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This research develops an automated multi-angle identification and gripping path planning method of a robotic arm. First, we integrate a 3D camera to obtain the image, position, and distance of the workpiece and then send the image to the remote host via a network connection to identify the workpiece and calculation path with a deep learning algorithm. Through the process, the best path and the angle of arm movement are found. The experimental results show that the system continuously reads real-time images from the 3D camera and performs the calculations to correct the moving path when the arm moves. The overall operation is very smooth, and the workpiece can be accurately clamped.

Distinct differences exist between public-private sector organizations with respect to the market environment and operational objectives; furthermore, among private sector businesses, organizational structures and work conditions often vary between large- and small-sized companies. Despite these obvious structural distinctions, however, sectoral differences in employees' psychosocial risks and burnout status in national level have rarely been systematically investigated. Based on 2013 national employee survey data, 15,000 full-time employees were studied. Sector types were classified into "public," "private enterprise-large (LE)," and "private enterprise-small and medium (SME);" based on the definition of SMEs by Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the associations of sector types with self-reported burnout status (measured by the Chinese version of Copenhagen Burnout Inventory) were examined, taking into account other work characteristics and job instability indicators. Significantly longer working hours and higher perceived job insecurity were found among private sector employees than their public sector counterparts. With further consideration of company size, greater dissatisfaction of job control and career prospect were found among SME employees than the other two sector type workers. This study explores the pattern of public-private differences in work conditions and employees' stress-related problems to have policy implications for supporting mechanism for disadvantaged workers in private sectors.

This study introduces the machine learning (ML) approaches for robot diagnostic system (RDS). The feature algorithm is implemented on robot diagnostic system using an acoustic filtering technique. It is performed on the environment of industrial embedded compact-RIO (ECRIO). The fault diagnostic process is based on the machine learning algorithms by using acoustic feature information for dynamic arm of robot. Acoustic signals are acquired from array microphone of industry. Experimental investigations were carried out for a practical robot arm system. The effectiveness of the proposed system on the fault features is classified by using the multiple layer perceptron (MLP). A smart fault prediction for robot arm was carried out so that it can distinguish the feature differences of our proposed conditions. For classification and identification of robot, we can adopt the MLP method of ML algorithm. Implementation results on GPU processors can be discussed.

Semen quality is a key indicator of the male reproductive ability. The decline in semen quality has been debated for several decades. However, data on decline in semen quality might be inconsistent given factors such as geographical area, ethnicity, environmental exposure and lifestyle changes. This study aimed to provide information on the semen quality of men in Northern Taiwanese. We recruited 7,187 male participants between 2001 and 2010 from a reproductive medical center. The age of the participants ranged from 26 to 57 years, with a mean age of 36.9 ± 4.77 years. Semen analysis was performed through standardized methods outlined in the World Health Organization laboratory manual. Increasing age (per year) was significantly and negatively associated with semen volume (1.006 ml), progressive sperm motility, rapid progressive sperm motility and sperm with normal morphology (reduction by 1.010%, 1.013% and 1.002% per year, respectively). In addition, sperm concentration, semen volume, number of sperms, progressive sperm motility, rapid progressive sperm motility, and sperm with normal morphology were significantly reduced annually by 1.013 × 10^6/ml, 1.015 ml, 1.028 × 10^6, 1.021 %, 1.017% and 1.016%, respectively). Age-period-cohort (APC) analyses revealed that age and cohort had effects on reduction of the progressive and rapid progressive sperm motility. Moreover, all the sperm parameter values were significantly reduced annually. Our findings provide useful information for clinical practice and public health investigations of male reproductive health.

Musculoskeletal problems in the hotel sector have been little studied. The aim of this study was to examine relationships of musculoskeletal pain and work characteristics with presenteeism, i.e., feeling sick but going to work anyway. Data of a self-reported questionnaire were collected from 1,101 employees, who joined the study on a voluntary basis from four hotels in northern Taiwan. The results showed that respondents who were female, were younger, had a higher educational level, and worked in the real-service department had higher presenteeism. There were significant positive associations between presenteeism and heavy loads, frequent beatings or hits of hard objects, improper bench height, employees' lower limb and lower back pain. Our study results imply that knowledge of work characteristics and employees' musculoskeletal problems could be advantageously used to reduce presenteeism in the workplace.

Background High-frequency noise from handpieces has caused concerns of hearing loss among dentists. However, data on dentists' workplace noise exposure are inconsistent and the literature on the consequent annoyance is limited. Aim This study evaluated dentists' workplace noise exposure and investigated its role in causing annoyance and its role in communication function in daily life. Methods The workplace noise levels were measured in dental clinics in a hospital. The dentists' personal noise doses and the 8-hour time-weighted average noise levels were also measured. The communication difficulties and annoyance because of workplace noise exposure were furthermore evaluated by using a self-reported questionnaire. Results In this study, the average age of the participating dentists was 30.1 ± 7.2 years (age range, 24–50 years) and the service seniority was 5.4 ± 6.8 years (range, 1–26 years). The general noise level in dental clinics was moderate with an average equivalent sound pressure level of 64.2 ± 2.4 decibels (dB). Nearly all participants were annoyed by dental noise sources (prevalence, 93.6–96.8%). A low average score (1.73) showed no communication difficulty among dentists. The level of seniority was not correlated with scores of communication function or annoyance resulting from workplace noise. Conclusion In the studied dental clinics, the dentists exposed routinely to a low workplace noise and the risk of workplace noise-induced hearing loss should be low. However, the high prevalence of annoyance resulting from dental noise sources need to be investigated in the future.

To explore the effectiveness of exercise program for banking and insurance workers and clarify the association between exercise, burnout, and metabolic syndrome components. In the process of the study, a practicable worksite exercise program was developed for bank and insurance enterprises. A three-month (12-wk) exercise course was conducted, and its benefits evaluated. Levels of burnout and metabolic syndrome components were analyzed after exercise intervention. After intervention, the indicators of burnout and metabolic syndrome components were significantly improved in both low and high intensity groups, and the improvement were expressed in reduction of waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, person burnout and work-related burnout. A dose-response of burnouts and metabolic syndrome components with exercise intensity are shown (p

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease associated with multiple pathogenic factors and studies regarding roles of trace metals in endometriosis have been inconsistent and limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the blood levels of miscellaneous trace metals measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in infertile women with and without endometriosis. Zinc level is associated with declining odds (adjusted OR=0.39, 95% CI=0.18-0.88) of endometriosis. By contrast, lead level is associated with increasing odds (adjusted OR=2.59, 95% CI=1.11-6.06) of endometriosis. The cadmium levels were higher in women with endometriosis, but the aOR was not significant. Zinc has anti-inflammatory characteristics and regulates homeostasis of zinc-containing superoxide dismutase. High lead levels might induce reactive oxygen species and deplete antioxidant defense mechanisms. Further prospective study is needed to test for their causal associations.

To determine the effect of intratympanically delivered dexamethasone on cochlear blood flow. 29 white Hartly guinea pigs were divided into 2 groups. By laser Doppler flowmeter, baseline data were recorded in the first 15–20 min, followed by 20 min’ recording after applying dexamethasone or normal saline, with a record of flow every 5 min in 2 groups. Friedman Test was used to test the change of blood flow in these four timing. There were no significant changes of blood flow after injecting dexamethasone (p = .18 > .05) and normal saline (p = .93 > .05). The effects of dexamethasone on cochlear blood flow were variable and not significant. The following research would be designed under pathological conditions, such as cochlear ischemia, to show the possible mechanism of dexamethasone for specific inner ear disease. Level of evidence: 3a (SR of case–control studies).

Background/Purpose: Taiwan experienced a rapid surge in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among injection drug users (IDUs) from 2003 to 2005. The male-to-female ratio of HIV cases decreased from 20:1 in 2003 to 6:1 in 2006. This change is primarily due to increasing numbers of female injection drug users in Taiwan. Our primary objective was to identify the risk factors associated with HIV infection among incarcerated female drug users. Methods: A case-control design involved recruitment of all eligible HIV-infected female inmates from all 24 prisons in Taiwan from November to December, 2007. Eligible HIV seronegative controls were chosen within the same prison and matched to the cases by age (within 3 years) and by history of illicit drug use. A subsample of these matches was randomly selected since there were many more eligible controls than HIV-infected cases. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was completed with assistance from trained research assistants. Results: A total of 114 cases and 149 control participants were recruited, with a response rate of 82% and 54%. Injectable heroin use was significantly greater (p = 0.02) among HIV-infected cases (93.0%) than uninfected controls (84.6%). Compared to seronegative controls, HIV-infected cases were more likely to share drug paraphernalia and have drug-using sexual partners. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of imprisonments (between 2-5 times; OR = 5.23), sharing mainly dilutes (OR = 63.47), and sharing dilutes concurrently with needles (OR = 127.33) significantly predicted HIV seroconversion, after controlling for age and years of education. Conclusion: Sharing needles/dilutes and practicing unsafe intercourse with drug-using sexual partners places female drug users at considerable risk. © 2011 Elsevier & Formosan Medical Association.

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and correlates of lifetime suicidal ideation (SI) among HIV-infected male inmates. All participants in seven prisons, comprising roughly 20% of all HIV-infected male inmates in Taiwan, were stratified by geographic location and surveyed using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. The five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) was used on 535 participants to measure various dimensions of psychological distress. Seven questions regarding lifetime psychiatric symptoms were also added to the questionnaire. Questionnaire results in this sample revealed that 23.7% had suffered depressive symptoms for at least two weeks, 20.6% experienced serious anxiety or tension symptoms, 12.5% had serious thoughts of suicide symptoms, and 4.1% had made a suicide attempt. Results of multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that SI was significantly related to (1) recent psychological distress, and (2) lifetime experience of depression for two weeks or more, serious anxiety or tension, or hallucinations. Since nearly 70% of the respondents reported at least one psychiatric symptom in their lifetime, it would seem important to target HIV-infected male inmates with mental health interventions and suicide prevention.

Meconium is a matrix that can be obtained easily and noninvasively and is useful for detecting antenatal fetal exposure to environmental toxins. Taiwan is an island with high fish consumption, and many pregnant women would like to enjoy the benefits of fish without jeopardizing their health or that of their child. The aim of this study is to assess the mercury concentration in meconium in relation to the health risk of mercury exposure. A total of 198 mother-infant pairs residing in the city of HsinChu were recruited for the study between January 2007 and June 2007. The average mean concentration of mercury in meconium was 79.2+/-7.3 ng g(-1) dry wt We use the Monte Carlo technique to assess the uncertainty in risk assessment and the impact of these uncertainties on the estimation of expected risk of mercury intake from fish in mothers. Based on the FAO/WHO's tolerable daily intake of methylmercury (0.23 microg kg(-1)d(-1)), we found that 17.3% and 14.0% of the daily mercury exposure estimated exceeded the reference dose for foreign-born and Taiwan-born mothers, respectively. We found that the mercury concentration in meconium was much higher than in other studies, except for one study done in Tagum in the Philippines where mercury is used in gold mining. This may be because Asia is the largest emitter of anthropogenic mercury, accounting for 53% of worldwide emissions. Sensitivity analysis suggests that mercury concentration in fish and the rate of ingesting fish may be the key parameters for governments offering risk management guidance to protect the health of mothers and unborn babies.

Introduction The Prolift system is an effective and safe procedure using mesh reinforcement for vaginal reconstruction of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but its effect on sexual function is unclear. Aim To evaluate the impact of transvaginal pelvic reconstruction with Prolift on female sexual function at 6 months post‐operatively. Methods Thirty‐three sexually active women who underwent Prolift mesh pelvic floor reconstruction for symptomatic POP were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. Their sexual function was assessed by using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ‐12) before and after surgery. The quality of life was also evaluated with the short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7) as a control for efficacy of the procedure. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system was used to evaluate the degree of prolapse. Main Outcome Measures PISQ‐12 scores at 6 months post‐operatively. Results The total PISQ‐12 score decreased from 29.5 ± 9.0 to 19.3 ± 14.7 ( P P = 0.016; 15.4 ± 4.7 vs. 10.4 ± 8.6, P = 0.001; 8.9 ± 3.8 vs. 6.4 ± 5.5, P = 0.01, respectively). UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 scores were significantly improved at the 6‐month follow‐up, as was anatomic recovery. Of the 33 subjects, 24 (73%) had worse sexual function 6 months after the procedure. Conclusion The Prolift procedure provided an effective anatomic cure of POP, but it had an adverse effect on sexual function at 6 months after surgery. Su TH, Lau HH, Huang WC, Chen SS, Lin TY, Hsieh CH, and Yeh CY. Short term impact on female sexual function of pelvic floor reconstruction with the Prolift procedure.

INTRODUCTION In Taiwan, the Smoke-Free Restaurant Program (SFRP) was implemented from 2003 to 2005 as an initial phase before the introduction of restrictive legislation promoting smoke-free restaurants (SFRs). No studies have evaluated trends in public opinion before and after a national health promotion campaign for the introduction of SFRs on a voluntary basis. The present study investigated whether public opinion with respect to eliminating environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in restaurants changed after implementation of the SFRP. METHODS Data were obtained from four large-scale, nationally representative surveys conducted in 2003-2005 before and after implementation of the SFRP. Weighted analyses were performed to obtain nationally representative results. RESULTS After a series of SFRP campaigns, reported exposure to ETS in restaurants by survey participants decreased by approximately 14%. Approximately 20% more people had heard of SFRs, and approximately 25% more had chosen to dine in a smoke-free restaurant. We found consistently high community support for SFRs (ca. 95%), and approximately 80% supported smoke-free restaurant legislation, although both rates dropped slightly in 2005. People aged 60 years or more, nonsmokers, and those who had greater knowledge of ETS hazards were more likely to support smoke-free restaurant legislation. DISCUSSION The SFRP was effective at promoting SFRs on a voluntary basis. Strong community endorsement has major implications for legislators who are considering the nature and extent of further smoke-free restaurant legislation in Taiwan and other countries.

Influenza viruses cause pandemics in humans. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate filter/real-time qPCR to quickly and accurately determine and quantify the airborne influenza and avian influenza virus. In this study, the sampling stress of filtration to influenza virus and the storage effects for both the virus and extracted RNA were evaluated in the laboratory. Then, the collection efficiencies of open-face and closed-face filter cassettes were compared in a wet poultry market. From July 8 to August 19, 2006, a total of 36 air samples were quantified by filter/real-time qPCR. The recovery rate of the virus on a filter stored at 4°C reached 0.94 after 3-day storage, whereas the RNA stored at –80°C was 100% after 3-month storage. In terms of collection efficiency, the closed-face filter cassette was superior to the open-face filter cassette in the field study. In the wet poultry market, it was revealed that both the positive rate and concentration of influenza A virus in the chicken pen were hi...

Objective To determine the relationship between the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and pregnancy outcome after women's first IVF cycle. Design Prospective study. Setting Infertility center at a private tertiary hospital in Taiwan. Patient(s) All 280 patients who went through their initial IVF cycle at the hospital between January 2004 and April 2005 were included in the study. Intervention(s) Two hundred eighty patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test before entering an IVF cycle; all pregnancy outcomes and pregnancy complications were recorded. Main Outcome Measure(s) The relationships between glycemic parameters and insulin resistance and IVF pregnancy outcome were determined. Linear regression between birth weight and levels of preconception fasting insulin, 2-hour glucose, and 2-hour insulin was performed. Result(s) One hundred twenty patients conceived after their initial IVF cycle. Twenty-five of 89 ongoing pregnancies had various complications. The most common pregnancy complication was preterm birth (n = 11). These patients had higher body mass index (23.46 vs. 20.97 kg/m 2 ); higher fasting glucose (107.36 vs. 95.14 mg/dL), fasting insulin (10.55 vs. 6.20 μIU/mL), and 2-hour glucose (120.55 vs. 99.97 mg/dL) levels; and higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (3.43 vs. 1.45) than did patients with full-term pregnancies. Linear regression between birth weight and the fasting glucose level and between birth weight and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance had positive correlations. Conclusion(s) Before proceeding with IVF, preconception oral glucose tolerance testing is suggested, especially in patients with higher body mass index, to help identify groups who are at high risk for preterm birth.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) stimulates platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A expression and enhances alveolarization in rat lungs. On d 16 of gestation, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a retinoic acid group (intragastric ATRA at 10 mg/kg body weight) or a vehicle group. We punctured each amniotic sac, and fetuses in the opposite uterine horn served as controls. On d 21 of gestation, the fetuses were delivered by cesarean section. Rats subjected to oligohydramnios exhibited significantly lower lung weights and lung/body weight ratios, and ATRA had no effects on the body or lung weights of oligohydramnios-exposed rats. Lung PDGF-A and -B mRNA expression was significantly lower in oligohydramnios-exposed rats compared with control littermates of maternal vehicle-treated dams. Maternal retinoic acid treatment significantly increased PDGF-A and -B mRNA expression in control and oligohydramnios-exposed rats compared with all rats and oligohydramnios-exposed rats of maternal vehicle-treated dams, respectively. Rats exposed to oligohydramnios exhibited a significantly lower generation of alveolar saccules than did control rats in the maternal retinoic acid- and vehicle-treated groups. In this model, maternal retinoic acid treatment showed no positive effects on oligohydramnios-induced pulmonary hypoplasia in the pseudoglandular stage.

Reproductive hormones and exposure to environmental metals are correlated with low-quality semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals and reproductive hormones in the blood in addition to other relevant factors to clarify the relationship between these factors and semen quality. We recruited 154 male participants from a reproductive medical center. All participants were provided with a questionnaire on lifestyle implementation. The levels of metals in the blood were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The levels of hormones in the blood were determined using an automatic gamma counter. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict the effects of statistically significant risk factors on semen quality by adjusting for relevant confounders and modifiers. After adjusting for the age, education level, and related factors in the multiple logistic regression analyses, we observed that the increased blood Pb levels were significantly and positively associated with low semen quality. High blood Pb levels (>50 μg/L) had an 11-fold risk of low semen quality. Our results suggest that progressive motility sperm may be a sensitive indicator of the semen quality among all the semen parameters in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine relationships of organizational culture and health behaviors with presenteeism. METHOD Data of a self-reported questionnaire were collected from 816 employees, who joined the study on a voluntary basis, in seven enterprises in northern Taiwan. RESULTS Organizational culture and health behaviors were found to be significantly associated with presenteeism. After adjusting for confounding factors, the number of health complaints seemed to be more suitable than chronic diseases in predicting presenteeism. CONCLUSIONS This study result implied that advantage could be taken of organizational culture and employees' health behaviors to reduce presenteeism in the workplace.

SHIH, LING-YING, TSAN-HON LIOU, JANE C.-J. CHAO, HSIN-NUNG KAU, YI-JIUN WU, MING-JER SHIEH, CHING-YING YEH, AND BOR-CHENG HAN. Leptin, superoxide dismutase, and weight loss: initial leptin predicts weight loss. Obesity. 2006;14:2184–2192. Objective: Our goal was to study how plasma leptin concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and weight loss are related in obese adults. Research Methods and Procedures: Serum leptin concentration, SOD activities, general biochemical data, and body composition measurements were obtained for 62 overweight and obese subjects before and after an 8-week body weight reduction (BWR) regimen. The subjects were on dietary control, performed moderate aerobic and strength training exercises, and attended educational lectures. Results: The measurement results indicated that the following criteria were significantly reduced: body weight [84.4 17.0 vs. 79.3 16.1 (standard error) kg, p 0.001]; BMI (31.5 4.3 vs. 29.4 4.2 kg/m 2 , p 0.001), and fat mass (33.3 10.0 vs. 29.8 10.4 kg, p 0.001). Plasma leptin levels also significantly decreased from 31.5 17.6 to 26.5 17.2 ng/mL (p 0.001). Additionally, SOD activity was significantly increased from 261.4 66.0 to 302.7 30.9 U/mL (p 0.001). Based on linear regression analysis results, a 3.78- to 8.13-kg reduction in weight can be expected after the 8-week BWR regimen when initial leptin concentration was 5 to 30 ng/mL. Discussion: We found that an 8-week exercise and diet program was effective in reducing weight and fat mass and, notably, had further beneficial effects on leptin resistance and SOD activity. Additionally, this study demonstrated that initial plasma leptin concentration may be used as a predictor for weight loss outcome.

Contaminated seafood has been reported as an important source of human exposure to metals in Taiwan. Seafood represents a non-negligible source of selenium in the human diet. This study was designed to determine the concentration of selenium in different types of seafood and predict the concentration of selenium in the blood of Taiwanese using a one-compartment steady-state pharmacokinetic (PK) model. Samples involved three subgroups, including fish, crustaceans and bivalve molluscs. Quantitative analysis for selenium was performed using an ICP-AES (Perkin Elmer) instrument. Selenium concentrations in seafood ranged from 0.63 to 2.01 microg/g wet wt. The highest selenium concentration found in fish was 2.01+/-0.36 microg/g wet wt in Salmo salar Linnaeus. In general, selenium concentration increased in the order of bivalve molluscscrustaceanfish. The daily selenium intakes resulting from a high-seafood diet and an average diet were 145.2 and 60.2 microg/day, respectively. Daily selenium intake from seafood alone is higher than the US recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 55 microg/day and the World Health Organization (WHO) normative requirement of 40 microg/day. From PK model estimates, the concentrations of selenium in the blood of a typical seafood consumer and a high-seafood consumer were approximately 93 and 224 microg/l based on daily seafood intake of 60.2 and 145.2 microg/day, respectively.

Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) has been used by several investigators to assess the boundary conditions of dental implants. The goal of the current study was to determine the vibrating behavior of a dental implant under various surrounding bone conditions. A 3D finite element (FE) model of a cylinder-type titanium implant was developed. In this model, the implant was embedded into a cubic section of bone. The model was first validated using a series of modal testing experiments. The effects of bony conditions on the resonance frequencies of the implant were computed with different bone types and bone densities. Our results show that the resonance frequency of the implant with type III surrounding bone decreased linearly (r=−0.996, P

This study presents the distribution of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg and As in various marine organisms collected along the western coast of Taiwan from 1991 to 1998, and also evaluates the time variation of Cu in oysters before (1980-85) and after (1986-98) the "green oyster" incident. The results show that relatively high geometric mean (GM) concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As and Hg were generally found in Crassostrea gigas (Cu=229 microg/g, Zn=783 microg/g), Gomphina aeguialtera (Pb=30.3 microg/g), Tegillarca granosa (Cd=2.85 microg/g), Thais clavigera (As=96.9 microg/g) and Parapenaeopsis cornuta (Hg=1.35 microg/g), respectively. Especially, maximum Cu and Zn concentrations (GM=229 and 783 microg/g, respectively) in oysters (C. gigas) from different culture areas were much higher than those of the other organisms by about 1.13-458 and 2.40-63.7 times, respectively. Similarly, rock-shells (Thais clavigera) had a high capacity for accumulating Cu (GM=202 microg/g) and Zn (GM=326 microg/g) under the same physico-chemical conditions. The highest GM Cu and Zn concentrations of 1108 (range from 113 to 2806) and 1567 (range from 303 to 3593) microg/g were obtained in oysters from the Hsiangshan coastal area, one of the most important oyster culture areas in Taiwan. However, the highest GM Cd and As concentrations of 6.82 and 19.3 microg/g were found in oysters from the Machu Islands. Mean Cu concentrations in the oysters from the Erhjin Chi estuary declined from 2194+/-212 microg/g in 1986-90 to 545 microg/g (GM) in 1991-96. In the Hsiganshan area, GM Cu concentrations of 909 microg/g (1991-96) and 1351 microg/g (1997-98) in oysters were significantly higher than those of 201 microg/g (1980-85) and 682 microg/g (1986-90). The gradually increasing levels of Cu and Zn in the oysters from the Hsiangshan area have been observed year by year.

Phosphine (PH 3 ), from hydrolysis of aluminum, magnesium and zinc phosphide, is an insecticide and rodenticide. Earlier observations on PH 3 -poisoned insects, mammals and a mammalian cell line led to the proposed involvement of oxidative damage in the toxic mechanism. This investigation focused on PH 3 -induced oxidative damage in rats and antioxidants as candidate protective agents. Male Wistar rats were treated ip with PH 3 at 2 mg/kg. Thirty min later the brain, liver, and lung were analyzed for glutathione (GSH) levels and lipid peroxidation (as malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals) and brain and lung for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dGuo) in DNA. PH 3 caused a significant decrease in GSH concentration and elevation in lipid peroxidation in brain (36–42%), lung (32–38%) and liver (19–25%) and significant increase of 8-OH-dGuo in DNA of brain (70%) and liver (39%). Antioxidants administered ip 30 min before PH 3 were melatonin, vitamin C, and β-carotene at 10, 30, and 6 mg/kg, respectively. The PH 3 -induced changes were significantly or completely blocked by melatonin while vitamin C and β-carotene were less effective or inactive. These findings establish that PH 3 induces and melatonin protects against oxidative damage in the brain, lung and liver of rats and suggest the involvement of reactive oxygen species in the genotoxicity of PH 3 .

Background/Purpose Work-related fatigue among medical personnel is a major concern for patient safety, however heavy on-call duty is common in many hospitals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported work-related fatigue and its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 1833 participants was conducted in two hospitals in Taipei City, Taiwan, using a self-administered questionnaire. Participants reported their demographic characteristics, health-related behavior, health status and symptoms, and work-related fatigue during the past 3 months. Results The prevalence of work-related fatigue among the 1833 participants was 30.9%. Younger participants (20–29 years old) were more likely to report work-related fatigue than older participants (40–65 years old) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18–2.01]. Physicians, nurses, and medical technicians were more likely to report work-related fatigue symptoms than administrative personnel (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.57–2.79; aOR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.87–3.99; and aOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.12–3.06, respectively). Those who drank coffee more than five times a week were more likely to report work-related fatigue than those who did not drink coffee at all (aOR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.25–1.93). Participants with poor and very poor self-reported health were more likely to report work-related fatigue (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.26–2.38) than those who reported that their health was fair, good, or very good. Conclusion We identified factors associated with work-related fatigue among hospital workers in Taipei City. These findings can be applied toward on-the-job training and the development of preventive measures for occupational safety in general hospitals.

The aim of this study is to develop a practicable worksite physical fitness program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Community-based intervention consisting of a three-month exercise course was conducted, and its benefits evaluated. A self-administrated structured questionnaire and physical fitness examination were designed to compare the difference between pre and post intervention. A total of 133 SME workers completed the lifestyle/exercise course and filled out the questionnaire, but 16 were excluded from the exercise group due to health reasons. After the intervention, health indicators such as weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, waistline, BMI, front and back trunk flexibility, abdominal muscle durability and back muscle strength were significantly improved, and improvements in musculoskeletal disorders were seen in reduced neck pain (18.8%), wrist pain (17.4%), and upper/lower back pain (8.7% and 21.7%, respectively). Cardiovascular risk factors (BMI and resting heart rate) showed a significant improvement related to frequent participation in the program (p=0.02), and the exercise group reported a significant difference in overall health (p=0.02). This study has demonstrated an effective approach to community-based fitness intervention through SMEs.

Rapid oral fluid HIV testing (rapid oral testing) is in the process of being adapted in Taiwan and elsewhere given its advantages over prior HIV testing methods. To guide this process, we examined the acceptability of rapid oral testing at two time points (i.e., 1997 and 2007) among one of the highest risk populations, male injection drug users (IDUs). For this purpose, an anonymous self-administered survey was completed by HIV-negative IDUs involved in the criminal justice system in 1997 (N (1)=137 parolees) and 2007 (N (2)=106 prisoners). A social marketing model helped guide the design of our questionnaire to assess the acceptability of rapid oral testing. This included assessing a new product, across four marketing dimensions: product, price, promotion, and place. Results revealed that in both 1997 and 2007, over 90% indicated that rapid oral testing would be highly acceptable, particularly if the cost was under US$6, and that a pharmacy would be the most appropriate and accessible venue for selling the rapid oral testing kits. The vast majority of survey respondents believed that the cost of rapid oral testing should be federally subsidized and that television and newspaper advertisements would be the most effective media to advertise for rapid oral testing. Both the 1997 and 2007 surveys suggested that rapid oral HIV testing would be particularly accepted in Taiwan by IDUs after release from the criminal justice system.

ObjectiveAlthough teachers are the key participants in health-promoting schools (HPS) programme delivery, it is still unknown whether teachers are appropriate health information resources and role models for students with respect to healthy diets. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of implementing HPS programmes on teachers’ nutrition knowledge and diets.DesignOne HPS programme aiming at dietary intervention (HP-D) and one HPS not aiming at dietary intervention (HP-ND) were selected, along with two non-health-promoting (NHP) schools matched for school size and urbanization level with the two HPS. All 361 teachers in the four schools were invited to participate, yielding a 78·4 % overall valid response rate. A structured, self-reported questionnaire was administered, with regression models used for statistical analysis.ResultsTeachers in the HP-D group had a mean score of 21·1 on a range of 0–30 for nutrition knowledge, which was significantly higher than the mean scores of 18·5 in the HP-ND group and 19·1 in the NHP group (P< 0·001). Better dietary behaviours were also observed among HP-D teachers. Further, being a ‘health education’ course instructor was associated with significantly higher scores on nutrition knowledge (β= 2·6,P< 0·001) and vegetable and fruit consumption (β= 1·4,P= 0·02) in the HP-D group than in the NHP group. The HP-ND and NHP groups exhibited similar patterns of non-significant differences compared with the HP-D group.ConclusionsImplementation of a coordinated HPS framework on nutrition and diet was positively correlated with schoolteachers’ nutrition knowledge and dietary intake.

Genetic C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) may increase homocysteine (Hcy) level. We examined whether connecting both polymorphisms influences the effect of levodopa on Hcy. MTHFR genotypes and Hcy, vitamin B(12), and folate levels were determined in 48 levodopa-treated PD patients (PD-L), 28 non-treated PD patients (PD-N) and 110 controls. Hcy was remarkably higher in PD-L than in PD-N and controls (p0.001); similarly, the differences were seen in different age subgroups and in both genders. Furthermore, Hcy differences between PD-L and PD-N were evident in 677C/T, T/T, C/T + A/A, T/T + A/A (all p0.05), and 1298A/A (p0.001), but not in others such as 677C/C, and C/C + A/A. Hcy in PD-N and controls was comparable for all genotypes. In PD-L, Hcy was the highest in 677T/T, then in C/T, and in C/C with a significant difference from T/T (p=0.014), but was not different among A1298C genotypes. Likewise, Hcy was the highest in 677T/T+1298A/A, intermediate in C/T+A/A, and the lowest in C/C+A/A. In PD-N, Hcy was similar among all genotypes. In conclusion, Hcy elevation may be caused by levodopa administration, and further promoted by 677C/T and T/T, but not by A1298C genotypes. The promoting elevation in 1298A/A is attributed to combining the 677T allele. Neither C677T nor A1298C genotypes contribute to elevating Hcy in PD-N.

Objective To determine the prevalence of abnormalities in glucose metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and control infertility patients in Taiwan, and to determine the predictive risk factors for PCOS. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Infertility Center, Taiwan Adventist Hospital. Patient(s) Three hundred fifty-six patients with PCOS and 974 control infertility patients. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcomes Measure(s) Hormone assay and 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Result(s) Patients with PCOS were younger (32.7 vs. 35.3 years) with a higher body mass index (BMI) (22.4 vs. 20.6 kg/m 2 ) than controls. Even after BMI adjustment, patients with PCOS still had significantly higher fasting glucose (97.2 vs. 94.4 mg/dL), fasting insulin (5.6 vs. 4.1 μIU/mL), 2-hour glucose (108.1 vs. 96.0 mg/dL), and 2-hour insulin levels (38.0 vs. 27.0 μIU/mL), and higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values (1.3 vs. 1.0) than control patients. The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus in patients with PCOS was 7.6% and 3.1%, respectively, compared with 2.9% and 0.2% in the control group, respectively. Only fasting glucose and insulin, 2-hour insulin, HOMA-IR, age, androstenedione, and status (PCOS vs. control) had a significant impact on 2-hour glucose level. However, BMI and waist/hip ratio did not show a significant impact on 2-hour glucose level. Conclusion(s) Chinese women with PCOS are at increased risk for insulin resistance and glucose intolerance compared with controls. Body mass index failed to show significant impact on 2-hour glucose levels in our infertility patients.

Streptococcus iniae, a common fish pathogen, rarely infects humans. In this report, a case of invasive S. iniae infection in a 51-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis is described. The isolate was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The patient recovered after 1 week of treatment with ampicillin.

Betel quid chewing has been associated with several human cancers. However, the role of betel quid in carcinogenesis remains uncertain. Piper betel contains high concentrations of safrole (an inducer of DNA oxidative damage). Safrole may be metabolized by hepatic sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1), or glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1). Thus, we investigated the association of genetic polymorphisms of SULT1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 with DNA oxidative damage among betel quid chewers. A biomarker for oxidative stress, urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level, was analyzed using isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS in 64 betel quid chewers and 129 non-betel quid chewers. Data on demographics and habits (smoking, alcohol drinking, and betel quid chewing) were obtained from questionnaires. Our results revealed that urinary 8-OHdG level was higher in chewers with SULT1A1 Arg-His genotype than in chewers with SULT1A1 Arg-Arg genotype. Urinary 8-OHdG level was also higher in chewers with GSTP1 Ile-Ile genotype. Furthermore, the combined effect of SULT1A1 and GSTP1 genotypes on urinary 8-OHdG was evaluated. Non-chewers with both SULT1A1 Arg-Arg and GSTP1 Val-Val/Ile-Val (reference group) had the lowest mean level (3.6 ng/mg creatinine), whereas chewers with either SULT1A1 Arg-His or GSTP1 Ile-Ile had the highest 8-OHdG mean level (6.2 ng/mg creatinine; vs. reference group, P = 0.04). Chewers with both of SULT1A1 Arg-Arg and GSTP1 Val-Val/Ile-Val (4.6 ng/mg creatinine), and non-chewers with either SULT1A1 Arg-His or GSTP1 Ile-Ile (4.7 ng/mg creatinine) had a moderately increased 8-OHdG level. Thus, the susceptible SULT1A1 and GSTP1 genotypes may modulate increased DNA oxidative stress elicited by betel-quid chewing.

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) are advising women and young children to avoid eating fish that contain high levels of mercury (Hg). However in Taiwan, the annual Black Fin Tuna Festival encourages the public to consume fish. The aim of this study was to assess fish intake in relation to the health risks of mercury exposure and calculate the acceptable and safe intake of fish in children and women of childbearing age. From the Monte Carlo simulation, based on USEPA's reference dose (0.1 microgkg(-1)d(-1)), we found that 21.6%-24.3% and 45.6%-57.4% of the daily mercury dose estimates exceeded the reference dose for typical and high-seafood consumers. The acceptable ingestion rates are

Cell culture studies have shown that static magnetic fields induce osteoblastic differentiation at an early stage. However, the mechanisms of differentiated effects have not been well described. We postulated that static magnetic fields stimulate osteoblastic differentiation by regulating early local factors released by the cells. To examine our hypothesis, MG63 osteoblast-like cells were exposed continuously to 0.4-T static magnetic fields for 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The morphologic changes and matrix vesicles release were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of static magnetic fields on levels of transforming growth factor-beta1, Type I collagen, osteopontin, and alkaline phosphatase were compared between the exposed and unexposed cells. The data suggest MG63 cells treated with static magnetic fields have more differentiated morphologic features. The local regulatory factors produced by static magnetic field-treated cells were greater than those of the control cultures. These findings provide evidence that static magnetic fields affect osteoblastic maturation by up-regulating early local factors.

The aim of this study was to assess the total concentration and health risk to infants of breast milk mercury in urban mothers and mothers married to fishermen in relation to fish intake in Taiwan. A total of sixty-eight healthy mothers were recruited for the study. The breast milk mercury geometric mean concentration was 2.02 microgl(-1) (n=56, range: 0.24-9.45 microgl(-1)) for the city group and 2.04 microgl(-1) (n=12, range: 0.26-8.62 microgl(-1)) for the fishermen's group. Of the three sources of mercury exposure (i.e., ingestion (breast milk), inhalation (ambient air), and dermal exposure (shower)), breast-feeding was found to be the largest (96.3-99.6% of the total). From a Monte Carlo simulation, in which methyl mercury accounted for about 50% of total mercury, the hazard quotient (exposure estimate/oral minimal risk level or target organ toxicity dose) exceeded 1.0 for 12.9% of urban babies and 18.8% of fishermen's babies (chronic oral minimal risk level and target organ toxicity dose: 3 x 10(-4)mgkg(-1)d(-1)). The calculated mercury exposure was 3.02 x 10(-1) microgkg(-1)d(-1) for a 3.49 kg urban baby boy and 3.06 x 10(-1) microgkg(-1)d(-1) for a 3.44 kg urban baby girl. These results suggest the life style of mothers (eating raw fish and shellfish such as used in "Sashimi" and "Sushi," and vitamin supplementation) may influence the mercury concentration in breast milk.

Infant exposure to lead through breast milk is of special concern because breast milk is considered the best food source for infants under 6 months. In this study, a total of the mothers provided colostrum samples once in the early postpartum period, but only 16 of them provided breast milk weekly at 1-60 days postpartum. The geometric mean of lead concentrations in all colostrum samples (n=72) was 7.68+/-8.24 microg/L. The concentration of lead in the breast milk of the consumption group (the mothers who consumed traditional Chinese herbs) was 8.59+/-10.95 microg/L, a level significantly higher than the level of 6.84+/-2.68 microg/L found in the control group (mothers who did not consume traditional Chinese herbs). In the consumption group (n=9), the mean concentration of lead in the breast milk decreased with days postpartum, from 9.94 microg/L in colostrum to 2.34 microg/L in mature milk. We found the highest daily lead intake in infants at birth, and the level gradually decreased after the first month. We used an estimation of the hazard index (HI) to analyze the health risk of infants. In total, 5.7% (2 out of 35) of the HI estimates exceed 1.0 for the consumption group. In conclusion, the consumptions of traditional Chinese herbs by the mothers in this study significantly affected the body burden of lead in their infants.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential for using natural frequency (NF) as an indicator for assessing the stability of a magnetic keeper device used in prosthodontic treatment. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a root keeper-cement-dentine system was established for NF analysis. The model was first validated against a series of in vitro experiments. Then, NF values of the first vibrational mode of the FE model with various boundary conditions were calculated. The in vitro results showed that the measured NF values of the root keeper-incisor units decreased significantly (p0.01) from 9.07 +/- 0.37 to 5.73 +/- 0.10 kHz when the units were embedded in simulated bony tissue. Results obtained from FE simulations demonstrated that the root keeper would fully loosen when the constant values of the spring elements were lower than 10(4) N-m(-1). Furthermore, a linear increase in the NF values of the model was observed from 6.16 to 15.52 kHz, when the constant was increased from 10(4) to 10(7) N-m(-1), and the values then reached a plateau. The results indicate that the NF value of a root keeper has the potential to be used for monitoring the stability of such a device.

Resonance frequency (RF) analysis has been used by several investigators to assess the boundary conditions of dental implants. However, a scientific investigation of the association between the structural condition of the alveolar bone and the dynamic behavior of dental implants has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the factors influencing the RF of dental implants using an in vitro modal analysis.Resonant vibration within implants was induced by an impulse-force hammer. The induced vibration signal was subsequently detected using an acoustic microphone and analyzed by fast Fourier transform. The resultant data were further analyzed to test the statistical effects of the embedding-material boundary height, thickness, and density on the RF values of the sample implants.Significant changes (P.05) in RF values were revealed for implants embedded within a high-density block when decreasing boundary height reached 6, 5, and 4 mm, at respective thickness increments of 10, 15, and 20 mm. For analogous low-density samples, significant changes (P.05) in RF values were found when respective decreasing boundary height reached 6, 4, and 3 mm.Our findings indicate that boundary height, width, and density factors can influence the RF of dental implants and that a lower boundary density and greater boundary thickness can lead to more obvious RF changes.