A Study on Factors Affecting the Abstention of Drug Abuse in Private Rehabilitation Institutes in Taiwan — Operation Dawn Taiwan as an Example

The purpose of this study is to understand problems of the abstention of drug abuse in Taiwan. Comparing the model of Operation Dawn Taiwan with that of the government’s official rehabilitation institutes, this paper aims to identify advantages and disadvantages of the model in private institutes. The opinions of all inmates and tutors in Operation Dawn Taiwan, the biggest private rehabilitation institute in Taiwan, were collected via questionnaires. This study’s findings show that factors of relapse for a drug abuser after leaving rehabilitation institutes include: 1) the enticement from drug fellows; 2) incapability to resist the allure of drugs; 3) unemployment or hindrances to job-finding; 4) psychological depression; and 5) his/her desire for drugs. Inmates and tutors hold the same opinion on all models of the abstention of drug abuse. Specific suggestions of the abstention of drug abuse in Taiwan will also be discussed in this paper. Finally, inmates consider that career planning has significant positive correlations with abstention

Substrate Specificity and Plasticity of FERM-Containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases

SummaryEpidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway substrate 15 (Eps15) is a newly identified substrate for protein tyrosine phosphatase N3 (PTPN3), which belongs to the FERM-containing PTP subfamily comprising five members including PTPN3, N4, N13, N14, and N21. We solved the crystal structures of the PTPN3-Eps15 phosphopeptide complex and found that His812 of PTPN3 and Pro850 of Eps15 are responsible for the specific interaction between them. We defined the critical role of the additional residue Tyr676 of PTPN3, which is replaced by Ile939 in PTPN14, in recognition of tyrosine phosphorylated Eps15. The WPD loop necessary for catalysis is present in all members but not PTPN21. We identified that Glu instead of Asp in the WPE loop contributes to the catalytic incapability of PTPN21 due to an extended distance beyond protonation targeting a phosphotyrosine substrate. Together with in vivo validations, our results provide novel insights into the substrate specificity and plasticity of FERM-containing PTPs

REG3A overexpression functions as a negative predictive and prognostic biomarker in rectal cancer patients receiving CCRT

Background. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is suggested before resection surgery in the control of rectal cancer. Unfortunately, treatment outcomes are widely variable and highly patientspecific. Notably, rectal cancer patients with distant metastasis generally have a much lower survival rate. Accordingly, a better understanding of the genetic background of patient cohorts can aid in predicting CCRT efficacy and clinical outcomes for rectal cancer before distant metastasis. Methods. A published transcriptome dataset (GSE35452) (n=46) was utilized to distinguish prospective genes concerning the response to CCRT. We recruited 172 rectal cancer patients, and the samples were collected during surgical resection after CCRT. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to evaluate the expression level of regenerating family member 3 alpha (REG3A). Pearson's chi-squared test appraised the relevance of REG3A protein expression to clinicopathological parameters. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to generate survival curves, and the log-rank test was performed to compare the survival distributions between two given groups. Results. Employing a transcriptome dataset (GSE35452) and focusing on the inflammatory response (GO: 0006954), we recognized that REG3A is the most significantly upregulated gene among CCRT nonresponders (log2 ratio=1.2472, p=0.0079). Following IHC validation, high immunoexpression of REG3A was considerably linked to advanced post-CCRT tumor status (p<0.001), post-CCRT lymph node metastasis (p=0.042), vascular invasion (p=0.028), and low-grade tumor regression (p=0.009). In the multivariate analysis, high immunoexpression of REG3A was independently correlated with poor disease-specific survival (DSS) (p=0.004) and metastasis-free survival (MeFS) (p=0.045). The results of the bioinformatic analysis also supported the idea that REG3A overexpression is implicated in rectal carcinogenesis. Conclusion. In the current study, we demonstrated that REG3A overexpression is correlated with poor CCRT effectiveness and inferior patient survival in rectal cancer. The predictive and prognostic utility of REG3A expression may direct patient stratification and decisionmaking more accurately for those patients

Gamma Ray and Radon Anomalies in Northern Taiwan as a Possible Preearthquake Indicator around the Plate Boundary

Taiwan is tectonically situated in an oblique collision zone between the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) and the Eurasian Plate (EP). Continuous observations of gamma rays at the Yangmingshan (YMSG) station and soil radon at the Tapingti (TPT) station were recorded in the volcanic area and around a major fault zone, respectively, in Taiwan for seismic studies. A number of anomalous high gamma ray counts and radon concentrations at certain times were found. It is noted that significant increases of soil radon concentrations were observed and followed by the increase in gamma rays a few days to a few weeks before earthquakes that occurred in northeastern Taiwan. Earthquakes such as these are usually related to the subduction of the PSP beneath the EP to the north along the subduction zone in northern Taiwan (e.g., ML = 6 4, April 20, 2015). It is suggested that the preseismic activity may be associated with slow geodynamic processes at the subduction interface, leading to the PSP movement triggering radon enhancements at the TPT station. Furthermore, the further movement of the PSP might be blocked by the EP, with the accumulated elastic stress resulting in the increase of gamma rays due to the increase in porosity and fractures below the YMSG station. The continuous monitoring of the multiple parameters can improve the understanding of the relationship between the observed radon and gamma ray variations and the regional crustal stress/strain in north and northeastern Taiwan

Adjuvant chemotherapy and survival outcomes in rectal cancer patients with good response (ypT0-2N0) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery: A retrospective nationwide analysis

BackgroundFor rectal cancer, it remains unclear how to incorporate tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) when deciding whether to give adjuvant chemotherapy. In this study, we aim to determinate the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer patients with good response (ypT0-2N0) after nCRT and surgery.MethodsThe study cohort included 720 rectal cancer patients who had good response (ypT0-2N0) after nCRT and surgery, who did or did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy between January 2007 and December 2017, from the Taiwan Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance Research database. The Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank tests, and Cox regression analysis were performed to investigate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).ResultsOf 720 patients, 368 (51.1%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and 352 (48.9%) did not. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were more likely to be female, younger (≤ 65), with advanced clinical T (3-4)/N (1-2) classification and ypT2 classification. No significant difference in 5-year OS (p=0.681) or DFS (p=0.942) were observed by receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy or not. Multivariable analysis revealed adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with better OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.03; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.88-1.21) or DFS (aHR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.89-1.24). Stratified analysis for OS and DFS found no significant protective effect in the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, even for those with advanced clinical T or N classification.ConclusionAdjuvant chemotherapy may be omitted in rectal cancer patients with good response (ypT0-2N0) after nCRT and surgery

Preseismic anomalies in soil-gas radon associated with 2016 M 6.6 Meinong earthquake, Southern Taiwan

Taiwan is tectonically situated in a terrain resulting from the oblique collision between the Philippine Sea plate and the continental margin of the Asiatic plate, with a continuous stress causing the density of strong-moderate earthquakes and regional active faults. The continuous time series of soil radon for earthquake studies have been recorded and some significant variations associated with strong earthquakes have been observed. Earthquake prediction is not still operative but these correlations should be added to the literature about seismo-geochemical transients associated to strong earthquakes. Rain-pore pressure related variations, crustal weakness at the studied faults system is consistent with the simultaneous radon anomalies observed. During the observations, a significant increase of soil radon concentrations was observed at Chunglun-T1 (CL-T1), Hsinhua (HH), Pingtung (PT), and Chihshan (CS) stations approximately two weeks before the Meinong earthquake (ML = 6.6, 6 February 2016) in Southern Taiwan. The precursory changes in a multi-stations array may reflect the preparation stage of a large earthquake. Precursory signals are observed simultaneously and it can apply certain algorithms the approximate location and magnitude of the impending earthquake

miRTarBase update 2014: an information resource for experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules capable of negatively regulating gene expression to control many cellular mechanisms. The miRTarBase database (http://mirtarbase.mbc.nctu.edu.tw/) provides the most current and comprehensive information of experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions. The database was launched in 2010 with data sources for >100 published studies in the identification of miRNA targets, molecular networks of miRNA targets and systems biology, and the current release (2013, version 4) includes significant expansions and enhancements over the initial release (2010, version 1). This article reports the current status of and recent improvements to the database, including (i) a 14-fold increase to miRNA-target interaction entries, (ii) a miRNA-target network, (iii) expression profile of miRNA and its target gene, (iv) miRNA target-associated diseases and (v) additional utilities including an upgrade reminder and an error reporting/user feedback system

Longitudinal Evaluation of an N-Ethyl-N-Nitrosourea-Created Murine Model with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurodegenerative disorder that usually occurs late in adult life. Clinically, the cardinal features include gait disturbances, urinary incontinence, and cognitive decline.Herein we report the characterization of a novel mouse model of NPH (designated p23-ST1), created by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutagenesis. The ventricular size in the brain was measured by 3-dimensional micro-magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRI) and was found to be enlarged. Intracranial pressure was measured and was found to fall within a normal range. A histological assessment and tracer flow study revealed that the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pathway of p23-ST1 mice was normal without obstruction. Motor functions were assessed using a rotarod apparatus and a CatWalk gait automatic analyzer. Mutant mice showed poor rotarod performance and gait disturbances. Cognitive function was evaluated using auditory fear-conditioned responses with the mutant displaying both short- and long-term memory deficits. With an increase in urination frequency and volume, the mutant showed features of incontinence. Nissl substance staining and cell-type-specific markers were used to examine the brain pathology. These studies revealed concurrent glial activation and neuronal loss in the periventricular regions of mutant animals. In particular, chronically activated microglia were found in septal areas at a relatively young age, implying that microglial activation might contribute to the pathogenesis of NPH. These defects were transmitted in an autosomal dominant mode with reduced penetrance. Using a whole-genome scan employing 287 single-nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers and further refinement using six additional SNP markers and four microsatellite markers, the causative mutation was mapped to a 5.3-cM region on chromosome 4.Our results collectively demonstrate that the p23-ST1 mouse is a novel mouse model of human NPH. Clinical observations suggest that dysfunctions and alterations in the brains of patients with NPH might occur much earlier than the appearance of clinical signs. p23-ST1 mice provide a unique opportunity to characterize molecular changes and the pathogenic mechanism of NPH

Uni Coffee; The Associated Visual Design And Application To Brand Establishment

[[abstract]]This research conducts an appropriate use of visual design applicable in the coffee industry through the means of exploring the specialized beverage market. This is done so through the collection and analysis of contemporary market trends and a direct comparison with strong competitors within the market. Though the analysis of competitors illy, Lavazza and Starbucks, it is notable that all listed subjects of research embraces the marketing method known as “refined coffee marketing”, which enhanced their appeals to customers. Moreover, the companies also prioritize image identity, packaging and interior designs, and at the same time, a strong correlation of recognition between each individual company. Through the analysis of competitors, this case study scenario selects the color of “mango” as the visual segmentation with other competing bodies, because warm colors not only convey vibrant color images, but also portray the cultural characteristics of Taiwan. In the contemporary consumer patterns, aesthetic products grasp the attentions of consumers at the first glance, this reason is easily justifiable to be one of the strongest contributors of the purchase trend. In the coffee industry, it is worth taking note that the consumer group whom wishes to enhance their lifestyle through the means of luxuriating their daily consumption, generally have a higher purchasing power. However, it is rare that a Taiwanese coffee brand in the contemporary market to optimize a prime focus of delivering “fresh refined coffee beans” in designer packaging. If the consumer group could be exploited and expectations fulfilled, it will not only make the product more attractive, but at the same time create business opportunities.

Testing the “Epidemiologic Paradox” of Birth Outcomes Among Asian Immigrant Women in Hsin-Chu County, Taiwan

Taiwan saw an increase in immigration during the last decade. This retrospective study investigated whether immigrant status confers a protective effect on birth outcomes and whether this effect varies across racial/ethnic subgroups in Hsin-Chu County, Taiwan. Methods: A total of 30,770 singleton birth certificates from January 1, 2002 to July 31, 2007 were analyzed using ANOVA and logistic regression. Outcomes included low birth weight (LBW, 4000 g), preterm birth (< 37 weeks) and stillbirth. Covariates included maternal age, year of delivery, mode of delivery, medical care institution, infant sex and congenital birth defects. Five models were designed for various analyses. The reference categories included non-immigrant, non-aboriginal Taiwanese and non-Chinese-speaking immigrants. Results: Preterm rate ranged from 6.3% among mainland Chinese to 13.5% among aboriginal Taiwanese. LBW rate ranged from 4.3% among mainland Chinese to 17.3% among aboriginal Taiwanese. HBW rate ranged from 1.2% among aboriginal Taiwanese to 3.4% among mainland Chinese. Stillbirth rate ranged from 0.2% among Indonesians to 0.7% among aboriginal Taiwanese. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) was lower among mainland Chinese (preterm OR, 0.77; LBW OR, 0.62) but higher among aboriginal Taiwanese (preterm OR, 1.79; LBW OR, 2.68; stillbirth OR, 2.92). HBW rate was significantly higher (OR, 1.84) among mainland Chinese. Chinese-speaking immigrants showed significant differences in LBW (OR, 0.57) and HBW (OR, 1.62) compared with non-Chinese-speaking immigrants. Conclusion: An epidemiologic paradox and heterogeneity of birth outcomes were observed among immigrants in this study. However, aboriginal Taiwanese constituted the subgroup with the highest risk. Further research is needed to identify the determinants of birth outcomes