Taiwanese scientists discover key marker to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis

Taiwanese scientists discover key marker to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis

2022-12-14

An interdisciplinary team of Taiwanese scientists has found a new marker that could be used to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis. The condition is caused by buildup of fats on the walls of arteries, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The breakthrough could be key to developing procedures to diagnose the condition, which is largely asymptomatic and has been referred to as a “silent killer.” The team’s findings have been published in the prestigious European Heart Journal. Let’s hear from the team’s leader.

Chiu Jeng-jiann
TMU College of Medical Science and Technology
For our discovery, we grouped people with coronary artery disease in several groups, and we found a novel vinculin with varying levels of flow-induced phosphorylation at serine 721. The higher the level, the higher the severity of the patient. Arteriosclerosis is a chronic disease. Previously, there was no clear way to diagnose the condition early. But these findings allow for the development of new diagnostic methods in the future.

Currently, arteriosclerosis is diagnosed mostly via angiography and ultrasound scans, to check whether arteries have become narrower. Blood tests alone are not enough to determine whether the condition is present in patients. The head of the research team says he hopes the findings can be used to develop ways to detect the disease via a simple blood serum test.

"動脈硬化"沉默殺手台研究首發現"診斷關鍵"

2022-12-14

天氣一變冷，中風、心肌梗塞等風險都提高，尤其動脈粥狀硬化患者，早期幾乎沒有徵兆被稱為沉默殺手，如何預防或是診斷，成了各國的研究重點。臺北醫學大學醫科學院院長裘正健組成跨領域團隊，全球首次成功發現動脈硬化症重要診斷的關鍵，研究成果，登上國際期刊"歐洲心臟雜誌"。

[[北醫醫學科技學院長裘正健]]
“我們這次發現，像我們這個冠狀動脈疾病的病人，我們把它分類，(紐蛋白)的絲氨酸721這個位置，它的磷酸化的水平是不一樣的，越嚴重的病患他的水平越高。動脈硬化症，本來就是一個很慢性的，之前的話並沒有一個很明確的方法能夠比較早期的發現，目前這方面的研究，或許未來就可以去發展一個診斷的方法”

動脈硬化在診斷上，現階段大多是透過血管造影、超音波，看血管有無比較狹窄，但很難光靠抽血檢驗，就釐清疾病發展進程，這次研究開全球先河，裘正健希望後續透過產學合作，發展成血清檢測。

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President Tsai Ing-wen receives a delegation from US think tank CSIS

President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday received a delegation from the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Tsai took the opportunity to thank the Biden administration’s continued support for Taiwan, while calling for cooperation with the U.S. on supply-chain resilience. One member of the delegation offered words of praise for Taiwan, saying it remained brave and resilient in the face of various challenges.

President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday received a delegation from Washington-based think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Tsai took the opportunity to express Taiwan’s position on regional security.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific is critical to maintaining the international order. Taiwan is on the very front line in the defense of democracy. For many years, we have resolutely safeguarded peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We have continuously striven to strengthen cooperation with democratic allies, sharing experience and working together to protect our way of life and shared values.

James Steinberg
John Hopkins University
I know I speak for all of us in our delegation in our admiration for the people here’s courage and resilience, in tackling many of the daunting challenges that you’ve been facing over the years, and continue to face.

Dean of John Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, James Steinberg, praised Taiwan’s resilience and courage. The delegation, which Steinberg came with, included many former U.S. government officials, who said they hoped to better understand the challenges faced by Taiwan. They expressed the hope of strengthening U.S.-Taiwan bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Tsai took the chance to convey to the delegation her appreciation for the U.S.’ ongoing support of Taiwan.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
We want to thank the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, who recently approved the seventh arms package for Taiwan since he took office. The U.S. continues to take concrete steps to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities, and to ensure Taiwan’s security. Aside from defense exchanges, we also look forward to applying the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and other frameworks to deepen cooperation with the U.S. in all areas. We will create more mutually beneficial trade exchanges, and build safe and resilient supply chains together.

In the first visit by a delegation from CSIS to Taiwan since the pandemic started, Tsai spoke about deepening trade ties and cooperating on defense. The delegation also demonstrates ongoing close ties between Taiwan and the U.S.

2022-12-14

Retired official confirms Taiwan is developing missile that can reach Beijing

2022-12-14

Vice President Lai Ching-te registers candidacy in DPP leadership race

Former Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun on Wednesday registered Vice President Lai Ching-te’s candidacy in the by-election for DPP chair. Cheng handed in the documents and the registration fee on behalf of Lai, who is currently following self-health monitoring rules after contracting COVID earlier this month. She said that, if elected party chair, Lai will try to stabilize the political situation, win back the people’s trust, recruit more talent and work to protect Taiwan.

Former Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun on Wednesday took documents and NT$1.5 million to the DPP headquarters to register Vice President Lai Ching-te’s candidacy in the upcoming by-election for party chair.

Cheng Li-chiun
Former culture minister
He’s willing to take this step and take on this huge responsibility. I support him and thank him for that. So when he asked me to register him, of course I accepted.

Lai is currently under self-health monitoring rules after testing positive for COVID earlier this month. The former culture minister conveyed Lai’s four goals to lead the DPP. They are: stabilizing the current political situation, conducting reviews to regain the trust of the public, recruiting more talent, and protecting Taiwan. Reporters asked her whether helping Lai register was a sign that she would run as his deputy if he were to run in the 2024 presidential election.

Cheng Li-chiun
Former culture minister
You’re thinking too far ahead. I personally am not planning to run for election.

Meanwhile, Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan, who is reportedly likely to be appointed premier in January, says he looks forward to Lai leading the DPP.

Cheng Wen-tsan
Taoyuan mayor
He doesn’t just have my blessing, he also has my support. The 2024 presidential election will determine whether the DPP will continue leading the country. It is a crucial election. With the by-election for party chair, we can get a new leader that sets a new formation for the party.

The Taoyuan mayor says he looks forward to the future of the DPP. For Lai, it will be a true test to win back the public’s support and stage a comeback for the DPP after its defeat in the local elections.

2022-12-14

Doctor says coldness and pain in the limbs may be sign of a serious condition

The cold winter weather is already here, and for some, that might mean the onset of a serious condition they are unaware of. One doctor is advising those who feel coldness and pain in their limbs to seek immediate medical attention, as the condition may be a sign of narrowed or restricted arteries. If you’re heading outdoors, remember to dress warm, and if you feel numbness or pain from the cold, check with a doctor as soon as possible.

Older adults enjoy exercising in the park, but may experience coldness in the limbs when doing so in the winter. Doctors warn that the feeling of cold feet may be an indication of a serious problem such as deep vein thrombosis, and that if you are unsure, you should consult with a physician.

Mr. Kuo
Patient
My ankle was swollen. It swelled by about 2 to 3 centimeters. I thought, “Oh, this must be some type of bone problem.” Who would have thought that it was due to thrombosis?

Mrs. Chang
Patient
At first there was nothing wrong with me, but then there was such unbearable pain that I rushed to the emergency room. They ran tests and found out that it was thrombosis.

Taichung residents Mr. Kuo, 80, and Mrs. Chang, 72, both have histories of high blood pressure. Recently they both experienced coldness and pain in their legs, but had no idea it was a serious medical condition known as peripheral arterial occlusive disease, which is a blockage or narrowing of an artery in the legs.

Hsu Chung-ho
Physician
If there’s sudden coldness and pain in the lower limbs, the face has become pale or purplish, regular activity is affected, and there’s no strong pulse, medical attention should be sought immediately.

The doctor said that the condition mainly affects people 45 and older, and that those with histories of atrial fibrillation should pay particularly close attention to warning signs.

Hsu Chung-ho
Physician
Some patients with atrial fibrillation are prescribed anticoagulants, but they may not always take their medication, which is often the cause of blood clots.

With colder weather setting in for the season, doctors advise those experiencing coldness and pain in their limbs to check with a doctor, especially for those with a history of heart conditions.

2022-12-14

Coordination, speed and perseverance: meet Taiwan’s sports staking athletes

Sports stacking, also known as cup stacking is a team and individual sport that involves players stacking 9 or 12 cups as quickly as possible. The World Sport Stacking Association Taiwan was launched in 2010 to help promote the sport in Taiwan. Since then, Taiwan has trained several world record holders. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to three of Taiwan’s elite stackers to find out what it takes to be a champion.

This is Yan Cheng-you, the world record holder for the men’s 13-14-year-old 3-3-3 event. He started sports stacking in kindergarten. He practices everyday for at least two to three hours. Though tiring, he says he loves the challenge.

Yen Cheng-yu
Sport stacking champion
When I was in kindergarten, I saw videos of stacking on the internet. I saw that everyone was fast, so I wanted to be like them. Since then, I have practiced every day. I practice for two to three hours a day nonstop. It is tedious to have to correct mistakes all the time, but it is helpful when competing.

This is Chen Bo-yu, the world record holder for the women’s 15-16-year-old cycle event. She picked up sports stacking in third grade after hearing about it at a club at school. She practices at least an hour a day.

Chen Bo-yu
Sport stacking athlete
I started sports stacking in third grade after learning about it at a club. I started practicing and got a sense of accomplishment during the practice process. That is what makes me continue playing the sport. When I’m not so busy with schoolwork, I practice for at least one hour a day. During practice and competitions, you can constantly improve yourself, your speed, or your psychological growth.

The World Sport Stacking Association Taiwan was launched in 2010 to help promote the sport in Taiwan. Since then, they have successfully incorporated sport stacking at local schools and held numerous tournaments around Taiwan.

Amy Chu
World Sport Stacking Association Taiwan chair
To be able to hold regular physical competitions here is very good for the players. Because we have been promoting the sport for many years, we have some sport stacking courses in schools, and we also regularly hold training camps every month. We also participate in international competition every year and hold competitions in Taiwan on a regular basis. On average, we organize more than 20 games a year in Taiwan.

According to the WSSA, the international governing body for sport stacking, the sport is now in over 47,000 school and club programs in 54 countries worldwide.

Larry Goers
WSSA CEO
The World Sports Stacking Association, the WSSA, our goal is simple. We want to get kids doing sports, and especially kids who don’t necessarily do conventional sports. The fastest stackers in the world are kids who don’t do other sports necessarily, but this is their thing. It resonates with them and they are just awesome and fantastic. We are a super inclusive sport. Boys and girls compete equally and kids from all over the world, doesn’t matter what country you are from we are doing it everywhere.

Taiwan hopes to continue to promote the sport and train more outstanding athletes to shine on the international stage.

2022-12-14

MOEA’s DOIT announces progress in boosting smart manufacturing in machinery industry

Since 2021, the Department of Industrial Technology at the Ministry of Economic Affairs has been trying to get small and medium enterprises in Taiwan to adopt smart manufacturing methods. On Tuesday, the ministry held a forum to share its progress on the matter. Officials announced that a French software company has teamed up with them to offer design programs to small and medium enterprises. The project is set to get even more international, as Chunghwa Telecom plans to bring its 5G technologies to countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

This software platform combines machinery and manufacturing processes. Companies load their designs on it, and through a standardized framework, firms in the machinery industry can take advantage of it at any part of the production process.

For example, put on the helmet powered by augmented reality, to remotely monitor progress on the production line. The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industrial Technology has created this, the Intelligent Cloud for Machinery. The platform was developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute. Now, a memorandum of cooperation has been signed with French software giant Dassault Systemes, in an event presided over by Vice Premier Shen Jong-chin.

Chiu Chiu-hui
MOEA Department of Industrial Technology
We’re providing the most advanced 3D design software, so that domestic companies will have better 3D design capabilities, and be better connected with the world. This allows small and medium enterprises to use this specialized software at a lower cost.

And it’s not just about cooperating with major international companies. Chungwha Telecom has also joined the project, to bring 5G tech to build a cross-country service platform in Southeast Asia. The move is hoped to allow small and medium enterprises to be better integrated in the region, to take on business opportunities brought about by the government’s New Southbound Policy.

Edwin Liu
ITRI president
IT connects our machinery industry with the rest of the world. More importantly, when the Intelligent Cloud for Machinery is adopted by firms in Southeast Asia, we get a lot of technical knowledge on manufacturing. The platform has 1,500 members, and about 70 companies.

Estimates expect the smart manufacturing output of the Asia-Pacific region to reach US$100 billion in 2025. Ahead of that, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is launching plans, commissioning ITRI to sign memorandums of understanding with other entities. It’s harnessing digital technologies so that small and medium enterprises can adopt smart production methods, and bring about transformation in the industry.

2022-12-14

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Exclusive Interview with the world’s best-selling soprano Sarah Brightman

Sarah Brightman is the world’s best-selling soprano, having sold more than 30 million albums worldwide over the course of her 40-year career. Brightman has accomplished it all as a performer, but is there anything else on her bucket list? FTV reporter Stephany Yang sat down with Brightman for an exclusive interview to find out what inspires her and what other dreams she has for her career and personal life.

This is Sarah Brightman, the world’s biggest-selling soprano. She rose to fame by playing Christine Daae in the musical “The Phantom of the Opera” and singing “Time to Say Goodbye”with Andrea Bocelli. Over the course of her 40-year career, Brightman has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and won awards in over 40 countries.

Stephany Yang
FTV reporter
Sitting right next to me is Sarah Brightman. Over the course of her career, she has won music awards in over 40 countries. Welcome to Taiwan, Sarah.

Sarah Brightman
Award-winning singer
Thank you. I am very excited to be back here actually.

After five years, she’s back in Taiwan for four Christmas-themed concerts in Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taipei and Pingtung.

Sarah Brightman
Award-winning singer
It is a show that is full of pieces of Christmas music that everybody knows all over the world. It has also got some of my hits, which obviously some of my pure fans want to hear. But we have given it a Christmas twist. A lot of beautiful costumes, a beautiful choir, an orchestra, and amazing lighting. It is just a very heartwarming and emotional show. I have been coming to Taiwan really since the mid-90s and I remember first coming here because the Taiwanese got to know my music. They were really enjoying an album I did all these years back called “Dive.” It was a new experience for me. It was an incredible experience because I loved the city and I loved the food. I was first taken out to an amazing dumpling house. That was my first experience there. Everyone was so friendly. There’s a lovely feeling of freedom here which I loved. Lots of people speak English so I felt very happy in this country,in this beautiful country.

Brightman is the world’s biggest-selling soprano. She started her career when she was just 11 years old. She pioneered the classical crossover music movement and is famous for having a vocal range of over three octaves. She’s also the only artist to have topped both the classical music charts and the Billboard dance charts. She says that traveling has inspired her music and still inspires her today.

Sarah Brightman
Award-winning singer
My taste in music has always been quite eclectic. I think that is probably why although I trained as a classical singer,I didn’t feel that the opera house would necessarily be the right place for me.I started to experiment with music.I think that through experimentation and working in all of the genres that I had trained in, they fused together. I created a fusion of classical pop.I think the world has inspired me. I have been a great traveler through my life even when I was very young. As soon as I was able to afford a train ticket or an airplane ticket, I was there to witness and try to understand the world at a deeper level.

Sarah has another lifelong dream which is singing in space. After months of training for 16 hours a day at Star City near Moscow, she planned to sing from the International Space Station in 2015. However, she later canceled the trip due to personal reasons. She said that although she didn’t go, she learned many valuable lessons through training and that it allowed her to step out of her comfort zone. She hopes to inspire others to pursue their own dreams.

Sarah Brightman
Award-winning singer
Use space more though for the protection of our planet. I think that the more that we can do out there just to protect here is the most important thing about space. The training is hard especially if you do it in the Russian way, which I did. I went to Russia to Star City and I trained there. It was tough because I was doing a lot of it in another language. You exceed anything that you could ever believe that you can do. That was what was so good about it. I learned a huge amount about actually what my strengths were and how strong I could be as a human being. I think that if everybody could have this kind of training, it would be a great one because they would stop feeling fearful of anything.

Brightman says her future goals consist of composing more songs and continuing to delight her fans from all around the world.

2022-12-14