Effect of NPC-14686 (Fmoc-l-Homophenylalanine) on Ca²⁺ Homeostasis and Viability in OC2 Human Oral Cancer Cells.

The effect of the anti-inflammatory compound NPC-14686 on intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺](i)) and viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells was investigated. The Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent probe fura-2 was used to examine [Ca²⁺](i). NPC-14686 induced [Ca²⁺](i) rises in a concentration-dependent fashion.

Progressive compensatory symbiosis: spouse caregiver experiences of caring for persons with dementia in Taiwan.

Objectives: Spouse caregivers have been the predominant family members who care for persons with dementia in Taiwan. Although studies in western countries have described the caregiving experiences and changes in the marital relationship for these spouse caregivers, this information is lacking in Taiwan. This study explored the experiences of spouse caregivers caring for persons with dementia in Taiwan.

Actions of KMUP-1, a xanthine and piperazine derivative, on voltage-gated Na(+) and Ca(2+) -activated K(+) currents in GH3 pituitary tumour cells.

Background And Purpose: 7-[2-[4-(2-Chlorophenyl)piperazinyl]ethyl]-1,3-dimethylxanthine (KMUP-1) is a xanthine-based derivative. It has soluble GC activation and K(+) -channel opening activity. Effects of this compound on ion currents in pituitary GH3 cells were investigated in this study.

Biofunctional Constituents from Michelia compressa var. lanyuensis with Anti-Melanogenic Properties.

Seven compounds were extracted and purified from the roots of Michelia compressa var. lanyuensis. These compounds are liriodenine, (-)-N-acetylanonaine, pressalanine A, p-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, (-)-bornesitol and β-sitostenone.

Ethanolic Extracts of Pluchea indica Induce Apoptosis and Antiproliferation Effects in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells.

Pluchea indica is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of lumbago, ulcer, tuberculosis and inflammation. The anti-cancer activities and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the ethanolic extracts of P. indica root (PIRE) were characterized in the present study.

The mechanism of protriptyline-induced Ca2+ movement and non-Ca2+-triggered cell death in PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

Protriptyline, a tricyclic anti-depressant, is used primarily to treat the combination of symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the effect of protriptyline on prostate caner is unknown. This study examined whether the anti-depressant protriptyline altered Ca(2+) movement and cell viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

Effects of music aerobic exercise on depression and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in community dwelling women.

A randomized clinical trial was utilized to compare the improvement of depression and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels between community women with and without music aerobic exercise (MAE) for 12 weeks. The MAE group involved 47 eligible participants, whereas the comparison group had 59 participants. No significant differences were recorded in the demographic characteristics between the participants in the MAE group and the comparison group.

Applying the transtheoretical model to promote functional fitness of community older adults participating in elastic band exercises.

Aims: The transtheoretical model was applied to promote behavioural change and test the effects of a group senior elastic band exercise programme on the functional fitness of community older adults in the contemplation and preparation stages of behavioural change.

Background: Forming regular exercise habits is challenging for older adults. The transtheoretical model emphasizes using different strategies in various stages to facilitate behavioural changes.

Effect of Antidepressant Doxepin on Ca²⁺ Homeostasis and Viability in PC3 Human Prostate Cancer Cells.

The effect of the antidepressant doxepin on cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺](i)) and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells was explored. The Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was applied to measure [Ca²⁺](i). Doxepin at concentrations of 500-1000 μM induced a [Ca²⁺](i) rise in a concentration-dependent manner.

Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and Temperatures within Tour Buses under Real-Time Traffic Conditions.

This study monitored the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and temperatures of three 43-seat tour buses with high-passenger capacities in a course of a three-day, two-night school excursion. Results showed that both driver zones and passenger zones of the tour buses achieved maximum CO2 concentrations of more than 3000 ppm, and maximum daily average concentrations of 2510.6 and 2646.

Effect of sertraline on Ca²⁺ fluxes in rabbit corneal epithelial cells.

The effect of sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺](i)) in a rabbit corneal epithelial cell line (SIRC) is unclear. This study explored whether sertraline changed basal [Ca²⁺](i) levels in suspended SIRC cells by using fura-2 as a Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye. Sertraline at concentrations between 10-100 μM increased [Ca²⁺](i) in a concentration-dependent manner.

Effect of forced use of the lower extremity on gait performance and mobility of post-acute stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a forced-use training program on gait, mobility and quality of life of post-acute stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-one individuals with unilateral stroke participated in this study. All participants had suffered from first-ever stroke with time since onset of at least 3 months.

Effect of methoxychlor on Ca²⁺ homeostasis and apoptosis in HA59T human hepatoma cells.

Methoxychlor, an organochlorine pesticide, is thought to be an endocrine disrupter that affects Ca²⁺ homeostasis and cell viability in different cell models. This study explored the action of methoxychlor on cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]i) and apoptosis in HA59T human hepatoma cells. Fura-2, a Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye, was applied to measure [Ca²⁺]i.

Traditional Chinese medicine perspective on constitution transformations in perinatal women: A prospective longitudinal study.

Background: Pregnancy is an important stage in life for many women. Humans are complex organisms that are prone to exhibiting gradual alterations in their constitutions that fluctuate with age, diet, and living environment. This is particularly true during the pre- and postnatal periods, in which qi and blood are required to ensure foetal growth.

Naproxen-induced Ca2+ movement and death in MDCK canine renal tubular cells.

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug that affects cellular calcium ion (Ca(2+)) homeostasis and viability in different cells. This study explored the effect of naproxen on [Ca(2+)](i) and viability in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) canine renal tubular cells. At concentrations between 50 μM and 300 μM, naproxen induced [Ca(2+)](i) rises in a concentration-dependent manner.

Ca(2+) movement and apoptosis induced by deltamethrin in Madin-Darby canine kidney canine renal tubular cells.

This study explored the effect of deltamethrin, a pesticide, on free Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)]i, viability, and apoptosis in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) canine renal tubular cells. Deltamethrin at concentrations between 10μM and 40μM evoked [Ca(2+)]i rises in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca(2+) entry was inhibited by nifedipine, econazole, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and SKF96365.

The involvement of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in eugenol-induced cell death in human glioblastoma cells.

Eugenol, a natural phenolic constituent of clove oil, has a wide range of applications in medicine as a local antiseptic and anesthetic. However, the effect of eugenol on human glioblastoma is unclear. This study examined whether eugenol elevated intracellular free Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)]i) and induced apoptosis in DBTRG-05MG human glioblastoma cells.

Antioxidant and anticancer aporphine alkaloids from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. cv. Rosa-plena.

Fifteen compounds were extracted and purified from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. cv. Rosa-plena.

Effect of melamine on [Ca(2+)]i and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

Melamine is thought to be an endocrine disrupter that affects physiology in cells. This study examined the effect of melamine on cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. Melamine evoked [Ca(2+)]i rises concentration-dependently.

Mechanisms of resveratrol-induced changes in cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations and cell viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells.

Resveratrol is a natural compound that affects cellular calcium (Ca(2+)) homeostasis and viability in different cells. This study examined the effect of resveratrol on cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) and viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells. The Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was used to measure [Ca(2+)]i, and water-soluble tetrazolium-1 was used to measure viability.

Effect of prior experience and task stability on the intrinsic muscle activity of the thumb.

Manual techniques involving the use of the thumb are commonly employed by physical therapists for treating patients with vertebral disorders. The demands on the intrinsic muscles of the thumb in these manual tasks are very different from those of the pinch tasks. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of clinical experience and different mobilization techniques on the electromyographic activity (EMG) of thumb intrinsic muscles.

Prolonged sound exposure has different effects on increasing neuronal size in the auditory cortex and brainstem.

Tone at moderate levels presented to young rats at a stage (postnatal week-4) presumably that has passed the cortical critical period still can enlarge neurons in the auditory cortex. It remains unclear whether this delayed plastic change occurs only in the cortex, or reflects a change taking place in the auditory brainstem. Here we compared sound-exposure effects on neuronal size in the auditory cortex and the midbrain.

Nature and properties of lateritic soils derived from different parent materials in Taiwan.

The objective of this study was to investigate the physical, chemical, and mineralogical composition of lateritic soils in order to use these soils as potential commercial products for industrial application in the future. Five lateritic soils derived from various parent materials in Taiwan, including andesite, diluvium, shale stone, basalt, and Pleistocene deposit, were collected from the Bt1 level of soil samples. Based on the analyses, the Tungwei soil is an alfisol, whereas other lateritic soils are ultisol.