Mechanical Stretch Promotes Invasion of Lung Cancer Cells via Activation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Liang-Kun Chen,Ching-Chi Hsieh,Yi-Chao Huang,Yuan-Jung Huang,Chun-Fan Lung,Wei-En Hsu,Chao-Ling Yao,Tsung-Yu Tseng,Chi-Chung Wang,Yi-Chiung Hsu 한국생물공학회 2023 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.28 No.3

Most of the gas exchange in the human body is carried out by the lungs, and the physiological activities of the lungs are uninterrupted. Due to the deterioration of the external environment, pulmonary cell lesions are common clinical lung diseases. Mechanical cyclic stretching is one kind of bionic technology to observe lung cancer cells. The A549 cell line is the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line derived from a primary lung tumor. This study investigated the effects of mechanical cyclic stretching on A549 cell activity and gene expression profile. Whereas mechanical cyclic stretching had no significant difference in colony formation and cell migration of A549 cells, the cell invasion increased significantly in A549 cells after stretching. In addition, the microarray data showed that mechanical cyclic stretching altered gene expression, induced inflammation of cells, and activation of Wnt/β- catenin and tumor necrosis factor pathways. More importantly, mechanical cyclic stretching activated the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) protein. Therefore, the increase of cell invasion induced by mechanical cyclic stretching might be associated with the activation of TNF-α in human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

POLARIZATION PROPERTIES OF LARGE-AREA GaN-BASED LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES WITH AN OMNIDIRECTIONAL NANOSTRUCTURE

WAN-WEI WANG,LUNG-CHIEN CHEN,YA-HSIN WANG 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2012 NANO Vol.7 No.5

Large-area GaN-based blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on sapphire substrates with an omnidirectional nanostructure consisted of Ag nanoparticles and TiO2/SiO2 Bragg re°ector were fabricated. For the LEDs without the omnidirectional nanostructure, the spectra of the P- and S-polarization light are lightly di®erent and the peak wavelength of P- and S-polarization light was estimated to be 464 nm and 463 nm, respectively at forward current of 20 mA. In contrast, for the LEDs with the omnidirectional nanostructure, the spectra of the P- and S-polarization light are nearly the same at forward current of 20mA and 100 mA.

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.

Free vibration analysis of a Timoshenko beam carrying multiple spring-mass systems with the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia

Wang, Jee-Ray,Liu, Tsung-Lung,Chen, Der-Wei Techno-Press 2007 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.26 No.1

Because of complexity, the literature regarding the free vibration analysis of a Timoshenko beam carrying "multiple" spring-mass systems is rare, particular that regarding the "exact" solutions. As to the "exact" solutions by further considering the joint terms of shear deformation and rotary inertia in the differential equation of motion of a Timoshenko beam carrying multiple concentrated attachments, the information concerned is not found yet. This is the reason why this paper aims at studying the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a uniform Timoshenko beam carrying multiple intermediate spring-mass systems using an exact as well as a numerical assembly method. Since the shear deformation and rotary inertia terms are dependent on the slenderness ratio of the beam, the shear coefficient of the cross-section, the total number of attachments and the support conditions of the beam, the individual and/or combined effects of these factors on the result are investigated in details. Numerical results reveal that the effect of the shear deformation and rotary inertia joint terms on the lowest five natural frequencies of the combined vibrating system is somehow complicated.

Seasonal yeast compositions in Forcipomyia taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Hung-Wei Chen,Jui-Yu Chou,Chung-Chi Lin,Yu-Der Wen,Wei-Lung Wang 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.2

Forcipomyia taiwana, a biting midge, is one of the most annoying blood-sucking pests in Taiwan. The larvae of Forcipomyia species feed primarily on algae, and the adults feed on nectar for nutrition. After mating with male adults, females bite humans and digest blood for the formation and development of their eggs. The bites often cause human itching, swelling, skin lesion and even fatal shock. Harassment from this biting pest has become a serious problem and has influenced the quality of outdoor recreational activities. Thus, it is necessary to understand the ecology of F. taiwana to develop an effective control strategy. This study showed the seasonal variation of yeast compositions in the interior of F. taiwana. Furthermore, we found that Aureobasidium spp. appeared the most during collection times and these yeasts are able to decompose the cellulose, a major component in the cell wall of algae and Oomycete fungi. These fungi infect a broad range of host and have adverse effect on fitness of the biting midges. Thus, Aureobasidium spp. play a crucial role in the defense system of F. taiwana against pathogens. The study provides useful information that could be used in the development of biocontrol strategy in the future.

Free vibration analysis of a Timoshenko beam carrying multiple spring-mass systems with the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia

Der-Wei Chen,Jee-Ray Wang,Tsung-Lung Liu 국제구조공학회 2007 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.26 No.1

Because of complexity, the literature regarding the free vibration analysis of a Timoshenko beam carrying “multiple” spring-mass systems is rare, particular that regarding the “exact” solutions. As to the “exact” solutions by further considering the joint terms of shear deformation and rotary inertia in the differential equation of motion of a Timoshenko beam carrying multiple concentrated attachments, the information concerned is not found yet. This is the reason why this paper aims at studying the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a uniform Timoshenko beam carrying multiple intermediate spring-mass systems using an exact as well as a numerical assembly method. Since the shear deformation and rotary inertia terms are dependent on the slenderness ratio of the beam, the shear coefficient of the cross-section, the total number of attachments and the support conditions of the beam, the individual and/or combined effects of these factors on the result are investigated in details. Numerical results reveal that the effect of the shear deformation and rotary inertia joint terms on the lowest five natural frequencies of the combined vibrating system is somehow complicated.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/ Ritonavir and Dasabuvir ± Ribavirin between Asian and Western HCV GT1b-Infected Patients

( Lai Wei ),( Yan Luo ),( Wang-long Chuang ),( Seung Woon Paik ),( Ming-lung Yu ),( Linda M Fredrick ),( Andrew Campbell ),( Roger Trinh ),( Jeffrey Enejosa ),( Nancy S Shulman ),( Jeong Heo ),( Nilou 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: ONYX-I and ONYX-II are Phase 3 studies exploring the PK, safety, and efficacy of the 3-DAA ± ribavirin regimen in a HCV GT1b-infected Asian population. Comparable PK exposures of the 3-DAA regimen between the Asian and predominantly Caucasian (thereafter referred to as “Western”) HCV GT1-infected patients in other studies have been published. Methods: We compared the safety/efficacy profiles of the 3-DAA regimen (+ ribavirin for patients with compensated cirrhosis) in Asian patients in ONYX-I and -II Phase 3 studies conducted in China, Taiwan, and South Korea with Western patients enrolled in PEARL-II (treatment-experienced), PEARL-III (treatment-naive), and TURQUOISE-II (compensated cirrhosis) Phase 3 studies conducted exclusively in North America, Europe, and Australia. Results: Among treatment-naive non-cirrhotic patients, sustained virologic response at post treatment week 12 (SVR12) was achieved by 99.5% (183/184; 95% CI 97.0-99.9) of Asian patients compared with 99.0% (207/209; 95% CI 97.7-100) of Western patients (GT1b). In non-cirrhotic treatment-experienced patients, SVR12 was achieved by 100% (141/141; 95% CI 97.4-100) of Asian patients and 100% (91/91; 95% CI 95.9-100) of Western patients (GT1b). Among cirrhotic patients, SVR12 was achieved by 100% (104/104; 95% CI 96.4-100) of Asian patients compared with 98.5% (67/68; 95% CI 95.3-100) of Western patients (GT1a and -1b-infected patients). The majority of Asian and Western patients with or without cirrhosis had at least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). A low percentage of Asian and Western patients (<4%) experienced serious TEAEs. TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation, in both Asian and Western patients, were rare. No patients without cirrhosis and 1 subject with cirrhosis discontinued treatment due to a TEAE. Only 1 death occurred across the studies, which was not due to a TEAE. Conclusions: The safety/efficacy profiles were consistent between the Asian and Western HCV GT1b-infected patients treated with OBV+PTV/r + DSV.

A Multi-Inlet Microfluidic Nozzle Head with Shape Memory Alloy-Based Switching for Biomaterial Printing with Precise Flow Control

Karthick Mani,Wei-Chen Lin,Chun-Fang Wang,Bivas Panigrahi,Yong-Jin Wu,Cheng-Lung Wu,Chia-Yuan Chen 한국바이오칩학회 2020 BioChip Journal Vol.14 No.4

3D bioprinting is one of the rapidly evolving fields of tissue engineering where microengineering meets cells biology within an unprecedented precision to construct tissue structures of various forms with complexity. However, enabling simultaneous printing of heterogeneous biomaterial along with scaffold components through the currently available printers is still considered as a major challenge due to the lack of instrumentation. Flow control is one of the major issues associated with the process. In this aspect, a microfluidic nozzle head equipped with two shape-memory alloy (SMA) actuators was proposed and integrated with a commercially available 3D printer to assist the biomaterial printing in a more systematic manner. The SMA actuator restrains the amount of flows for fabricating the desired scaffold components. Experimental results illustrated that the use of SMA actuator ensued a rapid and precise flow control of biomaterial and can further facilitate to maintain the width of any printed structures. As a proof of concept for the profound biomedical applications with the present manufacturing configuration, a 3D printed hydrogel platform was fabricated with demonstrated characters for later cell seeding after the printing further opens a new chapter in terms of biomaterial printing.

Clinical Features and Computed Tomography Characteristics of Non-Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscesses in Elderly (>65 Years) and Nonelderly Patients

Chih-Weim Hsiang,Wei-Chou Chang,Chang-Hsien Liu,Hsiu-Lung Fan,Kai-Hsiung Ko,Chih-Yung Yu,Hong-Hau Wang,Wen-I Liao,Hsian-He Hsu 연세대학교의과대학 2015 Yonsei medical journal Vol.56 No.2

Purpose: To compare the clinical and computed tomography (CT) appearances of liver abscesses caused by non-Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial pathogens in elderly and nonelderly patients. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with confirmed non-Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses (non-KPLAs) were enrolled and dividedinto two age groups: elderly (age ≥65 years, n=42) and nonelderly (age <65 years, n=38). Diagnosis of non-KPLA was established by pus and/or blood culture. We compared clinical presentations, outcomes, and CT characteristics of the two groups, and performed multivariate analysis for significant variables and receiver-operating-characteristic analysis to determine the cutoff value of abscess diameter for predicting non-KPLA. Results: Elderly patients with non-KPLA were associatedwith a longer hospital stay (p<0.01). Regarding etiology, biliary sources had a strong association in the elderly group (p<0.01), and chronic liver diseases were relatedto the nonelderly group (p<0.01). Non-KPLAs (52.5%) tended to show a large, multiloculated appearance in the elderly group and were associated with bile duct dilatation (p<0.01), compared with the nonelderly group. The abscess diameter (cutoff value, 5.2 cm; area under the curve, 0.78) between the two groups was predicted. In multivariate analysis, underlying biliary tract disease [odds ratio (OR), 3.58, p<0.05], abscess diameter (OR, 2.40, p<0.05), and multiloculated abscess (OR, 1.19, p<0.01) independently predicted elderly patients with non-KPLA. Conclusion:In the elderly patients with non-KPLA, a large, multiloculated abscess with a diameter greater than 5.2 cm was the predominant imaging feature.

Wolbachia in field populations of Forcipomyia taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Taiwan

Yu-Der Wen,Wei-Lung Wang,Chung-Chi Lin,Wei-Ming Liou 한국응용곤충학회 2011 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.14 No.3

Wolbachia pipientis is an endosymbiotic alpha-proteobacterium that is found in numerous insects and arthropods. Only a few studies have been made on Wolbachia in blood-sucking midges. In this study, we identified and determined the molecular characteristics of Wolbachia strains in Forcipomyia taiwana (Shiraki),a blood-suckingmidge found in Taiwan and southern China. Our results indicate that all F. taiwana individuals captured in Nantou County, Taiwan were infected with Wolbachia strains closely related to the A-supergroup wAlbA. Moreover, 2 individuals captured at low-abundance locations were also infected with a B-supergroup Wolbachia strain. We observed that 63% F. taiwana individuals captured at the low-abundance locations harbored the wAlbA-like strain which has a particular substitution pattern (D51G, T84A, and A85V) in the Wolbachia surface protein. Taken together, our results indicate that distinct Wolbachia strains exist in F. taiwana populations in the field.