Abstract: Compounds and methods for enhancing erythropoiesis. The compound contains a chemical structure of the formula (I) indicated below, in which R is a glucosyl group. In addition to having an erythropoiesis effect, the compound of the formula (I) is effective in enhancing erythropoietin formation, and increasing kidney function and expression of hepatocyte growth factor. The method includes the step of administering an effective amount of the compound of the formula (I) to a subject in need thereof and thereby results in an enhancement of erythropoiesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a cancer with the combination of a topoisomerase II inhibitor (TOP2 inhibitor) and a histone deacetylation inhibitor (HDACi), provides synergistic cancer cell-killing effects, and prolonged overall survival, especially when the expression of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK-1) is low.

Abstract: A fluorescent fusion protein is provided. The fluorescent fusion protein of the invention comprises a first fluorescent protein with first emission wavelength, a second fluorescent protein with second excitation wavelength and second emission wavelength, and a linker peptide linking the first fusion protein and the second fusion protein, wherein the first emission wavelength overlaps the second excitation wavelength so that the second fluorescent protein exhibits the second emission wavelength after receiving energy. The fluorescent fusion protein of the invention exhibits a stronger fluorescence in the absence of bilivirdin (BV).

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods of selectively reducing the deleterious activity of mutant extended trinucleotide repeat containing genes in a cell, as well as compositions used in such methods. The deleterious activity (e.g., toxicity and/or dis-functionality of products encoded thereby) of a mutant extended trinucleotide repeat containing gene may be selectively reduced in a variety of different ways, e.g., by selectively decreasing SPT4 mediated transcriptional activity, by enhancing functionality of proteins encoded thereby, etc. Aspects of the invention further include assays for identifying agents that find use in methods of the invention, e.g. as summarized above. Methods and compositions of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including the prevention or treatment of disease conditions associated with the presence of genes containing mutant extended trinucleotide repeats, such as Huntington's Disease (HD).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction method using two-dimensional images at different angles as well as a two-dimensional virtual matrix on a basis of spherical space, to process projection, comparison, and correction. Thus, it can obtain the tomography within predetermined difference value to reduce computational and storage space. Matching the parameters of energy source and image capturing can further shorten energy radiation on an object's (i.e. a human body) exposure time, in order to reduce radiation effects of energy sources (i.e. as X-rays) of the object (i.e. as a human body).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a radiolabeled active targeting pharmaceutical composition, including: a bioconjugate and a radionuclide, wherein the bioconjugate includes a biomolecule and a metal nanoparticle, wherein the biomolecule has an affinity for receptors on the surface of a cell membrane and is selected from the group consisting of a peptide and a protein. The present invention further provides a method for evaluating a thermal adjuvant therapy for tumors and a kit thereof. The above-mentioned pharmaceutical composition is applied to evaluate a tumor accumulation time, so as to establish the optimal policy for a radiofrequency- or laser-induced thermal adjuvant therapy for tumors.

Abstract: The present invention describes an efficient and rapid protocol to generate hepatocyte cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). According to the method, the iPS cells can be differentiated into functional hepatocyte cells in a short time course (less than 15-20 days). The iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells of the invention have a similar gene expression profile to mature hepatocytes. Moreover, the iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells is proved to rescue lethal fulminant hepatic failure in a non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mouse model. The rapid and efficient differentiation protocol for generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells may offer an alternative option for treatment of liver diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for modulating the expression of a first gene in a cell wherein the first gene is one containing more than 36 CAG trinucleotide repeats and encoding a protein that form polyglutamine-mediated protein aggregation. Suppression of the first gene is achieved by reducing the expression of SPT4 gene or SUPT4H gene. It can also be achieved by inhibiting the formation of a Spt4/Spt5 complex or a Supt4h/Supt5h complex. Also provided is a method for identifying an agent useful for modulating the expression and aggregation of CAG-expanded gene product, or treating a polyglutamine disease such as Huntington's disease.

Abstract: A method and device for estimating central aortic pulse pressure by cuff pressure pulse wave oscillation signals. The method comprises (I) providing an equation for estimating central aortic pulse pressure; (II) measuring pressure pulse wave oscillation signals in a cuff, which comprise a brachial systolic blood pressure, a diastolic blood pressure and a waveform of the pressure pulse wave oscillation signals in the cuff; (III) averaging the waveform of the pressure pulse wave oscillation signals and calibrating the averaged waveform; (IV) analyzing the calibrated pressure pulse wave oscillation signal waveform to obtain a plurality of predicting variables; and (V) obtaining an estimate of the central aortic pulse pressure by values of predicting variables in step (IV) and the equation in step (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new approach for treating a cancer or fibrosis, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver fibrosis using an extract from a plant of Graptopetalum sp., Rhodiola sp., or Echeveria sp., and prepared by extracting the plant with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), its fraction or the compound isolated from the extract.

Abstract: The present invention is related to anti-NPC2 monoclonal antibodies, which against NPC2 or glycosylated-NPC2; and is related to a method of detecting fatty liver tissues, cancer cells or cancer tissues by evaluating the expression level of NPC2 or glycosylated-NPC2 in the cells or tissues.

Abstract: An ultrasonic positioning method for real time measuring the distance between the epidural needle and the epidural space is provided. The ultrasonic positioning method at least includes a puncturing step; an advancing step; a positioning step for simultaneous detecting reflected ultrasonic signals from the ligamentum flavum (LF) and dura mater (DM); a replacement step for removing the ultrasound needle transducer and putting an injecting catheter; and an injection step for injecting an anesthetic into the epidural space via the injecting catheter.

Abstract: A lateral light-emitting device for connecting a medullary guide wire is disclosed. The device comprises a closed main body, a front-end protecting unit for protecting the front end of the main body, and a connecting unit disposed at the distal end of the main body. The inside of the main body is further arranged with a lighting unit, a power supply unit, a light-scattering unit, a light intensity modulating unit, if necessary, and at least one transparent window. The device is able to fit to different types of medullary guide wires. The power supply unit provides power to the lighting unit to produce light emitted to the light-scattering unit and being diverted laterally through the transparent window of the main body after suitably modulating the light intensity. Thereby, the device is illuminated from within the bone cavity to allow observing the operating screw hole location from outside of the body and to enable precisely nailing while proceeding with the intra-medullary nailing procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or treating a functional gastrointestinal disorder in a subject in need thereof that includes a step of administering a composition, wherein the composition includes an effective amount of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PS128 and a carrier. The present invention further provides a method for preventing or treating visceral hypersensitivity in a subject in need thereof that includes a step of administering a composition, wherein the composition includes an effective amount of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PS128 and a carrier. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome or constipation in a subject in need thereof that includes a step of administering a composition, wherein the composition includes an effective amount of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PS128 and a carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for selecting a pool of molecules comprising detecting if the pool of molecules has binding specificity to an agent. A method for selecting a pool of biological markers in or on a cell, a composition comprising a pool of molecules, a method for delivering a therapeutic agent, and a method for diagnosing a condition in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for quantitative characterizing atrial fibrillation (AF) in a patient includes recording unipolar atrial fibrillation signals from multiple sites in a patient's atria, calculating bipolar electrograms using unipolar AF signals recorded at adjacent sites by a computer system, applying Empirical Mode Decomposition to remove a background from the bipolar electrogram signal to obtain a filtered bipolar electrogram signal, applying Hilbert transform to an envelope function of the filtered bipolar electrogram signal to obtain a time series of instantaneous phases of the filtered bipolar electrogram signal, and identifying a rotor region in patient's atria using the instantaneous phases in the filtered bipolar electrogram signal.

Abstract: A series of mono- and di-substituted quinazoline and pyrimidine derivatives based on the skeleton of erlotinib (an EGFR inhibitor) were synthesized and their bioactivities against hepatocellular carcinoma and human lung adenocarcinoma were evaluated.

Abstract: An oligomer-contained nanoparticle complex is provided. The oligomer-contained nanoparticle complex of the invention comprises (a) a nanoparticle, (b) a polymer with high molecule weigh, (c) a target molecule, (d) an oligomer, wherein the oligomer is crosslinked with the polymer by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds or electron bonds, and e) a space for active substances, wherein the space for active substances is encapsulated by the nanoparticle. The oligomer-contained nanoparticle complex of the invention has the high stability and fast drug release rate, and would not be largely accumulated in normal tissues. The invention also provides a method for preparing the oligomer-contained nanoparticle complex and the method for releasing drug.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a test paper is disclosed in the present invention, and at least comprises the following steps. First, a chemical precursor comprising at least a reducing agent is coated onto a substrate. The substrate is then dipped into a metal salt solution comprising a plurality of metal ions for a predetermined time to reduce the metal ions to form metal particles on the substrate. Finally, the substrate is taken out and dried to complete a manufacture of at least a test paper. In the meantime a method for using the test paper, and a chemical composition used in the abovementioned for manufacturing the test paper are also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for enhancing erythropoiesis. The compound contains a chemical structure of the formula (I) indicated below, in which R is a glucosyl group. In addition to having an erythropoiesis effect, the compound of the formula (I) is effective in enhancing erythropoietin formation, and increasing kidney function and expression of hepatocyte growth factor. The method includes the step of administering an effective amount of the compound of the formula (I) to a subject in need thereof and thereby results in an enhancement of erythropoiesis.