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)

Application of Green Collaboration Operation on Network Industry

Ruey-Shun Chen,Yeh-Cheng Chen,Chi Nung Chu,Hung-Min Sun,Ling-Chi Chen,Chia-Chen Chen 한국정밀공학회 2015 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.2 No.1

Traditional information system and managerial mechanism cannot meet the new environment protection regulations; therefore, a new solution must be set up, else it may run the risk of losing the market and the value of product brand.This research focuses on the solutions provided by the network and communication industry, manufacture of the green products, and the establishment of a Web-based green collaboration management system, which incorporates the environment protection requests into the product development and green supply chain activities. There are three goals: (1) For the design of green products, green components and product management are set up for the purpose of de-toxin and ease of disassemble; (2) For the green supply chain, the management of hazardous substances, product recycle and disassemble are set up; (3) For the product recycling management, the recycling information is feedback for the product update and collaboration operation. The result of research can provide information for the integration of workflow and information system currently in use, provide RoHS and WEEE management solutions, and set up green collaboration information system, so that green products, brand leadership, and environment protection endeavor can be assured.

The back contact modification in high-efficiency Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ solar cells by a thin MoO₃ layer

Septia KHOLIMATUSSADIAH,Cheng-Ying CHEN,Wei-Chao CHEN,Yi-Rung LIN,Shao-Hung LU,Meng-Chia HSIEH,Jan-Kai CHANG,Chih-I WU,Ruei-San CHEN,Kuei-Hsien CHEN,Li-Chyong CHEN 한국진공학회 2016 한국진공학회 학술발표회초록집 Vol.2016 No.8

2022 Taiwan clinical multicenter expert consensus and recommendations for thyroid radiofrequency ablation

Wei-Che Lin,Wen-Chieh Chen,Pei-Wen Wang,Yi-Chia Chan,Yen-Hsiang Chang,Harn-Shen Chen,Szu-Tah Chen,Wei-Chih Chen,Kai-Lun Cheng,Shun-Yu Chi,Pi-Ling Chiang,Chen-Kai Chou,Feng-Fu Chou,Shun-Chen Huang,Feng 대한초음파의학회 2023 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.42 No.3

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive management strategy that has been widely applied for benign and recurrent malignant thyroid lesions as an alternative to surgery in Taiwan. Members of academic societies for specialists in interventional radiology, endocrinology, and endocrine surgery collaborated to develop the first consensus regarding thyroid RFA in Taiwan. The modified Delphi method was used to reach a consensus. Based on a comprehensive review of recent and valuable literature and expert opinions, the recommendations included indications, pre-procedural evaluations, procedural techniques, post-procedural monitoring, efficacy, and safety, providing a comprehensive review of the application of RFA. The consensus effectively consolidates advice regarding thyroid RFA in clinical practice for local experts.

Enhanced x-ray irradiation-induced cancer cell damage by gold nanoparticles treated by a new synthesis method of polyethylene glycol modification

Liu, Chi-Jen,Wang, Chang-Hai,Chien, Chia-Chi,Yang, Tsung-Yeh,Chen, Shin-Tai,Leng, Wei-Hua,Lee, Cheng-Feng,Lee, Kuen-Ho,Hwu, Y,Lee, Yao-Chang,Cheng, Chia-Liang,Yang, Chung-Shi,Chen, Y J,Je, J H,Margari IOP Pub 2008 Nanotechnology Vol.19 No.29

<P>We explored a very interesting gold nanoparticle system—pegylated gold in colloidal solution—and analyzed its uptake by mice colorectal adenocarcinoma CT26 tumor cells and the impact on the cell’s response to x-ray irradiation. We found that exposure to polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified (‘pegylated’) 4.7 ± 2.6 nm gold nanoparticles synthesized by a novel synchrotron-based method enhances the response of CT26 cells to x-ray irradiation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy revealed that substantial amounts of such nanoparticles are taken up and absorbed by the cells and this conclusion is supported by quantitative induced coupled plasma (ICP) results. Standard tests indicated that the internalized particles are highly biocompatible but strongly enhance the cell damage induced by x-ray irradiation. Synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectromicroscopy analyzed the chemical aspects of this phenomenon: the appearance of C = O stretching bond spectral features could be used as a marker for cell damage and confirmed the enhancement of the radiation-induced toxicity for cells.</P>

The Effect of Agomelatine in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Carol Sheei-Meei Wang(Carol Sheei-Meei Wang ),Kuo-Sheng Cheng(Kuo-Sheng Cheng),Chia-Hung Tang(Chia-Hung Tang),Ming-Chyi Pai(Ming-Chyi Pai),Pai-Lien Chen(Pai-Lien Chen),Pei-Fang Chien(Pei-Fang Chien) 대한정신약물학회 2022 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.20 No.4

Objective: Moderate and severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) often need medical treatment to improve symptoms. Agomelatine is a selective melatonergic (MT1/MT2) agonist that has normalizing effects on disturbed circadian rhythms and disrupted sleep−wake cycles. Its activity of 5HT-2C receptor antagonism is associated with lessening depression and anxiety and increasing slow-wave sleep. Based on past clinical records and current findings it suggests that agomelatine can improve BPSD for patients. This retrospective cohort study was designed to compare the BPSD before and after using agomelatine. Methods: Records of dementia cases who had ever received agomelatine treatment for BPSD in a general hospital setting during the past 2.5 years were identified and reviewed. Scores from before and after 3 months of treatment with agomelatine were collected for Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) to compare and analyze the difference of psychological and behavioral symptoms pre- and post-agomelatine used. Results: Records of 144 cases of dementia with BPSD who had ever used agomelatine from January 2015 to June 2017 were collected. All of the 112 cases had BPRS and CGI scores, of which 75 cases had additional NPI scores. Among these 112 cases, the BPRS and CGI scores were significantly improved in all types of dementia. NPI scores indicated that the use of agomelatine alleviated obvious symptoms and decreased overall distress, especially in the depression/poor mood, anxiety, and sleep/night behavior. Conclusion: It is consistent with an effective result of agomelatine in improving BPSD.

Combined Assessment of Serum Alpha-Synuclein and Rab35 is a Better Biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease

Hung-Li Wang,Chin-Song Lu,Tu-Hsueh Yeh,Yu-Ming Shen,Yi-Hsin Weng,Ying-Zu Huang,Rou-Shayn Chen,Yu-Chuan Liu,Yi-Chuan Cheng,Hsiu-Chen Chang,Ying-Ling Chen,Yu-Jie Chen,Yan-Wei Lin,Chia Chen Hsu,Huang-Li 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.4

Background and Purpose It is essential to develop a reliable predictive serum biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Te accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and up-regulated expression of Rab35 participate in the etiology of PD. Te purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the combined assessment of serum αSyn and Rab35 is a useful predictive biomarker for PD. Methods Serum levels of αSyn or Rab35 were determined in serum samples from 59 sporadic PD patients, 19 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients, 20 multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients, and 60 normal controls (NC). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of αSyn or/and Rab35 in discriminating PD patients from NC or atypical parkinsonian patients. Results The levels of αSyn and Rab35 were increased in PD patients. The serum level of Rab35 was positively correlated with that of αSyn in PD patients. Compared to analyzing αSyn or Rab35 alone, the combined analysis of αSyn and Rab35 produced a larger area under the ROC curve and performed better in discriminating PD patients from NC, MSA patients, or PSP patients. When age was dichotomized at 55, 60, 65, or 70 years, the combined assessment of αSyn and Rab35 for classifying PD was better in the group below the cutof age than in the group above the cutof age. Conclusions Combined assessment of serum αSyn and Rab35 is a better biomarker for discriminating PD patients from NC or atypical parkinsonian patients, and is a useful predictive biomarker for younger sporadic PD patients.

Histopathological Evidence for the Existence of Primary Liver Progenitor Cell Cancer: Insight from Cancer Stem Cell Pathobiology

( Cheng-maw Ho ),( Shu-li Ho ),( Chia-tung Shun ),( Po-huang Lee ),( Ya-hui Chen ),( Chin-sung Chien ),( Hui-ling Chen ),( Rey-heng Hu ) 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: Primary liver progenitor cell cancer is a rare disease entity without definite evidence and characterization. Current nomenclature of primary liver cancer with prominent progenitor features is not comprehensive. This study was aimed to investigate the existence of this kind of primary liver cancer and characterize it immunohistopathologically based on the emerging understanding of cancer stem cell pathobiology. Methods: Surgical specimens from primary liver cancer which posed diagnostic difficulty fitting within current WHO classification of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocellular carcinoma with stem-cell features according to the growth morphology and its suggested immunohistochemical features, were stained with antibodies against well-defined markers of progenitor cells, stemness, and differentiation toward hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. Comparative interpretation of images was processed considering the histological morphology and characteristic markers. Results: The primary liver cancer consisted of CD24+ cancer progenitor cells and CD90+ mesenchymal stromal cells, which were intimately mixed. CD24+ cancer cells demonstrated bi-directional trends of differentiation: bile ductule transformation (cytokeratin 19+, epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM]+, neural cell adhesion molecule [NCAM]+, CD133+, and delta-like 1 homolog [DLK1]+); and trabecular or nested cell clusters toward hepatic lineage (hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 alpha [HNF-4α]+, Hep Par1+ and negative for CK19, EpCAM, CD133, and DLK1). Moderate lymphocyte (mostly CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) infiltrated in the CD90+ cancer- associated stroma. Conclusions: We provided the corroboration that liver progenitor cells can form primary liver cancer, not just presented as few side population of cancer stem cells. Its existence might pose significance for future stem cell therapeutic intervention targeting liver diseases, albeit the disease is rare.

Validation of a Palliative Prognostic Index to Predict Life Expectancy for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in a Hospice Consultation Setting in Taiwan

Cheng, Wei-Hong,Kao, Chen-Yi,Hung, Yu-Shin,Su, Po-Jung,Hsieh, Chia-Hsun,Chen, Jen-Shi,Wang, Hung-Ming,Chou, Wen-Chi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the practical utility of the palliative prognostic index (PPI) as a prognostic tool used by nurse specialists in a hospice consultation setting in Taiwan. Methods: In total, 623 terminal cancer patients under hospice consultation care from one medical center in northern Taiwan were enrolled between January 1 and June 30, 2011. PPI was assessed by a nurse specialist at first hospice consultation and patients categorized into groups by prognosis (good, intermediate, poor). Patient survival was analyzed retrospectively to determine significance of between-group differences. Results: By PPI sum score, 37.2% of patients were in the good prognosis group, 18% in the intermediate prognosis group and 44.8% in the poor prognosis group. The death rates were 56%, 81.2% and 89.6% and median survivals were 76, 18 and 7 days, respectively. The hazard ratio was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.24, p<0.001) for the poor versus good prognosis group and 0.54 (95% CI 0.43-0.69, p<0.001) for the poor versus intermediate prognosis group. The sensitivity and specificity for the poor prognosis group was 66% and 71%; the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 81% and 52%, respectively, to predict patient death within 21 days (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.68). Conclusions: Assessment by PPI can accurately predict survival of terminal cancer patients receiving hospice consultation care. PPI is a simple tool and can be administered by nurse members of hospice consultation teams.

Rapidly Self-Assembling Three-Dimensional Opal Photonic Crystals

Cheng Yi Wu,Ngoc Diep Lai,Chia Chen Hsu 한국물리학회 2008 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.52 No.5

We demonstrate a useful technique to rapidly self-assemble silica particles to form opal photonic crystals. Silica suspensions were first synthesized following the single-step Stober's method, with controllable particles diameters ranging from 200 to 800 nm. The suspensions were then injected into a cubic cell composed of two glass substrates and two controllable spacers. The self-assembly process was accelerated by heating the cell to an arbitrary temperature between 30℃ and 90℃. The opal particles were self-assembled into ordered structures within several minutes. The periodic structures were characterized by checking the scanning electron microscopy images and measuring the re ection spectra. The structure was quite uniform for very large areas and the number of layers could be controlled by using the formation temperature. The measured re ection spectra were in agreement with the simulation results obtained by using the transfer matrix method. The re ection spectra were blue shifted as the incident angle deviated from the normal direction, which could be justified simply by using a combination of Bragg formula and Snell's Law. We demonstrate a useful technique to rapidly self-assemble silica particles to form opal photonic crystals. Silica suspensions were first synthesized following the single-step Stober's method, with controllable particles diameters ranging from 200 to 800 nm. The suspensions were then injected into a cubic cell composed of two glass substrates and two controllable spacers. The self-assembly process was accelerated by heating the cell to an arbitrary temperature between 30℃ and 90℃. The opal particles were self-assembled into ordered structures within several minutes. The periodic structures were characterized by checking the scanning electron microscopy images and measuring the re ection spectra. The structure was quite uniform for very large areas and the number of layers could be controlled by using the formation temperature. The measured re ection spectra were in agreement with the simulation results obtained by using the transfer matrix method. The re ection spectra were blue shifted as the incident angle deviated from the normal direction, which could be justified simply by using a combination of Bragg formula and Snell's Law.