Traditional Chinese medicine attenuates hospitalization and mortality risks in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ in Taiwan

Tsai Li-Jen,Chung Chi-Hsiang,Lin Chien-Jung,Su Sheng-Chiang,Kuo Feng-Chih,Liu Jhih-Syuan,Chen Kuan-Chan,Ho Li-Ju,Kuo Chih-Chun,Chang Chun-Yung,Lin Ming-Hsun,Chu Nain-Feng,Lee Chien-Hsing,Hsieh Chang-H 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.2

Background: Diabetic patients are at high risk of developing cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become increasingly popular as an adjuvant treatment for patients with chronic diseases, and some studies have identified its beneficial effect in diabetic patients with cancer. The purpoes of this study was to outline the potential of TCM to attenuate hospitalization and mortality rates in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Methods: A total of 6,987 diabetic subjects with CIS under TCM therapy were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, along with 38,800 of 1:1 sex-, age-, and index year-matched controls without TCM therapy. Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to compare hospitalization and mortality rates during an average of 15 years of follow-up. Results: A total of 3,999/1,393 enrolled-subjects (28.62%/9.97%) had hospitalization/mortality, including 1,777/661 in the TCM group (25.43%/9.46%) and 2,222/732 in the control group (31.80%/10.48%). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a lower rate of hospitalization and mortality for subjects in the TCM group (adjusted HR=0.536; 95% CI=0.367–0.780, P<0.001; adjusted HR=0.783; 95% CI=0.574– 0.974, P = 0.022). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative risk of hospitalization and mortality in the case and control groups was significantly different (log rank, P<0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with CIS under TCM therapy were associated with lower hospitalization and mortality rates compared to those without TCM therapy. Thus, TCM application may reduce the burden of national medical resources.

Analysis of Tool Wear by Using a Cutting Bending Moment Model for Milling Processes

Hsiang-Chun Tseng,Meng-Shiun Tsai,Bu-Ci Yeh,Kuan-Ming Li 한국정밀공학회 2022 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.23 No.8

In this study, we developed a bending moment model that considers the cutting forces acting on a sensory tool holder along the rotational direction. The polar plot of the bending moment during cutting can be used to investigate the cutting behavior. Cutting processes with different cutting depths and widths result in different polar plots, as verified experimentally. To evaluate the effect of tool wear on the polar plot, the bending moment equations were modified to incorporate the developed tool wear model. The simulation results indicated that tool wear can increase the size of the polar plot and vary the angle of the plot. By examining the change of this angle, one can determine the level of tool wear. The experimental results of this study indicated that the derived equation can predict the tool wear behavior with an average accuracy of 84%. Thus, the proposed integrated model enables the accurate prediction of tool wear. Consequently, the polar plot can feasibly be used to detect the level of tool wear.

Inhibiting the Growth of Cu3Sn and Kirkendall Voids in the Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu System by Minor Pd Alloying

Cheng En Ho,,Tsai Tung Kuo,Chun Chien Wang,Wei Hsiang Wu 대한금속·재료학회 2012 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.8 No.5

In this study, the metallurgical reaction between Cu substrates (electrolytic type) and a Sn3Ag0.5Cu-xPd alloy at 180°C was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA),focused ion beam (FIB) microscope, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that the growth of Cu3Sn in the Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu solder joints was substantially suppressed by doping with a minor quantity of Pd (0.1-0.7 wt. %) in the solder alloy. The sluggish growth of Cu3Sn reduced the formation of Kirkendall voids at the Cu/Cu3Sn interface and significantly improved the mechanical reliability of the joint interface. It was argued that a minor addition of Pd into the solder stabilized the Cu6Sn5 phase and enlarged the interdiffusion coefficient of Cu6Sn5 but diminished that of the neighboring phase (Cu3Sn), thereby decreasing the Kirkendall effect in the Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu reactive system.

Oxygen-loaded microbubble-mediated sonoperfusion and oxygenation for neuroprotection after ischemic stroke reperfusion

Yi‑Ju Ho,Hsiang‑Lung Cheng,Lun‑De Liao,Yu‑Chun Lin,Hong‑Chieh Tsai,Chih‑Kuang Yeh 한국생체재료학회 2023 생체재료학회지 Vol.27 No.00

Background Ischemic stroke-reperfusion (S/R) injury is a crucial issue in the protection of brain function after thrombolysis. The vasodilation induced by ultrasound (US)-stimulated microbubble cavitation has been applied to reduce S/R injury through sonoperfusion. The present study uses oxygen-loaded microbubbles (OMBs) with US stimulation to provide sonoperfusion and local oxygen therapy for the reduction of brain infarct size and neuroprotection after S/R. Methods The murine S/R model was established by photodynamic thrombosis and thrombolysis at the remote branch of the anterior cerebral artery. In vivo blood flow, partial oxygen pressure ( pO2), and brain infarct staining were examined to analyze the validity of the animal model and OMB treatment results. The animal behaviors and measurement of the brain infarct area were used to evaluate long-term recovery of brain function. Results The percentage of blood flow was 45 ± 3%, 70 ± 3%, and 86 ± 2% after 60 min stroke, 20 min reperfusion, and 10 min OMB treatment, respectively, demonstrating sonoperfusion, and the corresponding pO2 level was 60 ± 1%, 76 ± 2%, and 79 ± 4%, showing reoxygenation. After 14 days of treatment, a 87 ± 3% reduction in brain infarction and recovery of limb coordination were observed in S/R mice. The expression of NF-κB, HIF-1α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 was inhibited and that of eNOS, BDNF, Bcl2, and IL-10 was enhanced, indicating activation of anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis responses and neuroprotection. Our study demonstrated that OMB treatment combines the beneficial effects of sonoperfusion and local oxygen therapy to reduce brain infarction and activate neuroprotection to prevent S/R injury.

Association between PM2.5 exposure and risk of Parkinson’s disease in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Taiwan: a nested case-control study

Ci-Wen Luo(Ci-Wen Luo),Yu-Hsiang Kuan(Yu-Hsiang Kuan),Wen-Ying Chen(Wen-Ying Chen),Chun-Jung Chen(Chun-Jung Chen),Frank Cheau-Feng Lin(Frank Cheau-Feng Lin ),Stella Chin-Shaw Tsai(Stella Chin-Shaw Tsa 한국역학회 2023 Epidemiology and Health Vol.45 No.-

OBJECTIVES: This cohort study investigated the correlation between Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk under particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure. METHODS: Data from the National Health Research Institutes of Taiwan were used in this study. The Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan established an air quality monitoring network for monitoring Taiwan’s general air quality. COPD was indicated by at least 3 outpatient records and 1 hospitalization for COPD. After the implementation of age, sex, and endpoint matching at a 1:4 ratio, 137 patients and 548 patients were included in the case group and control group, respectively. Based on the 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) standards, monthly air particle concentration data were classified into the following 4 groups in analyses of exposure–response relationships: normal level, and 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 times the WHO level ([concentration ≥2]×25 μg/m3×number of exposure months). RESULTS: A multivariate logistic regression revealed that the 1.0 and 1.5 WHO level groups did not significantly differ from the normal level group, but the 2.0 WHO level did (odds ratio, 4.091; 95% confidence interval, 1.180 to 14.188; p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated PM2.5 concentrations were significantly correlated with an increased risk of PD among patients with COPD. Furthermore, exposure to high PM2.5 levels can further increase the risk of PD.

Prediction of Sugar and Acidity Contents in Pineapple using Near Infrared Spectroscopy

( Bo-an Shang Kuan ),( Suming Chen ),( Chao-yin Tsai ),( Chih-hsiang Hsu ),( Ha-chun Hsu ),( Yung-huei Chang ) 한국농업기계학회 2018 한국농업기계학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.23 No.1

Pineapples are not only nutritious, but also have significant economic importance in Taiwan. Traditional technique used to determine the fruit’s quality is by hitting the fruit with palm. However, such method requires experience and is highly dependent on the condition of the fruit. More importantly, decisions made are often subjective. This research used near infrared spectroscopy to develop a fast and non-destructive method to measure the quality of pineapples. Tai-Nung No. 17 pineapple was used in this research to construct the calibration equation. During the experiments, pineapple samples are separated into three sections: top, middle, and bottom. Optical measurements are taken around each section in 90 degree increments, with a total of 131 samples. A multivariate model was then established by mathematical pre-treatments and modified partial least squared regression. Results showed strong correlation between constituents and optical spectrum, with a coefficient of determination r_c²=0.78,r_p²=0.747,SEP=1.142°Brix,RPD=1.803. Future experiment aims to increase the predictability of spectrum model by enhancing experimental methods, increasing sample size as well as minimizing experimental error.

Can Elderly Patients with Severe Mitral Regurgitation Benefit from Trans-catheter Mitral Valve Repair?

Ching-Wei Lee,Shih-Hsien Sung,Wei-Ming Huang,Yi-Lin Tsai,Hsiang-Yao Chen,Chiao-Po Hsu,Chun-Che Shih,Kuo-Piao Chung 대한심장학회 2019 Korean Circulation Journal Vol.49 No.6

Background and ObjectivesAge is a traditional risk factor for open-heart surgery. The efficacy and safety of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair, using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular), has been demonstrated in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Since octogenarians or older patients are usually deferred to receive open-heart surgery, the main interest of this study is to elucidate the procedural safety and long-term clinical impact of MitraClip in elderly patients. MethodsPatients with symptomatic severe MR were evaluated by the heart team. For those with high or prohibitive surgical risks, transcatheter mitral valve repair was performed in hybrid operation room. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), blood tests, and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed before, 1-month, 6-months, and 1 year after index procedure. ResultsA total of 46 consecutive patients receiving MitraClip procedure were enrolled. Nineteen patients (84.2±4.0 years) were over 80-year-old and 27 (73.4±11.1 years) were younger than 80. Compare to baseline, the significant reduction in MR severity was achieved after the procedure and sustained. All the patients benefited from significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) increased from 259±114 to 319±92 meters (p=0.03) at 1 year. The overall 1-year survival rate was 80% in the elderly and 88% in those <80 years, p=0.590. Baseline 6MWT was a predictor for all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.982–0.999; p=0.026) after the MitraClip procedure. ConclusionsTrans-catheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repairs are safe and have positive clinical impact in subjects with severe MR, even in advanced age.

Modeling and Evaluating Inventory Replenishment for Short Life-cycle Products

Ching-Ho Wang,Shih-Wei Lin,Shuo-Yan Chou,Chun-Hsiang Tsai 대한산업공학회 2008 대한산업공학회지 Vol.34 No.4