Showing papers by "Fu Jen Catholic University published in 2010"
Nagoya University1, Novosibirsk State University2, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics3, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne4, University of Sydney5, Panjab University, Chandigarh6, Nara Women's University7, Polish Academy of Sciences8, University of Maribor9, Fu Jen Catholic University10, National Taiwan University11, National Central University12, Hanyang University13, Yonsei University14, Sungkyunkwan University15, Max Planck Society16, University of Cincinnati17, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology18, University of Ljubljana19, Korea University20, Tohoku Gakuin University21, Kyungpook National University22, University of Tokyo23, Niigata University24, Seoul National University25, Graduate University for Advanced Studies26, Charles University in Prague27, Tokyo Metropolitan University28, University of Giessen29, University of Science and Technology of China30, Osaka City University31, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology32, Toho University33, Kanagawa University34, Virginia Tech35, Austrian Academy of Sciences36, University of Melbourne37, National United University38
TL;DR: In this paper, a search for lepton-flavor-violating τ decays into three leptons (electrons or muons) using 782 fb-1 of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider is presented.
445 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a preparative column chromatography method was developed to isolate carotenoids, flavonoids and polysaccharides, from Lycium barbarum L, possessing vital biological activity, and their antioxidant activity was evaluated.
313 citations
TL;DR: Older age and alcohol drinking habits were independent predictors of risk for carriers of inactive HBV to develop hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related death compared with individuals not infected with HBV.
268 citations
TL;DR: Results show that SlAREB functions to regulate some stress-responsive genes and that its overproduction improves plant tolerance to water deficit and salt stress.
Abstract: Abiotic stresses such as cold, water deficit, and salt stresses severely reduce crop productivity. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important economic crop; however, not much is known about its stress responses. To gain insight into stress-responsive gene regulation in tomato plants, we identified transcription factors from a tomato cDNA microarray. An ABA-responsive element binding protein (AREB) was identified and named SlAREB. In tomato protoplasts, SlAREB transiently transactivated luciferase reporter gene expression driven by AtRD29A (responsive to dehydration) and SlLAP (leucine aminopeptidase) promoters with exogenous ABA application, which was suppressed by the kinase inhibitor staurosporine, indicating that an ABA-dependent post-translational modification is required for the transactivation ability of SlAREB protein. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that the recombinant DNA-binding domain of SlAREB protein is able to bind AtRD29A and SlLAP promoter regions. Constitutively expressed SlAREB increased tolerance to water deficit and high salinity stresses in both Arabidopsis and tomato plants, which maintained PSII and membrane integrities as well as water content in plant bodies. Overproduction of SlAREB in Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato plants regulated stress-related genes AtRD29A, AtCOR47, and SlCI7-like dehydrin under ABA and abiotic stress treatments. Taken together, these results show that SlAREB functions to regulate some stress-responsive genes and that its overproduction improves plant tolerance to water deficit and salt stress.
174 citations
TL;DR: A new risk management framework is proposed that aligns project risk management with corporate strategy and a performance measurement system to increase success rates of R&D projects and to accomplish corporate strategic goals.
171 citations
TL;DR: In RBA-1 cells, activation of ERK1/2- and JNK-NF-κB cascades by a ROS-dependent manner is essential for MMP-9 up-regulation/activation and cell migration induced by TGF-β1.
Abstract: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the multifunctional factors during diverse physiological and pathological processes including development, wound healing, proliferation, and cancer metastasis. Both TGF-β and MMPs have been shown to play crucial roles in brain pathological changes. Thus, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying TGF-β1-induced MMP-9 expression in brain astrocytes. Rat brain astrocytes (RBA-1) were used. MMP-9 expression was analyzed by gelatin zymography and RT-PCR. The involvement of signaling molecules including MAPKs and NF-κB in the responses was investigated using pharmacological inhibitors and dominant negative mutants, determined by western blot and gene promoter assay. The functional activity of MMP-9 was evaluated by cell migration assay. Here we report that TGF-β1 induces MMP-9 expression and enzymatic activity via a TGF-β receptor-activated reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent signaling pathway. ROS production leads to activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and then activation of the NF-κB transcription factor. Activated NF-κB turns on transcription of the MMP-9 gene. The rat MMP-9 promoter, containing a NF-κB cis-binding site, was identified as a crucial domain linking to TGF-β1 action. Collectively, in RBA-1 cells, activation of ERK1/2- and JNK-NF-κB cascades by a ROS-dependent manner is essential for MMP-9 up-regulation/activation and cell migration induced by TGF-β1. These findings indicate a new regulatory pathway of TGF-β1 in regulating expression of MMP-9 in brain astrocytes, which is involved in physiological and pathological tissue remodeling of central nervous system.
158 citations
TL;DR: Analytical results verified the psychometric properties of the SAQ-C at Taiwanese hospitals and found that healthcare workers with positive attitudes to each SAQ dimension were more likely to perceive good collaboration with coworkers, and their hospitals were morelikely to encourage safety reporting and to prioritize safety training programs.
Abstract: Safety activities have been initiated at many hospitals in Taiwan, but little is known about the safety culture at these hospitals. The aims of this study were to verify a safety culture survey instrument in Chinese and to assess hospital safety culture in Taiwan. The Taiwan Patient Safety Culture Survey was conducted in 2008, using the adapted Safety Attitude Questionnaire in Chinese (SAQ-C). Hospitals and their healthcare workers participated in the survey on a voluntary basis. The psychometric properties of the five SAQ-C dimensions were examined, including teamwork climate, safety climate, job satisfaction, perception of management, and working conditions. Additional safety measures were asked to assess healthcare workers' attitudes toward their collaboration with nurses, physicians, and pharmacists, respectively, and perceptions of hospitals' encouragement of safety reporting, safety training, and delivery delays due to communication breakdowns in clinical areas. The associations between the respondents' attitudes to each SAQ-C dimension and safety measures were analyzed by generalized estimating equations, adjusting for the clustering effects at hospital levels. A total of 45,242 valid questionnaires were returned from 200 hospitals with a mean response rate of 69.4%. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.792 for teamwork climate, 0.816 for safety climate, 0.912 for job satisfaction, 0.874 for perception of management, and 0.785 for working conditions. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated a good model fit for each dimension and the entire construct. The percentage of hospital healthcare workers holding positive attitude was 48.9% for teamwork climate, 45.2% for perception of management, 42.1% for job satisfaction, 37.2% for safety climate, and 31.8% for working conditions. There were wide variations in the range of SAQ-C scores in each dimension among hospitals. Compared to those without positive attitudes, healthcare workers with positive attitudes to each SAQ dimension were more likely to perceive good collaboration with coworkers, and their hospitals were more likely to encourage safety reporting and to prioritize safety training programs (Wald chi-square test, p < 0.001 for all). Analytical results verified the psychometric properties of the SAQ-C at Taiwanese hospitals. The safety culture at most hospitals has not fully developed and there is considerable room for improvement.
154 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that kaempferol significantly reduces cell viabilities of U-2 OS, HOB and 143B cells, especially U- 2 OS cells in a dose-dependent manner, but exerts low cytotoxicity on human fetal osteoblast progenitor hFOB cells.
Abstract: Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid. Previous studies have reported that kaempferol has anti-proliferation activities and induces apoptosis in many cancer cell lines. However, there are no reports on human osteosarcoma. In this study, we investigate the anti-cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of kaempferol in human osteosarcoma cells. Our results demonstrate that kaempferol significantly reduces cell viabilities of U-2 OS, HOB and 143B cells, especially U-2 OS cells in a dose-dependent manner, but exerts low cytotoxicity on human fetal osteoblast progenitor hFOB cells. Comet assay, DAPI staining and DNA gel electrophoresis confirm the effects of DNA damage and apoptosis in U-2 OS cells. Flow cytometry detects the increase of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels and the decrease of mitochondria membrane potential. Western blotting and fluorogenic enzymatic assay show that kaempferol treatment influences the time-dependent expression of proteins involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and mitochondrial signaling pathway. In addition, pretreating cells with caspase inhibitors, BAPTA or calpeptin before exposure to kaempferol increases cell viabilities. The anti-cancer effects of kaempferol in vivo are evaluated in BALB/c(nu/nu) mice inoculated with U-2 OS cells, and the results indicate inhibition of tumor growth. In conclusion, kaempferol inhibits human osteosarcoma cells in vivo and in vitro.
153 citations
TL;DR: All the 4polysaccharide fractions were found to be more effective in scavenging superoxide anions than hydroxyl radicals, while acidic polysaccharides showed a more pronounced effect in chelating ferrous ion.
150 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to establish the minimal detectable change (MDC) and clinically important differences (CIDs) of the physical domains of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and to assess the proportions of patients’ change scores exceeding the MDC and CIDs after stroke rehabilitation.
Abstract: Objectives. The purpose of this study was to establish the minimal detectable change (MDC) and clinically important differences (CIDs) of the physical domains of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and to assess the proportions of patients’ change scores exceeding the MDC and CIDs after stroke rehabilitation. Methods. Seventy-four patients received 1 of 3 treatments for 3 weeks and underwent clinical assessment before and after treatment. The MDC was calculated from the standard error of measurement to indicate a real change with 95% confidence for individual patients (MDC95). Anchor-based and distribution-based approaches were adopted to triangulate the ranges of minimal CIDs. The percentage of patients exceeding MDC95 and minimal CIDs were also calculated. Results. The MDC95 of the strength, activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living, mobility, and hand function subscales were 24.0, 17.3, 15.1, and 25.9, respectively. The respective minimal CIDs for these 4 subscales were 9.2, 5.9, 4.5...
148 citations
TL;DR: A high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry method with electrospray ionization mode (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) was developed for simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in fruits of Lycium barbarum Linnaeus, a widely used traditional Chinese herb possessing vital biological activity.
TL;DR: Chronic HCV infection is an independent risk predictor of cerebrovascular deaths showing a biological gradient of cereBrovascular mortality with increasing serum HCV RNA level.
Abstract: Background and Purpose—The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cerebrovascular disease remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the risk of lethal cerebrovascular diseases associated with chronic HCV infection. Methods—In this community-based prospective cohort study, 23 665 residents (aged 30 to 65 years) were enrolled in 1991 to 1992. They were personally interviewed using structured questionnaires and provided blood samples for various serological and biochemical tests at study entry. Serum HCV RNA level and HCV genotype were tested for participants seropositive for antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV). Deaths from cerebrovascular disease during follow-up were ascertained by computerized linkage with National Death Certification profiles from 1991 to 2008 (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision 430 to 438). Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio with 95% CI was estimated for each risk predictor. Results—There were 255 cerebrovascular deaths during 382 011 person-...
TL;DR: Dry needling of a distal myofascial trigger point can provide a remote effect to reduce the irritability of a proximal myofasher trigger point.
Abstract: Tsai C-T, Hsieh L-F, Kuan T-S, Kao MJ, Chou L-W, Hong C-Z: Remote effects of dry needling on the irritability of the myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle.Objective:To investigate the remote effect of dry needling on the irritability of a myofascial trigger point in the uppe
University of Tokyo1, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics2, Novosibirsk State University3, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne4, University of Sydney5, University of Melbourne6, Panjab University, Chandigarh7, Nara Women's University8, University of Maribor9, Fu Jen Catholic University10, National Taiwan University11, National Central University12, Hanyang University13, Yonsei University14, Sungkyunkwan University15, Max Planck Society16, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research17, Charles University in Prague18, University of Cincinnati19, University of Ljubljana20, Korea University21, Nagoya University22, Tohoku University23, Tohoku Gakuin University24, Kyungpook National University25, Niigata University26, Seoul National University27, Graduate University for Advanced Studies28, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology29, University of Giessen30, University of Science and Technology of China31, Polish Academy of Sciences32, Osaka City University33, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology34, Kanagawa University35, Virginia Tech36, National United University37
TL;DR: The process gammagamma-->phiJ/psi is measured using a data sample of 825 fb{-1} collected with the Belle detector, and no signal for the Y(4140)-->phiJ /psi structure reported by the CDF Collaboration in B-->K{+}phiJ./psi decays is observed.
Abstract: The process gammagamma-->phiJ/psi is measured using a data sample of 825 fb{-1} collected with the Belle detector. A narrow peak of 8.8{-3.2}{+4.2} events, with a significance of 3.2 standard deviations including systematic uncertainty, is observed. The mass and natural width of the structure [named X(4350)] are measured to be [4350.6{-5.1}{+4.6}(stat)+/-0.7(syst)] MeV/c{2} and [13{-9}{+18}(stat)+/-4(syst)] MeV, respectively. The product of its two-photon decay width and branching fraction to phiJ/psi is [6.7{-2.4}{+3.2}(stat)+/-1.1(syst)] eV for J{P}=0{+}, or [1.5{-0.6}{+0.7}(stat)+/-0.3(syst)] eV for J{P}=2{+}. No signal for the Y(4140)-->phiJ/psi structure reported by the CDF Collaboration in B-->K{+}phiJ/psi decays is observed, and limits of Gamma_{gammagamma}(Y(4140))B(Y(4140)-->phiJ/psi)<41 eV for J{P}=0;{+} or <6.0 eV for J{P}=2{+} are determined at the 90% C.L. This disfavors the scenario in which the Y(4140) is a D{s}{*+}D{s}{*-} molecule.
TL;DR: The results indicate that hydrogels are pH-sensitive, leading to protecting nanoparticles from being destructed by gastric acid, and the incorporation of amoxicillin-loaded nanoparticles in a hydrogel protected the drug from the actions of the gastric juice and facilitated am toxicillin interaction specifically with intercellular spaces, the site of H. pylori infection.
TL;DR: In this article, a new measurement of the unitarity triangle angle phi(3) using a Dalitz plot analysis of the K-S(0)pi(+pi(+)pi(-) decay of the neutral D meson produced in B-+/- -> D-(*()) K-+/- decays was presented.
Abstract: We present a new measurement of the unitarity triangle angle phi(3) using a Dalitz plot analysis of the K-S(0)pi(+)pi(-) decay of the neutral D meson produced in B-+/- -> D-(*()) K-+/- decays. The method exploits the interference between D-0 and (D) over bar (0) to extract the angle phi(3), strong phase delta, and the ratio r of suppressed and allowed amplitudes. We apply this method to a 605 fb(-1) data sample collected by the Belle experiment. The analysis uses three decays: B-+/- -> DK +/-, and B-+/- -> D*K-+/- with D* -> D pi(0) and D* -> D gamma, as well as the corresponding charge-conjugate modes. From a combined maximum likelihood fit to the three modes, we obtain phi(3) = 78.4 degrees (+10.8 degrees)(-11.6 degrees) +/- 3.6 degrees (syst) +/- 8.9 degrees (model). CP conservation in this process is ruled out at the confidence level (1 - CL) = 5 X 10(-4), or 3.5 standard deviations.
TL;DR: Male gender, baseline postvoid residual, comorbidities, prostate condition in men, BoNTA dose, injection site, and baseline urodynamic parameters are risk factors for increasing incidence of AEs after intravesical BoNta injection for IDO.
TL;DR: Working fixed 12 h night shifts was associated with an increased odds ratio for obesity, central obesity, and high blood pressure among clean-room women workers, and weight reduction and blood pressure control programs should be implemented in the workplace for women working fixed 12-hour night shifts.
Abstract: The 12 h shift schedule is widely used in clean rooms for electronic semiconductor production in Taiwan. This study investigated the associations of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components among women working in a semiconductor manufacturing factory in North Taiwan. Workers were divided into four groups according to their work schedules and duties (i.e., office workers, day workers, fixed 12 h day shift, and fixed 12 h night shiftworkers). The subjects comprised 1838 women who voluntarily attended a health examination between August 2006 and November 2006. Their mean (+/-SD) age was 33.6 (+/-7.1) yrs and their mean duration of work was 7.4 (+/-5.2) yrs. Each subject's health-related behaviors, body mass index, and MetS components were measured and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Obesity and MetS were defined according to World Health Organization criteria for Asian populations and the National Cholesterol Educational Program and Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines, respectively. The results showed that women working in the clean room on fixed 12 h night shifts had significantly elevated odds ratios for obesity (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-4.5), central obesity (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.7-5.1), and high blood pressure (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.4) compared to female office workers; these results persisted after adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, education, and duration of work. We did not find any significant differences in triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among women working different schedules. We conclude that working fixed 12 h night shifts was associated with an increased odds ratio for obesity, central obesity, and high blood pressure among clean-room women workers. Weight reduction and blood pressure control programs should be implemented in the workplace for women working fixed 12 h night shifts.
TL;DR: This work incorporated polynomial regression models in the voxel-based DTI analysis framework to assess age-related changes in WM diffusion properties (fractional anisotropy and axial, transverse, and mean diffusivity) in a large cohort of 346 subjects.
TL;DR: Caffeic acid induces apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 activity, leading to release of cytochrome c and subsequent activation of caspase-3, indicating that caffeic acid has a strong anti-tumor effect and may be a promising chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent.
Abstract: Summary Objective The anti-proliferation effect of caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid), isolated from Ocimum gratissimum Linn, on human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) was examined to elucidate the associated mechanism and death mode. Materials and Methods Flow cytometry showed that caffeic acid treatment results in dramatically increased apoptosis of HeLa cells. Western blot analysis revealed that caffeic acid activates various processed caspases. Results Caffeic acid significantly reduced proliferation of HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Morphological evidence of apoptosis, including nuclei fragmentation was clearly observed 24 and 48 hours after exposure to caffeic acid (1 mM and 10 mM) by flow cytometry. Time-dependent inhibition was also observed. Caffeic acid decreased levels of uncleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2, and induced cleaved caspase-3 and p53. Conclusion Caffeic acid induces apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 activity, leading to release of cytochrome c and subsequent activation of caspase-3, indicating that caffeic acid induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. This also suggests that caffeic acid has a strong anti-tumor effect and may be a promising chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent.
TL;DR: CPFi as an indication of cough reflex has the potential to predict successful extubation in patients who pass an SBT, and was induced by 2 mL of normal saline solution at the end of inspiration and measured using a hand-held respiratory mechanics monitor.
TL;DR: In the NC elderly, age and sex had significant effects on recall scores in CVVLT, while education level showed an inverse correlation with 3 different patterns of errors made during the learning, recall, and recognition trials.
Abstract: Episodic memory tasks are one of the most sensitive tools to discriminate Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to validate a shorter version verbal memory test that will efficiently assess Chinese elderly with memory complaints. One hundred and eighty-five elderly with normal cognition (NC) and 217 AD patients were evaluated. Each participant received the Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test (CVVLT) consisting of 9 two-character nouns with 4 learning trials, 2 delayed recalls in 30 seconds and 10 minutes, and a word recognition test. In the NC elderly, age and sex had significant effects on recall scores in CVVLT, while education level showed an inverse correlation with 3 different patterns of errors made during the learning, recall, and recognition trials. AD patients had lower scores across all recall tests. In those with lower educational level, NC elderly had higher perseveration errors than AD patients. The cutoff value between the AD and NC groups in the 10-minute recall was 4/5 for those aged >75 years and 5/6 for those aged <75 years. This study has good validity in discriminating AD participants and the data here can help in diagnosing AD and mild cognitive impairment using the CVVLT.
TL;DR: The microstructure and electrical properties of the WOX-based resistive random access memory are investigated in this paper, where low programming voltages for RESET (3.3 V/50 ns) and fast SET speed (3V/300 ns) are achieved along with cycling endurance greater than 107 times.
Abstract: The microstructure and electrical properties of the WOX -based resistive random access memory are investigated in this letter. The WOX layer is formed by converting the surface of the W plug with a CMOS-compatible rapid thermal oxidation process. The conductive-atomic-force-microscopy result indicates that nanoscale conducting channels exist in the WOX layer and result in a low initial resistance. This letter studies the unipolar operation- the programming, reading, and reliability behaviors of the device are characterized systematically. The low programming voltages for RESET (3.3 V/50 ns) and fast SET speed (3 V/300 ns) are achieved along with cycling endurance greater than 107 times. In addition, the device is immune to read disturb. A 2-bit/cell operation is also demonstrated for high-density applications.
TL;DR: Evidence-based results strongly suggest that nurses have insufficient knowledge about high- Alert medications and could benefit from additional education, particularly associated with intravenous bolus administration of high-alert medications.
Abstract: hsaio g-y, chen i-j, yu s, wei i-l, fang y-y & tang f-i (2010) Nurses’ knowledge of high-alert medications: instrument development and validation Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 177–190
Abstract
Title Nurses’ knowledge of high-alert medications: instrument development andvalidation
Aim This paper is a report of the development and validation of an instrument to measure nurses’ knowledge of high-alert medications and to analyse known administration errors
Background Insufficient knowledge is a factor in nurses’ drug administration errors Most errors do not harm patients, but incorrect administration of high-alert medications can result in serious consequences Sufficient knowledge about high-alert medications is vital
Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006 in Taiwan using a questionnaire developed from literature review and expert input, and validated by subject experts and two pilot studies Section 1 of the questionnaire (20 true–false questions) evaluated nurses’ knowledge of high-alert medications and section 2 was designed to analyse known administration errors Snowball sampling and descriptive statistics were used
Findings A total of 305 nurses participated, giving a 79·2% response rate (305/385) The correct answer rate for section 1 was 56·5%, and nurses’ working experience contributed to scores Only 3·6% of nurses considered themselves to have sufficient knowledge about high-alert medications, 84·6% hoped to gain more training, and the leading obstacle reported was insufficient knowledge (75·4%) A total of 184 known administration errors were identified, including wrong drug (33·7%) and wrong dose (32·6%); 4·9% (nine cases; 9/184) resulted in serious consequences
Conclusion The questionnaire was valid and reliable Evidence-based results strongly suggest that nurses have insufficient knowledge about high-alert medications and could benefit from additional education, particularly associated with intravenous bolus administration of high-alert medications Further research to validate the instrument is needed
TL;DR: Western blotting showed that apigenin promoted cy tochrome c levels and also induced dysfunction of mitochondria leading to the release of cytochrome c, AIF and Endo G, causing the activation of caspase-9 and -3, then apoptosis in A549 cells.
Abstract: The molecular mechanism and possible signaling pathway of apigenin-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human lung cancer cells has not been reported. We investigated the role of ROS, Ca2+, caspases and Bax proteins and mitochondria membrane potential in apigenin-induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Cells were incubated with different concentrations of apigenin then cell morphological changes, DNA damage, cell viability and apoptosis were determined by Comet assay, and flow cytometric analysis. Sub-G1 phase was also examined. Western blot analysis was used to determined the levels of Bax and Bcl-2 and apoptosis associated proteins, and confocal laser microscope for examining the translocation of associated protein after exposed to apigenin. The results indicated that apigenin induced morphological changes, decreased percentage of viable cells and induced apoptosis dose- and time-dependently. DAPI staining and Comet assay also confirmed that apigenin-induced DNA condensation and damage. The levels of caspase-3, -8 and -9 involved in apigenin-induced apoptosis indicating caspase-dependent pathway was induced by apigenin. Western blotting showed that apigenin promoted cytochrome c levels and also induced dysfunction of mitochondria leading to the release of cytochrome c, AIF and Endo G, causing the activation of caspase-9 and -3, then apoptosis in A549 cells.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relationship among stress, personal characteristics and burnout in first postgraduate year (PGY-1) residents was explored and a hierarchical multiple regression was performed to analyze the contribution of predictors to burnout.
Abstract: Background: Many studies have recognized that the first postgraduate year (PGY-1) of residency training is the most stressful year. Failing to cope with the stress will have negative impact on their work performance and the quality of patient care.Aims: To investigate stress and burnout in first postgraduate year (PGY-1) residents and to explore the relationship among stress, personal characteristics and burnout.Methods: A total of 555 PGY-1 residents completed the job stress questionnaire, a Chinese version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, NEO-Five Factor Inventory, Positive and Negative Affectivity Schedule Scale and Coping Strategies Inventory. Working hours were also collected. The association among stress, burnout, personality, coping strategies and affectivity was examined by Pearson correlation. Hierarchical multiple regression was performed to analyze the contribution of predictors to burnout.Results: Residents identified their working environment and emotional pressures and demands from patie...
TL;DR: The prevalence of restless legs syndrome is examined in Taiwanese adults, with existing data suggesting substantially lower rates of RLS in Asian populations compared with Caucasians.
Abstract: Aim: Few studies have examined the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in Asian populations, with existing data suggesting substantially lower rates of RLS in Asian populations compared with Caucasians. However, varying definitions of RLS as well as problematic methodology make conclusions about RLS prevalence in Asian populations difficult to interpret. The current study therefore examines the prevalence of RLS in Taiwanese adults.
Methods: Subjects were 4011 Taiwanese residents over the age of 15 years. Data was collected using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) system between 25 October 2006 and 6 November 2006.
Results: The prevalence of RLS in Taiwanese adults was found to be 1.57%. In addition, individuals with RLS had a higher body mass index (BMI) and incidence of chronic conditions and comorbidities including insomnia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, arthritis, backache and mental illness. Women with RLS also had a higher incidence of post-menopausal syndrome.
Conclusion: Findings from the current study suggest that the prevalence of RLS in Taiwan is 1.57% by telephone interview. Individuals with RLS had a higher incidence of chronic insomnia and many other chronic disorders. The association and long-term consequences of RLS with these chronic disorders warrants further longitudinal observation and study.
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and coronary angiographic features in young patients with STEMI.
Abstract: Background: There have been few studies done regarding young patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and coronary angiographic features in young patients with STEMI. Methods: We collected data on 8 49 consecutive patients with STEMI from 1992 to 2006. Baseline clinical characteristics, coronary anatomy, and outcome were compared in young (≤45 yrs) and older patients (>4 5 yrs). Results: Young patients presented 11 .6% of all patients with STEMI. These patients were predominantly male ( 92 . 9 % vs 8 0 . 3 %, P < 0.001), more likely to smoke ( 75 .8% vs 47 . 2 %, P < 0.001), obese ( 4 8. 2 % vs 27 . 9 %, P = 0.002), have higher triglyceride levels (176.9 ± 153 .8 mg/dL vs 140.7 ± 112.7 mg/dL, P = 0.005), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (37.1 ± 7.9 mg/dL vs 42 .8 ± 14.3 mg/dL, P = 0.005) than older patients. Also, younger patients had a shorter hospital stay (7.1 ± 4 . 9 d vs 8. 5 ± 6. 7 d, P = 0 . 04 ), less in-hospital morbidity ( 29 . 3 % vs 39 . 7 %, P = 0.02), and mortality ( 3 . 0 % vs 12 . 3 %, P = 0 . 002 ). Killip class III or IV could predict in-hospital morbidity and mortality in young patients. Both groups had similar rates of repeated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; 45 . 5 % vs 41 . 5 %, P = 0.23) and reinfarction (6. 1 % vs 3 . 2 %, P = 0.32). Mortality rate during follow-up was significantly lower in younger patients ( 3 . 0 % vs 19.6%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking, obesity, and dyslipidemia were the most important modifiable risk factors in young patients with STEMI. These patients had a better outcome than older patients without differences in repeated PCI and reinfarction between them. Only Killip class III or IV could predict in-hospital morbidity and mortality in young patients with STEMI.
TL;DR: The preliminary findings indicate that brain adaptation may be modulated by specific rehabilitation practices, although generalization of the functional magnetic resonance imaging findings is limited by sample size.
Abstract: Lin K-C, Chung H-Y, Wu C-Y, Liu H-L, Hsieh Y-W, Chen I-H, Chen C-L, Chuang L-L, Liu J-S, Wai Y-Y: Constraint-induced therapy versus control intervention in patients with stroke: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2010;89:177‐185. Objective: This study compared the effects of a distributed form of constraint-induced therapy with control intervention in motor recovery and brain reorganization after stroke. Design: A two-group randomized controlled trial with pretreatment and posttreatment measures was conducted. Thirteen patients with stroke were randomly assigned to the distributed form of constraint-induced therapy (n 5) or the control intervention group (n 8). Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Motor Activity Log, and functional magnetic resonance imaging examination. The number of activation voxels and laterality index were determined from the functional magnetic resonance imaging data for the study of brain reorganization. Results: The distributed form of constraint-induced therapy group exhibited significantly greater improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Motor Activity Log than the control intervention group. The functional magnetic resonance imaging data showed that distributed form of constraintinduced therapy significantly increased activation in the contralesional hemisphere during movement of the affected and unaffected hand. The control intervention group showed a decrease in primary sensorimotor cortex activation of the ipsilesional hemisphere during movement of the affected hand. Conclusions: The preliminary findings indicate that brain adaptation may be modulated by specific rehabilitation practices, although generalization of the functional magnetic resonance imaging findings is limited by sample size. Further research is needed to identify the specific neural correlates of the behavioral gains achieved after rehabilitation therapies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors use quantum mechanics to analyze the charge mobility and transport properties of self-assembled P3HT molecules along the intra-chain and inter-chain directions.
Abstract: Regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is a hole transport polymer material used in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and can reach mobilities as high as 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1. Factors that affect the charge mobility and the transport mechanisms of P3HT-based OFET systems are therefore of great importance. We use quantum mechanical methods to interpret the charge mobility and the transport properties of self-assembled P3HT molecules along the intra-chain and inter-chain directions. Our approach is illustrated by a hopping transport model, in which we examine the variation of charge mobility with torsional angle and the intermolecular distance between two adjacent thiophene segments. We also simulate packed P3HT structures via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MD results indicate that the resultant mobility along the π−π inter-chain direction is significantly less than that along the intra-chain direction. Accordingly, the main charge-transfer route within the P3HT ordered domains is an intra-chain rather than an inter-chain one. The calculation result for the inter-chain hole mobility is around 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is consistent with experimental data from P3HT single fibril. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry