Initial Factors Influencing Duration of Hospital Stay in Adult Patients With Peritonsillar Abscess

Yu-Hsi Liu,Hsing-Hao Su,Yi-Wen Tsai,Yu-Yi Hou,Kuo-Ping Chang,Chao-Chuan Chi,Ming-Yee Lin,Pi-Hsiung Wu 대한이비인후과학회 2017 Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Vol.10 No.1

Objectives. To review cases of peritonsillar abscess and investigate the initial clinical factors that may influence the duration of hospitalization. To determine the predictive factors of prolonged hospital stay in adult patients with peritonsillar abscess. Methods. Subjects were adults hospitalized with peritonsillar abscess. We retrospectively reviewed 377 medical records from 1990 to 2013 in a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan. The association between clinical characteristics and the length of hospital stay was analyzed with independent t-test, univariate linear regression and multiple linear regression analysis. Results. The mean duration of hospitalization was 6.2±6.0 days. With univariate linear regression, a prolonged hospital stay was associated with several variables, including female gender, older ages, nonsmoking status, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, band forms in white blood cell (WBC) counts, and lower hemoglobin levels. With multiple linear regression analysis, four independent predictors of hospital stay were noted: years of age (P<0.001), history of diabetes mellitus (P<0.001), ratio of band form WBC (P<0.001), and hemoglobin levels (P<0.001). Conclusion. In adult patients with peritonsillar abscess, older ages, history of diabetes mellitus, band forms in WBC counts and lower hemoglobin levels were independent predictors of longer hospitalization.

A Novel Active Image AuthenticationSchemefor Block Truncation Coding

Chang-Ming Wu,Yu-Chen Hu,Kuo-Yu Liu,Jun-Chou Chuang 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Vol.7 No.5

In this paper, a simple active image authentication scheme for the compressed images of block truncation coding (BTC) is proposed. In this scheme, the authentication codes of the compressed blocks are generated from the random value induced by the random seed. The authentication code of each compressed block is embedded into the bit map. The bit length of each authentication code can be chosen according to the user’s requirement. The experimental results indicate that the proposed scheme detects the tampered areas clearly and keeps good image qualities of the embedded images. Meanwhile, a low computational cost is required in the proposed scheme.

Effects of 5HT1A Activation on Depression Profile Following 5-HT Depletion in Rats Lacking Social Attachment Since Weanling

Kuo-Jung Chang,Yu-Jung Chen,Jing-Yi Chung,Chen-Cheng Lin,Yia-Ping Liu 대한신경정신의학회 2018 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.15 No.11

Objective Post weanling isolation-reared (IR) rats are featured with depressive phenotype, yet its mechanism is not clearly defined particularly in terms of the involvement of central 5-HT1A receptors. The present study aims to examine the effects of 5HT1A activation on forced swim test (FST) in IR rats following 5-HT depletion. Methods Social control (SOC) and IR rats received an intracerebraoventricular (ICV) injection of 5-HT depletion agent, 5,7-DHT. 14 days after the surgery, rats were assessed their performance in FST with or without the challenge with a 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT. Rats were then sacrificed for analyzing their 5-HT tissue levels and the expressions of their 5-HA1A receptors in prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HPX), and amygdala (AMY). Results 5,7-DHT decreased the tissue concentration of 5-HT in both IR and SOC rats. IR rats were more immobile and less sensitive to the lesion-induced immobility, however this effect was reversed by acute challenge of 8-OH-DPAT. 5,7-DHT lesion increased the expression of PFC 5-HT1A receptors. Conclusion The integrity of central 5-HT system is developmentally crucial for the 5-HT1A-relevant depression profile in rats of social isolation.

Effects of 5HT1A Activation on Depression Profile Following 5-HT Depletion in Rats Lacking Social Attachment Since Weanling

Kuo-Jung Chang,Yu-Jung Chen,Jing-Yi Chung,Chen-Cheng Lin,Yia-Ping Liu 대한신경정신의학회 2018 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.15 No.10

Objective: Post weanling isolation-reared (IR) rats are featured with depressive phenotype, yet its mechanism is not clearly defined particularly in terms of the involvement of central 5-HT1A receptors. The present study aims to examine the effects of 5HT1A activation on forced swim test (FST) in IR rats following 5-HT depletion. Methods: Social control (SOC) and IR rats received an intracerebraoventricular (ICV) injection of 5-HT depletion agent, 5,7-DHT. 14days after the surgery, rats were assessed their performance in FST with or without the challenge with a 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT. Rats were then sacrificed for analyzing their 5-HT tissue levels and the expressions of their 5-HA1A receptors in prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HPX), and amygdala (AMY). Results: 5,7-DHT decreased the tissue concentration of 5-HT in both IR and SOC rats. IR rats were more immobile and less sensitive to the lesion-induced immobility, however this effect was reversed by acute challenge of 8-OH-DPAT. 5,7-DHT lesion increased the expression of PFC 5-HT1A receptors. Conclusion: The integrity of central 5-HT system is developmentally crucial for the 5-HT1A-relevant depression profile in rats of social isolation.

A study on pushover analyses of reinforced concrete columns

Sung, Yu-Chi,Liu, Kuang-Yen,Su, Chin-Kuo,Tsai, I-Chau,Chang, Kuo-Chun Techno-Press 2005 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.21 No.1

This paper proposes a realistic approach to pushover analyses of reinforced concrete (RC) structures with single column type and frame type. The characteristic of plastic hinge of a single RC column subjected to fixed axial load was determined first according to column's three distinct failure modes which were often observed in the experiments or earthquakes. By using the determined characteristic of plastic hinge, the pushover analyses of single RC columns were performed and the analytical results were investigated to be significantly consistent with those of cyclic loading tests. Furthermore, a simplified methodology considering the effect of the variation of axial force for each RC column of the frame structure during pushover process is proposed for the first time. It would be helpful in performing pushover analysis for the structures examined in this study with efficiency as well as accuracy.

Association of Six Susceptibility Loci with Prostate Cancer in Northern Chinese Men

Zhang, Yu-Rong,Xu, Yong,Yang, Kuo,Liu, Ming,Wei, Dong,Zhang, Yao-Guang,Shi, Xiao-Hong,Wang, Jian-Ye,Yang, Fan,Wang, Xin,Liang, Si-Ying,Zhao, Cheng-Xiao,Wang, Fei,Chen, Xin,Sun, Liang,Zhu, Xiao-Quan,Zh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.12

Background/Aim: Six prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility loci were identified in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in populations of European decent. However, the associations of these 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with PCa has remained tobe clarified in men in Northern China. This study aimed to explore the loci associated with PCa risk in a Northern Chinese population. Methods: Blood samples and clinical information of 289 PCa patients and 288 controls from Beijing and Tianjin were collected. All risk SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-high resolution melting curve technology and gene sequencing. Associations between PCa and clinical covariates (age at diagnosis, prostate-specific antigen [PSA], Gleason score, tumor stage, and level of aggressiveness) and frequencies of alleles and genotypes of these SNPs were analyzed using genetic statistics. Results: Among the candidate SNPs, 11p15 (rs7127900, A) was associated with PCa risk (P = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.46). Genotypes showed differences between cases and controls on 11p15 (rs7127900, A), 11q13 (rs7931342, T), and HNF1B (rs4430796, A) (P = 0.03, P = 0.01, and P = 0.04, respectively). The genotype TG on 11q13 (rs7931342, T) was positively associated with an increased Gleason score (P = 0.04, OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.02-4.55). Patients carrying TG on 17q24 (rs1859962, G) were negatively associated with an increased body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.03, OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21-0.92) while those with AG on HNF1B (rs4430796, A) were more likely to have PSA increase (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Our study suggests that 11p15 (rs7127900, A) could be a susceptibility locus associated with PCa in Northern Chinese. Genotype TG on 11q13 (rs7931342, T) could be related to an increased Gleason score, AG on HNF1B (rs4430796, A) could be associated with PSA increase, and TG on 17q24 (rs1859962, G) could be negatively associated with an increased BMI in Chinese men with PCa.

Mahonia oiwakensis Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds Exert Anti-Inflammatory Activities and VEGF Production Through M2-Macrophagic Polarization and STAT6 Activation

Yea-Chen Liu,Yu-Ying Hsiao,Kuo-Lung Ku,Hui-Fen Liao,Wei-Chun Chao 한국식품영양과학회 2018 Journal of medicinal food Vol.21 No.7

Macrophages play an indispensable role in the host immune defense. Macrophages can undergo polarization into classically (M1) and alternatively (M2) activated macrophages. M1 macrophages activate immune and inflammatory response, while M2 macrophages are involved in tissue remodeling. Mahonia oiwakensis (Mo) is a herbal medicine in Asia used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; however, the mechanism is unclear. This study analyzed the effect of Mo extracts and its effects on the polarization of both macrophage RAW264.7 cells and mouse splenic macrophages. Water (Mo-W) and EtOH extracts (Mo-E) did not change the viability of RAW264.7 cells, whereas Mo-E inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production. The major compounds, berberine and palmatine, decreased the viability and NO levels of cells. The secretion of inflammatory cytokines CXCL16, IL-6, L-selectin, MCP1, RANTES, and sTNF-R1 was downregulated, whereas the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was upregulated by Mo-E, berberine, and palmatine treatments. Mo-E, berberine, and palmatine stimulated the expression of macrophage CD68 and M2-type CD204 markers, decreased M1-mediated p-STAT1 and NF-κB, and increased M2-mediated p-STAT6 expression. Similar effects on M2 polarization were also observed in splenic macrophages from mice. In conclusion, Mo-E, berberine, and palmatine modulated macrophages through the suppression of M1-mediated inflammation and the recruitment of M2-mediated VEGF secretion and STAT6 expression.

Design and Implementation of Controlling PC Wirelessly by Android Mobile Based on C/S Mode

Li Ma,Yu Zhou,Kuo Liao,Shen Liu,Jie Qiao,Zhenyu Han,Jin Wang 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Control and Automation Vol.7 No.7

A study on pushover analyses of reinforced concrete columns

Kuang-Yen Liu,Chin-Kuo Su,I-Chau Tsai,Yu-Chi Sung,Kuo-Chun Chang 국제구조공학회 2005 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.21 No.1

This paper proposes a realistic approach to pushover analyses of reinforced concrete (RC) structures with single column type and frame type. The characteristic of plastic hinge of a single RC column subjected to fixed axial load was determined first according to column’s three distinct failure modes which were often observed in the experiments or earthquakes. By using the determined characteristic of plastic hinge, the pushover analyses of single RC columns were performed and the analytical results were investigated to be significantly consistent with those of cyclic loading tests. Furthermore, a simplified methodology considering the effect of the variation of axial force for each RC column of the frame structure during pushover process is proposed for the first time. It would be helpful in performing pushover analysis for the structures examined in this study with efficiency as well as accuracy.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

( Chen-hua Liu ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Wei-wen Su ),( Chun-jen Liu ),( Ching-chu Lo ),( Ke-jhang Huang ),( Jyh-jou Chen ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Chi-yang Chang ),( Cheng-yuan Peng ),( Yu-lueng Shih ),( Chia 대한간학회 2021 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.27 No.4

Background/Aims: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods: We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR₁₂) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. The safety profiles were reported. Results: The SVR₁₂ rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5-94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8-97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2-100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR₁₂ were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR₁₂, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16-14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P<0.001). Conclusions: SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2021;27:575-588)