Modeling the pulse signal by wave-shape function and analyzing by synchrosqueezing transform

We apply the recently developed adaptive non-harmonic model based on the wave-shape function, as well as the time-frequency analysis tool called synchrosqueezing transform (SST) to model and analyze oscillatory physiological signals. To demonstrate how the model and algorithm work, we apply them to study the pulse wave signal. By extracting features called the spectral pulse signature, {and} based on functional regression, we characterize the hemodynamics from the radial pulse wave signals recorded by the sphygmomanometer. Analysis results suggest the potential of the proposed signal processing approach to extract health-related hemodynamics features

Neuron Regeneration and Proliferation Effects of Danshen and Tanshinone IIA

This study evaluates the proliferative effects of danshen and its monomer extract, tanshinone IIA, on Schwann cell proliferation. A piece of silicone rubber was guided across a 15-mm gap in the sciatic nerve of a rat. This nerve gap was then filled with different concentrations of danshen (0–100 mg/mL). The results showed that danshen increased the expressions of uPA, cyclin D1, E and ERK, JNK, and P38 MAP kinases via the FGF-2 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. RSC96, Schwann cells were also administered with danshen (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 μg/mL) and tanshinone IIA (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 μg/mL). In lower concentrations, danshen and tanshinone IIA exhibited an apparent effect on Schwann cells. Similar effects were also demonstrated in the FGF-2-uPA regulating cascade and cell cycle proliferative protein results. Schwann cell migration was elevated as well. We used MAPK-signaling chemical inhibitors and identified the proliferative effects of danshen and tanshinone IIA as MAPK-signaling dependent. The results from the in vitro systems indicate that danshen and tanshinone IIA can be used to induce Schwann cell proliferation, and in vivo results potentially suggest that danshen and tanshinone IIA might enhance neuron regeneration

Realizing Digital Signatures for Medical Imaging and Reporting in a PACS Environment

[[abstract]]According to Taiwan's legislation pertaining to the protection of electronic data, the creators of electronic medical records (EMR) are solely responsible for the security of EMR. However, actual implementations that fulfill the security standards and requirements for electronic medical record systems are still lacking. Most EMR created from picture archive and communication system are not considered secure, as security protection mechanisms have not yet been granted legal status. This paper describes the details of establishing a digital signature system using Taiwan health professional cards. A digital signature system has been included to ensure quality assurance (QA) operations are controlled by technicians, and reporting capabilities have been provided for radiologist. Six imaging modalities and eight types of radiology reports have also been included in the system. Results indicate that the process of creating QA signatures does not have an adverse effect on the workflow of the facility, requiring less time for the signing and verification of radiology reports. This system has already been used routinely online in a real clinical setting for more than 2 years

Data on the effect of Cytopiloyne against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice

Cytopiloyne (CP), a novel polyacetylene compound extracted from B. pilosa, shows a multi-bioactivity, including immunomodulatory and antidiabetes. Here, we investigated the anti-Listeria effect of cytopiloyne in mice by assessing mortality, clearance of L. monocytogenes, and pathology examination. The data presented herein are supplemental to our research article entitled “Cytopiloyne, a polyacetylenic glucoside from Bidens pilosa, acts as a novel anticandidial agent via regulation of macrophages” [1]

Cytopiloyne, a polyacetylenic glucoside from Bidens pilosa, acts as a novel anticandidal agent via regulation of macrophages

Bidens pilosa, a tropical and sub-tropical herbal plant, is used as an ethnomedicine for bacterial infection or immune modulation in Asia, America and Africa. It has been demonstrated that cytopiloyne (CP), a bioactive polyacetylenic glucoside purified from B. pilosa, increases the percentage of macrophages in the spleen but the specific effects on macrophages remain unclear

Survival and prognostic factors for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). METHODS:This retrospective study evaluated patients with advanced HCC who underwent SABR between December 2007 and July 2015. All patients had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C disease and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A-B function. In-field control (IFC), overall survival (OS), prognostic factors, and toxicity were evaluated. RESULTS:In this study of 89 patients, the 3-year IFC rate was 78.1%, and the 1-year and 3-year OS rates were 45.9% and 24.3%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that CTP class, the presence of main portal vein tumor thrombosis, and the presence of extrahepatic spread were independent predictors of OS. The expected median OS values among patients with ≥2, 1, and 0 predictors were 4.2, 8.6, and 26.4 months, respectively (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS:SABR may be useful for patients with advanced HCC, and patient selection could be based on the CTP classification, main portal vein tumor thrombosis, and extrahepatic spread

Exendin-4 improves resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection in diabetic db/db mice

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing among companion animals. This disease has similar characteristics in both humans and animals. Diabetes is frequently identified as an independent risk factor for infections associated with increased mortality. In the present study, homozygous diabetic (db/db) mice were infected with Listeria (L.) monocytogenes and then treated with the anti-diabetic drug exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue. In aged db/db mice, decreased CD11b+ macrophage populations with higher lipid content and lower phagocytic activity were observed. Exendin-4 lowered high lipid levels and enhanced phagocytosis in macrophages from db/db mice infected with L. monocytogenes. Exendin-4 also ameliorated obesity and hyperglycemia, and improved ex vivo bacteria clearance by macrophages in the animals. Liver histology examined during L. monocytogenes infection indicated that abscess formation was much milder in exendin-4-treated db/db mice than in the control animals. Moreover, mechanistic studies demonstrated that expression of ATP binding cassette transporter 1, a sterol transporter, was higher in macrophages isolated from the exendin-4-treated db/db mice. Overall, our results suggest that exendin-4 decreases the risk of infection in diabetic animals by modifying the interaction between intracellular lipids and phagocytic macrophages

A Novel 3D Culture Scaffold to Shorten Development Time for Multicellular Tumor Spheroids

Multicellular tumor spheroids and tumoroids are considered ideal in vitro models that reflect the features of the tumor microenvironment. Biomimetic components resembling the extracellular matrix form scaffolds to provide structure to 3-dimensional (3D) culture systems, supporting the growth of both spheroids and tumoroids. Although Matrigel has long been used to support 3D culture systems, batch variations, component complexity, and the use of components derived from tumors are complicating factors. To address these issues, we developed the ACD 3D culture system to provide better control and consistency. We evaluated spheroid and tumoroid formation using the ACD 3D culture system, including the assessment of cell viability and cancer marker expression. Under ACD 3D culture conditions, spheroids derived from cancer cell lines exhibited cancer stem cell characteristics, including a sphere-forming size and the expression of stem cell marker genes. The ACD 3D culture system was also able to support patient-derived primary cells and organoid cell cultures, displaying adequate cell growth, appropriate morphology, and resistance to oxaliplatin treatment. These spheroids could also be used for drug screening purposes. In conclusion, the ACD 3D culture system represents an efficient tool for basic cancer research and therapeutic development

Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship of Salvinal Derivatives as Potent Microtubule Inhibitors

Salvinal is a natural lignan isolated from the roots of Salvia mitorrhiza Bunge (Danshen). Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-proliferative activity in both drug-sensitive and -resistant cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 4–17 µM. In this study, a series of salvinal derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for the structure–activity relationship. Among the twenty-four salvinal derivatives, six compounds showed better anticancer activity than salvinal. Compound 25 displayed excellent anticancer activity, with IC50 values of 0.13–0.14 µM against KB, KB-Vin10 (overexpress MDR/Pgp), and KB-7D (overexpress MRP) human carcinoma cell lines. Based on our in vitro microtubule depolymerization assay, compound 25 showed depolymerization activity in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that compound 25 is a promising anticancer agent with depolymerization activity that has potential for the management of malignance

Survival Evidence of Local Control for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases by Hepatectomy and/or Radiofrequency Ablation

Hepatectomy and/or local ablation therapy have been recommended for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). However, they still lack strong evidence for their survival benefits, in addition to systemic therapy. This study aims to evaluate the survival evidence of hepatectomy and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in CRLM patients from a large multi-institutional database. A total of 20,251 patients with colorectal cancer, 4521 of whom were with CRLM, were screened for eligibility. Finally, 2612 patients (637 hepatectomy, 93 RFA, 92 combined hepatectomy and RFA, and 1790 non-aggressive treatment) were enrolled. Frequency matching analysis was used to adjust for baseline differences. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was as follows: hepatectomy alone was 47.8%, combined hepatectomy plus RFA was 35.9%, RFA alone was 29.2%, and the non-aggressive treatment group was 7.4%. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that hepatectomy, RFA, and combination were significantly associated with a better OS compared to those without aggressive local therapy (p p = 0.011), old age (≥60 years) (HR 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09–1.32; p 5 ng/mL) (HR 2.14; 95% CI, 1.89–2.42; p p p p p p p < 0.001). In conclusion, aggressive local treatment provides survival advantages over systemic therapy alone among CRLM patients