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Chen TW, Ng SY, Whaites EJ. Interpretation of skull radiographs for facial fractures by medical staff working in UK emergency departments: a pilot study. Dentomaxillofac Radiol 2003; 32:166-72. [PMID: 12917282 DOI: 10.1259/dmfr/49085346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This was a pilot study to determine the ability of hospital doctors (1) to assess the technical quality of occipitomental (OM) radiographs and (2) to identify facial fractures. METHOD Twenty-two doctors from four UK Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments participated in a two part study: Part A was a postal questionnaire containing questions on demographic data, educational background, selection criteria, assessing radiographs and radiation protection; and Part B was a clinical viewing session to interpret 20 randomized OM radiographs divided into four groups; technically good and poor without fractures, and technically good and poor with fractures. RESULTS Study participants ranged from junior house officers to senior consultants. There was considerable variation in educational background and radiographic interpretation instruction at undergraduate and postgraduate level. OM radiographs constituted 10% of all skull radiographs examined per week, yet only 40% of the doctors felt confident when assessing technical quality. The majority of participants had only a limited knowledge of radiation protection legislation. During the viewing session, only 50% of the participants correctly identified those radiographs with fractures and those with technique errors. There was no significant difference between house officers and other grades of staff. A higher level of seniority did not equate with greater interpretative ability. Subjective confidence in assessing film quality did not correlate with the actual film viewing. CONCLUSION Only half of the A&E doctors taking part in the study were able to correctly assess film quality and identify facial fractures on OM radiographs. If the pilot sample is representative, then the findings are of considerable concern.
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Pei D, Chen TW, Kuo YL, Hung YJ, Hsieh CH, Wu LY, Chang JB, Chou TC, Chen YDI, Kuo SW. The effect of surgical stress on insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness and acute insulin response to glucose load. J Endocrinol Invest 2003; 26:397-402. [PMID: 12906365 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia after stress is a very common clinical phenomenon. It is generally hypothesized that the underlying cause is a neuroendocrine-mediated deterioration in glucose metabolism. However, the detailed roles of insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness and acute insulin response to glucose load in response to stress have not been well established. Hernioplasty was used as a minor stress model for studying stress-induced hyperglycemia. Eleven healthy young men were enrolled voluntarily in this study. Their mean age was 22.0 +/- 0.9 yr and BMI 23.3 +/- 0.6 kg/m2. Frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance tests were performed one day before and one day after the surgery. Insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness (EG) and area under acute insulin response (AIR) were calculated from "minimal model" algorithms. We also measured fasting concentrations of human GH, ACTH and F on the days of the test. Compared to the pre-operation data, levels of ACTH and F did not change significantly after the surgery. Only GH levels were marginally significant. On the other hand, the SI (0.75 +/- 0.1, 0.52 +/- 0.9 x 10(-5) min(-1)/pmol, p = 0.04), EG (0.023 +/- 0.03, 0.016 +/- 0.003 min(-1), p = 0.01) and AIR (6738.5 +/- 1111.6, 5130.0 +/- 1047.2 pmol, p = 0.005) were all significantly decreased after surgery. The percentages of decrease were 16.3 +/- 15.5, 32.1 +/- 10.3 and 17.8 +/- 10.3%, respectively. Finally, only the changes of EG positively correlate with the changes of ACTH before and after surgery. No significant changes were noted among other stress hormones and the changes of SI, EG and AIR. In conclusion, hernioplasty results in reduced SI, EG and AIR. Among them, although not statistically significant, the EG showed the most distinct decrease after the surgery, which has not been found in previous literature.
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Lee WC, Yang WC, Chen TW, Huang CH, Lin CC. Unusual presentation of Neisseria mucosa peritonitis with persistent ultrafiltration failure and clear effluent. Perit Dial Int 2003; 23:198-9. [PMID: 12713091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
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Hung SC, Hung SH, Tarng DC, Yang WC, Chen TW, Huang TP. Thiamine deficiency and unexplained encephalopathy in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Am J Kidney Dis 2001; 38:941-7. [PMID: 11684545 DOI: 10.1053/ajkd.2001.28578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing regular dialysis are prone to encephalopathy, but the cause is often unclear. Dialysis patients are at risk for thiamine deficiency, which may mimic many uremic complications, including encephalopathy. To determine whether unexplained encephalopathy in regular dialysis patients is associated with thiamine deficiency, we conducted a prospective study that enrolled 30 consecutive dialysis patients with altered mental status admitted to a referred hospital during a 1-year period. A complete history, physical and neurological examinations, laboratory investigations, and computed tomographic scans or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were obtained for each subject. In 10 of the 30 patients, diagnoses remained obscure after the initial workup. Manifestations included confusion, chorea, acute visual loss, rapidly progressive dementia, myoclonus, convulsions, and coma. Intravenous thiamine was administered to these 10 patients. All 10 patients had thiamine deficiency confirmed by a marked response to thiamine supplementation and/or a low serum thiamine concentration (35.3 +/- 6.0 nmol/L; normal, >50 nmol/L). Nine patients recovered, but one patient failed to respond because of delayed treatment. We conclude that in regular dialysis patients, unexplained encephalopathy can be mainly attributed to thiamine deficiency. This condition is fatal if unrecognized and can be successfully treated with prompt thiamine replacement.
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Tarng DC, Chen TW, Chen CH. Peritonitis in CAPD patients--do not always use antibiotics! Nephrol Dial Transplant 2001; 16:856-8. [PMID: 11274289 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/16.4.856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Chen TW, Leung PT, Chu MC. Optical emissions in a sonoluminescing bubble. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL PHYSICS, PLASMAS, FLUIDS, AND RELATED INTERDISCIPLINARY TOPICS 2000; 62:6584-96. [PMID: 11101996 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.62.6584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2000] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
We study how the mechanism of spontaneous decay of atoms (or molecules) in a sonoluminescing bubble (SLB) can be affected by the high density and high temperature environment resulting from the rapid collapse of the gas bubble immediately prior to light emission. We present a detailed study of the density of states of photons in multiple-layered spheres, which mimic various stages of a SLB. In particular, we found that the spontaneous decay rate could be strongly enhanced in the presence of a thin plasma shell inside the bubble, which was predicted recently in numerical hydrodynamic simulations of a SLB.
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Chen JY, Chiu JH, Chen HL, Chen TW, Yang WC, Yang AH. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells produce nitric oxide: induction by cytokines. Perit Dial Int 2000; 20:772-7. [PMID: 11216573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the induction of nitric oxide synthase type II (iNOS) in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) using cytokines and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DESIGN Confluent monolayers of HPMC were exposed to cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), interferon gamma (IFNgamma)] or LPS, individually or in various double and triple combinations, for 24-72 hours. Concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in the media were quantified using the Griess reaction and used as indirect indices of nitric oxide (NO) production. The expression of iNOS was assessed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. RESULTS Neither single cytokines nor LPS was able to induce iNOS mRNA or NO production. Both double combinations of TNFalpha + IFNgamma and IL-1beta + IFNgamma were able to induce iNOS mRNA expression, but only TNFalpha + IFNgamma induced significant NO production. The triple combination of TNFalpha + IFNgamma + IL-1beta induced even more NO production than TNFalpha + IFNgamma. There was no constitutive NO synthase type III (eNOS) expression in HPMC. CONCLUSIONS Certain combinations of cytokines could stimulate cultured HPMC to produce NO, and HPMC might be a source of intraperitoneal NO production during peritonitis.
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Chen CH, Chen TW, Weng MC, Wang WT, Wang YL, Huang MH. The effect of electroacupuncture on shoulder subluxation for stroke patients. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2000; 16:525-32. [PMID: 11272799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the effect of electroacupuncture on shoulder subluxation for stroke patients. Twenty hemiplegic patients with shoulder subluxation were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The subjects in the control group received conventional therapy, and the subjects in the study group were treated with electroacupuncture and conventional therapy for four weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder pain, motor function status, anthropometry, and X-ray assessment were used to evaluate the status of shoulder subluxation before and after treatment. The results indicated that the pain scores decreased in the study groups significantly more than those in the control group. The degrees of shoulder reduction, including the measurement of anthropometry and X-ray assessment in the study group, were more than those of the control group. However, the motor function status showed no significant difference between two groups. It is concluded that electroacupuncture can be an effective adjuvant management in the treatment of shoulder subluxation for stroke patients.
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Lee CC, Ng YY, Chou YH, Tiu CM, Wang Z, Yang HM, Chen TW, Yang WC. Mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta in a patient undergoing hemodialysis: an unusual complication of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Clin Infect Dis 2000; 30:823-4. [PMID: 10816154 DOI: 10.1086/313769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
When Staphylococcus aureus is repeatedly positive in blood cultures even under effective antibiotics therapy (vancomycin, teicoplanin, or rifampin), computed tomography scan and sonography should be performed early to exclude mycotic aneurysm of the deeply seated arteries, especially in patients with abdominal aortic calcification. Before 1990, the most common causative organism of suprarenal aortic mycotic aneurysm was Salmonella; since 1990, it has been gram-positive cocci (i.e., Streptococcus and Staphylococcus) rather than gram-negative bacilli (i.e., Salmonella), possibly because of the more invasive procedures performed in clinical settings, but this hypothesis needs further investigation.
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Chen TW, Huang TP, Wang ML. Significance of nitrogen removal mass in uremic patients on different modalities of dialysis therapy. J Formos Med Assoc 2000; 99:116-22. [PMID: 10770025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE While most nephrologists use Kt/V values for dialysis prescriptions, some researchers are beginning to view the role of solute removal mass as an indicator of adequate dialysis. This study, using nitrogen as a surrogate for solute removal, probed whether solute removal mass can be used as the target of adequate dialysis. Mathematical formulas for easy bedside calculation of nitrogen removal mass were used to avoid the problems associated with direct measurement. METHODS The weekly removal mass of urea nitrogen (M) and the urea generation rate (G) of 32 conventional hemodialysis (HD) and 21 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients were calculated. All the patients were anuric, clinically stable, and under adequate dialysis pursuant to either the criterion of the urea index, Kt/V, or clinical requirements. RESULTS The difference in MHD (MHD = 41.9 +/- 9.5 g/week, MCAPD = 38.8 +/- 11.9 g/week) and G (GHD = 3.90 +/- 1.02 mg/min, GCAPD = 3.85 +/- 1.21 mg/min) between the two groups was statistically insignificant (p = 0.119 and p = 0.868, respectively). When protein nitrogen leaking through the peritoneal membrane was considered and added to MCAPD, nitrogen removal in CAPD patients (M'CAPD = 42.3 +/- 13.0 g/week) approached that in HD patients (p = 0.886). There was no correlation between dialysis dosage and urea removal mass in either the CAPD or HD groups. CONCLUSIONS Urea nitrogen removal mass is similar to the protein catabolic rate (PCR) in stable patients. It is meaningful in dialysis evaluation only when it is used simultaneously with blood urea nitrogen measurement. However, because M changes at the inception of dialysis, it more significant than PCR in the evaluation of unstable patients.
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Ng YY, Chang IT, Chen TW, Liou HN, Yang AH, Yang WC. Concomitant lupus nephritis and bullous eruption in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1999; 14:1739-43. [PMID: 10435885 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/14.7.1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Hou CC, Wu SC, Wu SC, Chen TW, Yang WC, Ng YY. Is serum transferrin receptor a sensitive marker of iron repletion in patients with iron-deficiency anemia and hemodialysis patients? ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 1999; 62:189-94. [PMID: 10367478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentration has been recognized as a reliable laboratory indicator of iron deficiency in recent years. But its response to iron supplementation has not been investigated. METHODS We evaluated the sTfR concentrations in 15 patients diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, in 30 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) with iron repletion and in 31 healthy controls. The serial changes of sTfR concentration and their correlation with serum ferritin in patients with iron deficiency under iron repletion were also examined in three patients. RESULTS In patients with iron-deficiency anemia, the sTfR concentration was 5.6 +/- 2.4 mg/ml, significantly higher than that in the control group (1.8 +/- 0.4 mg/ml) and patients receiving maintenance HD with iron repletion (1.7 +/- 0.5 mg/ml). The three patients with iron-deficiency anemia who received eight to 16 weeks of iron supplementation showed steady and significant decreases in sTfR concentration and significant increases in serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. However, the decreases in sTfR concentration did not occur immediately, as did the increases in serum ferritin and transferrin saturation, following iron repletion. There was a four-week delayed response in the decrease of sTfR concentrations as measured against serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. CONCLUSIONS sTfR concentration may not be as effective as an early index of iron repletion compared with serum ferritin and transferrin saturation.
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Lee CC, Chou YH, Chen TW, Wu TH, Charng YP, Chiou HJ, Tiu CM, Yang WC, Ng YY. Engorgement of brachiocephalic vein after creation of an AV fistula--a result of sternoclavicular joint osteophyte. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1999; 14:757-9. [PMID: 10193835 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/14.3.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Chang YP, Chen TW, Chen CP, Ng YY, Yang WC. Inguinal abscess in a CAPD patient secondary to inguinal hernia and repeated episodes of peritonitis: a case report. Perit Dial Int 1999; 19:177-8. [PMID: 10357193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
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Tarng DC, Huang TP, Chen TW, Yang WC. Erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness: from iron deficiency to iron overload. KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL. SUPPLEMENT 1999; 69:S107-18. [PMID: 10084294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Iron deficiency is the most frequently encountered cause of suboptimal response to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). Carefully assessing iron status is of paramount importance in chronic renal failure patients prior to or during rHuEPO therapy. Because there is great need for iron in the EPO-stimulated erythroid progenitors, it is essential that serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels should be maintained over 300 microg/liter and 30%, respectively. Investigators have shown that oral iron is unlikely to keep pace with the iron demand for an optimal rHuEPO response in uremics. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency will always require intravenous iron therapy. The early and prompt iron supplementation can lead to reductions in rHuEPO dose and hence cost. After the iron deficiency has been corrected or excluded, we must remember all of the possible causes of hyporesponsiveness in every rHuEPO-treated patient. As dose requirements vary, it is not clear which dose of rHuEPO causes this hyporesponsiveness. However, if the patient with iron repletion does not respond well after the induction period, the major causes blunting the response to rHuEPO should be investigated. Most factors are reversible and remediable, except resistant anemia associated with hemoglobinopathy or bone marrow fibrosis, which requires a further increase in the rHuEPO dose. By means of early detection and correction of the possible causes, the goal of increasing therapeutic efficacy can be achieved. Iron overload may lead to an enhanced risk for infection, cardiovascular complication, and cancer. Over-treatment with iron should be avoided in dialysis patients, despite the fact that the safe upper limit of serum ferritin to avoid iron overload is not clearly defined. On the other hand, functional iron deficiency may develop even when serum ferritin levels are increased. Controversy remains as to whether intravenous iron therapy can overcome this form of hyporesponsiveness in iron-overloaded patients. Moreover, a treatment option of iron supplementation is not warranted in these patients, as the potential hazards of iron overload will be worsened. We demonstrated that the mean hematocrit significantly increased from 25.1+/-0.9% to 31+/-1.2% after eight weeks of intravenous ascorbate therapy (300 mg three times a week) in 12 hemodialysis patients with serum ferritin levels of more than 500 microg/liter. The enhanced erythropoiesis paralleled with a rise in transferrin saturation (27.8+/-2.5% vs. 44.8+/-9.5%, P < 0.05) and reductions in erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (130+/-32 vs. 72+/-19 micromol/mol heme, P < 0.05) and monthly rHuEPO dose (24.2+/-4.5 vs. 16.8+/-3.4 x 10(3) units, P < 0.05) at the end of study. It is speculated that ascorbate supplementation not only facilitates the iron release from storage sites and its delivery to hematopoietic tissues, but also increases iron utilization in erythroid cells. Our study provides a more complete understanding of the pathogenesis of iron overload-related anemia and the development of an adjuvant therapy, intravenous ascorbic acid, to the existing treatments.
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Chen TW, Huang CS, Chen PS, Lin HN, Chen PL. Prosthetic reconstruction in the cleft lip and palate patient with an extracoronal resilient attachment retained removable partial overdenture: case report. CHANGGENG YI XUE ZA ZHI 1999; 22:153-8. [PMID: 10418227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
There are still some difficulties in prosthetic reconstruction of cleft lip and palate patients with conventional prostheses or implant retained prostheses. The most common difficulties are insufficient alveolar bone quality and quantity, inadequate soft tissue, and abutment teeth. The patient we report on was a 23-year-old man with a clinical diagnosis of right incomplete cleft lip and palate combined with midface dysplasia. The maxillary six anterior teeth were reconstructed. The maxillary right central incisor and canine were used as abutments for an extracoronal resilient attachment (ERA) retained removable partial overdenture. The STERN ERA SYSTEM is a hinged resilient attachment with an ideal stress breaking characteristic, a good retentive function, and easy chairside replacement. The 2-year follow-up examination revealed an adequate esthetic appearance with good retention and stability of the prosthesis. A removable partial overdenture using the teeth adjacent to the cleft area as abutments with an adequate attachment design is an alternative method for prosthetic reconstruction of cleft lip and palate deformity.
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VanSwearingen JM, Paschal KA, Bonino P, Chen TW. Assessing recurrent fall risk of community-dwelling, frail older veterans using specific tests of mobility and the physical performance test of function. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 1998; 53:M457-64. [PMID: 9823750 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/53a.6.m457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to determine if older individuals at risk for recurrent falls are best identified by mobility or functional assessments. METHODS Eighty-four community-dwelling, frail male veterans, mean age of 75.5 years (SD=7.33), participated. The history of recurrent falls was determined by self or proxy report in a clinical interview. Mobility assessments included the Modified Gait Abnormality Rating Scale (GARS-M), stride length, and walking velocity; functional performance was determined using the Physical Performance Test (PPT). The clinical usefulness of the measures was described by determining the sensitivity and specificity of each measure using the history of recurrent falls as a standard. RESULT Stepwise logistic regression analysis of the data indicated that the GARS-M (p < .01) and the PPT (p < .01) were the most important predictors of recurrent fall risk. The sensitivity and specificity of the measures used were: GARS-M, 62.3% and 87.1%; PPT, 79.3% and 71.0%; walking speed, 71.7% and 74.2%; and stride length, 63.2% and 77.4%. Together the GARS-M and PPT demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 90.6% and the highest specificity of 87. 1% based on a subject testing positive on at least one test. CONCLUSION Used independently and in combination, the GARS-M and the PPT were clinically useful measures in screening for older individuals at risk for recurrent falls.
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Lin CC, Chen TW, Ng YY, Chou YH, Yang WC. Thyroid dysfunction and nodular goiter in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. ARCH ESP UROL 1998; 18:516-21. [PMID: 9848631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of nodular goiter and thyroid dysfunction in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Single dialysis unit and outpatient clinic. PATIENTS The study included 221 patients [143 HD and 78 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients] along with 135 consecutively selected outpatients as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Ultrasonography was used to detect patients' thyroid function and nodular goiter. RESULTS Nodular goiter was detected in 54.8% of the uremic patients and in 21.5% of the controls. Uremic patients had higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, which included reduced serum concentration of total T3, total T4, and free T4, and increased serum level of TSH. Hypothyroidism was also observed more frequently in uremic patients than in the control group (5.4% vs 0.7%, p < 0.05). Nodular goiter was more frequently found in females than in males (63.5% vs 48%, p < 0.05). Moreover, the prevalence of nodular goiter increased with age (p < 0.02) in uremic patients. Hemodialysis patients had a higher frequency of reduced total T3 level (46.9% vs 29.5%, p < 0.02). However, CAPD patients had lower T4 levels (6.23+/-1.82 microg/dL vs 7.15+/-1.99 microg/dL, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Because of the high incidence of hypothyroidism and nodular goiter in uremic patients, screening of thyroid function and goiter detection with ultrasound should be considered in evaluation of end-stage renal disease patients.
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Ng YY, Yu S, Chen TW, Wu SC, Yang AH, Yang WC. Interstitial renal fibrosis in a young woman: association with a Chinese preparation given for irregular menses. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1998; 13:2115-7. [PMID: 9719178 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/13.8.2115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Chang IT, Chen TW, Ng YY, Yang WC. Recurrent intestinal angiodysplastic bleeding in a patient on hemodialysis ceasing spontaneously with CAPD. ARCH ESP UROL 1998; 18:342-3. [PMID: 9663905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Hsu YH, Ng YY, Yang AH, Chen TW, Huang TP. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in the elderly: a case report. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 1998; 61:301-5. [PMID: 9650435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is quite rare in the elderly population. It is very difficult to recognize because the initial symptoms are similar to those of more common diseases of this age group. Compared with younger patients, elderly patients with PSGN tend to have a high incidence of renal function impairment and anuria or prolonged oliguria. Recovery from acute PSGN in the elderly is less predictable than in children and younger adults, especially when associated with severe impairment of renal function. We present the case of an elderly patient with PSGN, who had a skin infection of the face and anuria on admission. Percutaneous left renal biopsy was performed in the initial hospitalization period and in the recovery phase of the disease. Renal function recovered within two months. However, increased urinary white blood cell sediments with normal serum creatinine concentrations persisted in the successive three years of follow-up. Renal biopsy was repeated and showed evidence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
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Hou CC, Lee YJ, Yu KW, Yang WC, Chen TW, Ng YY. Peritonitis due to Listeria monocytogenes in a patient receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Clin Infect Dis 1998; 26:514-6. [PMID: 9502491 DOI: 10.1086/517103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Cheng FH, Hsu WH, Chen TW. Recovering colors in an image with chromatic illuminant. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON IMAGE PROCESSING : A PUBLICATION OF THE IEEE SIGNAL PROCESSING SOCIETY 1998; 7:1524-1533. [PMID: 18276218 DOI: 10.1109/83.725360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Colors in a scene change under different illuminants. By adopting models that are used to describe human color constancy, the maximum-spectral-value method is proposed to estimate the illuminant from the maximum distribution of reflected lights in an image. From the experimental results, the proposed method recovers colors well with different illuminants.
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Gokal R, Alexander S, Ash S, Chen TW, Danielson A, Holmes C, Joffe P, Moncrief J, Nichols K, Piraino B, Prowant B, Slingeneyer A, Stegmayr B, Twardowski Z, Vas S. Peritoneal catheters and exit-site practices toward optimum peritoneal access: 1998 update. (Official report from the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis). ARCH ESP UROL 1998; 18:11-33. [PMID: 9527026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Yuan CF, Lin CY, Chen TW, Yang ML, Ng HT. Linkage analysis of families with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease by KG8-CA marker. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI = CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL; FREE CHINA ED 1997; 60:125-9. [PMID: 9419947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common genetic diseases of human. Traditionally, ADPKD is diagnosed by ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of kidneys for the presence of renal cysts. Individuals who carry the defective gene but have not yet developed cysts in kidney may not be diagnosed. Genetic analysis reveals it to be caused mostly by a single-gene disorder of a genetic locus, designated PKD1. Recently, the genetic locus involving PKD1 has been identified on chromosome 16p13.3, and has been cloned and completely sequenced. METHODS A pair of primers, KG8-CA, located between D16S84 and D16S125, was selected and synthesized for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify individuals who may carry the defective locus. The sequence of KG8-CA primers, was 5'-CTCCCAGGGTGGAGGAAGGTG-3' and 5'-GCAGGCACAGCCAGCTCCGAG-3'. PCR products were analyzed in denaturing condition, using gel containing 8% acrylamide and 7M urea. Autoradiography was carried out to interpret the results. RESULTS Four Chinese families with history of ADPKD showed different DNA patterns in individuals with ADPKD and in normal individuals. Among the members in four families with history of ADPKD, every individual shared a common DNA band, suggesting that this band was derived from normal PKD1 allele. On the other hand, individuals diagnosed to have ADPKD showed one or two additional DNA bands which migrated differently from the common DNA band and should therefore be derived from defective ADPKD allele. Previous studies have shown that the ADPKD allele is highly polymorphic, as was evident in these family studies. CONCLUSIONS Among the members from these four families, some were clinically normal and had DNA pattern that was typical to patients with ADPKD. These individuals might carry the defective PKD1 allele but have not yet developed the ADPKD symptoms. Therefore, the method described in this study has diagnostic values for pre-symptomatic individuals as well as for patients already diagnosed with ADPKD.
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