Taiwanese Males Research Articles

East Asian college consumer decision-making styles for sport products

Purpose – Purchasing behaviors have been studied in various countries. Previous studies involving consumer decision-making styles for sport products have only been seen in one country in order to either identify factors of Purchase Style Inventory for Sport Products (PSISP) or classify consumer shopping behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to identify consumers’ decision-making styles (shopping styles) for sport products from Japanese, Singaporean, and Taiwanese college-aged consumers. Design/methodology/approach – The scale of PSISP was adapted to measure consumer decision-making styles (shopping styles) for sport products. This instrument is composed of 35 items under nine dimensions. CFA, 3 (Nationality) × 2 (Gender) MANOVA and ANOVA were employed. Findings – According to the results of this study, there were significant different decision-making styles among three different countries in East Asia. Overall, Japanese male and female college-aged students exhibited higher brand consciousness than Singaporean and Taiwanese males and females. Research limitations/implications – As consumers from different countries show different lifestyle, education, economic, religion, and culture, they might have their unique shopping styles. Therefore, the dimensions related to decision-making styles need to be explored, and the scale needs to be validated using a substantial sport industry sample in the future study. Practical implications – This study helps East Asian advertisers or markets to rethink and develop appropriate marketing strategies as well as to understand the different decision-making styles of local consumers and better approach new and existing consumer markets. Originality/value – This paper is important for international sports marketers to predict consumer shopping patterns and maintain proper inventory levels, particularly when marketing in global markets.

DNA double-strand break repair gene XRCC7 genotypes were associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in Taiwanese males and alcohol drinkers.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, the prevalence and mortality rates of which are very high in Taiwan. The study aimed at evaluating the contribution of XRCC7 G6721T, together with cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking lifestyles, to the risk of HCC. In this hospital-based case-control study, the association of XRCC7 single nucleotide polymorphism G6721T with HCC risk was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) among 298 HCC patients and 889 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The results showed that the percentages of TT, GT, and GG XRCC7 G6721T were 53.0, 41.3, and 5.7 % in the HCC patient group and 48.9, 43.1, and 8.0 % in the non-cancer control group, respectively. We have further stratified the populations by genders, cigarette smoking, and alcohol drinking status to investigate their combinative contributions with XRCC7 G6721T genotype to HCC risk. The results showed that the GG genotype of XRCC7 G6721T conducted a protective effect on HCC susceptibility which was obvious among males and drinkers, but not females, smokers, non-smokers, or non-drinkers (p = 0.0058, 0.0069, 0.1564, 0.2469, 0.9354, and 0.3416, respectively). Our results suggested that the GG and GT genotypes of X-ray repair cross-complementing group 7 (XRCC7) G6721T had no effect on HCC risk to the whole population, but had a protective effect on HCC risk among males and alcohol drinkers.

Old bodies, young hearts: a qualitative exploration of the engagement of older male amateur rugby union players in Taiwan

The world’s population is ageing. Engagement in physical activities that assist people to age in good health while enjoying quality of life are critical considerations for practitioners and policy-makers. In 1913, the sport of Rugby Union was introduced to Taiwan. As a form of recreational activity, the game became popular among- Taiwanese males. In recent years, older players have sought to facilitate their continued involvement in an activity that is normally played as a full-contact sport. Why these individuals continue to play, how they perceive their experience and how the sport has evolved to maintain their interest and active involvement are especially interesting to explore. Study participants were specifically chosen from an established Taiwanese rugby union club. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted in 2013 with 15 amateur rugby players aged from 54 to 83 years. Results indicated that the main motivations for participants to continue playing was that it gave them ‘a sense of nostalgia and pride’, ‘lifelong friendship and belonging’, ‘pure joy and passion’, with considerations of being ‘mentally and physically active’, keeping up an involvement in ‘a real man’s sport’ and maintaining a sense of one’s ‘self-identity’ with ‘responsibility and commitment’ towards this chosen sport. Findings suggest that leisure providers need to be aware of the opportunities for reducing constraints and providing adaptations that allow older adults to immerse themselves in physically active pursuits integral to enjoying a fruitful ageing journey.

Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States: where are we? Where do we go?

Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States: where are we? Where do we go?

Mirror Visual Feedback for Right–Left Discrimination in a Patient With Developmental Gerstmann Syndrome

Mirror Visual Feedback for Right–Left Discrimination in a Patient With Developmental Gerstmann Syndrome

Mediation analysis reveals a sex-dependent association between ABO gene variants and TG/HDL-C ratio that is suppressed by sE-selectin level

ObjectivePrevious investigations have revealed an association between the ABO locus/blood group and total cholesterol and inflammatory biomarker levels. We aimed to test the statistical association of ABO locus variants with lipid profiles and levels of thirteen inflammatory markers in a Taiwanese population. Methods and resultsA sample population of 617 Taiwanese subjects was enrolled. Five ABO gene region polymorphisms were selected and genotyped. After adjusting for clinical covariates and inflammatory marker levels, the genetic-inferred ABO blood group genotypes were associated with sE-selectin level (P = 3.5 × 10−36). Significantly higher total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were noted in individuals with blood group A (P = 7.2 × 10−4 and P = 7.3 × 10−4, respectively). Interestingly, after adjusting for sE-selectin level, significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level as well as higher triglyceride (TG) level and ratio of triglyceride to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C ratio) were noted in individuals with blood group A comparing to non-A individuals (P = 0.009, P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively); these associations were also observed in the group A male subjects (P = 0.027, P = 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively). Mediation analysis further revealed a suppression effect of sE-selectin level on the association between genetic-inferred ABO blood group genotypes and TG/HDL-C ratio in total participants (P = 1.18 × 10−6) and in males (P = 5.99 × 10−5). ConclusionGenetic variants at the ABO locus independently affect sE-selectin level in Taiwanese subjects, while the association of ABO locus variants with TG/HDL-C ratio is suppressed by sE-selectin level in Taiwanese males. These results provided further evidence for the mechanism in the association of ABO blood groups with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of Estradiol and 1,25(OH)2D3 on Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged Taiwanese Males

In addition to adipocytokines, estradiol (E2) and vitamin D have been reported to affect insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis and body weight. However, studies about the impact of E2 and vitamin D on metabolic syndrome (MetS) are still limited. The aim of this study is to clarify the roles of circulating E2 and vitamin D on the risk of MetS in middle-aged Taiwanese males. A total of 655 male volunteers, including 243 subjects with MetS (mean age: 56.7±5.8 years) and 412 normal controls (mean age: 55.1±3.6 years), were evaluated. Subjects with MetS had significantly lower circulating E2, 1,25(OH)2D3, and adiponectin, and higher leptin than those without MetS (P<0.001 for all comparisons). E2 and 1,25(OH)2D3 were significantly associated with 4 individual components of MetS; more than adiponectin and leptin that were only associated with 3 individual components. In multivariate regression analysis, E2 (beta = −0.216, P<0.001) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (beta = 0.067, P = 0.045) were still significant predictors of MetS independent of adiponectin and leptin. Further large studies are needed to confirm our preliminary results and elucidate the possible mechanism.

Genotype distribution of human papillomavirus in anogenital warts of male patients in Taiwan

Reports on the prevalence of different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in male patients with anogenital HPV infection are limited. We retrospectively analyzed the HPV genotypes of 100 consecutive patients seen in our department with anogenital HPV infection during 2003–2006. History was gathered from the medical records. The most common HPV genotypes among Taiwanese male patients for check of anogenital warts (in descending order) were HPV 6 (46%), HPV 11 (28%), HPV 16 (6%), HPV 33 (5%), HPV 66 (5%), HPV 18 (4%), HPV 53 (4%), and HPV 72 (4%). Coinfections with two, three, and four genotypes of HPV were present in 16%, 7%, and 1% of the patients, respectively. HPV 16 or 18 was found in 10% of cases, with 60% (6/10) coexisting with HPV 6/11. The presence of either HPV 6, 11, 16, or 18 was 77%. HPV 16 was more common in anal compared to genital warts, with an odds ratio of 3.65. The most common genotype of anogenital HPV infection in Taiwanese males was HPV 6, followed by HPV 11. Coinfection with more than one genotype of HPV as well as concurrent low- and high-risk HPV infection was not uncommon.

Association of metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis risk factors, sex hormones in ED in aboriginal Taiwanese

The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in aboriginal male Taiwanese is very high. Many studies have found that those with cardiovascular disease and MS have a significantly higher risk of ED. In this study, we attempted to find the correlation among MS risk factor, atherosclerosis risk factors and low serum testosterone in relation to the development of ED. This was a cross-sectional study of 238 cases, and collected data included demographic data, lifestyle questionnaires, sexual desire scale, sexual satisfaction scale and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Among our 238 subjects, 146 had MS (61.3%) and 114 subjects with MS had ED (85.7%). Using age-adjusted multivariate logistic regressive analysis, this study showed that aboriginal males with ED had a significantly higher prevalence of MS (OR=12.02, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 6.33-22.83, P<0.001). Among the MS components, abnormal fasting blood sugar was the most significantly independent factor for ED in aboriginal males (OR=8.94, 95% CI: 4.71-16.97, P<0.001). The presence of MS had a significant correlation with lower IIEF-5 scores, lower sexual desire scores, lower testosterone serum level (P<0.01) and abnormal interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP). The results of this study support the idea that MS, low serum testosterone and HsCRP may predict ED in aboriginal Taiwanese males. Further studies with population-based and longitudinal design should be conducted to confirm this finding and design to compare rates of ED in aboriginal men with MS.

Association Between Platelet Count and Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Geriatric Taiwanese Males

With the growing number of elderly population in Taiwan and many other countries, the role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become more important recently. Although had been reported in different age groups, the relationship between platelet and MetS in the geriatric population still remains unknown. We included 1187 Taiwanese males who were older than 65 years. In this study, we excluded individuals with abnormal platelet counts to reveal a more clear relation between platelet counts and MetS. Platelet counts were analyzed among patients with and without MetS. We divided platelet counts into four groups according to quartiles arbitrary of platelet counts (lowest, PC1; highest, PC4). The number of MetS components was compared between platelet groups with analysis of variance. We also used simple correlation and multivariate linear regression to find the relationship between platelet counts and MetS components. We found that the platelet counts were higher in the group with MetS but not significantly different ( p = 0.675). The fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and Log-triglyceride (Log-TG) were all statistically different across the four platelet groups. These four components were also positively correlated to platelet count in simple correlation. Not surprisingly, FPG, LDL-C, TG, and Log-TG were positively correlated with platelet count in multivariate linear regression. FPG, LDL-C, TG, and Log-TG were positively correlated with platelet count among the MetS components in geriatric Taiwanese males. The role of HDL-C and LDL-C in the definition of MetS should be re-evaluated.

Pharmacokinetics of felodipine extended-release tablets in healthy Taiwanese subjects: a retrospective review

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of felodipine (CAS 72509-76-3) in healthy male Taiwanese subjects. This is a retrospective review of five felodipine pharmacokinetic studies completed in Taiwan. A total of 100 evaluable healthy Taiwanese males were enrolled in these studies. The subjects received 5 mg (n = 80) or 10 mg (n = 20) of Plendil (felodipine extended-release tablets; felodipine ER) once daily for 6 days. The mean +/- SD t(max,ss,) CG(max,ss) and AUG(tau) of dose normalized to 10 mg felodipine was 3.32 +/- 1.33 h, 13.12 +/- 5.34 nmol/L and 136.33 +/- 63.18 nmol x h/L, respectively. By using Kolmogorov-Smirnov's test and probit plots, the results indicated that the frequency distribution of AUC/dose, C(min)/dose and CL/F was bimodal. Compared to data from the literature, the mean C(max,ss) and AUG(tau) of 5 mg felodipine in healthy young Taiwanese subjects were similar to or slightly lower than data from Swedish, Danish, Turkish and Canadian studies in healthy young subjects who received 10 mg felodipine. Comparable C(max) values and approximately 30% lower AUC values were observed when comparing the 5 mg Taiwanese data to data in healthy elderly German subjects who also received 5 mg felodipine. Taiwanese subjects might have lower CYP3A4 activity to metabolize felodipine, which is similar to the phenomenon observed with nifedipine.

Waist circumference is an independent risk factor for prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwanese males

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease affecting older males. As obesity becomes an increasing problem worldwide, its role in prostatic hypertrophy has been discussed recently. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between waist circumferences and prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan. There were 539 men enrolled in the study who had health examinations at the Healthcare Center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; 53 were excluded because of history of conditions affecting prostatic volume. Their anthropometry was measured and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels as well as lipid profiles were analyzed. Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasonography performed by experienced urologists. The mean prostate volume was 26.43 mL, whereas mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.27 kg/m(2) and mean waist circumference (WC) was 90.81 cm. By age-adjusted logistic regression, PSA > 4 ng/mL, WC ≥ 90 cm, and BMI > 24 kg/m(2) are associated with increased risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia; only WC ≥ 90 cm can be validated by multiple logistic regression. Further analysis of obesity patterns showed that abdominal overweight/obesity places patients at increased risk independently rather than high WC or high BMI alone. Study results showed that waist circumference ≥ 90 cm is an independent risk factor of prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan. Men with abdominal overweight/obesity (WC ≥ 90 cm and BMI > 24 kg/m(2)) have a twofold risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia.

Factors influencing southern Taiwanese men's acceptance of prostate-specific antigen screening

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a common screening among adult men for early awareness of prostate cancer. Although prostate cancer is the seventh most common cause of death from cancer in males in Taiwan in 2008, this testing is still unpopular in Taiwanese society. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of acceptance of PSA testing and related factors in Taiwanese males. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample population was recruited from two counties in southern Taiwan. Three hundred and thirty male participants completed the structured questionnaire. The following outcomes were studied: patient profiles, knowledge of PSA screening, acceptance of PSA testing, the reasons for acceptance of PSA testing and history of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). The results indicated that 29·4% of the respondents reported having had a PSA test. The logistic regression model showed age, having heard of PSA testing, BPH history and annual income to be the statistically significant factors. The odds of accepting PSA testing increased 9·56-fold in men with a history of BPH compared with men without a BPH history. Acceptance of PSA testing increased 7·98-fold in patients who had heard of PSA testing compared with those participants who had not heard of PSA testing. The odds of accepting PSA testing increased 4·43-fold in patients aged 56–65 years, 8·14-fold in those aged 66–75 years and 11·20-fold in those older than 76 years when compared with men younger than 55 years. This study shows that male acceptance of PSA testing is still not popular in Taiwan. The results can help health care providers to take the responsibility for seeking appropriate strategies to improve the rate of acceptance of PSA testing.

Isometric Push and Pull Strengths of Young Taiwanese Males

This study recruited 30 young Taiwanese males to determine the horizontally maximum isometric pushing and pulling strengths under 16 exertion heights and four handle-foot horizontal distances. This study shows that isometric push and pull strengths as measured on a simulated frictional floor condition in Taiwanese hypermarkets were markedly lower than previous tests using high-traction flooring or anchoring participant's feet. Pushing strengths were always higher than pulling in all 64 task combinations, whereas no significant differences were present at heights of 30-60 cm. When considering maximum push and pull force demands, the optimal heights for such activities would be 50-90 cm (approximately ranged from the knee to hip position). The push and pull strength profiles identified in this study must be used appropriately, considering the real task situations.

The Potential Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Erectile Dysfunction in Aging Taiwanese Males

Recently, metabolic syndrome (MtS) has received increasing attention. However, investigations regarding the potential impact of MtS and its components on erectile dysfunction (ED) have not been completely clarified. To determine the potential impact of MtS on ED in aging Taiwanese males. The definition of MtS was according to the modified criteria developed by the Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan. The presence and severity of ED were evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) scores. A total of 639 subjects with a mean age of 60.2 years (range 40-83) were enrolled during a free health screening. All the men had complete clinical data and questionnaires taken. Clinical variables were compared according to MtS and ED prevalence. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of ED and MtS. Using age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, our results showed that subjects with ED had significantly higher prevalence of MtS (P<0.01, OR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.44-3.69). The presence of MtS had significant correlation with lower IIEF-5 scores (P<0.01), which were associated with the increment of MtS components number (P<0.01). Among the MtS components, abnormal fasting blood glucose (FBG) was the most significantly independent factor of MtS for ED (P=0.01, OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.09-2.35). Testosterone levels were significantly lower in subjects with MtS (P=0.05), while inversely correlated with number of MtS components (P<0.01). In aging Taiwanese males, the presence of MtS is strongly associated with ED and abnormal FBG is the most independent predictor for ED. Low testosterone level might be viewed as another possible common denominator for various pathologies linking MtS to ED.

Chronic exposure to heavy metals and risk of oral cancer in Taiwanese males

The incidence of oral cancer has increased rapidly over the past 20years in Taiwan. Cigarette smoking and betel quid chewing are considered as the most important risk factors. However, we found that Changhua, a county in Taiwan, had the highest oral cancer incidence, but a modest prevalence of smoking and betel quid chewing. Our previous study found that the incidence of oral cancer in Taiwan has a strong spatial correlation with the heavy metal concentrations in farm soils of patients' residential areas. A high content of heavy metals in farm soil is likely the result of industrial activities. If exposure to heavy metals is a risk factor for oral cancer, we would expect to find evidence from epidemiologic trends. The age-period-cohort model was used to analyze chart records from the Taiwan Cancer Registry of 21,135 male patients diagnosed with oral cancer from 1983 to 2002. Although the incidence increased in both Changhua and Taiwan overall, Changhua had a similar incidence to that in Taiwan as a whole until 1990, when the incidence in Changhua began to speed up, leaving a marked difference with that in Taiwan. Exposure to the heavy metal pollution for a period of more than 10years has an impact on the incidence of oral cancer. This novel factor can explain the extremely high incidence in Changhua.

Testicular microlithiasis: Analysis of prevalence and associated testicular cancer in Taiwanese men

To determine the incidence of testicular microlithiasis (TM) in Taiwanese males who were referred for scrotal sonography (US) and to evaluate the association between TM and cancer, with state-of-the-art equipment. This retrospective study included 513 males who underwent scrotal US in a period of 7 months. The US images and charts of each patient were reviewed to determine the presence of TM and note relevant clinical information. The data for all 513 patients were analyzed. Their age was 0-91 years (mean, 54.3 years). The overall incidence of TM was 14.4% (74/513); 6.2% (32/513) had classic TM, and 8.2% had limited TM. The incidence of testicular cancer in this population was 1.6% (8/513). Six of eight (75%) patients who had testicular cancer at presentation had classic TM or limited TM. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between the rate of malignancy in subjects with TM (6/74) and that in subjects without TM (2/439). The incidence of TM in Taiwanese people may be higher than previously reported, which may be due to the difference in methodology and increased awareness of the US findings. Although there was a significant difference in the rate of malignancy in males with TM compared with those without TM, the question remains whether TM independently increases the risk of testicular malignancy.

The impact of irritative lower urinary tract symptoms on erectile dysfunction in aging Taiwanese males

Objective. This study assessed the possible associations between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in aging Taiwanese males and investigated the impact of various aspects of LUTS on ED.Methods. A free health screening for aging males (≥40 years old) was conducted in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. All the subjects had completed clinical data and answered questionnaires. ED and LUTS were assessed by validated symptom scales: the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).Results. A total of 339 eligible patients enrolled in this study with a mean age of 60.1 years old. In multiple logistic regression analysis, age and IPSS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively) were significantly associated with ED after controlling other comorbidities. In a further age-adjusted multiple regression analysis, our results showed that irritative symptoms (p = 0.042) have a more significant association with ED than the obstructive symptoms (p = 0.101).Conclusions. Our results indicate that age and LUTS are the two most independent risk factors for ED. Aging Taiwanese males with LUTS are at increasing risk for ED, especially for those with significant irritative symptoms.

The effects of weekly alendronate therapy in Taiwanese males with osteoporosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of weekly alendronate administration on male osteoporosis in Taiwan. This 6-month, randomized, open-label controlled trial enrolled 46 men with osteoporosis who were randomized to either 70 mg alendronate once weekly (n = 23) or control (n = 23). Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine and hip and biochemical bone turnover markers were measured; adverse events and tolerability were assessed. Subjects treated with alendronate showed a significant increase in BMD of 5.5% (vs. 2% in control group) at the lumbar spine and 2.7% (vs. 0.7%) at the femoral neck (P < 0.05) at 6 months, respectively. There were also significant decreases in serum level of bone formation marker (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and urinary excretion of bone resorption marker (deoxypyridinoline) at 3 and 6 months. Thus, alendronate showed anti-osteoporotic effects by increasing BMD and decreasing the concentrations of bone markers. The adverse events were mild and showed no significant difference between the two groups on safety assessments.

Catheterisation of major salivary duct following oral cancer ablation—report of 28 cases

Oral cancer is the 4th most common cancer in Taiwanese males. The distal portion of the Stensen's duct is often included in the surgical specimen for complete resection of buccal cancer. The residual duct is usually ligated when a free vascularised flap is planned for reconstruction. This will result in atrophy of the parotid gland or occasionally, sialocele formation. Same situation happens on the Wharton's duct during excision of tumour of the floor of mouth, if the submandibular gland were not removed. We herein report our experience in catheterisation of the remaining duct and relocating the ducts opening to the oral cavity. Our aim is to preserve the function of the salivary gland in order to prevent or reduce postoperative xerostomia. 28 patients with 29 major salivary ducts had received such procedure, including 3 Wharton's duct. Clinical examination and salivary scintigraphy were performed to assess the effectiveness of the procedure.