Search

Background: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused severe pneumonia at December 2019. Since then, it has been wildly spread from Wuhan, China, to Asia, European, and United States to become the pandemic worldwide. Now coronavirus disease 2019 were globally diagnosed over 3 084 740 cases with mortality of 212 561 toll. Current reports variants are found in SARS-CoV-2, majoring in functional ribonucleic acid (RNA) to transcribe into structural proteins as transmembrane spike (S) glycoprotein and the nucleocapsid (N) protein holds the virus RNA genome; the envelope (E) and membrane (M) alone with spike protein form viral envelope. The nonstructural RNA genome includes ORF1ab, ORF3, ORF6, 7a, 8, and ORF10 with highly conserved information for genome synthesis and replication in ORF1ab. Methods: We apply genomic alignment analysis to observe SARS-CoV-2 sequences from GenBank (http:// www.ncbi.nim.nih. gov/genebank/): MN 908947 (China, C1); MN985325 (United States: WA, UW); MN996527 (China, C2); MT007544 (Australia: Victoria, A1); MT027064 (United States: CA, UC); MT039890 (South Korea, K1); MT066175 (Taiwan, T1); MT066176 (Taiwan, T2); LC528232 (Japan, J1); and LC528233 (Japan, J2) and Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database (https://www.gisaid. org). We adopt Multiple Sequence Alignments web from Clustalw (https://www.genome.jp/tools-bin/clustalw) and Geneious web (https://www.geneious.com. Results: We analyze database by genome alignment search for nonstructural ORFs and structural E, M, N, and S proteins. Mutations in ORF1ab, ORF3, and ORF6 are observed; specific variants in spike region are detected. Conclusion: We perform genomic analysis and comparative multiple sequence of SARS-CoV-2. Large scaling sequence alignments trace to localize and catch different mutant strains in United possibly to transmit severe deadly threat to humans. Studies about the biological symptom of SARS-CoV-2 in clinic animal and humans will be applied and manipulated to find mechanisms and shield the light for understanding the origin of pandemic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China announced an outbreak of new coronavirus in the city of Wuhan on December 31, 2019; lash to now, the virus transmission has become pandemic worldwide. Severe cases from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale market in Wuhan were confirmed pneumonia with a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Understanding the molecular mechanisms of genome selection and packaging is critical for developing antiviral strategies. Thus, we defined the correlation in 10 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) sequences from different countries to analyze the genomic patterns of disease origin and evolution aiming for developing new control pandemic processes. Methods: We apply genomic analysis to observe SARS-CoV2 sequences from GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/genebank/): MN 908947 (China, C1), MN985325 (USA: WA, UW), MN996527 (China, C2), MT007544 (Australia: Victoria, A1), MT027064 (USA: CA, UC), MT039890 (South Korea, K1), MT066175 (Taiwan, T1), MT066176 (Taiwan, T2), LC528232 (Japan, J1), and LC528233 (Japan, J2) for genomic sequence alignment analysis. Multiple Sequence Alignment by Clustalw (https://www. genome.jp/tools-bin/clustalw) web service is applied as our alignment tool. Results: We analyzed 10 sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database by genome alignment and found no difference in amino acid sequences within M and N proteins. There are two amino acid variances in the spike (S) protein region. One mutation found from the South Korea sequence is verified. Two possible "L" and "S" SNPs found in ORF1ab and ORF8 regions are detected. Conclusion: We performed genomic analysis and comparative multiple sequences of SARS-CoV2. Studies about the biological symptoms of SARS-CoV2 in clinic animals and humans will manipulate an understanding on the origin of pandemic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-rich manganese-based layered oxides (LLOs) cathodes attract great attention due to their high specific capacity. But the low rate capability, inferior cycling stability, voltage decay and the poor low-temperature performances hinder their application. Herein, we propose a synergistic strategy of Zr doping and Li2TiO3 coating to mitigate the drawbacks of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2, and the cooperative modification mechanism is unraveled. In addition to the pre-doping of Zr in the precursor, a little fraction of Ti is also doped in the host during the coating process. This combines the advantages of Zr/Ti dual doping and Li+-conductor Li2TiO3 coating, which cooperatively enhances the rate capability, cycling stability and the poor low-temperature performances as well as mitigate the voltage decay. Neutron diffraction analysis indicates that the interslab spacing and the bond length of O-O and TM-O are enlarged which lowers the Li+ diffusion energy barrier and the repulsive interaction between Li-ions and TM cations, and facilitate Li+ diffusion and rate capability. The Li+/Ni2+ intermixing is also mitigated which further enhances Li+ diffusion and the layered structure stability. Furthermore, the tightly bound Li+-conducting Li2TiO3 layer not only avoids the electrode side reaction but also enhances the Li+ diffusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been causing respiratory diseases globally, damaging wide ranges of social-economic activities. This virus is transmitted through personal contact and possibly also through ambient air. Effective biosensor platforms for the detection of this virus and the related host response are in urgent demand. These platforms can facilitate routine diagnostic assays in certified clinical laboratories. They can also be integrated into point-of-care products. Furthermore, environmental biosensors can be designed to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the ambient air or in the intensive care ventilators. Here, we evaluate technical components of biosensors, including the biological targets of recognition, the recognition methods, and the signal amplification and transduction systems. Effective SARS-CoV-2 detectors can be designed by an adequate combination of these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in many countries causes citizens of daily inconvenience and even life-threat for elderly population. The invasion of the main pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; 2019 novel coronavirus [2019-nCoV]), into human body causes different levels of impact to various patients. One of the most important issues for COVID-19 is how to defend this virus with the ability to foresee the infected targets. Thus, we maintain the quarantined essentially as for as others saved from COVID-19. So far, the routine laboratory test to confirm whether infected by SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV or not is through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR; quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]) with certain sequence regions that recognize SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV RNA genome. The heavy loading of rRT-PCR (qPCR) machine and handling labor have tight-packed the instruments as well as the manpower almost in every country. Therefore, the alternative approaches are eagerly waiting to be developed. In this review article, we sort out some state-of-the-art novel approaches that might be applied for a fast, sensitive, and precise detection of SARS-CoV-2/2019- nCoV not only to help the routine laboratory testing but also to improve effective quarantine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Under-utilization of Papanicolaou (Pap) smear causes a gap in the prevention of cervical neoplasms. A prospective population-based study was conducted investigating whether a self-sampling human papillomavirus (HPV) test was feasible for under-users of Pap smear and factors associated with under-screening in Taiwan.Methods: Women not having Pap smear screening for > 5 years were invited to participate in this study. Invitation letters and educational brochures were mailed to 4% of randomly selected eligible women from Taoyuan City, Taiwan, and responders received an HPV self-sampling kit. Those with HPV-positive results were recalled for a Pap smear and colposcopy.Results: Between March 2010 and June 2012, 10,693 women were invited, 354 responded (3.3%), and 282 (2.6%) gave valid informed consent, answered the questionnaire, and submitted HPV samples. The median age of enrolled women was 48.1 years. Forty-seven women (16.7%) had a positive HPV test, and 14 women accepted further survey to find two CIN2+. Another two cases of CIN2+ were identified from a national registry database. The cost of direct mailing self-samplers was less than that done on request (from NT$434,866 to NT$164,229, response rate of 5% to 15%, respectively, versus NT$683,957 for detecting 1 CIN2+). Reasons for not attending screening included lack of time, embarrassment, assumed low risk, fear of positive results, and perceived potential pain. Among the responders, 90.8% found the method acceptable.Conclusion: Our study indicated that different approaches (e.g., direct mailing self-samplers to under-users and/or various educational interventions) must be explored to improve coverage in populations with culture characteristics similar to Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate a specific glomerular pattern for prognostication of endometrial cancer (EC). Materials and Methods: The office hysteroscopy's picture and video of 4197 women were reviewed, 48 women who were suspected of type I EC were analyzed: 26 have glomerular pattern (group 1) and 22 without it (group 2). Results: The histopathological grading after hysterectomy with glomerular pattern had grade 2 or grade 3 disease on final histology (n = 25; 96%). The sensitivity and specificity of this test were 84.6% and 81.8%, respectively, with a likelihood ratio of 4:6 in predicting and prognosticating those women who have high-grade tumor or invasive disease. Conclusions: This hysteroscopic picture might be used as a novel marker for risk stratification of EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a numerical study of combustion enhancement using a repetitive pulsed plasma actuator. A large-eddy simulation turbulence model is considered to investigate the nonpremixed turbulent combustion of methane-air flow. The baseline case shows agreement with published numerical data. Based on recent studies, it is assumed that the repetitive pulsed actuators are able to create acoustic perturbations for flow control. Numerical results show that induced acoustic perturbations may enhance chemical reactions and result in modification of the flame shape. These numerical results may be useful for the design and improvement of a coaxial jet combustor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore non-steroid anti-inflammation drugs (NS AIDs) potency for pelvic floor muscle pain by measuring local concentration in a rat model. Materials and Methods: We used nine NSAIDs, including nabume-tone, naproxen, ibuprofen, meloxicam, piroxicam, diclofenac potassium, etodolac, indomethacin, and sulindac, and 9 groups of female Wister rats. Each group of rats was fed with one kind of NSAID (2 mg/mL) for three consecutive days. Thereafter, one mL of blood and one gram of pelvic floor muscle were taken to measure drug pharmacokinetics, including partition coefficient, lipophilicity, elimination of half-life (T1/2) and muscle/plasma converting ratio (Css,muscle/Css,plasma). Results: Diclofenac potassium had the lowest T1/2 and the highest mean Css,muscle/Css,plasma (1.9 hours and 0.85±0.53, respectively). The mean Css, muscle/Css, plasma of sulindac, naproxen and ibuprofen were lower than other experimental NSAIDs. Conclusion: Diclofenac potassium had the highest disposition in pelvic floor muscle in a rat model. The finding implies that diclofenac potassium might be the choice for pain relief in pelvic muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore non-steroid anti-inflammation drugs (NS AIDs) potency for pelvic floor muscle pain by measuring local concentration in a rat model. Materials and Methods: We used nine NSAIDs, including nabume-tone, naproxen, ibuprofen, meloxicam, piroxicam, diclofenac potassium, etodolac, indomethacin, and sulindac, and 9 groups of female Wister rats. Each group of rats was fed with one kind of NSAID (2 mg/mL) for three consecutive days. Thereafter, one mL of blood and one gram of pelvic floor muscle were taken to measure drug pharmacokinetics, including partition coefficient, lipophilicity, elimination of half-life (T1/2) and muscle/plasma converting ratio (Css, muscle/Css, plasma). Results: Diclofenac potassium had the lowest T1/2 and the highest mean Css,muscle/Css, plasma (1.9 hours and 0.85±0.53, respectively). The mean Css, muscle/Css, plasma of sulindac, naproxen and ibuprofen were lower than other experimental NSAIDs. Conclusion: Diclofenac potassium had the highest disposition in pelvic floor muscle in a rat model. The finding implies that diclofenac potassium might be the choice for pain relief in pelvic muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE. A subgroup of patients benefiting most from robot-assisted therapy (RT) has not yet been described. We examined the predictors of improved outcomes after RT. METHOD. Sixty-six patients with stroke receiving RT were analyzed. The outcome measures were the Fugl- Meyer Assessment (FMA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The potential predictors were age, side of lesion, time since onset, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores, accelerometer data, Box and Block Test (BBT) scores, and kinematic parameters. RESULTS. BBT scores were predictive of FMA (29%) and MAL (9% - 15%) improvements. Reduced shoulder flexion synergy, as measured by less shoulder abduction during forward reach, and MAS-distal were predictive of WMFT-function improvements. MAS-distal was predictive of SIS-physical improvements. Demographic variables did not predict outcomes. CONCLUSION. Manual dexterity was a valuable predictor of motor impairment and daily function after RT. Outcomes at different levels may have different predictors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically test a horseshoe plasma actuator for film cooling enhancement on a flat plate. We solve three-dimensional plasma governing equations using the finite element based MIG flow code. The electric force density calculated from the plasma governing equations is then employed as a body force density into a finite volume based Navier-Stokes solver with standard turbulence models for controlling the flow. Such electric force influences attachment of the cold jet to the work surface by actively altering the three-dimensional flowfield in the vicinity of the actuator. We consider two problems related to film cooling. The first problem is to understand the influence of a horseshoe plasma actuator on a flowfield where the cooling jet and the bulk flow speeds are of the same order of the flow induced by plasma itself. The second problem is to validate a previously reported film cooling experiment with a single row of round cooling holes issuing at a 35 deg angle on a flat plate, and then predict any improvement due to plasma actuation. For a unit blowing ratio, the results are compared with the published experimental data and other numerical predictions. The numerical results show a progressive improvement of centerline effectiveness as the electric force density is increased from 0 (no force) to 8 MN/m³ (maximum). Specifically, an improvement of effectiveness well above 100% is predicted over the standard baseline design for the latest film cooling technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which reviews the species Phyllotreta Chevrolat, a worldwide alticine genus, in Taiwan and Japan. The study uses Leica M165 stereomicroscope and Nikon ECLIPSE 50i microscope to assess the genitalia of the species, and to identify and control the said agricultural insect pests. Results show that three species have been found in Taiwan such as P. chotanica Duvivier, P. downesi insularis, and P. downesi insularis.

The article discusses the levels of job stress, depression and job related diseases among physicians of hospitals in Taiwan. The data was collected regarding health related hazards caused due to occupation among physicians with the help of questionnaires. According to the results provided by the authors, level of depression was higher in physicians than common people and higher depression rate was found in the individuals who were alcoholics. The depression level was low in Eastern Taiwan.

This article discusses a study which examined species of Frankliniella Trybom from the Asian-Pacific area. The study recorded 15 species of the genus from the area including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. The recorded species include F. cephalica, F. fusca, F. gilva, F. hemerocallis, F. tenuicornis, F. williamsi and F. zizaniophila. In addition, the study provided a brief diagnosis, host plant list and distribution of each species.

TransAsia Airway is one of the four domestic airlines in Taiwan. Taiwan has 13 domestic airports with the longest distance between two airports being about 400 kilometers. The domestic airline market is highly competitive. TransAsia decided to apply e-learning within its organization to reduce training expenses and improve service quality. This study describes the strategy and methodology used by TransAsia when applying e-learning for regular training, and considers the management changes made by TransAsia when reconstructing its organization behavior and learning culture using e-learning. This study also uses the Krikpatrick model to assess the effect of e-learning within a firm. The TransAsia case is used to provide a reference for the future development of the Taiwanese airline industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading content of the Web is increasingly popular. When students read the same material, each student has a unique comprehension of the text and requires individual support from appropriate references. Most references in typical web learning systems are unorganized. Students are often required to disrupt their reading to locate references. This disruption in reading reduces learning performance. This work presents a web-based e-book learning system with an incorporated contextual knowledge recommender to assist students reading online and solve problems promptly. In this system, students can easily summarize, annotate, or enter queries in a text where questions arise. Based on a student's learning status and queries about an e-book, this system can recommend adaptive references from a knowledge repository, and locate capable classmates to answer a question. Student learning status can be analyzed based on annotations and portfolios. This knowledge repository comprises a web dictionary, discussion forum, and library of examples. Experimental results showed that students prefer accessing knowledge and joining discussions through this system to reading a conventional textbook. Most students were very willing to use this system to learn material and prepare for examinations. Furthermore, a positive correlation existed between amount of time spent using this system and exam grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web-based discussion forums enable users to share knowledge in straightforward and popular platforms. However, discussion forums have several problems, such as the lack of immediate delivery and response, the heavily text-based medium, inability to hear expressions of voice and the heuristically created discussion topics which can impede the educational process. The need to share knowledge is not restricted to desktop PC text-based environment, since knowledge lives in the world, and mobile applications supply students with the opportunity of ubiquitous learning. This study introduces mobile phones and voice discussion into a web discussion forum, and presents a ubiquitous ontology-based knowledge forum that allows students to extend learning experiences anytime and anywhere to facilitate the exchange of voice and text knowledge. The learning system environment and design approach to tackling adaptive text/audio display on small mobile phones is illustrated. Preliminary evaluation of the experiment indicates that around 74% of students are pleased with the system and benefit significantly from sharing voice knowledge. The proposed system can offer flexibility in discussion for a distance learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to define the clinical features and long-term prognosis of portsite metastasis after primary laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: All the patients with epithelial ovarian cancer or borderline malignancy who had undergone primary laparoscopic surgery at our institution were reviewed. The clinicopathologic parameters, flow cytometric parameters, p53, p27, bax, HER-2/neu, and bcl-2 by immunostaining, presentation of port-site implants, management of the individual patient, and long-term outcome were analyzed. CANCERLINE and MEDLINE (1960-2002) were searched for related papers. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2001, of the 31 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer or borderline malignancy who underwent primary laparoscopic surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 6 (19.4%) had portsite metastasis. The other 2 patients were referred after port-site metastasis. Tumors with port-site recurrences had higher S-fraction than those without (median: 18.2% vs 9.9%, P = .003; relative risk ratio: >15.5% vs ≤ 15.5% = 38.33; 95% CI, 3.3-449.2). Those patients who have port-site metastasis develop during chemotherapy (n = 2) or after adequate chemotherapy had been given (n = 2) all died of cancer. Two patients have been currently alive without disease, the tumors of whom were p27-positive and p53-, HER-2/neu-, bcl-2-negative. CONCLUSION: Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery, during chemotherapy or when adequate chemotherapy has been given, is usually associated with poor outcome. Further investigations are necessary to define the mechanisms and effective management to prevent and treat this serious complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To monitor and enhance the learning performance of learning groups in a Web learning system, teachers need to know the learning status of the group and determine the key influences affecting group learning outcomes. Teachers can achieve this goal by observing the group discussions and learning behavior from Web logs and analyzing the Web log data to obtain the relevant information. However, Web logs are not systematically organized and the discussions are extensive. Consequently, teachers must struggle to extract information from logs and intuitively apply teaching rules based on experience when managing the groups. Rather than using statistics packages to evaluate hypotheses, this work presents a methodology of applying existing data and text mining tools to automatically gather learning status and predict performance of learning groups from the contents of discussions and from log records of learning behaviors. Meanwhile, the methodology infers a causal network exists between learning features and learning performance. Knowledge is inferred based on statistics and probability reasoning and social interdependency theory. The causal network can suggest means of enhancing learning performance to teachers. Simultaneously, teachers can use the knowledge of learning groups obtained to manage group learning process on the Web. Experimental results of applying the novel methodology to manage a group learning class organized over the Web and containing 706 students are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web-based curriculum development allows students to develop their learning portfolio and interact with peers on a Web learning system. This system contains Web portfolios that record in detail students' learning activities, peer interaction, and knowledge progress. However, teachers cannot easily diagnose students' learning processes and regulate effective strategies according to student activity performance without the model of activity performance on Web learning systems. This study proposes a novel methodology that employs Bayesian network software to assist teachers in efficiently deriving and utilizing the student model of activity performance from Web portfolios in an online manner. Teachers can assess and diagnose performances with the model of learning activity on Web learning systems. The model of activity performance also allows teachers to manage various activity performances in Web learning systems so that desired strategies can be achieved to promote learning effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates prognostic factors in patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma who had undergone a primary radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Five-year survival rate from diagnosis of recurrence; Observation of better outcomes in patients with extravaginal recurrences receiving chemoradiation for recurrent cervical carcinoma than those receiving radiation alone.

Objectives To report the surgical outcomes of transumbilical single-port laparoscopic hysterectomies for benign uterine diseases. Materials and methods This prospective observational study recruited patients with benign diseases and scheduled for laparoscopic hysterectomy from March 2010 to April 2011 to undergo transumbilical single-port laparoscopy, and recorded the surgical outcomes. Results A total of 56 patients were included, with mean (±standard error of the mean) age 46.5 ± 0.5 years and mean body mass index 23.5 ± 0.5 kg/m². Among these patients, 32 (57.1%) had a history of previous abdominal surgeries, whereas in 55 (98.2%) the procedures were completed with transumbilical single-port access and without any ancillary trocar. Mean surgical time was 121.1 ± 5.7 minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 279.5 ± 38.4 mL. Mean uterine weight was 392.3 ± 34.2 g. The single additional trocar (1.8%) was needed for extensive enterolysis. Two patients (3.6%) needed blood transfusion. The median of postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion In the hands of experienced laparoscopists, transumbilical single-port laparoscopy is a safe and feasible method of hysterectomy for patients with benign uterine diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital chylothorax is an uncommon condition, resulting from lymphatic accumulation in the fetal thorax; affected siblings are extremely rare. We report a woman who delivered 3 children with congenital chylothorax; each case was managed differently, including the use of ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) with the third pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]