Clinical attributes, treatment, and control in hypertension (CATCH)—a French and Italian longitudinal patient database study

David Wu,George Mansoor,Christian Kempf 대한고혈압학회 2015 Clinical Hypertension Vol.21 No.15

Introduction: Hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), is frequently associated with other CVD risk factors. Despite recent improvement in blood pressure (BP) control in Europe, a substantial proportion of patients fail to achieve BP targets. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used longitudinal patient databases (LPDs) in France and Italy to examine CVD risk profiles, treatment patterns, and BP goal attainment in hypertensive patients treated in real-world clinical practice between 2007 and 2008. Overall, 147,964 and 140,189 eligible patients from LPDs in France and Italy, respectively, were prescribed an antihypertensive medication in 2007. Results: Among patients with hypertension with other risk factors (France 88 %, Italy 83 %), the most prevalent risk factors were being elderly (France 66.9 %, Italy 70. 9 %), followed by hypertension combined with dyslipidemia (France 36.7 %, Italy 23.9 %) and isolated systolic hypertension (France 32.5 %, Italy 24.2 %). The odds ratios for target BP attainment were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in patients with hypertension without other risk factors vs patients with hypertension with other risk factors (1.41 [95 % confidence interval 1.35, 1.48] in France; 1.38 [1.31, 1.46] in Italy). The odds of BP control were significantly lower for patients with vs patients without an associated CVD risk factor (range 0.54 to 1.10 France; 0.59 to 1.17 Italy). Discussion: This study demonstrates that the majority of treated hypertensive patients in France and Italy have at least one additional CVD risk factor. Despite treatment with antihypertensive medications, blood pressure attainment was substantially less optimal in patients with an associated CVD risk factor compared to patients without an associated CVD risk factor.

Antiproliferative Activities of Parthenolide and Golden Feverfew Extract Against Three Human Cancer Cell Lines

Changqing Wu,Feng Chen,James W. Rushing,Xi Wang,김현진,George Huang,Vivian Haley-Zitlin,Guoqing He 한국식품영양과학회 2006 Journal of medicinal food Vol.9 No.1

The medicinal herb feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.] has long been used as a folk remedyfor the treatment of migraine and arthritis. Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, is considered to be the primary bioactivecompound in feverfew having anti-migraine, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we determined, throughin vitrobioassays, the inhibitory activity of parthenolide and golden feverfew extract against two human breast cancer celllines (Hs605T and MCF-7) and one human cervical cancer cell line (SiHa). Feverfew ethanolic extract inhibited the growthof all three types of cancer cells with a half-effective concentration (EC50) of 1.5 mg/mL against Hs605T, 2.1 mg/mL againstMCF-7, and 0.6 mg/mL against SiHa. Among the tested constituents of feverfew (i.e., parthenolide, camphor, luteolin, andapigenin), parthenolide showed the highest inhibitory effect with an EC50 against Hs605T, MCF-7, and SiHa of 2.6 .g/mL,2.8 .g/mL, and 2.7 .g/mL, respectively. Interactions between parthenolide and flavonoids (apigenin and luteolin) in fever-few extract also were investigated to elucidate possible synergistic or antagonistic effects. The results revealed that apigeninand luteolin might have moderate to weak synergistic effects with parthenolide on the inhibition of cancer cell growth ofHs605T, MCF-7, and SiHa.

Penalized PET Reconstruction Using Deep Learning Prior and Local Linear Fitting

Kim, Kyungsang,Wu, Dufan,Gong, Kuang,Dutta, Joyita,Kim, Jong Hoon,Son, Young Don,Kim, Hang Keun,El Fakhri, Georges,Li, Quanzheng IEEE 2018 IEEE transactions on medical imaging Vol.37 No.6

<P>Motivated by the great potential of deep learning in medical imaging, we propose an iterative positron emission tomography reconstruction framework using a deep learning-based prior. We utilized the denoising convolutional neural network (DnCNN) method and trained the network using full-dose images as the ground truth and low dose images reconstructed from downsampled data by Poisson thinning as input. Since most published deep networks are trained at a predetermined noise level, the noise level disparity of training and testing data is a major problem for their applicability as a generalized prior. In particular, the noise level significantly changes in each iteration, which can potentially degrade the overall performance of iterative reconstruction. Due to insufficient existing studies, we conducted simulations and evaluated the degradation of performance at various noise conditions. Our findings indicated that DnCNN produces additional bias induced by the disparity of noise levels. To address this issue, we propose a local linear fitting function incorporated with the DnCNN prior to improve the image quality by preventing unwanted bias. We demonstrate that the resultant method is robust against noise level disparities despite the network being trained at a predetermined noise level. By means of bias and standard deviation studies via both simulations and clinical experiments, we show that the proposed method outperforms conventional methods based on total variation and non-local means penalties. We thereby confirm that the proposed method improves the reconstruction result both quantitatively and qualitatively.</P>

A Review of Computational Phantoms for Quality Assurance in Radiology and Radiotherapy in the Deep-Learning Era

Peng Zhao,Gao Ning,Wu Bingzhi,Chen Zhi,Xu X. George 대한방사선방어학회 2022 방사선방어학회지 Vol.47 No.3

The exciting advancement related to the “modeling of digital human” in terms of a computa- tional phantom for radiation dose calculations has to do with the latest hype related to deep learning. The advent of deep learning or artificial intelligence (AI) technology involving convo- lutional neural networks has brought an unprecedented level of innovation to the field of organ segmentation. In addition, graphics processing units (GPUs) are utilized as boosters for both real-time Monte Carlo simulations and AI-based image segmentation applications. These ad- vancements provide the feasibility of creating three-dimensional (3D) geometric details of the human anatomy from tomographic imaging and performing Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations using increasingly fast and inexpensive computers. This review first introduces the history of three types of computational human phantoms: stylized medical internal radiation dosimetry (MIRD) phantoms, voxelized tomographic phantoms, and boundary representation (BREP) deformable phantoms. Then, the development of a person-specific phantom is demon- strated by introducing AI-based organ autosegmentation technology. Next, a new development in GPU-based Monte Carlo radiation dose calculations is introduced. Examples of applying computational phantoms and a new Monte Carlo code named ARCHER (Accelerated Radia- tion-transport Computations in Heterogeneous EnviRonments) to problems in radiation pro- tection, imaging, and radiotherapy are presented from research projects performed by students at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Finally, this review discusses challenges and future research opportunities. We found that, owing to the latest computer hardware and AI technology, computational human body models are moving closer to real human anatomy structures for accurate radiation dose calcula- tions.

A Survey of the Neuro-Oncology Landscape

Rimas V. Lukas,Jing Wu,Mahua Dey,Robin A. Buerki,Richard W. Byrne,George J. Dohrmann 대한신경과학회 2018 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.14 No.1

The field of neuro-oncology is evolving rapidly. Many important advances have recently been reported, and other promising investigations have the potential to soon make substantial impacts in the field, especially in the areas of high-grade gliomas and brain metastases. We present an overview of the current status of this field, highlighting the key recent advances as well as representative work of key clinical investigations, since these concepts have the potential to influence clinical management if they are demonstrated to be safe and efficacious. This overview includes some work that has only appeared in abstract form in order to provide a timely understanding of how the field is actively changing and what may lie on the horizon. We focus on both medical and surgical neuro-oncology advances in this highly multidisciplinary subspecialty.

Skew-Dependent Performance Evaluation of Array-Reader-Based Magnetic Recording With Dual-Reader

Euiseok Hwang,Oenning, Travis,Mathew, George,Rahgozar, Parviz,Tedja, Suharli,Han Fang,Garfunkel, Glen,Yan Wu,Hu, David,Duquette, Paul,Fitch, Ken,Rabbitt, Chad,Petrizzi, Joseph,Wilson, Bruce,Rauschmaye IEEE 2015 IEEE transactions on magnetics Vol.51 No.4

<P>Array-reader-based magnetic recording (ARMR) shows potential to achieve areal density capability (ADC) beyond 1 Tb/in<SUP>2</SUP> by jointly processing multiple readback streams. Dual-reader ARMR with two read sensors and associated read channel signal processing algorithms are currently being actively investigated. In this paper, dual-reader ARMR performance is evaluated focusing on skew-induced variation in cross-track separation (CTS) between the two read sensors. Spin-stand captured waveforms based evaluation is presented for the cases where a dual-reader with certain CTS and skew is emulated using captures from a single-reader at different cross-track locations as well as for the case of actual dual-reader-based captures, where the latter also accounts for head rotation. Based on bit error rate scan along cross-track under various squeezed recording and skew conditions, squeeze-to-death margin-based ADC gain of ARMR is predicted. Dual-reader ARMR shows 5%-10% ADC gain over single-reader for CTS less than 0.6 track pitch, while showing limited gains for larger CTS. Also presented is the performance evaluation of dual-reader ARMR on spin-stand using a hardware accelerated ARMR performance evaluation platform, called Stingray, which uses four Avago read channel silicon chips and a customized field programmable gate array to enable high-speed joint equalization and detection using dual-reader readback streams.</P>

Electrospun zwitterionic nanofibers with in situ decelerated epithelialization property for non-adherent and easy removable wound dressing application

Unnithan, Afeesh Rajan,Ghavami Nejad, Amin,Sasikala, Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup,Thomas, Reju George,Jeong, Yong Yeon,Murugesan, Priya,Nasseri, Saeed,Wu, Dongmei,Park, Chan Hee,Kim, Cheol Sang Elsevier 2016 Chemical Engineering Journal Vol.287 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Wound care management is a serious issue among the medical practitioners due to its varying complexity and various materials were tested for fast relief and easy removal. In this regard zwitterionic polymer based wound dressing membranes are the key point of attraction. Here we prepared a novel zwitterionic poly (carboxybetaine-co-methyl methacrylate) (CBMA) copolymer based nanomembranes using the electrospinning technique for the wound dressing application. The study takes advantage of the outstanding chemical properties of zwitterionic CBMA and the morphological efficiency of nanomembranes. The cell attachment studies proved the cell inert nature of thus prepared membranes. Such non cell adherent wound dressing membranes can be applied as the easy removable, no-pain wound dressing bandages. Our results clearly showed that the excellent blood-inert nature can be achieved by the CBMA nanofiber membranes. Therefore, there will be less chance of attaching blood clot with the wound dressing membrane and is extremely significant for the care of patients with large areas of chronic wounds. Additionally the in vivo results showed the formation of new tissues within two weeks, evidence of a complete wound healing material. So our CBMA membrane can be successfully used as a perfect wound dressing material with minimum cosmetic scar.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Non cell adherent wound dressing membranes. </LI> <LI> Easy removable, no-pain wound dressing bandages. </LI> <LI> Blood inert wound dressing membrane, suitable for large areas of chronic wounds. </LI> <LI> Resist microbial biofilm formation and hence provides minimum chance of infection. </LI> <LI> Minimum cosmetic scar due to less cell adsorption on wound dressing membrane. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Changes of the Macrobenthos Community with Non-native Mangrove Rehabilitation (Kandelia obovata) and Salt Marsh Invasion (Spartina alterniflora) in Ximen Island, Zhejiang, China

Qiuxuan Wang,Li Song,Susana Agusti,Carlos Duarte,George Christakos,Jiaping Wu 한국해양과학기술원 2021 Ocean science journal Vol.56 No.4

Macrobenthos organisms are vital ecological components of intertidal wetlands. This work studied effects of non-native mangrove rehabilitation (Kandelia obovata) and salt marsh invasion (Spartina alterniflora) on macrobenthos communities in Ximen Island (Zhejiang, China). The macrobenthos communities were compared between rehabilitated K. obovata forests of five different stand ages (2-, 8-, 11-, 16-, and 60-year-old) and adjacent S. alterniflora marsh and non-vegetated mudflat. Compared to the mudflat, S. alterniflora increased the abundance, Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), and Margalef's richness index (d') of macrobenthos. Gastropoda abundance was high in the S. alterniflora marsh, whereas, malacostraca biomass was low. Within mangrove forests, macrobenthos abundance was positively correlated with the stand age of mangroves (Spearman Correlation, P < 0.05), but the corresponding H', d' and Pielou's evenness index (J') showed negative correlations. Gastropoda dominated over macrobenthos in the younger stands (2-11 years in age), whereas, phascolosomatidea and bivalvia were more abundant in the older stands (16 and 60 years in age). Noticeably, the highest biomass for malacostraca was recorded from the 11-year-old stand. Macrobenthos communities differed among habitats, with the divergence in community structure between the S. alterniflora marsh and mangrove stands increasing with mangrove stand age, to be significantly different for stands planted over 16 years ago. Since the 16-year-old stand exhibited similar macrobenthos features to the 60-year-old stand, we speculated that, in the case of macrobenthos, a rehabilitated K. obovata forest can reach its maturity level at a time period of about 15 years in Ximen Island.

Impact of fatty liver on long-term outcomes in chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and matched analysis of individual patient data meta-analysis

Yu Jun Wong,Vy H. Nguyen,Hwai-I Yang,Jie Li,Michael Huan Le,Wan-Jung Wu,Nicole Xinrong Han,Khi Yung Fong,Elizabeth Chen,Connie Wong,Fajuan Rui,Xiaoming Xu,Qi Xue,Xin Yu Hu,Wei Qiang Leow,George Boon-B 대한간학회 2023 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.29 No.3

Background/Aims: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and fatty liver (FL) often co-exist, but natural history data of this dual condition (CHB-FL) are sparse. Via a systematic review, conventional meta-analysis (MA) and individual patient-level data MA (IPDMA), we compared liver-related outcomes and mortality between CHB-FL and CHB-no FL patients. Methods: We searched 4 databases from inception to December 2021 and pooled study-level estimates using a random- effects model for conventional MA. For IPDMA, we evaluated outcomes after balancing the two study groups with inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) on age, sex, cirrhosis, diabetes, ALT, HBeAg, HBV DNA, and antiviral treatment. Results: We screened 2,157 articles and included 19 eligible studies (17,955 patients: 11,908 CHB-no FL; 6,047 CHB-FL) in conventional MA, which found severe heterogeneity (I2=88–95%) and no significant differences in HCC, cirrhosis, mortality, or HBsAg seroclearance incidence (P=0.27–0.93). IPDMA included 13,262 patients: 8,625 CHB-no FL and 4,637 CHB-FL patients who differed in several characteristics. The IPTW cohort included 6,955 CHB-no FL and 3,346 CHB-FL well-matched patients. CHB-FL patients (vs. CHB-no FL) had significantly lower HCC, cirrhosis, mortality and higher HBsAg seroclearance incidence (all P≤0.002), with consistent results in subgroups. CHB-FL diagnosed by liver biopsy had a higher 10-year cumulative HCC incidence than CHB-FL diagnosed with non-invasive methods (63.6% vs. 4.3%, P<0.0001). Conclusions: IPDMA data with well-matched CHB patient groups showed that FL (vs. no FL) was associated with significantly lower HCC, cirrhosis, and mortality risk and higher HBsAg seroclearance probability.

Mussel-Inspired Electrospun Nanofibers Functionalized with Size-Controlled Silver Nanoparticles for Wound Dressing Application

GhavamiNejad, Amin,Rajan Unnithan, Afeesh,Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala, Arathyram,Samarikhalaj, Melisa,Thomas, Reju George,Jeong, Yong Yeon,Nasseri, Saeed,Murugesan, Priya,Wu, Dongmei,Hee Park, Chan,Kim American Chemical Society 2015 ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Vol.7 No.22

<P>Electrospun nanofibers that contain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a strong antibacterial activity that is beneficial to wound healing. However, most of the literature available on the bactericidal effects of this material is based on the use of AgNPs with uncontrolled size, shape, surface properties, and degree of aggregation. In this study, we report the first versatile synthesis of novel catechol moieties presenting electrospun nanofibers functionalized with AgNPs through catechol redox chemistry. The synthetic strategy allows control of the size and amount of AgNPs on the surface of nanofibers with the minimum degree of aggregation. We also evaluated the rate of release of the AgNPs, the biocompatibility of the nanofibers, the antibacterial activity in vitro, and the wound healing capacity in vivo. Our results suggest that these silver-releasing nanofibers have great potential for use in wound healing applications.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/aamick/2015/aamick.2015.7.issue-22/acsami.5b02542/production/images/medium/am-2015-02542w_0005.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/am5b02542'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>