National Cheng Kung University

About: National Cheng Kung University is a education organization based out in Tainan City, Taiwan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Thin film. The organization has 49723 authors who have published 69799 publications receiving 1437420 citations. The organization is also known as: NCKU.

Pathogenesis of enterovirus 71 brainstem encephalitis in pediatric patients: roles of cytokines and cellular immune activation in patients with pulmonary edema.

Abstract: Taiwan experienced several epidemics of enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections, which were associated with brainstem encephalitis (BE) and pulmonary edema (PE). To elucidate the role of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of BE caused by EV71 and its fatal complication, PE, we analyzed the laboratory findings, cytokine, and immunophenotypes of 73 EV71-infected patients with BE. Patients were stratified by disease: PE (n=14), autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation (n=25), and isolated BE (n=34). The mortality rate for PE was 64.3%. Leukocytosis and thrombocytosis were significantly more frequent among patients with PE. A significant elevation of plasma interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13, and interferon (IFN)-gamma levels observed in patients with PE. Patients with PE also had lower circulating CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. An extensive peripheral and central nervous system inflammatory response with abnormal IL-10, IL-13, and IFN-gamma cytokine production and lymphocyte depletion appears to be responsible for the pathogenesis of EV71-associated PE.

New cross-coupled filter design using improved hairpin resonators

Abstract: Stepped-impedance resonators have been thoroughly studied in this paper. Two equations for odd- and even-mode resonance are derived from a new network model. The size and resonant frequencies of the resonator could then be designed based on these two equations. A new resonator-embedded cross-coupled filter, constructed by stepped-impedance hairpin resonators and miniaturized hairpin resonators is presented. This new filter is very compact and has lower spurious response. A 0/spl deg/ feed structure, which adds two transmission zeros to the filter response, is also studied. The two zeros are so close to the passband that the selectivity and out-of-band rejection of the filter are significantly increased. The design has been verified by experiment results.

Epidemiologic features of hand-foot-mouth disease and herpangina caused by enterovirus 71 in Taiwan, 1998-2005.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE. In 1998, an epidemic of hand-foot-mouth disease/herpangina was caused by human enterovirus 71 infection in Taiwan. The underlying factors of widespread emergence of viral infection are unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the epidemiology of hand-foot-mouth disease/herpangina in Taiwan between March 1998 and December 2005. METHODS. We analyzed data reported to surveillance systems at the Taiwan Center for Disease Control. Viral isolation was performed by 11 reference virus laboratories at medical centers as well as the Taiwan Center for Disease Control. RESULTS. During the 8-year study period, the reported incidence of mild cases of hand-foot-mouth disease/herpangina varied from 0.8 to 19.9 cases per sentinel physician per week, peaking in 1998. Seasonal variations in incidence were observed, with an incidence peak observed during the summer season. Annual incidence changed significantly from 1998 to 2005. Both age-specific incidence and fatality of severe hand-foot-mouth disease/herpangina decreased as age increased. Most (93%) cases occurred in children who were aged 4 years and younger. Inpatients had a higher rate of enterovirus 71 infection than outpatients. Among severe cases, the majority (80%) had pulmonary edema/hemorrhage and encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS. Hand-foot-mouth disease/herpangina is a common disease in Taiwan. Enterovirus 71 infection has emerged as an important public problem causing serious clinical illness and, potentially, death in young children. Vaccine development is recommended for prevention of enterovirus 71 infection in the future.

DNAzyme targeting c-jun suppresses skin cancer growth

Abstract: Worldwide, one in three cancers is skin-related, with increasing incidence in many populations Here, we demonstrate the capacity of a DNAzyme-targeting c-jun mRNA, Dz13, to inhibit growth of two common skin cancer types-basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas-in a therapeutic setting with established tumors Dz13 inhibited tumor growth in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent syngeneic mice and reduced lung nodule formation in a model of metastasis In addition, Dz13 suppressed neovascularization in tumor-bearing mice and zebrafish and increased apoptosis of tumor cells Dz13 inhibition of tumor growth, which required an intact catalytic domain, was due in part to the induction of tumor immunity In a series of good laboratory practice-compliant toxicology studies in cynomolgus monkeys, minipigs, and rodents, the DNAzyme was found to be safe and well tolerated It also did not interfere in more than 70 physiologically relevant in vitro bioassays, suggesting a reduced propensity for off-target effects If these findings hold true in clinical trials, Dz13 may provide a safe, effective therapy for human skin cancer