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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] [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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Chien CY, Lai WT, Chang YJ, Wang CC, Kuo MH, Li PW. Size tunable Ge quantum dots for near-ultraviolet to near-infrared photosensing with high figures of merit. NANOSCALE 2014; 6:5303-5308. [PMID: 24699699 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00168k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We report a unique approach for the inclusion of size-tunable (7-50 nm), spherical Ge quantum dots (QDs) into gate stacks of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) diodes, through selective oxidation of SiGe layers over the buffer layer of Si3N4 deposited over the Si substrate. In this complementary MOS (CMOS)-compatible approach, we successfully realized high performance nm scale Ge-QD MOS photodetectors with high figures of merit of low dark current density (1.5 × 10(-3) mA cm(-2)), superior photo-current-to-dark current ratio (13 500), high photoresponsivity (2.2 A W(-1)), and fast response time (5 ns), which are ready for direct integration with Si CMOS electronic circuits. Most importantly, the detection wavelength of the Ge QDs is tunable from near infrared to near ultraviolet by reducing the QD size from 50 to 7 nm as well as the optimal photoresponsivity is tailored by the Ge QD size and the effective thickness of gate dielectrics.
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Shen W, Hu XM, Liu YN, Han Y, Chen LP, Wang CC, Song C. CXCL12 in astrocytes contributes to bone cancer pain through CXCR4-mediated neuronal sensitization and glial activation in rat spinal cord. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:75. [PMID: 24735601 PMCID: PMC3996502 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-11-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated that chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 are critical for pain sensitization, but the mechanisms involved are not clear. In this study, we investigated the specific cellular mechanisms of CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine signaling in the development and maintenance of bone cancer pain after tumor cell implantation (TCI). Methods TCI in the tibial cavity of rats was used to establish a bone cancer pain model. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were determined by measuring the paw withdrawal threshold and latency, respectively. The protein expression and cellular localization of CXCL12 and CXCR4 were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The sensitization of neurons, activation of astrocytes and microglia were examined by observing the immunofluorescence intensity of c-Fos, GFAP and IBA1. Results Our results demonstrated that CXCL12 was upregulated in a time-related manner, both in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord after TCI. Spinal CXCL12 was predominately expressed in astrocytes, and an intrathecal injection of astrocyte metabolic inhibitor fluorocitrate or selective JNK inhibitor SP600125 abolished TCI-induced CXCL12 production. A single intrathecal injection of a CXCL12 neutralizing antibody (10 μg/10 μl) at day 10 after TCI transiently reversed bone cancer pain in a dose-dependent manner. Whereas repetitive intrathecal administration of a CXCL12 neutralizing antibody (10 μg/10 μl, once a day from day 3 to 5 after TCI) significantly delayed the onset of TCI-induced pain behaviors for nearly five days. Spinal CXCR4 was also upregulated after TCI and colocalized with neurons, astrocytes and microglia. Blocking CXCR4 suppressed TCI-induced activation of neurons, astrocytes and microglia in the spinal cord at day 14. Repeated intrathecal administration of AMD3100 (5 μg/10 μl, once a day for three days) significantly delayed and suppressed the initiation and persistence of bone cancer pain in the early phase (at day 5, 6 and 7 after TCI) and in the late phase (at day 12, 13 and 14 after TCI) of bone cancer, respectively. Conclusions Taken together, these results demonstrate that CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling contributed to the development and maintenance of bone cancer pain via sensitizing neurons and activating astrocytes and microglia. Additionally, this chemokine signaling may be a potential target for treating bone cancer pain.
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Ye HQ, Li Z, Peng Y, Wang CC, Li TY, Zheng YX, Sapelkin A, Adamopoulos G, Hernández I, Wyatt PB, Gillin WP. Organo-erbium systems for optical amplification at telecommunications wavelengths. NATURE MATERIALS 2014; 13:382-6. [PMID: 24651429 DOI: 10.1038/nmat3910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Modern telecommunications rely on the transmission and manipulation of optical signals. Optical amplification plays a vital part in this technology, as all components in a real telecommunications system produce some loss. The two main issues with present amplifiers, which rely on erbium ions in a glass matrix, are the difficulty in integration onto a single substrate and the need of high pump power densities to produce gain. Here we show a potential organic optical amplifier material that demonstrates population inversion when pumped from above using low-power visible light. This system is integrated into an organic light-emitting diode demonstrating that electrical pumping can be achieved. This opens the possibility of direct electrically driven optical amplifiers and optical circuits. Our results provide an alternative approach to producing low-cost integrated optics that is compatible with existing silicon photonics and a different route to an effective integrated optics technology.
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Wang CC, Fung KP, Fok TF, Lau TK, Pang CP, Chu KO, Shum ASW, Lam CWK, Chan MHM, Ho CS, Lau CM, Ting TL, Mak TCW. Melamine toxicity in rat foetuses and infants. Hong Kong Med J 2013; 19 Suppl 8:20-22. [PMID: 24473523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
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Wang CC, Niu ZG, Zhang Y. Health risk assessment of inhalation exposure of irrigation workers and the public to trihalomethanes from reclaimed water in landscape irrigation in Tianjin, North China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 262:179-188. [PMID: 24025314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
To estimate the concentration in air and the cancer risk of irrigation workers and the public exposed to the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in reclaimed water used for landscape irrigation, a probabilistic health risk assessment was conducted through the integrated use of one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) Monte Carlo simulations. Before the 2-D simulation, a sensitivity analysis corresponding to the 1-D simulation was carried out to identity the factors most affecting the outputs. The results reveal that the TTHM concentration level and cancer risk for workers' exposure is much higher than that for public exposure in landscape irrigation. Moreover, the most influential factors are quite different for workers' exposure and public exposure. The 2-D Monte Carlo risk analysis result for the workers indicated that the lowest-risk, highest-risk and two critical points for irrigation height are 0.7 m, 1.53 m, 1.4m and 1.65 m when the mean value of the risk is selected as the reference statistic for risk management. Based on the risk assessment results, different measures can be suggested for the risk control of different populations. Furthermore, the influential variables should be better characterized to improve the accuracy of health risk assessment.
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Wang Y, Li L, Wang CC, Leung LK. Effect of zeranol on expression of apoptotic and cell cycle proteins in murine placentae. Toxicology 2013; 314:148-54. [PMID: 24120472 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by fungus and many of them are toxic to humans. Zeranol is a mycotoxin used to promote growth in cattle in North America; yet such a practice draws concern about the residual compound in meat in European countries. In the present study, the toxicity of zeranol was tested in a mouse model for reproduction. Pregnant ICR mice were given p.o. daily doses of zeranol at 0, 1, 10, 100mg/kg for 4 days (from E13.5 to E16.5). Increased rates of fetal resorption at late gestation (E17.5) and preterm birth (<E18.5) were observed in mice treated with zeranol. The apparent factors causing these perinatal conditions were subsequently investigated. Perturbation of cell death or proliferation-related proteins might deter the growth and maintenance of the placentae, and the subsequent fetal resorption and preterm birth. Placental tissue isolated from pregnant mice at E17.5 showed that the expressions of Cdk2 and 4, Cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were reduced in zeranol-treatment groups. The downregulations might signify growth or maintenance failure in the placentae. Furthermore, reduction in the signaling proteins Erk-1/2 in the placentae could trigger the decrease in the cell cycle/apoptosis proteins. In addition, relaxin is associated with preterm labor. An increase in placental Relaxin-1 expression could also contribute to early delivery in this study. Result of the current study suggested that exposure to zeranol might introduce adverse effect in pregnancy.
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Kao TW, Chou CH, Wang CC, Chou CC, Hu J, Chen WL. Associations between serum total bilirubin levels and functional dependence in the elderly. Intern Med J 2013; 42:1199-207. [PMID: 22032210 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2011.02620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies support the role of bilirubin as a cytoprotector in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as stroke and atherosclerosis. AIM To investigate the relationship between serum total bilirubin levels and functional dependence in older adults. METHODS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002) pertaining to 2235 old adults were analysed. All participants had given a household interview, providing information of five major domains on self-reported functional status (activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, leisure and social activities, lower extremity mobility and general physical activities), had completed serum total bilirubin measurement, and a questionnaire regarding personal health. Poor performance was defined as experiencing difficulty with one or more items in a given domain. Functional dependence was defined as having three or more poor performances in the five major domains. Multiple logistic regression was performed together with quartile-based stratified odds ratio (OR) comparison and trend tests. RESULTS The OR of functional dependence for each standard deviation increment in the serum total bilirubin level was 0.56 (P = 0.002). After additional adjustment, the inverse association remained essentially unchanged. In quartile-based analysis, participants with higher quartiles of serum total bilirubin tended to have lower ORs of functional dependence. The trends of lower likelihood of functional dependence across increasing quartiles of the serum total bilirubin level were statistically significant (P < 0.05 for all trends). CONCLUSIONS Higher serum total bilirubin levels were associated with lower likelihood of functional dependence in older adults.
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Barnes S, Wang CC, Smith-Johnson M, Kirk M. Liquid chromatography: mass spectrometry of isoflavones. J Med Food 2013; 2:111-7. [PMID: 19281360 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.1999.2.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary electrophoresis (CE) is particularly suited to the separation and analysis of a wide range of biological compounds. When investigating such compounds in complex matrices (e.g., blood, tissue, urine, foods), specificity of the detection method becomes an important issue. This can be overcome by extensive purification procedures before HPLC or CE analysis, but at the cost of a lot of effort and often unknown losses during the extraction and purification procedures. Such losses can be overcome by the addition of isotopically labeled internal standards, subject to their availability. The coupling of HPLC or CE with mass spectrometry provides a very specific method of detection. Compounds are transferred as ions to the gas phase by two types of spraying technologies, electrospray ionization (ESI) and heated nebulizer-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Although the mass-to-charge ratios of the molecular ions can be used to provisionally identify a compound, full confirmation of structure requires collision-induced dissociation and analysis of the resulting fragment ions. Combination of specific parent ion-daughter ion pairs allows for the quantitative measurement of isoflavones in the 1-5 pmol range with coefficients of variation for duplicate samples in the range of 5-9%. CE places greater demands on the mass spectrometer than does HPLC, because it generates narrow peak widths. A mass spectrometer with a scanning quadrupole analyzer does not enable full exploitation of the power of CE; in this context, an instrument with an ESI interface and a time-of-flight analyzer is ideal.
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Chiou PY, Wang CC, Chuang P, Yen MY, Chang CL. P5.001 The Effect of Advanced Partner Notification For People Living with HIV and AIDS. Br J Vener Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051184.1048] [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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Zong BY, Goh JY, Guo ZB, Luo P, Wang CC, Qiu JJ, Ho P, Chen YJ, Zhang MS, Han GC. Fabrication of ultrahigh density metal-cell-metal crossbar memory devices with only two cycles of lithography and dry-etch procedures. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 24:245303. [PMID: 23690027 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/24/24/245303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel approach to the fabrication of metal-cell-metal trilayer memory devices was demonstrated by using only two cycles of lithography and dry-etch procedures. The fabricated ultrahigh density crossbar devices can be scaled down to ≤70 nm in half-pitch without alignment issues. Depending on the different dry-etch mechanisms in transferring high and low density nanopatterns, suitable dry-etch angles and methods are studied for the transfer of high density nanopatterns. Some novel process methods have also been developed to eliminate the sidewall and other conversion obstacles for obtaining high density of uniform metallic nanopatterns. With these methods, ultrahigh density trilayer crossbar devices (~2 × 10(10) bit cm(-2)-kilobit electronic memory), which are composed of built-in practical magnetoresistive nanocells, have been achieved. This scalable process that we have developed provides the relevant industries with a cheap means to commercially fabricate three-dimensional high density metal-cell-metal nanodevices.
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Huang YC, Tzeng WS, Wang CC, Cheng BC, Chang YK, Chen HH, Lin PC, Huang TY, Chuang TJ, Lin JW, Chang CP. Neuroprotective effect of agmatine in rats with transient cerebral ischemia using MR imaging and histopathologic evaluation. Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 31:1174-81. [PMID: 23642800 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2013.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to further investigate the effects of agmatine on brain edema in the rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) injury using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monitoring and biochemical and histopathologic evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Following surgical induction of MCAO for 90min, agmatine was injected 5min after beginning of reperfusion and again once daily for the next 3 post-operative days. The events during ischemia and reperfusion were investigated by T2-weighted images (T2WI), serial diffusion-weighted images (DWI), calculated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (CE-T1WI) during 3h-72h in a 1.5T Siemens MAGNETON Avanto Scanner. Lesion volumes were analyzed in a blinded and randomized manner. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), Nissl, and Evans Blue stainings were performed at the corresponding sections. RESULTS Increased lesion volumes derived from T2WI, DWI, ADC, CE-T1WI, and TTC all were noted at 3h and peaked at 24h-48h after MCAO injury. TTC-derived infarct volumes were not significantly different from the T2WI, DWI-, and CE-T1WI-derived lesion volumes at the last imaging time (72h) point except for significantly smaller ADC lesions in the MCAO model (P<0.05). Volumetric calculation based on TTC-derived infarct also correlated significantly stronger to volumetric calculation based on last imaging time point derived on T2WI, DWI or CE-T1WI than ADC (P<0.05). At the last imaging time point, a significant increase in Evans Blue extravasation and a significant decrease in Nissl-positive cells numbers were noted in the vehicle-treated MCAO injured animals. The lesion volumes derived from T2WI, DWI, CE-T1WI, and Evans blue extravasation as well as the reduced numbers of Nissl-positive cells were all significantly attenuated in the agmatine-treated rats compared with the control ischemia rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that agmatine has neuroprotective effects against brain edema on a reperfusion model after transient cerebral ischemia.
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Pilania G, Wang CC, Wu K, Sukumar N, Breneman C, Sotzing G, Ramprasad R. New Group IV chemical motifs for improved dielectric permittivity of polyethylene. J Chem Inf Model 2013; 53:879-86. [PMID: 23521565 DOI: 10.1021/ci400033h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An enhanced dielectric permittivity of polyethylene and related polymers, while not overly sacrificing their excellent insulating properties, is highly desirable for various electrical energy storage applications. In this computational study, we use density functional theory (DFT) in combination with modified group additivity based high throughput techniques to identify promising chemical motifs that can increase the dielectric permittivity of polyethylene. We consider isolated polyethylene chains and allow the CH2 units in the backbone to be replaced by a number of Group IV halides (viz., SiF2, SiCl2, GeF2, GeCl2, SnF2, or SnCl2 units) in a systematic, progressive, and exhaustive manner. The dielectric permittivity of the chemically modified polyethylene chains is determined by employing DFT computations in combination with the effective medium theory for a limited set of compositions and configurations. The underlying chemical trends in the DFT data are first rationalized in terms of various tabulated atomic properties of the constituent atoms. Next, by parametrizing a modified group contribution expansion using the DFT data set, we are able to predict the dielectric permittivity and bandgap of nearly 30,000 systems spanning a much larger part of the configurational and compositional space. Promising motifs which lead to simultaneously large dielectric constant and band gap in the modified polyethylene chains have been identified. Our theoretical work is expected to serve as a possible motivation for future experimental efforts.
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Chu CY, Wang CC. Toxicity of melamine: the public health concern. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2013; 31:342-386. [PMID: 24171438 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2013.844758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Melamine contamination in food has resulted in sickness and deaths of human infants, pets, and farm animals in the past decade. The majority of the victims suffered from acute kidney injury, nephrolithiasis, and urolithiasis. Since then, animal studies have revealed the possible target organs of the melamine toxicity and the extent of the adverse effects of the contaminant. State-of-the-art analytical methods have been developed to achieve the "zero tolerance" aim for such economically motivated adulteration. These studies provide in-depth understanding of the melamine toxicity and promising analytical methods, which can help us safeguard our dairy food source.
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Chen CY, Chang HP, Ng KK, Wang CC, Lai CH, Chao A. Long-term disease-free survival in three ovarian cancer patients with a single relapse. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2012; 33:321-3. [PMID: 22873111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent ovarian cancer with long-term survival is uncommon and often associated with poor prognosis. We report three cases of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have achieved long-term disease-free survival following a single prior relapse. Case 1 relapsed with a localized bulky tumor and received a complete surgical resection and chemotherapy. Case 2 had a persistent central pelvic tumor after debulking surgery and second-line chemotherapy, and yet achieved excellent control with concurrent chemoradiation to the true pelvis. Case 3 relapsed with paraaortic lymph node metastasis and probable lung metastasis (subsequently negated by positron emission tomography) and received chemotherapy alone. These three patients have since remained disease-free for 13, 12, and seven years, respectively, since their first relapse. We conclude that select patients can obtain long-term disease-free survival after the first relapse by accurate restaging and aggressive multimodality treatment.
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Huang TL, Chen TY, Tsang LL, Ou HY, Yu CY, Wang CC, Wang SH, Lin CC, Liu YW, Yong CC, Chiu KW, Eng HL, Jawan B, Cheng YF, Chen CL. Hemodynamics of portal venous stenosis before and after treatment in pediatric liver transplantation: evaluation with Doppler ultrasound. Transplant Proc 2012; 44:481-3. [PMID: 22410051 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate portal vein stenosis (PVS) in pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) using Doppler ultrasound (DUS) before and after interventional management for hemodynamic changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 2000 to 2010, we encountered 11 PVS cases among 180 PLT that were evaluated using DUS and computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA); all underwent portal stenting. DUS was used to monitor portal hemodynamics. For the diagnosis of PVS, we investigated multiple parameters including stenotic size (SS), stenotic ratio (SR) (SR [%]=PRE-SS/PRE [PRE=stenotic size]), portal flow velocity ratio (VR) (VR=VS/PRE [PRE=velocity at prestenotic site; VS=peak velocity at stenotic site]), spleen size, and platelet count. RESULTS The incidence of PVS was 5.6% (11/180). The PV was 2.5 mm using DUS and 2.7 mm using CTA. The average SR was 65% fitting the criterion. Low prestenotic portal flow<12 cm/sec and high peak velocity in the stenotic segment (up to 147 cm/sec) were observed in 6 cases. The VR value was high at 7.5:1 and there was splenomegaly with thrombocytopenia. After portal vein stenting, hyperperfusion occurred might after reopening the stenosis: the flow increased to an average of 34 cm/sec and then flow decreased slowly to a stable level 2 weeks later. The size of the spleen decreased from 17 to 12 cm and the thrombocytopenia also improved with platelet counts increasing from 67×10(3) to 178×10(3)/μl at 2 months follow-up. The changes in portal flow, portal vein size, spleen size, and platelet count were significant (P<.05). CONCLUSION PVS is diagnosed using DUS by increased intrahepatic PV dilatation, peak flow at the stenotic site, discrepant VR. Early portal stenting showed a better prognosis. DUS is essential and effective for hemodynamic monitoring and management of PVS.
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Wang CC, Li J. An update on chemotherapy of colorectal liver metastases. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:25-33. [PMID: 22228967 PMCID: PMC3251802 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/02/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection of liver metastases of colorectal cancer greatly improves the clinical outcome of patients with advanced disease. Developments in chemotherapeutic agents and strategies bring hope of a cure to patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Perioperative chemotherapy significantly improves the survival time of patients who receive curative-intent hepatectomy. Even for unresectable CLM, recent studies demonstrated that active preoperative chemotherapy could achieve shrinkage of liver metastasis and thus render some for resection. Furthermore, an increase in tumor resection rate and prolonged survival time among patients with CLM has been observed following the application of monoclonal antibodies in recent years. However, the value of chemotherapy via hepatic arterial infusion is still unclear. More trials should be conducted in patients with CLM in order to improve survival.
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Li L, Tang LY, Man GCW, Yeung BHY, Lau CBS, Leung PC, Wang CC. Potential reproductive toxicity of Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome, the most commonly used Chinese medicine for threatened miscarriage. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:3280-8. [PMID: 21984574 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (LAR) is the most commonly used Chinese medicine to prevent early pregnancy loss due to threatened miscarriage. However, its safety profile during pregnancy is still not available. Here we aimed to identify the potential adverse effects of LAR on embryo-fetal development as well as prenatal and post-natal growth. METHODS Pregnant mice, rats and rabbits were orally administered with LAR extracts in various doses (from 1×, 2×, 3× and up to 6× clinical doses) at different gestational periods (implantation, gastrulation, organogenesis, maturation and whole gestation). Maternal effects on weight loss, implantation failure and fetal resorption and perinatal effects on developmental delay, growth restriction and congenital malformations were studied. RESULTS In mice, with early LAR exposure, a significant decrease in fetal growth parameters and a significant increase in post-implantation loss were identified. With late LAR exposure, significant increases in gestational duration as well as prenatal and post-natal mortality were found. At high clinical doses, congenital skeletal malformations were recorded. In rabbits, fetal resorption, hydrops fetalis and short ear anomaly were observed. No significant adverse effects were found in rats. CONCLUSIONS Potential reproductive toxicity of LAR in pregnant animals was identified within the clinical dose. Caution should be taken in clinical applications of LAR during pregnancy.
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Tan HG, Kong KH, Shee CY, Wang CC, Guan CT, Ang WT. Post-acute stroke patients use brain-computer interface to activate electrical stimulation. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2011; 2010:4234-7. [PMID: 21096901 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2010.5627381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Through certain mental actions, our electroencephalogram (EEG) can be regulated to operate a brain-computer interface (BCI), which translates the EEG patterns into commands that can be used to operate devices such as prostheses. This allows paralyzed persons to gain direct brain control of the paretic limb, which could open up many possibilities for rehabilitative and assistive applications. When using a BCI neuroprosthesis in stroke, one question that has surfaced is whether stroke patients are able to produce a sufficient change in EEG that can be used as a control signal to operate a prosthesis.
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Duan JL, Zhang HM, Wang CC, Li HY, Yang FL. Preparation and characterization of fouling-resistant composite membranes based on layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2011; 64:2223-2229. [PMID: 22156126 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2011.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper introduces a versatile approach for surface modification of 621-terylene filtration fabric (FF) self-assembled by a dynamic layer-by-layer technique. The hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HTAB) and cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol microspheres (PVA-MS) were alternatively deposited on support membrane under a pressure of 0.01 MPa to modify FF. Morphological changes and hydrophilicity of the modified FF were characterized in detail by scanning electron micrograph and water contact angle measurements. Results revealed that PVA-MS could be adsorbed mainly on the surface of FF and water contact angle decreased with the increase of HTAB/PVA-MS bilayer numbers indicating an enhanced hydrophilicity for the modified FF. Backwash experiments of the modified FF exhibited much higher stability of PVA-MS. Protein adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the antifouling property of the modified FF. Results indicated that protein adsorption of the membrane surface could be obviously improved by modification, which exhibited superior antifouling property of the modified FF.
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Lien HC, Wang CC, Hsu JY, Sung FC, Cheng KF, Liang WM, Kuo HW, Lin PH, Chang CS. Classical reflux symptoms, hiatus hernia and overweight independently predict pharyngeal acid exposure in patients with suspected reflux laryngitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33:89-98. [PMID: 21083591 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been associated with reflux laryngitis. AIMS To investigate the risk factors and the predictors of pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) in Taiwanese patients with suspected reflux laryngitis. METHODS With referral from ENT physicians, 104 patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of reflux laryngitis completed a validated symptom questionnaire, an upper endoscopy exam and ambulatory 24-h pH tests with three sensors located at the hypopharynx, proximal and distal oesophagus. Patients with one or more episodes of PAR were considered abnormal. RESULTS Pharyngeal acid reflux was identified in 17% (18/104) of patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, PAR was independently associated with classical reflux symptoms [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-12.8], hiatus hernia (aOR = 6.7, 95% CI: 1.5-30.2) and overweight (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.0-11.0). In predicting PAR, classical reflux symptoms had a sensitivity of 78% and hiatus hernia had a specificity of 95%. With all three factors, the positive predictive value for PAR was 80%. Classical reflux symptoms included heartburn, chest pain, dyspepsia and acid regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS Classical reflux symptoms, hiatus hernia and overweight are independent risk factors that may predict pharyngeal acid reflux in patients with suspected reflux laryngitis.
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Zhang YM, Wang CC, Hu HH, Yang L. Cloning and expression of three fatty acid desaturase genes from cold-sensitive lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.). Biotechnol Lett 2010; 33:395-401. [PMID: 20953666 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-010-0432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The critical chilling temperature of cold-sensitive lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) seedlings was determined to be approx. 8°C. The full-length cDNAs of PlSAD, PlFAD2, and PlFAD3 encoding three fatty acid desaturases were isolated from lima bean leaves. The PlSAD open reading frame (ORF) had 1,317 bp and a single intron of 601 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 438 amino acids that showing 86% homology with the plastidial stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase in soybean. The PlFAD2 ORF contained 1,059 bp and was uninterrupted, encoding a polypeptide of 352 amino acids having 85% identity with the microsomal omega-6 desaturase GmFAD2-3 in soybean. PlFAD3 ORF had 1,116 bp and seven introns, encoding a polypeptide of 371 amino acids showing 91% homology with the microsomal omega-3 desaturase FAD3 in cowpea. PlSAD and PlFAD2 were expressed highly in leaves but poorly in roots and stems, while PlFAD3 was expressed in three tissues. All three genes were significantly induced in leaves by drought. PlSAD and PlFAD3 in leaves were down-regulated by high temperature and salinity, whereas PlFAD2 was up-regulated by the two stresses. The expression patterns of the three genes in lima bean leaves under suboptimal temperature, 18°C, were different from those under 8°C. The down-regulation of PlSAD transcript at chilling temperature might be an important factor contributing to chilling susceptibility for lima bean plants.
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Chuang KA, Lieu CH, Tsai WJ, Wu MH, Chen YC, Liao JF, Wang CC, Kuo YC. Evaluation of anti-Wnt/β-catenin signaling agents by pGL4-TOP transfected stable cells with a luciferase reporter system. Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 43:931-41. [PMID: 20835687 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010007500091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory and relapsed leukemia is a major problem during cancer therapy, which is due to the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Activation of this pathway is promoted by wingless (Wnt) proteins and induces co-activator β-catenin binding to lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF)/T-cell factor protein (TCF). To provide a convenient system for the screening of anti-Wnt/β-catenin agents, we designed a bi-functional pGL4-TOP reporter plasmid that contained 3X β-catenin/LEF/TCF binding sites and a selectable marker. After transfection and hygromycin B selection, HEK 293-TOP and Jurkat-TOP stable clones were established. The luciferase activity in the stable clone was enhanced by the recombinant Wnt-3A (rWnt-3A; 100-400 ng/mL) and GSK3β inhibitor (2'Z,3'E)-6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO; 5 µM) but was inhibited by aspirin (5 mM). Using this reporter model, we found that norcantharidin (NCTD; 100 µM) reduced 80% of rWnt-3A-induced luciferase activity. Furthermore, 50 µM NCTD inhibited 38% of BIO-induced luciferase activity in Jurkat-TOP stable cells. Employing ³H-thymidine uptake assay and Western blot analysis, we confirmed that NCTD (50 µM) significantly inhibited proliferation of Jurkat cells by 64%, which are the dominant β-catenin signaling cells and decreased β-catenin protein in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, we established a stable HEK 293-TOP clone and successfully used it to identify the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor NCTD.
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Lee CT, Chang CY, Lee YC, Tai CM, Wang WL, Tseng PH, Hwang JC, Hwang TZ, Wang CC, Lin JT. Narrow-band imaging with magnifying endoscopy for the screening of esophageal cancer in patients with primary head and neck cancers. Endoscopy 2010; 42:613-9. [PMID: 20669074 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM Although narrow-band imaging (NBI) in endoscopy can improve detection of early-stage esophageal malignancies in patients with head and neck cancers, false-positive results may be obtained in areas with nonspecific inflammatory changes. This study evaluated the feasibility of primary screening with NBI and magnification for the presence of esophageal malignancies in these cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-nine patients with documented head and neck cancers were enrolled from April 2008 to January 2009. All patients underwent a meticulous endoscopic examination of the esophagus using a conventional white-light system followed by re-examination using the NBI system and final confirmation with NBI plus magnification. RESULTS Twenty-one patients (30.4 %) were confirmed to have esophageal neoplasia. Among these 21, 16 (76.2 %) had synchronous lesions, 9 (42.9 %) were asymptomatic, and 10 (47.6 %) had early-stage neoplasia. The incidence of multiple esophageal neoplasia was 57.1 %. NBI was more effective than conventional endoscopy in detecting neoplastic lesions (35 lesions in 21 patients vs. 22 lesions in 18 patients) and was particularly effective in patients with dysplasia (13 lesions in 9 patients vs. 3 lesions in 3 patients). The sensitivity and accuracy of detection were 62.9 % and 64.4 % for conventional endoscopy, 100 % and 86.7 % for NBI alone, and 100 % and 95.6 % for NBI with high magnification, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Compared with current approaches, NBI followed by high magnification significantly increases the accuracy of detection of esophageal neoplasia in patients with head and neck cancers. The result warrants conducting prospective randomized controlled study to confirm its efficacy.
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Marqueti RC, Prestes J, Wang CC, Ramos OHP, Perez SEA, Nakagaki WR, Carvalho HF, Selistre-de-Araujo HS. Biomechanical responses of different rat tendons to nandrolone decanoate and load exercise. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2010; 21:e91-9. [PMID: 20673248 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01162.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) have been associated with an increased incidence of tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of the rat calcaneal tendon (CT), superficial flexor tendon (SFT), and deep flexor tendon (DFT), and to determine the effect of jump training in association with AAS. Animals were separated into four groups: sedentary, trained, AAS-treated sedentary rats (AAS), and AAS-treated and trained animals. Mechanical testing showed that the CT differed from the DFT and SFT, which showed similar mechanical properties. Jump caused the CT to exhibit an extended toe region, an increased resistance to tensional load, and a decreased elastic modulus, characteristics of an elastic tendon capable of storing energy. AAS caused the tendons to be less compliant, and the effects were reinforced by simultaneous training. The DFT was the most affected by training, AAS, and the interaction of both, likely because of its involvement in the toe-off step of jumping, which we suggest is related to the rapid transmission of force as opposed to energy storage. In conclusion, tendons are differently adapted to exercise, but responded equally to AAS, showing reduced flexibility, which is suggested to increase the risk of tendon rupture in AAS consumers.
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