Chlorophyll-Related Compounds Inhibit Cell Adhesion and Inflammation in Human Aortic Cells

Kuan-Hung Lin,Ching-Yun Hsu,Ya-Ping Huang,Jun-You Lai,Wen-Bin Hsieh,Meng-Yuan Huang,Chi-Ming Yang,Pi-Yu Chao 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.10

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of chlorophyll-related compounds (CRCs) and chlorophyll (Chl) a + b on inflammation in human aortic endothelial cells. Adhesion molecule expression and interleukin (IL)-8, nuclear factor (NF)-jB p65 protein, and NF-jB and activator protein (AP)-1 DNA binding were assessed. The effects of CRCs on inflammatory signaling pathways of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4, respectively induced by IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-b, in human aortic smooth muscle cells cultured in vitro were also investigated. HAECs were pretreated with 10 lM of CRCs, Chl a + b, and aspirin (Asp) for 18 h followed by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a (2 ng/mL) for 6 h, and U937 cell adhesion was determined. TNF-a–induced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion was significantly inhibited by CRCs. Moreover, CRCs and Chl a + b significantly attenuated vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and IL-8 expressions. Treatments also significantly decreased in NF-jB expression, DNA binding, and AP-1 DNA binding by CRCs and Asp. Thus, CRCs exert anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of NF-jB and AP-1 signaling. Ten micromoles of CRCs and Asp upregulated the expression of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (Drosophila) (SMAD4) in the TGF-b receptor signaling pathway, and SMAD3/4 transcription activity was also increased. Ten micromoles of CRCs were able to potently inhibit STAT3-binding activity by repressing IL-6–induced STAT3 expression. Our results provide a potential mechanism that explains the anti-inflammatory activities of these CRCs.

Design of Three Phase Wye-Delta LLC Converter with Time Domain Analysis

Kuan-Hung Chen,Jing-Yuan Lin,Yi-Feng Lin,Yu-Chen Chang,Huang-Jen Chiu 전력전자학회 2019 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2019 No.5

In the paper, the performance of a 5 kW DC/DC Wye-Delta-based series resonant converter designed for 400V input voltage and 48V output voltage server power supply is evaluated. The paper also performs operation modes analysis, circuit characteristics analysis, and use time domain analysis on Wye-Delta-based series resonant converter for circuit design to replace FHA analysis due to waveform distortion. Finally, a full-load efficiency up to 96.07% and power-density up to 2.84W/cm3 server power supply is implemented.

Effects of plant growth regulators and polyamines on bract longevity in Bougainvillea buttiana

Kuan-Hung Lin,Jui-Mei Li,Chun-Wei Wu,Yu-Sen Chang 한국원예학회 2021 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.62 No.2

There are no reports on plant growth regulators (PGR) or polyamines being used to stimulate bract longevity in bougainvilleaspecies, yet understanding how PGR and polyamines infl uence bougainvillea bract phenology is important for fl owerprofi tability. Potted bougainvillea plants in four diff erent bract development stages based on bract diameter were pre-treatedwith salicylic acid (SA) at a concentration of 0.5 mM combined with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 0.13 mM), gibberellicacid (GA, 0.29 mM), and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA, 0.22 mM) in 100 mL mixtures. Three 100 mL polyamine treatments[diamine putrescine (Put), triamine spermidine (Spd), and tetraamine spermine (Spm)] at 1 mM were also individuallysprayed on bougainvillea bracts. Control bracts were sprayed only with water. Diff erent PGR combinations and singlepolyamine treatments acted diff erently on bract longevity and endogenous 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)content, and each combination and single polyamine was not equally signifi cant in regard to coordinating a response toACC regulation. In combined chemical treatments, maximum and signifi cantly prolonged bract longevity in all stages weredetected in the SA + NAA + GA + BA treatment compared to controls and other combinations, and longevity increased asbract stage progressed. A strong synergistic interaction was observed between SA and NAA regarding bract longevity andACC levels. Moreover, Put also signifi cantly prolonged bract longevity and remarkably reduced endogenous ACC contentat all stages, this eff ect increasing as bract stage progressed compared to Spd, Spm, and controls. Therefore, the eff ects ofSA + NAA + GA + BA and single Put (1 mM) applied to bougainvillea bracts for increasing longevity in the nursery off ersinsight into re-vegetation, landscaping programs, and cultivation in gardens.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale

Kuan-Wei Huang,Pao-Yen Lin,Yu Lee,Yu-Chi Huang,Chi-Fa Hung,Sheng-Yu Lee,Chih-Ken Chen,Liang-Jen Wang 대한신경정신의학회 2022 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.19 No.7

Objective The Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS) is an interview-based assessment tool for evaluating the cognitive deficit and daily functioning of patients with schizophrenia.Methods Sixty-eight patients with schizophrenia and 68 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited to validate the Chinese version of SCoRS in this study. All participants underwent cognitive assessment using the SCoRS, which was verified by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), and the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment, Brief Version (UPSA-B). Patients with schizophrenia were additionally assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).Results SCoRS ratings reported by patients (SCoRS-S), those reported by the interviewer (SCoRS-I), and SCoRS global scores (SCoRS-G) showed significant correlation with all subscales of the BACS and the UPSA-B. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, SCoRS-S, SCoRS-I, and SCoRS-G significantly differentiated patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls. Moreover, SCoRS-S and SCoRS-I ratings showed positive correlation with the negative symptoms and general symptoms of PANSS.Conclusion The Chinese version of SCoRS showed good discriminant, concurrent, and external validity, suggesting that it is a useful and convenient tool for assessment of cognitive function among Mandarin-speaking patients with schizophrenia in clinical practice.

Analysis of Molecular Markers Associated with Yield-Related Traits of Tomatoes under Heat Stress

Kuan-Hung Lin,Halao-Feng Lo,Shao-Pei Lee,Wei-Lun Yeh 한국원예학회 2006 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Construction of the Operating Limits Diagram for a Ship-Based Helicopter Using the Design of Experiments with Computational Intelligence Techniques

Lin Hsin-Hung,Wu Sheng-Ju,Liu Tsung-Lung,Pan Kuan-Cheng 한국항공우주학회 2021 International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sc Vol.22 No.1

Compared with land-based helicopters, ship-based helicopters are required to land in a more challenging working environment as the airwakes generated by the wind field flowing through the superstructure of the ship changes the wind field structure. This complicates the wind field structure and affects the safety of flight control. The flight safety of the helicopter pilot can be significantly improved with prior understanding of the relevant information in the ship-based helicopter operating limits (SHOL) diagram. In previous studies, the SHOL diagram of ship-based helicopters has been obtained using numerical simulations in conjunction with a flight simulator. However, the flight simulator equipment is expensive and difficult to maintain. This study references the aforementioned studies by initially employing a numerical simulation method to obtain the flow field information of the interaction between the airwakes of the ship’s superstructure and the downwash flow of the helicopter. Then, the flight simulator is replaced by computational intelligence methods involving artificial intelligence. This significantly reduces the research cost for envelope construction. This study integrates design of experiments (DOE) and computational intelligence techniques (soft computing) to establish a recommended range for the SHOL diagram of ship-based helicopters. This study utilizes the DOE and computational intelligence techniques to construct the SHOL diagram of ship-based helicopters, provide suggestions, and serve as a reference for helicopter pilots and engineering designers to improve the safety during flight.

Waterlogging influences the physiology index and antioxidant enzyme activity in Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata

Lin Kuan-Hung,Chen Shi-Peng,Su Yi-Ru,Tsai Yi-Heng,Lin Hsin-Hung 한국원예학회 2024 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.65 No.1

Waterlogging is one of the major environmental challenges that can adversely impact squash growth, development, and productivity. Nevertheless, studies on the physiological changes of squash to waterlogging stress are scarce. Previously, we reported that the Cucurbita moschata (Cmo) Early Price (Ep) cultivar showed higher chlorophyll content (CC) and spectral refl ectance compared to the Cucurbita maxima (Cma) OK-101 (Ok) cultivar after waterlogging. In the present work, we further examined more physiological parameters in eight cultivars of Cmo and Cma, and studied whether these non-destruc tive indices could effi ciently identify various waterlogging-tolerant genotypes and were consistent with visual evaluations. Moreover, we investigated the eff ects of waterlogging on the antioxidant system of cucurbit species, and evaluated dynamic changes occurring in these plants during varying waterlog periods by determining physiological characteristics. The activ ity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed a signifi cant increase in Ep plant leaves and roots after 72 h and 6 h of waterlogging, respectively, compared to Ok plants. In addition, Ep exhibited a higher tolerance to waterlogging than Ok in terms of enhanced root length, values in CC, spectral refl ectance, and APX and SOD activity, plus decreased levels of electrolyte leakage, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, and hydrogen peroxide levels. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological variations in response to waterlogging stress and can potentially be used to breed cucurbit species with waterlogging tolerance for a wetter future climate.

Nucleophosmin modulates the alleviation of atopic dermatitis caused by the marine-derived compound dihydroaustrasulfone alcohol

Han-Chun Hung,Chien-Wei Feng,Yen-You Lin,Chun-Hong Chen,Kuan-Hao Tsui,Wu-Fu Chen,Chieh-Yu Pa,Jyh-Horng Sheu,Chun-Sung Sung,Zhi-Hong Wen 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its prevalence is increasing. AD usually elicits skin barrier dysfunction, dry skin and itching. As the mechanisms of AD remain unknown, there is an urgent need to find effective therapies. Because of the diversity and complexity of marine environments, the discovery of drugs from marine organisms as novel therapeutic agents for human diseases has seen renewed interest. Dihydroaustrasulfone alcohol (WA-25), the synthetic precursor of austrasulfone, which is a natural product isolated from a Formosan soft coral, has been shown to possess many therapeutic effects in our previous studies. However, the detailed mechanisms and therapeutic effects of WA-25 on AD are incompletely understood. We performed in vitro and in vivo studies to examine the effects of WA-25 on AD. We showed that WA-25 blocks inflammation and oxidative stress. Simultaneously, we also found that WA-25 reduces the AD scores and AD-induced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), scratching behavior, and alloknesis. WA-25 is more effective in cases of AD than are the drugs that are currently used clinically. Importantly, we also found that when nucleophosmin (NPM) was inhibited or when its expression was reduced, the anti-inflammatory and anti-AD effects of WA-25 were blocked. These data suggest that NPM plays dual roles in inflammation and AD. Overall, these results suggest that WA-25 is a potential anti-inflammatory and AD therapeutic agent that is modulated by NPM.

BRCA1/2 mutation status in patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies: clues towards the implementation of genetic counseling

Angel Chao,Yi-Hao Lin,Lan-Yan Yang,Ren-Chin Wu,Wei-Yang Chang,Pi-Yueh Chang,Shih-Cheng Chang,Chiao-Yun Lin,Huei-Jean Huang,Cheng-Tao Lin,Hung-Hsueh Chou,Kuan-Gen Huang,Wen-Ling Kuo,Ting-Chang Chang,Ch 대한부인종양학회 2020 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.31 No.3

Objective: The characteristics of patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies and the pathogenic role of BRCA1/2 mutations remain poorly understood. We investigated these issues through a review of hospital records and nationwide Taiwanese registry data, followed by BRCA1/2 mutation analysis in hospital-based cases. Methods: We retrospectively retrieved consecutive clinical records of Taiwanese patients who presented with these malignancies to our hospital between 2001 and 2017. We also collected information from the Data Science Center of the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) between 2007 and 2015. Next-generation sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were used to identify BRCA1/2 mutations and large genomic rearrangements, respectively. When BRCA1/2 mutations were identified in index cases, pedigrees were reconstructed and genetic testing was offered to family members. Results: A total of 12,769 patients with breast cancer and 1,537 with ovarian cancer were retrieved from our hospital records. Of them, 28 had metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies. We also identified 113 cases from the TCR dataset. Eighteen hospital-based cases underwent BRCA1/2 sequencing and germline pathogenic mutations were detected in 7 patients (38.9%, 5 in BRCA1 and 2 in BRCA2). All BRCA1/2 mutation carriers had ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas. Of the 12 patients who were alive at the time of analysis, 5 were BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. All of them had family members with BRCA1/2-associated malignancies. Conclusions: Our results provide pilot evidence that BRCA1/2 mutations are common in Taiwanese patients with metachronous breast and ovarian malignancies, supporting the clinical utility of genetic counseling.

Palliative Care for Adult Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities

Wei-Min Chu,Hung-Bin Tsai,Yu-Chi Chen,Kuan-Yu Hung,Shao-Yi Cheng,Cheng-Pei Lin 한국호스피스완화의료학회 2024 한국호스피스.완화의료학회지 Vol.27 No.1

This article underscores the importance of integrating comprehensive palliative care for noncancer patients who are undergoing hemodialysis, with an emphasis on the aging populations in Asian nations such as Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China. As the global demographic landscape shifts towards an aging society and healthcare continues to advance, a marked increase has been observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis who require palliative care. This necessitates an immediate paradigm shift to incorporate this care, addressing the intricate physical, psychosocial, and spiritual challenges faced by these individuals and their families. Numerous challenges impede the provision of effective palliative care, including difficulties in prognosis, delayed referrals, cultural misconceptions, lack of clinician confidence, and insufficient collaboration among healthcare professionals. The article proposes potential solutions, such as targeted training for clinicians, the use of telemedicine to facilitate shared decision-making, and the introduction of time-limited trials for dialysis to overcome these obstacles. The integration of palliative care into routine renal treatment and the promotion of transparent communication among healthcare professionals represent key strategies to enhance the quality of life and end-of-life care for people on hemodialysis. By embracing innovative strategies and fostering collaboration, healthcare providers can deliver more patient-centered, holistic care that meets the complex needs of seriously ill patients within an aging population undergoing hemodialysis.