Background: Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that infrequent adopting healthy behaviors correlated with many chronic diseases. Healthy behaviors can lead to a marked reduct...Background: Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that infrequent adopting healthy behaviors correlated with many chronic diseases. Healthy behaviors can lead to a marked reduction of morbidity and mortality. Life satisfaction is an important parameter of well-being. Few studies have focused on the association between healthy behaviors and life satisfaction among adults in rural areas. Aim: To establish the determinant and modifiable lifestyle factors associated with life satisfaction among rural adults. Methods: We analyzed our previous health promotion program in a rural area in 2013 obtained from 27 villages (n = 8024) in Yunlin County, Taiwan. The assessment comprised one question assessing self-reported life satisfaction on a 5-point scale (dichotomous: low satisfaction/high satisfaction) and four domain-specific items of health-related behaviors (smoking, oral hygiene, exercise, healthy diet). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between health-related behaviors and life satisfaction adjusted for age, sex, and education. Findings: The mean age was 47.6 years (SD = 16.2), and 56.7% (n = 4551) of the participants were female. Participants with lower life satisfaction reported frequently perceived dissatisfaction with sleep quality (p < 0.001) and health status (p < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the associated risk factors for lower life satisfaction were smoking (OR = 1.20, p = 0.006), less frequently adopted healthy behaviors including dental check (OR = 1.23, p < 0.001), infrequent teeth brushing (OR = 1.12, p = 0.022), infrequent use of dental floss (OR = 1.12, p = 0.028), infrequent consumption of a balanced diet (OR = 1.64, p < 0.001), insufficient vegetable intake (OR = 1.19, p = 0.001), insufficient water intake (OR = 1.14, p = 0.009), and infrequent regular exercise (OR = 1.26, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings showed that many adults did not adopt healthy habits in their life. This study identified significant unhealthy behaviors associated with lower life satisfaction, including cigarette smoking, unhealthy diet, poor oral hygiene, and physical inactivity. The enhancement of health promotion programs to improve life satisfaction through decreasing unhealthy habits is necessary for rural adults.展开更多
BACKGROUND Despite the availability of current therapies,including oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin,for controlling the symptoms caused by high blood glucose,it is difficult to cure diabetes mellitus,especially typ...BACKGROUND Despite the availability of current therapies,including oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin,for controlling the symptoms caused by high blood glucose,it is difficult to cure diabetes mellitus,especially type 1 diabetes mellitus.AIM Cell therapies using mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)may be a promising option.However,the therapeutic mechanisms by which MSCs exert their effects,such as whether they can differentiate into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) beforetransplantation, are uncertain.METHODSIn this study, we used three types of differentiation media over 10 d to generateIPCs from human Wharton’s jelly MSCs (hWJ-MSCs). We further transplantedthe undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs and differentiated IPCs derived from them intothe portal vein of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and recorded thephysiological and pathological changes.RESULTSUsing fluorescent staining and C-peptide enzyme-linked immunoassay, we wereable to successfully induce the differentiation of hWJ-MSCs into IPCs.Transplantation of both IPCs derived from hWJ-MSCs and undifferentiated hWJMSCshad the therapeutic effect of ameliorating blood glucose levels andimproving intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. The transplanted IPCs homedto the pancreas and functionally survived for at least 8 wk after transplantation,whereas the undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs were able to improve the insulitis andameliorate the serum inflammatory cytokine in streptozotocin-induced diabeticrats.CONCLUSIONDifferentiated IPCs can significantly improve blood glucose levels in diabetic ratsdue to the continuous secretion of insulin by transplanted cells that survive in theislets of diabetic rats. Transplantation of undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs cansignificantly improve insulitis and re-balance the inflammatory condition indiabetic rats with only a slight improvement in blood glucose levels.展开更多
Many researches discussing reduced energy consumption for environmental protection focus on machine efficiency or process redesign. To optimize the machine operation time can also save the energy, and these researches...Many researches discussing reduced energy consumption for environmental protection focus on machine efficiency or process redesign. To optimize the machine operation time can also save the energy, and these researches have received great interests in recent years. This study considers three different states of machines, among processing there are two different speeds, to solve the problem of minimizing energy costs under time-of-use tariff with no tardy jobs in flexible flow shop. This problem is basically NP-hard, we proposed a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) to solve problems in reasonable timeliness. The result shows that to optimize different states of machines under time-of use tariff can reduce energy costs significantly in on-time delivery.展开更多
BACKGROUND Subarachnoid-pleural fistula(SPF)is a complex and rare condition characterized by a pathological shunt between the subarachnoid and pleural spaces.It can lead to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)...BACKGROUND Subarachnoid-pleural fistula(SPF)is a complex and rare condition characterized by a pathological shunt between the subarachnoid and pleural spaces.It can lead to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)in the pleural space,pneumocephalus,and the development of central nervous system infection.Trauma or thoracic spinal surgery are common causes of SPF,with symptoms including postural headache,consciousness status changes,and dyspnea.The combination of SPF and subdural hygroma is a severe and rare condition,with little existing literature on its clinical correlation.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of an 83-year-old male patient with traumatic SPF and bilateral frontal subdural hygroma following a fall from height.The patient initially presented with severe lower back and buttock pain.During admission,the patient developed worsening lower limb weakness and pleural effusion.Further investigation revealed the presence of subdural hygromas with mass effect,requiring emergency bilateral subdural drainage.A multidisciplinary approach was undertaken to manage this complex condition,including intervention for hypovolemic CSF status and subdural hygroma management.The pleural effusion eventually resolved and the patient attained a higher level of con-sciousness after bilateral hygroma drainage surgery.We also reviewed the present literature relating to this rare combination of medical conditions.CONCLUSION Traumatic SPF with subsequent subdural hygroma is a rare but serious combination.Although the optimal treatment strategy for this complex condition remains uncertain,our literature review suggested that a multidisciplinary approach,including intervention for hypovolemic CSF and management of the subdural hygroma,is the most beneficial.展开更多
Green Building involves many parties and has attracted attention recently. In this paper, the main external actors for Green Building were explored based on literature review. Then, a structured questionnaire was deve...Green Building involves many parties and has attracted attention recently. In this paper, the main external actors for Green Building were explored based on literature review. Then, a structured questionnaire was developed to facilitate systematic data collection. Finally, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was applied and “clients,” “government,” “qualified/certified materials and products suppliers,” and “good green consultants” were found to be significant external partners of Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) firms for successful delivery of Green Mark certified projects. The research findings will help AEC firms understand how to achieve competitive advantages in the Green Building market in Singapore by using external resources.展开更多
文摘Background: Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that infrequent adopting healthy behaviors correlated with many chronic diseases. Healthy behaviors can lead to a marked reduction of morbidity and mortality. Life satisfaction is an important parameter of well-being. Few studies have focused on the association between healthy behaviors and life satisfaction among adults in rural areas. Aim: To establish the determinant and modifiable lifestyle factors associated with life satisfaction among rural adults. Methods: We analyzed our previous health promotion program in a rural area in 2013 obtained from 27 villages (n = 8024) in Yunlin County, Taiwan. The assessment comprised one question assessing self-reported life satisfaction on a 5-point scale (dichotomous: low satisfaction/high satisfaction) and four domain-specific items of health-related behaviors (smoking, oral hygiene, exercise, healthy diet). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between health-related behaviors and life satisfaction adjusted for age, sex, and education. Findings: The mean age was 47.6 years (SD = 16.2), and 56.7% (n = 4551) of the participants were female. Participants with lower life satisfaction reported frequently perceived dissatisfaction with sleep quality (p < 0.001) and health status (p < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the associated risk factors for lower life satisfaction were smoking (OR = 1.20, p = 0.006), less frequently adopted healthy behaviors including dental check (OR = 1.23, p < 0.001), infrequent teeth brushing (OR = 1.12, p = 0.022), infrequent use of dental floss (OR = 1.12, p = 0.028), infrequent consumption of a balanced diet (OR = 1.64, p < 0.001), insufficient vegetable intake (OR = 1.19, p = 0.001), insufficient water intake (OR = 1.14, p = 0.009), and infrequent regular exercise (OR = 1.26, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings showed that many adults did not adopt healthy habits in their life. This study identified significant unhealthy behaviors associated with lower life satisfaction, including cigarette smoking, unhealthy diet, poor oral hygiene, and physical inactivity. The enhancement of health promotion programs to improve life satisfaction through decreasing unhealthy habits is necessary for rural adults.
基金Taipei Veterans General Hospital,No.V106B-024Yen Tjing Ling Medical Foundation,No.CI-106-20+1 种基金Cheng Hsin General Hospital,No.CY10716Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology,No.MOST 105-2314-B-010-010-MY3 and No.MOST 106-2314-B-010-009
文摘BACKGROUND Despite the availability of current therapies,including oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin,for controlling the symptoms caused by high blood glucose,it is difficult to cure diabetes mellitus,especially type 1 diabetes mellitus.AIM Cell therapies using mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)may be a promising option.However,the therapeutic mechanisms by which MSCs exert their effects,such as whether they can differentiate into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) beforetransplantation, are uncertain.METHODSIn this study, we used three types of differentiation media over 10 d to generateIPCs from human Wharton’s jelly MSCs (hWJ-MSCs). We further transplantedthe undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs and differentiated IPCs derived from them intothe portal vein of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and recorded thephysiological and pathological changes.RESULTSUsing fluorescent staining and C-peptide enzyme-linked immunoassay, we wereable to successfully induce the differentiation of hWJ-MSCs into IPCs.Transplantation of both IPCs derived from hWJ-MSCs and undifferentiated hWJMSCshad the therapeutic effect of ameliorating blood glucose levels andimproving intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. The transplanted IPCs homedto the pancreas and functionally survived for at least 8 wk after transplantation,whereas the undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs were able to improve the insulitis andameliorate the serum inflammatory cytokine in streptozotocin-induced diabeticrats.CONCLUSIONDifferentiated IPCs can significantly improve blood glucose levels in diabetic ratsdue to the continuous secretion of insulin by transplanted cells that survive in theislets of diabetic rats. Transplantation of undifferentiated hWJ-MSCs cansignificantly improve insulitis and re-balance the inflammatory condition indiabetic rats with only a slight improvement in blood glucose levels.
文摘Many researches discussing reduced energy consumption for environmental protection focus on machine efficiency or process redesign. To optimize the machine operation time can also save the energy, and these researches have received great interests in recent years. This study considers three different states of machines, among processing there are two different speeds, to solve the problem of minimizing energy costs under time-of-use tariff with no tardy jobs in flexible flow shop. This problem is basically NP-hard, we proposed a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) to solve problems in reasonable timeliness. The result shows that to optimize different states of machines under time-of use tariff can reduce energy costs significantly in on-time delivery.
文摘BACKGROUND Subarachnoid-pleural fistula(SPF)is a complex and rare condition characterized by a pathological shunt between the subarachnoid and pleural spaces.It can lead to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)in the pleural space,pneumocephalus,and the development of central nervous system infection.Trauma or thoracic spinal surgery are common causes of SPF,with symptoms including postural headache,consciousness status changes,and dyspnea.The combination of SPF and subdural hygroma is a severe and rare condition,with little existing literature on its clinical correlation.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of an 83-year-old male patient with traumatic SPF and bilateral frontal subdural hygroma following a fall from height.The patient initially presented with severe lower back and buttock pain.During admission,the patient developed worsening lower limb weakness and pleural effusion.Further investigation revealed the presence of subdural hygromas with mass effect,requiring emergency bilateral subdural drainage.A multidisciplinary approach was undertaken to manage this complex condition,including intervention for hypovolemic CSF status and subdural hygroma management.The pleural effusion eventually resolved and the patient attained a higher level of con-sciousness after bilateral hygroma drainage surgery.We also reviewed the present literature relating to this rare combination of medical conditions.CONCLUSION Traumatic SPF with subsequent subdural hygroma is a rare but serious combination.Although the optimal treatment strategy for this complex condition remains uncertain,our literature review suggested that a multidisciplinary approach,including intervention for hypovolemic CSF and management of the subdural hygroma,is the most beneficial.
文摘Green Building involves many parties and has attracted attention recently. In this paper, the main external actors for Green Building were explored based on literature review. Then, a structured questionnaire was developed to facilitate systematic data collection. Finally, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was applied and “clients,” “government,” “qualified/certified materials and products suppliers,” and “good green consultants” were found to be significant external partners of Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) firms for successful delivery of Green Mark certified projects. The research findings will help AEC firms understand how to achieve competitive advantages in the Green Building market in Singapore by using external resources.
