The Interrelationship between Language and Culture

( Hsiu Chen Chang ) 범태평양응용언어학회 2002 범태평양응용언어학회지 Vol.6 No.2

An 8-Week Low-Intensity Progressive Cycling Training Improves Motor Functions in Patients with Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease

Hsiu-Chen Chang,Chin-Song Lu,Wei-Da Chiou,Chiung-Chu Chen,Yi-Hsin Weng,Ya-Ju Chang 대한신경과학회 2018 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.14 No.2

Background and Purpose The effects of high-intensity cycling as an adjuvant therapy forearly-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD) were highlighted recently. However, patients experience difficultiesin maintaining these cycling training programs. The present study investigated the efficacyof cycling at a mild-to-moderate intensity in early-stage PD. Methods Thirteen PD patients were enrolled for 16 serial cycling sessions over a 2-month period. Motor function was assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III(UPDRS III) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test as primary outcomes. The Montreal CognitiveAssessment (MoCA), modified Hoehn and Yahr Stage (mHYS), total UPDRS, Falls EfficacyScale, New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living, 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, Patient Global Impression of Change, and gait performancewere assessed as secondary outcomes. Results The age and the age at onset were 59.67±7.24 and 53.23±10.26 years (mean±SD), respectively. The cycling cadence was 53.27±8.92 revolutions per minute. The UPDRS III scoreimproved significantly after 8 training sessions (p=0.011) and 16 training sessions (T2) (p=0.001) in the off-state, and at T2 (p=0.004) in the on-state compared to pretraining (T0). TheTUG duration was significantly shorter at T2 than at T0 (p<0.05). The findings of MoCA, totalUPDRS, double limb support time, and mHYS (in both the off- and on-states) also improvedsignificantly at T2. Conclusions Our pioneer study has demonstrated that a low-intensity progressive cycling exercisecan improve motor function in PD, especially akinesia. The beneficial effects were similarto those of high-intensity rehabilitation programs.

Monitoring changes in the genetic structure of Brown Tsaiya duck selected for feeding efficiency by microsatellite markers

Yi-Ying Chang,Hsiu-Chou Liu,Chih-Feng Chen Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2023 Animal Bioscience Vol.36 No.3

Objective: Few studies have genetically monitored chickens over time, and no research has been conducted on ducks. To ensure the sustainable management of key duck breeds, we used microsatellite markers to monitor Brown Tsaiya ducks over time genetically. Methods: The second, fourth, sixth to eighth generations of the Brown Tsaiya duck selected for feeding efficiency and control lines were included in this study to investigate the genetic variations, effective population size, population structure and the differentiation between populations over time with 11 microsatellite markers derived from Brown Tsaiya duck. Results: The results showed there were a slight decrease in the genetic variations and an increase in within-population inbreeding coefficient (F_IS) in both lines, but no consistent increase in F_IS was observed in each line. The effective population size in the second and eighth generations was 27.2 for the selected line and 23.9 for the control line. The change in allele richness showed a downward trend over time, and the selected line was slightly lower than the control line in each generation. The number of private alleles (N_p) in the selected line were higher than in the control line. Moderate differentiation was observed between the second and eighth generations in the selected line (F_ST = 0.0510) and the control line (F_ST = 0.0606). Overall, differentiation tended to increase with each generation, but genetic variation and structure did not change considerably after six generations in the two lines. Conclusion: This study provides a reference for poultry conservation and helps to implement cross-generation genetic monitoring and breeding plans in other duck breeds or lines to promote sustainable management.

The Evaluation of Otilonium Bromide Treatment in Asian Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

( Full Young Chang ),( Ching Liang Lu ),( Jiing Chyuan Luo ),( Tseng Shing Chen ),( Mei Jung Chen ),( Hsiu Ju Chang ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2011 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.17 No.4

Background/Aims Antispasmodics including otilonium bromide (OB) are recommended to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, reports about OB experience in Asia is sparse. The purpose of present study was to provide the efficacy of OB in treating Asian IBS patients. Methods Overall, 117 IBS patients meeting Rome II criteria were enrolled in an 8-week, double-blind, active-controlled and single center trial. Randomized participants received either OB 40 mg or mebeverine 100 mg 3 doses daily. The primary endpoints were to evaluate the net changes of abdominal pain/discomfort frequency score (APDFS) and safety profile, while the secondary endpoints were to assess the changes in abdominal pain/discomfort intensity, flatulence, abdominal bloating, satisfied stool frequency etc. Results Finally, 49 OB and 52 mebeverine subjects were eligible for efficacy analysis. Compared to baselines in per protocol populations, the reduced APDFSs in OB and mebeverine were 0.55 ± 1.20 (P = 0.011) and 0.37 ± 1.11 (P = 0.042), respectively, to show similarly reduced scores. The most reported side effects included dry mouth, nausea and dizziness. Besides, the improved APDFSs at 4th week visit, final alleviations in abdominal pain intensity, flatulence, abdominal bloating and satisfied stool frequency with global assessments filled by both patients and investigators were significantly achieved by both treatments, and OB was not inferior to mebeverine in treating these parameters. Conclusions In Orientals, OB is as effective as mebeverine for alleviating IBS symptoms in terms of abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominal bloating etc. However, obvious side effects are also observed. A large-scaled trial and post-marketing surveillance are recommended to confirm its efficacy and safety. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011;17:402-410)

IL-33/ST2 axis mediates hyperplasia of intrarenal urothelium in obstructive renal injury

Wei-Yu Chen,Jenq-Lin Yan,Yi-Hsiu Wu,Lung-Chih Li,Ru-Fang Li,Ya-Ting Chang,Lo-Hsin Dai,Wan-Chen Wang,Ya-Jen Chang 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

The monolayered intrarenal urothelium covers the renal papilla and ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). In response to increased renal pressure during obstruction or ischemic injuries, intrarenal urothelial cells begin to proliferate and form a multilayered urothelium. Little is known regarding the mechanism and pathophysiological role of urothelium hyperplasia during renal obstruction. In this study, we investigated the expression of interleukin (IL)-33, an IL-1 family cytokine, in kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced obstructive injury. IL-33 levels in hydronephrotic urine and serum were upregulated 2 days after UUO. The number of ST2-expressing immune cells was increased in the UUO kidney. We found that IL-33 was upregulated in vimentin-positive cells in the cortical and medullar layers and the UPJ stroma. Moreover, IL-33 expression was predominantly induced in multilayered keratin 5- positive urothelial cells in the UPJ. IL-33 was not detected in terminally differentiated superficial umbrella cells expressing uroplakin 3a. In vivo, we confirmed that deficiency of IL33 or its receptor ST2 attenuated UUO-induced hyperplasia of the UPJ urothelium. Deficiency of IL33 attenuated the expression of UUO-induced type 2 inflammatory cytokines and upregulated uroplakins and urothelial differentiation signaling in UPJ tissues. Our results collectively suggest that the IL-33/ST2 axis mediates the activation of innate immune responses and contributes to urothelial hyperplasia by regulating urothelial differentiation in obstructive kidney injury.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secreted-Extracellular Vesicles are Involved in Chondrocyte Production and Reduce Adipogenesis during Stem Cell Differentiation

Tsai Yu-Chen,Cheng Tai-Shan,Liao Hsiu-Jung,Chuang Ming-Hsi,Chen Hui-Ting,Chen Chun-Hung,Zhang Kai-Ling,Chang Chih-Hung,Lin Po-Cheng,Huang Chi-Ying F. 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2022 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.19 No.6

BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are derived from internal cellular compartments, and have potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in degenerative disease associated with aging. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising tool for functional EVs production. This study investigated the efficacy of EVs and its effect on differentiation capacity. METHODS: The characteristics of MSCs were evaluated by flow cytometry and stem cell differentiation analysis, and a production mode of functional EVs was scaled from MSCs. The concentration and size of EVs were quantitated by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). Western blot analysis was used to assess the protein expression of exosomespecific markers. The effects of MSC-derived EVs were assessed by chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation analyses and histological observation. RESULTS: The range of the particle size of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs)- and Wharton’s jelly -MSCs-derived EVs were from 130 to 150 nm as measured by NTA, which showed positive expression of exosomal markers. The chondrogenic induction ability was weakened in the absence of EVs in vitro. Interestingly, after EV administration, type II collagen, a major component in the cartilage extracellular matrix, was upregulated compared to the EV-free condition. Moreover, EVs decreased the lipid accumulation rate during adipogenic induction. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the production model could facilitate production of effective EVs and further demonstrated the role of MSC-derived EVs in cell differentiation. MSC-derived EVs could be successfully used in cell-free therapy to guide chondrogenic differentiation of ADSC for future clinical applications in cartilage regeneration.

Combined Assessment of Serum Alpha-Synuclein and Rab35 is a Better Biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease

Hung-Li Wang,Chin-Song Lu,Tu-Hsueh Yeh,Yu-Ming Shen,Yi-Hsin Weng,Ying-Zu Huang,Rou-Shayn Chen,Yu-Chuan Liu,Yi-Chuan Cheng,Hsiu-Chen Chang,Ying-Ling Chen,Yu-Jie Chen,Yan-Wei Lin,Chia Chen Hsu,Huang-Li 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.4

Background and Purpose It is essential to develop a reliable predictive serum biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Te accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and up-regulated expression of Rab35 participate in the etiology of PD. Te purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the combined assessment of serum αSyn and Rab35 is a useful predictive biomarker for PD. Methods Serum levels of αSyn or Rab35 were determined in serum samples from 59 sporadic PD patients, 19 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients, 20 multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients, and 60 normal controls (NC). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of αSyn or/and Rab35 in discriminating PD patients from NC or atypical parkinsonian patients. Results The levels of αSyn and Rab35 were increased in PD patients. The serum level of Rab35 was positively correlated with that of αSyn in PD patients. Compared to analyzing αSyn or Rab35 alone, the combined analysis of αSyn and Rab35 produced a larger area under the ROC curve and performed better in discriminating PD patients from NC, MSA patients, or PSP patients. When age was dichotomized at 55, 60, 65, or 70 years, the combined assessment of αSyn and Rab35 for classifying PD was better in the group below the cutof age than in the group above the cutof age. Conclusions Combined assessment of serum αSyn and Rab35 is a better biomarker for discriminating PD patients from NC or atypical parkinsonian patients, and is a useful predictive biomarker for younger sporadic PD patients.

Scale Development and Model Validation for the Process of Exercise Engagement for People with Prediabetes

Chang, Shu-Chuan,Yeh, Hsiu-Chen,Kuo, Yu-Lun 한국간호과학회 2020 Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Vol.50 No.2

Purpose: This study had two objectives: 1) to develop a scale for the process of exercise engagement (SPEE) for prediabetic individuals (PDIs); 2) to validate a structural model for the process of exercise engagement for PDIs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with simple random sampling was conducted from September 2013 to December 2015 (in Taiwan). A total of 310 PDIs were enrolled for scale development and model validation via item analysis, factor analyses, and structural equation modeling. The Kuo model was used as the basis for developing the Chinese version of the SPEE for PDIs. Results: The SPEE contains five subscales with a total of twenty-one items that account for 54.9% to 65.9% of the total variance explained for assessing participants’ process of engagement during exercise. For Kuo model validation, the model measures indicated goodness of fit between the Kuo model and sample data. Analysis further revealed a direct effect between the creating health blueprints (CHB) stage and the spontaneous regular exercise (SRE) stage (b=.60). Conclusion: The SPEE includes five subscales for assessing the psychological transition and behavioral expression at each stage of the process of exercise engagement for PDIs. The SPEE for people with prediabetes provides deeper insights into the factors of behavioral change stages that are required to initiate long-term health care outcomes and avoid developing diabetes. These insights are significant as they allow for patient-specific mapping and behavior modification to effect exercise.

Large-Volume Extravasation of Radiologic Contrast Media

Hsiu-Chin Chang,Chia-Yuen Chen,Wing Chan 한국간호과학회 2015 한국간호과학회 학술대회 Vol.2015 No.10

Application of Block Diagonal Technique to a Hamiltonian Matrix in Performing Spin-splitting Calculations for GaN Wurtzite Materials

Chun-Nan Chen,Sheng-Hsiung Chang,Wei-Long Su,Wan-Tsang Wang,Hsiu-Fen Kao,Jen-Yi Jen,Yiming Li 한국물리학회 2012 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.60 No.3

The bulk inversion asymmetry (Dresselhaus) terms (i.e., B2, B1, and B01 terms) of wurtzite materials are determined. The 2 × 2 conduction band, 2 × 2 heavy-hole band, 2 × 2 light-hole band,and 2 × 2 crystal-field split-off hole band matrices of wurtzite semiconductors are developed and decoupled by using a block diagonal technique. Importantly, those 2 × 2 block diagonal matrices incorporate not only the interband coupling effect but also the bulk inversion asymmetry effect. Analytical expressions for the conduction and the valence band spin-splitting parameters and energies of GaN wurtzite materials are formulated by solving the block diagonal matrices. The presence of these terms is shown to include the spin-splitting phenomenon. The bulk inversion asymmetry (Dresselhaus) terms (i.e., B2, B1, and B01 terms) of wurtzite materials are determined. The 2 × 2 conduction band, 2 × 2 heavy-hole band, 2 × 2 light-hole band,and 2 × 2 crystal-field split-off hole band matrices of wurtzite semiconductors are developed and decoupled by using a block diagonal technique. Importantly, those 2 × 2 block diagonal matrices incorporate not only the interband coupling effect but also the bulk inversion asymmetry effect. Analytical expressions for the conduction and the valence band spin-splitting parameters and energies of GaN wurtzite materials are formulated by solving the block diagonal matrices. The presence of these terms is shown to include the spin-splitting phenomenon.