A Latency MAC Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Chung-Jung Fu,Ang-Hsi Lee,Ming-Hui Jin,Cheng-Yan Kao 보안공학연구지원센터 2009 International Journal of Future Generation Communi Vol.2 No.1

Comprehensive profiles and diagnostic value of menopausal-specific gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer

Hou Ming-Feng,Ou-Yang Fu,Li Chung-Liang,Chen Fang-Ming,Chuang Chieh-Han,Kan Jung-Yu,Wu Cheng-Che,Shih Shen-Liang,Shiau Jun-Ping,Kao Li-Chun,Kao Chieh-Ni,Lee Yi-Chen,Moi Sin-Hua,Yeh Yao-Tsung,Cheng Chi 생화학분자생물학회 2021 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.53 No.-

In Western countries, breast cancer tends to occur in older postmenopausal women. However, in Asian countries, the proportion of younger premenopausal breast cancer patients is increasing. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in breast cancer. However, studies on the gut microbiota in the context of breast cancer have mainly focused on postmenopausal breast cancer. Little is known about the gut microbiota in the context of premenopausal breast cancer. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the gut microbial profiles, diagnostic value, and functional pathways in premenopausal breast cancer patients. Here, we analyzed 267 breast cancer patients with different menopausal statuses and age-matched female controls. The α-diversity was significantly reduced in premenopausal breast cancer patients, and the β-diversity differed significantly between breast cancer patients and controls. By performing multiple analyses and classification, 14 microbial markers were identified in the different menopausal statuses of breast cancer. Bacteroides fragilis was specifically found in young women of premenopausal statuses and Klebsiella pneumoniae in older women of postmenopausal statuses. In addition, menopausal-specific microbial markers could exhibit excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing breast cancer patients from controls. Finally, the functional pathways differed between breast cancer patients and controls. Our findings provide the first evidence that the gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer patients differs from that in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and shed light on menopausal-specific microbial markers for diagnosis and investigation, ultimately providing a noninvasive approach for breast cancer detection and a novel strategy for preventing premenopausal breast cancer.

Validation of Pharyngeal Acid Reflux Episodes Using Hypopharyngeal Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance-pH

Yen-Yang Chen,Chen-Chi Wang,Ying-Cheng Lin,John Y Kao,Chun-Yi Chuang,Yung-An Tsou,Ja-Chih Fu,Sheng-Shun Yang,Chi-Sen Chang,Han-Chung Lien 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.1

Background/AimsHypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (HMII-pH) technology incorporating 2 trans-upper esophageal sphincter impedance channels has been developed to detect pharyngeal reflux. We used the HMII-pH technique to validate the candidate pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) episodes based on the dual-pH tracings and determined the interobserver reproducibility. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in tertiary centers in Taiwan. Ninety patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux and 28 healthy volunteers underwent HMII-pH test when off acid suppressants. Candidate PAR episodes were characterized by pharyngeal pH drops of at least 2 units and reaching a nadir pH of 5 within 30 seconds during esophageal acidification. Two experts manually independently identified candidate PAR episodes based on the dual-pH tracings. By reviewing the HMII-pH tracings, HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes were subsequently confirmed. The consensus reviews of HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes were considered to be the reference standard diagnosis. The interobserver reproducibility was assessed. ResultsA total of 105 candidate PAR episodes were identified. Among them 84 (80.0%; 95% CI, 71.0-87.0%) were HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes (82 in 16 patients and 2 in 1 healthy subject). Patients tended to have more HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes than healthy controls (median and percentile values [25th, 75th, and 95th percentiles]: 0 [0, 0, 3] vs 0 [0, 0, 0], P = 0.067). The concordance rate in diagnosing HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes between 2 independent observers was 92.2%. ConclusionOur preliminary data showed that 80.0% (71.0-87.0%) of the proposed candidate PAR episodes were HMII-pH-proven PAR episodes, among which the interobserver reproducibility was good.

An Inverted U-shaped Relationship between Information Transparency and Idiosyncratic Risk

Yi Chang Chen,Mao Feng Kao,Hui Cheng Yu,Yuwen Yang,Yixuan Fu 한국유통과학회 2017 KODISA ICBE (International Conference on Business Vol.2017 No.-

Prior literature indicates that the endogeneity problem exists between information transparency and idiosyncratic risk, and that the results of the impact of transparency on risk are still inconclusive. This study attempts to employ a simultaneous equation model to investigate the non-linear relationship between information transparency and idiosyncratic risk. The variables of firm’s information transparency are drawn from the “Annual Report on China’s Companies’ Public Transparency” published by the China Social Science Academic Press. The finding indicates that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between information transparency and idiosyncratic risk. The empirical result of the non-linear relation not only confirms the disclosure theory that the relationship between information transparency and idiosyncratic risk is negative, but also explains the inconsistent evidence in previous research.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Interbody Debridement and Fusion for Pyogenic Lumbar Spondylodiskitis: Surgical Technique and the Comparison With Percutaneous Endoscopic Drainage and Debridement

Po-Ju Lai,Sheng-Fen Wang,Tsung-Ting Tsai,Yun-Da Li,Ping-Yeh Chiu,Ming-Kai Hsieh,Fu-Cheng Kao 대한척추신경외과학회 2021 Neurospine Vol.18 No.4

Objective: Surgical treatment of severe infectious spondylodiskitis remains challenging. Although minimally invasive percutaneous endoscopic drainage and debridement (PEDD) may yield good results in complicated cases, outcomes of patients with extensive structural damage and mechanical instability may be unsatisfactory. To address severe infectious spondylodiskitis, we have developed a surgical technique called percutaneous endoscopic interbody debridement and fusion (PEIDF), which comprises endoscopic debridement, bone-graft interbody fusion, and percutaneous posterior instrumentation. Methods: Outcomes of PEIDF in 12 patients and PEDD in 15 patients with infectious spondylodiskitis from April 2014 to July 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Outcome were compared between 2 kinds of surgical procedures. Results: Patients in PEIDF group had significantly lower rate of revision surgery (8.3% vs. 58.3%), better kyphosis angle (-5.73°±8.74 vs. 1.07°±2.70 in postoperative; 7.09°±7.23 vs. 0.79°±4.08 in kyphosis correction at 1 year), and higher fusion rate (83.3% vs. 46.7%) than those who received PEDD. Conclusion: PEIDF is an effective approach for treating infectious spondylodiskitis, especially in patients with spinal instability and multiple medical comorbidities.

Efficacy/Safety of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir with Ribavirin in Asian Patients with Genotype 1b HCV-Infected, Compensated Cirrhosis: ONYX-II SVR 24 Results

( Lai Wei ),( Gui-qiang Wang ),( Yan Luo ),( Chi-jen Chu ),( Seung Woon Paik ),( Jinlin Hou ),( Jun Cheng ),( Qing Xie ),( Zhongping Duan ),( Jia-horng Kao ),( Linda Fredrick ),( Bo Fu ),( Niloufar Mo 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: ONYX-II is a phase 3, open-label study of 3-DAA regimen of OBV/PTV/r and DSV with RBV in treatment-naive and experienced patients with genotype 1b HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis in China, South Korea and Taiwan. SVR12 rate was 100% and the favourable safety profile was shown. The present analysis reports efficacy( SVR24) and safety results. Methods: Patients with chronic GT1b HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis received OBV/PTV/r + DSV + RBV for 12 weeks and will be followed for 48 weeks post-treatment. Efficacy was assessed by SVR12 and SVR24. Safety was assessed as the percentage of patients wi th treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and laboratory evaluation. Results: Total of 104 patients with chronic GT1b HCV infection (62% female, 100% Asian, 58% treatment-experienced) were enrolled from China (n=63), South Korea (n=21) and Taiwan (n=20). All patients received at least one dose of study drugs. The SVR24 rate was 100% (concordant with SVR12), with no patient relapsing between post-treatment week 12 and 24. Most TEAEs were mild in severity. The most common TEAEs (≥10%) were increased blood bilirubin levels (25%), pruritus (15%), anaemia (14%), asthenia (12%), bilirubin conjugated increased (12%), blood bilirubin unconjugated increased (12%), dizziness (11%) and fatigue (11%). Four patients had serious AEs and all were assessed as not being related to the 3-DAA regimen (one was assessed as being possibly related to RBV). One patient discontinued treatment due to TEAEs (elevations in alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and blood bilirubin) after 3 weeks of dosing but achieved SVR12 and SVR24. Laboratory abnormalities ≥ grade 3 were infrequent (ALT: 3%; AST 2%; total bilirubin: 7%). No grade 3 haemoglobin decrease was reported. Conclusions: SVR24 and SVR12 rates were concordant (100%) in HCV GT1b-infected Asian patients with compensated cirrhosis. The regimen was generally well tolerated with mostly mild TEAEs reported.