Pseudopeptides of Marine Vibrio spp. from Taiwan and Their Combined Treatment Effects with Commercial Antibiotics.

strains, identified by 16S rDNA, were isolated from the marine environment surrounding Taiwan, revealing diverse bioactive effects, such as iron-chelating and antimicrobial activities. Notably, the hierarchical clustering dendrogram of mass spectrum profiles of the strains using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight, in contrast to the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, exhibited a strong correlation with their observed bioactivities. Within this set, global natural products social molecular network analysis by LC-HRMS/MS highlighted that three strains, DJW05 - 1, DJW05 - 8, and DJW21 - 4, shared similar bioactive pseudopeptides in the same cluster.

Biosynthesis of Vitroprocines by α-Oxoamine Synthase and Oxidoreductase Identified from sp. QWI-06.

A specific α-oxoamine synthase () and an oxidoreductase () identified from marine sp. QWI-06 were involved in the decarboxylative condensation of l-tyrosine to lauroyl-CoA following the reduction of the ketone group to form vitroprocine-type compound . The intermediates and products were characterized through HR-MS and their MS/MS fragmentations.

Structural insights into the substrate selectivity of α-oxoamine synthases from marine Vibrio sp. QWI-06.

Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent α-oxoamine synthases are generally believed to be responsible for offloading and elongating polyketides or catalyzing the condensation of amino acids and acyl-CoA thioester substrates, such as serine into sphingolipids and cysteate into sulfonolipids. Previously, we discovered vitroprocines, which are tyrosine- and phenylalanine-polyketide derivatives, as potential new antibiotics from the genus Vibrio. Using bioinformatics analysis, we identified putative genes of PLP-dependent enzyme from marine Vibrio sp.

Proteomics Approach for Biomarker Research in Major Depression: Antidepressant Effects.

Background: The proteomics approach is the new mantra in disease biomarker research in areas such as major depression (MD). Current protocols for investigating biomarkers in biological fluid often employ both immuno- based and non-immuno-based technologies.

Method: The immuno-based method is used normally in measuring well-known disease biomarkers, and commercial kits are often available.

Detection of α-defensin in blister fluids as potential biomarkers for bullous pemphigoid patients by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Background: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic blistering disease that manifests as multiple tense bullae on the limbs and body. Detecting biomarkers present in skin fluids may assist in the early diagnosis and treatment of BP. In this study, a modern mass spectrometric method was developed for screening biomarkers in blister fluids collected from patients.

Rapid and simple analysis of disease-associated biomarkers of Taiwanese patients with schizophrenia using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

Background: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an extremely sensitive analytical tool for characterizing biological compounds in bio samples. In this study, we applied MALDI-TOF MS to assess potential protein biomarkers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with schizophrenia in the acute phase, recovery phase and healthy controls in Taiwan.

Methods: We recruited 40 participants, including 20 pairs of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in the acute phase, after four-week treatment with drug in the recovery phase, and 20 healthy controls.

Rapid detection of alteration of serum IgG in patients with schizophrenia after risperidone treatment by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Rationale: The aim of the study was to use a technique that combines acid hydrolysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in order to detect the serum biomarkers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia both before and after four-week antipsychotic treatment with risperidone.

Methods: During this study's two-year period, inpatients were diagnosed with schizophrenia using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders. Severity was then evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale both at baseline and at endpoint following four-week treatment with risperidone.

Attenuated glial reaction in experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy treated with liposomal doxorubicin.

Purpose: We investigated the therapeutic effect of liposomal doxorubicin (Lipo-dox) on experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

Methods: The toxicity of Lipo-dox was determined in vitro in cultured rabbit retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells by tetrazolium-based (MTT) assay for cell viability performed 48 and 96 hours after treatment, and in vivo by electroretinography and histopathology. The therapeutic effect of intravitreous injection of Lipo-dox was evaluated in a rabbit model of PVR induced by injection of rabbit RPE cells after gas compression of the vitreous.

Limited PEG tube use: the experience of long-term care directions.

Aims And Objectives: To describe long-term care nursing directors' experiences with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy to understand the limited use of it in Taiwanese long-term care facilities.

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes, used in Western countries since 1980, have not been readily used in Taiwanese long-term care facilities since their introduction in 1995. Instead, nasogastric tubes are used for extended periods.

Clinical applicability of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) to mothers of children with asthma in Taiwan.

Aims: This study examined the clinical applicability of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) to mothers of children with asthma in Taiwan.

Background: The WHOQOL-BREF scale has been culturally adapted for Taiwan and applied to a variety of ill and healthy subjects in hospitals and the community and to the general population in the 2001 National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan. Its application to explore the QOL of mothers of children with asthma in Taiwan allows future cross-population comparisons.

Study of human neutrophil peptides in saliva by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is used to rapidly characterize the human neutrophil peptides - HNP 1, 2, and 3 - in saliva. The saliva excreted from the parotid and sublingual/submandibular glands of 70 individuals were collected and examined using MALDI-TOF. The MALDI approach requires no sample pretreatment other than mixing the saliva-absorbing material with the matrix and drying under ambient conditions.

Serum free hemoglobin as a novel potential biomarker for acute ischemic stroke.

Objective: Currently, no practical biomarker is available for the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has being applied extensively to analyze large biomolecules such as proteins. The technique is likely to be of remarkable value as indicators of systemic processes such as atherosclerosis and stroke.

Evaluation of the sterility, stability, and efficacy of bevacizumab stored in multiple-dose vials for 6 months.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the sterility, stability, and efficacy of a commercially available brand of bevacizumab for 6 months of being stored in multidose vials at 4 degrees C.

Methods: Bevacizumab was aseptically and repeatedly drawn four to five times from new vials into syringes for clinical use within the first month; the remaining bevacizumab was left in the vials and refrigerated at 4 degrees C for 0, 1, 3, and 6 months for research. Each time before bevacizumab was withdrawn and every weekend when it was not sampled, the rubber top of each vial was disinfected by using 10% povidone-iodine solution and an isopropyl alcohol wipe.

Acid hydrolysis followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the rapid diagnosis of serum protein biomarkers in patients with major depression.

We have developed a technique combining acid hydrolysis with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the rapid study of the changes in the levels of positive and negative acute phase protein biomarkers in the sera of patients suffering from major depression. The serum proteins were first precipitated using an organic solvent; after separation, they were subjected to hydrochloric acid hydrolysis (6 M HCl) for 10 min. The resulting peptides were characterized using MALDI-TOF MS.

The effects of tai chi exercise on elders with osteoarthritis: a longitudinal study.

Purpose: Tai Chi exercise has been proven to be beneficial among elders with osteoarthritis (OA). The long-term effects of this exercise remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Tai Chi exercise for Arthritis (TCEA) program on the physical status and quality of life of OA elders.

Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to rapidly screen for albuminuria.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is used as an alternative method for the rapid diagnosis of albuminuria. This technique requires no further sample pretreatment than simply mixing the urine sample with a MALDI matrix and drying under ambient conditions. The resulting MALDI mass spectra reveal albumin ions having charges ranging from +1 to +5.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the detection of hemoglobins as the protein biomarkers for fecal occult blood.

In this study, we discover that hemoglobins (Hb), highly water-soluble globular proteins that are the most predominant proteins detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry in blood, can be used as protein biomarkers for fecal occult blood (FOB). Hemoglobins were extracted from the feces with pure water and separated from the solids in feces through centrifugation. Singly charged molecular ions of Hb-related alpha chains (theoretical MW: 15 126) and beta chains (theoretical MW: 15 867) were detected by MALDI-TOF operated in linear mode using 4-hydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamic acid (alpha-CHC) as the matrix (with a volumetric ratio of 1:1).

Reliability and validity of a chinese version of the pediatric asthma symptoms scale.

As a construct, asthmatic severity provides a framework to understand the different reaction in children to their condition. Assessing asthmatic severity is a challenging task for most researchers and clinicians due to a lack of valid instruments to measure the severity of asthma of children in home settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Pediatric Asthma Symptoms Scale (C-PASS) as applied to an ethnic Chinese population in Taiwan.

Factors predicting nurses' consideration of leaving their job during the SARS outbreak.

Taiwan was affected by an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in early 2003. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine (1) the perceptions of risk of SARS infection in nurses; (2) the proportion of nurses considering leaving their job; and (3) work as well as non-work factors related to nurses' consideration of leaving their job because of the SARS outbreak. Nearly three quarters (71.

[Therapeutic play].

Atraumatic care is one of the important principles in pediatric nursing. Immature cognitive development, however, and limited coping ability exacerbate tension when children are ill and require hospitalization. Therapeutic play has been demonstrated as an effective nursing intervention.

Process of self-identity transformation in women with autistic adolescent.

The purpose of this study was to understand the self-identity transformation in women with adolescent autistic children. In this study, in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Eight mothers were recruited who had autistic children aged 13-21 and who were those children's primary caregivers.

[A pilot study: gastric motility and nausea/vomiting in two leukemia children receiving chemotherapy].

The purpose of the study was to identify the association between chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and changes to the electrogastrogram (EGG) of two children suffering from leukemia. After receiving written consent/assent, the children, both with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), were recruited. One of the subjects, a ten year-old boy, was given 1.

[Exploring the changes of the lived experience among siblings of children with cancer].

Few nursing studies in the past two decades have focused on siblings of children with cancer. Taking care of a hospitalized child with cancer, parents might neglect other children at home. Nursing providers need more information related to siblings and their psychosocial adaptation when one of their children is diagnosed with cancer and undergoing a variety of treatment protocols.

A model for testing the relationship of nursing care and patient outcomes.

Studying patient outcomes alone may not provide enough information to determine the associated factors that must be improved when the desired patient outcomes are not achieved. The purpose of this correlational study was to investigate the effects of perceived quality of nursing care and coordination of care on patients' comfort, satisfaction, and length of hospital stay. The overall model-data fit was good according to four indices: the chi-square value, goodness of fit index, adjusted goodness of fit index, and the Steigers root square error of approximation.

Are nurses prepared to manage cancer pain? A national survey of nurses' knowledge about pain control in Taiwan.

Nurses play a crucial role in cancer pain control, but little is known about how well-prepared nurses are to manage cancer pain in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of knowledge about pain management among Taiwanese nurses with different background characteristics and to determine the predictor(s) of nurses' pain management knowledge. Nurse subjects were recruited by a cross-sectional nationwide survey with stratified sampling from nine hospitals distributed in the four major geographic regions of Taiwan.