3,848 results on '"Chang TW"'
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2. Design Principles for Enhancing Both Carrier Mobility and Stretchability in Polymer Semiconductors via Lewis Acid Doping.
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Weng YC, Kang CC, Chang TW, Tsai YT, Khan S, Hung TM, and Shih CC
- Abstract
With the rise of skin-like electronics, devices are increasingly coming into close contact with the human body, creating a demand for polymer semiconductors (PSCs) that combine stretchability with reliable electrical performance. However, balancing mechanical robustness with high carrier mobility remains a challenge. To address this, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (BCF) for Lewis acid doping is proposed to improve charge mobility while enhancing stretchability by increasing structural disorder. Through systematic investigation, several key structural principles have been identified to maximize the effectiveness of BCF doping in stretchable PSCs. Notably, increasing the lamellar stacking distance and reducing crystallinity facilitate the incorporation of BCF into the alkyl side-chain regions, thereby enhancing both mobility and stretchability. Conversely, stronger Lewis base groups in the main chain negatively impact these improvements. These results demonstrate that with a small addition of BCF, a two-fold increase in carrier mobility is achieved while simultaneously enhancing the crack onset strain to 100%. Furthermore, doped PSCs exhibit stable mobility retention under repeated 30% strains over 1000 cycles. This method of decoupling carrier mobility from mechanical properties opens up new avenues in the search for high-mobility stretchable PSCs., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)
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- 2024
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3. Efficient Sorting of Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Bio-Renewable Solvents Through Main-Chain Engineering of Conjugated Polymers.
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Su EJ, Chang TW, Lin FY, Lu ST, Tsai YT, Khan S, Weng YC, and Shih CC
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Conjugated polymer sorting is recognized as an efficient and scalable method for the selective extraction of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs). However, this process typically requires the use of nonpolar and aromatic solvents as the dispersion medium, which are petroleum-based and carry significant production hazards. Moreover, there is still potential for improving the efficiency of batch purification. Here, this study presents fluorene-based conjugated polymer that integrates diamines containing ethylene glycol chains (ODA) as linkers within the main chain, to effectively extract s-SWCNTs in bio-renewable solvents. The introduction of ODA segments enhances the solubility in bio-renewable solvents, facilitating effective wrapping of s-SWCNTs in polar environments. Additionally, the ODA within the main chain enhances affinity to s-SWCNTs, thereby contributing to increased yields and purity. The polymer achieves a high sorting yield of 55% and a purity of 99.6% in dispersion of s-SWCNTs in 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran. Thin-film transistor arrays fabricated with sorted s-SWCNTs solution through slot-die coating exhibit average charge carrier mobilities of 20-23 cm
2 V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and high on/off current ratios exceeding 105 together with high spatial uniformity. This study highlights the viability of bio-renewable solvents in the sorting process, paving the way for the eco-friendly approach to the purification of SWCNTs., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)- Published
- 2024
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4. The surgical role of C1 nerve root identification for the disconnection of the spinal dural arteriovenous fistula at the craniocervical junction: a single center restrospective experience.
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Chen KH, Chen CC, Yeap MC, Hsieh PC, Chang TW, Liu ZH, Chen PY, and Chen CT
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- Humans, Middle Aged, Male, Female, Aged, Retrospective Studies, Adult, Treatment Outcome, Neurosurgical Procedures methods, Cervical Vertebrae surgery, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage surgery, Spinal Cord Diseases surgery, Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations surgery, Spinal Nerve Roots surgery
- Abstract
This study aims to discuss the identification of the C1 nerve root as an effective surgical approach to successfully locate the shunting point of craniocervical junction spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (CCJ-SDAVF) intraoperatively. This study included all patients with CCJ-SDAVF who underwent surgical treatment using the far-lateral transcondylar approach at a single institution from January 2017 to June 2023. Data on patient demographics, clinical and angiographic characteristics of CCJ-SDAVF, surgical details, and treatment outcomes were collected. Follow-up assessments were conducted for all patients until December 31, 2023. The study included a total of 7 patients, comprising 5 men(71.4%) and 2 women (28.6%), with an average age of 57.6 years. Among them, 4 patients (57.1%) developed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH), while 2 patients (28.6%) experienced progressive cervical myelopathy. The shunting points of all CCJ-SDAVFs, which exhibited engorged veins, were identified next to the C1 root. Complete obliteration of CCJ-SDAVFs was successfully achieved in all patients, as confirmed by postoperative angiography one month later. No recurrent CCJ-SDAVFs were observed two years after the operation. Among the patients, 5 (71.4%) experienced good functional recovery, as indicated by an mRS score ranging from 0 to 1, while the remaining 2 patients (28.6%) showed incomplete functional recovery. The surgical interruption of CCJ-SDAVFs is the preferred treatment option, given its high obliteration rate and favorable functional recovery outcomes. We advocate the identification of C1 spinal nerve root as a crucial surgical step to identify the shunting points of CCJ- SDAVFs., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2024
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5. Risk of rituximab-induced hepatitis B flare after antiviral discontinuation in rheumatic patients with chronic hepatitis B virus.
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Lan TY, Chang TW, Tseng TC, Lee TJ, Kao JH, Cheng CF, Huang SC, Shen CY, Lu CH, Yang HC, Li KJ, and Hsieh SC
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- Humans, Retrospective Studies, Male, Middle Aged, Female, Risk Factors, Aged, Adult, Rheumatic Diseases drug therapy, Antirheumatic Agents adverse effects, Antirheumatic Agents therapeutic use, Hepatitis B virus immunology, Hepatitis B virus drug effects, Taiwan epidemiology, Risk Assessment, Treatment Outcome, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens blood, Time Factors, Rituximab adverse effects, Rituximab administration & dosage, Rituximab therapeutic use, Hepatitis B, Chronic drug therapy, Hepatitis B, Chronic diagnosis, Antiviral Agents adverse effects, Antiviral Agents therapeutic use, Virus Activation drug effects
- Abstract
Objectves: Among immunosuppressants, rituximab is most strongly associated with the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in chronic HBV individuals. Current guidelines recommending antiviral prophylaxis for these patients on rituximab are predominantly based on studies in oncology. However, limited data existed for the precise risk of HBV flares, effectiveness and optimal duration of antiviral prophylaxis in rituximab-treated rheumatic patients, whose immune status and treatment regimen differ significantly from those of oncology patients. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence and clinical outcome of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients receiving rituximab for various autoimmune diseases who discontinue the antiviral agents., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 95 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients treated with rituximab for autoimmune diseases in a single centre in Taiwan. HBV related hepatitis, defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) more than 3 times of baseline level and concurrent HBV reactivation, after anti-viral discontinuation, was the primary endpoint. Factors associated with HBV hepatitis flare and off-antiviral hepatitis flare were also analysed., Results: With nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) prophylaxis, no hepatitis flares occurred. However, without prophylaxis, 59% had flare (24.5 per 100 person-years) and 8% experienced liver decompensation. Concurrent steroid use was a dose-dependent risk factor for flare. After NA discontinuation, rituximab "retreatment" led to flares in 75% of cases and liver decompensation in 63% of patients. Stopping NAs within one-year post-rituximab, even without further rituximab treatment, resulted in a 38% flare rate., Conclusions: This study offers the direct evidence for the necessity of universal antiviral prophylaxis in rheumatic patients with chronic HBV receiving rituximab. After NA discontinuation, rituximab "retreatment" led to even higher flare rate and worse outcome. Patients who completed rituximab treatment should also keep antiviral agents for at least one more year to prevent hepatitis flare.
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- 2024
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6. Innovative Endoscopic Approach for Staple Line Leaks Following Sleeve Gastrectomy: Promising Outcomes with Considerable Concerns.
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Chang TW, Huang YW, Huang CK, and Chang PC
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- Humans, Anastomotic Leak etiology, Anastomotic Leak surgery, Gastrectomy adverse effects, Surgical Stapling adverse effects, Retrospective Studies, Treatment Outcome, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Laparoscopy
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- 2024
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7. Dynamic Changes Of Body Image And Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Patients
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Wu TY, Chang TW, Chang SM, Lin YY, Wang JD, and Kuo YL
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breast cancer survivors ,body image ,breast-conserving surgery ,quality of life ,total mastectomy ,Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,RC254-282 - Abstract
Tzu-Yi Wu,1 Tsai-Wang Chang,2 Sheng-Mao Chang,3 Yun-Ying Lin,4 Jung-Der Wang,5,6 Yao-Lung Kuo7 1Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; 2Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tainan Municipal An-Nan Hospital - China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan; 3Department of Statistics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 4Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 5Departments of Internal Medicine and Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; 6Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 7Department of Surgery, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan and Dou-Liou, TaiwanCorrespondence: Yao-Lung KuoDepartment of Surgery, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.138, Sheng Li Road, Tainan 704, TaiwanTel +886-6-2353535 ext. 5224Email ylkuo@mail.ncku.edu.twPurpose: Dynamic changes of body image and quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients were not commonly investigated. We aimed to compare the dynamic changes in QoL and body image of breast cancer survivors receiving breast-conserving surgery or total mastectomy within 5–10 years after surgery.Methods: Patients with non-metastatic breast cancer who received surgery were invited to complete the World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and the Body Image Scale (BIS) within 10 years after surgery. We applied kernel smoothing methods to capture the dynamic changes of the patients’ QoL and body image within 5 years after surgery. We also constructed multiple linear regression models to identify predictive factors for QoL and body image.Results: A total of 581 patients were collected, and 211 of them received breast-conserving surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in QoL and body image for breast-conserving surgery versus total mastectomy, but the former showed fluctuating trends. BIS was a predictor of every item and domain in the WHOQOL-BREF in the multiple linear regression model, and explanatory of the trends of dynamic change over time. Patients without lymph node dissection seemed to have less positive feelings but were more satisfied with sexual activities.Conclusion: Body image is predictive of the QoL of breast cancer patients. Dynamic changes of body image and QoL would be useful for shared decision-making regarding surgery in breast cancer patients.Keywords: breast cancer survivors, body image, breast-conserving surgery, quality of life, total mastectomy
- Published
- 2019
8. Gabapentinoids for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Chang TW, Yang FY, Liu YC, and Hung CH
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- Humans, Analgesics therapeutic use, Analgesics adverse effects, Quality of Life, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases chemically induced, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases drug therapy, Gabapentin therapeutic use, Gabapentin adverse effects, Pregabalin therapeutic use, Pregabalin adverse effects, Antineoplastic Agents adverse effects, Antineoplastic Agents therapeutic use
- Abstract
Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects patients' quality of life and treatment effectiveness. Gabapentinoids, like gabapentin and pregabalin, are often used for CIPN treatment, but their efficacy and safety remain uncertain. This study reviews and analyses randomised controlled trial data on this topic., Materials/methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL until 29 August 2022 for studies on gabapentinoid use in CIPN. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan V.5.4 and the Metafor package in R. Outcomes included pain scores, quality of life and adverse drug events., Results: For the prevention setting, our meta-analysis shows that pregabalin did not significantly improve average pain (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.14, 95% CI -0.51 to 0.23; I
2 =26% (95% CI 0% to >98%)) or quality of life (mean difference (MD) 2.5, 95% CI -4.67 to 9.67; p=0.49) in preventing CIPN compared with placebo. However, it showed a potential trend towards reducing the worst pain (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.57 to 0.01; I2 =0% (95% CI 0% to 98%; p=0.06)). For the treatment setting, some studies have shown a potential therapeutic effect of gabapentinoids. However, the results are not consistent between studies. Given the studies' heterogeneity, a meta-analysis in treatment setting was not performed., Conclusion: There is limited evidence to support the use of gabapentinoids in CIPN. In prevention setting, gabapentinoids do not significantly prevent CIPN. In treatment setting, studies have been inconsistent in their conclusions, lacking definitive benefits over placebo. More comprehensive and higher quality research is needed in the future., Prospero Registration Number: CRD42022361193., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)- Published
- 2024
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9. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid galectin-3 and associated cytokines after severe traumatic brain injury in patients.
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Yip PK, Leung WS, Cetin MA, Chang TW, Yeap MC, Chen CT, Wang YC, Chen CC, and Liu ZH
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- Humans, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Adult, Biomarkers cerebrospinal fluid, Galectins cerebrospinal fluid, Aged, Young Adult, Blood Proteins, Brain Injuries, Traumatic cerebrospinal fluid, Cytokines cerebrospinal fluid, Galectin 3 cerebrospinal fluid
- Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the galectin-3 and associated cytokines levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients. Temporal CSF expression of galectin-3 and associated cytokines levels in sTBI patients within 1-week post-injury were studied using the multiplex bead array. STBI patient group was stratified using the Modified Rankin Score (mRS) into 3 groups: mRS 6 (died), mRS 5 (severely disabled) and mRS 1-4 (mild-to-moderately disabled) group. Analysis for bead array data using Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Dunn's multiple comparisons test, and temporal changes and correlation analysis using Spearman's correlation were carried out. At day 1 post-injury, CSF galectin-3 and interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), cysteine-cysteine motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL-2), and cysteine-cysteine motif chemokine ligand-20 (CCL-20), but not interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were significantly elevated in mRS 5 group compared to non-TBI controls. Temporal correlation analysis at 1-7 days showed decreased IL-10 level in the mRS 6 group, decreased IL-10 and CCL-2 levels in mRS 5 group, and decreased IL-6, CCL-2, and CCL-20 levels in the mRS 1-4 group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed a significant area under the curve for comparison between mRS 6 and mRS 5 groups for galectin-3 and IL-6. No significant differences in sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, C-reactive protein levels and types of TBI-induced hemorrhages were observed between the groups. CSF galectin-3 and associated cytokines, especially IL-6, CCL-2 and CCL-20 levels were different within sub-groups of sTBI patients, suggesting their potential use in sTBI prognostics., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)
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- 2024
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10. Bridging the STRONG Gap: Call to Optimize Heart Failure Treatment After Hospitalization in Women and Men in Taiwan.
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Chang TW, Hung CL, Ko SL, Liao CT, Hsu CY, Huang N, Mebazaa A, and Chang HY
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- Humans, Taiwan epidemiology, Female, Male, Aged, Middle Aged, Natriuretic Peptide, Brain blood, Registries, Peptide Fragments blood, Peptide Fragments therapeutic use, Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists therapeutic use, Heart Failure drug therapy, Heart Failure therapy, Hospitalization statistics & numerical data, Stroke Volume physiology
- Abstract
The benefits of rapidly up-titrating evidence-based treatments following heart failure (HF) hospitalizations were demonstrated in the The Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Rapid Optimization, Helped by NT-proBNP Testing, of Heart Failure Therapies (STRONG-HF) trial and emphasized in contemporary HF guidelines. We aimed to assess up-titration patterns of guideline-directed medical treatments in the Taiwanese HF population. Combining data from the Taiwan Society of Cardiology - Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (TSOC-HFrEF) registry and the Treatment with Angiotensin Receptor neprilysin inhibitor for Taiwan Acute Heart Failure (TAROT-AHF) study cohort, we formed the "Taiwan real-world cohort". We compared these data with subgroups of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% in the STRONG-HF trial. Patients in the Taiwan cohort exhibited similar blood pressure, heart rate and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels at discharge compared with those in the STRONG-HF trial. A higher proportion of patients in the STRONG-HF high-intensity care group received up-titrations compared with those in the usual care group and the Taiwan cohort. Composite all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization at 180 days for patients in the high-intensity care group, usual care group, and Taiwan cohort were 17.4%, 23.7%, and 31.9%, respectively, with differences largely contributed by HF hospitalization (10.1%, 17.9%, and 27.6%, respectively), whereas all-cause mortality rates were similar (11.0%, 9.6%, and 9.3%, respectively). Gender did not affect this trend. In conclusion, our data highlights a treatment gap between the STRONG-HF trial and real-world practices in Taiwan, urging prompt optimization of HF therapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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11. Oxidative stress mediates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of KPNA2 via AKT1-CDK1 axis-regulated S62 phosphorylation.
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Huang JX, Wang CI, Kuo CY, Chang TW, Liu YC, Hsiao TF, Wang CL, and Yu CJ
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Karyopherin α 2 (KPNA2, importin α1), a transport factor shuttling between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, is involved in the nuclear import of proteins and participates in cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and transcriptional regulation. However, it is still unclear which signaling regulates the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of KPNA2 in response to cellular stress. In this study, we report that oxidative stress increases nuclear retention of KPNA2 through alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1)-mediated reduction of serine 62 (S62) phosphorylation. We first found that AKT1 activation was required for H
2 O2 -induced nuclear accumulation of KPNA2. Immunoprecipitation and quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of KPNA2 at S62 was decreased under H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. We showed that cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a kinase responsible for KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation, contributes to the localization of KPNA2 in the cytoplasm. AKT1 knockdown increased KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation and inhibited CDK1 activation. Furthermore, H2 O2 -induced AKT1 activation promoted nuclear KPNA2 interaction with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), resulting in attenuation of NPM1-mediated cyclin D1 gene transcription. Thus, we infer that the AKT1-CDK1 axis regulates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and function of KPNA2 through spatiotemporal regulation of KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation under oxidative stress conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interests., (©2024 The Author(s) FASEB BioAdvances published by The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.)- Published
- 2024
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12. Study and Application on the Electromagnetic Stainless Steel: Microstructure, Tensile Mechanical Behavior, and Magnetic Properties.
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Lu CW, Hung FY, Chang TW, and Hsieh HY
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Stainless steel grade 430 is a type of soft magnetic electromagnetic material with rapid magnetization and demagnetization properties. Considering the delay phenomenon during operation, this study selected 430 stainless steel as the material and explored various metallurgical methods such as magnetic annealing and the addition of Mo as well as increasing the Si content to investigate the microstructure, mechanical behavior, and magnetic properties of each material, aiming to improve the magnetic properties of 430 stainless steel. Experimental results showed that the four electromagnetic steel materials (430F, 430F-MA, 434, and KM31) had equiaxed grain matrix structures, and excellent tensile and elongation properties were observed for each specimen. Additionally, the magnetic properties of the 430F specimen were similar under the DC and AC-10 Hz conditions. According to the hysteresis curves under different AC frequencies (10, 100, 1000 Hz), both magnetic annealing and the addition of Mo could reduce the Bm, Br, and Hc values of the raw 430F material. Increasing the Si content resulted in a decrease in Hc values and an increase in Bm and Br values.
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- 2024
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13. Slow Well-Being Gardening: Creating a Sensor Network for Radiation Therapy Patients via Horticultural Therapeutic Activity.
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Chang TW, Tsai ST, Huang HY, Wu YS, Chang CC, and Datta S
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- Humans, Female, Male, Algorithms, Middle Aged, Smiling, Heart Rate physiology, Radiotherapy, Gardening methods, Horticultural Therapy
- Abstract
Well-being can reflect people's psychological conditions and be used alongside physiological parameters to evaluate patients' physical and mental health. The modern medical environment increasingly incorporates digital carriers, human-computer interaction devices, sensible spaces, and the execution of suitable algorithms. Slow design in healthy human-computer interaction is often used to reflect people's dependence on or support from behaviors or objects, promoting the stability of behaviors as well as meaningful and positive changes. Therefore, in this study, we propose a slow sensing model, develop a Slow Well-Being Gardening system, and use it to evaluate behavioral data from radiation therapy patients during treatment sessions and horticultural therapy. This study is based on SENS and slow design, setting the hospital lounge as a sensible space and establishing a sensor system. After a 10-day inspection, the process was evaluated and verified. Ultimately, data from facial detection (smile) and HRV showed that the patients in the experimental group experienced a significant improvement in their well-being, feeling better than those in the control group who maintained the most common state in normal treatment. Therefore, it can be inferred that the Slow Well-Being Gardening model is indeed valid and can be further developed.
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- 2024
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14. Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine: A Synergistic Approach to Reduce Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Bariatric Surgery Patients.
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Chang PC, Huang YW, Huang CK, and Chang TW
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- Humans, Drug Synergism, Dexmedetomidine therapeutic use, Dexamethasone therapeutic use, Dexamethasone administration & dosage, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting prevention & control, Antiemetics therapeutic use, Antiemetics administration & dosage, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Bariatric Surgery
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- 2024
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15. Wernicke Encephalopathy After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Presenting with Altered Mental Status-A Video Case Report.
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Chen CC, Chang PC, Chang TW, and Chuang HY
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- Humans, Male, Thiamine Deficiency etiology, Adult, Postoperative Complications, Vitamin B Complex administration & dosage, Vitamin B Complex therapeutic use, Wernicke Encephalopathy etiology, Gastric Bypass adverse effects, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Thiamine administration & dosage, Thiamine therapeutic use
- Abstract
Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a seldom encountered yet significant neuropsychiatric ailment resulting from a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). While commonly linked with chronic alcoholism or insufficient dietary intake, instances of WE following bariatric and metabolic surgeries, notably laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), have been sporadically documented. This case study elucidates the condition of a male patient who, 3 months after undergoing RYGB to address severe obesity, displayed abrupt alterations in mental status, swiftly ameliorated by immediate administration of intravenous high-dose thiamine., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2024
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16. Wet canopy photosynthesis in a temperate Japanese cypress forest.
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Jiao L, Kosugi Y, Sakabe A, Sempuku Y, Chang TW, and Chen S
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- Trees physiology, Carbon Dioxide metabolism, Japan, Models, Biological, Photosynthesis physiology, Forests, Cupressus physiology, Plant Leaves physiology, Rain
- Abstract
This study aimed to reveal the mechanism and significance of wet canopy photosynthesis during and after rainfall in temperate coniferous ecosystems by evaluating the influence of abaxial leaf interception on wet canopy photosynthesis. We used the eddy covariance method in conjunction with an enclosed-path gas analyser to conduct continuous ecosystem CO2 flux observations in a Japanese cypress forest within the temperate Asian monsoon area over 3 years. The observation shows that wet-canopy CO2 uptake predominantly occurred during the post-rainfall canopy-wet period rather than the during-rainfall period. Then, the measured canopy-wet net ecosystem exchange was compared with the soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer multilayer model simulations under different parameter settings of the abaxial (lower) leaf surface wet area ratio. The multilayer model predicted net ecosystem exchange most accurately when it assumed the wet area ratio of the abaxial surface was 50% both during and after rainfall. For the wet canopy both during and after rainfall, the model overestimated CO2 uptake when it assumed no abaxial interception in the simulation, but underestimated CO2 uptake when it assumed that the entire abaxial leaf surface was wet. These results suggest that the abaxial surface of the Japanese cypress leaf is only partly wet to maintain stomatal openness and a low level of photosynthesis. These results allow for an evaluation of the effect of rainfall on forest carbon circulation under a changing climate, facilitating an improvement of ecosystem carbon exchange models., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permission@oup.com.)
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- 2024
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17. Susceptibility of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 mutations to Whipple's disease.
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Williamson KA, Yun M, Koster MJ, Arment C, Patnaik A, Chang TW, Bledsoe AC, Sae-Tia S, Shah AS, Samuels J, Davis JM 3rd, and Yao Q
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- Humans, Male, Retrospective Studies, Middle Aged, Adult, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Tropheryma genetics, Whipple Disease genetics, Whipple Disease immunology, Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein genetics, Mutation
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Objectives: Whipple's disease (WD) results from infection of the bacteria Tropheryma whipplei (TW). This disease is characterized by macrophage infiltration of intestinal mucosa and primarily affects Caucasian males. Genetic studies of host susceptibility are scarce. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing protein 2 (NOD2) is an innate immune sensor, resides mainly in monocytes/macrophages and contributes to defence against infection and inflammatory regulation. NOD2 mutations are associated with autoinflammatory diseases. We report the association of NOD2 mutations with TW and WD for the first time., Methods: A multicentre, retrospective study of three patients with WD was conducted. Patients received extensive multidisciplinary evaluations and were cared for by the authors. NOD2 and its association with infection and inflammation were schematically represented., Results: All patients were Caucasian men and presented with years of autoinflammatory phenotypes, including recurrent fever, rash, inflammatory arthritis, gastrointestinal symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers. All patients underwent molecular testing using a gene panel for periodic fever syndromes and were identified to carry NOD2 mutations associated with NOD2-associated autoinflammatory disease. Despite initially negative gastrointestinal evaluations, repeat endoscopy with duodenal tissue biopsy ultimately confirmed WD. After initial ceftriaxone and maintenance with doxycycline and/or HCQ, symptoms were largely controlled, though mild relapses occurred in follow-up., Conclusion: Both NOD2 and TW/WD are intensively involved in monocytes/macrophages. WD is regarded as a macrophage disease. NOD2 leucin-rich repeat-associated mutations in monocytes/macrophages cause functional impairment of these cells and consequently may make the host susceptible for TW infection and WD, especially in the setting of immunosuppression., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
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- 2024
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18. Clarifying the Impact of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: Insights and Perspectives From a Meta-Regression Analysis.
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Chang PC, Huang IY, Liu SD, Huang CK, Lin TE, Jhou HJ, Chen PH, and Chang TW
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- Humans, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting drug therapy, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting prevention & control, Regression Analysis, Pain, Postoperative, Dexmedetomidine therapeutic use, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
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- 2024
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19. An Antibody-Drug Conjugate for Multiple Myeloma Prepared by Multi-Arm Linkers.
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Yu YH, Tian WT, Grauffel C, Lin WC, Hsieh MY, Wu PW, Lee HJ, Peng CJ, Lin PH, Chu HM, Lim C, and Chang TW
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- Humans, Cell Line, Tumor, Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology, Antineoplastic Agents therapeutic use, Mice, Animals, Disease Models, Animal, Multiple Myeloma drug therapy, Immunoconjugates pharmacology, Immunoconjugates chemistry, Lenalidomide pharmacology, Lenalidomide therapeutic use, Antibodies, Monoclonal pharmacology
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First-line treatment of multiple myeloma, a prevalent blood cancer lacking a cure, using anti-CD38 daratumumab antibody and lenalidomide is often inadequate due to relapse and severe side effects. To enhance drug safety and efficacy, an antibody-drug conjugate, TE-1146, comprising six lenalidomide drug molecules site-specifically conjugated to a reconfigured daratumumab to deliver cytotoxic lenalidomide to tumor cells is developed. TE-1146 is prepared using the HighDAR platform, which employs i) a maleimide-containing "multi-arm linker" to conjugate multiple drug molecules creating a drug bundle, and ii) a designed peptide with a Zn
2+ -binding cysteine at the C-termini of a reconfigured daratumumab for site-specific drug bundle conjugation. It is shown that TE-1146 remains intact and effectively enters CD38-expressing tumor cells, releasing lenalidomide, leading to enhanced cell-killing effects compared to lenalidomide/daratumumab alone or their combination. This reveals the remarkable potency of lenalidomide once internalized by myeloma cells. TE-1146 precisely delivers lenalidomide to target CD38-overexpressing tumor cells. In contrast, lenalidomide without daratumumab cannot easily enter cells, whereas daratumumab without lenalidomide relies on Fc-dependent effector functions to kill tumor cells., (© 2024 Immunwork, Inc. Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)- Published
- 2024
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20. Perioperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion Improves Perioperative Care of Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery: A Single Center Experience with Meta-Analysis.
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Chang PC, Huang IY, Liu SD, Huang CK, Lin TE, Jhou HJ, Chen PH, and Chang TW
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- Humans, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 surgery, Gastric Bypass adverse effects, Laparoscopy adverse effects, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Pain, Postoperative drug therapy, Pain, Postoperative etiology, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting drug therapy, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting prevention & control, Bariatric Surgery, Dexmedetomidine therapeutic use, Perioperative Care
- Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to determine the effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine infusion (PDI) on Asian patients undergoing bariatric-metabolic surgery (BMS), focusing on the need for pain medications and management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and to investigate the association with these variables, including patients' characteristics and BMS data., Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted in an Asian weight management center from August 2016 to October 2021. A total of 147 native patients with severe obesity were enrolled. All patients were informed of the full support of perioperative pain medications for BMS. The pain numeric rating scale scores, events of PONV, needs for pain medications, and the associated patients' characteristics were analyzed. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Furthermore, to verify the effects of perioperative usage of dexmedetomidine for BMS, a systematic review with meta-analysis of currently available randomized control trials was performed., Results: Among the 147 enrolled patients, 107 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 40 underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. PDI has been used as an adjunct multimodal analgesia for BMS in our institution since June 2017 (group D; n = 114). In comparison with those not administered with perioperative dexmedetomidine (group C; n = 33), lower pain numeric rating scale scores (2.52 ± 2.46 vs. 4.27 ± 2.95, p = 0.007) in the postanesthesia care unit, fewer PONV (32.46% vs. 51.52%; p = 0.046), and infrequent needs of additional pain medications (19.47% vs. 45.45%; p = 0.003) were observed in group D. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that type II diabetes mellitus was correlated with the decreased need of pain medications other than PDI (p = 0.035). Moreover, dexmedetomidine seemed to have a better analgesic effect for patients with longer surgical time based on our meta-analysis., Conclusion: Based on our limited experience, PDI could be a practical solution to alleviate pain and PONV in Asian patients undergoing BMS. Moreover, it might reduce the need for rescue painkillers with better postoperative pain management for patients with type II diabetes mellitus or longer surgical time., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2024
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21. Comment on: "Recent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination is Associated with a Lower Risk of COVID-19: A US Database Cohort Study".
- Author
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Chang TW and Hung CH
- Subjects
- Humans, United States epidemiology, Female, Papillomavirus Infections prevention & control, Cohort Studies, Vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 immunology, Databases, Factual, Human Papillomavirus Viruses, COVID-19 prevention & control, COVID-19 epidemiology, Papillomavirus Vaccines administration & dosage
- Published
- 2024
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22. Minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation with the novel, portable Axonpen neuroendoscopic system for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.
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Lee CC, Huang AP, Chen CC, Liu ZH, Yeap MC, Chen KT, Hsu PW, Wei KC, Chen CT, Wang YC, Chang TW, and Chuang CC
- Subjects
- Humans, Retrospective Studies, Treatment Outcome, Cerebral Hemorrhage diagnostic imaging, Cerebral Hemorrhage surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures methods, Hematoma surgery, Neuroendoscopy methods, Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage diagnostic imaging, Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage surgery
- Abstract
Minimally invasive surgeries have shown potential to improve mortality and clinical outcomes of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The present study assessed the first-in-human outcomes of a novel, portable neuroendoscopic system for ICH evacuation at our single center. This neuroendoscopic system integrates real-time visualization into a handpiece which has controllable suction, irrigation, and coagulation to allow a neurosurgeon to conduct minimally invasive ICH evacuation independently with bimanual dexterity. Pre- and postoperative data of ten patients who had spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage (mean: 46.5 ± 12.2 mL) and underwent evacuation with the specified neuroendoscopic system were collected prospectively. The mean time to receive surgery was 12.1 ± 7.6 h. Mean operative time was 3.4 ± 0.9 h. The mean hematoma volume decreased to 6.0 ± 3.9 mL at postoperative 6 h, resulting in a mean volume reduction of 86.0 ± 11.2% (P = 0.005). The median length of intensive care unit stay was 3 days (IQR, 3-4 days). At discharge, the median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score significantly improved to 11.5 (IQR, 11-15; P = 0.016), and the median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 4 (IQR, 4-5). Six patients (60%) showed a favorable mRS score of ≤ 3 on their last return visit. Neither death nor rebleeding occurred during the follow-up periods. Integrated design of the innovative device is valuable to optimize minimally invasive endoscopic ICH evacuation procedure. Further studies are needed to clarify long-term benefits from such type of the innovative device to early intervention of ICH., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Abel Huang is the cofounder of ClearMind Biomedical Inc. The remaining authors have no personal, financial, or institutional interest in any of the drugs, materials, or devices described in this article., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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23. Forgotten memory storage and retrieval in Drosophila.
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Wang CM, Wu CY, Lin CE, Hsu MC, Lin JC, Huang CC, Lien TY, Lin HK, Chang TW, and Chiang HC
- Subjects
- Animals, Learning physiology, Conditioning, Psychological physiology, Mental Recall physiology, Drosophila, Memory physiology
- Abstract
Inaccessibility of stored memory in ensemble cells through the forgetting process causes animals to be unable to respond to natural recalling cues. While accumulating evidence has demonstrated that reactivating memory-stored cells can switch cells from an inaccessible state to an accessible form and lead to recall of previously learned information, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The current study used Drosophila as a model to demonstrate that the memory of one-trial aversive olfactory conditioning, although inaccessible within a few hours after learning, is stored in KCαβ and retrievable after mild retraining. One-trial aversive conditioning triggers protein synthesis to form a long-lasting cellular memory trace, approximately 20 days, via creb in KCαβ, and a transient cellular memory trace, approximately one day, via orb in MBON-α3. PPL1-α3 negatively regulates forgotten one-trial conditioning memory retrieval. The current study demonstrated that KCαβ, PPL1-α3, and MBON-α3 collaboratively regulate the formation of forgotten one-cycle aversive conditioning memory formation and retrieval., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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24. Biomimetic affinity sensor for the ultrasensitive detection of neonicotinoids.
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Chang TW, Wang SH, Chin IS, Li PZ, Lo SC, Hsieh SY, Lin JH, and Wei PK
- Subjects
- Biomimetics, Escherichia coli, Gold, Neonicotinoids, Metal Nanoparticles, Biosensing Techniques
- Abstract
Multiple pesticides are often used in combination to protect crops from pests. This makes rapid on-site detection of pesticide contamination challenging. Herein, we describe a method for simultaneous detection of diverse neonicotinoid pesticides using a sensor that combines neonicotinoid-specific odorant-binding protein 2 (OBP2), which was cloned from an insect chemical sensing protein and modified gold nanoparticles with local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based digital nanoplasmonometry (DiNM). When neonicotinoid pesticides bind to OBP2 on gold nanoparticles, the induced LSPR shift peak wavelength is too small to be measured using conventional LSPR immunoassays. DiNM records and compares the scattered image intensity in two adjacent wavelength bands, A and B, centered on the LSPR peak. It considers both the peak shift and the relative intensity change in these two bands, resulting in a significant LSPR signal enhancement. Then the spectral-image contrast was computed as the signal response. Using this approach, we obtained excellent limits of detection (LODs) of 1.4, 1.5, and 4.5 ppb for the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and dinotefuran, respectively. Blind tests demonstrated high positive and negative rates for teas, approximately 85 and 100%, respectively. Recombinant OBP2 produced in E. coli offers several advantages over antibodies, including high yield, time savings, and cost effectiveness. Moreover, this method is highly selective and sensitive to neonicotinoids, making it practical for field use., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
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25. Oversewing/Suturing of the Staple Line During Sleeve Gastrectomy Is an Effective and Affordable Staple Line Reinforcement Method: a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- Author
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Chang PC, Huang IY, Huang CK, and Chang TW
- Subjects
- Humans, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Gastrectomy, Surgical Stapling, Treatment Outcome, Anastomotic Leak, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Laparoscopy
- Published
- 2023
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26. Chain-Kinked Design: Improving Stretchability of Polymer Semiconductors through Nonlinear Conjugated Linkers.
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Chang TW, Weng YC, Tsai YT, Jiang Y, Matsuhisa N, and Shih CC
- Abstract
The manipulation of the polymer backbone structure has a profound influence on the crystalline behavior and charge transport characteristics of polymers. These strategies are commonly employed to optimize the performance of stretchable polymer semiconductors. However, a universal method that can be applied to conjugated polymers with different donor-acceptor combinations is still lacking. In this study, we propose a universal strategy to boost the stretchability of polymers by incorporating the nonlinear conjugated linker (NCL) into the main chain. Specifically, we incorporate meta-dibromobenzene (MB), characterized by its asymmetric linkage sites, as the NCL into the backbone of diketopyrrolopyrrole-thiophene-based (DPP-based) polymers. Our research demonstrates that the introduction of MB prompts chain-kinking, thereby disrupting the linearity and central symmetry of the DPP conjugated backbone. This modification reshapes the polymer conformation, decreasing the radius of gyration and broadening the free volume, which consequently adjusts the level of crystallinity, leading to a considerable increase in the stretchability of the polymer. Importantly, this method increases stretchability without compromising mobility and exhibits broad applicability across a wide range of donor-acceptor pair polymers. Leveraging this strategy, fully stretchable transistors were fabricated using a DPP polymer that incorporates 10 mol % of MB. These transistors display a mobility of approximately 0.5 cm
2 V-1 s-1 and prove remarkably durable, maintaining 90% of this mobility even after enduring 1000 cycles at 25% strain. Overall, we propose a method to systematically control the main-chain conformation, thereby enhancing the stretchability of conjugated polymers in a widely applicable manner.- Published
- 2023
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27. Rathke's cleft cyst classification and outcomes after endoscopic endonasal approach.
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Wang HK, Lee CC, Wang YC, Hsu PW, Huang YC, Chang TW, Liu YT, and Chuang CC
- Abstract
Background: Rathke's cleft cyst is rare, with variable characteristics and no unified categorization system. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes, based on different categorizations, of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts treated with endoscopic endonasal approach., Methods: This retrospective study of 38 patients with symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst treated with endoscopic endonasal approach from 2006/06-2021/08 recorded pre- and post-operative clinical presentation, endocrine and visual tests, radiological findings, and resection status. Rathke's cleft cysts were categorized by both cyst consistency and radiological features and clinical characteristics were analyzed., Results: The most common pre-operative symptoms were visual field deficit (65.8%) and hypopituitarism (39.5 %). Visual field deficit improved in 84% of affected patients, and hyperprolactinemia improved in 80% of affected patients. Pre-operative hypothyroidism and hypogonadism were associated with radiological type 3 cysts, while headache was more common in type B and C. Type 3 cysts were also associated post-operative hypogonadism and hypothyroidism. Permanent Diabetes insipidus was found in 3 patients (7.9%). Cyst height was a significant factor related to pre-operative visual field deficit and post-operative Diabetes insipidus. Residual cysts were found in 11 cases (30.6%) and 9 patients experienced regrowth/recurrence. Residual cysts were a significant factor in regrowth/recurrence. Recurrence rate and post-operative complications were not correlated with different subtypes., Conclusions: Endoscopic endonasal approach for removal of Rathke's cleft cyst is a safe and effective intervention. It leads to significant improvement in visual field deficit and recovery of hyperprolactinemia. Although the incidence of post-operative Diabetes insipidus is high, it is usually temporary. Although different categorizations are not correlated to recurrence rate, they could help predict the status of hormone deficit., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)
- Published
- 2023
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28. RNA-binding protein-regulated fibronectin is essential for EGFR-activated metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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Shieh JM, Chang TW, Wang JH, Liang SP, Kao PL, Chen LY, Yen CJ, Chen YJ, Chang WC, and Chen BK
- Subjects
- Humans, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck genetics, Endothelial Cells, Epidermal Growth Factor, ErbB Receptors genetics, 5' Untranslated Regions, Integrins, Fibronectins genetics, Head and Neck Neoplasms genetics
- Abstract
There is a higher expression level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in up to 90% of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissue than in normal surrounding tissues. However, the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in EGFR-associated metastasis of HNSCC remains unclear. In this study, we reveal that RBPs, specifically nucleolin (NCL) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2B1), correlated with the mesenchymal phenotype of HNSCC. The depletion of RBPs significantly attenuated EGF-induced HNSCC metastasis. Intriguingly, the EGF-induced EMT markers, such as fibronectin, were regulated by RBPs through the ERK and NF-κB pathway, followed by the enhancement of mRNA stability of fibronectin through the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the gene. The upregulation of fibronectin triggered the integrin signaling activation to enhance tumor cells' attachment to endothelial cells and increase endothelial permeability. In addition, the concurrence of EGFR and RBPs or EGFR and fibronectin was associated with overall survival and disease-free survival of HNSCC. The in vivo study showed that depletion of NCL, hnRNPA2B1, and fibronectin significantly inhibited EGF-promoted extravasation of tumor cells into lung tissues. The depletion of fibronectin or treatment with integrin inhibitors dramatically attenuated EGF-induced HNSCC metastatic nodules in the lung. Our data suggest that the RBPs/fibronectin axis is essential for EGF-induced tumor-endothelial cell interactions to enhance HNSCC cell metastasis., (© 2023 The Authors. The FASEB Journal published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.)
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- 2023
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29. Incentive spirometry is an effective strategy to improve the quality of postoperative care in patients.
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Chang PC, Chen PH, Chang TH, Chen KH, Jhou HJ, Chou SH, and Chang TW
- Subjects
- Humans, Postoperative Care, Physical Therapy Modalities, Spirometry, Postoperative Complications, Length of Stay, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Motivation, Pneumonia
- Abstract
Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) most commonly occur after thoracic surgery. Not only prolonged hospital stay and increased financial expenses but also morbidity and even mortality may be troublesome for those with PPCs. Herein, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of available data to examine the effectiveness of incentive spirometry (IS) to reduce PPCs and shorten hospital stay. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 5 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 3 retrospective cohort study (10,322 patients in total) in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library until September 31, 2021. We assessed the clinical efficacy of IS using length of hospital stay, PPCs, postoperative pneumonia, and postoperative atelectasis with meta-analysis, meta-regression and trial sequential analysis (TSA). With this meta-analysis, the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing IS was significantly shorter (1.8 days) than that in patients not receiving IS (MD = -1.80, 95% CI = -2.95 to -0.65). Patients undergoing IS also had reduced risk of PPCs (32%) and postoperative pneumonia (17.9%) with statistical significance than patients not undergoing IS (PPC: OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.51-0.90) (Pneumonia: OR = 0.821, 95% CI = 0.677-0.995).In meta-regression, the benefits of undergoing IS in patients with preoperative predicted FEV
1 of <80% in a linear fashion with decreasing PPCs. IS is an effective modality to improve the quality of postoperative care for patients after pulmonary resection, compared with the control group without using IS; and applying IS has favorable outcomes of shorter length of hospital stay (1.8 days) and lower occurrence of PPCs (32% of risk reduction), which are conclusive and robust based on our validation via TSA. Moreover, the IS device is more beneficial for patients with preoperative predicted FEV1 of <80% than that in others., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None to declare., (Copyright © 2023 Asian Surgical Association and Taiwan Robotic Surgery Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2023
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30. Comment on: Histopathologic findings in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: is routine full pathologic evaluation indicated?
- Author
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Chang PC, Ya-Wei Huang I, Huang CK, and Chang TW
- Subjects
- Humans, Gastrectomy, Stomach surgery, Laparoscopy, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Obesity, Morbid pathology
- Published
- 2023
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31. Matching intraoperative teaching and learning for medical undergraduates via modified briefing-intraoperative teaching-debriefing (BID) model.
- Author
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Chang YT, Chen NC, Huang SH, Lai CS, Chen CS, Chang TW, and Chang PC
- Subjects
- Humans, Students, Catheters, Hand, Learning, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Abstract
Intraoperative teaching is a challenging task. The briefing-intraoperative teaching-debriefing (BID) model, which is based on guided discovery learning at limited time intervals, has rarely been investigated. This study validated the benefits of the modified BID model on medical clerks. This study involved 37 first-year medical clerks enrolled from September 2019 to May 2020. Every learner scrubbed in one the totally implantable venous access device placement surgery and completed a pre-/posttest survey on surgical procedures and associated anatomy conducted through an intraoperative teaching questionnaire. Of these participants, 15 merely observed throughout the entire procedure (observation group), whereas the remaining 22 performed simple suturing under supervision (suturing group). All participants underwent an objective structured assessment of simple interrupted suturing skills at the end of the observership. Correlations were tested using a two-tailed paired t-test, with a p-value < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. The response rate was 100% and participants could reconfirm the precise venous access, catheter tip location, and suture materials for portal fixation after totally implantable venous access device placement (p < 0.05). Although a relatively higher satisfaction of the intraoperative teaching environment and educator attitude was reported in the suturing group than in the observation group, the difference in scores on the objective structured assessment was not statistically significant (8.7 ± 1.8 vs. 7.2 ± 3.7; p = 0.104). Our findings indicate that the modified BID model with hands-on experience is a practicable module for matching intraoperative teaching and learning via learning perception enhancement for medical undergraduates during totally implantable venous access device placement., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)
- Published
- 2023
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32. Site-specific Conjugation of 6 DOTA Chelators to a CA19-9-targeting scFv-Fc Antibody for Imaging and Therapy.
- Author
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Chen LA, Yu YH, Tian WT, Lin WC, Grauffel C, Wu CY, Chen CL, Lim C, Chu HM, Chang TW, and Peng CJ
- Subjects
- Mice, Animals, Chelating Agents, CA-19-9 Antigen, Tissue Distribution, Radiopharmaceuticals pharmacokinetics, Cell Line, Tumor, Lutetium, Pancreatic Neoplasms, Pancreatic Neoplasms diagnostic imaging, Pancreatic Neoplasms drug therapy, Immunoconjugates
- Abstract
Antibodies conjugated with diagnostic/therapeutic radionuclides are attractive options for inoperable cancers lacking accurate imaging methods and effective therapeutics, such as pancreatic cancer. Hence, we have produced an antibody radionuclide conjugate termed TE-1132 comprising a α-CA19-9 scFv-Fc that is site-specifically conjugated at each C-terminus to 3 DOTA chelators via a cysteine-containing peptide linker. The smaller scFv-Fc size facilitates diffusivity within solid tumors, whereas the chelator-to-antibody ratio of six enabled
177 Lu-radiolabeled TE-1132 to exhibit high radioactivity up to 520 MBq/nmol. In mice bearing BxPC3 tumors, immuno-SPECT/CT imaging of [111 In]In-TE-1132 and the biodistribution of [177 Lu]Lu-TE-1132 showed selective tumor accumulation. Single and multiple doses of [177 Lu]Lu-TE-1132 effectively inhibited the BxPC3 tumor growth and prolonged the survival of mice with no irreversible body weight loss or hematopoietic damage. The adequate pharmacokinetic parameters, prominent tumor accumulation, and efficacy with good safety in mice encourage the further investigation of theranostic TE-1132 for treating pancreatic cancer.- Published
- 2023
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33. Modeling of the Spatial Distribution of Forest Carbon Storage in a Tropical/Subtropical Island with Multiple Ecozones.
- Author
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Chang TW, Chen GF, and Chang KH
- Abstract
Visual data on the geographic distribution of carbon storage help policy makers to formulate countermeasures for global warming. However, Taiwan, as an island showing diversity in climate and topography, had lacked valid visual data on the distribution of forest carbon storage between the last two forest surveys (1993-2015). This study established a model to estimate and illustrate the distribution of forest carbon storage. This model uses land use, stand morphology, and carbon conversion coefficient databases accordingly for 51 types of major forests in Taiwan. An estimation in 2006 was conducted and shows an overall carbon storage of 165.65 Mt C, with forest carbon storage per unit area of 71.56 t C ha
-1 , where natural forests and plantations respectively contributed 114.15 Mt C (68.9%) and 51.50 Mt C (31.1%). By assuming no change in land use type, the carbon sequestration from 2006 to 2007 by the 51 forest types was estimated to be 5.21 Mt C yr-1 using historical tree growth and mortality rates. The result reflects the reality of the land use status and the events of coverage shifting with time by combining the two forest surveys in Taiwan.- Published
- 2023
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34. Glucagon-like peptide 1 therapy as an adjunct treatment after bariatric metabolic surgery: Preliminary experience from an East-Asian medical center.
- Author
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Chang TW, Huang IY, Huang CK, and Chang PC
- Subjects
- Humans, Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 metabolism, Bariatric Surgery, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Abstract
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2023
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35. Association of Systemic Sclerosis With Incident Clinically Evident Heart Failure.
- Author
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Lin CY, Chen HA, Chang TW, Hsu TC, and Su YJ
- Subjects
- Humans, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Proportional Hazards Models, Incidence, Heart Failure diagnosis, Heart Failure epidemiology, Heart Failure complications, Scleroderma, Systemic diagnosis, Scleroderma, Systemic epidemiology, Scleroderma, Systemic complications
- Abstract
Objective: Primary myocardial involvement is an important cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Subclinical diastolic/systolic heart dysfunction is recognized; however, whether this indicates a subsequent increased risk of clinically overt heart failure (HF) remains largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the risk of clinically overt HF in a large, unselected SSc cohort., Methods: This matched, retrospective cohort study was conducted using a nationwide insurance database in Taiwan. Incident SSc patients with no history of HF were identified, and non-SSc comparison groups were selected and matched to the SSc groups by age, sex, and cohort entry time. The cumulative HF incidence was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for HF hospitalization., Results: A total of 1,830 SSc patients and 27,981 controls were identified. The cumulative incidence of hospitalized HF at 3, 5, and 10 years among patients with SSc were 3.5%, 5.3%, and 9.7%, respectively. Compared with non-SSc individuals, SSc patients had an increased risk of HF (adjusted HR 3.26 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.49-4.28]). Subgroup analyses revealed that the impact of SSc on the occurrence of HF was greater among patients ages <50 years than those ages ≥50 years (HR 7.8 [95% CI 4.03-15.1] versus HR 2.78 [95% CI 2.06-3.76])., Conclusion: SSc is associated with a markedly higher risk of clinically evident HF and not asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction alone. These findings provide real-world evidence suggesting the use of appropriate screening strategies to detect these lethal complications early in SSc., (© 2022 American College of Rheumatology.)
- Published
- 2023
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36. Endovascular Treatment for Spontaneous bilateral carotid artery dissection with acute ischemic stroke: A Case Report with automated postprocessing CT perfusion findings and Review of the Literature.
- Author
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Yen PS, Lin YH, Chang TW, and Yang CP
- Subjects
- Middle Aged, Humans, Stents adverse effects, Carotid Artery, Common, Tomography, X-Ray Computed adverse effects, Perfusion adverse effects, Ischemic Stroke complications, Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection complications, Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection diagnostic imaging, Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection therapy, Carotid Stenosis complications, Stroke complications, Stroke diagnostic imaging, Aortic Dissection
- Abstract
Carotid artery dissection (CAD) is a common cause of stroke, accounting for up to 25% of all ischemic strokes in young and middle-aged patients. CAD should be considered in young patients with unexplained head and neck pain, with or without focal neurological symptoms and signs. While the clinical features may raise suspicion for CAD, the diagnosis is confirmed by its typical neuroimaging findings. Meanwhile, simultaneous spontaneous dissection of the bilateral carotid artery has rarely been reported. We herein describe a clinically challenging case of a simultaneous bilateral CAD that was successfully treated with bilateral carotid artery stenting (CAS). The patient recovered satisfactorily after completing the whole course of treatment. Keywords: Acute stroke, Bilateral Spontaneous carotid artery dissection, Endovascular treatment.
- Published
- 2023
37. Why Do Employees Show Pro-Environmental Behaviors? A Perspective of Environment Social Responsibility.
- Author
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Lee SC, Huang SYB, Hu L, and Chang TW
- Abstract
This research uses social identity theory to propose that environmental social responsibility perceptions influence green commitment, and then influence pro-environmental behaviors, which are moderated by institutional pressure. Data were collected from 100 employees of technology firms in Taiwan, and the results support all hypotheses. This research chose technology firms as empirical data because Taiwan's technological level is known to the world, which can reduce sampling errors caused by the lack of environmental knowledge. Finally, this research not only advances the literature on sustainability issues in organizational management but also provides a paradigm to help firms implement pro-environmental behaviors to achieve competitive advantage and sustainable development goals.
- Published
- 2023
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38. Using a continuous electrocardiographic patch with heart rhythm analysis in the subacute stage of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: The feasibility verification.
- Author
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Wang HP, Chen CC, Lee CC, Chen CT, Chang TW, Yeap MC, Liu YT, Hsieh PC, Wu MH, Liu ZH, and Wang YC
- Subjects
- Humans, Feasibility Studies, Prognosis, Electrocardiography, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage complications
- Abstract
Objective: Continuous cardiac monitoring on patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is difficult out of intensive care unit (ICU) in the subacute stage. Therefore, we verified the feasibility of a novel electrocardiography (ECG) patch device to record long-term heart rhythm., Methods: The ECG patches were applied on aSAH patients during their stay in general ward. Any types of significant arrythmia were identified, and heart rate variability (HRV) measures were calculated in time and frequency domains. We analyzed the correlation between heart rhythm with Hunt and Hess scale and modified Fisher scale as well as the occurrence of secondary complications., Results: Twenty-six patients used the devices on median day 6 after aSAH onset, with put on and take down time average as 137 s and 45 s, respectively. Mean record time was 221.7 h, and no adverse event presented within the period. Hunt and Hess II/III subgroup had higher percentage of HRV high frequency band than IV/V subgroup (9.1 % vs 3.5 %, p = 0.043), whereas ultra low frequency band presented more in the later subgroup (50.4 % vs 61.4 %, p = 0.035). The very low frequency percentage significantly decreased (p = 0.025) at an average of 3 days prior to the occurrence of secondary complications compared to the days without complications., Conclusion: For aSAH patients in general ward during subacute stage, the ECG patch is a safe and feasible tool. The correlation of long-term heart rhythm with prognosis is worthy to be investigated on larger sample size using this device in the future., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Statement The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
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39. Diastole/Body Mass Index Ratio Can Predict Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Metastasis in Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma.
- Author
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Chiang HH, Chang PC, Chang TW, Chen KH, Liu YW, Li HP, Chou SH, and Chang YT
- Abstract
Background: According to recent animal models for lung adenocarcinoma metastasis, cardiac function may be related to the clinical outcome. The aim of this study is to identify a predictable index for postoperative metastasis (POM) that is associated with cardiac function., Methods: Two hundred and seven consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic resection for stage I lung adenocarcinoma were included. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and patients' clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed., Results: Among the 207 patients, 17 cases demonstrated metastasis, 110 cases received a preoperative echocardiogram, and six cases had POM. Mitral valve peak A velocity, which is one of the left ventricular diastolic function parameters affected by BMI (MVPABMI), was associated with a negative factor for POM (hazard ratio (HR): 2.139, p = 0.019) and a poor 5-year DFS in the above median (100% vs. 87%, p = 0.014). The predictable rate increased from 30.7% to 75% when the MVPABMI was above the median = 3.15 in the solid subtype)., Conclusions: MVPABMI is a novel index for POM prediction in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. This is a pilot study and the first attempt at research to verify that the diastole and the BMI may be associated with POM in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.
- Published
- 2023
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40. SENS+: A Co-Existing Fabrication System for a Smart DFA Environment Based on Energy Fusion Information.
- Author
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Chang TW, Huang HY, Hong CC, Datta S, and Nakapan W
- Abstract
In factories, energy conservation is a crucial issue. The co-fabrication space is a modern-day equivalent of a new factory type, and it makes use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as sensors, software, and online connectivity, to keep track of various building features, analyze data, and produce reports on usage patterns and trends that can be used to improve building operations and the environment. The co-fabrication user requires dynamic and flexible space, which is different from the conventional user's usage. Because the user composition in a co-fabrication space is dynamic and unstable, we cannot use the conventional approach to assess their usage and rentals. Prototyping necessitates a specifically designed energy-saving strategy. The research uses a "seeing-moving-seeing" design thinking framework, which enables designers to more easily convey their ideas to others through direct observation of the outcomes of their intuitive designs and the representation of their works through design media. The three components of human behavior, physical manufacture, and digital interaction are primarily the focus of this work. The computing system that connects the physical machine is created through communication between the designer and the digital interface, giving the designer control over the physical machine. It is an interactive fabrication process formed by behavior. The Sensible Energy System+ is an interactive fabrication process of virtual and real coexistence created by combining the already-existing technology, the prototype fabrication machine, and SENS. This process analyzes each step of the fabrication process and energy, fits it into the computing system mode to control the prototype fabrication machine, and reduces the problem between virtual and physical fabrication and energy consumption.
- Published
- 2023
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41. Influence of Wobble-Based Scanning Strategy on Surface Morphology of Laser Powder Bed-Fabricated Permalloy.
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Huang TY, Cheng CW, Lee AC, Chang TW, and Tsai MC
- Abstract
Surface roughness quality is still a significant problem in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. This study proposes a wobble-based scanning strategy to improve the insufficiencies of the traditional scanning strategy with regard to surface roughness. A laboratory LPBF system with a self-developed controller was used to fabricate Permalloy (Fe-79Ni-4Mo) with two scanning methods: traditional line scanning (LS) and the proposed wobble-based scanning (WBS). This study investigates the influences of these two scanning strategies on porosity and surface roughness. The results imply that WBS can maintain higher surface accuracy than LS, and the surface roughness can be reduced by about 45%. Furthermore, WBS can produce periodic surface structures arranged in fish scales or parallelograms with appropriate parameters.
- Published
- 2023
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42. eHealth Intervention via LINE® Social Media as an Adjunct for Postoperative Care After Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery: Single Institution Experience.
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Huang YW, Hsu KF, Chang TW, Huang CK, Chuang HY, Lai CH, and Chang PC
- Subjects
- Humans, Retrospective Studies, Postoperative Care, Aftercare, Pandemics, Weight Loss, Patient Discharge, Gastrectomy, Postoperative Complications surgery, Obesity, Morbid surgery, Social Media, COVID-19 epidemiology, Bariatric Surgery, Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopy, Telemedicine
- Abstract
Purpose: Applying eHealth interventions via social media is common in modern medicine. LINE® is a popular communication app in Taiwan that can deliver messages 24 h a day. In addition to being free of charge, it also allows bariatric nurses (BNs) and patients to enjoy bidirectional communication via telecommunication services instead of direct, face-to-face contact for patients undergoing bariatric-metabolic surgery (BMS). We conducted this retrospective study to determine the frequency and reasons for early post-discharge of LINE® messages/calls and investigate the relationship between this frequency and contents of these messages and postoperative outcomes after BMS., Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted in an Asian weight management center. The study period ran from August 2016 to December 2021, and a total of 143 native patients with severe obesity were enrolled. All patients were informed of the necessity of a postoperative dietitian consultation before bariatric surgery. The patterns of LINE® communication with the BN and associated actions to resolve patients' needs within 180 days after index BMS were analyzed., Results: Among the 143 enrolled patients, 100 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 43 underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A total of 1205 messages/calls were analyzed concomitantly; most LINE® communications focused on diet problems (47.97%; n = 578), weight problems (11.54%; n = 139), and medications (9.21%; n = 111). Most problems could be resolved by LINE® communications directly, and only a small portion (5.6%) was directed to local clinics or emergency departments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the usage of LINE® communications significantly increased (12.2 ± 10.4 vs. 6.4 ± 4.9; p < 0.01); nonetheless, a higher frequency of LINE® communications would not hinder the regular clinic visits (r = 0.359; p = 0.01)., Conclusion: Based on our limited experience, the LINE® consultation service operated by the BN could effectively address patients' problems. Moreover, it might reduce the need for emergency department visits or unexpected clinic appointments for patients after BMS., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)
- Published
- 2023
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43. Symptomatic Gastric Outlet Stenosis After Gastric Clip Removal.
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Hung SQ, Chang TW, and Chang PC
- Subjects
- Constriction, Pathologic etiology, Constriction, Pathologic surgery, Humans, Surgical Instruments adverse effects, Gastric Outlet Obstruction, Obesity, Morbid surgery
- Published
- 2021
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44. Middle cerebral artery infarction, A rare complication of intracranial cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and literature review.
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Li YC, Tseng CC, Chien SC, Huang SH, Chang TW, Chen CT, Tu PH, Liu ZH, and Huang YC
- Abstract
Background: This report presents the first case of intracranial cryptococcoma arising from the right frontal lobe causing right middle cerebral artery infarction. Intracranial cryptococcomas usually occur in the cerebral parenchyma, basal ganglia, cerebellum, pons, thalamus, and choroid plexus; they may mimic intracranial tumors, but seldom cause infarction. Of the 15 cases of pathology-confirmed intracranial cryptococcomas in the literature, no case has been complicated by middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. Here, we discuss a case of intracranial cryptococcoma with an ipsilateral middle cerebral artery infarction., Case Description: A 40-year-old man was referred to our emergency room due to progressive headaches and acute left hemiplegia. The patient was a construction worker with no history of avian contact, recent travel, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Brain computed tomography (CT) showed an intra-axial mass, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) delineated a large mass of 53 mm in the right middle frontal lobe and a small lesion of 18 mm in the right caudate head, with marginal enhancement and central necrosis. A neurosurgeon was consulted in view of the intracranial lesion, and the patient underwent en-bloc excision of the solid mass. The pathology report later identified a Cryptococcus infection rather than malignancy. The patient underwent 4 weeks of postoperative treatment with amphotericin B plus flucytosine; he then received subsequent oral antifungal treatment for 6 months, and had neurologic sequelae that manifested as left side hemiplegia., Conclusion: Diagnosis of fungal infections in the CNS remains challenging. This is especially true of Cryptococcus CNS infections that present as a space-occupying lesion in an immunocompetent patient. A Cryptococcus infection should be considered in the differential diagnoses in patients with brain mass lesions, as this infection can be misdiagnosed as a brain tumor., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Li, Tseng, Chien, Huang, Chang, Chen, Tu, Liu and Huang.)
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- 2023
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45. Cement embolism in the right ventricle.
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Tseng CC, Chang PC, and Chang TW
- Subjects
- Humans, Heart Ventricles diagnostic imaging, Bone Cements adverse effects, Embolism diagnostic imaging, Embolism etiology, Pulmonary Embolism diagnostic imaging
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Nurses' views on the provision of physical healthcare for individuals with comorbid mental illness and chronic disease.
- Author
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Tzeng WC, Su PY, Yeh SH, Chang TW, Lin CH, and Feng HP
- Subjects
- Humans, Attitude of Health Personnel, Cross-Sectional Studies, Chronic Disease, Mental Disorders complications, Mental Disorders therapy, Nurses
- Abstract
The prevalence of chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) continues to increase among patients with mental illness. This cross-sectional study investigated the factors affecting nurses' views on the provision of physical healthcare to patients with comorbid mental illness and chronic disease. In total, 369 nurses working in mental health were assessed for the physical healthcare attitudes and practices using the Physical Health Attitude Scale for Mental Health Nurses. The results of generalized linear modelling indicated that nurses' involvement in physical healthcare was associated with psychiatric mental health nurse credentials (B = 1.560, 95% CI = 0.292-2.828, P = 0.016) and their confidence in delivering physical healthcare was associated with prior physical healthcare training (B = 0.639, 95% CI = 0.104-1.174, P = 0.019). In addition, the frequency with which the nurses engaged in physical healthcare practices was associated with working in a community unit (B = -7.416, 95% CI = -9.652 to -5.180, P < 0.001), involvement in physical healthcare (B = 0.349, 95% CI = 0.162-0.535, P < 0.001), and confidence in delivering physical healthcare (B = 1.148, 95% CI = 0.776-1.519, P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that interventions aiming to help nurses assess and improve their own physical healthcare practices should consider nurses' background and patients' physical health needs in various settings and focus on cultivating an organizational culture that gives nurses confidence in providing physical healthcare., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)
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- 2023
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47. Current levels and composition profiles of microplastics in irrigation water.
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Jiang JJ, Hanun JN, Chen KY, Hassan F, Liu KT, Hung YH, and Chang TW
- Subjects
- Plastics analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Water analysis, Lakes analysis, China, Microplastics, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
Land-based sources have been considered the most important sources of microplastic pollution to the coastal and marine environment. The number of research studies examining microplastic pollution in freshwater and inland water systems is increasing, but most research focuses on rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. This study investigated the spatial-temporal distribution, characteristics, sources, and risks of microplastics in irrigation water in Taiwan. The results showed that microplastics were widely and unevenly distributed along the irrigation system and were abundant at sites surrounded by a dense population and sites that received lateral canal and urban runoff input. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 1.88 items/L to 141 items/L, and samples collected in May had the highest microplastic concentrations. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene were identified as the predominant polymers. Fibers (36-64%) were the most typical and abundant shape, and 333-1000 μm size (49-63%) and white/transparent (45-51%) were the dominant size and colors among all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to assess the impact of the rainy season and typhoons and addressed the dramatic changes in distinct population densities. The polymer risk index was calculated to evaluate the environmental risk of microplastics in irrigation water, and the results revealed a high microplastic risk throughout the year except in November and January. This study provided a valuable reference and impetus for a better understanding of the microplastic profile and source apportionment in irrigation water, which was important for environmental management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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48. How Does Sustainable Leadership Affect Environmental Innovation Strategy Adoption? The Mediating Role of Environmental Identity.
- Author
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Hu L, Chang TW, Lee YS, Yen SJ, and Ting CW
- Subjects
- Commerce, Social Identification, Creativity, Leadership, Sustainable Development
- Abstract
This paper uses social identity theory to develop an environmental identity theory and interpret why sustainable leadership can influence environmental identity, which in turn, results in environmental innovation strategy (EIS) adoption. Data were collected from 90 samples of technology manufacturing firms in Taiwan, and a latent growth curve model was employed to analyze the longitudinal data. The research results confirm all hypotheses. Mediating analysis also supports the environmental identity as a mediating role between sustainable leadership and EIS. Indeed, past studies have not explored the mechanism studied in this paper, a novel mechanism which can not only advance the literature on sustainable development but also help companies to realize sustainable development through environmental innovation strategy adoption.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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49. Impact of Diabetic Hyperglycemia on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Following Traumatic Brain Injury.
- Author
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Tseng CC, Huang YC, Tu PH, Yip PK, Chang TW, Lee CC, Chen CC, Chen NY, and Liu ZH
- Subjects
- Humans, Risk Factors, Glucose, Retrospective Studies, Diabetes Mellitus epidemiology, Hyperglycemia etiology, Brain Injuries, Traumatic complications, Brain Injuries, Traumatic surgery
- Abstract
Aim: To identify the effect of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Taiwan., Material and Methods: Data from the trauma registry in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan were collected and reviewed. Several clinical characteristics and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The trauma databank includes 3090 patient medical records, of which 475 patients were identified as having DM. Because several baseline characteristics of patients with TBI in the DM group differed from those in the non-DM group, we performed propensity score matching to eliminate confounding factors., Results: After propensity score matching, 895 patients with TBI comprised the non-DM group, and no significant differences were noted in the baseline characteristics between groups. Patients in the DM group had more craniotomies, longer hospital stays, and longer ICU stays. We also segmented the DM group into two subgroups based on survival status. Compared with the survivor group, the nonsurvivor group had a significantly higher serum glucose level. Furthermore, patients with DM were divided into four subgroups according to their serum glucose level. The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in the subgroup with glucose levels greater than 200mg/dL than in the other subgroups. A receiver-operating-characteristic analysis revealed that the ability of serum glucose level to predict in-hospital mortality was modest, with an area under the curve of 0.641 and an associated optimal cutoff of 206 mg/dl., Conclusion: DM should be considered a risk factor for patients with TBI receiving neurosurgical intervention and a predictor of longer hospitalization and stay in an intensive care unit. Moreover, in patients with TBI with DM, higher admission serum glucose levels are associated with a higher in-hospital mortality rate.
- Published
- 2023
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50. Comprehensive assessment of the impact of land use and hydrogeological properties on the groundwater quality in Taiwan using factor and cluster analyses.
- Author
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Liang CP, Lin TC, Suk H, Wang CH, Liu CW, Chang TW, and Chen JS
- Subjects
- Cluster Analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Fertilizers analysis, Nitrates analysis, Nitrogen Oxides analysis, Taiwan, Water analysis, Arsenic analysis, Groundwater chemistry, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
This study aims at making a comprehensive assessment of the impact of land use and the hydrogeological properties on groundwater quality. First, factor analysis (FA) is applied to reveal the main pollutant sources and hydrogeological processes controlling the groundwater quality. FA identifies the four most important factors. Factor 1 (seawater salinization) is characterized by a medium loading of land use type of aquaculture. It is recognized that the high scores for factor 1 in coastal areas are due to over-pumping from aquafarms. Focused land use management is required to prevent saline-water intrusion in coastal aquifers. Factor 3 (nitrate pollution) shows high correlations with the land use type of fruit farming and the gravel thickness in unsaturated layers. High scores for factor 3 are also found in the proximal area of the Chuoshui River Alluvial Fan and the northeastern mountain area in the Pingtung Plain. Fruit farmers should be educated to reduce the application of fertilizers and promote the organic fruit farming. The impacts of land use and the hydrogeological properties on both Factor 2 (arsenic enrichment) and Factor 4 (reductive dissolution of Fe
2+ and Mn2+ ) are negligible. Second, cluster analysis (CA) is performed on computed scores of the four main factors to separates 123 monitoring wells into cluster 1 (low polluted zone), cluster 2 (nitrate polluted zone) and cluster 3 (hybrid polluted zone). The results obtained from CA provide practical applications such as reduce agrichemical use in the areas of cluster 2 and enforce intensive monitoring in the prioritizing areas of cluster 3. This study successively uses the FA and CA to extract the meaningful information present by geographical visualization of scores for 4 main factors and 3 distinct clusters zones. The results are essential for formulating sound groundwater resource and land use management policies to ensure groundwater sustainability., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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