ALDH2 Gene: Its Effects on the Neuropsychological Functions in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Po-Wei Lee,Tzu-Yun Wang,Yun-Hsuan Chang,Sheng-Yu Lee,Shiou-Lan Chen,Ze-Cheng Wang,Po See Chen,Chun-Hsien Chu,San-Yuan Huang,Nian-Sheng Tzeng,I Hui Lee,Kao Chin Chen,Yen Kuang Yang,Jau-Shyong Hong,Ru-B 대한정신약물학회 2020 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.18 No.1

Objective: Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have impaired attention, inhibition control, and memory function. The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2 ) gene has been associated with OUD and ALDH2 gene polymorphisms may affect aldehyde metabolism and cognitive function in other substance use disorder. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether ALDH2 genotypes have significant effects on neuropsychological functions in OUD patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: OUD patients undergoing MMT were investigated and followed-up for 12 weeks. ALDH2 gene polymorphisms were genotyped. Connors’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) were administered at baseline and after 12 weeks of MMT. Multivariate linear regressions and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to examine the correlation between the ALDH2 genotypes and performance on the CPTs and WMS-R. Results: We enrolled 86 patients at baseline; 61 patients completed the end-of-study assessments. The GEE analysis showed that, after the 12 weeks of MMT, OUD patients with the ALDH2 *1/*2+*2/*2 (ALDH2 inactive) genotypes had significantly higher commission error T-scores (p = 0.03), significantly lower hit reaction time T-scores (p = 0.04), and significantly lower WMS-R visual memory index scores (p = 0.03) than did patients with the ALDH2 1 */*1 (ALDH2 active) genotype. Conclusion: OUD patients with the ALDH2 inactive genotypes performed worse in cognitive domains of attention, impulse control, and memory than did those with the ALDH2 active genotype. We conclude that the ALDH2 gene is important in OUD and is associated with neuropsychological performance after MMT.

Predicting the surgical reparability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears by B-mode ultrasonography: a cross-sectional study

Po-Cheng Chen,Kuan-Ting Wu,Yi-Cun Chen,Yu-Chi Huang,Ching-Di Chang,Wei-Che Lin,Wen-Yi Chou 대한초음파의학회 2022 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.41 No.1

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the ability of B-mode ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the repairability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants with large-to-massive RCTs who underwent arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography and MRI were conducted prior to arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography was used to evaluate the echogenicity of the rotator cuff muscle using the Heckmatt scale. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were examined for two independent physicians. MRI was used to evaluate the degrees of tendon retraction, fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles, and muscle atrophy. Finally, two experienced orthopedic surgeons performed surgery and decided whether the torn stump could be completely repaired intraoperatively. Results: Fifty participants were included, and 32 complete repairs and 18 partial repairs were performed. B-mode ultrasonography showed good intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for assessment of the muscle echogenicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The correlation coefficients between B-mode ultrasound findings and MRI findings showed medium to large effect sizes (r=0.4-0.8). The Goutallier classification of the infraspinatus muscles was the MRI predictor with the best discriminative power for surgical reparability (area under the curve [AUC], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.98), while the Heckmatt scale for infraspinatus muscles was the most accurate ultrasound predictor (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.96). No significant differences in AUCs among the MRI and ultrasound predictors were found. Conclusion: B-mode ultrasonography was a reliable examination tool and had a similar ability to predict surgical reparability to that of MRI among patients with large-to-massive RCTs. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the ability of B-mode ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the repairability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs).Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants with large-to-massive RCTs who underwent arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography and MRI were conducted prior to arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography was used to evaluate the echogenicity of the rotator cuff muscle using the Heckmatt scale. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were examined for two independent physicians. MRI was used to evaluate the degrees of tendon retraction, fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles, and muscle atrophy. Finally, two experienced orthopedic surgeons performed surgery and decided whether the torn stump could be completely repaired intraoperatively.Results: Fifty participants were included, and 32 complete repairs and 18 partial repairs were performed. B-mode ultrasonography showed good intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for assessment of the muscle echogenicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The correlation coefficients between B-mode ultrasound findings and MRI findings showed medium to large effect sizes (r=0.4-0.8). The Goutallier classification of the infraspinatus muscles was the MRI predictor with the best discriminative power for surgical reparability (area under the curve [AUC], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.98), while the Heckmatt scale for infraspinatus muscles was the most accurate ultrasound predictor (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.96). No significant differences in AUCs among the MRI and ultrasound predictors were found.Conclusion: B-mode ultrasonography was a reliable examination tool and had a similar ability to predict surgical reparability to that of MRI among patients with large-to-massive RCTs.

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.

ANALYZING ISUAL SPECTROPHOTOMETER DATA USING A TWO-COLOR DIAGRAM METHOD

CHEN ALFRED BING-CHIH,CHIANG PO-SHIH,HUANG TIAN-HSIANG,KUO CHENG-LING,WANG SHI-CHUN,SU HAN-TZONG,HSU RUE-RoN,CHANG MING-HUI,CHANG YEOU-SHIN,LIU TIE-YUE,MENDE STEPHEN B.,FREY HARALD U.,FUKUNISHI HIROSH The Korean Astronomical Society 2005 Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society Vol.38 No.2

Transient luminous events (TLEs; sprites, elves, jets and etc.) are lightning-related optical flashes occurring above thunderstorms. Since the first discovery of sprites in 1989, scientists have learned a great deal about the morphological, spectroscopic and electromagnetic characteristics of TLEs through ground and spacecraft campaigns. However, most of the TLE studies were based on events recorded over US High Plains. To elucidate the possible biasing effects, space-borne observations are needed and have their merits. Imager of sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning (ISUAL) on the FORMOSAT-2 satellite is the first instrument to carry out a true global measurement of TLEs from a low- earth orbit. In this short paper, we apply a common astronomical data analysis technique, two-color diagram, on the ISUAL spectrophotometer (SP) data. By choosing appropriated bandpasses and converting the measured flux of TLEs into the unit of magnitude, two-color diagrams of TLEs can be constructed. We demonstrate that two-color diagrams, which were constructed from the narrow-band spectrophotometer data, can be used to classify different types of TLEs and trace their temporal evolution. The amount of reddening due to Earth's atmosphere can also be estimated from two-color diagrams assembled from the broad-band spectrophotometer data.

Validation of a Palliative Prognostic Index to Predict Life Expectancy for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in a Hospice Consultation Setting in Taiwan

Cheng, Wei-Hong,Kao, Chen-Yi,Hung, Yu-Shin,Su, Po-Jung,Hsieh, Chia-Hsun,Chen, Jen-Shi,Wang, Hung-Ming,Chou, Wen-Chi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the practical utility of the palliative prognostic index (PPI) as a prognostic tool used by nurse specialists in a hospice consultation setting in Taiwan. Methods: In total, 623 terminal cancer patients under hospice consultation care from one medical center in northern Taiwan were enrolled between January 1 and June 30, 2011. PPI was assessed by a nurse specialist at first hospice consultation and patients categorized into groups by prognosis (good, intermediate, poor). Patient survival was analyzed retrospectively to determine significance of between-group differences. Results: By PPI sum score, 37.2% of patients were in the good prognosis group, 18% in the intermediate prognosis group and 44.8% in the poor prognosis group. The death rates were 56%, 81.2% and 89.6% and median survivals were 76, 18 and 7 days, respectively. The hazard ratio was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.24, p<0.001) for the poor versus good prognosis group and 0.54 (95% CI 0.43-0.69, p<0.001) for the poor versus intermediate prognosis group. The sensitivity and specificity for the poor prognosis group was 66% and 71%; the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 81% and 52%, respectively, to predict patient death within 21 days (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.68). Conclusions: Assessment by PPI can accurately predict survival of terminal cancer patients receiving hospice consultation care. PPI is a simple tool and can be administered by nurse members of hospice consultation teams.

Histopathological Evidence for the Existence of Primary Liver Progenitor Cell Cancer: Insight from Cancer Stem Cell Pathobiology

( Cheng-maw Ho ),( Shu-li Ho ),( Chia-tung Shun ),( Po-huang Lee ),( Ya-hui Chen ),( Chin-sung Chien ),( Hui-ling Chen ),( Rey-heng Hu ) 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: Primary liver progenitor cell cancer is a rare disease entity without definite evidence and characterization. Current nomenclature of primary liver cancer with prominent progenitor features is not comprehensive. This study was aimed to investigate the existence of this kind of primary liver cancer and characterize it immunohistopathologically based on the emerging understanding of cancer stem cell pathobiology. Methods: Surgical specimens from primary liver cancer which posed diagnostic difficulty fitting within current WHO classification of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocellular carcinoma with stem-cell features according to the growth morphology and its suggested immunohistochemical features, were stained with antibodies against well-defined markers of progenitor cells, stemness, and differentiation toward hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. Comparative interpretation of images was processed considering the histological morphology and characteristic markers. Results: The primary liver cancer consisted of CD24+ cancer progenitor cells and CD90+ mesenchymal stromal cells, which were intimately mixed. CD24+ cancer cells demonstrated bi-directional trends of differentiation: bile ductule transformation (cytokeratin 19+, epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM]+, neural cell adhesion molecule [NCAM]+, CD133+, and delta-like 1 homolog [DLK1]+); and trabecular or nested cell clusters toward hepatic lineage (hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 alpha [HNF-4α]+, Hep Par1+ and negative for CK19, EpCAM, CD133, and DLK1). Moderate lymphocyte (mostly CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) infiltrated in the CD90+ cancer- associated stroma. Conclusions: We provided the corroboration that liver progenitor cells can form primary liver cancer, not just presented as few side population of cancer stem cells. Its existence might pose significance for future stem cell therapeutic intervention targeting liver diseases, albeit the disease is rare.

Atomistic Simulation of ZrNi Metallic Glasses Under Torsion Test

Po-Hsien Sung,Tei-Chen Chen,Cheng-Da Wu 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2017 NANO Vol.12 No.8

ZrNi metallic glass alloy nanowires (NWs) under torsion are studied using molecular dynamics simulations based on the many-body embedded-atom potential. The effect of cooling rate on the deformation mechanism and mechanical properties of ZrNi NWs is evaluated in terms of shear strain, torque, potential energy and radial distribution function. Simulation results show that for slower cooling rates, the NWs have larger packing density, whereas for faster cooling rates, the packing density of atoms decreases. The amount of deformation increases with increasing torsional angle before it reaches a critical torsional angle (θc). The torque required for deformation and the θc value increase with decreasing cooling rate, indicating a larger mechanical strength. Localized shear bands concentrate at regions with high shear strains, leading to the formation of torsional buckling.

Localized surface plasmon resonance enhanced by the light-scattering property of silver nanoparticles for improved luminescence of polymer light-emitting diodes

Cheng-Liang Huang,Hung Ji Huang,Sy-Hann Chen,Yu-Siang Huang,Po-Ching Kao,Yuan-Fong Chou Chau,Hai-Pang Chiang 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.103 No.-

This study used photochemical reduction to successfully synthesize triangular silver nanoplates (TAgNPs)and silver nanodecahedrons (AgNDs) with higher light-absorption and higher light-scattering properties,respectively, for the same wavelength. To analyze the contribution of light-absorption and lightscatteringof silver nanoparticles to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate was doped with TAgNPs or AgNDs at the same concentration(1.17 lg/cm2) and made into polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). According to the current densityvoltageluminancecharacteristics and electroluminescence (EL) spectra, the enhancement factors for currentefficiency and EL intensity for AgND-containing PLEDs were found to be higher than those for PLEDwith TAgNPs by 24.9% and 138%, respectively. This shows that the metal nanoparticles with higher lightscatteringproperty can induce a relatively strong LSPR effect, which possibly gives a hint to design plasmonicphotovoltaic in future.

Hepatocyte and mesenchymal stem cell co-transplantation in rats with acute liver failure

Cheng-Maw Ho,Ya-Hui Chen,Chin-Sung Chien,Shu-Li Ho,Hui-Ling Chen,Rey-Heng Hu,Po-Huang Lee 대한이식학회 2020 Korean Journal of Transplantation Vol.34 No.2

Background: Cell therapy is considered a potential alternative to liver transplantation in acute liver failure (ALF). We aimed to evaluate the add-on therapeutic benefit of hepatocyte and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cotransplantation over hepatocyte-only transplantations in a rat model of ALF. Methods: ALF was induced by D-galactosamine in Sprague-Dawley rats. Freshly isolated donor hepatocytes were derived from Tg (UBC-emGFP) rats and MSCs were collected from the bone marrow cells of DsRed rats. Donor hepatocytes (1×107/mL) were intraportally transplanted 24 hours after treatment with D-galactosamine over a 70-second interval, and donor MSCs (0.5, 1, or 2×106/0.5 mL) were intraportally transplanted 1 hour after the hepatocyte transplantation was complete. Animals were sacrificed after 7 and 14 days and subjected to donor cell identification, liver histology, serologic testing, and immunohistopathological examination. Results: MSCs were observed in the periportal area, 1 and 2 weeks after transplantation. Transplanted hepatocytes did not actively proliferate when compared to hepatocyte-only transplantation. Morphologically, transplanted MSCs did not appear to differentiate into hepatocytes even 2 weeks after transplantation. Cotransplantation of MSCs was associated with lower macrophage infiltration, and reduced type I collagen, hepatocyte growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin 10 expression, with similar gene expression profiles for epidermal growth factor and interleukin 6, when compared to hepatocyte-only transplantation. Conclusions: Hepatocyte and MSC cotransplantation is feasible and safe in rat models of ALF. MSCs were found to survive the process and could be located within the periportal niches 2 weeks after treatment, without enhancing transplanted hepatocyte proliferation or differentiating into hepatocytes, while ameliorating the inflammatory response.

Association between Thioridazine Use and Cancer Risk in Adult Patients with Schizophrenia-A Population-Based Study

Cheng-Chen Chang,Ming-Hong Hsieh,Jong-Yi Wang,Nan-Ying Chiu,Yu-Hsun Wang,Jeng-Yuan Chiou,Hsiang-Hsiung Huang,Po-Chung Ju 대한신경정신의학회 2018 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.15 No.11

Objective Several cell line studies have demonstrated thioridazine’s anticancer, multidrug resistance-reversing and apoptosis-inducing properties in various tumors. We conducted this nationwide population-based study to investigate the association between thioridazine use and cancer risk among adult patients with schizophrenia. Methods Based on the Psychiatric Inpatient Medical Claim of the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, a total of 185,689 insured psychiatric patients during 2000 to 2005 were identified. After excluding patients with prior history of schizophrenia, only 42,273 newly diagnosed patients were included. Among them, 1,631 patients ever receiving thioridazine for more than 30 days within 6 months were selected and paired with 6,256 randomly selected non-thioridazine controls. These patients were traced till 2012/12/31 to see if they have any malignancy. Results The incidence rates of hypertension and cerebrovascular disease were higher among cases than among matched controls. The incidence of hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease and chronic pulmonary disease did not differ between the two groups. By using Cox proportional hazard model for cancer incidence, the crude hazard ratio was significantly higher in age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease and chronic pulmornary disease. However, after adjusting for other covariates, only age and hypertension remained significant. Thioridazine use in adult patients with schizophrenia had no significant association with cancer. Conclusion Despite our finding that thioridazine use had no prevention in cancer in adult patients with schizophrenia. Based on the biological activity, thioridazine is a potential anticancer drug and further investigation in human with cancer is warranted.