Prevalence of new psychoactive substances in Northeast Asia from 2007 to 2015

Lee, Junhui,Yang, Songhee,Kang, Yujin,Han, Eunyoung,Feng, Ling-Yi,Li, Jih-Heng,Chung, Heesun Elsevier Sequoia 2017 Forensic science international Vol.272 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has been a global trend in drug abuse and its regulation has been a worldwide concern. There is no doubt that it is necessary to share information related to these emerging substances between countries and continents for the effective regulation of NPS. With efforts for the efficient regulation of NPS, many studies and information have been published for the prevalence of NPS in the United States and other countries in Europe and Oceania. However, there is lack of information available for the prevalence of NPS in Asian and African countries. Therefore, this research was focused on the investigation of legal status of certain NPS in Northeast Asian countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, in order to provide information on the prevalence and trend of emerging NPS in these countries. The results showed that a total of 940 NPS was reported in 4 Northeast Asian countries from 2007 to 2015. Among 940 NPS, 882 NPS are legally restricted in at least one country (94%) and 96 substances were not currently under control (6%) in these countries. The number of controlled NPS that are currently controlled in all 4 countries was only 25 (or 28%) out of 882 NPS. Each substance was categorized in 9 groups according to the classification proposed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In Northeast Asia, the most commonly controlled NPS were synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and phenethylamines. It was found that Japan is the most proactive country in terms of the NPS regulation with 41% of the total number of controlled NPS in Northeast Asia, followed by South Korea (21%), China (28%), Taiwan (10%). Comparing the number of NPS newly regulated in each country every year, NPS has been broadly scheduled in 2011 and the number of scheduled NPS has dramatically increased from 2013 to 2015. It was shown that Northeast Asia is also in danger of these emerging NPS and the effective regulation across countries is important for the prevention of NPS. Also, this study will bring attention to local law enforcement in the construction of local drug crime prevention network sharing information for these controlled substances.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The trend and legal status of NPS in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan was studied. </LI> <LI> Among total of 940 NPS reported, only 25 are currently controlled in 4 countries. </LI> <LI> Japan is the most proactive country regarding the NPS regulation followed by Korea. </LI> <LI> The information on emerging NPS in four countries was conducted for the first time. </LI> </UL> </P>

한국인 및 중국 한족 정신분열병 환자의 5-HT2A 수용체 유전자 -1438A/G 다형성

이장호,이광철,이승부,오용인,최영근,조아랑,정주호,장환일 大韓神經精神醫學會 2005 신경정신의학 Vol.44 No.1

Objectives : The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between -1438A/G polymorphism of 5-HT2A receptor gene and schizophrenia in Korean and Han Chinese population. Methods : A sample of 184 Korean patients with schizophrenia and 96 Korean healthy normal controls and 96 Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia and 96 Han-Chinese healthy normal controls were genotyped for a single nucleotide polymorphism with in 5-HT2A receptor gene (promoter region, A-1438G) by Msp I Resthction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Results : There was no difference in allelic frequencies and genotype frequencies of -1438A/G polymorphism between Korean schizophrenics and controls (p=0.13) and Han Chinese schizophrenics and controls (p=0.40). Also, -1438A/G Poly-morphism did not show ethnical difference between Korean and Han Chinese controls. The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) scores showed no significant differences between genotypes of -1438A/G polymorphism in both of Korean and Han Chinese schizophrenics. Conclusion : These results suggest that -1438A/G polymorphism of the 5-HT2A receptor gene is not causally related to the development of schizophrenia in Korean and Han Chinese population, and there no ethnic difference between Korean and Han Chinese population.

Indoor Robot Navigation Based on DWA

Yi-Chun Lin,Chih-Chung Chou,Feng-Li Lian 제어로봇시스템학회 2009 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2009 No.8

Robot navigation methods can be divided into two classes: global path planning and local reactive methods. Global path planning methods find an optimal path to a specified goal, while local reactive methods compute proper control commands for the robot according to recent sensory information. In this paper, a new navigation method is presented, the new method integrates dynamic window approach (DWA) and best-first search (BFS), therefore, the robot can react to dynamic environments and the path optimality can be maintained.

Lrfn2-Mutant Mice Display Suppressed Synaptic Plasticity and Inhibitory Synapse Development and Abnormal Social Communication and Startle Response

Li, Yan,Kim, Ryunhee,Cho, Yi Sul,Song, Woo Seok,Kim, Doyoun,Kim, Kyungdeok,Roh, Junyeop Daniel,Chung, Changuk,Park, Hanwool,Yang, Esther,Kim, Soo-Jeong,Ko, Jaewon,Kim, Hyun,Kim, Myoung-Hwan,Bae, Yong- Society for Neuroscience 2018 The Journal of neuroscience Vol.38 No.26

<P>SALM1 (SALM (synaptic adhesion-like molecule), also known as LRFN2 (leucine rich repeat and fibronectin type III domain containing), is a postsynaptic density (PSD)-95-interacting synaptic adhesion molecule implicated in the regulation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) clustering largely based on in vitro data, although its in vivo functions remain unclear. Here, we found that mice lacking SALM1/LRFN2 (Lrfn2(-/-) mice) show a normal density of excitatory synapses but altered excitatory synaptic function, including enhanced NMDAR-dependent synaptic transmission but suppressed NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 region. Unexpectedly, SALM1expression was detected in both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons and Lrfn2(-/-) CA1 pyramidal neurons showed decreases in the density of inhibitory synapses and the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory synaptic transmission. Behaviorally, ultrasonic vocalization was suppressed in Lrfn2(-/-) pups separated from their mothers and acoustic startle was enhanced, but locomotion, anxiety-like behavior, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and learning and memory were largely normal in adult male Lrfn2(-/-) mice. These results suggest that SALM1/LRFN2 regulates excitatory synapse function, inhibitory synapse development, and social communication and startle behaviors in mice.</P>

Key-Notes Speechs / A Research into Managerial Performances of the Firms certified the ISO 9000 Series of Manufacturing Industry in Taiwan , R. O. C.

(Li Hsing Ho),(Chen Lung Yang),(Yi Chen Chung),(Shih Chia Chang),(Ru Jen Lin),(Ling Feng Hsieh) 한국품질경영학회 1998 The 12th Asia Quality Management Symposium : Total Vol.- No.-

Comparison of Insulin Sensitivity, Glucose Sensitivity, and First Phase Insulin Secretion in Patients Treated with Repaglinide or Gliclazide

Chung-Ze Wu,Dee Pei,An-Tsz Hsieh,Kun Wang,Jiunn-Diann Lin,Li-Hsiu Lee,Yi-Min Chu,Fone-Ching Hsiao,Chun Pei,Te-Lin Hsia 대한약학회 2010 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.33 No.3

The traditional sulfonylureas with long half-lives have sustained stimulatory effects on insulin secretion compared to the short-acting insulin secretagogue. In this study, we used the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) to evaluate the insulin sensitivity (IS), glucose sensitivity (SG), and acute insulin response after glucose load (AIRg) after 4months treatment with either gliclazide or repaglinide. The design of study was randomizedcrossover. We enrolled 20 patients with new-onset type 2 diabetes (mean age, 49.3 years). Totally three FSIGTs were performed, one before and one after each of the two treatment periods as aforementioned. No significant differences in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, body mass index, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, or lipids were noted between the two treatments. After the repaglinide treatment, higher AIRg, lower IS, and lower SG were noted, but they did not reach statistical significance. The disposal index (DI) was also not significantly different between the two treatments. In conclusion, since non-significantly higher DI, AIRg, lower IS and SG were noted after repaglinide treatment, it might be a better treatment for diabetes, relative to gliclazide.

Changes in prostate-specific antigen kinetics during androgen-deprivation therapy as a predictor of response to abiraterone in chemonaïve patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Chung-Lin Lee,Ying-Hsu Chang,Chung-Yi Liu,Ming-Li Hsieh,Liang-Kang Huang,Yuan-Cheng Chu,Hung-Cheng Kan,Po-Hung Lin,Kai-Jie Yu,Cheng-Keng Chuang,Chun-Te Wu,See-Tong Pang,I-Hung Shao 대한비뇨의학회 2022 Investigative and Clinical Urology Vol.63 No.5

Purpose: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has a poor prognosis. Abiraterone acetate (AA), enzalutamide, and chemotherapy are first-line treatments for patients with mCRPC. This study examined prognostic factors for AA response in the form of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics throughout androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in chemonaïve patients with mCRPC. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included data from 34 chemonaïve patients with mCRPC who had received AA at some point between January 2017 and December 2018. We separated patients into two study arms according to the decrease in PSA percentages after use of AA for 3 months. We correlated PSA kinetics parameters with response and compared the two study groups with respect to PSA kinetics. Results: The patients’ median age was 77 years. In the total group of patients, 64% had a response to AA, whereas 35% did not. The ratio of the PSA level at nadir to the level during ADT was significantly higher in the AA-sensitive group (19.78 vs. 1.03, p=0.019). Conclusions: Patients who experienced a dramatic change in PSA level during ADT were more likely to be resistant to AA after progression to mCRPC. Chemotherapy rather than AA might be more suitable as a first-line treatment for these patients.

Induction of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) Enzymatic Activity Contributes to Interferon-Gamma Induced Apoptosis and Death Receptor 5 Expression in Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Chung, Ting Wen,Tan, Kok-Tong,Chan, Hong-Lin,Lai, Ming-Derg,Yen, Meng-Chi,Li, Yi-Ron,Lin, Sheng Hao,Lin, Chi-Chen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) has been used to treat various malignant tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the direct anti-proliferative activity of IFN-${\gamma}$ are poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the in vitro antitumor activity of IFN-${\gamma}$ on two human non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines, H322M and H226. Our findings indicated that IFN-${\gamma}$ treatment caused a time-dependent reduction in cell viability and induced apoptosis through a FADD-mediated caspase-8/tBid/mitochondria-dependent pathway in both cell lines. Notably, we also postulated that IFN-${\gamma}$ increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression and enzymatic activity in H322M and H226 cells. In addition, inhibition of IDO activity by the IDO inhibitor 1-MT or tryptophan significantly reduced IFN-${\gamma}$-induced apoptosis and death receptor 5 (DR5) expression, which suggests that IDO enzymatic activity plays an important role in the anti-NSCLC cancer effect of IFN-${\gamma}$. These results provide new mechanistic insights into interferon-${\gamma}$ antitumor activity and further support IFN-${\gamma}$ as a potential therapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of NCSLC.

<i>Anemone rivularis</i> inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase activity and tumor growth

Chung, Tae-Wook,Lee, Jung Hee,Choi, Hee-Jung,Park, Mi-Ju,Kim, Eun-Yeong,Han, Jung Ho,Jang, Se Bok,Lee, Syng-Ook,Lee, Sang Woo,Hang, Jin,Yi, Li Wan,Ha, Ki-Tae Elsevier 2017 Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol.203 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P><B>Ethnopharmacological relevance</B></P> <P> <I>Anemone rivularis</I> Buch.-Ham. ex DC. (Ranunculaceae) have been used as a traditional remedy for treatment of inflammation and cancer. However, there is no report demonstrating experimental evidence on anti-tumor action of <I>A. rivularis</I>.</P> <P><B>Aim of study</B></P> <P>The Warburg's effect, preference of aerobic glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) even in oxygen rich condition, is focused as one of major characteristics of malignant tumor. Thus, we investigated the effect of <I>A. rivularis</I> on the Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinases (PDHKs), a major molecular targets for reducing aerobic glycolysis.</P> <P><B>Materials and methods</B></P> <P>The ethanol extract of whole plant of <I>A. rivularis</I> (ARE), fingerprinted by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was applied to <I>in vitro</I> and cell-based PDHK activity assays. The effect of ARE on cell viabilities of several tumor cells was estimated by MTT assay. The expression of phosphor-PDH, PDH and PDHK1 were measured by Western blot analysis. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis was measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, using 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (carboxy-H2DCFDA) and Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential was examined by tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining. <I>In vivo</I> anti-tumor efficacy of ARE was estimated by means of tumor volume and weight using allograft injection of murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells to dorsa of C57BL/6 mice.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>ARE inhibited the viabilities of several cancer cells, including MDA-MB321, K562, HT29, Hep3B, DLD-1, and LLC. ARE suppressed PDHK activity in <I>in vitro</I> kinase assay, and also inhibited aerobic glycolysis by reducing phosphorylation of PDHA in human DLD-1 colon cancer and murine LLC cells. The expression of PDHK1, a major isoform of PDHKs in cancer, was not affected by ARE treatment. Moreover, ARE increased the both ROS production and mitochondrial damage. In addition, ARE suppressed the <I>in vitro</I> tumor growth through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. The growth rates of allograft LLC cells were also reduced by ARE treatment.</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>Here, we firstly report that ARE inhibits PDHK activity and growth of tumor in both <I>in vitro</I> and <I>in vivo</I> experiments. Therefore, we suggest ARE as a potential candidate for developing anti-cancer drugs.</P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Flexural behavior of reinforced lightweight concrete beams under reversed cyclic loading

Li-Kai Chien,Yi-Hao Kuo,Chung-Ho Huang,How-Ji Chen,Ping-Hu Cheng 국제구조공학회 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.52 No.3

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the flexural behavior of doubly reinforced lightweight concrete (R.L.C.) beams tested under cyclic loading. A total of 20 beam specimens were tested. Test results are presented in terms of ductility index, the degradation of strength and stiffness, and energy dissipation. The flexural properties of R.L.C. beam were compared to those of normal concrete (R.C.) beams. Test results show that R.L.C. beam with low and medium concrete strength (20, 40MPa) performed displacement ductility similar to the R.C. beam. The ductility can be improved by enhancing the concrete strength or decreasing the tension reinforcement ratio. Using lightweight aggregate in concrete is advantageous to the dynamic stiffness of R.L.C. beam. Enhancement of concrete strength and increase of reinforcement ratio will lead to increase of the stiffness degradation of beam. The energy dissipation of R.L.C beam, similar to R.C. beam, increase with the increase of tension reinforcement ratio. The energy dissipation of unit load cycle for smaller tension reinforcement ratio is relatively less than that of beam with higher reinforcement ratio.