The Effects of Freshwater Clam () Extract on Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells.

Background: The extract of freshwater clams has been used to protect the body against liver diseases in traditional folk medicine. This study aims at investigating the effects of freshwater clam extract on activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), which are critical contributors to liver fibrosis.

Methods: The aHSCs used in this study were derived from hepatic stellate cells that were isolated and purified from the livers of male Wistar rats and then transformed into the activated phenotype by culturing on uncoated plastic dishes.

Proteomic profiling of Ganoderma tsugae ethanol extract-induced adipogenesis displaying browning features.

Ganoderma is classified as a top grade traditional Chinese medicine for promoting human health by regulating 'vital energy'. Its potency towards metabolism and energy homeostasis, particularly, metabolic adaptations of adipocytes, needs to be re-evaluated through an evidence-based study. Here, the triterpenoid-rich Ganoderma tsugae ethanol extract (GTEE) was found to contribute towards adipogenesis accompanied with elevated intracellular lipid metabolic flux.

Inhibitory Effects of Purple Sweet Potato Leaf Extract on the Proliferation and Lipogenesis of the 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes.

Purple sweet potato leaves (PSPLs) are healthy vegetable that is rich in anti-oxidants. A solution of boiling water extract of PSPL (PSPLE) is believed to be able to prevent obesity and metabolic syndrome in the countryside of Taiwan, but its efficacy has not yet been verified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible anti-adipogenesis effect of PSPLE in vitro.

Clipping of the appendix induced cardiac arrest during appendectomy under spinal anesthesia.

Bradycardia is commonly seen in high spinal anesthesia, however, evolution of cardiac arrest from sudden onset of severe bradycardia is infrequent. Prompt recognization and resuscitative measures are of paramount importance because they may insure a complete recovery without sequela as an aftermath. We report herein a case of severe sinus bradycardia induced by clipping of the appendix during appendectomy under spinal anesthesia with the sensory block up to T5 dermatome.

Conscious sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

In recent years, the incidences of stomach and colon cancers have ranked within the top fives of all malignancies in Taiwan. To say healthwise, regular gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic examinations are recommended, as they are the best way for early detection. However, unpleasantness of and terrible experience from the examination greatly discourage the acceptance of many people even of the suspected groups.

Postoperative transient ischemic attack complicated by CO2 retention and hypoxemia in a patient receiving meperidine injection for postoperative pain relief.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke is not a rare complication, particularly in aged patients after surgery and anesthesia. If it is not properly managed, unmendable injury may inevitably occur. Patients who experience postoperative TIA or stroke usually have underlying diseases without resolution or good control.

Paraplegia after delayed detection of inadvertent spinal cord injury during thoracic epidural catheterization in an anesthetized elderly patient.

We report a case of permanent paraplegia in an 81-yr-old patient who had thoracic epidural catheterization performed under general anesthesia for abdominal surgery. The epidural needle was introduced at the T9-10 interspace, and 3 passes were made to locate the epidural space with the loss-of-resistance-to-air technique. During the postoperative epidural pump infusion, the patient was unaware of the progressive motor and sensory impairment.