J Formos Med Assoc
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MicroRNA-208a (miR208a) and mechanical stress play a key role in cardiac hypertrophy. The relationship between miR208a and mechanical stress in cultured cardiomyocytes has not been investigated. The molecular mechanisms underlying miR208a-induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes by mechanical stress is poorly understood. This study investigated whether miR208a is a critical regulator in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy under mechanical stretch. ⋯ Cyclic stretch enhances miR208a expression in cultured rat cardiomyocytes. MiR208a plays a role in stretch-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The stretch-induced miR208a is mediated by TGF-β1.
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Currently, Taiwanese Chinese version of a disease-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire for osteoporosis is not available. The purpose of this study was to translate and test the reliability and validity of the Taiwanese Chinese version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-31). ⋯ The Taiwanese Chinese version of the QUALEFFO-31 is reliable and valid. We recommend this tool for evaluating participants with low bone mass in Taiwan. Further tests should be conducted to confirm the use of this questionnaire in clinical practice.
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To explore perception of spokespersons' performance and characteristics in response to the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. ⋯ Spokespersons of health and medical institutions play an important role in media relations during the crisis of a newly emerging infectious disease.