Role-Balance Based Multi-Secret Images Sharing using Boolean Operations

( Chi-shiang Chan ),( Yung-chen Chou ),( Yi-hui Chen ),( Yuan-yu Tsai ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2014 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.8 No.5

In 2011, Chen and Wu proposed their method of sharing n secret images to n+1 shadow images through the concept of a Boolean-based Visual Secret Sharing (VSS) method. However, the shadow images produced by this method are not equally important. If the participant who owns an important shadow image does not want to cooperate with other participants, most secret images can not be reconstructed. In the proposed method, the relationship between the shadows images and secret images are designed in a circular way mostly. Each shadow image only relates to two secret images. This means that if one participant refuses to cooperate with other participants, there are only two secret images which can not be reconstructed. Moreover, our proposed method only needs to produce n shadow images and n secret images can be shared to them.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

( Chen-hua Liu ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Wei-wen Su ),( Chun-jen Liu ),( Ching-chu Lo ),( Ke-jhang Huang ),( Jyh-jou Chen ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Chi-yang Chang ),( Cheng-yuan Peng ),( Yu-lueng Shih ),( Chia 대한간학회 2021 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.27 No.4

Background/Aims: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods: We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR₁₂) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. The safety profiles were reported. Results: The SVR₁₂ rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5-94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8-97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2-100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR₁₂ were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR₁₂, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16-14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P<0.001). Conclusions: SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2021;27:575-588)

Effect of crosslinking agents on the dispersive behaviour of polymer particles in seed swelling polymerisation

Yu-Chen Kao,Wha-Tzong Whang,Yi-Chun Chen,Kai-Chi Chen 한국공업화학회 2017 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.51 No.-

This study focused on the effect of crosslinker structure between PMMA on the dispersity of crosslinkedparticles in seed swelling polymerisation. We usedfive different crosslinking agents in an assessment ofthe dispersity of crosslinking monodisperse particles using PMMA seed particles in seed swellingpolymerisation. These results show that the structure of the crosslinking agent affects the dispersityduring the swelling stage. According to the solubility parameter theory of computation, the departure ofsimilar solubility parameter causes the swollen particles to segregate into more dispersity.

Validation of Pharyngeal Acid Reflux Episodes Using Hypopharyngeal Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance-pH

Yen-Yang Chen,Chen-Chi Wang,Ying-Cheng Lin,John Y Kao,Chun-Yi Chuang,Yung-An Tsou,Ja-Chih Fu,Sheng-Shun Yang,Chi-Sen Chang,Han-Chung Lien 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.1

Background/AimsHypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (HMII-pH) technology incorporating 2 trans-upper esophageal sphincter impedance channels has been developed to detect pharyngeal reflux. We used the HMII-pH technique to validate the candidate pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) episodes based on the dual-pH tracings and determined the interobserver reproducibility. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in tertiary centers in Taiwan. Ninety patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux and 28 healthy volunteers underwent HMII-pH test when off acid suppressants. Candidate PAR episodes were characterized by pharyngeal pH drops of at least 2 units and reaching a nadir pH of 5 within 30 seconds during esophageal acidification. Two experts manually independently identified candidate PAR episodes based on the dual-pH tracings. By reviewing the HMII-pH tracings, HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes were subsequently confirmed. The consensus reviews of HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes were considered to be the reference standard diagnosis. The interobserver reproducibility was assessed. ResultsA total of 105 candidate PAR episodes were identified. Among them 84 (80.0%; 95% CI, 71.0-87.0%) were HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes (82 in 16 patients and 2 in 1 healthy subject). Patients tended to have more HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes than healthy controls (median and percentile values [25th, 75th, and 95th percentiles]: 0 [0, 0, 3] vs 0 [0, 0, 0], P = 0.067). The concordance rate in diagnosing HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes between 2 independent observers was 92.2%. ConclusionOur preliminary data showed that 80.0% (71.0-87.0%) of the proposed candidate PAR episodes were HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes, among which the interobserver reproducibility was good.

Predicting the surgical reparability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears by B-mode ultrasonography: a cross-sectional study

Po-Cheng Chen,Kuan-Ting Wu,Yi-Cun Chen,Yu-Chi Huang,Ching-Di Chang,Wei-Che Lin,Wen-Yi Chou 대한초음파의학회 2022 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.41 No.1

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the ability of B-mode ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the repairability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants with large-to-massive RCTs who underwent arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography and MRI were conducted prior to arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography was used to evaluate the echogenicity of the rotator cuff muscle using the Heckmatt scale. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were examined for two independent physicians. MRI was used to evaluate the degrees of tendon retraction, fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles, and muscle atrophy. Finally, two experienced orthopedic surgeons performed surgery and decided whether the torn stump could be completely repaired intraoperatively. Results: Fifty participants were included, and 32 complete repairs and 18 partial repairs were performed. B-mode ultrasonography showed good intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for assessment of the muscle echogenicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The correlation coefficients between B-mode ultrasound findings and MRI findings showed medium to large effect sizes (r=0.4-0.8). The Goutallier classification of the infraspinatus muscles was the MRI predictor with the best discriminative power for surgical reparability (area under the curve [AUC], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.98), while the Heckmatt scale for infraspinatus muscles was the most accurate ultrasound predictor (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.96). No significant differences in AUCs among the MRI and ultrasound predictors were found. Conclusion: B-mode ultrasonography was a reliable examination tool and had a similar ability to predict surgical reparability to that of MRI among patients with large-to-massive RCTs. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the ability of B-mode ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the repairability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs).Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants with large-to-massive RCTs who underwent arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography and MRI were conducted prior to arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography was used to evaluate the echogenicity of the rotator cuff muscle using the Heckmatt scale. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were examined for two independent physicians. MRI was used to evaluate the degrees of tendon retraction, fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles, and muscle atrophy. Finally, two experienced orthopedic surgeons performed surgery and decided whether the torn stump could be completely repaired intraoperatively.Results: Fifty participants were included, and 32 complete repairs and 18 partial repairs were performed. B-mode ultrasonography showed good intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for assessment of the muscle echogenicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The correlation coefficients between B-mode ultrasound findings and MRI findings showed medium to large effect sizes (r=0.4-0.8). The Goutallier classification of the infraspinatus muscles was the MRI predictor with the best discriminative power for surgical reparability (area under the curve [AUC], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.98), while the Heckmatt scale for infraspinatus muscles was the most accurate ultrasound predictor (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.96). No significant differences in AUCs among the MRI and ultrasound predictors were found.Conclusion: B-mode ultrasonography was a reliable examination tool and had a similar ability to predict surgical reparability to that of MRI among patients with large-to-massive RCTs.

Mechanical Stretch Promotes Invasion of Lung Cancer Cells via Activation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Liang-Kun Chen,Ching-Chi Hsieh,Yi-Chao Huang,Yuan-Jung Huang,Chun-Fan Lung,Wei-En Hsu,Chao-Ling Yao,Tsung-Yu Tseng,Chi-Chung Wang,Yi-Chiung Hsu 한국생물공학회 2023 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.28 No.3

Most of the gas exchange in the human body is carried out by the lungs, and the physiological activities of the lungs are uninterrupted. Due to the deterioration of the external environment, pulmonary cell lesions are common clinical lung diseases. Mechanical cyclic stretching is one kind of bionic technology to observe lung cancer cells. The A549 cell line is the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line derived from a primary lung tumor. This study investigated the effects of mechanical cyclic stretching on A549 cell activity and gene expression profile. Whereas mechanical cyclic stretching had no significant difference in colony formation and cell migration of A549 cells, the cell invasion increased significantly in A549 cells after stretching. In addition, the microarray data showed that mechanical cyclic stretching altered gene expression, induced inflammation of cells, and activation of Wnt/β- catenin and tumor necrosis factor pathways. More importantly, mechanical cyclic stretching activated the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) protein. Therefore, the increase of cell invasion induced by mechanical cyclic stretching might be associated with the activation of TNF-α in human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

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.

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.

The Design of an Integrated System of Pig Manure Aft Inflow Preheating Units and Capillary Network Tube-based Thermal Insulation Units

( Yi-chich Chiu ),( Gang-jhy Wu ),( Chi-hui Chen ) 한국농업기계학회 2018 한국농업기계학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.23 No.1

This study designed an integrated system of pig manure anaerobic fermentation tank inflow preheating units and capillary network tube-based thermal insulation units. Through the inflow preheating units, the temperature of the livestock wastewater that had undergone solid-liquid separation was raised to the mid-temperature range of 30-40°C to maintain the anaerobic digestion bacteria inside the anaerobic fermentation tanks (AFTs) at a steady population in winter. Thus, the efficiency of livestock wastewater anaerobic treatment was enhanced, allowing the process to maintain a relatively high removal rate of chemical oxygen demand in winter. The developed pig manure AFTs inflow preheating unit was tested through simulation. A total of 2500 L of wastewater was pumped into the unit for preheating. The flow rate of the wastewater for heat exchange was 80 L/min. The mean temperature of simulated wastewater before heating was 15.09°, and that after undergoing heat exchange reached 82.4°C. The water for heat preservation was heated using the remaining heat of the steam that was used to heat the wastewater. When the hot water of the AFTs dropped to below 50°C, it began circulating. Analysis results indicated that the heat dissipation at the bottom of the AFTs was 277.704 kcal/h. When 600 L of hot water was pumped into the pipelines at a flow rate of 35 L/s, it could constantly supply 25320574.8 kcal/h of heat, which was greater than the heat dissipation at the AFTs’ bottom. The test site raised 1512 adult pigs, which were assumed to weigh 60 kg and above; from this number of pigs, the maximum daily yield of biogas is 300-302.4 ㎥, and the maximum power generated per day is approximately 300 kWh.

Development and characterization of a potential diagnostic monoclonal antibody against capsid protein VP1 of the chicken anemia virus

Yi-Yang Lien,Chi-Hung Huang,Fang-Chun Sun,Shyang-Chwen Sheu,Tsung-Chi Lu,Meng-Shiunn Lee,Shu-Chin Hsueh,Hsi-Jien Chen,Meng-Shiou Lee 대한수의학회 2012 JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE Vol.13 No.1

Chicken anemia virus (CAV) is an important viral pathogen that causes anemia and severe immunodeficiency syndrome in chickens worldwide. In this study, a potential diagnostic monoclonal antibody against the CAV VP1 protein was developed which can precisely recognize the CAV antigen for diagnostic and virus recovery purposes. The VP1 gene of CAV encoding the N-terminus-deleted VP1 protein, VP1Nd129, was cloned into an Escherichia (E.) coli expression vector. After isopropyl-b-D-thiogalactopyronoside induction, VP1Nd129 protein was shown to be successfully expressed in the E. coli. By performing an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay using two coating antigens, purified VP1Nd129 and CAV-infected liver tissue lysate, E3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was found to have higher reactivity against VP1 protein than the other positive clones according to the result of limiting dilution method from 64 clones. Using immunohistochemistry, the presence of the VP1-specific mAb, E3, was confirmed using CAV- infected liver and thymus tissues as positive-infected samples. Additionally, CAV particle purification was also performed using an immunoaffinity column containing E3 mAb. The monoclonal E3 mAb developed in this study will not only be very useful for detecting CAV infection and performing histopathology studies of infected chickens, but may also be used to purify CAV particles in the future.