TABLE OF CONTENTS
Organizational Chart ... 6
Graduate Institutes
Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences ... 8
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine ... 10
Master Program in School of Respiratory Therapy ... 12
International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine ... 13
International Clinical Training Program ... 14
Medical Education ... 15
International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine ... 16
Research Centers
Cochrane Taiwan ... 18
Biostatistics Center ... 19
Research Groups
Anesthesiology
Perioperative Medicine Research Team ... 21
Cardiovascular Medicine
Arrhythmogenesis Research Team ... 22
Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Team ... 23
Emergency Medicine
Air Medical Transport Research Team ... 24
Extreme Exercise Research Team & Medical Informatics Research Team ... 25
Hyperglycemia research team ... 26
Gastroenterology
Magnetic Field Navigated Intelligent Capsule Endoscope Research Team ... 27
Microbiology & Immunology Research
Infectious Diseases and Inflammation Research Team ... 28
Neuroscience
Dementia Research Team ... 30
Parkinson’s Disease Research Team ... 31
Cerebrovascular Research Team ... 32
Parkinson’s Disease Research Team ... 33
Pain Research Team ... 34
Peripheral Polyneuropathy Research Team ... 35
Obesity Medicine
Obesity-related Research Team ... 36
Oncology
Pediatric Brain Cancer Research Team ... 37
Breast Cancer Translational Research Team ... 38
Colon Cancer Translational Research Team ... 39
Prostate Cancer Research Team ... 40
Tumor Aggressiveness and Stemness Research Team ... 41
Orthopedic
Platelet-Rich Plasma Research Team ... 42
Bone and Joint Research Team... 43
Spine Research Team ... 44
Pediatrics
Pediatric Gastroenterology Research Team ... 45
Metabolic Neuromuscular Research Team ... 46
Lung Development and Injury Research Team ... 47
Epilepsy surgery and presurgical evaluation ... 48
Pulmonary Research
Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Team ... 49
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Research ... 50
Radiology
MR Radiogenomics Research in Glioma ... 52
Endovascular Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease Research Team ... 53
Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Osteonecrosis Research Team ... 54
Rehabilitation Medicine
Neurorehabilitation Research Team ... 55
International Classification of Functioning Research Team ... 56
Renal Medicine
Chronic Kidney Disease Research Team ... 57
Acute Kidney Injury Research Team ... 58
Sleep Medicine
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Research Team ... 59
Sleep Deprivation Research Team ... 60
Tropical Medicine Research
Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Team or NTDs Research Team ... 61
Woman Health
Reproductive Medicine Research ... 62
Cancer Translational Research Team ... 63
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Research Team... 64
TMU Healthcare System ... 65
Taipei Medical University Hospital ... 66
Wan-Fang Hospital ... 67
Shuang-Ho Hospital ... 68
Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Eastern Hospital ... 69
Chao-Ching Huang, M.D.
Professor and Vice President
Department of Pediatrics
Taipei Medical University
Located near Taipei 101, the College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University cultivates health
professionals and leaders with the educational goal of serving communities. Internationalization and
academic excellence are the core missions of College of Medicine.
We affiliate with elite institutions worldwide to work together in making leaping progress in Medicine, in
order to further strengthen our research characteristics and international visibility. Taken together, our
faculty and staff have been striving toward of the goal of building College of Medicine as a prestigious
educational institution with exceptional educational atmosphere and excellent research groups. We
believe with the effort made by our faculty, students, and alumni together, we will keep marching out
from Taiwan onto the global stage and make the difference.
Han-Pin Kuo, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Dean
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
Taipei Medical University
Founded in 1960, the College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University is now composed of seven
academic units. We currently have close to 600 faculty members, including full-time professors, adjunct
professors, and clinical instructors, and a total of 1600 students comprised of undergraduate students,
Master’s degree and Ph.D. students. We integrate resources from not only 3 JCI-accredited affiliated
hospitals, Taiwan Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University Wang-Fang Hospital and Taipei
Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, but also Graduate Institutes, and Research Centers to nurture
researchers and students in the field of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Medicine and Applied Medicine.
To achieve greater perfection in medical research and education, we have developed several translational
research groups in different research fields. In addition, we hold “Mushan Biomedical Research Seminar”
monthly inviting domestic and oversea distinguished experts to share their research journeys. Several
international symposiums are also held annually to boost the collaboration between TMU and other
renowned universities. Furthermore, we have signed MOUs to establish official relationship with
universities all over the world, and also the Dual Degree/Joint Degree Agreements with America and
Canada; we expect to provide the opportunity for international academic exchange and broaden students’
global vision to cultivate advanced physician scientists.
We will continue on our missions to advance the discovery of disease treatment and improve human
health via providing a high quality and interactive research environment. We believe our researchers and
students will be the very pioneers in medical research fields. In the meanwhile we are committed to
maintaining an academic culture that respects diversity and fosters compassion to change our students
into professionals who will be leaders in healthcare.
Organizational Chart
C
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Graduate Institutes
Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine
Master Program in School of Respiratory Therapy
International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine
International Clinical Training Program
International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and
Regeneration Medicine
Schools
School of Medicine
(including basic and clinical departments)
School of Respiratory Therapy
Research Centers
Graduate Institutes
Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences 8
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine 10
Master Program in School of Respiratory Therapy 12
International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine 13
International Clinical Training Program 14
Medical Education 15
International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine 16
Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences
About Yuan-Soon Ho Ph.D. Distinguished Professor and Chief The research teams in the Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences were established based on disease-orientedmissions. We had four major fields of interest as follows:
1. The breast cancer translational research team integrates basic research and clinical resources to develop novel tumor markers for targeted anti-cancer drug development.
2. The mission of the stem cell research group is to develop the closely cooperation with experts in basic research and clinical medicine, and to promote translational medicine of cell/stem cell in TMU.
3. The inflammation research group provides several research platforms for lung fibrosis research, including molecular mechanics, clinical translational studies, anti-fibrotic drug design, and small molecule drug screening. 4. The neuroscience translational medicine team works active research based on collaboration of basic
neuroscientists and clinicians in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and rehabilitation.
Major achievements
The breast cancer team
This research team has provide the molecular evidence for smoking-induced breast cancer formation. They focused on three major aims as follows:
1. Develop a therapeutic antibody for the α9-nAChR. 2. Validate the therapeutic efficacy of the α9-nAChR-specific
antibody.
3. Evaluate the α9-nAChR molecule as an early-diagnostic marker for breast cancer patients.
4. Establish the down-stream signaling mechanisms of smoking-induced carcinogenesis.
After nicotine treatment, the protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1F (PPM1F), a Ser/Thr protein phosphatase, triggered the inactivation of both p-p53 and p-BAX by dephosphorylating them at specific sites. These results suggest that PPM1F could be downstream of α 9-nAChR in nicotine-induced breast cancer formation, and could attenuate p-p53 (Ser-20)- and p-BAX (Ser-184)-induced pro-apoptotic pathways. Thus, PPM1F expression could be used for prognostic diagnosis or inhibited for cancer prevention and therapy. International Connection
Hui-Kuan Lin, Ph.D. Professor, Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Office of Women in Medicine and Science, Wake Health University.
URL: http://www.wakehealth.edu/Research/Cancer-Biology/Hui-Kuan-Lin-Lab.htm
Staff and contact information Breast cancer research team
Yuan-Soon Ho, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Chief
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661, ext. 3327, 3420 E-mail: hoyuansn@tmu.edu.tw URL: http://gims.tmu.edu.tw/main.php
The stem cell research group
Our main efforts will focus on basic research, drug targeting on cancer stemness and disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (disease iPS), and disease-indication of preclinical animal studies. Future cooperation in medicine research, clinical treatment, and product innovation of cell/stem cell will be highlighted. The major aims of the stem cell research team as follows.
1. Pluripotent stem cells, embryonic germ cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells).
2. Niche regulation of stemness expression in stem cell and cancer. 3. Homeostasis regulation of pluripotent transcription factor OCT4 in
stem cell and cancer.
4. Preclinical animal studies of small blood cells and mesenchymal stem cells in bone repair and wound healing.
5. Drug screening of disease iPS cells and cancer stem cells.
Schematic of mouse postimplantation germ cell development in symmetric self-renewal proliferation and migration.
IL6 increases the expression of pluripotent gene OCT4 and NANOG through IGFIR activation in human HBV-HCC cells.
Staff and contact information Stem cell research team
Rita Yen-Hua Huang, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Director
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3150 Fax: +886-2-2735-6689 E-mail: rita1204@tmu.edu.tw
URL:http://biochemistry.tmu.edu.tw/teacher-1.asphttp://goo.gl/fCZnnI
Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences
The lung inflammatory team
Demonstrated that a disintegrin and metalloproteinases 17(AD AM17) and α-SMA are overexpressed in fibroblasts from patients with COA compared to normal subjects. They also demonstrated that C/EBPβ-mediated hypoxia induced expression of ADAM17 and α-SMA as well as fibroblast differentiation. The main focus of this team is on why ADAM17 is the key mediator in the progression of fibroblast differentiation and pulmonary fibrosis. Delineation of the ADAM17 signaling processes in the lung fibroblast cell types will not only help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of pulmonary fibrosis, but facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for curing or alleviating pulmonary fibrosis.
Lung inflammatory research group: The integrative research team.
Staff and contact information
Chien-Huang Lin, Ph.D., Professor/President
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 2018 Fax: +886-2-2378-7795 E-mail: chlin@tmu.edu.tw URL: http://goo.gl/gdFYVe The neuroscience research group
TMU has established a University-grade “Center for Neurotrauma and Regeneration Medicine” and a Sleep Center for patients. There are 4 main teams : New diagnosis and treatment for neurological or psychiatric sequelae following traumatic brain injury (TBI); Impact of Sleep Disorders on Metabolic Functions; Impact of BBB / Neurovascular unit / Hypoxia in neurological or psychiatric diseases; New drug development for glioma.
1. The TBI team has established a translational research framework for early detection, therapeutic design from cellular or animal studies, and extended to health care for TBI patients. This team also established International Collaboration with NIH in USA with an ongoing integrated program project led by Dr. Wen-Chang Chang.
2. The team in sleep medicine has established a reliable and valid animal model of maternal early-life sleep deprivation and found trans-generational impact of sleep deprivation.
3. Neurovascular research team focuses on cerebrovascular studies in hypoxia, ischemia, white matter injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
4. The glioma team has established orthotopic xenofeaft and allograft animal models and identified new biomarkers for glioma and potential new therapeutic approaches.
Staff and contact information
Jia-Yi Wang Ph.D. Professor and Director
Tel: +886-2-27361661 ext. 3412 Fax: +886-2-23778620
E-mail: jywang2010@tmu.edu.tw
URL: http://physiology.tmu.edu.tw/teacher_001-1.php
Requirements for Master degree
1. 18 credits in Required Courses ( including 6 credits in Thesis) 2. 14 credits in Elective Courses
3. Research Ethics(No credit) 4. Thesis
5. Pass oral thesis defense Requirements for PhD degree
1. 22 credits in Required Courses ( including 12 credits in Dissertation)
2. 8 credits in Elective Courses 3. Research Ethics(No credit) 4. Dissertation
5. Pass oral dissertation defense
Major publications
[1] Wu CH, Lee CH, Ho YS. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-based blockade: applications of molecular targets for cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2011;17:3533-41.
[2] Lee CH, Huang CS, Chen CS, et al. Overexpression and activation of the alpha9-nicotinic receptor during tumorigenesis in human breast epithelial cells. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102: 1322-35.
[3] Jin G, Lee SW, Zhang X, et al. Skp2-Mediated RagA Ubiquitination Elicits a Negative Feedback to Prevent Amino-Acid-Dependent mTORC1 Hyperactivation by Recruiting GATOR1. Mol Cell 2015; 58:989-1000
[4] Chang TS, Wu YC, Ching CC, et al. Activation of IL6/IGF-IR confers poor prognosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma through induction of OCT4/NANOG expression. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:201-210.
[5] Chang TS, Wu YC, Tung SY, et al. Alpha-fetoprotein
measurement benefits hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2015; 110:836-44. [6] Wu YC, Ling TY, Lu SH, et al. Chemotherapeutic sensitivity of
testicular germ cell tumors under hypoxic conditions is negatively regulated by SENP1-controlled sumoylation of OCT4. Cancer Res 2012; 72:4963-73.
[7] Huang ZW, Lien GS, Chen BC, et al. p300 and C/EBP β-regulated IKKβ expression are involved in thrombin-induced IL-8/CXCL8 expression in human lung epithelial cells. Pharmacol Res. 2017; 121:33-41.
[8] Yang LY, Greig NH, Huang YN, et al. Post-traumatic admini-stration of the p53 inactivator pifithrin-α oxygen analogue reduces hippocampal neuronal loss and improves cognitive deficits after experimental traumatic brain injury. Neurobiol Dis. 2016; 96: 216-26.
[9] Chuang JY, Kao TJ, Lin SH, et al. Spicity protein 1-zinc finger protein 179 pathway is involved in the attenuation of oxidative stress following brain injury. Redox Biol 2016; 11:135-43.
[10] Chen LY, Renn TY, Liao WC, Mai FD, et al. Melatonin
successfully rescues hippocampal bioenergetics and improves cognitive function following drug intoxication by promoting Nrf2-ARE signaling activity. J Pineal Res 2017; (accepted)
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine
About
Kuan-Chou Chen M.D., Ph.D. Professor and Director The Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine was established to enhance the health of the public through prospective
clinical and translational medical research, the exploration and solving of clinical problems, and the development of advanced diagnosis tools and treatments in order to earlier detecting and preventing diseases.
Both the master’s and doctoral programs are designed to train students to the highest standards of this institute. Our curriculum characteristics are three aspects, including Disease-Oriented Research, Research-Oriented Learning and Dual mentorship. We offer courses in clinical trials, translational medicine, clinical & translational epidemiology, clinical evidenced medicine, cell biology, molecular biology, lab rotation and research techniques, applied statistics, research design, advanced paper writing and genetic medicine. All students are given guidance and counseling by two supervisors who possess backgrounds in clinical medicine and research.
Major achievements
Research teams:
Cancer
Providing new insights into the role of melatonin-induced molecular regulation in suppressing RCC metastasis and suggest that
melatonin has potential therapeutic applications for metastatic RCC.
RCC metastasis towards mesentery, diaphragm, lung, pancreas, and liver tissues in tumor-bearing mice treated without (vehicle) or with melatonin at the end of the study.
Renal Diseases
Unveiling a molecular mechanism in which Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) causes nephrotoxicity via enhancing HIF-1α signaling pathway, apoptosis and autophagy in mouse kidney tissues.
ZnO NPs induce apoptosis and the HIF-1α signaling pathway through ROS generation, eventually leading to nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, ZnO NP-induced autophagy may be mediated by the induction of the HIF-1α signaling pathway. In addition, CTGF and PAI-1, which are regulated by HIF and related to the renal fibrosis, are increased after ZnO NP treatment
Cardiovascular Diseases
Elucidating ZFHX3 downregulation in atrial myocytes leads to the dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and atrial arrhythemogenesis, which may contribute to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Effects of ZFHX3 knockdown on potassium currents in HL-1 cells in the presence of 4-Aminopyrisine or Acetylcoline.
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine
Genetic Medicine
Discovering rs2893321 may be a susceptible genetic variant for the development of Graves’ disease.
Prevalence of genotype of rs2893321 in thyroid disease in females and males.
Inflammation & Autoimmune
Validating that the correlation between serum BAFF and thyroid autoantibody levels exhibits a dimorphic pattern, particularly in active Graves’ disease.
Association of serum B-lymphocyte activating factor (BAFF) and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TSHRAb) titers in women with active or inactive GD.
Staff and contact information
Kuan-Chou Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Director Hermia Ho, Secretary
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3229 Fax: +886-2-2739-0500 E-mail: gicm@tmu.edu.tw URL: gicm.tmu.edu.tw/main.php
Evidence-Based Medicine
a simple and efficient way to apply a safe finger tourniquet by using hand rubber glove for a short-term bloodless finger surgery and can achieve an excellent surgical result.
Formation of the finger tourniquet. A, Inject local anesthesia at the interdigital web space level. B, Sterilization. C, Apply a surgical glove to the patient’s hand. D and E, Cut a 2-mmhole in the fingertip of the glove. F, Gently pass the hole over the nail. G and H, Roll the rubber back to create a tourniquet.
Requirements for Master degree 1. 20 required credits
2. Thesis
3. 10 elective credits
Requirements for In-Service Master Program for Applied Evidence-Based Medicine
1. 20 required credits 2. Thesis
3. 10 elective credits
Requirements for Ph. D. Program 1. 24 required credits
2. Dissertation 3. 6 elective credits
Major publications
[1] Lin YW, Lee LM, Lee WJ, et al. Melatonin inhibits MMP-9 transactivation and renal cell carcinoma metastasis by suppressing Akt-MAPKs pathway and NF-κB DNA-binding activity. J Pineal Res 2016;60:277-290.
[2] Lin YF, Chiu IJ, Cheng FY, et al. The role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Particle and Fibre Toxicology 2016; 13:52 [3] Kao YH, Hsu JC, Chen YC, et al. ZFHX3 knockdown increases
arrhythmogenesis and dysregulates calcium homeostasis in HL-1 atrial myocytes. Int J Cardiol 20HL-16; 2HL-10:85-92.
[4] Lin JD, Yang SF, Wang YH, et al. Analysis on the association of human BAFF gene polymorphisms with autoimmune thyroid disease. PLOS ONE 2016; 11:e01544.
[5] Lin JD, Wang YH, Fang WF, et al. Serum BAFF and thyroid autoantibodies in autoimmune thyroid disease. Clinica Chimica Acta 2016; 462:96-102.
[6] Wei LG, Chen CF, Hwang CY et al. Safe Finger Tourniquet— Ideas. Ann Plast Surg. 2016; 76 Suppl 1:S130-2.
Master Program in School of Respiratory Therapy
About
Bing-Chang Chen Ph.D. Professor and Director. The School of Respiratory Therapy offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree, with a specialization in respiratory
therapy, to prepare future experts in the profession as well as advanced clinical practitioners.
Faculties in our programs integrate critical thinking and simulation into teaching and research in order to provide students opportunities to excel their profession. The healthcare systems in Taipei Medical University also provide students more chances to perform translational research.
We also offer a dual M.S. degree with the integrated master program of Respiratory Therapy in Georgia State University (GSU), USA.
This Program is for highly motivated and academically accomplished baccalaureate graduate who wants to:
1. To enhance the ability to perform respiratory care in the clinical site at an advanced level as a respiratory therapy specialist. 2. To develop the ability to examine the scientific basis of respiratory
care procedures and evaluate technology used in respiratory care. 3. To develop professions in respiratory sciences for faculty in
academic institutes.
We have seven core research groups in the Master Program 1. Respiratory pharmacology and lung fibrosis
2. Diagnostics and therapy in critical respiratory care
3. Verification and development of respiratory therapy equipment 4. Long-term respiratory care and rehabilitation
5. Infectious pulmonary disease and tuberculosis 6. Environmental pulmonary disease
7. Inflammation-induced airway hyperreactivity Program highlights
1. 30 credits program
2. Web-enhanced program designed for the working professionals 3. Interdisciplinary research
Program information
1. Program of study (30 credits) 2. Respiratory therapy Core: 16 credits 3. Specialized Curriculum: 8 credits 4. Thesis: 6 credits
Prospects after graduation 1. Advanced respiratory therapists
2. R&D in respiratory therapy and critical care medicine Representative figures
MEKK1/ERK/RSK1 mediates thrombin-induced C/EBPβ
activation and IL-8/CXCL8 expression in lung epithelial cells.CXCR4 mediates CXCL12-stimulated stress fiber formation in
lung fibroblasts
Determination of inflammopathology in mouse using CT(Left) and
SPECT(Right)Hypothesized mechanisms involved in the TRPA1-TRPV1
interaction in pulmonary sensory neuronsMajor publications
[1] Hsu CC, Lee LY. Role of calcium ions in the positive interaction between TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels in bronchopulmonary sensory neurons. J Appl Physiol 2015; 118:1533-43. [2] Lin LL, Chen FH, Huang LY, et al. Virulence effect from
switching conserved homologous genes responsible for capsular polysaccharide synthesis from klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K1 into serotype K20. Virulence 2016; 26:1-7.
[3] Huang ZW, Lien GS, Lin CH, et al. p300 and C/EBPβ-regulated IKKβ expression are involved in thrombin-induced
IL-8/CXCL8 expression in human lung epithelial cells. Pharmacol Res 2017; 121:33-41.
[4] Lai CY, Lai CH, Chuang HC, et al. Physicochemistry and cardiovascular toxicity of metal fume PM2.5: a study of human coronary artery endothelial cells and welding workers. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33515.
[5] Hsu CC, Lin YS, Lin RL, Lee LY. Immediate and delayed potentiating effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on TRPV1 sensitivity of rat vagal pulmonary sensory neurons. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; (Accepted)
[6] Weng CM, Chen BC, Wang CH, et al. The endothelin A receptor mediates fibrocyte differentiation in chronic obstructive asthma. The involvement of connective tissue growth factor. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 188:298-308.
Staff and contact information Bing-Chang Chen, Ph.D., Director
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3511 E-mail: bcchen@tmu.edu.tw
Hui-Ting Yu, Secretary
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3515 E-mail: claire710@tmu.edu.tw URL: http://rt.tmu.edu.tw/main.php
International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine
About
Yen-Chou Chen Ph.D. Professor and Director The International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine (IGPM) started recruiting students in the fall of 2016. This
program offers both degree of Master/Ph.D. degree in medical sciences. IGPM provides its students with interdisciplinary research and clinical training opportunities in the world-class laboratories of doctoral faculty located both at campuses of Taipei Medical University (TMU) and at the affiliated hospitals in TMU healthcare system, which include TMU hospital, TMU Wanfang Hospital and TMU Shuang-Ho Hospital. Students will receive a fundamental orientation and training in the current field of biomedical sciences as well as mastery of the knowledge and investigative approaches in his or her chosen areas of specialization.
In addition, International Clinical Training Program (ICTP) is also provided for resident and fellow training. Residents or fellows will receive certifications after finishing this program.
Eligibility
1. Non-citizen of Taiwan
2. Hold a bachelor degree in science related to biomedical fields (for applicants in Master program)
3. Hold a master degree in science or art related to biomedical fields (for applicants in Doctoral program)
4. An MD degree and at least two years of documented clinical training with publication(s) equivalent to a master’s thesis (for applicants in Doctoral program)
Missions
1. To prepare master candidates to have broad range of knowledge in the fields of medical sciences, leading to bolster their preparation for further study or entry into the biomedical workforce
2. To prepare doctoral candidates to become research professionals equipped to teach in university programs and for leadership positions in biotechnology and research
Requirements for Master degree
1. 12 credits in Required Courses (including 6 credits in Thesis)
2. 18 credits in Elective Courses 3. Research Ethics (No credit) 4. Thesis
5. Pass oral thesis defense
Requirements for Ph.D. degree
1. 18 credits in Required Courses (including 12 credits in Dissertation)
2. 12 credits in Elective Courses 3. Research Ethics (No credit)
4. Pass Qualification Examination (QE) to advance doctoral candidate
5. At least one article published in a
SCI/SSCI/A&HCI/EI/THCI Core journal (ranked in top 50%) as the first author
6. Dissertation
7. Pass oral dissertation defense
Major publications
[1] Cheng TC, Tu SH, Chen LC, et al. Down-regulation of L- fucosidase 1 expression confers inferior survival for triple- negative breast cancer patients by modulating the glycosylation status of the tumor cell surface. Oncotarget 2015; 6:21283-21300.
[2] Chang TS, Wu YC, Ching CC, et al. Activation of IL6/IGF-IR confers poor prognosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma through induction of OCT4/NANOG expression. Clinical Cancer Res 2015; 21:201-10.
[3] Yang SF, Lee WJ, Tan P, et al.Upregulation of miR-328 and inhibition of CREB-DNA-binding activity are critical for resveratrol-mediated suppression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and subsequent metastatic ability in human osteosarcomas. Oncotarget 2015; 6:2736-53. [4] Guan SS, Chang J, Cheng CC, et al. Afatinib and its encapsulated
polymeric micelles inhibits HER2-overexpressed colorectal tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2014; 5:4868-80.
Staff and contact information
Shing-Chuan Shen, Ph.D., Professor and Counselor
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3425 E-mail: scshen@tmu.edu.tw
Janice Huang, Secretary
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3119 E-mail: yufenhuang@tmu.edu.tw E-mail:igpm@tmu.edu.tw URL: http://igpm.tmu.edu.tw;
International Clinical Training Program
About
Under the umbrella of International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine which provides a wide range of master and doctoral degrees, the International Clinical Training Program (ICTP) provides opportunities for foreign clinicians to join the clinical training in three affiliated hospitals of TMU. The trainee includes residents, fellows and visiting scholars. The period may range from 1 month to 2 years depending on the training level and specialty. The trainees of ICTP programs may join the courses of International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine at school and participate in the patient care at hospitals. We encourage trainees to apply for International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine after finishing ICTP. Courses taken during the ICTP will be credited in the International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine. We value the diversity that visiting residents/fellows bring to our program, and they have every opportunity to experience what we have to offer.
Eligibility
1. Non-citizen of Taiwan.
2. Hold either the M.D. degree certificate or the diploma given by College of Medicine.
3. Hold medical doctor license and clinical training experience for at least 1 year.
4. Be able to communicate in English. Notice
1. ICTP trainee is permitted making clinical decisions, diagnosis or giving advices on any medical issues during the program span under the supervision of mentors.
2. ICTP trainee has to choose from departments for apprenticeship. 3. Training contents, durations and further prerequisites vary from
department to department.
4. Housing may be arranged upon request but is subject to availability; fees may apply and are subject to different dormitories.
5. ICTP trainee will receive a clinical training certificate issued by the university after finishing all training courses.
Materials Required for Application 1. Application form.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Copy of M.D. degree certificate or the diploma given by College of Medicine.
4. Copy of medical doctor license.
5. Certificate of clinical training experience.
6. At least one recommendation letter from the head of the department which the applicant belongs to at the hospital or the Dean of the Medical School.
7. Copy of valid passport.
8. Health record, immunization record within the last three months (prior the arrival).
9. Proof of personal health/accident insurance with overseas coverage or proof of national health insurance (prior the arrival). Training Fees
1. The fees vary according to the policy of the applied affiliation. 2. Students studied in TMU International Master/Ph.D. Program in
Medicine are exempt from the fees.
3. The fees are non-refundable after registration.
Rotation Clinical Departments 1. Breast Cancer Training Program 2. Cardiovascular Medicine 3. Gastroenterology and Hepatology 4. Laparoscopic Surgical Training Program
5. Minimal Invasive Surgery and Epigenetics of Gynecological Oncology
6. Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery 7. Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery 8. Neurology
9. Orthopaedics Surgery and Sports Medicine 10. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 11. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 12. Pulmonary Medicine
13. Radiology 14. Renal Medicine
Staff and contact information Janice Huang, Secretary
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3119 E-mail: yufenhuang@tmu.edu.tw E-mail: ictp@tmu.edu.tw URL: http://igpm.tmu.edu.tw
Medical Education
Major research aims
Wu, Chien-Chih M.D., Ph.D. Research in medical education aims at examining teaching and learning processes and the human attributes,
interactions, organizations, and institutions that shape outcomes of medical education. Educational research encompasses a broad range of methodologies, and the development of new methods is sometimes used. For instance, we conducted qualitative studies on students’ reflective journals to ensure the reasonableness of our curricular innovations in medical humanities. These innovations included early clinical exposure courses and teaching medical ethics. To find convenient and effective models for teaching, learning and assessing clinical skills, our empirical studies focus on simulation education, technologyenhanced learning and competency -based education.
Major achievements
1. The International Conference of Clinical Competence and Simulation Education in Healthcare (Since 2013). 2. Authenticated training program for IMPROVING
SIMULATION INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS (ISIM). 3. The Establishment of ACGME Milestone Project in Acta
Anaesthesiologica Taiwanica.
4. The Development of a Situational Judgement Checklist for Collaborative Ethics Teaching.
Representative figures
This table shows that all ACGME competency indicators declined significantly in Level 5 according to the consensus of 38 local experts.
149 reflective journals of Year-6 medical students (M/F = 45/12); The local scenarios embodied all CanMEDS key competencies. Only one (0.7%) scenario cannot fit in with the CanMEDS framework. The role expectation for a good Communicator was mostly emphasized. In most scenarios, more than one role was involved.
An Exploratory Study on Simulated Clinical Skill Learning
Satisfaction in the Flipped ApproachSeventy eight fifth grade medical students took flipped nasogastric insertion course and filled learning satisfaction questionnaire. The questionnaire was consisted of three domains satisfaction in learning nasogastric insertion knowledge, nasogastric insertion skill, and affective learning. The result showed that:
1. students have high learning satisfaction in flipped classroom. 2. There was no statistical difference among three domains and overall average of students’ learning satisfaction in flipped classroom. Table 1 Satisfaction on Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains
Domain M SD t-value p-value
Cognitive 4.03 0.72 6.45 < .001
Psychomotor 4.12 0.64 8.44 < .001
Affective 4.10 0.71 7.46 < .001
One-sample t-test, test value: 3.5. Major publications
[1] Lin CW, Clinciu DL, Swartz MH, et al. An integrative OSCE methodology for enhancing the traditional OSCE program at Taipei medical university hospital-a feasibility study. BMC Med Educ 2013; 13:102.
[2] Tang KP, Kang. YN, Ho JJ, et al. CanMEDS roles as framework for analyzing Taiwanese medical students’ reflective journals: an exploratory research for cross-cultural compatibility. Bulletin of Medical Education - Taichung Veterans General Hospital 2015; 18:21-8.
[3] Tang KP, Kang YN, Wu CC, et al. The Educational Implementation of Duo-Case Method in Teaching Medical Ethics on Ventilator-Dependent Patient Care. Bulletin of Medical Education - Taichung Veterans General Hospital 2017; 20:3-12.
[4] Kang YN, Lin CW, Chen CY, et al. An Exploratory Study on Simulated Clinical Skill Learning Satisfaction in the Flipped Approach. Journal of Taiwan Society for Simulation in Healthcare 2016; 3:23-31.
Staff and contact information
Chien-Chih Wu, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661, ext. 3001 E-mail: ccwu@tmu.edu.tw
International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine
About
Rita Yen-Hua Huang Ph.D. Distinguished Professor and Director The International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine (IPCTRM) has begun to recruit
students for the inaugural Fall semester 2017. The mission of this program is to promote translational medicine and clinical trials of cell/stem cell based therapy. Along with TMU’s university-grade Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine (TMU-CTRM), IPCTRM aims to cultivate talented young researchers in diverse fields, including immune cell applications in cancer treatment; blood and mesenchymal stem cell therapies for regenerative processes, wound healing, graft-versus-host disease, and multiple sclerosis; and drug screening platform with cancer stem cells and disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells. IPCTRM brings experts and scientists together to not only facilitate outstanding research in basic studies but also place major emphasis on clinical translational medicine and industrial cell/stem cell product development.
Major Achievements
1. Establishment of university-grade “TMU Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine” for integration of cell/stem cell researches between TMU and TMU-affiliated hospitals. 2. Founding of “TMU Distinguished Stem Cell Translational
Medicine Research Group”.
3. Investigation of safety and efficacy of small blood cells and mesenchymal stem cells in preclinical animal studies.
4. Inauguration of Good Tissue Practice (GTP) Laboratory for preparation of clinical grade cells/stem cells for clinical use. 5. Reinforcement of collaboration and transition between laboratory
and patent/industry development. Program Highlights
1. Cancer immunotherapy
2. Pluripotent stem cells: embryonic germ cells and iPS cells 3. Pluripotent small blood cells in clinical trials
4. Mesenchymal stem cells in clinical trials 5. Drug screening platform with disease iPS cells 6. FDA/TFDA regulations on cell therapy 7. CMC/ Pharm-Tox/ clinical trial/ IRB training Career Opportunities
Our graduates will become leaders in the following areas: 1. Clinical research coordination
2. Regulation development and review 3. Research and development 4. Clinical trial drafting and review 5. Academic research
6. Cell manufacturing process Representative Figures
Organization of TMU Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine.
Fluorescence imaging of human serum albumin (HSA) coated- fluorescent nanodiamond (FND)-labeled placenta chorion mesenchymal stem cells (pcMSCs) in pig lung tissues.
The GTP Laboratory has two class 1,000 cleanrooms with clinical-grade flow cytometry, biological safety cabinet, centrifuge, and incubators.
Major Publications
[1] Su LJ, Wu MS, Hui YY, et al. Fluorescent nanodiamonds enable quantitative tracking of human mesenchymal stem cells in miniature pigs. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45607.
[2] Chang TS, Wu YC, Ching CC, et al. Activation of IL6/IGF-IR confers poor prognosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma through induction of OCT4/NANOG expression. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:201-10.
[3] Chang TS, Wu YC, Tung SY, et al. Alpha-fetoprotein
measurement benefits hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2015; 110:836-44. [4] Au HK, Chang JH, Wu YC, et al. TGF-βI regulates cell
migration through pluripotent transcription factor OCT4 in endometriosis. PLoS ONE 2015; 10:0145256.
[5] Huang YH, Lin MH, Wang PC, et al. Hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha/insulin-like growth factor receptor signal loop supports the proliferation and Oct-4 maintenance of mouse germline stem cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:526-37.
[6] Wu YC, Ling TY, Lu SH, et al. Chemotherapeutic sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors under hypoxic conditions is negatively regulated by SENP1-controlled sumoylation of OCT4. Cancer Res 2012; 72:4963-73.
[7] Huang YH, Chin CC, Ho HN, et al. Pluripotency of mouse spermatogonial stem cells maintained by IGF-1 dependent signaling pathway. FASEB J 2009; 23:2076-87.
Staff and contact information Janice Huang,Secretary
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661, ext. 3119 Fax: +886-2-2735-6689
E-mail: yufenhuang@tmu.edu.tw URL: http://cctrm.tmu.edu.tw/main.php
Research Centers
Cochrane Taiwan 18
Biostatistics Center 19
Cochrane Taiwan
Major research aims
Chiehfeng Chen M.D. M.P.H. Ph.D. Director Cochrane Taiwan is one of the official Cochrane societies supporting the global work of Cochrane and maximizing
the use and the impact of Cochrane Reviews for Taiwan and East Asian region. Funded and based at Taipei Medical University, we support the education and the production of Cochrane Systematic Reviews. It is our goal to maximize the impact of Cochrane Reviews by disseminating and implementing the findings to health professionals, researchers, decision makers and the public. Research fields:
1. Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM): education, research and promotion 2. Systematic review and meta-analysis research
3. Knowledge translation (KT) and shared-decision making (SDM)
4. EBM application: health technology assessment (HTA), comparative effectiveness analysis (CEA), clinical practice guideline (CPG), etc.
Major achievements
Activities:
1. We form the East Asian Cochrane Alliance (EACA) by inviting representatives from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan with the aim to promote the activities of Cochrane systematic reviews since 2007.
2. Recognized by Cochrane Translation Group, Cochrane Taiwan is the leading position of translating Cochrane Systematic Review abstracts into Mandarin.
3. In 2016, we held 11 workshops and 7 lectures related to EBM. We also co-organized activities with Taiwan Joint Commission of Hospital Accreditation on 16th Healthcare Quality Improvement Circle and EBM competition among Ministry Hospitals. For training EBM related website search, we carried out the onsite teaching 7 times at Ministry Hospitals.
Academics:
1. During the study period, Directors of nursing (DON)s’ EBP knowledge and skills increased, but their beliefs and attitudes did not significantly change. Furthermore, the use of Internet-based resources, including web portals, electronic textbooks, electronic journals, and evidence-based online databases, increased. Most barriers significantly declined after the intervention.
2. Five eligible studies were retrieved and analyzed. We divided sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis into two categories: SLN micrometastasis and SLN macrometastasis. In patients with 1 or 2 SLN micrometastasis, no significant difference was observed in overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), or recurrence rate between the axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and non-ALND group. For patients with 1 or 2 SLN marcometastasis, only one trial with a moderate risk of bias was included, and non-ALND was the preferred management overall. However, non-ALND might be appropriate for patients who placed a greater emphasis on longer-term survival at any cost.
In-service Master Program for Applied Evidence-Based Medicine (Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine)
Total 30 credits (20 required credits including thesis and 10 elective credits) with multidisciplinary research team.
Representative figure
Major publications
[1] Weng YH, Chen KH, Chen C, et al. Dissemination of evidence-based practice into directors of nursing by an outreach campaign in Taiwan. J Contin Educ Nurs 2016; 47:181-8. [2] Huang TH, Kuo KN, Chen KH, et al. Recommendation for
axillary lymph node dissection in women with early breast cancer and sentinel node metastasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials using the GRADE system. Int J Surg 2016; 34:73-80.
[3] Chen L, Chen CF, Yen Y, et al. Chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract carcinoma: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4584. [4] Wu MS, Chen KH, Chen IF, et al. The efficacy of acupuncture
in post-operative pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150367.
[5] Liu HM, Chiang IJ, Kuo KN, et al. The effect of acetazolamide on sleep apnea at high altitude: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2017; 11:20-9.
[6] Chen Y, Yang K, Marušić A, et al. A reporting tool for practice guidelines in healthcare: the RIGHT Statement. Annals of Internal Medicine. Ann Intern Med 2017; 166:128-32. [7] Huang YJ, Lin GH, Lu WS, et al. Validation of the european
health literacy survey questionnaire in women with breast cancer. Cancer Nurs 2017.[Epub ahead of print]
Staff and contact information
Chiehfeng (Cliff) Chen, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., Director and Associate Professor
Ken N. Kuo, M.D., EBM Consultant
Kelvin Ka-Wai Tam, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Director Joyce Kee-Hsin Chen, Ph.D. CEO
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 7212 Fax: +886-2-6638-3879
Biostatistics Center
Major research aims
Jin-Hua Chen Ph.D. Director The Research Center of Biostatistics is a research facility under the College of Management. Jin-Hua Chen, the
center director, collaborates with senior professor Kuang-Fu Cheng in research on statistical methodology of associations between genetics and diseases, and meta-analysis. The Center provides consulting on study design, data management, biostatistical issues and data analysis problems, collaborates closely with investigators and doctors within the University, and analyzes the database of National Health Insurance program of Taiwan to investigate risk factors, diagnoses, treatments and prognosis for human diseases. The Center developed “Data Analysis & Guiding System-Cloud, DAGS‧C” and “I-Clinical”, which are web-based user-friendly statistical analyzing systems.
Major achievements
1. I-Clinical: helping investigators to choose the appropriate sample size, generate randomization plan from aspects of clinical studies and perform basic statistical analysis without the burden of downloading software.
2. Data Analysis & Guiding System-Cloud, DAGS‧C: a user- friendly statistical analyzing system. (http://www.r-web.com.tw/) 3. Multiple strains probiotics were associated with a marked
reduction in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and a greater effectiveness in reducing mortality in preterm very low birth weight neonates.
4. Local model averaging procedure on estimating the probability of rare events when logistic regression is used: Our complete simulations showed that this approach is more effective.
5. Established a simple structure and preliminary acceptable psychometric properties of the Vietnamese Hemodialysis Stressor Scale, which can be served as a basis for further studies. 6. A randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of
antiseptic methods in surgical rooms: According to the results, we recommend using conventional chlorhexidine scrub as a standard method for perioperative hand antisepsis.
7. Researches analyzing database released by the Bureau of National Health Insurance in Taiwan: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are associated with higher risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, and Behçet disease.
Representative figures
(publications [2]) Probability estimates of severe NEC(Necrotizing Enterocolitis) for 183 individuals with Y = 0 (as above) and 5 individuals with Y = 1 (as below) based on various methods.
Major publications
[1] HY Chang, JH Chen, JH Chang, et al. Multiple strains probiotics appear to be the most effective probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and mortality: An updated meta- analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171579.
[2] JH Chen, CS Chen, MF Huang, et al. Estimating the probability of rare events occurring using a local model averaging. Risk Anal 2016; 36:1855-70.
[3] JC Tsai, YK Lin, YJ Huang, et al. Antiseptic effect of conventional povidone–iodine scrub, chlorhexidine scrub, and waterless hand rub in a surgical room: a randomized controlled trial. Infection control & hospital epidemiology 2017; 38:417-22. [4] TL Dang, FC Lai, YK Lin, et al. Psychometric evaluation of the
vietnamese hemodialysis stressor scale. Clin Nurs Res 2016 [Epub ahead of print].
[5] WS Chen, YS Chang, CC Chang, et al. Management and risk reduction of rheumatoid arthritis in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea: a nationwide population-based study in Taiwan. Sleep 2016; 39:1883-90.
Staff and contact information Jin-Hua Chen, Ph.D., Center Director
Tel: +886-2-6638-2736 ext. 1186 Fax: +886-2-2735-8254
E-mail: biostat@tmu.edu.tw URL: http://biostat.tmu.edu.tw/
Research Groups
Anesthesiology 21
Cardiovascular Medicine 22
Emergency Medicine 24
Gastroenterology 27
Microbiology & Immunology Research 28
Neuroscience 30
Obesity Medicine 36
Oncology 37
Orthopedic 42
Pediatrics 45
Pulmonary Research 49
Radiology 52
Rehabilitation Medicine 55
Renal Medicine 57
Sleep Medicine 59
Tropical Medicine Research 61
Woman Health 62
Anesthesiology
Perioperative Medicine Research Team
Major research aims
Ta-Liang Chen M.D., Ph.D. Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) provides the strength of big sample size and
avoiding of selection and participation bias. NHIRD studies could inform us of the incidence, prevalence, managements, correlations and associations of diseases, in addition to the patterns of health care used. On the other hand, perioperative medicine has also emerged as an important clinical research field over the past decades. Though many studies concerning perioperative medicine basing on retrospective data analysis had been published in high impact journals, few studies utilizing NHIRD had been available. Estimated from the prominent growth curve of NHIRD studies, we believe that there are opportunities and responsibilities for us to better contribute to this ever growing field. It is all true that via the NHIRD studies we will contribute efforts to the progress of perioperative medicine, and with the recruitment of devotion from more research groups, it will be a true success.
Major achievements
1. Perioperative outcomes for patients with chronic diseases 2. Risk factors and outcomes of diabetes, stroke, traumatic brain
injury, and epilepsy
3. Prevalence, characteristics, associated factors, and outcomes of the usage of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
Representative figures
The preoperative 24-month medical expenditures increased significantly with the incremental number of major preexisting medical conditions among all age groups, and differences among various age groups who had the same number of conditions were relatively minute, although still statistically significantly. The follow-up results showed that patients with epilepsy were
4.6 times more likely than the non-epilepsy group to experience gastrointestinal hemorrhage (13.4 vs 2.9 per 1000 person-years), with an adjusted HR of 2.97 (95% CI, 2.49-3.53) after controlling for demographic factors and comorbidities. The prevalence of TCM use among stroke patients increased
from 24% in 2000 to 32% in 2009 (P < 0.0001) and TCM use was higher in stroke patients than in general population annually from 2000–2009.
Major publications
[1] Yeh CC, Liao CC, Chang YC, et al. Adverse outcomes after noncardiac surgery in patients with diabetes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. Diabetes Care 2013; 36:3216-21.
[2] Yeh CC, Wang HH, Chou YC, et al. High risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with epilepsy: a nationwide cohort study. Mayo Clin Proc 2013; 88:1091-8.
[3] Liao CC, Shen WW, Chang CC, et al. Surgical adverse outcomes in patients with schizophrenia: a population-based study. Ann Surg 2013; 257:433-8.
[4] Lin JA, Liao CC, Lee YJ, et al. Adverse outcomes after major surgery in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide population-based study. Ann Rheum Dis 2014; 73: 1646-51.
[5] Liao CC, Lin CS, Shih CC, et al. Increased risk of fracture and postfracture adverse events in patients with diabetes: two nationwide population-based retrospective cohort studies. Diabetes Care 2014; 37:2246-52.
Staff and contact information
Ta-Liang Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Professor
Tel: +886-2-2737-2181, ext.8310 Fax: +886-2-2736-7344 E-mail: tlc@tmu.edu.tw
Cardiovascular Medicine
Cardiovascular Research Team
Major research aims
Yi-Jen Chen M.D., Ph.D. Cardiaovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the world. My lab has devoted to deal with
the cardiovascular disease especially in the field of cardiac arrhythmia, investigate the probable mechanisms and treatment either in basic research or in clinical applications. We had established a series of platform and animal models for research of the mechanism and potential treatment of cardiac disease. The research scope involves both atrial and ventricular arrhythmia and their potential etiologies such as renal failure, electrolytes imbalance, gender, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, degenerated heart diseases (ex. Sinus node dysfunction), and the use of medication (ex. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC), etc), or their potential therapeutic agents such as Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor or antioxidant.
Major achievements
1. Discovery the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitor and antioxidant on treatment of atrial fibrillation, which may reduce atrial arrhythmogenesis through multiple target modifications. 2. Explore the role of renal failure, electrolytes imbalance, gender, dyslipidemia, degenerated heart (ex. Sinus node dysfunction), and the use of medication (ex. NSAID) in the pathogenesis of atrial tachyarrhythmia. These studies point out the electrical interactions of sinus node and pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes and dysregulated calcium homeostasis in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (Figure 2).
3. Investigation of the mechanism how epicardial fat,
adipocytokines, and fatty acids modulating Ionic currents and electrophysiologic characteristics of atria, which may potentiate the atrial fibrillation occurrence (Figure 3).
4. Research the regional difference of electrophysiological properties and the impact of absence of androgen receptor in RVOT - the potential ventricular tachycardia origin, which may provide better understanding or inspire novel therapy for RVOT associated VT.
5. Study of aging effect on atrial arrhythmia including aging associated cardiovascular comorbidities, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, atrial myopathy with apoptosis, and fibrosis, which all contribute to the genesis of AF(Figure 1). Representative figures
Major publications
[1] Tsai WC, Lu YY, Chen YC, et al. Ablation of androgen receptor gene triggers right ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia. Int J Cardiol 2015; 189:172-81.
[2] Huang SY, Chen YC, Kao YH, et al. Renal failure induces atrial arrhythmogenesis from discrepant electrophysiological remodeling and calcium regulation in pulmonary veins, sinoatrial node, and atria. Int J Cardiol 2016; 202:846-57 [3] Hu YF, Chen YJ, Lin YJ, et al. Inflammation and the patho-
genesis of atrial fibrillation. Nat Rev Cardiol 2015; 12:230- 43. [4] Lkhagva B, Kao YH, Chen YC, et al. Targeting histone
deacetylases: A novel therapeutic strategy for atrial fibrillation. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 781:250-7.
[5] Chang CJ, Cheng CC, Chen YC, et al. Gap junction modifiers regulate electrical activities of the sinoatrial node and pulmonary vein: Therapeutic implications in atrial arrhythmogenesis. Int J Cardiol 2016; 221:529-36.
Staff and contact information Yi-Jen Chen M.D., Ph.D., Professor
Tel: +886-2-2930-7930 ext. 2818, 2819 Fax: +886-2-2933-9378
Cardiovascular Medicine
Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Team
Major research aimsChun-Yao Huang M.D., Ph.D. Base on the theory of inflammation and dyslipidemia we establish a series platform focusing on research to
investigate the pathophysiology, mechanisms and treatments on cardiovascular disease, especially for metabolic disorder-induced and infection-induced atherscloerosis. Incoperating the concept of translational medicine, we find clinical problems, investigate the probable mechanisms and treatment at laboratory, and return our findings to clinical applications finally. To increase the clinical care quality of patients is our ultimate goal.
Major achievements
1. We highlight the therapeutic vasculogenesis potential of the Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, statin, and lycopene by promoting endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) functions (figure 1). 2. Previous studies on dyslipidemia focus on the transportation
function of each lipoproteins, We investigate the direct effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) on endothelial cell and EPCs. We explore oxLDL has concentration-dependent bi-phasic effects on EPCs function, and moderate to high concentrations of HDL paradoxically impaired EPCs tube formation in the absence of oxLDL. Under high ox-LDL condition, High HDL would revese the adverse effect driven by ox-LDL (figure 2).
3. Bacterial infection, such as C. pneumonia and P. gingivalis may act as a potent virulence factor, contributing to the tumori- genesis and atherogenesis (figure 3) .
4. We explore several useful clinical biomarkers which can detect subclinical atherosclerosis for early intervention to prevent from the full brown cardiovascular disease.
Representative figures
Staff and contact information
Chun-Yao Huang, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor
Tel: +886-2-2736-1661 ext. 3006 Fax: +886-2-6631-1502 E-mail: cyhuang@tmu.edu.tw
Major publications
[1] Huang CY, Tsai CS, Chen CH, et al. Eotaxin-2 increased toll-like receptor 4 expression in endothelial cells in vitro and exacerbates high-cholesterol diet-induced atherogenesis in vivo. Am J Transl Res 2016; 8:5338-53.
[2] Tsai CS, Lin YW, Huang CY, et al. Thrombomodulin regulates monocye differentiation via PKCδ and ERK1/2 pathway in vitro and in atherosclerotic lesion. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38421.
[3] Huang CY, Shih CM, Tsao NW, et al. The GroEL protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis regulates atherogenic phenomena in endothelial cells mediated by toll-like receptor 4 expression. Am J Transl Res 2016; 8:384-404.
[4] Chiang KH, Cheng WL, Shih CM, et al. Statins, HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Improve Neovascularization by Increasing the Expression Density of CXCR4 in Endothelial Progenitor Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136405.
[5] Lin FY, Tsao NW, Shih CM, et al. The biphasic effects of oxidized-low density lipoprotein on the vasculogenic function of endothelial progenitor cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123971. [6] Lu HY, Huang CY, Shih CM, et al. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4
inhibitor decreases abdominal aortic aneurysm formation through GLP-1- dependent monocytic activity in mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121077.
[7] Lin FY, Huang CY, Lu HY, et al. The GroEL protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis accelerates tumor growth by enhancing endothelial progenitor cell function and neovascularization. Mol Oral Microbiol 2015; 30:198-216. [8] Sung LC, Chao HH, Chen CH, et al. Lycopene inhibits cyclic
strain-induced endothelin-1 expression through the suppression of reactive oxygen species generation and induction of heme oxygenase -1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 42:632-9.
Emergency Medicine
Extreme exercise research team & Medical informatics research team
Major research aims
Wei-Fong Kao M.D., Ph.D.
Extreme exercise research: Our study fields include ultramarathon, run up race, and mountain climbing. The aims
of our studies are to improve the safety and to improve the performance of athletes.
Medical informatics research: Our study fields include medical informatics, wearable device application and
tele-care. The aims of our studies are to design a convenient system to improve the care quality and efficiency of the patient care and to modify the wearable devices to improve the quality and efficacy of the patient care.
Major achievements
1. The use of a real-time ECG transmission system may protect climbers from risky summit attempts of Mount Everest or high altitude mountain.
2. Effects of 100-km ultramarathon on acute kidney injury.
3. Clinical Impact of Speed Variability to Identify Ultramarathon Runners at Risk for Acute Kidney Injury.
4. Influence of a 100-km ultra-marathon on hepatitis B carrier runners.
5. The impact of chronic carrier of hepatitis B virus on liver function in a 7-day ultramarathon race.
6. The impact of hepatitis B carrier on cardiac troponin I in 100-km ultramarathon runners.
7. Procalcitonin variation before and after 100-km ultramarathon. 8. Early changes of the anemia phenomenon in male 100-km
ultramarathoners.
9. The changes of red blood cell viscoelasticity and exercise- induced hemolysis in 24-hr ultra-marathoners.
Representative figures
The screen shot of the ECG transmitted from camp 4 of Mount
Everest with a small wearable device (Ref. 1) Illustration of real-time ECG satellite transmission system for
Mount Everest climbers(Ref. 1) The 45.54 gm of ECG sensor and connecting leads for Mount
Everest climbers(ref. 1) A 34 year-old Mount Everest climber with a ECG transmission
PDA phone at camp 4 of Mount Everest (Ref 1) Coefficient of variation (CV) of speed in each 10 km-split
between runners with or without AKI(Stage II) development. Only CV in 40th– 50th km-split showed significant difference (p = 0.032) between each group in multivariate analysis*(Ref 3)Major publications
[1] Kao WF, Huang JH, Kuo TB, et al. Real-time Electrocar-iogram Transmission from Mount Everest during continued ascent. PLoS One 2013; 8:1-6.
[2] Kao WF, Hou SK, Chiu YH, et al. Effects of 100-km
Ultramarathon on Acute Kidney Injury. Clin J Sport Med 2015; 25:49-54.
[3] Hou SK, Chiu YH, Tsai YF, et al. Clinical Impact of Speed Variability to Identify Ultramarathon Runners at Risk for Acute Kidney Injury. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133146.
[4] Chiu YH, Hou SK, How CK, et al. Influence of a 100 km ultra-marathon on hepatitis B carrier runners. International Journal of Sport Medicine. Int J Sports Med 2013; 34:841-5. [5] Chou SL, Chou MY, Wang YS, et al. The impact of chronic
carrier of hepatitis B virus on liver function in a 7-day ultramarathon race. J Chin Med Assoc 2016; 79:179-84. [6] Chiu YH, Lai JI, Wang SH, et al. Early changes of the anemia
phenomenon in male 100-km ultramarathoners. J Chin Med Assoc 2015; 78:108-13.
[7] Chiu YH, Tseng YF, Li LH, et al. The changes of red blood cell vscoelasticity and exercise-induced hemolysis in 24-hr ultra-marathoners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2016; 48:262-3. [8] Li LH, Chen CT, Kao WF, et al. Procalcitonin variation before
and after 100-km ultramarathon. Clin Chem Lab Med 2017; 55:e110-2.
[9] Li LH, How CK, Kao WF, et al. The impact of hepatitis B carrier on cardiac troponin I in 100-km ultramarathon runners. J Chin Med Assoc 2017; 80:347-52.
Staff and contact information
Wei-Fong Kao, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and director
Tel: +886-2-2737-2181, ext. 8107 Fax: +886-2-2736-6189
Emergency Medicine
Air Medical Transport Research Team
Major research aims
Shin-Han Tsai M.D., Ph.D.
Hon-Ping Ma M.D., Ms. Emergency Air Medical transport (EAMT) has rescued patients from remote islands for decades
because of the geographical limits in Taiwan. Debates persist regarding the cost-effectiveness, safety of helicopter transport, mortality, and benefit. Proper criteria are needed to determine when EAMT is warranted and most likely to benefit patients. Transport of critical patients by air has become an integral part of regionalized systems of healthcare. Allocation of manpower, software/hardware upgrading and incorporation of video-telemedicine system are keys to improve local healthcare capabilities.
Major achievements
1. The preflight screening by National Aeromedical Approval Center (NAAC) has no patient safety or flight safety issue after 2002. (figure 1)
2. Emergency air medical transport (EAMT) became a major part of the modern trauma care system and most of remote-island patients were transferred via EAMT. (figure 2)
3. The overall mortality rate was 7.56% in 1684 airlifted patients. Among them, 26.3% were acute myocardial infarction and 25.8% were traumatic brain injury. (figure 3)
4. Male predominates in the head injury patients (M:F = 2.6:1) (figure 4)
5. Increasing utilization of EAMT in current National Health Care Scheme is necessary according to the NAAC database. Representative figures
Major publications[1] Tsai SH, Chen WL, Chiu WT, et al. Principles and direction of air medical transport in Taiwan. Ira J. Blumen, Daniel L. Lemkin. Principles and Direction of Air Medical Transport (2ed) 2015; Ch89: 940-944.
[2] Chen KC, Lu R, Iqbal U, et al. Interactions between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Drugs in Taiwan: A
Population-based Study. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine 2015; 122:462-470.
[3] Chen WL, Chiu WT, Wu MS,et al. Translational research of telecare for the treatment of hepatitis C. Biomed Res Int. 2014; Epub.
[4] Liao KH, Sung CW, Chu SF, et al. Reduced power spectra of heart rate variability are correlated with anxiety in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Psychiatry Res. 2016; 243:349-56. [5] Sung CW, Lee HC, Chiang YH, et al. Early dysautonomia
detected by heart rate variability predicts late depression in female patients following mild traumatic brain injury. Psychophysiology. 2016; 53: 455-64.
[6] Chang CH, Lee CY, Feng SW, et al. Effects of salivary oxidative markers on edentulous patients' satisfaction with prosthetic denture treatments: a pilot study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151605.
Staff and contact information
Hon-Ping Ma, M.D., Ms., Assistant Professor
Tel: +886-2-2249-0088 ext. 1230 Fax: +886-2-6631-1502 E-mail: acls2000@tmu.edu.tw
