Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood-brain barrier recovery curve assessment method which uses a focused ultrasound dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI technique, in order to obtain a permeability constant of drug. Furthermore, the present invention, using a double exponential distribution function mathematical model, can estimate the actual physiological recovery curve of the blood-brain barrier. Meanwhile, the present invention also provides a monitoring system for the blood-brain barrier permeability.

Abstract: A diaper having wetness detectors, a system thereof and a wetness detecting method are adapted to detect the excreting status of an animal. The diaper includes a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts which are constituted by conductive material. The first set of contacts and the second set of contacts are respectively disposed on proximal and distal area of the diaper corresponding to the excretory organ of the animal. A detecting circuit detects the electrical property of the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts and then determines the excretion status of the animal to be a reference for a caregiver.

Abstract: A method for identifying from an HLA library an HLA complex that specifically binds to a compound. This method can be relied on to assess whether a compound is likely to induce an adverse drug reaction and, if so, in which human population.

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: The present invention provides a prism. The prism includes a lower surface, an upper surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface and the second side surface are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side surface and the second side surface of the prism are one-dimensional parabolic surfaces. The lower surface is used to receive light. The first side surface is used to reflect the light from the lower surface to the upper surface. The second side surface is used to reflect the light from the upper surface to the lower surface for further analysis in the process unit afterwards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for expanding mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in low-density and hypoxic condition as compared to normal air conditions traditionally used in cell culture. The present method provides rapid and efficient expansion of human MSCs without losing cellular proliferation and stem cell properties, including increase in proliferation, decrease in senescence, and increase in differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. The expanded MSCs by the present method may maintain normal karyotyping, and will not form tumor when transplanted into mammal.

Abstract: A method for treating a disease or disorder associated with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) disturbance, comprising administering to a human in need thereof an effective amount of a black soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) product is provided, wherein the black soybean product is the seed coats of black soybean or an alcoholic extract of black soybean or seed coats thereof.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for regulations of Guanosine- (G-) and/or Guanosine-cytosine-rich (GC-rich) nucleic acid expressions are provided. The methods include a step of interacting the G- and/or GC-rich region of the nucleic acid with thalidomide, and the pharmaceutical compositions include the thalidomide and a pharmaceutical carrier.

Abstract: A composition for inducing erythropoietin (EPO)-mediated haemoglobin (Hb) expression in a nonhaematopoietic cell of a subject is provided. The composition includes a compound represented by formula (I), wherein R is a glycosyl group; and a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe structure dedicated for guiding the puncture needle. It has a passage in the center of the structure and the diameter of the passage is equal to the outer diameter of puncture needle. The bony and non-bony tissues can be distinguished according to the strength of the echoes so that the puncture needle can be guided to avoid hitting the bony tissue before or during insertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system comprising an illumination unit and a detection unit. The illumination unit comprises two laser beams of two different wavelengths. One beam is used to excite targeted molecules in a sample to their excited states. The other beam is used to induce the excited molecules in the sample to generate a stimulated emission signal. The stimulated emission signal can be used for long-distance detection due to its coherent property. Its extraction from the detection unit can be realized by demodulating the second beam's intensity change.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system in which a first mirror of the control unit is used to receive light beam and redirect it into a first one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror. The first one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror then directs the light beam to a cylindrical lens. Through the mechanism of reflection, the cylindrical lens further directs the light beam to a second one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror. The second one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror then directs the light beam into a second mirror. The detection unit of the system is used to detect the light beam coming from the control unit, so as to convert the light signals into electric signals for the analysis in the process unit afterwards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data buffer apparatus with wireless transmission function, including a transmission interface module, a memory module, a wireless transmission module and a microprocessor module. The transmission interface module is coupled to a monitoring unit and continuously receives at least one transmission signal data to be stored in the memory module. When the memory module has the transmission signal data, the microprocessor module controls the wireless transmission module to attempts to establish a wireless connection. If the wireless connection is successfully established, the transmission signal data will be sent. If the wireless connection can not be established, it will attempt to establish the wireless connection again after a period of time.

Abstract: A radiolabeled nucleoside analogue is provided, which includes radioactive iodine 123I/131I, and a nucleoside analogue selected from a group consisting of cytidine, thymidine, uridine, and a derivative thereof. A method for preparing the radiolabeled nucleoside analogue, and a use thereof are further provided. The nucleoside analogue, prepared through the preparation method with a short synthesis time and a high radiochemical yield, has a long in vivo physiological half life and a high stability in serum, and, as a radiopharmaceutical composition, is useful in development of tumor proliferation diagnosis or therapy prognosis evaluation, and further assists in observation of long-time in vivo metabolism of a drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nano-/micro-bubble drug vehicle with functions of carrying hydrophobic drugs, ultrasound-triggered release and magnetic resonance or optical imaging, made of amphiphilic chitosan polymer material, and lipophlic superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) or luminous nanoparticles. By using magnetic resonance or optical imaging to track the location of the drug vehicle, a user can trigger the release of drug by ultrasonication when the drug vehicle arrives at target site and accumulates to a desirable concentration. The nano-/micro-bubble drug delivery system provides improved accuracy of drug releasing, including position and timing, and thus reduces side effects of the drug. In addition, the synergistic effect of the amphiphilic chitosan molecules and sonication may improve the transmembrane delivery of hydrophobic agent into target cell, and enhance the cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs.

Abstract: A balanced-detection spectra domain optical coherence tomography system is disclosed. A light beam L emitting from the light source module is passed through the second beam splitter, the first beam splitter in series, and then split to the mirror and the sample respectively, and further simultaneously reflected to the first beam splitter, a light beam L1 and a light beam L2 are refracted by the first beam splitter and the second beam splitter respectively, and then transmitted to the first collimator and the second collimator respectively, and a phase difference between the light beam L1 and the light beam L2 is 180°. Thereby, simple and efficient background noise suppression, including DC noise and the light interferences at each interface of the sample, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies against PrPSc protein. The anti-PrPSc mAbs produced of this invention can specifically detect PrPSc protein from normal mouse brain homogenates without pre-treatment with protease K, which may be used in developing a diagnostic method and kit for prion disease with high specificity and sensitivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel class of macrocyclic compounds and their metal complexes formed with transition metal ion, lanthanide metal ions and other metal ions (e.g., Al, Ga, Y, In, Sn, Tl, Pb and Bi) and their applications in the fields of contrast agents, artificial nucleases, fluorescence probes, nuclear medicines and other biomedical applications in the therapeutics or diagnostics.

Abstract: A method for inducing autophagy in a subject having an autophagy defect is provided. The method of the present invention includes the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Ganoderma lucidum extract, wherein the autophagy enhances clearance of protein aggregates in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a use of Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) in treating or preventing fatty liver related disease, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The use of GNMT for treating or preventing fatty liver diseases is achieved by enhancing GNMT-NPC2 interaction, and thus decreasing or preventing the accumulation of lipid and cholesterol in hepatic cells or tissues.