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Chiang KL, Chou YC, Tung H, Huang CY, Hsieh LP, Chang KP, Kwan SY, Huang WY. Customized GPT model largely increases surgery decision accuracy for pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 130:110918. [PMID: 39541652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.110918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2024] [Revised: 10/27/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To develop an enhanced epilepsy diagnosis system by integrating an expert-informed ontology with a custom generative pre-trained transformer (GPT), validated by inferring possible seizure lateralization and localization using retrospective textual data from the pre-surgical assessments of patients with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy (PRE). METHODS We developed an AI system for epilepsy diagnosis using Protégé with OWL/SWRL, integrating a knowledge base with seizure semiology, seizure types EEG descriptors, expert insights, and literature to pinpoint seizure locations. A customized GPT model was then tailored for specific diagnostic needs. Validated through 16 surgical cases, the system's accuracy in seizure localization and the JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) Epilepsy Matcher's term matching capabilities were confirmed against a Protégé-based knowledge base. RESULTS A total of 117 patients with PRE underwent video-EEG monitoring at a single institution. However, only 16 of these patients received epilepsy surgery. The Protégé system achieved 75 % accuracy in diagnosing epilepsy from 16 cases using semiology, which increased to 87.5 % with EEG data. The Json Epilepsy Matcher further improved accuracy to 87.5 % with symptoms alone and 93.8 % when including EEG data, highlighting the benefits of applying GPT techniques. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the efficacy of the JSON Epilepsy Matcher in improving seizure diagnosis accuracy. When combined with EEG data, it achieves a 93.8 % accuracy rate, suggesting a potential improvement in the practicality and generalizability of the original ontology expert system, boosting physicians' confidence in confirming surgery and potentially sparing many children from prolonged suffering. This innovative approach not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also sets a precedent for future applications of AI in neurology.
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Tung H, Chou CC, Chen HM, Chen YM, Wu YY, Chai JW, Chen JP, Chen SC, Chen HC, Lee WJ. White Matter Hyperintensities and Cognitive Functions in People With the R544C Variant of the NOTCH3 Gene Without Stroke or Dementia. Neurology 2024; 103:e209941. [PMID: 39374470 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES NOTCH3 pathologic variants cause cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), which presents with stroke and dementia and is characterized by white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on brain MRI. The R544C variant is a common pathologic variant in Taiwan, but not all carriers exhibit significant symptoms. We investigated whether WMHs occur before clinical symptoms in carriers with pathogenic variants, examined factors associated with WMHs, and explored their relationship with cognitive functions. METHODS We enrolled 63 R544C carriers without overt clinical disease (WOCD) and 37 age-matched and sex-matched noncarriers as controls from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative data set. All participants underwent clinical interviews, comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, and brain MRI. We calculated total and regional WMH volumes, determined the age at which WMHs began increasing in carriers, and examined the relationship between WMHs and neuropsychological performance. Factors associated with WMH volumes were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Compared with controls, R544C carriers WOCD had increased WMH volume, except in the occipital and midbrain areas, and showed a rapid increase in WMHs starting at age 48. They scored lower on the Mini-Mental State Examination (median = 28.4 vs 29.0, p = 0.048), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (median = 28.3 vs 29.0, p = 0.013), and memory and executive function tests than controls. After adjusting for age, sex, and education, MoCA scores were associated with whole-brain (r = -0.387, padj = 0.008) and regional WMHs (all padj < 0.05) except in the midbrain area. Age (β = 0.034, 95% CI 0.021-0.046, p < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (β = 0.375, 95% CI 0.097-0.653, p = 0.009), and the vascular risk factor (VRF) index (β = 0.132, 95% CI 0.032-0.242, p = 0.019) were associated with the WMH severity in carriers. DISCUSSION Our study revealed that WMHs are extensively distributed in R544C carriers WOCD. They exhibited a rapid increase in WMHs beginning at age 48, approximately 7 years earlier than the reported age at symptomatic onset. Age was the strongest predictive factor of WMHs, and VRF, particularly hypercholesterolemia, might be modifying factors of WMHs.
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Yu HY, Tsai CJ, Lee TH, Tung H, Shih YC, Chou CC, Lee CC, Lin PT, Peng SJ. Machine learning localization to identify the epileptogenic side in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 115:110256. [PMID: 39426692 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2024.110256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is the most common pathology associated with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) in adults. Most atrophic hippocampi can be identified using MRI based on standard epilepsy protocols; however, difficulties can arise in cases where sclerotic changes in the hippocampus are subtle or non-epilepsy-specific protocols have been implemented. In such cases, quantitative methods, such as T1-weighted axial series MRIs, are valuable additional tools to complement epilepsy-specific protocols. In the current study, we applied machine learning (ML) techniques to the analysis of brain regions of interest (ROIs), including the hippocampus, thalamus, and cortical areas, to enhance the accuracy of lesion lateralization in MRI. METHODS This study included 104 patients diagnosed with mTLE, including 55 with lesions on the right side and 49 with lesions on the left side. FreeSurfer software was used to extract features from high-resolution T1-weighted axial brain MRI scans for use in computing lateralization indices (LI) for various brain regions. After using feature selection to pinpoint critical ROIs, the corresponding LI values were used as parameters in training the ML model. RESULTS The proposed ML model demonstrated exceptional performance in the lateralization of mTLE, achieving test accuracy of 92.38 % with an AUROC of 0.97. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the efficacy of ML in detecting instances of MTS from thin-slice T1 images. The proposed method provides valuable insights for surgical planning and treatment. Nonetheless, additional research will be required to enhance the robustness of the model and rigorously validate its effectiveness and applicability in clinical settings.
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Hung FH, Tung H. Network Insights of Dementia Comorbidities Based on Genetic Background. Stud Health Technol Inform 2024; 316:1596-1597. [PMID: 39176514 DOI: 10.3233/shti240727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Dementia is a global public health concern. This study focuses on the genetic factors underlying dementia. We analyzed electronic medical records (EMR) from Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, to confirm differences between dementia and non-dementia patients. This work was supported by Taipei Medical University [TMU111-AE1-B45].
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Liang CM, Lee W, Chou CC, Tung H, Chen HC, Chen HM, Lee WJ, Chen YM. Nailfold capillary measurements correlated to NOTCH3 R544C mutation in preclinical CADASIL patients. J Neurol Sci 2024; 462:123109. [PMID: 38941707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary disease caused by NOTCH3 mutation. Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive technique typically used for rheumatic diseases. It has potential in other conditions linked to vascular pathology. However, capillaroscopy in CADASIL has not been explored. This study aims to investigate whether capillaroscopy measurements can correlate with brain vascular changes in preclinical CADASIL patients, specifically those with NOTCH3 mutation. METHODS This study included 69 participants from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI) dataset who visited Taichung Veterans General Hospital from January to December 2022. All individuals underwent genetic studies, brain imaging and nailfold capillaroscopy. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare results of brain imaging between carriers and controls. It was also used to compare measurements in nailfold capillaroscopy within each group. Spearman Rank Correlation Analysis was used to explore the relationship between capillary measurements and brain MRI results. RESULTS White matter hyperintensities (WMH) expression was positively correlated with capillary dimension and negatively correlated with density. Our results presented that R544C carriers exhibited a diffuse increase in WMH (p < 0.001) and a global reduction in gray matter volume but preserved in specific areas. The white matter lesion scores in all brain regions were higher in the mutation carriers than the controls. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This research highlights the association of nailfold capillaroscopy findings with white matter lesions in preclinical CADASIL patients. Capillaroscopy guides an effective screening strategy in individuals with NOTCH3 mutations.
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Tung H, Tsai SC, Huang PR, Hsieh PF, Lin YC, Peng SJ. Morphological and metabolic asymmetries of the thalamic subregions in temporal lobe epilepsy predict cognitive functions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22611. [PMID: 38114641 PMCID: PMC10730825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49856-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Both morphological and metabolic imaging were used to determine how asymmetrical changes of thalamic subregions are involved in cognition in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We retrospectively recruited 24 left-TLE and 15 right-TLE patients. Six thalamic subnuclei were segmented by magnetic resonance imaging, and then co-registered onto Positron emission tomography images. We calculated the asymmetrical indexes of the volumes and normalized standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) of the entire and individual thalamic subnuclei. The SUVR of ipsilateral subnuclei were extensively and prominently decreased compared with the volume loss. The posterior and medial subnuclei had persistently lower SUVR in both TLE cases. Processing speed is the cognitive function most related to the metabolic asymmetry. It negatively correlated with the metabolic asymmetrical indexes of subregions in left-TLE, while positively correlated with the subnuclei volume asymmetrical indexes in right-TLE. Epilepsy duration negatively correlated with the volume asymmetry of most thalamic subregions in left-TLE and the SUVR asymmetry of ventral and intralaminar subnuclei in right-TLE. Preserved metabolic activity of contralateral thalamic subregions is the key to maintain the processing speed in both TLEs. R-TLE had relatively preserved volume of the ipsilateral thalamic volume, while L-TLE had relatively decline of volume and metabolism in posterior subnucleus.
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Chou CH, Shen TW, Tung H, Hsieh PF, Kuo CE, Chen TM, Yang CW. Convolutional neural network-based fast seizure detection from video electroencephalograms. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2022.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Tung H, Lin CH, Chen YM, Lee WJ, Chien LS, Sun TH, Liao CS, Lin YY, Hsiao TH. Utilizing apolipoprotein E genotypes and associated comorbidities for the assessment of the risk for dementia. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:927656. [PMID: 36578446 PMCID: PMC9790994 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.927656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dementia is associated with many comorbidities while being related to Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism. However, it is unclear how these clinical illnesses and genetic factors modify the dementia risk. Methods We enrolled 600 dementia cases and 6000 matched non-dementia controls, with identified ApoE genotype (ε4/ε4, ε4/ε3, and ε3/ε3). Eight comorbidities were selected by medical records, and counted if occurring within 3 years of enrollment. Results The dementia group had a higher ratio of carrying ε4 allele and prevalence of comorbidities than the non-dementia group. Homozygous ε4 carriers presented the broken line of dementia risk with the peak age at 65-75 years and odds ratio (OR) up to 6.6. The risk only emerged after 65 years of age in ε3/ε4 subjects with OR around 1.6-2.4 when aged > 75 years. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the commonest comorbidity (14.6%). CVA, sleep disorder, and functional gastrointestinal disorders remained as significant risk comorbidities for dementia throughout all age groups (OR = 1.7-5.0). When functional gastrointestinal disorder and ε4 allele both occurred, the dementia risk exceeded the summation of individual risks (OR = 3.7 and 1.9 individually, OR = 6.0 for the combination). Comorbidities could also be predictors of dementia. Conclusion Combining the genetic and clinical information, we detected cognitive decline and optimize interventions early when the patients present a specific illness in a particular age and carry a specific ApoE allele. Of comorbidities, functional gastrointestinal disorder is the strongest predicting factor for dementia in ε4 allele carriers.
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Tung H, Pan SY, Lan TH, Lin YY, Peng SJ. Characterization of Hippocampal-Thalamic-Cortical Morphometric Reorganization in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2022; 12:810186. [PMID: 35222230 PMCID: PMC8866816 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.810186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionBrain cortico-subcortical connectivity has been investigated in epilepsy using the functional MRI (MRI). Although structural images cannot demonstrate dynamic changes, they provide higher spatial resolution, which allows exploration of the organization of brain in greater detail.MethodsWe used high-resolution brain MRI to study the hippocampal-thalamic-cortical networks in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using a volume-based morphometric method. We enrolled 22 right-TLE, 33 left-TLE, and 28 age/gender-matched controls retrospectively. FreeSurfer software was used for the thalamus segmentation.ResultsAmong the 50 subfields, ipsilateral anterior, lateral, and parts of the intralaminar and medial nuclei, as well as the contralateral parts of lateral nuclei had significant volume loss in both TLE. The anteroventral nucleus was most vulnerable. Most thalamic subfields were susceptible to seizure burden, especially the left-TLE. SPM12 was used to conduct an analysis of the gray matter density (GMD) maps. Decreased extratemporal GMD occurred bilaterally. Both TLE demonstrated significant GMD loss over the ipsilateral inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, and medial orbital cortices.SignificanceThalamic subfield atrophy was related to the ipsilateral inferior frontal GMD changes, which presented positively in left-TLE and negatively in right-TLE. These findings suggest prefrontal-thalamo-hippocampal network disruption in TLE.
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Tung H, Lin WH, Hsieh PF, Lan TH, Chiang MC, Lin YY, Peng SJ. Left Frontotemporal Region Plays a Key Role in Letter Fluency Task-Evoked Activation and Functional Connectivity in Normal Subjects: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:810685. [PMID: 35722586 PMCID: PMC9205401 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.810685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Letter fluency task (LFT) is a tool that measures memory, executive function, and language function but lacks a definite cutoff value to define abnormalities. We used the optical signals of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to study the differences in power and connectivity between the high-functioning and low-functioning participants while performing three successive LFTs, as well as the relationships between the brain network/power and LFT performance. We found that the most differentiating factor between these two groups was network topology rather than activation power. The high-functional group (7 men and 10 women) displayed higher left intra-hemispheric global efficiency, nodal strength, and shorter characteristic path length in the first section. They then demonstrated a higher power over the left Broca's area than the right corresponding area in the latter two sections. The low-LFT group (9 men and 11 women) displayed less left-lateralized connectivity and activation power. LFT performance was only related to the network topology rather than the power values, which was only presented in the low-functioning group in the second section. The direct correlation between power and connectivity primarily existed in the inter-hemispheric network, with the timing relationship also seeming to be present. In conclusion, the high-functioning group presented more prominent left-lateralized intra-hemispheric network connectivity and power activation, particularly in the Broca's area. The low-functioning group seemed to prefer using other networks, like the inter-hemispheric, rather than having a single focus on left intra-hemispheric connectivity. The network topology seemed to better reflect the LFT performance than did the power values.
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Liu CH, Liao WC, Li HH, Tseng LH, Wang WH, Tung H, Lin PJ, Jao HT, Liu WY, Hung CS, Lin CL, Ho YJ. Treatment with the combination of clavulanic acid and valproic acid led to recovery of neuronal and behavioral deficits in an epilepsy rat model. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2021; 35:1032-1044. [PMID: 34545633 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy, which is caused by abnormal neuronal firing in the brain, is a common neurological disease and affects motor and cognitive functions. Excessive levels of glutamate and insufficient levels of inhibitory GABA are involved in its pathophysiology. Valproic acid (Val), a GABAergic agonist, is one of the first-line antiepileptic drugs, but it shows many adverse side effects at the clinical dose. Clavulanic acid (CA), a β-lactamase inhibitor, has been demonstrated to increase glutamate transporter-1 expression. This study evaluated the effects of CA and Val in an epilepsy rat model. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injections of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 35 mg/kg, every other day, IP, for 13 days) to induce kindling epilepsy. After four times of PTZ injection, rats received daily treatment with CA (1 or 10 mg/kg, IP), Val (50 or 100 mg/kg, IP), or the combination of CA (1 mg/kg) and Val (50 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Motor, learning, and memory functions were measured. Rats with PTZ-induced kindling exhibited seizures, motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and cell loss and reduction of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Neither 1 mg/kg CA nor 50 mg/kg Val treatment was effective in alleviating behavioral and neuronal deficits. However, treatment with 10 mg/kg CA, 100 mg/kg Val, and the combination of 1 mg/kg CA and 50 mg/kg Val improved these behavioral and neuronal deficits. Particularly, the combination of CA and Val showed synergistic effects on seizure suppression, suggesting the potential for treating epilepsy and related neuronal damage and motor and cognitive deficits.
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Tung H, Lin HJ, Chen PL, Lu TJ, Jhan PP, Chen JP, Chen YM, Wu CC, Lin YY, Hsiao TH. Characterization of familial hypercholesterolemia in Taiwanese ischemic stroke patients. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:19339-19351. [PMID: 34314377 PMCID: PMC8386562 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder characterized by a lifelong elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level. The relationship between FH and ischemic stroke is still controversial. We enrolled ischemic stroke patients prospectively in our neurological ward, and divided them into two groups according to LDL-C levels with a threshold of 130 mg/dl. Targeted sequencing was performed in all stroke patients for LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes. The fifty-eight high-LDL subjects were older, prevalence of previous myocardial infarction/stroke history was lower, and the first stroke age was older compared with values in the sixty-three low-LDL cases. The prevalence of FH in Han-Chinese stroke patients was 5.0%, and was 10.3% in those with a higher LDL-C level. We identified six carriers, who had higher percentages of large vessel stroke subtype (66.7% vs. 15.4%) and transient ischemic attack (33.3% vs. 3.8%), previous myocardial infarction/stroke history (50.0% vs. 11.5%), statin use (50.0% vs. 11.5%), and increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (0.9-1.2mm vs.0.7-9.0mm) compared with the other hypercholesterolemic patients without pathogenic variants. Ischemic stroke patients carrying FH pathogenic variants seemed to have a higher risk for large artery stroke and transient ischemic attack. The IMT exam could be useful to screen for FH in hypercholesterolemic stroke patients.
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Li HH, Lin PJ, Wang WH, Tseng LH, Tung H, Liu WY, Lin CL, Liu CH, Liao WC, Hung CS, Ho YJ. Treatment effects of the combination of ceftriaxone and valproic acid on neuronal and behavioural functions in a rat model of epilepsy. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:1814-1828. [PMID: 34086374 DOI: 10.1113/ep089624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Imbalance of activities between GABAergic and glutamatergic systems is involved in epilepsy. It is not known whether simultaneously increasing GABAergic and decreasing glutamatergic activity using valproic acid and ceftriaxone, respectively, leads to better seizure control. What is the central question of this study? Ceftriaxone suppressed seizure and cognitive deficits and restored neuronal density and the number of newborn cells in the hippocampus in a rat model of epilepsy. Combined treatment with ceftriaxone and valproic acid showed additive effects in seizure suppression. ABSTRACT The pathophysiology of epilepsy is typically considered as an imbalance between inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate neurotransmission. Valproic acid (Val), a GABA agonist, is one of the first-line antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of epilepsy, but it exhibits adverse effects. Ceftriaxone (CEF) elevates expression of glutamate transporter-1, enhances the reuptake of synaptic glutamate, increases the number of newborn cells and exhibits neuroprotective effects in animal studies. In this study, we evaluated effects of the combination of CEF and Val on behavioural and neuronal measures in a rat epilepsy model. Male Wistar rats were injected i.p. with pentylenetetrazol (35 mg/kg, every other day for 13 days) to induce the epilepsy model. Ceftriaxone (10 or 50 mg/kg), Val (50 or 100 mg/kg) or the combination of CEF and Val were injected daily after the fourth pentylenetetrazol injection for seven consecutive days. Epileptic rats exhibited seizure and impairments in motor and cognitive functions. Treatment with CEF and Val reduced the seizure and enhanced motor and cognitive functions in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of CEF (10 mg/kg) and Val (50 mg/kg) improved behaviours considerably. Histologically, compared with control animals, epileptic rats exhibited lower neuronal density and a reduction in hippocampal newborn cells but higher apoptosis in the basolateral amygdala, all of which were restored by the treatment with CEF, Val or the combination of CEF and Val. The study findings demonstrated that the combination of low doses of CEF and Val has beneficial effects on seizure suppression, neuroprotection and improvement in motor and cognitive functions in epilepsy.
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Tung H, Lin WH, Lan TH, Hsieh PF, Chiang MC, Lin YY, Peng SJ. Network reorganization during verbal fluency task in fronto-temporal epilepsy: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:541-549. [PMID: 33990025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This is the first study to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate how the lateralization of the epileptogenic zone affects the reconfiguration of task-related network patterns. Eleven left fronto-temporal epilepsy (L-FTE) and 11 right fronto-temporal epilepsy (R-FTE), as well as 22 age- and gender-matched controls, were enrolled. Signals from 52-channel fNIRS were recorded while the subject was undertaking verbal fluency tasks (VFTs), which included categorical (CFT) and letter (LFT) fluency tasks. Three analytic methods were used to study the network topology: network-based analysis, hub identification, and proportional threshold to select the top 20% strongest connections for both graph theory parameters and clinical correlation. Performance of CFT is accomplished primarily using the ventral pathway, and bilateral ventral pathways are augmented in fronto-temporal epilepsy patients by strengthening the inter-hemispheric connections, especially for R-FTE. LFT mainly employed the dorsal pathway, and further prioritized the left dorsal pathway in strengthening intra-hemispheric connections in fronto-temporal epilepsy, especially L-FTE. The top 20% of the strongest connections only present differences in CFT network compared with the controls. R-FTE increased inter-hemispheric network density, while L-FTE decreased inter-hemispheric average characteristic path length. Accumulative seizure burden only affects L-FTE network. Better LFT performance and longer educational years seem to promote left fronto-temporal networks, and decreased the demand from RR intra-hemispheric connectivity in L-FTE. LFT scores in R-FTE are maintained by preserved RR intra-hemispheric networks. However, CFT scores and educational years seem to have no effect on the CFT network topology in both FTE.
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Hsieh PF, Tung H, Lin CH. Statin effects on post-stroke epilepsy and mortality – Taiwan population-based study. Neurol Res 2020; 42:422-429. [DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1735821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Tsai YH, Chen HC, Tung H, Wu YY, Chen HM, Pan KJ, Cheng DC, Chen JH, Chen CCC, Chai JW, Shen WC. Noninvasive assessment of intracranial elastance and pressure in spontaneous intracranial hypotension by MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2018; 48:1255-1263. [PMID: 29437266 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is often misdiagnosed, and can lead to severe complications. Conventional MR sequences show a limited ability to aid in this diagnosis. MR-based intracranial pressure (MR-ICP) may be able to detect changes of intracranial elastance and pressure. PURPOSE To determine whether MR-ICP is able to differentiate SIH patients from normal subjects, improve diagnostic sensitivity, and provide an insight into the pathophysiology. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Twenty-eight SIH cases with orthostatic headache and 20 healthy volunteers. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Cine phase-contrast MRI on a 1.5T scanner. ASSESSMENT Intracranial elastance (IE) was derived from the ratio of the peak-to-peak cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure gradient (PGcsf-pp ) and intracranial volume change, obtained by summing all flows before each sequential cardiac frame. STATISTICAL TESTS Student's t-test was used to compare the MR-ICP indexes and flow parameters between SIH patients and healthy volunteers (P < 0.01). RESULTS The SIH patients with cervical epidural venous dilatation (EVD) had an IE of 0.121 ± 0.027 mmHg/cm/ml, significantly higher than that of the normal volunteers (0.085 ± 0.027 mmHg/cm/ml; P = 0.002). In contradistinction, the EVD-negative SIH patients, including four with no sign of CSF leaks, had significantly lower IE (0.055 ± 0.012 mmHg/cm/ml) compared with the normal volunteers and the EVD-positive group (P = 0.001, P < 0.001). The EVD-negative patients had significantly lower PGcsf-pp (0.024 ± 0.007 mmHg/cm) compared with the normal volunteers and the EVD-positive group (0.035 ± 0.011 mmHg/cm, 0.040 ± 0.010 mmHg/cm; P = 0.003, P < 0.001). Additionally, the MRI flow study showed a significant decrease in transcranial inflow and outflow of SIH patients (P < 0.01). DATA CONCLUSION We found that the MR-ICP method is potentially more sensitive than morphological MRI in the early diagnosis of SIH. Also, contrary to common belief, our results suggest that an abnormal craniospinal elastance might be the cause of SIH, instead of CSF leak. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1255-1263.
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Hsu H, Tung H, Wang J, Hsu S, Chuang S. ACTIVE AGING AND INTERNET USE: DOES INEQUALITY EXIST ACROSS AREAS AND OLDER ADULTS? Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.4320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Tung H, Hsu H, Chuang S, Hsu S, Wang J. SELF-RATED HEALTH AND THE COMBINATIONS OF SELF-CARE DISABILITIES AMONG DISABLED ELDERS IN TAIWAN. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.1919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Pai YW, Hsieh PF, Tung H, Wu CY, Ching CTS, Chang MH. Prognosis of cerebral lipiodol embolism caused by transarterial chemoembolization. Neurol Res 2016; 38:857-63. [PMID: 27357337 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2016.1201928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plays an essential role in the management of unresectable hepatocellular cell carcinoma and other hepatic neoplasms. Cerebral lipiodol embolism (CLE) is a rare complication of TACE and its prognostic factors have not been well studied. The aim of this paper was to elucidate the prognostic factors of CLE based on clinical data obtained from our patients and cases published since 2004. METHODS We present two patients with CLE, analyze the clinical data, and review all CLE cases published since 2004. A poor outcome was defined as stupor, coma, quadriplegia, or death within 45 days. Patients who had other neurological conditions within 45 days were considered as having a good outcome. RESULTS The rate of poor outcome was 25.7% (9/35). Compared with the patients with good outcome, those with poor outcome were older (mean age 68.3 ± 7.3 vs. 58.3 ± 10.6 years, p = 0.03), more often female (76.9% vs. male 33.3%, p = 0.02), and more likely chemoembolized via both the right hepatic and right inferior phrenic arteries (44.4 vs. 8.7%, p = 0.02). DISCUSSION The prognosis of CLE was related to age, gender, and the arteries selected for injection.
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Chen YC, Wang YF, Li JY, Chen SP, Lirng JF, Hseu SS, Tung H, Chen PL, Wang SJ, Fuh JL. Treatment and prognosis of subdural hematoma in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Cephalalgia 2015; 36:225-31. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102415585095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this article is to elucidate the outcome, prognostic predictors and timing of surgical intervention for subdural hematoma (SDH) in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Methods Patients with SDH were identified retrospectively from 227 consecutive SIH patients. Data were collected on demographics, clinical courses, neuroimaging findings, and treatment of SDH, which was later divided into conservative treatment, epidural blood patches (EBP), and surgical intervention. Poor outcome was defined as severe neurological sequelae or death. Results Forty-five patients (20%) with SDH (mean maximal thickness 11.9 ± 6.2 mm) were recruited. All 15 patients with SDH <10 mm achieved good outcomes by either conservative treatment or EBP. Of 30 patients with SDH ≥10 mm, patients with uncal herniation ( n = 3) had poor outcomes, even after emergent surgical evacuation ( n = 2), compared to those without ( n = 27) (100% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Fourteen patients underwent surgical evacuation, resulting in good outcomes in all 12 who received early intervention and poor outcomes in the remaining two who received delayed intervention after Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤8 (100% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). Conclusions Uncal herniation results in poor outcomes in patients with SIH complicated with SDH. In individuals with SDH ≥10 mm and decreased GCS scores, early surgical evacuation might prevent uncal herniation.
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Antoniou S, Tung H, Srivastava S. P162 A Two Month Prospective Study: Are Ctpas Requested Appropriately And If Not Do They Diagnose Alternative Pathologies? Thorax 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-206260.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Tung H, Teng CLJ, Chen HC. Severe intracranial hypertension mimics intracranial hypotension radiologically. J Cancer Res Ther 2014; 9:756-7. [PMID: 24518740 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1482.126491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Tung H, Liao YC, Wu CC, Chang MH, Chen CCC, Chen PL, Chen HC. Usefulness of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and treatment evaluation in patients with SIH. Cephalalgia 2014; 34:584-93. [PMID: 24414094 DOI: 10.1177/0333102413519513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most diagnostic tools for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) are either invasive or occasionally inconsistent with the clinical condition. In this study, we examined the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in SIH using phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PC-MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHOD Seventeen SIH patients and 32 healthy individuals, matched by sex and age, were recruited. Each person underwent brain and PC-MR imaging using 3-Tesla MRI. We evaluated the differences in image parameters among patients during the initial and recovery stages against the status of the control group. RESULTS SIH patients had lower CSF flow-volume, flux, peak velocity, and higher systolic-to-diastolic time ratio, as well as systolic-to-diastolic volume ratio compared to the control group and the conditions when they recovered. The flow time and volume of the diastolic phase markedly increased after treatment. The discriminating power of PC-MR for SIH was good. Diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and venous engorgement were present when their PC-MR values were lower than the cut-off values for SIH diagnosis. The headache scores correlated with the peak velocity and pituitary volume. CONCLUSION Noninvasive PC-MR could provide valid parameters for diagnosis and treatment follow-up in SIH patients. It may be more sensitive than conventional brain MRI.
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Tung H, Plunkett B, Huang S, Zhou Y. A Potential IL-33 Autocrine Loop in Mast Cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.12.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Marshall LF, Tung H. Pallidotomy and neuropsychological outcome. J Neurosurg 2000; 93:527-8. [PMID: 10969962 DOI: 10.3171/jns.2000.93.3.0527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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