1.Research on the experimental design of medical molecular biology in the era of precision medicine
Lei WANG ; Kuo ZHANG ; Ting WANG ; Libo YAO ; Angang YANG ; Lintao JIA
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2016;15(7):649-653
Objective Through the design of comprehensive experiments, the precise medical philo-sophy was put into the medical molecular biology experimental teaching, and to explore its effect. Methods Eight-year medical students of Grade 2012 and Grade 2013 in the Fourth Military Medical University were chosen as the teaching subjects. Experimental group consisted of 36 students of Grade 2013, while control group consisted of 30 students of Grade 2012. Precision medicine-based learning was applied in experimental group while traditional learning method was adopted by the control group. At the end of the course, students of two groups were implemented theoretical and experimental skills assessment; through questionnaire students were required to evaluate the effect of teaching methods and the number of two groups of students who asked questions after class greater than or equal to 1 times was counted to evaluate the students' learning enthusiasm. SPSS 15.0 software was used to make t test and Chi-square analysis for the data of the students. Results The assessment results showed that the experimental group was better than control group, especially in the section of comprehensive experimental design [(16.7 ± 2.04) vs. (13.9 ± 2.87), P=0.000]. The results from questionnaire showed that the satisfaction degree of experimental group was also higher than that of control group in many respects, including learning interests, innovation capability, knowledge mastery, cognition of precision medicine and clinical research, satisfaction with the teaching method (P<0.05). And students' learning enthusiasm and the proportion of the number of students asking questions in the experimental group were higher than the control group (P=0.000). Conclusions Precision medicine-based learning not only changes the situation of slavish imitation and passive acceptance in traditional learning, but also arouses students' interest in study and helps students to cultivate clinical thinking, which is com-mensurate to the characteristics of precision-medicine era.
2.Image features of two rare mediastinal tumors: schwannoma of intrathoracic phrenic nerve and clear cell chondrosarcoma of the rib.
Ting-Kai LEUNG ; Chien-Jui CHENG ; Chi-Ming LEE ; Li-Kuo SHEN ; Hung-Jung WANG ; Ya-Yen CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2005;118(17):1493-1496
Adult
;
Bone Neoplasms
;
diagnosis
;
pathology
;
Chondrosarcoma
;
diagnosis
;
pathology
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Male
;
Mediastinal Neoplasms
;
diagnosis
;
pathology
;
Neurilemmoma
;
diagnosis
;
pathology
;
Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms
;
diagnosis
;
pathology
;
Phrenic Nerve
;
Ribs
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
3.Endoscopic transnasal palatal nerve block for persistent allergic rhinitis
Ting-Kuo WANG ; Rong LIU ; Zhi-Ying NIE ; Wei-Qiang ZHANG ; Dang-Wei YANG ; Jian-Xing LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2017;26(11):845-848
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic transnasal palatal nerve block for persistent allergic rhinitis.Methods 123 patients with heavy persistent allergic rhinitis who aged over 17 years old in Longhua central hospital affiliated to Guangdong medical university from October 2013 to February 2015 were divided into observation group and control group.The patients in the observation group(72 cases) were blocked with endoscopic sphenopalatine,the control group (51 cases) treated with medicine.The rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) and VAS were assessed before and after treatment for 6 months,1 year and 2 year survival.Results 106 patients were followed up for 2 years.In observation group,the average score of RQLQ and VAS before treatment were (2.39 ± 0.43),(7.45 ±1.24) respectively;6 months after treatment,the average scores of RQLQ and VAS were (0.82 ± 0.38),(2.47 ± 1.42) respectively;1 years (0.93 ± 0.41) and (2.53 ± 1.54);2 years (1.05 ± 0.47) and (2.67 ± 1.69);the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).The control group showed no obvious difference in RQLQ and VAS before and after treatment.Conclusion Endoscopic sphenopalatine nerve block can effectively improve the quality of life of patients with persistent rhinitis allergic,which is safe and effective in the treatment of severe persistent allergic rhinitis.
4.Comparison of the Infant and Adult Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Proliferation, Senescence, Antioxidative Ability and Differentiation Potential
Szu-Hsien WU ; Jin-Huei YU ; Yu-Ting LIAO ; Kuo-Hao LIU ; En-Rung CHIANG ; Ming-Chau CHANG ; Jung-pan WANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2022;19(3):589-601
BACKGROUND:
Infant adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) collected from excised polydactyly fat tissue, which was surgical waste, could be cultured and expanded in vitro in this study. In addition, the collecting process would not cause pain in the host. In this study, the proliferation, reduction of senescence, anti-oxidative ability, and differentiation potential in the infant ADSCs were compared with those in the adult ADSCs harvested from thigh liposuction to determine the availability of infant ADSCs.
METHODS:
Proliferation was determined by detecting the fold changes in cell numbers and doubling time periods.Senescence was analyzed by investigating the age-related gene expression levels and the replicative stress. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene expression, adipogenic, neurogenic, osteogenic, and tenogenic differentiation were compared by RTqPCR. The chondrogenic differentiation efficiency was also determined using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS:
The proliferation, SOD (SOD1, SOD2 and SOD3) gene expression, the stemness-related gene (c-MYC) and telomerase reverse transcriptase of the infant ADSCs at early passages were enhanced compared with those of the adults’Cellular senescence related genes, including p16, p21 and p53, and replicative stress were reduced in the infant ADSCs. The adipogenic genes (PPARγ and LPL) and neurogenic genes (MAP2 and NEFH) of the infant ADSC differentiated cells were significantly higher than those of the adults’ while the expression of the osteogenic genes (OCN and RUNX) and tenogenic genes (TNC and COL3A1) of both demonstrated opposite results. The chondrogenic markers (SOX9, COL2 and COL10) were enhanced in the infant ADSC differentiated chondrogenic pellets, and the expression levels of SODs were decreased during the differentiation process.
CONCLUSION
Cultured infant ADSCs demonstrate less cellular senescence and replicative stress, higher proliferation rates, better antioxidant defense activity, and higher potential of chondrogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic differentiation.
5.Danshensu Interventions Mediate Rapid Antidepressant Effects by Activating the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Release
Han-Wen CHUANG ; Chih-Chia HUANG ; Kuang-Ti CHEN ; Yen-Yu KUO ; Jou-Hua REN ; Tse-Yen WANG ; Mang-Hung TSAI ; Po-Ting CHEN ; I-Hua WEI
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1286-1298
Objective:
Danshensu, a phenylpropanoid compound, is derived from the dry root and rhizome of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Evidence suggests that danshensu protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway or by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, danshensu promotes the postischemic regeneration of brain cells by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the peri-infarct region. However, basic and clinical studies are needed to investigate the antidepressant effects danshensu and determine whether brain mTOR signaling and BDNF activation mediate these effects. The aforementioned need prompted us to conduct the present study.
Methods:
Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu and the mechanisms that mediate these effects. To elucidate the mechanisms, we analyzed the roles of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and BDNF activation in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu.
Results:
Danshensu exerted its antidepressant-like effects by activating the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and promoting BDNF release. Treatment with danshensu increased the level of glutamate receptor 1 phosphorylation at the protein kinase A site.
Conclusion
Our study may be the first to demonstrate that the antidepressant effects of danshensu are dependent on the activation of the AMPAR–mTOR signaling pathway, are correlated with the elevation of BDNF level, and facilitate the insertion of AMPAR into the postsynaptic membrane. This study also pioneers in unveiling the potential of danshensu against depressive disorders.
6.Therapeutic Effects of Theta Burst Stimulation on Cognition Following Brain Injury
Wan-Ting CHEN ; Yi-Wei YEH ; Shin-Chang KUO ; Yi-Chih SHIAO ; Chih-Chung HUANG ; Yi-Guang WANG ; Chun-Yen CHEN
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):161-165
This case report explores the therapeutic potential of theta burst stimulation (TBS) for cognitive enhancement in individuals with brain injuries. The study presents a 38-year-old male suffering from an organic mental disorder attributed to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), who demonstrated notable cognitive improvements following an intensive TBS protocol targeting the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. The treatment led to significant enhancements in impulse control, irritability, and verbal comprehension without adverse effects. Neuropsychological assessments and brain imaging post-intervention revealed improvements in short-term memory, abstract reasoning, list-generating fluency, and increased cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that TBS, by promoting neural plasticity and reconfiguring neural networks, offers a promising avenue for cognitive rehabilitation in TBI patients. Further research is warranted to optimize TBS protocols and understand the mechanisms underlying its cognitive benefits.
7.In-room cytologic evaluation by trained endosonographer for determination of procedure end in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy of solid pancreatic lesions: a prospective study in Taiwan
Weng-Fai WONG ; Yu-Ting KUO ; Wern-Cherng CHENG ; Chia-Tung SHUN ; Ming-Lun HAN ; Chieh-Chang CHEN ; Hsiu-Po WANG
Clinical Endoscopy 2025;58(3):465-473
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) is an essential tool for tissue acquisition in solid pancreatic tumors. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) by cytologists ensures diagnostic accuracy. However, the universal application of the ROSE is limited by its availability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of determining the end of the procedure based on the results of in-room cytological evaluation by trained endosonographers (IRCETE).
Methods:
A training course focusing on the cytological interpretation of common pancreatic tumors was provided to the three endosonographers. After training, the decision to terminate EUS-FNB was made based on IRCETE results. The diagnostic accuracy, concordance rate of diagnostic categories, and sample adequacy were compared with those determined by board-certified cytologists and macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE).
Results:
We enrolled 65 patients with solid pancreatic tumors, most of whom were malignant (86.2%). The diagnostic accuracy was 90.8% when the end of the procedure was determined based on IRCETE, compared to 87.7% and 98.5% when determined by MOSE and cytologists, respectively (p=0.060). Based on the cytologists’ results, the accuracy of IRCETE in diagnostic category interpretation was 97.3%.
Conclusions
In the absence of ROSE, IRCETE can serve as a supplementary alternative to MOSE in determining the end of tissue sampling with a high accuracy rate.
8.Danshensu Interventions Mediate Rapid Antidepressant Effects by Activating the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Release
Han-Wen CHUANG ; Chih-Chia HUANG ; Kuang-Ti CHEN ; Yen-Yu KUO ; Jou-Hua REN ; Tse-Yen WANG ; Mang-Hung TSAI ; Po-Ting CHEN ; I-Hua WEI
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1286-1298
Objective:
Danshensu, a phenylpropanoid compound, is derived from the dry root and rhizome of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Evidence suggests that danshensu protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway or by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, danshensu promotes the postischemic regeneration of brain cells by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the peri-infarct region. However, basic and clinical studies are needed to investigate the antidepressant effects danshensu and determine whether brain mTOR signaling and BDNF activation mediate these effects. The aforementioned need prompted us to conduct the present study.
Methods:
Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu and the mechanisms that mediate these effects. To elucidate the mechanisms, we analyzed the roles of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and BDNF activation in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu.
Results:
Danshensu exerted its antidepressant-like effects by activating the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and promoting BDNF release. Treatment with danshensu increased the level of glutamate receptor 1 phosphorylation at the protein kinase A site.
Conclusion
Our study may be the first to demonstrate that the antidepressant effects of danshensu are dependent on the activation of the AMPAR–mTOR signaling pathway, are correlated with the elevation of BDNF level, and facilitate the insertion of AMPAR into the postsynaptic membrane. This study also pioneers in unveiling the potential of danshensu against depressive disorders.
9.Danshensu Interventions Mediate Rapid Antidepressant Effects by Activating the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Release
Han-Wen CHUANG ; Chih-Chia HUANG ; Kuang-Ti CHEN ; Yen-Yu KUO ; Jou-Hua REN ; Tse-Yen WANG ; Mang-Hung TSAI ; Po-Ting CHEN ; I-Hua WEI
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1286-1298
Objective:
Danshensu, a phenylpropanoid compound, is derived from the dry root and rhizome of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Evidence suggests that danshensu protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway or by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, danshensu promotes the postischemic regeneration of brain cells by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the peri-infarct region. However, basic and clinical studies are needed to investigate the antidepressant effects danshensu and determine whether brain mTOR signaling and BDNF activation mediate these effects. The aforementioned need prompted us to conduct the present study.
Methods:
Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu and the mechanisms that mediate these effects. To elucidate the mechanisms, we analyzed the roles of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and BDNF activation in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu.
Results:
Danshensu exerted its antidepressant-like effects by activating the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and promoting BDNF release. Treatment with danshensu increased the level of glutamate receptor 1 phosphorylation at the protein kinase A site.
Conclusion
Our study may be the first to demonstrate that the antidepressant effects of danshensu are dependent on the activation of the AMPAR–mTOR signaling pathway, are correlated with the elevation of BDNF level, and facilitate the insertion of AMPAR into the postsynaptic membrane. This study also pioneers in unveiling the potential of danshensu against depressive disorders.
10.Therapeutic Effects of Theta Burst Stimulation on Cognition Following Brain Injury
Wan-Ting CHEN ; Yi-Wei YEH ; Shin-Chang KUO ; Yi-Chih SHIAO ; Chih-Chung HUANG ; Yi-Guang WANG ; Chun-Yen CHEN
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):161-165
This case report explores the therapeutic potential of theta burst stimulation (TBS) for cognitive enhancement in individuals with brain injuries. The study presents a 38-year-old male suffering from an organic mental disorder attributed to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), who demonstrated notable cognitive improvements following an intensive TBS protocol targeting the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. The treatment led to significant enhancements in impulse control, irritability, and verbal comprehension without adverse effects. Neuropsychological assessments and brain imaging post-intervention revealed improvements in short-term memory, abstract reasoning, list-generating fluency, and increased cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that TBS, by promoting neural plasticity and reconfiguring neural networks, offers a promising avenue for cognitive rehabilitation in TBI patients. Further research is warranted to optimize TBS protocols and understand the mechanisms underlying its cognitive benefits.