Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the 10 most frequent cancers worldwide, with an estimated over 500 000 new cases being diagnosed annually. The overall 5‐year survival rate in patients with HNC ...is one of the lowest among common malignant neoplasms and has not significantly changed during the last two decades. Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) shares part of HNC and has been reported to be increasing in the betel quid chewing area in recent years. During 2006, OSCC has become the sixth most common type of cancer in Taiwan, and it is also the fourth most common type of cancer among men. It follows that this type of cancer wreaks a high social and personal cost. Environmental carcinogens such as betel quid chewing, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking have been identified as major risk factors for head and neck cancer. There is growing interest in understanding the relationship between genetic susceptibility and the prevalent environmental carcinogens for HNC prevention. Within this review, we discuss the molecular and cellular aspects of HNC carcinogenesis in Taiwan, an endemic betel quid chewing area. Knowledge of molecular carcinogenesis of HNC may provide critical clues for diagnosis, prognosis, individualization of therapy and molecular therapeutics. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1507–1514)
The efficacy and the safety of psoriasis medications have been proved in trials, but unideal responses and side effects are noted in clinical practice. Genetic predisposition is known to contribute ...to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Hence, pharmacogenomics gives the hint of predictive treatment response individually. This review highlights the current pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic studies of medical therapy in psoriasis. HLA-Cw*06 status remains the most promising predictive treatment response in certain drugs. Numerous genetic variants (such as ABC transporter, DNMT3b, MTHFR, ANKLE1, IL-12B, IL-23R, MALT1, CDKAL1, IL17RA, IL1B, LY96, TLR2, etc.) are also found to be associated with treatment response for methotrexate, cyclosporin, acitretin, anti-TNF, anti-IL-12/23, anti-IL-17, anti-PDE4 agents, and topical therapy. Due to the high throughput sequencing technologies and the dramatic increase in sequencing cost, pharmacogenomic tests prior to treatment by whole exome sequencing or whole genome sequencing may be applied in clinical in the future. Further investigations are necessary to manifest potential genetic markers for psoriasis treatments.
Alterations in the gut microbiota composition and their associated metabolic dysfunction exist in psoriasis. However, the impact of biologics on shaping gut microbiota is not well known. This study ...aimed to determine the association of gut microorganisms and microbiome-encoded metabolic pathways with the treatment in patients with psoriasis. A total of 48 patients with psoriasis, including 30 cases who received an IL-23 inhibitor (guselkumab) and 18 cases who received an IL-17 inhibitor (secukinumab or ixekizumab) were recruited. Longitudinal profiles of the gut microbiome were conducted by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The gut microbial compositions dynamically changed in psoriatic patients during a 24-week treatment. The relative abundance of individual taxa altered differently between patients receiving the IL-23 inhibitor and those receiving the IL-17 inhibitor. Functional prediction of the gut microbiome revealed microbial genes related to metabolism involving the biosynthesis of antibiotics and amino acids were differentially enriched between responders and non-responders receiving IL-17 inhibitors, as the abundance of the taurine and hypotaurine pathway was found to be augmented in responders treated with the IL-23 inhibitor. Our analyses showed a longitudinal shift in the gut microbiota in psoriatic patients after treatment. These taxonomic signatures and functional alterations of the gut microbiome could serve as potential biomarkers for the response to biologics treatment in psoriasis.
•This study investigates the purchase intention behaviors on Airbnb.•The purchase intention behaviors is most affected by perceived value and satisfaction.•The purchase intention behaviors for gender ...and usage experiences are investigated.
The owners of idle assets and their potential users create economic benefits through providing or sharing idle assets or skills, and this process has been formalized and monetized at large scales by companies such as Uber, Airbnb, USpace and others. This research seeks to understand the factors affecting the purchase intention on Airbnb users in terms of five key factors: rating, rating volume, review, information quality, and media richness. ANOVA and path analysis are used to test the relationships of these factors with perceived value, satisfaction and purchase intention. Results indicate that perceived value and satisfaction are key determinants of intention to buy, while rating volume, review, information quality, and media richness are important precursors. In addition, gender and usage experiences with Airbnb are also used to classify the sample to assess the difference between each classification. The results of this study can provide a useful reference to researchers and firms and individuals working in the sharing economy.
Previous investigations have suggested an association between the PCSK9 common polymorphism E670G and Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels, as well as a link between plasma PCSK9 levels and Lp(a) ...concentrations. However, the causal relationship between plasma PCSK9 and Lp(a) levels remains uncertain. In this study, we explored the association between PCSK9 E670G polymorphism and Lp(a) levels in 614 healthy Taiwanese individuals. Employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using openly accessible PCSK9 and Lp(a) summary statistics from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and UK Biobank, we aimed to determine if a causal link exists between plasma PCSK9 levels and Lp(a) concentrations. Our findings reveal that the E670G G allele is independently associated with a decreased likelihood of developing elevated Lp(a) levels. This association persists even after adjusting for common cardiovascular risk factors and irrespective of lipid profile variations. The MR analysis, utilizing six PCSK9 GWAS-associated variants as instrumental variables to predict plasma PCSK9 levels, provides compelling evidence of a causal relationship between plasma PCSK9 levels and Lp(a) concentration. In conclusion, our study not only replicates the association between the PCSK9 E670G polymorphism and Lp(a) levels but also confirms a causative relationship between PCSK9 levels and Lp(a) concentrations through MR analysis.
Accessible summary
What is known on the subject?
Sexual minority individuals are more likely to experience depressive disorders than heterosexual individuals.
Factors associated with depressive ...symptoms among sexual minority individuals have been explored and examined; however, there is a limited evidence to understand the factors among sexual minority women in non‐western countries.
What the paper adds to existing knowledge?
To the best our knowledge, this is the first study examining internalized homophobia, self‐esteem, social support and depressive symptoms among sexual minority women in Taiwan.
Sexual minority women at risk of having depressive symptoms had a higher level of internalized homophobia, lower self‐esteem and fewer support from partners, friends, and families.
Specifically, being single, being a student and having a higher personal income increased the risk of having depressive symptoms among sexual minority women.
What are the implications for practice?
Mental health practitioners and nurses should be aware of and assess sexual minority women's level of internalized homophobia, self‐esteem, and received social support to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms and thus help prevent suicidal ideation.
LGBT sex education and government involvement are essential to buffer the negative influences of a homophobic society on the mental health of sexual minority women.
Introduction
Sexual minority women are more likely to report depressive symptoms than sexual minority men. However, there is a lack of evidence to understand factors associated with depressive symptoms among sexual minority women in non‐western countries.
Aim
This study examined internalized homophobia, self‐esteem, social support and depressive symptoms among Taiwanese sexual minority women.
Method
A total of 581 Taiwanese sexual minority women (Age range 20–48 years old, Mean 26.96, SD 5.718) completed an online survey.
Results
Taiwanese sexual minority women at risk of having depressive symptoms had a higher level of internalized homophobia and lower self‐esteem. Perceived support from participants’ partners, friends and families was related to lower risk of depressive symptoms. Being single, being a student and having a higher personal income were also found to increase the risk of having depressive symptoms among the women.
Discussion
Mental health interventions are essential for sexual minority women with internalized homophobia and low self‐esteem.
Implications for Practice
Mental health practitioners and nurses should be aware of and assess the concerns that sexual minority women have regarding healthcare services and provide culturally competent care to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.
To investigate the risk and genetic association of oxcarbazepine-induced cutaneous adverse reactions (OXC-cADRs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), in Asian ...populations (Chinese and Thai).
We prospectively enrolled patients with OXC-cADRs in Taiwan and Thailand from 2006 to 2014, and analyzed the clinical course, latent period, drug dosage, organ involvement, complications, and mortality. We also investigated the carrier rate of HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-A*31:01 of patients with OXC-cADRs and compared to OXC-tolerant controls. The incidence of OXC-SJS/TEN was compared with carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced SJS/TEN according to the nationwide population dataset from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.
We enrolled 50 patients with OXC-cADRs, including 20 OXC-SJS/TEN and 6 drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, of Chinese patients from Taiwan and Thai patients from Thailand. OXC-cADRs presented with less clinical severity including limited skin detachment (all ≦5%) and no mortality. There was a significant association between HLA-B*15:02 and OXC-SJS (p = 1.87 × 10
; odds ratio 27.90; 95% confidence interval CI 7.84-99.23) in Chinese and this significant association was also observed in Thai patients. The positive and negative predictive values of HLA-B*15:02 for OXC-SJS/TEN were 0.73% and 99.97%, respectively. HLA-A*31:01 was not associated with OXC-cADRs. The incidence and mortality of OXC-SJS/TEN was lower than CBZ-STS/TEN in new users (p = 0.003; relative risk 0.212; 95% CI 0.077-0.584).
Our findings suggest that HLA-B*15:02 is significantly associated with OXC-SJS in Asian populations (Chinese and Thai). However, the severity and incidence of OXC-SJS/TEN are less than that of CBZ-SJS/TEN. The need for preemptive HLA-B*15:02 screening should be evaluated further.
Allopurinol, a common drug for treating hyperuricemia, is associated with cutaneous adverse drug reactions ranging from mild maculopapular exanthema to life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse ...reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. We have previously reported that HLA-B*58:01 is strongly associated with allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions in Han Chinese, but the associations of the HLA-B*58:01 genotype in an allopurinol-induced hypersensitivity phenotype remain unclear. To investigate the comprehensive associations of HLA-B*58:01, we enrolled 146 patients with allopurinol-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (severe cutaneous adverse reactions, n = 106; maculopapular exanthema, n = 40) and 285 allopurinol-tolerant control subjects. Among these allopurinol-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions, HLA-B*58:01 was strongly associated with severe cutaneous adverse reactions (odds ratio OR = 44.0; 95% confidence interval = 21.5–90.3; P = 2.6 × 10-41), and the association was correlated with disease severity (OR = 44.0 for severe cutaneous adverse reactions, OR = 8.5 for maculopapular exanthema). The gene dosage effect of HLA-B*58:01 also influenced the development of allopurinol-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (OR = 15.25 for HLA-B*58:01 heterozygotes and OR = 72.45 for homozygotes). Furthermore, coexistence of HLA-B*58:01 and renal impairment increased the risk and predictive accuracy of allopurinol-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (heterozygous HLA-B*58:01 and normal renal function: OR = 15.25, specificity = 82%; homozygous HLA-B*58:01 and severe renal impairment: OR = 1269.45, specificity = 100%). This HLA-B*58:01 correlation study suggests that patients with coexisting HLA-B*58:01 and renal impairment (especially estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30ml/minute/1.73 m2) should be cautious and avoid using allopurinol.
To determine whether genetic predisposition to endometriosis varies depending on ethnicity and in association with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in a Taiwanese population. We conducted a ...genome-wide association study (GWAS) and replicated it in 259 individuals with laparoscopy-confirmed stage III or IV endometriosis (cases) and 171 women without endometriosis (controls). Their genomic DNA was extracted from blood and evaluated by the GWAS of Taiwan Biobank Array. Novel genetic variants that predispose individuals to endometriosis were identified using GWAS and replication, including rs10739199 (P = 6.75 × 10
) and rs2025392 (P = 8.01 × 10
) at chromosome 9, rs1998998 (P = 6.5 × 10
) at chromosome 14, and rs6576560 (P = 9.7 × 10
) at chromosome 15. After imputation, strong signals were exhibited by rs10822312 (P = 1.80 × 10
) at chromosome 10, rs58991632 (P = 1.92 × 10
) and rs2273422 (P = 2.42 × 10
) at chromosome 20, and rs12566078 (P = 2.5 × 10
) at chromosome 1. We used the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database to observe eQTL. Among these SNPs, the cis-eQTL rs13126673 of inturned planar cell polarity protein (INTU) showed significant association with INTU expression (P = 5.1 × 10
). Moreover, the eQTL analysis was performed on endometriotic tissues from women with endometriosis. The expression of INTU in 78 endometriotic tissue of women with endometriosis is associated with rs13126673 genotype (P = 0.034). To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS to link endometriosis and eQTL in a Taiwanese population.
Poly(2-vinyl pyridine), P2VP, films display a surface pattern of craters in a dried state after being immersed in aqueous solutions containing HAuCl4 and its mixtures with low contents of K2CO3. The ...morphologies of craters indicate that the formation of craters involves three stages through film blistering and drying: (i) the permeability of water and solutes to swell P2VP films, (ii) partial wetting of liquid droplets near the substrate interface in the presence of the P2VP film, and (iii) evaporation-driven flows. The three stages produce the swelling pressure, Laplace pressure, and interplays among capillary flows, Marangoni flows, and pinning effects, respectively, by which craters of different dimensions and morphologies are obtained. The first stage softens the P2VP films and produces swelling pressure. This stage relies on interactions between AuCl4 – ions, water, and protonated P2VP chains. The second stage produces liquid droplets inside the film and near the substrate interface. The surface tensions of those liquid droplets at contact lines deform swollen P2VP films. Changing film thicknesses or substrate types alters craters’ lateral dimension and depth. The results indicate that film thicknesses and substrate interface energies influence the shape and dimension of liquid droplets on the substrate interface. The third stage determines morphologies of craters through interplays among capillary flows, Marangoni flows, and pinning/depinning events.
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