Liang-yu Chen - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Liang-yu Chen
In vivo (Athens, Greece)
The breakage of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported to be one of the mechanisms re... more The breakage of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported to be one of the mechanisms required for tumor invasion, and the expression of MMP-7 in serum is correlated with poor prognosis of urinary bladder cancer patients. However, the role of the MMP-7 genotypes has been seldom examined among bladder cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the promoter polymorphic MMP-7 genotypes A-181G and C-153T among Taiwanese bladder cancer patients and evaluate the contribution of the genotypic variants of MMP-7 to bladder cancer risk in Taiwan. Three hundred and seventy-five bladder cancer patients and the same number of gender- and age-matched healthy controls were genotyped for A-181G and C-153T in the promoter of MMP-7 via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. The frequencies of AA, AG and GG at A-181G of the promoter of MMP-7 were 89.1, 8.8 and 2.1% in the bladder cancer patient group and 87.5, 10.9 and 1.6% in the matche...
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 2017
Background: To evaluate the predictive validity of sarcopenia defined by the Foundation for the N... more Background: To evaluate the predictive validity of sarcopenia defined by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project among Asian older adults. Methods: Data of the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study were obtained for analysis. Overall, 1,839 community-dwelling people aged 50 years and older, capable of completing a 6-m walk, with life expectancy of more than 6 months, and not institutionalized at time of data collection were enrolled for study. Data for subjects aged 65 years and older were obtained for study. The outcome measures were all-cause mortality and a composite adverse outcome which includes hospitalizations, emergency department visits, institutionalization, and falls. Results: Data of 728 eligible elderly participants (73.4 ± 5.4 years; 52.9% males) were analyzed. The prevalence of FNIH-diagnosed sarcopenia was 9.5%: 11.9% males; 6.7% females. Participants having FNIH-defined sarcopenia were considerably older, frailer, more obese, with poorer physical performance than nonsarcopenic subjects (All p < .001); during mean follow-up of 32.9 ± 8.8 months, they also had 3.8 times higher risk of dying, independent of age, sex, multimorbidity, cognitive function, and nutritional status (hazard ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.26-11.45; p = .018). Moreover, sarcopenia defined by grip strength-BMI ratio (Weak BMI) showed stronger association with composite adverse outcomes than traditional handgrip strength (hazard ratio = 1.99; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-3.93; p = .047 vs hazard ratio = 1.80; 95% confidence interval = 0.89-3.62; p = .102 in fully-adjusted model). Conclusion: Among community-dwelling older people in Taiwan, participants with FNIH-defined sarcopenia had a significantly greater risk of all-cause mortality and composite falls, emergency department visits, institutionalization, and hospitalization.
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017
Background and Purpose. The effect of acupuncture as treatment for poststroke complications is qu... more Background and Purpose. The effect of acupuncture as treatment for poststroke complications is questionable. We performed a randomized, sham-controlled double-blind study to investigate it. Methods. Patients with first-time acute stroke were randomized to receive 24 sessions of either real or sham acupuncture during an eight-week period. The primary outcome measure was change in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Secondary outcome measures included changes in Barthel Index (BI), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain scores. Results. Of the 52 patients who were randomized to receive acupuncture (n = 28) or placebo (n = 24), 10 patients in the acupuncture group and 9 patients in the placebo group failed to complete the treatment. In total, 18 patients in the acupuncture group and 15 patients in the control group completed the treatment course. Reduction in pain was signif...
Scientific reports, Jan 11, 2017
Frailty is a well-recognized geriatric syndrome with various definitions and conceptual framework... more Frailty is a well-recognized geriatric syndrome with various definitions and conceptual frameworks. This study aimed to use latent class analysis to discover potential subtypes of pre-frail and frail older people. Data from the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS), a community-based cohort study was used for analysis. Latent class analysis was applied to characterize classes or subgroups with different frailty phenotypes among ILAS participants targeting older adults aged 65 and above, capable of completing a 6-meter walk, without severe major or life threatening diseases, and not institutionalized. Latent class analysis identified three distinct subgroups with different frailty phenotypes: non-mobility-type (weight loss and exhaustion), mobility-type frailty (slowness and weakness), and low physical activity. Comparing these groups with the robust group, people with mobility-type frailty had poorer body composition, worse bone health, poorer cognitive function, lower survival (haz...
BMC infectious diseases, Mar 15, 2017
Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent viral disease that inflicts substantial morbidity and associate... more Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent viral disease that inflicts substantial morbidity and associated healthcare and socioeconomic burdens. Current treatments are not fully effective, especially among the most vulnerable patients. Although widely recommended, vaccination against HZ is not routine; barriers in Asia-Pacific include long-standing neglect of adult immunisation and sparse local data. To address knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and disseminate best practice, we reviewed recent data and guidelines on HZ from the Asia-Pacific region. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and World Health Organization databases for articles about HZ published from 1994 to 2014 by authors from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. We selected articles about epidemiology, burden, complications, comorbidities, management, prevention, and recommendations/guidelines. Internet searches retrieved additional ...
Oncology Letters, 2015
The present study reports the case of a 24-year-old female affected with primary Sjögren's syndro... more The present study reports the case of a 24-year-old female affected with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), who presented with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the submandibular gland. Reports of such cases, particularly in young patients, are very rare. The patient, who presented no oral or ocular symptoms prior to the development of the mass, underwent surgical ablation of the gland, and MALT lymphoma was diagnosed by histopathology. Since MALT lymphoma in the submandibular gland is rarely observed in otherwise healthy young females, a rheumatologist and an oncologist were consulted. Following a number of immunological tests, the results of the Schirmer's and Saxon tests were negative. However, the antinuclear antibody test revealed a speckled appearance, and there was also strong positivity for the serological markers of Sjögren's syndrome. Consequently, pSS was diagnosed, despite the fact that the patient did not fulfill all the diagnostic criteria for the disease. Therefore, MALT lymphoma in a single salivary gland should be used as a differential diagnosis for Sjögren's syndrome in young asymptomatic patients. Additionally, a multidisciplinary team is required for the treatment and management of these patients.
PloS one, 2015
Association of frailty with adverse clinical outcomes has been reported in Western countries, but... more Association of frailty with adverse clinical outcomes has been reported in Western countries, but data from the Asian population are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of frailty among community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly population and to explore its association with musculoskeletal health in Taiwan. I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS) data were retrieved for this study. Frailty was defined by the Fried's criteria; a comparison of demographic characteristics, physical performance, and body composition, including skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as recent falls, history of hip fractures and the functional status of subjects with different frailty statuses were accomplished. Overall, the data of 1,839 participants (mean age: 63.9±9.3 years, male 47.5%) were obtained for analysis. The prevalence of pre-frailty was 42.3% in men and 38.8% in women, whereas the prevalence of frailty was 6.9% and 6.7% in men and women, respectivel...
Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics, 2014
Botanical Studies
Cited By (since 1996):1, Export Date: 23 March 2014, Source: Scopus
2013 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 2013
ABSTRACT Based on the clinic data, 69 % - 80 % stroke patients in Taiwan have the muscle weakness... more ABSTRACT Based on the clinic data, 69 % - 80 % stroke patients in Taiwan have the muscle weakness symptom of upper limb. Stroke patients are able to restore their independent living if they keep formal rehabilitation without interruption. However, due to the tedious and painful process, stroke patients may pause or suspend their rehabilitation therapy. Moreover, physiatrists in Taiwan hospitals must take care of more than one patient at the same time. This paper is motivated to propose a motor assessment system for stroke upper-limb rehabilitation. Our implementation is integrated with the Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test to quantify patients' recovery status automatically. Therefore, our implementation is able to reduce the workload of physiatrists effectively. In addition to assessment scale score, the proposed system is able to record more details, e.g., the tremor status and the grip strength, for doctors to evaluate the following rehabilitation therapy. Finally, a body-sensed game is provided to increase interest to the rehabilitation process.
Molecules, 2013
Atractyloside (ATR) is found in many Asteraceae plants that are commonly used as medicinal herbs ... more Atractyloside (ATR) is found in many Asteraceae plants that are commonly used as medicinal herbs in China and other eastern Asian countries. ATR binds specifically to the adenine nucleotide translocator in the inner mitochondrial membrane and competitively inhibits ADP and ATP transport. The toxicity of ATR in medical herbs can be reduced by hydrothermal processing, but the mechanisms of ATR degradation are not well understood. In this study, GC-MS coupled with SPE and TMS derivatisation was used to detect ATR levels in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Our results suggest that ATR molecules were disrupted by decomposition, hydrolysis and saponification after heating with water (decoction) for a long period of time. Hydrothermal processing could decompose the endogenous toxic compounds and also facilitate the detoxification of raw materials used in the Chinese medicine industry.
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2014
Sarcopenia, a newly recognized geriatric syndrome, is characterized by age-related decline of ske... more Sarcopenia, a newly recognized geriatric syndrome, is characterized by age-related decline of skeletal muscle plus low muscle strength and/or physical performance. Previous studies have confirmed the association of sarcopenia and adverse health outcomes, such as falls, disability, hospital admission, long term care placement, poorer quality of life, and mortality, which denotes the importance of sarcopenia in the health care for older people. Despite the clinical significance of sarcopenia, the operational definition of sarcopenia and standardized intervention programs are still lacking. It is generally agreed by the different working groups for sarcopenia in the world that sarcopenia should be defined through a combined approach of muscle mass and muscle quality, however, selecting appropriate diagnostic cutoff values for all the measurements in Asian populations is challenging. Asia is a rapidly aging region with a huge population, so the impact of sarcopenia to this region is estimated to be huge as well. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) aimed to promote sarcopenia research in Asia, and we collected the best available evidences of sarcopenia researches from Asian countries to establish the consensus for sarcopenia diagnosis. AWGS has agreed with the previous reports that sarcopenia should be described as The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 2012
Aspergillus ficuum grown on plates and in liquid cultures were illuminated by a white fluorescent... more Aspergillus ficuum grown on plates and in liquid cultures were illuminated by a white fluorescent light and four different colour LED lights (white, blue, green and red) to evaluate the regulation of LED lights on fungal growth. Biomass conversion, pellet size and phytase activity were examined. In liquid culture, luminous intensity was highly correlated with the rate of biomass conversion but did not affect pellet size. The white fluorescent light contained several different wavelengths, and therefore, its effect on A. ficuum represents the cooperative effect of these wavelengths. Strong luminance of a white fluorescent light inhibited growth of A. ficuum mycelia on plates, whereas white LED light enhanced growth. The development of mycelia was also inhibited by blue LED light and enhanced by red LED light illumination. Investigating the effect of LED lights on the growth of A. ficuum could provide evidence on the luminous intensity that is sufficient for regulating fermentation by light.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2011
Background: Tigecycline was approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and complic... more Background: Tigecycline was approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and complicated skin/skin structure infections. Because of its in vitro effectiveness for multidrugresistant (MDR) isolates, tigecycline has been prescribed more broadly. This study evaluated tigecycline use after its first introduction in Taiwan and experience with tigecycline for the treatment of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) infection, especially for ventilatorassociated pneumonia. Methods: Patients treated with tigecycline were collected retrospectively from February 2008 to July 2008 in Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a 2,900-bed tertiary care medical center in Taiwan. Patients were divided into three groups according to the indications: Group 1, Food and Drug Administrationeapproved indications; Group 2, health careeassociated pneumonia (HAP); and Group 3, urinary tract infection, osteomyelitis, bacteremia, etc. Cases of MDRAB were also identified. Results: Among 66 cases, indications for the administration of tigecycline included Food and Drug Administrationeapproved indications (12, 18.2%), HAP (38, 57.6%), bacteremia (3, 4.5%), catheter-related infections (3, 4.5%), urinary tract infection (4, 6.1%), osteomyelitis (4, 6.1%), and others (2, 3%). Clinical outcome was positive in 20 cases, with higher clinical success rate for Group 1 than Group 2, which may correlate with higher Sequential Organ Failure
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2011
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important pathogen of nosocomial infection.... more Background: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important pathogen of nosocomial infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of poor outcome in surgical patients with A baumannii bacteremia. Methods: We retrospectively recruited a total of 50 patients who developed A baumannii bacteremia within 2 weeks after surgery during a 113-month period. The primary outcome for this study was all-cause 14-day mortality. Clinical and laboratory data, antimicrobial susceptibility, treatment, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were evaluated as possible predictors of outcome. Results: The 14-day mortality was 20% and there was no association between type of surgery and mortality. The SOFA score was the only independent predictor of 14-day mortality after adjustment for other variables. The calibration was acceptable (Hosmer-Lemeshow c 2 Z 3.65, p Z 0.72) and the discrimination was good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.80 AE 0.07, 95% confidence interval, 0.67e0.94). We found that a SOFA score !7 was a significant predictor of 14-day mortality in surgical patients with A baumannii bacteremia. Conclusions: The SOFA score assessed at the onset of bacteremia is a reliable tool for predicting 14-day mortality in surgical patients with A baumannii bacteremia.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2011
the 11-year period of the study. AGS 13TU had the highest nonsusceptible rate to colistin, compar... more the 11-year period of the study. AGS 13TU had the highest nonsusceptible rate to colistin, comparably increasing trend of carbapenem nonsusceptiblity as that of A baumannii, and is the only species with increasing sulbactam nonsusceptibility. AGS 3 had the lowest rate of nonsusceptibility to all four antimicrobial agents. Conclusion: Although A baumannii had the highest nonsusceptibility rate to imipenem, meropenem, and sulbactam over the years, the higher rate of colistin nonsusceptibility and the emergence of nonsusceptibility of carbapenems and sulbactam in AGS 13TU suggested that this species might cause a great problem in the near future.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2012
Aerococcus viridans is a rare human pathogen that occasionally causes endocarditis. Most of the r... more Aerococcus viridans is a rare human pathogen that occasionally causes endocarditis. Most of the reported cases of endocarditis have been treated with penicillin. Here we describe a patient who was allergic to penicillin and was successfully treated with cefotaxime.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2013
Patients receiving hemodialysis infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ... more Patients receiving hemodialysis infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been considered to have healthcare-associated (HA) infections, but strains with community-associated (CA) characteristics have also been identified in this population. The authors compared infections of the two strains among patients with endstage renal disease. Methods: From January 2004 to December 2008 the authors analyzed the demographic and microbiologic data of 57 patients with community-onset (defined as a positive culture obtained 48 hours after admission) MRSA bacteremia and end-stage renal disease at a 2900-bed tertiary medical center. MRSA isolate with staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type II/III was classified as HA strains, and SCCmec type IV/V as CA strains. Results: Forty-seven patients (82%) had HA-MRSA strains and 10 patients (18%) had CA-MRSA strains. The major clones of HA-MRSA were sequence type (ST) 5 with SCCmec type II and staphylococcal protein A (spa) t002 as well as ST239 carrying SCCmec type III and spa t037. The CA-MRSA strains were predominantly ST59, more susceptible to non-b-lactam antimicrobial agents, and had a higher percentage of carrying the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2015
Purpose: Candidemia is an important issue of nosocomial bloodstream infections, and is associated... more Purpose: Candidemia is an important issue of nosocomial bloodstream infections, and is associated with a high mortality rate. However, little information is available before final species identification, which takes days after the episode of candidemia. This study tried to determine whether time to positivity (TTP) for yeast helps in predicting the species of candidemia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Taiwan, which included 434 episodes of nonduplicated candidemia during the period between 2006 and 2009. The demographic features, clinical characteristics, TTP for yeast, and acute illness scores were included for analysis. Results: The mean age of patients with candidemia was 70.4 AE 15.2 years, and the 30-day crude mortality rate was 48.2%. Forty-five percent of patients suffered from shock status with a mean Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 27.0 AE 8.7 and a mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 9.7 AE 4.5, whereas 50% were admitted to the intensive care units. Candida albicans was still the most commonly identified pathogen (58.1%), followed by C. tropicalis (14.7%), C. parapsilosis (13.1%), and C. glabrata (8.3%). Results of multivariate logistic regression showed that TTP for yeast within 48 hours would more
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2013
Background: The rising incidence of non-albicans Candida (NAC) infection has been associated with... more Background: The rising incidence of non-albicans Candida (NAC) infection has been associated with a potentially adverse outcome for patients with candidemia. However, categorizing various species causing candidemia into a single NAC group might lead to inappropriate conclusions due to heterogeneity in species. Thus we examined the associated factors among patients with candidemia caused by different species. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan from 2006 to 2009. Mortality rate, demographic and clinical characteristics, albumin levels, and severity scores of acute illness of patients at the onset of candidemia were analyzed. Results: A total of 447 episodes among 418 patients were included for analysis. The overall 30-day crude mortality was 48.2%, with no significant difference between C. albicans and NAC candidemia, but apparently C. parapsilosis candidemia was associated with a lower mortality rate. Time to positivity for yeast was significantly different between species. Compared with infection involving C. albicans, more frequent use of total parenteral nutrition,
In vivo (Athens, Greece)
The breakage of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported to be one of the mechanisms re... more The breakage of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported to be one of the mechanisms required for tumor invasion, and the expression of MMP-7 in serum is correlated with poor prognosis of urinary bladder cancer patients. However, the role of the MMP-7 genotypes has been seldom examined among bladder cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the promoter polymorphic MMP-7 genotypes A-181G and C-153T among Taiwanese bladder cancer patients and evaluate the contribution of the genotypic variants of MMP-7 to bladder cancer risk in Taiwan. Three hundred and seventy-five bladder cancer patients and the same number of gender- and age-matched healthy controls were genotyped for A-181G and C-153T in the promoter of MMP-7 via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. The frequencies of AA, AG and GG at A-181G of the promoter of MMP-7 were 89.1, 8.8 and 2.1% in the bladder cancer patient group and 87.5, 10.9 and 1.6% in the matche...
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 2017
Background: To evaluate the predictive validity of sarcopenia defined by the Foundation for the N... more Background: To evaluate the predictive validity of sarcopenia defined by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project among Asian older adults. Methods: Data of the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study were obtained for analysis. Overall, 1,839 community-dwelling people aged 50 years and older, capable of completing a 6-m walk, with life expectancy of more than 6 months, and not institutionalized at time of data collection were enrolled for study. Data for subjects aged 65 years and older were obtained for study. The outcome measures were all-cause mortality and a composite adverse outcome which includes hospitalizations, emergency department visits, institutionalization, and falls. Results: Data of 728 eligible elderly participants (73.4 ± 5.4 years; 52.9% males) were analyzed. The prevalence of FNIH-diagnosed sarcopenia was 9.5%: 11.9% males; 6.7% females. Participants having FNIH-defined sarcopenia were considerably older, frailer, more obese, with poorer physical performance than nonsarcopenic subjects (All p < .001); during mean follow-up of 32.9 ± 8.8 months, they also had 3.8 times higher risk of dying, independent of age, sex, multimorbidity, cognitive function, and nutritional status (hazard ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.26-11.45; p = .018). Moreover, sarcopenia defined by grip strength-BMI ratio (Weak BMI) showed stronger association with composite adverse outcomes than traditional handgrip strength (hazard ratio = 1.99; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-3.93; p = .047 vs hazard ratio = 1.80; 95% confidence interval = 0.89-3.62; p = .102 in fully-adjusted model). Conclusion: Among community-dwelling older people in Taiwan, participants with FNIH-defined sarcopenia had a significantly greater risk of all-cause mortality and composite falls, emergency department visits, institutionalization, and hospitalization.
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017
Background and Purpose. The effect of acupuncture as treatment for poststroke complications is qu... more Background and Purpose. The effect of acupuncture as treatment for poststroke complications is questionable. We performed a randomized, sham-controlled double-blind study to investigate it. Methods. Patients with first-time acute stroke were randomized to receive 24 sessions of either real or sham acupuncture during an eight-week period. The primary outcome measure was change in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Secondary outcome measures included changes in Barthel Index (BI), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain scores. Results. Of the 52 patients who were randomized to receive acupuncture (n = 28) or placebo (n = 24), 10 patients in the acupuncture group and 9 patients in the placebo group failed to complete the treatment. In total, 18 patients in the acupuncture group and 15 patients in the control group completed the treatment course. Reduction in pain was signif...
Scientific reports, Jan 11, 2017
Frailty is a well-recognized geriatric syndrome with various definitions and conceptual framework... more Frailty is a well-recognized geriatric syndrome with various definitions and conceptual frameworks. This study aimed to use latent class analysis to discover potential subtypes of pre-frail and frail older people. Data from the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS), a community-based cohort study was used for analysis. Latent class analysis was applied to characterize classes or subgroups with different frailty phenotypes among ILAS participants targeting older adults aged 65 and above, capable of completing a 6-meter walk, without severe major or life threatening diseases, and not institutionalized. Latent class analysis identified three distinct subgroups with different frailty phenotypes: non-mobility-type (weight loss and exhaustion), mobility-type frailty (slowness and weakness), and low physical activity. Comparing these groups with the robust group, people with mobility-type frailty had poorer body composition, worse bone health, poorer cognitive function, lower survival (haz...
BMC infectious diseases, Mar 15, 2017
Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent viral disease that inflicts substantial morbidity and associate... more Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent viral disease that inflicts substantial morbidity and associated healthcare and socioeconomic burdens. Current treatments are not fully effective, especially among the most vulnerable patients. Although widely recommended, vaccination against HZ is not routine; barriers in Asia-Pacific include long-standing neglect of adult immunisation and sparse local data. To address knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and disseminate best practice, we reviewed recent data and guidelines on HZ from the Asia-Pacific region. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and World Health Organization databases for articles about HZ published from 1994 to 2014 by authors from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. We selected articles about epidemiology, burden, complications, comorbidities, management, prevention, and recommendations/guidelines. Internet searches retrieved additional ...
Oncology Letters, 2015
The present study reports the case of a 24-year-old female affected with primary Sjögren's syndro... more The present study reports the case of a 24-year-old female affected with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), who presented with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the submandibular gland. Reports of such cases, particularly in young patients, are very rare. The patient, who presented no oral or ocular symptoms prior to the development of the mass, underwent surgical ablation of the gland, and MALT lymphoma was diagnosed by histopathology. Since MALT lymphoma in the submandibular gland is rarely observed in otherwise healthy young females, a rheumatologist and an oncologist were consulted. Following a number of immunological tests, the results of the Schirmer's and Saxon tests were negative. However, the antinuclear antibody test revealed a speckled appearance, and there was also strong positivity for the serological markers of Sjögren's syndrome. Consequently, pSS was diagnosed, despite the fact that the patient did not fulfill all the diagnostic criteria for the disease. Therefore, MALT lymphoma in a single salivary gland should be used as a differential diagnosis for Sjögren's syndrome in young asymptomatic patients. Additionally, a multidisciplinary team is required for the treatment and management of these patients.
PloS one, 2015
Association of frailty with adverse clinical outcomes has been reported in Western countries, but... more Association of frailty with adverse clinical outcomes has been reported in Western countries, but data from the Asian population are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of frailty among community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly population and to explore its association with musculoskeletal health in Taiwan. I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS) data were retrieved for this study. Frailty was defined by the Fried's criteria; a comparison of demographic characteristics, physical performance, and body composition, including skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as recent falls, history of hip fractures and the functional status of subjects with different frailty statuses were accomplished. Overall, the data of 1,839 participants (mean age: 63.9±9.3 years, male 47.5%) were obtained for analysis. The prevalence of pre-frailty was 42.3% in men and 38.8% in women, whereas the prevalence of frailty was 6.9% and 6.7% in men and women, respectivel...
Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics, 2014
Botanical Studies
Cited By (since 1996):1, Export Date: 23 March 2014, Source: Scopus
2013 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 2013
ABSTRACT Based on the clinic data, 69 % - 80 % stroke patients in Taiwan have the muscle weakness... more ABSTRACT Based on the clinic data, 69 % - 80 % stroke patients in Taiwan have the muscle weakness symptom of upper limb. Stroke patients are able to restore their independent living if they keep formal rehabilitation without interruption. However, due to the tedious and painful process, stroke patients may pause or suspend their rehabilitation therapy. Moreover, physiatrists in Taiwan hospitals must take care of more than one patient at the same time. This paper is motivated to propose a motor assessment system for stroke upper-limb rehabilitation. Our implementation is integrated with the Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test to quantify patients' recovery status automatically. Therefore, our implementation is able to reduce the workload of physiatrists effectively. In addition to assessment scale score, the proposed system is able to record more details, e.g., the tremor status and the grip strength, for doctors to evaluate the following rehabilitation therapy. Finally, a body-sensed game is provided to increase interest to the rehabilitation process.
Molecules, 2013
Atractyloside (ATR) is found in many Asteraceae plants that are commonly used as medicinal herbs ... more Atractyloside (ATR) is found in many Asteraceae plants that are commonly used as medicinal herbs in China and other eastern Asian countries. ATR binds specifically to the adenine nucleotide translocator in the inner mitochondrial membrane and competitively inhibits ADP and ATP transport. The toxicity of ATR in medical herbs can be reduced by hydrothermal processing, but the mechanisms of ATR degradation are not well understood. In this study, GC-MS coupled with SPE and TMS derivatisation was used to detect ATR levels in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Our results suggest that ATR molecules were disrupted by decomposition, hydrolysis and saponification after heating with water (decoction) for a long period of time. Hydrothermal processing could decompose the endogenous toxic compounds and also facilitate the detoxification of raw materials used in the Chinese medicine industry.
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2014
Sarcopenia, a newly recognized geriatric syndrome, is characterized by age-related decline of ske... more Sarcopenia, a newly recognized geriatric syndrome, is characterized by age-related decline of skeletal muscle plus low muscle strength and/or physical performance. Previous studies have confirmed the association of sarcopenia and adverse health outcomes, such as falls, disability, hospital admission, long term care placement, poorer quality of life, and mortality, which denotes the importance of sarcopenia in the health care for older people. Despite the clinical significance of sarcopenia, the operational definition of sarcopenia and standardized intervention programs are still lacking. It is generally agreed by the different working groups for sarcopenia in the world that sarcopenia should be defined through a combined approach of muscle mass and muscle quality, however, selecting appropriate diagnostic cutoff values for all the measurements in Asian populations is challenging. Asia is a rapidly aging region with a huge population, so the impact of sarcopenia to this region is estimated to be huge as well. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) aimed to promote sarcopenia research in Asia, and we collected the best available evidences of sarcopenia researches from Asian countries to establish the consensus for sarcopenia diagnosis. AWGS has agreed with the previous reports that sarcopenia should be described as The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 2012
Aspergillus ficuum grown on plates and in liquid cultures were illuminated by a white fluorescent... more Aspergillus ficuum grown on plates and in liquid cultures were illuminated by a white fluorescent light and four different colour LED lights (white, blue, green and red) to evaluate the regulation of LED lights on fungal growth. Biomass conversion, pellet size and phytase activity were examined. In liquid culture, luminous intensity was highly correlated with the rate of biomass conversion but did not affect pellet size. The white fluorescent light contained several different wavelengths, and therefore, its effect on A. ficuum represents the cooperative effect of these wavelengths. Strong luminance of a white fluorescent light inhibited growth of A. ficuum mycelia on plates, whereas white LED light enhanced growth. The development of mycelia was also inhibited by blue LED light and enhanced by red LED light illumination. Investigating the effect of LED lights on the growth of A. ficuum could provide evidence on the luminous intensity that is sufficient for regulating fermentation by light.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2011
Background: Tigecycline was approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and complic... more Background: Tigecycline was approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and complicated skin/skin structure infections. Because of its in vitro effectiveness for multidrugresistant (MDR) isolates, tigecycline has been prescribed more broadly. This study evaluated tigecycline use after its first introduction in Taiwan and experience with tigecycline for the treatment of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) infection, especially for ventilatorassociated pneumonia. Methods: Patients treated with tigecycline were collected retrospectively from February 2008 to July 2008 in Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a 2,900-bed tertiary care medical center in Taiwan. Patients were divided into three groups according to the indications: Group 1, Food and Drug Administrationeapproved indications; Group 2, health careeassociated pneumonia (HAP); and Group 3, urinary tract infection, osteomyelitis, bacteremia, etc. Cases of MDRAB were also identified. Results: Among 66 cases, indications for the administration of tigecycline included Food and Drug Administrationeapproved indications (12, 18.2%), HAP (38, 57.6%), bacteremia (3, 4.5%), catheter-related infections (3, 4.5%), urinary tract infection (4, 6.1%), osteomyelitis (4, 6.1%), and others (2, 3%). Clinical outcome was positive in 20 cases, with higher clinical success rate for Group 1 than Group 2, which may correlate with higher Sequential Organ Failure
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2011
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important pathogen of nosocomial infection.... more Background: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important pathogen of nosocomial infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of poor outcome in surgical patients with A baumannii bacteremia. Methods: We retrospectively recruited a total of 50 patients who developed A baumannii bacteremia within 2 weeks after surgery during a 113-month period. The primary outcome for this study was all-cause 14-day mortality. Clinical and laboratory data, antimicrobial susceptibility, treatment, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were evaluated as possible predictors of outcome. Results: The 14-day mortality was 20% and there was no association between type of surgery and mortality. The SOFA score was the only independent predictor of 14-day mortality after adjustment for other variables. The calibration was acceptable (Hosmer-Lemeshow c 2 Z 3.65, p Z 0.72) and the discrimination was good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.80 AE 0.07, 95% confidence interval, 0.67e0.94). We found that a SOFA score !7 was a significant predictor of 14-day mortality in surgical patients with A baumannii bacteremia. Conclusions: The SOFA score assessed at the onset of bacteremia is a reliable tool for predicting 14-day mortality in surgical patients with A baumannii bacteremia.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2011
the 11-year period of the study. AGS 13TU had the highest nonsusceptible rate to colistin, compar... more the 11-year period of the study. AGS 13TU had the highest nonsusceptible rate to colistin, comparably increasing trend of carbapenem nonsusceptiblity as that of A baumannii, and is the only species with increasing sulbactam nonsusceptibility. AGS 3 had the lowest rate of nonsusceptibility to all four antimicrobial agents. Conclusion: Although A baumannii had the highest nonsusceptibility rate to imipenem, meropenem, and sulbactam over the years, the higher rate of colistin nonsusceptibility and the emergence of nonsusceptibility of carbapenems and sulbactam in AGS 13TU suggested that this species might cause a great problem in the near future.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2012
Aerococcus viridans is a rare human pathogen that occasionally causes endocarditis. Most of the r... more Aerococcus viridans is a rare human pathogen that occasionally causes endocarditis. Most of the reported cases of endocarditis have been treated with penicillin. Here we describe a patient who was allergic to penicillin and was successfully treated with cefotaxime.
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2013
Patients receiving hemodialysis infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ... more Patients receiving hemodialysis infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been considered to have healthcare-associated (HA) infections, but strains with community-associated (CA) characteristics have also been identified in this population. The authors compared infections of the two strains among patients with endstage renal disease. Methods: From January 2004 to December 2008 the authors analyzed the demographic and microbiologic data of 57 patients with community-onset (defined as a positive culture obtained 48 hours after admission) MRSA bacteremia and end-stage renal disease at a 2900-bed tertiary medical center. MRSA isolate with staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type II/III was classified as HA strains, and SCCmec type IV/V as CA strains. Results: Forty-seven patients (82%) had HA-MRSA strains and 10 patients (18%) had CA-MRSA strains. The major clones of HA-MRSA were sequence type (ST) 5 with SCCmec type II and staphylococcal protein A (spa) t002 as well as ST239 carrying SCCmec type III and spa t037. The CA-MRSA strains were predominantly ST59, more susceptible to non-b-lactam antimicrobial agents, and had a higher percentage of carrying the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2015
Purpose: Candidemia is an important issue of nosocomial bloodstream infections, and is associated... more Purpose: Candidemia is an important issue of nosocomial bloodstream infections, and is associated with a high mortality rate. However, little information is available before final species identification, which takes days after the episode of candidemia. This study tried to determine whether time to positivity (TTP) for yeast helps in predicting the species of candidemia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Taiwan, which included 434 episodes of nonduplicated candidemia during the period between 2006 and 2009. The demographic features, clinical characteristics, TTP for yeast, and acute illness scores were included for analysis. Results: The mean age of patients with candidemia was 70.4 AE 15.2 years, and the 30-day crude mortality rate was 48.2%. Forty-five percent of patients suffered from shock status with a mean Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 27.0 AE 8.7 and a mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 9.7 AE 4.5, whereas 50% were admitted to the intensive care units. Candida albicans was still the most commonly identified pathogen (58.1%), followed by C. tropicalis (14.7%), C. parapsilosis (13.1%), and C. glabrata (8.3%). Results of multivariate logistic regression showed that TTP for yeast within 48 hours would more
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 2013
Background: The rising incidence of non-albicans Candida (NAC) infection has been associated with... more Background: The rising incidence of non-albicans Candida (NAC) infection has been associated with a potentially adverse outcome for patients with candidemia. However, categorizing various species causing candidemia into a single NAC group might lead to inappropriate conclusions due to heterogeneity in species. Thus we examined the associated factors among patients with candidemia caused by different species. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan from 2006 to 2009. Mortality rate, demographic and clinical characteristics, albumin levels, and severity scores of acute illness of patients at the onset of candidemia were analyzed. Results: A total of 447 episodes among 418 patients were included for analysis. The overall 30-day crude mortality was 48.2%, with no significant difference between C. albicans and NAC candidemia, but apparently C. parapsilosis candidemia was associated with a lower mortality rate. Time to positivity for yeast was significantly different between species. Compared with infection involving C. albicans, more frequent use of total parenteral nutrition,