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The bacterial species, Helicobacter pylori, is associated with several gastrointestinal diseases, and poses serious health threats owing to its resistance to antibiotics. Lactobacillus spp., on the other hand, possess probiotic activities that have beneficial effects in humans. However, the mechanisms by which Lactobacillus spp. harbor favorable functions and act against H. pylori infection remain to be explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of bacterial strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, termed GMNL-74 and GMNL-185, respectively, to inhibit H. pylori growth and inflammation. Our results showed that GMNL-74 and GMNL-185 possess potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant (MDR)-H. pylori. In addition, an in vitro cell-based model revealed that the inhibition of H. pylori adhesion and invasion of gastric epithelial cells and interleukin-8 production were significantly decreased by treatment with both the Lactobacillus strains. In vivo studies demonstrated that colonization of H. pylori and induced inflammation in the mouse stomach were also alleviated by these Lactobacillus strains. Furthermore, the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia muciniphilia, were significantly increased in H. pylori-infected mice treated with GMNL-74 and GMNL-185. These results demonstrate that Lactobacillus spp. ameliorate H. pylori-induced inflammation and supports beneficial gut specific bacteria that act against H. pylori infection.

The bacterial species, Helicobacter pylori, is associated with several gastrointestinal diseases, and poses serious health threats owing to its resistance to antibiotics. Lactobacillus spp., on the other hand, possess probiotic activities that have beneficial effects in humans. However, the mechanisms by which Lactobacillus spp. harbor favorable functions and act against H. pylori infection remain to be explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of bacterial strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, termed GMNL-74 and GMNL-185, respectively, to inhibit H. pylori growth and inflammation. Our results showed that GMNL-74 and GMNL-185 possess potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant (MDR)-H. pylori. In addition, an in vitro cell-based model revealed that the inhibition of H. pylori adhesion and invasion of gastric epithelial cells and interleukin-8 production were significantly decreased by treatment with both the Lactobacillus strains. In vivo studies demonstrated that colonization of H. pylori and induced inflammation in the mouse stomach were also alleviated by these Lactobacillus strains. Furthermore, the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia muciniphilia, were significantly increased in H. pylori-infected mice treated with GMNL-74 and GMNL-185. These results demonstrate that Lactobacillus spp. ameliorate H. pylori-induced inflammation and supports beneficial gut specific bacteria that act against H. pylori infection.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent male cancers in western world. Radiation therapy (RT) is commonly used to treat PCa patients. However, a certain proportion of patients develop radioresistant PCa cells, which results in metastatic disease. Statins, which inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, are commonly used to treat hypercholesterolemia, exhibiting beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases and on several types of cancers, including PCa. However, the mechanistic details and crosstalk between statins and RT in PCa cells remain unknown. In this study, radioresistant DOC-2/DAB2 interactive protein (DAB2IP)-deficient PCa cells were used to evaluate whether simvastatin could enhance the effect of ionizing radiation (IR). The crucial molecules that associated with simvastatin elevated radiosensitivity in PCa cells were explored. Our results demonstrated that a combination treatment with simvastatin and IR synergistically induced apoptosis of radioresistant PCa cells. In addition, simvastatin appeared to compromise DNA double-strand breaks repair by activating the expressions of histone 2A family member X (γ-H2AX) and phospho-checkpoint kinase 1 (p-CHK1), suggesting an underlying mechanism for this radiosensitization of PCa cells. These findings reveal that simvastatin may be a potent therapeutic agent for co-treatment with radiation to overcome radioresistance in PCa cells.

Cholesterol-α-glucosyltransferase (CGT) encoded by the type 1 capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis protein J (capJ) gene of Helicobacter pylori converts cellular cholesterol into cholesteryl glucosides. H. pylori infection induces autophagy that may increase bacterial survival in epithelial cells. However, the role of H. pylori CGT that exploits lipid rafts in interfering with autophagy for bacterial survival in macrophages has not been investigated. Here, we show that wild-type H. pylori carrying CGT modulates cholesterol to trigger autophagy and restrain autophagosome fusion with lysosomes, permitting a significantly higher bacterial burden in macrophages than that in a capJ-knockout (∆CapJ) mutant. Knockdown of autophagy-related protein 12 impairs autophagosome maturation and decreases the survival of internalised H. pylori in macrophages. These results demonstrate that CGT plays a crucial role in the manipulation of the autophagy process to impair macrophage clearance of H. pylori.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the western world, and the mortality rate from PCa in Asia has been increasing recently. Statins are potent inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and are commonly used for treating hyperlipidemia, with beneficial effects for cardiovascular disease and they also exhibit anti-cancer activity. However, the protective effects of statins against PCa are controversial. In this study, we investigated the effect of two types of statins (simvastatin and lovastatin) and the mortality rate of PCa patients by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A total of 15,264 PCa patients with hyperlipidemia records and medical claims from the Registry of Catastrophic Illness were enrolled. The patients were divided into two cohorts based on their statin use before the diagnosis of PCa: statin users (n = 1,827) and non-statin users (n = 1,826). The results showed that patients who used statins exhibited a significantly reduced risk of mortality from PCa [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73–0.97]. Analysis of the cumulative defined daily dose (DDD) indicated that patients who were prescribed simvastatin ≥ 180 DDD had a dramatically decreased risk of death from PCa (adjusted HR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.51–0.77). This population-based cohort study demonstrated that statin use significantly decreased the mortality of PCa patients, and that this risk was inversely associated with the cumulative DDD of simvastatin therapy. The results of this study revealed that statins may be used for drug repositioning and in the development of a feasible approach to prevent death from PCa.

We have shown that gypenosides (Gyp) induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in many human cancer cell lines. However, there are no reports showing that show Gyp acts on human leukemia HL-60 cells in vitro and in a murine xenograft model in vivo. In the present study effects of Gyp on cell morphological changes and viability, cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in vitro and effects on Gyp in an in vivo murine xenograft model. Results indicated that Gyp induced morphological changes, decreased cell viability, induced G0/G1 arrest, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis (sub-G1 phase) in HL-60 cells. Gyp increased reactive oxygen species production and Ca(2+) levels but reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Gyp also changed one of the primary indicators of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress due to the promotion of ATF6-α and ATF4-α associated with Ca(2+) release. Gyp reduced the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax due to an increase in the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and inhibited levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Oral consumption of Gyp reduced tumor size of HL-60 cell xenograft mode mice in vivo. These results provide new information on understanding mechanisms by which Gyp induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

Purpose. Gypenosides (Gyp), found in Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino, have been used as folk medicine for centuries and have exhibited diverse pharmacological effects, including antileukemia effects in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, Gyp were used to examine effects on cell viability, cell cycle, and induction of apoptosis in vitro. They were administered in the diet to mice injected with WEHI-3 cells in vivo. Experimental design. Effects of Gyp on WEHI-3 cells were determined by flow cytometric assay and Western blotting. Results. Gyp inhibited the growth of WEHI-3 cells. These effects were associated with the induction of G0/G1 arrest, morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, and increased sub-G1 phase. Gyp promoted the production of reactive oxygen species, increased Ca2+ levels, and induced the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The effects of Gyp were dose and time dependent. Moreover, Gyp increased levels of the proapoptotic protein Bax, reduced levels of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2, and stimulated release of cytochrome c, AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor), and Endo G (endonuclease G) from mitochondria. The levels of GADD153, GRP78, ATF6-α, and ATF4-α were increased by Gyp, resulting in ER (endoplasmic reticular) stress in WEHI-3 cells. Oral consumption of Gyp increased the survival rate of mice injected with WEHI-3 cells used as a mouse model of leukemia. Conclusions. Results of these experiments provide new information on understanding mechanisms of Gyp-induced effects on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro and in an in vivo animal model.

PurposeThe purposes are as follows. First, this paper aims to explore the reliability and validity of the Chinese Entrepreneur Aptitude Scale (CEAS) and to establish a normative score among surveyed students. Second, this paper seeks to compare the scaling scores differences between the genders, departments, and classes in the sample. Finally, this paper aims to compare the student sample's CEAS results with models of Taiwanese entrepreneurial youth.Design/methodology/approachCompleted questionnaires from 1,053 students from the Transworld Institute of Technology in Taiwan and the CEAS, constructed by Chen and Wu, formed the basis of the empirical analysis.FindingsThis paper tests the performance of the CEAS for Taiwanese students at a technological institute that puts entrepreneurial education into practice. The results match those of Chen and Wu, which used qualitative methods to conduct a content analysis of the biographies of models of entrepreneurial youth in Taiwan. Both groups rank high in autonomy and self‐discipline, indicating that entrepreneurial models and potential entrepreneurs have a high sense of mission and responsibility to society. And, this paper finds significant differences between the two groups; the entrepreneurial models rate higher overall on CEAS constructs than the institute students. In particular, the sample students score low on social networking, indicating that the undergraduates lack social and networking experience.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper has been to test the applicability of the CEAS in Taiwanese Institute of Technology students, including comparisons between genders, grades, and colleges. The results offer insights for institutes and universities seeking to improve their entrepreneurial education offerings. Moreover, the results offer lessons for fostering entrepreneurial abilities and behavioral traits in undergraduates.

The purpose of this paper is to study the position and role in the technological network by the concepts of structural equivalence. By means of procedures drawing on the notion of structural equivalence from social network analysis, a set of roles and positions of technological network are delineated. 4 technological roles are categorized in terms of the technological classification of patent. 4 technological positions are clustered on the basis of patent citation modes. Patents sufficiently similar in their citation patterns will be grouped into a block and be treated as equivalent. We argue that the relationships between positions and roles in the technological network are mutual. In addition, the positions in the network form a core and periphery structure. Some technology implications are discussed in the conclusion.

Chronic adenoid infection by β-lactam-resistant Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and biofilm formation contribute to adenoid hyperplasia. Middle ear disease consequently remains a critical issue in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of Hib biofilm formation with middle ear effusion with adenoid hyperplasia (MEE-AH) and with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).A total of 384 patients with adenoidectomy from January 2008 to December 2012 were recruited in this investigation. Thirty-two patients (14 female and 18 male; age 4-13 years) who obtained routine adenoidectomy surgery had Hib-positive cultures were enrolled in a retrospective manner. By using polysomnography, 18 patients were diagnosed as having MEE-AH with chronic adenotonsillitis, and 14 patients were diagnosed as having pediatric OSA. The results of the Hib biofilm, antibiotic resistance profiles, and scanning electron microscopy observation, which correlated with the clinical diagnosis, were analyzed by the chi-square test and Fisher exact test.Biofilm formation by Hib was significantly present in the patients with MEE-AH rather than patients with OSA. β-lactam-sensitive Hib were resistant to augmentin because of the adenoid biofilm formation. However, this finding was uncommon in the pediatric OSA group.Properly treating β-lactam-sensitive Hib infection may be an important issue in reducing MEE-AH and adenoid vegetation in the pediatric population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the association of Hib-related biofilm formation with treatment failure and the need to consider earlier surgical intervention.

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae are the common pathogens that colonize in the nasopharynx of children. Polymicrobial interactions are thought to play an important role in different sites throughout the human body. However, there are currently very few studies that investigate the interactions between S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae in the nasopharynx. We retrospectively analyzed the adenoid tissue culture from 269 children who received adenoidectomy. S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae constituted the major microorganisms which were cultured from these adenoidectomies, at 23.4%, 21.6%, and 18.2%, respectively. S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae were the most prevalent in the preschool-aged children (3 < age ≤ 6), whereas S. aureus was more prevalent in infants and toddlers (age ≤ 3) and school-aged children (age > 6). Bacterial interference was found between S. aureus and S. pneumoniae and between S. aureus and H. influenzae, whereas there was an association found between S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. The synergism and antagonism among these three species are investigated in the following paper, with the possible mechanisms involved in these interactions also discussed.

In business-to-consumer electronic commerce, enterprises have to contact with the consumers directly. Understanding the consumers is one of the most important things to enterprises. The characteristic of Internet shopping is the purchase risk on Internet is larger than that in physical stores. According to the risk degree consumers have perceived, products can be divided into three patterns: search goods, experience goods and credence goods. However, while doing Internet shopping, it is not easy for consumers to evaluate credence goods; the study, therefore, tries to investigate the risk-reduction strategies used by consumers in purchasing search goods and experience goods. This paper examines in-depth the risk-reduction strategies of consumers when they select and purchase search goods and experience goods and compares its finding with literature regarding risk-reduction strategies. It is hoped that this finding serves as a reference for the companies that sell search goods and experience goods in their formulation of marketing strategies.

Small and medium enterprises constitute the majority of Taiwanpsilas businesses, and entrepreneurship lies at the heart of these enterprises. A literature review shows that entrepreneurspsila demographic characteristics and psychological traits have a crucial impact on entrepreneurial outcomes. Over the past few years, technological and vocational education in Taiwan has developed substantially, fostering many successful entrepreneurs. Completed questionnaires from 1,053 students from the Transworld Institute of Technology in Taiwan and the Chinese Entrepreneur Aptitude Scale (CEAS), constructed by Chen and Wu [11], formed the basis of our empirical analysis. Our research objectives are as follows. First, we aim to explore the reliability and validity of the CEAS and to establish a normative score among surveyed students. Second, we compare the scaling scores differences between the genders, departments, and classes in the sample. Finally, we compare the student samplepsilas CEAS results with models of Taiwanese entrepreneurial youth. We then discuss the findings in terms of their implications for entrepreneurial education and management and future research.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the technological structure of business methods in insurance. Concepts and techniques used in social network analysis are applied to a network of patents based on citation. By means of procedures drawing on the notion of structural equivalence, a set of blocks and positions of insurance business methods are delineated. This paper has focused its discussion on patent data of classification UPC705/4 to explore possible technological structure in insurance. The result of this research found that there are 4 clusters in the structure of technological network.

Short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 1 (SPLUNC1) protein is expressed in human nasopharyngeal and respiratory epithelium and has demonstrated antimicrobial activity. SPLUNC1 is now referred to as bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold containing family A, member 1 (BPIFA1). Reduced BPIFA1 expression is associated with bacterial colonization in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Interleukin 13 (IL-13), predominately secreted by T helper 2 (TH2) cells, has been found to contribute to airway allergies and suppress BPIFA1 expression in nasal epithelial cells. However, the molecular mechanism of IL-13 perturbation of bacterial infection and BPIFA1 expression in host airways remains unclear. In this study, we found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BPIFA1 expression in nasal epithelial cells was mediated through the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway and AP-1 activation. We further demonstrated that IL-13 downregulated the LPS-induced activation of phosphorylated JNK and c-Jun, followed by attenuation of BPIFA1 expression. Moreover, the immunohistochemical analysis showed that IL-13 prominently suppressed BPIFA1 expression in eosinophilic CRSwNP patients with bacterial infection. Taken together, these results suggest that IL-13 plays a critical role in attenuation of bacteria-induced BPIFA1 expression that may result in eosinophilic CRSwNP.

Methods: We design two-phase prospective intervention study in public 1800-bed medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. Cleaning efficacy was monitored by ATP bioluminescence after the daily morning cleaning program completed in a CICU and a MICU. The following high-touch surfaces were monitored: bed rails, surfaces of vital monitors, intravenous injection sets, bed tables, and handles of the nursing care cart. The threshold for cleanliness was set at a level of 250 relative light units (RLU). The intervention included an infection control education program, use of disposable wipes rather than a reusable microfiber towel, and feedback the monitoring result. Results: In phase I, only 43.9% of surfaces were clean (RLU < 250) after the daily cleaning process, and some of the surfaces were even more contaminated. In phase II, 88.1% of surfaces were clean after the daily cleaning process, significantly from phase I. The infection rate also declined after the intervention, from 21.0& to 10.7& in the MICU (p Z 0.047) and from 15.6& to5.6& in the CICU (p Z 0.028). Conclusions: Implementation of a new cleaning program that included use of disposable wipes and monitoring by ATP levels significantly reduced contamination of surfaces and infection rate in our ICUs.

Reaction of WCp(CO)3CCPh with Os3(CO)10(C2Me2) produced the butterfly cluster WOs3Cp(CO)10(CMeCMeCCPh)1 in moderate yield; treatment of 1 with Me3NO followed by thermolysis in refluxing toluene yielded the spiked triangular cluster WOs3Cp(CO)9(µ-H)[CMeCMeCC(µ2-η2-C6H4)]3 as a major product; on further thermolysis, complex 3 reconverted to a butterfly cluster WOs3Cp(CO)9[CMeCMeCHC(µ2-η2-C6H4)]5 and then to a tetrahedral cluster WOs3Cp(CO)8[CMeCMeCHC(µ2-η2-C6H4)]6via hydride migration followed by loss of CO; the structures of complexes 3, 5 and 6 have been determined by X-ray diffraction.