Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

( Chen-hua Liu ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Wei-wen Su ),( Chun-jen Liu ),( Ching-chu Lo ),( Ke-jhang Huang ),( Jyh-jou Chen ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Chi-yang Chang ),( Cheng-yuan Peng ),( Yu-lueng Shih ),( Chia 대한간학회 2021 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.27 No.4

Background/Aims: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods: We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR₁₂) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. The safety profiles were reported. Results: The SVR₁₂ rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5-94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8-97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2-100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR₁₂ were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR₁₂, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16-14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P<0.001). Conclusions: SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2021;27:575-588)

Construction and Characterization of a Full-length cDNA Library and Identification of Genes Involved in Salinity Stress in Wild Eggplant (Solanum torvum Swartz)

Gang Chen,Hua Wang,Jun-Yi Gai,Yue-Lin Zhu,Li-Fei Yang,Qian-Qian Liu,Gong-Chen Zhang,Guo-Hu Chen 한국원예학회 2012 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.53 No.2

The objectives of this paper were to construct a full-length cDNA library and to isolate genes that confer salt tolerance from the leaves of salinity-tolerant wild eggplant variety, ‘Torvum Vigor’ (Solanum torvum Swartz). A full-length cDNA library from the leaves was successfully constructed by a switching mechanism at 5’-end of RNA transcript (SMART) approach and a long-distance PCR (LD-PCR) technique. The titer of the primary cDNA library was 3.6 ×106 cfu・mL-1 and that of the amplified library was 1.2 × 1010 cfu・mL-1. Gel electrophoresis results showed that most of the cDNA inserts ranged from 0.40 to 2.5 kb, with a recombination rate of 99%. A total of 427 randomly selected positive clones were sequenced. After removing the unsuccessful reads, 364 datasets were obtained and have been submitted to the NCBI Nucleotide Sequence Database under GenBank accession numbers JK265131-JK265494. Among the 364 submitted sequences, 74.45% of them contained full-length coding regions. BLASTX analysis revealed that 62.36% of the ‘Torvum Vigor’ expressed sequence tags (ESTs) possessed homology to known or putative proteins of other organisms. Seven genes that might be responsible for the encoding of known proteins in other organisms were identified to confer salt tolerance. This evidence demonstrated that the cDNA library constructed was a full-length library of high quality. It could be a useful resource for further research in the cloning of stress-related genes, which could be utilized in the genetic improvement of vegetable crops using transgenic technology.

Mode shape expansion with consideration of analytical modelling errors and modal measurement uncertainty

Hua-Peng Chen,Kong Fah Tee,Yi-Qing Ni 국제구조공학회 2012 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.10 No.5

Mode shape expansion is useful in structural dynamic studies such as vibration based structural health monitoring; however most existing expansion methods can not consider the modelling errors in the finite element model and the measurement uncertainty in the modal properties identified from vibration data. This paper presents a reliable approach for expanding mode shapes with consideration of both the errors in analytical model and noise in measured modal data. The proposed approach takes the perturbed force as an unknown vector that contains the discrepancies in structural parameters between the analytical model and tested structure. A regularisation algorithm based on the Tikhonov solution incorporating the L-curve criterion is adopted to reduce the influence of measurement uncertainties and to produce smooth and optimised expansion estimates in the least squares sense. The Canton Tower benchmark problem established by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is then utilised to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed expansion approach to the actual structure. The results from the benchmark problem studies show that the proposed approach can provide reliable predictions of mode shape expansion using only limited information on the operational modal data identified from the recorded ambient vibration measurements.

Distal Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance Predicts Pathological Reflux of Isolated Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms

Hua-Nong Luo,Chen-Chi Wang,Ying-Cheng Lin,Chun-Yi Chuang,Yung-An Tsou,Ja-Chih Fu,Sheng-Shun Yang,Chi-Sen Chang,Han-Chung Lien 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.2

Background/AimsDiagnosis of isolated laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms (ILPRS), ie, without concomitant typical reflux symptoms (CTRS), remains difficult. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) reflects impaired mucosal integrity. We determined whether esophageal MNBI could predict pathological esophagopharyngeal reflux (pH+) in patients with ILPRS. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study conducted in Taiwan, non-erosive or low-grade esophagitis patients with predominant laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms underwent combined hypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring when off acid suppressants. Participants were divided into the ILPRS (n = 94) and CTRS (n = 63) groups. Asymptomatic subjects without esophagitis (n = 25) served as healthy controls. The MNBI values at 3 cm and 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the proximal esophagus were measured. ResultsDistal but not proximal esophageal median MNBI values were significantly lower in patients with pH+ than in those with pH– (ILPRS in pH+ vs pH–: 1607 Ω vs 2709 Ω and 1885 Ω vs 2563 Ω at 3 cm and 5 cm above LES, respectively; CTRS in pH+ vs pH–: 1476 vs 2307 Ω and 1500 vs 2301 Ω at 3 cm and 5 cm above LES, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). No significant differences of any MNBI exist between any pH– subgroups and healthy controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the ILPRS group were 0.75 and 0.80, compared to the pH– subgroup and healthy controls (P < 0.001 for both), respectively. Interobserver reproducibility was good (Spearman correlation 0.93, P < 0.0001). ConclusionDistal esophageal MNBI predicts pathological reflux in patients with ILPRS.

TOSS: Telecom Operations Support Systems for Broadband Services

Chen, Yuan-Kai,Hsu, Chang-Ping,Hu, Chung-Hua,Lin, Rong-Syh,Lin, Yi-Bing,Lyu, Jian-Zhi,Wu, Wudy,Young, Hey-Chyi Korea Information Processing Society 2010 Journal of information processing systems Vol.6 No.1

Due to the convergence of voice, data, and video, today's telecom operators are facing the complexity of service and network management to offer differentiated value-added services that meet customer expectations. Without the operations support of well-developed Business Support System/Operations Support System (BSS/OSS), it is difficult to timely and effectively provide competitive services upon customer request. In this paper, a suite of NGOSS-based Telecom OSS (TOSS) is developed for the support of fulfillment and assurance operations of telecom services and IT services. Four OSS groups, TOSS-P (intelligent service provisioning), TOSS-N (integrated large-scale network management), TOSS-T (trouble handling and resolution), and TOSS-Q (end-to-end service quality management), are organized and integrated following the standard telecom operation processes (i.e., eTOM). We use IPTV and IP-VPN operation scenarios to show how these OSS groups co-work to support daily business operations with the benefits of cost reduction and revenue acceleration.

Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Program on Pain and Fear in School-aged Children Undergoing Intravenous Placement

Yi-Chuan Hsieh,Su-Fen Cheng,Pei-Kwei Tsay,Wen-Jen Su,Yen-Hua Cho,Chi-Wen Chen 한국간호과학회 2017 Asian Nursing Research Vol.11 No.4

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cognitive-behavioral program on pain and medical fear in hospitalized school-aged children receiving intravenous (IV) placement. Methods: This study used an quasi-experimental design. Thirty-five participants were assigned to the experimental group and 33 to the control group in the acute internal medicine ward of a children's hospital. The cognitive-behavioral program entailed having the patients read an educational photo book about IV placement before the procedure and having them watch their favorite music video during the procedure. The outcome measures were numeric rating scales for pain intensity and fear during the procedure. Results: After applying the cognitive-behavioral program, the mean scores on pain and fear decreased in the experimental group. However, the difference in pain intensity between these two groups was nonsignificant. The intensity of fear in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Conclusion: In this study, the cognitive-behavioral program used with school-aged hospitalized children promoted less fear during IV placement. The results of this study can serve as a reference for empirical nursing care and as care guidance for clinical IV injections involving children.

Mode shape expansion with consideration of analytical modelling errors and modal measurement uncertainty

Chen, Hua-Peng,Tee, Kong Fah,Ni, Yi-Qing Techno-Press 2012 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.10 No.4

Mode shape expansion is useful in structural dynamic studies such as vibration based structural health monitoring; however most existing expansion methods can not consider the modelling errors in the finite element model and the measurement uncertainty in the modal properties identified from vibration data. This paper presents a reliable approach for expanding mode shapes with consideration of both the errors in analytical model and noise in measured modal data. The proposed approach takes the perturbed force as an unknown vector that contains the discrepancies in structural parameters between the analytical model and tested structure. A regularisation algorithm based on the Tikhonov solution incorporating the L-curve criterion is adopted to reduce the influence of measurement uncertainties and to produce smooth and optimised expansion estimates in the least squares sense. The Canton Tower benchmark problem established by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is then utilised to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed expansion approach to the actual structure. The results from the benchmark problem studies show that the proposed approach can provide reliable predictions of mode shape expansion using only limited information on the operational modal data identified from the recorded ambient vibration measurements.

Effects of Alpha 1- and Alpha 2-Adrenoreceptor Stimulation on Galanin mRNA Expression in Primary Cultured Superior Cervical Ganglion Neurons

( Yi Xing ),( Xiu Ying Chen ),( Zhen Liu ),( Hao Li ),( Hua Xiang Liu ),( Zhen Zhong Li ) 한국응용약물학회 2011 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.19 No.3

Galanin (Gal) is a 29-amino-acid neuropeptide which is expressed in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons and plays a trophic role in the adult animal and acts as an inhibitory modulator of cholinergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission. Whether activation or inhibition of alpha-adrenoreceptors infl uences Gal mRNA expression in SCG neurons remains unknown. Here, we have evaluated the possible regulation of Gal mRNA expression with acute (4 h) and chronic (4 days) stimulation of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists or antagonists in primary cultured SCG neurons. The results showed that the amount of Gal mRNA expression in cultured SCG neurons increased significantly after chronic stimulation with alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine compared with control SCG neurons at the same time point, whereas the amount of Gal mRNA expression decreased significantly after chronic stimulation with alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine as compared with that in control group. All these effects were not dose-dependent on the administration of alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine or alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine. Alpha 1-adrenoreceptor agonist phenylephrine or antagonist prazosin chronic stimulation did not have effects on Gal mRNA expression. Acute exposure of these agents did not have effects on Gal mRNA expression. The present study showed that Gal may be regulated by activation or inhibition of alpha 2-adrenoreceptors, but not alpha 1-adrenoreceptors in sympathetic neurons.

Analysis on Temperature Distribution and Current-Carrying Capacity of GIL Filled with Fluoronitriles-CO₂ Gas Mixture

Chen, Geng,Tu, Youping,Wang, Cong,Cheng, Yi,Jiang, Han,Zhou, Hongyang,Jin, Hua The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers 2018 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.13 No.6

Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixtures are promising alternatives to $SF_6$ in environmentally-friendly gas-insulated transmission lines (GILs). Insulating gas heat transfer characteristics are of major significance for the current-carrying capacity design and operational state monitoring of GILs. In this paper, a three-dimensional calculation model was established for a GIL using the thermal-fluid coupled finite element method. The calculated results showed close agreement with experimentally measured data. The temperature distribution of a GIL filled with the Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ mixture was obtained and compared with those of GILs filled with $CO_2$ and $SF_6$. Furthermore, the effects of the mixture ratio of the component gases and the gas pressure on the temperature rise and current-carrying capacity of the GIL were analyzed. Results indicated that the heat transfer performance of the Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixture was better than that of $CO_2$ but worse than that of $SF_6$. When compared with $SF_6$, use of the Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixture caused a reduction in the GIL's current-carrying capacity. In addition, increasing the Fluoronitriles gas component ratio or increasing the pressure of the insulating gas mixture could improve the heat dissipation and current-carrying capacity of the GIL. These research results can be used to design environmentally-friendly GILs containing Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixtures.

A novel charring agent containing caged bicyclic phosphate and its application in intumescent flame retardant polypropylene systems

Hua-Qiao Peng,Qian Zhou,De-Yi Wang,Li Chen,Yu-Zhong Wang 한국공업화학회 2008 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.14 No.5

A novel charring agent, bis(2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-oxo-4-hydroxymethyl) phenylphosphonate (BCPPO), was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 31P NMR spectroscopies. Moreover, the novel charring agent combining with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as well as melamine (MA) was adopted as intumescent flame retardants (IFR) to impart flame retardance and dripping resistance to polypropylene (PP). Flammability and thermal behaviors of the treated PP were investigated by Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), Vertical Burning Test (UL-94), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Cone Calorimeter test. Results indicate that the intumescent flame retardant with the novel charring agent shows both excellent flame retardance and anti-dripping abilities for PP when the three main components of IFR coexist at appropriate proportions, and the optimum flame retardant formulation is APP:MA:BCPPO = 3:1:1 that gives an LOI of 30.3 and UL- 94 V-0 rating, moreover, both the heat release rate (HRR) and the total heat release (THR) of IFR-PP with the optimum formulation decrease significantly relative to PP from cone calorimeter analysis. The residues from decomposition of the IFR-treated PP was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM micrograph, and it was found that the char yield as well as char properties have direct effects on the flame retardance and anti-dripping behaviors of the treated PP.