Core prescription pattern of Chinese herbal medicine for depressive disorders in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based study

Diem Ngoc Hong Tran,I-Hsuan Hwang,Fun-Jou Chen,Yuan-Pu Tseng,Ching-Mao Chang,Shih-Jen Tsai,Jen-Lin Yang,Ta-Peng Wu,Chung-Hua Hsu,Fang-Pey Chen,Yen-Ying Kung 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.3

Background: Depressive disorders (DD) affect not only mood and behavior but also various physical functions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to have some benefits in treating DD. However, one formula or one single herb might be not show high efficacy when used to treat depression. Thus, this study aimed to examine the core prescription pattern of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) among patients with DD in Taiwan as a reference for related research and clinical applications. Methods: All patients, who had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or minor depression or dysthymia without any other baseline diseases and had at least one CHM outpatient clinical visit from 2002 to 2011, were extracted from three randomly sampled cohorts, namely the 2000, 2005 and 2010 cohorts of the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. The collected data was analyzed to explore the patterns of herbal products. Results: There were 197,146 patients with a diagnosis of DD and of these 1806 subjects had only a diagnosis of DD and utilized CHM. The most common formula was Gan-Mai-Da-Zao-Tang (12.19%), while Suan-Zao-Ren (3.99%) was the most commonly prescribed single herb. The core pattern of prescriptions consisted of a combination of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao-Tang, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, Chai-Hu-Jia-Long-Gu-Mu-Li-Tang, He-Huan-Pi, Yuan-Zhi and Shi-Chang-Pu. Conclusions: This study describes the CHM core prescription pattern used to treat patients in Taiwan with DD and it is a potential candidate for study in future pharmacological or clinical trials targeting DD.

A case study on safety integrity level analysis for shale gas station

Yuan-Jian Yang,Chao Huang,Qiu-Yang Zhong,Hai-Jun Chen,Hong-Zhong Huang 대한기계학회 2021 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.35 No.12

Safety integrity level (SIL), as defined in IEC 61511, is a widely used safety performance measure for safety instrumented functions. Shale gas station is an important part of shale gas gathering and transportation system. To ensure the safety of its instrument system is of great significance to the safe and stable operation of the whole gathering and transportation system. This paper is motivated to conduct a case study on safety integrity analysis for shale gas station by using the layer of protection analysis method (LOPA). Firstly, the equipment under control (EUC) is identified. It is followed by the analysis of reaction reasons on safety instrumented function (SIF) from safety instrumented system (SIS). Finally, according to the identification of independent protection layer (IPL) and probability of failure on demand (PFD), the SIL analysis for every SIF is carried out. The result shows that the SIS of this shale gas station has reached the required of SIL and there is no need for further increase in SIS. Utilizing this method can accurately determine the reliability of the SIS in the station, and it can also be the reference of safe operation for this shale gas station.

Shear behavior of steel reinforced concrete shallow floor beam: Experimental and theoretical study

Yang Chen,Chong Ren,Yuqing Yuan,Yong Yang 국제구조공학회 2022 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.44 No.5

This paper reports experimental investigation on shear behavior of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) shallow floor beam, where the steel shape is embedded in concrete and the high strength bolts are used to transfer the shear force along the interface between the steel shape and concrete. Six specimens were conducted aiming to provide information on shear performance and explore the shear bearing capacity of SRC shallow floor beams. The effects of the height of concrete slab, the size and the type of the steel section on shear performance of beams were also analyzed in the test. Based on the strut-and-tie model, the shear strength of the SRC shallow floor beam was proposed. Experimental results showed that composite shallow floor beam exhibited satisfactory composite behavior and all of the specimen failed in shear failure. The shear bearing capacity increased with the increasing of height of concrete slab and the size of steel shape, and the bearing capacities of beam specimens with castellated steel shape was slightly lower than those of specimens with H-shaped steel section. Furthermore, the calculations for evaluating the shear bearing capacity of SRC shallow floor beam were verified to be reasonable.

A Combination of Chitosan and Chemical Fertilizers Improves Growth and Disease Resistance in Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch

Yang-Er Chen,Shu Yuan,Han-Mei Liu,Zhi-Yu Chen,Ying-Hong Zhang,Huai-Yu Zhang 한국원예학회 2016 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.57 No.1

Chitosan has been proposed to elicit defense responses in plants. In this study, we evaluated the potential roles of chitosan as a fertilizer supplement to stimulate Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch ‘Schwabenland Red’ growth and resistance to gray mold caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. We evaluated the effect of treatment with fertilizer containing various ratios of N, P, and K in combination with different concentrations of chitosan on plant growth and disease resistance. Of the sixteen treatments examined, the treatment consisting of an N:P:K ratio of 2.8:1.0:1.4 and chitosan concentration of 0.10 g·L-1 had the most positive effect on plant height, crown development, and other horticultural traits (i.e., flowering time, flower diameter, and flower quantity) at 20, 40, and 60 days after treatment, and significantly reduced the severity and incidence of gray mold compared to the controls and other treatments at 60 days after treatment. Furthermore, this treatment markedly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities. Based on these findings, we suggest that the chemical composition of the fertilizer and concentration of chitosan used affect the degree to which Begonia × hiemalis growth is stimulated and pathogen resistance is improved.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

( Chen-hua Liu ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Wei-wen Su ),( Chun-jen Liu ),( Ching-chu Lo ),( Ke-jhang Huang ),( Jyh-jou Chen ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Chi-yang Chang ),( Cheng-yuan Peng ),( Yu-lueng Shih ),( Chia 대한간학회 2021 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.27 No.4

Background/Aims: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods: We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR₁₂) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. The safety profiles were reported. Results: The SVR₁₂ rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5-94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8-97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2-100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR₁₂ were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR₁₂, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16-14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P<0.001). Conclusions: SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2021;27:575-588)

EphB1 and Ephrin-B, New Potential Biomarkers for Squamous Cell/adenosquamous Carcinomas and Adenocarcinomas of the Gallbladder

Yuan, Yuan,Yang, Zhu-Lin,Miao, Xiong-Ying,Liu, Zi-Ru,Li, Dai-Qiang,Zou, Qiong,Li, Jing-He,Liang, Lu-Feng,Zeng, Gui-Xiang,Chen, Sen-Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.3

Squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinoma (SC/ASC) of the gallbladder are rare tumors and there are few clinical reports in the literature. Herein we report our clinical experience with 46 patients with SC/ASC and 80 with adenocarcinoma (AC). Expression of EphB1 and Ephrin-B in each tumor was determined using immunohistochemical methods for determination of correlations with prognosis. There was no difference in EphB1 and Ephrin-B expression between SC/ASC and AC tumors (P>0.05), but greater expression in those less than 3 cm in diameter, stage I or II (TNM stage), with no lymph node metastases, with no local invasion and treated with radical resection was apparent. Expression of EphB1 (P<0.05) and Ephrin-B (P<0.01) was higher in well differentiated than in poorly differentiated AC tumors. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that degree of differentiation, tumor diameter, lymph node metastases, local invasion, surgical approach and expression rate of EphB1 and Ephrin-B were closely related to the survival of SC/ASC (P<0.05) and AC patients (P<0.01). Patients with tumors that positive expressed EphB1 and Ephrin-B, whether it is SC/ASC ($P_{SC/ASC}$ =0.000) or AC ($P_{AC}$ =0.000 or $P_{AC}$ =0.002) had longer survival than those negative expression. Cox multivariate analysis indicated a negative correlation between expression of EphB1 or Ephrin-B and overall survival. Hence, EphB1 and Ephrin-B could be regarded as independent good prognostic factorsand important biological markers for SC/ASC and AC of gallbladder.

Liposome-mediated Induction of Apoptosis of Human Hepatoma Cells by C-Myc Antisense Phosphorothioate Oligodeoxynucleotide and 5-Fluorouracil

Yuan, Yuan,Cai, Hui,Yang, Xiao-Jun,Li, Wei,He, Jin,Guo, Tian-Kang,Chen, Yi-Rong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotide and 5-fluorouracil on the expression of c-myc, invasion and proliferation of HEPG-2 liver cancer cells. Materials and Methods: HEPG-2 cells were treated with lipiosome-mediated c-myc ADSON and 5-fluorouracil. The proliferation inhibition rate and invasion were measured by MTT and invasion assay, respectively. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and expression of c-myc by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: The proliferation inhibition rate was significantly higher in the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide added-5-fluorouracil group than single antisense oligodeoxynucleotide or 5-fluorouracil group (p<0.05). G0/G1 cells in the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide group and S cells in the 5-fluorouracil groups were significantly increased than that in the control group, respectively (P<0.01). The amplification strips of PCR products in 5-FU, ASODN and combination groups were significantly weaker than that in the control group (P<0.01). The percentage of c-myc-protein-positive cells were significantly lower in antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, 5-fluorouracil and combination groups than that in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions: A liposome-mediated c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotide and 5-fluorouracil can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer cells by reducing the expression of c-myc. A c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotide can increase the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil and decrease the dosage of the agent necessary for efficacy, providing an experimental basis for the clinical therapy of liver cancer.

Voice Activity Detection Algorithm based on Improved Radial Basis Function Neural Network

Bao-yuan Chen,Ya-qiong Lan,Jing-yang Liu,Zi-he Li,Xiao-yang Yu 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Vol.7 No.5

Voice activity detection (VAD) is the key of voice recognition, voice synthesis and speech-sound enhancement.For the sake of improve the accuracy and robustness of speech endpoint detection system. Combining the advantages of adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) and improved radial basis function network (RBF) defects in existing learning methods. This paper presents a comprehensive detection method-- Adaptive genetic algorithm radial basis function network. This method uses adaptive genetic algorithm to simultaneously optimize the center, the width and the structure of RBF network. The method using wavelet analysis to extract the characteristics of the speech signal, use them as an input amount to the radial basis function networks. Establish voice detection system model, this method enhance the accuracy of the detection system and has better robustness.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Genetic Polymorphisms and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Susceptibility: A Meta-analysis of Case-control Studies

Wen, Yuan-Yuan,Yang, Shu-Juan,Zhang, Jian-Xing,Chen, Xin-Yue Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.1

Background: Genetic factors and environmental factors play a role in pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Previous studies regarding the association of folate intake and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism with ESCC was conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association of MTHFR C677T and folate intake with esophageal cancer risk. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Chinese Biomedical Database were searched in our study. The quality of studies were evaluated by predefined scale, and The association of polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and folate intake and ESCC risk was estimated by Odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: 19 studies (4239 cases and 5575 controls) were included for meta-analysis. A significant association was seen between individuals with MTHFR 677 CT [OR(95%)=1.47(1.32-1.63)] and TT [OR(95%)=1.69(1.49-1.91)] genotypes and ESCC risk (p<0.05). Low intake of folate had significantly higher risk of esophageal cancer among individuals with CT/TT genotype [OR(95%)=1.65(1.1-2.49)], while high intake of folate did not find significant high risk of esophageal cancer among individuals with CT/TT genotype [OR(95%)=1.64 (0.82-3.26)]. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicated the folate intake and MTHFR 677CT/TT are associated with the risk of ESCC, and folate showed a significant interaction with polymorphism of MTHFR C677T.

Privet golden leaves adapt unexpectedly well to light changes

Ming Yuan,Bo Huang,Li-Hua Dong,Qiao-Hong Han,Yong Yang,Chun-Bang Ding,Chao Hu,Yang-Er Chen,Zhong-Wei Zhang,Shu Yuan 한국원예학회 2020 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.61 No.4

Golden-leaf privet ( Ligustrum × vicaryi ) is widely used as a horticultural shrub because of its upper golden leaves, butits lower leaves are green. However, the putative mechanisms of its upper golden leaves and the leaf color changes inresponse to light shifts have not been well studied so far. Here, chlorophylls (Chl), carotenoids, and Chl precursors from bothgolden and green leaves grown in full sunlight (approximately 1200 μmol photons m −2 s −1 at noon) or low-light conditions(180 μmol m −2 s −1 ) were determined spectrophotometrically. In addition, their gas exchange parameters and Chl fl uorescencewere measured in situ. Metabolic fl ux analysis of chlorophyll intermediates indicated that the conversion of prochlorophyllideto chlorophyllide was signifi cantly blocked in golden leaves when compared with green leaves. Green leaves showed higherphotosynthetic capacity in low light than golden leaves, but golden leaves presented unexpectedly stronger photosyntheticcapacity and lower reactive oxygen species accumulation under the high-light condition. Furthermore, golden leaves showeda higher level of nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) after the light-to-dark shift and presented a stronger adaptive abilityto a broad range of light environments. Higher NPQ values and less oxidative damage in golden leaves may be correlatedwith their higher carotenoid levels. The results imply that lower chlorophyll levels and higher carotenoid levels in canopyleaves may help privet plants acclimate better to illumination changes. This study demonstrates the key role of irradiance ingenerating the two types of Ligustrum × vicaryi leaves and sheds a light on cultivation of other ornamental foliage plants.