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Anderson M, Sathe N, Polacek C, Vawter J, Fritz T, Mann M, Hernandez P, Nguyen MC, Thompson J, Penderville J, Arling M, Safo S, Christopher R. Site Readiness Framework to Improve Health System Preparedness for a Potential New Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Paradigm. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2022; 9:542-549. [PMID: 35841255 PMCID: PMC8978498 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2022.32] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
New therapies that address the underlying pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), coupled with the growth of the AD population, will transform the AD care pathway and present significant challenges to health systems. We explored real-world challenges health systems may face in delivering potential new AD therapies with diverse stakeholders. Key challenges in care included integrating primary care providers into assessment and management, availability of memory care specialists, understanding payment and coverage issues and training mid-level providers to help coordinate care and serve as a shared resource across the system. This input informed a novel Site Readiness Framework for AD, comprising self-assessment exercises to identify health system capabilities and gaps and a framework of core strategies and responsive tools to help prepare to integrate new AD therapies. These resources may help health systems improve readiness to modify care pathways to integrate new therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Anderson
- Cate Polacek, Premier Inc, Charlotte, NC, USA, E-Mail:
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Pham TTT, Tran DP, Nguyen MC, Amen MT, Winter M, Whitehead C, Toh J, Thierry B. A simplified point-of-care testing approach for preeclampsia blood biomarkers based on nanoscale field effect transistors. Nanoscale 2021; 13:12279-12287. [PMID: 34251003 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr02461b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rapid diagnosis of preeclampsia is necessary to ensure timely administration of appropriate care and prevent the potentially catastrophic complications of the condition affecting both mothers and babies. While the diagnostic superiority of angiogenic blood biomarkers such as placental growth factor has recently been demonstrated, there is an urgent need to develop point-of-care (PoC) technologies that allow rapid, quantitative, and accurate testing for these markers within local communities. Towards addressing this need, here we report on a fully integrated biodiagnostic platform based on nanoscale indium oxide field effect transistor (FET) sensors. The high-performance FET sensors are integrated with blood sample processing cartridges that minimize the need for operator intervention during the assay and eliminate the need for analytical equipment. Within 40 minutes and from 30 μL of blood, the FET platform could reliably measure PlGF with a limit of detection of 0.06 pg mL-1 and a five order of magnitudes dynamic range. Pilot clinical validation in four preeclamptic pregnancies confirmed that the accuracy and reliability of the FET platform, paving the way for further development to a much-needed point-of-care preeclampsia testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Thi Thanh Pham
- Future Industries Institute and ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia.
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Kim J, Kim J, Kim Y, Han A, Nguyen MC. The contribution of physical and social activity participation to social support and happiness among people with physical disabilities. Disabil Health J 2020; 14:100974. [PMID: 32811784 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have suggested that certain leisure activities provide health benefits to people with physical disabilities. Participation in social activities has been identified as a strong predictor of active coping strategies and social support from others. In addition, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has been found to be positively associated with health perceptions and quality of life. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between social activity and LTPA to social support and life satisfaction among people with physical disabilities. METHODS Data were collected from Korean Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities. A total of 351 surveys were used. RESULTS Results indicated that social activity, emotional and informational support, and tangible and affectionate support were significantly associated with happiness. However, there were no direct effects of LTPA and positive social interaction support on happiness. The study results showed significant direct effects of LTPA on emotional and informational support and positive social interaction. CONCLUSION This study shows that it is important for people with physical disabilities not only to participate in LTPA, but also to be provided with opportunities for social activities. In particular, the importance of social activity to Korean people with physical disabilities as a means of receiving social support and increasing happiness was confirmed. The results suggest that practitioners need to create a variety of social activity opportunities, such as online social participation programs, community-based social programs, and social events for health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhyoung Kim
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, 801 N Jordan Ave, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA.
| | - Jaehyun Kim
- Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, State University of New York, College at Brockport.
| | - Yongseop Kim
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, 801 N Jordan Ave, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA.
| | - Areum Han
- Department of Physical Education, Dongduk Women's University, 60 Hwarang-ro 13-gil, Wolgok 2-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Minh Cong Nguyen
- Hospitality and Tourism Institute, Duy Tan University, 254 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Da Nang, Viet Nam.
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Yi B, Nguyen MC, Won MH, Kim YM, Ryoo S. Arginase Inhibitor 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-Glucoside Activates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Improves Vascular Function. Planta Med 2017; 83:210-216. [PMID: 27392245 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-111014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial arginase constrains the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by reducing nitric oxide bioavailability, which contributes to vascular diseases. During screening, we identified a novel compound from the rhizome of Polygonum multiflorum (Polygonaceae), 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), which inhibited arginase activity. THSG exhibited noncompetitive inhibition of arginase II and inhibited both arginases I and II in a dose-dependent manner. THSG-dependent arginase inhibition reciprocally increased nitric oxide production and decreased reactive oxygen species generation in aortic endothelia. These effects were associated with increased dimerization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase without changes in the protein expression levels of arginase I, arginase II, or endothelial nitric oxide synthase. In vascular tension assays, when aortic vessels from wild-type mice are incubated with THSG, responses to the nitric oxide-dependent vasorelaxant acetylcholine were augmented, but responses to an nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, were not affected. On the other hand, phenylephrine-dependent vasoconstriction was significantly retarded in THSG-treated vessels. In a high-cholesterol diet-fed atherogenic model mice (ApoE-/-), THSG improved endothelial function by enhancement of the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that THSG may exert vasoprotective effects through augmentation of nitric oxide signaling by inhibiting arginase. Therefore, THSG may be useful in the treatment of vascular diseases that are derived from endothelial dysfunction, such as atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonggu Yi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Minh Cong Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- College of Natural Sciences and Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Young Myeong Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Sungwoo Ryoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
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Nguyen MC, Ryoo S. Intravenous administration of piceatannol, an arginase inhibitor, improves endothelial dysfunction in aged mice. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol 2016; 21:83-90. [PMID: 28066144 PMCID: PMC5214914 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2017.21.1.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Advanced age is one of the risk factors for vascular diseases that are mainly caused by impaired nitric oxide (NO) production. It has been demonstrated that endothelial arginase constrains the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and limits NO generation. Hence, arginase inhibition is suggested to be vasoprotective in aging. In this study, we examined the effects of intravenous injection of Piceatannol, an arginase inhibitor, on aged mice. Our results show that Piceatannol administration reduced the blood pressure in aged mice by inhibiting arginase activity, which was associated with NO production and reactive oxygen species generation. In addition, Piceatannol administration recovered Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II phosphorylation, eNOS phosphorylation and eNOS dimer stability in the aged mice. The improved NO signaling was shown to be effective in attenuating the phenylephrine-dependent contractile response and in enhancing the acetylcholine-dependent vasorelaxation response in aortic rings from the aged mice. These data suggest Piceatannol as a potential treatment for vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Cong Nguyen
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Sungwoo Ryoo
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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Nguyen MC, Park JT, Jeon YG, Jeon BH, Hoe KL, Kim YM, Lim HK, Ryoo S. Arginase Inhibition Restores Peroxynitrite-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction via L-Arginine-Dependent Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Phosphorylation. Yonsei Med J 2016; 57:1329-38. [PMID: 27593859 PMCID: PMC5011263 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2016.57.6.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Peroxynitrite plays a critical role in vascular pathophysiology by increasing arginase activity and decreasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate whether arginase inhibition and L-arginine supplement could restore peroxynitrite-induced endothelial dysfunction and determine the involved mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with SIN-1, a peroxynitrite generator, and arginase activity, nitrite/nitrate production, and expression levels of proteins were measured. eNOS activation was evaluated via Western blot and dimer blot analysis. We also tested nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and performed a vascular tension assay. RESULTS SIN-1 treatment increased arginase activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner and reciprocally decreased nitrite/nitrate production that was prevented by peroxynitrite scavenger in HUVECs. Furthermore, SIN-1 induced an increase in the expression level of arginase I and II, though not in eNOS protein. The decreased eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and the increased at Thr495 by SIN-1 were restored with arginase inhibitor and L-arginine. The changed eNOS phosphorylation was consistent in the stability of eNOS dimers. SIN-1 decreased NO production and increased ROS generation in the aortic endothelium, all of which was reversed by arginase inhibitor or L-arginine. N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) prevented SIN-1-induced ROS generation. In the vascular tension assay, SIN-1 enhanced vasoconstrictor responses to U46619 and attenuated vasorelaxant responses to acetylcholine that were reversed by arginase inhibition. CONCLUSION These findings may explain the beneficial effect of arginase inhibition and L-arginine supplement on endothelial dysfunction under redox imbalance-dependent pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Cong Nguyen
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jong Taek Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Yeong Gwan Jeon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Byeong Hwa Jeon
- Infectious Signaling Network Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kwang Lae Hoe
- Department of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Young Myeong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyun Kyo Lim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
| | - Sungwoo Ryoo
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea.
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Olivier J, Tsimpo C, Gemignani R, Shojo M, Coulombe H, Dimmock F, Nguyen MC, Hines H, Mills EJ, Dieleman JL, Haakenstad A, Wodon Q. Understanding the roles of faith-based health-care providers in Africa: review of the evidence with a focus on magnitude, reach, cost, and satisfaction. Lancet 2015; 386:1765-75. [PMID: 26159398 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(15)60251-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
At a time when many countries might not achieve the health targets of the Millennium Development Goals and the post-2015 agenda for sustainable development is being negotiated, the contribution of faith-based health-care providers is potentially crucial. For better partnership to be achieved and for health systems to be strengthened by the alignment of faith-based health-providers with national systems and priorities, improved information is needed at all levels. Comparisons of basic factors (such as magnitude, reach to poor people, cost to patients, modes of financing, and satisfaction of patients with the services received) within faith-based health-providers and national systems show some differences. As the first report in the Series on faith-based health care, we review a broad body of published work and introduce some empirical evidence on the role of faith-based health-care providers, with a focus on Christian faith-based health providers in sub-Saharan Africa (on which the most detailed documentation has been gathered). The restricted and diverse evidence reported supports the idea that faith-based health providers continue to play a part in health provision, especially in fragile health systems, and the subsequent reports in this Series review controversies in faith-based health care and recommendations for how public and faith sectors might collaborate more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Olivier
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | | | | | | | - Frank Dimmock
- Presbyterian Church USA, World Mission, Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Harrison Hines
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Edward J Mills
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph L Dieleman
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annie Haakenstad
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Zhao X, Nguyen MC, Zhang WY, Wang CZ, Kramer MJ, Sellmyer DJ, Li XZ, Zhang F, Ke LQ, Antropov VP, Ho KM. Exploring the structural complexity of intermetallic compounds by an adaptive genetic algorithm. Phys Rev Lett 2014; 112:045502. [PMID: 24580466 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.112.045502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Solving the crystal structures of novel phases with nanoscale dimensions resulting from rapid quenching is difficult due to disorder and competing polymorphic phases. Advances in computer speed and algorithm sophistication have now made it feasible to predict the crystal structure of an unknown phase without any assumptions on the Bravais lattice type, atom basis, or unit cell dimensions, providing a novel approach to aid experiments in exploring complex materials with nanoscale grains. This approach is demonstrated by solving a long-standing puzzle in the complex crystal structures of the orthorhombic, rhombohedral, and hexagonal polymorphs close to the Zr2Co11 intermetallic compound. From our calculations, we identified the hard magnetic phase and the origin of high coercivity in this compound, thus guiding further development of these materials for use as high performance permanent magnets without rare-earth elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhao
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - M C Nguyen
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - W Y Zhang
- Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - C Z Wang
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - M J Kramer
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - D J Sellmyer
- Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - X Z Li
- Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - F Zhang
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - L Q Ke
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - V P Antropov
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - K M Ho
- Ames Laboratory-US Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
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Wu SQ, Ji M, Wang CZ, Nguyen MC, Zhao X, Umemoto K, Wentzcovitch RM, Ho KM. An adaptive genetic algorithm for crystal structure prediction. J Phys Condens Matter 2014; 26:035402. [PMID: 24351274 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/3/035402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a genetic algorithm (GA) for structural search that combines the speed of structure exploration by classical potentials with the accuracy of density functional theory (DFT) calculations in an adaptive and iterative way. This strategy increases the efficiency of the DFT-based GA by several orders of magnitude. This gain allows a considerable increase in the size and complexity of systems that can be studied by first principles. The performance of the method is illustrated by successful structure identifications of complex binary and ternary intermetallic compounds with 36 and 54 atoms per cell, respectively. The discovery of a multi-TPa Mg-silicate phase with unit cell containing up to 56 atoms is also reported. Such a phase is likely to be an essential component of terrestrial exoplanetary mantles.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Q Wu
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China. Ames Laboratory-US DOE and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Nguyen MC, Garcia LA. Recent advances in atherectomy and devices for treatment of infra-inguinal arterial occlusive disease. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2008; 49:167-177. [PMID: 18431336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) continues to rise in an ever ageing society and consumes a significant part of health resources. Percutaneous revascularization has revolutionized the treatment of lower extremity peripheral vascular disease over the past 10 years. Additionally, novel devices have allowed improved endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal as well as infrapopliteal disease. Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) can be an effective modality for focal lesions in the iliac arteries, the results for complex infra-inguinal arterial disease have been disappointing. One class of new technology has concentrated on debulking the plaque, while others focus to improve safety (distal embolic protection devices) or are directed to specific clinical challenges such as chronic total occlusions. However, the lack of uniform performance criteria and reporting standards for these and other devices has resulted in heterogeneous study end points, making comparative efficacy difficult. Here we review the current data for atherectomy and atheroablative technologies as well as other adjunctive devices in the treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Nguyen
- Division of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Ngo HH, Nguyen MC, Sangvikar NG, Hoang TTL, Guo WS. Simple approaches towards the design of an attached-growth sponge bioreactor (AGSB) for wastewater treatment and reuse. Water Sci Technol 2006; 54:191-7. [PMID: 17302320 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment and reuse is being emphasized due to the shortage of water sources and the continuous deterioration of the aquatic environment. In this study, a novel sponge bioreactor was studied as a low cost, high efficiency alternative for an attached growth biological system. This was designed by combining of number of sponge trays. This emerging technology has many beneficial properties in wastewater treatment and reuse. The approaches towards the conditions for system design were: (i) selection of sponge types; (ii) selection of sponge shapes; and (iii) selection of designated slope of sponge tray. They were determined through a series of experiments using a laboratory-scale unit with synthetic wastewater. It was then tested with a pilot-scale unit at the predetermined optimum conditions. The results indicate that the highest biomass growth was found at the sponge type with a cell count of 70-90 cells/in(2) (6.45 cm(2)) The relationship between biomass growth and biological oxygen consumption was well established. The prism-shaped sponge (triangular polyurethane sponge of 70-90 cells/in(2) with designated slope of sponge tray at 10 degrees) led to the best performance in terms of both organic and nutrient removal efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Ngo
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
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Zhang HJ, Tamez PA, Vu DH, Ghee TT, Nguyen VH, Le TX, Le MH, Nguyen MC, Do TT, Soejarto DD, Fong HH, Pezzuto JM. Antimalarial compounds from Rhaphidophora decursiva. J Nat Prod 2001; 64:772-777. [PMID: 11421741 DOI: 10.1021/np010037c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Bioassay-directed fractionation led to the isolation of 14 compounds, six of which possess antimalarial activity, from the dried leaves and stems of Rhaphidophora decursiva. Polysyphorin (1) and rhaphidecurperoxin (6) showed strong activities against Plasmodium falciparum. Rhaphidecursinol A (2), rhaphidecursinol B (3), grandisin (4), and epigrandisin (5) were less active against the same organism. Among the isolates, rhaphidecursinol A (2) and rhaphidecursinol B (3) were determined to be new neolignans, and rhaphidecurperoxin (6) is a new benzoperoxide. Known compounds isolated include polysyphorin (1), grandisin (4), epigrandisin (5), (+)-medioresinol, (-)-pinoresinol, (-)-syringaresinol, (+)-glaberide I, (+)-dehydrovomifoliol, (-)-liliolide, (-)-hydroxydihydrobovolide, and N-butylbenzamide, of which compound 1 appears worthy of further evaluation as an antimalarial agent. Structure elucidation and identification were accomplished by spectroscopic means including 1D and 2D NMR analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Zhang
- Program for Collaborative Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, m/c 877, College of Pharmacy, the University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
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Abstract
Obstructive lung disease (OLD) is highly prevalent in elderly subjects but markedly under-diagnosed. Indeed, only 40-50% of hospitalized elderly patients are able to adequately perform spirometric tests. This study aimed to evaluate, in an acute-care geriatric hospital, the diagnostic value of measuring airway impedance (Zrs) by the forced oscillation technique (FOT) for: (1) identifying OLD and (2) identifying responders vs. non-responders to bronchodilators. Sixty-seven patients (aged 82+/-8 years) underwent consecutive measurement of Zrs and forced expiratory volumes before and after bronchodilators. Zrs was measured by FOT at frequencies of 4-30 Hz. Correlations, ROC curves and logistic regression models were established to determine the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of Zrs in identifying OLD. Significant correlations were found between spirometric and Zrs measurements. The Zrs parameters yielding the best Se and Sp for detecting OLD were: Fn (resonant frequency; Se: 76%; Sp: 78%) and R0 (resistance extrapolated for a frequency of 0: Se: 76%; Sp: 74%). Using the logistic regression models, 76% of the patients were correctly classified as having OLD or not. Zrs was however not contributive in identifying responders to bronchodilators. Zrs measurements by FOT are contributive to the diagnosis of OLD in elderly hospitalized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Janssens
- Department of Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland.
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Nguyen MC, Stewart RB, Banerji MA, Gordon DH, Kral JG. Relationships between tamoxifen use, liver fat and body fat distribution in women with breast cancer. Int J Obes (Lond) 2001; 25:296-8. [PMID: 11410835 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0801488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2000] [Accepted: 07/28/2000] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal anti-estrogenic drug used for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer and recently as a chemopreventative agent for breast cancer and, on an investigational basis, for other cancers. To date there are case reports of hypertriglyceridemia and fatty liver disease in tamoxifen users. Fatty liver is associated with visceral obesity and other components of the metabolic syndrome. Here we evaluated steatosis and adipose tissue distribution by CT scan in a cross-sectional study of 32 women on tamoxifen and 39 control women. Tamoxifen users had more visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and more liver fat than controls. This is the first study to demonstrate that fatty liver and intra-abdominal fat accumulation are common in breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. Prospective studies of tamoxifen should monitor metabolic changes in obese women with or without breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11203-2098, USA
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Ludvig N, Nguyen MC, Botero JM, Tang HM, Scalia F, Scharf BA, Kral JG. Delivering drugs, via microdialysis, into the environment of extracellularly recorded hippocampal neurons in behaving primates. Brain Res Brain Res Protoc 2000; 5:75-84. [PMID: 10719268 DOI: 10.1016/s1385-299x(99)00058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurons in primates have been extensively studied with electrophysiological and neuroanatomical methods. Much less effort has been devoted to examining these cells with contemporary pharmacological techniques. Therefore, we modified a recently developed integrative technique (N. Ludvig, P.E. Potter, S.E. Fox, Simultaneous single-cell recording and microdialysis within the same brain site in freely behaving rats: a novel neurobiological method, J. Neurosci. Methods 55 (1994) 31-40 [9] ) for cellular neuropharmacological studies in behaving monkeys. A driveable microelectrode-microdialysis probe guide assembly was implanted stereotaxically into the left hippocampus of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) under isoflurane anesthesia. The assembly was covered with a protective cap. After 3 weeks of postsurgical recovery and behavioral training, the experimental subject was seated in a primate chair. For 4-5 h, single-cell recording and microdialysis were simultaneously performed in the hippocampal implantation site. The technique allowed the recording of both complex-spike cells and fast-firing neurons without the use of head restraint. The control microdialysis solution, artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), was replaced with either 1 M ethanol or 500 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) for 10-30 min intervals. The ethanol perfusions principally suppressed the firing of the neurons in the dialysis area. The NMDA perfusions initially increased the firing of local neurons, then caused electrical silence. These drug delivery/cell recording sessions were performed with 1-4 day intersession intervals over a 1-month period. The described method provides a tool to elaborate the pharmacology of primate hippocampal neurons during behavior and without the confounding effects of systemic drug administrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ludvig
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Box 31, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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McAllister B, Archambeau JO, Nguyen MC, Slater JD, Loredo L, Schulte R, Alvarez O, Bedros AA, Kaleita T, Moyers M, Miller D, Slater JM. Proton therapy for pediatric cranial tumors: preliminary report on treatment and disease-related morbidities. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1997; 39:455-60. [PMID: 9308950 DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(97)00079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [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: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accelerated protons were used in an attempt to limit treatment-related morbidity in children with tumors in or near the developing brain, by reducing the integral dose to adjacent normal tissues. METHODS AND MATERIALS Children treated with protons at Loma Linda University Medical Center between August 1991 and December 1994 were analyzed retrospectively. Twenty-eight children, aged 1 to 18 years, were identified as at risk for brain injury from treatment. Medical records, physical examinations, and correspondence with patients, their parents, and referring physicians were analyzed. The investigators tabulated post-treatment changes in pre-treatment signs and symptoms and made judgments as to whether improvement, no change, or worsening related to disease or treatment had supervened. Magnetic resonance images were correlated with clinical findings and radiographic impressions were tabulated. RESULTS Follow-up ranged from 7 to 49 months (median 25 months). Four instances of treatment-related morbidity were identified. Forty-one instances of site-specific, disease-related morbidity were identified: 15 improved or resolved and 26 remained unchanged after treatment. Four patients had radiographic evidence of local failure. Three of these patients, including two with high-grade glioma, have died. CONCLUSION Early treatment-related morbidity associated with proton therapy is low. Tumor progression remains a problem when treating certain histologies such as high-grade glioma. Escalating the dose delivered to target volumes may benefit children with tumors associated with poor rates of local control. Long-term follow-up, including neurocognitive testing, is in progress to assess integral-dose effects on cognitive, behavioral and developmental outcomes in children with cranial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- B McAllister
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, CA 92354, USA
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Waldhorn RE, Herrick TW, Nguyen MC, O'Donnell AE, Sodero J, Potolicchio SJ. Long-term compliance with nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy of obstructive sleep apnea. Chest 1990; 97:33-8. [PMID: 2403899 DOI: 10.1378/chest.97.1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to identify predictors of long-term compliance with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), we reviewed the records of 125 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) referred to our center for nasal CPAP trials. Severity of sleep apnea, sleep staging, daytime hypersomnolence, effectiveness of nasal CPAP, previous palatal surgery, and adverse reactions were compared in compliant and noncompliant patients. Nineteen patients did not tolerate a nasal CPAP trial in the laboratory or refused home nasal CPAP therapy. Ten patients were unavailable for follow-up. Of the remaining 96 patients, 23 (24 percent) had discontinued therapy, while 73 (76 percent) were still using nasal CPAP at 14.5 +/- 10.7 months (mean +/- SD). There were no statistically significant differences between the compliant and noncompliant patients in baseline apnea plus hypopnea index (AHI), baseline sleep staging, AHI while receiving nasal CPAP, sleep staging while receiving nasal CPAP, or frequency of adverse reactions during therapy. Severe daytime sleepiness was present in 65 of the 73 compliant patients and in 12 of the 23 noncompliant patients (p less than 0.05). Ten of 43 in the compliant group had previous palatal surgery compared with ten of 23 noncompliant patients (p less than 0.05). Our data confirm earlier observations in smaller samples that compliant and noncompliant patients have equally severe sleep apnea and good initial responses to nasal CPAP. Long-term compliance with nasal CPAP may be associated with the severity of daytime hypersomnolence on presentation. Previous palatal surgery was more frequent in patients who did not tolerate long-term nasal CPAP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Waldhorn
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20007
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Stark P, Nguyen MC. [Pneumocystis pneumonia as an expression of acquired immune deficiency (AIDS) in homosexual men]. Prax Klin Pneumol 1984; 38:26-28. [PMID: 6608721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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Nguyen MC, Morere K. [An uncommon case of involvement of the lymphatic vessels]. Phlebologie 1979; 32:297-302. [PMID: 493367] [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: 12/15/2022]
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Truong XT, Jarrett SR, Nguyen MC. A method for deriving viscoelastic modulus for skeletal muscle from transient pulse propagation. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 1978; 25:382-4. [PMID: 689696 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.1978.326267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Nguyen MC, Morére K. [Malignant transformation of leg ulcers. Apropos of 3 cases]. Phlebologie 1974; 27:215-8. [PMID: 4427950] [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: 01/10/2023]
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