Alpinate Oxyphyllae Fructus Inhibits IGFII-Related Signaling Pathway to Attenuate Ang II-Induced Pathological Hypertrophy in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts

Chuan-Te Tsai,Yung-Ming Chang,Shu-Luan Lin,Yueh-Sheng Chen,Yu-Lan Yeh,Viswanadha Vijaya Padma,Chin-Chuan Tsai,Ray-Jade Chen,Tsung-Jung Ho,Chih-Yang Huang 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.3

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a very important cardiovascular disease inducer and may cause cardiac pathological hypertrophy and remodeling. We evaluated a Chinese traditional medicine, alpinate oxyphyllae fructus (AOF), for therapeutic efficacy for treating Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. AOF has been used to treat patients with various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders in Korea. We investigated its protective effect against Ang II-induced cytoskeletal change and hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. The results showed that treating cells with Ang II resulted in pathological hypertrophy, such as increased expression of transcription factors NFAT-3/p-NFAT-3, hypertrophic response genes (atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP] and b-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]), and Gαq down-stream effectors (PLCβ3 and calcineurin). Pretreatment with AOF (60–100 μg/mL) led to significantly reduced hypertrophy. We also found that AOF pretreatment significantly suppressed the cardiac remodeling proteins, metalloproteinase (MMP9 and MMP2), and plasminogen activator, induced by Ang II challenge. In conclusion, we provide evidence that AOF protects against Ang II-induced pathological hypertrophy by specifically inhibiting the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II/IIR-related signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. AOF might be a candidate for cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular remodeling prevention in chronic cardiovascular diseases.

Heping District, Taichung City, Central Taiwan D045&D046 Large-scale Landslide Area Investigation

( Chuan Ding ),( Ho-hsun Chen ),( Shu-ken Ho ) 대한지질공학회 2019 대한지질공학회 학술발표회논문집 Vol.2019 No.2

The survey area, Songbo settlement, is located at Lishan area, Heping District, Taichung City near Techi Reservoir watershed, central Taiwan. There are many geomorphological features related to landslide and were divided into two large-scale landslide areas numbered as D045 and D046 by Central Geological Survey, MOEA. D046 has higher landslide-potential than D045. In order to ensure the operation of the Techi Reservoir and the safety of the Songbo settlement, the Taichung Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau promoted the project and carried out investigation and planning work. The stratum that produced the displacement at that time was explained to be the BIMROCK layer and the stratum is relatively stable. The unstable stratum is distributed in the colluvium (CV) and its thickness from a few meters to more than 50 meters. Through the field survey results including surface seepage points investigating, road cracks and subsidence sketching, gully and drainage ditch conditions investigating, construction, poles and trees investigating, and cracks in retaining walls sketching, etc., only local area shows higher landslide potential but whole area. Besides, monitoring data such as inclinometers casing, GPS, groundwater level observation and field survey results can identify the anomalies found in the activity of potential landslide bodies.

Employee Stress, Job Satisfaction, and Job Performance: A Comparison between High-technology and Traditional Industry in Taiwan

YANG, Shu Ya,CHEN, Shui Chuan,LEE, Liza,LIU, Ying Sing Korea Distribution Science Association 2021 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.8 No.3

The use of human resources determines the success of enterprises. This study applies the questionnaire design method to analyze the relationship between job stress, job satisfaction, and job performance, noting that few studies have comparatively examined these variables between industries, especially between high-tech and traditional industries. The proposed assessment model in this study can facilitate decision-makers' ability to make the optimal business decisions through their personnel systems, thereby improving employee satisfaction and increasing job performance. This study found that in the traditional and high-tech industries, some demographic variables have significant differences in the job stress, job satisfaction and job performance, but the demographic variables that can significantly affect the differences in these job's variables are differences between industries. This study acknowledges that job stress and performance have a significantly negative correlation, and traditional industries will have more stress factors than high-tech industries. In addition, support for traditional industries exist in job satisfaction and performance has a significantly positive correlation, but not in high-tech industries. Job stress for performance has a significantly negative correlation in two industries. This study reconfirmed the relationship between job stress, satisfaction and performance, found some differences in this relationship and the respective industrial characteristics.

Scale Development and Model Validation for the Process of Exercise Engagement for People with Prediabetes

Chang, Shu-Chuan,Yeh, Hsiu-Chen,Kuo, Yu-Lun 한국간호과학회 2020 Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Vol.50 No.2

Purpose: This study had two objectives: 1) to develop a scale for the process of exercise engagement (SPEE) for prediabetic individuals (PDIs); 2) to validate a structural model for the process of exercise engagement for PDIs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with simple random sampling was conducted from September 2013 to December 2015 (in Taiwan). A total of 310 PDIs were enrolled for scale development and model validation via item analysis, factor analyses, and structural equation modeling. The Kuo model was used as the basis for developing the Chinese version of the SPEE for PDIs. Results: The SPEE contains five subscales with a total of twenty-one items that account for 54.9% to 65.9% of the total variance explained for assessing participants’ process of engagement during exercise. For Kuo model validation, the model measures indicated goodness of fit between the Kuo model and sample data. Analysis further revealed a direct effect between the creating health blueprints (CHB) stage and the spontaneous regular exercise (SRE) stage (b=.60). Conclusion: The SPEE includes five subscales for assessing the psychological transition and behavioral expression at each stage of the process of exercise engagement for PDIs. The SPEE for people with prediabetes provides deeper insights into the factors of behavioral change stages that are required to initiate long-term health care outcomes and avoid developing diabetes. These insights are significant as they allow for patient-specific mapping and behavior modification to effect exercise.

Different Clinical Characteristics Among Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria and Aeromonas caviae Monomicrobial Bacteremia

Han-Chuan Chuang,Yu-Huai Ho,Chorng-Jang Lay,Lih-Shinn Wang,Yeong-Shu Tsai,Chen-Chi Tsai 대한의학회 2011 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.26 No.11

This study aimed to compare the clinical presentations of Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii biovar sobria and A. caviae monomicrobial bacteremia by a retrospective method at three hospitals in Taiwan during an 8-yr period. There were 87 patients with A. hydrophila bacteremia, 45 with A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia and 22 with A. caviae bacteremia. Compared with A. hydrophila and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia, A. caviae bacteremia was more healthcare-associated (45 vs 30 and 16%; P = 0.031). The patients with A. caviae bacteremias were less likely to have liver cirrhosis (27 vs 62 and 64%;P = 0.007) and severe complications such as shock (9 vs 40 and 47%; P = 0.009) and thrombocytopenia (45 vs 67 and 87%; P = 0.002). The APACHE II score was the most important risk factor of Aeromonas bacteremia-associated mortalities. The APACHE II scores of A. caviae bacteremias were lower than A. hydrophila bacteremia and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia (7 vs 14 and 16 points; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the clinical presentation of A. caviae bacteremia was much different from A. hydrophila and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia. The severity and mortality of A. caviae bacteremia were lower than A. hydrophila or A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia.

Using Situational Simulation Nursing Guidance to Improve The Correct Rate of postoperative Wound Dressing For Elder Patients and Caregivers

Ni-Yuan Chen,Shu-Chuan Chiang 한국간호과학회 2019 한국간호과학회 학술대회 Vol.2019 No.10

A Pediatric Oncology Diverse Learning Course on Caring for nursing students’ reflection

Miao Hsing Chen,Shu-Chuan Chang,Yu-Ping Huang,Yueh Chih Chen 한국간호과학회 2021 한국간호과학회 학술대회 Vol.2021 No.10

Aim(s): This study aimed to determine if a pediatric oncology diverse learning course could enhance nursing students’ theoretical knowledge and understanding of clinical care for children with leukemia and their families. Method(s): This was a qualitative retrospective study. Data were collected in July 2016. Participants were college nursing students (N = 33) enrolled in a diverse learning course in pediatric oncology, which was taught between November 2014 and January 2015 at a science and technology university in Taiwan. The three-part course included reading picture books, participating in role-playing, and watching a cancer-related family movie. Focus group discussions occurred during each part. Students maintained written reflections during the course, which were submitted to an e-learning website. Reflections were analyzed using content analysis. Result(s): Students’ reflections resulted in five main themes: (1) Pediatric oncology nursing knowledge and skills learned; (2) Understanding children with leukemia and their families suffering; (3) Empathy parents’ and children’s reactions to the effects of leukemia; (4) Nursing skills necessary for caring for children with leukemia; and (5) Expect future role as a pediatric oncology nurse. Conclusion(s): The pediatric oncology simulation course employed multiple teaching strategies. The improvements in student cognition, empathy, and understanding of care requirements of children with leukemia and emotional needs of families as pediatric oncology nurses suggest the teaching objectives of enhancing student learning were achieved. The knowledge and skills acquired could assist students in developing professional competencies and values in nursing.

Appropriate nitrogen application enhances saponin synthesis and growth mediated by optimizing root nutrient uptake ability

Wei, Wei,Ye, Chen,Huang, Hui-Chuan,Yang, Min,Mei, Xin-Yue,Du, Fei,He, Xia-Hong,Zhu, Shu-Sheng,Liu, Yi-Xiang The Korean Society of Ginseng 2020 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.44 No.4

Background: Cultivation of medicinal crops, which synthesize hundreds of substances for curative functions, was focused on the synthesis of secondary metabolites rather than biomass accumulation. Nutrition is an important restrict factor for plant growth and secondary metabolites, but little attention has been given to the plasticity of nutrient uptake and secondary metabolites synthesis response to soil nitrogen (N) change. Methods: Two year-field experiments of Sanqi (Panax notoginseng), which can synthesize a high level of saponin in cells, were conducted to study the effects of N application on the temporal dynamics of biomass, nutrient absorption, root architecture and the relationships between these parameters and saponin synthesis. Results: Increasing N fertilizer rates could improve the dry matter yields and nutrient absorption ability through increasing the maximum daily growth (or nutrient uptake) rate. Under suitable N level (225 kg/ha N), Sanqi restricted the root length and surface and enhanced the root diameter and N uptake rate per root length (NURI) to promote nutrient absorption, but the opposite status of Sanqi root architecture and NURI was found when soil N was deficient. Furthermore, increasing N rates could promote the accumulation of saponin in roots through improving the NURI, which showed a significant positive relationship with the content of saponin in the taproots. Conclusion: Appropriate N fertilizer rates could optimize both root architecture and nutrient uptake efficiency, then promote both the accumulation of dry matter and the synthesis of saponins.

Transient Hiatal Separation During Straight Leg Raise Can Predict Reflux Burden in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients With Ineffective Esophageal Motility

Wei-Yi Lei,Shu-Wei Liang,Taher Omari,Wei-Chuan Chang,Ming-Wun Wong,Jui-Sheng Hung,Chih-Hsun Yi,Tso-Tsai Liu,Lin Lin,C Prakash Gyawali,Chien-Lin Chen 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2022 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.28 No.4

Background/Aims Straight leg raise (SLR) can be utilized to evaluate the integrity of the esophagogastric junction during high-resolution manometry (HRM). We aim to assess the value of transient hiatal separation during SLR in symptomatic reflux patients. Methods Consecutive reflux patients undergoing esophageal HRM and pH monitoring were included. Transient hiatal separation was defined by a ≥ 1 cm separation between the lower esophageal sphincter and crural diaphragm during SLR. We compared esophageal motor patterns and reflux monitoring parameters between patients with normal, transiently abnormal and consistently abnormal esophagogastric junction morphology during SLR. Results Of 85 (56.3% female, mean age: 46.7 ± 12.3 years) completed SLR, esophagogastric junction morphology was normal in 31 (36.5%), transient hiatal separation in 19 (22.3%), and consistently hiatal hernia in 35 (41.2%). The values of total acid exposure time (P = 0.016), longest acid reflux episodes (P = 0.024), and DeMeester scores (P = 0.016) were higher in hiatal hernia compared to patients with non-transient hiatal separation, but there were no differences between those with and without transient hiatal separation. Within ineffective esophageal motility, the presence of transient hiatal separation during SLR significantly associated with a higher total acid exposure time (P = 0.014), higher DeMeester scores (P = 0.019), higher total acid reflux events (P = 0.037), and higher longest acid reflux episodes (P = 0.006). Conclusion Our work suggests that SLR may have value as a provocative test during HRM, and future outcome studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical relevance of motor abnormalities depicted from SLR.

Complex Vector Analysis and Suppression of Parallel Vibration of Distributed Power Grid Connected Converter

Rui Guo,Cunxu Wang,Shu Liu,Xin Guan,Wei Gao,Shuaijie Wang,Chuan Chen 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Grid and Distributed Comp Vol.9 No.10

With the continuous expansion of the scale of distributed power generation,multi grid connected converters often prone to oscillation problems when parallel operation.In this paper,we study the equivalent circuit of parallel connection of multi grid connected converters , system response characteristics of voltage source and in-depth analysis of the causes of the parallel oscillation of the converters.This paper analyzes converter’s parallel complex vector model by complex vector and comes to a conclusion that power grid voltage feed-forward will produce strong coupling between converter so that cause oscillation parallel converters. In view of the above problems and the flow of the converter starting or the voltage fluctuation of the grid, we design a low feed forward method, that is to make the fundamental and the main sub components of the grid voltage forward without delay and for the relative high frequency components, the filter technology is used to attenuate, so as to achieve the maximum elimination of the feed-forward coupling between the converter, to prevent the occurrence of system oscillation. In order to verify the use of this paper, the theory of the parallel converter is applied in the field of MW level wind field. The experimental results prove the correctness of the theory.