Urothelial Dysfunction and Chronic Inflammation are Associated With Increased Bladder Sensation in Patients With Chronic Renal Insufficiency

Sheng-Fu Cheng,Yuan-Hong Jiang,Hann-Chorng Kuo 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2018 International Neurourology Journal Vol.22 No.S2

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients usually have lower urinary tract symptoms, such as frequency and urgency. Additionally, they frequently suffer from urinary tract infections. This study investigated dysfunction and chronic inflammation of the bladder urothelium in ESRD/CKD patients. Methods: This study enrolled 27 patients with CKD (n=13) or ESRD (n=14) for urodynamic studies and bladder biopsies. Patients presented with detrusor underactivity (DU; n=8) or bladder oversensitivity (BO; n=19). Bladder biopsies were performed in these patients and in 20 controls. The bladder mucosa was examined for E-cadherin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression, activated mast cell count (through tryptase staining), and urothelial apoptosis (through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling [TUNEL]). The urodynamic parameters were also compared with variables regarding urothelial dysfunction. Results: The bladder mucosa samples of ESRD and CKD patients revealed significantly higher mast cell counts, more urothelial apoptosis, and lower levels of ZO-1 expression than the control samples. E-cadherin expression was significantly reduced in ESRD/CKD patients with DU, but not in ESRD/CKD patients with BO. Increased mast cell and apoptotic cell counts were also associated with ESRD/CKD with BO. Less expression of ZO-1 and E-cadherin was significantly associated with increased bladder sensation and a small bladder capacity. Conclusions: Bladder urothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation were present to a noteworthy extent in patients with ESRD or CKD. Increased inflammation and defective barrier function were more notable in ESRD/CKD bladders with BO than in those with DU. The clinical characteristics of these patients may involve urothelial pathophysiology.

VEGF and FGF2 improve revascularization, survival, and oocyte quality of cryopreserved, subcutaneously transplanted mouse ovarian tissues

( Cheng-en Hsieh ),( Yuh-ming Hwu ),( Sheng-hsiang Li ),( Chung-hao Lu ),( Ming-huei Lin ),( Robert Kuo-kuang Lee ) 대한산부인과학회 2016 대한산부인과학회 학술대회 Vol.102 No.-

Objective: To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on revascularization, survival, and oocyte quality of cryopreserved, subcutaneously transplanted mouse ovarian tissue. Methods: Outbred ICR mice (n = 112) were used as the animal model. Vitrified mouse ovarian tissues were treated without (control group) or with VEGF and FGF2 before autologous subcutaneous transplantation. After transplantation for 2 or 3 weeks, grafts’ survival, angiogenesis, and oocyte quality were examined. Results: VEGF and FGF2 promoted revascularization and significantly increased the survival rate of subcutaneously transplanted cryopreserved ovarian tissues compared with the untreated grafted control. The two growth factors did not show long-term effects on the ovarian grafts. In contrast to the untreated ovarian grafts, active folliculogenesis was revealed as the number of various follicles was significantly higher or had an increased trend in the VEGF and FGF2-treated ones. Though the fertilization rate had no differences between VEGF/FGF2 and control group; however, the oocyte quality was much better in the VEGF/FGF2-treated grafts as demonstrated by the higher ratio of blastocyst development. Conclusions: Introducing of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and FGF2 may be a promising strategy to improve revascularization, survival, and oocyte quality of cryopreserved, subcutaneously transplanted mouse ovarian tissue.

Influence of Deposition Parameters on the Structure and Optical Property of Zn(S,O) Films

Du-Cheng Tsai,Bing-Hau Kuo,Zue-Chin Chang,Erh-Chiang Chen,Fuh-Sheng Shieu 대한금속·재료학회 2017 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.23 No.1

This paper presents the influence of process parameters, including sputtering power, oxygen partial pressure (RO), and substrate temperature on the optical property of Zn(S,O) thin films fabricated by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technology and deposited on glass substrates. The chemical composition, structural and optical properties of the samples were investigated by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and spectrophotometer. All the films mainly exhibited β-ZnS phase with (111) preferred orientation. [S]/([S]+[O]) ratio increased at high sputtering power, low RO, and low substrate temperature. Moderate ranges in sputtering power and substrate temperature and low RO resulted in large grain size. Adatoms are expected to exhibit increased mobility under these conditions. Average transmittance exceeded 75% in the visible wavelength region. Bandgap under these conditions was dominated strongly by the change in grain size and [S]/([S]+[O]) ratio. Optical properties of Zn(S,O) thin films could be modified, which is promising for optoelectronic applications.

Linking an Anxiety-Related Personality Trait to Cardiac Autonomic Regulation in Well-Defined Healthy Adults: Harm Avoidance and Resting Heart Rate Variability

Lien-Cheng Kao,Yu-Wen Liu,Nian-Sheng Tzeng,Terry B. J. Kuo,San-Yuan Huang,Chuan-Chia Chang,Hsin-An Chang 대한신경정신의학회 2016 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.13 No.4

ObjectiveaaAnxiety trait, anxiety and depression states have all been reported to increase risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD), possibly through altering cardiac autonomic regulation. Our aim was to investigate whether the relationship between harm avoidance (HA, an anxiety-related personality trait) and cardiac autonomic regulation is independent of anxiety and depression states in healthy adults. MethodsaaWe recruited 535 physically and mentally healthy volunteers. Participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Tri-dimensional Personality Questionnaire. Participants were divided into high or low HA groups as discriminated by the quartile value. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring heart rate variability (HRV). We obtained the time and frequency-domain indices of HRV including variance (total HRV), the low-frequency power (LF; 0.05–0.15 Hz), which may reflect baroreflex function, the high-frequency power (HF; 0.15–0.40 Hz), which reflects cardiac parasympathetic activity, as well as the LF/HF ratio. ResultsaaThe BDI and HA scores showed associations with HRV parameters. After adjustment for the BDI scores and other control variables, HA is still associated with reduced variance, LF and HF power. Compared with the participants with low HA, those with high HA displayed significant reductions in variance, LF and HF power and a significant increase in their LF/HF ratio. ConclusionaaThis study highlights the independent role of HA in contributing to decreased autonomic cardiac regulation in healthy adults and provides a potential underlying mechanism for anxiety trait to confer increased risk for CVD.

Impact of the Change in Tick Size on Transaction Costs and Liquidity: An Empirical Investigation of the Taiwan Stock Exchange

Chin-Sheng Huang,Su-Wen Kuo,Chia-Cheng Chen 한국증권학회 2010 Asia-Pacific Journal of Financial Studies Vol.39 No.4

The minimum price variation on the Taiwan Stock Exchange reduced for most price categories on March 1, 2005. The present paper simultaneously examines the institutional and endogenous impacts of tick size changes on transaction costs, market liquidity, and trading activity. The empirical evidence suggests that following a reduction in tick size, uniform declines are discernible in transaction costs and market liquidity. In particular, those stocks with a larger relative tick size reduction, higher trading volume, and higher order handling cost components have greater reductions in spread and market depth. Moreover, endogenous tick size reductions have an adverse effect on the trading activity for low-price stocks, due to the relative disadvantage in explicit transaction costs. Finally, the present study observes a general diminution in trade size resulting from a reduction in tick size in the Taiwan Stock Exchange. This study attributes plausible rationales to the fact that after tick size reductions, informed traders employ a smaller trade size to hide private information, or front-runners place a smaller trade size to avoid market turbulence.

Fabrication of a Pb-Sn Nanowire Array Gas Sensor Using a Novel High Vacuum Die Casting Technique

Chin-Guo Kuo,Ho Chang,Lih-Ren Hwang,Shu Hor,Jia-Shin Chen,Guo-yan Liu,Sheng-Cheng Cheng 대한금속·재료학회 2013 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.9 No.4

In this study, an anodic aluminum oxide nanomold was obtained by etching on an aluminum substrate at a purity of 99.7% with an oxalic acid electrolyte. After etching, a nanomold was prepared with pores that were measured at 80 nm in diameter. This nanomold was used as a base. Using the vacuum casting method,the Pb-Sn alloy was die-cast into the nanomold and consequently shaped into a Pb-Sn alloy nanowire of 80 nm in diameter and 50 μm in length. After solidification, a Pb-Sn nanowire array was obtained. The array of Pb-Sn nanowires prepared in this study can be applied to a gas sensor. Microstructural analysis of the AAO nanomold and the Pb-Sn nanowire array are performed by SEM and XRD.

Magnetic Properties and Microstructure of TbCo/(Co/SiN<SUB>x</SUB>)<SUB>n</SUB> Films

Pai Li Lin,Po Cheng Kuo,Sheng Chi Chen,Yen Hsiang Fang 한국자기학회 2007 한국자기학회 학술연구발표회 논문개요집 Vol.- No.-

MR Imaging of Pregnancy Luteoma: a Case Report and Correlation with the Clinical Features

Hung-Wen Kao,Ching-Jiunn Wu,Kuo-Teng Chung,Sheng-Ru Wang,Cheng-Yu Chen 대한영상의학회 2005 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.6 No.1

We report here on a 26-year-old pregnant female who developed hirsutism and virilization during her third trimester along with a significantly elevated serum testosterone level. Abdominal US and MR imaging studies were performed, and they showed unique imaging features that may suggest the diagnosis of pregnancy luteoma in the clinical context. After the delivery, the serum testosterone level continued to decrease, and it returned to normal three weeks postpartum. The follow-up imaging findings were closely correlated with the clinical presentation.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess as a Warning Sign for Primary Liver Cancer: A Nationwide Population-based Study

Huang, Wen-Kuan,Lin, Yung-Chang,Chiou, Meng-Jiun,Yang, Tsai-Sheng,Chang, John Wen-Cheng,Yu, Kuang-Hui,Kuo, Chang-Fu,See, Lai-Chu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.8

Background: There have been no large-scale population-based studies to estimate the subsequent risk of primary liver cancer (PLC) among patients with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). This study aimed to provide relevant data. Materials and Methods: The Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for the years 2000 and 2005 was used. The PLA group were adult inpatients who were newly diagnosed with PLA from 2000 to 2008. The control group was randomly selected and matched with the PLA group in terms of age, sex, and date in which medical treatment was sought other than for PLA. Results: There were 1,987 patients each in the PLA and control groups. In total, 56 had PLC, 48 (2.4%, 601.5 per 100,000 person-years) from the PLA group, and 8 from the control group. After adjusting for potential covariates, the hazard ratio of PLC for the PLA group was 3.4 times that of the control group (95% confidence interval = 1.6-7.3, p <0.001). The PLC risk for the PLA group was significantly higher within the first year after PLA diagnosis (hazard ratio: 35.4) as compared with the control group and became insignificant (hazard ratio: 2.0, 95% confidence interval = 0.8-4.9) more than one year after PLA diagnosis. Conclusions: Patients with PLA have a higher rate of PLC than matched controls, especially within the first year after the diagnosis of PLA, suggesting PLA is a warning sign for PLC.

The Effect of Agomelatine in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Carol Sheei-Meei Wang(Carol Sheei-Meei Wang ),Kuo-Sheng Cheng(Kuo-Sheng Cheng),Chia-Hung Tang(Chia-Hung Tang),Ming-Chyi Pai(Ming-Chyi Pai),Pai-Lien Chen(Pai-Lien Chen),Pei-Fang Chien(Pei-Fang Chien) 대한정신약물학회 2022 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.20 No.4

Objective: Moderate and severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) often need medical treatment to improve symptoms. Agomelatine is a selective melatonergic (MT1/MT2) agonist that has normalizing effects on disturbed circadian rhythms and disrupted sleep−wake cycles. Its activity of 5HT-2C receptor antagonism is associated with lessening depression and anxiety and increasing slow-wave sleep. Based on past clinical records and current findings it suggests that agomelatine can improve BPSD for patients. This retrospective cohort study was designed to compare the BPSD before and after using agomelatine. Methods: Records of dementia cases who had ever received agomelatine treatment for BPSD in a general hospital setting during the past 2.5 years were identified and reviewed. Scores from before and after 3 months of treatment with agomelatine were collected for Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) to compare and analyze the difference of psychological and behavioral symptoms pre- and post-agomelatine used. Results: Records of 144 cases of dementia with BPSD who had ever used agomelatine from January 2015 to June 2017 were collected. All of the 112 cases had BPRS and CGI scores, of which 75 cases had additional NPI scores. Among these 112 cases, the BPRS and CGI scores were significantly improved in all types of dementia. NPI scores indicated that the use of agomelatine alleviated obvious symptoms and decreased overall distress, especially in the depression/poor mood, anxiety, and sleep/night behavior. Conclusion: It is consistent with an effective result of agomelatine in improving BPSD.