Developing inhibitory peptides against SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected approximately 800 million people since the start of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because of the high rate of mutagenesis in SARS-CoV-2, it is difficult to develop a sustainable approach for prevention and treatment. The Envelope (E) protein is highly conserved among human coronaviruses. Previous studies reported that SARS-CoV-1 E deficiency reduced viral propagation, suggesting that E inhibition might be an effective therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report inhibitory peptides against SARS-CoV-2 E protein named iPep-SARS2-E. Leveraging E-induced alterations in proton homeostasis and NFAT/AP-1 pathway in mammalian cells, we developed screening platforms to design and optimize the peptides that bind and inhibit E protein. Using Vero-E6 cells, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived branching lung organoid and mouse models with SARS-CoV-2, we found that iPep-SARS2-E significantly inhibits virus egress and reduces viral cytotoxicity and propagation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the peptide can be customizable for E protein of other human coronaviruses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The results indicate that E protein can be a potential therapeutic target for human coronaviruses.

A magneto-microfluidic platform for fluorescence immunosensing using quantum dot nanoparticles

This study reports the online fluorescent detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) biomarker proteins in microfluidic channels using functional nanoparticles. Functional magnetic nanoparticles labeled with two antibodies were predeposited on separated microfluidic channels. Antigens were passed through each microfluidic channel to react with the respective antibodies. Two types of fluorescent nanoparticles labeled with antibodies were then used to detect and confirm antigens in the immunocomplex. Results indicate that online fluorescent detection of proteins can provide advantages for real-time monitoring and diagnostic applications. The running time was less than 20 min for each trial. The detection limits of CEA and AFP were found to be 0.6 and 0.2 pg ml^-1. These detection limits are lower than those of ELISA. The linear ranges of CEA and AFP detection were from 1.8 pg ml^-1 to 1.8 ng ml^-1 and from 0.68 pg ml^-1 to 0.68 ng ml^-1 for two deposition zones in a magnetic sandwich immunoassay. The linear ranges of this method are wider than those of ELISA and those of most other methods. The measurements of CEA and AFP in serum samples from this method differed from ELISA results by 11% and 9.4%, respectively. The detection limit of online detection has achieved the same range as those of previous offline detection. This method has a good potential for automation and multichannel analysis to increase the throughput with some modifications in the future. The proposed method can provide simple, fast, and sensitive online detection for biomarkers.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene are associated with growth-related traits in farmed Atlantic salmon

Understanding the genetic basis of variation in traits related to growth and fillet quality in Atlantic salmon is of importance to the aquaculture industry. Several growth-related QTL have been identified via the application of genetic markers. The IGF1 gene is considered a highly conserved and crucial growth-regulating gene in salmonid species. However, the association between polymorphisms in the IGF1 gene and growth-related traits in Atlantic salmon is unknown. Therefore, in this study, regions of the Atlantic salmon IGF1 gene were sequenced, aligned and compared across individuals. Three SNPs were identified in the putative promoter (SNP1, g.5763G>T; GenBank no. AGKD01012745), intron 1 (SNP2, g.7292C>T; GenBank no. AGKD01012745) and intron 3 (SNP3, g.4671A>C; GenBank no. AGKD01133398) regions respectively. These SNPs were genotyped in a population of 4800 commercial Atlantic salmon with data on several weight and fillet traits measured at harvest (at approximately 3 years of age). In a mixed model, association analysis of individual SNPs, SNP1 and SNP3 were both significantly associated with several weight traits (P < 0.05). The estimated additive effect on overall harvest weight was approximately 35 and 110 g for SNPs 1 and 3 respectively. A haplotype analysis confirmed the association between genetic variation in the IGF1 gene with overall body weight (P < 0.05) and fillet component traits (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest the identified nucleotide polymorphisms of the IGF1 gene may either affect farmed Atlantic salmon growth directly or be in population-wide linkage disequilibrium with causal variation, highlighting their possible utility as candidates for marker-assisted selection in the aquaculture industry.

Prognostic value of oxygen consumption and ventilatory equivalent slope in female candidates referred for heart transplantation--experience of a single Asian center

BACKGROUND

Ventilatory equivalent (ventilation/CO2 production, VE/VCO2) slope has been suggested to be a much more accurate predicator than peak oxygen consumption (VO2) during exercise for prognosis in patients with heart failure. However, patients tested were predominately male.

METHODS

To investigate whether peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope predict the prognosis of female patients with heart failure, we retrospectively collected data of 39 female candidates referred for heart transplantation (HTx) from 2004 to 2011. Both peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope were obtained from the results of an exercise pulmonary function test. The outcome was death or mechanical devices implantation or HTx. Logistic regression was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Mean age and heart failure survival score were 55.8 ± 13.7 years and 7.3 ± 0.7, respectively. Each increment of VE/VCO2 slope decreased 2-year event-free rate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79 to 0.98) in the female group. The predictions of VE/VCO2 slope for 1-year event-free survival did not reach statistical significance (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.00). On the other hand, peak VO2 was not a strong predictor for 1- and 2-year event-free survival (OR = 1.22 and 1.16, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.55 and 0.94 to 1.44, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Impairment in exercise ventilation holds a clinical and long-term prognostic impact in female patients with heart failure. The role of peak VO2 during exercise in prognostic prediction among the cohort should be further investigated.

Pneumonia caused by Aeromonas species in Taiwan, 2004-2011

We investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with pneumonia caused by Aeromonas species. Patients with pneumonia caused by Aeromonas species during the period 2004 to 2011 were identified from a computerized database of a regional hospital in southern Taiwan. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 84 patients with pneumonia due to Aeromonas species, possible Aeromonas pneumonia was diagnosed in 58 patients, probable Aeromonas pneumonia was diagnosed in 18 patients, and pneumonia due to Aeromonas was conclusively diagnosed in 8 patients. Most of the cases of Aeromonas pneumonia developed in men and in patients of advanced age. A. hydrophila (n = 50, 59.5 %) was the most common pathogen, followed by A. caviae (n = 24, 28.6 %), A. veronii biovar sobria (n = 7, 8.3 %), and A. veronii biovar veronii (n = 3, 3.6 %). Cancer (n = 37, 44.0 %) was the most common underlying disease, followed by diabetes mellitus (n = 27, 32.1 %). Drowning-associated pneumonia developed in 6 (7.1 %) patients. Of 47 patients who were admitted to the intensive care ward, 42 patients developed acute respiratory failure and 24 of those patients died. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was significantly associated with liver cirrhosis, cancer, initial presentation of shock, and usage of mechanical ventilation. In conclusion, Aeromonas species should be considered as one of the causative pathogens of severe pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised patients, and should be recognized as a cause of drowning-associated pneumonia. Cirrhosis, cancer, and shock as the initial presenting symptom are associated with poor outcome.

Determination of voxel phantom for reference Taiwanese adult from CT image analyses

The International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 103 recommended that ionising radiation doses should be assessed based on voxel phantoms. An anthropomorphic voxel phantom for the Reference Taiwanese Adult was built from analyses of computed tomography (CT) images. Thirty representative adult individuals were selected from normal patients in the hospital, with body mass index between 19.6 and 25.6 for males and 18.8 and 27.0 for females and body height between 163 and 175 cm for males and 152 and 162 cm for females. The Reference Taiwanese Adult was determined from these individuals by analysing their CT images for parameters characterising the size, position and orientation of several organs. Analysed parameters included the volume, surface area, major and minor axes, mean chord length, position relative to the body centre, and orientation with respect to the body axis, for liver, spleen, kidney, stomach, gallbladder and bladder. The person with the highest score was designated the Reference Taiwanese Adult.

Detection of C-Reactive Protein Based on Immunoassay Using Antibody-Conjugated Magnetic Nanoparticles

We report a detection method for C-reactive protein (CRP) based on competitive immunoassay using magnetic nanoparticles under magnetic fields. Functional magnetic nanoparticles were prepared and conjugated with anti-CRP for immunoassay. Magnetic nanoparticles labeled with anti-CRP were flowed through a separation channel to form depositions for selective capture of CRP under magnetic fields. Free CRP and a fixed number of CRP-labeled particles were used to compete for a limited number of anti-CRP binding sites on the magnetic nanoparticles. The deposited percentages of CRP-labeled particles at various concentrations of free CRP were determined and used as a reference plot. The determination of CRP in the unknown sample was deduced from the reference plot using the deposited percentages. The running time was less than 10 min. The CRP concentration of serum sample was linearly over the range of 1.2-310 microg/mL for deposited percentages of CRP-labeled particles. The detection limit of this method was 0.12 microg/mL which was approximately 8-fold lower than the typical clinical cutoff concentration (1 microug/mL). This method can provide a fast, simple, and sensitive way for protein detection based on competitive immunoassay using magnetic nanoparticles under magnetic fields.

Survey of computed tomography scanners in Taiwan: Dose descriptors, dose guidance levels, and effective doses

The IAEA and the ICRP recommended dose guidance levels for the most frequent computed tomography (CT) examinations to promote strategies for the optimization of radiation dose to CT patients. A national survey, including on-site measurements and questionnaires, was conducted in Taiwan in order to establish dose guidance levels and evaluate effective doses for CT. The beam quality and output and the phantom doses were measured for nine representative CT scanners. Questionnaire forms were completed by respondents from facilities of 146 CT scanners out of 285 total scanners. Information on patient, procedure, scanner, and technique for the head and body examinations was provided. The weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDI(w)), the dose length product (DLP), organ doses and effective dose were calculated using measured data, questionnaire information and Monte Carlo simulation results. A cost-effective analysis was applied to derive the dose guidance levels on CTDI(w) and DLP for several CT examinations. The mean effective dose +/- standard deviation distributes from 1.6 +/- 0.9 mSv for the routine head examination to 13 +/- 11 mSv for the examination of liver, spleen, and pancreas. The surveyed results and the dose guidance levels were provided to the national authorities to develop quality control standards and protocols for CT examinations.

Separation method based on affinity reaction between magnetic and nonmagnetic particles for the analysis of particles and biomolecules

A separation method is reported for particle and biochemical analysis based on affinity interactions between particle surfaces under magnetic field. In this method, magnetic particles with immunoglobulin G (IgG) or streptavidin on the surface are flowed through a separation channel to form a deposition matrix for selectively capturing nonmagnetic analytes with protein A or biotin on the surface due to specific antigen (Ag)--antibody (Ab) interactions. This separation method was demonstrated using model reactions of IgG--protein A and streptavidin-biotin on particle surface. The features of this new separation method are (1) the deposited Ag-Ab complex can be examined and further analyzed under the microscope, (2) a kinetic study of complex binding is possible, and (3) the predeposited matrix can be formed selectively and changed easily. The detection limits were about 10(-11) g. The running time was less than 10 min. The selectivities of studied particles were 94% higher than those of label-controlled particles. This method extends the applications of analytical magnetapheresis to nonmagnetic particles. Preliminary study shows that this separation method has a great potential to provide a simple, fast, and selective analysis for particles, blood cells, and immunoassay related applications.

Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled with Liquid Chromatography for Determination of -Carotene in Food

Beta-carotene in vegetables and nutritional products is analyzed using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with liquid chromatography (LC) to improve the speed of analysis and to reduce the consumption of organic solvents. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of this analytical method for beta-carotene determinations in vegetables and nutritional products are approximately 10% and 5%, respectively. The amount of beta-carotene was found to vary from 0.35 +/- 0.05 ppm to 76.5 +/- 6.9 ppm for several vegetables in Taiwan. This method was linear over the range of 0.4-40 ppm with correlation coefficients higher than 0.997. The experimentally determined level of beta-carotene in nutritional products varied from 3.8 +/- 0.2 ppm to 24.6 +/- 1.1 ppm following SPME-LC. The recoveries of beta-carotene for these measurements following SPME were all higher than 97% +/- 2% (n = 3). The detection limits of beta-carotene for this method were from 0.027 to 0.054 ppm. Conventional solvent extractions take approximately 4-6 h for extraction and reconcentration but SPME takes approximately 1 h. From several tens to hundreds of milliliters, organic solvents can be saved using SPME. SPME provides better analyses on beta-carotene than conventional solvent extraction for nutritional products in terms of speed, precision, simplicity, and solvent consumption.

New method of blood typing using analytical magnetapheresis

We report a new method of blood typing based on the agglutination of red blood cell (RBC) with serum-treated magnetic particles in analytical magnetapheresis. Blood typing of ABO was demonstrated. The agglutination patterns of RBCs are different for different blood types and can be used to determine the ABO blood typing in analytical magnetapheresis. Six samples can be tested in each run. The running time was less than 10 min. Magnetic particles were prepared in the laboratory. The amount of RBCs needed for the agglutination test was about 1.0 microl of adult blood. The blood typing of ABO was used to illustrate the capable applications of analytical magnetapheresis to nonmagnetic samples like cells without magnetic labels. Analytical magnetapheresis has a great potential for cell related analysis.

Impurity analysis of 1,4-dioxane in nonionic surfactants and cosmetics using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

1,4-Dioxane impurity in nonionic surfactants and cosmetics were analyzed using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Experimental results show that there is no significant difference using SPME-GC and SPME-GC-MS for analysis of 1,4-dioxane in three types of nonionic surfactants at the 95% confidence level. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) values of each analytical method were smaller than 3%. The amount of 1,4-dioxane was found to vary from 11.6 +/- 0.3 ppm to 73.5 +/- 0.5 ppm in 30% of nonionic surfactants from manufacturers in Taiwan. These methods were linear over the studied range of 3-150 ppm with correlation coefficients higher than 0.995. The recoveries of 1,4-dioxane for these nonionic surfactants following SPME were all higher than 96 +/- 1% (n = 3). The detection limits of 1,4-dioxane for these nonionic surfactants following SPME were from 0.06 ppm to 0.51 ppm. The experimentally determined level of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics from manufacturers in Taiwan varied from 4.2 +/- 0.1 ppm to 41.1 +/- 0.6 ppm in 22% of daily used cosmetics following SPME coupled with GC and GC-MS. Conventional solvent extraction takes around 1 h for extraction and reconcentration but SPME takes only around 10 min. SPME provides better analyses of 1,4-dioxane in nonionic surfactants and cosmetics than conventional solvent extraction and head space pretreatments in term of simplicity, speed, precision, detection limit, and solvent consumption.

Electrocardiographic abnormalities as predictors for over-range lithium levels

BACKGROUND

Lithium compounds have been widely used in the treatment of manic-depressive illness. Several electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, including ventricular arrhythmias, atrioventricular conduction abnormalities, T wave changes and QT interval prolongation, have been reported to be associated with lithium. However, the correlation between serum lithium levels and ECG changes has never been characterized in a systematic way.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 76 patients undergoing lithium treatment with available records of lithium levels. Eleven patients (4 men) had serum lithium levels >1.2 mEq/l and were diagnosed as lithium over range. Clinical characteristics and various ECG changes were analyzed in patients with and without lithium over range.

RESULTS

Patients with lithium over range had a slower heart rate and longer PR, QT and corrected QT (QTc) intervals. QTc interval >440 ms was more commonly found in patients with lithium over range (55 vs. 8%, p < 0.001). Similarly, diffuse T wave inversion was more commonly associated with lithium over range (73 vs. 17%, p < 0.001). The daily dosage of lithium was similar between patients with and without over-range lithium levels. When these two ECG changes were combined, the sensitivity and specificity in predicting lithium over range were 64 and 97%, respectively. These findings were independent of the concomitant use of beta-blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

QTc interval >440 ms and diffuse T wave inversion were significantly more common in patients with lithium over range, and were good predictors of lithium over range. More liberal checkup of the ECG in patients undergoing lithium treatment may be of help in the early detection of lithium over range.

Determination of magnetic susceptibility of various ion-labeled red blood cells by means of analytical magnetapheresis

Analytical magnetapheresis is a newly developed technique for separating magnetically susceptible particles. The magnetically susceptible particles are deposited on a bottom plate after flowing through a thin (< 0.05 cm) separation channel under a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the flow. Particles with various magnetic susceptibilities can be selectively deposited and separated by adjusting the applying magnetic force and flow rates. Magnetic susceptibility is an important parameter for magnetic separation. Magnetic susceptibility determination of various ion-labeled red blood cells (RBCs) using analytical magnetapheresis with a simple theoretical treatment is reported in this study. Susceptibility determination is based on the balance between maximal channel flow rate and magnetically induced flow rate for deposition. We tried a new approach to determine particle magnetic susceptibilities using a balance of magnetic and drag forces to control magnetically induced particle velocities. The Er3+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions were used to label RBC at various labeling concentrations for susceptibility determination. The susceptibilities determined for various ion-labeled RBC under two magnetic field intensities fell within a 10% range. The average viabilities of various ion-labeled RBCs were 96.1 +/- 0.8%. The susceptibility determination generally took less than 10 min. Determined susceptibilities from analytical magnetapheresis differed by 10% from reference measurements using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. The cost and time for analysis is much less using analytical magnetapheresis. This technique can provide a simple, fast, and economical way for particle susceptibility determinations.

Dose reconstruction for residents living in buildings with moderate and minor 60Co contamination in rebar

Previously, we have reconstructed cohort dependent individual doses for residents living in rebar buildings of high 60Co contamination. These reconstructions were carried out using intensively collected TLD data on exposure rates at locations of 1 m height and 1 m x 1 m intersections. The present work deals with dose reconstructions for residents living in rebar buildings of moderate and minor 60Co contamination. Since only limited data on exposure rates from survey meters were available, dose reconstructions were based on these data using interpolations. To utilize such data, we examined them with respect to all factors that influenced the dose uncertainties. The interpolated results were given in terms of contour plots (isodose curves) and compared with corresponding results derived from TLD data and Monte Carlo simulations. The comparison revealed that survey meter data could be used to provide reasonable and conservative estimates of residential doses. By applying the cohort-dependent room occupancy factor and the site-dependent area occupancy factor, we reconstructed cohort dependent individual doses and associated uncertainties. Results of dose reconstructions for all residents living in contaminated rebar buildings were provided to the Atomic Energy Council and health authorities for epidemiologic and medical uses.

Analyses and applications of single scan dose profiles in computed tomography

Comprehensive analyses and measurements of computed tomography (CT) single-scan dose profiles were performed for several scanners and operating conditions. Measurements were made using two types of thermoluminescent dosimeters, LiF:Mg,Cu,P and CaSO4:Dy, and two CT dosimetry phantoms, head and body. Analyses of CT single-scan dose profiles were made in terms of a Gaussian function for primary radiation and a Lorentzian function for scattered radiation. This function was used to investigate several common descriptions of the CT dose, including the computed tomography dose index (CTDI) and the multiple scan average dose. The relative percentage of scatter versus primary radiation to the contribution of CTDI at the central and peripheral locations was determined and analyzed. The correlation between CTDI of thermoluminescent dosimeter measurements and pencil-shaped ionization chamber measurements was determined. A method for estimating organ dose from CT was developed and compared to organ-dose estimates from Monte Carlo simulations.

Effects of veratrine and paeoniflorin on isolated mouse vas deferens

In this study, we attempted to identify the interactions and mechanisms between veratrine and paeoniflorin on isolated mouse vas deferens. Paeoniflorin had no effect on isolated mouse vas deferens. Veratrine (1 x 10(-5) approximately 1 x 10(-3) g/ml) could directly induce contraction of isolated rat and mouse vas deferens. The concentration induced by veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml) was completely inhibited by Ca2+-free solution and verapamil (1 x 10(-5) M), in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens. Naloxone (1 x 10(-5) M) did not alter the contraction induced by veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml) in either the epididymal or the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens. Paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) inhibited the contraction induced by veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml) in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens. Paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) potentiated norepinephrine (1 x 10(-5) M)-induced phasic contraction in the epididymal portion, but decreased contractions in the prostatic portion. Paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) increased KCI (56 mM)-induced phasic contraction in the epididymal portion, but decreased the tonic contraction in either the epididymal or the prostatic portion. Veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml)-induced contractions could be decreased by pretreatment with ryanodine (1 x 10(-5) M) in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions. Pretreatment with the combination of paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) and ryanodine (1 x 10(-5) M) did not potentiate the inhibition of paeoniflorin in the veratrine-induced contraction in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens.

Ellagic acid inhibited 2-aminofluorene and p-aminobenzoic acid acetylation by mononuclear leucocytes from Sprague-Dawley rats

Following exposure of rats to the arylamine carcinogen 2-aminofluorene, DNA-carcinogen adducts were found in the liver and bladder target tissues, and also in circulating leucocytes. This work investigated the effect of ellagic acid on arylamine (2-aminofluorene and p-aminobenzoic acid) acetylations in rat leucocytes. Evidence is presented that rat mononuclear leucocytes are capable of acetylating 2-aminofluorene and p-aminobenzoic acid. Both lymphocytes and monocytes were able to acetylate arylamines during 18 h of culture. Cultured lymphocytes produced about twice as much N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene from 2-aminofluorene and 2.2-fold as much N-acetyl-p-aminobenzoic acid from p-aminobenzoic acid as monocytes. After cotreatment with ellagic acid the lymphocyte and monocyte cultures indicated that ellagic acid reduced 2-aminofluorene acetylation.

Determination of guidance levels of dose for diagnostic radiography in Taiwan

The International Atomic Energy Agency has recommended guidance levels of dose for diagnostic radiography for a typical adult patient. These levels were intended to act as thresholds to trigger investigations or corrective actions in ensuring optimized protection of patients and maintaining appropriate levels of good practice. Since guidance levels should be derived from wide scale surveys of exposure factors performed in individual hospitals, a national survey was conducted recently in Taiwan to collect these factors for the most frequent radiographic procedures. A total of 276 completed questionnaires were received and analyzed. In the questionnaire, respondents were asked to check those projections that were routinely performed in their department and to report machine data, patient data, output measurements, and technical factors including kVp, mAs, focus-to-film distance, table-to-film distance, aluminum filtration, and focal spot size. Based on the survey data, entrance skin exposures in air, i.e., free air exposures at the point of intersection of the x-ray central beam with the entrance surface of the patient, were estimated using the RADCOMP program. Entrance surface doses to air and tissue with backscatter were then evaluated by the application of the exposure-dose conversion factor and the backscatter factor obtained from TLD measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Guidance levels were determined from survey results on the entrance surface dose based on optimization considerations involving the cost-effectiveness analysis. Except for chest PA and LAT and skull LAT procedures, all guidance levels derived in this work are less than those recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Survey data and guidance levels were provided to the national authorities to help them develop quality control and radiation protection programs for medical exposures.

Effects of paeoniflorin on the formalin-induced nociceptive behaviour in mice

In this study, we attempted to identify the mechanisms of paeoniflorin on antinociceptive effects in mice. Paeoniflorin (48, 96, 240, 480 microg, i.c.v.) showed dose-related antinociception both on the early and late phases of formalin test in mice. Moreover, paeoniflorin (48 microg, i.c.v.) could potentiate the antinociception of morphrine (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) in the formalin test. However, the antinociceptive effects of paeoniflorin were not potentiated by L-arginine (600 mg/kg, i.p.) or antagonized by beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA) (10 microg, i.c.v.), ICI-174,864 (1 microg, i.c.v.) and ryanodine (10 ng, i.c.v.) on both the early and late phases of formalin test. L-NAME (75 mg/kg, i.p.) could reverse the effect of paeoniflorin on the late phase of formalin test. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) (1 microg, i.c.v.) could block the paeoniflorin-induced antinociception on the early phase of formalin test. These results suggested that the central antinociceptive effects of paeoniflorin on formalin test in mice were mediated by the activation of kappa-opioid receptor and not related to the increase of intracellular calcium.

Chylus-like urine as a complication of percutaneous hyperalimentation catheter in an infant: report of one case

A very low-birth-weight neonate developed chylus-like urine after receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) via percutaneous central venous catheters (CVC) for 7 weeks. A perirenal fluid collection could be seen under sonography. This kind of complication has not been described in literature. After withdrawing the CVC for 5 cm, the urine cleared up. For patients under prolonged PN via CVC and repeated change dressing of the CVC, close monitoring and regular evaluation of the position of the catheter tip are warranted.

Bilateral ulnar hemimelia in Brachmann-de Lange syndrome: report of one case

Twenty-three cases of Brachmann-de Lange syndrome (BDLS) have been reported in literature here in Taiwan, but none of them had severe upper limb anomalies. We report on a male infant with BDLS who has bilateral ulnar hemimelia.

Immunogenicity and safety of standard-titer AIK-C measles vaccine in nine-month-old infants

Because of the interference by maternal antibody before 1 year of age, the Schwarz strain of measles vaccine, which has been routinely used in Taiwan, must be given at 9 months and 15 months of age to ensure an optimal immune response. The AIK-C strain of measles vaccine has been reported to be highly immunogenic. This study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of the AIK-C vaccine in 9-month-old Taiwanese infants. A total of 135 infants were recruited and were randomly assigned to receive either Schwarz vaccine (68 cases) or AIK-C vaccine (67 cases). Measles antibodies were assayed before and 1 month after the vaccination. Sixty-five (97%) infants who received the AIK-C vaccine seroconverted after the vaccination, whereas the seroconversion rate in those receiving the Schwarz vaccine was 77% (P = 0.001). The incidences of adverse reactions were comparable between the two groups. We conclude that even in 1990s, the failure rate of Schwarz vaccine in 9-month-old infants is still high. The AIK-C vaccine is more immunogenic in infants and its long-term immunogenicity and safety deserve further evaluation.

Bacteremic pneumonia caused by a single clone of Streptococcus pneumoniae with different optochin susceptibilities

Two isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae having different optochin susceptibilities were recovered from a blood sample of a 2-year-old boy with community-acquired pneumonia. The two isolates were documented to belong to a single clone on the basis of the isolates' identical serotype (23F), antibiograms by the E-test, random amplified polymorphic DNA patterns generated by arbitrarily primed PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and restriction fragment length polymorphism of the penicillin-binding protein genes pbp2b and pbp2x.

Immunogenicity of oral poliovirus vaccine in Taiwan

Previous studies have shown that the immune response to trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) varies widely from country to country. However, there has been no report on the immunogenicity of this vaccine in Taiwanese children. In this study, 98 children were followed up for 17 months to study the antibody responses following four doses of trivalent OPV. The results showed that, after two doses of vaccine, all children were protected against poliovirus type 1 and 2. All except two children also developed protective antibodies against poliovirus type 3. After three doses, the antibody levels in all subjects were above protective concentrations. The fourth dose, given at 18 months of age, further boosted the antibody titers. These findings show that the OPV currently used in Taiwan is highly immunogenic in Taiwanese children.

Effects of veratrine and paeoniflorin on the isolated rat aorta

The interactions and mechanisms between veratrine and paeoniflorin on the isolated rat aorta were studied. Veratrine (1x10(-6) to 1x10(-4) g/ml) could induce contraction on the isolated rat aorta in a concentration-related manner. Paeoniflorin had no effect on the isolated rat aorta. Pretreatment with prazosin (1x10(-6) M) and nifedipine (1x10(-6) M) but not yohimbine (1x10(-5) M) could decrease the tension of contraction induced by veratrine (1x10(-4) g/ml). Sodium nitroprusside (1x10(-4) M) could inhibit the contraction induced by veratrine (1x10(-4) g/ml) with or without endothelium, whereas methylene blue (5x10(-5) M) could increase the contraction induced by veratrine (1x10(-4) g/ml). Treatment with veratrine (1x10(-4) g/ml) could decrease the tension of contraction induced by norepinephrine (1x10(-6) M) or phenylephrine (1x10(-4) M). The inhibition of veratrine on norepinephrine-induced contraction was potentiated by L-arginine (1x10(-4) M) and reversed by L-NAME (1x10(-5) M). Paeoniflorin (1x10(-4) M) could decrease the tension of contraction induced by veratrine (1x10(-4) g/ml) and methylene blue (5x10(-5) M). The inhibition of paeoniflorin on veratrine was more potent on rat isolated aorta with endothelium than without endothelium. Ryanodine (1x10(-5) M) and Ca2+ -free medium could inhibit methylene blue-induced contraction. From the above results, the relaxation of veratrine on the norepinephrine-induced contraction might be related to the increase of NO and cGMP. The contraction of veratrine on the isolated rat aorta was via the increase of intracellular calcium which was inhibited by paeoniflorin.

Evaluations of gonad and fetal doses for diagnostic radiology

A national survey of patient doses for diagnostic radiology was planned in the Republic of China. We performed a pilot study for this survey to develop a protocol of the dose assessments. Entrance skin doses and organ (including ovary, testicle and uterus) doses were measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters and calculated by means of Monte Carlo simulations for several diagnostic procedures. We derived a formula and used the RadComp software for the computation of entrance skin doses. This formula involves several factors, such as kVp, mAs, the focus-to-skin-distance and aluminum filtration. RadComp software was applied to obtain free-air entrance exposures which were converted to entrance skin doses by considering the backscattering radiation from the body. Organ doses were measured using a RANDO phantom and calculated using a mathematical phantom for several diagnostic examinations. Genetically significant doses were calculated from ovary and testicle doses for the evaluation of hereditary effects. Embryo/fetal doses were determined from the uterine doses by considering the increase in uterus size with gestational age. We found that the patient doses studied in this work were all below the reference doses recommended by the National Radiological Protection Board of the U.K.

Effects of aspirin on arylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in Klebsiella pneumoniae

This study was designed to assess the effects of aspirin on arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activities in the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae using high performance liquid chromatography to measure the acetylation of 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) with or without aspirin. Cytosols or suspensions of K. pneumoniae with or without specific concentrations of aspirin co-treatment showed different percentages of 2-AF acetylation. The data indicated that there was decreased NAT activity associated with increased levels of aspirin in K. pneumoniae cytosols and in intact bacteria. For the cytosol examination, the apparent values of Km and Vmax decreased 0.59- and 0.58-fold after co-treated with 40 microM aspirin, respectively, for 2-AF. For the intact bacteria examination, the apparent values of Km and Vmax decreased 0.60- and 0.67-fold after co-treated with 40 microM aspirin, respectively, for 2-AF. This report is the first demonstration to show that aspirin can decrease N-acetyltransferase activity in the bacterium K. pneumoniae.

Comparison of once daily cefpodoxime proxetil suspension and thrice daily cefaclor suspension in the treatment of acute otitis media in children

An open-labeled and randomized trial was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of once daily cefpodoxime proxetil suspension (10mg/kg/day) and thrice daily cefaclor (45mg/kg/day) in the treatment of acute otitis media in children. A total of 57 children aged from 6 months to 9 years were enrolled; 23 were treated with cefpodoxime and 34 with cefaclor. Satisfactory clinical outcome, either cure or improvement, was achieved at the end of treatment in 90% of patients in the cefaclor group and 95% of patients in the cefpodoxime group (p > 0.05). Clinical recurrence was identified at the follow-up visits in one case of the cefaclor group (3%), and none in the cefpodoxime group (p > 0.05). These drugs were well tolerated by 14/21 (67%) in the cefpodoxime-treated group and 27/32 (84%) in the cefaclor-treated group. The incidence of adverse events was slightly higher in the cefpodoxime group than in the cefaclor group, however the difference did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The daily cost of once-daily cefpodoxime was lower than that of thrice-daily cefaclor. We conclude that cefpodoxime administered once daily is as effective and safe as cefaclor administered thrice daily in the treatment of acute otitis media in children. The less dosing frequency and lower daily price of cefpodoxime provide additional benefits.

Evaluation of a live attenuated varicella vaccine in 15- to 18-month-old healthy children

A clinical trial was conducted in Taiwan in 15- to 18- month-old healthy children to study the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of live varicella vaccine combined with standard measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. A total of 118 varicella antibody-negative children were enrolled. They received one dose of varicella vaccine and one dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine at the same time. The vaccines were well tolerated; adverse reactions were mild and infrequent, with 2% of vaccines developed skin rash. No vesicular rash was seen. Concomitant varicella vaccination did not significantly increase the incidences of reactions associated with MMR vaccine. The seroconversion rates to varicella, measles, mumps and rubella all approached 100%. This study confirmed that simultaneous administration of live attenuated varicella vaccine and MMR vaccine was safe and immunogenic in healthy young children in Taiwan.

The interactions of paeoniflorin and veratrine on isolated rat atria

In this study, we attempted to identify the interactions and mechanisms between veratrine and paeoniflorin on isolated rat atria. Paeoniflorin alone showed no effect on the rat atria. Veratrine increased the atrial contraction and induced arrhythmia at 1 x 10(-5) g/ml. Veratrine could directly induce contraction and elicit tetanic contraction at 1 x 10(-4) g/ml in the left atria with or without electric stimulation. Paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-6) to 4.8 x 10(-3) g/ml), verapamil (2.2 x 10(-6) g/ml), tetrodotoxin (TTX) (3.2 x 10(-8) g/ml) and quinidine (7.5 x 10(-6) g/ml) inhibited the increase of contraction and delayed the onset of contraction induced by veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml). The inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin combined with verapamil on the contraction induced by veratrine was more potent than that of paeoniflorin or verapamil alone. However, the inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin was not potentiated by TTX or quinidine. From the above results, the contraction evoked by veratrine in the rat atria may be concluded to be caused by the stimulation of Na(+)- and Ca(2+)-ion channels. The inhibition of paeoniflorin on the contraction induced by veratrine may primarily be related to the blockade of Ca2+ channels.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities from roots of Angelica pubescens

In the present study, we extracted Angelica pubescens (AP) with various solvents in order to find the bioactive constituents that demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The results were obtained as follows: (1) Methanol-, chloroform-, and ethyl acetate-extracts effectively reduced the pain that was induced by 1% acetic acid and a hot plate. (2) Methanol-, chloroform-, and ethyl acetate-extracts reduced the edema that was induced by 3% formalin or 1.5% carrageenan. (3) Sixteen compounds have been isolated and identified from the roots of AP. Among these compounds, columbianadin, columbianetin acetate, bergapten, umbelliferone, and caffeic acid significantly demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at 10 mg/kg. However, only osthole and xanthotoxin revealed anti-inflammatory activity. Isoimperatorin only demonstrated an analgesic effect. These results revealed that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic constituents from roots of AP were related to peripheral inhibition of inflammatory substances and to the influence on the central nervous system.

Effects of palmatine on motor activity and the concentration of central monoamines and its metabolites in rats

We used behavioral and biochemical methods to investigate the sedative effect of palmatine on locomotor activity and the concentration of monoamine in rats. It was found that palmatine enhanced the hypomotility induced by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, reserpine and 5-hydroxytryptophan, but reduced the hypermotility produced by L-dopa plus benserazide and p-chlorophenylalanine. Furthermore, palmatine significantly decreased the concentration of dopamine and homovanillic acid in the cortex and the concentration of serotonin in the brain stem, and it increased the concentration of 5-HT in the cortex and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid in the brain stem. These results suggest that the sedative mechanism of palmatine may be related to the decrease in the concentration of catecholamine in the cortex and serotonin in brain stem and the increase in the concentration of 5-HT in the cortex.

Electrochemical detection of oligopeptides through the precolumn formation of biuret complexes

The relatively slow kinetics of formation of the electroactive Cu(II)-peptide complexes from larger (greater than 6 amino acids) peptides requires relatively high temperature and long reaction times for a postcolumn reactor. The precolumn incubation of bradykinin, Tyr8-bradykinin and insulin A chain with biuret reagent for 20 min at 60 degrees C leads to the formation of biuret complexes which can be subjected to chromatography in acidic or basic eluents. These complexes are detected electrochemically with a sensitivity similar to the Cu(II)-(ala)3 complex (1 nC/pmol at 1.0 ml/min). The influence of the column-packing material on the electrochemical detector response of the Cu-peptide complexes has also been studied.

Electrochemical detection of dipeptides and dipeptide amides

A postcolumn reagent is used to create electroactive species from non-electroactive peptides. The reagent, based on the classical biuret reagent, consists of Cu(II), tartrate, bicarbonate and base. The detection is by dual electrode electrochemical detection. N-Acetylated dipeptides are oxidized at pH 12 and low potential. Dipeptides and carboxy terminal dipeptide amides give useful signals at lower pH. The dipeptide amides react with Cu(II) as do the tripeptides to yield the electronic spectrum and electrochemistry of the biuret complex. The complexes formed from the dipeptides are reversibly oxidized at potentials greater than 0.85 V vs. Ag/AgCl, 3 M NaCl. Analytically useful signals are obtained for the dipeptide amides at sensitivities equivalent to the sensitivities for longer peptides, 3-5 nA/microM, while the sensitivities for the dipeptides are about an order of magnitude lower.

[Behcet's disease with ocular involvement in Taiwan: a joint survey of six major ophthalmological departments]

A total of 103 cases with ocular involvement of Behcet's disease, seen over a period of 19 years (1970 to 1988), were collected from the ophthalmological departments of 6 major medical centers in Taiwan. The yearly number of patients who first visited these hospitals from 1979 through 1983 was about 5 cases and about 14 cases from 1984 to 1988. The domiciles of the patients were most commonly (51.5%) in Northern Taiwan. All 103 patients were Chinese, of which 78 (75.7%) were men and 25 (24.3%) were women; the male to female ratio was 3.1. Extraocular symptoms of Behçet's disease, major or minor, and their frequencies among these patients included; oral ulcers, 97.1%, skin lesions, 74.8%; genital ulcers, 61.2%; arthritis, 47.6%; gastrointestinal lesions, 14.6%; epididymitis, 5.8%; central nervous system lesions, 2.9%; vascular lesions, 1.9%; pulmonary lesions, 2.9% and urinary lesions, 4.9%. Fifty-one (49.5%) patients were of the complete type and 52 (50.5%) of the incomplete type. The peak distribution of ages at the onset of the ocular lesions, was from 20 to 40 years. As for visual prognosis, 37.9% of the 198 diseases eyes had a visual acuity of 0.5 or better, 9.1% between 0.5 and 0.1, 25.3% between 0.1 and 0.01 and 27.8% were 0.01 or worse. In 24 (12.1%) eyes, the vision was completely lost. In HLA studies, a significantly increased incidence of HLA-A26 (p less than 0.01) and HLA-B51 (p less than 0.001) was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Distribution of substance P and methionine-enkephalin in salivary glands and effect of chronic morphine treatment on levels of these peptides

Substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) and methionine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity (MELI) were determined in salivary glands from rats by radioimmunoassay. In all salivary glands investigated (submandibular gland, sublingual gland and parotid gland), SPLI and MELI were detected. The amount of both peptides is comparable to or relatively higher than those found in any other peripheral tissue. The level of SPLI showed a tendency to increase following chronic treatment with morphine: the enhancement in the submandibular gland and the sublingual gland was especially remarkable. The level of MELI was decreased, particularly in the submandibular gland.

Further evidence for possible analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture: effects on neuropeptides and serotonergic neurons in rat spinal cord

The possible mechanism of electroacupuncture (EAc) in reference to the effects of neuropeptides on serotonergic neurons in rat spinal cord was studied. The tested drugs were administered by intrathecal injection or spinal push-pull perfusion. The results showed that baclofen, substance P (SP) and naloxone administered intrathecally could reduce the tail pressure pain threshold. The pain threshold was increased by met-enkephalin (EK) and EAc. The action of EAc was antagonized by naloxone. The release of 5-HT in the spinal cord evoked by tail pressure pain stimulation (TP) was inhibited by EK, baclofen and EAc. However, naloxone could potentiate the 5-HT release evoked by TP. EAc reversed the naloxone potentiation of TP-evoked 5-HT release. The 5-HT release evoked by exogenous SP, however, was potentiated by EK and EAc. From these results, it is suggested that the influence of EAc on 5-HT release may be due to activation of enkephalin-interneurons, which presynaptically inhibit the primary sensory neurons in the spinal cord.

The effects of vandellia cordifolia on renal functions and arterial blood pressure

Vandellia cordifolia (COLSM) G. DON of Scrophulariaceae (V. cordifolia) is an annual wild herb indigenous to Taiwan. It can be found in plains, low altitudes, swampy places, and paddy fields. Taiwanese folk physicians use it in "nephritis, uremia, furnucle, carbuncle." The LD50 (95% confidence limit) of the crude extract of V. codifolia given by the oral route was more than 10 g/kg in rats. By the intraperitoneal route, it was 4.6 g/kg (4.35-4.93). The extraction rate was 16.6%. We studied its effects on renal functions and blood pressure and found that (1) it had diuretic effect on normal rats, (2) it decreased glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow on normal kidneys in rabbits, (3) it had no effects on glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow on glycerin-induced insufficient kidneys in rabbits, (4) it had diuretic effects on both normal and glycerin-induced insufficient kidneys in rabbits, (5) it could inhibit Na+ and K+ reabsorption on normal and glycerin-induced insufficient kidneys in rabbits, (6) it had hypertensive effect and this effect could be blocked by phenoxybenzamine. From the above facts, we conclude that V. cordifolia has diuretic effect and it may act on renal tubules to inhibit Na+ and K+ reabsorption.