Viability and Functions of Alginate-microencapsulated Islets Isolated from Neonatal Pigs

Lin, Yi-Juain,Wang, Jui-Ping,Chung, Yu-Tung,Sun, Yu-Ling,Chou, Yu-Chi Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2007 Animal Bioscience Vol.20 No.5

Patients with Type I diabetes mellitus have been treated with porcine insulin for several decades and pigs have recently been deemed an ideal source of microencapsulated islet cells for clinical xenotransplantation. In this study, neonatal pigs were anesthetized and sacrificed prior to a pancreatectomy. Islet cells were isolated from pancreas via collagenase digestion. Islet cells were separated and collected by hand under microscopic guidance. These cells were suspended in 1.4% sodium alginate solution and encapsulated by dropping them into 1.1% calcium chloride solution and in which the round gel in size was 250-400 ${\mu}m$ in diameter. Viability of the microencapsulated islet cells cultured in medium at $37^{\circ}C$ was assessed by MTT assay. Furthermore, insulin released in response to glucose challenge was investigated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Secretion of insulin was low in response to the basal glucose solution (4.4 mM) in medium and was significantly higher in response to the high glucose solution (16.7 mM). The viability of microencapsulated islet cells did not differ significantly over a period of 7 days; that is, the increasing pattern of insulin concentration in the culture medium after glucose stimulation interval day was similar throughout the 7 days cultivation. In summary, experimental evidences indicated that the effects of alginate-microencapsulation prolonged survival of the neonatal porcine islets in vitro cultures and the insulin response to glucose of the islets was maintained.

Hydrogen sensing characteristics of non-polar a-plane GaN Schottky diodes

Yu-Lin Wang,F. Ren,S.J. Pearton,Kwang Hyeon Baik,Sung-Min Hwang,Yong Gon Seo,장수환,Wantae Lim 한국물리학회 2010 Current Applied Physics Vol.10 No.4

Pd and Pt Schottky diodes on non-polar a-plane (11–20) GaN layers show large increases in both forward and reverse bias current upon exposure to 4% H2 in N2. The barrier height reduction due to hydrogen exposure is 0.11 eV for Pd/GaN and 0.14 eV for Pt/GaN, with long recovery times (>25 min) at room temperature. The sensitivity to hydrogen is significantly greater than for diodes on conventional c-plane (Gapolar)GaN, but less than for c-plane (N-polar) material. The diode characteristics remain rectifying after exposure to hydrogen, unlike the case of N-polar GaN where Ohmic behavior is observed.

Experimental and numerical investigation on post-earthquake fire behaviour of the circular concrete-filled steel tube columns

Yu-Hang Wang,Qi Tang,Mei-Ni Su,Ji-Ke Tan,Wei-Yong Wang,Yong-Sen Lan,Xiao-Wei Deng,Yong-Tao Bai,Wei Luo,Xiao-Hua Li,Jiu-Lin Bai 국제구조공학회 2021 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.38 No.1

Post-earthquake fire is a common disaster which causes serious safety issues to infrastructures. This study aims to investigate the residual loading capacities of circular concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns under post-earthquake fire experimentally and numerically. The experimental programme contains two loading steps - pre-damage cyclic loading at room temperature and transient state tests with constant compression loads. Three finite element models are developed and validated against the test results. Upon validation, a total of 48 numerical results were generated in the parametric study to investigate the effects of thickness and strengths of steel tube, axial compression ratio and damage degree on the fire resistance of circular CFST columns. Based on the analysis on experimental and numerical results, the loading mechanism of circular CFST columns is discussed. A design method is proposed for the prediction of fire resistance time under different seismic pre-damage and compression loads. The predictions by the new method is compared with the newly generated experimental and numerical results and is found to be accurate and consistent with the mean value close to the unity and a coefficient of variation around 1%.

Medical students’ self-assessed efficacy and satisfaction with training on endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization with smart glasses in Taiwan: a non-equivalent control-group pre- and post-test study

Yu-Fan Lin,Chien-Ying Wang,Yen-Hsun Huang,Sheng-Min Lin,Ying-Ying Yang 한국보건의료인국가시험원 2022 보건의료교육평가 Vol.19 No.-

Purpose Endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization are essential procedures in clinical practice. Simulation-based technology such as smart glasses has been used to facilitate medical students’ training on these procedures. We investigated medical students’ self-assessed efficacy and satisfaction regarding the practice and training of these procedures with smart glasses in Taiwan. Methods This observational study enrolled 145 medical students in the 5th and 6th years participating in clerkships at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between October 2020 and December 2021. Students were divided into the smart glasses or the control group and received training at a workshop. The primary outcomes included students’ pre- and post-intervention scores for self-assessed efficacy and satisfaction with the training tool, instructor’s teaching, and the workshop. Results The pre-intervention scores for self-assessed efficacy of 5th- and 6th-year medical students in endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization procedures showed no significant difference. The post-intervention score of self-assessed efficacy in the smart glasses group was better than that of the control group. Moreover, 6th-year medical students in the smart glasses group showed higher satisfaction with the training tool, instructor’s teaching, and workshop than those in the control group. Conclusion Smart glasses served as a suitable simulation tool for endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization procedures training in medical students. Medical students practicing with smart glasses showed improved self-assessed efficacy and higher satisfaction with training, especially for procedural steps in a space-limited field. Simulation training on procedural skills with smart glasses in 5th-year medical students may be adjusted to improve their satisfaction.

The EGF/hnRNP Q1 axis is involved in tumorigenesis via the regulation of cell cycle-related genes

Yu-Chu Wang,Kung-Chao Chang,Bo-Wen Lin,Jenq-Chang Lee,Chien-Hsien Lai,Li-Jyuan Lin,Yun Yen,Chang-Shen Lin,Shiang-Jie Yang,Peng-Chan Lin,Chung-Ta Lee,Liang-Yi Hung 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) Q1, an RNA-binding protein, has been implicated in many posttranscriptional processes, including RNA metabolism and mRNA splicing and translation. However, the role of hnRNP Q1 in tumorigenesis remains unclear. We previously performed RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-seq analysis to identify hnRNP Q1-interacting mRNAs and found that hnRNP Q1 targets a group of genes that are involved in mitotic regulation, including Aurora-A. Here, we demonstrate that altering the hnRNP Q1 level influences the expression of the Aurora-A protein, but not its mRNA. Stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) enhances both binding between hnRNP Q1 and Aurora-A mRNA as well as the efficacy of the hnRNP Q1-induced translation of Aurora-A mRNA. The EGF/hnRNP Q1-induced translation of Aurora-A mRNA is mediated by the mTOR and ERK pathways. In addition, we show that hnRNP Q1 up-regulates the translation of a group of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) genes. hnRNP Q1 overexpression is positively correlated with the levels of Aurora-A and the SAC genes in human colorectal cancer tissues. In summary, our data suggest that hnRNP Q1 plays an important role in regulating the expression of a group of cell cycle-related genes. Therefore, it may contribute to tumorigenesis by up-regulating the translation of these genes in colorectal cancer.

Transmission Matrix Noise Elimination for an Optical Disordered Medium

Lin Wang,Yangyan Li,Yu Xin,Jue Wang,Yanru Chen 한국광학회 2019 Current Optics and Photonics Vol.3 No.6

We propose a method to eliminate the noise of a disordered medium optical transmission matrix. Gaussian noise exists whenever light passes through the medium, during the measurement of the transmission matrix and thus cannot be ignored. Experiments and comparison of noise eliminating before and after are performed to illustrate the effectiveness and advance presented by our method. After noise elimination, the results of focusing and imaging are better than the effect before noise elimination, and the measurement of the transmission matrix is more consistent with the theoretical analysis as well.

Transiting Exoplanet Monitoring Project (TEMP). IV. Refined System Parameters, Transit Timing Variations, and Orbital Stability of the Transiting Planetary System HAT-P-25

Wang, Xian-Yu,Wang, Songhu,Hinse, Tobias C.,Li, Kai,Wang, Yong-Hao,Laughlin, Gregory,Liu, Hui-Gen,Zhang, Hui,Wu, Zhen-Yu,Zhou, Xu,Zhou, Ji-Lin,Hu, Shao-Ming,Wu, Dong-Hong,Peng, Xi-Yan,Chen, Yuan-Yuan Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2018 Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pa Vol.130 No.988

Effect of different alfalfa cultivars on growth and development of the spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis trifolii(Monell)

Yu Liang‐bin,Lin Ke‐Jian,Xu Lin‐bo,Wang Hui,Cui Jin,Zhang Quan‐yi,Wang Ya‐ping,Yan Li‐ying 한국곤충학회 2022 Entomological Research Vol.52 No.3

Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) is a well-known pest in alfalfa cultivation in China. Individuals of T. t r i f o l i i were allowed to feed on 10 alfalfa cultivars and their growth, reproduction, and population life table parameters were estimated. Nymphs that fed on Hunter River had the longest development time, whereas nymphs that fed on Defu had the shortest development time. Adults that fed on Debao, Zhongmu No. 2, and Defu had the shortest development time, whereas adults that fed on Golden Empress and Hunter River had the longest development times. Individuals that fed on Zhungeer produced the greatest number of offspring (13.950), and those that fed on Hunter River produced the fewest offspring (6.000). The survival rate of T. t r i f o l i i was the highest on Algonquin and lowest on Hunter River, whereas the survival time was the longest on Golden Empress and shortest on Debao. The population that fed on Algonquin had the highest intrinsic growth rate (0.560) and shortest population doubling time (1.237 days), whereas those that fed on Hunter River had the lowest intrinsic growth rate (0.217) and longest population doubling time (3.194 days). The life table parameters of the experimental T. t r i f o l i i population were used to quantify the resistance strengths of the cultivars. Results indicate that the Hunter River cultivar may effectively resist damage from T. trifolii. This study provides a theoretical basis for breeding aphid-resistant alfalfa cultivars, enabling further research into the prevention and control of aphid infestation.

Professionals’ experiences and attitudes toward use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in hospice palliative inpatient care units: A multicenter survey in Taiwan

Yu-Jia Lin,Hsiao-Ting Chang,Ming-Hwai Lin,Ru-Yih Chen,Ping-Jen Chen,Wen-Yuan Lin,Jyh-Gang Hsieh,Ying-Wei Wang,Chung-Chieh Hu,Yi-Sheng Liou,Tai-Yuan Chiu,Chun-Yi Tu,Yi-Jen Wang,Bo-Ren Cheng,Tzeng-Ji Ch 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.2

Background: Medical staff may have difficulties in using conventional medicine to manage symptoms among terminally ill patients, including adverse effects of the treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is regarded as a complementary or alternative medicine, and has been increasingly used in the field of palliative medicine in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of and attitudes toward using TCM among palliative care professionals, and to provide preliminary information about its use in palliative care. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted in eight inpatient hospice wards in Taiwan between December 2014 and February 2016. The questionnaire was self-administered, and was analyzed with descriptive statistics including Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 251 palliative care professionals responded to the questionnaire, of whom 89.7% and 88.9% believed that the use of TCM could improve the physical symptoms and quality of life in terminally ill patients, respectively. Overall, 59.8%, of respondents suggested that TCM had rare side effects, and 58.2% were worried that TCM could affect the liver and kidney function of patients. In total, 89.7% and 88.0% of professionals agreed there were no suitable clinical practice guidelines and educational programs, respectively, for TCM use in palliative care. Conclusions: Most of the respondents agreed there was insufficient knowledge, skills-training, and continuing education on the use of TCM in terminally ill patients in Taiwan. These results show that to address patient safety considerations, guidelines about use of TCM in palliative care should be established.

Effects of an Anti-Smoking Program to Prevent Lung Cancer among Urban Aboriginals in Taiwan

Lin, Mei-Hsiang,Huang, Sheu-Jen,Shih, Whei-Mei Jean,Wang, Pao-Yu,Lin, Li-Hui,Hsu, Hsiu-Chin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Background and Purpose: Indigenous people who leave their hometowns and move to the city to earn a living became urban aboriginals. During the process of adapting to urban living situations, they may use various coping strategies such as smoking to overcome their stress. Therefore, it is crucial to provide health education including smoking prevention, increasing knowledge regarding of tobacco hazard, self-efficacy of anti-smoking, and adjusting smoking behavior so as to empower their anti-smoking motivation to prevent lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of an anti-smoking program on urban aboriginals in Taiwan. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design with purposeful sampling was employed. A total of 125 aboriginal subjects were recruited from two local churches at Shu Lin area in northern Taiwan. Subjects were divided into an experimental group (n =64 ) and a control group (n = 61). Both took pre-tests in order to set baseline values, and only the experimental group participated for 3-weeks in the anti-smoking program classes. Both groups took post-tests immediately after the intervention in order to evaluate the immediate effects of the teaching program, and a follow-up test was conducted four weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANCOVA, and repeat measure ANCOVA. Results: After controlling for confounding variables, the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the self-efficacy of anti-smoking and smoking behavior between experimental and control groups in the immediately post-test and the follow-up test (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant differences in the recognition of hazards of smoking at eiter time point. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The findings of this study revealed that the anti-smoking program effectively improved self-efficacy of anti-smoking, and decreased the smoking behavior in urban aboriginals. They provide useful information as a reference regarding of aboriginal health promotion to health providers. It is imperative that anti-smoking be reinforced for those regular smokers to prevent induction of lung cancer.