18 results on '"Chan, Ta-Chien"'
Search Results
2. Assessment of PM2.5-associated mortality burden among the elderly: Insights into demographic, socio-economic, and geographic factors.
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Sharma, Ayushi, Hsiao, Hsi-yu, Liu, Jia-Yi, Lung, Shih-Chun Candice, Su, Huey-Jen, Shen, Ching-Fen, Chen, Nai-Tzu, Wu, Pei-Chih, Lin, Cheng-Yu, Liang, Sheng-Fu, Cheng, Tain-Junn, Chan, Ta-Chien, Tsay, Yaw-Shyan, Chung, Hsin-Ying, and Wang, Yu-Chun
- Abstract
Since long-term exposure to PM2.5 is a growing concern in Taiwan, therefore, our study aimed to investigate the association between different PM2.5 concentrations and cause-specific mortalities, as well as explore the influence of demographic, socio-economic, and geographic determinants on mortality. Utilizing a Distributed Lag Non-Linear Model (DLNM), we estimated the PM2.5-attributable mortality burden among the elderly population (above 65 years) in Taiwan from 2005 to 2018. Our analysis considered various thresholds defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the impact of PM2.5 concentrations, ranging from standard Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) levels (0–15 μg/m3) to higher interim targets (up to 80 μg/m3). Our study reveals that achieving AQG levels (< 15 μg/m3) in Taiwan could potentially prevent 5571 elderly deaths, including 889 deaths from CVDs, 934 deaths from RTIs, and 680 deaths from chronic diseases. We observed a rapid increase in attributable deaths at lower PM2.5 concentrations, with a subsequent marginal increase at higher levels of exposure. We also identified several factors that modify the effects of PM2.5 exposures among elderly. For example, we found that higher elderly population ratios and high-income households were associated with an elevated risk of PM2.5-related deaths. In contrast, higher social welfare expenditure, better availability of medical practitioners per square kilometer, and higher forest-to-land ratios were associated with positive effects, indicating their potential in reducing mortality risk. This study fills a knowledge gap by examining the health consequences of varying PM2.5 levels and explored the complex interplay between demographic, socio-economic, and geographic factors in relation to PM2.5-related mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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3. Lessons from the Largest Epidemic of Avian Influenza Viruses in Taiwan, 2015
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Chang, Ching-Fen, King, Chwan-Chuen, Wan, Cho-Hua, Chang, Yun-Cheng, Chan, Ta-Chien, Lee, Chang-Chun David, Chou, Po-Hao Borris, Li, Zheng-Rong Tiger, Li, Yao-Tsun, Tseng, Tzu-Jung, Lee, Pei-Fen, and Chang, Chuan-Hsiung
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- 2016
4. Surveillance and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases using Spatial and Temporal Lustering Methods
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Chan, Ta-Chien, King, Chwan-Chuen, Castillo-Chavez, Carlos, editor, Chen, Hsinchun, editor, Lober, William B., editor, Thurmond, Mark, editor, and Zeng, Daniel, editor
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- 2011
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5. Risk mapping of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 during 2012–2017 in Taiwan with spatial bayesian modelling: Implications for surveillance and control policies.
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Shih, Pin‐Wei, Chan, Ta‐Chien, and King, Chwan‐Chuen
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AVIAN influenza , *BAYESIAN field theory , *REGRESSION analysis , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *SENSITIVITY analysis , *POULTRY farms , *EPIDEMICS - Abstract
During 2012–2017, a total of 1,144 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 outbreaks were reported in Taiwan. We conjectured the current 3‐km radius of the post‐outbreak containment policy could fail to effectively alleviate the current ongoing epidemics of HPAI H5 in Taiwan. The high intensity of localized transmission of HPAI H5 at certain focal hotspots was identified to follow the spatial distribution of poultry‐raising locations through our hotspot analyses on the HPAI H5 outbreak locations from 2015 to 2017. We then applied 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐km circular buffer zones to 15,444 registered poultry‐raising locations to inspect the characteristics of the poultry‐raising neighbourhood. Three spatial regression models using Bayesian inference were established to infer the risks attributable to poultry‐raising characteristics in the corresponding buffer areas. The different buffer radii were treated as a sensitivity analysis of the influential range of neighbouring farms on the HPAI H5 outbreak occurrence, so as to evaluate the effective radius for post‐outbreak containment. Evidence showed that the risks of outbreak occurrence were associated with increasing numbers of poultry‐raising locations in both 3‐km (relative risk [RR] 1.005, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.002–1.008) and 5‐km buffer areas (RR 1.005, 95% CI 1.004–1.007), whereas in the 7‐km buffer model, no association between densely populated locations and increasing risks of outbreaks was observed (RR 1.000, 95% CI 0.999–1.001). Therefore, an extension to a 7‐km radius for the post‐outbreak containment policy (rather than a 3‐km radius as in the current policy) is recommended to effectively mitigate further spreading of HPAI H5 outbreaks among neighbouring farms. Overall, we demonstrated that the densely populated locations with multiple poultry species raised in proximity as defined with 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐km buffer areas facilitated H5 HPAI outbreak diffusion and shaped the scale of HPAI H5 epidemics in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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6. Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and semen quality in Taiwan
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Lao, Xiang Qian, Zhang, Zilong, Lau, Alexis K H, Chan, Ta-Chien, Chuang, Yuan Chieh, Chan, Jimmy, Lin, Changqing, Guo, Cui, Jiang, Wun Kai, Tam, Tony, Hoek, Gerard, Kan, Haidong, Yeoh, Eng-Kiong, Chang, Ly-Yun, One Health Chemisch, dIRAS RA-2, dIRAS RA-I&I RA, One Health Chemisch, dIRAS RA-2, and dIRAS RA-I&I RA
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Adult ,Male ,Adolescent ,Fine particulate ,Population ,Taiwan ,Environment ,010501 environmental sciences ,Semen analysis ,complex mixtures ,01 natural sciences ,Toxicology ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,Semen quality ,semen quality ,0302 clinical medicine ,Air Pollution ,Humans ,Medicine ,education ,Sperm motility ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Air Pollutants ,education.field_of_study ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,Sperm Count ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,sperm morphology ,business.industry ,Confounding ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Environmental Exposure ,Environmental exposure ,Middle Aged ,Sperm ,Semen Analysis ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Logistic Models ,fine particulate matter ,Sperm Motility ,Particulate Matter ,business - Abstract
ObjectivesEnvironmental exposure to chemicals has been considered a potential factor contributing to deteriorated semen quality. However, previous literature on exposure to air pollution and semen quality is inconsistent. We therefore investigated the health effects of short-term and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on semen quality in Taiwanese men from the general population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 6475 male participants aged 15–49 years who participated in a standard medical examination programme in Taiwan between 2001 and 2014. Semen quality was assessed according to the WHO 1999 guidelines, including sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility and morphology. Three-month and 2-year average PM2.5concentrations were estimated at each participant’s address using a spatiotemporal model based on satellite-derived aerosol optical depth data. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between PM2.5and semen quality.ResultsA robust association was observed between exposure to PM2.5and decreased normal morphology. Every increment of 5 µg/m3in 2-year average PM2.5was significantly associated with a decrease of 1.29% in sperm normal morphology and a 26% increased risk of having the bottom 10% of sperm normal morphology, after adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders (p3in 2-year average PM2.5was associated with an increase of 1.03×106/mL in sperm concentration and a 10% decreased risk of being the bottom 10% of sperm concentration (both p2.5.ConclusionsExposure to ambient PM2.5air pollution is associated with a lower level of sperm normal morphology and a higher level of sperm concentration.
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- 2017
7. Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cohort Study
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Chan, Ta-Chien, Zhang, Zilong, Lin, Bo-Cheng, Lin, Changqing, Deng, Han-Bing, Chuang, Yuan Chieh, Chan, Jimmy W M, Jiang, Wun Kai, Tam, Tony, Chang, Ly-Yun, Hoek, Gerard, Lau, Alexis K H, Lao, Xiang Qian, One Health Chemisch, dIRAS RA-2, dIRAS RA-I&I RA, One Health Chemisch, dIRAS RA-2, and dIRAS RA-I&I RA
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Fine particulate ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Taiwan ,010501 environmental sciences ,urologic and male genital diseases ,01 natural sciences ,Cohort Studies ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Air Pollution ,Environmental health ,Humans ,Medicine ,Longitudinal Studies ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Particle Size ,Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ,Proportional Hazards Models ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,business.industry ,Research ,Public health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Environmental Exposure ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,female genital diseases and pregnancy complications ,Female ,Particulate Matter ,business ,Cohort study ,Kidney disease - Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious global public health challenge, but there is limited information on the connection between air pollution and risk of CKD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) and the development of CKD in a large cohort. METHODS: A total of 100,629 nonCKD Taiwanese residents age 20 y or above were included in this study between 2001 and 2014. Ambient [Formula: see text] concentration was estimated at each participant's address using a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. Incident CKD cases were identified by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than [Formula: see text]. We collected information on a wide range of potential confounders/modifiers during the medical examinations. Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to calculate hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: During the follow-up, 4,046 incident CKD cases were identified, and the incidence rate was 6.24 per 1,000 person-years. In contrast with participants with the first quintile exposure of [Formula: see text], participants with the fourth and fifth quintiles exposure of [Formula: see text] had increased risk of CKD development, adjusting for age, sex, educational level, smoking, drinking, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and self-reported heart disease or stroke, with an HR [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.11 (1.02, 1.22) and 1.15 (1.05, 1.26), respectively. A significant concentration-response trend was observed ([Formula: see text]). Every [Formula: see text] increment in the [Formula: see text] concentration was associated with a 6% higher risk of developing CKD (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.10). Sensitivity and stratified analyses yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to ambient [Formula: see text] was associated with an increased risk of CKD development. Our findings reinforce the urgency to develop global strategies of air pollution reduction to prevent CKD. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3304.
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- 2018
8. Particulate matter air pollution, physical activity and systemic inflammation in Taiwanese adults
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Zhang, Zilong, Hoek, Gerard, Chang, Ly-Yun, Chan, Ta-Chien, Guo, Cui, Chuang, Yuan Chieh, Chan, Jimmy, Lin, Changqing, Jiang, Wun Kai, Guo, Yuming, Vermeulen, Roel, Yeoh, Eng-Kiong, Tam, Tony, Lau, Alexis K H, Griffiths, Sian, Lao, Xiang Qian, One Health Chemisch, dIRAS RA-2, dIRAS RA-I&I RA, One Health Chemisch, dIRAS RA-2, and dIRAS RA-I&I RA
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Taiwan ,Physical activity ,010501 environmental sciences ,Systemic inflammation ,complex mixtures ,01 natural sciences ,Gastroenterology ,Cohort Studies ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Air Pollution ,Internal medicine ,White blood cell ,medicine ,Humans ,Aerodynamic diameter ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Exercise ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Inflammation ,business.industry ,Confounding ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Middle Aged ,Confidence interval ,Chronic disease ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Cohort ,Immunology ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Particulate matter - Abstract
Background The protective effects of physical activity (PA) against chronic disease can be partially ascribed to its anti-inflammatory effects. On the other hand, long-term exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) may induce systemic inflammation. Objective To investigate the joint effects of habitual PA and long-term exposure to PM 2.5 on systemic inflammation in a large cohort of Taiwanese adults. Methods We studied 359,067 adult participants from a cohort consisting of Taiwanese residents who participated in a standard medical examination program from 2001 to 2014. Peripheral white blood cell (WBC) and differential counts were measured as indicators of systemic inflammation. Two-year average concentration of PM 2.5 was estimated at each participant‘s address using a satellite-based spatio-temporal model. Habitual PA level was assessed by questionnaire (inactive, low, moderate and high). Mixed-effects linear regression model was used to examine the associations of WBC counts with PM 2.5 and PA. Results Compared with inactive participants, those with low, moderate or high PA levels had 0.36% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31%, 0.41%], 0.70% (95%CI: 0.65%, 0.76%) and 1.16% (95%CI: 1.11%, 1.22%) lower WBC counts, respectively, after adjusting for PM 2.5 exposure and a wide range of confounders. Long-term PM 2.5 exposure was associated with increased WBC counts at all PA levels. Analyses for differential counts generated similar results. No significant interaction was observed between PA and PM 2.5 exposure ( P for interaction = 0.59). Conclusions Habitual PA was associated with statistically significant lower markers of systemic inflammation across different levels of PM 2.5 . Effects of PA and PM 2.5 exposure on systemic inflammation are independent.
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- 2018
9. Surveillance and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases using Spatial and Temporal Lustering Methods
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Chan, Ta-Chien and King, Chwan-Chuen
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Dengue ,Geographical information system ,Taiwan ,Tempo-spatial cluster methods ,Emerging infectious disease ,Article ,Spatial epidemiology ,Influenza ,Infectious disease epidemiology - Abstract
In the control of infectious diseases, epidemiologic information and useful clustering algorithms can be integrated to garner key indicators from huge amounts of daily surveillance information for the need of early intervention. This chapter first introduces the temporal, spatial and spatio-temporal clustering algorithms commonly used in surveillance systems–the key concepts behind the algorithms and the criteria for appropriate use. This description is followed by an introduction to different statistical methods that can be used to analyze the clustering patterns which occur in different epidemics and epidemic stages. Research methods such as flexible analysis of irregular spatial and temporal clusters, adjustment of personal risk factors, and Bayesian approaches to disease mapping and better prediction all will be needed to understand the epidemiologic characteristics of infectious diseases in the future.
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- 2010
10. Detecting spatio-temporal hotspots of scarlet fever in Taiwan with spatio-temporal Gi* statistic.
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Tang, Jia-Hong, Tseng, Tzu-Jung, and Chan, Ta-Chien
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SCARLATINA ,NATIONAL health insurance ,COMMUNICABLE diseases - Abstract
A resurgence of scarlet fever has caused many pediatric infections in East Asia and the United Kingdom. Although scarlet fever in Taiwan has not been a notifiable infectious disease since 2007, the comprehensive national health insurance data can still track its trend. Here, we used data from the open data portal of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. The scarlet fever trend was measured by outpatient and hospitalization rates from 2009 to 2017. In order to elucidate the spatio-temporal hotspots, we developed a new method named the spatio-temporal Gi* statistic, and applied Joinpoint regression to compute the annual percentage change (APC). The overall APCs in outpatient and hospitalization were 15.1% (95% CI: 10.3%-20.2%) and 7.7% (95%CI: 4.5% -10.9%). The major two infected groups were children aged 5–9 (outpatient: 0.138 scarlet fever diagnoses per 1,000 visits; inpatient: 2.579 per 1,000 visits) and aged 3–4 (outpatient: 0.084 per 1,000 visits; inpatient: 1.469 per 1,000 visits). We found the counties in eastern Taiwan and offshore counties had the most hotspots in the outpatient setting. In terms of hospitalization, the hotspots mostly occurred in offshore counties close to China. With the help of the spatio-temporal statistic, health workers can set up enhanced laboratory surveillance in those hotspots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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11. Satellite-based estimates of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter are associated with C-reactive protein in 30 034 Taiwanese adults
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Zhang, Zilong, Chang, Ly-Yun, Lau, Alexis K H, Chan, Ta-Chien, Chieh Chuang, Yuan, Chan, Jimmy, Lin, Changqing, Kai Jiang, Wun, Dear, Keith, Zee, Benny C Y, Yeoh, Eng-Kiong, Hoek, Gerard, Tam, Tony, Qian Lao, Xiang, LS IRAS EEPI ME (Milieu epidemiologie), dIRAS RA-2, dIRAS RA-I&I RA, LS IRAS EEPI ME (Milieu epidemiologie), dIRAS RA-2, and dIRAS RA-I&I RA
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Adult ,Male ,Satellite Imagery ,Fine particulate matter ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Epidemiology ,Fine particulate ,Population ,Taiwan ,Disease ,010501 environmental sciences ,Systemic inflammation ,01 natural sciences ,C-reactive protein ,03 medical and health sciences ,Spatio-Temporal Analysis ,0302 clinical medicine ,cardiovascular disease ,Air Pollution ,Internal medicine ,Linear regression ,medicine ,Humans ,Prospective Studies ,030212 general & internal medicine ,education ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,systemic inflammation ,education.field_of_study ,biology ,business.industry ,Confounding ,Environmental Exposure ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Confidence interval ,Cardiovascular Diseases ,Linear Models ,biology.protein ,Female ,Particulate Matter ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Biomarkers - Abstract
Background Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the biological mechanism underlying the associations remains unclear. Atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease, is a chronic inflammatory process. We therefore investigated the association of long-term exposure to fine PM (PM2.5) with C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation, in a large Taiwanese population. Methods Participants were from a large cohort who participated in a standard medical examination programme with measurements of high-sensitivity CRP between 2007 and 2014. We used a spatiotemporal model to estimate 2-year average PM2.5 exposure at each participant’s address, based on satellite-derived aerosol optical depth data. General regression models were used for baseline data analysis and mixed-effects linear regression models were used for repeated data analysis to investigate the associations between PM2.5 exposure and CRP, adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders. Results In this population of 30 034 participants with 39 096 measurements, every 5 μg/m3 PM2.5 increment was associated with a 1.31% increase in CRP [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00%, 1.63%) after adjusting for confounders. For those participants with repeated CRP measurements, no significant changes were observed between the first and last measurements (0.88 mg/l vs 0.89 mg/l, P = 0.337). The PM2.5 concentrations remained stable over time between 2007 and 2014. Conclusions Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased level of systemic inflammation, supporting the biological link between PM2.5 air pollution and deteriorating cardiovascular health. Air pollution reduction should be an important strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease.
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- 2017
12. The intersections of the care regime and the migrant care worker policy: the example of Taiwan.
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Wang, Ming Sheng and Chan, Ta-Chien
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CAREGIVERS ,FOREIGN workers ,INTERSECTIONALITY ,GOVERNMENT policy - Abstract
Employment of migrant care workers (MCWs) is increasing, globalising, and is feminised, but the style, nature and extent of MCW policy in Taiwan is very different. This study explores the specific path for MCW policies amidst the globalisation of MCWs and analyses the intersection of the care, migration and employment regimes and compares these to South Korea’s and Japan’s migrant worker policies. This gives a deeper understanding of the formation and transition for Taiwan’s MCW policy. The similarities and uniqueness of Taiwan MCW policy are discussed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
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- 2017
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13. The Critical Role of Early Dengue Surveillance and Limitations of Clinical Reporting – Implications for Non-Endemic Countries.
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Kao, Jui-Hung, Chen, Chaur-Dong, Tiger Li, Zheng-Rong, Chan, Ta-Chien, Tung, Tsung-Hwa, Chu, Yin-Hsia, Cheng, Hau-Yuan, Liu, Jien-Wei, Shih, Fuh-Yuan, Shu, Pei-Yun, Lin, Chien-Chou, Tsai, Wu-Hsiung, Ku, Chia-Chi, Ho, Chi-Kung, and King, Chwan-Chuen
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DENGUE ,PREVENTIVE medicine ,EPIDEMIOLOGY ,EPIDEMICS ,TROPICAL medicine ,PUBLIC health surveillance - Abstract
The increasing dengue burden and epidemic severity worldwide have highlighted the need to improve surveillance. In non-endemic areas such as Taiwan, where outbreaks start mostly with imported cases from Southeast Asia, a closer examination of surveillance dynamics to detect cases early is necessary. To evaluate problems with dengue surveillance and investigate the involvement of different factors at various epidemic stages, we investigated 632 laboratory-confirmed indigenous dengue cases in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan during 2009–2010. The estimated sensitivity of clinical surveillance was 82.4% (521/632). Initially, the modified serological surveillance (targeting only the contacts of laboratory-confirmed dengue cases) identified clinically unrecognized afebrile cases in younger patients who visited private clinics and accounted for 30.4% (35/115) of the early-stage cases. Multivariate regression indicated that hospital/medical center visits [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 11.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3–21.4], middle epidemic stage [aOR: 2.4 (1.2–4.7)], fever [aOR: 2.3 (2.3–12.9)], and musculo-articular pain [aOR: 1.9 (1.05–3.3)] were significantly associated with clinical reporting. However, cases with pruritus/rash [aOR: 0.47 (0.26–0.83)] and diarrhea [aOR: 0.47 (0.26–0.85)] were underreported. In conclusion, multiple factors contributed to dengue surveillance problems. To prevent a large-scale epidemic and minimize severe dengue cases, there is a need for integrated surveillance incorporating entomological, clinical, serological, and virological surveillance systems to detect early cases, followed by immediate prevention and control measures and continuous evaluation to ensure effectiveness. This effort will be particularly important for an arbovirus, such as Zika virus, with a high asymptomatic infection ratio. For dengue- non-endemic countries, we recommend serological surveillance be implemented in areas with high Aedes mosquito indices or many breeding sites. Syndromic surveillance, spatial analysis and monitoring changes in epidemiological characteristics using a geographical information system, as well as epidemic prediction models involving epidemiological, meteorological and environmental variables will be helpful for early risk communication to increase awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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14. Comparative Epidemiology of Human Infections with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses among Healthcare Personnel.
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Liu, Shelan, Chan, Ta-Chien, Chu, Yu-Tseng, Wu, Joseph Tsung-Shu, Geng, Xingyi, Zhao, Na, Cheng, Wei, Chen, Enfu, and King, Chwan-Chuen
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SARS prevention , *MIDDLE East respiratory syndrome , *EPIDEMIOLOGY , *CORONAVIRUSES , *COMPARATIVE studies , *MEDICAL personnel , *PREVENTION - Abstract
The largest nosocomial outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) occurred in South Korea in 2015. Health Care Personnel (HCP) are at high risk of acquiring MERS-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections, similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infections first identified in 2003. This study described the similarities and differences in epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 183 confirmed global MERS cases and 98 SARS cases in Taiwan associated with HCP. The epidemiological findings showed that the mean age of MERS-HCP and total MERS cases were 40 (24~74) and 49 (2~90) years, respectively, much older than those in SARS [SARS-HCP: 35 (21~68) years, p = 0.006; total SARS: 42 (0~94) years, p = 0.0002]. The case fatality rates (CFR) was much lower in MERS-HCP [7.03% (9/128)] or SARS-HCP [12.24% (12/98)] than the MERS-non-HCP [36.96% (34/92), p<0.001] or SARS-non-HCP [24.50% (61/249), p<0.001], however, no difference was found between MERS-HCP and SARS-HCP [p = 0.181]. In terms of clinical period, the days from onset to death [13 (4~17) vs 14.5 (0~52), p = 0.045] and to discharge [11 (5~24) vs 24 (0~74), p = 0.010] and be hospitalized days [9.5 (3~22) vs 22 (0~69), p = 0.040] were much shorter in MERS-HCP than SARS-HCP. Similarly, days from onset to confirmation were shorter in MERS-HCP than MERS-non-HCP [6 (1~14) vs 10 (1~21), p = 0.044]. In conclusion, the severity of MERS-HCP and SARS-HCP was lower than that of MERS-non-HCP and SARS-non-HCP due to younger age and early confirmation in HCP groups. However, no statistical difference was found in MERS-HCP and SARS-HCP. Thus, prevention of nosocomial infections involving both novel Coronavirus is crucially important to protect HCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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15. Long-term exposure to ambient fine particles and gastrointestinal cancer mortality in Taiwan: A cohort study.
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Guo, Cui, Chan, Ta-Chien, Teng, Yung-Chu, Lin, Changqing, Bo, Yacong, Chang, Ly-yun, Lau, Alexis K.H., Tam, Tony, Wong, Martin C.S., and Qian Lao, Xiang
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GASTROINTESTINAL cancer , *PARTICULATE matter , *INHALERS , *CANCER-related mortality , *AIR pollution control , *LIVER cancer , *STOMACH cancer - Abstract
• This is a large cohort study consisting of 385,650 adults aged ≥18 years in Taiwan. • PM 2.5 was associated with higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer mortality. • PM 2.5 was associated with higher risk of liver and colorectal cancers mortality. Information on the association between long-term exposure to PM 2.5 and gastrointestinal cancer mortality is scarce. This study investigated the association between long-term exposure to PM 2.5 and deaths from gastrointestinal cancer and its subtypes in adults in Taiwan. A total of 385,650 Taiwanese adults (≥18 years old) jointed a standard medical examination program between 2001 and 2014 and were followed up until 2016. Their vital data were obtained from the National Death Registry maintained by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan. We estimated the ambient PM 2.5 concentration at individual's address utilising a satellite-based spatiotemporal model at a resolution of 1 km2. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to investigate the associations between ambient PM 2.5 and deaths from gastrointestinal, stomach, colorectal and liver cancers. We found that each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 was associated with an increased hazard risk (HR) of 1.09 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.16) and 1.13 (95%CI: 1.02–1.24) in deaths from gastrointestinal and liver cancers, respectively. The association between PM 2.5 and death from colorectal cancer was marginally statistically significant [HR: 1.13 (95%CI: 1.00–1.26)]. We did not find significant associations between PM 2.5 and mortality from stomach cancer. Long-term exposure to ambient PM 2.5 was associated with an increased risk of deaths from gastrointestinal cancers, liver cancer and also potentially colorectal cancer. Air pollution control strategies are necessary to reduce the burden of gastrointestinal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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16. Taiwan's Response to Influenza: A Seroepidemiological Evaluation of Policies and Implications for Pandemic Preparedness.
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Ho, Pui-I, Liu, Wei, Li, Tiger Zheng-Rong, Chan, Ta-Chien, Ku, Chia-Chi, Lien, Yu-Hui, Shen, Yea-Huei Daphne, Chen, Juine-Ruey, Yen, Muh-Yong, Tu, Yu-Kang, Lin, Wan-Yu, Compans, Richard, Lee, Ping-Ing, and King, Chwan-Chuen
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INFLUENZA , *VACCINE effectiveness , *PANDEMICS , *H1N1 influenza , *GENERALIZED estimating equations - Abstract
To evaluate class suspension and mass vaccination implemented among Taipei schoolchildren during the 2009 influenza pandemic and investigate factors affecting antibody responses. We conducted 2 cohort studies on: (1) 972 schoolchildren from November 2009–March 2010 to evaluate pandemic policies and (2) 935 schoolchildren from November 2011–March 2012 to verify factors in antibody waning. Anti-influenza H1N1pdm09 hemagglutination inhibition antibodies (HI-Ab) were measured from serum samples collected before vaccination, and at 1 and 4 months after vaccination. Factors affecting HI-Ab responses were investigated through logistic regression and generalized estimating equation. Seroprevalence of H1N1pdm09 before vaccination was significantly higher among schoolchildren who experienced class suspensions than those who did not (59.6% vs 47.5%, p<0.05). Participating in after-school activities (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.47, p=0.047) and having ≥3 hours per week of exercise (aOR=2.86, p=0.019) were significantly correlated with H1N1pdm09 infection. Two doses of the H1N1pdm09 vaccine demonstrated significantly better antibody persistence than 1 dose (HI-Ab geometric mean titer: 132.5 vs 88.6, p=0.047). Vaccine effectiveness after controlling for preexisting immunity was 86% (32%-97%). Exercise ≥3 hours per week and preexisting immunity were significantly associated with antibody waning/maintenance. This study is the first to show that exercise and preexisting immunity may affect antibody waning. Further investigation is needed to identify immune correlates of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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17. Impact of prior infection and repeated vaccination on post-vaccination antibody titers of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strain in Taiwan schoolchildren: Implications for public health.
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Liu, Wei, Lien, Yu-Hui, Lee, Ping-Ing, Chan, Ta-Chien, Wang, Lih-Chiann, Yang, Chin-Rur, Ho, Mei-Shang, Chen, Juine-Ruey, Ku, Chia-Chi, and King, Chwan-Chuen
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INFLUENZA , *ANTIBODY titer , *VACCINE effectiveness , *VACCINATION , *SCHOOL children , *VACCINATION status - Abstract
• Prior infection and vaccination enhance post-vaccination influenza antibody responses. • Pre-vaccination antibody levels determine the effect of booster immunization. • Annual TIV vaccination for schoolchildren prevents influenza virus infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prior-infection and repeated vaccination on post-vaccination antibody titers. A(H1N1)pdm09 strain was included in 2009 pandemic monovalent, 2010–2011, and 2011–2012 trivalent influenza vaccines (MIVpdm09, TIV10/11, TIV11/12) in Taiwan. During the 2011–2012 influenza season, we conducted a prospective sero-epidemiological cohort study among schoolchildren from grades 1 – 6 in the two elementary schools in Taipei with documented A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination records since 2009. Serum samples were collected at pre-vaccination, 1-month, and 4-months post-vaccination (T1, T2, T3). Anti-A(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutination inhibition titers (HI-Ab-titers) were examined. We also investigated the impact of four vaccination histories [(1) no previous vaccination (None), (2) vaccinated in 2009–2010 season (09v), (3) vaccinated in 2010–2011 season (10v), and (4) vaccinated consecutively in 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 seasons (09v + 10v)] and pre-vaccination HI-Ab levels on post-vaccination HI-Ab responses as well as adjusted vaccine effectiveness (aVE) against serologically-defined infection from T2 to T3. TIV11/12 had zero serious adverse events reported. A(H1N1)pdm09 strain in TIV11/12 elicited seroprotective Ab-titers in 98% of children and showed promising protection (aVE: 70.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 51.0–82.1%]). Previously unvaccinated but infected children had a 3.96 times higher T2 geometric mean titer (T2-GMT) of HI-Ab than those naïve to A(H1N1)pdm09 (GMT [95% CI]: 1039.7[585.3–1845.9] vs. 262.5[65.9–1045], p = 0.046). Previously vaccinated children with seroprotective T1-Ab-titers had a higher T2-GMT and a greater aVE than those with non-seroprotective T1-Ab-titers. Repeatedly vaccinated children had lower T2-GMT than those receiving primary doses of TIV11/12. However, after controlling prior infection and T1-Ab-titers, differences in T2-GMT among the four vaccination histories became insignificant (p = 0.16). This study supports the implementation of annual mass-vaccination with A(H1N1)pdm09 in schoolchildren for three consecutive influenza seasons when vaccine and circulating strains were well matched, and found that prior infection and pre-vaccination HI-Ab levels positively impacted post-vaccination HI-Ab responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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18. Learning from the past: Taiwan's responses to COVID-19 versus SARS.
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Yen, Muh-Yong, Yen, Yung-Feng, Chen, Shey-Ying, Lee, Ting-I, Huang, Kuan-Han, Chan, Ta-Chien, Tung, Tsung-Hua, Hsu, Le-Yin, Chiu, Tai-Yuan, Hsueh, Po-Ren, and King, Chwan-Chuen
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COVID-19 , *H1N1 influenza , *SARS-CoV-2 , *VIRAL transmission , *INFECTION prevention - Abstract
• Taiwan avoided lockdowns while most citizens adopted preventive behaviors. • Public health responses to 2020 COVID-19 are more effective than those to 2003 SARS. • Facemask-wearing, hand hygiene, and immunity bundled can serve as population-blockade. • Preventive behaviors and vaccination must exceed viral transmission threshold. To evaluate the prevalence of infection prevention behaviors in Taiwan—wearing facemasks and alcohol-based hand hygiene (AHH)—and compare their practice rates during SARS and COVID-19. We surveyed 2328 Taiwanese from July 29 to August 6, 2020, assessing demographics, information sources, and preventive behaviors during the 2003 SARS outbreaks, 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1, COVID-19, and with post-survey intentions. Characteristics associated with the practice of preventive behaviors in 2020 were identified through logistic regression. Preventive behaviors were conscientiously practiced by 70.2% of participants. Compared with 2003 SARS/2009 H1N1, the percentages of facemask use (66.6% vs 99.2% [indoors], P < 0.001) and on-person AHH (44.2% vs 65.4% [hand sanitizers], P < 0.001) significantly increasedduring 2020 COVID-19. Highest adherence to preventive behaviors in 2020 was among females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.72), those receiving government COVID-19 information (aOR, 1.52), participants recruited from primary-care clinics (aOR, 1.43), and those who practiced AHH during 2003 SARS/2009 H1N1 (aOR, 1.37). Government leadership, healthcare providers risk communication, and public cooperation rapidly mitigated the spread of COVID-19 in Taiwan even before vaccination. Future global efforts must implement such population-based preventive behaviors at a level above the viral-transmission-threshold, particularly in areas with fast-spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
- Full Text
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