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)

Effects of Modafinil on Behavioral Learning and Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission in Rats

Wen-Wen Yan,Li-Hua Yao,Chong Chen,Hai-Xia Wang,Chu-Hua Li,Jun-Ni Huang,Peng Xiao,Cheng-Yi Liu 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2015 International Neurourology Journal Vol.19 No.4

Purpose: Modafinil is a wake-promoting agent that has been proposed to improve cognitive performance at the preclinical and clinical levels. Since there is insufficient evidence for modafinil to be regarded as a cognitive enhancer, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic modafinil administration on behavioral learning in healthy adult rats. Methods: Y-maze training was used to assess learning performance, and the whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to assess synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA1 region of rats. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of modafinil at 200 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg significantly improved learning performance. Furthermore, perfusion with 1mM modafinil enhanced the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous postsynaptic currents and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices. However, the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons were inhibited by treatment with 1mM modafinil. Conclusions: These results indicate that modafinil improves learning and memory in rats possibly by enhancing glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission and inhibiting GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic) inhibitory synaptic transmission.

Micrococcus endophyticus sp. nov., isolated from surface-sterilized Aquilaria sinensis roots.

Chen, Hua-Hong,Zhao, Guo-Zhen,Park, Dong-Jin,Zhang, Yu-Qin,Xu, Li-Hua,Lee, Jae-Chan,Kim, Chang-Jin,Li, Wen-Jun Society for General Microbiology 2009 International journal of systematic and evolutiona Vol.59 No.5

<P>A Gram-positive bacterial strain, designated YIM 56238(T), was isolated from plant roots (Aquilaria sinensis), and characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Strain YIM 56238(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and at 28 degrees C. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain YIM 56238(T) indicated that it belongs to the genus Micrococcus. Chemotaxonomic data strongly supported the classification of this strain within the genus Micrococcus: the cell-wall peptidoglycan contained lysine, glutamic acid, alanine and glycine; the predominant menaquinones were MK-8(H(2)) (63.6 %) and MK-7(H(2)) (21.1 %); the phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and an unknown ninhydrin-negative phospholipid; and the major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) (30.95 %) and anteiso-C(15 : 0) (53.75 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.9 mol%. A number of physiological features were found that clearly distinguished strain YIM 56238(T) from recognized species of the genus Micrococcus. DNA-DNA hybridization studies suggested that the novel strain represents a separate genomic species. On the basis of the data, therefore, strain YIM 56238(T) represents a novel species of the genus Micrococcus, for which the name Micrococcus endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 56238(T) (=DSM 17945(T)=KCTC 19156(T)).</P>

Stability Analysis of Classic Finite Horizon Model Predictive Control

Wen-Hua Chen 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2010 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.8 No.2

This paper revisits the stability issue of earlier model predictive control (MPC) algorithms where the performance index has a finite receding horizon and there is no terminal penalty in the performance index or other constraints added in online optimisation for the purpose of stability. Stability conditions are presented for MPC of constrained linear and nonlinear systems, and there is no restriction on the length of the horizon. These conditions can be used to test whether or not desired stability properties can be achieved under chosen state and control weightings.

Design of Micro Biopsy Device for Wireless Autonomous Endoscope

Wen-Wen Chen,Guo-Zheng Yan,Hua Liu,Ping-Ping Jiang,Zhi-Wu Wang 한국정밀공학회 2014 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

Well-established technology that provides assistance from outside the patient may soon give way to alternative approaches that bythe wireless robotic mechanisms inside the patient through natural orifices. For this study, two kinds of micro biopsy mechanisms weredeveloped for capsule endoscope which could traverse the gut environment automatically. This mobility allows the biopsy device tomove to the area of interest to sample specific tissues. Based on the medical and mechanism considerations, we concerned on designprecise biopsy jaw with sufficient cutting force, and the biopsy process should be safe, repeatable and visible. The lead-screw linkagesystem that actuated jaw of biopsy allowing for large force production. Using one micro-motor, the biopsy process was carried outquickly by three motions: stretching to sampling point; bite and cutting off; withdrawing into capsule body with the sample. With thecontrol and vision system, the biopsy process could compete automatically. The robot was capable of traversing in the gut environmentwirelessly and had been successfully used to biopsy gut tissue in vitro. In addition, experimental analysis of the biopsy mechanismshowed good results towards more elaborate tissue manipulation in the future.

Temperature-dependent development and life history of Oligonychus litchii (Acari: Tetranychidae), on wax apple

Wen-Hua Chen,Chao-Yu Li,Tsui-Ying Chang 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.1

The litchi spider mite Oligonychus litchii Lo & Ho is one of the major pests of fruit crops in Taiwan. This study investigated the life history of the litchi spider mite on wax apple (Syzygium samarangense Merr. & Perry) at five constant temperatures (16, 20, 25, 30, and 32 °C) under 70 ± 5% RH and a 12L:12D photoperiod. Ninetyfive percent of the eggs hatched at 20, 25, and 30 °C, respectively. The entire developmental period was 40.3 days at 16 °C and only 9.3 days at 32 °C. The low developmental threshold temperature for development fromegg to adult was 10.1 °C, and the effective accumulated temperature was 197.5 degree–days (DD). Unmated female mites had the longest life span although the oviposition period shortened as temperature increased. Mated female mites produced significantly more eggs than unmated females. At most, a mated female could produce an average of 3.5 eggs per day at 25 °C and a maximum of 60.3 eggs over the entire oviposition period at 20 °C. Unmated females exclusively produce male offspring, indicating that litchi spider mites are arrhenotokous. At 25 °C, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.1610 day−1, the net reproductive rate (R0) was 19.58 offspring, the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.1747 day−1, and the mean generation time (T) was 18.50 days. The results obtained in this study provide useful information to aid in the development of phenological models for pest monitoring programs of O. litchii in Taiwan.

Bayberry Tannin as Stabilizer for the Synthesis of Highly Active and Reusable Heterogeneous Pd Catalysts and Their Application in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Olefins

Chen, Chen,Lv, Guang,Huang, Xin,Liao, Xue Pin,Zhang, Wen Hua,Shi, Bi Korean Chemical Society 2012 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.33 No.2

In this study, the homogenous Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were first prepared with bayberry tannin (BT) as the stabilizers. Subsequently, the obtained bayberry tannin-stabilized Pd nanoparticles (BT-Pd) were immobilized onto ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$ to prepare heterogeneous ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$-BT-Pd catalysts. Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed that the Pd NPs were well stabilized by the phenolic hydroxyl groups of BT. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) observation indicated that the diameter of the Pd NPs can be effectively controlled in the range of 4.2-16.0 nm by varying the amount of BT. It is found that the ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$-BT-Pd catalysts exhibit highly activity for various olefin hydrogenations. For example, the initial TOF (turnover frequency) of the ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$-BT-Pd in the allyl alcohol hydrogenation is as high as $12804 mol{\cdot}mol^{-1}{\cdot}h^{-1}$. Furthermore, the ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$-BT-Pd can be reused 5 times without significant loss of activity, exhibiting a superior reusability as compared with conventionally prepared ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$-Pd catalysts.

科擧制度와 唐詩 興盛의 關係에 對하여

陳文華(Chen Wen-Hua) 경성대학교 인문과학연구소 1998 인문학논총 Vol.1 No.-

Combination of Tumor Volume and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Improved Prognostic Stratification of Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Era: A Large-Scale Cohort Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Shao-Yan Guo,Lin-Quan Tang,Tong-Yu Lu,Bo-Lin Chen,Qi-Yu Zhong,Meng-Sha Zou,Qing-Nan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Yang Li,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Chong Zha 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose Little is known about combination of the circulating Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA and tumor volume in prognosis of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. We conducted this cohort study to evaluate the prognostic values of combining these two factors. Materials and Methods By Kaplan-Meier, we compare the differences of survival curves between 385 patients with different EBV DNA or tumor volume levels, or with the combination of two biomarkers mentioned above. Results Gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes (GTVnd, p < 0.001) and total tumor volume (GTVtotal, p < 0.001) were both closely related to pretreatment EBV DNA, while gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (GTVnx, p=0.047) was weakly related to EBV DNA. EBV DNA was significantly correlated with progress-free survival (PFS, p=0.005), locoregional-free survival (LRFS, p=0.039), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, p=0.017), while GTVtotal, regardless of GTVnx and GTVnd, had a significant correlation with PFS and LRFS. The p-values of GTVtotal for PFS and LRFS were 0.008 and 0.001, respectively. According to GTVtotal and pretreatment EBV DNA level, patients were divided into a low-risk group (EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3; EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3; or EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3) and a high-risk group (EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3). When patients in the low-risk group were compared with those in the high-risk group, 3-year PFS (p=0.003), LRFS (p=0.010), and DMFS (p=0.031) rates were statistically significant. Conclusion Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA and tumor volume were both closely correlated with prognosis of stage II NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combination of EBV DNA and tumor volume can refine prognosis and indicate for clinical therapy.

A Fast Kernel Regression Framework for Video Super-Resolution

( Wen-sen Yu ),( Ming-hui Wang ),( Hua-wen Chang ),( Shu-qing Chen ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2014 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.8 No.1

A series of kernel regression (KR) algorithms, such as the classic kernel regression (CKR), the 2- and 3-D steering kernel regression (SKR), have been proposed for image and video super-resolution. In existing KR frameworks, a single algorithm is usually adopted and applied for a whole image/video, regardless of region characteristics. However, their performances and computational efficiencies can differ in regions of different characteristics. To take full advantage of the KR algorithms and avoid their disadvantage, this paper proposes a kernel regression framework for video super-resolution. In this framework, each video frame is first analyzed and divided into three types of regions: flat, non-flat-stationary, and non-flat-moving regions. Then different KR algorithm is selected according to the region type. The CKR and 2-D SKR algorithms are applied to flat and non-flat-stationary regions, respectively. For non-flat-moving regions, this paper proposes a similarity-assisted steering kernel regression (SASKR) algorithm, which can give better performance and higher computational efficiency than the 3-D SKR algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that the computational efficiency of the proposed framework is greatly improved without apparent degradation in performance.