Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hao Wen, Xiaojing Wei, Shuqi Ge, Jingchun Zeng, Wen Luo, Rouhao Chen, Yu Dong, Songhua Xiao, Yunfeng Lai, Liming Lu
Summary: Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment shows significant clinical and economic benefits, including reducing methadone dosage, improving drug cravings, and alleviating insomnia, leading to an improved quality of life. However, the cost of acupuncture may exceed what society is willing to pay, indicating a need for further study.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Wenhui Li, Jin Huang, Nan Zhang, Kathrin Weidacker, Jun Li, Valerie Voon, Chuansheng Wang, Chencheng Zhang
Summary: The present study investigates whether patients with opioid use disorder on chronic methadone maintenance therapy exhibit abnormal attentional bias to drug and negative-affective cues. The results show that these patients have normalized attentional bias to both types of cues. Furthermore, the duration of methadone treatment and impulsivity level were found to affect the attentional avoidance of negative-affective cues in patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Santin, Giuseppe Verlato, Ahmad Tfaily, Roberto Manera, Giuseppe Zinfollino, Francesca Fusina, Fabio Lugoboni
Summary: This study assessed the effect of methadone on the QTc interval and investigated the benefits of Levomethadone. Results showed a linear association between methadone dosage and QTc length, and no correlation between QTc value and gender, age, or therapy duration. The study confirmed the role of methadone in QTc prolongation and validated the efficiency of Levomethadone as a therapeutic substitute, highlighting the importance of electrocardiographic monitoring in methadone-treated patients.
Article
Neurosciences
Qian Lv, Miao Zhang, Haifeng Jiang, Yilin Liu, Shaoling Zhao, Xiaomin Xu, Wenlei Zhang, Tianzhen Chen, Hang Su, Jiangtao Zhang, Heqiu Wang, Jianmin Zhang, Yuanjing Feng, Yongqiang Li, Biao Li, Min Zhao, Zheng Wang
Summary: Elevated impulsivity is commonly observed in individuals receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) for opioid addiction. This study aimed to understand the underlying neural mechanisms and cognitive subprocesses associated with this impulsivity. The results showed that individuals receiving MMT exhibited higher self-reported impulsivity and had a tendency for impulsive decision-making without available evidence. The impulsive decision bias was associated with the dose and duration of methadone use, rather than the duration of heroin use. Furthermore, the hypoactivation in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus during a decision-making task was correlated with the impulsive decision bias. The findings suggest that elevated impulsivity in individuals receiving MMT is driven by deficits in top-down cognitive control, rather than reward sensitivity.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Kathrin Weidacker, Yijie Zhao, Yingying Zhang, Seb Whiteford, Qihuan Ren, Chencheng Zhang, Valerie Voon
Summary: Previous research showed that methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is linked to impulsivity, and individuals in MMT show enhanced premature responding and faster reaction speed, along with lower accuracy in instructed trials.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Carlos Isaza, Oscar Mauricio Castano-Ramirez, Juan Pablo Velez, Julieta Henao, Leonardo Beltran-Angarita, Juan Carlos Sepulveda-Arias
Summary: Compared to conventional methadone maintenance treatment, using the CYP2B6 516G>T polymorphism to calculate methadone dosage resulted in improved retention rates, reduced heroin usage, and improved quality of life for patients.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chieh-Liang Huang, Yao-Chang Chiang, Wei-Chun Chang, Yu-Ting Su, Juan-Cheng Yang, Wei-Chung Cheng, Hsien-Yuan Lane, Ing-Kang Ho, Wen-Lung Ma
Summary: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is crucial for managing opiate abuse, but sex differences and estrogen signaling can impact its efficacy. These differences may be related to estrogen levels and their influence on methadone metabolism. Studies have suggested the potential of enhancing MMT efficacy by targeting estrogen signaling.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dominique Bulgin, Stephen W. W. Patrick, Tamarra McElroy, Elizabeth McNeer, William D. D. Dupont, Velma McBride Murry
Summary: This study aims to examine the factors that affect access to treatment for women with opioid use disorder, including race and ethnicity, community characteristics, and pregnancy status. The analysis of secondary data from a simulated patient caller study in 10 U.S. states reveals that community race and ethnicity distribution and clinic type are associated with the likelihood of securing an appointment for treatment.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Long Hu, Meng-Chang Tsai, Chun-En Kuo, Chun-Ting Liu, Szu-Ying Wu, Tzu-Chan Wu, Yu-Chiang Hung
Summary: This study investigated the effects of adjuvant laser meridian massage (LMM) in men with opioid use disorder (OUD) undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). The results showed that LMM significantly reduced heroin use and improved physical health in the experimental group.
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Joshua G. Berenbaum, Prianca A. Nadkarni, Cherie L. Marvel
Summary: This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the neural mechanisms involved in working memory in opioid-dependent individuals. The results showed that the opioid-dependent group had slower response time and differences in brain activity compared to the healthy controls. Understanding these neural differences can shed light on the impact of substance use on the brain and cognition, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for substance use disorder.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jiajie Chen, Yongbin Li, Shu Wang, Wei Li, Yan Liu, Long Jin, Zhe Li, Jia Zhu, Fan Wang, Wei Liu, Jiuhua Xue, Hong Shi, Wei Wang, Chenwang Jin, Qiang Li
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of methadone on brain function and psychological characteristics in individuals with heroin use disorder (HUD). The study found that long-term methadone maintenance treatment can enhance connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and salience network (SN). This may be related to reduced withdrawal symptoms and increased attention to heroin cues.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Lei Wang, Feng Hu, Wei Li, Qiang Li, Yongbin Li, Jia Zhu, Xuan Wei, Jian Yang, Jianxin Guo, Yue Qin, Hong Shi, Wei Wang, Yarong Wang
Summary: This study aimed to construct addiction-related brain networks for heroin dependent patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and identify high-risk individuals for relapse. The study found that MMT patients can be classified into two subgroups with significantly different relapse rates based on distinct brain-network patterns. The group with high-relapse had wider DC changes in the cortical-striatal-thalamic circuit and reduced DC in the mesocorticolimbic circuit compared to the low-relapse group. DC activity in NAc, vACC, hippocampus and amygdala were closely related to relapse.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Xiaohu Xie, Jun Gu, Dingding Zhuang, Yun Zhou, Xiaoyu Chen, Wenwen Shen, Longhui Li, Yue Liu, Wenjin Xu, Qingxiao Hong, Zemin Xu, Weisheng Chen, Wenhua Zhou, Huifen Liu
Summary: This study suggests that the rs1799971 polymorphism in the OPRM1 gene may not be associated with response or dose requirement in methadone maintenance treatment in the Han Chinese population.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yue Liu, Nina Liu, Wenwen Shen, Longhui Li, Wenhua Zhou, Leiting Xu
Summary: Patients with amphetamine abuse in maintenance therapy exhibit greater impulsiveness compared to those with other simple maintenance treatments, and patients under MMT may have a higher tendency to be addicted to amphetamines when compared to those under BMT.
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Li-Tzy Wu, William S. John, Eric D. Morse, Steve Adkins, Jennifer Pippin, Robert K. Brooner, Robert P. Schwartz
Summary: The study examined the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacy administration and dispensing of methadone for methadone maintenance treatment. The results showed that this model is feasible and satisfactory to patients.
Article
Immunology
Cheng-Yin Tseng, Mao-Feng Sun, Tzu-Chien Kao, Tsai-Chung Li, Ching -Ting Lin
Summary: The study found that Coptis chinensis and its compounds have potential antimicrobial activity against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and can enhance the effectiveness of colistin. They may represent a promising component of combination therapy in clinical settings for CRKP infections.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Yu-Chen Lee, Cheng-Hao Tu, Hsin-Yi Chung, Sih-Ting Luo, Yu-Ting Chu, Iona J. MacDonald, Peddanna Kotha, Chien-Chen Huang, Hsien-Yuan Lane, Jaung-Geng Lin, Yi-Hung Chen
Summary: This pilot study aimed to investigate whether the histamine H1 receptor antagonist dexchlorpheniramine (DCPA) can facilitate electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia in healthy human subjects. The results showed that subjects in the high-dose DCPA group had a significantly higher pain threshold elevation after EA, indicating that 4 mg of DCPA can enhance EA analgesia.
JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Shiang-Suo Huang, Hsing-Hui Su, Szu-Yu Chien, Hsin-Yi Chung, Sih-Ting Luo, Yu-Ting Chu, Yi-Hsin Wang, Iona J. MacDonald, Hsun-Hua Lee, Yi-Hung Chen
Summary: This study found that topical activation of TRPM8 can serve as an adjuvant therapy for ischemic stroke. Application of menthol to the skin reduced infarct volumes and improved sensorimotor deficits in stroke mice. The benefits were attributed to decreased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and infiltration of monocytes and macrophages. TRPM8 expression was higher in the skin of the paws, and blocking nerve conduction reversed the neuroprotective effects of menthol. However, oral administration of menthol did not aid in stroke recovery.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Shih-Ya Hung, Hsin-Yi Chung, Sih-Ting Luo, Yu-Ting Chu, Yu-Hsin Chen, Iona J. MacDonald, Szu-Yu Chien, Peddanna Kotha, Liang-Yo Yang, Ling-Ling Hwang, Nae J. Dun, De-Maw Chuang, Yi-Hung Chen
Summary: The study showed that acupuncture can reverse behavioral dysfunction caused by TBI, reduce the overexpression of HDAC1 and HDAC3, repair the downregulation of BDNF-associated signaling pathways, and help restore biochemical effects in the cortex of TBI mice.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yi-Hsin Wang, Jiuan-Miaw Liao, Ke-Min Chen, Hsing-Hui Su, Pei-Hsun Liu, Yi-Hung Chen, Yuang-Seng Tsuei, Chin-Feng Tsai, Shiang-Suo Huang
Summary: Lumbrokinase has the potential to be used as an adjuvant treatment for ischemic stroke by regulating ER stress and inhibiting apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory responses.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pei-Chun Lin, Cheng-Chieh Lin, Chia-Ing Li, Tang-Chuan Wang, Yi-Hao Peng, Tung-Ti Chang, Chin-Yi Lin, Tsai-Chung Li, Ching-Liang Hsieh
Summary: Patients with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of COPD and asthma. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be beneficial for these patients. A retrospective cohort study found that TCM use was associated with a reduced risk of respiratory hospitalizations, especially in patients with diabetes for <3 years.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cheng-Chieh Lin, Chia-Ing Li, Chiu-Shong Liu, Li-Na Liao, Chuan-Wei Yang, Chih-Hsueh Lin, Shing-Yu Yang, Tsai-Chung Li
Summary: Through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, this study aimed to evaluate the causal relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level and diabetic nephropathy (DN). The results showed that hsCRP level was causally related to DN, providing experimental evidence for understanding the mechanism and treatment of DN.
BMJ OPEN DIABETES RESEARCH & CARE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Long-Bin Jeng, Tsai-Chung Li, Wen-Ling Chan, Chiao-Fang Teng
Summary: This study aimed to identify independent prognostic biomarkers from 75 HBV-related HCC patients and validate their potential as a combination biomarker for HCC recurrence with pre-S2 gene deletion mutation. The study found that patients with both pre-S2 gene deletion mutation and TNM stage IIIA-IIIC had a higher risk of HCC recurrence. Furthermore, the combination of pre-S2 gene deletion mutation and TNM stage had better performance in predicting HCC recurrence than either factor alone. In conclusion, the study proposed that TNM stage holds significance as a combination biomarker with pre-S2 gene deletion mutation for predicting HCC recurrence after curative surgical resection.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kent Yu-Hsien Lin, Yi-Chuan Chang, Wen-Chi Lu, Peddanna Kotha, Yi-Hung Chen, Cheng-Hao Tu
Summary: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) refers to the pain in the pelvic region that lasts longer than six months. Monotherapy with medication may not be sufficient for CPP pain management, and multidisciplinary approaches are recommended. This study evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture compared to a control group for managing CPP. A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials involving 1455 patients showed that acupuncture significantly decreased pain levels in both total pain scores and visual analogue scale/numerical rating scale data compared to the control group. Acupuncture as a monotherapy also resulted in significantly lower pain levels than the control group. These findings suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial for managing CPP pain, even when used as a standalone treatment.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Yi-Chun Ma, Jaung-Geng Lin, Cheng-Chieh Lin, Chia-Ing Li, Hui-Man Cheng, Tsai -Chung Li
Summary: This study found that traditional Chinese medicine formulas were significantly associated with a decreased risk of infectious hospitalization among patients with SLE. TCM formulas can be used as a part of SLE treatments to decrease the risk of infectious hospitalization.
JOURNAL OF HERBAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chia-Ing Li, Chiu-Shong Liu, Chih-Hsueh Lin, Shing-Yu Yang, Tsai-Chung Li, Cheng-Chieh Lin
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between body shape index (ABSI) and mortality rate in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results showed that ABSI was closely associated with mortality rate, along with other indices such as BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, and BRI. The combined use of ABSI and BMI provided better explanation of the variation in death risk compared to the independent use of BMI or other indices.
BMJ OPEN DIABETES RESEARCH & CARE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Li-Na Liao, Tsai-Chung Li, Chih-Ching Yeh, Chia-Ing Li, Chiu-Shong Liu, Chuan-Wei Yang, Ya-Fei Yang, Chih-Hsueh Lin, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Cheng-Chieh Lin
Summary: This study developed and validated a risk prediction model for diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Han Chinese population by integrating clinical factors and genetic SNPs from multiple CKD-related pathways. This model can be used as a screening tool for early intervention and prevention in clinical risk management practice.
ACTA DIABETOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cheng-Hung Lee, Chia- Tsai, Yi-Chang Su, Shih-Yi Lin, I-Te Lee, Tsai-Chung Li
Summary: This study found that body constitution independently predicts new-onset albuminuria in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Yin deficiency and phlegm stasis are associated with an increased risk of albuminuria, and this relationship is influenced by glucose control status.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yu-Shan Chang, Yi-Chuan Cheng, Tsai-Chung Li, Li-Chi Huang
Summary: This study explored the perceived level of stress in mothers one month after hospital discharge following the birth of singleton and multiple preterm infants. The findings suggest that social support and sleep deprivation are predictive indicators of maternal stress in preterm infants. It is recommended that the differences in stress and needs of mothers with singleton and multiple births be recognized and addressed in clinics.
Review
Oncology
Jaung-Geng Lin, Peddanna Kotha, Yi-Hung Chen
Summary: Acupuncture involves stimulating specific acupoints on the body to relieve pain. It has been proven effective for acute and chronic pain relief. The mechanisms of acupuncture involve modulation of neurotransmissions and the release of specific substances in the body.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
