Telework Practices and Health Risks of Teleworkers: Survey Findings from Taiwan after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: To explore telework distributions after the COVID-19 pandemic, autonomy in work arrangements and health experiences of teleworkers in Taiwan.

Methods: A survey was conducted in March 2024 among 383 teleworkers. A comparison group of 750 age- and gender- matched conventional employees was extracted from a national survey.

Calcium peroxide aids tyramine-alginate gel to crosslink with tyrosinase for efficient cartilage repair.

The innate cartilage extracellular matrix is avascular and plays a vital role in innate chondrocytes. Recapping the crucial components of the extracellular matrix in engineered organs via polymeric gels and bioinspired approaches is promising for improving the regenerative aptitude of encapsulated cartilage/chondrocytes. Conventional gel formation techniques for polymeric materials rely on employing oxidative crosslinking, which is constrained in this avascular environment.

Add-on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with opioid use disorder undergoing methadone maintenance therapy.

: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) shows potential therapeutic effects for individuals with addiction, but few studies have examined individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).: We conducted an add-on double-blinded, sham-controlled rTMS feasibility pilot trial to examine OUD participants undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). The current report focused on the effects of rTMS on (1) craving and heroin use behavior and (2) depression, impulsivity, and attention.

Gene: Its Effects on the Neuropsychological Functions in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Objective: Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have impaired attention, inhibition control, and memory function. The aldehyde dehydrogenase () gene has been associated with OUD and gene polymorphisms may affect aldehyde metabolism and cognitive function in other substance use disorder. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether genotypes have significant effects on neuropsychological functions in OUD patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).

Effects of the nanostructure of dendrimer/DNA complexes on their endocytosis and gene expression.

Cationic dendrimers constitute a potential nonviral vector for gene therapy due to their ability of forming electrostatic complexes with DNA (dendriplexes). However, the supramolecular structure of dendriplexes and its impact on the cellular uptake and gene transfection remain largely unknown. Using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering, here we show that DNA in complexes with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) G4 dendrimers exhibited three distinct packaging states modulated by the degree of their protonation (dp).

Multifunctional core-shell polymeric nanoparticles for transdermal DNA delivery and epidermal Langerhans cells tracking.

Skin is a highly immune-reactive tissue containing abundant antigen-presenting cells such as Langerhans cells (LCs), and thus is a favorable site for DNA immunization. This study developed a multifunctional core-shell nanoparticle system, which can be delivered transdermally into the epidermis via a gene gun, for use as a DNA carrier. The developed nanoparticles comprised a hydrophobic PLGA core and a positively-charged glycol chitosan (GC) shell.

The characteristics, biodistribution, magnetic resonance imaging and biodegradability of superparamagnetic core-shell nanoparticles.

An efficient contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential to enhance the detection and characterization of lesions within the body. In this study, we described the development of biodegradable nanoparticles with a core-shell structure to formulate superparamagnetic iron oxide (CSNP-SPIO) for MRI. The developed nanoparticles were composed of a hydrophobic PLGA core and a positively-charged glycol chitosan shell.

Effects of incorporation of poly(gamma-glutamic acid) in chitosan/DNA complex nanoparticles on cellular uptake and transfection efficiency.

Chitosan (CS)/DNA complex nanoparticles (NPs) have been considered as a vector for gene delivery. Although advantageous for DNA packing and protection, CS-based complexes may lead to difficulties in DNA release once arriving at the site of action. In this study, an approach through modifying their internal structure by incorporating a negatively charged poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) in CS/DNA complexes (CS/DNA/gamma-PGA NPs) is reported.

The use of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles in combination with a low-pressure gene gun for transdermal DNA delivery.

Gold particles have been used as a carrier for transdermal gene delivery, which may cause adverse side effects when accumulated. In this study, biodegradable nanoparticles, composed of chitosan (CS) and poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA), were prepared by an ionic-gelation method for transdermal DNA delivery (CS/gamma-PGA/DNA) using a low-pressure gene gun. The conventional CS/DNA without the incorporation of gamma-PGA was used as a control.

Increased oxidative damage and mitochondrial abnormalities in the peripheral blood of Huntington's disease patients.

Increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities contribute to neuronal dysfunction in Huntington's disease (HD). We investigated whether these pathological changes in HD brains may also be present in peripheral tissues. Leukocyte 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated, and activities of erythrocyte Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) reduced in 16 HD patients when compared to 36 age- and gender-matched controls.

Paclitaxel-loaded poly(gamma-glutamic acid)-poly(lactide) nanoparticles as a targeted drug delivery system against cultured HepG2 cells.

The study was to develop paclitaxel-loaded formulations using a novel type of self-assembled nanoparticles that was composed of block copolymers synthesized from poly(gamma-glutamic acid) and poly(lactide) via a simple coupling reaction. The nanoparticles (the NPs) were prepared with various feed weight ratios of paclitaxel to block copolymer (the P/BC ratio). The morphology of all prepared nanoparticles was spherical and the surfaces were smooth.

Differential expression of mu-opioid receptor gene in CXBK and B6 mice by Sp1.

It is well known that there are individual differences in the sensitivity to analgesics. The CXBK mice are characterized by reduced sensitivity to morphine and by partial deficiency in mu-opioid receptor (MOR) expression. The sequences of MOR genes in CXBK and B6 mice are identical in their coding regions but differ at 5'-untranslated region (UTR) nucleotide -202 (C nucleotide in CXBK, but A nucleotide in B6).

Transcriptional regulation of mu opioid receptor gene by cAMP pathway.

The utility of morphine for the treatment of chronic pain is hindered by the development of tolerance. Fentanyl has been shown to be a potent analgesic with a lower propensity to produce tolerance and physical dependence in the clinical setting. Previous finding has shown that fentanyl induces mu opioid receptor gene expression in PC-12 cells (Brain Res 859:217-223, 2000).