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)

2022 Taiwan clinical multicenter expert consensus and recommendations for thyroid radiofrequency ablation

Wei-Che Lin,Wen-Chieh Chen,Pei-Wen Wang,Yi-Chia Chan,Yen-Hsiang Chang,Harn-Shen Chen,Szu-Tah Chen,Wei-Chih Chen,Kai-Lun Cheng,Shun-Yu Chi,Pi-Ling Chiang,Chen-Kai Chou,Feng-Fu Chou,Shun-Chen Huang,Feng 대한초음파의학회 2023 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.42 No.3

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive management strategy that has been widely applied for benign and recurrent malignant thyroid lesions as an alternative to surgery in Taiwan. Members of academic societies for specialists in interventional radiology, endocrinology, and endocrine surgery collaborated to develop the first consensus regarding thyroid RFA in Taiwan. The modified Delphi method was used to reach a consensus. Based on a comprehensive review of recent and valuable literature and expert opinions, the recommendations included indications, pre-procedural evaluations, procedural techniques, post-procedural monitoring, efficacy, and safety, providing a comprehensive review of the application of RFA. The consensus effectively consolidates advice regarding thyroid RFA in clinical practice for local experts.

Influence of Degree of Hydrolysis on Functional Properties, Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities of Egg White Protein Hydrolysate

Chen Chen,Yu-Jie Chi,Ming-Yang Zhao,Wei Xu 한국식품과학회 2012 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.21 No.1

Functional properties, antioxidant, and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of egg white protein hydrolysate (EWPH) prepared with trypsin at different degree of hydrolysis (DH) were investigated. The DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity, and ACE inhibitory activity increased with DH at first and then decreased gradually. Hydrolysates with 12.4% DH had the highest antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities. As DH increased, the solubility of EWPH increased while the emulsifying and foaming properties decreased. The functional properties of EWPH were also controlled by pH. Ultrafiltration of the hydrolysate with 12.4% DH revealed that the fractions of molecular weight lower than 3 kDa exhibited the highest antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities. The results indicated that EWPH with different DH have different bioactive and functional properties and EWPH by controlled hydrolysis may be useful ingredients in food and nutraceutical applications with potential bioactive properties.

Identifying Post-translational Modification Crosstalks for Breast Cancer

Chi-Hua Tung,Pei-Wei Shueng,Yen-Wei Chu,Chi-Wei Chen,Chian-Ying Chen 한국정보과학회 2017 Journal of Computing Science and Engineering Vol.11 No.4

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins play substantial roles in the gene regulation of cell physiological functions and in the generation of major diseases. However, the majority of existing studies only explored a certain PTM of proteins, while very few have investigated the PTMs of two or more domains and the effects of their interactions. In this study, after collecting data regarding a large number of breast cancer-related and validated PTMs, a sequence and domain analysis of breast cancer proteins was carried out using bioinformatics methods. Then, protein-protein interaction network-related tools were applied in order to determine the crosstalks between the PTMs of the proteins. Finally, statistical and functional analyses were conducted to identify more modification sites of domains and proteins that may interact with at least two or more PTMs. In addition to exploring the associations between the interactive effects of PTMs, the present study also provides important information that would allow biologists to further explore the regulatory pathways of biological functions and related diseases.

Unusual Exchange Bias Effects Induced in NiFe/Mn Thin Films via Ion-beam Bombardment: Superlattice vs. Nanocomposite

Chi-Hsin Liu,Chin Shueh,Tien-Chi Lan,Ko-Wei Lin,Wen-Chen Chen,Te-Ho Wu,R. D. Desautels,J. van Lierop 한국물리학회 2013 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.62 No.12

The interplay between interlayer coupling and exchange bias coupling in [NiFe/Mn] multilayerbasedthin films was investigated by using ion-beam bombardment during deposition to control theconfigurations from superlattice to nanocomposite or hybrid-structured thin films. Results showedthat well-defined interfaces in the superlattice [NiFe/Mn] thin film exhibited an interlayer couplingbehavior. In contrast, an enhanced coercivity was observed in the nanocomposite [NiFe-Mn] thinfilm. However, the hybrid [NiFe-Mn]/[NiFe/Mn] thin film with an intermixed NiFeMn alloyed filmcomponent gave rise to unusual positive exchange bias coupling.

Safety and Efficacy of Adalimumab for Patients With Moderate to Severe Crohn`s Disease: The Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (TSIBD) Study

( Chen Wang Chang ),( Shu Chen Wei ),( Jen Wei Chou ),( Tzu Chi Hsu ),( Chiao Hsiung Chuang ),( Ching Pin Lin ),( Wen Hung Hsu ),( Hsu Heng Yen ),( Jen Kou Lin ),( Yi Jen Fang ),( Horng Yuan Wang ),( 대한장연구학회 2014 Intestinal Research Vol.12 No.4

Background/Aims: Only moderate to severe Crohn`s Disease (CD) patients without a satisfactory conventional therapy effect are eligible to get reimbursement from the National Health Insurance of Taiwan for using adalimumab. These are more stringent criteria than in many Western countries and Japan and Korea. We aim to explore the efficacy of using adalimumab in CD patients under such stringent criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in nine medical centers in Taiwan and we collected the results of CD patients receiving adalimumab from Sep 2009 to Mar 2014. The clinical characteristics, response measured by CDAI (Crohn`s Disease Activity Index), adverse events and survival status were recorded and analyzed. CR-70, CR-100, and CR-150 were defined as attaining a CDAI decrease of 70, 100 or 150 points compared with baseline. Results: A total of 103 CD patient records were used in this study. Sixty percent of these patients received combination therapy of adalimumab together with immunomodulators. CR-70 was 68.7%, 74.5% and 88.4% after week 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, respectively. The steroid-free rate, complications and survival were 47.6%, 9.7% and 99% of patients, respectively. In considering the mucosal healing, only 25% patients achieve mucosal healing after treatment for 6 to12 months. Surgery was still needed in 16.5% of patients. Combination treatment of adalimumab with immunomodulators further decreased the level of CDAI at week 8 when compared with the monotherapy. Conclusions: Even under the stringent criteria for using adalimumab, the response rate was comparable to those without stringent criteria. (Intest Res 2014;12:287-292)

Management of ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Shu-Chen Wei ),( Ting-An Chang ),( Te-Hsin Chao ),( Jinn-Shiun Chen ),( Jen-Wei Chou ),( Yenn-Hwei Chou ),( Chiao-Hsiung Chuang ),( Wen-Hung Hsu ),( Tien-Yu Huang ),( Tzu-Chi Hsu ),( Chun-Chi Lin ) 대한장연구학회 2017 Intestinal Research Vol.15 No.3

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the colon, and the prevalence and incidence of UC have been steadily increasing in Taiwan. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of UC taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Accurate diagnosis of UC requires thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessment and careful exclusion of differential diagnoses, particularly infectious colitis. The goals of UC therapy are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. As outlined in the recommended treatment algorithm, choice of treatment is dictated by severity, extent, and course of disease. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to immunosuppressive treatment, especially with steroids and biologic agents, and should be regularly monitored for reactivation of latent infection. These consensus statements are also based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of UC in Taiwan. (Intest Res 2017;15:266-284)

Seasonal yeast compositions in Forcipomyia taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Hung-Wei Chen,Jui-Yu Chou,Chung-Chi Lin,Yu-Der Wen,Wei-Lung Wang 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.2

Forcipomyia taiwana, a biting midge, is one of the most annoying blood-sucking pests in Taiwan. The larvae of Forcipomyia species feed primarily on algae, and the adults feed on nectar for nutrition. After mating with male adults, females bite humans and digest blood for the formation and development of their eggs. The bites often cause human itching, swelling, skin lesion and even fatal shock. Harassment from this biting pest has become a serious problem and has influenced the quality of outdoor recreational activities. Thus, it is necessary to understand the ecology of F. taiwana to develop an effective control strategy. This study showed the seasonal variation of yeast compositions in the interior of F. taiwana. Furthermore, we found that Aureobasidium spp. appeared the most during collection times and these yeasts are able to decompose the cellulose, a major component in the cell wall of algae and Oomycete fungi. These fungi infect a broad range of host and have adverse effect on fitness of the biting midges. Thus, Aureobasidium spp. play a crucial role in the defense system of F. taiwana against pathogens. The study provides useful information that could be used in the development of biocontrol strategy in the future.

Identifying Post-translational Modification Crosstalks for Breast Cancer

Tung, Chi-Hua,Shueng, Pei-Wei,Chu, Yen-Wei,Chu, Yen-Wei,Chen, Chian-Ying Korean Institute of Information Scientists and Eng 2017 Journal of Computing Science and Engineering Vol.11 No.4

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins play substantial roles in the gene regulation of cell physiological functions and in the generation of major diseases. However, the majority of existing studies only explored a certain PTM of proteins, while very few have investigated the PTMs of two or more domains and the effects of their interactions. In this study, after collecting data regarding a large number of breast cancer-related and validated PTMs, a sequence and domain analysis of breast cancer proteins was carried out using bioinformatics methods. Then, protein-protein interaction network-related tools were applied in order to determine the crosstalks between the PTMs of the proteins. Finally, statistical and functional analyses were conducted to identify more modification sites of domains and proteins that may interact with at least two or more PTMs. In addition to exploring the associations between the interactive effects of PTMs, the present study also provides important information that would allow biologists to further explore the regulatory pathways of biological functions and related diseases.

The long-term anatomical and visual effect of intravitreal triamcinolone injection during vitrectomy for the treatment of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Lai, Chi-Chun,Wang, Nan-Kai,Wu, Wei-Chi,Yeung, Ling,Hwang, Yih-Shiou,Chen, Kuan-Jen,Chen, Tun-Lu,Chuang, Lan-Hsin Informa Healthcare 2011 Cutaneous and ocular toxicology Vol.30 No.4

<P><I>Purpose</I>: To compare the long-term anatomical and visual outcomes of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) removed by vitrectomy and membrane peeling with or without the use of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA).</P><P><I>Methods</I>: A retrospective chart review was performed. Subjects who underwent vitrectomy and who were followed over 12 months were included. The study included two groups of patients. In group 1 (71 eyes), the patients underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling without the use of IVTA. In group 2 (27 eyes), 2 mg of IVTA was given at the end of the surgery. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the number of cataract surgeries, and the use of anti-glaucomatous drugs during the follow-up period.</P><P><I>Results</I>: This study included 98 eyes with ERM from 98 patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, gender, pre- and postoperative lens status, BCVA, CFT, or length of the follow-up period. The mean age for all of the patients was 62.45 ± 10.01 (mean ± SD) years, and the mean follow-up length was 20.58 ± 9.64 (mean ± SD) months. In all cases, the mean best-corrected logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) acuity improved from a preoperative value of 0.91 ± 0.32 [Snellen equivalent (SE), 0.16 ± 0.14] to a postoperative value of 0.46 ± 0.36 (SE, 0.46 ± 0.29) (<I>P</I> < 0.0001). The CFT was reduced from a preoperative value of 473.46 ± 96.91 μm to a postoperative value of 302.44 ± 69.80 μm (<I>P</I> < 0.0001). Six patients (22.2%) in group 2 required anti-glaucomatous drugs to control intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period, and three patients (4.2%) in group 1 required drugs to control IOP (<I>P</I> == 0.012).</P><P><I>Conclusions</I>: The postoperative visual outcomes for patients with idiopathic ERM were favorable, but CFT did not return to a normal level, even in eyes in which 2 mg IVTA was used. The IVTA use after ERM removal produced no significant benefits during long-term follow-up, but IVTA did increase the risk of increased IOP.</P>