Effects of an Anti-Smoking Program to Prevent Lung Cancer among Urban Aboriginals in Taiwan

Lin, Mei-Hsiang,Huang, Sheu-Jen,Shih, Whei-Mei Jean,Wang, Pao-Yu,Lin, Li-Hui,Hsu, Hsiu-Chin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Background and Purpose: Indigenous people who leave their hometowns and move to the city to earn a living became urban aboriginals. During the process of adapting to urban living situations, they may use various coping strategies such as smoking to overcome their stress. Therefore, it is crucial to provide health education including smoking prevention, increasing knowledge regarding of tobacco hazard, self-efficacy of anti-smoking, and adjusting smoking behavior so as to empower their anti-smoking motivation to prevent lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of an anti-smoking program on urban aboriginals in Taiwan. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design with purposeful sampling was employed. A total of 125 aboriginal subjects were recruited from two local churches at Shu Lin area in northern Taiwan. Subjects were divided into an experimental group (n =64 ) and a control group (n = 61). Both took pre-tests in order to set baseline values, and only the experimental group participated for 3-weeks in the anti-smoking program classes. Both groups took post-tests immediately after the intervention in order to evaluate the immediate effects of the teaching program, and a follow-up test was conducted four weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANCOVA, and repeat measure ANCOVA. Results: After controlling for confounding variables, the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the self-efficacy of anti-smoking and smoking behavior between experimental and control groups in the immediately post-test and the follow-up test (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant differences in the recognition of hazards of smoking at eiter time point. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The findings of this study revealed that the anti-smoking program effectively improved self-efficacy of anti-smoking, and decreased the smoking behavior in urban aboriginals. They provide useful information as a reference regarding of aboriginal health promotion to health providers. It is imperative that anti-smoking be reinforced for those regular smokers to prevent induction of lung cancer.

Latent tuberculosis infection increases in kidney transplant recipients compared with transplant candidates: a neglected perspective in tuberculosis control

( Chin-chung Shu ),( Meng-kun Tsai ),( Shu-wei Lin ),( Chih-yuan Lee ),( Jann-yuan Wang ),( Chong-jen Yu ) 대한결핵 및 호흡기학회 2019 대한결핵 및 호흡기학회 추계학술대회 초록집 Vol.127 No.-

Background: The prevalence and incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with kidney transplant remains unclear. Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled kidney transplant candidates (KTCs) and recipients (KTRs) from 2014 to 2018. We defined LTBI as a positive result of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT). We analyzed the predictors for LTBI acquisition and followed QFT test for 2 years among those initially without LTBI. Results: Of 425 patients enrolled, 305 (71.8%) patients belonged to the KTC group and 120 (28.2%) to the KTR group. The initial QFT showed positive results in 33 (10.8%) and 25 (20.8%) in the KTC and KTR groups, respectively (p=0.007). The QFT response value in LTBI patients was higher in the KTR group than in the KTC group (1.85 vs. 1.06 IU/ml, p=0.046). Multivariate logistic regression showed that old age, absence of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin scar, and KTR group were independent factors for positive LTBI. For participants with initial negative QFT, positive QFT conversion within 2-year follow-up was higher after kidney transplantation (20%) than in KTCs (5.5%) (p=0.032). Conclusion: This study is the first cohort to follow up LTBI status in patients with kidney transplant and shows its higher prevalence and incidence in those belong to KTR. It indicates that surveillance of LTBI after renal transplantation is important.

Optimization of Medium Composition for Improving Biomass Production of Lactobacillus plantarum Pi06 Using the Taguchi Array Design and the Box-Behnken Method

Chin-Fa Hwang,Jen-Han Chang,Jer-Yiing Houng,Cheng-Chih Tsai,Chien-Ku Lin,Hau-Yang Tsen 한국생물공학회 2012 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.17 No.4

An immune-enhancing strain, Lactobacillus plantarum Pi06, isolated from a healthy infant was used for biomass production following optimization of the medium in shake-flask culture. Preliminary studies showed that commercial MRS medium and cultivation under static conditions generated higher biomass production than four other tested media with or without a shaking condition. The selected medium composition, consisting of glucose,yeast extract, soy peptone, ammonium citrate, and corn steep liquor, was further optimized using a systematic method that integrated the Taguchi array design and the Box–Behnken method. The response effects of these factors were first investigated using Taguchi design under an L16 (45) array. The suggested medium composition,derived from Statistica 7.1 using the Taguchi design, was applied to cultivate cells and a biomass of 7.16 g dry cell weight (DCW)/L was obtained. Response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken method for the three response variables of glucose, yeast extract, and corn steep liquor was then used to further increase the biomass level to 8.94 g DCW/L. The resulting optimum medium consisted of 35 g/L glucose, 35 g/L yeast extract, and 40 mL/L corn steep liquor. Compared with the initial medium, the biomass yield was improved from 4.31 to 8.94 g DCW/L, an enhancement of approximately 107%.

Epidemiology and risk factors associated with avascular necrosis in patients with autoimmune diseases: a nationwide study

( Hsin-lin Tsai ),( Jei-wen Chang ),( Jen-her Lu ),( Chin-su Liu ) 대한내과학회 2022 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.37 No.4

Background/Aims: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a clinical condition characterized by the death of bone components due to interruption in the blood supply. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and determine the risk factors for AVN in patients with autoimmune diseases. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort analysis using claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 49,636 patients with autoimmune diseases between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013 were included. Cox regression analysis was used to identify associated risk factors for the development of AVN. Results: A total of 490/49,636 patients (1.0%) developed symptomatic AVN. The systemic lupus erythematosus patients had a higher risk of AVN compared to other autoimmune diseases. AVN was positively correlated with male sex (p < 0.001), alcoholism (p < 0.001), mean daily prednisolone dosage 7.51 to 30 mg (p < 0.001) and > 30 mg (p < 0.001), and total cumulative prednisolone dose 0 g to 5 g (p = 0.002). However, AVN was inversely correlated with cumulative duration of hydroxychloroquine exposure > 0.6 years (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Male sex, systemic lupus erythematosus, alcoholism, mean daily corticosteroid > 7.5 mg and a total cumulative dose of corticosteroid 0 to 5 g were independently associated with the development of AVN in autoimmune patients. While hydroxychloroquine use > 0.6 years conferred significant protection against the development of AVN. Clinicians should regularly assess patients with risk factors to enable the early diagnosis of AVN.

High Power Density Asymmetrical Full-Bridge Soft-Switching Inverter

Pei-Chin Chi,Cheng-Yen Chou,Marojahan Tampubolon,Yao-Ching Hsieh,Jing-Yuan Lin,Huang-Jen Chiu 전력전자학회 2015 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2015 No.6

This paper presents a Zero-Voltage-Switching (ZVS) technique eliminating the switching loss on a proposed single phase bi-directional full-bridge Buck inverter in which asymmetrical filter topology and control scheme are for each arm. Here Metal-Oxide-Field-Effect- Transistor(MOSFET) is chosen as the switching device, an L₁-C₁ filter is connected across the full-bridge, an L₂ filter is connected in series to load or grid. While the arm connecting with the C₁ is controlled by the polarity of 50Hz sinusoid reference command and the arm connecting with the L₁ is controlled by a Pulse-Width-Modulation(PWM) signal modulated by sinusoid, the L₁-C₁ then operates as an output filter of Buck, and the succeeding L₂ filter further attenuates ripple current flowing to load or grid. The ZVS technique sets the L₁ inductance such low that its current flows bi-directionally within a switching period, then the bidirectional current with sufficiently high peaks in turn charge and discharge the output capacitance Coss of MOSFETs of the switching arm within floating time, defined as the duration when both MOSFETs of an arm are off, to let the MOSFETs D-S channels be turned on or off at the state that Coss are fully discharged to zero voltage, so ZVS of MOSFET is achieved. Under the ZVS operation without frequency proportional switching loss, the switching frequency is possible to be raised to high to compact the sizes of passive components and heat sink of the inverter for achieving high power density. Simulation and experiment have been carried out to verify the ZVS operation.

Face and Gesture Based Human Computer Interaction

Yo-Jen Tu,Chung-Chieh Kao,Huei-Yung Lin,Chin-Chen Chang 보안공학연구지원센터 2015 International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Vol.8 No.9

In this paper, we present a face and gesture based human computer interaction (HCI) system. We combine head pose and hand gesture to control the system. We can identify the positions of the eyes and mouth, and use the face center to estimate the pose of the head. Moreover, we introduce a technique for automatic gesture area segmentation and orientation normalization of the hand gesture. The user does not need to keep gestures in upright position and the system segments and normalizes the gestures automatically. The experimental results show that the proposed approach is accurate with gesture recognition rate of 93.6%. Also, the user can control multiple devices, including robots simultaneously through a wireless network.

Risk of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation in HBsAg-Negative, Anti-HBc-Negative Patients Receiving Rituximab for Autoimmune Diseases in HBV Endemic Areas

Lan Ting-Yuan,Lin Yen-Chun,Tseng Tai-Chung,Yang Hung-Chih,Kao Jui-Hung,Cheng Chiao-Feng,Lee Tai-Ju,Huang Shang-Chin,Lu Cheng-Hsun,Li Ko-Jen,Hsieh Song-Chou 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2023 Gut and Liver Vol.17 No.2

Background/Aims: Rituximab is known to be associated with high hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation rate in patients with resolved HBV infection and hematologic malignancy. However, data regarding HBV reactivation (HBVr) in rheumatic patients receiving rituximab is limited. To assess the HBVr rate in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative patients receiving rituximab for autoimmune diseases in a large real-world cohort. Methods: From March 2006 to December 2019, 900 patients with negative HBsAg receiving at least one cycle of rituximab for autoimmune diseases in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcome and factors associated with HBVr were analyzed. Results: After a median follow-up period of 3.3 years, 21 patients developed HBVr, among whom 17 patients were positive for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and four were negative. Thirteen patients had clinical hepatitis flare, while eight patients had HBsAg seroreversion without hepatitis. Old age, anti-HBc positivity, undetectable serum hepatitis B surface antibody level at rituximab initiation and a higher average rituximab dose were associated with a higher HBVr rate. There was no significant difference in the HBVr risk between rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Among anti-HBc-negative patients, subjects without HBV vaccination at birth had an increased risk of HBVr (4/368, 1.1%) compared with those who received vaccination (0/126, 0%). Conclusions: In HBV endemic areas where occult HBV is prevalent, anti-HBc-negative patients, may still be at risk for HBVr after rituximab exposure. HBVr may still be considered in HBsAgnegative patients developing abnormal liver function after rituximab exposure, even in patients with negative anti-HBc.

Clinical Significance of Smudge Cells in Peripheral Blood Smears in Hematological Malignancies and Other Diseases

Chang, Chih-Chun,Sun, Jen-Tang,Liou, Tse-Hsuan,Kuo, Chin-Fu,Bei, Chia-Hao,Lin, Sheng-Jun,Tsai, Wei-Ting,Tan, N-Chi,Liou, Ching-Biau,Su, Ming-Jang,Yen, Tzung-Hai,Chu, Fang-Yeh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.4

Background: It is reported that the percentage of smudge cells in the blood smear could be a prognostic indicator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, the clinical significance of smudge cells in other hematological malignancies, solid tumors or non-malignant diseases is less clear. Hence, this study was conducted to survey the clinical significance of smudge cells in hematological cancers and other disorders. Materials and Methods: From January to November, 2015, the clinical data of patients who received blood examination with differential counts for clinical purpose and were found to have smudge cells in the peripheral blood film in Far Eastern Memorial Hospital were selected. The percentage of smudge cells and patient outcomes were evaluated for further univariate and survival analyses. Results: A total of 102 patients with smudge cells in their blood smears were included. Smudge cells were frequently presented in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA; n=30), infections (n=23), hematological cancers (n=23) and solid cancers (n=10). There was no relationship between the percentage of smudge cells and the patient mortality in all diseases (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.47-2.48, P=1.000) as well as the OHCA group (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 0.38-9.60, P=0.694). It was observed that in patients with all cancers with the percentage of smudge cells less than 50% had a lower mortality rate in comparison with those who had the percentage of smudge cells of 50% or more (OR: 22.29, 95% CI: 2.38-208.80, P<0.001). Additionally, it was seemingly that patients with smudge cells of 50% or more had a lower survival rate than those with smudge cells less than 50% in all cancers with follow-up at 2-month intervals, but without statistical significance (P=0.064). Conclusions: Our survey indicated that in all cancers, those who had higher percentage of smudge cells were prone to have poor outcomes when compared with the subjects with lower percentage of smudge cells. This finding was quite different from the results of previous studies in which the race-ethnicity of most study populations was non-Asian; hence, further investigations are required. Besides, there was no apparent association of the percentage of smudge cells with patient outcomes in all diseases, including OHCA.

The Development of the Simulation Modeling System and Modeling Ability Evaluation

Jeng-Fung Hung,Jen-Chin Lin 보안공학연구지원센터(IJUNESST) 2009 International Journal of u- and e- Service, Scienc Vol.2 No.4

The development of Taiwan Fracture Liaison Service network

Lo-Yu Chang,Keh-Sung Tsai,Jen-Kuei Peng,Chung-Hwan Chen,Gau-Tyan Lin,Chin-Hsueh Lin,Shih-Te Tu,I-Chieh Mao,Yih-Lan Gau,Hsusan-Chih Liu,Chi-Chien Niu,Min-Hong Hsieh,Jui-Teng Chien,Wei-Chieh Hung,Rong-S 대한골다공증학회 2018 Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia Vol.4 No.2

Osteoporosis and its associated fragility fractures are becoming a severe burden in the healthcare system globally. In the Asian-Pacific (AP) region, the rapidly increasing in aging population is the main reason accounting for the burden. Moreover, the paucity of quality care for osteoporosis continues to be an ongoing challenge. The Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a program promoted by International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) with a goal to improve quality of postfracture care and prevention of secondary fractures. In this review article, we would like to introduce the Taiwan FLS network. The first 2 programs were initiated in 2014 at the National Taiwan University Hospital and its affiliated Bei-Hu branch. Since then, the Taiwan FLS program has continued to grow exponentially. Through FLS workshops promoted by the Taiwanese Osteoporosis Association (TOA), program mentors have been able to share their valuable knowledge and clinical experience in order to promote establishments of additional programs. With 22 FLS sites including 11 successfully accredited on the best practice map, Taiwan remains as one of the highest FLS coverage countries in the AP region, and was also granted the IOF Best Secondary Fracture Prevention Promotion award in 2017. Despite challenges faced by the TOA, we strive to promote more FLS sites in Taiwan with a main goal of ameliorating further health burden in managing osteoporotic patients.