PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S N Chen

Publications and source records attributed to S N Chen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Complete nucleotide sequences of three dsRNA segments from Raphanus sativus-root cv. Yidianhong [corrected] with leaf yellow edge symptoms.

The two minor dsRNA bands, previously detected in symptomatic leaves of Raphanus sativus-root cv. Yidianhong [corrected] were subjected to further analysis. cDNA cloning and sequencing revealed that the smaller of the two dsRNA bands is actually a doublet consisting of two co-migrating dsRNA segments and the resulting three segments were designated as RasR 3, RasR 4, and RasR 5. RasR 3 was 1717 bp in length and potentially encoded a protein of about 55.3 kDa, containing all of the six conserved motifs shared by the RNA dependent RNA polymerases of members of the family Partitiviridae. RasR 4 and RasR 5, which co-migrated in the 5% polyacrylamide gel, were 1521 and 1485 bp in length and each encoded a putative protein of unknown function. Their molecular masses, as calculated from the deduced amino acid, were 38.2 and 38.8 kDa, respectively. The 5' UTRs of all three segments shared regions of high sequence similarities, but were distinct from those of the RasR 1 and RasR 2. Taken together, these results along with those described in the previous report, suggest that more than one partitivirus was co-infecting radish leaves.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

A preliminary assessment of consumer's exposure to pesticide residues in fisheries products.

The fisheries products in this study comprise fish, bivalve, crustacean and cephalopod collected from different types of markets in Taiwan between the years 2001 and 2003. A total of 91 pesticide residues belonging to four major pesticide groups were tested and analyzed. The test results show that 65.40% of fish, 93.55% of shellfish, 84.92% of crustacean and 98.33% of cephalopod samples contain no detectable residues. There are only two kinds (organochlorine and organophosphate) of totally six pesticides (DDTs, dieldrin, chlorpyrifos, fenitrotion, fenthion and prothion) that have been detected from the fisheries products in this study. For there were pesticides present in the fish products, consumption of fisheries product there was no zero risk. But the exposure of consumer did not exceed the acceptable daily intakes (ADI). For male, there was the highest risk in exposure to dieldrin, which the percentage of ADI was 93.56%. This study also suggests that a yearly monitoring program for organophosphate pesticide residues in fish is necessity.

Animals↗

Studies on epizootic iridovirus infection among red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), cultured in Taiwan.

Since 1993, an epizootic viral disease has occurred in net-cage cultured red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), in Peng-hu Island located on the south-western coast of Taiwan. The diseased fish exhibited abnormal swimming and were lethargic, but few visible external signs were observed. The cumulative mortality because of the disease sometimes reached 50-90% over 2 months. Histopathogical studies of the affected fish showed enlarged basophilic cells in the gill, kidney, heart, liver and spleen. These necrotic cells were Feulgen-positive and stained blue using Giemsa. Transmission electron microscopy revealed icosahedral virions in the cytoplasm of the necrotic cells. The viral particles consisted of a central nucleocapsid (75-80 nm) and envelope, and were 120-150 nm in diameter. These results suggest that the virus belongs to the Iridoviridae. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), approximately 570 bp fragments were produced from the viral DNA using as a template 1-F and 1-R primers derived from red seabream iridovirus (RSIV) from red sea bream in Japan. Similar results were also obtained using nested-PCR with different primer sets (1-F, 2-R and 2-F, 1-R). Although the size and some features of epizootics of this virus differed from RSIV in Japan, it shows close genetic affinities with the latter and it is suggested that RSIV has been introduced to Taiwan.

Animals↗

Retinal vasculitis associated with chickenpox.

PURPOSE: To report retinal vasculitis in a young, immunocompetent Asian female adult with chickenpox. METHODS: Interventional case report. A 32-year-old woman had chickenpox 2 weeks before blurred vision in the left eye. The visual acuity was 20/20 for the right eye and 30/50 for the left eye. The left eye presented keratic precipitates, moderate (2+) cells in the anterior chamber and numerous cells (3+) in the vitreous. The disk was normal. Perivenous exudation was noted mainly in the inferior retina. The sheathed retinal vessels showed late staining but no remarkable leakage on fluorescein angiography. The right eye was normal. RESULTS: After treatment with acyclovir for 10 days, the visual acuity in the left eye improved to 20/20, and the vasculitis resolved. CONCLUSION: Retinal vasculitis may present as a complication of primary varicella infection in an immunocompetent adult.

Acyclovir↗

Sterols from the fungus Lactarium volemus.

Seven ergostane-type sterols and two mono-glucosides were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Lactarium rolemus. Three are previously unknown, i.e. 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22E,24R-5alpha,8alpha-epidioxyergosta-6,22-diene, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22E,24R-5beta,8beta-epidioxyergosta-6,22-diene and 22E,24R-ergosta-7,22-diene-3beta,5alpha,6beta,9alpha-tetraol. The structural elucidation of these compounds was mainly achieved by spectroscopic methods.

Agaricales↗

Three diterpene glucosides and a diphenylamine derivative from Pieris formosa.

Three new diterpenoids, pierisformosides G-I (1-3) and a diphenylamine derivative 4 have been isolated from the ethanol extract of Pieris formosa leaves, compound 1 being a new type seco-ring-A kaurane diterpene glucoside. Their structures were elucidated with the aid of NMR spectroscopy including two-dimensional-NMR techniques.

Diphenylamine↗

Intravitreous tissue plasminogen activator injection and pneumatic displacement in the management of submacular hemorrhage complicating scleral buckling procedures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in displacing submacular hemorrhage in patients who had scleral buckling procedures complicated by the development of submacular hemorrhage. Final visual acuity and complications of the procedures were evaluated. METHODS: Sequential intravitreal injections of 50 microg rTPA in 0.1 mL and 0.4 cc SF6 were performed in eight patients who showed submacular hemorrhage 1 day after a scleral buckling procedure. The fundus was checked daily for 3 days after the injection of TPA and gas, and then was followed every week for 1 month and then every 2 months. Patients were observed for at least 6 months. Visual acuity and the status of complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Submacular hemorrhage was totally or partially displaced extramacularly in all patients on the day after rTPA and SF6 injection. Vitreous hemorrhage was present in all patients. The retina was attached in all patients and no recurrent retinal detachment was noted. Visual acuity was improved at 6 months after treatment in all seven of the patients with macula-off retinal detachments compared to the preoperative visual acuity. The last patient who had a macula-sparing retinal detachment had decreased vision (20/25) at 6 months compared to preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and SF6 injection is an easy procedure that is less complicated than and as effective as internal drainage in patients with submacular hemorrhage developing as a complication of scleral buckling procedures.

Adult↗

Central areolar choroidal and retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy: a family report.

Central areolar choroidal and retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy (CACD) is a rare hereditary macular disease characterized by a bilateral, symmetric, and well-circumscribed solitary area in the macula with choroidal and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy. We report a family of CACD confirmed by both clinical presentation and hereditary pattern. Three members of the family were examined. They had noticed gradual visual deterioration with poor color discrimination since the fourth to fifth decades. All of them showed a bilaterally symmetric bull's-eye pattern of macular dystrophy with a sharp border of underlying large or middle choroidal vessels, which was unassociated with any surrounding lesions. Fluorescein angiography revealed a transmission window defect due to retinal pigment epithelial atrophy with remaining choriocapillaris intermingled with a hypofluorescent area of choriocapillaris atrophy. Electroretinography revealed a mild reduction in the photopic amplitude, while the scotopic response was normal. A normal electro-oculography was also noted. The family history indicated autosomal dominant inheritance. The loss of visual acuity was caused by progressive atrophy of both the retinal pigment epithelium and the choriocapillaris. It is important to detect CACD in the early stages, because this diagnosis can exert a considerable influence on a patient's subsequent life.

Aged↗

Idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: case report.

In 1990, Yannuzzi et al. introduced a new clinical entity, "idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy" (IPCV). There is now a more-widespread worldwide recognition of a higher prevalence and importance of this disorder. We report on the first case of IPCV in Taiwan to our knowledge. A 63-year-old Taiwanese man complained of blurred vision in his right eye for 6 months. The anterior segment and vitreous were normal except for mild nuclear cataract changes. Fundus examination of the right eye showed hard exudates and multiple reddish-orange subretinal lesions in the macula. Fundus examination of the left eye was normal. Fluorescein angiography of the right eye showed multiple hyperfluorescent granular lesions in the macula. Subretinal leakage and pooling of fluorescein were present in the temporal macula. Indocyanine green angiography disclosed multiple aneurysmal dilations at the terminals of branching vascular networks. A hyperfluorescent aneurysmal lesion corresponding to the reddish-orange nodule was observed ophthalmoscopically, and a granular lesion was observed in fluorescein angiography. Focal retinal photocoagulation was applied to the leakage area identified with fluorescein angiography. Two months after photocoagulation was performed, the subretinal fluid had gradually resolved, but a new leakage in the macula was demonstrated with fluorescein angiography. His best corrected vision in the right eye was stable.

Choroid Diseases↗

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation in a woman with uterine leiomyoma: case report.

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) associated with systemic carcinoma is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome. It was reported to be associated with primary carcinomas of the lung, ovary, colon, gall bladder, esophagus, pancreas, uterus, and cervix. We report a case of BDUMP that occurred in a woman with cervical leiomyoma. The 79-year-old woman experienced bilateral progressive visual loss to hand motion within 2 weeks. Fundus examination showed bilateral exudative retinal detachment and multiple oval red patches. Echographic study showed diffuse thickening of the uveal tracts. Fluorescein angiography showed multiple patches of window defect without late leakage, which was correlated with the oval red patches. After screening for tumor markers and meticulous examinations, an elevated serum level of CA-125 was noted. The only neoplasm found in this patient was a cervical leiomyoma, which has never been reported to be associated with BDUMP. One month after the onset of symptoms, accidental head injury due to poor vision led to right parietal intracerebral hemorrhage and left hemiplegia. Prompt diagnosis of this paraneoplastic syndrome is important to discover the underlying malignancy in patients with no history of cancer. For those cases without malignant neoplasm, attention should be directed to the disability caused by the severe visual loss, which led to accidental head injury and intracerebral hemorrhage in this case.

Aged↗

Progression of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy after discontinuation of therapy: case report.

Chloroquine and its derivative, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, have been used in treating malaria, dermatitides of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is uncommon in Taiwan. Here we report a patient with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy which progressed even after discontinuation of hydroxychloroquine. A 42-year-old woman had systemic lupus erythematosus for twenty years. She had been treated with 200 to 400 mg of hydroxychloroquine per day (4 to 8 mg/kg of body weight/day) with a cumulative dose of 657 g. After bull's-eye maculopathy was found, hydroxychloroquine was discontinued. Her medical history revealed no chloroquine administration and no other systemic disease. Five years after cessation of the therapy, her visual acuity and visual fields continued to deteriorate. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed the hydroxychloroquine retinopathy had advanced. To the best of our knowledge, the progression of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy after discontinuation of medications is a rare phenomenon. Regular ophthalmologic examinations should be performed for patients on hydroxychloroquine regimens because there is no satisfactory treatment for hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity. Ophthalmologists, dermatologists and rheumatologists should monitor for ocular toxicity of hydroxychloroquine carefully.

Adult↗

Ocular ischemic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features and management of ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) and factors influencing its development. METHODS: Ten patients (12 eyes) with OIS underwent detailed medical and ocular histories, complete ophthalmic evaluation including fluorescein angiography, internal carotid artery evaluation by duplex ultrasonography, and management. The following outcome measures were considered: visual acuity, anterior segment neovascularization, lens status, retinal and choroidal changes, and carotid artery stenosis or occlusion. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 63 +/- 8 years. Presenting visual symptoms included gradual (82.5%) or sudden (17.5%) onset of vision loss. At initial visit, eyes with OIS had visual acuity less than or equal to counting fingers in 50%, iris neovascularization in 58%, and neovascular glaucoma in 42%. Initially associated systemic diseases in these patients included arterial hypertension (60%), diabetes mellitus (40%), coronary artery disease (20%), previous stroke (30%) and hemodialysis (10%). Complete occlusion or severe occlusion (70-99%) of the internal carotid artery was seen in 75% on the side of OIS. Panretinal photocoagulation did not prevent OIS from progressing but vitreous hemorrhage and rubeosis iris regressed. Carotid endarterectomy had some benefit in stabilizing or improving vision in patients with OIS. CONCLUSION: OIS has a poor visual prognosis. It is imperative that the clinician be aware of the signs and symptoms of carotid disease in order to facilitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate referral, because OIS may be the presenting sign of serious ischemic cerebrovascular and ischemic heart disease.

Adult↗

Reduction of subretinal fluid after preoperative immobilization of the eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

BACKGROUND: Bullous retinal detachment may be difficult to handle with higher operative complications. Preoperative immobilization of the eyes might reduce subretinal fluid and facilitate surgical procedures. Factors influencing subretinal fluid absorption were analyzed. METHODS: Twenty-eight eyes with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with preoperative binocular patching and complete bed rest for at least 12 hours were enrolled. Ultrasonography was performed before and after immobilization to estimate the reduction in subretinal fluid. RESULTS: The amount of reduction diverged in cases with an average of a 17.1% decrease in the maximal height of detachment. Retinal detachments in patients with smaller breaks and without vitreal traction or chronicity showed more significant reduction of subretinal fluid than did those patients with larger breaks and with vitreal traction or chronicity. On the other hand, break shape, height of retinal detachment, age, and gender had no obvious effect on subretinal fluid change. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative immobilization of the eyes reduces the subretinal fluid in selected cases, which can decrease operative complications. Break size, vitreal traction, and chronicity are important factors affecting the absorption of subretinal fluid.

Adolescent↗

Diterpene glucosides from Pieris formosa.

Five diterpene glucosides, pierisformosides B-F were isolated from Pieris formosa D. Don (Ericaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. including 1H-1H COSY, 13C-1H COSY, HMBC and NOESY experiments.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

ent-Kaurene diterpenoids from Isodon rubescens.

Two kaurenoids, taibairubescensins A and B, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the leaves and branches of Isodon rubescens. Their structures are designated as 2 beta, 3 beta-diacetoxy-11 beta, 13 alpha-dihydroxy-ent-kaur-16-en-15-one and 3 beta, 11 beta-diacetoxy-2 beta, 6 alpha-dihydroxy-ent-kaur-16-en-15-one, respectively, on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analyses.

Diterpenes↗

Diterpenoids from the fruits of Rhododendron molle.

Four new diterpenoids, rhodomolleins XV (1), XVI (2), XVII (3), and XVIII (4), together with three known diterpenoids, kalmanol and rhodojaponins III and VI, were isolated from the dried ripe fruits of Rhododendron molle. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation.

Diterpenes↗

Species of Caligus Müller, 1785 (Copepoda: Caligidae) parasitic on marine fishes of Taiwan.

Six species of copepods of the genus Caligus (Caligidae, Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on marine fishes of Taiwan are reported. They are: C. absens n. sp. from Priacanthus blochii and P. macracanthus; C. epinepheli Yamaguti, 1936 from Scolopsis vosmeri; C. kanagurta Pillai, 1961 from Decrapterts kurroides; C. laticaudus Shiino, 1960 from Lutjanus vitta and Parapristiopoma trilineatum; C. nengai Rangnekar, Rangnekar & Murti, 1953 from Triacanthus biaculeatus; and C. rotundigenitalis Yü, 1933 from Drepane punctata, Liza macrolepis and Terapon jarbua. C. distortus Pillai & Natarajan, 1977 is relegated to a synonym of C. nengai and C. multispinosus Shen, 1957 reported by Lin et al. (1994) from the cultured sea bream Acanthopagrus schlegeli is a misidentification for C. rotundigenitalis Yü, 1933.

Animals↗

Activation of MAD 2 checkprotein and persistence of cyclin B1/CDC 2 activity associate with paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a microtubule-interfering agent that induced persistent and transient G2/M arrest before apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells at high and low concentrations, respectively. In this study, we intended to explore the underlying molecular events and found that cellular cyclin B1/CDC 2 kinase activity was increased and persisted for >6 h upon paclitaxel treatment both at high and low concentrations. Furthermore, activation of MAD 2 checkprotein could account for the loss of cyclin B1 ubiquitination and the persistence of cyclin B1/CDC 2 activation in the cases. To investigate the involvement of cyclin B1 and MAD 2 activation in paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, we introduced affinity-purified anti-cyclin B1 and MAD 2 antibodies into NPC cells by electroporation before the further paclitaxel treatment. The antibodies against cyclin B1 and MAD 2 indeed attenuated paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation. Our study suggests that activation of cyclin B1/CDC 2 and MAD 2 were the M-phase events required for paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in NPC cells. The dys-regulated cyclin B1/CDC 2 activation could enhance the prometaphase progression, but activation of MAD 2 rendered cells inable to exit from the metaphase. Under this circumstance, cells were probably going to "mitotic catastrophe" and ultimately, destined to apoptosis.

Antibodies↗