Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy: Evaluating Microstructural Changes of Extraocular Muscles and Optic Nerves Using Readout-Segmented Echo-Planar Imaging-Based Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Huan-Huan Chen,Hao Hu,Wen Chen,Dai Cui,Xiao-Quan Xu,Fei-Yun Wu,Tao Yang 대한영상의학회 2020 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.21 No.3

Objective: We aimed to investigate the ability of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI)-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessing the microstructural change of extraocular muscles (EOMs) and optic nerves in patients with thyroidassociated orbitopathy (TAO) as well as in evaluating disease activity. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 35 TAO patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) who underwent pre-treatment rs-EPIbased DTI. Mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (MD, AD, and RD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the medial and lateral EOMs and optic nerve for each orbit were calculated and compared between TAO and HC groups and between active and inactive TAO groups. Factors such as age, sex, disease duration, mediation, and smoking history between groups were also compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of significant variables for disease activity. Results: Disease duration was significantly shorter in active TAOs than in inactive ones (p < 0.001). TAO patients showed significantly lower FA and higher MD, AD, and RD than HCs for both medial and lateral EOMs (p < 0.001), but not the AD value of lateral EOMs (p = 0.619). Active patients had significantly higher FA, MD, and AD than inactive patients for medial EOMs (p < 0.005), whereas only FA differed significantly in the lateral EOMs (p = 0.018). The MD, AD, and RD of optic nerves were significantly lower in TAO patients than HCs (p < 0.05), except for FA (p = 0.129). Multivariate analysis showed that the MD of medial EOMs and disease duration were significant predictors for disease activity. The combination of these two parameters showed optimal diagnostic efficiency for disease activity (area under the curve, 0.855; sensitivity, 68.4%; specificity, 96.9%). Conclusion: rs-EPI-based DTI is promising in assessing microstructural changes of EOMs and optic nerves and can help to indicate the disease activity of TAO, especially through the MD of medial EOMs.

Development and Validation of an Integrated Healthy Workplace Management Model in Taiwan

Chen Fu-Li,Chen Peter Y.,Chen Chi-Chen,Tung Tao-Hsin 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2022 Safety and health at work Vol.13 No.4

Background: Impacts of exposure are generally monitored and recorded after injuries or illness occur. Yet, absence of conventional after-the-effect impacts (i.e., lagging indicators), tend to focus on physical health and injuries, and fail to inform if workers are not exposed to safety and health hazards. In contrast to lagging indicators, leading indicators are proactive, preventive, and predictive indexes that offer insights how effective safety and health. The present study is to validate an extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that consists of six leading indicators. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 13 organizations (response rate ¼ 93.1%, 1,439 responses) in Taiwan. Cronbach a, multiple linear regression and canonical correlation were used to test the reliability of the extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) which consists of six leading indicators (safe climate, transformational leadership, organizational justice, organizational support, hazard prevention and control, and training). Criteria-related validation strategy was applied to examine relationships of six leading indicators with six criteria (perceived health, burnout, depression, job satisfaction, job performance, and life satisfaction). Results: The results showed that the Cronbach’s a of six leading indicators ranged from 0.87 to 0.92. The canonical correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the six leading indicators and criteria (1st canonical function: correlation ¼ 0.647, square correlation ¼ 0.419, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study validates the extended VPP framework that focuses on promoting safety and physical and mental health. Results further provides applications of the extended VPP framework to promote workers’ safety and health.

Identification and Characterization of EDT1 Conferring Drought Tolerance in Rice

Tao Wu,Mingxing Zhang,Hongjia Zhang,Kai Huang,Mojun Chen,Chen Chen,Xue Yang,Zhao Li,Haoyuan Chen,Zhiming Ma,Xunming Zhang,Wenzhu Jiang,Xinglin Du 한국식물학회 2019 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.62 No.1

Basic Leucine Zipper (bZIP) transcription factors(TFs) play important roles in many processes, especially inabiotic stress response in plants. In this study, we characterizeda new gene EHANCED DROUGHT TOLERANCE 1 (EDT1),member of group E of bZIP transcription factor family inrice. The EDT1 protein contains one bZIP domain, oneputative nuclear localization signal (NLS) and six conservedphosphorylation sites. The expression of EDT1 is suppressedby several abiotic stresses, such as cold, droutht, and salt. Corresponding with expression patterns, several stress-associatedcis-acting elements were found in the EDT1 promoter. Theresults of subcellular localization and transactivation abilityanalyses indicated that EDT1 was localized in the nucleusand functioned as a nuclear protein, with its transactivationactivity primarily located in N-terminal. Transgenic riceoverexpressing EDT1 showed drought tolerance that hasbeen significantly improved. Real-time PCR analysis revealedthat some stress-related genes, such as OsbZIP12, SNAC1,OsLEA3, OsbZIP16, OsbZIP10 and OsABI2 were up-regulatedin EDT1 overexpression lines. These results indicate thatEDT1 plays a positive role in drought tolerance and providesvaluable targets for breeding drought-tolerant rice cultivars.

Impact of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability with Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries on Biochemical Alterations in the Cartilage of the Subtalar and Midtarsal Joints Based on MRI T2 Mapping

Tao Hongyue,Hu Yiwen,Lu Rong,Zhang Yuyang,Xie Yuxue,Chen Tianwu,Chen Shuang 대한영상의학회 2021 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.22 No.3

Objective: To quantitatively assess biochemical alterations in the cartilage of the subtalar and midtarsal joints in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) patients with isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injuries and combined calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injuries using MRI T2 mapping. Materials and Methods: This study was performed according to regulations of the Committee for Human Research at our institution, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Forty CLAI patients (26 with isolated ATFL injuries and 14 with combined ATFL and CFL injuries) and 25 healthy subjects were recruited for this study. All participants underwent MRI scans with T2 mapping. Patients were assessed with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) rating system. The subtalar and midtarsal joints were segmented into 14 cartilage subregions. The T2 value of each subregion was measured from T2 mapping images. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, the Student’s t test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: T2 values of most subregions of the subtalar joint and the calcaneal facet of the calcaneocuboid joint in CLAI patients with combined CFL injuries were higher than those in healthy controls (all p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in T2 values in subtalar and midtarsal joints between patients with isolated ATFL injuries and healthy controls (all p > 0.05). Moreover, T2 values of the medial talar subregions of the posterior subtalar joint in patients with combined CFL injuries showed negative correlations with the AOFAS scores (r = -0.687, p = 0.007; r = -0.609, p = 0.021, respectively). Conclusion: CLAI with combined CFL injuries can lead to cartilage degeneration in subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints, while an isolated ATFL injury might not have a significant impact on the cartilage in these joints.

Significance of Caveolin-1 Regulators in Pancreatic Cancer

Chen, Tao,Liu, Liang,Xu, Hua-Xiang,Wang, Wen-Quan,Wu, Chun-Tao,Yao, Wan-Tong,Yu, Xian-Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.8

Caveolin-1 is a scaffold protein on the cell membrane. As the main component of caveolae, caveolin-1 is involved in many biological processes that include substance uptake and transmembrane signaling. Many of these processes and thus caveolin-1 contribute to cell transformation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Of particular interest are the dual rolesof tumor suppressor and oncogene that caveolin-1 appear to play in different malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. Therefore, analyzing caveolin-1 regulators and understanding their mechanisms of actionis key to identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for pancreatic cancer. This review details the mechanisms of action of caveolin-1 regulators and the potential significance for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Sensor Node Localization Based On Improved Genetic Algorithm

Chen Tao,Lu Min 보안공학연구지원센터 2015 International Journal of Smart Home Vol.9 No.7

The differences of the competencies of international logistics talents in Greater China : a comparison between Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China

Chen Tao Jungseok Research Institute of International Logis 2009 JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS AND TRADE Vol.7 No.1

As logistics talents in both Taiwan and Hong Kong are expanding their work area to Greater China, it is best to understand the competencies that logistics talents should possess. With this in mind, this study takes Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as the study scope, as well as logistics teaching and research experts and scholars as the study objects. The research findings can not only serve as informative references for universities intent on cultivating logistics talents, but as well as enhance the scope of both Taiwan and Hong Kong talents' competence that can pave the way to the development of the logistics business in Greater China.

Characteristics and heterostructure of metal-doped TiO2/ZnO nanocatalysts

Chen Wu-Jhang,Hsu Kuo-Chin,Fang Te-Hua,Chen Tao-Hsing,Li Ming-Hao 한국물리학회 2022 Current Applied Physics Vol.38 No.-

In this study, Ag or Al-doped TiO2/ZnO heterostructure nanocatalysts were prepared using a sol-gel method for photocatalysis to evaluate the degradability. The photocatalytic behavior was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. Photocatalytic studies suggested that 1 mol% Agdoped TiO2/ZnO (TiO2/ZnO = 0.75/0.25) heterostructure nanocatalysts showed higher photocatalytic activity, and that the degradation efficiency can reach 83% in 4 h, 14% higher than that for pure TiO2. Finally, the photocatalysis mechanism for the Ag-doped TiO2/ZnO heterostructure nanocatalysts is discussed.

Biochemical Characterization of Exoribonuclease Encoded by SARS Coronavirus

Chen, Ping,Jiang, Miao,Hu, Tao,Liu, Qingzhen,Chen, Xiaojiang S.,Guo, Deyin Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biol 2007 Journal of biochemistry and molecular biology Vol.40 No.5

The nsp14 protein is an exoribonuclease that is encoded by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). We have cloned and expressed the nsp14 protein in Escherichia coli, and characterized the nature and the role(s) of the metal ions in the reaction chemistry. The purified recombinant nsp14 protein digested a 5'-labeled RNA molecule, but failed to digest the RNA substrate that is modified with fluorescein group at the 3'-hydroxyl group, suggesting a 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease activity. The exoribonuclease activity requires $Mg^{2+}$ as a cofactor. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analysis indicated a two-metal binding mode for divalent cations by nsp14. Endogenous tryptophan fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectra measurements showed that there was a structural change of nsp14 when binding with metal ions. We propose that the conformational change induced by metal ions may be a prerequisite for catalytic activity by correctly positioning the side chains of the residues located in the active site of the enzyme.

Early IL-17A Prevention Rather Than Late IL-17A Neutralization Attenuates Toluene Diisocyanate-Induced Mixed Granulocytic Asthma

Chen Shuyu,Yu Li,Deng Yao,Liu Yuanyuan,Wang Lingwei,Li Difei,Yang Kai,Liu Shengming,Tao Ailin,Chen Rongchang 대한천식알레르기학회 2022 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.14 No.5

Purpose: Interleukin (IL)-17A plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation. Yet, the exact roles of IL-17A in asthma are still controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to dissect the roles of IL-17A in toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced mixed granulocytic asthma and to assess the effects of neutralizing antibody in different effector phases on TDI-induced asthma. Methods: IL-17A functions in allergic airway inflammation were evaluated using mice deficient in IL-17A (Il17a−/−) or IL-17A monoclonal antibody (IL-17A mab, intraperitoneally, 50 μg per mouse, 100 μg per mouse). Moreover, the effects of exogenous recombinant IL (rIL)-17A in vivo (murine rIL-17A, intranasally, 1 μg per mouse) and in vitro (human rIL-17A, 100 ng/mL) were investigated. Results: TDI-induced mixed granulocytic airway inflammation was IL-17A-dependent because airway hyperreactivity, neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration, airway smooth muscle thickness, epithelium injury, dysfunctional T helper (Th) 2 and Th17 responses, granulocytic chemokine production and mucus overproduction were more markedly reduced in the Il17a−/− mice or by IL-17A neutralization during the sensitization phase of wild-type (WT) mice. By contrast, IL-17A neutralization during the antigen-challenge phase aggravated TDI-induced eosinophils recruitment, with markedly elevated Th2 response. In line with this, instillation of rIL-17 during antigen sensitization exacerbated airway inflammation by promoting neutrophils aggregation, while rIL-17A during the antigen-challenge phase protected the mice from TDI-induced airway eosinophilia. Moreover, rIL-17A exerted distinct effects on eosinophil- or neutrophil-related signatures in vitro. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that IL-17A was required for the initiation of TDI-induced asthma, but functioned as a negative regulator of established allergic inflammation, suggesting that early abrogation of IL-17A signaling, but not late IL-17A neutralization, may prevent the progression of TDI-induced asthma and could be used as a therapeutic strategy for severe asthmatics in clinical settings.