Publications by authors named "F H CHIU"

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in geriatric populations. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, but their effects on stroke risk may vary by age. This study aimed to explore the age-dependent effects of SGLT2i on stroke risk in patients with AF and DM.

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Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), a severe dwarfing condition characterized by impaired skeletal growth and early joint degeneration, results from mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). These mutations disrupt normal protein folding, leading to the accumulation of misfolded COMP in chondrocytes. The MT-COMP mouse is a murine model of PSACH that expresses D469del human COMP in response to doxycycline and replicates the PSACH chondrocyte and clinical pathology.

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The one-dimensional nanomaterials known as nanofibers have remarkable qualities, such as large surface areas, adjustable porosity, and superior mechanical strength. Ionomers, types of polymers, have ionic functional groups that give them special properties, including high mechanical strength, water absorption capacity, and ionic conductivity. Integrating ionomers and nanofibers with diverse materials and advanced methodologies has been shown to improve the mechanical strength, processing capacity, and multifunctional attributes of ionomeric nanofibers.

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In the past, patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) were advised to avoid exercise due to concerns that it might strain cardiac function and exacerbate symptoms. However, recent evidence indicates that structured exercise programs can enhance outcomes and improve health-related quality of life for these patients. Consequently, exercise rehabilitation is now recommended in international guidelines as a key component of PH management.

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Article Synopsis
  • - High-performance poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were created by blending PLA with poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) elastomer and a compatibilizer (ADR) to improve interaction between the two materials.
  • - The addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and organoclay (30B) enhanced the properties of the composites, with CNTs primarily dispersing in PEBA and 30B localizing at the PLA-PEBA interface, leading to improved ductility, reduced brittleness, and better thermal stability.
  • - The bionanocomposites showed significant performance increases: impact strength tripled, ductility rose dramatically (from 9% to 252%), and a
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