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Ch'ng CC, Ong LM, Wong KM. Changes in blood pressure after Messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccination. Med J Malaysia 2022; 77:768-770. [PMID: 36448398] [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: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) vaccination began in Malaysia in March 2021 among frontliners and healthcare workers. Everyone at our hospital received the tozinameran (BNT162b2) Messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine. Although hypertension has not been mentioned explicitly as an adverse event, concerns were raised after some healthcare staff observed an increase in their blood pressures. In response to that, the hospital began collecting vital signs during second-dose appointments. Vital signs were measured before, immediately after and 15-30 minutes postvaccination. We report our findings from the institution-wide effort to monitor changes in blood pressure among its staff and respond to any possible unwanted events.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Ch'ng
- Hospital Pulau Pinang, Clinical Research Centre, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - L M Ong
- Hospital Pulau Pinang, Department of Medicine, Penang, Malaysia
| | - K M Wong
- Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia
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2
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Wong KM, King DA, Schwartz EK, Herrera RE, Morrison AJ. Retinoblastoma protein regulates carcinogen susceptibility at heterochromatic cancer driver loci. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:e202101134. [PMID: 34983823 PMCID: PMC8739494 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenic insult, such as UV light exposure, creates DNA lesions that evolve into mutations if left unrepaired. These resulting mutations can contribute to carcinogenesis and drive malignant phenotypes. Susceptibility to carcinogens (i.e., the propensity to form a carcinogen-induced DNA lesion) is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic factors. Importantly, carcinogen susceptibility is a critical contributor to cancer mutagenesis. It is known that mutations can be prevented by tumor suppressor regulation of DNA damage response pathways; however, their roles carcinogen susceptibility have not yet been reported. In this study, we reveal that the retinoblastoma (RB1) tumor suppressor regulates UV susceptibility across broad regions of the genome. In particular, centromere and telomere-proximal regions exhibit significant increases in UV lesion susceptibility when RB1 is deleted. Several cancer-related genes are located within genomic regions of increased susceptibility, including telomerase reverse transcriptase, TERT, thereby accelerating mutagenic potential in cancers with RB1 pathway alterations. These findings reveal novel genome stability mechanisms of a tumor suppressor and uncover new pathways to accumulate mutations during cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Man Wong
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Devin A King
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erin K Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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3
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Rhee S, Paik DT, Yang JY, Nagelberg D, Williams I, Tian L, Roth R, Chandy M, Ban J, Belbachir N, Kim S, Zhang H, Phansalkar R, Wong KM, King DA, Valdez C, Winn VD, Morrison AJ, Wu JC, Red-Horse K. Endocardial/endothelial angiocrines regulate cardiomyocyte development and maturation and induce features of ventricular non-compaction. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:4264-4276. [PMID: 34279605 PMCID: PMC8560211 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a devastating genetic disease caused by insufficient consolidation of ventricular wall muscle that can result in inadequate cardiac performance. Despite being the third most common cardiomyopathy, the mechanisms underlying the disease, including the cell types involved, are poorly understood. We have previously shown that endothelial cell-specific deletion of the chromatin remodeller gene Ino80 results in defective coronary vessel development that leads to ventricular non-compaction in embryonic mouse hearts. We aimed to identify candidate angiocrines expressed by endocardial and endothelial cells (ECs) in wildtype and LVNC conditions in Tie2Cre;Ino80fl/fltransgenic embryonic mouse hearts, and test the effect of these candidates on cardiomyocyte proliferation and maturation. METHODS AND RESULTS We used single-cell RNA-sequencing to characterize endothelial and endocardial defects in Ino80-deficient hearts. We observed a pathological endocardial cell population in the non-compacted hearts and identified multiple dysregulated angiocrine factors that dramatically affected cardiomyocyte behaviour. We identified Col15a1 as a coronary vessel-secreted angiocrine factor, downregulated by Ino80-deficiency, that functioned to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation. Furthermore, mutant endocardial and endothelial cells up-regulated expression of secreted factors, such as Tgfbi, Igfbp3, Isg15, and Adm, which decreased cardiomyocyte proliferation and increased maturation. CONCLUSIONS These findings support a model where coronary endothelial cells normally promote myocardial compaction through secreted factors, but that endocardial and endothelial cells can secrete factors that contribute to non-compaction under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyeon Rhee
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David T Paik
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Johnson Y Yang
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Ian Williams
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lei Tian
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert Roth
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mark Chandy
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jiyeon Ban
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nadjet Belbachir
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Seokho Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ragini Phansalkar
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ka Man Wong
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Devin A King
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caroline Valdez
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Virginia D Winn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ashby J Morrison
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kristy Red-Horse
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Perez BS, Wong KM, Schwartz EK, Herrera RE, King DA, García-Nieto PE, Morrison AJ. Genome-wide profiles of UV lesion susceptibility, repair, and mutagenic potential in melanoma. Mutat Res 2021; 823:111758. [PMID: 34333390 PMCID: PMC8671223 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2021.111758] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight creates DNA lesions, which if left unrepaired can induce mutations and contribute to skin cancer. The two most common UV-induced DNA lesions are the cis-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs), both of which can initiate mutations. Interestingly, mutation frequency across the genomes of many cancers is heterogenous with significant increases in heterochromatin. Corresponding increases in UV lesion susceptibility and decreases in repair are observed in heterochromatin versus euchromatin. However, the individual contributions of CPDs and 6-4PPs to mutagenesis have not been systematically examined in specific genomic and epigenomic contexts. In this study, we compared genome-wide maps of 6-4PP and CPD lesion abundances in primary cells and conducted comprehensive analyses to determine the genetic and epigenetic features associated with susceptibility. Overall, we found a high degree of similarity between 6-4PP and CPD formation, with an enrichment of both in heterochromatin regions. However, when examining the relative levels of the two UV lesions, we found that bivalent and Polycomb-repressed chromatin states were uniquely more susceptible to 6-4PPs. Interestingly, when comparing UV susceptibility and repair with melanoma mutation frequency in these regions, disparate patterns were observed in that susceptibility was not always inversely associated with repair and mutation frequency. Functional enrichment analysis hint at mechanisms of negative selection for these regions that are essential for cell viability, immune function and induce cell death when mutated. Ultimately, these results reveal both the similarities and differences between UV-induced lesions that contribute to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Perez
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ka Man Wong
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erin K Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Devin A King
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Cheung WP, Lo LW, Wong KM, Mak WS, Kwok KM, Fung EPY. Imaging Findings of Progressing Rosai–Dorfman Disease of the Breast: a Case Report and Literature Review. Hong Kong Journal of Radiology 2021. [DOI: 10.12809/hkjr2117156] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- WP Cheung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - LW Lo
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - KM Wong
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - WS Mak
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - KM Kwok
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - EPY Fung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
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Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent sugar sensors are valuable tools for the discovery of transporters and for quantitative monitoring of sugar steady-state levels in intact tissues. Genetically encoded Förster resonance energy-transfer sensors for glucose have been designed and optimized extensively, and a full series of affinity mutants is available for in vivo studies. However, to date, only a single improved sucrose sensor FLIPsuc-90μΔ1 with Km for sucrose of ∼90 μM was available. This sucrose sensor was engineered on the basis of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens sugar-binding protein. Here, we took a two-step approach to first improve the dynamic range of the FLIPsuc sensor and then expand the detection range from micro- to millimolar sucrose concentrations by mutating a key residue in the binding site. The resulting series of sucrose sensors may enable investigation of sucrose transporter candidates and comprehensive in vivo analyses of sucrose concentration in plants. Since FLIPsuc-90μ also detects trehalose in animal cells, the new series of sensors will likely be suitable for investigating trehalose transport and monitor trehalose steady-state levels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Sadoine
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Mira Reger
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ka Man Wong
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Wolf B. Frommer
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Institute for Transformative Biomolecules, ITbM, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
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7
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Wong KM, van Wely M, Verhoeve HR, Kaaijk EM, Mol F, van der Veen F, Repping S, Mastenbroek S. Transfer of fresh or frozen embryos: a randomised controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:998-1006. [PMID: 33734369 PMCID: PMC7970725 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is IVF with frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (freeze-all strategy) more effective than IVF with fresh and frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (conventional strategy)? SUMMARY ANSWER The freeze-all strategy was inferior to the conventional strategy in terms of cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate per woman. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVF without transfer of fresh embryos, thus with frozen-thawed embryo transfer only (freeze-all strategy), is increasingly being used in clinical practice because of a presumed benefit. It is still unknown whether this new IVF strategy increases IVF efficacy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A single-centre, open label, two arm, parallel group, randomised controlled superiority trial was conducted. The trial was conducted between January 2013 and July 2015 in the Netherlands. The intervention was one IVF cycle with frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer(s) versus one IVF cycle with fresh and frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer(s). The primary outcome was cumulative ongoing pregnancy resulting from one IVF cycle within 12 months after randomisation. Couples were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the freeze-all strategy or the conventional strategy with an online randomisation programme just before the start of down-regulation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were subfertile couples with any indication for IVF undergoing their first IVF cycle, with a female age between 18 and 43 years. Differences in cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates were expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% CI. All outcomes were analysed following the intention-to-treat principle. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Two-hundred-and-five couples were randomly assigned to the freeze-all strategy (n = 102) or to the conventional strategy (n = 102). The cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate per woman was significantly lower in women allocated to the freeze-all strategy (19/102 (19%)) compared to women allocated to the conventional strategy (32/102 (31%); RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.98). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As this was a single-centre study, we were unable to study differences in study protocols and clinic performance. This, and the limited sample size, should make one cautious in using the results as the basis for definitive policy. All patients undergoing IVF, including those with a poor prognosis, were included; therefore, the outcome could differ in women with a good prognosis of IVF treatment success. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results indicate that there might be no benefit of a freeze-all strategy in terms of cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates. The efficacy of the freeze-all strategy in subgroups of patients, different stages of embryo development, and different freezing protocols needs to be further established and balanced against potential benefits and harms for mothers and children. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW grant 171101007). S.M., F.M. and M.v.W. stated they are authors of the Cochrane review 'Fresh versus frozen embryo transfers in assisted reproduction'. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Dutch Trial Register, NTR3187. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 9 December 2011. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 8 January 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M van Wely
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H R Verhoeve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E M Kaaijk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F Mol
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F van der Veen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,National Health Care Institute, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - S Mastenbroek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Wong KM, Soong SI, Yeung RMW. Comparison of Initial Risk Stratification Methods in Predicting Treatment Outcome in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Hong Kong Journal of Radiology 2021. [DOI: 10.12809/hkjr2117265] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- KM Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - SI Soong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - RMW Yeung
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong
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Smits MAJ, Wong KM, Mantikou E, Korver CM, Jongejan A, Breit TM, Goddijn M, Mastenbroek S, Repping S. Age-related gene expression profiles of immature human oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 24:469-477. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M A J Smits
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K M Wong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Mantikou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C M Korver
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Jongejan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T M Breit
- RNA Biology and Applied Bioinformatics Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Goddijn
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Beckwith SL, Schwartz EK, García-Nieto PE, King DA, Gowans GJ, Wong KM, Eckley TL, Paraschuk AP, Peltan EL, Lee LR, Yao W, Morrison AJ. The INO80 chromatin remodeler sustains metabolic stability by promoting TOR signaling and regulating histone acetylation. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007216. [PMID: 29462149 PMCID: PMC5834206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling complexes are essential for gene expression programs that coordinate cell function with metabolic status. However, how these remodelers are integrated in metabolic stability pathways is not well known. Here, we report an expansive genetic screen with chromatin remodelers and metabolic regulators in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that, unlike the SWR1 remodeler, the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex is composed of multiple distinct functional subunit modules. We identified a strikingly divergent genetic signature for the Ies6 subunit module that links the INO80 complex to metabolic homeostasis. In particular, mitochondrial maintenance is disrupted in ies6 mutants. INO80 is also needed to communicate TORC1-mediated signaling to chromatin, as ino80 mutants exhibit defective transcriptional profiles and altered histone acetylation of TORC1-responsive genes. Furthermore, comparative analysis reveals subunits of INO80 and mTORC1 have high co-occurrence of alterations in human cancers. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the INO80 complex is a central component of metabolic homeostasis that influences histone acetylation and may contribute to disease when disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L. Beckwith
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Erin K. Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Devin A. King
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Graeme J. Gowans
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Ka Man Wong
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Tessa L. Eckley
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Egan L. Peltan
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Laura R. Lee
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Ashby J. Morrison
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
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To VYK, Wong KM, Mak WS, Kwok KM, Wong CW. Stereotactic-guided Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy in the Asian Population: What Factors Affect Marker Migration? Hong Kong J Radiol 2017. [DOI: 10.12809/hkjr1615395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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12
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Chew AA, Esguerra RJ, Teoh KH, Wong KM, Ng SD, Tan KB. Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Digital Implant Impressions: Effects of Different Scanners and Implant Level. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2016; 32:70-80. [PMID: 27706264 DOI: 10.11607/jomi.4942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the three-dimensional (3D) accuracy of conventional direct implant impressions with digital implant impressions from three intraoral scanners, as well as different implant levels-bone level (BL) and tissue level (TL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two-implant master models were used to simulate a threeunit implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis. Conventional test models were made with direct impression copings and polyether impressions. Scan bodies were hand-tightened onto master models and scanned with the three scanners. This was done for the TL and BL test groups, for a total of eight test groups (n = 5 each). A coordinate measuring machine measured linear distortions (dx, dy, dz), global linear distortion (dR), angular distortions (dθy, dθx), and absolute angular distortions (Absdθy, Absdθx) between the master models, test models, and .stl files of the digital scans. RESULTS The mean dR ranged from 35 to 66 μm; mean dθy angular distortions ranged from -0.186 to 0.315 degrees; and mean dθx angular distortions ranged from -0.206 to 0.164 degrees. Two-way analysis of variance showed that the impression type had a significant effect on dx, dz, and Absdθy, and the implant level had a significant effect on dx and Absdθx (P < .05). Among the BL groups, the mean dR of the conventional group was lower than and significantly different from the digital test groups (P = .010), while among the TL groups, there was no statistically significant difference (P = .572). CONCLUSION The 3D accuracy of implant impressions varied according to the impression technique and implant level. For BL test groups, the conventional impression group had significantly lower distortion than the digital impression groups. Among the digital test groups, the TR system had comparable mean linear and absolute angular distortions to the other two systems but exhibited the smallest standard deviations.
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Mantikou E, Jonker MJ, Wong KM, van Montfoort APA, de Jong M, Breit TM, Repping S, Mastenbroek S. Factors affecting the gene expression of in vitro cultured human preimplantation embryos. Hum Reprod 2015; 31:298-311. [PMID: 26677958 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the relative effect of common environmental and biological factors on transcriptome changes during human preimplantation development? SUMMARY ANSWER Developmental stage and maternal age had a larger effect on the global gene expression profile of human preimplantation embryos than the culture medium or oxygen concentration used in in vitro culture. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies on mouse and bovine embryos have shown that different conditions in the in vitro culture of embryos can lead to changes in transcriptome profiles. For humans, an effect of developmental stage on the transcriptome profile of embryos has been demonstrated, but studies on the effect of maternal age or culture conditions are lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Donated, good quality, day 4 cryopreserved human preimplantation embryos (N = 89) were randomized to be cultured in one of two culture media (G5 medium or HTF medium) and one of two oxygen concentrations (5% or 20%), with stratification for maternal age. Next to these variables, developmental stage after culture was taken into account in the analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Embryos that developed to morula or blastocyst stage during these 2 days whose amplified mRNA passed our quality control criteria for microarray hybridization were individually examined for genome-wide gene expression (N = 37). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Based on the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), developmental stage (3519 DEGs) and maternal age (1258 DEGs) had a larger effect on the global gene expression profile of human preimplantation embryos than either tested culture medium (596 DEGs) or oxygen concentration (492 DEGs) used during in vitro culture. Interactions between the factors were found, indicating that culture conditions might have a different effect depending on the developmental stage or the maternal age of the embryos. Affected pathways included metabolism, cell cycle processes and oxidative phosphorylation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Culture of embryos for only 2 days might have limited the effect on global gene expression by the investigated culture conditions. Earlier stages of development (Day 0 until Day 4) were not analyzed and these embryos might respond differently to the experimental conditions. The freezing and thawing procedures might have had an effect on gene expression. RT-PCR validation was not performed due to scarcity of the material. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results show that when studying gene expression in single human preimplantation embryos under various experimental conditions, one should take into account the confounding effect of biological variables, such as developmental stage and maternal age. This makes these experiments different from gene expression experiments where these variables can be tightly controlled, for example when using cell lines. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study received no external funding and there were no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mantikou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J Jonker
- MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands Netherlands Bioinformatics Center (NBIC), 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K M Wong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW school for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M de Jong
- MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands Present address: GenomeScan B.V., Plesmanlaan 1d, 2333BZ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - T M Breit
- MicroArray Department and Integrative Bioinformatics Unit (MAD-IBU), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (FNWI), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands Netherlands Bioinformatics Center (NBIC), 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Baizer JS, Wong KM, Manohar S, Hayes SH, Ding D, Dingman R, Salvi RJ. Effects of acoustic trauma on the auditory system of the rat: The role of microglia. Neuroscience 2015; 303:299-311. [PMID: 26162240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to loud, prolonged sounds (acoustic trauma, AT) leads to the death of both inner and outer hair cells (IHCs and OHCs), death of neurons of the spiral ganglion and degeneration of the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve (8cn) projects to the three subdivisions of the cochlear nuclei (CN), the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DC) and the anterior (VCA) and posterior (VCP) subdivisions of the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN). There is both anatomical and physiological evidence for plastic reorganization in the denervated CN after AT. Anatomical findings show axonal sprouting and synaptogenesis; physiologically there is an increase in spontaneous activity suggesting reorganization of circuitry. The mechanisms underlying this plasticity are not understood. Recent data suggest that activated microglia may have a role in facilitating plastic reorganization in addition to removing trauma-induced debris. In order to investigate the roles of activated microglia in the CN subsequent to AT we exposed animals to bilateral noise sufficient to cause massive hair cell death. We studied four groups of animals at different survival times: 30 days, 60 days, 6 months and 9 months. We used silver staining to examine the time course and pattern of auditory nerve degeneration, and immunohistochemistry to label activated microglia in the denervated CN. We found both degenerating auditory nerve fibers and activated microglia in the CN at 30 and 60 days and 6 months after AT. There was close geographic overlap between the degenerating fibers and activated microglia, consistent with a scavenger role for activated microglia. At the longest survival time, there were still silver-stained fibers but very little staining of activated microglia in overlapping regions. There were, however, activated microglia in the surrounding brainstem and cerebellar white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Baizer
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, United States.
| | - K M Wong
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, United States
| | - S Manohar
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - S H Hayes
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - D Ding
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - R Dingman
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - R J Salvi
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
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Choy KW, Kwok YK, Cheng YKY, Wong KM, Wong HK, Leung KO, Suen KW, Adler K, Wang CC, Lau TK, Schermer MJ, Lao TT, Leung TY. Diagnostic accuracy of the BACs-on-Beads™ assay versus karyotyping for prenatal detection of chromosomal abnormalities: a retrospective consecutive case series. BJOG 2014; 121:1245-52. [PMID: 24893808 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the BACs-on-Beads(™) (BoBs(™)) assay for prenatal detection of chromosomal abnormalities. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary prenatal diagnosis centre. POPULATION Women referred for prenatal diagnosis. METHODS We retrieved 2153 archived DNA samples collected between January 2010 and August 2011 for the BoBs(™) assay. These samples had previously been tested by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) and karyotyping. In the BoBs(™) assay a sample was defined as normal disomic when the ratio of the fluorescence intensities in a chromosome locus lay within the threshold (mean ratio ± 2SD), and as deleted or duplicated when the ratio was below the lower threshold (0.6-0.8) or above the upper threshold (1.3-1.4), respectively. The BoBs(™) results were further validated by microarray and compared in a blinded manner with the original QF-PCR and karyotyping results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Concordance of any numerical, structural, and submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities between the methods. RESULTS BACs-on-Beads(™) was similar to karyotyping and QF-PCR in detecting trisomy 13, trisomy 18, trisomy 21, and sex chromosomal aneuploidies, and superior to QF-PCR in detecting major structural abnormalities (53.3 versus 13.3%) and mosaicism (28.6 versus 0%) involving chromosomal abnormalities other than the common aneuploidies. BoBs(™) detected six microdeletion syndromes missed by karyotyping and QF-PCR; however, BoBs(™) missed two cases of triploidy identified by QF-PCR. Therefore, the sensitivity of BoBs(™) is 96.7% (95% CI 92.6-98.7%), and its specificity is 100% (95% CI 99.8-100%). CONCLUSIONS BACs-on-Beads(™) can replace QF-PCR for triaging in prenatal diagnosis, and gives a better diagnostic yield than current rapid aneuploidy tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Choy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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16
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Paolone N, Manohar S, Hayes SH, Wong KM, Salvi RJ, Baizer JS. Dissociation of doublecortin expression and neurogenesis in unipolar brush cells in the vestibulocerebellum and dorsal cochlear nucleus of the adult rat. Neuroscience 2014; 265:323-31. [PMID: 24462608 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.01.026] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown expression of the protein doublecortin (DCX) in unipolar brush cells (UBCs) in the dorsal cochlear nucleus and vestibulocerebellum of the adult rat. We also saw DCX-immunoreactive elements with the appearance of neuroblasts around the fourth ventricle. Expression of DCX is seen in newborn and migrating neurons and hence considered a correlate of neurogenesis. There were two interpretations of the expression of DCX in UBCs. One possibility is that there might be adult neurogenesis of this cell population. Adult neurogenesis is now well-established, but only for the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone. The other possibility is that there is prolonged expression of DCX in adult UBCs that may signal a unique role in plasticity of these neurons. We tested the neurogenesis hypothesis by systemic injections of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), a thymidine analog, followed by immunohistochemistry to examine the numbers and locations of dividing cells. We used several different injection paradigms, varying the dose of BrdU, the number of injections and the survival time to assess the possibility of neuronal birth and migration. We saw BrdU-labeled cells in the cerebellum and brainstem; cell division in these regions was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for the protein Ki67. However, neither the numbers nor the distribution of labeled nuclei support the idea of adult neurogenesis and migration of UBCs. The function of DCX expression in UBC's in the adult remains to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Paolone
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - S Manohar
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - S H Hayes
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - K M Wong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - R J Salvi
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - J S Baizer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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Wong SSM, Wong KM, So MY, Leung VYF, Liu EKH, Chu WCW. Diagnostic Flowchart and Imaging Features of Common Congenital Anomalies of the Neonatal Spine. Hong Kong J Radiol 2013. [DOI: 10.12809/hkjr1313165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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van Oostwaard MF, Langenveld J, Bijloo R, Wong KM, Scholten I, Loix S, Hukkelhoven CWPM, Vergouwe Y, Papatsonis DNM, Mol BWJ, Ganzevoort W. Prediction of recurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation: a retrospective cohort study. BJOG 2012; 119:840-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2012.03312.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wong KM, Wong SK. Clinics in diagnostic imaging (136). Chronic Schistosoma japonica infection of the liver. Singapore Med J 2011; 52:694-697. [PMID: 21947150] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A 37-year-old man from China was initially seen at the urology clinic for symptoms of urinary colic. Plain computed tomography (CT) imaging of the kidneys, ureters and bladder was performed, which (in addition to demonstrating renal calculi) revealed incidental findings of 'turtleback' septal and capsular calcifications, features pathognomonic for schistosomiasis japonica. Other classical features were demonstrated on the triphasic hepatic CT imaging that was subsequently performed. The clinical course, radiological features and complications of schistosomiasis japonica are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169698.
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Abstract
The kisspeptin/Gpr54 signalling pathway plays a critical role in reproduction by stimulating the secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), yet mice carrying mutations in Kiss1 (which encodes kisspeptin) or Gpr54 exhibit partial sexual maturation. For example, a proportion of female Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice exhibit vaginal oestrus, and some male Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice exhibit spermatogenesis. To characterise this partial sexual maturation, we examined the vaginal cytology of female Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice over time. Almost all mutant mice eventually enter oestrus, and then spontaneously transition from oestrus to dioestrus and back to oestrus again. These transitions are not associated with ovulation, and the frequency of these transitions increases with age. The oestrus exhibited by female Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice was disrupted by the administration of the competitive GnRH antagonist acyline, which also resulted in lower uterine weights and, in Kiss1(-/-) mice, lower serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations. Similarly, male Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice treated with acyline had smaller testicular sizes and an absence of mature sperm. In addition to examining intact Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice, we also assessed the effects of acyline on gonadotrophin concentrations in gonadectomised mice. Gonadectomy resulted in a significant increase in serum FSH concentrations in male Gpr54(-/-) and Kiss1(-/-) mice. Acyline administration to gonadectomised Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) male mice lowered serum FSH and LH concentrations significantly. By contrast to males, gonadectomy did not result in significant gonadotrophin changes in female Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice, but acyline administration was followed by a decrease in LH concentrations. These results demonstrate that, although kisspeptin signalling is critical for the high levels of GnRH activity required for normal sexual maturation and for ovulation, Kiss1(-/-) and Gpr54(-/-) mice retain some degree of GnRH activity. This GnRH activity is sufficient to produce significant effects on vaginal cytology and uterine weights in female mice and on spermatogenesis and testicular weights in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Chan
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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21
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Wu S, Wong KM. Dynamic overload control for distributed call processors using the neural network method. IEEE Trans Neural Netw 2008; 9:1377-87. [PMID: 18255817 DOI: 10.1109/72.728389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Overload control of call processors in telecom networks is used to protect the network of call processing computers from excessive load during traffic peaks, and involves techniques of predictive control with limited local information. Here we propose a neural-network algorithm, in which a group of neural controllers are trained using examples generated by a globally optimal control method. Simulations show that the neural controllers have better performance than local control algorithms in both the throughput and the response to traffic upsurges. Compared with the centralized control algorithm, the neural control significantly decreases the computational time for making decisions and can be implemented in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wu
- Laboratory for Information Synthesis, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-01, Japan
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22
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Fielding R, Chee YY, Choi KM, Chu TK, Kato K, Lam SK, Sin KL, Tang KT, Wong HM, Wong KM. Declines in tobacco brand recognition and ever-smoking rates among young children following restrictions on tobacco advertisements in Hong Kong. J Public Health (Oxf) 2004; 26:24-30. [PMID: 15044569 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdh118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We compared the recognition of tobacco brands and ever-smoking rates in young children before (1991) and after (2001) the implementation of cigarette advertising restrictions in Hong Kong and identified continuing sources of tobacco promotion exposure. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 824 primary school children aged from 8 to 11 (Primary classes 3-4) living in two Hong Kong districts was carried out using self-completed questionnaires examining smoking behaviour and recognition of names and logos from 18 tobacco, food, drink and other brands common in Hong Kong. RESULTS Ever-smoking prevalence in 2001 was 3.8 per cent (1991, 7.8 per cent). Tobacco brand recognition rates ranged from 5.3 per cent (Viceroy name) to 72.8 per cent (Viceroy logo). Compared with 1991, in 2001 never-smoker children recognized fewer tobacco brand names and logos: Marlboro logo recognition rate fell by 55.3 per cent. Similar declines were also seen in ever-smoker children, with recognition of the Marlboro logo decreasing 48 per cent. Recognition rates declined amongst both boys and girls. Children from non-smoking families constituted 51 per cent (426) of the sample, whereas 34.5 per cent (284), 8.5 per cent (70), 1.7 per cent (14) and 4.4 per cent (36) of the children had one, two, three or more than three smoking family members at home, respectively. Tobacco brand recognition rates and ever-smoking prevalence were significantly higher among children with smoking family members compared with those without. Among 12 possible sources of exposure to cigarette brand names and logos, retail stalls (75.5 per cent; 622), indirect advertisements (71.5 per cent; 589) and magazines (65.3 per cent; 538) were ranked the most common. CONCLUSION Advertising restrictions in Hong Kong have effectively decreased primary-age children's recognition of tobacco branding. However, these children remain vulnerable to branding, mostly through exposure from family smokers, point-of-sale tobacco advertisement and occasional promotions. Action to curb these is now required.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Fielding
- Health Behaviour Research Group, Department of Community Medicine Unit for Behavioural Science, Patrick Manson Building (South Wing), The University of Hong Kong, 7, Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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23
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Wong KM, Liu YL, Leung KT, Choi KS, Chau KF, Li PCK, Li CS, Lee KC, Cheung CY, Chan YH, Lee MP. Corticosteroid therapy in a Chinese patient with nephropathy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Hong Kong Med J 2004; 10:201-5. [PMID: 15181226] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A 52-year-old man with 6 years' history of human immunodeficiency virus infection who was receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy presented with acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed features consistent with nephropathy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Treatment consisted of intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone. The patient's renal function improved, although proteinuria persisted. Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy is very rare in Asian populations and is more common among blacks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of nephropathy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection occurring in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Wu X, Bu X, Wong KM, Yan W, Guo Z. Biomimetic synthesis of gramicidin s and analogues by enzymatic cyclization of linear precursors on solid support. Org Lett 2003; 5:1749-52. [PMID: 12735768 DOI: 10.1021/ol034437y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
[reaction: see text] Gramicidin S is a potent decapeptide antibiotic with high hemolytic activity but is unlikely to provoke microbial resistance. Here we demonstrate that gramicidin thioesterase (GrsB TE) correctly cyclizes immobilized linear decapeptide precursors into head-to-tail products, indicating its suitability for parallel solid-phase synthesis of gramicidin analogues from linear precursors on solid support. This chemoenzymatic method will enable the optimization of the therapeutic index of the natural product to fight microbial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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25
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Chak WL, Choi KS, Wong KM, Chan YH, Chau KF, Li CS. Pharmacoeconomic analysis of preemptive gancyclovir therapy in the prevention of cytomegalovirus infections in high-risk renal graft recipients. Transplant Proc 2003; 35:280-1. [PMID: 12591399 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)03892-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W L Chak
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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26
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Xie G, Uttamchandani M, Chen GYJ, Bu X, Lin SS, Wong KM, Yan W, Yao SQ, Guo Z. Substrate spectrum of tyrocidine thioesterase probed with randomized peptide N-acetylcysteamine thioesters. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2002; 12:989-92. [PMID: 11959010 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(02)00067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Apparent kinetic constants k(cat) and K(m) were determined for tyrocidine thioesterase (TycC TE) using randomized peptide N-acetylcysteamine thioesters as substrate analogues. The enzyme has been found to be adequately active for the synthesis of positional-scanning libraries for novel antibiotic screening with reduced k(cat)/K(m) in the range of 2 to 82 folds lower than that of the wild-type sequence
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyang Xie
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, SAR, Hong Kong, China
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Kwok PC, Wong KM, Ngan RK, Chan SC, Wong WK, Wong KY, Wong AK, Chau KF, Li CS. Prevention of recurrent central venous stenosis using endovascular irradiation following stent placement in hemodialysis patients. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2001; 24:400-6. [PMID: 11907747 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-001-0034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was done to evaluate the outcome after brachytherapy (BT) given to prevent restenosis after stent insertion for central venous stenosis in patients with ipsilateral hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). Angioplasty and stenting were performed on 9 primary central venous stenoses in 8 patients with AVF followed by BT, delivering Iridium-192 radiation using an afterloading technique. BT was also administered to three patients with five recurrent stenoses at the stent margins. There was no residual stenosis after angioplasty and stenting. Venographic follow-up (77-644 days, mean 272 days) showed no restenosis in seven primary stenoses. New strictures (45%-100%) developed at the stent margin in six veins (five patients). Angioplasty or stenting was performed for five margin stenoses in three patients, followed by a second BT. Residual stenosis before BT was 0-30%. In our venographic follow-up (140-329 days, mean 215 days), three restenoses occurred (35%-100%). All progressed to complete occlusion on later venographic follow-up irrespective of whether BT was given to the stent margin or not. The mean primary and assisted primary patency of the central veins were 359 days and 639 days, respectively. Endovascular irradiation with a noncentering source does not prolong the patency after angioplasty and stenting of central venous stenosis in hemodialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Kwok
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Kau YC, Wong KM, Shyr MH, Lee YH, Tsai TH. Simultaneous determination of unbound ropivacaine in rat blood and brain using microdialysis. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 2001; 760:107-12. [PMID: 11522052 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(01)00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine in rat blood and brain, a sensitive HPLC method and microdialysis were developed for the simultaneous determination of unbound ropivacaine in rat blood and brain. Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats (290-350 g) were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Two microdialysis probes were inserted, one into the jugular vein toward right atrium, and one into the brain striatum of rats. Ropivacaine (5 mg/kg, i.v.) was then administered via the femoral vein. Blood and brain dialysates were collected and eluted with a mobile phase containing methanol-acetonitrite-20 mM monosodium phosphoric acid (pH 5.5) (10:40:50, v/v/v) in a liquid chromatographic system. Separation of ropivacaine was achieved by a CN column (Phenomenex Luna, 250x4.6 mm, particle size 5 microm; Torrance, CA, USA) within 10 min. The UV detector wavelength was set at 205 nm and the detection limit of ropivacaine was 20 ng/ml. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision of the analyses were less than 10% in the ranges of 0.02-5 microg/ml. The pharmacokinetic data were calculated from the individual animal measurements of dialysate concentration versus time. This method exhibits no endogenous interference and its sensitivity is sufficient for the determination of biological samples. The present results confirm that microdialysis sampling followed by LC separation with UV detection represents a viable approach for the measurement of free ropivacaine in rat brain and plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Kau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Bu XH, Liu H, Du M, Wong KM, Yam VW, Shionoya M. Novel boxlike dinuclear or chain polymeric silver(I) complexes with polypyridyl bridging ligands: syntheses, crystal structures, and spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. Inorg Chem 2001; 40:4143-9. [PMID: 11487316 DOI: 10.1021/ic010044o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The syntheses, characterization, crystal structures, and photophysical and electrochemical properties of two dinuclear and two polymeric Ag(I) complexes with three polypyridyl ligands, 2,3-di-2-pyridylquinoxaline (L(1)), 2,3-di-2-pyridyl-5,8-dimethoxyquinoxaline (L(2)), and 2,3,7,8-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazino[2,3-g] quinoxaline (L(3)), are described. The structures of the two boxlike dinuclear complexes with L(1) and L(2) and two chemically the same but differently crystallized one-dimensional zigzag chain coordination polymers also consisting of boxlike dinuclear subunits have been elucidated by X-ray analysis. [AgL(1)(CH(3)CN)](2)-(BF(4))(2).2CHCl(3) (1): monoclinic, C2/c; a = 28.631(2), b = 12.2259(11), c = 14.3058(12) A; beta = 99.180(2) degrees; Z = 4. [AgL(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (2): triclinic, P1; a = 12.3398(2), b = 13.750(2), c = 14.326(7) A; alpha = 83.494(3), beta = 74.631(3), gamma = 76.422(3) degrees; Z = 4. [[Ag(2)L(3)(NO(3))(2)].CH(3)CN](infinity) (3a): monoclinic, P2(1)/c; a = 9.5836(8), b = 13.4691(12), c = 14.0423(12) A; beta = 107.753(2) degrees; Z = 4. [Ag(2)L(3)()(NO(3))(2)](infinity) (3b): monoclinic, P2(1)/c; a = 8.4689(6), b = 16.0447(12), c = 11.7307(8) A; beta = 102.051(1) degrees; Z = 2. The structures of the dinuclear complexes 1 and 2 are similar to each other, with the two intramolecular Ag(I) centers of each complex being spanned by two ligands thus forming a unique boxlike cyclic dimer. In 1, each Ag(I) center is four-coordinated by three nitrogen atoms of two L(1) ligands and a CH(3)CN nitrogen donor, taking a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The coordination environment of Ag(I) in 2 is similar to that in 1, except the formation of an additional weak coordination bond with the oxygen atom of the methoxy group of L(2). The structures of 3a,b are very similar to each other, except for the stacking patterns in the crystal lattices, and the cyclic boxlike dinuclear unit, which is similar to the structure of 1, constitutes the fundamental building block to form the one-dimensional zigzag chain structures due to the "end-on" nature of L(3). 1-3 exhibit metal-perturbed intraligand transitions in solution in 360-390 nm regions. Cyclic voltammetric studies of these complexes show the presence of reduction peak at approximately -0.5 V vs Fc(+/0). In the solid state at 77 K, they exhibit broad emission that may be assignable to originate from the metal-perturbed intraligand transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- X H Bu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
This report describes a patient with mixed normal anion gap hyperchloremic metabolic and respiratory acidosis associated with hypokalemia attributed to cough mixture abuse. Metabolic acidosis was likely related to an overdose of ammonium chloride, whereas respiratory acidosis was probably related to the effect of hypokalemia on respiratory muscles, causing hypoventilation. Hypokalemia was caused by a transcellular shift of potassium induced by ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Both ammonium chloride and ephedrine were probably present in the cough mixture obtained by our patient as an over-the-counter medication. Physicians should be aware of the potential for cough mixture abuse to cause major electrolyte disturbances that may carry the risk for major cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Department of Medicine, Renal Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR.
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Wong KM, Chan YH, Cheung CY, Chak WL, Choi KS, Leung SH, Leung J, Chau KF, Tsang DN, Li CS. Cefepime versus vancomycin plus netilmicin therapy for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis. Am J Kidney Dis 2001; 38:127-31. [PMID: 11431192 DOI: 10.1053/ajkd.2001.25205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cefepime is a cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of activity against most gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. In this study, we attempted to compare the safety and efficacy of cefepime monotherapy against the potentially more toxic combination of vancomycin and netilmicin in the treatment of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)-associated bacterial peritonitis. Eighty-one consecutive CAPD patients who presented with peritonitis from January 1, 1998, to June 30, 2000, were recruited for study. Patients were randomized to be administered either intraperitoneal (IP) cefepime, 1 g once daily (group A), or intravenous vancomycin and netilmicin at conventional doses (group B) for 10 days. Bacterial growth was obtained in 52 episodes (66%), and pathogens identified included gram-positive organisms (30 episodes; 38%), gram-negative organisms (14 episodes; 18%), mixed organisms (2 episodes; 2.5%), and fungus (6 episodes; 8%). Eight patients were excluded after randomization for various reasons (6 patients, fungal peritonitis; 2 patients, wrong diagnoses). Because of the relatively low peritonitis rate after the use of a disconnect system, the sample size of this study was relatively small, giving a power of 0.45. There were no significant differences in primary response rates and cure rates (no relapse >28 days after completion of antibiotic therapy) between both groups of patients (group A versus group B, 82% [32 of 39 patients] versus 85% [29 of 34 patients] and 72% [28 of 39 patients] versus 76% [26 of 34 patients], respectively; P = not significant). No significant side effect was encountered in either group. Total peritonitis-related hospitalizations were 84 patient-days (1, 7, 8, 11, 20, and 37 patient-days) and 115 patient-days (3, 6, 9, 14, 21, 21, and 41 patient-days), whereas total costs per patient cure were estimated to be US $1,039 and US $1,371 in groups A and B, respectively. We conclude that once-daily 1-g IP cefepime monotherapy is a simple, safe, and cost-effective alternative to vancomycin and netilmicin therapy in the treatment of CAPD-associated bacterial peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR.
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Phillips K, Wong KM. Space requirements for implant-retained bar-and-clip overdentures. Compend Contin Educ Dent 2001; 22:516-8, 520, 522. [PMID: 11913302] [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: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K Phillips
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Washington, School of Dentistry, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Wong KM, Chak WL, Tsang DN, Cheung CY, Chan YH, Choi KS, Lam TW, Chau KF, Li CS. Long-term outcome in hepatitis B sero-positive oriental renal transplant recipients. Transplant Proc 2001; 33:1242-4. [PMID: 11267277 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(00)02405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SAR, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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34
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Yam VW, Tang RP, Wong KM, Ko CC, Cheung KK. Synthesis and ion-binding studies of a platinum(II) terpyridine complex with crown ether pendant. X-ray crystal structure of [Pt(trpy)(S-benzo-15-crown-5)PF6. Inorg Chem 2001; 40:571-4. [PMID: 11209621 DOI: 10.1021/ic000586q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V W Yam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P. R. China
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Wong KM, Cheung CY, Chan YH, Chak WL, Choi KS, Chau KF, Li CS. Tacrolimus versus cyclosporine as primary prophylactic therapy after cadaveric renal transplant: two-year survival study. Transplant Proc 2000; 32:1721-2. [PMID: 11119907 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(00)01400-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SAR, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Wong KM, Chan YH, Chan SK, Mak CK, Chau KF, Li CS. Cytomegalovirus-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis in a renal allograft treated by foscarnet therapy. Am J Nephrol 2000; 20:222-4. [PMID: 10878406 DOI: 10.1159/000013592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report a female patient suffering from cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis in a renal allograft 70 days after a cadaveric renal transplantation. CMV-induced renal allograft injury reported in the literature mainly related to immune-mediated mechanisms. In our patient, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, associated with histological evidence of CMV infection, was demonstrated in the renal allograft biopsy. There were no histological features of allograft rejection, cyclosporin nephrotoxicity nor 'CMV glomerulopathy'. She was successfully treated by foscarnet therapy and a reduction in immunosuppression. Her renal function returned to baseline afterwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
The area under the concentration time curve (AUC) for oral tacrolimus (FK) may provide a more precise model for FK monitoring after renal transplantation. The purpose of this study is to identify a simple, cost-effective method for predicting FK AUC. FK concentrations were measured at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours after the morning dose. The predicted AUCs (AUC(p)s) derived from regression equations were used to estimate the actual 12-hour AUCs (AUC(12)s). The relationship between AUC(p) and AUC(12) was validated by determining the coefficient of multiple determination (R(2)), percentage of prediction error (PE%), and percentage of absolute prediction error (APE%). Eighteen stable Oriental renal transplant recipients (9 men, 9 women) with a mean age of 42.6 +/- 6 years and mean body weight of 62.7 +/- 10 kg were recruited for the study. The FK AUC(12), trough, 2-hour, and 4-hour concentrations were 125 +/- 24 h. ng/mL (range, 87.7 to 181.9 h. ng/mL), 6 +/- 1.3 ng/mL, 18.1 +/- 4.7 ng/mL, and 11 +/- 2.4 ng/mL, respectively. Trough FK concentration did not have a significant correlation with AUC(12) (r = 0.34; P = 0.17). AUC(p) obtained by a two-time point regression equation using 2-hour (C2) and 4-hour (C4) FK concentrations: (AUC(P) = 16.2 + 2.4*C2 + 5.9*C4) obtained an R(2), PE%, and APE% of 0.93, -0.2% +/- 5.2% (range, -13% to 9.3%), and 3. 6% +/- 3.7% (range, 0.02% to 13%), respectively. We conclude that a two-point sampling method using C2 and C4 may be a more cost-effective FK monitoring strategy than morning FK trough levels in transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong.
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38
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Wong KM, Chak WL, Chan YH, Choi KS, Chau KF, Lee KC, Li CS. Subcutaneous nodules attributed to nocardiosis in a renal transplant recipient on tacrolimus therapy. Am J Nephrol 2000; 20:138-41. [PMID: 10773614 DOI: 10.1159/000013570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report a renal transplant patient who suffered from disseminated nocardiosis after empirical tacrolimus rescue therapy for chronic allograft rejection. The nocardiosis presented initially as only mildly tender subcutaneous calf nodules without any other signs of inflammation nor constitutional upset, which later spread to the lung and brain causing bronchopneumonia and brain abscesses. The risk factors for nocardial infection in our patient include the use of potent immunosuppressive agents such as tacrolimus, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and kidney dysfunction. She responded well to combination antibiotic therapy comprising parenteral meropenem, cefotaxime and oral minocycline. We conclude that in transplant recipients, especially those receiving newer and more potent immunosuppressive agents like tacrolimus, nocardial infection can present as apparently 'cold' subcutaneous nodules without any systemic upset. An associated brain lesion should be excluded even in patients without neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
Rhabdomyolysis is a common cause of acute renal failure (ARF) associated with drug misuse. Abuse of the gel formulation of temazepam has been a particular problem in the West of Scotland. We performed a retrospective review of dialysis-dependent ARF from rhabdomyolysis and drug misuse in the West of Scotland, 1986-1997. We identified 76 patients, of whom 87% were male. Seventeen cases occurred in the first 6 years, compared with 59 in the subsequent 6 years. Median age was 32. Thirty cases followed intravenous drug misuse, 46 followed oral drug misuse. The substances most frequently misused were alcohol (54%), heroin (24%) and parenteral temazepam (17%). The temazepam cases all followed the introduction of the gel formulation. Three out of 4 patients requiring limb amputation had injected temazepam. Of intravenous drug misusers tested, 72% were hepatitis-C-positive. Some 43% of patients had deprivation scores in the worst category. ARF due to rhabdomyolysis from substance misuse is increasing in our area. Alcohol is frequently responsible. The introduction of the gel formulation of temazepam has contributed to the increase. Those at risk in this study were young, male, had a high incidence of hepatitis C and lived in the most deprived areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Deighan
- Renal Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Renal Unit, Western Infirmary, and Renal Unit, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
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41
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Abstract
A renal allograft recipient receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy developed spontaneous allograft rupture 5 days after her second cadaveric renal transplantation. Renal biopsy showed interstitial edema with severe acute tubular necrosis (ATN). There was no evidence of acute rejection or renal vein thrombosis. The ruptured renal graft was salvaged by an aggressive fluid resuscitation therapy and surgical hemostasis. The renal function was satisfactory on discharge. We conclude that renal allograft rupture can be the result of interstitial edema solely attributed to ATN in the absence of graft rejection. The ruptured graft kidney is potentially salvageable for those patients whose hemodynamic status can be stabilized by appropriate supportive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Chan
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
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Li PK, Szeto CC, Law MC, Chau KF, Fung KS, Leung CB, Li CS, Lui SF, Tong KL, Tsang WK, Wong KM, Lai KN. Comparison of double-bag and Y-set disconnect systems in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a randomized prospective multicenter study. Am J Kidney Dis 1999; 33:535-40. [PMID: 10070918 DOI: 10.1016/s0272-6386(99)70191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We performed a multicenter, single-blinded, prospective randomized study on the use of a double-bag disconnect system (B) versus a Y-set disconnect system (Y). The peritonitis rate, exit site infection, clinical outcome, and patients' acceptance to the procedure were assessed. A total of 120 new end-stage renal failure patients of three regional hospitals were randomized: 60 each to the B and the Y systems. The results of 60 patients on the B system and 51 on the Y system were analyzable. They were followed up for a median of 16 months. Peritonitis rates for the B and the Y systems were 33.5 and 29.4 patient-months per episode, respectively. Exit site infection rates for the B and Y systems were 17.4 and 16.0 patient-months per episode, respectively. Four catheters were removed in each group. Patients on the B system were hospitalized for 2.1 days per patient per year related to peritonitis and exit site infection, and those on the Y system were hospitalized for 1.2 days. There was no significant difference between the B and Y systems in the incidences of peritonitis (all causes and those due to coagulase-negative staphylococci), exit site infection, and in hospitalization days. However, there was a higher percentage of gram-positive infections in the Y system (52%) than in the B system (32%) and a lower percentage of gram-negative infections in the Y system (16%) than in the B system (32%). Patients on the B system had a better acceptance of the procedure than patients on the Y system, as assessed by a six-item, 10-point questionnaire (total score, 43.1 +/- 10.2 v 37.6 +/- 9.4; P < 0.005 at 1 month; 44.6 +/- 9.1 v 39.8 +/- 8.6; P < 0.01 at 6 months). From this study, it is concluded that the B and Y systems are similar in the incidences of peritonitis and exit site infection, although the B system is better accepted by patients. This is probably the first multicenter randomized study comparing the double-bag and Y-set disconnect system using only new patients who had never used other systems of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Li
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin.
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Abstract
PURPOSE The current study compared the central corneal curvature and the refractive error of Hong Kong Chinese to study the validity of Javal's rule. METHODS Subjects without corneal pathology were recruited at different age ranges. Their refractive error and the corneal curvature were measured and compared for the right eye only. Two instruments were used for the measurement of corneal curvature including a conventional Bausch & Lomb (B&L) keratometer and a computer-assisted videokeratoscope (TMS-1). RESULTS Subjects age ranged from 21 years to 77 years were recruited and were categorized into five groups according to age. The Bausch & Lomb keratometer was found to provide corneal information similar to that from the TMS-1. The corneal astigmatism was found to change from with-the-rule to against-the-rule with advancing age. The spectacle astigmatism followed a similar trend. There was a hyperopic shift in the spherical component of the refractive error with aging as well. A regression equation: Spectacle astigmatism = 0.93 (Corneal astigmatism) + (-0.58D x 90) was found, which is similar to the simplified Javal's rule. There was a shift of 1.03D in hyperopia (spherical equivalent) for each decade. CONCLUSIONS Both the corneal and spectacle astigmatism demonstrated a shift from with-the-rule to against-the-rule with age. The simplified Javal's rule is more suitable for predicting the spectacle astigmatism from corneal astigmatism in Hong Kong Chinese.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Lam
- Department of Optometry & Radiography, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Abstract
The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the enamel and dentine marginal sealing ability of four new generation composite bonding systems. Two Class V preparations, which were solely in enamel and dentine/cementum, were made on the buccal surfaces of 96 freshly extracted molar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 24 and restored with composite resin (Silux Plus) utilizing the following bonding systems: Scotchbond Multi-purpose (SB), Fuji Bond LC (FB), Prime & Bond 2.0 (PB) and Bisco One-step (BC). The restorations were finished immediately after photo-polymerization and stored in saline at 37 degrees C for 1 week. Half of the specimens in each group were then thermally stressed for 500 cycles. All restorations were then subjected to dye penetration testing, sectioned and scored. Results revealed no statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in dye penetration scores for the different bonding systems with the exception of leakage at the dentine margins of thermally stressed specimens where FB exhibited significantly better sealing ability compared with the other bonding systems and BC exhibited significantly less leakage than PB. The marginal seal of 'one-step' (PB and BC) and resin-modified glass-ionomer (FB) bonding systems appear to be as effective as 'two step' systems like SB. Thermal stresses had some influence on marginal seal but this was both product and tissue specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- A U Yap
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Liou SC, Chen C, Wong SY, Wong KM. Ventricular tachycardia after oxytocin injection in patients with prolonged Q-T interval syndrome--report of two cases. Acta Anaesthesiol Sin 1998; 36:49-52. [PMID: 9807850] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin is widely used in obstetric settings to stimulate uterine contraction and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Its adverse effects which include transient hypotension and increase heart rate could be life-threatening in patients with fixed cardiac output or hypotension resulting from hemorrhage. We reported two cases suspected to have preexisting prolonged Q-T interval syndrome (PQTS) who developed ventricular tachycardia immediately after intravenous injection of oxytocin. Anesthetic management of and use of oxytocic agents in patients with PQTS were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Liou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
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46
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Noshkin VE, Robison WL, Wong KM, Brunk JL, Eagle RJ, Jones HE. Past and present levels of some radionuclides in fish from Bikini and Enewetak Atolls. Health Phys 1997; 73:49-65. [PMID: 9199218 DOI: 10.1097/00004032-199707000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Bikini and Enewetak were the sites in the Northern Marshall Islands that were used by the United States as testing grounds for nuclear devices between 1946 and 1958. The testing produced close-in fallout debris that was contaminated with different radionuclides and which entered the aquatic environment. The contaminated lagoon sediments became a reservoir and source term of manmade radionuclides for the resident marine organisms. This report contains a summary of all the available data on the concentrations of 137Cs, 60Co and 207Bi in flesh samples of reef and pelagic fish collected from Bikini and Enewetak Atolls between 1964 and 1995. The selection of these three radionuclides for discussion is based on the fact that these are the only radionuclides that have been routinely detected by gamma spectrometry in flesh samples from all fish for the last 20 y. Flesh from fish is an important source of food in the Marshallese diet. These radionuclides along with the transuranic radionuclides and 90Sr contribute most of the small radiological dose from ingesting marine foods. Some basic relationships among concentrations in different tissues and organs are discussed. The reef fish can be used as indicator species because their body burden is derived from feeding, over a lifetime, within a relatively small contaminated area of the lagoon. Therefore, the emphasis of this report is to use this extensive and unique concentration data base to describe the effective half lives and cycling for the radionuclides in the marine environments during the 31-y period between 1964 and 1995. The results from an analysis of the radionuclide concentrations in the flesh samples indicate the removal rates for the 3 radionuclides are significantly different. 137Cs is removed from the lagoons with an effective half life of 9-12 y. Little 60Co is mobilized to the water column so that it is depleted in both environments, primarily through radioactive decay. The properties of 207Bi are different at Enewetak and Bikini. At Enewetak the radionuclide is lost from the environment with an effective half live of 5.1 y. At Bikini only radioactive decay can account for the rate at which the radionuclide is lost from the lagoon. The difference in the binding properties of the sedimentary materials for 207Bi among the two Atolls is not understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- V E Noshkin
- Health and Ecological Assessment Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA 94551-9900, USA
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Robison WL, Noshkin VE, Conrado CL, Eagle RJ, Brunk JL, Jokela TA, Mount ME, Phillips WA, Stoker AC, Stuart ML, Wong KM. The Northern Marshall Islands Radiological Survey: data and dose assessments. Health Phys 1997; 73:37-48. [PMID: 9199217 DOI: 10.1097/00004032-199707000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests, especially from those conducted at the Pacific Proving Grounds between 1946 and 1958, contaminated areas of the Northern Marshall Islands. A radiological survey at some Northern Marshall Islands was conducted from September through November 1978 to evaluate the extent of residual radioactive contamination. The atolls included in the Northern Marshall Islands Radiological Survey (NMIRS) were Likiep, Ailuk, Utirik, Wotho, Ujelang, Taka, Rongelap, Rongerik, Bikar, Ailinginae, and Mejit and Jemo Islands. The original test sites, Bikini and Enewetak Atolls, were also visited on the survey. An aerial survey was conducted to determine the external gamma exposure rate. Terrestrial (soil, food crops, animals, and native vegetation), cistern and well water samples, and marine (sediment, seawater, fish and clams) samples were collected to evaluate radionuclide concentrations in the atoll environment. Samples were processed and analyzed for 137Cs, 90Sr, 239+240Pu and 241Am. The dose from the ingestion pathway was calculated using the radionuclide concentration data and a diet model for local food, marine, and water consumption. The ingestion pathway contributes 70% to 90% of the estimated dose. Approximately 95% of the dose is from 137Cs. 90Sr is the second most significant radionuclide via ingestion. External gamma exposure from 137Cs accounts for about 10% to 30% of the dose. 239+240Pu and 241Am are the major contributors to dose via the inhalation pathway; however, inhalation accounts for only about 1% of the total estimated dose, based on surface soil levels and resuspension studies. All doses are computed for concentrations decay corrected to 1996. The maximum annual effective dose from manmade radionuclides at these atolls ranges from .02 mSv y(-1) to 2.1 mSv y(-1). The background dose in the Marshall Islands is estimated to be 2.4 mSv y(-1). The combined dose from both background and bomb related radionuclides ranges from slightly over 2.4 mSv y(-1) to 4.5 mSv y(-1). The 50-y integral dose ranges from 0.5 to 65 mSv.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Robison
- Health & Ecological Assessment Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA 94551-9900, USA
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Wong KM, Lynn KL. Hyponatraemic hypertensive syndrome in association with bilateral renal artery stenosis. N Z Med J 1995; 108:299-300. [PMID: 7637941] [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: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Nephrology Department, Christchurch Hospital
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Wong KM, Bailey RR, Lynn KL, Robson RA, Abbott GD. Pregnancy in renal transplant recipients: the Christchurch experience. N Z Med J 1995; 108:190-2. [PMID: 7783987] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM Assess the pregnancies of our female renal transplant recipients and to document long term maternal and fetal outcome. METHODS Between 7 June 1972 and 31 December 1992 112 females had at least one renal transplant. Sixty-four of these 112 women were in the reproductive age and had a functioning graft. RESULTS Nine women had 16 pregnancies which resulted in 11 live births and three first trimester abortions. Two unplanned pregnancies were terminated. Mean age at transplantation was 17.2 yr [range 16-22.5 yr] and mean interval from transplant to pregnancy was 6.8 yr [range 1.8-9.0 yr]. Prednisone and azathioprine were used in all patients and cyclosporin in five. For seven of the successful pregnancies plasma creatinine remained < or = 0.10 mmol/L. One of these women developed allograft nephropathy 5 years after delivery and returned to dialysis 9 years later. For the other four successful pregnancies the preconception plasma creatinine was 0.12-0.14 mmol/L. The woman with two successful pregnancies had a halving of glomerular filtration rate during the second pregnancy, but it has remained stable for 15 years; one was poorly compliant with her immunosuppressive regimen and reached endstage renal failure two years after delivery; one developed cyclosporin nephrotoxicity, but 18 months later renal function was stable after a dosage reduction. Ten infants were delivered by caesarean section, four of them urgently. Three babies were preterm and five growth retarded. One died of sudden infant death syndrome at four months. All other infants developed normally. CONCLUSION There is no contraindication to pregnancy in female transplant recipients who have stable graft function and controlled blood pressure. Management of such pregnancies should be by shared obstetrical/nephrological/paediatric care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Wong
- Department of Nephrology, Christchurch Hospital
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Abstract
The concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb have been determined in many local foods consumed by societies residing on different atolls in the Marshall Islands. The average daily intake of these two naturally occurring radionuclides from local and imported food is estimated to be 2.18 and 0.36 Bq, respectively. Local foods contribute 87% of the 210Po and 47% of the 210Pb associated with the diet. The items contributing the majority of the activity to the diet are derived from the marine environment and include parts of fish, invertebrates, seabirds and eggs of seabirds. The committed effective dose from ingestion of 210Po and 210Pb is approximately 2 mSv/year (200 mrem/year). This pathway now contributes 83% of the natural background irradiation received by residents in the Marshall Islands. Because the naturally occurring radionuclides are omnipresent in terrestrial and marine foods at all atolls, the annual intake and computed dose can be considered as typical values for individuals with comparable diets and inhabiting other islands in the Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- V E Noshkin
- Health and Ecological Assessment Div. L-453, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550-9900
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