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Hsu WC, Chang CH, Hong YH, Kuo HC, Huang YW. Metasurface- and PCSEL-Based Structured Light for Monocular Depth Perception and Facial Recognition. Nano Lett 2024; 24:1808-1815. [PMID: 38198566 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c05002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The novel depth-sensing system presented here revolutionizes structured light (SL) technology by employing metasurfaces and photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) for efficient facial recognition in monocular depth-sensing. Unlike conventional dot projectors relying on diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and collimators, our system projects approximately 45,700 infrared dots from a compact 297-μm-dimention metasurface, drastically more spots (1.43 times) and smaller (233 times) than the DOE-based dot projector in an iPhone. With a measured field-of-view (FOV) of 158° and a 0.611° dot sampling angle, the system is lens-free and lightweight and boasts lower power consumption than vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays, resulting in a 5-10 times reduction in power. Utilizing a GaAs-based metasurface and a simplified optical architecture, this innovation not only addresses the drawbacks of traditional SL depth-sensing but also opens avenues for compact integration into wearable devices, offering remarkable advantages in size, power efficiency, and potential for widespread adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei 11492, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsun Chang
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Heng Hong
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei 11492, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chung Kuo
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei 11492, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
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Wong YC, Hsu WC, Wu TC, Huang CF. Effects of coffee intake on airway hypersensitivity and immunomodulation: an in vivo murine study. Nutr Res Pract 2023; 17:631-640. [PMID: 37529275 PMCID: PMC10375320 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2023.17.4.631] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Coffee is a complex chemical mixture, with caffeine being the most well-known bioactive substance. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of coffee and caffeine impact health in various aspects, including the respiratory system. The objective is to investigate the effects of coffee and caffeine on airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic reactions, as well as to analyze and compare associated cytokine profiles. MATERIALS/METHODS BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and given OVA inhalation to induce airway hypersensitivity. Two weeks after sensitization, they were intragastrically gavaged with coffee or caffeine, both containing 0.3125 mg caffeine, daily for 4 weeks. Control mice were fed with double-distilled water. Serum OVA-specific antibody levels were measured beforehand and 5 weeks after the first gavage. Airway hyperresponsiveness was detected by whole body plethysmography after gavage. Cytokine levels of bronchoalveolar lavage and cultured splenocytes were analyzed. RESULTS Coffee effectively suppressed T helper 2-mediated specific antibody response. Airway responsiveness was reduced in mice treated with either coffee or caffeine. Compared to the control, coffee significantly reduced OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgG1 and IgE antibody responses (P < 0.05). Caffeine also attenuated specific IgG and IgG1 levels, though IgE level was unaffected. Coffee significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-4 and increased IL-10 concentration in spleen cells and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Coffee effectively attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and systemic allergic responses induced by OVA food allergen in mice. As a complex composition of bioactive substances, coffee displayed enhanced immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects than caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chi Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Tzee-Chung Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
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Hsu WC, Chang CH, Hong YH, Kuo HC, Huang YW. Compact structured light generation based on meta-hologram PCSEL integration. Discov Nano 2023; 18:87. [PMID: 37382858 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03866-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Metasurfaces, a catalog of optical components, offer numerous novel functions on demand. They have been integrated with vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) in previous studies. However, the performance has been limited by the features of the VCSELs such as low output power and large divergence angle. Although the solution of the module of VCSEL array could solve these issues, the practical application is limited by extra lens and large size. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate reconstruction of a holographic images using a compact integration of a photonic crystal surface-emitting laser and metasurface holograms designed for structured light generation. This research showcases the flexible design capabilities of metasurfaces, high output power (on the order of milliwatts), and the ability to produce well-uniformed images with a wide field of view without the need for a collection lens, making it suitable for 3D imaging and sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsun Chang
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Heng Hong
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492, Taiwan.
| | - Hao-Chung Kuo
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan.
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492, Taiwan.
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Photonics, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan.
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Peng CY, Cheng HT, Hong YH, Hsu WC, Hsiao FH, Lu TC, Chang SW, Chen SC, Wu CH, Kuo HC. Performance Analyses of Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Laser: Toward High-Speed Optical Communication. Nanoscale Res Lett 2022; 17:90. [PMID: 36114432 PMCID: PMC9481776 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-022-03728-x] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This study conducts comprehensive performance analyses of a commercial photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) via small-signal measurement and the bit-error-rate test. Meanwhile, the radio frequency characteristics of the PCSEL are unveiled for the first time. Compared to the vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, the PCSEL shows great potential for a broader optical bandwidth that is benefited from the high optical-confinement factor. A maximum bandwidth of around 2.32 GHz is experimentally observed when the PCSEL was biased at 340 mA. Moreover, a theoretical calculation was applied to shed light on the characteristics of the small-signal measurement, providing a deep insight into the corresponding intrinsic response model. The signal transmission capability of the PCSEL was investigated as well. The maximum bit rate and corresponding rise time transmitted at 500 Mbps are 1.2 Gbps and 186.16 ps, respectively. Thus, a high-speed PCSEL can be realised with a shrunk form factor, serving as a promising candidate for the next-generation light sources in high-speed optical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yen Peng
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
| | - Hao-Tien Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, Graduate Institute of Electronics Engineering, and Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617 Taiwan
| | - Yu-Heng Hong
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Hsu
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
| | - Fu-He Hsiao
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
| | - Tien-Chang Lu
- Department of Photonics and Institute of Electro-Optical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010 Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wei Chang
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chen Chen
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hsin Wu
- Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, Graduate Institute of Electronics Engineering, and Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617 Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chung Kuo
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
- Department of Photonics and Institute of Electro-Optical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010 Taiwan
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Hong YH, Hsu WC, Tsai WC, Huang YW, Chen SC, Kuo HC. Ultracompact Nanophotonics: Light Emission and Manipulation with Metasurfaces. Nanoscale Res Lett 2022; 17:41. [PMID: 35366127 PMCID: PMC8976740 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-022-03680-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Internet of Things (IoT) technology is prosperous for the betterment of human well-being. With the expeditious needs of miniature functional devices and systems for adaptive optics and light manipulation at will, relevant sensing techniques are thus in the urgent stage of development. Extensive developments in ultrathin artificial structures, namely metasurfaces, are paving the way for the next-generation devices. A bunch of tunable and reconfigurable metasurfaces with diversified catalogs of mechanisms have been developed recently, enabling dynamic light modulation on demand. On the other hand, monolithic integration of metasurfaces and light-emitting sources form ultracompact meta-devices as well as exhibiting desired functionalities. Photon-matter interaction provides revolution in more compact meta-devices, manipulating light directly at the source. This study presents an outlook on this merging paradigm for ultracompact nanophotonics with metasurfaces, also known as metaphotonics. Recent advances in the field hold great promise for the novel photonic devices with light emission and manipulation in simplicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Heng Hong
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Hsu
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
- Department of Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010 Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Tsai
- Department of Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010 Taiwan
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010 Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chen Chen
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chung Kuo
- Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute, Taipei, 11492 Taiwan
- Department of Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010 Taiwan
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Tsai KJ, Hsu WC, Chuang WC, Chang JC, Tu YC, Tsai HJ, Liu HF, Wang FI, Lee SH. Emergence of a sylvatic enzootic formosan ferret badger-associated rabies in Taiwan and the geographical separation of two phylogenetic groups of rabies viruses. Vet Microbiol 2015; 182:28-34. [PMID: 26711025 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Taiwan had been declared rabies-free in humans and domestic animals for five decades until July 2013, when surprisingly, three Formosan ferret badgers (FB) were diagnosed with rabies. Since then, a variety of wild carnivores and other wildlife species have been found dead, neurologically ill, or exhibiting aggressive behaviors around the island. To determine the affected animal species, geographic areas, and environments, animal bodies were examined for rabies by direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT). The viral genomes from the brains of selected rabid animals were sequenced for the phylogeny of rabies viruses (RABV). Out of a total of 1016 wild carnivores, 276/831 (33.2%) Formosan FBs were FAT positive, with occasional biting incidents in 1 dog and suspected spillover in 1 house shrew. All other animals tested, including dogs, cats, bats, mice, house shrews, and squirrels, were rabies-negative. The rabies was badger-associated and confined to nine counties/cities in sylvatic environments. Phylogeny of nucleoprotein and glycoprotein genes from 59 Formosan FB-associated RABV revealed them to be clustered in two distinct groups, TWI and TWII, consistent with the geographic segregation into western and eastern Taiwan provided by the Central Mountain Range and into northern rabies-free and central-southern rabies-affected regions by a river bisecting western Taiwan. The unique features of geographic and genetic segregation, sylvatic enzooticity, and FB-association of RABV suggest a logical strategy for the control of rabies in this nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Tsai
- Animal Health Research Institute, No.376, Chung-Cheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25158, Taiwan
| | - W C Hsu
- Animal Health Research Institute, No.376, Chung-Cheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25158, Taiwan
| | - W C Chuang
- Animal Health Research Institute, No.376, Chung-Cheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25158, Taiwan
| | - J C Chang
- Animal Health Research Institute, No.376, Chung-Cheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25158, Taiwan
| | - Y C Tu
- Animal Health Research Institute, No.376, Chung-Cheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25158, Taiwan
| | - H J Tsai
- Animal Health Research Institute, No.376, Chung-Cheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25158, Taiwan; School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City, 10617, Taiwan
| | - H F Liu
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, No.45, Minsheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25160, Taiwan
| | - F I Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City, 10617, Taiwan
| | - S H Lee
- Animal Drugs Inspection Branch, Animal Health Research Institute, No.21, Qiding, Zhunan Township, Miaoli County 35054, Taiwan.
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Hsu WC, Sun PL, Kao PW, Chang L. Correlation between the deformation microstructure after rolling and the recrystallization nucleation of a non-oriented electrical steel. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1088/1757-899x/89/1/012027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Liao MF, Huang CC, Lyu RK, Chen CM, Chang HS, Chu CC, Hsu WC, Wu YR, Kuo HC, Cheng MY, Hung PC, Chou ML, Lin KL, Hsieh MY, Ro LS. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis that meets modified McDonald criteria for dissemination in space is associated with a high probability of conversion to multiple sclerosis in Taiwanese patients. Eur J Neurol 2011; 18:252-259. [PMID: 20561038 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03114.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) may relapse and some may ultimately convert to multiple sclerosis (MS); however, no criteria that can predict MS conversion are available to date. Our aim was to describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients with an initial ADEM attack and evaluate which MRI criteria can predict conversion to MS. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 36 patients diagnosed with ADEM. We determined clinical signs/symptoms, examined the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and performed brain MRI scans and compared the findings between patients who did and did not convert to MS. RESULTS Clinical signs/symptoms, and CSF analysis show no significant difference between the two groups. The rate of conversion to MS from ADEM in Taiwanese patients is low (11%) after a mean follow-up period of 28.36 months. Modified McDonald criteria were fulfilled in 19/36 patients: 21% (4/19) of those patients developed MS according to Poser criteria subsequently. Of the other patients (17/36) who did not fulfill these criteria, none converted to MS. (log rank test; P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS It is difficult to predict from initial clinical presentations to address which patients with ADEM will convert to MS. Patients with ADEM whose brain MRI findings met the modified McDonald criteria may have clinically isolated syndrome because they have a significantly higher probability of conversion to MS. In contrast, patients whose brain MRI findings did not meeting these criteria may be considered as having classic ADEM because they have a lower probability of conversion to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - P C Hung
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M L Chou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - K L Lin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M Y Hsieh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Cheng CF, Hsu WC, Lee CL, Chung PK. Effects of the different frequencies of whole-body vibration during the recovery phase after exhaustive exercise. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2010; 50:407-415. [PMID: 21178926] [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: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study was to investigate the effects of vibration exercise on the oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate variability (HRV) during the recovery phase after exhaustive exercise. METHODS Twenty male college students volunteered as subjects to participate in the study. The subjects were randomly crossover assigned to perform three 10 min vibration exercises, namely non-vibration (CON, 0 Hz, 0 mm), low-frequency (LFT, 20 Hz, 0.4 mm) and high-frequency (HFT, 36 Hz, 0.4 mm) treatments immediately after an incremental exhaustive cycling exercise in separated days. The beat-to-beat HRV, blood lactate concentration and VO2 were measured during the 1-hour recovery phase. The time- and frequency-domain indices of HRV were analyzed to confirm the effects of vibration exercises on the cardiac autonomic modulation. RESULTS There were no significant differences on the VO2, HRV and blood lactate concentrations at 30th minute (post-30 min) or 60th minute (post-60 min) during the recovery phase among the three treatments. There were also no significant differences on the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) during the recovery phase among the treatments. However, the VO2 at post-30 min in CON and LFT were significantly higher than the baseline values, whereas the VO2 in HFT returned to resting condition at the post-30 min. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that both low and high frequency vibration exercises could not improve the physiological recovery after exhaustive cycling exercise. However, the high frequency vibration exercise probably has a potential to facilitate the VO2 to return to the resting level during the recovery phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Cheng
- Department of Athletic Performance, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lee WJ, Ou HC, Hsu WC, Chou MM, Tseng JJ, Hsu SL, Tsai KL, Sheu WHH. Ellagic acid inhibits oxidized LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression, ROS generation, and inflammation in human endothelial cells. J Vasc Surg 2010; 52:1290-300. [PMID: 20692795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2010.04.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2009] [Revised: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LOX-1, a lectin-like receptor on endothelial cells, facilitates the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Expression of LOX-1 is involved in the pathobiological effects of oxLDL in endothelial cells, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, suppression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, and leukocytic adhesion. Moderate consumption of phenolic-enriched food may have a protective effect against the development of atherosclerosis via the antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds at the endothelial level. In this study, we determined whether ellagic acid, a polyphenolic compound widely distributed in fruits and nuts, protects against oxLDL-induced endothelial dysfunction by modulating the LOX-1-mediated signaling pathway. METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with ellagic acid at doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 μM for 2 hours and then incubated with oxLDL (150 μg/mL) for an additional 24 hours. RESULTS LOX-1 protein expression was markedly lower after exposure to oxLDL in HUVECs pretreated with ellagic acid or diphenyleneiodonium, a well-known inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, than in HUVECs exposed to oxLDL alone, suggesting that ellagic acid deactivates NADPH oxidase. We also found that oxLDL activated the membrane assembly of p47phox, Rac1, gp91 and p22phox, and the subsequent induction of ROS generation; however, ROS generation was markedly suppressed in cells pretreated with ellagic acid or anti-LOX-1 monoclonal antibody. In addition, oxLDL down-regulated eNOS and up-regulated inducible NO synthase (iNOS), thereby augmenting the formation of NO and protein nitrosylation. Furthermore, oxLDL induced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, activated the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling molecules interleukin-(IL) 6 and IL-8 and the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin, and stimulated the adherence of THP-1 (a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line) to HUVECs. Pretreatment with ellagic acid, however, exerted significant cytoprotective effects in all events. CONCLUSION Findings from this study may provide insight into a possible molecular mechanism by which ellagic acid inhibits LOX-1-induced endothelial dysfunction. Our data indicate that ellagic acid exerts its protective effects by inhibiting NADPH oxidase-induced overproduction of superoxide, suppressing the release of NO by down-regulating iNOS, enhancing cellular antioxidant defenses, and attenuating oxLDL-induced LOX-1 up-regulation and eNOS down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jane Lee
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Abstract
Antireflective nanosponges are fabricated on polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin films using Ag-nanoparticles (NPs) assisted etching. Crystal orientations and grain sizes of the poly-Si thin films are investigated for the poly-Si nanosponge formation and the resultant optical properties. The Ag-NPs assisted etching preferentially etches the poly-Si thin films along crystal orientation of [110]. A 400 nm thick poly-Si nanosponge reduces effective optical reflection of the poly-Si thin film with substrate crystal orientation of (110) and averaged grain size of 250 nm from 26 % to 3 % at the wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 1000 nm. Carrier lifetimes were found to be 41 and 36 mus for poly-Si thin film and RTO-passivated nanosponges, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Chyan
- Institute of Nanoengineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan
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Chen ST, Tang LM, Hsu WC, Lee TH, Ro LS, Wu YR. Clinical features, vascular risk factors, and prognosis for transient global amnesia in Chinese patients. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2007; 8:295-9. [PMID: 17895178 DOI: 10.1016/s1052-3057(99)80003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/1998] [Accepted: 01/22/1999] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an intriguing clinical syndrome that has not been studied in a series of Chinese patients. METHODS From 1989 to 1995, we observed 28 consecutive patients with TGA. Their clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcome were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS There were 13 men and 15 women with a mean age of 62 years (range, 39 to 76). The duration of amnesic attack ranged from 20 minutes to 24 hours (mean, 8 hours), with the majority (76%) of attacks lasting for 2 to 12 hours. In 9 (32%) of the 28 patients, the TGA was triggered by a potential precipitating factor including bathing, emotional stress, and headache. The most prominent symptom exhibited by patients during an attack was repetitive questioning, which occurred in 21 (75%) of the 28 patients. No focal neurological abnormality was noted during or after the attack. Electroencephalograms were obtained in 26 patients after experiencing TGA, which showed nonspecific findings in 6 patients and were normal in 20. In 21 patients who had cranial computed tomography scans, cortical atrophy was found in 5 (24%), focal infarction in 4 (19%), and the results were negative in 12 (57%). Hypertension was the predominant vascular risk factor (11 cases, 39%), then hyperlipidemia (7 cases, 25%), and smoking (3 cases, 11%). No vascular risk factor was found in 13 patients (46%). Recurrent TGA was found in 5 patients (18%), and stroke in 2 (7%). CONCLUSION Our study largely confirms the demographic pattern, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of TGA patients reported from the western countries. Although the cause is uncertain, TGA is a relatively benign entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Chen
- Second Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
This study reviewed the clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Taiwanese patients from 1993 to 2001. Of the 75 MS patients with a mean age of onset of 35.6 +/- 12.6 years, the female-to-male ratio was 4.4 (61/14). In 42 (56%) optico-spinal MS (OS-MS) patients, the age of onset (37.6 +/- 11.1 years) tended to be older than conventional MS (C-MS) patients (33.1 +/- 14.1 years, P = 0.08). In 60 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens, raised IgG index (>0.7) and oligoclonal bands were noted in 26 (43.3%) and two (3.3%) cases, respectively. The frequency of raised IgG index was lower in OS-MS (31.3%) than in C-MS (57.1%, P = 0.07). The CSF total protein concentrations were significantly higher in OS-MS (64.5 mg/dL) than in C-MS (46.6 mg/dL, P = 0.047). The mean annual relapse rate was 54.1%, and was significantly higher within the first year (59.7%, P < 0.001). The mean annual relapse rate in OS-MS (62.7%) was significantly higher than in C-MS (41.2%, P=0.01). The differences in the annual relapse rate and total protein concentration in CSF between OS-MS and C-MS suggest probably two distinct immunopathogenesis. The higher first year relapse rate of MS patients in Taiwan may address the importance of early intervention with immunomodulatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Chang
- Section of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Taipei, Taiwan 10591
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14
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Wang HK, Fung HC, Hsu WC, Wu YR, Lin JC, Ro LS, Chang KH, Hwu FJ, Hsu Y, Huang SY, Lee-Chen GJ, Chen CM. Apolipoprotein E, angiotensin-converting enzyme and kallikrein gene polymorphisms and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2006; 113:1499-509. [PMID: 16465461 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-005-0424-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2005] [Accepted: 11/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lipoproteins and vascular factors may play roles in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and/or vascular dementia (VaD). In this study, odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for apolipoprotein E (APOE), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and kallikrein (KLK1) polymorphisms were computed to test their association with the disease by a case-control study. The risk of AD was significantly increased for individuals with APOE varepsilon4 allele (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 2.38-5.98). The risk of AD was also significant for people with ACE DD genotype, D allele, or T-D haplotype [OR (95% CI) = 4.29 (1.96-10.23), 1.90 (1.35-2.70), or 2.91 (1.71-5.10), respectively]. The above association between ACE-VaD was also strong (p = 0.0012, 0.0050, 0.0007, respectively). Reporter constructs containing the -240 A or T allele displayed similar transcriptional activity in both HEK-293 and IMR-32 cells. Thus, another putative pathogenic marker that is linked with the Alu D allele might affect the risk of AD and VaD in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Wang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Fung HC, Chen CM, Wu YR, Hsu WC, Ro LS, Lin JC, Chang KH, Wang HK, Lin SJ, Chan H, Lin YY, Wei SL, Hsu Y, Hwang JC, Tung LC, Lee-Chen GJ. Heat shock protein 70 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in Taiwanese patients with dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2005; 20:1-7. [PMID: 15832029 DOI: 10.1159/000085067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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] [Accepted: 11/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was to determine whether polymorphisms of heat shock protein 70-1 (HSP70-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) are associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Using the criteria of the NINCDS-ADRDA and NINDS-AIREN, 125 AD patients, 57 VaD patients and 109 ethnically matched nondemented controls were enrolled. The HSP70-1 -110 A/C and TNF-alpha -1031 T/C, -863 C/A and -857 C/T polymorphisms were analyzed by means of genotype or haplotype association methods. None of the four genotypes examined showed a statistically significant difference in genotype distribution between the AD cases and controls. However, the HSP70-1 -110 CC genotype occurred more frequently among AD cases (p=0.0821; odds ratio: 2.08; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.92-4.98). The overall genotype distribution among the VaD cases tended to be different at the HSP70-1 -110 and TNF-alpha -1031 sites (p=0.0604 and 0.0316, respectively). The HSP70-1 -110 CC genotype was more frequent (p=0.0459), and the association of the -110 CC genotype with VaD was evident (p=0.0207; odds ratio: 3.22; 95% CI: 1.20-8.87). The more frequent TNF-alpha -1031 TC genotype (p=0.0614) was also evidently associated with VaD (p=0.0209; odds ratio: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.14-4.78). Multivariate analysis demonstrated the synergistic effect of the HSP70-1 -110 CC and TNF-alpha -1031 TC/CC genotypes on VaD (p=0.0091; odds ratio: 10.09; 95% CI: 2.01-75.97). Haplotype analysis among TNF-alpha -1031, -863, -857 sites revealed that -1031C-857C may act as a risk haplotype among VaD cases (p=0.0132, odds ratio: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.19-4.33). Our results suggest a potential protective role for HSP70 in both VaD and AD, whereas TNF-alpha may act as a risk factor only for VaD, and not for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Fung
- Second Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Portier F, Kania R, Planès C, Hsu WC, Couette S, Tran Ba Huy P, Herman P. Enhanced sodium absorption in middle ear epithelial cells cultured at air-liquid interface. Acta Otolaryngol 2005; 125:16-22. [PMID: 15799568 DOI: 10.1080/00016480410015749] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSION As we demonstrated previously that transcription of alpha-ENaC was correlated with oxygen tension in the culture medium, this study suggests that the increase in alpha-ENaC expression observed under ALI conditions may result from greater oxygenation of ME cells. OBJECTIVE The physiology of the middle ear (ME) is primarily concerned with keeping the cavities fluid-free, to allow transmission of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. ME epithelial cells are thought to play a key role in this process as they actively absorb sodium and water in order to clear any excess fluid present in the cavities. MATERIAL AND METHODS As an air-liquid interface (ALI) model has been shown to improve differentiation and enhance sodium absorption in other respiratory epithelia, we established an ALI model for ME cells. RESULTS ME cells cultured under ALI conditions exhibited a fourfold increase in sodium absorption, which was not related to either a metabolic effect or to enhanced morphological differentiation, but instead to an increase in expression of the alpha-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (alpha-ENaC).
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Affiliation(s)
- F Portier
- Laboratoire d'Otologie Expérimentale, UMR 7060, Faculté Lariboisière-St-Louis, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris VII, Paris, France
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17
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Shih JC, Hsu WC, Chou HC, Peng SS, Chen LK, Chang YL, Hsieh FJ. Prenatal three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of a fetal oral tumor in preparation for the ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2005; 25:76-79. [PMID: 15619317 DOI: 10.1002/uog.1791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent attempts at predelivery management of obstructed fetal airways have focused on the EXIT (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) procedure, which allows sufficient time to secure the fetal airway through preservation of uteroplacental gas exchange. We report a fetus with an exophytic oral tumor noted at 34 weeks of gestation. In this case, three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound allowed a complete and interactive evaluation of the tumor and related facial anatomy, and confirmed that access to the fetal airway was unlikely during delivery. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) further demonstrated that the tumor originated in the nasopharynx and obstructed the upper airway. Both imaging results led to a final decision to offer an EXIT procedure for the neonate. At 36 weeks' gestation, a successful EXIT procedure was performed to reduce the risk of respiratory distress immediately after birth. This report highlights the value of 3D ultrasound and MRI as essential prerequisites for optimization of the triage process in selecting EXIT candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Shih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
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18
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Huang SM, Huang CJ, Wang WM, Kang JC, Hsu WC. The enhancement of nuclear receptor transcriptional activation by a mouse actin-binding protein, alpha actinin 2. J Mol Endocrinol 2004; 32:481-96. [PMID: 15072553 DOI: 10.1677/jme.0.0320481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The p160 coactivators, steroid receptor coactivator 1, glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) and the activator of thyroid and retinoic acid receptor, have two activation domains, AD1 and AD2, which transmit the activation signal from the DNA-bound nuclear receptor to the chromatin and/or transcription machinery. In screening for mammalian proteins that bind the AD2 of GRIP1, we identified a mouse actin-binding protein, alpha actinin 2 (mACTN2). mACTN2 was expressed in the heart, skeletal muscle, lung, brain and testis, but there was no expression in the spleen, liver or kidney. Interestingly, the expression level of mACTN2 in the developing embryo depended on the embryonic stage. We further demonstrated that mACTN2 could enhance two transactivation activities of GRIP1, which in turn could enhance the homodimerization of mACTN2. Importantly, mACTN2 not only served as a primary coactivator for androgen receptor, estrogen receptor and thyroid receptor activities, but also acted synergistically with GRIP1 to enhance these nuclear receptor (NR) functions. However, the NR binding motif, LXXLL, conserved in mACTN2 and other actinin family proteins, might be a dispensable domain for its coactivator roles in NRs. These findings suggested that mACTN2 might play an important role in GRIP1-induced NR coactivator functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan 114, Republic of China
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Chien TW, Chu H, Hsu WC, Tseng TK, Hsu CH, Chen KY. A feasibility study on the predictive emission monitoring system applied to the Hsinta power plant of Taiwan Power Company. J Air Waste Manag Assoc 2003; 53:1022-1028. [PMID: 12943322 DOI: 10.1080/10473289.2003.10466241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) can monitor flue gas emissions continuously and instantaneously. However, it has the disadvantages of enormous cost, easily producing errors in sampling periods of bad weather, lagging response in variable ambient environments, and missing data in daily zero and span tests and maintenance. The concept of a predictive emission monitoring system (PEMS) is to use the operating parameters of combustion equipment through thermodynamic or statistical methods to construct a mathematic model that can predict emissions by a computer program. The goal of this study is to set up a PEMS in a gas-fired combined cycle power generation unit at the Hsinta station of Taiwan Power Co. The emissions to be monitored include nitrogen oxides (NOx) and oxygen (O2) in flue gas. The major variables of the predictive model were determined based on the combustion theory. The data of these variables then were analyzed to establish a regression model. From the regression results, the influences of these variables are discussed and the predicted values are compared with the CEMS data for accuracy. In addition, according to the cost information, the capital and operation and maintenance costs for a PEMS can be much lower than those for a CEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T W Chien
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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20
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Hsu WC, Campos-Torres A, Portier F, Lecain E, Van Den Abbeele T, De Waele C, Tran Ba Huy P. Cochlear electrical stimulation: influence of age of implantation on Fos immunocytochemical reactions in inferior colliculi and dorsal cochlear nuclei of the rat. J Comp Neurol 2001; 438:226-38. [PMID: 11536190 DOI: 10.1002/cne.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The influence of age at the time of implantation of a stimulating electrode unilaterally in the inner ear on central auditory pathways was investigated in rats deafened shortly after birth. Immunoreactivity for Fos served as a functional marker of neuronal activity. Electrodes were implanted in the left cochlea of rats aged 3 weeks or 4 months. Stimulation lasted 45 minutes, then rats were sacrificed and tissues processed for immunocytochemistry. The younger animals showed significantly more neurons with Fos immunoreactivity bilaterally in the dorsal cochlear nuclei (DCN) and inferior colliculi (IC) than the older rats or control animals with normal hearing receiving the same stimulation. Activity was more prominent in the left DCN and right IC. The results show that electrical stimulation of the inner ear is more effective in younger animals in eliciting gene expression associated with development of a functional network in the auditory pathways. This suggests that deaf children should be provided with cochlear implants as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Hsu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taiwan National University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Hsu MM, Hsu WC, Sheen TS, Kao CL. Specific IgA antibodies to recombinant early and nuclear antigens of Epstein-Barr virus in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 2001; 26:334-8. [PMID: 11559349 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2273.2001.00489.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common cancer in Taiwan. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is closely associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The sera of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma have IgA antibodies to a variety of EBV latent and replicated antigens. Recently, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, combining both the EBV early antigen (EA) and nuclear antigen (EBNA-1) became commercially available. The purpose of this study was to assess its clinical application. Serum IgA antibodies to the EBV EA and EBNA-1 were measured by using the ELISA kit in various groups of subjects. Fluorescence antibody (FA) tests against EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) and EA in the IgA and IgG classes were also studied for comparison. The DNA content analysis was also carried out to investigate the association with IgA antibody titres using ELISA. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the ELISA test were 98.1%, 81.8% and 88.7% respectively. It was far better than any FA tests. The IgA antibody titres showed no association with DNA content analysis. Univariate analysis of various factors revealed that IgA antibody titres were statistically correlated to N stage (P = 0.0291) and M status (P = 0.001). However, there was no association with the age, sex, T stage and clinical stage. Multivariate analysis of various factors was found to be statistically significant in patients with T4 (P = 0.0133), N3 (P = 0.0244) or M1 (P = 0.001) respectively. Serial testing of antibody titres in 22 previously untreated patients found a trend of decreasing IgA antibody titres after initial treatment when the tumours disappeared (P = 0.0358). The ELISA kit to identify specific IgA antibodies with the combination of EBV EA and EBNA-1 recombinant antigens has high sensitivity and acceptable specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This assay should be useful for early diagnosis and mass screening of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Hsu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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22
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Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) survivors with post-irradiation otitis media with effusion (OME; 100 ears) were divided into 2 groups. One group underwent grommet insertion, and the other group was treated by repeated myringotomies plus aspiration to evaluate the outcome of the OME. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, audiometry, and local checks of the ear, nose, and nasopharyngeal fields were performed to evaluate the sinus and middle ear conditions over a long-term (more than 10 years) follow-up period. The results in these NPC survivors with OME indicated that the prevalence of middle ear complications in the myringotomized group (33%) was less than that in the grommeted group (90%). Grommets alone cannot eradicate inflammation outside the middle ear cavity, but rather, they can aggravate it by superinfection. We therefore recommend that controlling the radiation-induced inflammation in areas such as the ears, nose, sinuses, and nasopharynx is most important. In conclusion, post-irradiation OME should be treated in a different way from conventional OME. Restated, grommet insertion is contraindicated in post-irradiation OME.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
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23
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Lee HC, Yin PH, Yu TN, Chang YD, Hsu WC, Kao SY, Chi CW, Liu TY, Wei YH. Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA deletions in human oral tissues -- effects of betel quid chewing and oral cancer. Mutat Res 2001; 493:67-74. [PMID: 11516716 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(01)00160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in human tissues has been associated with intrinsic aging and environmental insult. Recently, mtDNA mutations have been detected in various tumors, including head and neck tumors. However, the factors affecting the occurrence and accumulation of mtDNA deletions in tumor tissues are poorly understood. In Taiwan, betel quid chewing is a major risk factor for oral cancer. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, we examined large-scale deletions of mtDNA in 53 pairs of tumor and non-tumor oral tissues from the patients with or without betel quid chewing history. The results revealed that irrespective of the history of betel quid chewing, the incidences of the 4977bp deletion and other deletions of mtDNA were lower in the tumor portion as compared with the non-tumor portion. The average proportions of the 4977bp deleted mtDNA in the tumor tissues of the betel quid chewers and non-betel quid chewers were 13- and 5-fold, respectively, lower than those in the corresponding non-tumor tissues. Moreover, the average proportion of 4977bp deleted mtDNA was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the non-tumor oral tissues of the patients with betel quid chewing history than that of the patients without the history of betel quid chewing. These results suggest that betel quid chewing may increase mtDNA mutation in human oral tissues and that accumulation of mtDNA deletions and subsequent cytoplasmic segregation of these mutations during cell division could be an important contributor to the early phase of oral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC
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24
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Hsu WC, Lim KE. Computed tomography-guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy of the thoracic spine. Chang Gung Med J 2001; 24:368-75. [PMID: 11512368] [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: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the recent, widespread use around the world of computed tomography (CT)-guided spinal biopsy for presurgical evaluation, its use has remained uncommon in Taiwan. Using 9 patients, we attempted to evaluate the safety of its use for the thoracic spine biopsy. METHODS In the past 3 years (May 1996 to May 1999), 9 patients with known thoracic or multiple spinal lesions underwent CT-guided biopsy. The patients comprised 4 men and 5 women; with ages ranging between 28 and 85 years. For the transpedicular approach, patients were laid prone on the CT table. A trephine bone biopsy needle set was used after local anaesthesia. The specimens obtained had tissue pathology and/or bacterial/tuberculosis (TB) culture. RESULTS Excellent results were achieved in 8 of the 9 patients, with no significant procedure-related complications. Among them, 2 were diagnosed as metastatic carcinomas; 3 as osteoporotic compression fractures; 2 were proved to be bacterial or tuberculosis spondylitis and the last one was a healing fracture. CONCLUSION CT-guided transpedicular trephine biopsy of the thoracic spine is a safe and effective method for preoperative evaluation of various thoracic spinal disorders. Based on the biopsy results, more effective treatment regimens were prescribed and, in turn, better outcomes were expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Hsu
- Second Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5, Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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25
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Sun JH, See LC, Hsu WC, Tsai JS, Lin JD. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance related metabolic syndrome. Chang Gung Med J 2001; 24:11-8. [PMID: 11299972] [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: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cross-sectional study in northern Taiwan was conducted to investigate the role of serum insulin level on the development of hyperglycemia, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemia. METHODS Demographic data (age, gender), body mass index, blood pressure, and laboratory blood tests (uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and immunoreactive insulin when fasting and two hours after loading 75 gm glucose) were collected. A logistic model or polychotomous model, treating each chronic disease (hyperglycemia, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemia) as a dependent variable, were fitted to study the effect of serum insulin level. RESULTS Four hundred and twenty one volunteers (women:men = 237:184) were recruited from 1991 to 1993. Women were more obese and had more hyperglycemia, while the frequency of hyperuricemia was lower than of men. Women with a higher level of the sum of fasting and 2-hour post glucose load insulin (SIRI) levels had higher frequencies of glucose intolerance, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemia, whereas SIRI was related to only obesity and hyperlipidemia in men. The high plasma SIRI was a risk factor for both impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and obesity in women. Men with a high plasma SIRI showed a more than three-fold risk of obesity. CONCLUSIONS We have observed that a higher serum insulin level was significantly associated with the development of metabolic manifestations (glycemic status and obesity) in a suburban community in northern Taiwan. Men and women with a higher serum insulin level probably had a greater chance of developing obesity, and women had a greater chance of developing IGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Sun
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung University and Memorial Hospital, Taipei
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Secretory otitis media is defined by a chronic effusion in the middle ear cavities, behind an intact tympanic membrane without acute infection. In the course of secretory otitis media, the effusion is sometimes thick (or mucoid) and other times thin (or serous). For several authors, these differences might be related to different inflammatory levels rather than to distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the modulation of ion transport by inflammation could account for the differences observed in the aspect of ME effusion. METHODS Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), used as an inflammation model was tested on a middle ear cell line (MESV) in culture. RESULTS Results show that low and high concentrations of H2O2 have opposite effects on ion (and then water) absorption by the middle ear epithelium. CONCLUSION the modulation of ion and water absorption by inflammation could modify the mucins concentration in the effusion, and explain observed viscosity differences in the course of secretory otitis media.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Portier
- Clinique d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale. Hôpital Lariboisière, 2, rue Ambroise Paré, 75010, Paris, France
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27
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Abstract
To evaluate the genetic factors for AD among a Chinese population in Taiwan, we studied the polymorphisms of six candidate genes of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including the regulatory region of apolipoprotein E (Apo-E, G-186T), the promoter of apolipoprotein E (Apo-E, A-491T), the bleomycin hydrolase gene (BH, A1450G), a mutation of alpha(2)-macroglobulin gene (A2M G2998A), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein gene (LRP, C766T), and alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin gene (ACT, -15Ala/Thr) in AD patients and non-affected elder individuals among Taiwanese Chinese. Eighty-two AD patients and 110 non-affected individuals were recruited for this study. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme digestion to identify their genotypes. The statistical examination was performed by combining the results of our previous reports - apolipoprotein E epsilon4 (ApoE-4), presenilin-1 intronic polymorphism (PS-1, allele 1/2), and the five-nucleotide deletion of alpha(2)-macroglobulin gene (A2M). Among these nine candidate genes of AD, the ApoE-4 allele is the only independent genetic risk factor for AD. The other candidate genes in this study were not associated with the occurrence of AD. In addition, there are no gene-gene interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Hu
- Department of Neurology, Molecular Medicine, Taipei Municipal Jen-Ai Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Hsu WC, Green JP, Spilker MH, Rubin PA. Primary placement of a titanium motility post in a porous polyethylene orbital implant: animal model with quantitative assessment of fibrovascular ingrowth and vascular density. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2000; 16:370-9. [PMID: 11021387 DOI: 10.1097/00002341-200009000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether a Medpor porous polyethylene orbital implant, at the time of initial orbital implant surgery, will tolerate the insertion of a titanium screw on the anterior surface of the implant. METHODS Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were enucleated and implanted with a porous polyethylene orbital implant. At the time of enucleation, the porous polyethylene orbital implants were drilled, and titanium motility coupling posts were inserted. The motility coupling posts were inserted at two projection heights (2 or 4 mm) and either covered within Tenon capsule/conjunctiva (eight implants) or left exposed (four implants). Rabbits were killed at 6 or 12 weeks. Clinical tissue tolerance, histologic response to the motility coupling post, and vascular density of the porous polyethylene orbital implant were evaluated. RESULTS The motility coupling posts were well tolerated, and extrusion or migration of the motility coupling post did not occur. The average percentage cross-sectional area of the implant occupied by fibrovascular tissue at 6 and 12 weeks was 76.3% and 97.5%, respectively. In comparing the vascular density (number of vessels per square millimeter) in the porous polyethylene orbital implant within a 1-mm zone immediately surrounding the motility coupling post, no significant difference between this zone and the vascular density found within its entire corresponding annulus was found at either 6 or 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS During the 6- and 12-week observation periods, all implanted motility coupling posts demonstrated favorable tissue tolerance and stable interfaces with surrounding tissues. The extent of fibrovascular tissue ingrowth and vascular density verify that initial screw insertion does not adversely affect the healing process after porous polyethylene orbital implant implantation. Thus, primary placement of the motility coupling post may obviate the need for a secondary surgical procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Hsu
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Ophthalmic Plastics, Orbital, and Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, Boston, USA
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Hsu WC, Spilker MH, Yannas IV, Rubin PA. Inhibition of conjunctival scarring and contraction by a porous collagen-glycosaminoglycan implant. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2000; 41:2404-11. [PMID: 10937547] [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: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the healing processes of full-thickness wounds in the adult rabbit conjunctiva after grafting with a porous collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) copolymer matrix. METHODS A 7-mm trephine was used to produce lesions of the bulbar conjunctiva down to the level of the bare sclera. Full-thickness removal of the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule created a reproducible wound bed. Wounds either remained ungrafted (control) or were grafted with CG matrix. In previous studies, this CG matrix has induced partial regeneration of the dermis in the human, the swine, and the guinea pig. Healing of the conjunctival epithelium and underlying stroma was evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry, and measurement of wound contraction kinetics. RESULTS By 28 days, ungrafted wounds had closed by contraction (26.4% +/- 5.0% fornix shortening) and the formation of scarlike tissue comprising an aligned array of dense collagen populated with occasional fibroblasts. Grafting of identical defects with CG copolymer matrix resulted in inhibition of wound contraction (6.8% +/- 3.2% fornix shortening) and the formation of a tissue that resembled normal conjunctival stroma, being composed of a loose network of collagen fibers and fibroblasts. Contractile fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) were identified at the edge of both ungrafted and grafted wounds during the period of active contraction. Both ungrafted and grafted wounds were completely re-epithelialized by 28 days. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of CG copolymer matrix drastically reduced contraction and promoted the formation of a nearly normal subconjunctival stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Abstract
Bacterial meningitis, a world-wide disease, has to be reviewed periodically because the specific micro-organisms responsible for the infection vary with time, geography and patient age. To determine its incidence and clinical features in Taiwan, we reviewed the microbiological records for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood cultures, and the medical records of patients with bacterial meningitis admitted between 1981 and mid-1998. Bacterial micro-organisms were demonstrated in the CSF and/or blood in 395 patients with 418 episodes of bacterial meningitis. Streptococcus species were the most common causative micro-organism group, at 23. 21% of all episodes. Its prevalence rate significantly decreased from the first 7 years of study (41.9%) to the last 10.5 years (19. 2%). However, Klebsiella meningitis and Staphylococcal meningitis were more frequently noted after 1987. More than 70% of patients had at least one underlying disease or condition. Poor prognostic factors indicated by univariable analysis were: age >60 years; diabetes mellitus; severe neurological deficits on the first day of treatment; infection with Gram-negative bacilli; CSF WBC count >5000x10(6)/l; malignancy; seizure; and bacteraemia. The overall mortality rate was 29.4%, 29.7% in the first 7 years of study and 29. 4% in the last 10.5 years. The use of new antibiotics has not reduced the mortality rate in our patients with bacterial meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Tang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Medical College, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
We investigated 16 patients with Fabry's disease (eight hemizygous men and eight heterozygous women) in one family. We used constant current perception threshold (CPT) testing, which evaluated three major sensory nerve fiber populations, to assess subjective complaints of pain and paresthesias. We also examined clinical and biochemical features and compared the values of CPTs and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in detecting the sensory neuropathy. Our results showed that CPT testing at low frequencies (5 and 250 Hz) was significantly more sensitive than at a higher frequency (2 kHz) and NCS in detecting sensory neuropathy in patients with Fabry's disease. However, there was no correlation between CPT testing and clinical symptom scores, duration of disease, creatinine clearance (Ccr) values or alpha-galactosidase A (AGA) activities in either hemizygous or heterozygous patients. Hemizygous patients clinically demonstrated more severe symptom scores, poorer renal function, and higher prevalence of hypohidrosis and corpora angiokeratomas than did heterozygous patients, which indicates that detailed clinical examinations can differentiate the clinical status of hemizygous men from heterozygous women. There were no associations between the biochemical levels of serum AGA activity and renal function (Ccr values) or the symptom scores (grading of acroparesthesia), indicating that biochemical parameters do not predict clinical severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Ro
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Chang Gung University, 199 Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, Taiwan 10591.
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Hu CJ, Sung SM, Liu HC, Lee KY, Hsu WC, Wong WK, Lee CC, Tsai CH, Chang JG. No association of alpha-2 macroglobulin gene five-nucleotide deletion with AD in Taiwan Chinese. Neurology 1999; 53:642-3. [PMID: 10449138 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.53.3.642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The alpha-2 macroglobulin five-nucleotide deletion (A2M-2) allele frequency was not significantly higher in the AD group than the control group (0.062 versus 0.101, p > 0.1). The odds ratio for AD in individuals with the A2M-2 allele was 0.582 (95% CI, 0.25 to 1.40). These results do not support the association between A2M-2 and AD in the Chinese population, although the allele frequency of A2M-2 is lower than that found in the Caucasian population. Therefore, A2M-2 might not be a significant risk factor of AD among Taiwan Chinese.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Hu
- Department of Neurology, China Medical College Hospital, Taiwan
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Hsu WC, Loevner LA, Forman MS, Thaler ER. Superficial siderosis of the CNS associated with multiple cavernous malformations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1999; 20:1245-8. [PMID: 10472980 PMCID: PMC7055971] [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: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Superficial siderosis of the CNS due to chronic, recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage is an uncommon and potentially debilitating disorder. The classic clinical manifestation is progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), although ataxia and pyramidal signs also are observed frequently. Cavernous malformations rarely present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. We describe an unusual case of a young patient who presented with progressive, bilateral SNHL who was found to have superficial CNS siderosis associated with multiple cavernous malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Hsu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia 19104, USA
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Hsu WC, Lee JN, Tsai PL, Lin HJ, Su CM, Lee I. Analysis of referral initiatives, severity of illness and return to care of older women with cervical cancer. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei) 1999; 62:159-66. [PMID: 10222604] [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: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is a worldwide malignancy particularly prevalent in older women. Due to the increasing population ratio of older women and their more complicated illnesses, doctors in Taiwan are concerned about the care of older patients with cervical cancer. Few studies have been performed on the association between referral initiative and illness severity upon referral as well as the tendency of older patients with cervical cancer to return to the referring doctor and to the consultant at the medical center for follow-up. The purpose of this study was to investigate the referral association by adjusting for confounding variables. METHODS This study included 214 women aged 65 years and over with cervical cancer diagnosed between 1987 and 1995. Patients were referred to a tertiary teaching hospital by 71 primary care gynecologists. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics clinical stage and clinical severity were assessed in each patient. Histopathologic results were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS Of all the cervical cancer referrals, 20.2% were initiated by patients or families and 79.8% were initiated by primary care doctors. No statistically significant differences were found in the Basic Activities of Daily Living or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living between doctor- and patient-initiated referrals. High Geriatric Depression Scale and low Mini-Mental State Examination were associated with doctor-initiated referrals. Higher cancer stage and greater clinical severity of patients with cervical cancer was found in patient- rather than doctor-initiated referrals. After adjusting for marriage, family type, medical payment, mental status, cancer stage and clinical severity, the data showed that, if the referral was initiated by a primary care doctor, older patients with cervical cancer had a similar likelihood to return to both the primary care doctor and the tertiary teaching hospital for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS If a referral was initiated by a doctor, older women with cervical cancer were not only likely to return to their consulting physician at the medical center, but also likely to return to their primary care doctor. Continuous care is more likely to occur when the primary care doctor initiated the referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Hsu
- Graduate Research Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical College, Taiwan, ROC
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lee CT, Lin NH, Hsu WC, Chang YL, Chang SY. Local circulation and aerosol water-soluble ions--a case study in Taiwan during Mei-yu season. Chemosphere 1999; 38:425-443. [PMID: 10901665 DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(98)00182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Mei-yu (plum rain) season is a short but important period when the weather changes from spring to summer in Taiwan. In this study, size-segregated aerosols were collected alternately at 5 sampling sites in northwestern Taiwan from June 16 to 24, 1994. For the first time in Taiwan, this study revealed the aerosol mass spectra and water-soluble ions in the Mei-yu season. For all samples, a bi-modal aerosol mass spectra was found with modal diameters at 3.2 and 0.32 microm, respectively. The aerosol samples were able to be divided into different groups to show their mass and ion spectra according to the calculated 5-hr backward air trajectory. The utilization of enrichment factors showed that aerosol Cl-, Na+, and Mg2+ for all sizes, and super-micron SO4(2-) were related to the sea. Both the scheme of "chlorine loss" (Ohta and Okita, 1990) and a multivariate analysis (Thurston and Spengler, 1985) for categorizing water-soluble ions showed that sea-salts were major contributors in the prevalence of a sea breeze. In contrast, the secondary salts were significant for land breeze and a mix of land-sea breeze. In conclusion, the influence of local circulation on the distribution of aerosol mass and ionic species was found to be prominent.
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Affiliation(s)
- CT Lee
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Central University, Chungli, Taiwan, ROC
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Hwang BJ, Liu YC, Hsu WC. Nafion-based solid-state gas sensors: Pt / Nafion electrodes prepared by an impregnation-reduction method in sensing oxygen. J Solid State Electrochem 1998. [DOI: 10.1007/s100080050114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Wu CH, Chang YL, Hsu WC, Ko JY, Sheen TS, Hsieh FJ. Usefulness of Doppler spectral analysis and power Doppler sonography in the differentiation of cervical lymphadenopathies. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1998; 171:503-9. [PMID: 9694484 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.171.2.9694484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to depict the characteristics of the global vasculature of cervical lymphadenopathies and to clarify the efficiency of Doppler spectral analysis and power Doppler sonography in the differential diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Prospectively, 289 lymph node lesions underwent Doppler flow studies and were grouped as metastasis, lymphoma, tuberculosis, and benign lymphadenopathies. Sonographic assessments included vascular pattern and vascular density (presented as vascularity index) as revealed by power Doppler sonography. Vascular resistive index and pulsatility index were assessed by at least three flow samplings. Values of both the highest and the lowest resistance were analyzed. Vascularity index, resistive index, pulsatility index, nodal size, and age were correlated. RESULTS Most benign lymphadenopathies (87%), tuberculous lymphadenopathies (72%), and lymphomas (71%) revealed an avascular or hilar vascular pattern. Vascular patterns of most metastatic lymphadenopathies (90%) were of spotted (26%), peripheral (11%), or mixed (53%) type. The vascularity indexes of metastatic lymphadenopathy (mean, 0.176) and lymphoma (mean, 0.122) were significantly higher than those of tuberculous and benign lymphadenopathy (mean, 0.054 and 0.042, respectively). In vascular resistance studies, the highest pulsatility index and resistive index in metastatic lymphadenopathy statistically exceeded those of benign lymphadenopathy, whereas no difference was found in the lowest values. Negative correlation was found between the vascularity index of metastatic lesions and their lowest vascular resistance, and positive correlation was found between vascularity index and nodal size in benign lymphadenopathies. CONCLUSION In addition to vascular resistance assessed traditionally with Doppler spectral analysis, vascular pattern and vascular density assessed with power Doppler sonography can better differentiate the nature of lymphadenopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
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39
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Lim
- Department of Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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40
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Abstract
Klebsiella infection has been considered to be an uncommon cause of meningitis. To determine its incidence and clinical features, we reviewed the microbiologic records of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood cultures and the medical records of patients with bacterial meningitis admitted between 1981 and 1995. Klebsiella meningitis was diagnosed in 79 patients with 83 episodes. All patients had klebsiella isolated from CSF and/or blood and typical symptoms and signs of acute bacterial meningitis. Of these, 74 were over 16 years of age and 2 of the 5 children were infants. There was an increased prevalence rate of klebsiella meningitis after 1986. Of the 83 episodes, only 9 occurred between 1981 and 1986, accounting for 7.8% of 115 cases with CSF and/or blood culture-proven acute bacterial meningitis, whereas in 1987-95, there were 74 episodes accounting for 17.7% of 419 bacteriologically proven cases. K. pneumoniae accounted for 69 episodes, K. oxytoca, 11 episodes and K. ozaenae, 3 episodes. Male gender, diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis were commonly associated with K. pneumoniae meningitis. Neurosurgical procedures were frequently associated with K. oxytoca meningitis. All three patients with K. ozaenae meningitis had a primary disease of the nasopharyngeal pathway. The mortality rate due to K. pneumoniae was 48.5%, K. oxytoca, 10% and K. ozaenae, 0%. In patients with K. pneumoniae meningitis, poor prognostic factors included age over 60 years, diabetes mellitus, bacteremia and severe neurological deficits on the first day of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Tang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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41
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify clinical characteristics of various forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome in Taiwan. METHODS The clinical and electrophysiological data of 167 consecutive patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a general paediatric and adult hospital in Taiwan, were reviewed. RESULTS Analysis of age distribution disclosed a high incidence (21%) among patients under the age of 10 years. Seasonal preponderance in Spring (March to May) was found. Utilizing clinical and electrophysiological data, these 167 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome were subclassified; 82 (49%) had acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), 32 (19%) had Fisher syndrome (FS), and six (4%) had axonal forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The remaining 47 (28%) patients were unclassified. Patients with AIDP and FS had many common clinical features, including seasonal distribution, history of preceding illness, sensory abnormalities, cranial nerve involvement except for extraocular motor nerves, and albuminocytological dissociation on examination of CSF. Follow up study on 145 patients disclosed that 127 (87%) recovered satisfactorily, 14 (10%) were persistently disabled, and four (3%) died during admission to hospital. Clinical features associated with poor outcome (persistent disability or death) were requirement for mechanical ventilation, a low mean compound muscle action potential amplitude (< or = 10% of the lower limit of normal), and age greater than 40 years. CONCLUSION Guillain-Barré syndrome in Taiwan showed a peculiar age and seasonal distribution and a high frequency of FS not seen in other series. Given that patients with AIDP and FS had many common clinical features, AIDP and FS may have similar underlying pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Lyu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
The association between prolonged bleeding time and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well studied. We investigated whether bleeding time is prolonged in cirrhotic patients with HCC and studied the role of clinical characteristics, tumour size, and laboratory data in predicting bleeding time prolongation. After excluding patients that presented with blood dyscrasia and uraemia, 58 cirrhotic patients with HCC, 106 cirrhotic patients without HCC, and 44 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in the study. Bleeding time, imaging studies, clinical characteristics and biochemical data were obtained for every patient. Cirrhotic patients with and without HCC had longer bleeding times (554 +/- 32 s, respectively) compared with healthy controls (357 +/- 13 s, P < 0.05). Hepatocellular carcinoma patients with a large tumour burden (> 5 cm in diameter) had a significantly longer bleeding time than those patients without (663 +/- 105 vs 376 +/- 23 s, respectively, P < 0.05). After excluding patients with a platelet count < or = 80 000/mm3, cirrhotic patients classified as Child-Pugh's grading A and with a large tumour burden had longer bleeding times(580 +/- 87 s) than patients with a small tumour burden (< or = 5cm in diameter) and cirrhotic patients without HCC (371 +/- 22 and 416 +/- 29 s, respectively, P < 0.05). In cirrhotic patients with HCC, higher serum bilirubin levels, a Child-Pugh's grading C, and a tumour size > 5 cm in diameter were found to be significant predictors for prolonged bleeding time on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, both tumour size > 5 cm in diameter and a Child-Pugh's grading C (odd's ratio, 95% confidence interval and P value were measured as 38.5, 2.8-534.7, < 0.001, and 10.5, 0.9-117.6, 0.02, respectively) were the significant independent predictors. A significant correlation existed between tumour diameter and bleeding time (r = 0.44, P < 0.01). In conclusion, these results suggest that prolonged bleeding time may be categorized as a new clinical manifestation in patients with HCC. In addition to cirrhosis, HCC itself may also participate in the pathogenesis of bleeding time prolongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Chu
- Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Chen CJ, Hsu WC. Imaging findings of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. J Formos Med Assoc 1997; 96:283-7. [PMID: 9136517] [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: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The imaging studies of 12 patients with spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SSEHs) who were treated from 1987 to 1995 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of myelography, computed tomographic myelography (CTM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing SSEH were evaluated. We found that in subacute and chronic stages of SSEH, MRI was the diagnostic choice because of its pathognomonic magnetic resonance signal changes. However, in the first 24 hours of SSEH, the MRI signal changes of hematomas were confused with those of epidural metastatic tumors or abscesses. In this situation, enhancement was not an absolute sign to rule out hematomas, because gadolinium enhancement of a hematoma did occur in one of our patients. CTM was helpful in this stage because a hyperdense epidural mass was always noted. In conclusion, we found that MRI offers a noninvasive and specific diagnosis of SSEH, though it has some pitfalls in the first 24 hours of SSEH. CTM with sagittal reformations also provides a specific diagnosis, especially when a hyperdense mass is seen. By combining these diagnostic imaging modalities and clinical manifestations, an early diagnosis of SSEH is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
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Chen CJ, Huang CC, Hsu YY, Hsu WC. Small isolated paraspinal arteriovenous fistula. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1997; 18:359-61. [PMID: 9111676 PMCID: PMC8338564] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of a small, isolated paraspinal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) that arose in an adult without obvious trauma. The fistula, despite its extraspinal location and small size, caused hypertension of the intrathecal venous system and produced symptoms that were similar to those of spinal dural AVF. Detecting such a small lesion is difficult, but contrast-enhanced MR imaging can prove helpful in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Chen
- Department of Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lo I, Kao MJ, Hsu WC, Kuo KK, Chang YC, Weng HM, Chiang JC, Tsay SF. Photoinduced electron coupling in delta -doped GaAs/In0.18Ga0.82As quantum wells. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1996; 54:4774-4779. [PMID: 9986439 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.54.4774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Tang LM, Chen ST, Hsu WC, Leung WM. A longitudinal study of multimodal evoked potentials in patients following radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Neurology 1996; 47:521-5. [PMID: 8757030 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.47.2.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation rhombencephalopathy and radiation myelopathy may occur in patients months or years after radiotherapy for malignancy of the head and neck. We obtained multimodal evoked potentials longitudinally in 26 patients with proven nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Recordings were made before radiotherapy and at 1 week, 3 months, 9 months, 15 months, and 24 months after radiotherapy. All absolute latencies of evoked response before and after radiation were within normal limits. However, the I-III interpeak latencies of brainstem auditory evoked potentials and the onset latencies of motor evoked potentials in the whole group of patients at 15 months after radiation were significantly longer than those before radiotherapy, whereas the latencies at 24 months were not significantly different. The N20 latencies of somatosensory evoked potentials after radiotherapy were significantly prolonged at 3 months of follow-up; the prolongation then became normal. They indicate that a subclinical reversible radiation-induced dysfunction may occur in the auditory, sensory, and motor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Tang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
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47
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Poon M, Hsu WC, Bogdanov VY, Taubman MB. Secretion of monocyte chemotactic activity by cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells in response to PDGF is due predominantly to the induction of JE/MCP-1. Am J Pathol 1996; 149:307-17. [PMID: 8686755 PMCID: PMC1865217] [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] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a critical feature of atherosclerosis and is characterized in part by the migration of circulating monocytes to the atherosclerotic plaque. These monocytes, together with macrophages, are a source of cytokines, growth factors, proteases, and procoagulants, which contribute to the progression of the atherosclerosis lesion. This study employed a modified Boyden chamber to examine the secretion of monocyte chemotactic activity by cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in response to growth factors and cytokines. The induction of monocyte chemotactic activity showed a surprising specificity for platelet-derived growth factor-BB. This activity was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide and thus required de novo transcription and protein synthesis. The ability to stimulate monocyte migration appeared to be solely due to the secretion of the monocyte chemoattractant protein JE/MCP-1 and was completely blocked by antisense oligonucleotides and antibodies to JE/MCP-1. The induction of chemotactic activity was also blocked by dexamethasone, an inhibitor of JE mRNA accumulation. This study suggests that the secretion of monocyte chemotactic activity by vascular smooth muscle cells is a highly regulatable and specific event and underscores the importance of JE/MCP-1 in the inflammatory response of the vessel wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Poon
- Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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48
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Hsu WC, Tang LM, Chen ST, Lyu RK. Multiple brain abscesses in chain and cluster: CT appearance. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1995; 19:1004-6. [PMID: 8537509 DOI: 10.1097/00004728-199511000-00033] [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: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W C Hsu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Feng F, Liu CM, Hsu WC, Hou LT. Long-term effects of gingival fibroblast-coated hydroxylapatite graft on periodontal osseous defects. J Formos Med Assoc 1995; 94:494-8. [PMID: 7549579] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the long-term effects of gingival fibroblast-coated hydroxylapatite (GF-HA) grafting on the healing of osseous defects caused by inflammatory periodontitis. Gingival fibroblasts were cultured from biopsy specimens of a healthy portion of gingiva in a periodontal therapy patient. Growth of cells on hydroxylapatite (HA) particles was established in vitro and the GF-HA complex was transplanted into the periodontal osseous defects. Clinical data of the gingival and plaque index, probing depth and periapical X-ray were monitored at baseline and at regular intervals up to 28 months after surgery. Postoperative plaque control and regular maintenance were meticulously performed. In addition to disappearance of gingival inflammation, results showed that the GF-HA treated sites had a marked pocket reduction and probing attachment gain at reentry and later recalls. Clinical bone fills of osseous defects were also demonstrated in periapical radiographs. These observations suggest that GF-HA grafting treatment may lead to regeneration of periodontal tissue in periodontitis-affected osseous defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Feng
- Department of Periodontics, 803rd Army General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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50
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Lin RS, Lee FY, Lee SD, Tsai YT, Lin HC, Lu RH, Hsu WC, Huang CC, Wang SS, Lo KJ. Endotoxemia in patients with chronic liver diseases: relationship to severity of liver diseases, presence of esophageal varices, and hyperdynamic circulation. J Hepatol 1995; 22:165-72. [PMID: 7790704 DOI: 10.1016/0168-8278(95)80424-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plasma endotoxin levels were investigated using a quantitative Limulus assay in patients with chronic liver diseases and correlated with the severity of liver diseases, the presence of esophageal varices, and hemodynamic parameters. The plasma endotoxin levels were significantly higher in chronic hepatitis patients with acute exacerbation (10.1 +/- 1.3 pg/ml, n = 13, p < 0.05) and patients with cirrhosis (7.0 +/- 0.7 pg/ml, n = 126, p < 0.05) than in healthy subjects (2.9 +/- 0.2 pg/ml, n = 45). Chronic hepatitis patients (n = 30) had plasma endotoxin levels which were similar to those in healthy subjects (4.6 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.2 pg/ml, p > 0.05) but lower than those in chronic hepatitis patients with acute exacerbation (4.6 +/- 0.5 vs. 10.1 +/- 1.3 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Endotoxemia (plasma endotoxin level > 5.7 pg/ml) was found in 27%, 85% and 41% of patients with chronic hepatitis, chronic hepatitis with acute exacerbation, and cirrhosis, respectively. In patients with cirrhosis, the plasma endotoxin levels progressively increased in relation to the severity of liver dysfunction (Pugh's class A/B/C = 4.9 +/- 0.5/7.9 +/- 1.4/10.2 +/- 2.0 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In contrast, plasma endotoxin levels were comparable between patients with cirrhosis with and without esophageal varices (p > 0.05). Chronic hepatitis patients with acute exacerbation (no collaterization) had much higher plasma endotoxin levels than those in patients with cirrhosis and large varices (p < 0.05), whereas compensated patients with cirrhosis and large esophageal varices had plasma endotoxin levels similar to those seen in chronic hepatitis patients (no collaterization) (p > 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Lin
- Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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