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Syamal S, Tran AH, Huang CC, Badrinathan A, Bassiri A, Ho VP, Towe CW. Outcomes of Trauma "Walk-Ins" in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Program Database. Am Surg 2024; 90:1037-1044. [PMID: 38085592 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231220597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes of trauma "walk-in" patients (using private vehicles or on foot) are understudied. We compared outcomes of ground ambulance vs walk-ins, hypothesizing that delayed resuscitation and uncoordinated care may worsen walk-in outcomes. METHODS A retrospective analysis 2020 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs (ACS-TQP) databases compared outcomes between ambulance vs "walk-ins." The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, excluding external facility transfers and air transports. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, bivariate, multivariable logistic regression, including an Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment with adjustments for injury severity and vital signs. The primary outcome for the 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) data was similarly analyzed. RESULTS In 2020, 707,899 patients were analyzed, 556,361 (78.59%) used ambulance, and 151,538 (21.41%) were walk-ins. We observed differences in demographics, hospital attributes, medical comorbidities, and injury mechanism. Ambulance patients had more chronic conditions and severe injuries. Walk-ins had lower in-hospital mortality (850 (.56%) vs 23,131 (4.16%)) and arrived with better vital signs. Multivariable logistic regression models (inverse probability weighting for regression adjustment), adjusting for injury severity, demographics, injury mechanism, and vital signs, confirmed that walk-in status had lower odds of mortality. For the 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) database, walk-ins also had lower in-hospital mortality. DISCUSSION Our results demonstrate better survival rates for walk-ins before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Despite limitations of patient selection bias, this study highlights the need for further research into transportation modes, geographic and socioeconomic factors affecting patient transport, and tailoring management strategies based on their mode of arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujata Syamal
- Department of Surgery, The MetroHealth System and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrew H Tran
- Department of Surgery, The MetroHealth System and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chi-Ching Huang
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Avanti Badrinathan
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aria Bassiri
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vanessa P Ho
- Department of Surgery, The MetroHealth System and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for Health Equity Engagement, Education, and Research, Population Health and Equity Research Institute, The MetroHealth System and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Trauma Recovery Center, Institute for H.O.P.E, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christopher W Towe
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Lee CY, Tsai CM, Chiang KC, Huang CC, Lin MS, Hung CL, Ho YL, Nkomo VT, Takeuchi M, Yang LT. Prognostic value of left ventricular and left atrial strain imaging in moderate to severe aortic stenosis: Insights from an Asian population. Int J Cardiol 2024:132103. [PMID: 38677333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.132103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data regarding the prognostic value of left atrial (LA) strain in aortic stenosis (AS) is scarce, especially in Asian population and moderate AS. METHOD Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), LA reservoir strain (LASr), conduit strain (LAScd), and contractile strain (LASct) were measured using automated speckle-tracking echocardiography in consecutive patients with moderate or severe AS. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death (ACD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; myocardial infarction, syncope, and heart failure hospitalization). RESULTS Of 712 patients (mean age, 78 ± 12 years; 370 [52%] moderate AS; 342 [48%] severe AS), average LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 68 with SD of 12%. At a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range, 11-26 months), the primary endpoint occurred in 93 patients (60 deaths and 35 MACEs) and 221 patients underwent surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (AVR). In the entire cohort, separate multivariable models adjusted for age, Charlson index, symptomatic status, time-dependent AVR, AS-severity, LA volume index and LVEF demonstrated that only LASr was associated with MACE+ACD (Hazard ratio, 0.97; P = 0.014). Subgroup analysis for MACE+ACD demonstrated consistent prognostication for LASr in moderate and severe AS; LVGLS was prognostic only in severe AS (all P ≤ 0.023). The optimal MACE+ACD cutoff for LASr from spline curves was 21.3%. Adjusted Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated better event-free survival in patients with LASr >21.3% versus those with LASr ≤21.3% (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS In both moderate and severe AS, only LASr robustly predicted outcomes; thus, including LASr in the AS staging algorithm should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yen Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Mei Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kuang-Chien Chiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ching Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Shin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Lieh Hung
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lwun Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Telehealth Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Vuyisile T Nkomo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Masaaki Takeuchi
- Department of Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Hospital of University of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Li-Tan Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Telehealth Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Pan YT, Lin YP, Yen HK, Yen HH, Huang CC, Hsieh HC, Janssen S, Hu MH, Lin WH, Groot OQ. Are Current Survival Prediction Tools Useful When Treating Subsequent Skeletal-related Events From Bone Metastases? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2024:00003086-990000000-01539. [PMID: 38517402 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone metastasis in advanced cancer is challenging because of pain, functional issues, and reduced life expectancy. Treatment planning is complex, with consideration of factors such as location, symptoms, and prognosis. Prognostic models help guide treatment choices, with Skeletal Oncology Research Group machine-learning algorithms (SORG-MLAs) showing promise in predicting survival for initial spinal metastases and extremity metastases treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Improved therapies extend patient lifespans, increasing the risk of subsequent skeletal-related events (SREs). Patients experiencing subsequent SREs often suffer from disease progression, indicating a deteriorating condition. For these patients, a thorough evaluation, including accurate survival prediction, is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment and avoid aggressive surgical treatment for patients with a poor survival likelihood. Patients experiencing subsequent SREs often suffer from disease progression, indicating a deteriorating condition. However, some variables in the SORG prediction model, such as tumor histology, visceral metastasis, and previous systemic therapies, might remain consistent between initial and subsequent SREs. Given the prognostic difference between patients with and without a subsequent SRE, the efficacy of established prognostic models-originally designed for individuals with an initial SRE-in addressing a subsequent SRE remains uncertain. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the model's utility for subsequent SREs. QUESTION/PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the reliability of the SORG-MLAs for survival prediction in patients undergoing surgery or radiotherapy for a subsequent SRE for whom both the initial and subsequent SREs occurred in the spine or extremities. METHODS We retrospectively included 738 patients who were 20 years or older who received surgery or radiotherapy for initial and subsequent SREs at a tertiary referral center and local hospital in Taiwan between 2010 and 2019. We excluded 74 patients whose initial SRE was in the spine and in whom the subsequent SRE occurred in the extremities and 37 patients whose initial SRE was in the extremities and the subsequent SRE was in the spine. The rationale was that different SORG-MLAs were exclusively designed for patients who had an initial spine metastasis and those who had an initial extremity metastasis, irrespective of whether they experienced metastatic events in other areas (for example, a patient experiencing an extremity SRE before his or her spinal SRE would also be regarded as a candidate for an initial spinal SRE). Because these patients were already validated in previous studies, we excluded them in case we overestimated our result. Five patients with malignant primary bone tumors and 38 patients in whom the metastasis's origin could not be identified were excluded, leaving 584 patients for analysis. The 584 included patients were categorized into two subgroups based on the location of initial and subsequent SREs: the spine group (68% [399]) and extremity group (32% [185]). No patients were lost to follow-up. Patient data at the time they presented with a subsequent SRE were collected, and survival predictions at this timepoint were calculated using the SORG-MLAs. Multiple imputation with the Missforest technique was conducted five times to impute the missing proportions of each predictor. The effectiveness of SORG-MLAs was gauged through several statistical measures, including discrimination (measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]), calibration, overall performance (Brier score), and decision curve analysis. Discrimination refers to the model's ability to differentiate between those with the event and those without the event. An AUC ranges from 0.5 to 1.0, with 0.5 indicating the worst discrimination and 1.0 indicating perfect discrimination. An AUC of 0.7 is considered clinically acceptable discrimination. Calibration is the comparison between the frequency of observed events and the predicted probabilities. In an ideal calibration, the observed and predicted survival rates should be congruent. The logarithm of observed-to-expected survival ratio [log(O:E)] offers insight into the model's overall calibration by considering the total number of observed (O) and expected (E) events. The Brier score measures the mean squared difference between the predicted probability of possible outcomes for each individual and the observed outcomes, ranging from 0 to 1, with 0 indicating perfect overall performance and 1 indicating the worst performance. Moreover, the prevalence of the outcome should be considered, so a null-model Brier score was also calculated by assigning a probability equal to the prevalence of the outcome (in this case, the actual survival rate) to each patient. The benefit of the prediction model is determined by comparing its Brier score with that of the null model. If a prediction model's Brier score is lower than the null model's Brier score, the prediction model is deemed as having good performance. A decision curve analysis was performed for models to evaluate the "net benefit," which weighs the true positive rate over the false positive rate against the "threshold probabilities," the ratio of risk over benefit after an intervention was derived based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation and a well-discussed shared-decision process. A good predictive model should yield a higher net benefit than default strategies (treating all patients and treating no patients) across a range of threshold probabilities. RESULTS For the spine group, the algorithms displayed acceptable AUC results (median AUCs of 0.69 to 0.72) for 42-day, 90-day, and 1-year survival predictions after treatment for a subsequent SRE. In contrast, the extremity group showed median AUCs ranging from 0.65 to 0.73 for the corresponding survival periods. All Brier scores were lower than those of their null model, indicating the SORG-MLAs' good overall performances for both cohorts. The SORG-MLAs yielded a net benefit for both cohorts; however, they overestimated 1-year survival probabilities in patients with a subsequent SRE in the spine, with a median log(O:E) of -0.60 (95% confidence interval -0.77 to -0.42). CONCLUSION The SORG-MLAs maintain satisfactory discriminatory capacity and offer considerable net benefits through decision curve analysis, indicating their continued viability as prediction tools in this clinical context. However, the algorithms overestimate 1-year survival rates for patients with a subsequent SRE of the spine, warranting consideration of specific patient groups. Clinicians and surgeons should exercise caution when using the SORG-MLAs for survival prediction in these patients and remain aware of potential mispredictions when tailoring treatment plans, with a preference for less invasive treatments. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the importance of enhancing prognostic algorithms and developing innovative tools for patients with subsequent SREs as the life expectancy in patients with bone metastases continues to improve and healthcare providers will encounter these patients more often in daily practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, prognostic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Pan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Po Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Kuan Yen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ho Yen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ching Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Chieh Hsieh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Stein Janssen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ming-Hsiao Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsin Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Olivier Q Groot
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Long YB, Huang CC, Pan HW, Rong JJ. [The clinical application of the index of microcirculatory resistance in patients with STEMI]. Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi 2023; 51:1130-1136. [PMID: 37963747 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112148-20230915-00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Y B Long
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Heart Failure of Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, China
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Heart Failure of Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, China
| | - H W Pan
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Heart Failure of Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, China
| | - J J Rong
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Heart Failure of Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, China
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Huang CC, Niedzwiecki D, Wan Z, Chino JP. Clinical Outcomes of Sidewall/Parametrial Simultaneous Integrated Boost for Patients with Cervical Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e519. [PMID: 37785617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) In the treatment of cervical cancer, simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) is a common technique to deliver increased dose to gross disease in the para-aortic and pelvic nodal basins. However, SIB to the pelvic sidewall/parametria is not well characterized in the literature. We hypothesized that sidewall simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) in the treatment of cervical cancer is associated with acceptable levels of toxicity. MATERIALS/METHODS From 1/2009-12/2018, patients who received concurrent chemoradiation with external beam radiation therapy, utilizing a sidewall SIB technique, followed by low dose rate or high dose rate brachytherapy treatment were retrospectively identified. Sidewall SIB was defined as treatment at 2.1-2.4Gy/fraction to the parametria-usually performed for those with disease width >4cm at time of treatment start. Acute and late toxicity grading was defined by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0. Overall survival (OS), local control, progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity were analyzed utilizing the Kaplan Meier method. Potential associations between cumulative D2cc for bladder and rectum and time to toxicity were investigated using Cox regression. RESULTS Fifty-six patients with IB2-IVB cervical cancer treated with sidewall SIB were identified, with a median follow up of 7.0 years (95% CI: 6.3, 8.3). Patients had a median age of 43 years (range: 26-68); 2 (3.6%) had FIGO stage I, 7 (12.5%) stage II, 46 (82.1%) stage III, and 1 (1.8%) stage IV disease. A majority had squamous cell histology (83.9%). Nearly all patients (96.4%) received concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy. Rates of acute grade ≥3 gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), vaginal, and hematologic toxicity were 1.8%, 1.8%, 0%, and 15.9% respectively. Rates of late grade ≥3 GI, GU, and vaginal toxicity were 11.3%, 18.5%, and 11.1% respectively. OS and local control rates at five years were 0.61 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.73) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.98), respectively. Median PFS was 7.8 years (95% CI: 2.4, Not reached). Cumulative D2cc bladder was not significantly associated with time to Grade 2 or greater (HR 1.04, p = 0.33) or Grade 3 or greater (HR 1.02; p = 0.64) GU toxicity. Cumulative D2cc rectum was not significantly associated with time to Grade 2 or greater (HR 1.06, p = 0.06) or Grade 3 or greater (HR 1.08; p = 0.09) GI toxicity. CONCLUSION Sidewall SIB is a feasible technique for dose escalation in the treatment of cervical cancer with rates of acute and late toxicity consistent with other reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - D Niedzwiecki
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Z Wan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - J P Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Ho SY, Shieh LT, Huang CC, Chang CP. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Attenuates the Whole Brain Radiotherapy-Induced Progressive Cognitive Dysfunction via Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Rats. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e235-e236. [PMID: 37784936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Radiation therapy is a widely used brain tumor treatment; however, it can cause significant effects on the central nervous system, including neurogenesis impairment, microglia activation, and oxidative stress, leading to brain injury. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to benefit various neurological conditions, but its effect on radiation-induced brain injury damage remains limited. This study aims to investigate the impact of HBOT on radiation-induced neurogenesis impairment, microglia activation, and lipid peroxidation levels, and also aim to assess the therapeutic potential of HBOT on preventing irradiation-induced brain injury. MATERIALS/METHODS This study used a rat model that delivered different doses (2, 4, 10 Gy) of whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). The rats were divided into two groups: one received HBOT, and the other acted as the control (normal baric air, NBA) group. HBOT was performed on day 8 of post-radiation once per day for five consecutive days a week for four weeks. The rats were subjected to different irradiation dosages as described, followed by administration of 5-chloro-2'-deoxyuridine (CldU) immediately at day 0 or day 0 to day 7 and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdU) at day 2 or day 14 to day 28 following WBRT to detect serially replicating cells. Then the rats underwent behavioral tests to assess their cognitive and motor function every week. Brain tissues were collected and analyzed to evaluate neurogenesis, microglia activation, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant levels using immunofluorescence stain and ELISA on days 7 and 28 of post-WBRT. RESULTS The radial maze was used to measure spatial learning and memory in rats. Compared with the 0 Gy-WBRT group, the 2 Gy-, 4 Gy-, and 10 Gy-WBRT groups of rats displayed a significant increase in latency. Seven days of post-WBRT, the newly proliferation cells (IdU positive) and serial replicating cells (CldU+IdU double positive) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were significantly increased but were coupled with apoptosis. The alterations in the cellular composition of the dentate gyrus area were observed on days 7 and 28 post-WBRT, including increased newborn neuroblast and neuron, but half underwent apoptosis, which is associated with microglia phagocytosis and results in cognitive impairment. The lipid peroxidation was significantly increased on day 28 of post-WBRT. HBOT improves cognitive function by attenuating the WBRT-induced lipid oxidation, newly-formed cell apoptosis, and microglia phagocytosis. CONCLUSION Our present study suggests that HBOT may have a potential role in mitigating the effects of irradiation-induced brain injury by maintaining neurogenesis and reducing lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Ho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - L T Shieh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - C P Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
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Huang CC, Qazi JJ, Leng JX, Carpenter DJ, Natarajan BD, Arshad M, Schultz O, Moravan MJ, Mullikin TC, Reitman ZJ, Kirkpatrick JP, Floyd SR, Chmura SJ, Hong JC, Salama JK. Pretreatment Clinical Parameters Associated with Intracranial Progression Burden Following an Initial Stereotactic Radiosurgery Course in a Multi-Institutional Brain Metastases Cohort. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e109-e110. [PMID: 37784644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) While brain metastasis (BM) velocity is a valuable prognostic metric at time of intracranial progression (ICP), pre-SRS risk factors for post-SRS high-burden intracranial progression (ICP) remain poorly characterized. We hypothesized that pre-SRS clinical parameters are associated with subsequent high-burden (ICP), defined as either ≥5 (ICP5) or new/progressive ≥11 BMs (ICP11). MATERIALS/METHODS All patients completing an initial SRS course for BMs at two institutions from 1/2015-12/2020 were retrospectively identified. Patients with prior whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and/or BM resection were eligible. Demographic and clinical parameters were collected. ICP was defined as any radiographic concern for distant and/or in-field progression per multidisciplinary consensus. Overall survival (OS) and freedom from ICP were estimated via the Kaplan Meier method. Cox models assessed association between parameters and freedom from ICP5 and ICP11. RESULTS We identified 1383 patients completed SRS, with a median follow up of 8.7 months. Patients were 54.8% female, 45.6% with KPS ≥90, and a median of 63.4 years old. Primary tumor types included non-small cell lung (48.7%), breast (14.7%), and melanoma (8.5%). 46.9% had oligometastatic disease (≤5 metastatic foci: including BMs) at SRS, and 53.4% underwent SRS for >1 BM. 10.3% of patients had undergone prior WBRT and 26.1% surgical resection. 555 patients (40.1%) experienced ICP following SRS, of whom 72.6% had 1-4, 11.5% had 5-10, and 15.9% had ≥11 new/progressive BMs. Among patients with ICP, 6-month freedom from ICP was 35.5% (95% CI: 31.1-40.5%) for those with 1-4 BMs at time of ICP, 29.7% (95% CI: 20.4-43.3%) for 5-10 BMs, and 20.5% (95% CI: 13.5-30.1%) for ≥11 BMs (p = 0.016). Respective 12-month OS rates were 56.8% (95% CI: 52.1-61.9%), 46.0% (95% CI: 35.1-60.1%), and 38.7% (95% CI: 29.4-50.9%; p<0.001). Neurologic symptoms at time of ICP were observed in 21.1% of patients with 1-4 BMs, 28.1% with 5-10 BMs, and 50.0% with new/progressive ≥11 BMs (p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, superior freedom from high-burden ICP was associated with the following pre-SRS parameters: oligometastatic burden (ICP5: HR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-0.99; ICP11: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36-0.97), no prior immunotherapy (ICP11: HR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.57), and a single BM at time of initial SRS (1 vs 2 BM, ICP 5: HR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31-0.82; ICP11: HR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24-0.84), while primary tumor type was not associated with ICP5 or ICP11. CONCLUSION Pre-SRS parameters including polymetastatic burden, prior receipt of immunotherapy, and >1 BM were associated with post-SRS high-burden ICP. High burden ICP developed earlier following SRS completion and was associated with higher rates of neurologic decline and inferior OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - J J Qazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - J X Leng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - D J Carpenter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Cancer Center, Durham, NC
| | - B D Natarajan
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - M Arshad
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - O Schultz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - M J Moravan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - T C Mullikin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - J P Kirkpatrick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - S R Floyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - S J Chmura
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - J C Hong
- University of California, San Francisco, Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, San Francisco, CA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - J K Salama
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC
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Kleber T, Floyd W, Pasli M, Qazi JJ, Huang CC, Leng JX, Carpenter DJ, Ackerson B, Salama JK, Boyer MJ. ChatGPT is an Unreliable Tool for Reviewing Radiation Oncology Literature. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e523. [PMID: 37785630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To assess whether ChatGPT, a popular deep learning text generation tool, can serve as a resource for in-training and practicing clinicians by accurately identifying and summarizing studies related to radiation oncology. MATERIALS/METHODS Three question templates (Q1-Q3, shown in Table 1) were applied to eight cancer types to compile 24 questions posed to ChatGPT. Cancer types were designated as either common (breast, non-small cell lung, prostate, p16 positive oropharyngeal, and rectal) or uncommon (hypopharyngeal, medulloblastoma, and vulvar). ChatGPT's responses to each question were then reviewed to quantify the number of studies referenced in the response, the percentage of studies listed that were real studies, and the percentage of studies listed that were correctly summarized. Outcomes were compared between cancer types (common vs uncommon) and question types using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. As a secondary analysis, we assessed internal consistency of ChatGPT's responses by querying ChatGPT with three identical iterations of Q1-Q3 for breast cancer and comparing its responses between iterations. RESULTS Across all 24 of ChatGPT's responses, there were 78 studies referenced, of which 37 (47.4%) were real studies and 7 (9.0%) were correctly summarized. On average, each response included 3.25 (standard deviation (SD): 0.74) studies, of which 44.0% (SD: 44.2%) were real studies and 7.8% (SD: 14.6%) were correctly summarized. The proportion of correctly summarized studies was not significantly different between common vs uncommon cancers [p = 0.29], between questions that specified randomized-control trials (Q3) vs not (Q1 or Q2) [p = 0.94], or between questions that specified intensity modulated radiotherapy (Q2) vs not (Q1 or Q3) [p = 0.31]. Across the three iterations of ChatGPT queries for breast cancer, the number of studies listed for Q1, Q2, and Q3 ranged from 3 to 5, 2 to 3, and 3 to 5, respectively; the number of correctly summarized studies listed for each question ranged from 0 to 2, 0 to 1, and 0 to 1, respectively. CONCLUSION ChatGPT's responses consistently included a large proportion of non-existent and incorrectly summarized studies. Furthermore, our secondary analysis suggests variability in the content and accuracy of ChatGPT responses to identical questions, raising further concerns regarding reliability. Overall, our findings argue against the use of ChatGPT as a tool for reviewing literature related to radiation oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kleber
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Marietta, GA
| | - W Floyd
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Marietta, GA
| | - M Pasli
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - J J Qazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - J X Leng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - D J Carpenter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Cancer Center, Durham, NC
| | - B Ackerson
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Durham, NC
| | - J K Salama
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - M J Boyer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Qazi JJ, Leng JX, Huang CC, Carpenter DJ, Natarajan BD, Arshad M, Schultz O, Moravan MJ, Mullikin TC, Reitman ZJ, Kirkpatrick JP, Floyd SR, Chmura SJ, Hong JC, Salama JK. Multi-Institutional Outcomes Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gastrointestinal Brain Metastases. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e146-e147. [PMID: 37784725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Outcomes following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for gastrointestinal (GI) brain metastases (BM) are poorly defined. We analyzed our multi-institutional database of SRS patients, comparing outcomes between GI and non-GI BM patients after SRS. MATERIALS/METHODS We retrospectively identified all patients completing an initial SRS course across two institutions from 1/2015-12/2020. Demographic and clinical parameters were manually captured. Intracranial progression (ICP) was defined as any concern on post-SRS imaging for recurrence determined by multidisciplinary consensus. Overall survival (OS) and freedom from ICP (FFICP) were estimated via Kaplan Meier models. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess associations between ICP and parameters. RESULTS Among 1383 total patients completing SRS for BM, 102 (7.4%) had GI BM. Among these, 46 (45.1%) were of colorectal (CRC) and 34 (33.3%) esophageal origin. Other GI sites (21.6%) included anal, pancreatic, gastric, GI of unknown origin, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Median follow up was 8.7 mos. GI BM patients were more likely to be younger (mean 59.1 vs 63.5 yrs, p = 0.001), male (56.9% vs 44.3%, p = 0.014 ), have more extracranial metastases (mean 1.9 vs 1.6, p = 0.003), have received systemic therapy (73.5% vs 63.9%, p = 0.049) or resection of BM (45.1% vs 25.0%, p < 0.001) prior to SRS, have larger planned target volumes of all BMs (mean 20.3 ccs vs 15.0 ccs, p = 0.013), and were less likely to receive whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) prior to SRS (3.9% vs 10.8%, p = 0.028) or systemic therapy after SRS (54.9% vs 68.9%, p = 0.004). Among GI patients, median OS was 28.2 mos (95% CI 16.5-35.3), with no significant differences between GI and non-GI patients (p = 0.220) or among GI subgroups (CRC vs other GI: p = 0.731; esophageal vs other GI: p = 0.478). Median FFICP was significantly worse for GI patients (6.2 mos, 95% CI 4.0-9.6 mos) than for non-GI patients (12.4 mos, 95% CI 10.8-13.9 mos; p = 0.004). After accounting for age, sex, performance status, number of irradiated BMs, extracranial disease burden, extracranial disease control, interval from primary cancer diagnosis to BM diagnosis, resection status, receipt of prior WBRT, and receipt of post-SRS systemic therapy, GI origin was significantly associated with worse FFICP (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.15-2.02, p = 0.007). FFICP was not significantly different between GI subgroups, with CRC and esophageal patients demonstrating median times to ICP of 5.0 mos (95% CI 3.4-9.6) and 7.2 mos (95% CI 2.7-14.1), respectively. Only 2 GI patients (2.0%) had ICP at site of prior SRS. CONCLUSION Across a modern, multi-institutional SRS cohort comparing GI to non-GI primary patients, BMs of GI origin demonstrated inferior FFICP to those of non-GI origin. OS did not vary significantly across GI and non-GI cases. Among GI subtypes, no significant differences were identified across FFICP or OS. These data may help inform treatment decisions and post-SRS surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Qazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - J X Leng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - D J Carpenter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Cancer Center, Durham, NC
| | - B D Natarajan
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - M Arshad
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - O Schultz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - M J Moravan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - T C Mullikin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Z J Reitman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - J P Kirkpatrick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - S R Floyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - S J Chmura
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - J C Hong
- University of California, San Francisco, Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, San Francisco, CA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - J K Salama
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC
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Leng JX, Huang CC, Qazi JJ, Carpenter DJ, Natarajan BD, Arshad M, Ferreira M, Schultz O, Moravan MJ, Mullikin TC, Reitman ZJ, Kirkpatrick JP, Floyd SR, Salama AKS, Fecci P, Chmura SJ, Hong JC, Salama JK. Clinical Outcomes Following an Initial Stereotactic Radiosurgery Course for Brain Metastases from Melanoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e128. [PMID: 37784684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Brain metastases (BM) are common in melanoma patients. The effect of gene mutations is not well characterized since first-line metastatic therapy has shifted from chemotherapy (CHT) to molecularly targeted therapies (TT) and immunotherapy (IO). We report outcomes of melanoma BM patients stratified by molecular subtype and pre-stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) systemic therapy. MATERIALS/METHODS We identified all patients completing an initial SRS course for BM at two institutions between 1/2015 and 12/2020. Patients who had prior WBRT and/or resection were eligible. Demographic and clinical parameters were collected, along with melanoma tumor molecular characteristics. Intracranial progression (ICP) was defined as any radiographic distant and/or in-field progression per multidisciplinary consensus. Overall survival (OS) and freedom from ICP (FFICP) were estimated via the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS From a total of 1383 SRS BM patients, we identified 118 (8.5%) with melanoma. Median follow up was 8.7 months, median age 64 years (IQR 51-72), 81% had cutaneous origin, and 55% had a KPS of 90-100. Molecular subtypes included BRAF (45%), NRAS (9.3%), and c-KIT (3.4%). Overall, 61% received IO prior to SRS, while 25% and 9.3% received TT and CHT prior to SRS respectively. 60% of patients harboring a mutation received IO as first line therapy, 10% received TT, and 30% received both TT and IO prior to SRS. BRAFmut patients more likely to have received TT prior to SRS (43% vs 9.2%, p<0.001) compared to BRAFwt patients. Median OS was 9.7 months (95% CI 7.8-13) and was not significantly different from non-melanoma patients (p = 0.6). Median FFICP was worse for melanoma patients (5.9 mos, 95% CI 3.5-8.5) than non-melanoma patients (8.96 mos, 95% CI 8.2-9.7, p = 0.009). A total of 72 ICP events occurred, with 56 (77.8%) distant ICP cases, 3 (4.2%) in-field ICP, and 13 (18%) ICP events that were radionecrosis (RN) only. RN was associated with the presence of a targetable mutation (18% vs 2%, p = 0.006) and receipt of TT pre-SRS (36% vs 9.8%, p = 0.001). BRAFmut patients had significantly worse FFICP (3.8 mos, 95% CI 3.0-6.8) compared to BRAFwt patients (8.5 mos, 95% CI 5.8-30.2, p = 0.006), although median OS was not significantly different (9.6 mos, 95% CI 6.9-16 vs 10.7 mos, 95% CI 6.7-15.5, p = 0.8). NRASmut was associated with better FFICP (29 mos, 95% CI 2.94-NA, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION In this modern, multi-institutional cohort of SRS patients, melanoma BM patients had worse FFICP compared to non-melanoma BM patients, and BRAFmut patients had worse FFICP than BRAFwt patients. RN was associated with mutational status and receipt of TT pre-SRS. OS did not vary significantly across groups. This analysis may help inform systemic therapy decisions and future genomic studies for patients with BMs from melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- J X Leng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - J J Qazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - D J Carpenter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Cancer Center, Durham, NC
| | - B D Natarajan
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - M Arshad
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - M Ferreira
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - O Schultz
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - M J Moravan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - T C Mullikin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - J P Kirkpatrick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - S R Floyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - P Fecci
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Durham, NC
| | - S J Chmura
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - J C Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; University of California, San Francisco, Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, San Francisco, CA
| | - J K Salama
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC
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Floyd W, Kleber T, Pasli M, Qazi JJ, Huang CC, Leng JX, Ackerson B, Carpenter DJ, Salama JK, Boyer MJ. Evaluating the Reliability of Chat-GPT Model Responses for Radiation Oncology Patient Inquiries. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e383. [PMID: 37785294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.2497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To determine if ChatGPT, a popular deep learning text generation tool, accurately and comprehensively answers patient questions related to radiation oncology. MATERIALS/METHODS A total of 28 common patient-centered questions were selected across various radiation oncology content domains, including diagnosis (4), workup (3), treatment (8), toxicity (4), and survivorship (9). To assess whether ChatGPT could detect inaccurate assumptions and/or respond negatively, we included two "negative control" questions in the treatment and toxicity domains. All questions were applied to common cancer types (breast, non-small cell lung, prostate, p16+ oropharyngeal, and rectal), uncommon cancer types (hypopharyngeal, medulloblastoma, and vulvar), and colon cancer as an additional "negative control." The ChatGPT responses were graded as 0 for any incorrect information, 1 for missing essential content, and 2 for correct and appropriately comprehensive for the length of the response. Each response was graded by two blinded MD reviewers, with discordant answers resolved by a third MD reviewer. Score distribution was compared across content domains, question type ("negative control" vs other), cancer type, and cancer commonality using the Chi-squared test. RESULTS Overall, a total of 252 questions were submitted to ChatGPT. A total of 86 (34.1%) answers were found to contain inaccurate information, 66 (26.2%) contained correct information but were found to be missing essential context, and 100 (39.7%) responses to questions were graded as correct and comprehensive. There was no significant difference in response score by question domains (p = 0.07). However, there was significant difference in response score across cancer type (p<0.001). The top scoring cancer types were breast (grade 0 = 10%; grade 1 = 21%, grade 2 = 68%) and prostate (grade 0 = 18%, grade 1 = 25%, grade 2 = 57%), while the two lowest scoring cancer types were colon (grade 0 = 61%, grade 1 = 21%, grade 2 = 18%) and vulvar (grade 0 = 50%, grade 1 = 25%, grade 2 = 25%). ChatGPT responses were also significantly different among common, uncommon and negative control questions, with the model performing best with responses to common cancer types (p = 0.003). ChatGPT performed significantly worse when responding to "negative control" questions (p<0.001). CONCLUSION ChatGPT failed to consistently generate accurate and comprehensive responses to the majority of radiation oncology patient centered questions, particularly across less common cancers and with "negative control" questions that included incorrect assumptions. This raises concern for the possible ChatGPT mediated reinforcement of patient misperceptions regarding radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Floyd
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Marietta, GA
| | - T Kleber
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Marietta, GA
| | - M Pasli
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - J J Qazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - J X Leng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - B Ackerson
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Durham, NC
| | - D J Carpenter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Cancer Center, Durham, NC
| | - J K Salama
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - M J Boyer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Okoya F, Huang CC, Zhang Z, Lecca L, Calderón R, Contreras C, Yataco R, Galea J, Becerra M, Murray M. Culture-negative TB: clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:557-563. [PMID: 37353876 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although culture remains the standard for TB diagnosis, 15-20% of patients diagnosed and treated for TB are culture-negative. We explored clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes for culture-negative TB in a Peruvian cohort.METHODS: We recruited 4,500 index TB patients and 10,160 household contacts in Lima, Peru, and enrolled 692 secondary patients diagnosed with TB during follow-up of household contacts. We analyzed smear and culture status, sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics and TB treatment outcomes to compare culture-negative and positive patients.RESULTS: Of the 4,880 adult patients, 915 (18.8%) were culture-negative. Culture-negative patients were less likely to report symptoms of TB disease and disease of longer duration. A multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant difference in loss to follow-up, treatment failure or recurrence between the culture-negative and -positive groups but a higher rate of death among culture-negative patients with an adjusted OR of 1.65 (95% CI 1.05-2.60). In a multivariate analysis of determinants of culture negativity, older age, substance use and being a secondary case were associated with culture status.CONCLUSIONS: More recognition and awareness of culture-negative TB is key for early and correct diagnosis to reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Okoya
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women´s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Z Zhang
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women´s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L Lecca
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Socios En Salud Sucursal, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | - R Yataco
- Socios En Salud Sucursal, Lima, Peru
| | - J Galea
- School of Social Work & College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - M Becerra
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women´s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Murray
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women´s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Huang CC, Peng KP, Hsieh HC, Groot OQ, Yen HK, Tsai CC, Karhade AV, Lin YP, Kao YT, Yang JJ, Dai SH, Huang CC, Chen CW, Yen MH, Xiao FR, Lin WH, Verlaan JJ, Schwab JH, Hsu FM, Wong T, Yang RS, Yang SH, Hu MH. Does the Presence of Missing Data Affect the Performance of the SORG Machine-learning Algorithm for Patients With Spinal Metastasis? Development of an Internet Application Algorithm. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2023; 482:00003086-990000000-01227. [PMID: 37306629 PMCID: PMC10723864 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Skeletal Oncology Research Group machine-learning algorithm (SORG-MLA) was developed to predict the survival of patients with spinal metastasis. The algorithm was successfully tested in five international institutions using 1101 patients from different continents. The incorporation of 18 prognostic factors strengthens its predictive ability but limits its clinical utility because some prognostic factors might not be clinically available when a clinician wishes to make a prediction. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We performed this study to (1) evaluate the SORG-MLA's performance with data and (2) develop an internet-based application to impute the missing data. METHODS A total of 2768 patients were included in this study. The data of 617 patients who were treated surgically were intentionally erased, and the data of the other 2151 patients who were treated with radiotherapy and medical treatment were used to impute the artificially missing data. Compared with those who were treated nonsurgically, patients undergoing surgery were younger (median 59 years [IQR 51 to 67 years] versus median 62 years [IQR 53 to 71 years]) and had a higher proportion of patients with at least three spinal metastatic levels (77% [474 of 617] versus 72% [1547 of 2151]), more neurologic deficit (normal American Spinal Injury Association [E] 68% [301 of 443] versus 79% [1227 of 1561]), higher BMI (23 kg/m2 [IQR 20 to 25 kg/m2] versus 22 kg/m2 [IQR 20 to 25 kg/m2]), higher platelet count (240 × 103/µL [IQR 173 to 327 × 103/µL] versus 227 × 103/µL [IQR 165 to 302 × 103/µL], higher lymphocyte count (15 × 103/µL [IQR 9 to 21× 103/µL] versus 14 × 103/µL [IQR 8 to 21 × 103/µL]), lower serum creatinine level (0.7 mg/dL [IQR 0.6 to 0.9 mg/dL] versus 0.8 mg/dL [IQR 0.6 to 1.0 mg/dL]), less previous systemic therapy (19% [115 of 617] versus 24% [526 of 2151]), fewer Charlson comorbidities other than cancer (28% [170 of 617] versus 36% [770 of 2151]), and longer median survival. The two patient groups did not differ in other regards. These findings aligned with our institutional philosophy of selecting patients for surgical intervention based on their level of favorable prognostic factors such as BMI or lymphocyte counts and lower levels of unfavorable prognostic factors such as white blood cell counts or serum creatinine level, as well as the degree of spinal instability and severity of neurologic deficits. This approach aims to identify patients with better survival outcomes and prioritize their surgical intervention accordingly. Seven factors (serum albumin and alkaline phosphatase levels, international normalized ratio, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, and the presence of visceral or brain metastases) were considered possible missing items based on five previous validation studies and clinical experience. Artificially missing data were imputed using the missForest imputation technique, which was previously applied and successfully tested to fit the SORG-MLA in validation studies. Discrimination, calibration, overall performance, and decision curve analysis were applied to evaluate the SORG-MLA's performance. The discrimination ability was measured with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. It ranges from 0.5 to 1.0, with 0.5 indicating the worst discrimination and 1.0 indicating perfect discrimination. An area under the curve of 0.7 is considered clinically acceptable discrimination. Calibration refers to the agreement between the predicted outcomes and actual outcomes. An ideal calibration model will yield predicted survival rates that are congruent with the observed survival rates. The Brier score measures the squared difference between the actual outcome and predicted probability, which captures calibration and discrimination ability simultaneously. A Brier score of 0 indicates perfect prediction, whereas a Brier score of 1 indicates the poorest prediction. A decision curve analysis was performed for the 6-week, 90-day, and 1-year prediction models to evaluate their net benefit across different threshold probabilities. Using the results from our analysis, we developed an internet-based application that facilitates real-time data imputation for clinical decision-making at the point of care. This tool allows healthcare professionals to efficiently and effectively address missing data, ensuring that patient care remains optimal at all times. RESULTS Generally, the SORG-MLA demonstrated good discriminatory ability, with areas under the curve greater than 0.7 in most cases, and good overall performance, with up to 25% improvement in Brier scores in the presence of one to three missing items. The only exceptions were albumin level and lymphocyte count, because the SORG-MLA's performance was reduced when these two items were missing, indicating that the SORG-MLA might be unreliable without these values. The model tended to underestimate the patient survival rate. As the number of missing items increased, the model's discriminatory ability was progressively impaired, and a marked underestimation of patient survival rates was observed. Specifically, when three items were missing, the number of actual survivors was up to 1.3 times greater than the number of expected survivors, while only 10% discrepancy was observed when only one item was missing. When either two or three items were omitted, the decision curves exhibited substantial overlap, indicating a lack of consistent disparities in performance. This finding suggests that the SORG-MLA consistently generates accurate predictions, regardless of the two or three items that are omitted. We developed an internet application (https://sorg-spine-mets-missing-data-imputation.azurewebsites.net/) that allows the use of SORG-MLA with up to three missing items. CONCLUSION The SORG-MLA generally performed well in the presence of one to three missing items, except for serum albumin level and lymphocyte count (which are essential for adequate predictions, even using our modified version of the SORG-MLA). We recommend that future studies should develop prediction models that allow for their use when there are missing data, or provide a means to impute those missing data, because some data are not available at the time a clinical decision must be made. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The results suggested the algorithm could be helpful when a radiologic evaluation owing to a lengthy waiting period cannot be performed in time, especially in situations when an early operation could be beneficial. It could help orthopaedic surgeons to decide whether to intervene palliatively or extensively, even when the surgical indication is clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ching Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Ping Peng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Chieh Hsieh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Olivier Q. Groot
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hung-Kuan Yen
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chen Tsai
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Aditya V. Karhade
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yen-Po Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Tien Kao
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Jen Yang
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsiang Dai
- Department of International Business, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Ching Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Hsu Yen
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Ren Xiao
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsin Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jorrit-Jan Verlaan
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joseph H. Schwab
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feng-Ming Hsu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzehong Wong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Sen Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hua Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Departmentof Orthopedics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsiao Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Departmentof Orthopedics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Dai L, Tian ML, Zha Y, Liu L, Li ZS, Huang CC, Yuan J. [Association of lean tissue index with arteriovenous fistula dysfunction in maintenance hemodialysis patients]. Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi 2023; 39:32-35. [PMID: 36776012 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn441217-20220621-00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
The clinical data of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients from twenty hemodialysis centers in Guizhou province from June to September 2020 were collected by cross-sectional study. The patients were divided into AFD group and non-AFD group according to whether AFD had occurred. LTI was measured by body composition monitor. The results showed that the incidence of AFD in 2 781 MHD patients was 30.0% (835/2 781). Median LTI level was 15.2 (13.2, 17.5) kg/m2. The LTI level in the AFD group was higher than that in the non-AFD group (P < 0.05). According to the tertiles of LTI, low LTI group (LTI ≤ 13.9 kg/m2) had the highest incidence of AFD (35.5%, 334/940), and the high LTI group had the lowest incidence of AFD (26.3%, 241/916), and the difference among the three groups was statistically significant (χ2=20.182,P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low LTI group as the reference, the risk of AFD in moderate LTI group (13.9 kg/m2 < LTI ≤ 16.6 kg/m2) and high LTI group were associated with the 20.0% (OR=0.800, 95% CI 0.650-0.986, P=0.036) and 22.8% (OR=0.772, 95% CI 0.616-0.966, P=0.024) decrease, respectively. These results suggest that low LTI level is independently associated with an increased risk of AFD in MHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dai
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - M L Tian
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Y Zha
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - L Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Z S Li
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - C C Huang
- Graduate School of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550002, China Dai Lu and Tian Maolu contributed equally to this study
| | - J Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Immune Diseases, NHC, Guiyang 550002, China
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15
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Fan YH, Wu PW, Huang YL, Lee CC, Lee TJ, Huang CC, Chang PH, Huang CC. Identifying a sphenoid sinus fungus ball using a nomogram model. Rhinology 2022; 61:153-160. [PMID: 36375133 DOI: 10.4193/rhin22.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background: Sphenoid sinus fungus ball (SSFB) is a rare entity and usually presents with non-specific symptoms. SSFB could potentially lead to serious orbital and intracranial complications. Computed tomography (CT) scan is usually the first imaging test of the diagnostic workup in patients with specific clinical symptoms. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and CT features between SSFB and unilateral (non-fungus ball) chronic sphenoid rhinosinusitis (USRS) and help differentiate between these two most common inflammatory diseases of the sphenoid sinus. Methods: By retrospective database review, 66 patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of isolated SSFB were recruited for analysis. Fifty-four patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with clinical and histopathological diagnoses of USRS were enrolled as the control group. Clinical characteristics and CT features were evaluated. Results: Headache, rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, postnasal dripping, and hyposmia were the most common symptoms in both groups. In the univariate analysis, older age, lower white blood cell counts, irregular surface, bony dehiscence, lateral wall sclerosis, and intralesional hyperdensity (IH) were significant predictors for SSFB. Older age, irregular surface, and IH remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Based on the results of the regression analysis, a nomogram for predicting the probability of SSFB was plotted. Conclusions: We developed a nomogram model as a novel preoperative diagnostic tool for identifying SSFB according to the predictors both in clinical characteristics and on CT features. This could help the clinicians in predicting the probability of SSFB, to reduce ineffective or delayed treatment and occurrence of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Fan
- Department of Medical Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - P W Wu
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Y L Huang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - C C Lee
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - T J Lee
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - C C Huang
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - P H Chang
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - C C Huang
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan
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16
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Tai CC, Huang CC, Chou BH, Chen CY, Chen SY, Huang YH, Sun JS, Chao YH. Profiled polyethylene terephthalate filaments that incorporate collagen and calcium phosphate enhance ligamentisation and bone formation. Eur Cell Mater 2022; 43:252-266. [PMID: 35652679 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v043a17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) artificial ligaments offer an unlimited source of ligaments without donor-site-related morbidity and with good mechanical properties for a rapid return to sporting activities. Developing PET artificial ligaments with excellent ligamentisation and ligament-bone healing is still a considerable challenge. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the profiled PET/collagen/calcium phosphate (PET/C/CaP) ligament upon cell growth, ligamentisation and ligament-bone healing in vitro and in vivo. Profiled PET/C/CaP filaments were made by melt-spinning process with 2 % CaP hybrid spinning and collagen coating. Rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured on the profiled PET/C filaments for cytotoxicity, viability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ligament-related gene expression analysis. MSCs' osteogenic capacity on the profiled PET/CaP filaments was identified by detecting osteogenic gene expression and alizarin red S staining. For in vivo verification, an animal study was performed to evaluate the effect of the profiled PET/C/CaP ligament in a rabbit knee medial collateral ligament reinforcement reconstruction model. The graft ligamentisation and bone formation were investigated by SEM, histology, microcomputed tomography and mechanical tests. The profiled PET/C filaments enhanced MSC proliferation and ligament-related gene expression. Furthermore, they enhanced osteogenic gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralisation of MSCs. The in vivo study indicated that the profiled PET/C/CaP ligament enhanced ligamentous matrix remodelling and bone formation. Therefore, their use is an effective strategy for promoting MSCs' ligamentous and osteogenic potential in vitro and enhancing ligamentous matrix remodelling and bone formation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Y-H Chao
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University No. 17, Xuzhou Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei 10055,
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17
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Lee CI, Su YR, Chen CH, Chang TA, Kuo EES, Hsieh WT, Huang CC, Lee MS, Liu M. O-086 End-to-end deep learning for recognition of ploidy status using time-lapse videos. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab125.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Our Retrospective study is to investigate an end-to-end deep learning model in identifying ploidy status through raw time-lapse video.
Summary answer
Our deep learning model demonstrates a proof of concept and potential in recognizing the ploidy status.
What is known already
Since the time-lapse system has been introduced into the IVF lab, the relationship between morphogenetic and ploidy status has been often discussed. However, the result has not yet reached a united conclusion due to some limitations such as human labeling. Besides the statistical approach, deep learning models have been utilized for ploidy prediction. As such approaches are single image-based, the performance remains unpromising as previous statistical-based research. Therefore, in order to move further toward clinical application, better research design and approach are needed.
Study design, size, duration
A retrospective analysis of the time-lapse videos and chromosomal status from 690 biopsied blastocysts cultured in a time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScope+, Vitrolife) between January 2017 and August 2018 in the Lee Women’s Hospital were assessed. The ploidy status of the blastocyst was derived from the PGT-A using high-resolution next-generation sequencing (hr-NGS). Embryo videos were obtained after normal fertilization through the intracytoplasmic sperm injection or conventional insemination.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
By randomly dividing the data into 80% and 20%, we developed our deep learning model based on Two-Stream Inflated 3D ConvNets(I3D) network. This model was trained by the 80% time-lapse videos and the PGT-A result. The remaining 20% has been tested by feeding the time-lapse video as input and the PGT-A prediction as output. Ploidy status was classified as Group 1 (aneuploidy) and Group 2 (euploidy and mosaicism).
Main results and the role of chance
Time-lapse videos were divided into 3-time partitions: day 1, day 1 to 3, and day 1 to 5. Deep learning models have been fed by RGB and optical flow. Combining 3 different time partitions with RGB, optical flow, and fused result from RGB and optical flow, we received nine sets of test results. According to the results, the longest time partition with the fusion method has the highest AUC result as 0.74, which appeared higher than the other eight experimental settings with a maximum increase of 0.17.
Limitations, reasons for caution
The present study is retrospective and future prospective research would help us to identify more key factors and improve this model. In addition, expanding sample size combined with cross-centered validation will also be considered in our future approach.
Wider implications of the findings
Group 1 and Group 2 approach provided deselection of aneuploidy embryos, while future deep learning approaches toward high mosaicism, low mosaicism, and euploidy will be needed, in order to provide a better clinical application.
Trial registration number
CS18082
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Affiliation(s)
- C I Lee
- Lee Women’s Hospital, Division of Infertility, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Y R Su
- Binflux Inc, R&D Department, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - C H Chen
- Lee Women’s Hospital, Division of Infertility, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - T A Chang
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Antonio, USA
| | - E E S Kuo
- Binflux Inc, R&D Department, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - W T Hsieh
- Binflux Inc, R&D Department, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - C C Huang
- Lee Women’s Hospital, Division of Infertility, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - M S Lee
- Lee Women’s Hospital, Division of Infertility, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - M Liu
- Binflux Inc, R&D Department, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
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18
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Chang LS, Lee HC, Hsu CT, Tsao HM, Huang CC, Lee MS. P–009 A modified sperm chromatin dispersion test, LensHooke® R10, for quick and accurate determination of human sperm DNA fragmentation. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
The performance and efficiency of the LensHooke® R10 test kit were evaluated by the clinical examination for precision, accuracy, and time.
Summary answer
The LensHooke® R10 based on sperm chromatin dispersion test offers not only quick testing for sperm DNA fragmentation but also reliable and accurate test results.
What is known already
Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, one of the most commonly used testing for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), can be conducted promptly and without the need for expensive laboratory instruments. However, the main disadvantage of the SCD test is inter-observer variability in categorizing the size of characteristics halos surrounding the core of sperm. Moreover, it takes more than one hour to accomplish whole assay procedures making this testing an inefficient diagnostic tool. These may hinder its broad availability among andrology laboratories or prevent it from being routinely used for the evaluation of male infertility.
Study design, size, duration
A total of 108 participants was included in this prospective study. Data was collected from the reproductive medicine center between June and December 2020.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
This study included 108 consecutive male partners of couples attending for assisted reproductive treatment. SDF was simultaneously tested by using LensHooke® R10 (R10) and Halosperm® G2 (G2) respectively. We evaluated the correlation and agreement between two SCD-based test kits. The repeatability and reproducibility of the SCD kits were assessed by intra-and inter-observer agreement experiments. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value for the R10 was determined by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.
Main results and the role of chance
The R10 produced more clear sperm core and dispersed chromatin, therefore highly recognizable images can be easily and accurately categorized when scoring of SDF. It took 50% less time for SDF testing by the R10 compared to the G2 (38.26 ± 9.85 minutes vs. 76.52 ± 19.7 minutes, P < 0.0001). The SDF% results showed a strong correlation for the R10 and G2 with Spearman’s coefficients of rank correlation (rho) above 0.8 (P < 0.0001, N = 108). The R10 showed 89.8% accuracy with 87.9% sensitivity, 90.8% specificity, 82.9% PPV, and 93.7% NPV on the measurement of SDF% at the threshold value of 22%. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) >0.9 showed a strong agreement between two observers on the testing of SDF using the R10. ICC >0.9 showed a high intra-observer agreement within 4 repeated testing on SDF using the R10. The R10 showed an intra-observer’s precision of coefficient variation, CV < 10% for SDF%. In addition, SDF% test results obtained by the R10 for asthenospermic (31.8% ± 16.7%), teratospermic (22.9% ± 14.4%), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples (36.6% ± 14.4%) were significantly higher than that observed in normozoospermic samples (15.3% ± 10.2%, p < 0.05), was comparable with the G2.
Limitations, reasons for caution
The sample size of 4 semen specimens used to evaluate the intra-and inter-observer agreement was a limitation. Besides, evaluating the relationship between the SDF and clinical outcome of ART is necessary for further study.
Wider implications of the findings: The new in vitro diagnostics reagent, LensHooke® R10, is a simple and quick test kit that offers reliable and accurate test results of sperm DNA fragmentation, can be routinely used in male infertility evaluation.
Trial registration number
CS2–20012
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Chang
- Bonraybio Co.- Ltd, Clinical Medicine Dept., Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - H C Lee
- Bonraybio Co.- Ltd, Clinical Medicine Dept., Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - C T Hsu
- Bonraybio Co.- Ltd, Executive Office, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - H M Tsao
- Lee Women’s Hospital, IVF Center, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - C C Huang
- Lee Women’s Hospital, IVF Center, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - M S Lee
- Lee Women’s Hospital, IVF Center, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C
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19
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Tsai HH, Pasi M, Tsai LK, Huang CC, Chen YF, Lee BC, Yen RF, Gurol ME, Jeng JS. Centrum Semiovale Perivascular Space and Amyloid Deposition in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Stroke 2021; 52:2356-2362. [PMID: 33874751 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hsi Tsai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei (H.-H.T.).,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei (H.-H.T.).,Department of Neurology (H.-H.T., L.-K.T., J.-S.J.), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Marco Pasi
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, France (M.P.)
| | - Li-Kai Tsai
- Department of Neurology (H.-H.T., L.-K.T., J.-S.J.), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Chi-Ching Huang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei (C.-C.H.)
| | - Ya-Fang Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging (Y.-F.C., B.-C.L.), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Bo-Ching Lee
- Department of Medical Imaging (Y.-F.C., B.-C.L.), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - Ruoh-Fang Yen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine (R.-F.Y.), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
| | - M Edip Gurol
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (M.E.G.)
| | - Jiann-Shing Jeng
- Department of Neurology (H.-H.T., L.-K.T., J.-S.J.), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
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20
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Chiou WR, Chuang JY, Huang CC, Lin PL, Lee YH. 75Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in combination with anti-arrhythmic drugs in patients with non-permanent atrial fibrillation. Europace 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa162.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Rivaroxaban is useful for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Most patients with non-permanent AF also treated with anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) to prevent the recurrence of arrhythmia. But there are limited data regarding drug-drug interactions between rivaroxaban and AADs despite its high clinical relevance.
Purpose
To compare the bleeding risks and ischemic events between the use of rivaroxaban alone and the concomitant use of AADs.
Methods
This is a multicenter retrospective study, which identified patients with a diagnosis of non-permanent AF who received rivaroxaban more than 1 month between December 1, 2011 and November 30, 2016. The study divided patients into 4 groups : rivaroxaban alone, combined with amiodarone, dronedarone and propafenone. We compared the clinical events and cumulative incidences to compare the endpoints including efficacy endpoint (new ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, or new
embolism), safety endpoints (Hb fall more than 2g/dL or transfusion more than 2U PRBC, critical site bleeding, or fatal bleeding.) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, new ischemic stroke, new embolism, or intracranial hemorrhage.
Results
Of 1777 enrolled patients, the rivaroxaban alone was 1205 cases, 177 in amiodarone group, 231 in dronedarone group and 164 in propafenone group. There was no statistically significant difference on efficacy endpoints, safety endpoints and MACE between the 4 groups. The average dosage of rivaroxaban was insignificantly the lowest in the group combined with dronedarone (12.3mg, p = 0.146). The rate of new embolism (0%, p = 0.029), recurrent heart failure admission rate (3.9%, p < 0.001), and all-cause mortality (3.0%, p = 0.013) in dronedarone group showed a significant lower occurrence rate. The occurrence rate of new ischemic stroke (0.9%, p = 0.549), new hemorrhagic stroke (0.4%, p = 0.546), efficacy endpoints (1.7%, p = 0.369) and MACE (3.9%, p = 0.72) in dronedarone droup were the lowest but insignificant. The cumulative incidences of efficacy endpoints, safety endpoints and MACE during follow-up period were also similar in these four groups.(Picture 1)
Conclusions
In patients with non-permanent atrial fibrillation, this real-world study showed that there were no significant differences between using rivaroxaban alone or concomitant with an AAD (dronedarone/amiodarone/propafenone) on events such as new ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, GI bleeding and MACEs. The happening of new embolism was lower especially in the group combined with dronedarone. The safety and efficacy between rivaroxaban alone and combined with rhythm control using AADs proved to be the same. Relative low dose rivaroxaban combined with dronedarone did not increase the bleeding risk, and may decrease the probability of thromboembolism.
Abstract Figure. Picture 1
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Chiou
- Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - J Y Chuang
- MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - C C Huang
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Department of Medical Research, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - P L Lin
- Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Y H Lee
- MacKay Memorial Hospital, Cardiovascular Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Chiou WR, Hsieh MC, Chuang HN, Huang CC, Chuang JY, Lin PL, Lee YH. P1064Using Data Mining to Predict Bleeding Events caused by Novel Oral Anticoagulants. Europace 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa162.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) is important in preventing thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Bleeding risk was evaluated by HAS-BLED score traditionally. Data mining is a relatively new discipline that has sprung up at the confluence of several other disciplines, driven primarily by the growth of large databases.
Purpose
This study aimed to find a useful predictive model by data mining to assess the risk of rivaroxaban, an antithrombotic drug that causes bleeding in AF patients. The seven parameters of the HAS-BLED score were used to predict the effect of rivaroxaban on bleeding tendency in AF patients and may provide clinicians with appropriate treatments to avoid complications from bleeding events and reduce the incidence of health damage.
Methods
Through conducting a multicenter retrospective study, we identified patients with AF who were treated with rivaroxaban for more than 1 month between December 1, 2011 and November 30, 2016. After preprocessing, the established data were used for training and testing of data mining models. This study evaluated four models, including association rules, neural networks, Bayesian classification, and decision trees.
Result
Of the 872 enrolled cases, 432 were in any of the bleeding groups and 432 were in the non-bleeding randomized control group. After comparing the overall classification accuracy, omission error and over-prediction error, the decision tree proved to be the most accurate model for bleeding prediction. The overall classification accuracy is 77%, the omission error is 15%, the over-prediction error is 21.9%, and the AUC score is 0.84. The results show that the model has good discriminative ability and visibility of decision rules.
Conclusion
Among several data mining models, decision tree proved to be the most accurate model for bleeding prediction. The conclusion of this study can be used as a reference for supporting decision making before anticoagulation treatment and suggest future research to compare efficacy of bleeding prediction between HAS-BLED score and decision tree.
Data mining comparison Model Omission error Commission error Overall accuracy AUC score Ranking Decision tree 15.0% 21.90% 77.00% 0.84 1 Association rules 16.8% 27.20% 76.50% 0.81 2 Neural networks 12.0% 26.40% 78.20% 0.83 3 Bayesian classification 16.1% 27.50% 76.50% 0.83 4
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Chiou
- Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - M C Hsieh
- National Taitung University, Department of Information Science and Management Systems, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - H N Chuang
- National Taitung University, Department of Information Science and Management Systems, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - C C Huang
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Department of Medical Research, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - J Y Chuang
- MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - P L Lin
- Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Y H Lee
- Mackay Memorial Hospital, Cardiovascular Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Chen SH, Wang I, Hsu HL, Huang CC, Liu YJ, Putri DU, Lee CH. Advantage in privacy protection by using synchronous video observed treatment enhances treatment adherence among patients with latent tuberculosis infection. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1354-1359. [PMID: 32376234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is an important strategy for active disease prevention. Conventional in-person DOT (CDOT) programs are challenged by patient dissatisfaction over problems of convenience and privacy. The present study assessed satisfaction to DOT program and treatment adherence of synchronous video observed treatment (SVOT) programs from patients' perspectives. METHODS A two-part questionnaire was presented to 240 subjects with LTBI who received a 9-month isoniazid treatment regimen along with mandatory DOT monitoring during January 2014 to December 2017. RESULTS Satisfactions with location arrangement (p<0.001), ensuring treatment adherence (p=0.027), and privacy issues (p=0.005) were superior in the SVOT group. The overall rate of LTBI treatment completion was 91.25%. One (1.25%) and 20 (12.50%) of the participants in the SVOT and CDOT groups, respectively, quit LTBI treatment (p=0.008). Development of adverse events [adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 8.01 (3.42-18.79)], and the concern of privacy infringement [aHR 5.86 (2.69-12.76)] by the DOT program independently increase the risk of withdrawal. SVOT program [aHR 0.21 (0.06-0.68)] and a belief in the importance of adherence on treatment efficacy [aHR 0.29 (0.08-0.98)] were independent predictors preventing patients from withdrawing from treatment. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive patient-centered DOT program enables high treatment adherence for the 9-month isoniazid LTBI treatment. Furthermore, SVOT was associated with superior patients' satisfactions which translate into higher treatment completion rates. As treatment adherence is the key to the efficacy of LTBI treatment, SVOT should be a reasonable supplement for LTBI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Health, Taipei City Government, Taipei 11008, Taiwan
| | - Irene Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Han-Lin Hsu
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan; School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ching Huang
- Department of Health, Taipei City Government, Taipei 11008, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jun Liu
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Denise Utami Putri
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan.
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23
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Huang CC, Chen YH, Hung CS, Lee JK, Hsu TP, Chuang PY, Chen MF, Ho YL. P951Short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants affected home blood pressure in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy564.p951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C C Huang
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - Y H Chen
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - C S Hung
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - J K Lee
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - T P Hsu
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - P Y Chuang
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - M F Chen
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - Y L Ho
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
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24
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Kawakita T, Reddy UM, Huang CC, Auguste TC, Bauer D, Overcash RT. Predicting Vaginal Delivery in Nulliparous Women Undergoing Induction of Labor at Term. Am J Perinatol 2018; 35:660-668. [PMID: 29212131 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1608847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to develop a model to calculate the likelihood of vaginal delivery in nulliparous women undergoing induction at term. STUDY DESIGN We obtained data from the Consortium on Safe Labor by including nulliparous women with term singleton pregnancies undergoing induction of labor at term. Women with contraindications for vaginal delivery were excluded. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors associated with vaginal delivery by considering maternal characteristics and comorbidities and fetal conditions. The receiver operating characteristic curve, with an area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the accuracy of the model. RESULTS Of 10,591 nulliparous women who underwent induction of labor, 8,202 (77.4%) women had vaginal delivery. Our model identified maternal age, gestational age at delivery, race, maternal height, prepregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, cervical exam on admission (dilation, effacement, and station), chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, pregestational diabetes, and abruption as significant predictors for successful vaginal delivery. The overall predictive ability of the final model, as measured by the AUC was 0.759 (95% confidence interval, 0.749-0.770). CONCLUSION We identified independent risk factors that can be used to predict vaginal delivery among nulliparas undergoing induction at term. Our predictor provides women with additional information when considering induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kawakita
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - U M Reddy
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland.,Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - T C Auguste
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia.,MedStar Simulation Training & Education Lab, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - D Bauer
- MedStar Simulation Training & Education Lab, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - R T Overcash
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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25
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Orsi Gordo V, Balanta MAG, Galvão Gobato Y, Covre FS, Galeti HVA, Iikawa F, Couto ODD, Qu F, Henini M, Hewak DW, Huang CC. Revealing the nature of low-temperature photoluminescence peaks by laser treatment in van der Waals epitaxially grown WS 2 monolayers. Nanoscale 2018; 10:4807-4815. [PMID: 29469923 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr00719e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) are promising materials for optoelectronics devices. However, one of the challenges is to fabricate large-scale growth of high quality TMD monolayers with the desired properties in order to expand their use in potential applications. Here, we demonstrate large-scale tungsten disulfide (WS2) monolayers grown by van der Waals Epitaxy (VdWE). We show that, in addition to the large structural uniformity and homogeneity of these samples, their optical properties are very sensitive to laser irradiation. We observe a time instability in the photoluminescence (PL) emission at low temperatures in the scale of seconds to minutes. Interestingly, this change of the PL spectra with time, which is due to laser induced carrier doping, is employed to successfully distinguish the emission of two negatively charged bright excitons. Furthermore, we also detect blinking sharp bound exciton emissions which are usually attractive for single photon sources. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of this complex carrier dynamics induced by laser irradiation which is very important for future optoelectronic devices based on large scale TMD monolayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Orsi Gordo
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Empty nose syndrome (ENS) describes symptomatology and radiographic findings after surgeries on turbinates.The treatment of ENS is still debatable. PURPOSE To analyse clinical outcomes of submucosal Medpor® implantation for ENS. METHODS A total of 18 patients underwent submucosal Medpor® implantation from 2006 to 2011. We applied SNOT-22 (SinoNasalOutcome Test) for statistical survey of the patients' symptoms before and after surgery. RESULTS Two patients were lost to follow up after the surgery. Most of the patients developed ENS-related symptoms gradually within 2 years to 16 years after the previous nasal surgery or treatment. The sites of submucosal implantation are mainly septum and nasal floor, unilaterally or bilaterally. There is a significant improvement of SNOT-22 pre-operatively to one year post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS The symptomatolgy remains the most important point when dealing with patients with ENS. Submucosal implantation of Medpor® is a feasible surgical treatment to ENS. A positive cotton test is suggested for the surgical indication and planning.
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Zhang HT, Zhang T, Chai M, Sun JJ, Yu XY, Liu CZ, Huang CC. Effect of tobacco smoke on hydrogen sulfide-induced rat thoracic aorta relaxation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 50:e5592. [PMID: 28177058 PMCID: PMC5390530 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20165592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule, are reduced in the serum of individuals who smoke. We hypothesized that tobacco smoke influenced smooth muscle relaxation by decreasing H2S levels and this effect could also influence expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and sulfonylurea receptor-2 (SUR-2). The aim of this study was to explore the effect of tobacco smoke on H2S-mediated rat thoracic aorta relaxation and its possible mechanism. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (C) group, short-term smoker (SS) group, mid-term smoker (MS) group, and long-term smoker (LS) group. H2S concentrations in serum, action of H2S on rat aortic vascular relaxation, and expression of CSE and SUR-2 in thoracic aortic smooth muscle were measured. Although there was no significant difference in H2S between the C and the SS groups, concentration of H2S was significantly reduced in both the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.01). Furthermore, H2S was significantly lower in the LS than in the MS group (P<0.05). Rat aortic vascular relaxation was lower in all three treatment groups compared to the control, with the most significant decrease observed in the LS group (P<0.05 compared to the MS group). Expression of CSE and SUR-2 was reduced in the LS and MS groups compared to control (P<0.05), with the lowest levels observed in the LS group (P<0.05). Therefore, tobacco smoke reduced expression of CSE and SUR-2 in rat thoracic aorta, which may inhibit H2S production and vascular dilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Air Force General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - T Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, China
| | - M Chai
- Department of Cardiology, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Beijing, China
| | - J J Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Air Force General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - X Y Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Air Force General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - C Z Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Air Force General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Air Force General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
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28
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Wu J, Lee YY, Su SC, Wu TS, Kao KC, Huang CC, Chang WC, Yang CH, Chung WH. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in patients with malignancies. Br J Dermatol 2015. [PMID: 26218033 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignancy is known to be associated with an increased mortality rate in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). However, risk factors contributing to the poor prognosis of patients with SJS/TEN with malignancies remain undefined. OBJECTIVES To explore the potential involvement of malignancy and its related factors contributing to the poor outcome of SJS/TEN, in a retrospective study. METHODS In total 517 patients with SJS/TEN were enrolled. Forty-seven who sustained various types of malignancies were analysed for numerous malignancy-related factors, including cancer types, clinical stages and chemotherapies given or not before the onset of SJS/TEN. RESULTS We found that the mortality rate of patients with SJS/TEN with malignancies was higher than that of patients without malignancies (32%, 15/47 vs. 8·5%, 40/470, respectively) (P < 0·001). The use of phenytoin was significantly higher in the malignancy group. The presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (80%, four of five; P < 0·001; odds ratio 43) and colorectal cancer (67%, two of three; P = 0·022; odds ratio 21·5) significantly increased the death rate of patients with SJS/TEN, whereas lung cancer and urothelial carcinoma did not. Patients who had received ongoing or recent chemotherapy showed higher mortality than those without chemotherapy (P = 0·022; odds ratio 4·95). Furthermore, among the 47 patients with SJS/TEN with malignancies, lower serum albumin, haemoglobin and platelet count were detected in the deceased patients than in the surviving patients before the onset of SJS/TEN. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that several factors related to malignancies, such as specific cancer types, chemotherapy and malnutrition, may contribute to poor prognosis in patients with malignancies developing SJS/TEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Drug Hypersensitivity Clinical and Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - Y Y Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Drug Hypersensitivity Clinical and Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - S C Su
- Department of Dermatology, Drug Hypersensitivity Clinical and Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - T S Wu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan.,Department of Infectious Disease, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan
| | - K C Kao
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan.,Department of Thoracic Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan
| | - C C Huang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan.,Department of Thoracic Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan
| | - W C Chang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan
| | - C H Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Drug Hypersensitivity Clinical and Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - W H Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Drug Hypersensitivity Clinical and Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taipei and Linkou, 33305, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary and environmental factors have been related to the occurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in early childhood. However, the role of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to air pollutants has not been totally elucidated. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between prenatal air pollutant exposure and occurrence of AD. METHODS In total 24 200 infant-mother pairs were recruited to participate in the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study in 2005 using multistage stratified sampling. Medical history, including physician-diagnosed AD, was inquired by questionnaire at the infant's age of 6 months. Monthly averages of five criteria air pollutants - NO2 , CO, O3 , SO2 and PM10 - were retrieved from 66 air-quality-monitoring stations, and interpolated to all administrative districts using the kriging method. Exposure data during each of the three gestational trimesters and three months after birth were calculated for each study subject, and odds ratios (ORs) of AD occurrence were calculated by logistic regression. RESULTS Among the participants, 16 686 mother-infant pairs were qualified for and included in the analysis. Among them, 1206 infants (7·2%) had been diagnosed as having AD before the age of 6 months, and the prevalence was higher in boys (8·3%) than in girls (6·1%). The occurrence of AD was significantly associated with CO exposure during the whole gestational period [adjusted OR (aOR) 1·37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·06-1·78] and the first trimester (aOR 1·51, 95% CI 1·16-1·97). We did not observe any significant association among the other air pollutants during either the whole gestational period or any period of the three trimesters and 3 months after birth. CONCLUSIONS Our study found a relationship between AD occurrence and gestational exposure to CO, where exposure during the first trimester seemed to be the most important.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Huang
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H J Wen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - P C Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - T L Chiang
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S J Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Chi Mei Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Y L Guo
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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30
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Moy I, Todorović V, Dubash AD, Coon JS, Parker JB, Buranapramest M, Huang CC, Zhao H, Green KJ, Bulun SE. Estrogen-dependent sushi domain containing 3 regulates cytoskeleton organization and migration in breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2015; 34:323-33. [PMID: 24413080 PMCID: PMC4096609 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the standard endocrine therapy for postmenopausal breast cancer; however, currently used biomarkers, such as, estrogen receptor-alpha/progesterone receptor (ERα/PR), predict only slightly more than half of the potential responders to AI treatment. To identify novel markers of AI responsiveness, a genome-wide microarray analysis was performed using primary breast tumor samples from 50 postmenopausal women who later developed metastatic breast cancer. Sushi domain containing 3 (SUSD3) is a significantly differentially expressed gene, with 3.38-fold higher mRNA levels in AI-responsive breast tumors vs non-responders (P<0.001). SUSD3 was highly expressed in ERα-positive breast tumors and treatment with estradiol increased SUSD3 expression in ERα-positive breast cancer cells. Treatment with an antiestrogen or ERα knockdown abolished basal and estradiol-dependent SUSD3 expression. Recruitment of ERα upstream of the transcription start site of SUSD3 was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR. Flow cytometric analysis of SUSD3-knockdown cells revealed blunted estradiol effects on progression into S and M phases. SUSD3 was localized to the plasma membrane of breast cancer cells. SUSD3 knockdown decreased the appearance of actin-rich protrusions, stress fibers and large basal focal adhesions, while increasing the presence of cortical actin concomitant with a decrease in Rho and focal adhesion kinase activity. SUSD3-deficient cells demonstrated diminished cell spreading, cell-cell adhesion and motility. In conclusion, SUSD3 is a novel promoter of estrogen-dependent cell proliferation and regulator of cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions and migration in breast cancer. It may serve as a novel predictor of response to endocrine therapy and potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Moy
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - V Todorović
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A D Dubash
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J S Coon
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J B Parker
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Buranapramest
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - H Zhao
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K J Green
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - S E Bulun
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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31
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Huang KL, Huang CC, Lee TJ, Huang CC. An isolated intracranial mucocoele herniated from the frontal sinus. B-ENT 2015; 11:245-247. [PMID: 26601560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucocoeles are chronic mucosa-lined retention cysts that occur due to sinus ostium obstruction and expand along the path of least resistance, most commonly involving the frontal sinus. A frontal mucocoele typically appears as a smooth and rounded expansile enlargement of a completely opacified frontal sinus, with or without thinning of the bony wall of the sinus. Here we report a rare case of isolated intracranial mucocoele that presented with posterior herniation to the anterior cranial fossa through a small bony defect on the posterior table of the frontal sinus. The findings upon imaging could easily be confused with intracranial abscess, potentially leading to craniotomy drainage. In the present case of mucocoele, the frontal intracranial lesion was completely resolved following endoscopic frontal sinusotomy.
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Cheng SM, Chang YC, Liu CY, Lee JYC, Chan HH, Kuo CW, Lin KY, Tsai SL, Chen SH, Li CF, Leung E, Kanwar JR, Huang CC, Chang JY, Cheung CHA. YM155 down-regulates survivin and XIAP, modulates autophagy and induces autophagy-dependent DNA damage in breast cancer cells. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:214-34. [PMID: 25220225 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the potency and molecular mechanism of action of YM155, a first-in-class survivin inhibitor that is currently under phase I/II clinical investigations, in various drug-resistant breast cancers including the oestrogen receptor positive (ER(+) ) tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer and the caspase-3-deficient breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The potency of YM155 in SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231, MCF7 and its tamoxifen-resistant sublines, TamR6, TamR7, TamR8, TamC3 and TamC6, were determined by MTT assay. Western blot analysis, flow cytometric analysis, reverse transcription-PCR, fluorescent microscopy and comet assay were used to determine the molecular mechanism of action of YM155 in different breast cancer cell lines. KEY RESULTS YM155 was equally potent towards the parental ER(+) /caspase-3-deficient MCF7 breast cancer cells and its tamoxifen-resistant sublines in vitro. The ER(-) /HER2(+) SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells and the triple-negative/caspase-3-expressing metastatic aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were also sensitive to YM155 with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. Targeting survivin by YM155 modulated autophagy, induced autophagy-dependent caspase-7 activation and autophagy-dependent DNA damage in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, YM155 also induced XIAP degradation and the degradation of XIAP might play an important role in YM155-induced autophagy in breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS YM155 is a potent survivin inhibitor that has potential for the management of various breast cancer subtypes regardless of the expression of ER, HER2 and caspase-3. Importantly, this study provides new insights into YM155's molecular mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Cheng
- The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Huang CC, Yang MC, Huang YT. Will Nurses Have Better Outcomes than Non-Medical Working Women when Hospitalized for Female Genital Diseases? Value Health 2014; 17:A754. [PMID: 27202743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C C Huang
- National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M C Yang
- National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y T Huang
- Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Pan L, Pindak R, Huang CC. Resonant x-ray diffraction spectrum for possible structures of the smectic liquid crystal phase with a six-layer periodicity. Phys Rev E 2014; 89:022501. [PMID: 25353483 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.89.022501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
With the discovery of the smectic-C(d6)(*) (SmC(d6)(*)) phase showing six-layer periodicity [S. Wang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 027801 (2010)] and a recent report of the observation of a possible alternative structure, the need for a reliable and accurate method for distinguishing different possible structures is more urgent than ever. Through simulations using the tensorial structure factor method, we present the resonant x-ray diffraction (RXRD) spectra for different possible structures as proposed in several theoretical studies. Subtle distinctions between models are shown. The ability and limitations of RXRD as a technique for determining the structure of this particular phase is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiDong Pan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - R Pindak
- Photon Sciences Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA
| | - C C Huang
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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35
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Lin DY, Chiang TY, Huang CC, Lin HD, Tzeng SJ, Kang SR, Sung HM, Wu MC. Polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from Cervus unicolor (Cervidae) show inbreeding in a domesticated population of Taiwan Sambar deer. Genet Mol Res 2014; 13:3967-71. [PMID: 24938607 DOI: 10.4238/2014.may.23.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Primers for eight microsatellites were developed; they successfully amplified DNA from 20 domesticated Formosan Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei). All loci were polymorphic, with 10-19 alleles per locus. The average observed heterozygosity across loci and samples was 0.310, ranging from 0 to 0.750 at each locus. All loci but one, CU18, deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to excessive homozygosity in these domesticated broodstocks, reflecting inbreeding. These microsatellite loci will be useful, not only for assessment of population structure and genetic variability, but also for conservation of wild deer populations in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Y Lin
- Department of Life Sciences, Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - T Y Chiang
- Department of Life Sciences, Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - C C Huang
- Kinmen National Park, Jinning Shiang, Kinmen, Taiwan
| | - H D Lin
- Department of Life Sciences, Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - S J Tzeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Rende, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - S R Kang
- Kaohsiung Animal Propagation Station, COA-LRI, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - H M Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - M C Wu
- Division of Breeding and Genetics, COA-LRI, Muchang, Xinhua, Tainan, Taiwan
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36
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Jeng KS, Chu SH, Huang CC, Lin CK, Lin CC, Chen KH. Loss of speech after living-related donor liver transplantation: detection of the lesion by diffusion tensor image. Transplant Proc 2014; 46:880-2. [PMID: 24767371 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.11.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loss of speech after living-related liver transplantation is uncommon. Either immunosuppressive agents, related sequelae, or a neurological event may cause it. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old man developed dysarthria and dysphagia on the 10th day after living-related donor liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis with Child-Pugh class C. Brain magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms could not detect any lesion, but the diffusion tensor image showed a subacute lacunar infarction at right midbrain. The patient's speech improved 1 month after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Some unexpected neurological events, such as loss of speech, may occur after liver transplantation. The differential diagnosis becomes very important before active treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging supplemented with diffusion tensor imaging is an effective imaging study in establishing the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - S H Chu
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C K Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C C Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - K H Chen
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Folcia CL, Ortega J, Etxebarria J, Rodríguez-Conde S, Sanz-Enguita G, Geese K, Tschierske C, Ponsinet V, Barois P, Pindak R, Pan L, Liu ZQ, McCoy BK, Huang CC. Spontaneous and field-induced mesomorphism of a silyl-terminated bent-core liquid crystal as determined from second-harmonic generation and resonant X-ray scattering. Soft Matter 2014; 10:196-205. [PMID: 24651598 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm51277k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The polarity and structure of the phases of a liquid crystal constituted by thiophene-based bent-core molecules is investigated by means of optical second-harmonic generation (SHG), and resonant and conventional X-ray diffraction. The material studied is representative of a wide family of mesogens that contain silyl groups at the ends of the chains. These bulky terminal groups have been reported to give rise to smectic phases showing ferroelectric switching. However, the analysis of the SHG signal before and after application of electric fields has allowed us to establish unambiguously that the reported ferroelectricity is not intrinsic to the material but stabilized by the cell substrates once an electric field has been applied. In addition, the results obtained from resonant X-ray diffraction indicate that virgin samples have antiferroelectric undulated synclinic smectic structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Folcia
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
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Zhang Y, Song Y, Ravindran S, Gao Q, Huang CC, Ramachandran A, Kulkarni A, George A. DSPP contains an IRES element responsible for the translation of dentin phosphophoryn. J Dent Res 2013; 93:155-61. [PMID: 24352500 DOI: 10.1177/0022034513516631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The major phosphoprotein in dentin is the aspartic acid and serine-rich protein called dentin phosphophoryn (DPP). DPP appears to be synthesized as a part of a larger compound protein, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). DSPP has never been isolated or detected in dentin extracts. It is now evident that DSPP is a chimeric protein composed of 3 parts: dentin sialoprotein (DSP), DPP, and dentin glycoprotein (DGP). Previous reports have suggested that the BMP1 protease is responsible for processing DSPP. However, unequal amounts of these products are present in the dentin matrix. Here, we provide evidence for an internal ribosome entry site in the DSPP gene that directs the synthesis of DPP. This mechanism would account for unequal amounts of intracellular DSP and DPP. The internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) activity varied in different cell types, suggesting the presence of additional regulatory elements during the translational regulation of DPP. Further, we provide evidence that DPP is transported to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through exosomes. Using tissue recombination and lentivirus-mediated gain-of-function approaches, we also demonstrate that DPP is essential for the formation of well-defined tooth structures with mineralized dentin matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhang
- Brodie Tooth Development Genetics & Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Oral Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Fan MC, Huang CC, Huang JS, Tsai SF, Yeh HC, Hong CF. First Report of Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis Causing Canker on Syzygium samarangense in Taiwan. Plant Dis 2013; 97:1508. [PMID: 30708484 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-13-0345-pdn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense Merr. & Perry, syn. Eugenia javanica Lam.) belongs to the Myrtaceae family is an important economical tree fruit in Taiwan. The total production acreage of wax apple was 5,266 ha in which more than 77% were located in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, in 2012. Since the winter of 2010, symptoms of withering leaves and cracking branches on wax apple trees were observed in some orchards in Nanjhou and Linbian Townships, Pingtung County. Diseased trees declined gradually and resulted in reduced fruit production. On the bark of diseased twigs and branches, black conidiamata with yellowish orange conidia were usually observed. For diagnosis, tissues from symptomatic branches were excised, surface sterilized with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, and placed on 2% water agar in petri dishes. A total of four identical fungal isolates were obtained and maintained on potato dextrose agar (PDA). To fulfill Koch's postulates, three twigs of a wax apple tree were wounded with scalpel and inoculated with each of the four isolates, one tree per isolate. A 7-day-old hyphal mat (about 7 × 18 mm) of each fungal isolate was attached on the wound, wrapped with a wet absorbent cotton and Parafilm, and then covered with a layer of aluminum foil. For the control, the twigs of a wax apple tree were inoculated with PDA plugs. The pathogenicity test was repeated once. After 30 days, withering leaves and cracking twigs were observed on inoculated twigs and the same pathogen was reisolated. Conversely, all of the non-inoculated plants remained healthy. Identification of the pathogen was conducted using its morphological, physiological, and molecular characteristics. On malt extract agar, the colony was floccose and white with hazel hues. The optimal temperature for the mycelial growth was 30°C. Conidia were hyaline, and oblong, with the average size of 4.7 ± 0.6 × 2.7 ± 0.2 μm (100 conidia). Ascostromata were semi-immersed in the bark with fusoid asci, eight ascospores per ascus. Ascospores were hyaline, 2-celled, and tapered in both ends, with the average length of 6.8 ± 0.7 × 2.4 ± 0.3 μm (100 ascospores). For molecular identification, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA and β-tubulin genes was amplified using the ITS1/ITS4 (3), Bt1a/Bt1b, and Bt2a/Bt2b (1) primer pairs. The gene sequences were deposited in GenBank (Accessions KC792616, KC792617, KC792618, and KC792619 for the ITS region; KC792620, KC792621, KC792622, and KC792623 for Bt1 region, and KC812732, KC812733, KC812734, and KC812735 for Bt2 region) and showed 99 to 100% identity to the Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis isolate CMW12745 (DQ368764 for ITS region; GQ290183 for Bt1 region, and DQ368781 for Bt2 region). In addition, the Bt1 region of the β-tubulin gene consisted of two restriction sites for AvaI and one restriction site for HindIII. This is identical to the description of C. deuterocubensis, a cryptic species in C. cubensis, by Van Der Merwe et al. (2). According to these results, the pathogen was identified as C. deuterocubensis Gryzenh. & M. J. Wingf. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of canker disease caused by C. deuterocubensis on S. samarangense in Taiwan. References: (1) N. L. Glass and G. C. Donaldson. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61:1323, 1995. (2) N. A. Van Der Merwe et al. Fungal Biol. 114:966, 2010. (3) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Fan
- Department of Plant Protection, Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Kaohsiung 83052, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - C C Huang
- Department of Tropical Fruit Trees, Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Kaohsiung 83052, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - J S Huang
- Department of Plant Protection, Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Kaohsiung 83052, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - S F Tsai
- Department of Plant Protection, Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Kaohsiung 83052, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - H C Yeh
- Department of Plant Protection, Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Kaohsiung 83052, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - C F Hong
- Department of Plant Protection, Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Kaohsiung 83052, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Ting IW, Ho MW, Sung YJ, Tien N, Chi CY, Ho HC, Huang CC. Brucellosis in a renal transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2013; 15:E191-5. [PMID: 24034171 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is one of the most common systemic zoonotic diseases transmitted by consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or by occupational contact with infected animals. Brucellosis is rare in renal transplant recipients. Only 3 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of brucellosis with hematologic and hepatobiliary complications in a patient 3 years after renal transplantation. The mean time from transplantation to the diagnosis of brucellosis in these 4 reported patients was 5.1 years (range 17 months to 13 years). All patients had fever and constitutional symptoms, and all attained clinical cure after combination antibiotic therapy. Given the small number of patients, further study is needed to identify the characteristics of brucellosis in renal transplant recipients. Drug interactions and acute renal failure developed in our patient during antibiotic treatment. Therefore, we should monitor the levels of immunosuppressive agents frequently. Several studies have shown in vitro susceptibilities of Brucella melitensis to tigecycline. In our patient, fever finally subsided after tigecycline administration. The minimum inhibitory concentration of tigecycline using Etest was 0.094 μg/mL. Tigecycline may be a potential option for treatment of brucellosis in the setting of transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- I W Ting
- Kidney Institute, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is believed that in order to reduce the number of adverse events, hospitals have to stimulate a more open culture and reflective attitude towards errors and patient safety. The objective is to examine similarities and differences in hospital patient safety culture in three countries: the Netherlands, the USA and Taiwan. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional survey study across three countries. A questionnaire, the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (Hospital SOPS), was disseminated nationwide in the Netherlands, the USA and Taiwan. SETTING The study was conducted in 45 hospitals in the Netherlands, 622 in the USA and 74 in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3779 professionals from the participating hospitals in the Netherlands, 196 462 from the USA and 10 146 from Taiwan participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures of the study were 12 dimensions of patient safety culture, e.g. Teamwork, Organizational learning, Communication openness. RESULTS Most hospitals in all three countries have high scores on teamwork within units. The area with a high potential for improvement in all three countries is Handoffs and transitions. Differences between countries exist on the following dimensions: Non-punitive response to error, Feedback and communication about error, Communication openness, Management support for patient safety and Organizational learning--continuous improvement. On the whole, US respondents were more positive about the safety culture in their hospitals than Dutch and Taiwanese respondents. Nevertheless, there are even larger differences between hospitals within a country. CONCLUSIONS Comparison of patient safety culture data has shown similarities and differences within and between countries. All three countries can improve areas of their patient safety culture. Countries can identify and share best practices and learn from each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wagner
- NIVEL, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, PO Box 1568, Utrecht 3500 BN, The Netherlands.
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Sasaki Y, Le KV, Aya S, Isobe M, Yao H, Huang CC, Takezoe H, Ema K. High-resolution calorimetric study of phase transitions in chiral smectic-C liquid crystalline phases. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2012; 86:061704. [PMID: 23367966 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.86.061704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We carried out an improved characterization of phase transitions among chiral smectic-C subphases observed for various antiferroelectric liquid crystals by precise heat capacity measurements. It was found that the phase transitions are intrinsically first order exhibiting a remarkable heat anomaly which involves little pretransitional thermal fluctuation and a finite thermal hysteresis. On the other hand, we also noticed that the critical point of the smectic-C(α)(*)-smectic-C* transition is induced by the destabilization of the smectic-C(α)(*) phase which couples with the fluctuation associated with the smectic-A-smectic-C(α)(*) phase transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Sasaki
- Department of Physics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, O-okayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan
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Huang CC, Chen JC, Chang YC, Jeng JH, Chen CM. A fractal dimensional approach to successful evaluation of apical healing. Int Endod J 2012; 46:523-9. [PMID: 23176604 DOI: 10.1111/iej.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate whether the initial healing of apical radiolucencies 1 year after root canal treatment could be quantitatively identified by the change in fractal dimension (FD) values for the eventually completely healed cases. METHODOLOGY Twenty-six patients with successful root canal treatment were recruited. All teeth were associated with complete healing either before or at 1 year following treatment (six of 26) or still undergoing healing at 1 year after treatment but completely healed thereafter (20 of 26). Two radiographs were selected for the same patient, one taken before treatment and the other taken 1 year after treatment. Eight regions of interests (ROIs) were selected from each radiograph, two as the experimental group located close to the infected root apex, two as the control group in the healthy bone and the other four in the healthy bone ensuring the image quality. RESULTS Based on the FD values of the four ROIs in the healthy bone, the two radiographs were confirmed to have been taken with similar projection angles and exposure. The FD values were shown to significantly increase (P = 0.006) and decrease (P = 0.000) around the root apex and the neighbouring region of the apical lesion, respectively. CONCLUSION Changes in fractal dimension values may serve as a necessary condition to quantitatively indicate the initial healing status 1 year after root canal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Huang
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital and, Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taiwan
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Hara K, Tsujimoto H, Huang CC, Kawashima Y, Ando R, Kusuoka O, Tamura K, Tsutsumi M. Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Studies on Uptake and Distribution of FITC-Conjugated PLGA Nanoparticles Administered Intratracheally in Rats. J Toxicol Pathol 2012; 25:19-26. [PMID: 22481855 PMCID: PMC3320153 DOI: 10.1293/tox.25.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polylactide-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles have been developed as pulmonary drug delivery carriers. To investigate their behavior, small- (d50 = 74 nm) and large-sized (d50 = 250 nm) FITC-conjugated PLGA nanoparticles were intratracheally administered to rats and were traced for 5, 30 and 60 minutes and 24 hours after administration (HAT). Immunohistochemically, a, FITC-positive reaction was observed in type-I alveolar epithelial cells (type-I AEC), endothelial cells and alveolar macrophages in the lungs from 5 minutes after treatment (MAT) to 24 HAT in both nanoparticle groups. In the kidneys, a positive reaction was observed in proximal tubular epithelial cells at 30 MAT; the reaction peaked at 60 MAT and was reduced at 24 HAT, while no positive reaction was seen in other sites. Ultrascructurally, the number of membrane-bound vesicles, which were approximately 70 nm in size and hard to distinguish from pinocytic vesicles, apparently increased in type-I AEC and endothelial cells at 5 MAT in the small-sized group, in comparison with the control group receiving physiological saline. The number of vesicles in the large-sized group was almost same as that in the control group. On the other hand, in both nanoparticle groups, lysosomes filled with nanoparticles appeared in alveolar macrophages from 30 MAT to 24 HAT. These results indicate that PLGA nanoparticles might be quickly transferred from the alveolar space to the blood vessel via type-I alveolar epithelial cells and excreted into urine, and that there is a threshold for particle size, less than approximately 70 nm in diameter, with regard to absorption through the alveolar wall.
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Hung CY, Hu HC, Chang CH, Huang CC, Kao KC. Outcomes of early delivery in pregnant patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Crit Care 2012. [PMCID: PMC3363530 DOI: 10.1186/cc10719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Pan L, Barois P, Pindak R, Liu ZQ, McCoy BK, Huang CC. Resonant x-ray diffraction study of an unusually large phase coexistence in smectic liquid-crystal films. Phys Rev Lett 2012; 108:037801. [PMID: 22400785 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.108.037801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The recent discovery of the new smectic-C(d6)(*) (SmC(d6)(*)) phase [S. Wang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 027801 (2010)] also revealed the existence of a noisy region in the temperature window between the SmC(d6)(*) phase and the smectic-C(d4)(*) (SmC(d4)(*)) phase. Characterized by multiple resonant peaks spanning a wide region in Q(Z), the corresponding structure of this temperature window has been a mystery. In this Letter, through a careful resonant x-ray diffraction study and simulations of the diffraction spectra, we show that this region is in fact an unusually large coexistence region of the SmC(d6)(*) phase and the SmC(d4)(*) phase. The structure of the noisy region is found to be a heterogeneous mixture of local SmC(d6)(*) and SmC(d4)(*) orders on the sub-μm scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiDong Pan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Abstract
Null transmission ellipsometry was employed to study the field induced transition of the surface arrangements in freestanding films of smectic liquid crystals. The interlayer interaction between the two surfaces obtained from the threshold voltage for the transition is found to be antiferroelectric and is quasilong ranged. The possible microscopic origins of the measured interaction and its relevance to the interlayer interaction in antiferroelectric liquid crystal materials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiDong Pan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Pan L, Huang CC. Surface-aligning field in smectic liquid-crystal films. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2011; 84:051703. [PMID: 22181431 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.84.051703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Two modified mean-field J(1)-J(2) models are studied to explain the surface reduction of twisting power in the helical smectic-C*(α) phase in free-standing liquid crystal films. Profiles of the surface interlayer interaction are calculated from the experimental results. The calculations reveal the existence of a strong surface field and indicate that the surface field is the reason for the observed reduced twisting power near the surface region. Our results provide a quantitative study of the interlayer interactions through surface effects in smectic liquid crystals.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiDong Pan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Abstract
Null transmission ellipsometry was employed to study the temperature evolution of the helical structure of the smectic-C(α)* phase. Free-standing films with thickness ranging from 31 to more than 400 layers were prepared and studied. The experimental results show a reduced twisting power in thin films. A simple model was constructed to explain the results. Surface effects were found to be the key reason for this phenomenon. Our findings are consistent with the theoretical studies of helically ordered magnetic films.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiDong Pan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Chung CH, Huang CC, Chiu HH, Huang CC, Chen JS. Endoscopic evolution of rectal stercoral ulcer presenting with a large bleeding pseudodiverticulum in a patient with chronic constipation. Endoscopy 2011; 43 Suppl 2 UCTN:E77-8. [PMID: 21425018 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C H Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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