A study on Safe Pork Consumption Behavior in Taiwan

( Cheng-wei Chen ),( Yu-ping Fan ),( Cheng-hsing Yeh ) 한국농업경제학회 2009 KOREAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS(KJAT) Vol.50 No.3

Pork is the most popular meat in Taiwan, that makes hog industry an important agriculture industry. The government had lauched the traceability system of agricultural products from 2004. It is needed to appreciate the policy affecting consumers’ willingness to buy safe pork for hog industry to separate market. This research use consumer decision process model and market segmentation to separate four respective factors as age group, educational background, family income, and the population element as family structure to find out the habit of safe pork consumption. This study was based on household as its unit, and had conducted questionnaire survey upon the primary purchasers of pork, which were then analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and the logit model so as to differentiate the preference of demographic characteristics among consumers with various features. This research indicated consumers with more members of household, older, less educated,less income, less cognitive about pork risk would have higher possibility to buy warm pork. Consumers with female, more educated, more income, more cognitive about pork risk would have higher willingness to pork with traceability system.However consumers in Taiwan still prefer buy warm body pork, little perception about pork marketing risk. The government should improve pork safety by more inspecting hog farms, processing factories and markets and educating consumers the knowledge of safe pork by television broadcasting and other mass media.

A Study on Safe Pork Consumption Behavior in Taiwan

Cheng-Wei Chen,Yu-Ping Fan,Cheng-Hsing Yeh 한국농업경제학회 2009 農業經濟硏究 Vol.50 No.4

Pork is the most popular meat in Taiwan, that makes hog industry an important agriculture industry. The government had lauched the traceability system of agricultural products from 2004. It is needed to appreciate the policy affecting consumers’ willingness to buy safe pork for hog industry to separate market. This research use consumer decision process model and market segmentation to separate four respective factors as age group, educational background, family income, and the population element as family structure to find out the habit of safe pork consumption. This study was based on household as its unit, and had conducted questionnaire survey upon the primary purchasers of pork, which were then analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and the logit model so as to differentiate the preference of demographic characteristics among consumers with various features. This research indicated consumers with more members of household, older, less educated, less income, less cognitive about pork risk would have higher possibility to buy warm pork. Consumers with female, more educated, more income, more cognitive about pork risk would have higher willingness to pork with traceability system.However consumers in Taiwan still prefer buy warm body pork, little perception about pork marketing risk. The government should improve pork safety by more inspecting hog farms, processing factories and markets and educating consumers the knowledge of safe pork by television broadcasting and other mass media.

Tenofovir Alafenamide for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Advanced Fibrosis and Partial Virologic Responses to Oral Nucleos(T)Ide Analogues- Interim Report

( Ming-lung Yu ),( Ming-lun Yeh ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Pin-nan Cheng ),( Ming-jong Bair ),( Jyh-jou Chen ),( Ching-chu Lo ),( Chi-ming Tai ),( Ching-yang Tsai ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Chien-hung Chen ),( C 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Insufficient data regarding the treatment strategy for partial response to nucleot(s)ide analogue (NUC) raised the aim of investigating tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) switching for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with advanced fibrosis and partial response to other NUCs. Methods: CHB patients with advanced fibrosis (stage 3 or 4) and under NUC (except TAF) therapy with detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA for >52 weeks are enrolled to TAF 25 mg/day for 96 weeks. The objectives are viral suppression, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and safety. Results: From Feb. 2019, 34 patients, including 21 (61.8%) with entecavir, 10 (29.4%) TDF and 3 (8.8%) lamivudine or adefovir, were enrolled (15 [44.1%] male, median 53 years). The fibroscan demonstrated a mean of 10.5 kPa (7 [20.6%] cirrhotic). Sixteen (47.1%) patients were HBV e antigen positive, seven (20.6%) had YMDD mutation. The median HBV DNA level declined from 68.5 IU/mL at enrollment to 27.0 IU/mL at 4^th week, and undetectable at 12^th, 24^th, 36^th week, respectively, after TAF switching, with undetectable HBV DNA in 14/34 (41.2%), 17/33 (51.5%), 15/25 (60.0%), and 9/15 (60.0%) patients and rate of ALT normalization (≤40 U/L) of 85.3%, 85.3%, 84.8%, 92.0%, and 80.0%, respectively, after TAF switching. (figure 1) Two patients experienced transient virological breakthrough and another one developed at the final time follow up. Serum creatinine and eGFR levels were stable after TAF switching (figure 1). Two patients early terminated including one at 12^th week due to personal reason, and another one accidently died at 20^th week due to acute heart attack. Others suffered only mild degrees of adverse events which were considered unrelated to treatment. Conclusions: The preliminary results demonstrated the TAF switching is effective and safe in viral suppression for CHB patients with advanced fibrosis and partial virologic responses to other NUCs.

Incongruent Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cortisol in Schizophrenia: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Laughter Intervention

Shu-Li Cheng,Fu-Chi Yang,Hsuan-Te Chu,Chia-Kuang Tsai,Shih-Chieh Ku,Yu-Ting Tseng,Ta-Chuan Yeh,Chih-Sung Liang 대한신경정신의학회 2020 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.17 No.12

Objective Schizophrenia has been associated with dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Furthermore, alterations in neurotrophic factors might contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a simulated laughter intervention on the levels of cortisol and BDNF and to determine whether the effects associated with simulated laughter could be sustained after discontinuation of the intervention. Methods In this randomized controlled study, patients with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV clinical criteria were randomly assigned to receive either 8-week-long simulated laughter intervention (n=32) or treatment-as-usual group (control group, n=27). The serum levels of BDNF and cortisol were measured at baseline, week 8, and four weeks after discontinuation (week 12) of the intervention program. Results After an 8-week simulated laughter intervention, the laughter group had significantly higher levels of BDNF; however, four weeks after discontinuation of the intervention, the levels of BDNF significantly dropped. Interestingly, the levels of cortisol did not change significantly at week 8, but they were significantly elevated at week 12. The levels of BDNF and cortisol in the control group did not change significantly between week 0 and week 8. Conclusion These findings suggest that the simulated laughter intervention has an early effect on neurogenesis with a significant delayed effect on stress regulation in subjects with schizophrenia.

Suture Repair in Endoscopic Surgery for Craniovertebral Junction

Mei-Yin Yeh,Wen-Cheng Huang,Jau-Ching Wu,Chao-Hung Kuo,Hsuan-Kan Chang,Tsung-Hsi Tu,Peng-Yuan Chang,Yu-Shu Yen,Henrich Cheng 대한척추신경외과학회 2019 Neurospine Vol.16 No.2

Objective: Endoscopic approaches to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) have been established as viable and effective surgical treatments in the past decade. One of the major complications is leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of suture closure at the nasopharyngeal mucosa upon durotomy. Methods: A series of consecutive patients who underwent different endoscopic approaches to the CVJ were retrospectively reviewed. The pathologies, surgical corridors, neurological and functional outcomes, radiological evaluations, and complications were analyzed. Different strategies of repair for the intraoperative CSF leakage were described and compared. Results: A total of 22 patients covering 13 years were analyzed. There were 12, 2, and 8 patients who underwent transnasal, transoral, and combined approaches, respectively. There were 8 patients (36.4%) who experienced intraoperative CSF leakage, and were grouped into 2: 4 in the nonsuture (NS) group and 4 in the suture-repaired (SR) group. The NS group had 3 (75%) persistent CSF leakages postoperation that caused 1 mortality, whereas patients of the SR group had only 1 minor CSF rhinorrhea that healed spontaneously within days. Conclusion: In this series of 22 patients who required anterior endoscopic resection of pathologies at the CVJ, there was 1 (4.5%) serious complication related to CSF leakage. For patients who had no durotomy, the mucosal incision at the nasopharynx usually healed rapidly and there were few procedure-related complications. For patients with intraoperative CSF leakage, suture closure was technically challenging but could significantly lower the risks of postoperative complications.

UPS Flux Compensation Techniques for Transformer Inrush Reduction

Ming-Yang Yeh,Yu-Hsing Chen,Po-Tai Cheng,Steven Liao,Charles Tsai 전력전자학회 2011 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2011 No.5

This paper presents two flux compensation designs for the uninterruptible power supply system. The objective of the flux compensation is to reduce the potential inrush current of the uninterruptible power supply-fed load transformer in the event of grid disturbances and load transformer engagement. The proposed methods utilize the existing voltage and current sensors, and voltage and current control loops of the uninterruptible power supply system for easy implementation. The application scenario is explained, and details of the flux compensation techniques are presented. Laboratory test results are provided for validation.

Metal Chloride Precursor Synthesization of Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cell Materials

Min Yen Yeh,Yu-Fong Huang,Cheng-Liang Huang,Chyi-Da Yang,Dong-Sing Wuu,Po-Hsun Lei 한국물리학회 2014 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.65 No.2

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films with kesterite structures were prepared by directly sol-gel synthesizingspin-coated precursors on soda-lime-glass (SLG) substrates. The CZTS precursors wereprepared by using solutions of copper (II) chloride, zinc (II) chloride, tin (IV) chloride, and thiourea. The ratio of SnCl4 in the precursors was found to play a critical role in the synthesization of CZTS. CZTS phases of SnS and SnS2 were observed in the synthesized films as prepared using precursorswith a close to stoichiometric ratio of CuCl2:ZnCl2:SnCl4:CH4N2S = 4:1:1:8, where SnCl4 was 1mol/l. The amounts of the educed SnS and SnS2 phases observed in the SEM images could bereadily reduced by decreasing the volume of SnCl4 in the mixed solution. With decreasing amountof SnCl4 from 1 mol/l, the as prepared CZTS reveals a significant improvement in its crystallineproperties. In this work, CZTS with an average absorption coefficient and an optical energy gapof over 104 cm−1 and 1.5 eV, respectively, was obtained using precursors of copper (II) chloride,zinc (II) chloride, tin (IV) chloride, and thiourea mixed in a ratio of 2:1:0.25:8, and it had goodcrystallinity revealing a Cu-poor composition.

Assessment of Anteroposterior Subpedicular Approach and Oblique Scotty Dog Subpedicular Approach for Selective Nerve Root Block

Arun-Kumar Kaliya-Perumal,Yu-Cheng Yeh,Chi-An Luo,Kit-Yang Joey-Tan 대한정형외과학회 2017 Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Vol.9 No.1

Background: The technique used to administer a selective nerve root block (SNRB) varies depending on individual expertise. Both the anteroposterior (AP) subpedicular approach and oblique Scotty dog subpedicular approach are widely practiced. However, the literature does not provide a clear consensus regarding which approach is more suitable. Hence, we decided to analyse the procedural parameters and clinical outcomes following SNRBs using these two approaches. Methods: Patients diagnosed with a single lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) refractory to conservative management but not willing for immediate surgery were selected for a prospective nonrandomized comparative study. An SNRB was administered as a therapeutic alternative using the AP subpedicular approach in one group (n = 25; mean age, 45 ± 5.4 years) and the oblique Scotty dog subpedicular approach in the other group (n = 22; mean age, 43.8 ± 4.7 years). Results were compared in terms of the duration of the procedure, the number of C-arm exposures, accuracy, pain relief, functional outcome and the duration of relief. Results: Our results suggest that the oblique Scotty dog subpedicular approach took a significantly longer duration (p = 0.02) and a greater number of C-arm exposures (p = 0.001). But, its accuracy of needle placement was 95.5% compared to only 72% using the AP subpedicular approach (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in terms of clinical outcomes between these approaches. Conclusions: The AP subpedicular approach was simple and facile, but the oblique Scotty dog subpedicular approach was more accurate. However, a brief window period of pain relief was achieved irrespective of the approaching technique used.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Increased Autonomic Activation and Improved Symptoms of Depression and Insomnia among Patients with Major Depression Disorder

I-Mei Lin,Sheng-Yu Fan,Cheng-Fang Yen,Yi-Chun Yeh,Tze‐Chun Tang,Mei-Feng Huang,Tai-Ling Liu,Peng-Wei Wang,Huang-Chi Lin,Hsin-Yi Tsai,Yu-Che Tsai 대한정신약물학회 2019 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.17 No.2

Objective: Autonomic imbalance is considered a psychopathological mechanism underlying major depressive disorder (MDD). Heart rate variability (HRV) is an index for autonomic activation. Poor sleep quality is common among patients with MDD. HRV biofeedback (BF) has been used for regulating autonomic balance among patients with physical illness and mental disorders. The purpose of present study was to examine the effects of HRV-BF on depressive symptoms, sleep quality, pre-sleep arousal, and HRV indices, in patients with MDD and insomnia. Methods: In this case-controlled study, patients with MDD and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score higher than 6 were recruited. The HRV-BF group received weekly 60-minute protocol for 6 weeks, and the control group who have matched the age and sex received medical care only. All participants were assessed on Beck Depression Inventory-II, Back Anxiety Inventory, PSQI, and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale. Breathing rates and electrocardiography were also performed under resting state at pre-testing, and post-testing conditions and for the HRV-BF group, also at 1-month follow-up. Results: In the HRV-BF group, symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep quality, and pre-sleep arousal were significantly improved, and increased HRV indices, compared with the control group. Moreover, in the HRV-BF group, significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, decreased breathing rates, and increased HRV indices were detected at post-testing and at 1-month follow-up, compared with pre-testing values. Conclusion: This study confirmed that HRV-BF is a useful psychosocial intervention for improving autonomic balance, baroreflex, and symptoms of depression and insomnia in MDD patients.

Comedications and potential drug-drug interactions with direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C patients on hemodialysis

( Po-yao Hsu ),( Yu-ju Wei ),( Jia-jung Lee ),( Sheng-wen Niu ),( Jiun-chi Huang ),( Cheng-ting Hsu ),( Tyng-yuan Jang ),( Ming-lun Yeh ),( Ching-i Huang ),( Po-cheng Liang ),( Yi-hung Lin ),( Ming-ye 대한간학회 2021 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.27 No.1

Background/Aims: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Nevertheless, the complicated comedications and their potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with DAAs might limit clinical practice in this special population. Methods: The number, class, and characteristics of comedications and their potential DDIs with five DAA regimens were analyzed among HCV-viremic patients from 23 hemodialysis centers in Taiwan. Results: Of 2,015 hemodialysis patients screened in 2019, 169 patients seropositive for HCV RNA were enrolled (mean age, 65.6 years; median duration of hemodialysis, 5.8 years). All patients received at least one comedication (median number, 6; mean class number, 3.4). The most common comedication classes were ESRD-associated medications (94.1%), cardiovascular drugs (69.8%) and antidiabetic drugs (43.2%). ESRD-associated medications were excluded from DDI analysis. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir had the highest frequency of potential contraindicated DDIs (red, 5.6%), followed by glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (4.0%), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (1.3%), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (1.3%), and elbasvir/grazoprevir (0.3%). For potentially significant DDIs (orange, requiring close monitoring or dose adjustments), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir had the highest frequency (19.9%), followed by sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (18.2%), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (12.6%), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (12.6%), and elbasvir/grazoprevir (7.3%). Overall, lipid-lowering agents were the most common comedication class with red-category DDIs to all DAA regimens (n=62), followed by cardiovascular agents (n=15), and central nervous system agents (n=10). Conclusions: HCV-viremic patients on hemodialysis had a very high prevalence of comedications with a broad spectrum, which had varied DDIs with currently available DAA regimens. Elbasvir/grazoprevir had the fewest potential DDIs, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir had the most potential DDIs. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2021;27:186-196)