Beneficial and adverse effects of toad venom, a traditional Oriental medicine

Xie Jing-Tian,Maleckar Spring A.,Yuan Chun-Su Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2002 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.2 No.1

Toad venom, 'Chan su' in Chinese and 'somso' in Korean, is a well-known traditional oriental medicine obtained from the skin venom gland of the toad. Formulations of toad venom have been widely applied in China, Japan, Korea and other oriental countries for a long time. It is often found in traditional Chinese formulations, such as Jiuxin (or Kyushin in Japan), Yixin, Huoxin, Shexiang baoxin wan, Lu shen wan and Laryngitis pills. According to a pharmaceutical chemistry study, toad venom contains multiple biological active substances, such as bufalin, resibufogenin and cinobufagin. Modern pharmacological studies indicated that toad venom has multiple pharmacological actions, including acting as a cardiotonic, antitumor local anesthetic effects, stimulates the respiratory center, vasopressor action, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. Like other medications, toad venom also has certain toxicity and adverse effects, for example, inducing delayed afterdepolarization and triggered arrhythmia. The major chemical constituents, basic pharmacological actions and adverse reactions of toad venom are discussed in this article.

Association of GSTP1 and RRM1 Polymorphisms with the Response and Toxicity of Gemcitabine-cisplatin Combination Chemotherapy in Chinese Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Yuan, Zhi-Jun,Zhou, Wen-Wu,Liu, Wei,Wu, Bai-Ping,Zhao, Jin,Wu, Wei,He, Yi,Yang, Shuo,Su, Jing,Luo, Yi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.10

Background: Previous studies showed that genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) were involved in glutathione metabolism and genetic polymorphisms of ribonucleotide reductase (RRM1) were correlated with DNA synthesis. Here we explored the effects of these polymorphisms on the chemosensitivity and clinical outcome in Chinese non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with gemcitabine-cisplatin regimens. Materials and Methods: DNA sequencing was used to evaluate genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 Ile105Val and RRM1 C37A-T524C in 47 NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine-cisplatin regimens. Clinical response was evaluated according to RECIST criteria after 2 cycles of chemotherapy and toxicity was assessed by 1979 WHO criteria (acute and subacute toxicity graduation criteria in chemotherapeutic agents). Results: There was no statistical significance between sensitive and non-sensitive groups regarding the genotype frequency distribution of GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism (p>0.05). But for RRM1 C37A-T524C genotype, sensitive group had higher proportion of high effective genotype than non-sensitive group (p=0.009). And according to the joint detection of GSTP1 Ile105Val and RRM1 C37A-T524C polymorphisms, the proportion of type A (A/A + high effective genotype) was significantly higher in sensitive group than in non-sensitive group (p=0.009). Toxicity showed no correlation with the genotypes between two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with single detection of genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 Ile105Val or RRM1 C37A-T524C, joint detection of both may be more helpful for patients with NSCLC to receive gemcitabine-cisplatin regimens as the first-line chemotherapy. Especially, genetic polymorphism of RRM1 is more likely to be used as an important biomarker to predict the response and toxicity of gemcitabine-cisplatin combination chemotherapy in NSCLC.

AN ACTIVE SET SQP-FILTER METHOD FOR SOLVING NONLINEAR PROGRAMMING

Su, Ke,Yuan, Yingna,An, Hui The Youngnam Mathematical Society 2012 East Asian mathematical journal Vol.28 No.3

Sequential quadratic programming (SQP) has been one of the most important methods for solving nonlinear constrained optimization problems. Recently, filter method, proposed by Fletcher and Leyffer, has been extensively applied for its promising numerical results. In this paper, we present and study an active set SQP-filter algorithm for inequality constrained optimization. The active set technique reduces the size of quadratic programming (QP) subproblem. While by the filter method, there is no penalty parameter estimate. Moreover, Maratos effect can be overcome by filter technique. Global convergence property of the proposed algorithm are established under suitable conditions. Some numerical results are reported in this paper.

Influence of creep on dynamic behavior of concrete filled steel tube arch bridges

Yuan-Feng Wang,Yi-Shuo Ma,Li Su,Shengqi Mei 국제구조공학회 2016 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.21 No.1

Concrete creep, while significantly changing the static behaviors of concrete filled steel tube (CFST) structures, do alter the structures' dynamic behaviors as well, which is studied quite limitedly. The attempt to investigate the influence of concrete creep on the dynamic property and response of CFST arch bridges was made in this paper. The mechanism through which creep exerts its influence was analyzed first; then a predicative formula was proposed for the concrete elastic modulus after creep based on available test data; finally a numerical analysis for the effect of creep on the dynamic behaviors of a long-span half-through CFST arch bridge was conducted. It is demonstrated that the presence of concrete creep increases the elastic modulus of concrete, and further magnifies the seismic responses of the displacement and internal force in some sections of the bridge. This influence is related closely to the excitation and the structure, and should be analyzed case-by-case.

Chemical and Pharmacological Studies of Saponins with a Focus on American Ginseng

Yuan, Chun-Su,Wang, Chong-Zhi,Wicks, Sheila M.,Qi, Lian-Wen The Korean Society of Ginseng 2010 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.34 No.3

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) are the two most recognized ginseng botanicals. It is believed that the ginseng saponins called ginsenosides are the major active constituents in both ginsengs. Although American ginseng is not as extensively studied as Asian ginseng, it is one of the best selling herbs in the US, and has garnered increasing attention from scientists in recent years. In this article, after a brief introduction of the distribution and cultivation of American ginseng, we discuss chemical analysis of saponins from these two ginsengs, i.e., their similarities and differences. Subsequently, we review pharmacological effects of the saponins, including the effects on the cardiovascular system, immune system, and central nervous system as well as the anti-diabetes and anti-cancer effects. These investigations were mainly derived from American ginseng studies. We also discuss evidence suggesting that chemical modifications of ginseng saponins would be a valuable approach to develop novel compounds in drug discovery.

First Record of the Genus and Species, Rhopalaea crassa (Ascidiacea: Aplousobranchia: Diazonidae) in Korea

Su Yuan Seo 한국동물분류학회 2021 Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity Vol.37 No.4

The genus Rhopalaea Philippi, 1843 is firstly recorded as a Korean fauna. It is distinct from other genera of Diazonidae in order Aplousobranchia by having solitary individuals or at most two embedded in a common test. Solitary ascidian, Rhopalaea crassa (Herdman, 1880), is also newly reported from Korean waters. Rhopalaea crassa has a club-shaped body, developed thorax, a vertical gut loop and yellow patches in transparent test. Specimens of R. crassa examined in this study were collected from the subtidal zone of Jeju-do Island by scuba diving. In this paper, detailed descriptions and photographs of specimens and living forms of R. crassa are provided.

Anti-Diabetic Effect of Pectinase-Processed Ginseng Radix (GINST) in High Fat Diet-Fed ICR Mice

Yuan, Hai Dan,Quan, Hai Yan,Jung, Mi-Song,Kim, Su-Jung,Huang, Bo,Kim, Do-Yeon,Chung, Sung-Hyun The Korean Society of Ginseng 2011 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.35 No.3

In the present study, we investigate anti-diabetic effect of pectinase-processed ginseng radix (GINST) in high fat diet-fed ICR mice. The ICR mice were divided into three groups: regular diet group, high fat diet control group (HFD), and GINSTtreated group. To induce hyperglycemia, mice were fed a high fat diet for 10 weeks, and mice were administered with 300 mg/kg of GINST once a day for 5 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test revealed that GINST improved glucose tolerance after glucose challenge. Compared to the HFD control group, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were decreased by 57.8% (p<0.05) and 30.9% (p<0.01) in GINST-treated group, respectively. With decreased plasma glucose and insulin levels, the insulin resistance index of the GINST-treated group was reduced by 68.1% (p<0.01) compared to the HFD control group. Pancreas of GINST-treated mice preserved a morphological integrity of islets and consequently having more insulin contents. In addition, GINST up-regulated the levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its target molecule, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression in the skeletal muscle. Our results suggest that GINST ameliorates a hyperglycemia through activation of AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway, and has a therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes.

A General View of Task-based Approach

( Yuan Bin Su ) 신라대학교 교육과학연구소 2011 교육과학연구 Vol.17 No.-

Physicochemical Characterization and an Injection Formulation Study of Water Insoluble ZCVI4-2, a Novel NO-Donor Anticancer Compound

Yuan Gao,Jianjun Zhang,Li Li,Feng Su,Zhenhua Gong,Yisheng Lai,Yihua Zhang 대한약학회 2012 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.35 No.7

ZCVI4-2 was a novel nitric oxide-releasing glycosyl derivative of oleanolic acid that displayed strong cytotoxicity selectively against human hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. In this study, ZCVI4-2 was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry,powder X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, hygroscopicity and stability. A high performance liquid chromatography method was also established for the quantitative determination of solubility and additional stability profile of ZCVI4-2. ZCVI4-2 was found to be an amorphous and stable solid with low solubility of less than 10 μg/mL. Based on the solubilization tests that included methods of cosolvency and micellization, the solution mixture of 5% Solutol HS-15, 5% 1, 2-propylene glycol and 5% anhydrous ethanol was determined to be the system for the preparation of the ZCVI4-2 early injection solution. The effect of pH, temperature, light and injectable isotonic glucose or NaCl solution on ZCVI4-2 injection was also investigated. Good stability was observed at all testing conditions. Under the conditions studied, the NO-releasing rate and amount of ZCVI4-2 from the early injection solution in rat plasma demonstrated a promising therapeutic efficacy while maintaining a good safety profile.

Utilization of Early Intervention Services for Children in Taipei County Taiwan ROC

Yuan-Ju Liao,Su-Hui Chien,Yu-Fen Tzeng,Pei-Yi Mei,Hsiao-Ling Yang,Bih-Shya Gau 한국간호과학회 2009 한국간호과학회 학술대회 Vol.2009 No.10