Dialogue with the Giants of Microsurgery: Professor Fu-Chan Wei and Professor Joon Pio Hong

Khajuria Ankur,Chen Wei F.,Huang Jung Ju,Heredero Susana,Hong Joon-Pio,Wei Fu-Chan,Chang Tommy Nai-Jen 대한성형외과학회 2023 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.50 No.5

Development and Validation of an Integrated Healthy Workplace Management Model in Taiwan

Chen Fu-Li,Chen Peter Y.,Chen Chi-Chen,Tung Tao-Hsin 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2022 Safety and health at work Vol.13 No.4

Background: Impacts of exposure are generally monitored and recorded after injuries or illness occur. Yet, absence of conventional after-the-effect impacts (i.e., lagging indicators), tend to focus on physical health and injuries, and fail to inform if workers are not exposed to safety and health hazards. In contrast to lagging indicators, leading indicators are proactive, preventive, and predictive indexes that offer insights how effective safety and health. The present study is to validate an extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that consists of six leading indicators. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 13 organizations (response rate ¼ 93.1%, 1,439 responses) in Taiwan. Cronbach a, multiple linear regression and canonical correlation were used to test the reliability of the extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) which consists of six leading indicators (safe climate, transformational leadership, organizational justice, organizational support, hazard prevention and control, and training). Criteria-related validation strategy was applied to examine relationships of six leading indicators with six criteria (perceived health, burnout, depression, job satisfaction, job performance, and life satisfaction). Results: The results showed that the Cronbach’s a of six leading indicators ranged from 0.87 to 0.92. The canonical correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the six leading indicators and criteria (1st canonical function: correlation ¼ 0.647, square correlation ¼ 0.419, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study validates the extended VPP framework that focuses on promoting safety and physical and mental health. Results further provides applications of the extended VPP framework to promote workers’ safety and health.

Treatment outcomes of patients with stage II pure endometrioid-type endometrial cancer: a Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (TGOG-2006) retrospective cohort study

Hung-Chun Fu,Jen-Ruei Chen,Min-Yu Chen,Keng-Fu Hsu,Wen-Fang Cheng,An Jen Chiang,Yu-Min Ke,Yu-Chieh Chen,Yin-Yi Chang,Chia-Yen Huang,Chieh-Yi Kang,Yuan-Yee Kan,Sheng-Mou Hsiao,Ming-Shyen Yen 대한부인종양학회 2018 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.29 No.5

Objective: Choice of hysterectomy and adjuvant treatment for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 stage II endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) is still controversial. Aims of this study were to evaluate survival benefits and adverse effects of different hysterectomies with or without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), and to identify prognostic factors. Methods: The patients at 14 member hospitals of the Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology Group from 1992 to 2013 were retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into simple hysterectomy (SH) alone, SH with RT, radical hysterectomy (RH) alone, and RH with RT groups. Endpoints were recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), adverse effects and prognostic factors for survival. Results: Total of 246 patients were enrolled. The 5-year RFS, OS, DSS and recurrence rates for the entire cohort were 89.5%, 94.3%, 96.2% and 10.2%, respectively. Patients receiving RH had more adverse effects including blood loss (p<0.001), recurrent urinary tract infections (p=0.013), and leg lymphedema (p=0.038). Age over 50-year (HR=9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–70.9) and grade 3 histology (HR=7.28; 95% CI, 1.45–36.6) were independent predictors of OS. Grade 3 histology was an independent predictor of RFS (HR=5.13; 95% CI, 1.38–19.1) and DSS (HR=5.97; 95% CI, 1.06–58.7). Patients receiving adjuvant RT had lower locoregional recurrence (p=0.046), but no impact on survival. Conclusion: Different treatment modalities yield similar survival outcomes. Patients receiving SH with RT had lower locoregional recurrent with acceptable morbidity. Age and tumor grading remained significant predictors for survival among patients with FIGO 2009 stage II EEC.

Risk factor analysis of coexisting endometrial carcinoma in patients with endometrial hyperplasia: a retrospective observational study of Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology Group

Yu-Li Chen,Kung-Liahng Wang,Min-Yu Chen,Mu-Hsien Yu,Chen-Hsuan Wu,Yu-Min Ke,Yi-Jen Chen,Yin-Yi Chang,Keng-Fu Hsu,Ming-Shyen Yen 대한부인종양학회 2013 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.24 No.1

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome and parameters related to coexisting endometrial carcinoma in women with tissuediagnosed endometrial hyperplasia. Methods: Between January 1991 and December 2009, three hundred and eighty-six patients with the presumptive diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia were retrieved. Among these, one hundred and twenty-five patients were identified as having coexisting endometrial carcinoma in hysterectomy specimens. The three hundred and eighty-six patients were divided into two groups: the hyperplasia-benign group (261 cases) and the hyperplasia-malignant group (125 cases). Several clinical parameters including age, menopausal status, history of abnormal uterine bleeding, obstetrical history, medical history of diabetes and hypertension, BMI, and preoperative pathologic results were investigated. Results: Age ≥53 (odds ratio [OR], 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 4.57), menopausal status (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.14to 3.76), diabetes history (OR, 7.33; 95% CI, 2.79 to 19.26), abnormal uterine bleeding (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.22 to 13.02), atypical endometrial hyperplasia (OR, 7.38; 95% CI, 4.03 to 13.49), and body mass index ≥27 (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.76 to 5.97) were independent risk factors for prediction of endometrial hyperplasia coexisting with endometrial carcinoma. The diagnostic efficacy of atypical endometrial hyperplasia to predict the endometrial hyperplasia coexisting with endometrial carcinoma was better than or similar to those of other independent factors and combinations of these factors. Conclusion: Coexisting malignancy should be considered when examining endometrial hyperplasia patients with the related risk factors, especially atypical endometrial hyperplasia.

2022 Taiwan clinical multicenter expert consensus and recommendations for thyroid radiofrequency ablation

Wei-Che Lin,Wen-Chieh Chen,Pei-Wen Wang,Yi-Chia Chan,Yen-Hsiang Chang,Harn-Shen Chen,Szu-Tah Chen,Wei-Chih Chen,Kai-Lun Cheng,Shun-Yu Chi,Pi-Ling Chiang,Chen-Kai Chou,Feng-Fu Chou,Shun-Chen Huang,Feng 대한초음파의학회 2023 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.42 No.3

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive management strategy that has been widely applied for benign and recurrent malignant thyroid lesions as an alternative to surgery in Taiwan. Members of academic societies for specialists in interventional radiology, endocrinology, and endocrine surgery collaborated to develop the first consensus regarding thyroid RFA in Taiwan. The modified Delphi method was used to reach a consensus. Based on a comprehensive review of recent and valuable literature and expert opinions, the recommendations included indications, pre-procedural evaluations, procedural techniques, post-procedural monitoring, efficacy, and safety, providing a comprehensive review of the application of RFA. The consensus effectively consolidates advice regarding thyroid RFA in clinical practice for local experts.

Study on Traveling-wave Differential Protection for Series Compensated Line

Chen, Fu-Feng,Qian, Guo-Ming,Wang, Fan The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers 2011 The Journal of International Council on Electrical Vol.1 No.3

The problem appears when traveling-wave differential protection was used to series compensated transmission line. Although the impedance uniformity of transmission line is broken by the f ixed compensated capacitor (FSC), the line between the relay location and FSC is uniform transmission line. The traveling-wave equation is applicable in the transmission line between relay location and FSC. Based on the previous analysis, an advanced traveling-wave differential protection was proposed for series compensated transmission line and also the method to calculate the differential current of fault phase and healthy phase are extended. When external fault or internal fault on FSC mounting point occurs, in principle, this method can completely eliminate the influence of capacitor current, which satisfies the requirement of sensitivity and security. Elector-Magnetic Transient Program (EMTP) simulations demonstrated it.

Base Instability Triggered by Hydraulic Uplift of Pit-in-Pit Braced Excavations in Soft Clay Overlying a Confined Aquifer

Fu-quan Chen,Guangji Miao,Fengwen Lai 대한토목학회 2020 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.24 No.6

The aim of this study is to investigate the coupling effects of re-excavation and hydraulic uplift on base instability of pit-in-pit (PIP) braced excavations. The numerical model of PIP braced excavation in Shanghai soft clay overlying a confined aquifer was established by upper-bound finite element limit analysis (UBFELA) method. The effects of the sensitive design parameters (i.e., the artesian pressure, thickness and undrained shear strength of the aquitard and excavation width of inner pit) on failure mechanisms and upper-bound safety factor (FS) against hydraulic uplift were analyzed. The results show that the value of FS increases with an increase in the thickness and undrained shear strength of the aquitard, but decreases with increasing the artesian pressure and excavation width of inner pit. The failure modes can be typically classified into three categories: circular slip surface in outer pit (M1), hydraulic uplift combined with circular slip surface in entire PIP system (M2), and basal hydraulic uplift in inner pit (M3); then the corresponding critical artesian pressure is determined. Finally, the average value of critical artesian pressure used to distinguish the three types of failure modes is recommended as the design value against hydraulic uplift in the PIP system, and validity is verified by the comparison with the current design methods. The proposed stability design by UBFELA contributes to ensure the serviceability and performance of PIP system.

Late Ordovician provenance and depositional setting in the southwestern Ordos Block, China: constraints from zircon U-Pb geochronology

Fu Yang,Gang Chen,Yu Kang,Dongmin Ma,Qilin Chen,Tian Tao,Fu Deliang 한국지질과학협의회 2020 Geosciences Journal Vol.24 No.2

The U-Pb ages of single zircon grains contained in the sandstone samples were analyzed by the LA-ICP-MS method, the sediment provenances and geological significance were discussed. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating from the sandstones, tuffaceous sandstones and volcanic tuffs of the Pingliang and Zhaolaoyu Formations along the southwestern Ordos Block are used to limit the maximum depositional age and material sources. The results show that: (1) The youngest ages of zircon dating in the three samples are 445 Ma, 444 Ma and 443 Ma, respectively, suggesting that the studied Formations were deposited in the Late Ordovician. (2) The detrital zircon U-Pb age analysis of the sandstones sample from the Pinliang Formation clustered in the 445–477 Ma, 588–1548 Ma and 1612–2496 Ma with the corresponding youngest peak age of 454.5 ± 3.3 Ma. (3) The distribution of zircon U-Pb age in sandstone samples showing that the sedimentary rocks detritus was mainly sourced from the North Qinling-Qilian terranes and the NCC, and has double provenance supply in the north and south. The material source of the tuffaceous sandstones and volcanic tuffs mainly comes from the volcanic and magmatic activity related to the North Qilian-North Qinling Island Arcs.

Tracheal Membrane Rupture as the Cause of Pneumomediastinum in a Patient with COVID-19

Fu Bao,Hu Jie,Chen Tao,Fu Xiaoyun 대한영상의학회 2022 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.23 No.4

.

Expression and Prognostic Role of MEKK3 and pERK in Patients with Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

Chen, Qi,Lu, Hong-sheng,Gan, Mei-fu,Chen, Lan-xi,He, Kai,Fan, Guang-min,Cao, Xue-quan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.6

Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3) is an important serine/threonine protein kinase and a member of the MAPK family. MEKK3 can effectively activate the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and promote an autocrine growth loop critical for tumor genesis, cell proliferation, terminal differentiation, apoptosis and survival. To explore the relationship between MEKK3 and cell apoptosis, clinicopathology and prognosis, we characterize the expression of MEKK3, pERK and FoxP3 in the renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC). Protein expression was detected by tissue microarray and immunochemistry in 46 cases of RCCC and 28 control cases. Expression levels of CD3+,CD3+CD4+,CD3+CD8+,CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25+ FoxP3+ were assessed by flow cytometry and analyzed for their association with pathological factors, correlation and prognosis in RCCC. Expression of MEKK3, pERK and FoxP3 was significantly up-regulated in RCCC as compared to control levels (p<0.01), associated with pathological grade (p<0.05)and clinical stage (p<0.05). CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells were also significantly increased in RCCC patients (p<0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that MEKK3, pERK expression and patholigical stage were independent prognostic factors in patients with RCCC (p<0.05). MEKK3 can be used as an important marker of early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in RCCC. It may be associated with imbalance of anti-tumor immunity and overexpression of pERK. Expression of MEKK3 and pERK are significantly increased in RCCC, with protein expression and clinical stage acting as independent prognostic factors.