Portable Laser Doppler Flowmeter for Microcirculation Detection

Chang-Lin Hu,Meng-Lin Li,Zhan-Sheng Lin,Yen-Yu Chen,Yuan-Hsiang Lin 대한의용생체공학회 2013 Biomedical Engineering Letters (BMEL) Vol.3 No.2

Purpose The microcirculatory system of the human body is closely related to its physiological conditions. The laser Doppler flowmeter can detect symptoms through variations in the microcirculation; however, the present commercial Doppler flowmeter is very expensive, heavy, and inconvenient to carry. Therefore, an inexpensive, small, and portable laser Doppler flowmeter is proposed. Methods In this study, we designed a laser Doppler flowmeter transmitting receiving module based on the fundamental principles of laser Doppler, using a common computer for flow calculation. A self-designed correction system was used to validate the portable laser Doppler flowmeter. Results The coefficient of correlation between the mean frequency offset <ω> of the flowmeter and the actual mimicked blood flow rate reached a high value of R = 0.99, and the variations in microcirculation flow could be accurately measured. Conclusions The results proved that the low-cost portable laser Doppler flowmeter can be used extensively in early symptom detection for disease prevention and control.

Fabrication of a Biodegradable Multi-layered Polyvinyl Alcohol Stent

Mei-Chen Lin,Ching-Wen Lou,Jan-Yi Lin,Ting An Lin,Yueh-Sheng Chen,Jia-Horng Lin 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.8

This study aims to develop biodegradable vascular stents that prevent permanent damage caused by rejection of the immune system of the human body. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) yarns are twisted to enhance their strength. The twisted yarns are braided and then coated with chitosan (CS). The CS-coated PVA vascular stents are chemically crosslinked with genipin (GP) to improve their flexibility and biodegradability. Their morphological characteristics are also observed using a stereoscopic microscope, and their properties are evaluated through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, bending test, biodegradability test, drug release measurement, and MTT assay. Results reveal that wet PVA-CS-GP vascular stents coated with multiple CS layers can maintain a tubular structure when they are bent. After crosslinking is performed, the compressive strength of the PVA-CS-GP stents is 17.04 times higher than that of pure PVA. The weight loss rate of the PVA-CS-GP vascular stents as <3 % after 30 days. The PVA-CS-GP vascular stents composed of 0.10 % heparin sodium show a good drug release effect. Biological activity test indicates that these stents exhibit good proliferation, and our structural model verifies that they are good vascular stents.

The Clinical Observation of Inflammation Theory for Depression: The Initiative of the Formosa Long COVID Multicenter Study (FOCuS)

Shu-Tsen Liu(Shu-Tsen Liu),Sheng-Che Lin(Sheng-Che Lin),Jane Pei-Chen Chang(Jane Pei-Chen Chang),Kai-Jie Yang(Kai-Jie Yang),Che-Sheng Chu(Che-Sheng Chu),Chia-Chun Yang(Chia-Chun Yang),Chih-Sung Liang( 대한정신약물학회 2023 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.21 No.1

There is growing evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with increased risks of psychiatric sequelae. Depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbance, and fatigue during and after the acute phase of COVID-19 are prevalent, long-lasting, and exerting negative consequences on well-being and imposing a huge burden on healthcare systems and society. This current review presented timely updates of clinical research findings, particularly focusing on the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the neuropsychiatric sequelae, and identified potential key targets for developing effective treatment strategies for long COVID. In addition, we introduced the Formosa Long COVID Multicenter Study (FOCuS), which aims to apply the inflammation theory to the pathogenesis and the psychosocial and nutrition treatments of post-COVID depression and anxiety.

Severity Staging of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Differences in Pre- and Post-Bronchodilator Spirometry

Sheng-Hsiang Lin,Ping-Hung Kuo,Sow-Hsong Kuo,Pan-Chyr Yang 연세대학교의과대학 2009 Yonsei medical journal Vol.50 No.5

Purpose: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) uses the post-bronchodilator spirometry for diagnosis and severity staging. We evaluated differences in the severity classification of COPD, based on pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry. Materials and Methods: From 2000 to 2004, 207 COPD patients who underwent spirometry before and after inhalation of 400 μg of fenoterol were analyzed. A responder to the bronchodilator test (BDT) was defined by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) as an increase in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or forced vital capacity ≥ 12% and ≥ 200 mL, and by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) as an increase in FEV1 ≥ 10% of the predicted value. COPD severity was classified according to the 2008 GOLD guidelines. Results: For the entire study population, the FEV1 increased by 11.8 ± 12.5% of baseline after BDT and 41.1% and 27.1% of subjects were classified as responders using the ATS and ERS criteria, respectively. Based on pre-BDT spirometry, 55, 85, 58, and 9 patients were classified as Stage I-IV COPD, respectively. Sixty-seven (32.4%) patients changed severity staging after BDT, including 20.0%, 28.2%, 44.8%, and 66.7% of pre-BDT patients Stages I through IV, respectively. More ATS or ERS BDT-responders had a change in severity staging than non-responders (52.9% vs. 18.9% and 62.5% vs. 21.2%, both p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the severity staging of COPD using pre-BDT spirometry might lead to significant differences as compared to staging, based on post-BDT spirometry, as recommended by the current GOLD guidelines. Purpose: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) uses the post-bronchodilator spirometry for diagnosis and severity staging. We evaluated differences in the severity classification of COPD, based on pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry. Materials and Methods: From 2000 to 2004, 207 COPD patients who underwent spirometry before and after inhalation of 400 μg of fenoterol were analyzed. A responder to the bronchodilator test (BDT) was defined by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) as an increase in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or forced vital capacity ≥ 12% and ≥ 200 mL, and by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) as an increase in FEV1 ≥ 10% of the predicted value. COPD severity was classified according to the 2008 GOLD guidelines. Results: For the entire study population, the FEV1 increased by 11.8 ± 12.5% of baseline after BDT and 41.1% and 27.1% of subjects were classified as responders using the ATS and ERS criteria, respectively. Based on pre-BDT spirometry, 55, 85, 58, and 9 patients were classified as Stage I-IV COPD, respectively. Sixty-seven (32.4%) patients changed severity staging after BDT, including 20.0%, 28.2%, 44.8%, and 66.7% of pre-BDT patients Stages I through IV, respectively. More ATS or ERS BDT-responders had a change in severity staging than non-responders (52.9% vs. 18.9% and 62.5% vs. 21.2%, both p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the severity staging of COPD using pre-BDT spirometry might lead to significant differences as compared to staging, based on post-BDT spirometry, as recommended by the current GOLD guidelines.

Correlation between E-Cadherin-Regulated Cell Adhesion and Human Osteosarcoma MG-63 Cell Anoikis

Lin, Ding-Sheng,Cai, Le-Yi,Ding, Jian,Gao, Wei-Yang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.19

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cell adhesion and anoikis evasion among human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63), and to further study the molecular mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) were assessed for apoptosis, and caspase-3, E-cadherin and ${\beta}$-catenin expression in EDTA and control non-EDTA groups. Results: MG-63 cells were predominantly aggregated when in suspension, and the suspended cells were more dispersed in the EDTA group. Following culture in suspension for 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h, the rates of apoptosis were $34.88%{\pm}3.64%$, $59.3%{\pm}7.22%$ and $78.5%{\pm}5.21%$ in the experimental group and $7.34%{\pm}2.13%$, $14.7%{\pm}3.69%$, and $21.4%{\pm}3.60%$ in the control group, respectively. Caspase-3 expression progressively increased and E-cadherin and ${\beta}$-catenin were decreased in the experimental group, whereas there was no change in the control group. Conclusions: MG-63 cells could avoid anoikis through cell adhesion, and E-cadherin might play a role in this process.

Effective Antiviral Activity of the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Sunitinib Malate against Zika Virus

Lin Chen-Sheng,Huang Su-Hua,Yan Bo-Yu,Lai Hsueh-Chou,Lin Cheng-Wen 대한감염학회 2021 Infection and Chemotherapy Vol.53 No.4

Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, causes the outbreaks of Latin America in 2015 - 2016, with the incidence of neurological complications. Sunitinib malate, an orally bioavailable malate salt of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is suggested as a broadspectrum antiviral agent against emerging viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the antiviral efficacy and antiviral mechanisms of sunitinib malate against ZIKV infection using cytopathic effect reduction, virus yield, and time-of-addition assays. Results: Sunitinib malate concentration-dependently reduced ZIKV-induced cytopathic effect, the expression of viral proteins, and ZIKV yield in supernatant with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.015 μM, and the selectivity index of greater than 100 against ZIKV infection, respectively. Sunitinib malate had multiple antiviral actions during entry and post-entry stages of ZIKV replication. Sunitinib malate treatment at entry stage significantly reduced the levels of ZIKV RNA replication with the reduction of (+) RNA to (-) RNA ratio and the production of new intracellular infectious particles in infected cells. The treatment at post-entry stage caused a concentration-dependent increase in the levels of ZIKV (+) RNA and (-) RNA in infected cells, along with enlarging the ratio of (+) RNA to (-) RNA, but caused a pointed increase in the titer of intracellular infectious particles by 0.01 and 0.1 μM, and a substantial decrease in the titer of intracellular infectious particles by 1 μM. Conclusion: The study discovered the antiviral actions of sunitinib malate against ZIKV infection, demonstrating a repurposed, host-targeted approach to identify potential antiviral drugs for treating emerging and global viral diseases.

Streptomyces Telomeres Contain a Promoter

Lin, Yuh-ru,Hahn, Mi-Young,Roe, Jung-Hye,Huang, Tzu-Wen,Tsai, Hsiu-Hui,Lin, Yung-Feng,Su, Tsung-Sheng,Chan, Yu-Jiun,Chen, Carton W. American Society for Microbiology 2009 Journal of Bacteriology Vol.191 No.3

<B>ABSTRACT</B><P>Bidirectional replication of the linear chromosomes and plasmids of <I>Streptomyces</I> spp. results in single-strand overhangs at their 3′ ends, which contain extensive complex palindromic sequences. The overhangs are believed to be patched by DNA synthesis primed by a terminal protein that remains covalently bound to the 5′ ends of the telomeres. We discovered that in vitro a conserved 167-bp telomere DNA binds strongly to RNA polymerase holoenzyme and exhibits promoter activities stronger than those of an rRNA operon. In vivo, the telomere DNA exhibited promoter activity in both orientations on a circular plasmid in <I>Streptomyces</I>. The telomere promoter is also active on a linear plasmid during exponential growth. Such promoter activity in a telomere has not hitherto been observed in eukaryotic or prokaryotic replicons. <I>Streptomyces</I> telomere promoters may be involved in priming the terminal Okazaki fragment (during replication) replicative transfer (during conjugation), or expression of downstream genes (including a conserved <I>ttrA</I> helicase-like gene involved in conjugal transfer). Interestingly, the <I>Streptomyces</I> telomeres also function as a promoter in <I>Escherichia coli</I> and as a transcription enhancer in yeast.</P>

대만의 범국가적 지속 가능한 발전 실행 방안

Sheng-fong Lin 대한토목학회 2004 대한토목학회지 Vol.52 No.8

Pedestrians and Vehicles Recognition Based on Image Recognition and Laser Distance Detection

Sheng-Fuu Lin,Chung-Han Lee 제어로봇시스템학회 2016 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2016 No.10

Nowadays, most vehicles are equipped with the display device and dashboard camera. The former provides drivers with a variety of road information such as the reverse image and satellite navigation, the latter ensures the interests of the driver when the accidents happened. A laser range finder and a webcam are used in the proposed system. This system can provide drivers with driving safety information on the display device. A laser range finder which cuts up objects around the car through the breakpoint detection is involved with the distance and azimuth angle information of the surrounding environment. Also, Haar detection is used to extract the related features of the pedestrians and vehicles for image recognition system. It will be more accurate to recognize the pedestrians and vehicles on the road, if both image recognition system and information of laser distance are combined together. The proposed system can accurately recognize the pedestrians and vehicles according to the experimental results.

Aberrant microRNAs Expression in CD133+/CD326+ Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Initiating Cells from A549

Sheng Lin,Zheng-tang Chen,Jian-guo Sun,Jing-bo Wu,Hai-xia Long,Cong-hui Zhu,Tong Xiang,Hu Ma,Zhong-quan Zhao,Quan Yao,An-mei Zhang,Bo Zhu 한국분자세포생물학회 2012 Molecules and cells Vol.33 No.3

Increasing evidence demonstrates that miRNAs are in-volved in the dysregulation of tumor initiating cells (TICs) in various tumors. Due to a lack of definitive markers, cell sorting is not an ideal separation method for lung adeno-carcinoma initiating cells. In this study, we combined pa-clitaxel with serum-free medium cultivation (inverse-induc-tion) to enrich TICs from A549 cells, marked by CD133/ CD326, defined features of stemness. We next investigated aberrant microRNAs in this subpopulation compared to normal cells with miRNA microarray and found that 50 miRNAs exhibited a greater than 2-fold change in expres-sion. As further validation, 10 miRNAs were chosen to perform quantitative RT-PCR on the A549 cell line and primary samples. The results suggest that aberrant ex-pression of miRNAs such as miR-29ab, miR-183, miR-17-5p and miR-127-3P may play an important role in regulat-ing the bio-behavior of TICs.