The Associations between Visual Attention and Facial Expression Identification in Patients with Schizophrenia

I-Mei Lin,Sheng-Yu Fan,Tiao-Lai Huang,Wan-Ting Wu,Shi-Ming Li 대한신경정신의학회 2013 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.10 No.4

Objective Visual search is an important attention process that precedes the information processing. Visual search also mediates the relationship between cognition function (attention) and social cognition (such as facial expression identification). However, the association between visual attention and social cognition in patients with schizophrenia remains unknown. The purposes of this study were to examine the differences in visual search performance and facial expression identification between patients with schizophrenia and normal controls, and to explore the relationship between visual search performance and facial expression identification in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Fourteen patients with schizophrenia (mean age=46.36±6.74) and 15 normal controls (mean age=40.87±9.33) participated this study. The visual search task, including feature search and conjunction search, and Japanese and Caucasian Facial Expression of Emotion were administered. Results Patients with schizophrenia had worse visual search performance both in feature search and conjunction search than normal controls, as well as had worse facial expression identification, especially in surprised and sadness. In addition, there were negative associations between visual search performance and facial expression identification in patients with schizophrenia, especially in surprised and sadness. However, this phenomenon was not showed in normal controls. Conclusion Patients with schizophrenia who had visual search deficits had the impairment on facial expression identification. Increasing ability of visual search and facial expression identification may improve their social function and interpersonal relationship.

Heart Rate Variability and the Efficacy of Biofeedback in Heroin Users with Depressive Symptoms

I-Mei Lin,Jiun-Min Ko,Sheng-Yu Fan,Cheng-Fang Yen 대한정신약물학회 2016 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.14 No.2

Objective: Low heart rate variability (HRV) has been confirmed in heroin users, but the effects of heart-rate-variability–biofeedback in heroin users remain unknown. This study examined (1) correlations between depression and HRV indices; (2) group differences in HRV indices among a heroin-user group, a group with major depressive disorder but no heroin use, and healthy controls; and (3) the effects of heart-rate-variability–biofeedback on depressive symptoms, HRV indices, and respiratory rates within the heroin group. Methods: All participants completed a depression questionnaire and underwent electrocardiogram measurements, and group differences in baseline HRV indices were examined. The heroin group underwent electrocardiogram and respiration rate measurements at baseline, during a depressive condition, and during a happiness condition, before and after which they took part in the heart-rate-variability–biofeedback program. The effects of heart-rate-variability–biofeedback on depressive symptoms, HRV indices, and respiration rates were examined. Results: There was a negative correlation between depression and high frequency of HRV, and a positive correlation between depression and low frequency to high frequency ratio of HRV. The heroin group had a lower overall and high frequency of HRV, and a higher low frequency/high frequency ratio than healthy controls. The heart-rate-variability–biofeedback intervention increased HRV indices and decreased respiratory rates from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Conclusion: Reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activations were found in heroin users. Heart-rate-variability– biofeedback was an effective non-pharmacological intervention to restore autonomic balance.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Increased Autonomic Activation and Improved Symptoms of Depression and Insomnia among Patients with Major Depression Disorder

I-Mei Lin,Sheng-Yu Fan,Cheng-Fang Yen,Yi-Chun Yeh,Tze‐Chun Tang,Mei-Feng Huang,Tai-Ling Liu,Peng-Wei Wang,Huang-Chi Lin,Hsin-Yi Tsai,Yu-Che Tsai 대한정신약물학회 2019 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.17 No.2

Objective: Autonomic imbalance is considered a psychopathological mechanism underlying major depressive disorder (MDD). Heart rate variability (HRV) is an index for autonomic activation. Poor sleep quality is common among patients with MDD. HRV biofeedback (BF) has been used for regulating autonomic balance among patients with physical illness and mental disorders. The purpose of present study was to examine the effects of HRV-BF on depressive symptoms, sleep quality, pre-sleep arousal, and HRV indices, in patients with MDD and insomnia. Methods: In this case-controlled study, patients with MDD and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score higher than 6 were recruited. The HRV-BF group received weekly 60-minute protocol for 6 weeks, and the control group who have matched the age and sex received medical care only. All participants were assessed on Beck Depression Inventory-II, Back Anxiety Inventory, PSQI, and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale. Breathing rates and electrocardiography were also performed under resting state at pre-testing, and post-testing conditions and for the HRV-BF group, also at 1-month follow-up. Results: In the HRV-BF group, symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep quality, and pre-sleep arousal were significantly improved, and increased HRV indices, compared with the control group. Moreover, in the HRV-BF group, significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, decreased breathing rates, and increased HRV indices were detected at post-testing and at 1-month follow-up, compared with pre-testing values. Conclusion: This study confirmed that HRV-BF is a useful psychosocial intervention for improving autonomic balance, baroreflex, and symptoms of depression and insomnia in MDD patients.

Participation of GATA-3 in regulation of bone healing through transcriptional upregulation of bcl-xL expression

Mei-Hsiu Liao,Pei-I Lin,Wei-Pin Ho,Wing P Chan,Ta-Liang Chen,Ruei-Ming Chen 생화학분자생물학회 2017 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.49 No.-

We have previously demonstrated the expression of GATA-DNA-binding protein (GATA)-3, a transcription factor, in osteoblasts and have verified its function in transducing cell survival signaling. This translational study was further designed to evaluate the roles of GATA-3 in regulating bone healing and to explore its possible mechanisms. A metaphyseal bone defect was created in the left femurs of male ICR mice. Analysis by micro-computed topography showed that the bone volume, trabecular bone number and trabecular thickness were augmented and that the trabecular pattern factor decreased. Interestingly, immunohistological analyses showed specific expression of GATA-3 in the defect area. In addition, colocalized expression of GATA-3 and alkaline phosphatase was observed at the wound site. As the fracture healed, the amounts of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated GATA-3 concurrently increased. Separately, GATA-3 mRNA was induced during bone healing, and, levels of Runx2 mRNA and protein were also increased. The results of confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation showed an association between nuclear GATA-3 and Runx2 in the area of insult. In parallel with fracture healing, Bcl-XL mRNA was significantly triggered. A bioinformatic search revealed the existence of a GATA-3-specific DNA-binding element in the promoter region of the bcl-xL gene. Analysis by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated transactivation activity by which GATA-3 regulated bcl-xL gene expression. Therefore, this study shows that GATA-3 participates in the healing of bone fractures via regulating bcl-xL gene expression, owing to its association with Runx2. In the clinic, GATA-3 may be used as a biomarker for diagnoses/prognoses or as a therapeutic target for bone diseases, such as bone fractures.

Altered Auditory P300 Performance in Parents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Offspring

Mei Hung Chi,Ching-Lin Chu,I Hui Lee,Yi-Ting Hsieh,Ko Chin Chen,Po See Chen,Yen Kuang Yang 대한정신약물학회 2019 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.17 No.4

Objective: Altered event-related potential (ERP) performances have been noted in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients and reflect neurocognitive dysfunction. Whether these ERP alterations and correlated dysfunctions exist in healthy parents with ADHD offspring is worth exploring. Methods: Thirteen healthy parents with ADHD offspring and thirteen healthy controls matched for age, sex and years of education were recruited. The auditory oddball paradigm was used to evaluate the P300 wave complex of the ERP, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and continuous performance test were used to measure neurocognitive performance. Results: Healthy parents with ADHD offspring had significantly longer auditory P300 latency at Fz than control group. However, no significant differences were found in cognitive performance. Conclusion: The presence of a subtle alteration in electro-neurophysiological activity without explicit neurocognitive dysfunction suggests potential candidate of biological marker for parents with ADHD offspring.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Interactive Play for Children During Intravenous Placement: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Hsu Mei-Feng,Whu Yew-Wha,Lin I-Chen,Liu Chieh-Yu,Lai Fei-Chen,Liu Pei-Ching,Chen Chi-Wen 한국간호과학회 2022 Asian Nursing Research Vol.16 No.2

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive virtual reality (VR) play intervention including instructional play and emotional catharsis play sessions in reducing children's pain and fear during intravenous placement. Methods A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups was conducted. The sample consisted of 134 hospitalized children aged 6–12 years (intervention group: n = 69; comparison group: n = 65). The intervention involved one immersive intravenous scene in VR before the actual intravenous placement and one emotional catharsis VR play after injection. The comparison group received an educational photo book about intravenous placement before receiving intravenous placement. The children and their caregivers rated their pain and fear by using the Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the Children's Fear Scale. The time required for successful intravenous insertion was also compared between the two groups. Results Children's pain (p = .028) and fear scores (p = .004) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the comparison group. Their caregivers' pain and fear scores (both p < .001) were significantly lower in the intervention group. The time required for successful intravenous insertion did not differ significantly between the intervention and comparison groups. Conclusions The interactive play intervention with VR effectively reduced children's levels of pain and fear during the intravenous placement procedure. The results of this study can serve as a reference for the implementation of a feasible, child-friendly care practice for clinical intravenous placement in school-aged children.

Electronic and chemical properties of cathode structures using 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline doped with rubidium carbonate as electron injection layers

Chen, Mei-Hsin,Chen, Yu-Hung,Lin, Chang-Tin,Lee, Guan-Ru,Wu, Chih-I,Leem, Dong-Seok,Kim, Jang-Joo,Pi, Tun-Wen American Institute of Physics 2009 JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS - Vol.105 No.11

Identification of Genome Relationships among Paphiopedilum Species by Genomic and Fluorescent in situ Hybridization

Yung-I Lee,Mei-Chu Chung 한국원예학회 2006 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Challenges for commercializing perovskite solar cells

Rong, Yaoguang,Hu, Yue,Mei, Anyi,Tan, Hairen,Saidaminov, Makhsud I.,Seok, Sang Il,McGehee, Michael D.,Sargent, Edward H.,Han, Hongwei American Association for the Advancement of Scienc 2018 Science Vol.361 No.6408

<P>Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have witnessed rapidly rising power conversion efficiencies, together with advances in stability and upscaling. Despite these advances, their limited stability and need to prove upscaling remain crucial hurdles on the path to commercialization. We summarize recent advances toward commercially viable PSCs and discuss challenges that remain. We expound the development of standardized protocols to distinguish intrinsic and extrinsic degradation factors in perovskites. We review accelerated aging tests in both cells and modules and discuss the prediction of lifetimes on the basis of degradation kinetics. Mature photovoltaic solutions, which have demonstrated excellent long-term stability in field applications, offer the perovskite community valuable insights into clearing the hurdles to commercialization.</P>

Transitional Percentage of Minute Volume as a Novel Predictor of Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure

Ya-Ru Liang,Mei-Chen Yang,Yao-Kuang Wu,I-Shiang Tzeng,Pei-Yi Wu,Shiang-Yu Huang,Chou-Chin Lan,Chin-Pyng Wu 한국간호과학회 2020 Asian Nursing Research Vol.14 No.1

Purpose: Some patients with respiratory failure fail initial weaning attempts and need prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV). Prolonged MV is associated with many complications and consumption of heathcare resources. Objective weaning indices help staffs to identify high-potential patients for weaning from the MV. Traditional weaning indices are not reliable in clinical practice. Transitional percentage of minute volume (TMV%) is a new index of the work of breathing. This study aimed to investigate the utility of TMV% in the prediction of weaning potential. Methods: This study was prospectively performed including all patients with prolonged MV. Researchers recorded their demographics, TMV%, respiratory parameters, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and laboratory data upon arrival at the respiratory care center. The factors associated with successful weaning were analyzed. Results: Out of the 120 patients included, 84 (70.0%) were successfully weaned from MV. Traditional weaning indices such as rapid shallow breathing index could not predict the weaning outcome. TMV% was a valuable parameter as patients with a lower TMV%, higher tidal volume, higher hemoglobin, lower blood urea nitrogen, and lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores had a higher rate of successful weaning. TMV%, tidal volume, and HCO3- levels were independent predictors of successful weaning, and the area under the curve was .79 in the logistic regression model. Conclusion: TMV% is a novel and effective predictor of successful weaning. Patients with lower TMV% had a higher MV weaning outcome. Once patients with a high potential for successful weaning are identified, they should be aggressively weaned from MV as soon as possible.