coverage and embedded mechanisms in increasing the availability of healthcare resources in Taiwan, a slight urban-rural difference is observed in PHC utilisation amongst children. Hence, sociodemographic inequality in utilisation of PHC still exists. This issue should be addressed through policy intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lu
- Graduate Institute of Food Safety, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Y H Hsu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - W L Su
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - N A Damayanti
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - C W Chen
- School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y J Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - K S Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tainan Sinlau Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - C Y Li
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Health Policy and Administration, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Du QQ, Lu CL, Cong B, Li SJ. Research Progress on Forensic Genetics of Facial Morphological Depiction. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2019; 35:531-536. [PMID: 31833285 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) analysis uses DNA from biological samples left in crime scenes to predict individual phenotypic traits, such as geographical origin of ethnic group, height, weight, skin color, hair color and shape, iris color, male baldness, facial morphology, age, etc., thereby providing clues for case investigations. Among these traits, features of facial morphology are relatively more complicated. This paper makes an overall analysis of the measurement and collection of facial morphology, research on facial morphology related genes, forensic application and establishment of facial morphology depiction model, ethical issues, etc., then summarizes the latest research progress on features of facial morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Q Du
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - C L Lu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - B Cong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - S J Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
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Liang N, Kong DZ, Lu CL, Ma SS, Li YQ, Nikolova D, Jakobsen JC, Gluud C, Liu JP. Radix Sophorae flavescentis versus other drugs or herbs for chronic hepatitis B. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 6:CD013106. [PMID: 31232459 PMCID: PMC6589939 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013106.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus, which may lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. People with HBV infection may also have coinfections including HIV and other hepatitis viruses (hepatitis C or D), and coinfections may increase the risk of all-cause mortality. Chronic HBV infection increases morbidity, psychological stress, and it is an economic burden on people with chronic hepatitis B and their families. Radix Sophorae flavescentis, a herbal medicine, is administered mostly in combination with other drugs or herbs. It is believed that it decreases discomfort and prevents the replication of the virus in people with chronic hepatitis B. However, the benefits and harms of Radix Sophorae flavescentis on patient-centred outcomes are unknown, and its wide usage has never been established with rigorous review methodology. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of Radix Sophorae flavescentis versus other drugs or herbs in people with chronic hepatitis B. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and seven other databases to December 2018. We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (www.who.int/ictrp), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov/), and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry for ongoing or unpublished trials to December 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of publication status, language, or blinding, comparing Radix Sophorae flavescentis versus other drugs or herbs for people with chronic hepatitis B. In addition to chronic hepatitis B, participants could also have had cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or any other concomitant disease. We excluded polyherbal blends containing Radix Sophorae flavescentis. We allowed cointerventions when the cointerventions were administered equally to all intervention groups. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Review authors in pairs individually retrieved data from published reports and after correspondence with investigators. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, and health-related quality of life. Our secondary outcomes were hepatitis B-related mortality, hepatitis B-related morbidity, and adverse events considered 'not to be serious'. We presented the meta-analysed results as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the risk of bias using domains with predefined definitions. We conducted Trial Sequential Analyses to control the risks of random errors. We used GRADE methodology to evaluate our certainty in the evidence (i.e. "the extent of our confidence that the estimates of the effect are correct or are adequate to support a particular decision or recommendation"). MAIN RESULTS We included 10 randomised clinical trials with 898 participants. We judged all trials at high risk of bias. The trials covered oral capsules, intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection, and acupoint (a specifically chosen site of acupuncture) injection of Radix Sophorae flavescentis with a follow-up period from 1 to 12 months. The drugs being used as a comparator were lamivudine, adefovir, interferon, tiopronin, thymosin, or other Chinese herbs. Two trials included children up to 14 years old. Participants in one trial had cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B. None of the trials reported all-cause mortality, health-related quality of life, serious adverse events, hepatitis B-related mortality, or morbidity. We are uncertain as to whether Radix Sophorae flavescentis has a beneficial or harmful effect on adverse events considered 'not to be serious' (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.75; I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 163 participants; very low-certainty evidence), as well as if it decreases or increases the proportion of participants with detectable HBV-DNA (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.63; I2 = 92%; 8 trials, 719 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Radix Sophorae flavescentis showed a reduction in the proportion of participants with detectable hepatitis B virus e-antigen (HBeAg) (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.98; I2 = 43%; 7 trials, 588 participants; very low-certainty evidence).Two of the 10 trials were not funded, and one received academic funding. The remaining seven trials provided no information on funding.The randomisation process in another 109 trials was insufficiently reported to ensure the inclusion of any of these studies in our review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The included trials lacked data on all-cause mortality, health-related quality of life, serious adverse events, hepatitis-B related mortality, and hepatitis-B related morbidity. The evidence on the effect of Radix Sophorae flavescentis on the proportion of participants with adverse events considered 'not to be serious' and on the proportion of participants with detectable HBV-DNA is still unclear. We advise caution regarding the results of Radix Sophorae flavescentis showing a reduction in the proportion of people with detectable HBeAg because the trials were at high risk of bias, because it is a non-validated surrogate outcome, and because of the very low certainty in the evidence. As we were unable to obtain information on a large number of studies regarding their trial design, we were deterred from including them in our review. Undisclosed funding may have influence on trial results and lead to poor design of the trial. In view of the wide usage of Radix Sophorae flavescentis, we need large, unbiased, high-quality placebo-controlled randomised trials assessing patient-centred outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
| | - De Zhao Kong
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChong Shan East Road 79ShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina110032
- The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicineDepartment of CardiologyBeiling Street 33ShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina110032
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicineCo‐construct Key Laboratory of Theory of Visceral Manifestations and ApplicationsChong Shan East Road 79ShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina110032
| | - Chun Li Lu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Si Si Ma
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Yu Qi Li
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Dimitrinka Nikolova
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Janus C Jakobsen
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
- Holbaek HospitalDepartment of CardiologyHolbaekDenmark4300
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jian Ping Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
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Liang N, Kong DZ, Ma SS, Lu CL, Yang M, Feng LD, Shen C, Diao RH, Cui LJ, Lu XY, Nikolova D, Jakobsen JC, Gluud C, Liu JP. Radix Sophorae flavescentis versus no intervention or placebo for chronic hepatitis B. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 4:CD013089. [PMID: 30941748 PMCID: PMC6446139 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013089.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus, may lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. People with HBV infection may have co-infections including HIV and other hepatitis viruses (hepatitis C or D), and co-infection may increase the risk of all-cause mortality. Chronic HBV infection increases morbidity and psychological stress and is an economic burden on people with chronic hepatitis B and their families. Radix Sophorae flavescentis, an herbal medicine, is administered most often in combination with other drugs or herbs. It is believed that it decreases discomfort and prevents replication of the virus in people with chronic hepatitis B. However, the benefits and harms of Radix Sophorae flavescentis for patient-centred outcomes are not known, and its wide usage has never been established with rigorous review methodology. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of Radix Sophorae flavescentis versus placebo or no intervention in people with chronic hepatitis B. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, LILACS, Science Citation Index Expanded, Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), Wanfang Data, and SinoMed. We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (www.who.int/ictrp), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov/), and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry for ongoing or unpublished trials. We conducted the last search in December 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of publication status, language, or blinding, comparing Radix Sophorae flavescentis versus no intervention or placebo in people with chronic hepatitis B. We excluded polyherbal blends containing Radix Sophorae flavescentis. We allowed co-interventions when the co-interventions were administered equally to all intervention groups. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. Review authors in pairs retrieved data from individual published reports and after correspondence with investigators. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, and health-related quality of life. Our secondary outcomes were hepatitis B-related mortality, hepatitis B-related morbidity, and adverse events considered 'not to be serious'. We presented meta-analysed results as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed risk of bias using domains with pre-defined definitions. We conducted Trial Sequential Analyses to control the risk of random errors. We used GRADE methodology to evaluate our certainty in the evidence (i.e. "the extent of our confidence that the estimates of the effect are correct or are adequate to support a particular decision or recommendation"). MAIN RESULTS We included 35 randomised clinical trials with 3556 participants. One trial compared Radix Sophorae flavescentis with placebo; the remaining 34 trials compared effects of Radix Sophorae flavescentis in addition to a co-intervention versus the same co-intervention. The included trials assessed heterogenous forms and ways of administering Radix Sophorae flavescentis (e.g. oral capsules, oral tablets, intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection, acupoint (a specifically chosen site of acupuncture) injection) with treatment duration of 1 to 24 months. Two of the trials included children up to 14 years old. Participants in two trials had cirrhosis in addition to chronic hepatitis B. All trials were assessed at high risk of bias, and certainty of the evidence for all outcomes was very low.Only one of the 35 trials assessed mortality; no deaths occurred. Ten trials assessed serious adverse events; no serious adverse events occurred. None of the trials reported health-related quality of life, hepatitis B-related mortality, or morbidity. Adverse events considered 'not to be serious' was an outcome in 19 trials; nine of these trials had zero events in both groups. Radix Sophorae flavescentis versus placebo or no intervention showed no difference in effects on adverse events considered 'not to be serious' (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.59; I² = 49%; 10 trials, 1050 participants). Radix Sophorae flavescentis showed a reduction in the proportion of participants with detectable HBV-DNA (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.68; I² = 56%; 29 trials, 2914 participants) and in the proportion of participants with detectable HBeAg (hepatitis B e-antigen) (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.76; I² = 19%; 20 trials, 2129 participants).Seven of the 35 randomised clinical trials received academic funding from government or hospital. Four trials received no funding. The remaining 24 trials provided no information on funding.Additionally, 432 trials lacked the methodological information needed to ensure inclusion of these trials in our review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The included trials lacked data on health-related quality of life, hepatitis B-related mortality, and hepatitis B-related morbidity. The effects of Radix Sophorae flavescentis on all-cause mortality and on the proportion of participants with serious adverse events and adverse events considered 'not to be serious' remain unclear. We advise caution in interpreting results showing that Radix Sophorae flavescentis reduced the proportion of people with detectable HBV-DNA and detectable HBeAg because the trials reporting on these outcomes are at high risk of bias and both outcomes are non-validated surrogate outcomes. We were unable to obtain information on the design and conduct of a large number of trials; therefore, we were deterred from including them in our review. Undisclosed funding may influence trial results and may lead to poor trial design. Given the wide usage of Radix Sophorae flavescentis, we need large, unbiased, high-quality placebo-controlled randomised trials in which patient-centred outcomes are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
| | - De Zhao Kong
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChong Shan East Road 79ShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina110032
- The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicineDepartment of CardiologyBeiling Street 33ShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina110032
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicineCo‐construct Key Laboratory of Theory of Visceral Manifestations and ApplicationsChong Shan East Road 79ShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina110032
| | - Si Si Ma
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Chun Li Lu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Ming Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Lu Da Feng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng DistrictBeijingChina100700
| | - Chen Shen
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Ruo Han Diao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng DistrictBeijingChina100700
| | - Ling Jun Cui
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng DistrictBeijingChina100700
| | - Xing Yu Lu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine5 Haiyuncang Street, Dongcheng DistrictBeijingChina100700
| | - Dimitrinka Nikolova
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Janus C Jakobsen
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
- Holbaek HospitalDepartment of CardiologyHolbaekDenmark4300
- University of Southern DenmarkDepartment of Regional Health Research, the Faculty of Health SciencesHolbaekDenmark
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jian Ping Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese MedicineBei San Huan Dong Lu 11, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
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Lu CL, Yan J, Zhi X, Xia X, Wang TR, Yan LY, Yu Y, Ding T, Gao JM, Li R, Qiao J. Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes macaque follicle development in vitro. Reproduction 2015; 149:425-33. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is an important type of frontier scientific research in the field of reproductive health. The culture of ovarian cortices to i) initiate primordial follicle growth and ii) procure developing follicles for later oocyte maturation is a promising fertility preservation strategy, especially for older women or cancer patients. At present, this goal remains largely unsubstantiated in primates because of the difficulty in attaining relatively large follicles via ovarian cortex culture. To overcome this hurdle, we cultured macaque monkey ovarian cortices with FSH, kit ligand (KL), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and/or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The various factors and factor combinations promoted primordial follicle development to different extents. Notably, both bFF (bFGF, 100 ng/ml and FSH, 50 ng/ml) and KF (KL, 100 ng/ml and FSH, 50 ng/ml) contributed to the activation of primordial follicles at day 12 (D12) of culture, whereas at D18, the proportions of developing follicles were significantly higher in the bFF and KF groups relative to the other treatment groups, particularly in the bFF group. Estradiol and progesterone production were also highest in the bFF group, and primary follicle diameters were the largest. Up until D24, the bFF group still exhibited the highest proportion of developing follicles. In conclusion, the bFGF–FSH combination promotes nonhuman primate primordial follicle developmentin vitro, with the optimal experimental window within 18 days. These results provide evidence for the future success of human ovarian cortex culture and the eventual acquisition of mature human follicles or oocytes for fertility restoration.
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Cheng PS, Lu CL, Cheng CL, Lai FJ. Significant male predisposition in extramammary Paget disease: a nationwide population-based study in Taiwan. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171:191-3. [PMID: 24471479 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P S Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Chi Mei Medical Center, No. 901, Zhonghua Rd, Yongkang District, Tainan City, 710, Taiwan
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Liang F, Hu DY, Wu MY, Li TC, Tang CZ, Wang JY, Lu CL. The incidence of renal artery stenosis in the patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting. Indian J Nephrol 2012; 22:13-7. [PMID: 22279337 PMCID: PMC3263057 DOI: 10.4103/0971-4065.91181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multivessel coronary disease or peripheral arterial disease is the clinical clue to diagnosis of renal artery stenosis (RAS). RAS is considered equivalent to coronary artery disease in terms of cardiovascular risk. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of RAS in the patients who were proposed to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Diagnostic evaluations of coronary arteriography and renal artery angiography were performed during the same procedure; the patients who were proposed for CABG in terms of CAD anatomy and clinical manifestation were enrolled. RAS was evaluated and a diameter stenosis of ≥50% was considered as significant RAS; significant RAS patients were divided into five groups. The five groups of RAS were as follows: (1) unilateral RAS ≥50–70%, (2) unilateral RAS ≥70%, (3) bilateral RAS ≥50–70%, (4) one-renal-artery stenosis ≥50–70%, contralateral RAS ≥70%, and (5) bilateral renal artery stenosis ≥70%. A total of 151 patients were enrolled, and RAS (≥50% stenosis in either or both renal arteries) was identified in 47.02% (71/151) patients. Unilateral RAS ≥50–70% was identified in 16.6% (25/151) patients, unilateral RAS ≥70% in 4.6% (7/151) patients, bilateral RAS ≥50–70% in 7.9% (12/151) patients, one-renal-artery stenosis ≥50–70% and contralateral RAS ≥70% in 7.9% (12/151) patients, and bilateral RAS ≥70% was in 9.9%(15/151) patients. The incidence of RAS was 29.03% (18/62) in patients aged ≤60 years, 60% (36/60) in patients aged >60 and ≤70 years, and 58.62% (17/29) in patients aged >70 years. The incidence of RAS was significantly higher in patients aged >60 - ≤70, and >70 years than patients aged ≤60 years (P = 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). There was a trend that the incidence of RAS in patients with hypertension [HTN, 50.40% (64/127)] was higher than those without HTN (29.17%, 7/24), with P = 0.056. The incidence of RAS was 47.02% in patients who were proposed for CABG; bilateral RAS of ≥70% was 9.9%. Older age and HTN were associated with RAS in patients who were referred for CABG. This study indicates that the incidence of RAS was high in the patients referred for CABG, and the renal function should be taken care of.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Daxing Hospital, Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Cheng KC, Chen CM, Tan CK, Chen HM, Lu CL, Zhang H. Methylprednisolone reduces the rates of postextubation stridor and reintubation associated with attenuated cytokine responses in critically ill patients. Minerva Anestesiol 2011; 77:503-509. [PMID: 21540805 PMCID: PMC3929386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with corticosteroids can reduce the incidence of postextubation stridor (PES) and reintubation in critically ill adult patients, but the mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in an adult medical and surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a teaching hospital. Seventy-one patients who had a cuff leak percentage <24% of tidal volume received either a bolus injection of methylprednisolone at 40 mg (treated group, n=38) or normal saline (placebo group, n=33) 4 h prior to a planned extubation. The cuff leak percentage was re-assessed 1 h and 4 h post-injection. Eighty patients who had a cuff leak percentage ≥ 24% served as a control group. Plasma concentrations of multiple cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at baseline, 4 h and 24 h after the intervention. RESULTS The incidences of PES (15.8% vs. 39.4%, P<0.05) and reintubation rate (7.9% vs. 30.3%, P<0.05) were lower in the treated group compared to the placebo group. The plasma concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 increased while the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 decreased at 24 h in the treated group compared to the placebo group. No difference in CRP levels was observed between the treated and placebo groups. CONCLUSION A single injection of methylprednisolone at the dose used 4 h prior to planned extubation effectively reduced the incidence of PES and the reintubation rate. These beneficial effects were associated with the up-regulation of IL-4 and IL-10 and the down-regulation of IL-6 and IL-8 in the critically ill adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Cheng
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
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Lu CL, Ji Y, Ge D, Guo J, Ding JY. The expression of CXCR4 and its relationship with matrix metalloproteinase-9/vascular endothelial growth factor in esophageal squamous cell cancer. Dis Esophagus 2011; 24:283-90. [PMID: 21087342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2010.01135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm with poor prognosis. The main reason for this disappointing outcome is the strong behavior of esophageal cancer cell's invasion and metastasis. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) was found to be expressed in many tumors and significantly correlated with invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and prognosis. In the present study, we investigated the expressions of CXCR4, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) and analyzed the relationship among the three proteins. Sections of paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained from 127 patients with ESCC undergoing esophagectomy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University in 2005. The CXCR4, MMP-9, and VEGF expressions in EC tissues were evaluated according to the immunohistochemical staining area and intensity. The correlations between patients' prognosis and covariates were analyzed by Kaplan--Meier method (univariate analysis) and Cox regression (multivariate analysis). The overall expression rate of CXCR4, MMP-9, and VEGF was 88.2%, 93.7%, and 79.5%, respectively. CXCR4 expression was significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor size, tumor depth, regional lymph node metastasis, and tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage (P < 0.05). MMP-9 expression was significantly associated with age and tumor grade (P < 0.05). VEGF expression was significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor depth, and TNM stage (P < 0.05). CXCR4 expression was positively correlated with MMP-9 expression (P < 0.01, r= 0.365) and VEGF expression (P < 0.01, r= 0.380). However, there was no significant correlation between MMP-9 and VEGF expression (P > 0.05). In univariate analysis, CXCR4 expression, tumor size, tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage were correlated with patients' prognosis (P < 0.05); in multivariate analysis, tumor size and lymph node metastasis were the independent factors of poor prognosis. CXCR4 was highly expressed in ESCC and correlated with MMP-9, VEGF, clinicopathological features and prognosis. We speculated CXCR4 play an important role during the progression of this disease and there might be some regulatory mechanism existing between CXCR4 and MMP-9/VEGF in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Lu CL, Lv JG, Xu L, Guo XF, Hou WH, Hu Y, Huang H. Crystalline nanotubes of gamma-AlOOH and gamma-Al2O3: hydrothermal synthesis, formation mechanism and catalytic performance. Nanotechnology 2009; 20:215604. [PMID: 19423935 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/21/215604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Crystalline nanotubes of gamma-AlOOH and gamma-Al(2)O(3) have been synthesized. An anionic surfactant-assisted hydrothermal process yields gamma-AlOOH nanotubes, and appropriate calcination treatment of the gamma-AlOOH nanotubes yields gamma-Al(2)O(3) nanotubes. The nanotubes were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, TG-DSC, FTIR and nitrogen adsorption-desorption techniques. Both the gamma-AlOOH and gamma-Al(2)O(3) nanotubes are crystalline, with a representative length of approximately 500 nm and diameters of 20-40 nm. The gamma-Al(2)O(3) nanotubes exhibit a very high mesoporous specific surface area (SSA) of 201.0 m(2) g(-1) and a high mesopore volume of 0.68 cm(3) g(-1) with an average mesopore size of 27.7 nm, as well as a high microporous SSA of 186.0 m(2) g(-1) and a micropore volume of 0.08 cm(3) g(-1) with an average micropore size of 0.53 nm. The formation process was discussed and a possible mechanism was proposed, in which a lamellar phase was first formed by camphorsulfonic anions and Al(III) species, and then rolled up to form the crystalline nanotubes under the hydrothermal condition. The catalytic performance of the obtained gamma- Al(2)O(3) nanotubes was tested by using the dehydration of ethanol to ethylene as a probe reaction and it was shown that the obtained gamma- Al(2)O(3) nanotubes catalyst possesses a higher catalytic activity compared with the gamma- Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lu
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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12
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Chen CY, Chien EJ, Chang FY, Lu CL, Luo JC, Lee SD. Impacts of peripheral obestatin on colonic motility and secretion in conscious fed rats. Peptides 2008; 29:1603-8. [PMID: 18565623 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Revised: 05/03/2008] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Obestatin, a novel putative 23-amino acid peptide, was found to be derived from a mammalian preproghrelin gene by using a bioinformatics approach. Although the effects of obestatin on food intake and upper gut motility remain controversial, no studies have been carried out to explore its influence on lower gut motility and secretion. We investigated the impacts of intravenous (IV) injection of obestatin on rat colonic motor and secretory functions. Colonic transit time, fecal pellet output, and fecal content were measured in freely fed, conscious rats, which were chronically implanted with IV and colonic catheters. To test the validity of this animal model, human/rat corticotropin-releasing factor (h/rCRF) served as a stimulatory inducer of colonic motility and secretion. IV injection of obestatin (45, 100, and 300 nmol/kg) did not affect the colonic transit time, whereas IV injection of h/rCRF (30 nmol/kg) effectively accelerated colonic transit time. IV obestatin, in every dose we tested, also did not modify fecal pellet output, frequency of watery diarrhea, total fecal weight, fecal dried solid weight, or fecal fluid weight in the first hour after injection. On the other hand, IV injection of h/rCRF significantly enhanced fecal pellet output, as well as increased the frequency of watery diarrhea, total fecal weight, fecal dried solid weight, and fecal fluid weight during the first hour after injection compared with IV saline controls. In conclusion, peripheral obestatin administration has no impact on colonic motility and secretion in conscious fed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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13
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Lu CL, Chang CP, Huang YC, Lu JM, Hwang CC, Lin MF. Low-energy electronic properties of the AB-stacked few-layer graphites. J Phys Condens Matter 2006; 18:5849-5859. [PMID: 21690801 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/18/26/005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In the presence of a perpendicular electric field, the low-energy electronic properties of the AB-stacked N-layer graphites with layer number N = 2, 3, and 4, respectively, are examined through the tight-binding model. The interlayer interactions, the number of layers, and the field strength are closely related to them. The interlayer interactions can significantly change the energy dispersions and produce new band-edge states. Bi-layer and four-layer graphites are two-dimensional semimetals due to a tiny overlap between the valence and conduction bands, while tri-layer graphite is a narrow-gap semiconductor. The electric field affects the low-energy electronic properties: the production of oscillating bands, the cause of subband (anti)crossing, the change in subband spacing, and the increase in band-edge states. Most importantly, the aforementioned effects are revealed completely in the density of states, e.g. the generation of special structures, the shift in peak position, the change in peak height, and the alteration of the band gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lu
- Department of Physics, National Cheng Kung University, 701 Tainan, Taiwan
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14
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Fuh AYG, Liao CC, Hsu KC, Lu CL. Laser-induced reorientation effect and ripple structure in dye-doped liquid-crystal films. Opt Lett 2003; 28:1179-1181. [PMID: 12885013 DOI: 10.1364/ol.28.001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The effects of light-induced reorientation on a homeotropical dye-doped liquid crystal (DDLC) cell are discussed. The photoexcited azo dye Methyl Red (MR) is diffused and adsorbed onto the substrate, thus forming a ripple structure. The adsorbed dye and the laser-induced ripple structure then reorient the liquid-crystal molecules and induce a holographic grating. Initially, the liquid-crystal directors are reoriented primarily by the adsorbed dye. However, given a sufficiently large ripple groove amplitude, the torque imposed by the ripple grooves overcomes that which is due to the adsorbed dyes, and the liquid crystals are realigned along the groove direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Y G Fuh
- Department of Physics and Institute of Electro-Optics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701 Taiwan.
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15
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Fuh AY, Liao CC, Hsu KC, Lu CL, Tsai CY. Dynamic studies of holographic gratings in dye-doped liquid-crystal films. Opt Lett 2001; 26:1767-1769. [PMID: 18059692 DOI: 10.1364/ol.26.001767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic behavior of a holographic grating induced in a homeotropically aligned dye-doped liquid-crystal film is investigated. In the presence of an applied dc voltage, photoexcited azo dyes induce a photorefractive grating and then diffuse and are adsorbed onto cell substrates. The reorientation of liquid crystals as a result of adsorbed dyes leads to a phase grating that is phase shifted 90 degrees from the photorefractive grating. Competition of these two gratings induces two-beam coupling of the writing beams, initially transferring energy from beam 1 to beam 2 and then, after a pause, from beam 2 to beam 1.
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17
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Abstract
The role of central oxytocin in inhibitory action of lithium on the development of morphine dependence was behavioral investigated in rats. Acute lithium could enhance the morphine-induced analgesia in rats with or without chronic morphine treatment; this effect could be inhibited by intraventricular injection of oxytocin antagonist d (CH(2))(5)-Tyr (Me)-[Orn(8)]-Vasotocin (OVT). Lithium could attenuate naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs in morphine dependent rats. The reduction of the expression of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs by lithium was reversed by ICV of OVT. The lithium significantly inhibited the conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by morphine, which inhibitory action of lithium could also reverse by ICV injection of OVT. These results suggested that lithium might inhibit the physical dependence on morphine as well as psychological dependence in rats, and that this inhibitory effect of lithium on the development of morphine dependence might be associated with oxytocin systems in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z D You
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiang Yin Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Chang FY, Lu CL, Chen CY, Lee SD, Tsai DS, Fu SE. Applied potential tomography in liquid gastric emptying measurement: design, assembling, calibration, and clinical application. Dig Dis Sci 2001; 46:1839-45. [PMID: 11575434 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010614526685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to validate the accuracy of a homemade applied potential tomography (APT) apparatus for liquid gastric emptying (GE). Twelve electrodes were placed in a circular array around the subjects. Ten electrodes in a rotated order recorded electrical current delivered from a driving pair of electrodes. Based on tomography, averaged signals of changed resistivity were constructed to display area changes. Six beakers were respectively placed into a saline-filled Perspex tank to measure their cross-sections. True beaker cross-sections are 2.01, 15.9, 18.8, 30.19, 38.48, and 63.61 cm2, respectively, whereas APT generated cross-sections were 7.9 +/- 2.9, 16.7 +/- 3.3, 22.4 +/- 4.9, 28 +/- 4.8, 48.7 +/- 7.6, 67 +/- 6.1 cm2, respectively (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). Twenty-four healthy males ingested 500-ml test solution to assess GE using both APT and scintigraphy. Only 20 (83.3%) subjects had a successful measurement. The APT half emptying time was 15.6 +/- 4.8 min, whereas scintigraphy was 21.9 +/- 6.3 min (r = 0.67, P < 0.01). In conclusion, our APT apparatus is a simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive way to assess liquid GE. Its clinical usefulness is confirmed using both phantom and human models.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Y Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Abstract
Using a homemade electrogastrography (EGG) system, we studied the characteristics of myoelectrical rhythm in gastric cancer (GC) patients. Based on a short-term Fourier transform, recorded slow waves could be automatically analyzed to obtain the following parameters: dominant frequency/power, percent of normal rhythm (2.4-3.7 cpm), power ratio, etc. Fifty histologically confirmed GC patients (34 men, 16 women) were enrolled before surgical intervention to measure their fasting and postprandial EGG parameters for 30 min. The cancerous parameters of GC patients were then obtained postoperatively. In addition, 46 healthy subjects were enrolled for comparison. When compared to controls, GC patients had the following characteristics: absence of postprandial increase in dominant frequency (GC: 3.04 +/- 0.47 vs 3.07 +/- 0.44 cpm, NS; controls: 3.02 +/- 0.31 vs 3.21 +/- 0.25 cpm, P < 0.001), marked power response after meal (P < 0.05), and obvious power ratio (4.58 +/- 7.38 vs 2.27 +/- 2.05, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that advanced GC was the factor responsible for the obvious dominant power enhancement after meal (P < 0.05). Other demographic, clinical, and cancerous factors did not influence EGG parameters. We conclude that apparent arrhythmia is not encountered in GC patients, although they mainly exhibit obvious postprandial power response. Advanced GC is likely responsible for this power enhancement on EGG recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Y Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taiwan
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Chen ZY, Chai YF, Cao L, Lu CL, He C. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor enhances axonal regeneration following sciatic nerve transection in adult rats. Brain Res 2001; 902:272-6. [PMID: 11384621 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(01)02395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Adult rat sciatic nerve was transected and sutured with an entubulation technique. The nerve interstump gap was filled with either collagen gel (COL) or collagen gel mixed with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (COL/GDNF). Four weeks after nerve transection, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labelled spinal cord motoneurons and the myelinated distal stump axons were quantified. Compared with the COL group, the percentages of labeled spinal somas and axon number were significantly increased after topically applied glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The functional recovery of the transected nerve was improved in COL/GDNF group. GAP-43 expression was also significantly higher in COL/GDNF group 1 and 2 weeks after sciatic nerve axotomy vs. COL group. These data provide strong evidence that GDNF could promote axonal regeneration in adult rats, suggesting the potential use of GDNF in therapeutic approaches to peripheral nerve injury and neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, the Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Chen CY, Lu CL, Chang FY, Lee SD. Duodenal lesions following severe acute pancreatitis: review of 10 years' clinical experience. Hepatogastroenterology 2001; 48:869-71. [PMID: 11462944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Acute pancreatitis may result in many local and contiguous organ complications; though the pancreas is in close proximity to the duodenum anatomically, acute pancreatitis causing duodenal lesions is rarely encountered. Our aim is to retrospectively evaluate the clinical features of the duodenal lesions in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. METHODOLOGY During the past 10 years, 1,637 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis were admitted to Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Total parenteral nutrition was employed in 251 patients with acute pancreatitis, defined as 'severe acute pancreatitis'. They had all received computed tomography during the hospitalization period, and the computed tomography reports were reviewed to find patients with duodenal involvement induced from pancreatitis. We defined those patients having duodenal wall thickening, extrinsic compression of the duodenum, or other obstructive lesions seen on the computed tomography scan as evident duodenal lesion or duodenal involvement. RESULTS Nine cases of evident duodenal lesions following severe acute pancreatitis have been documented over a 10-year period in 1 teaching medical center. The lesions were found by image study or during operation. The most frequently involved site was the second portion of the duodenum. Clinically, 1 unique case developed severe duodenal obstruction requiring surgical correction, and 7 cases recovered after supportive therapy. Of the 9, only 1 case died of multiple organ failure. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the colonic lesions caused by acute pancreatitis with a high morbidity and mortality, total parenteral nutrition yields a good prognosis in patients with evident duodenal lesions following severe acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Deng XH, Shi J, Luo SQ, He C, Wang CH, Lu CL. [Trophic effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor on denervated skeletal muscle]. Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi 2001; 17:148-152. [PMID: 21171403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM The trophic effect of CNTF on skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction reduced by denervation was investigated in SD rats. METHODS SD rats transected sciatic nerve in right side hind limbs were injected CNTF subcutaneously for 20 days. Skeletal muscle wet weights, protein contents, muscle fiber cross-sectional areas, contract properties and degree of hind limb abnormalities were observed in the rats. RESULTS (1) Administrating of CNTF (0.2 mg/kg) in sciatic nerve transected SD rats attenuated denervation-induced skeletal muscle fiber atrophy evidently, resulted in gastrocnemius in injury side an obvious increase in contract function, prevented the loss of weights and protein in denervated skeletal muscle, and ameliorated abnormalities in sciatic nerve cut limbs remarkably. (2) The myotrophic effect of 0.2 mg/kg CNTF is more effective than 0.05 mg/kg. (3) The sensitivity to CNTF varied in muscles of different type; slow twitch muscle (soleus muscle) reacted to CNTF stronger and quicker than twitch muscle (extensor digitorum longus). CONCLUSION CNTF significantly attenuates denervation-reduced skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction in SD rats, act an evident myotrophic effect on denervated skeletal muscle. And this effect may be exerted in a dosage dependent manner and varies with muscle type.
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Affiliation(s)
- X H Deng
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Li JH, You ZD, Song CY, Lu CL, He C. The expression of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ channels GIRK1 and GIRK2 mRNAs in the supraoptic nucleus of the rat and possible role involved. Neuroreport 2001; 12:1007-10. [PMID: 11303735 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200104170-00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The expression of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K channels subunits GIRK1 and GIRK2 mRNAs in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) was investigated in the rat by in situ hybridization with non-radioactive dig-labeled cRNA probes. Double-labeled methods were used to study the co-localization of GIRK1 and 2 and oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) in the SON. The present study revealed wide and intense expression of GIRK1 and GIRK2 mRNAs with high overlapping in the SON, indicating the heterologous channel of GIRK1/GIRK2 was a major functional channel in the SON. Given that 100% of OT-positive and 95% of (AVP)-positive neurons in the SON expressed GIRK1/GIRK2 mRNAs, it is possible that GIRK1/GIRK2 channel, activated through G-protein coupled receptors, may be involved in the inhibitory regulation of the release of OT and AVP from the SON.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
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Abstract
Herein, we report on an adult with intussusception of an invaginated Meckel's diverticulum presenting mainly with acute intermittent lower gastrointestinal bleeding, whereas the common symptom of abdominal pain, indicating intussusception, was absent. Colonoscopy revealed a reducible polypoid lesion in the ileocecal area. Computed tomography led to suspicion of an intussusception. Surgical resection revealed a Meckel's diverticulum containing an aberrant pancreas. The unique clinical symptoms and the methods of diagnosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lu
- Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei and National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
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Fuh AY, Liao CC, Tsai CY, Lu CL, Hsieh DM. Fast optical recording in dye-doped polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal films. Opt Lett 2001; 26:447-449. [PMID: 18040349 DOI: 10.1364/ol.26.000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We describe a fast optical recording material based on a dye-doped polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal film. A holographic grating is written in this film with a single Q -switched Nd:YAG laser pulse that has a duration of ~6 ns . Such a grating is due to the reorientation effect of the liquid-crystal molecules through interaction with the photoinduced adsorption of the doped azo dyes. Experimental results indicate that the grating thus formed is permanent but electrically switchable.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a surgery-based (SB) versus nonsurgery-based (NSB) training background of residents on the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the emergency department (ED). The medical records of 641 adult patients who had undergone an appendectomy during a 3-year period (July 1996 to June 1999) were reviewed. All the patients were divided into NSB-in charge (n = 367) and SB-in charge (n = 274) groups, and demographic and clinical data recorded. Both groups' patients showed no differences in either negative appendectomy or perforation rates. However, NSB group patients had longer in-hospital delays in comparison with SB group patients (12.0 +/- 0.7 versus 9.6 +/- 0.4 hours, P <.05). This longer stay time mainly occurred in the patients with negative exploration and uncomplicated appendicitis P <.05). In both groups, patients with complicated appendicitis had longer prehospital delay of presentation than those with uncomplicated appendicitis. (2.0 +/- 0.2 versus 1.2 +/- 0.1 days in NSB group; 2.5 +/- 0.5 versus 1.3 +/- 0.2 days in SB group, P <.01). The NSB residents tended to order more computed tomography (CT) scans than SB residents (12% versus 5.1%, P <.05). With the application of a CT scan, the negative appendectomy rate was reduced significantly from 23% to 12%. We concluded that under the supervision of board-certified emergency physicians, the NSB residents had capabilities similar to SB residents in making correct diagnoses of acute appendicitis. In addition, close observation of equivocal cases in the ED did not necessarily increase the perforation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Liu
- Division of Internal Medicine, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Hwang SJ, Luo JC, Chu CW, Lai CR, Lu CL, Tsay SH, Wu JC, Chang FY, Lee SD. Hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection: prevalence and clinical correlation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001; 16:190-5. [PMID: 11207900 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2001.02407.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatic steatosis is a histological characteristic in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C, and to look for possible correlation with various histopathological changes and to look for possible correlation with various clinical and pathologic variables. METHODS One hundred and six patients were enrolled, and patients with alcoholism or diabetes mellitus were excluded. Clinical, biochemical and virologic data, including HCV genotype and serum HCV-RNA titer and histological findings, were compared between patients with and without hepatic steatosis. RESULTS Fifty-five (52%) of the 106 patients with chronic hepatitis C had hepatic steatosis. Patients with hepatic steatosis had significantly higher mean serum levels of triglyceride and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, higher body mass index, and a higher incidence of obesity compared with patients without hepatic steatosis. No significant differences in serum HCV-RNA titer and HCV genotype or the response to interferon therapy were noted between the two groups. Histological analysis showed patients with hepatic steatosis had a significantly higher mean fibrotic score than patients without hepatic steatosis (1.9 +/- 1.2 vs 1.3 +/- 1.0; P = 0.016). There were no significant differences in the severity of necroinflammation, the presence of lymphoid aggregation/follicle or bile duct damage between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors associated with hepatic steatosis were obesity or a histology fibrotic score of > or = 2. CONCLUSION It was found that 52% of Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C had hepatic steatosis. Patients with hepatic steatosis were more frequently obese and had more severe hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hwang
- Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Abstract
Using a homemade electrogastrography (EGG) system, we studied the characteristics of the myoelectrical rhythm in Chinese patients with nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD). Based on short-term Fourier transformation, recorded slow waves could be automatically analyzed to obtain the following parameters: dominant frequency/power, percent of normal frequency (2-4 cpm), power ratio, etc. EGG parameters, Helicobacter pylori status, histological examination of gastric mucosa, and dyspeptic symptoms were recorded in 27 NUD patients. Compared to 32 healthy controls, the Chinese NUD patients had abnormal postprandial EGG parameters including a lower percentage of regular 2-4 cpm slow waves (70.10 +/- 2.97% vs 79.08 +/- 2.95%, P < 0.05), a lower level of increment of dominant power (0.62, +/- 0.91 vs 3.76 +/- 0.58 dB, P < 0.05), lower power ratio (1.42 +/- 0.28 vs 2.79 +/- 0.39, P < 0.05) and a higher instability coefficient (0.36 +/- 0.03 vs 0.26 +/- 0.03, P < 0.05). However, Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated gastritis did not influence any EGG parameters in NUD patients. Six main dyspeptic symptoms and total symptom score had no correlation with any EGG parameters. In conclusion, Chinese NUD patients may have abnormal postprandial stomach myoelectrical activity, but these EGG abnormalities are not a direct result of Helicobacter pylori infection and its related gastritis and do not contribution to the dyspeptic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lu
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
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29
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Abstract
We present a case of multiple myeloma (MM) complicated by recurrent amyloidosis-induced gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient presented with episodes of coffee-ground vomitus or massive hematochezia. No bleeding focus could be identified using endoscopy, a red blood cell scan, or angiography. Finally, a tissue biopsy taken at the irregular mucosa beside protruding vessels in the duodenum confirmed the diagnosis of gastrointestinal amyloidosis. As this case illustrates, the absence of systemic symptoms of amyloidosis and nonspecific endoscopic findings in gastrointestinal amyloidosis may make diagnosis difficult. Therefore, we recommend that a diagnosis of amyloidosis-induced gastrointestinal bleeding should be considered in patients with MM with an obscure hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Chang
- Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan
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30
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Sun XJ, Wang XQ, Wang CH, Lu CL. [Effect of dynorphin A1-13 on C6 glioma cells swelling induced by glutamate]. Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi 2001; 17:76-78. [PMID: 21171450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM AND METHOD To explore the cell mechanism of brain edema and the effect of dynorphin A1-13 on swelling of C6 glioma cells. Water content of cell are studied by using 3-O-methyl-D-glucose. RESULTS (1) Glutamate (0.5, 1.0, 10.0 mmol/L) increased the water content of C6 glioma at an hour. (2) Dynorphin A1-13 could significantly decrease the increasing in water content of C6 glioma cells induced by glutamate. (3) nor-BNI, a antagonist, could inhibit the effect of dynorphin A1-13 on water content of swelling C6 glioma cells. CONCLUSION Glutamate could induce the swelling of C6 glioma cells. Dynorphin A1-13 could reduce C6 glioma cells swelling induced by glutamate via kappa opioid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- X J Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433
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31
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Abstract
The location of stem cells within the adult CNS makes them impractical for surgical removal and autologous transplantation. Their limited availability and histocompatibility issues further restrict their use. In contrast, olfactory neuroepithelium (ONe) located in the nasal passageways has a continuous regenerative capability and can be biopsied readily. To investigate the potential of human ONe to provide viable populations of pluripotent cells, ONe was harvested from cadavers 6-18 h postmortem, dissociated, plated and fed every 3-4 days. Heterogeneous populations of neurons, glia, and epithelia were identified with lineage-specific markers. After several weeks, 5-10% of the cultures produced a population of rapidly dividing cells, which in turn, produced neurospheres containing at least two subpopulations based on neuronal and glial specific antigens. Most contained one or more neuronal markers; a few were positive for A2B5 and/or GFAP. To determine if growth modulators would affect the neurosphere forming cells, they were exposed to dibutyryl-cAMP. The nucleotide reduced cell division and increased process formation. Although the cells had been passaged more than 70 times, their viability remained constant as shown by the MTT viability index. Donor age or sex were not limiting factors, because neurospheres have been established from cadavers of both sexes from 50 to 95 years old at time of death. The ex vivo expansion of these cells will provide a patient-specific population of cells for immunological, genetic and pharmacological evaluation. Our long-term goal is to determine the utility of these cells to facilitate CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Roisen
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, 500 S. Preston St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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32
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Dou Y, Yan J, Wu YY, Cui RY, Lu CL. [Calcium dependent synaptic plasticity]. Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan 2001; 32:35-8. [PMID: 12545775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent work shows that the intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons play crucial signaling roles in short- and long-term synaptic plasticity. Residual [Ca2+]i followed conditioning stimulation may cause short-term synaptic enhancement. Presynaptic [Ca2+]i could influence the replacing of presynaptic depressed vesicles, as well as encode the precise relative timing of presynaptic input and postsynaptic activity and generate long-term synaptic modification of opposite polarity(LTP or LTD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Dou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao 266021
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33
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Chang FY, Lu CL, Chen CY, Lee SD, Young ST, Wu HC, Kuo TS. Real-time display of the stomach slow wave and its parameters in a newly designed electrogastrographic system. J Gastroenterol 2001; 36:10-7. [PMID: 11211205 DOI: 10.1007/s005350170148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We designed a new three-channel electrogastrographic (EGG) system, which was easily operated on the Windows 95 platform and could automatically provide slow wave parameters. The purpose of the present study was to test its reliability and accuracy in clinical recording. The system included a signal acquisition device assembled on a printed circuit board. Recorded myoelectrical signals were filtered, amplified, digitized, and transmitted via this device into a notebook personal computer (PC). Based on the short-term Fourier transform the software could transfer the time domain of the signal into the frequency domain. Real-time displayed slow wave parameters, including dominant frequency/power, percent of normal frequency (2-4 cpm), instability coefficient in frequency/power, and power ratio, were automatically renewed every 64s. Twenty healthy subjects (M/F, 12/8; age, 23-51 years) were enrolled to measure both fast and postprandial myoelectrical activities for each 30-min recording. Our results indicated that meal ingestion significantly increased dominant frequency (3.15+/-0.20 vs 3.23+/-0.23 cpm; P < 0.05) and power (26.1+/-3.8 vs 28.4+/-3.9 dB; P < 0.05). The power ratio of the meal effect was 2.02+/-2.07. Other parameters, including instability coefficient and percent of normal frequency, remained similar despite food ingestion. This newly designed EGG system is acceptable for clinically measuring gastric myoelectrical activity; the real-time display of many EGG parameters is an advantage with this new system.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Y Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
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Singleton DW, Lu CL, Colella R, Roisen FJ. Promotion of neurite outgrowth by protein kinase inhibitors and ganglioside GM1 in neuroblastoma cells involves MAP kinase ERK1/2. Int J Dev Neurosci 2000; 18:797-805. [PMID: 11154849 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-5748(00)00047-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate mechanisms of neurite outgrowth, murine Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells were exposed to ganglioside GM1 in the presence or absence of specific protein kinase inhibitors. Isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89), an inhibitor of cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase A (PKA), and bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM), which inhibits protein kinase C, each stimulated neurite outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner in the absence of exogenous GM1. Minimally effective (threshold) concentrations of H-89 or BIM potentiated outgrowth when they were used in combination with GM1. To search for a shared component in the mechanisms of GM1, H-89 and BIM, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was examined. Inhibition of the activation of extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK1/2) by U0126, prevented neuritogenesis of Neuro-2a by all the three agents. Pretreatment of serum-depleted Neuro-2a cultures with GM1 or BIM enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation when the serum level was restored to 10%. In contrast, H-89 did not alter the serum-mediated response. In cells exposed to GM1 or BIM without additional serum, a transitory decrease in ERK phosphorylation occurred. These data suggest that GM1 influences two neuritogenic pathways, one modulated by PKC and the other regulated by PKA. Therefore, GM1 may have the potential to stimulate alternate pathways resulting in outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Singleton
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40292, USA
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35
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Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) acts through the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway. However, the rapid action of CNTF cannot readily be explained by reference to this pathway. Using the fluorophore, Fura 2-AM, and fluorescence imaging, the effect of CNTF on glutamate-induced increases in hippocampal intraneuronal free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was investigated. Glutamate induces a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i. Incubation of hippocampal neurons with CNTF for 5 min inhibited the glutamate-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. In the absence of glutamate, CNTF had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Pertussis toxin (PTX), a G-protein antagonist, partially blocked the effect of CNTF. This suggests that CNTF may act via an alternative signal transduction pathway besides the generic JAK/STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yan
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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36
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver cirrhotic patients sometimes have disturbed gastric emptying (GE). Apparently there is no study addressing the issue of whether patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have similarly impaired GE. Using impedance tomography to measure liquid GE, we attempted to assess the characteristics of GE in HCC patients. METHODS We enrolled 34 healthy controls and 45 HCC patients in the current study, and compared their GE according to certain defined criteria. After each subject drank 500 ml of water, 12 electrodes were placed in a circular array around the subject's upper abdomen. One pair of electrodes was applied with electrical current, and the remaining 10 electrodes recorded signals consecutively in a rotating order. Based on tomographic calculation, serial changes in the averaged signals of altered resistivities were constructed to display liquid GE. Meanwhile, the demographic and clinical data, various blood parameters, and gut peptide levels of the patients were recorded. RESULTS The half-emptying times in controls and HCC patients were 15.14 +/- 1.56 and 21.38 +/- 1.84 min, respectively (p < 0.05), whereas the areas under the emptying curve were 1732.2 +/- 106.4 and 2246.6 +/- 109.8 arbitrary units, respectively (p < 0.05). Delayed GE was observed in the HCC patients, as demonstrated by vomiting and anorexia. The cirrhotic component in HCC patients only resulted in a shorter period needed for full distention of the stomach after drinking (4.33 +/- 1.02 vs 8.78 +/- 2.1 min; p < 0.05). Other characteristics, including demographics, clinical state, tumor size, ascites, blood parameters, and gut peptides, had no influence on GE. CONCLUSIONS Liquid GE is inhibited in HCC patients, particularly in those mainly showing symptoms of vomiting and anorexia. Other demographic and tumor characteristics are not responsible for delayed liquid GE; however, the cirrhotic component may promote stomach distention.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Chen
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan
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37
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Abstract
Stomach and small bowel both influence gastrointestinal motility. We studied which portion of the stomach was essential for the regulation of gastrointestinal movement and determined the role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in this regulation. The study subjects consisted of 45 controls, 46 patients after subtotal gastrectomy, and 13 patients after total gastrectomy for stomach cancer. Orocecal transit time was measured, using the hydrogen breath test, to represent gastrointestinal movement, while plasma vasoactive intestinal polypeptide level was simultaneously assessed. The orocecal transit times in the study groups were (means +/- SD) 91.1 +/- 45.0, 57.1 +/- 34.3, and 60.8 +/- 34.8 min, respectively (P < 0.01). In the subtotal gastrectomy patients, age showed a negative correlation with orocecal transit time (r = -0.388; P < 0.01). In the total gastrectomy patients, no particular demographic factor influenced orocecal transit. Plasma vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels in the three groups were 20.7 +/- 10.8, 22.7 +/- 10.9, and 20.6 +/- 9.1 pg/ml, respectively (NS). We conclude that both types of gastrectomies enhanced gastrointestinal movement, showing a similar effect, and that the distal stomach plus pylorus are most likely to exert an important inhibitory mechanism in the regulation of this movement. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is not a major peptide mediating this regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Y Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
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38
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Dong Y, Tang TS, Lu CL, He C, Dong JB, Huang XY, Sun FZ, Bao X. [Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide ameliorates the damage and inhibits the increase of intracellular calcium concentration in cultured hippocampal neurons induced by glutamate]. Sheng Li Xue Bao 2000; 52:402-6. [PMID: 11941395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurons cultured from 7 to 9 d in vitro were used to observe the effect of glutamate. Treatment of glutamate for 24 h greatly decreased neuronal survival and pretreatment with pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) significantly attenuated hippocampal neuron death induced by glutamate. Moreover, glutamate dose-dependently increased the intracellular calcium concentration in cultured hippocampal neurons, while PACAP inhibited the increase of intracellular calcium concentration induced by glutamate. PACAP 6-38, a specific PACAP type I receptor antagonist, completely inhibited the amelioration of glutamate induced death and the decrease of intracellular calcium concentration induced by PACAP in cultured hippocampal neurons. The data suggest that PACAP has a neuroprotective effect on the hippocampal neuronal damage induced by glutamate, which is related to an inhibition of glutamate-induced increase of intracellular calcium concentration and mediated by PACAP type I receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Dong
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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39
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Abstract
The changes of oxytocin content and mRNA expression in some nuclei were investigated in morphine-dependent rats using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and in situ hybridization (ISH). After chronic administration of morphine, the oxytocin content in supraoptic nucleus (SON) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) decreased, and increased in the ventral tegment area (VTA) and locus coeruleus (LC), but did not change in other nuclei including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), lateral septum (SEPTUM), raphe magnus nucleus (NRM) and periaquaductal gray (PAG). In morphine-L dependent rats, naloxone increased the levels of oxytocin in SON and PVN, but decreased that in LC. ISH first showed that chronic morphine treatment inhibited the oxytocin synthesis in SON but not in PVN. The present study demonstrates that chronic morphine treatment alters the brain oxytocin system, suggesting that oxytocin might contribute to the behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z D You
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
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40
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Chen ZY, Huang AJ, Bao X, Lu CL. [Effects of GDNF on primary culture of spinal cord neurons]. Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao 2000; 33:237-44. [PMID: 12549042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The effect of GDNF on long-term cultured spinal cord neurons was studied. GDNF could promote spinal cord neurons survival after 7 d or 14 d culture by MTT assay. The effect of GDNF on growth cones, neuron soma magnitude, neurite length and spines formulation of spinal cord neurons in cell culture was observed by phase microscopy, Nissl stain and NSE immunocytochemistry stain. The results indicated that GDNF had significant trophic effects on long-term cultured spinal cord neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433
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41
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disturbed gastrointestinal (GI) motility probably exists in alcoholic cirrhotic patients; however, the influence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on GI motility remains unknown. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the impact of chronic HBV infection on human GI transit, and to explore the possible patient factors modulating GI motility. METHODS We used a non-invasive hydrogen breath test measuring the oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) to assess the GI motility in 45 asymptomatic HBV carriers, 26 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 23 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis, and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Their clinical symptoms and various blood parameters, such as platelet count, prothrombin time, etc. were recorded. Plasma substance P, nitrate/nitrite and endothelin-1 levels were also measured. RESULTS The OCTTs in controls, HBV carriers, chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis patients were (mean +/- SEM) 78.4 +/- 5.8, 80.9 +/- 4.2, 93.9 +/- 8.8 and 106.5 +/- 12.4 min, respectively. The OCTT was delayed in patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis compared to that of controls (P=0.039). Among the cirrhotic patients, presentation with ascites delayed OCTT (145.7 +/- 27.2 versus 91.3 +/- 11.9 min, P=0.039). Neither Child- Pugh grade, portal hypertension, various blood parameters, plasma substance P, nitrate/nitrite or endothelin-1 levels had any influence on OCTT. CONCLUSIONS HBV infection alone does not alter GI motility, whereas the patients with liver cirrhosis may have delayed GI motility. Ascites is most likely a factor responsible for the delayed GI transit among chronic HBV-infected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Chen
- Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan
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Chen ZY, Huang AJ, He C, Lu CL, Wu XF. [Expression of human GDNF in methyltrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and silkworm larvae]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2000; 16:561-5. [PMID: 11191757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The cDNA encoding glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was cloned into the Pichia expression vector pPIC9K and then transformed into his4 mutant yeast GS115 by electroporation. Multicopy transformants were screened by various G418 concentrations and induced by methanol. The human GDNF gene was cloned into the baculovirus transfer vector pBacPAK8. The recombinant transfer vector pBacPAK-GDNF was coinfected with linear Bm-BacPAK6 DNA into BmN cells. The recombinant virus was screened and plaque-purified. The silkworm larvae were infected with the recombinant virus and collected 5 days later. SDS-PAGE and Western blot confirmed that GDNF was expressed in Pichia culture medium and silkworm larvae hemolymph. The GDNF protein expressed in Pichia and silkworm larvae could significantly promote the survival and neurite outgrowth of dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433
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Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) is not only an immunoregulatory factor, but is also an analgesic molecule. The analgesic effect of IFNalpha was mediated by mu opioid receptor. After the 129th Tyr residue of human IFNalpha was mutated to Ser, the antiviral activity almost disappeared, but there still remained a strong analgesic activity that could be blocked by naloxone. These results indicate that there exist distinct domains in the IFNalpha molecule, which mediate immune and analgesic effects respectively, and suggest that there are different receptor mechanisms inducing immune and analgesic effects of IFNalpha. However, although the antiviral activity of IFNalpha decreased to 34.1% of wild type IFNalpha after the 122nd Tyr residue was changed to Ser, the analgesic activity of this mutant was lost completely. There were significant cross reactivities between INFalpha and anti-opioid sera. These studies show strong structural and functional similarities between INFalpha and opioid peptides, and inferred that the analgesic domain locates around the 122nd Tyr residue of IFNalpha molecule in tertiary structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y X Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, PR China
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Chen ZY, Cao L, Lu CL, He C, Bao X. [Protective effect of exogenous glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor on neurons after sciatic nerve injury in rats]. Sheng Li Xue Bao 2000; 52:295-300. [PMID: 11951110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of exogenous glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on spinal cord neurons after sciatic nerve axotomy. Upon silicone tubulization of transected sciatic nerve in the adult rat, either 0.9% saline or GDNF solution was injected into the silicone chamber. It was observed by Nissl and enzyme histochemistry staining that exogenous GDNF decreased lesion induced motor neuron death in lateral nucleus of spinal anterior horn and the changes in activity of cholinesterase and acid phosphatase in spinal cord and sensory ganglions. These results suggest that exogenous GDNF is capable of protecting motor neurons from death induced by peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Lu CL, Chen CY, Chang FY, Chang SS, Kang LJ, Lu RH, Lee SD. Effect of a calcium channel blocker and antispasmodic in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2000; 15:925-30. [PMID: 11022835 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a colonic function disorder. Both pinaverlum bromide (a selective calcium channel blocker) and mebeverine (an antispasmodic) are reported to be effective in the long-term (12-16 weeks) treatment of IBS patients. Their efficacy in the short-term treatment of IBS patients and colonic transit time is unclear. Furthermore, substance P and neuropeptide Y have either excitatory or inhibitory effects on colonic motility. Whether the efficacy of both drugs is mediated through these neuropeptides remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS A clinical trial was conducted with 91 patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS. After basal measurement of the total colonic transit time, IBS patients were randomized to receive either pinaverlum bromide (50 mg, t.i.d.) or mebeverine (100 mg, t.i.d.) for 2 weeks. The symptomatic scores regarding defaecation, total colonic transit time and serum levels of substance P and neuropeptide Y were measured before and after treatments. The daily defaecation frequency was markedly decreased after treatment (pinaverlum bromide, 2.9+/-1.2 vs 2.0+/-1.0, P< 0.05; mebeverine, 2.7+/-1.1 vs 2.1+/-1.0, P< 0.05). The stool consistency became well formed after both treatments (P< 0.05). Both drugs similarly improved the global well-being in these IBS patients (pinaverlum bromide vs mebeverine 73.4 vs 71.8%, P> 0.05). The total colonic transit time was significantly prolonged only after pinaverlum bromide treatment (21.4+/-15.5 vs 30.8+/-14.8 h, P< 0.01). Neither substance P nor neuropeptide Y serum level was significantly changed after either treatments. CONCLUSION Pinaverlum bromide and mebeverine have similar therapeutic efficacies on diarrhoea-predominant IBS patients. Prolonged colonic transit time may be one of the factors responsible for the efficacy of pinaverlum bromide on the IBS patients. Substance P and neuropeptideY appear less important in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea-predominant IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lu
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
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Chen ZY, Sun JX, Li JH, He C, Lu CL, Wu XF. Preparation of recombinant human GDNF by baculovirus expression system and analysis of its biological activities. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 273:902-6. [PMID: 10891345 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.3046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been expressed at high levels and produced in large quantities in baculovirus-infected Trichoplusia ni cells (Tn-5B1-4). The glycosylated protein was purified using immunoaffinity chromatography and gel filtration. Pure, recombinant human GDNF promoted the survival and morphological differentiation of embryonic dopaminergic neurons and enhanced axonal regeneration after sciatic nerve transection. Because recombinant bioactive human GDNF can be obtained in large quantities, and purified to near homogeneity, they are suitable for evaluation in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
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Hwang SJ, Luo JC, Lai CR, Chu CW, Tsay SH, Lu CL, Wu JC, Chang FY, Lee SD. Clinical, virologic and pathologic significance of elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei) 2000; 63:527-35. [PMID: 10934805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is often seen in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and is associated with a poor response to interferon treatment. The pathogenesis of these phenomena is unclear. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of elevated serum GGT in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C and evaluated the clinical, biochemical, virologic and histologic features of this phenomenon. METHODS One hundred and twelve patients with biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis C were enrolled. Patients who were habitual alcohol drinkers, alcoholics or had diabetes mellitus were excluded. RESULTS Forty-three (38.4%) of 112 patients had elevated serum GGT (> 60 U/l). Patients with elevated serum GGT had significantly higher serum levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin, significantly higher histologic scores of liver lobular necro-inflammation and fibrosis when compared to patients with normal serum GGT. Elevated serum GGT was not correlated to serum HCV RNA titer or HCV genotype. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a histologic fibrotic score > or = 2 was the only significantly independent predictor associated with elevated serum GGT. Fifty-seven of 112 patients completed a six-month course of interferon treatment. Patients with elevated serum GGT had a significantly lower sustained response rate to interferon when compared to patients with normal serum GGT (8% vs 30%, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Elevated serum GGT in chronic hepatitis C patients was frequently associated with more severe hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis and may, in part, account for poor response to interferon therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hwang
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC
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Wang YX, Jiang CL, Song LX, Lu CL, Shao XY, You ZD, Huang AJ, Chui RY, Liu XY. [Distinct structural bases of the immunoregulatory and central analgesic effects of IFNalpha]. Sheng Li Xue Bao 2000; 52:203-6. [PMID: 11956564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFNalpha), a cytokine, is also an analgesic molecule. There is significant cross reactivity between IFNalpha and anti-opioid sera, suggesting a strong antigenic relatedness between human IFNalpha molecules and opioid peptides. Different structural basis of the immunoactivity and analgesic effect of IFNalpha can be demonstrated by different reactivities of the two reactions towards different mutants of IFNalpha obtained by using the site-directed mutagenesis. When the 129th Tyr residue of human IFNalpha was mutated to Ser, the immunoactivity of the mutant almost disappeared, while the strong analgesic activity still persisted, which could be blocked by naloxone. These results indicate that there exist distinct domains in the IFNalpha molecule, which mediate immune and analgesic effects differentially, and that the receptor mechanism underlying immune and analgesic effects of IFNalpha may be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y X Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Jiang CL, You ZD, Lu CL, Xu D, Wang AJ, Wang YX, Liu XY. Leu-enkephalin induced by IL-2 administration mediates analgesic effect of IL-2. Neuroreport 2000; 11:1483-5. [PMID: 10841362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was found to have an analgesic effect in both central and peripheral nervous systems. This effect is related to opioid receptors and mediated mainly by IL-2 directly binding to opioid receptors. Using radioimmunoassay, the content of Leu-enkephalin (LEK) in some nuclei were measured at intervals after the injection of IL-2 into the lateral ventricle of rats. Levels of LEK increased in both paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and locus ceruleus (LOC) after IL-2 administration, suggesting that the analgesic effect of IL-2 is also related to the change of LEK in PVN and LOC induced by IL-2 administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Caffeine is known to produce various effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Few studies have, however, investigated the effects of caffeine on gastrointestinal myoelectric activity under physiologic conditions. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of caffeine on colonic motility (spike activity) and gastric and jejunal slow waves in conscious dogs. METHODS The study was performed in eight healthy female hound dogs (15-20 kg) in which one pair of electrodes was implanted on the serosa of the stomach, one pair on the proximal jejunum, and another pair on the ascending colon. The protocol consisted of a 60-min recording as base line and a 90-min recording after intravenous injection of saline, a low dose of caffeine (125 mg), or a high dose of caffeine (250 mg). RESULTS In the colon there was a significant increase in the number of spike bursts per minute after the injection of both the low (6.69+/-1.27 versus 8.22+/-1.31, P < 0.05) and the high dose (4.38+/-1.23 versus 6.92+/-0.98, P < 0.05) of caffeine. The increase in the total energy of spikes per minute after the injection of the high dose of caffeine was significantly higher than that after the low dose of caffeine (41.2+/-14.6 versus 133.4+/-39.2, P < 0.05). The characteristics of the gastric and jejunal slow waves were, however, not affected by caffeine. CONCLUSION Caffeine increases spike activity in the colon, and its effect may be dose-dependent. Gastric and jejunal slow waves are not affected by caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Abo
- Dept. of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0764, USA
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