BACKGROUND: As a blood concentrate rich in growth factors and fibrin, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is able to significantly promote bone regeneration. PRF mixed with bone substitutes is commonly used to repair bone defects in oral maxillofacial region. But it remains controversial whether PRF as a sole material in sinus floor elevation can produce enough new bone tissues.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the osteogenic potential of PRF as a sole grafting material in sinus floor elevation by means of an animal model.METHODS: Twelve healthy adult mongrel dogs aged 12-18 months were selected and randomized into three groups (groups A, B and C), with four dogs in each group. Upper first molars on both side of each dog were extracted 12 weeks prior to sinus floor elevation and simultaneous implants placement. Different materials were used to fill in the space between the sinus membrane and implant. Groups A, B and C were filled with PRF, autologus bone particles and autologus blood clot respectively. After 12 weeks, specimens were harvested to analyze the new bone formation by gross observation, X-ray examination and histological evaluation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: New bone formation was found to embrace all the implants close to the bony sinus floor, and the tips of all implants were free from bone coverage. The new bone height of groups A, B and C were (3.135±0.288),(3.218±0.345), and (1.898±0.157) mm, respectively. The new bone density of groups A, B and C were (65.06±5.88),(75.34±8.18), and (56.92±4.95) g/cm3, respectively. There were significant differences between the new bone height in groups A and C as well as in groups B and C (P < 0.05). Also, significant differences were found between the new bone density in groups A and B, B and C, A and C (P < 0.05). Within the confine of this experiment, it is feasible to use PRF as a sole grafting material in the sinus floor elevation to generate new bone, but the new bone volume is limited.

OBJECTIVETo observe the difference effects between warming-promotion acupuncture and normal acupuncture on lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

METHODSSixty cases of LSS were randomly divided into a normal acupuncture group (30 cases) and a warming-promotion acupuncture group (30 cases). The two groups both chose Dazhui (GV 14), Mingmen (GV 4), Jiaji (EX-B 2),etc. Normal method without special manipulation was used in normal acupuncture group, while the warming-promotion manipulation was used in warming-promotion acupuncture group, all once daily, 10 treatments made one session. Compare the symptoms and spinal cord function of LSS, quality of life (QOL)and clinical effect in the two groups.

RESULTSThe comprehensive score of symptoms of LSS in warming-promotion group 3 months after treatment was 6.30 +/- 1.92, while that in normal acupuncture group was 4.67 +/- 13.70. The score of spinal cord function in warming-promotion group after treatment was 7.03 +/- 1.03, while that in normal acupuncture group was 6.33 +/- 1.12. The score of QOL in warming-promotion group after treatment was 53.67 +/- 8.91, while that in normal acupuncture group was 64.50 +/- 16.69. All the differences between these scores in two groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30)in warming-promotion group, and 80.0% (24/30) in normal acupuncture group. The effect of warming-promotion group was better than that in normal acupuncture group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn the field of treating LSS, the effect of warming-promotion acupuncture is better than normal acupuncture.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Stenosis ; therapy ; Time ; Treatment Outcome

Objective:To explore the application potential of 18F-Asp-Glu-val-Asp (DEVD)-Cys(StBu)-PPG(CBT)-AmBF 3 ( 18F-1; PPG: propargyl-glycine; CBT: 2-cyanobenzothiazole; AmBF 3: ammoniomethyl-trifluoroborate) PET imaging in early monitoring of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) radiotherapy response. Methods:Ten MDA-MB-231 tumor bearing nude mice models were constructed and divided into radiotherapy group ( n=5) and non-radiotherapy group ( n=5) by random sampling method. The radiotherapy group was treated with single irradiation at a dose of 8 Gy. 18F-1 microPET imaging was performed in the radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy groups, and the tumor uptake and muscle uptake in 2 groups at different time points (2.5, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5, 22.5, 27.5, 32.5, 37.5, 42.5, 47.5, 52.5, 57.5 min after injection) were analyzed. The specific uptake of the probe in apoptotic cells was verified by radioautography, HE staining and immunofluorescent staining. Repeated measures analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze data. Results:18F-1 microPET imaging showed that there was significant difference between tumor uptake and muscle uptake in radiotherapy group ( F=20.27, P=0.011). The uptake of radiotherapy group was the highest at 7.5 min after injection ((4.64±0.35) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue(%ID/g)). There was no significant difference between tumor uptake and muscle uptake in the non-radiotherapy group ( F=1.81, P=0.215). The tumor/muscle (T/M) ratio of radiotherapy group was higher than that of non-radiotherapy group ( F=31.95, P=0.005), with the highest at 47.5 min after injection (2.49±0.46). Radioautography showed that the tumor radioactivity in radiotherapy group was higher than that of muscle in radiotherapy group, and was also higher than tumor and muscle radioactivies in non-radiotherapy group ( F=116.79, P<0.001). HE staining and immunofluorescent staining verified that 18F-1 could specifically detect the activity of caspase-3 activated in tumor cells after radiotherapy. Conclusion:18F-1 can specifically recognize the activated caspase-3 after TNBC radiotherapy, and monitor radiotherapy response at the molecular level by apoptosis PET imaging.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of different bleaching methods on white-spot lesions of the enamel using optical coherence tomography and to evaluate its feasibility for monitoring the therapeutic effects on white-spot lesions. Methods: Forty-eight sound premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were selected and cut for 4 mm×4 mm×2 mm enamel blocks in buccal surfaces of the crowns. The samples were covered with acid-resistant varnish (except for the buccal surfaces) and immersed in demineralization solution for 18 days to establish the white-spot lesion models of the enamels. Samples were randomly divided into four groups (n=12). Group A was given demineralization only. Specimens in Group B, C and D were treated with 40% hydrogen peroxide, resin infiltration and 40% hydrogen peroxide combined with resin infiltration, respectively. Eight samples in each group were randomly selected. OCT was applied to observe the optical changes of the enamel surface and according to the OCT scanning results, the demineralization depth of enamel samples in each group was calculated. Then, the enamel blocks were embedded in epoxy resins, except the buccal surfaces, and measured for the microhardness values of the enamel surface by a microindentation hardness tester. Four samples in each group were cut longitudinally, and the ultrastructural changes of enamel samples in each group were observed by scanning electron microscope. Results: OCT showed that the light scattering characteristics of enamel surface changed in all groups, and the bright layer was formed, but the thickness of bright layer in Group C and D was significantly lower than that in Group A and B (P<0.05). The microhardness values (kg/mm2) of the samples in Group A-D were (214.99±31.70), (250.66±33.64), (312.42±18.01) and(286.53±26.65), respectively. The microhardness of enamel surfaces in Group C and D was significantly higher than that in Group A and B (P<0.05), and the ultrastructure of enamel surfaces in Group C and D were more flat and dense in SEM observation (P<0.05). Conclusion The methods of resin infiltration therapy or 40% hydrogen peroxide combined with resin infiltration could effectively improve white-spot lesions of the enamel and the non-invasive OCT can be used as a better evaluation method for the diagnosis and treatment of white-spot lesions of the enamel.

A total of 100 HIN1 flu real-time-PCR positive throat swabs collected from fever patients in Zhejiang,Hubei and Guangdong between June and November 2009,were provided by local CDC laboratories.After MDCK cell culture,57 Influenza A Pandemic (H1N1) viruses were isolated and submitted for whole genome sequencing.A total of 39 HA sequences,52 NA sequences,36 PB2 sequences,31 PB1 sequences,40 PA sequences,48 NP sequences,51 MP sequences and 36 NS sequences were obtained,including 20 whole genome sequences.Sequence comparison revealed they shared a high degree of homology (96％～99％) with known epidemic strains (A/Califomia/04/2009(H1N1).Phylogenetic analysis showed that although the sequences were highly conserved,they clustered into a small number of groups with only a few distinct strains.Site analysis revealed three substitutions at loop 220 (221-228) of the HA receptor binding site in the 39 HA sequences:A/Hubei/86/2009 PKVRDQEG→PKVRDQEA,A/Zhejiang/08/2009 PKVRDQEG→PKVRDQER,A/Hubei/75/2009PKVRDQEG→PKVRDQGG,the A/Hubei/75/2009 was isolated from an acute case,while the other two were from patients with mild symptoms.Other key sites such as 119,274,292 and 294 amino acids of NA protein,627 of PB2 protein were conserved.Meanwhile,all the M2 protein sequences possessed the Ser32Asn mutation,suggesting that these viruses were resistant to adamantanes.Comparison of these sequences with other H1N1 viruses collected from the NCBI database provides insight into H1N1 transmission and circulation patterns.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Only moderate to severe Crohn's Disease (CD) patients without a satisfactory conventional therapy effect are eligible to get reimbursement from the National Health Insurance of Taiwan for using adalimumab. These are more stringent criteria than in many Western countries and Japan and Korea. We aim to explore the efficacy of using adalimumab in CD patients under such stringent criteria. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in nine medical centers in Taiwan and we collected the results of CD patients receiving adalimumab from Sep 2009 to Mar 2014. The clinical characteristics, response measured by CDAI (Crohn's Disease Activity Index), adverse events and survival status were recorded and analyzed. CR-70, CR-100, and CR-150 were defined as attaining a CDAI decrease of 70, 100 or 150 points compared with baseline. RESULTS: A total of 103 CD patient records were used in this study. Sixty percent of these patients received combination therapy of adalimumab together with immunomodulators. CR-70 was 68.7%, 74.5% and 88.4% after week 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, respectively. The steroid-free rate, complications and survival were 47.6%, 9.7% and 99% of patients, respectively. In considering the mucosal healing, only 25% patients achieve mucosal healing after treatment for 6 to12 months. Surgery was still needed in 16.5% of patients. Combination treatment of adalimumab with immunomodulators further decreased the level of CDAI at week 8 when compared with the monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Even under the stringent criteria for using adalimumab, the response rate was comparable to those without stringent criteria.
Adalimumab ; Crohn Disease* ; Humans ; Immunologic Factors ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Japan ; Korea ; National Health Programs ; Retrospective Studies ; Taiwan*

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. CD is rare in Taiwan and other Asian countries, but its prevalence and incidence have been steadily increasing. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of CD taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessments are required for accurate diagnosis of CD. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary to endoscopic evaluation for disease staging and detecting complications. The goals of CD management are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Corticosteroids are the mainstay for inducing re-mission. Immunomodulating and biologic therapies should be used to maintain remission. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to treatment and receive regular surveillance for cancer. These consensus statements are based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of patients with CD in Taiwan.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Biological Therapy ; Consensus* ; Crohn Disease* ; Diagnosis ; Disease Management ; Expert Testimony ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Hepatitis B virus ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Prevalence ; Quality of Life ; Taiwan* ; Tuberculosis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the colon, and the prevalence and incidence of UC have been steadily increasing in Taiwan. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of UC taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Accurate diagnosis of UC requires thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessment and careful exclusion of differential diagnoses, particularly infectious colitis. The goals of UC therapy are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. As outlined in the recommended treatment algorithm, choice of treatment is dictated by severity, extent, and course of disease. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to immunosuppressive treatment, especially with steroids and biologic agents, and should be regularly monitored for reactivation of latent infection. These consensus statements are also based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of UC in Taiwan.
Biological Factors ; Colitis ; Colitis, Ulcerative* ; Colon ; Consensus* ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Disease Management ; Expert Testimony ; Hepatitis B virus ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflammation ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Prevalence ; Quality of Life ; Steroids ; Taiwan* ; Tuberculosis ; Ulcer*

AIM: To illuminate the molecular targets for schisandrin against cerebrovascular disease based on the combined methods of network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification. METHOD: A protein database was established through constructing the drug-protein network from literature mining data. The protein-protein network was built through an in-depth exploration of the relationships between the proteins. The computational platform was implemented to predict and extract the sensitive sub-network with significant P-values from the protein-protein network. Then the key targets and pathways were identified from the sensitive sub-network. The most related targets and pathways were also confirmed in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced PC12 cells by Western blotting. RESULTS: Twelve differentially expressed proteins (gene names: NFKB1, RELA, TNFSF10, MAPK1, CHUK, CASP8, PIGS2, MAPK14, CREB1, IFNG, APP, and BCL2) were confirmed as the central nodes of the interaction network (45 nodes, 93 edges). The NF-κB signaling pathway was suggested as the most related pathway of schisandrin for cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, schisandrin was found to suppress the expression and phosphorylation of IKKα, as well as p50 and p65 induced by H2O2 in PC12 cells by Western blotting. CONCLUSION The computational platform that integrates literature mining data, protein-protein interactions, sensitive sub-network, and pathway results in identification of the NF-κB signaling pathway as the key targets and pathways for schisandrin.
Animals ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cyclooctanes ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; drug effects ; Humans ; Lignans ; pharmacology ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; PC12 Cells ; Polycyclic Compounds ; pharmacology ; Protein Interaction Maps ; drug effects ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by alternating periods of inflammation and remission. Although UC incidence is lower in Taiwan than in Western countries, its impact remains considerable, demanding updated guidelines for addressing local healthcare challenges and patient needs. The revised guidelines employ international standards and recent research, emphasizing practical implementation within the Taiwanese healthcare system. Since the inception of the guidelines in 2017, the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease has acknowledged the need for ongoing revisions to incorporate emerging therapeutic options and evolving disease management practices. This updated guideline aims to align UC management with local contexts, ensuring comprehensive and context-specific recommendations, thereby raising the standard of care for UC patients in Taiwan. By adapting and optimizing international protocols for local relevance, these efforts seek to enhance health outcomes for patients with UC.