110023 research outputs found
Sort by
In Vitro Antimicrobial Potential of CAPE and Caffeamide Derivatives against Oral Microbes
No full text[[abstract]]Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural component isolated from propolis and used in traditional medicine. We aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties and action mechanism of CAPE and caffeamide derivatives (26G and 36M) against oral disease microbes. We resolved the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 26G and 36M and their stability at different temperatures and pH. We also evaluated their effect on biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance gene expression in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Our results revealed that 26G and 36M showed the best anticancer and antimicrobial activities, respectively, compared with the other four caffeamide derivatives. Both 26G and 36M showed heat-dependent decreases in antimicrobial activity. The 36M derivative was stable irrespective of pH, whereas 26G was not stable under high pH conditions. Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance-related gene expression were consistent with their respective phenotypes. This study provides evidence for the potential application of CAPE and caffeamide derivatives in dental medicine to cure or prevent oral diseases
視覺錯視之群化概念探究數位藝術敘事文本研究
No full text[[abstract]]數位藝術是視覺影像化電腦技術的藝術表現。始自於一種概念與視覺群化現象所產生的構成現象，經由數位影像技術整合轉化成數位藝術作品。而數位化科技環境趨勢下，視覺影像設計創作已經具備多元化數位藝術的概念呈現。本研究旨在試圖探索設計教育中視覺錯視之群化創作概念，運用「完形心理（Gestalt Psychology）」的原理深入解析數位藝術教育環境的敘事文本存在的價值性。並透過視覺錯視文本的深度訪談，及紮根理論的文本分析作為理論基礎，再配合相關文獻佐證之。本研究利用質性訪談5位設計教育專家學者之資料分析，並以軟體NVivo歸納編碼詮釋。最後整合文獻、理論及研究結果，建立設計教育之數位影像創作之參考。本研究結果發現：1.視覺錯視群化概念，是需透過故事性與表現形式的相互結合將一連串的視覺經驗以感知符碼加以呈現。2.完形心理原則透過作品的媒介傳達「視覺原理」，並能達到感知與認知的交流。3.文本聚類分析導向說明，從單詞相似性交叉比對，驗證相關係數之顯著性與解釋，在完形心理敘事文本構面有極高的顯著性。4.數位藝術設計藝術觀點，是以數位藝術表現藉由電腦?位技術的幫助，能發揮其表現上的優勢，並發現設計教育之數位影像創作之六點結論；其運用數位化創作則不限制對象、目標或相關主題，而教學與授課則都須利用媒體的特徵和實用價值。[[abstract]]Digital art is a child of visual imaging computer technology. It starts with concepts developed from visual grouping and is then transformed into a digital artwork that integrates digital imaging technology. Today with the overall strong digital technology support, the field of visual image design is able to utilize highly digitalized means for the development of their many artistic concepts. This research aims to explore the possibility of visual illusion techniques in design education. According to ?Gestalt Psychology,? the research may help shed light on measuring the value of narrative text in the digital art classroom. Using visual illusion text as research means in in-depth interviews, the research adopts text analysis models based on grounded theory, and relevant supportive literature for the interpretation of the research participants' responses. In addition, this research interviews 5 design education experts and scholars for additional supportive evidence from the perspective of educators' sides. Notably, the research uses NVivo for the collection and interpretation of the data. The research aims at establishing a referencing point for educators in providing more effective design education, while students who refer to this research may better respond to one's creativity in their creative works. Conclusions: 1. Visual illusion grouping requires visual experiences and storytelling to help realize one's artistic expression. 2. The Gestalt theoretical principles tell us that the ?visual principle? through art works may help heighten one's perception and cognition. 3. The text clustering analysis may lead to further explanation in details. Cross-comparison of similar words shows us more on the significance and interpretation of the correlation the research proposes. It demonstrates to us that the research result derived from textual aspect analysis corresponds to the mental narrative according to the Gestalt theory. 4. With the help of computer and digital technology, the application of the research results may benefit digital art design education. Through the analysis as proposed on the digital art expressions, the research finds its way to six conclusive points. Without limiting themes or subjects, an educator may find it valuable in their classroom in working with students working on digital image works the ideas proposed in this research, some very practical and revealing tools for art educators
Novel application of rhein and its prodrug diacerein for reversing cancer-related multidrug resistance through the dual inhibition of P-glycoprotein efflux and STAT3-mediated P-glycoprotein expression
No full text[[abstract]]Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a multifactorial issue in cancer treatment. Drug efflux transporters, particularly P-glycoprotein (P-gp), are major contributors to such resistance. In the present study, we evaluated the P-gp-inhibiting and MDR-reversing effects of two compounds, namely rhein, an anthraquinone, and diacerein, the acetylated prodrug of rhein. ABCB1/Flp-In-293 was used as a model for investigating the related molecular mechanisms, and the multi-drug-resistant cancer cell line KB/VIN was used as a platform for evaluating the reversal of MDR0. The results indicated that at a concentration of 2.5 μM, both diacerein and rhein significantly inhibited P-gp efflux function. They also downregulated P-gp expression by interacting with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Further investigation of the inhibitory mechanism of these compounds revealed that both stimulated P-gp ATPase activity dose dependently and engaged in the noncompetitive inhibition of rhodamine 123 efflux. Furthermore, rhein was revealed to be a potent reverser of MDR in cancer, and the combination of 30 μM rhein and 1000 nM vincristine exerted a strong synergistic effect, achieving a high combination index (CI) of 0.092. Diacerein demonstrated potential applications as a selective cytotoxic agent against multi-drug-resistant cancer cells at a concentration of > 18.92 μM and as a mild MDR reverser at doses of < 10 μM. In conclusion, diacerein and rhein are potential candidates for P-gp inhibition and MDR reversal in cancer cells
Stages of Change in Dairy Intake among Older Adults: Application of the Transtheoretical Model
No full text[[abstract]]Adequate dairy product intake can reduce the risk of chronic disease, mortality, low quality of life, and healthcare expenditure. However, the insufficient consumption of dairy products is a serious issue in Eastern societies. To the authors’ knowledge, few studies have explored dairy intake among Taiwanese older adults, especially using the transtheoretical model. The study aims were to address the following unknowns: (i) the distribution of dairy product intake behavior on stages of change (SOC); (ii) differences in variables (intake knowledge (IK), intake cons (IC), intake pros (IP), and intake self-efficacy (ISE)) among SOCs; (iii) discriminative abilities of variables on SOCs; and (iv) predictive ability of variables (IK, IC, IP, and ISE) for dairy product intake behavior on SOC for older adults. An explorative cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from northern Taiwan using a questionnaire. A total of 342 older adults were recruited. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, and multiple linear regression. There was a significant difference between the variables and SOCs. There was a better discriminant among the five SOCs. Dairy product intake behaviors were significantly associated with knowledge and self-efficacy in the pre-action stage, and with cons, pros, and self-efficacy in the post-action stage. In conclusion, appropriate nutritional empowerment could benefit older adults by improving dairy intake among the different SOCs
The Relationship between Medical Staff’s Emotional Labor, Leisure Coping Strategies, Workplace Spirituality, and Organizational Commitment during the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full text[[abstract]]Many medical issues have gradually emerged under the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not only changed the medical culture but also tested medical staffs' response abilities, emotional pressure, sense of identity, and belonging to the organization. The relationships among medical staffs' emotional labor, leisure coping strategies, workplace spirituality, and organizational commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic are explored in this study. With medical staffs as the research subjects, a questionnaire survey was conducted using convenience sampling; a total of 360 questionnaires were distributed and 330 were returned, for a recovery rate of 91%. There were 300 valid questionnaires after 30 invalid questionnaires were excluded, for an effective recovery rate of 90%. SPSS and AMOS software were used for statistical analysis. According to the research results: (1) emotional labor had a significant effect on workplace spirituality, (2) workplace spirituality had a significant impact on organizational commitment, (3) emotional labor had a negative and significant impact on organizational commitment, (4) emotional labor had a significant impact on leisure coping strategies, and (5) the mediating effect of workplace spirituality between emotional labor and organizational commitment was not significant. Finally, relevant practical suggestions are provided based on the results of this study
Changes of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Glycated Hemoglobin A1c in DiabeticMacular Edema Patients Treated by Ranibizumab and Aflibercept in the Tertiary Referral Hospital
No full text[[abstract]]Background and Objectives: Intravitreal injections (IVI) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are guideline-indicated treatments for diabetic macular edema (DME). However, some recent data have suggested that IVI VEGF inhibitors might, through systemic absorption, lead to a reduction in renal function. Our study aims to compare changes in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between patients who received IVI ranibizumab and aflibercept treatment and patients who have not received IVI treatments. Materials and Methods: There were 17,165 DME patients with documented ophthalmology visits in the China Medical University Hospital-Clinical Research Data Repository. Those with a history of ESRD or bevacizumab treatment history, and those with missing information on HbA1c or eGFR, were excluded. After matching by age (±2 years), gender, and the year of clinical visit, 154 patients with medical treatment (including ranibizumab and aflibercept) and 154 patients without medical treatment were included in the study. The difference between HbA1c and eGFR at baseline and 3 and 12 months after the index date between the two groups was assessed. Results: Mean HbA1c and eGFR decreased between baseline and 12 months after the index date in both groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the non-treatment group, the treatment group had significantly lower HbA1c 3 and 12 months after the index date. There was no significant difference in eGFR between the two groups. In the generalized estimating equations (GEE) model, HbA1c in the treatment group was lower than the non-treatment group (-0.44%, 95% CI = -0.75, -0.14), but eGFR was similar after adjusting for age, gender, and index-year. HbA1c and eGFR decreased with the time in the adjusted GEE model (p < 0.0001) in both groups. Conclusions: This study showed that eGFR decreased with age and time and was not related to IVI anti-VEGF treatments in our tertiary referral hospital. IVI anti-VEGF therapy was also associated with better HbA1c control. It is suggested that DME patients can receive intravitreal VEGF inhibitors without inducing more renal impairment
Comparison of Choroidal Thickness, Foveal Avascular Zone, and Macular Capillary Density in Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Treated with Ranibizumab or Aflibercept—A Prospective Study
No full text[[abstract]]This prospective comparative case series aims to compare best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal microvasculature, and retinal structural changes in patients treated with either ranibizumab or aflibercept for macular edema (ME) secondary to treatment-na?ve branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Ten patients were enrolled with macular capillary density of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measured in both eyes before and after treatment. Final central retinal thickness and BCVA improved significantly (p < 0.05), and densities of SCP and DCP of BRVO sectors were significantly lower at baseline than fellow eye counterparts and remained persistently lower during treatment, particularly in the aflibercept group (p < 0.05). SCP density, DCP density of both BRVO sectors (p = 0.0001, p < 0.0001), and non-BRVO sectors (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with final BCVA for diseased eyes. Using multivariate general linear model analysis, and including OCTA parameters only, but not all of the available clinical data, DCP density of BRVO sectors in both eyes was the most predictive factor for final visual outcome (probability p < 0.0001). OCTA offered further qualitative and quantitative evaluation of treatment-na?ve BRVO. Judging by OCTA parameters, not only in the diseased eye but also in the fellow eye, DCP density of BRVO sectors was the most predictive factor of final visual outcome
Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers in Predicting Treatment Outcomes of Diabetic Macular Edema After Dexamethasone Implants
No full text[[abstract]]Purpose: To identify optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers that may predict functional and anatomical outcomes in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant.
Materials and methods: Sixty-four eyes from 50 patients with DME were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT biomarkers including central retinal thickness (CRT), subretinal fluid (SRF), intraretinal cysts (IRC), ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD), disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), hard exudate (HE), hyperreflective foci (HRF), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and vitreomacular interface (VMI) changes were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Multiple logistic analysis was performed to evaluate each OCT biomarker as a predictive factor for functional and anatomical improvement at the end of treatment.
Results: The presence of SRF at baseline was associated with a favorable outcome, with CRT improving by more than 100 μm after treatment from multivariate logistic regression analysis [odds ratio 6.16 (1.75-21.6)]. In addition, baseline SRF predicted a greater CRT improvement from multiple regression analysis (model R-square 0.11, p = 0.006). The reduction of DRIL, SRF, LONLC, IRC, and EZD were correlated with better CRT improvement (more than 100 μm) (P < 0.05). SRF and EZD recovery can also predict better visual prognosis (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: OCT biomarkers can be used to predict who may benefit the most after DEX treatment. We suggest that the DEX implant should be considered as a first line treatment in DME patients with SRF
How Does Cross Cultural Mentoring Program Influence International Students’ Professional Commitment?
No full text[[abstract]]In this paper, the author describes the academic and cultural experiences of mentoring graduate students at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Academy located in Central Asia. Students from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan studied and completed their Master in Economic Governance and Regulation Program degrees entirely in the English language. Most of them held undergraduate degrees in economics or accounting and were proficient in three or more languages. Even though the academy’s program was similar to those in USA, cultural differences between Asian and Western education programs were apparent. Therefore, cross-cultural mentoring was integrated to help students create new visions and pathways for future success and to enrich mentor-student relationships across different nationalities, races, genders, ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic and socio-cultural backgrounds. The findings showed that due to the complexity of cross-cultural mentoring, mentors needed to have certain characteristics needed to develop trust between mentor and mentee. The author offers recommendations on ways that mentoring in higher education could better serve international students’ integration into the new global community
疫情期間警察人員工作倦怠、自我成就與工作滿意之調查
No full text[[abstract]]面對全球COVID-19疫情流行，警察人員配合政府防疫措施，面臨新的任務挑戰。這些挑戰可能帶給警察人員更多工作壓力與倦怠，並影響警察人員的工作滿意。本研究目的是調查疫情期間本國警察人員的工作壓力來源，並驗證社會支持、工作壓力、自我成就、工作倦怠與工作滿意之間的關係。本文蒐集603名警察人員樣本進行實證研究。研究證實，疫情期間警察人員的工作滿意受到自我成就的正向影響與工作倦怠的負向影響。工作倦怠顯著來自於職訓不足壓力、長時工作壓力與長官命令壓力，但可透過社會支持獲得緩解。自我成就的增強來自社會支持與長時工作壓力，但會受到長官命令壓力的負向影響。因此，疫情期間警察機關應充實警察人員抗疫知識與能力，並充分提供警察人員執行抗疫的防護配備與必要的防疫訓練，全面檢討人力政策與勤務及訓練活動項目，改變執勤方式與技巧，建立執勤標準作業程序，調整勤務輪替時間與人力分流安排，降低工作壓力與倦怠，提高員警自我成就與工作滿意。[[abstract]]During the COVID-19 epidemic, police have new tasks and challenges to implement the government's epidemic prevention policy. These challenges may bring more job stress and burnout to police, and affect their job satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sources of job stress of Taiwanese police during the epidemic, and to verify the relationship between social support, job stress, personal accomplishment, job burnout, and job satisfaction. This article uses a sample of 603 police of Taiwan in the empirical study. Studies have confirmed that the job satisfaction of police officers during the epidemic is positively affected by personal achievement and negatively affected by job burnout. Job burnout obviously comes from the pressure of insufficient training stress, long-term work stress and the leader's order stress, but it can be relieved through social support. The enhancement of personal achievement comes from social support and long-term work stress, but it will be negatively affected by the leader's order stress. Therefore, during the epidemic, police agencies should enrich the knowledge and ability of police officers to fight the epidemic, and comprehensively review manpower policies and services and training activities to reduce job stress and burnout, and improve police personal achievement and job satisfaction