Effects and Mechanism of Turmeric Vasorelaxation of the Thoracic Aorta in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Tsz-Shan Kam,Cho-Yee Wong,Pui-Long Kwan,Wing Fat-Yiu,Sin-Ming Chiu,Shun-Wan Chan,Kit-San Yuen,Robbie Chan 한국식품영양과학회 2012 Journal of medicinal food Vol.15 No.2

An extract of Curcuma longa was tested in hypercholesterolemic rats to investigate its potential therapeutic effect on vascular conditions. Four experimental groups were used: normal diet (ND) control group, high cholesterol diet (HCD) group, and HCD subgroups supplemented with turmeric extract at 100 or 300 mg/kg of body weight (HCD100Tur and HCD300Tur groups, respectively). Turmeric extract was fed orally to animals, and dietary treatments lasted for 28 days. Hypercholesterolemia developed in the HCD, HCD100Tur, and HCD300Tur rats. Segments of the thoracic aorta were isolated, and an organ bath experiment was used to assess the vasorelaxation capability among all rats. Rats fed only HCD showed a marked decrease in acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation compared with ND control rats. The HCD100Tur and HCD300Tur rats showed significant improvement in vasorelaxation compared with HCD rats. When vasorelaxation was induced by high concentrations of sodium nitroprusside, no differences in vasorelaxation were observed among the four groups of rats. A mechanistic study showed that HCD100Tur and HCD300Tur rats had significantly higher levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase than HCD rats. The transcript levels of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), bcl2, bax-a, caspase (casp3), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in aortic tissues indicated that hypercholesterolemia significantly increased the expression of bax-a and casp3 but down-regulated bcl2 expression compared with the control group. Turmeric increased the expression of hsp70 and bcl2 but greatly reduced casp3 expression,indicating that turmeric improves vasorelaxation of the aorta in hypercholesterolemic rats by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and likely suppressing apoptosis.

Seaborne Trade between Developed and Developing Countries

Tsz Leung YIP 한국해운물류학회 2012 The Asian journal of shipping and Logistics Vol.28 No.3

This paper analyses the international grain trade ow by using the gravity equation of trade. On the basis of microeconomic theory and the new trade theory, the gravity equation of trade is used to examine grain exports and imports between pairs of countries. One of the main purposes of this paper is to examine how the grain trade is affected by economic factors, population,and country development. By using data of 41 major trading countries over 14 years (1996-2009), the gravity equation of two different specications are deployed for the investigation. The analysis differentiates between developed and developing countries and identifies the differences between different pairing. Importer’s GDP lead to grain trade growing much faster than exporter’s GDP. Developing countries tend to import less grain but developed countries import more, if the population is higher. The paper provides a new insight about the grain trade flow between developed and developing countries.

Grab overtaking Uber: The David versus Goliath of Ride-Hailing App in Southeast Asia

Alice Tsz Ling Tam,Alison Wai Ting Lam,Katrina Ngai Han Chiu,Leona Ying Tong Chen,Haipeng Shen,Wei Zhang Academy of Asian Business (AAB) 2018 Academy of Asian Business Review Vol.4 No.2

This case study on Grab, a locally founded ride-hailing startup in ASEAN, traces its development from its humble start to its victory of ousting Uber in 2018. This case study uncovers the elements that contributed to Grab’s success, providing inspiration on how Asian companies can possibly prevail over the more established Western counterparts despite of great adversity. The report compares the development of both Grab and Uber, followed by a discussion of turning points on how Grab played out the battle with Uber across several ASEAN countries without central jurisdiction to favor it. Factors behind the success of Grab for each turning point are closely examined. Potential difficulties faced by Grab and recommendations to solve the problems are also identified. Grab manifests the spirit of “think global and act local” to succeed in the sharing economy by putting feet on the ground and resolving real “pain points” for consumers. While there are increasing number of companies with a sharing economy business model, the conventional approach of offering a low price to customers and a high pay to employees may not guarantee success for a business anymore. This case study of Grab aims to provide insights for these enterprises to conquer the market in the competitive modern business world.

Remission in pediatric Graves’ disease treated with antithyroid drug and the risk factors associated with relapse

Wong Tsz Wai Catherine,Wong Man Yee Shirley 대한소아내분비학회 2022 Apem Vol.27 No.4

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics and frequency of remission in pediatric patients with Graves’ disease (GD) treated with antithyroid drug (ATD) and to identify factors that may be associated with relapse.Methods: Medical records of patients younger than 19 years who presented to the Department of Pediatrics of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Hong Kong with newly diagnosed GD from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Remission was defined as euthyroidism for 12 months or more after discontinuation of ATD treatment and no relapses during the follow-up period. Patients who successfully achieved remission were compared to those who suffered relapse. Factors that may predict occurrence of relapse after ATD treatments were studied, and their odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.Results: A total of 101 patients was included in this study. Eighty-one patients completed one course of ATD. Eighteen patients (17.8%) successfully achieved remission, and 58 patients (57.4%) experienced relapse after discontinuation of ATD. The remission group received a significantly longer course of ATD therapy than the relapse group (median, 28 months; interquartile range [IQR], 18–48 months in remission group vs. median, 21 months; IQR, 17–26; <i>p</i>=0.024). The OR for relapse was 0.971 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.946–0.997) in univariate analysis and remained significant after adjustments in the multivariate regression model (OR, 0.961; 95% CI, 0.933–0.989; <i>p</i>=0.008).Conclusion: The remission rate in pediatric patients with GD treated with ATD was low. A longer ATD course was associated with a greater chance of remission in this population.

Diabetes Care of Non-obese Korean Americans: Considerable Room for Improvement

Keith Tsz-Kit Chan,Karen M. Kobayashi,Adity Roy,Esme Fuller-Thomson 대한가정의학회 2019 Korean Journal of Family Medicine Vol.40 No.2

Background: Family doctors are increasingly managing the diabetes care of Korean-Americans. Little is known about the prevalence of diabetes among non-obese Korean-Americans, or the extent to which they receive timely and appropriate diabetes care. The purpose of this investigation is to: (1) identify the prevalence of diabetes and to determine the adjusted odds of diabetes among non-obese Korean-Americans compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) Americans, (2) examine the factors associated with having diabetes in a large sample of non-obese Korean- Americans, and (3) determine the prevalence and adjusted odds of optimal frequency of eye care, foot care and A1C blood glucose level monitoring among non-obese Korean-Americans with diabetes in comparison to NHWs with diabetes. Methods: Secondary analysis of population-based data from the combined 2007, 2009, and 2011 adult California Health Interview Survey. The sample included 74,361 respondents with body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 (referred to as ‘non-obese BMI’), of whom 2,289 were Korean-Americans and 72,072 were NHWs, and 4,576 had diabetes. Results: The prevalence and adjusted odds of diabetes among non-obese Korean-Americans are significantly higher than among their NHW peers. More than 90% of Korean-Americans with diabetes were non-obese. NHWs had substantially higher odds of having optimal frequency of eye care, foot care and A1C glucose level monitoring, even after adjusting for insulin dependence, sex, age, education, income, and BMI. Conclusion: Non-obese Korean-Americans are at higher risk for diabetes and are much less likely to receive optimal diabetes care in comparison to NHWs. Targeted outreach is necessary.

Features of partial remission in children with type 1 diabetes using the insulin dose-adjusted A1c definition and risk factors associated with nonremission

Wong Tsz Wai Catherine,Wong Man Yee Shirley,But Wai Man Betty 대한소아내분비학회 2021 Annals of Pediatirc Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol.26 No.2

Purpose: We sought to evaluate features of partial remission (PR) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using the insulin-dose adjusted A1c (IDAA1c) definition and to identify risk factors associated with nonremission. Methods: Medical records of patients with newly diagnosed T1DM between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) readings and insulin total daily doses (TDDs) of each patient at each follow-up visit were obtained with IDAA1c values calculated. PR was defined as an IDAA1c score of 9 points or less within 6 months of diagnosis. The trends of HbA1c and TDD within 2 years after diagnosis were compared between remitters and nonremitters. Factors that may predict the occurrence of PR were studied, with their relative risks of nonremission calculated. Results: PR occurred in 26 patients (45.6%), including 8 girls and 18 boys, with a median duration of 8 months. The frequency of remission in male patients was significantly higher (P=0.002) and the relative risk of female sex with nonremission was 2.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–3.91), which remained significant when adjusted by multivariate regression modeling. The initial HbA1c level at diagnosis was also significantly higher in the nonremission group (P=0.029), with a relative risk of 1.12 (95% CI, 1.01–1.25). Both HbA1c (P=0.012) and TDD (P=0.006) were significantly lower within 2 years after diagnosis among remitters than in nonremitters. TDD was significantly lower in male patients (P=0.029) during the same period, while there was no significant difference in HbA1c level between male and female patients (P=0.163). Conclusion: Both the initial HbA1c level at diagnosis and sex were factors associated with the occurrence of PR. Female sex was an independent risk factor of nonremission, likely resulting from a higher insulin requirement in female T1DM patients.

Remission in pediatric Graves’ disease treated with antithyroid drug and the risk factors associated with relapse

Wong Tsz Wai Catherine,Wong Man Yee Shirley 대한소아내분비학회 2022 Annals of Pediatirc Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol.27 No.4

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics and frequency of remission in pediatric patients with Graves’ disease (GD) treated with antithyroid drug (ATD) and to identify factors that may be associated with relapse. Methods: Medical records of patients younger than 19 years who presented to the Department of Pediatrics of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Hong Kong with newly diagnosed GD from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Remission was defined as euthyroidism for 12 months or more after discontinuation of ATD treatment and no relapses during the follow-up period. Patients who successfully achieved remission were compared to those who suffered relapse. Factors that may predict occurrence of relapse after ATD treatments were studied, and their odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Results: A total of 101 patients was included in this study. Eighty-one patients completed one course of ATD. Eighteen patients (17.8%) successfully achieved remission, and 58 patients (57.4%) experienced relapse after discontinuation of ATD. The remission group received a significantly longer course of ATD therapy than the relapse group (median, 28 months; interquartile range [IQR], 18–48 months in remission group vs. median, 21 months; IQR, 17–26; P=0.024). The OR for relapse was 0.971 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.946–0.997) in univariate analysis and remained significant after adjustments in the multivariate regression model (OR, 0.961; 95% CI, 0.933–0.989; P=0.008). Conclusion: The remission rate in pediatric patients with GD treated with ATD was low. A longer ATD course was associated with a greater chance of remission in this population.

An Analysis of Pilotage Marine Accidents in Korea

박용안,Tsz Leung YIP,박홍규 한국해운물류학회 2019 The Asian journal of shipping and Logistics Vol.35 No.1

Concerns have been raised around pilotage in Korea due to a rise in marine accidents in the 2010s. Since the late 2000s, a debate has been sparked on the most suitable age of retirement for Korean pilots. The debate has focused on the extension of retirement age of pilots from 65 to 68 and whether this will affect the probability of marine accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to calculate the probability of marine accidents in relation to different age groups of pilots. After collecting the data of marine accidents caused by pilot’s negligence, the study suggests two measurements of probability of marine accidents during pilotage: on the basis of the number of pilotage services and the hours of pilotage services. The analysis finds that age is not the exclusive cause of pilotage marine accidents by the age group over 65.

The Effects of Coaching Styles on Artistic Swimmers’ Intention to Continue Athletic Career

Seungmo Kim,Tsz Ching Pang,Sanghyun Park 상명대학교 글로벌문화예술교육연구소 2019 Research in Dance and Physical Education Vol.3 No.2

Safety Results of Docetaxel-(Taxotere®)-Based Chemotherapy in Early Breast Cancer Patients of Asia-Pacific Region: Asia-Pacific Breast Initiative II

김성배,Yau Tsz Kok,Tran Van Thuan,Tsu-Yi Chao,Zhen Zhou Shen 한국유방암학회 2015 Journal of breast cancer Vol.18 No.4

Purpose: The goal of this registry was to collect patient characteristics and safety data from patients from the Asia-Pacific region with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy containing docetaxel (Taxotere®). Methods: This registry was open-label, international, longitudinal, multicenter, and observational in design and included a prospective group of consecutive early breast cancer patients with an intermediate-to-high risk of recurrence being treated with various docetaxel-based (anthracycline and non-anthracycline) adjuvant chemotherapy regimens during 2009–2013 in real-world clinical settings. Results: The analysis included 1,712 patients, 79% of whom received docetaxel-based, anthracycline-containing regimens, while 21% received non-anthracycline-containing regimens. Patients receiving adjuvant docetaxel-based chemotherapy were followed for 1.5 years. Chemotherapy-related adverse events (AEs) were reported by 76.2% of patients (anthracycline-containing vs. nonanthracycline- containing regimens: 76.8% vs. 74.1%). Serious AEs were reported in 12% of patients (12.3% vs. 10%). National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 or higher neutropenia was reported in 20% of patients (21.6% vs. 13.9%), leukopenia in 7.4% of patients (5.4% vs. 14.8%), and vomiting in 1.6% of patients (1.8% vs. 0.6%). Treatment-related death was reported in 27 patients (1.6%), while only 3% of patients had a relapse. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios increased after chemotherapy. A clinically insignificant reduction of 1.9% in left ventricular ejection fraction, from 66.43 to 64.53, was observed 1.5 years after therapy was completed. Conclusion: The Asia-Pacific Breast initiative II registry identified a variety of important facts regarding patient population characteristics, disease epidemiology and treatment response for early breast cancer patients of the Asia-Pacific region receiving docetaxel-based chemotherapy. Docetaxel-based chemotherapy did not show any significant safety concerns for early breast cancer patients of the Asia- Pacific region, and thus may represent a safe adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for these patients.