Ting-Kai Leung

Enhancement of Transdermal Delivery of Indomethacin and Tamoxifen by Far-Infrared Ray-Emitting Ceramic Material (BIOCERAMIC): A Pilot Study

BIOCERAMIC have been found to modulate various biological effects. Our earlier published research on various cell lines demonstrated that BIOCERAMIC promoted microcirculation, upregulated calcium-dependent nitric oxide and calmodulin, and exerted an antioxidant effect by increasing hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability. The development of pain relief systems requires most possible minimum doses and methods for effective local control of pain, so as to protect liver and renal function. There is also clinical necessary to develop targeted delivery of estrogen inhibitor in the breast using a local drug release system, to protect the breast from the increased cancer risk associated with the use of estrogen therapy. We compared the viscosity of BIOCERAMIC irradiated water and control water, and found that BIOCERAMIC might weaken the hydrogen bonds. Such breaks are caused by the loss of hydrogen bond covalence resulting from electron rearrangement. The purposes of this study were thus to investigated a transdermal drug delivery model using Franz cell apparatus for Indomethacin and Tamoxifen. The results showed that BIOCERAMIC enhanced the diffusion and permeability of the drugs. Therefore, we suggest that BIOCERAMIC might enhance the penetration performed by hydrogen bond weakening due to physical induction, and may facilitate local drug delivery in transdermal systems.

Wave-induced flow in meridians demonstrated using photoluminescent bioceramic material on acupuncture points

The mechanisms of acupuncture remain poorly understood, but it is generally assumed that measuring the electrical conductivity at various meridians provides data representing various meridian energies. In the past, noninvasive methods have been used to stimulate the acupuncture points at meridians, such as heat, electricity, magnets, and lasers. Photoluminescent bioceramic (PLB) material has been proven to weaken hydrogen bonds and alter the characteristics of liquid water. In this study, we applied the noninvasive PLB technique to acupuncture point irradiation, attempting to detect its effects by using electrical conductivity measurements. We reviewed relevant literature, searching for information on meridians including their wave-induced flow characteristics.

Photoluminescence of Bioceramic Materials (PLB) as a Complementary and Alternative Therapy for Diabetes

The rapid rise of diabetes in Asia and Africa is surpassing that of western countries. Diabetes incurs a significant financial burden on patients and national economies. Consequently, factors such as a miserable life-long treatment of hypoglycemic therapy and the possibility of drug intolerance necessitate a search for non-pharmacological alternatives to reduce the requirement of anti-diabetic drugs. Photoluminescence refers to materials that absorb light energy and then release that energy in the form of light. In this study, Photoluminescence of Bioceramic Materials (PLB) was applied to control hyperglycemia and glycosuria in diabetes from the bench to the clinical bedside examination. The PLB treatments resulted in a tendency to promote glucose diffusion into C2C12 cell line and show a significant decrease in glycosuria in STZ (streptozotocin) induced diabetic rats. The possible mechanisms of the PLB effects on hyperglycemia also correlate with our previous publication and include molecular diffusion, calcium dependent nitric oxide, suppression of oxidative stress and autonomous nervous system regulation. In the future, PLB may have the role of clinical applications on ameliorating hyperglycemia and improving diabetes-related complications.

Translating Laboratory Research of BIOCERAMIC Material, Application on Computer Mouse and Bracelet, to Ameliorate Computer Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

We investigated the effects of a room temperature-emitting far infrared ray ceramic material (BIOCERAMIC) on computer work-related pain and coldness. Thirty-two computer users reporting complaints in upper extremities and shoulders were assigned to play 30-cycles of specially-designed computer game. Each subject was provided with a normal and BIOCERAMIC-made mouse for the game on two different days. When using BIOCERAMIC mouse for the computer game, the most significant improvements among the upper extremity complaints were for wrist, finger, forearm, and partially shoulder soreness. Greater differences in surface temperatures of mouse and hand in BIOCERAMIC group were seen. The most significant difference occurred when using both the BIOCERAMIC cover and bracelet were found to reduce pain sensations. It was concluded that pain intensity and disability were significantly reduced after using BIOCERAMIC mouse for the game. The effect remained during follow-up when using BIOCERAMIC mouse cover and bracelet during their usual computer work.

Using Topical Applications of Tamoxifen and a Combination of Phytonutrients Based on Breast MRI to Inhibit Estrogen-Related Proliferation of Human Breast Tissue

Objective: In January of 2013, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence of United Kingdom have announced that taking tamoxifen for five years could reduce breast cancer risk, include positive family history or chronic estrogen and phytoestrogen users. However, routinely oral intake of tamoxifen for breast cancer prophylaxis on high risk women is occasionally difficult because of its potential side effects. The intention of this study is to prove transdermal delivery by using minimal dose of tamoxifen and phytonutrients for breast protection. Methods: We retrospectively studied 2795 breast MRI images from Taiwanese women and classified them as either healthy or unhealthy according to BI-RADS categories. A subgroup of the study patients had received estrogen supplements containing estrogen components or phytoestrogen for at least 3 months. Based on breast MRI analysis, these 2 groups were compared and found significant different. The overuse of estrogen or phytoestrogen supplements can increase breast glandular tissue proliferation, as reflected in MRI images. Such proliferation may increase the risk of future breast cancer. We also studied the efficacy of tamoxifen and the phytonutrients to inhibit proliferation of mammary glandular cell, as well as their transdermal absorption in animal models. Results: We demonstrated cell proliferative change of normal breast cells (MCF-10a) under estrogen treatment. For studied of transdermal absorption by topical application, we used Franz cell with artificial skin membrane to demonstrate positive transdermal diffusion using animal urine/feces, blood samples and subcutaneous skin retention for HPLC analysis. Conclusion: We successful demonstrate the transdermal absorption of topical application of tamoxifen and phytonutrients; it may help to reduce breast cancer development in regular estrogen and phytoestrogen users.

Bioceramic Resonance Effect on Meridian Channels: A Pilot Study.

Bioceramic is a kind of material which emits nonionizing radiation and luminescence, induced by visible light. Bioceramic also facilitates the breakup of large clusters of water molecules by weakening hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bond weakening, which allows water molecules to act in diverse ways under different conditions, is one of the key mechanisms underlying the effects of Bioceramic on biophysical and physical-chemical processes. Herein, we used sound to amplify the effect of Bioceramic and further developed an experimental device for use in humans. Thirteen patients who suffered from various chronic and acute illnesses that severely affected their sleep patterns and life quality were enrolled in a trial of Bioceramic resonance (i.e., rhythmic 100-dB sound waves with frequency set at 10 Hz) applied to the skin surface of the anterior chest. According to preliminary data, a “Propagated Sensation along Meridians” (PSM) was experienced in all Bioceramic resonance-treated patients but not in any of the nine control patients. The device was believed to enhance microcirculation through a series of biomolecular and physiological processes and to subject the specific meridian channels of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to coherent vibration. This noninvasive technique may offer an alternative to needle acupuncture and other traditional medical practices with clinical benefits.

Using Breast MRI to Evaluate Complications of Autologous Fat Grafting

Introduction: During the past few years in Taiwan, there has been a rapid growth of autologous fat grafting procedures performed for cosmetic reasons. We retrospectively demonstrate Complications of Autologous Fat Grafting in the breast, based on clinical presentations and breast MRI imaging. We also discuss the possible method of early detection of complications. Material and method: Twenty-one ethnic Chinese (Taiwanese) women were transferred for delicate breast MRI study in the past year. These patients had suffered different signs and symptoms following the procedure. Clinical and image information were collected from the hospital database. Results: Breast MRI successfully detected all viable fat tissues and complicated lesions of the breasts. The image findings corresponded to the clinical presentation and were used in therapeutic decision making. Fat necrosis with granuloma formations caused by graft rejection was the main complications. The most severe complication was an abscess formation and impending sepsis. Management procedures included operation or drainage; received oral antibiotics; and received clinical observation. Discussion and Conclusion: MRI is capable of detecting the surviving fat graft tissues, and to distinguish degree of malignancy from benign lesions. In complicated cases, the highest incidences showed granuloma formations and fat necrosis. However, laboratory data such as CRP, IgE and complement (C3 &C4) levels only reflected some of the infectious cases and could not be used as monitoring parameters. Breast MRI is an ideal tool for early detection of autologous fat complications without causing indistinguishable conclusions from malignancy. Breast MRI should be performed as early as possible for this complication, so that help for early treatment can be planned.

Design, Manufacture, Mechanical Testing and Clinical/Mri Assessment of the Medical Elastic Compression Stockings, Base on Taiwanese?s Leg Size

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) in the lower limb is commonly associated with varicose veins. In Asian countries, demand has increased for Medical Elastic Compression Stockings (MECS) as conservative treatment for varicose veins and CVI; however, their efficacy requires further investigation. The legs of 726 Taiwanese participants were measured, and MECS were designed and manufactured accordingly. Manufacturing processes included “fixation of the elastic fiber,” “design of the fabric,” “application of techniques for high-pressure stockings,” and “application of techniques for configuration.” Further techniques used for the production of functional MECS included “elastic yarn composite techniques,” “incremental pressure fabric weaving,” and “pressure shaping of fabrics.” Parameters for the mechanical testing of MECS included size measurement, extensibility, practical elongation, compression, and residual pressure on corresponding points of the leg. Clinical assessments and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analyses using noncontract-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Venous (MRV) techniques were also performed on 100 participants with varicose veins pre-and post-MECS use. The average circumferences and lengths of specific points of the lower legs of the 726 participants were smaller than U.S. measurements by approximately 12% to 19%. This suggested that Taiwanese - and possibly Asian - MECS should not be manufactured according to Western sizes. Subjective clinical questionnaire results included relief of symptoms of heaviness of the legs, spasticity in the evenings, and convulsion during sleep. According to MRV analyses, deep venous blood flow increased significantly (relief of high pressure), and available hemoglobin in the deep vein increased (reduced tissue hypoxia) post-MECS use. Our findings provide important reference material for the establishment of Taiwanese and Asian standards for MECS. Results from clinical and MRV analyses confirmed the efficacy of prolonged use of MECS, with results indicating that 4 h/d and 112 h of use is sufficient to improve deep venous insufficiency.

Recurrent enterovirus encephalitis: chance or something else?

A 22-month-old boy presented with repeated enterovirus infections including two episodes of encephalitis at the age of 8 months and 16 months and two episodes of febrile illnesses at 14 and 19 months old. These episodes were associated with at least two different serotypes of enterovirus. There were no residual neurological deficits and he underwent complete recovery in between. Immunology workup showed normal circulating leucocyte differential counts and lymphocyte subsets. His serum IgG concentration was persistently low but could mount satisfactory specific antibody responses to booster vaccines. The clinical picture was compatible with transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of infancy (THI) which was traditionally believed not to be associated with serious viral infections. This is the first case report to alert physicians that repeated serious enterovirus infections can happen in a relatively benign immunodeficiency disease.

The Effect of Photoluminescence of Bioceramic Irradiation on Middle Cerebral Arterial Occlusion in Rats

The purpose of this study is to determine the possible effect of photoluminescence of bioceramic (PLB) on ischemic cerebral infarction (stroke), by using an animal model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sprague-Dawley rats were used to induce MCAO to block the origin of the left MCAO; three months later, the positive chronic stroke rats were selected by running tunnel maze; the MCAO rats with significant chronic stroke and neurological defects were used for treadmill experiments with varying speed settings to test their capability for restoration after muscular fatigue under conditions of with and without PLB irradiation. As a result, PLB irradiation could improve exercise completion rate and average running speed during slow and fast treadmill settings. After PLB irradiation, the selected MCAO rats successfully completed all the second-round treadmill exercises at the maximum speed setting, and they had better restoration from muscular fatigue. An in vitro cell study on astrocytes of rats by bioceramic irradiation further demonstrated increased intracellular nitric oxide. To explain these results, we suggest that cortical brain stimulation of microcirculation and enhancement of peripheral muscular activity are the main causes of the improved exercise performance in MCAO rats by PLB.