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Hsu PI, Wu DC, Chen A, Peng NJ, Tseng HH, Tsay FW, Lo GH, Lu CY, Yu FJ, Lai KH. Quadruple rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection after two treatment failures. Eur J Clin Invest 2008. [PMID: 18435764 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2008.01951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A standard third-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection is lacking, and antimicrobial sensitivity data for patients who failed eradication therapy are often unavailable in clinical practice. We therefore designed the prospective study to assess the efficacy of levofloxacin, amoxicillin, bismuth and rabeprazole quadruple therapy as a third-line treatment for H. pylori infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS From September 2005 to August 2007, 37 consecutive H. pylori-infected patients who had failed standard first-line and second-line treatments underwent a 10-day quadruple therapy comprising rabeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.), bismuth subcitrate (300 mg q.d.s.), amoxicillin (500 mg q.d.s.) and levofloxacin (500 mg o.d.). Follow-up endoscopy with rapid urease test, histological examination and culture was performed at 6 weeks after the end of treatment to evaluate the response to therapy. RESULTS Helicobacter pylori was successfully eradicated in 31 out of 37 patients (84% by both intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis). All patients complied with the eradication therapies, and only seven patients (19%) complained of mild-to-moderate adverse events. Amoxicillin- and levofloxacin-resistant strains were observed in 17% and 22% of the patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between H. pylori eradication rates and antibiotic resistances. CONCLUSIONS The 10-day levofloxacin- and amoxicillin-based quadruple therapy is well tolerated and achieves a high eradication rate as a third-line empirical treatment for H. pylori infection.
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Chung Y, Lu CY, Graham GG, Mant A, Day RO. Utilization of allopurinol in the Australian community. Intern Med J 2008; 38:388-95. [PMID: 18422564 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2008.01641.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International data suggest that suboptimal use of allopurinol is common. Allopurinol dose should be lower in renal impairment, but higher when gout is not controlled. The aim of the study was to examine trends in the usage of allopurinol in the Australian community. METHODS Community dispensing data on the urate-lowering drugs allopurinol and probenecid were obtained from databases kept by Medicare Australia and the Drug Utilization Sub-Committee, for January 1992 to December 2005. RESULTS Allopurinol comprised 98.4% of all prescriptions for urate-lowering drugs dispensed during 2005. Most prescriptions were for allopurinol 300 mg, but there was a steady shift towards use of allopurinol 100 mg in all states and territories over the period of the study. There were marked variations in prescribing rates across the country. New South Wales had the highest rate of subsidized prescribing for allopurinol 300 mg (39.3 per 1000 population). Tasmania had the highest rate for allopurinol 100 mg (14.3 per 1000 population), which coincided with an educational programme to decrease allopurinol dose in patients with renal impairment. Prescribing rates in the Northern Territory were substantially lower than all other regions, at 10.8 and 3.3 prescriptions per 1000 population for allopurinol 300 and 100 mg, respectively. CONCLUSION The increased uptake of allopurinol 100 mg suggests greater adherence to dosing guidelines and that there is value in educational programmes to optimize drug usage. Variability in utilization rates across regions indicates the need for research on factors responsible. Precise understanding of dosing trends requires access to deidentified, individual dosing data.
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Lu CY, Williams KM, Day RO. Has the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs changed as a consequence of controlled access to high-cost biological agents through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme? Intern Med J 2007; 37:601-6. [PMID: 17542999 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2007.01396.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A prerequisite for access to biological agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis under Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is evidence of an adequate trial of conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The aim of this study was to examine whether there were changes in prescribing DMARDs since the introduction of the PBS criteria for access to biologicals in August 2003. METHODS A retrospective study was undertaken of the national use of DMARDs in the period before and after the introduction of biologicals under the PBS. Dispensing data were analysed for changes in patterns of DMARD prescription rates (2000-2005). RESULTS There were 2 887 746 prescriptions for DMARDs between August 2000 and June 2005. PBS prescriptions accounted for 95% of these. Government expenditure for the DMARDs was $A156m. Trends in the use of DMARDs remained relatively steady over the study period without a significant change around the time the PBS criteria for biologicals were introduced. Use of hydroxychloroquine and leflunomide increased steadily, use of methotrexate and sulfasalazine was stable and use of gold preparations and penicillamine was considerably lower during this 5-year period. CONCLUSION Introduction of PBS criteria for access to biologicals did not alter the trends in use of DMARDs based on national dispensing data. This study emphasized the value that would accrue from availability of more comprehensive, de-identified, individual patient data that would enable more detailed examination of the use of medicines. These data are available, but cannot be easily accessed. It is time to make the data available for approved, ethical research in the interests of better outcomes from medicines supplied under PBS.
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Wang JY, Lu CY, Chu KS, Ma CJ, Wu DC, Tsai HL, Yu FJ, Hsieh JS. Prognostic significance of pre- and postoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients with colorectal cancer. Eur Surg Res 2007; 39:245-50. [PMID: 17457032 DOI: 10.1159/000101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2006] [Accepted: 02/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the prognostic significance of pre- and postoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS 425 CRC patients underwent curative resection at our institution. Their pre- and postoperative serum CEA level was classified into two groups according to concentration: normal CEA (<5.0 ng/ml) and abnormal CEA (> or =5.0 ng/ml). RESULTS Of all patients, abnormal pre- and postoperative serum CEA levels were observed in 181 (42.6%) and 48 (11.3%) patients, respectively. Abnormal preoperative serum CEA level was significantly correlated with the tumor located in the colon, the depth of tumor invasion, the status of lymph node metastasis, UICC stage, and the presence of postoperative relapse (p < 0.05). Concurrently, an abnormal postoperative serum CEA level was also prominently related to the above corresponding parameters (p < 0.05), except for the tumor location. Patients with a failed conversion of abnormal preoperative value to normal postoperative concentration were found to have the worst overall survival rate. Abnormal pre- and postoperative serum CEA levels were single independent predictors for survival and postoperative relapse, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The identification of abnormal pre- and postoperative serum CEA levels may be useful in the auxiliary cancer prognosis or postoperative surveillance of CRC patients.
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Lu CY, Williams KM, Day RO. Access to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis treatment under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme: are we on target? Intern Med J 2006; 36:19-27. [PMID: 16409309 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2005.00992.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFI) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is governed by a set of arrangements, operational from August 2003. Patients must meet strict criteria for both starting and continuing TNFI. Examination of utilization data is important for assessing the broader implications of arrangements for access to expensive pharmaceuticals under schemes such as the PBS. AIM To examine the uptake of TNFI over the first year of subsidized availability of etanercept under the PBS, and to compare these data to the predicted utilization and expenditure. METHODS Collection and analysis of prescription and expenditure data for the three listed TNFI: etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab processed under the PBS for the period August 2003 to July 2004. RESULTS A total of 8,053 prescriptions for TNFI was reimbursed at a total cost of 15.2 m Australian dollars. The total PBS expenditure on etanercept was just over 14 m Australian dollars, 14% of the predicted annual expenditure. The relative per capita uptake of etanercept was highest in the Australian Capital Territory and lowest in the Northern Territory. More than 50% of prescriptions for etanercept were for concessional patients (7.3 m Australian dollars). CONCLUSION Prescription rates and expenditure on etanercept were substantially below those forecast over the first year. There are opportunities to adjust the PBS restrictions for subsidized access to TNFI to benefit more patients.
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Wu IC, Lu CY, Kuo FC, Tsai SM, Lee KW, Kuo WR, Cheng YJ, Kao EL, Yang MS, Ko YC. Interaction between cigarette, alcohol and betel nut use on esophageal cancer risk in Taiwan. Eur J Clin Invest 2006; 36:236-41. [PMID: 16620285 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2006.01621.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2003 esophageal cancer was the sixth leading cause of death among men in Taiwan, but it is the fastest increasing (70%) alimentary tract cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different habits of betel nut chewing on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its interaction with cigarette use and alcohol consumption. MATERIALS AND METHODS All 165 cases were pathologically proven esophageal SCC patients (all male, mean age = 56.0, range = 35-92 years) diagnosed by biopsy during gastroendoscopic examinations. The control group comprised 255 subjects (all male, mean age = 54.8, range = 40-92 years) selected from patients who had visited the Otolaryngology Outpatient or Inpatient Department of KMUH owing to a benign lesion over this field. All were interviewed to collect demographic and substance use information by a trained interviewer using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS Smoking (aOR = 5.4, 95% CI = 2.4-12.9, PAR = 72%), alcoholic beverage drinking (aOR = 17.6, 95% CI = 9.3-35.2, PAR = 76%) and low education level are independent risk factors for esophageal cancer. Although betel nut chewers only had a borderline significant higher risk than nonchewers (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI = 0.8-3.1), those who chewed with a piece of betel inflorescence (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.4-16.0) and swallow betel-quid juice (aOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.3-9.3) had a significant higher risk. Significant dose-response effects were found in daily quantity of drinking and smoking. There is a synergistic effect of these three substances on the development of esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION Betel nut chewing plays a relevant role in the development of esophageal SCC but adds to the carcinogenetic effect of smoking and alcohol drinking. Direct mucosal contact of betel juice may contribute to its carcinogenesis.
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Wang QJ, Lu CY, Li N, Rao SQ, Shi YB, Han DY, Li X, Cao JY, Yu LM, Li QZ, Guan MX, Yang WY, Shen Y. Y-linked inheritance of non-syndromic hearing impairment in a large Chinese family. J Med Genet 2004; 41:e80. [PMID: 15173246 PMCID: PMC1735813 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2003.012799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Jeyarajah DR, Kielar M, Gokaslan ST, Lindberg G, Lu CY. Fas deficiency exacerbates cerulein-induced pancreatitis. J INVEST SURG 2004; 16:325-33. [PMID: 14708534 DOI: 10.1080/08941930390249865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis results in many deaths each year. Our understanding of pathophysiology is limited. To better understand the impact of apoptosis versus necrosis, we compared cerulein-induced pancreatitis in Fas-deficient (MRL lpr/lpr) versus Fas-sufficient (MRL +/+) mice. Average amylase values in Fas-deficient mice were substantially greater than in Fas-sufficient mouse. Histology graded on edema, inflammation, vacuolization, and necrosis showed greater injury in the Fas-deficient mouse. This finding suggests that the Fas pathway is important in controlling cerulein-induced pancreatitis.
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Chiang BC, Wey MY, Yang WY, Lu CY. Simultaneous control of metals and organics using a fluidized bed adsorber. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2003; 24:1103-1115. [PMID: 14599144 DOI: 10.1080/09593330309385651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A previous study has examined the performance of a fluidized activated carbon adsorber for removal of organics and particulate emissions from an incinerator under various fluidized operating conditions. The results show that it is an effective control device to treat the organics and coarse particles. However toxic heavy metal compounds cannot be completely destroyed during the incineration process and will volatilize at high temperature and then condense to form metallic particulates during the cooling of the flue gas. Therefore, continuing the previous study, the removal of metals generated from incineration by a fluidized bed adsorber at relatively low temperature was performed in the current study. Activated carbons with different additives (limestone, aluminum oxide and silica sand) were added in the adsorber to remove single metal (Pb, Cr and Cd) or mixed metals in the flue gas. Furthermore, an impulse bag house integrated after the adsorber and serving as an air pollution control device to control the metals and organics simultaneously was also identified. The results indicate that different additives can increase the removal efficiency of metals from 4% to 24% when the feedstock contains single metal. The integration of the fluidized bed adsorber and a bag house was effective to remove the heavy metals, organics and particulates in the flue gas.
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Mombo LE, Lu CY, Ossari S, Bedjabaga I, Sica L, Krishnamoorthy R, Lapoumeroulie C. Mannose-binding lectin alleles in sub-Saharan Africans and relation with susceptibility to infections. Genes Immun 2003; 4:362-7. [PMID: 12847552 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gene.6363979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in the early stages of primary infections and during the decay of maternal antibodies in infants. Various studies have looked at the relation between serum MBL concentrations, MBL gene alterations and susceptibility to infections. We investigated the distribution of variant MBL alleles in 626 unrelated adults from sub-Saharan African countries and looked for a potential relation between these alleles and the incidence, prevalence and death rate of tuberculosis for sub-Saharan Africa. We also evaluated the relation between MBL genotypes and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in 188 Gabonese adults. We found that (i) the prevalence of the common variant MBL alleles is correlated with the incidence of tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa (r=0.565), (ii) the mutant MBL G57E allele, in either the homozygous or compound heterozygous state, is associated with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in the Gabonese population (P=0.019).Our data plus those in the literature suggest that individuals who are homozygous for the mutant MBL alleles display increased susceptibility to infections. Interestingly, we found that individuals who are heterozygous for MBL mutations are much less susceptible to infections than those who are homozygous for the wild-type MBL allele.
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Xia K, Deng H, Xia JH, Zheng D, Zhang HL, Lu CY, Li CQ, Pan Q, Dai HP, Yang YF, Long ZG, Deng HX. A novel locus (DSAP2) for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis maps to chromosome 15q25.1-26.1. Br J Dermatol 2002; 147:650-4. [PMID: 12366408 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.05058.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a chronic cutaneous disorder characterized by multiple superficial keratotic lesions surrounded by a slightly raised keratotic border. It develops in teenagers in sun-exposed areas of skin and usually follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The first locus for DSAP was localized to chromosome 12q23.2-24.1, but no gene responsible for porokeratosis has been identified to date. OBJECTIVES To determine whether DSAP is a genetically heterogeneous disorder and to identify the disease gene locus in a three-generation Chinese family with DSAP. METHODS Genetic linkage analysis was carried out in this family using 15 microsatellite markers between D12S1671 and D12S369 on chromosome 12q, followed by a genome-wide scan with 382 microsatellite markers from the autosomes. RESULTS Genetic linkage analysis with chromosome 12q markers suggested that the locus in this family is not linked to chromosome 12q. A genome-wide scan and fine mapping finally localized the locus for DSAP in this family to a 6.4-cM region between markers D15S1023 and D15S1030 at chromosome 15q25.1-26.1. This DSAP locus was named DSAP2. CONCLUSIONS The previous results and this study have shown that DSAP is a genetically heterogeneous disorder; a novel locus for DSAP, termed DSAP2, was mapped to a 6.4-cM region between markers D15S1023 and D15S1030.
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Huang YW, Buerkle H, Lee TH, Lu CY, Lin CR, Lin SH, Chou AK, Muhammad R, Yang LC. Effect of pretreatment with ketorolac on propofol injection pain. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2002; 46:1021-4. [PMID: 12190806 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-6576.2002.460816.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Pain on injection is still a major problem with propofol. We performed this study to compare different doses of intravenous (i.v.) ketorolac with and without venous occlusion and its effect on the incidence and the severity of the pain after propofol injection. METHODS We conducted a prospective, randomized and double-blind study of 180 patients (20-60 years of age.) scheduled to undergo elective surgery. Six groups of patients were generated: group A received normal saline (NS) 2 ml i.v.; groups B, C, D received ketorolac 10 mg in 2 ml NS with venous occlusion (VO) and a subsequent propofol injection at either 30, 60 or 120 s; groups E and F received ketorolac 15 mg and 30 mg in 2 ml NS and propofol was injected after 60 s. The pain perception was assessed during injection of propofol in all patients. RESULT : The incidence of propofol-associated injection pain was for A: 46.7%; B: 43.4%; C: 23.3%; D:16.7%; E: 20%, and F: 10%. The incidence of pain following propofol injection was reduced by i.v. ketorolac 10 mg with venous occlusion for 120 s. Furthermore, i.v. ketorolac 15 mg and 30 mg but not 10 mg following propofol injection after 60 s without venous occlusion revealed significant pain reduction when compared to saline group. There was no difference in venous sequelae at 7 days postoperatively between the groups. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that pretreatment with i.v. 15 and 30 mg ketorolac reduces pain following propofol injection. Moreover, pretreatment with i.v. ketorolac 10 mg with venous occlusion for 120 s achieves the same pain relief effect.
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Chan PC, Lu CY, Lee PI, Yang TY, Chen RT, Ho YH, Yang SC, Lee CY, Huang L. Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis with subdural effusion: a case report. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2002; 35:61-4. [PMID: 11950123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemophilus influenzae type b causes invasive infection in children under 2 years of age. The disease may be complicated with hearing impairment, lowered learning ability, and other neurologic sequelae. The incidence of invasive H. influenzae type b has declined dramatically after the introduction of routine administration of protein-conjugated H. influenzae type b vaccine in the United States and some other countries. Because of its low incidence in Taiwan, many clinicians are not familiar with the initial symptoms and management of H. influenzae type b. This case report describes a 7-month-old H. influenzae type b meningitis patient who had initial presentations of prolonged intermittent fever and vague neurologic signs. Left peripheral facial palsy with hearing loss in left ear and bilateral frontal subdural effusion developed during the first 5 days of cefotaxime therapy. Betamethasone was then given for 4 days to relieve the severe inflammation. Drug-induced fever was observed after 11 days of antibiotic use and subsided with prednisolone treatment. Left ear hearing impairment persisted during the follow-up period, but the children did not experience other significant development delay.
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Tseng HH, Wey MY, Lu CY. The study of modified calcium hydroxides with surfactants for acid gas removal during incineration. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2002; 23:109-119. [PMID: 11924579 DOI: 10.1080/09593332508618439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of the present work is to use additives to extend the sulfation reaction of the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) used to control SO2 emission from incineration processes. There are two reasons for adding surfactants (surface-active agent): (1) to provide an appropriate dispersion of the Ca(OH)2', thus preventing particle agglomeration due to humidity; (2) to alter the sulfation reaction environment by adsorbing heterogeneous materials on the surface of the Ca(OH)2 to extend the adsorption equilibrium. A dry scrubber integrated with a fabric filter was employed to study the effect of surfactants on the removal efficiency of acid gas in the flue gas with Ca(OH)2 as the sorbent. The operating parameters evaluated include: (1) the different surfactants (calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sodium sulfonate and beta-naphthalene sodium sulfonate condensates) and (2) the composition of acid gas (i.e. sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO) and hydrogen chloride (HCl)). The results show that modified Ca(OH)2 with surfactants could effectively decrease the emission of acid gas during incineration. Different additives had individual absorption efficiencies on different acid gases. On the whole, sodium lignosulfonate and beta-naphthalene sodium sulfonate condensates had better sorption capacity for SO2 and NO, but not for HCl. In addition, when SO2 coexisted with NO and HCl, the concentration of NO and HCl will result in decrease or increase of the removal efficiency of SO2.
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Hsu HL, Lu CY, Tseng HY, Lee PI, Lai HP, Lin WC, Hsieh YC, Lee CY, Huang LM. Empirical monotherapy with meropenem in serious bacterial infections in children. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2001; 34:275-80. [PMID: 11825008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy and safety profile of meropenem were analyzed according to data collected from hospitalized pediatric patients aged 4 days to 20 years who had serious bacterial infections and were treated in a major teaching hospital in Taipei. Of the 53 patients enrolled, 47 were analyzed for clinical efficacy and 53 for safety. The satisfactory clinical response rate was 57% in lower respiratory tract infection, 58% in septicemia, 100% in complicated urinary tract infection, osteomyelitis, and central nervous system infection, 83% in skin and soft tissue infection, and 93% in intra-abdominal infection. Eleven (21%) patients experienced adverse events related to meropenem. The most commonly observed adverse reactions were elevated hepatic enzymes (7.5%), increased alkaline phosphatase (3.8%), and thrombocytosis (3.8%). There was no meropenem-related seizure, withdrawal, or death. The results of this study suggested that meropenem is well tolerated even in young infants, and is effective in treating serious childhood bacterial infection. However, this study also identified a proportion of hospitalized pediatric patients with isolates that were resistant to meropenem. The trends in meropenem resistance among nosocomially acquired bacteria should be monitored closely.
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Lai JM, Lu CY, Yang-Yen HF, Chang ZF. Lysophosphatidic acid promotes phorbol-ester-induced apoptosis in TF-1 cells by interfering with adhesion. Biochem J 2001; 359:227-33. [PMID: 11563987 PMCID: PMC1222139 DOI: 10.1042/0264-6021:3590227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
When exposed to PMA, the erythroblastic cell line TF-1 and its cytokine-independent variant D2 cells can be induced to undergo differentiation and apoptosis. In this study we investigated the mechanism responsible for the differential responses to PMA induction and show that serum present in the medium has a major role in promoting PMA-induced apoptosis in TF-1 and D2 cells. Interestingly, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) could replace serum to co-operate with PMA in inducing apoptosis via the Rho-dependent pathway. The expression of a constitutively active form of RhoA also increased PMA-induced apoptosis. However, by inhibiting adhesion, most cells underwent PMA-induced apoptosis even in the absence of LPA or serum, indicating that adhesion is required for PMA-induced differentiation. Given that LPA could prevent adhesion for cells maintained in the serum-free medium, here we propose that RhoA has a switching role in determining whether TF-1 and D2 cells undergo differentiation or apoptosis in response to PMA, by modulating cell adhesion.
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Nadkarni A, Gorakshakar AC, Lu CY, Krishnamoorthy R, Ghosh K, Colah R, Mohanty D. Molecular pathogenesis and clinical variability of beta-thalassemia syndromes among Indians. Am J Hematol 2001; 68:75-80. [PMID: 11559945 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Sixty-four homozygous beta-thalassemia patients comprising 40 patients with beta-thalassemia major and 24 patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia were investigated for the nature of their beta-thalassemia mutations, associated alpha-thalassemia, and XmnI polymorphism in the gamma gene which are known to affect the clinical course of the disease. This study was undertaken to look for the contribution of these associated factors in reducing the clinical severity of homozygous beta-thalassemia from a severe disease to a beta-thalassemia intermedia phenotype. Clinical severity of these patients was assessed by the degree of transfusion dependency and the age at which the patient presented with symptoms. Globin chain synthetic ratio was taken as the biochemical pointer of severity of the disease. Eleven different beta-thalassemia mutations were encountered among 128 beta-thalassemia chromosomes. It was observed that the nature of the beta-thalassemia mutations was not very different between the beta-thalassemia major and beta-thalassemia intermedia groups in our patients, but co-inheritance of one or more alpha-globin gene deletions (-alpha(3.7)) and the presence of the XmnI polymorphism were associated with lesser severity of the disease in Indians.
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Tseng HY, Lu CY, Lee CY, Yeh CC, Lin SC, Shih WY, Wu SY, Chang MH, Huang LM. Hepatitis A virus infection in Taipei in 1999. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:604-7. [PMID: 11695275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hepatitis A is a disease that is heavily affected by sanitation status. Hepatitis A is much less prevalent compared with decades ago in Taiwan, as in many rapidly developing regions. Hepatitis A vaccine is still self-paid under the National Health Insurance program and is still not widely utilized by the general public in Taiwan. This seroepidemiologic study evaluated the prevalence of antihepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) seropositivity in Taipei in 1999. METHODS A total of 1017 serum samples from healthy inhabitants in Taipei were examined for anti-HAV antibody by qualitative enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence rate was 25.2% (255/1013) in the nonvaccinated population. The seropositivity rate for anti-HAV antibody among children younger than 12 months old was 23.3%. The rates dropped to between 1% and 4.8% among subjects between 1 and 20 years of age. A markedly higher rate of 40% was observed in subjects aged between 20 and 30 years. The seropositivity rate in subjects aged 31 to 50 was 80%. More than 90% of subjects older than 50 years were seropositive. The vaccination rate was low (0.5%). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that Taipei is an area of intermediate endemicity for hepatitis A virus. To achieve better herd immunity, a more active approach to the adoption of hepatitis A vaccine is warranted.
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Lu CY, Kao CL, Lee CY, Lee PI, Huang LM. Immunogenicity and fecal poliovirus excretion in sequential use of inactivated and oral poliovirus vaccines. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:513-8. [PMID: 11678000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Though inoculation with inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is advocated, sequential use of IPV and live oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV) has many advantages. This study aimed to define the immunogenicities of IPV and OPV in Taiwanese children after the use of a sequential schedule of IPV-OPV and also to determine whether prior IPV inoculation hampers the fecal passage of OPV. METHODS Fifty-nine infants were recruited to receive IPV-OPV sequential vaccinations consisting of IPV given at the ages of 2 and 4 months and OPV given at the ages of 6 and 18 months. Blood samples were taken at ages 2, 6, 18, and 19 months for antibody determination, and stool samples were collected to isolate vaccine strains of poliovirus after the second dose of OPV, at the age of 18 months. RESULTS None of the children had severe systemic or local reactions. Protective antibodies were detected in all infants at the age of 6 months, 2 months after the second IPV dose. The antibody titers were augmented at the age of 19 months, 1 month after the booster dose of OPV. Stool samples collected 7 days after the second dose of OPV yielded at least one type of poliovirus in 9 of 18 children. Analysis of stool samples revealed that poliovirus was excreted by the 28th day in only two of the children. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that both IPV and OPV exhibit immunogenicity in Taiwanese children. Side effects of an IPV-OPV sequential schedule were mild and infrequent. Viral shedding in stools after OPV vaccination was preserved in a substantial proportion of subjects. These findings suggest that this sequential vaccination schedule can maintain herd immunity.
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Yu FJ, Wu DC, Kuo CH, Lu CY, Su YC, Lee YC, Lin SR, Liu CS, Jan CM, Wang WM. Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection by stool antigen test in southern Taiwan. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2001; 17:344-50. [PMID: 11593960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been found to be associated with various gastrointestinal diseases. Confirmation of H. pylori infection includes invasive and non-invasive methods. There has been increasing interest in noninvasive tests recently. However, the geographical differences among H. pylori strains have been emphasized recently and the H. pylori strain in Taiwan showed a high cagA positive result and different vacA subtype when compared with those of Western countries. The aim of this study is to access and compare the reliability and the diagnostic accuracy of the stool H. pylori antigen tests by spectrophotometry and by the visual method, especially in Southern Taiwan. Thirty-two patients (18 men and 14 women; age range: 23-91 y/o, mean: 50.5 y/o) who underwent gastroendoscopy at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital were enrolled in this study. H. pylori infection status was confirmed by culture or two positive test results on CLO test, histology and 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT). The exclusion criteria included previous gastrointestinal tract surgery, use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitor or compounds containing bismuth within 1 month of the study. Among them, 14 patients were with duodenal ulcer (DU), 4 with gastric ulcer (GU), 12 with non-ulcer dyspepsia, and 2 with GU and DU. Those patients had their stool collected for ELISA tests of H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA). The HpSA tests were positive in 16 of 18 patients diagnosed as H. pylori positive, and negative in 13 of 14 patients as H. pylori negative. The sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 92.9% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 94.1% and 86.7% respectively. The concordance of HpSA accessed by spectrophotometry and visual method is 100%, which makes this test even easier and cheaper. We concluded that stool HpSA test is a noninvasive, accurate, reliable, rapid and easy way to diagnose H. pylori infection in Southern Taiwan, either by spectrophotometry or by visual assessment.
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Wei YH, Ma YS, Lee HC, Lee CF, Lu CY. Mitochondrial theory of aging matures--roles of mtDNA mutation and oxidative stress in human aging. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 2001; 64:259-70. [PMID: 11499335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial theory of aging, a variant of free radical theory of aging, proposes that accumulation of damage to mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leads to aging of humans and animals. It has been supported by the observation that mitochondrial function declines and mtDNA mutation increases in tissue cells in an age-dependent manner. Age-related impairment in the respiratory enzymes not only decreases ATP synthesis but also enhances production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through increased electron leakage in the respiratory chain. Human mtDNA, which is not protected by histones and yet is exposed to high levels of ROS and free radicals in the matrix of mitochondria, is susceptible to oxidative damage and mutation in tissue cells. In the past decade, more than one hundred mtDNA mutations have been found in patients with mitochondrial disease, and some of them also occur in aging human tissues. The incidence and abundance of these mutant mtDNAs are increased with age, particularly in tissues with great demand for energy. On the other hand, recent studies have revealed that the ability of the human cell to cope with oxidative stress is compromised in aging. Comparative analysis of gene expression by microarray technology has shown that a number of genes related to oxidative stress response are altered in aging animals. We discovered that the transcripts of early growth response protein-1, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible proteins and glutathione S-transferase genes are increased in response to oxidative stress in human skin fibroblasts. Moreover, the activities of Cu,Zn-SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase decrease with age, whereas Mn-SOD activity increases with age up to 65 years and slightly declines thereafter in skin fibroblasts. Such an imbalance in the function of antioxidant enzymes may result in excess production of damaging ROS in the cell. This notion is supported by the observation that intracellular levels of H2O2 and oxidative damage to DNA and lipids are significantly increased with age of the fibroblast donor. Furthermore, the mitochondrial pool of reduced glutathione declines and DNA damage is enhanced in aging tissues. Taken together, these observations and our previous findings that mtDNA mutations and oxidative damage are increased in aging human tissues suggest that mitochondrial theory of aging is mature.
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Wu DC, Kuo CH, Lu CY, Su YC, Yu FJ, Lee YC, Lin SR, Liu CS, Jan CM, Wang WM. Evaluation of an office-based urine test for detecting Helicobacter pylori: a Prospective Pilot Study. HEPATO-GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001; 48:614-7. [PMID: 11462887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To ascertain the reliability of a newly developed office-based urine test, the RAPIRUN test, used for detection of H. pylori infection. METHODOLOGY Urine specimens from 142 consecutive patients undergoing gastroendoscopy (77 men, 65 women; mean 52.0 years) were tested with RAPIRUN at the same time. The total reaction time for the urine test is 20 min. None of the patients had received any H. pylori eradicating treatment. The H. pylori status was evaluated based on 5 different tests: culture, histology, biopsy urease test, 13C-urea breath test, and the RAPIRUN test. A commercial office-based kit using an immunochromatographic technique was used to examine urine samples for H. pylori antibody. H. pylori status was defined as positive when the culture was positive or if 2 of the other 3 tests (histology, biopsy urease test, and 13C-urea breath test were positive. RESULTS Of 93 patients with H. pylori infection, 88 were tested as positive by RAPIRUN (sensitivity 94.6%). Of 48 patients without infection, 43 were found to be negative by RAPIRUN (specificity 89.6%). One case with an invalid urine test was excluded. CONCLUSIONS This urine test is a rapid, inexpensive, reliable and easy-to-use tool for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in untreated patients. It can be used for mass screening of patients' H. pylori status, particularly in children, postgastrectomy patients, uncooperative patients, and patients undergoing bismuth or proton pump inhibitor treatment.
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Wei YH, Lee CF, Lee HC, Ma YS, Wang CW, Lu CY, Pang CY. Increases of mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial genome in association with enhanced oxidative stress in human cells harboring 4,977 BP-deleted mitochondrial DNA. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 928:97-112. [PMID: 11795533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb05640.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of aging- and disease-associated deletion of mtDNA on cellular functions, we used cytoplasm fusion to construct a series of the cybrids harboring varying proportions of mtDNA with 4,977 bp deletion from skin fibroblasts of a patient with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. The cybrids were grown in the Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum, 100 microg/ml pyruvate and 50 microg/ml uridine. The population doubling time was longer for the cybrids containing higher proportions of 4,977 bp-deleted mtDNA. In addition, we found that the respiratory function was decreased with the increase of mtDNA with 4,977 bp deletion in the cybrids. Since impairment of the respiratory system of mitochondria increases the electron leak of the respiratory chain, we further determined the oxidative stress in these cybrids. The results showed that the specific contents of 8-hydroxy 2'-deoxyguanosine and lipid peroxides of the cybrids harboring > 65% of the 4,977 bp-deleted mtDNA were significantly increased as compared with those of the cybrids containing undetectable mutant mtDNA. On the other hand, we found that the mitochondrial mass and the relative content of the mitochondrial genome in the cybrids harboring 4,977 bp-deleted mtDNA were higher than those of the cybrids containing only wild type mtDNA. The relative content of mtDNA was increased 17% and 30%, respectively, in the cybrids harboring 17% and 56% of mtDNA with 4,977 bp deletion. Moreover, both mitochondrial mass and mtDNA content were concurrently increased by treatment of the cybrids with 180 microM of hydrogen peroxide. Taken these findings together, we conclude that increase of mitochondrial mass and mtDNA are the molecular events associated with enhanced oxidative stress in human cells with impaired respiratory function caused by mtDNA deletion.
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