Teriparatide treatment shows faster healing than sacroplasty for postmenopausal women with sacral insufficiency fracture

Yao-Chun Yang,Min-Hong Hsieh,Jui-Teng Chien,Keng-Chang Liu,Chang-Chen Yang 대한골다공증학회 2023 Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia Vol.9 No.1

Objectives: Sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF) is not an uncommon osteoporosis fracture among the elderly. Aside from traditional treatments, sacroplasty and teriparatide (TPTD) injection have been introduced. This report aims to compare the effects of sacroplasty and teriparatide on clinical outcomes of SIF. Methods: Thirty-one elderly patients with SIF were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Four male patients were excluded. Fourteen patients who received TPTD for 6 months were classified into the TPTD group (TT), and 13 who underwent sacroplasty were classified into the sacroplasty group (SS). All patients in both groups were instructed to take calcium and vitamin D supplements daily. Their symptoms and signs, visual analog score (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and radiographic studies were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The TT group showed significantly lower VAS than SS group after 3 (P < 0.001) and 6 months of treatment (P < 0.001). The TT group also has significant lower ODI than SS group after 1 (P = 0.010), 3 (P = 0.005) and 6 months (P < 0.001) of treatment. Upon generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis, the TT group showed significantly more reduction in both VAS and ODI compared to the SS group at 1 month (P = 0.022, P = 0.001), 3 months (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), and 6 months (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) post-treatment. Conclusions: Postmenoposal woman with SIF who received TPTD healed better than those who underwent sacroplasty after 1 month treatment.

Reply on “teriparatide treatment for postmenopausal women with sacral insufficiency fracture”

Yao-Chun Yang,Min-Hong Hsieh,Jui-Teng Chien,Keng-Chang Liu,Chang-Chen Yang 대한골다공증학회 2023 Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia Vol.9 No.2

Traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19 pandemic and emerging challenges: An online cross-sectional survey in China

Chun-Li Lu,Ruo-Xiang Zheng,Xue Xue,Xiao-Wen Zhang,Xue-Han Liu,Xin-Yan Jin,Feng-Lan Pu,Hui-Di Lan,Min Fang,Ling-Yao Kong,Merlin Willcox,Bertrand Graz,Joelle Houriet,Xiao-Yang Hu,Jian-ping Liu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.-

Background We aimed to investigate use of infection control behaviours, preventative and therapeutic interventions, and outcomes among respondents to an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods The survey was designed by an international team, translated and adapted to simplified Chinese, including 132 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation recommended by guidelines. It was distributed and collected from February to May 2021, with data analysed by WPS spreadsheet and wjx.cn. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatments, preventative behaviours and interventions, and their associated outcomes. Results The survey was accessed 503 times with 341 (67.8%) completions covering 23 provinces and four municipalities in China. Most (282/341, 82.7%) respondents reported no symptoms during the pandemic and the majority (290/341, 85.0%) reported having a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at some point. Forty-five (13.2%) reported having a respiratory infection, among which 19 (42.2%) took one or more categories of modern medicine, e.g. painkillers, antibiotics; 16 (35.6%) used TCM interventions(s); while seven respondents combined TCM with modern medicine. All respondents reported using at least one behavioural or medical approach to prevention, with 22.3% taking TCM and 5.3% taking modern medicines. No respondents reported having a critical condition related to COVID-19. Conclusion We found evidence of widespread use of infection control behaviours, modern medicines and TCM for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms. Larger scale studies are warranted, including a more representative sample exploring TCM preparations recommended in clinical guidelines. Background We aimed to investigate use of infection control behaviours, preventative and therapeutic interventions, and outcomes among respondents to an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods The survey was designed by an international team, translated and adapted to simplified Chinese, including 132 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation recommended by guidelines. It was distributed and collected from February to May 2021, with data analysed by WPS spreadsheet and wjx.cn. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatments, preventative behaviours and interventions, and their associated outcomes. Results The survey was accessed 503 times with 341 (67.8%) completions covering 23 provinces and four municipalities in China. Most (282/341, 82.7%) respondents reported no symptoms during the pandemic and the majority (290/341, 85.0%) reported having a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at some point. Forty-five (13.2%) reported having a respiratory infection, among which 19 (42.2%) took one or more categories of modern medicine, e.g. painkillers, antibiotics; 16 (35.6%) used TCM interventions(s); while seven respondents combined TCM with modern medicine. All respondents reported using at least one behavioural or medical approach to prevention, with 22.3% taking TCM and 5.3% taking modern medicines. No respondents reported having a critical condition related to COVID-19. Conclusion We found evidence of widespread use of infection control behaviours, modern medicines and TCM for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms. Larger scale studies are warranted, including a more representative sample exploring TCM preparations recommended in clinical guidelines.

Improvement of energy storage performance in PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3/PbZrO3 multilayer thin films via regulating PbZrO3 thickness

Yang Fei,Shi Yu Jia,Lin Lin,Chen Jing Yao,Hou Meng Zhe,Yu Ke Xin,Zhang Yi Han,Yuan Zheng,Li Xiao Fang,Hu Yan Chun,Shang Jun,Yin Shao Qian,Wang Xian Wei 한국물리학회 2023 Current Applied Physics Vol.50 No.-

In this work, to prepare the PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3(PZT)/PbZrO3(PZ) multilayer films, PZ films and PZT films were spin-coated on LaNiO3/SiO2/Si substrates in sequence by the sol-gel method, and the PZ films were prepared using PZ precursor solution with different concentrations. After each spin-coating, PZ layer and PZT layer were annealed with rapid thermal annealing (RTA) technique at 650 ◦C and 550 ◦C, respectively. The crystal structures, microstructures and electrical properties of the films with different PZ film thickness were comprehensively investigated. The PZ films with different thickness showed perovskite phase. The PZT films on crystallized PZ films exhibited the coexistence of pyrochlore phase and perovskite phase at the annealing temperature of 550 ◦C. The PZT/PZ multilayer films with 0.2 M PZ precursor solution exhibit typical anti-ferroelectricity with double hysteresis loops, while other multilayer films exhibit nearly linear loops. In addition, the recoverable energy storage density increases with the increase of the film thickness and reaches the maximum value 32.4 J/ cm3 in the PZT/PZ multilayer films with 0.4 M PZ precursor solution. Therefore, the ferroelectric properties of the PZT/PZ multilayer films could be regulated by different PZ film thickness, which effectively further enhances the energy storage performance.

Enhanced Phase Relaxation in a Hybrid Ferromagnet/Semiconductor System

Kuang Yao Chen,Chun-Kai Yang,N. Aoki,Y. Ochiai,Y. Ujiie,K. A. Cheng,Li-Hung Lin,C. F. Huang,Yu-Ru Li,Yen Shung Tseng,Po-Tsun Lin,Jau-Yang Wu,Sheng-Di Lin,C.-T. Liang 한국물리학회 2009 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.55 No.1

Hybrid ferromagnet/semiconductor systems have been the focus of considerable attention because of the transport properties of two-dimensional electron systems and their potential applications to magnetic storage and sensing devices. We use the weak localization effect to probe the dephasing mechanism at low temperatures. In our study, the zero-temperature phase-relaxation rate can be enhanced in a hybrid ferromagnet/semiconductor system, which may be due to the inhomogeneous magnetic field emanating from the Ni film. The result may improve understanding of the issue of zero-temperature dephasing in disordered systems. Hybrid ferromagnet/semiconductor systems have been the focus of considerable attention because of the transport properties of two-dimensional electron systems and their potential applications to magnetic storage and sensing devices. We use the weak localization effect to probe the dephasing mechanism at low temperatures. In our study, the zero-temperature phase-relaxation rate can be enhanced in a hybrid ferromagnet/semiconductor system, which may be due to the inhomogeneous magnetic field emanating from the Ni film. The result may improve understanding of the issue of zero-temperature dephasing in disordered systems.

Probing Insulator-quantum Hall Transitions by Current Heating

Kuang Yao Chen,N. Aoki,Y. Ochiai,K. A. Cheng,Li-Hung Lin,C. F. Huang,Yu-Ru Li,Yen Shung Tseng,Chun-Kai Yang,Po-Tsun Lin,Jau-Yang Wu,Sheng-Di Lin,C.-T. Liang 한국물리학회 2009 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.55 No.1

We report a magneto-transport study on the two-dimensional electron system (2DES) in an Al- GaAs/GaAs heterostructure. The direct insulator to quantum Hall conductor transition is observed at low temperatures by increasing the magnetic field B perpendicular to the 2DES. We can also observe the transition by varying the current I and find a relation Te~Ia between electron effective temperature Te and current. Here, a denotes the exponent for the power law. The exponent a, however, can have different values on the two sides of the transition point, which indicates different inelastic scattering mechanisms in the low-field insulator and in the quantum Hall conductor. We report a magneto-transport study on the two-dimensional electron system (2DES) in an Al- GaAs/GaAs heterostructure. The direct insulator to quantum Hall conductor transition is observed at low temperatures by increasing the magnetic field B perpendicular to the 2DES. We can also observe the transition by varying the current I and find a relation Te~Ia between electron effective temperature Te and current. Here, a denotes the exponent for the power law. The exponent a, however, can have different values on the two sides of the transition point, which indicates different inelastic scattering mechanisms in the low-field insulator and in the quantum Hall conductor.

Thermal Behavior Analysis and Thermal Error Compensation for Motorized Spindle of Machine Tools

Zheng-Chun Du,Si-Yu Yao,Jian-Guo Yang 한국정밀공학회 2015 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

The thermal error deformation of motorized spindle plays an important role in the precision machining, while error compensation has been proved to be a cost-effective way. Herein a symmetrical solution for the thermal error problem of spindle is proposed based on the thermal behavior analysis. Firstly, the heat generating and transfer mechanism are described considering the heat sources. Next, ANSYS is used to achieve the steady-state and the transient thermal field distribution as well as the related deformation with the given thermal load and boundary condition. Furthermore, the NEM is proposed to predict the thermal error under random rotating speed with no use of thermal sensors, followed by the determination of two important parameters. The verification experiment of the thermal error under random rotating speed is executed. The External Machine Zero Point Shift function of the CNC system is adopted to develop the real-time compensation system on the spindle of HDBS-63 machining center. The maximum axial thermal error is greatly reduced from 55 to 16 um, while the radial one similarly reduced from 15 to 6 um. Both are improved 73% and 63% respectively. The experiment results show that NEM method is simple but of good reliability and practicality.

High Expression of Forkhead Box Protein C2 is Related to Poor Prognosis in Human Gliomas

Wang, Yao-Wu,Yin, Chun-Li,Zhang, Hong-Yi,Hao, Jin-Min,Yang, Yue-Ye,Liao, Heng,Jiao, Bao-Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.24

Background: Increasing evidence has indicated that high Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) level is closely associated with the development, progression, and poor prognosis of a variety of tumors. However, the relationship between FOXC2 and the progression of human gliomas remains to be clarified. The aim of present study was to assess FOXC2 expression and to explore its contribution in human gliomas. Materials and Methods: Realtime quantitative PCR was performed to examine FOXC2 expression in 85 pairs of fresh frozen glioma tissues and corresponding non-neoplastic brain tissues. Associations of FOXC2 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis of glioma patients were statistically analyzed. Results: The relative mRNA expression of FOXC2 was significantly higher in glioma tissues than the corresponding non-neoplastic brain tissues (p<0.001). In addition, high FOXC2 expression was significantly associated with advanced pathological grade (P=0.005) and the low Karnofsky performance score (KPS) (p=0.003), correlating with poor survival (p<0.001). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high FOXC2 expression was an independent predictor of overall survival (p=0.006). Conclusions: FOXC2 may act as an oncogenic gene and represent a potential regulator of aggressive development and a candidate prognostic marker in human gliomas.

The Influence of Construction Scheme of Asymmetric Three-Cabin Utility Tunnelling on the Surface Settlement Behaviour

Zuo Chun Li,Gui He Wang,Jun Wei Hao,Yao Zhou,Xiao Yang Wang,Heng Xuan,Feng Huang 대한토목학회 2021 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.25 No.9

The asymmetric three-cabin structure is one of the favourite choices in urban utility tunnel engineering, as it can provide a higher space utilization and clearer classification for pipelines. However, few work has been done on utility tunnel in such special cross-section during undercutting construction until now. Besides, as the loose soil layers such as sand and silt are often encountered during the utility tunnelling, its influence on surface settlement become one of the main concerns. This study focuses on the influence of the construction scheme on the surface settlement details for an asymmetric three-cabin utility tunnel. A 3D finite element method (FEM) model was established including both the stratum and a utility tunnel based on the Beijing Daxing International Airport (BDIA) Expressway Urban Utility Tunnel project. With this model, the behaviour of the surface settlement with the undercutting construction of the utility tunnel was investigated, and the causes and values of surface settlement in five construction stages were analyzed. By changing the construction spacing and sequence of mid and side cabins, the surface settlement and structural deformation were compared. The numerical results demonstrated a strong correlation between the cross-section shape and surface settlement characteristics. And the symmetry line of the surface settlement trough was offset by 1 m to the side with the larger cross-section. The second (excavation of upper bench in mid-cabin) and fourth (excavation of upper bench in side-cabin) stages caused the largest surface settlement, which were 41.9% and 18.07% of the total settlement, respectively. In addition, after optimizing the field tunnelling scheme, the surface settlement was reduced by 31.9% using the side-tunnel first construction sequence. The proposed numerical model is able to predict the settlement characteristics in each construction stage, which is important and provides a basis for further studies on the surface settlement mechanism and optimal design of the asymmetric three-cabin utility tunnelling scheme.

Characteristics of registered studies for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a systematic review

Ming Yang,Ya-xi Shang,Zi-yu Tian,Min Xiong,Chun-li Lu,Jiang Yue,Zhang Yao,Zhang Ying-ying,Jin Xin-yan,Jin Qiu-bai,Zhang Ying-ying,Willcox Merlin L.,Liu Jian-ping 한국한의학연구원 2020 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.9 No.3

Background: The World Health Organization characterized the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic on March 11th. Many clinical trials on COVID-19 have been registered, and we aim to review the study characteristics and provide guidance for future trials to avoid duplicated effort. Methods: Studies on COVID-19 registered before March 3rd, 2020 on eight registry platforms worldwide were searched and the data of design, participants, interventions, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: Three hundred and ninety-three studies were identified and 380 (96.7%) were from mainland China, while 3 in Japan, 3 in France, 2 in the US, and 3 were international collaborative studies. Two hundred and sixty-six (67.7%) aimed at therapeutic effect, others were for prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, etc. Two hundred and two studies (51.4%) were randomized controlled trials. Two third of therapeutic studies tested Western medicines including antiviral drugs (17.7%), stem cell and cord blood therapy (10.2%), chloroquine and derivatives (8.3%), 16 (6.0%) on Chinese medicines, and 73 (27.4%) on integrated therapy of Western and Chinese medicines. Thirty-one studies among 266 therapeutic studies (11.7%) used mortality as primary outcome, while the most designed secondary outcomes were symptoms and signs (47.0%). Half of the studies (45.5%) had not started recruiting till March 3rd. Conclusion: Inappropriate outcome setting, delayed recruitment and insufficient numbers of new cases in China implied many studies may fail to complete. Strategies and protocols of the studies with robust and rapid data sharing are warranted for emergency public health events, helping the timely evidence-based decision-making.