Lipid Profile Change after Thyroidectomy

Chih Hao Chu,Soo Young Kim,Yong Sang Lee,Hang-Seok Chang 대한갑상선-내분비외과학회 2020 The Koreran journal of Endocrine Surgery Vol.20 No.3

Purpose: Thyroid diseases and lipid metabolic abnormalities have been reported to be correlated. In patients with thyroid cancer, thyroid stimulating hormone levels are suppressed to prevent recurrence. Many studies have reported dyslipidemia associated with thyroid function, although its extent before and after thyroidectomy remains to be studied. This study aimed to determine the lipid levels for administering accurate lipid treatment in thyroid cancer patients post thyroidectomy. Methods: In total, 1,203 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent thyroidectomy between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 at the Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, were enrolled in the study. Of these, patients aged <19 years and taking medication for dyslipidemia were excluded. Finally, we enrolled 295 thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroidectomy and whose lipid profiles were confirmed pre- and post-operatively. Results: The total cholesterol levels in the lobectomy group without levothyroxine supplementation were significantly increased 1 year after surgery than those before surgery (168.17±29.19 mg/dL vs. 182.50±34.03 mg/dL, P=0.003). Additionally, the triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly decreased in the lobectomy with levothyroxine supplementation and total thyroidectomy groups, whereas cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels showed no significant change. No significant changes in the levels of cholesterol, LDL-C, and TG were observed in all the 3 groups. Conclusion: Extent of surgery and levothyroxine supplementation had an insignificant impact on the levels of cholesterol, LDL-C, TG, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol compared pre- and post-operatively.

Effects of Additives of CaO and Rare-Earth Oxides on the Sintering Behavior of AlN Ceramics

Chih-Hung Chu,Yun-Hwei Shen,Chih-Peng Lin,Shaw-Bing Wen 한국물리학회 2008 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.52 No.5

The effect of additives of CaO plus three different rare-earth oxides (Y, Sm and Gd, separately) on the sintering behavior of AlN ceramics has been evaluated at 1700℃ by using a MoSi2 heater and ambient atmosphere. The results of density measurements show that the atomic weight of the rare-earth element may substantially affect the apparent density of the sintered AlN specimen due to the kinetics of atomic diffusion during sintering. The optimum results of this study show that these additives are effective in obtaining an apparent density of 3.26 g/cm3 (approaching a 100 % theoretical density of AlN). The Vicker's hardness of the sintered AlN can reach a high value of 1310 kg/mm2 and an apparent density of 3.34 g/cm3. A longer soaking time of between 3 and 5 h is necessary to practically eliminate the minor oxide phases. The effect of additives of CaO plus three different rare-earth oxides (Y, Sm and Gd, separately) on the sintering behavior of AlN ceramics has been evaluated at 1700℃ by using a MoSi2 heater and ambient atmosphere. The results of density measurements show that the atomic weight of the rare-earth element may substantially affect the apparent density of the sintered AlN specimen due to the kinetics of atomic diffusion during sintering. The optimum results of this study show that these additives are effective in obtaining an apparent density of 3.26 g/cm3 (approaching a 100 % theoretical density of AlN). The Vicker's hardness of the sintered AlN can reach a high value of 1310 kg/mm2 and an apparent density of 3.34 g/cm3. A longer soaking time of between 3 and 5 h is necessary to practically eliminate the minor oxide phases.

Measurement of Deformity at the Craniovertebral Junction: Correlation of Triangular Area and Myelopathy

Chih-Chang Chang,Jau-Ching Wu,Chin-Chu Ko,Hsuan-Kan Chang,Yi-Hsuan Kuo,Chao-Hung Kuo,Tsung-Hsi Tu,Wen-Cheng Huang 대한척추신경외과학회 2022 Neurospine Vol.19 No.4

Objective: Diseases of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) are commonly associated with deformity, malalignment, and subsequent myelopathy. The misaligned CVJ might cause compression of neuronal tissues and subsequently clinical symptoms. The triangular area (TA), measured by magnetic resonance imaging/images (MRI/s), is a novel measurement for quantification of the severity of compression to the brain stem. This study aimed to assess the normal and pathological values of TA by a comparison of patients with CVJ disease to age- and sex-matched controls. Moreover, postoperative TAs were correlated with outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent surgery for CVJ disease were included for comparison to an age- and sex-matched cohort of normal CVJ persons as controls. The demographics, perioperative information, and pre- and postoperative 2-year cervical MRIs were collected for analysis. Cervical TAs were measured and compared. Results: A total of 201 patients, all of whom had pre- or postoperative MRI, were analyzed. The TA of the CVJ deformity group was larger than the healthy control group (1.62 ± 0.57 cm2 vs. 1.01 ± 0.18 cm2 , p < 0.001). Moreover, patients who had combined anterior odontoidectomy and posterior laminectomy with fixation had the greatest reduction in the TA (1.18 ± 0.58 cm2 ). Conclusion: In CVJ deformity, the measurement of the cervical TA could indicate the severity of brain stem compression. After surgery, the TA had a varying degree of improvement, which could represent the efficacy of surgery.

Thermal conductivity of micro hot-pressed AlN ceramics fabricated using a conventional MoSi2 heating element furnace

Chih-Peng Lin,Chih-Hung Chu,Shaw-Bing Wen,Yun-Hwei Shen 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2011 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.12 No.5

AlN samples doped with sub-micron Y2O3 and CaO powders as sintering additives obtained using the micro hot-pressed (MHPed) sintering method in a MoSi2 heating element furnace were investigated. The minor amounts of secondary phases were identified as Al5Y3O12, CaYAl3O7, and CaAl4O7, which are related to the low sintering temperature as well as the removal of oxygen-related defects in the system. Relative densities of over 96% of the theoretical value were obtained after sintering at 1600 oC for 8 h, indicating that an adequate amount of additives and the use of the micro hot-pressed (MHPed) sintering process help improve the densification and thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics. The high thermal conductivity of 130Wm−1K−1was attributed to the purification of the AlN lattice, the elimination of some secondary phases, and the grain boundary phase distribution.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of SOF/LDV for Pa-tients with Chronic Hepatitis C in Taiwan

( Ching-chu Lo ),( Pin-nan Cheng ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Chung-feng Huang ),( Hsing-tao Kuo ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Yi-hsiang Huang ),( Chi-ming Tai ),( Cheng-yuan Peng ),( Ming-jong Bair ),( Chien-hung Ch 대한간학회 2021 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2021 No.1

Phylogenetics and Biogeography of the Phalaenopsis violacea (Orchidaceae) Species Complex Based on Nuclear and Plastid DNA

Chi-Chu Tsai,Chiou-Rong Sheue,Chih-Hsiung Chen,Chang-Hung Chou 한국식물학회 2010 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.53 No.6

The Phalaenopsis violacea complex includes two species: P. violacea Witte and Phalaenopsis bellina (Rchb.f.) E. A. Christ. However, three forms of P. violacea have been found in different areas, including Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Mentawai Island. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA), the trnL intron,and the atpB-rbcL spacer of plastid DNA were used to clarify the phylogenetics and biogeography of the P. violacea complex. Analyses of the trnL intron sequences and of the atpB-rbcL spacer did not allow for apparent discrimination among these three species of the P. violacea complex. Based on the phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS sequence, P. bellina cannot be separated from populations of P. violacea, with the exception of the population distributed on Mentawai Is., Indonesia. Based on morphological characteristics, P. violacea distributed on Mentawai Is. has a long and roundish rachis and is separate from the other groups of the P. violacea complex described by Christenson (Timber, Portland, OR, 2001). Therefore,the results of this study show a trend that supports the conclusion that the population of the P. violacea complex on Mentawai Is. is a separate species from P. violacea. Based on the biogeography of the P. violacea complex,Mentawai plants of this complex might be descended from those on the Sumatra/Malay Peninsula.

Cloud-Based Synchronization for Interface Settings for Older Adults

Drew Williams,Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed,William Cheng-Chung Chu,Mong-Te Wang,Chih-Hung Chang 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Hybrid Information Techno Vol.7 No.4

Abrupt Decline in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate after Initiating Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Predicts Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Min-Hsiang Chuang,Yu-Shuo Tang,Jui-Yi Chen,Heng-Chih Pan,Hung-Wei Liao,Wen-Kai Chu,Chung-Yi Cheng,Vin-Cent Wu,Michael Heung 대한당뇨병학회 2024 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.48 No.2

Background: The initiation of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) typically leads to a reversible initial dip in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The implications of this phenomenon on clinical outcomes are not well-defined.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to March 23, 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without initial eGFR dip after initiating SGLT2i. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effect meta-analysis.Results: We included seven studies in our analysis, which revealed that an initial eGFR dip following the initiation of SGLT2i was associated with less annual eGFR decline (mean difference, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.437 to 0.843) regardless of baseline eGFR. The risk of major adverse kidney events was similar between the non-dipping and dipping groups but reduced in patients with a ≤10% eGFR dip (hazard ratio [HR], 0.915; 95% CI, 0.865 to 0.967). No significant differences were observed in the composite of hospitalized heart failure and cardiovascular death (HR, 0.824; 95% CI, 0.633 to 1.074), hospitalized heart failure (HR, 1.059; 95% CI, 0.574 to 1.952), or all-cause mortality (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.589 to 1.170). The risk of serious adverse events (AEs), discontinuation of SGLT2i due to AEs, kidney-related AEs, and volume depletion were similar between the two groups. Patients with >10% eGFR dip had increased risk of hyperkalemia compared to the non-dipping group.Conclusion: Initial eGFR dip after initiating SGLT2i might be associated with less annual eGFR decline. There were no significant disparities in the risks of adverse cardiovascular outcomes between the dipping and non-dipping groups.

The Natural Flavonoid Apigenin Suppresses Th1- and Th2-Related Chemokine Production by Human Monocyte THP-1 Cells Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways

Ching-Hua Huang,Po-Lin Kuo,Ya-Ling Hsu,Tai-Tsung Chang,Hsing-I Tseng,Yu-Te Chu,Chang-Hung Kuo,Huan-Nan Chen,Chih-Hsing Hung 한국식품영양과학회 2010 Journal of medicinal food Vol.13 No.2

Dietary flavonoids have various biological functions, and there is increasing evidence that reduced prevalence and severity of allergic reactions are associated with the intake of flavonoids. Among natural flavonoids, apigenin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. However, the mechanisms of apigenin's effect remain uncertain. Monocyte-derived chemokine (MDC) plays a pivotal role in recruiting T-helper (Th) 2 cells in the allergic inflammation process. In the late phase of allergic inflammation, the Th1 chemokine interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) has also been found in elevated levels in the bronchial alveolar fluid of asthmatic children. We used human THP-1 monocyte cells, pretreated with or without apigenin, prior to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. By means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we found that apigenin inhibited production of both MDC and IP-10 by THP-1 cells and that the suppressive effect of apigenin was not reversed by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182780. The p65 phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB remained unaffected, but the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways were all blocked. We found that inhibition of c-raf phosphorylation might be the target of apigenin's anti-inflammation property.

Tenofovir Alafenamide for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Advanced Fibrosis and Partial Virologic Responses to Oral Nucleos(T)Ide Analogues- Interim Report

( Ming-lung Yu ),( Ming-lun Yeh ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Pin-nan Cheng ),( Ming-jong Bair ),( Jyh-jou Chen ),( Ching-chu Lo ),( Chi-ming Tai ),( Ching-yang Tsai ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Chien-hung Chen ),( C 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Insufficient data regarding the treatment strategy for partial response to nucleot(s)ide analogue (NUC) raised the aim of investigating tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) switching for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with advanced fibrosis and partial response to other NUCs. Methods: CHB patients with advanced fibrosis (stage 3 or 4) and under NUC (except TAF) therapy with detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA for >52 weeks are enrolled to TAF 25 mg/day for 96 weeks. The objectives are viral suppression, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and safety. Results: From Feb. 2019, 34 patients, including 21 (61.8%) with entecavir, 10 (29.4%) TDF and 3 (8.8%) lamivudine or adefovir, were enrolled (15 [44.1%] male, median 53 years). The fibroscan demonstrated a mean of 10.5 kPa (7 [20.6%] cirrhotic). Sixteen (47.1%) patients were HBV e antigen positive, seven (20.6%) had YMDD mutation. The median HBV DNA level declined from 68.5 IU/mL at enrollment to 27.0 IU/mL at 4^th week, and undetectable at 12^th, 24^th, 36^th week, respectively, after TAF switching, with undetectable HBV DNA in 14/34 (41.2%), 17/33 (51.5%), 15/25 (60.0%), and 9/15 (60.0%) patients and rate of ALT normalization (≤40 U/L) of 85.3%, 85.3%, 84.8%, 92.0%, and 80.0%, respectively, after TAF switching. (figure 1) Two patients experienced transient virological breakthrough and another one developed at the final time follow up. Serum creatinine and eGFR levels were stable after TAF switching (figure 1). Two patients early terminated including one at 12^th week due to personal reason, and another one accidently died at 20^th week due to acute heart attack. Others suffered only mild degrees of adverse events which were considered unrelated to treatment. Conclusions: The preliminary results demonstrated the TAF switching is effective and safe in viral suppression for CHB patients with advanced fibrosis and partial virologic responses to other NUCs.