In Vitro Activity of Taurine-5-Bromosalicylaldehyde Schiff Base Against Planktonic and Biofilm Cultures of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

( Ru Qiang Yuan ),( Yun Peng Diao ),( Wen Li Zhang ),( Yuan Lin ),( Shan Shan Huang ),( Houli Zhang ),( Li Ma ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.8

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen, implicated in both community and hospital acquired infections. The therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is becoming more difficult because of multidrug resistance and strong biofilmforming properties. Schiff bases have attracted attention as promising antibacterial agents. In this study, we investigated the in vitro activity of taurine-5-bromosalicylaldehyde Schiff base (TBSSB) against MRSA. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using a microtiter broth dilution method. TBSSB effectively inhibited planktonic MRSA, with an MIC of 32 μg/ml. The time-kill curve confirmed that TBSSB exhibited bactericidal activity against MRSA. TBSSB was also found to significantly inhibit MRSA biofilm formation at 24 h, especially at 1×MIC and sub-MIC levels. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed remarkable morphological and ultrastructural changes on the MRSA cell surface, due to exposure to TBSSB. This study indicated that TBSSB may be an effective bactericidal agent against MRSA.

Chinese herbal injections in combination with radiotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Yun-Ru Chen,Ruo-Tong Zhao,Yi-Fang Xu,Yin-Jie Ma,Shao-Bo Hu,Xue-Hui Wang,Bing-Bing Fan,Yan-Ji Zhou,Yu-Bei Huang,Nicola Robinson,Jian-ping Liu,Zhao-Lan Liu 한국한의학연구원 2023 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.12 No.4

Background: Advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) is a fatal disease with limited treatment options. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) as adjuvants for radiotherapy (RT) in APC and compare their treatment potentials using network meta-analysis. Methods: We systematically searched three English and four Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to July 25, 2023. The primary outcome was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary outcomes included Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). The treatment potentials of different CHIs were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The Cochrane RoB 2 tool and CINeMA were used for quality assessment and evidence grading. Results: Eighteen RCTs involving 1199 patients were included. Five CHIs were evaluated. Compound Kushen injection (CKI) combined with RT significantly improved ORR compared to RT alone (RR 1.49, 95 % CrI 1.21–1.86). Kanglaite (KLT) plus RT (RR 1.58, 95 % CrI 1.20–2.16) and CKI plus RT (RR 1.49, 95 % CrI 1.16–1.95) were associated with improved KPS score compared to radiation monotherapy, with KLT+RT being the highest rank (SUCRA 72.28 %). Regarding AEs, CKI plus RT was the most favorable in reducing the incidence of leukopenia (SUCRA 90.37 %) and nausea/vomiting (SUCRA 85.79 %). Conclusions: CKI may be the optimal choice of CHIs to combine with RT for APC as it may improve clinical response, quality of life, and reduce AEs. High-quality trials are necessary to establish a robust body of evidence. Protocol registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023396828.

Ferromagnetic CoPt₃ Nanowires : Structural Evolution from fcc to Ordered L1₂

Chao-Yuan Huang,Hao Ming Chen,Chia Fen Hsin,Po Yuan Chen,Ru-Shi Liu,Shu-Fen Hu,Jyh-Fu Lee,Ling-Yun Jang 한국자기학회 2010 한국자기학회 학술연구발표회 논문개요집 Vol.2010 No.12

Mutation of IPO13 causes recessive ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract

Xiu-Feng Huang,Lue Xiang,Wan Cheng,Fei-Fei Cheng,Kai-Wen He,Bo-Wen Zhang,Si-Si Zheng,Ru-Yi Han,Yi-Han Zheng,Xiao-Tao Xu,Huan-Yun Yu,Wenjuan Zhuang,Yuk Fai Leung,Zi-Bing Jin 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

Ocular coloboma is a developmental structural defect of the eye that often occurs as complex ocular anomalies. However, its genetic etiology remains largely unexplored. Here we report the identification of mutation (c.331C>T, p. R111C) in the IPO13 gene in a consanguineous family with ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract by a combination of whole-exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping. IPO13 encodes an importin-B family protein and has been proven to be associated with the pathogenesis of coloboma and microphthalmia. We found that Ipo13 was expressed in the cornea, sclera, lens, and retina in mice. Additionally, the mRNA expression level of Ipo13 decreased significantly in the patient compared with its expression in a healthy individual. Morpholinooligonucleotide- induced knockdown of ipo13 in zebrafish caused dose-dependent microphthalmia and coloboma, which is highly similar to the ocular phenotypes in the patient. Moreover, both visual motor response and optokinetic response were impaired severely. Notably, these ocular phenotypes in ipo13-deficient zebrafish could be rescued remarkably by full-length ipo13 mRNA, suggesting that the phenotypes observed in zebrafish were due to insufficient ipo13 function. Altogether, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, a new role of IPO13 in eye morphogenesis and that loss of function of IPO13 could lead to ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract in humans and zebrafish.

ALDH2 Gene: Its Effects on the Neuropsychological Functions in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Po-Wei Lee,Tzu-Yun Wang,Yun-Hsuan Chang,Sheng-Yu Lee,Shiou-Lan Chen,Ze-Cheng Wang,Po See Chen,Chun-Hsien Chu,San-Yuan Huang,Nian-Sheng Tzeng,I Hui Lee,Kao Chin Chen,Yen Kuang Yang,Jau-Shyong Hong,Ru-B 대한정신약물학회 2020 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.18 No.1

Objective: Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have impaired attention, inhibition control, and memory function. The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2 ) gene has been associated with OUD and ALDH2 gene polymorphisms may affect aldehyde metabolism and cognitive function in other substance use disorder. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether ALDH2 genotypes have significant effects on neuropsychological functions in OUD patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: OUD patients undergoing MMT were investigated and followed-up for 12 weeks. ALDH2 gene polymorphisms were genotyped. Connors’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) were administered at baseline and after 12 weeks of MMT. Multivariate linear regressions and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to examine the correlation between the ALDH2 genotypes and performance on the CPTs and WMS-R. Results: We enrolled 86 patients at baseline; 61 patients completed the end-of-study assessments. The GEE analysis showed that, after the 12 weeks of MMT, OUD patients with the ALDH2 *1/*2+*2/*2 (ALDH2 inactive) genotypes had significantly higher commission error T-scores (p = 0.03), significantly lower hit reaction time T-scores (p = 0.04), and significantly lower WMS-R visual memory index scores (p = 0.03) than did patients with the ALDH2 1 */*1 (ALDH2 active) genotype. Conclusion: OUD patients with the ALDH2 inactive genotypes performed worse in cognitive domains of attention, impulse control, and memory than did those with the ALDH2 active genotype. We conclude that the ALDH2 gene is important in OUD and is associated with neuropsychological performance after MMT.

Tailoring the Permselectivity of Water Desalination Membranes via Nanoparticle Assembly

Chan, Edwin P.,Mulhearn, William D.,Huang, Yun-Ru,Lee, Jung-Hyun,Lee, Daeyeon,Stafford, Christopher M. American Chemical Society 2014 Langmuir Vol.30 No.2

<P>Thin film composite membranes can selectively separate mono- and divalent ions from water via solution-diffusion of each species through a dense but ultrathin, highly cross-linked polymer “skin” layer; water is transported across the membrane faster than associated salts. Changing the selectivity of the “skin” layer typically requires adjusting the monomer chemistries that make up the polymer “skin” layer, but doing so also impacts a host of other membrane properties. Here, we employ electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition of inorganic nanoparticles to enhance the permselectivity of an existing commercial nanofiltration membrane. We chose this approach because it is simple and robust and does not require any change to the underlying chemistry of the thin film composite (TFC) membrane. We found that a single layer of nanoparticles was sufficient to increase the permselectivity of the membrane by nearly 50%, compared to the virgin TFC membrane. In order to understand the mechanism for permselectivity enhancement, we developed a modified solution-diffusion model to account for the additional hydraulic resistance of the nanoparticle layer, which can faithfully capture the effect of nanoparticle layer thickness on the observed water and salt flux of the modified TFC membrane.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/langd5/2014/langd5.2014.30.issue-2/la403718x/production/images/medium/la-2013-03718x_0006.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/la403718x'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

A Simulation Study to Reduce the Crowdedness of Emergency Department in a Hospital by Short-Stay Unit

( Hen-yi Jen ),( Hou-tai Chang ),( Yun-ru Huang ) 한국품질경영학회 2015 한국품질경영학회 학술대회 Vol.2015 No.2

Purpose: Our society is rapidly ageing and there are many related issues which are challenging us. One issue is the over-crowdedness in the Emergency Departments (ED) of many hospitals. The ED is under constant pressure to increase the capacity due to high medical care demands. How to better allocate resources to maintain the medical quality in ED concerns the hospital management. Methodology/Approach: The study focuses on improving the overcrowding emergency department of a case hospital. The hospitalist system proposes Short Stay Unit (SSU) as a measure to improve ED quality. However, to what scale of this SSU and to what degree of resource allocation will be adequate? The process simulation technique is implemented to address this. We build two simulation models: one to represent the current condition and for checking the validity; another to study the impact of SSU. Findings: Overcrowding emergency department deteriorate medical quality and often times sparks on conflicts among patient, the family and the medical staff. This study uses process simulation to evaluate the current patient flows of ED and to provide better route arrangement and resource allocation to reduce patient``s waiting and holding time in ED. The NEDOCS (National ED Over Crowding Study) is as key performance indicator to evaluate the medical quality of ED. Research Implication: The quantitative effects of the hospitalist system can be addressed through simulation analysis with many flexible configurations and can deal with randomness with ease. The results also provide the management better decision aids. Originality/Value: It is an original study and the first of its kind in using process simulation to analyze hospitalist system through process simulation study.

Tetrandrine Exerts a Radiosensitization Effect on Human Glioma through Inhibiting Proliferation by Attenuating ERK Phosphorylation

( Ji-wei Ma ),( Yong Zhang ),( Ji-cheng Ye ),( Ru Li ),( Yu-lin Wen ),( Jian-xian Huang ),( Xue-yun Zhong ) 한국응용약물학회 2017 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.25 No.2

Tetrandrine (Tet), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has been reported to have a radiosensitization effect on tumors. However, its effects on human glioma and the specific molecular mechanisms of these effects remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Tet has a radiosensitization effect on human glioma cells. It has been hypothesized that Tet has a radiosensitization effect on glioma cells by affecting the glioma cell cycle and DNA repair mechanism and that ERK mediates these activities. Therefore, we conducted detailed analyses of the effects of Tet on the cell cycle by performing flow cytometric analysis and on DNA repair by detecting the expression of phosphorylated H2AX by immunofluorescence. We used western blot analysis to investigate the role of ERK in the effect of Tet on the cell cycle and DNA repair. The results revealed that Tet exerts its radiosensitization effect on glioma cells by inhibiting proliferation and decreasing the expression of phosphorylated ERK and its downstream proteins. In summary, our data indicate that ERK is involved in Tet-induced radiosensitization of glioma cells via inhibition of glioma cell proliferation or of the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase.

Tetrandrine Exerts a Radiosensitization Effect on Human Glioma through Inhibiting Proliferation by Attenuating ERK Phosphorylation

Ma, Ji-wei,Zhang, Yong,Ye, Ji-cheng,Li, Ru,Wen, Yu-Lin,Huang, Jian-xian,Zhong, Xue-yun The Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology 2017 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.25 No.2

Tetrandrine (Tet), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has been reported to have a radiosensitization effect on tumors. However, its effects on human glioma and the specific molecular mechanisms of these effects remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Tet has a radiosensitization effect on human glioma cells. It has been hypothesized that Tet has a radiosensitization effect on glioma cells by affecting the glioma cell cycle and DNA repair mechanism and that ERK mediates these activities. Therefore, we conducted detailed analyses of the effects of Tet on the cell cycle by performing flow cytometric analysis and on DNA repair by detecting the expression of phosphorylated H2AX by immunofluorescence. We used western blot analysis to investigate the role of ERK in the effect of Tet on the cell cycle and DNA repair. The results revealed that Tet exerts its radiosensitization effect on glioma cells by inhibiting proliferation and decreasing the expression of phosphorylated ERK and its downstream proteins. In summary, our data indicate that ERK is involved in Tet-induced radiosensitization of glioma cells via inhibition of glioma cell proliferation or of the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase.

Interaction and micellar behavior of ternary mixture of amphoteric amino sulfonate surfactant with traditional anionic and nonionic surfactants: Effect of hydrophilicity

Qing Hua Zhang,Rui Sheng,Zhao Hua Ren,Jing Huang,Yun Xiao Wang,Ben Ru Wang,Xi Lei Huang,Qin Cheng,Xue Mei Wu,Tong Bo Wang 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.120 No.-

The micellization and the molecular interaction behaviors for two ternary mixtures constituted by anamphoteric sodium 3-(n-dodecyl ethylenediamino)-2-hydroxypropyl sulfonate (C12AS), an anionicsodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) and a nonionic octylphenol polyoxyethylated ether with thenumber (n) of oxyethylene glycol ethers OP-n (n = 10 or 7) in aqueous solution were investigated usingthe tensiometry and the effect of hydrophilicity on them was also discussed. In the framework of pseudophaseseparation model and based on the regular solution theory, the related micellization parametersincluding the mixed critical micelle concentration (cmc) values in the ideal and real cases, the activitycoefficients and the compositions in mixed micelle, etc. and thermodynamic parameters were estimatedby the Clint’s model and the Rubingh’ model. The mixed cmc value is dependent on the composition inaqueous solution and influenced by the hydrophilicity of nonionic surfactant. With increasing the nonionicin ternary mixture, the mixed cmc value is initially decreased and then slightly rise. An increasingin the hydrophilicity of nonionic will make the minimum value of mixed cmc be increased from1.299 mM to 1.705 mM. The resulting phenomena can be explained reasonably by the electrostatic effect,the steric hindrance, the hydrogen bonding, etc. Thermodynamic data indicate that the contribution ofentropy or enthalpy plays a vital role on the spontaneous process of micellization and the share ofentropy or enthalpy in free energy change is dependent largely on the amount of nonionic surfactantand the hydrophilicity. In ternary mixtures of C12AS/SDBS/OP-10, an increase in an amount of OP-10 willinduce the change from the enthalpy-driven micellization process to the entropically favorable process. Once an abundant amount of OP-7 is added, while, the enthalpy will make a main contribution on themicellization process, which can be described by the drop in the share of entropy at the composition(0.6970/0.0000/0.3030) of ternary mixture from 0.6478 to 0.4901. These findings will help with understandingthe molecular interaction behavior for the ternary surfactant mixture and the effect of the additionof nonionic surfactant and its hydrophilicity.