1
|
Lin GL, Chang HH, Lin WT, Liou YS, Lai YL, Hsieh MH, Chen PK, Liao CY, Tsai CC, Wang TF, Chu SC, Kau JH, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Sun DS. Dachshund Homolog 1: Unveiling Its Potential Role in Megakaryopoiesis and Bacillus anthracis Lethal Toxin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3102. [PMID: 38542074 PMCID: PMC10970148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063102] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lethal toxin (LT) is the critical virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. One common symptom observed in patients with anthrax is thrombocytopenia, which has also been observed in mice injected with LT. Our previous study demonstrated that LT induces thrombocytopenia by suppressing megakaryopoiesis, but the precise molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unknown. In this study, we utilized 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced megakaryocytic differentiation in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells to identify genes involved in LT-induced megakaryocytic suppression. Through cDNA microarray analysis, we identified Dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1) as a gene that was upregulated upon TPA treatment but downregulated in the presence of TPA and LT, purified from the culture supernatants of B. anthracis. To investigate the function of DACH1 in megakaryocytic differentiation, we employed short hairpin RNA technology to knock down DACH1 expression in HEL cells and assessed its effect on differentiation. Our data revealed that the knockdown of DACH1 expression suppressed megakaryocytic differentiation, particularly in polyploidization. We demonstrated that one mechanism by which B. anthracis LT induces suppression of polyploidization in HEL cells is through the cleavage of MEK1/2. This cleavage results in the downregulation of the ERK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing DACH1 gene expression and inhibiting polyploidization. Additionally, we found that known megakaryopoiesis-related genes, such as FOSB, ZFP36L1, RUNX1, FLI1, AHR, and GFI1B genes may be positively regulated by DACH1. Furthermore, we observed an upregulation of DACH1 during in vitro differentiation of CD34-megakaryocytes and downregulation of DACH1 in patients with thrombocytopenia. In summary, our findings shed light on one of the molecular mechanisms behind LT-induced thrombocytopenia and unveil a previously unknown role for DACH1 in megakaryopoiesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Ling Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Wei-Ting Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Yu-Shan Liou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Yi-Ling Lai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Min-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Po-Kong Chen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
| | - Chi-Yuan Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (C.-Y.L.); (C.-C.T.)
| | - Chi-Chih Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (C.-Y.L.); (C.-C.T.)
| | - Tso-Fu Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-F.W.); (S.-C.C.)
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Chao Chu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-F.W.); (S.-C.C.)
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (J.-H.K.); (H.-H.H.); (H.-L.H.)
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (J.-H.K.); (H.-H.H.); (H.-L.H.)
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (J.-H.K.); (H.-H.H.); (H.-L.H.)
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guan WC, Chai RN, Xu C, Wang XZ, Huang HH, Zhao YM, Zou HM. [Analysis on the management of type 2 inflammatory asthma from the guideline of Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention]. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2023; 57:1964-1971. [PMID: 38186143 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112150-20230726-00033] [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: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Bronchial asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease, which is involved in a variety of cells and cellular components. In 2019, the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma issued by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Committee put forward the concept of type 2 inflammatory asthma for the first time. The updated evolution of GINA guidelines has promoted the development of biological agents and disease treatment, providing effective prevention and treatment for patients with severe asthma and improving disease outcome. This paper expounds the disease mechanism and management suggestions of type 2 inflammatory asthma in GINA guidelines, and analyzes the relevant clinical studies on targeted treatment of type 2 inflammatory asthma in recent years, in order to provide reference for in-depth understanding of level 3 prevention and management of patients with type 2 inflammatory asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W C Guan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - R N Chai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - C Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - X Z Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - H H Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Y M Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - H M Zou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shenyang 110016, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shen LJ, Zhuansun SY, Ni BW, Zhang MY, Lu SS, Hua YN, Xiao D, Huang HH, Han XF, Zhong L, Zhong H, Wang T, Hou J. [Effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2022; 102:2861-2867. [PMID: 36153871 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20211224-02889] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Method: From August 2018 to August 2021, 92 patients newly diagnosed with MM who had received either the bortezomib combined with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD) or the bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) induction regimens followed by sequential ASCT were assessed for overall survival (OS) and the MRD negative rate. The differences in efficacy at 100 days after transplantation were assessed according to factors, including age, risk stratification, target organ damage, and pre-transplant regimen, etc. Results: Among the 92 patients, there were 45 males and 47 females, with a median age of 57.3 (35-67) years. Fifty-seven patients received the VCD regimen, and 35 received VRD as induction regimen. Forty-three patients received busulphan combined with cyclophosphamide and etoposide (BCV), and 49 patients received high-dose melphan (HDM) regimen as pre-transplantation treatment. After transplantation, the total complete remission (CR) rate of 92 patients increased from 23.9% (22/92) to 58.7% (54/92), and the MRD negative rate increased from 4.4% (4/92) to 33.7% (31/92), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After transplantation, the MRD negative rates of patients with PR, VGPR and ≥CR before transplantation were 17.6% (6/34), 33.3% (12/36) and 59.1% (13/22), respectively (P=0.006). The CR rates of patients with or without plasmacytoma at initial diagnosis were 36.4% (4/11) and 65.4% (53/81), respectively (P=0.029), and the MRD negative rates were 18.2% (2/11) and 39.5% (32/81), respectively (P=0.037), and the differences were statistically significant. The MRD negative rates in high-risk patients and standard-risk group were 30.5% (12/28) and 42.9% (18/59), respectively (P=0.258). For patients who achieved efficacy above VGPR before transplantation, the MRD negative rates after transplantation in VCD-induced group and VRD group were 29% (9/31) and 59.3% (16/27), respectively (P=0.033), and in BCV group and HDM group were 24% (6/25) and 57.6% (19/33), respectively (P=0.016), the differences between the groups were both statistically significant. Conclusion: ASCT can overcome the adverse factors such as high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, and significantly improve the CR rate and MRD negative rate of MM patients. However, the benefit for patients with plasmacytoma at initial diagnosis is not as good as that of patients without.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L J Shen
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - S Y Zhuansun
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - B W Ni
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - M Y Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - S S Lu
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Y N Hua
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - D Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - H H Huang
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - X F Han
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - L Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - H Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - T Wang
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - J Hou
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang HH, Xu C, Liu L, Chai RN. [Efficacy comparison and safety analysis of subcutaneous specific immunotherapy with standardized house dust mite allergen in patients with single and multiple allergic rhinitis]. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2022; 56:774-783. [PMID: 35785859 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112150-20220120-00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of house dust mite (HDM) allergen subcutaneous specific immunotherapy (SCIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) with single dust mite allergy and multiple allergen allergy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 372 patients with allergic rhinitis induced by house dust mite were diagnosed in the allergy clinic of General Hospital of North Theater Command from January 2013 to January 2018.They were treated with house dust mite allergen preparation for standardized SCIT for 3 years or more, and had complete follow-up data. The age ranged from 5 to 55 years, the median age was 13 years, and the average age was (19.4±14.7) years; 216 males and 156 females. According to their age, they were divided into the older group (age >14 years) and younger group (age ≤ 14 years). According to the number of allergens, they were divided into single group (only HDM group allergic to house dust mites) and multi recombination (including 2 or more allergens including house dust mites). The multi recombination was further divided into HDM+1 group, HDM+2 group, HDM+3 group, HDM+4 and above group. Before treatment (T0), 1 year (T1) and 3 years (T2) after SCIT treatment, the patients in each group established files, analyzed and compared the average total nasal symptoms score (TNSS), total non nasal symptoms score (TNNSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), total medicine score (TMS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), and evaluated the clinical efficacy of the treatment and the comparison of various scores in the efficacy of SCIT with different allergens and ages. Record the occurrence of local and systemic adverse reactions of all patients during treatment, and evaluate the safety of SCIT. All scores are measurement data that do not conform to normal distribution. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskai-Wallis test of independent samples are used for inter group comparison, and Bonferroni correction is used for further pairwise comparison; Chi square test and continuity correction method were used for the comparison between count data groups such as the incidence of adverse reactions and the effective rate of TNSS, and a-division method was used for further pairwise comparison. Results: After SCIT treatment, the scores of TNSS, TNNSS, TMS, VAS and RQLQ in T1 and T2 were significantly lower than those in T0, and the scores in T2 were significantly lower than those in T1 (Z=-11.168, -4.786, -6.639, -13.012, -10.652 in T0 vs T1; Z=-13.527, -8.746, -13.397, -14.477, -11.833 in T0 vs T2; Z=-4.721, -4.607, -10.020, -7.180, -5.721 in T1 vs T2; P<0.05). In T1 and T2, compared with the older group, the scores of TNSS, TNNSS, TMS, VAS and RQLQ in younger group were lower, and the differences of various indexes were statistically significant(the median scores of T1: Myounger=3.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 2.6, Molder=5.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 3.2; the median scores of T2: Myounger=3.0, 1.0, 0, 2.0, 1.3, Molder=4.0, 1.0, 1.5, 3.0, 2.3; ZT1=-4.525, -5.830, -4.061, -3.608, -2.785; ZT2=-3.847, -4.055, -2.820, -2.998, -3.418; P<0.05). In T1 and T2, the scores of TNSS, VAS and RQLQ in a single group after SCIT treatment were lower than those in multiple recombination(the median scores of T1:Msingle=4.0, 4.0, 2.6, Mmultiple=5.0, 5.0, 3.2; the median scores of T2: Msingle=3.0, 2.0, 1.4, Mmultiple=4.0, 3.0, 2.1), and the difference was statistically significant (ZT1=-3.002, -2.092, -1.977; ZT2=-3.354, -2.469, -2.116; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in TMS (the median score during T1 period: Msingle=2.0, Mmultiple=3.0, ZT1=-1.130; the median score during T2 period: Msingle=1.0, Mmultiple=1.0, ZT2=-1.544; P>0.05). Further comparison within the group showed that there was no significant difference in the improvement rate of TNSS during T2 period among HDM group, HDM+1 group, HDM+2 group and HDM+3 group (HDM vs HDM+1 group χ2=0.277, HDM vs HDM+2 group χ2=0.78, HDM vs HDM+3 group χ2=0.075, HDM+1 vs HDM+2 group χ2=0.057, HDM+1 vs HDM+3 group χ2=0.019, HDM+2 vs HDM+3 group χ2=0.003; P>0.005), the improvement rates were 92.5%, 90.3%, 89.1% and 89.5%. Respectively in HDM group,HDM+1 group, HDM+2 group, HDM+3 group, compared with HDM+4 and above group, the difference was statistically significant (χ2=26.144, 13.254, 15.144, 8.808; P<0.005). The improvement rate of TNSS in HDM+4 and above group was 60.9%. 122 patients had local adverse reactions during the treatment of SCIT, accounting for 32.8%. The local adverse reactions were 759 injections (15 336 injections in total), accounting for 4.95%. Most of them were swelling, dizziness, induration and pruritus at the injection site, which could be relieved by oral antihistamines or within 2 hours. There were 2 cases of local urticaria, once for each case. The symptoms were relieved within 1 week after oral antihistamine. No serious systemic adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: Standardized SCIT may be a safe and effective treatment for AR patients, and the type of allergen may be one of the important factors affecting the efficacy of SCIT. The efficacy of SCIT was significant in AR patients with three or less allergens other than house dust mite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Jinzhou Medical University Northern Theater Command General Hospital Postgraduate Training Base, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - C Xu
- Jinzhou Medical University Northern Theater Command General Hospital Postgraduate Training Base, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - L Liu
- Jinzhou Medical University Northern Theater Command General Hospital Postgraduate Training Base, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - R N Chai
- Department of Respiration,General Hospital of North Theater Command, Shenyang 110000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
The objective in this study was to enhance osteogenic responses (in vitro and in vivo) to roughened titanium (Ti) dental implants through the formation of superhydrophilic TiO2 nanonetwork surface structure. Sandblasting and acid etching (SLA) was used to roughen the Ti surface. An electrochemical anodization process was then used to form a superhydrophilic TiO2 nanonetwork on the SLA Ti surfaces. The pore size of the nanonetwork structure ranged from a few nanometers to more than 100 nm, which is on the same scale as many biological species. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were used as an in vitro test model. The TiO2 nanonetwork structure was shown to have a significantly positive effect on hydrophilicity, protein adsorption, cell adhesion, cell migration, cell mineralization, and the gene and protein expression of osteogenic markers. The osseointegration of an anodized SLA screw-type Ti dental implant was investigated in vivo via implantation in the femur of New Zealand white rabbits for durations of 4 or 12 wk. The presence of a superhydrophilic surface TiO2 nanonetwork was shown to significantly enhance the bone-to-implant contact of the roughened SLA screw-type Ti dental implants. Overall, the proposed superhydrophilic TiO2 nanonetwork structure on the roughened SLA Ti surface proved highly effective in enhancing osteogenic responses in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W E Yang
- Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - H H Huang
- Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Oral Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Stomatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu Y, Lu JX, Yan ZZ, Liu YX, Gu WP, Fu XQ, Xu YC, Wu AH, Huang HH, Zong ZY, Jin DZ, Zhao JH, Chen Y, Liu WP, Li WG. [Interpretation of group standard for Clostridioides difficile infection diagnosis]. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2021; 42:64-67. [PMID: 33503698 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20201026-01272] [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: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a key pathogen of antibiotic related diarrhea and hospital associated infection, causing several outbreaks in Europe and North Americans and resulting in severe disease burden. However, the standardized diagnostic principle and detection specifications in C. difficile infection (CDI) survey are limited in China, and the infection rate and disease burden of CDI in China are unclear. Therefore, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention,National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, together with another 11 institutions, draft the group standard entitled "Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (T/CPMA 008-2020)" of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association. Based on the principle of "legality, scientificity, advancement, and feasibility", this standard clarifies risk factors, diagnosis principles, diagnoses and differential diagnoses in order to improve the accuracy of CDI diagnosis in clinical practice, guide the surveillance for CDI, and understand the infection rate and disease burden of CDI in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Wu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chines Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - J X Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chines Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Z Z Yan
- Chinese People' s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Y X Liu
- Chinese People' s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - W P Gu
- Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming 650022, China
| | - X Q Fu
- Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming 650022, China
| | - Y C Xu
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730,China
| | - A H Wu
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - H H Huang
- Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Z Y Zong
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041,China
| | - D Z Jin
- Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - J H Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
| | - Y Chen
- Southern Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - W P Liu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People' s Hospital, Hohhot 010017, China
| | - W G Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Ji'nan 250021, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu C, Jiang ZC, Shao CX, Zhang HG, Yue HM, Chen ZH, Ma BY, Liu WY, Huang HH, Yang J, Wang Y, Liu HY, Xu D, Wang JT, Yang JY, Pan HQ, Zou SQ, Li FJ, Lei JQ, Li X, He Q, Gu Y, Qi XL. [Preliminary study of the relationship between novel coronavirus pneumonia and liver function damage: a multicenter study]. Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi 2020; 28:107-111. [PMID: 32077660 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1007-3418.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia and a preliminary study to explore the relationship between different clinical classification and liver damage. Methods: Consecutively confirmed novel coronavirus infection cases admitted to seven designated hospitals during January 23, 2020 to February 8, 2020 were included. Clinical classification (mild, moderate, severe, and critical) was carried out according to the diagnosis and treatment program of novel coronavirus pneumonia (Trial Fifth Edition) issued by the National Health Commission. The research data were analyzed using SPSS19.0 statistical software. Quantitative data were expressed as median (interquartile range), and qualitative data were expressed as frequency and rate. Results: 32 confirmed cases that met the inclusion criteria were included. 28 cases were of mild or moderate type (87.50%), and four cases (12.50%) of severe or critical type. Four cases (12.5%) were combined with one underlying disease (bronchial asthma, coronary heart disease, malignant tumor, chronic kidney disease), and one case (3.13%) was simultaneously combined with high blood pressure and malignant tumor. The results of laboratory examination showed that the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (ALB), and total bilirubin (TBil) for entire cohort were 26.98 (16.88 ~ 46.09) U/L and 24.75 (18.71 ~ 31.79) U/L, 39.00 (36.20 ~ 44.20) g/L and 16.40 (11.34 ~ 21.15) μmol/L, respectively. ALT, AST, ALB and TBil of the mild or moderate subgroups were 22.75 (16.31 ~ 37.25) U/L, 23.63 (18.71 ~ 26.50) U/L, 39.70 (36.50 ~ 46.10) g/L, and 15.95 (11.34 ~ 20.83) μmol/L, respectively. ALT, AST, ALB and TBil of the severe or critical subgroups were 60.25 (40.88 ~ 68.90) U/L, 37.00 (20.88 ~ 64.45) U/L, 35.75 (28.68 ~ 42.00) g/L, and 20.50 (11.28 ~ 25.00) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this multicenter retrospective study suggests that novel coronavirus pneumonia combined with liver damage is more likely to be caused by adverse drug reactions and systemic inflammation in severe patients receiving medical treatment. Therefore, liver function monitoring and evaluation should be strengthened during the treatment of such patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Liu
- COVID-19 study group, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Z C Jiang
- COVID-19 study group, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang 725000, China
| | - C X Shao
- COVID-19 study group, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, China
| | - H G Zhang
- COVID-19 study group, The Affiliated Third Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212021, China
| | - H M Yue
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Z H Chen
- COVID-19 study group, The People's Hospital of Baoding, Baoding 071000, China
| | - B Y Ma
- COVID-19 study group, The People's Hospital of LinXia Hui Prefecture, Linxia 731100, China
| | - W Y Liu
- COVID-19 study group, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - H H Huang
- COVID-19 study group, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang 725000, China
| | - J Yang
- COVID-19 study group, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Y Wang
- COVID-19 study group, The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110006, China
| | - H Y Liu
- COVID-19 study group, The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110006, China
| | - D Xu
- COVID-19 study group, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - J T Wang
- COVID-19 study group, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - J Y Yang
- COVID-19 study group, The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110006, China
| | - H Q Pan
- COVID-19 study group, The Affiliated Third Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212021, China
| | - S Q Zou
- COVID-19 study group, The Affiliated Third Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212021, China
| | - F J Li
- COVID-19 study group, The People's Hospital of Baoding, Baoding 071000, China
| | - J Q Lei
- COVID-19 study group, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - X Li
- COVID-19 study group, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Q He
- COVID-19 study group, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518100, China
| | - Y Gu
- COVID-19 study group, The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110006, China
| | - X L Qi
- COVID-19 study group, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) show wide ranges of electronic properties ranging from semiconducting, semi-metallic to metallic due to their remarkable structural differences. To obtain 2D TMDs with specific properties, it is extremely important to develop particular strategies to obtain specific phase structures. Phase engineering is a traditional method to achieve transformation from one phase to another controllably. Control of such transformations enables the control of properties and access to a range of properties, otherwise inaccessible. Then extraordinary structural, electronic and optical properties lead to a broad range of potential applications. In this review, we introduce the various electronic properties of 2D TMDs and their polymorphs, and strategies and mechanisms for phase transitions, and phase transition kinetics. Moreover, the potential applications of 2D TMDs in energy storage and conversion, including electro/photocatalysts, batteries/supercapacitors and electronic devices, are also discussed. Finally, opportunities and challenges are highlighted. This review may further promote the development of TMD phase engineering and shed light on other two-dimensional materials of fundamental interest and with potential ranges of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Fan
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - David J Singh
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211-7010, USA and Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - W T Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China. and State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang HH, Liu FB, Ruan Z, Zheng J, Su YJ, Wang J. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ) triggers S-phase arrest and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Neoplasma 2019; 65:367-375. [PMID: 29788725 DOI: 10.4149/neo_2018_170112n26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ) is one of the active compounds extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Chuanxiong. Several studies have shown its anti-cancer properties. However, its functions in lung cancer and the underlying cellular mechanisms are relatively unknown. Our present study aimed to investigate the effects of TMPZ on A549 and 95D cells. The MTT assay showed that TMPZ decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The results of the colony formation assay indicated that TMPZ strongly suppressed colony formation ability in A549 and 95D cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that TMPZ induced S phase arrest in lung cancer cells. In addition, TMPZ induced apoptosis, as shown by the results of propidium iodide/Annexin V double-staining. Furthermore, TMPZ decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, western blot analysis of TMPZ-treated cells revealed the activation of Caspase-3 and the increase of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. These results demonstrated that TMPZ could suppress carcinogenesis of lung cancer cells through blocking cell cycle and inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by regulating Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2, suggesting that TMPZ may be a promising drug to treat lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - F B Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Ruan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - J Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y J Su
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - J Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Zirconia (ZrO2) dental implants provide good biocompatibility, have good corrosion resistance, and have a color that is similar to that of natural teeth. Unfortunately, ZrO2 is a bioinert material and therefore achieves osseointegration difficultly. In this study, we sought to enhance osseointegration by producing rough ZrO2 surfaces that contain hydroxyl groups (designated ZSA) through the use of sandblasting in conjunction with alkaline treatment. We immobilized type I collagen on ZSA surfaces using the natural cross-linker, procyanidin. Our results further showed that surfaces produced in ZSA-P/C featured more and steadier type I collagen than surfaces produced in ZSA-C. The ZSA-P/C also presented superior cell responses in terms of adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The enhanced cell responses in the ZSA-P/C were induced through the prolonged activation of focal adhesion kinase, AKT (the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway), and p38 (the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway). The simple and novel approach to immobilize type I collagen on roughened ZrO2 surfaces presented in this article can likely benefit dental implant applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Hsu
- 1 Department of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y S Sun
- 1 Department of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H H Huang
- 1 Department of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,2 Institute of Oral Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,3 Department of Stomatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,4 Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,5 Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.,6 Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,7 Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang HF, Huang HH, Zhao YJ, Li QR, Qi YZ, Zhou H. [Effects of benzo(a)pyrene on expressions of insulin-degrading enzyme and neprilysin in neuroglia cells]. Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2018; 50:401-407. [PMID: 29930405] [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: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) on expressions of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and neprilysin (NEP) which have the ability to degrade β-amyloid (Aβ) in neuroglia cells. METHODS Primary mix-neuroglia cells were cultured from newborn SD rats. After exposure to BaP, Aβ1-42 oligomer or Aβ1-42 fiber individually or jointly for 24 h, the cell survival rate was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Afterwards, the primary mix-neuroglia cells were divided randomly into six groups: Control group, BaP group (2.00 μmol/L), Aβ1-42 oligomer group (20.00 mg/L), BaP plus Aβ1-42 oligomer group, Aβ1-42 fiber group (20.00 mg/L) and BaP plus Aβ1-42 fiber group, of which BaP was pretreated for 12 h followed by cotreatment with different aggregated Aβ1-42. The expressions of IDE and NEP were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for mRNA level and Western blotting for protein level. RESULTS The cell survival rate showed no significant differences after treatment with BaP (≤20.00 μmol/L), Aβ1-42 oligomer (20.00, 40.00 mg/L), Aβ1-42 fiber (20.00, 40.00 mg/L) or cotreatment with BaP and Aβ1-42 oligomer or BaP and Aβ1-42 fiber. Compared with the control group, expressions of IDE and NEP in BaP-treated alone group had no obvious change; however, exposure to Aβ1-42 oligomer alone significantly increased the mRNA and protein level of IDE (P<0.05), and the BaP pretreatment could significantly inhibit the up-regulated expressions of IDE by Aβ1-42 oligomer (P<0.05); on the other hand, exposure either to Aβ1-42 fiber alone or under the BaP pretreatment did not change the mRNA and protein level of IDE and NEP obviously. CONCLUSION On the premise of no significant change of cell survival rate, BaP pretreatment inhibited the up-regulated expressions of IDE in primary mixed neuroglia cells under cotreatment with Aβ oligomer, indicating that BaP may disturb degradation of Aβ oligomer and cause deposition of β-amyloid and further induce cognitive decline and acceleration of Alzheimer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H F Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - H H Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Y J Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Q R Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Y Z Qi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - H Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gnanapragasam VJ, Bratt O, Muir K, Lee LS, Huang HH, Stattin P, Lophatananon A. The Cambridge Prognostic Groups for improved prediction of disease mortality at diagnosis in primary non-metastatic prostate cancer: a validation study. BMC Med 2018; 16:31. [PMID: 29490658 PMCID: PMC5831573 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to validate a new five-tiered prognostic classification system to better discriminate cancer-specific mortality in men diagnosed with primary non-metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS We applied a recently described five-strata model, the Cambridge Prognostic Groups (CPGs 1-5), in two international cohorts and tested prognostic performance against the current standard three-strata classification of low-, intermediate- or high-risk disease. Diagnostic clinico-pathological data for men obtained from the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden (PCBaSe) and the Singapore Health Study were used. The main outcome measure was prostate cancer mortality (PCM) stratified by age group and treatment modality. RESULTS The PCBaSe cohort included 72,337 men, of whom 7162 died of prostate cancer. The CPG model successfully classified men with different risks of PCM with competing risk regression confirming significant intergroup distinction (p < 0.0001). The CPGs were significantly better at stratified prediction of PCM compared to the current three-tiered system (concordance index (C-index) 0.81 vs. 0.77, p < 0.0001). This superiority was maintained for every age group division (p < 0.0001). Also in the ethnically different Singapore cohort of 2550 men with 142 prostate cancer deaths, the CPG model outperformed the three strata categories (C-index 0.79 vs. 0.76, p < 0.0001). The model also retained superior prognostic discrimination in the treatment sub-groups: radical prostatectomy (n = 20,586), C-index 0.77 vs. 074; radiotherapy (n = 11,872), C-index 0.73 vs. 0.69; and conservative management (n = 14,950), C-index 0.74 vs. 0.73. The CPG groups that sub-divided the old intermediate-risk (CPG2 vs. CPG3) and high-risk categories (CPG4 vs. CPG5) significantly discriminated PCM outcomes after radical therapy or conservative management (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This validation study of nearly 75,000 men confirms that the CPG five-tiered prognostic model has superior discrimination compared to the three-tiered model in predicting prostate cancer death across different age and treatment groups. Crucially, it identifies distinct sub-groups of men within the old intermediate-risk and high-risk criteria who have very different prognostic outcomes. We therefore propose adoption of the CPG model as a simple-to-use but more accurate prognostic stratification tool to help guide management for men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V J Gnanapragasam
- Academic Urology Group, Department of Surgery and Oncology, University of Cambridge, Box 279 (S4), Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK. .,Addenbrookes Hospital, Department of Urology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
| | - O Bratt
- Department of Translational Medicine, Division of Urological Cancers, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - K Muir
- Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - L S Lee
- Department of Urology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - H H Huang
- Department of Urology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - P Stattin
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Urology and Andrology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Lophatananon
- Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun DS, Chang YW, Kau JH, Huang HH, Ho PH, Tzeng YJ, Chang HH. Soluble P-selectin rescues mice from anthrax lethal toxin-induced mortality through PSGL-1 pathway-mediated correction of hemostasis. Virulence 2017; 8:1216-1228. [PMID: 28102766 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1282027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis, lethal toxin (LT) induces various pathogenic responses including the suppression of the coagulation system. In this study, we observed that LT markedly increased the circulating soluble P-selectin (sP-sel) levels and microparticle (MP) count in wild-type but not P-selectin (P-sel, Selp-/-) or P-sel ligand-1 (PSGL-1, Selplg-/-) knockout mice. Because sP-sel induces a hypercoagulable state through PSGL-1 pathway to generate tissue factor-positive MPs, we hypothesized that the increase in plasma sP-sel levels can be a self-rescue response in hosts against the LT-mediated suppression of the coagulation system. In agreement with our hypothesis, our results indicated that compared with wild-type mice, Selp-/- and Selplg-/- mice were more sensitive to LT. In addition, the recombinant sP-sel treatment markedly ameliorated LT-mediated pathogenesis and reduced mortality. As a result, elicitation of circulating sP-sel is potentially a self-rescue response, which is beneficial to host recovery from an LT-induced hypocoagulation state. These results suggest that the administration of sP-sel is likely to be useful in the development of a new strategy to treat anthrax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Der-Shan Sun
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan.,b Center for Vascular Medicine , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Yao-Wen Chang
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- c Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan.,d Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- d Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Ho
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Yin-Jeh Tzeng
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan.,b Center for Vascular Medicine , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chai H, Huang HH, Jiang HK, Liang Y, Xia LY. Protein-protein interaction network construction for cancer using a new L1/2-penalized Net-SVM model. Genet Mol Res 2016; 15:gmr8794. [PMID: 27525863 DOI: 10.4238/gmr.15038794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Identifying biomarker genes and characterizing interaction pathways with high-dimensional and low-sample size microarray data is a major challenge in computational biology. In this field, the construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks using disease-related selected genes has garnered much attention. Support vector machines (SVMs) are commonly used to classify patients, and a number of useful tools such as lasso, elastic net, SCAD, or other regularization methods can be combined with SVM models to select genes that are related to a disease. In the current study, we propose a new Net-SVM model that is different from other SVM models as it is combined with L1/2-norm regularization, which has good performance with high-dimensional and low-sample size microarray data for cancer classification, gene selection, and PPI network construction. Both simulation studies and real data experiments demonstrated that our proposed method outperformed other regularization methods such as lasso, SCAD, and elastic net. In conclusion, our model may help to select fewer but more relevant genes, and can be used to construct simple and informative PPI networks that are highly relevant to cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines & Faculty of Information Technology, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - H H Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines & Faculty of Information Technology, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - H K Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines & Faculty of Information Technology, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Y Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines & Faculty of Information Technology, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - L Y Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines & Faculty of Information Technology, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang J, Huang HH, Liu FB. ZNF185 inhibits growth and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells through inhibition of the akt/gsk3β pathway. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2016; 30:683-691. [PMID: 27655485] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Zinc finger (ZNF) proteins, a diverse family of proteins, have multiple biological functions in cancer. Increased expression of ZNF185 has been involved in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. However, the function and underlying mechanisms of ZNF185 in the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) remain unclear. The protein expression of ZNF185 was examined in human LAC tissues by immunohistochemical assay. After lentiviral vector-mediated ZNF185 overexpression was infected into the LAC cell lines (A549 and LETPα-2), cell growth and invasive potential were respectively evaluated by MTT and Transwell assays. We found that the protein expression of ZNF185 was significantly downregulated in LAC tissues compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) (37.10% vs 58.06%, P=0.015), and was negatively correlated with the lymph node metastasis of the LAC patients (P=0.005). Furthermore, overexpression of ZNF185 reduced cell proliferation and invasion in LAC cells, followed by the downregulation of p-AKT, p-GSK3β, VEGF and MMP-9 expression. Taken together, our findings indicate that the decreased expression of ZNF185 is linked to the tumor metastasis in human LAC patients, and ZNF185 overexpression inhibits the growth and invasion of LAC cells through inhibition of the AKT/GSK3β signaling, suggesting that ZNF185 may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of LAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - H H Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - F B Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Huang HH, Fan X, Hu CQ, Singh DJ, Jiang Q, Zheng WT. Transformation of electronic properties and structural phase transition from HfN to Hf3N4. J Phys Condens Matter 2015; 27:225501. [PMID: 25985389 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/27/22/225501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We report investigation of the structural phase transition and electronic properties of Hf(1-x)N (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.25) using first principles calculations. The defective NaCl-type structure with Hf vacancies (V(Hf)) is found to be stable over a large phase region. Hf3N4 with the Zr3N4-type structure is only stable in relative small region and readily destabilized when the stoichiometric ratio of N to Hf deviates from 4/3. The electronic and optic properties of Hf(1-x)N are controlled by the concentration of V(Hf). The full depletion of excess free electrons from Hf atoms results in the structural phase transition of Hf3N4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sun DS, Lee PC, Kau JH, Shih YL, Huang HH, Li CR, Lee CC, Wu YP, Chen KC, Chang HH. Acquired coagulant factor VIII deficiency induced by Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin in mice. Virulence 2015; 6:466-75. [PMID: 25906166 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1031454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice treated with anthrax lethal toxin (LT) exhibit hemorrhage caused by unknown mechanisms. Moreover, LT treatment in mice induced liver damage. In this study, we hypothesized that a suppressed coagulation function may be associated with liver damage, because the liver is the major producing source of coagulation factors. The hepatic expression of coagulant factors and the survival rates were analyzed after cultured cells or mice were exposed to LT. In agreement with our hypothesis, LT induces cytotoxicity against hepatic cells in vitro. In addition, suppressed expression of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in the liver is associated with a prolonged plasma clotting time in LT-treated mice, suggesting a suppressive role of LT in coagulation. Accordingly, we further hypothesized that a loss-of-function approach involving treatments of an anticoagulant should exacerbate LT-induced abnormalities, whereas a gain-of-function approach involving injections of recombinant FVIII to complement the coagulation deficiency should ameliorate the pathogenesis. As expected, a sublethal dose of LT caused mortality in the mice that were non-lethally pretreated with an anticoagulant (warfarin). By contrast, treatments of recombinant FVIII reduced the mortality from a lethal dose of LT in mice. Our results indicated that LT-induced deficiency of FVIII is involved in LT-mediated pathogenesis. Using recombinant FVIII to correct the coagulant defect may enable developing a new strategy to treat anthrax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Der-Shan Sun
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics; Tzu-Chi University ; Hualien , Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chang HH, Chiang YW, Lin TK, Lin GL, Lin YY, Kau JH, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Wang JH, Sun DS. Erythrocytic mobilization enhanced by the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is associated with reduced anthrax-lethal-toxin-induced mortality in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111149. [PMID: 25384016 PMCID: PMC4226491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT), one of the primary virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis, causes anthrax-like symptoms and death in animals. Experiments have indicated that levels of erythrocytopenia and hypoxic stress are associated with disease severity after administering LT. In this study, the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used as a therapeutic agent to ameliorate anthrax-LT- and spore-induced mortality in C57BL/6J mice. We demonstrated that G-CSF promoted the mobilization of mature erythrocytes to peripheral blood, resulting in a significantly faster recovery from erythrocytopenia. In addition, combined treatment using G-CSF and erythropoietin tended to ameliorate B. anthracis-spore-elicited mortality in mice. Although specific treatments against LT-mediated pathogenesis remain elusive, these results may be useful in developing feasible strategies to treat anthrax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Chiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Kai Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Ling Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - You-Yen Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhou FF, Wu S, Klena JD, Huang HH. Clinical characteristics of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea in a university hospital in China. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 33:1773-9. [PMID: 24820293 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-014-2132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify clinical characteristics of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). A prospective study was conducted among patients hospitalized in Fudan University Hospital Huashan from August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013. Toxigenic C. difficile isolates were characterized by PCR ribotyping and multilocus sequence typing. AAD developed in 1.0 % (206/20437) of the antibiotic-treated hospitalized patients and toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from 30.6 % (63/206) of patients with AAD. The frequency of AAD was highest in the intensive care unit (10.7 %); however the proportion of CDI in AAD was highest in the Geriatric Unit (38 %). AAD ranged in severity from mild to moderate. One case with pseudomembranous colitis was identified. Use of carbapenems was found to significantly increase the risk of CDI (OR, 2.31; 95 % CI, 1.22-4.38; p = 0.011). Patient demographics, presumed risk factors, clinical manifestations and laboratory findings revealed no significant difference between patients with CDI and non-C. difficile AAD. Over 90 % of the patients with CDI or non-C. difficile AAD were cured. Two patients had CDI recurrence. Ribotype H was the dominant (18.8 %) genotype, followed by ribotype 012 and ribotype 017. C. difficile plays a significant role in AAD in our setting in China. Because the severity of diarrhea ranges from mild to moderate, it is difficult for Chinese clinicians to identify CDI from AAD patients, therefore CDI should be included in the routine differential diagnoses for hospitalized patients presenting with AAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F F Zhou
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wu WL, Huang YD, Hsu KE, Wang YH, Huang HH, Hsiung WC, Chen SM, Chang HS, Chu CP, Chung YJ, Huang YT. A health risk assessment of reclaimed municipal wastewater for industrial and miscellaneous use. Water Sci Technol 2014; 70:750-756. [PMID: 25116508 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2014.291] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The study evaluated the safety of reclaimed water using health risk assessment and biotoxicity tests. The reclaimed water was produced from reverse osmosis and used in industrial and miscellaneous purposes. The health risk assessment was conducted based on the concentrations of detectable pollutants in reclaimed water in a hypothetical scenario. The estimated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are lower than the generally accepted level. Biotoxicity evaluation included three genotoxicity tests, a chronic toxicity test using medaka fishes, and a subchronic toxicity test using mice. The reclaimed water is not genetically toxic, and does not cause significant chronic effects on these model organisms. These results confirm the safety of using reclaimed water from municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W L Wu
- Environment Engineering Research Center, Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., 6F, 280, Xinhu 2nd Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail:
| | - Y D Huang
- Environment Engineering Research Center, Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., 6F, 280, Xinhu 2nd Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail:
| | - K E Hsu
- Environment Engineering Research Center, Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., 6F, 280, Xinhu 2nd Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail:
| | - Y H Wang
- Environment Engineering Research Center, Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., 6F, 280, Xinhu 2nd Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail:
| | - H H Huang
- Environment Engineering Research Center, Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., 6F, 280, Xinhu 2nd Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail:
| | - W C Hsiung
- Department of Aquatic Sciences, National Chiayi University, 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi, 600, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - S M Chen
- Department of Aquatic Sciences, National Chiayi University, 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi, 600, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - H S Chang
- Program for Translation Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - C P Chu
- Environment Engineering Research Center, Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., 6F, 280, Xinhu 2nd Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail:
| | - Y J Chung
- Environment Engineering Research Center, Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., 6F, 280, Xinhu 2nd Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail:
| | - Y T Huang
- Water Resource Planning Institute, Water Resource Agency, 1340, Jhong-Jheng Rd., Wu-Fong, Taichung, 413, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chang HH, Wang TP, Chen PK, Lin YY, Liao CH, Lin TK, Chiang YW, Lin WB, Chiang CY, Kau JH, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Liao CY, Sun DS. Erythropoiesis suppression is associated with anthrax lethal toxin-mediated pathogenic progression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71718. [PMID: 23977125 PMCID: PMC3747219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which results in high mortality in animals and humans. Although some of the mechanisms are already known such as asphyxia, extensive knowledge of molecular pathogenesis of this disease is deficient and remains to be further investigated. Lethal toxin (LT) is a major virulence factor of B. anthracis and a specific inhibitor/protease of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKKs). Anthrax LT causes lethality and induces certain anthrax-like symptoms, such as anemia and hypoxia, in experimental mice. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are the downstream pathways of MAPKKs, and are important for erythropoiesis. This prompted us to hypothesize that anemia and hypoxia may in part be exacerbated by erythropoietic dysfunction. As revealed by colony-forming cell assays in this study, LT challenges significantly reduced mouse erythroid progenitor cells. In addition, in a proteolytic activity-dependent manner, LT suppressed cell survival and differentiation of cord blood CD34+-derived erythroblasts in vitro. Suppression of cell numbers and the percentage of erythroblasts in the bone marrow were detected in LT-challenged C57BL/6J mice. In contrast, erythropoiesis was provoked through treatments of erythropoietin, significantly ameliorating the anemia and reducing the mortality of LT-treated mice. These data suggested that suppressed erythropoiesis is part of the pathophysiology of LT-mediated intoxication. Because specific treatments to overcome LT-mediated pathogenesis are still lacking, these efforts may help the development of effective treatments against anthrax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Pao Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Po-Kong Chen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yo-Yin Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsien Liao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Kai Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Chiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yu Chiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian HospitalHualien, Taiwan
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hsu HL, Huang HH, Liang CC, Lin HC, Liu WT, Lin FP, Kau JH, Sun KH. Suspension Bead Array of the Single-Stranded Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplicons for Enhanced Identification and Quantification of Multiple Pathogens. Anal Chem 2013; 85:5562-8. [DOI: 10.1021/ac400778b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ling Hsu
- Department of Biotechnology
and Laboratory Science in Medicine, Infection and Immunity Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic
of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kuang-Hui Sun
- Department of Biotechnology
and Laboratory Science in Medicine, Infection and Immunity Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic
of China
- Department of
Education and
Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei,
Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen PK, Chang HH, Lin GL, Wang TP, Lai YL, Lin TK, Hsieh MC, Kau JH, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Liao CY, Sun DS. Suppressive effects of anthrax lethal toxin on megakaryopoiesis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59512. [PMID: 23555687 PMCID: PMC3605335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is a major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. LT challenge suppresses platelet counts and platelet function in mice, however, the mechanism responsible for thrombocytopenia remains unclear. LT inhibits cellular mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are vital pathways responsible for cell survival, differentiation, and maturation. One of the MAPKs, the MEK1/2-extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, is particularly important in megakaryopoiesis. This study evaluates the hypothesis that LT may suppress the progenitor cells of platelets, thereby inducing thrombocytopenic responses. Using cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells and mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells to perform in vitro differentiation, this work shows that LT suppresses megakaryopoiesis by reducing the survival of megakaryocytes. Thrombopoietin treatments can reduce thrombocytopenia, megakaryocytic suppression, and the quick onset of lethality in LT-challenged mice. These results suggest that megakaryocytic suppression is one of the mechanisms by which LT induces thrombocytopenia. These findings may provide new insights for developing feasible approaches against anthrax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Kong Chen
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Ling Lin
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Pao Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Lai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Kai Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chun Hsieh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kau JH, Shih YL, Lien TS, Lee CC, Huang HH, Lin HC, Sun DS, Chang HH. Activated protein C ameliorates Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin-induced lethal pathogenesis in rats. J Biomed Sci 2012; 19:98. [PMID: 23170801 PMCID: PMC3536616 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-19-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lethal toxin (LT) is a major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. Sprague Dawley rats manifest pronounced lung edema and shock after LT treatments, resulting in high mortality. The heart failure that is induced by LT has been suggested to be a principal mechanism of lung edema and mortality in rodents. Since LT-induced death occurs more rapidly in rats than in mice, suggesting that other mechanisms in addition to the heart dysfunction may be contributed to the fast progression of LT-induced pathogenesis in rats. Coagulopathy may contribute to circulatory failure and lung injury. However, the effect of LT on coagulation-induced lung dysfunction is unclear. METHODS To investigate the involvement of coagulopathy in LT-mediated pathogenesis, the mortality, lung histology and coagulant levels of LT-treated rats were examined. The effects of activated protein C (aPC) on LT-mediated pathogenesis were also evaluated. RESULTS Fibrin depositions were detected in the lungs of LT-treated rats, indicating that coagulation was activated. Increased levels of plasma D-dimer and thrombomodulin, and the ameliorative effect of aPC further suggested that the activation of coagulation-fibrinolysis pathways plays a role in LT-mediated pathogenesis in rats. Reduced mortality was associated with decreased plasma levels of D-dimer and thrombomodulin following aPC treatments in rats with LT-mediated pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the activation of coagulation in lung tissue contributes to mortality in LT-mediated pathogenesis in rats. In addition, anticoagulant aPC may help to develop a feasible therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Huang HH, Sun CT. Anomalous wave propagation in a one-dimensional acoustic metamaterial having simultaneously negative mass density and Young's modulus. J Acoust Soc Am 2012; 132:2887-2895. [PMID: 23039555 DOI: 10.1121/1.4744977] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A mechanical model representing an acoustic metamaterial that exhibits simultaneously negative mass density and negative Young's modulus was proposed. Wave propagation was studied in the frequency range of double negativity. In view of positive energy flow, it was found that the phase velocity in this range is negative. This phenomenon was also observed using transient wave propagation finite-element analyses of a transient sinusoidal wave and a transient wave packet. In contrast to wave propagation in the region of positive mass and modulus, the peculiar backward wave motion in the region of double negativity was clearly displayed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Department of Engineering Science and Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lay CH, Chang FY, Chu CY, Chen CC, Chi YC, Hsieh TT, Huang HH, Lin CY. Enhancement of anaerobic biohydrogen/methane production from cellulose using heat-treated activated sludge. Water Sci Technol 2011; 63:1849-1854. [PMID: 21902022 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2011.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is an effective technology to convert cellulosic wastes to methane and hydrogen. Heat-treatment is a well known method to inhibit hydrogen-consuming bacteria in using anaerobic mixed cultures for seeding. This study aims to investigate the effects of heat-treatment temperature and time on activated sludge for fermentative hydrogen production from alpha-cellulose by response surface methodology. Hydrogen and methane production was evaluated based on the production rate and yield (the ability of converting cellulose into hydrogen and methane) with heat-treated sludge as the seed at various temperatures (60-97 degrees C) and times (20-60 min). Batch experiments were conducted at 55 degrees C and initial pH of 8.0. The results indicate that hydrogen and methane production yields peaked at 4.3 mmol H2/g cellulose and 11.6 mmol CH4/g cellulose using the seed activated sludge that was thermally treated at 60 degrees C for 40 min. These parameter values are higher than those of no-treatment seed (HY 3.6 mmol H2/g cellulose and MY 10.4 mmol CH4/g cellulose). The maximum hydrogen production rate of 26.0 mmol H2/L/d and methane production rate of 23.2 mmol CH4/L/d were obtained for the seed activated sludge that was thermally treated at 70 degrees C for 50 min and 60 degrees C for 40 min, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C H Lay
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Chinese Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kau JH, Sun DS, Huang HS, Lien TS, Huang HH, Lin HC, Chang HH. Sublethal doses of anthrax lethal toxin on the suppression of macrophage phagocytosis. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14289. [PMID: 21170330 PMCID: PMC3000823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lethal toxin (LT), the major virulence factor produced by Bacillus anthracis, has been shown to suppress the immune system, which is beneficial to the establishment of B. anthracis infections. It has been suggested that the suppression of MEK/MAPK signaling pathways of leukocytes contributes to LT-mediated immunosuppressive effects. However, the involvement of MAPK independent pathways has not been clearly elucidated; nor has the crucial role played by LT in the early stages of infection. Determining whether LT exerts any pathological effects before being enriched to an MEK inhibitory level is an important next step in the furtherance of this field. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a cell culture model, we determined that low doses of LT inhibited phagocytosis of macrophages, without influencing MAPK pathways. Consistent low doses of LT significantly suppressed bacterial clearance and enhanced the mortality of mice with bacteremia, without suppressing the MEK1 of splenic and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Conclusion/Significance These results suggest that LT suppresses the phagocytes in a dose range lower than that required to suppress MEK1 in the early stages of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsuan-Shun Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Te-Sheng Lien
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hung-Chi Lin
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang H, Huang HH, Ding J, Wang YH. Embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of pesticide indoxacarb to sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius). Water Sci Technol 2010; 61:2733-9. [PMID: 20489245 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2010.053] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm cell and embryo toxicity tests using the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius (S. intermedius) were performed to assess the toxicity of indoxacarb, a new widely used insecticide. New toxicity data for indoxacarb expressed as median effective concentration (EC(50)) were reported for the sea urchin species. When sperms and cells were exposed to the pesticide before fertilization, no significant inhibition in the fertilization success of S. intermedius (up to 40 mg/L) was observed. Developmental toxicity of the pesticide displayed a significant dose-related increase of larval malformations and differentiation arrest at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L to 40.0 mg/L at each cleavage, including the 2-cell stage, 4-cell, blastula, gastrula, prism and 4-arm pluteus stages. It seems that 4-arm pluteus is the most sensitive to indoxacarb with the EC(50) of 3.73 mg/L, two times less than that of the first cleavage stage. All these results indicate that more attentions should be paid to the potential marine pollutions caused by this pesticide indoxacarb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Wang
- College of Life Science, Northwest A & F University, Yangling Shaanxi 712100, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chuang MS, Huang HH, Dixon KM, Chen KS, Mao CL, Chen CL. Detection of urine and blood clenbuterol following short-term oral administration in the horse. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2009; 32:171-6. [PMID: 19821644 DOI: 10.3109/08923970903179688] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The pharmacokinetics of clenbuterol in equine urine and blood was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Urine and blood samples were collected following 3-day multiple oral administrations. The samples were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and further confirmed by solid phase extraction and capillary electrophoresis. RESULTS Urinary clenbuterol was detectable until day 14 after the last dose. The urinary excretion of clenbuterol was characterized by a biphasic pattern. The half-lives of the bi-exponential elimination (t(1/2alpha) and t(1/2beta)) for urinary clenbuterol were about 12.1 and 48 hours. After a single oral administration (4 microg/kg) of clenbuterol, the half-life of serum clenbuterol was approximately 11.4 hours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M S Chuang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Central (hypothalamic) control of bone mass is proposed to be mediated through beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2-ARs). While investigations in mouse bone cells suggest that epinephrine enhances both RANKL and OPG mRNA via both beta-ARs and alpha-ARs, whether alpha-ARs are expressed in human bone cells is controversial. The current study investigated the expression of alpha1-AR and beta2-AR mRNA and protein and the functional role of adrenergic stimulation in human osteoblasts (HOBs). Expression of alpha1B- and beta2-ARs was examined by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot (for alpha1B-ARs). Proliferation in HOBs was assessed by (3)H-thymidine incorporation and expression of RANKL and OPG was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. RNA message for alpha1B- and beta2-ARs was expressed in HOBs and MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. alpha1B- and beta2-AR immunofluorescent localization in HOBs was shown for the first time by deconvolution microscopy. alpha1B-AR protein was identified in HOBs by Western blot. Both alpha1-agonists and propranolol (beta-blocker) increased HOB replication but fenoterol, a beta2-agonist, inhibited it. Fenoterol nearly doubled RANKL mRNA and this was inhibited by propranolol. The alpha1-agonist cirazoline increased OPG mRNA and this increase was abolished by siRNA knockdown of alpha1B-ARs in HOBs. These data indicate that both alpha1-ARs and beta2-ARs are present and functional in HOBs. In addition to beta2-ARs, alpha1-ARs in human bone cells may play a role in modulation of bone turnover by the sympathetic nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kau JH, Sun DS, Huang HH, Wong MS, Lin HC, Chang HH. Role of visible light-activated photocatalyst on the reduction of anthrax spore-induced mortality in mice. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4167. [PMID: 19132100 PMCID: PMC2613519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2008] [Accepted: 12/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Photocatalysis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) substrates is primarily induced by ultraviolet light irradiation. Anion-doped TiO2 substrates were shown to exhibit photocatalytic activities under visible-light illumination, relative environmentally-friendly materials. Their anti-spore activity against Bacillus anthracis, however, remains to be investigated. We evaluated these visible-light activated photocatalysts on the reduction of anthrax spore-induced pathogenesis. Methodology/Principal Findings Standard plating method was used to determine the inactivation of anthrax spore by visible light-induced photocatalysis. Mouse models were further employed to investigate the suppressive effects of the photocatalysis on anthrax toxin- and spore-mediated mortality. We found that anti-spore activities of visible light illuminated nitrogen- or carbon-doped titania thin films significantly reduced viability of anthrax spores. Even though the spore-killing efficiency is only approximately 25%, our data indicate that spores from photocatalyzed groups but not untreated groups have a less survival rate after macrophage clearance. In addition, the photocatalysis could directly inactivate lethal toxin, the major virulence factor of B. anthracis. In agreement with these results, we found that the photocatalyzed spores have tenfold less potency to induce mortality in mice. These data suggest that the photocatalysis might injury the spores through inactivating spore components. Conclusion/Significance Photocatalysis induced injuries of the spores might be more important than direct killing of spores to reduce pathogenicity in the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Show Wong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Dong-Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hung-Chi Lin
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
To investigate the biotransformation of pantoprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, by filamentous fungus and further to compare the similarities between microbial transformation and mammalian metabolism of pantoprazole, four strains of Cunninghamella (C. blakesleeana AS 3.153, C. echinulata AS 3.2004, C. elegans AS 3.156, and AS 3.2028) were screened for the ability to catalyze the biotransformation of pantoprazole. Pantoprazole was partially metabolized by four strains of Cunninghamella, and C. blakesleeana AS 3.153 was selected for further investigation. Three metabolites produced by C. blakesleeana AS 3.153 were isolated using semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were identified by a combination analysis of LC/MS(n) and NMR spectra. Two further metabolites were confirmed with the aid of synthetic reference compounds. The structure of a glucoside was tentatively assigned by its chromatographic behavior and mass spectroscopic data. These six metabolites were separated and quantitatively assayed by liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry. After 96h of incubation with C. blakesleeana AS 3.153, approximately 92.5% of pantoprazole was metabolized to six metabolites: pantoprazole sulfone (M1, 1.7%), pantoprazole thioether (M2, 12.4%), 6-hydroxy-pantoprazole thioether (M3, 1.3%), 4'-O-demethyl-pantoprazole thioether (M4, 48.1%), pantoprazole thioether-1-N-beta-glucoside (M5, 20.6%), and a glucoside conjugate of pantoprazole thioether (M6, 8.4%). Among them, M5 and M6 are novel metabolites. Four phase I metabolites of pantoprazole produced by C. blakesleeana were essentially similar to those obtained in mammals. C. blakesleeana could be a useful tool for generating the mammalian phase I metabolites of pantoprazole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Xie
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lin PL, Huang HH, Fan SZ, Tsai MC, Lin CH, Huang CH. Effect of ropivacaine on endothelium-dependent phenylephrine-induced contraction in guinea pig aorta. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2007; 51:1388-93. [PMID: 17944643 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2007.01443.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that ropivacaine has biphasic vascular effects, causing vasoconstriction at low concentrations and vasorelaxation at high concentrations. This study was designed to examine the role of the endothelium during accidental intravascular absorption of ropivacaine, and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible. METHODS Isolated guinea pig aortic rings were suspended for isometric tension recording. The effects of ropivacaine on endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings were assessed. Endothelium-intact aortic rings were pre-contracted with phenylephrine before being exposed to ropivacaine and acetylcholine, in order to generate and compare concentration-response curves. In the absence and presence of yohimbine, propranolol, atropine, indometacin, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or methylene blue, the contractile response induced by ropivacaine was assessed on endothelium-intact aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine. RESULTS Ropivacaine (3 x 10(-4) to 10(-2) mol/l) produced vasoconstriction in endothelium-denuded aortic rings, whereas no such response was observed in aortic rings with intact endothelium. In phenylephrine pre-contracted intact aortic rings, ropivacaine induced a greater degree of vasorelaxation than did acetylcholine. Yohimbine, propranolol and atropine all failed to affect the relaxation responses induced by ropivacaine. However, pre-treatment with indometacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), l-NAME (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), methylene blue (soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor) or ODQ (soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), significantly decreased the ropivacaine-induced relaxation of endothelium-intact aortic rings (3 x 10(-4) to 10(-2) mol/l). CONCLUSIONS Ropivacaine elicits an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in phenylephrine pre-contracted aortic rings via the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate pathway and the prostaglandin system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P L Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
The phase II metabolite of acetaminophen in filamentous fungi and actinomycetes separated from soil was investigated. Fifty-four filamentous fungi and twenty-seven actinomycetes were screened to transform acetaminophen. The metabolites of acetaminophen were assayed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The only metabolite was subject to enzymatic hydrolysis to confirm its structure. Acetaminophen was converted into glucoside conjugate, by filamentous fungi JX1-60, LN17-2, LN20-1 and the yield of the conjugate was 60.01%, 44.27%, 100%, respectively, and no phase I metabolites were detected. Glucoside conjugation of acetaminophen in filamentous fungi differs from the phase II metabolism of glucuronidation in humans. The fungus LN20-1 could be a suitable model to synthesize glucoside conjugate of acetaminophen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Shanghai Drug-Metab Biotech Co., Ltd, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yen YH, Lin TF, Huang HH, Chan WH, Yeh HM, Lau HP. Apnoea and consciousness disturbance following inadvertent inthrathecal injection of autologous blood during epidural labor analgesia. Anaesth Intensive Care 2006; 34:827-8. [PMID: 17183909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
|
36
|
Huang HH, Zhang YY, Xiu QY, Zhou X, Huang SG, Lu Q, Wang DM, Wang F. Community-acquired pneumonia in Shanghai, China: microbial etiology and implications for empirical therapy in a prospective study of 389 patients. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2006; 25:369-74. [PMID: 16767484 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-006-0146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this multicenter study was to identify the causative pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Shanghai, China, and to determine their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Pathogens obtained from 389 patients with documented CAP during 2001-2003 were identified by multiple diagnostic tools that included bacterial culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and specific immunological assays. Susceptibility of the bacterial isolates was tested by the broth microdilution method. A specific pathogen was identified in 39.8% (155/389) of the patients: Haemophilus influenzae (n=80), Klebsiella spp. (n=15), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=12), Staphylococcus aureus (n=6), Moraxella catarrhalis (n=1), other gram-negative organisms (n=9), and atypical pathogens that comprised Mycoplasma pneumoniae (n=42), Chlamydia pneumoniae (n=17), and Legionella pneumophila (n=2). Most H. influenzae isolates were susceptible to ampicillin (88.3%), and all were susceptible to macrolides. Of the S. pneumoniae isolates, 75% (9/12) were susceptible to penicillin, while 25% (3/12) were intermediately susceptible. H. influenzae and atypical pathogens are among the most important pathogens of CAP. Ampicillin, cephalosporins, and the newer fluoroquinolones can be used as empirical therapy for CAP in the Shanghai area. The efficacy of monotherapy with newer macrolides for CAP caused by S. pneumoniae requires further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chang HH, Tsai MF, Chung CP, Chen PK, Hu HI, Kau JH, Huang HH, Lin HC, Sun DS. Single-step purification of recombinant anthrax lethal factor from periplasm of Escherichia coli. J Biotechnol 2006; 126:277-85. [PMID: 16797097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2006.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2006] [Revised: 04/26/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Lethal toxin (LT) that composed by protective antigen and lethal factor (LF) is the major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. The treatments of LT in animals could reproduce most manifestations of B. anthracis infections that greatly improves our knowledge in LT-mediated pathogenesis and facilitates anthrax-related researches without having to directly contact the hazardous bacterium B. anthracis. The recombinant protein of LF (rLF), however, still lacks a simple purification method. Herein, we developed single-step nickel affinity purification of rLF with yield up to 3mg/l. By fusion to the leader sequence of outer membrane protein OmpA, rLF could easily be purified from the periplasm of Escherichia coli. To investigate whether the rLT is functional in our system, both wild type rLF and the catalytic mutant rLF that contains a single amino acid substitution at zinc-binding site (LF(E687A)), were subjected to macrophage cytotoxicity analysis. Our data showed that the rLT is fully functional, while the LF(E687A) fail to induce cell death of tested macrophage cells. These findings suggested that the purification protocol herein is a user-friendly method that allows researchers to obtain the functional rLF by single-step purification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hou Chang
- Institute of Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, No. 701, Section 3, Chung-Yang Road, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kau JH, Sun DS, Tsai WJ, Shyu HF, Huang HH, Lin HC, Chang HH. Antiplatelet Activities of Anthrax Lethal Toxin Are Associated with Suppressed p42/44 and p38 Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in the Platelets. J Infect Dis 2005; 192:1465-74. [PMID: 16170766 DOI: 10.1086/491477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2004] [Accepted: 05/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is the major virulence factor produced by Bacillus anthracis, but the mechanism by which it induces high mortality remains unclear. We found that LT treatment could induce severe hemorrhage in mice and significantly suppress human whole-blood clotting and platelet aggregation in vitro. In addition, LT could inhibit agonist-induced platelet surface P-selectin expression, resulting in the inhibition of platelet-endothelial cell engagements. Data from Western blot analysis indicated that LT treatment resulted in the suppression of p42/44 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in platelets. Combined treatments with LT and antiplatelet agents such as aspirin and the RGD-containing disintegrin rhodostomin significantly increased mortality in mice. Our data suggest that platelets are a pathogenic target for anthrax LT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kwong KYC, Literat A, Zhu NL, Huang HH, Li C, Jones CA, Minoo P. Expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1) in human epithelial alveolar cells: a pro-inflammatory mediator independent pathway. Life Sci 2004; 74:2941-57. [PMID: 15051419 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2003.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2003] [Accepted: 08/25/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) expression remains unclear. Inflammation has been inferred to play a major role in stimulating TGF-beta1 production since high concentrations of TGF-beta1 have been found in the lungs of patients with various diffuse inflammatory lung diseases. To establish an association between inflammation and TGF-beta1 expression, human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells were co-cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) for 12 hours. Total and bioactive TGF-beta1 protein were then measured. A549 cells transiently transfected with a plasmid containing the TGF-beta1 promoter linked to a luciferase reported gene were then co-cultured with the same inflammatory peptides for 12 hours and TGF-beta1 promoter activity determined. Nuclear transcription factors AP-1 (c-jun) or NF-kappa (p65, p50 and p105) were over expressed in A549 cells transiently transfected with the TGF-beta1 promoter and TGF-beta1 promoter activity subsequently measured. Stimulation with inflammatory signals LPS, TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-8 resulted in no increase of total or bioactive TGF-beta1 activity above constitutive concentrations in vitro. TGF-beta1 promoter activity was also unchanged from baseline levels in response to the same inflammatory peptides. Expression of c-jun however led to significant increases of TGF-beta1 promoter activity over constitutive levels. In contrast p65 and p105 expression resulted in inhibition of TGF-beta1 promoter activity below baseline levels. We conclude that in a human alveolar epithelial cell line, inflammation does not regulate TGF-beta1 expression. These studies suggest that in lung pathologies such as asthma, lung fibrosis and CLD, TGF-beta1 production may involve pathways independent of inflammatory mediators LPS, TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Y C Kwong
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, Room 1G1 General Labs Building, 1801 E Marengo St, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
The presence of HLA-B27 in patients affected with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was well established prior to the advent of DNA typing of various genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans. However, molecular typing of the MHC genes revealed that B27 comprises a motley assortment of alleles, some of which are strongly positively associated with the disease and some of which are negatively associated with the disease. B*2706 was reported to have a negative association with AS in the Thai population and in Chinese Singaporeans. We report here our finding of an absence of B*2706 in 184 Taiwanese AS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I-H Chen
- Tzu Chi Medical Center, Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kau JH, Lin CG, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Chen KC, Wu YP, Lin HC. Calyculin A sensitive protein phosphatase is required for Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin induced cytotoxicity. Curr Microbiol 2002; 44:106-11. [PMID: 11815854 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-001-0059-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2000] [Accepted: 06/01/2001] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin can induce both necrosis and apoptosis in mouse macrophage-like J774A.1 cells depending on both the toxin concentration and the phosphatase activity. In this study several protein kinase or phosphatase inhibitors were employed to evaluate the hypothesis that the lethal toxin induces cell death via protein phosphorylation processes. Pretreatment with a serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor Calyculin A (300 nM) could inhibit about 78% of cell death induced by the lethal toxin, whereas inhibitors of kinases, such as H7, HA, Sphingosine, and Genestein, but other inhibitors of phosphatases, such as Okadaic acid, Tautomycin, and Cyclosporin A, did not. In addition, recent reports have demonstrated that the MEK1 protein may serve as a proteolytic target within its N-terminus for lethal factor cleavage. In this study, Calyculin A is shown to enhance the phosphorylation of the MEK1 protein. This prevents the cleavage of the MEK1 by lethal factor. These results suggest that a putative Calyculin A-sensitive protein phosphatase is involved in anthrax toxin induced cytotoxicity and that the blocking effect of Calyculin A on lethal factor cytotoxicity may be mediated through the MEK signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, P.O. Box 90048-700, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
The spectral characteristics of heart rate variability (HRV) are related to the modulation of the autonomic nervous system. As the physiological condition is changed by such external stimuli such as drugs, postural changes, and anesthesia, or by internal deregulation such as in syncope, adjective autonomic responses could alter HRV characteristics. Time-frequency analysis is commonly used to investigate the time-related HRV characteristics. An alteration of the autonomic regulation resulting in a change in mean heart rate induces a transient component in heart rate, which, with any analysis method based on signals from multiple beats, results in the apparent spread of the spectrum of frequencies. This obscures the spectral components related to the autonomic function. In this paper we investigated the influence of the transient component in several time-frequency methods including the short-time Fourier transform, the Choi-Williams distribution, the smoothed pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution (SPWVD), the filtering SPWVD compensation, and the discrete wavelet transform. One simulated signal and two heart rate signals during general anesthesia and postural change were used for this assessment. The result demonstrates that the filtering SPWVD compensation and the discrete wavelet transform have small spectrum interference from the transient component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H L Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Chang-Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan,.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann's disease (FUMHD) is a severe and very rare variant of pityriasis lichenoides et varilioformis acuta, which is characterized by large coalescing, and ulceronecrotic maculopapules or plaques. Morphological changes of the skin accompanied by persistent high fever and several constitutional symptoms have suggested virus infection in patients with FUMHD. However, the available information of viral origin is limited. In this study we investigated the relationship of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), type I human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I), and parvovirus B19 (PVB19) with FUMHD in a Taiwanese patient. METHODS The existence of CMV, EBV, HHV8, HTLV-I, and PVB19 was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence of CMV in the endothelial cells was characterized by in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS Serologic immunoglobulin to CMV and IHC identification of CMV late gene in the biopsy specimen indicated that the patient was infected with CMV. Detection of CMV was confirmed by PCR and ISH. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that FUMHD is associated with dermal CMV manifestation. Nonetheless, the induction mechanism of FUMHD with CMV infection has yet to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K S Tsai
- Departments of Dermatology, Medical Research and Pathology, China Medical College Hospital and China Medical College, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kao WF, Kuo CC, Chang H, Chen WL, Wei CH, Huang HH, Yen DH, Wu JK, Miao S, Lee CH. Characteristics of patients at a Taipei summer rock concert festival. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei) 2001; 64:525-30. [PMID: 11768283] [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: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rock concerts are popular mass gatherings in Taiwan. Millions of fans participate in rock concerts in Taiwan each year. However, there were no reports on the characteristics of the patients seen in rock concerts in Taiwan. METHODS Medical care for a summer rock concert festival held in an outdoor stadium in Taipei was coordinated by emergency physicians of a medical center. About 50,000 attendees participated in the two-night concert. Three stations were set up to provide advanced medical care. A standardized form was used to collect information about patients. RESULTS A total of 28 cases visited the medical stations, fourteen cases each day. They were aged from 13 to 40 years, with an average of 20.8 +/- 6.4. Twenty-one cases were female and seven were male. Twenty-two (79%) were spectators, five (18%) were on-duty staff, and one was a by-stander. Based on an estimation of totally 50,000 participants in the stadium for this two-night festival, the medical use rate was roughly 5.6 PPTT (patients per ten thousand attendees). The most common major problem was fainting which accounted for 13 cases (46%). Of these 13 cases, three cases (23%) lost consciousness and 12 cases (92%) were female. Sixteen cases (57%) were classified as requiring ALS (advanced life support) and 12 cases (43%) as requiring BLS (basic life support). Most cases improved and were discharged after onsite treatment. Only one case was transferred by ambulance due to persistent chest pain. However, she recovered several hours later. CONCLUSIONS By this preliminary data, first reported in Taiwan, we found that the most common problem was fainting. More than half of the cases seen at the concert required advanced life support. A well-designed emergency medical service (EMS) system is mandatory to provide services for these events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W F Kao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lin PL, Wang YP, Chou YM, Chan HL, Huang HH. Lack of intravenous lidocaine effects on HRV changes of tracheal intubation during induction of general anesthesia. Acta Anaesthesiol Sin 2001; 39:77-82. [PMID: 11475179] [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 Intravenous lidocaine has been widely used for suppressing the autonomic activation from tracheal intubation during induction of general anesthesia. Conventionally, researches of its effectiveness through assessment of heart rate and blood pressure changes obtained by common clinical methods result in the conclusions deduced of much controversy. Heart rate variability is a noninvasive measurement of autonomic regulation and is suitable for the study of this subject. METHODS 36 ASA class I-II patients undergoing general anesthesia were divided into 3 groups. Besides induction agents, intravenous lidocaine was given 5 min before tracheal intubation in group A, 3 min before intubation in group B and nothing in group C. HRV spectral powers were measured at awake state, anesthetized state before tracheal intubation and anesthetized state after tracheal intubation by time frequency spectral analysis method and comparison was made between the three groups. RESULTS The HRV spectral power in high frequency (HF) and mid-frequency (MF) power bands and their ratios (MF/HF) were not significantly different among the 3 groups during the 3 observation periods. CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence to indicate the effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine on the autonomic regulation during tracheal intubation under the influence of induction agents used in general anesthesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P L Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7 Chung-Shan S. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Sun SS, Tsai SC, Huang HH, Kao CH. Bleeding Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Jejunum Detected by a Tc-99m Red Blood Cell Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan. Clin Nucl Med 2001; 26:565-7. [PMID: 11353316 DOI: 10.1097/00003072-200106000-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S S Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) in the presence of iron oxides. Granular ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite were selected as catalysts in this study. 2-CP was used as the model compound because it is a typical toxic compound and has not been investigated in the catalytic decomposition by iron oxides. The catalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide decomposition followed the sequence: granular ferrihydrite > goethite > hematite. However, hematite exhibited the highest activity in catalyzing 2-CP oxidation. The oxidation efficiency of 2-CP corresponded with the inverse sequence of specific area and pHpzc of the iron oxides. The catalytic activity of granular ferrihydrite was affected significantly by the mixing speed and particle size for its large value of Thiele modulus (phi) and Damkohler number (Da). The strong diffusion resistance for granular ferrihydrite was attributed either to its microporous structure or to the formation of oxygen in the pores of the iron oxide leading to the unexpected catalytic activity of granular ferrihydrite to hydrogen peroxide and 2-CP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering. National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Li XQ, Zhong DF, Huang HH, Wu SD. Demethylation metabolism of roxithromycin in humans and rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2001; 22:469-74. [PMID: 11743899] [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: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the demethylated metabolites of roxithromycin (RXM) in humans and rats, and to study the antibiotic activity of these metabolites in vitro. METHODS The demethylated metabolites of RXM in humans and in rats were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and the in vitro antibiotic activities of them against three standard strains were also studied compared with those of the parent drug and some other metabolites of RXM. RESULTS O-Demethylation of RXM was one of the main metabolic routes of RXM in humans, whereas N-demethylation metabolism was more predominant in rats. O-Demethyl-RXM appeared to be equally effective with RXM. CONCLUSION The O-demethyl-RXM was an active metabolite in humans, and there were some species differences in RXM demethylation metabolism between humans and rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Q Li
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Huang HH, Tsai PL, Khoo KH. Selective expression of different fucosylated epitopes on two distinct sets of Schistosoma mansoni cercarial O-glycans: identification of a novel core type and Lewis X structure. Glycobiology 2001; 11:395-406. [PMID: 11425800 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/11.5.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycobiology of Schistosoma mansoni is dominated by developmentally regulated expression of various fucosylated structures, most notably the Lewis X epitope and a multifucosylated sequence, Fuc alpha1-->2Fuc alpha1-->, in its various forms. For the infective cercarial stage, Lewis X has been structurally identified on glycosphingolipids and N-glycans of total glycoprotein extracts, and a population of multifucosylated glycoproteins were found to carry a unique terminal sequence, +/-Fuc alpha1-->2Fuc alpha1-->[3GalNAc beta1-->4(Fuc alpha1-->2Fuc alpha1--> 2Fuc alpha1-->3) GlcNAc beta1-->3Gal alpha1-->](n), on their O-glycans. Using a mass spectrometry approach coupled with chromatographic separation, sequential exoglycosidase digestion, periodate oxidation, and other chemical derivatization, we demonstrate that Lewis X could also be carried on the cercarial O-glycans, but the two distinctive sets of fucosylated epitopes were conjugated to two different core structures. Lewis X, lacNAc, or single GlcNAc was found to attach directly to the -->3Gal beta1-->3GalNAc core and indirectly via another beta-Gal residue branching off from C6 of the reducing end GalNAc to give a biantennary-like structure. The -->3(+/-Gal beta1-->6)Gal beta1-->3(-->3Gal beta1-->6)GalNAc core thus characterized represents a novel core type for O-glycans. In contrast, the previously characterized multifucosylated terminal sequences were carried on conventional type 1 and 2 cores. The smallest structures of the reductively released O-glycans were defined as GalNAc beta1-->4GlcNAc beta1-->3Gal beta1-->3GalNAcitol with a total of two to four fucoses attached to the terminal lacdiNAc. alpha-Galactosylation of the nonreducing terminal beta-GalNAc instead of fucose capping leads to further elongation with another lacdiNAc unit that could also extend directly from C6 of the reducing end GalNAc and similarly elongated or terminated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Huang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica,128, Academia Road Sec 2, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Affiliation(s)
- Y E Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|