Predictors of Positive Bone Metastasis in Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer Patients

Chien, Tsu-Ming,Lu, Yen-Man,Geng, Jiun-Hung,Huang, Tsung-Yi,Ke, Hung-Lung,Huang, Chun-Nung,Li, Ching-Chia,Chou, Yii-Her,Wu, Wen-Jeng,Huang, Shu-Pin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Background: The prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) has been increasing in recent years. Treatment strategies are largely based on the results of bone scan screening. Therefore, our aim was to investigate predictors of positive bone metastasis in newly diagnosed PCa patients. Materials and Methods: After extensive review, 336 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with PCa between April 2010 and November 2013 at our institution were enlisted in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to bone scan results. Univariate analyses (Chi-square test for discrete variables and independent t-test for continuous variables) were applied to determine the potentially significant risk factors associated with distant bone metastasis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to further investigate the influence of these factors on bone metastasis. Results: The patient mean age was $71.9{\pm}8.6years$ (range: 48 to 94 years). The mean prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and biopsy Gleason score were $260.2{\pm}1107.8ng/mL$ and $7.4{\pm}1.5$, respectively. The body mass index (BMI) for the series was $24.5{\pm}3.4kg/m^2$. Sixty-four patients (19.0%) had a positive bone scan result. Patients with positive bone scan results had a significantly lower BMI ($23.3{\pm}3.5$ vs. $24.8{\pm}3.3$; p=0.003), a higher Gleason score ($8.5{\pm}1.1$ vs. $7.1{\pm}1.5$; p < 0.001), and a higher PSA level ($1071.3{\pm}2337.1$ vs. $69.4{\pm}235.5$; p < 0.001) than those without bone metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis employing the above independent predictors demonstrated that a Gleason score of ${\geq}7$, clinical stage ${\geq}T3$, $BMI{\leq}22kg/m^2$, and an initial PSA level of ${\geq}20ng/mL$ were all independent predictors of bone metastasis. Conclusions: A bone scan might be necessary in newly diagnosed PCa patients with any of the following criteria: clinical stage T3 or higher, a Gleason score of 7 or higher, BMI equal to or less than 22, and a PSA level of 20 or higher.

Comparison of Short- and Long-term Hearing Outcomes of Successful Inlay Cartilage Tympanoplasty Between Small and Large Eardrum Perforations

Pei-Wen Wu,Wen-Hung Wang,Chi-Che Huang,Ta-Jen Lee,Chien-Chia Huang 대한이비인후과학회 2015 Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Vol.8 No.4

Objectives. To compare the short- and long-term hearing outcomes after successful inlay cartilage tympanoplasty between patients with small (≤25%) and large (≥50%) eardrums perforations. Methods. This is a retrospective case series study conducted in a tertiary referral center. Twenty-five patients who underwent 27 procedures were enrolled. Their mean age was 60.26 years (range, 42 to 76 years). The mean follow-up time was 18.86 months (range, 12.30 to 35.83 months). The preoperative, initial postoperative, and long-term hearing results in patients with total repair of the eardrum were analyzed. Results. In the small size group, the average (±standard deviation) air-bone gap (ABG) closure was 1.08±7.53 dB in the short-term and 2.33±11.56 dB in the long-term hearing examinations. There was no difference between short- and long-term ABG closure (P=0.689). In the large size group, the average ABG closure was 9.77±9.40 dB in the short-term and 16.25±6.01 dB in the long-term hearing examinations. There was a significant difference between short- and long-term ABG closure (P=0.029). Conclusion. Patients with large perforations have continuous hearing improvement and ABG closure for more than one year. In contrast, the short- and long-term postoperative ABGs are almost the same in patients with small perforations. More long-term postoperative follow-up of hearing results is necessary for large perforations.

Photocatalytic study of Zinc Oxide with bismuth doping prepared by spray pyrolysis

Lin, Tzu-Yang,Hsu, Yu-Ting,Lan, Wen-How,Huang, Chien-Jung,Chen, Lung-Chien,Huang, Yu-Hsuan,Lin, Jia-Ching,Chang, Kuo-Jen,Lin, Wen-Jen,Huang, Kai-Feng Techno-Press 2015 Advances in nano research Vol.3 No.3

The unintentionally doped and bismuth (Bi) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) films were prepared by spray pyrolysis at $450^{\circ}C$ with zinc acetate and bismuth nitrate precursor. The n-type conduction with concentration $6.13{\times}10^{16}cm^{-3}$ can be observed for the unintentionally doped ZnO. With the increasing of bismuth nitrate concentration in precursor, the p-type conduction can be observed. The p-type concentration $4.44{\times}10^{17}cm^{-3}$ can be achieved for the film with the Bi/Zn atomic ratio 5% in the precursor. The photoluminescence spectroscopy with HeCd laser light source was studied for films with different Bi doping. The photocatalytic activity for the unintentionally doped and Bi-doped ZnO films was studied through the photodegradation of Congo red under UV light illumination. The effects of different Bi contents on photocatalytic activity are studied and discussed. Results show that appropriate Bi doping in ZnO can increase photocatalytic activity.

Determination of stay cable force based on effective vibration length accurately estimated from multiple measurements

Chien-Chou Chen,Wen-Hwa Wu,Chin-Hui Huang,Gwolong Lai 국제구조공학회 2013 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.11 No.4

Due to its easy operation and wide applicability, the ambient vibration method is commonly adopted to determine the cable force by first identifying the cable frequencies from the vibration signals. With given vibration length and flexural rigidity, an analytical or empirical formula is then used with these cable frequencies to calculate the cable force. It is, however, usually difficult to decide the two required parameters, especially the vibration length due to uncertain boundary constraints. To tackle this problem, a new concept of combining the modal frequencies and mode shape ratios is fully explored in this study for developing an accurate method merely based on ambient vibration measurements. A simply supported beam model with an axial tension is adopted and the effective vibration length of cable is then independently determined based on the mode shape ratios identified from the synchronized measurements. With the effective vibration length obtained and the identified modal frequencies, the cable force and flexural rigidity can then be solved using simple linear regression techniques. The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method is extensively verified with demonstrative numerical examples and actual applications to different cable-stayed bridges. Furthermore, several important issues in engineering practice such as the number of sensors and selection of modes are also thoroughly investigated.

Conjugation of mono-sulfobetaine to alkyne-PPX films via click reaction to reduce cell adhesion

Chien, Hsiu-Wen,Keng, Ming-Chun,Chen, Hsien-Yeh,Huang, Sheng-Tung,Tsai, Wei-Bor Techno-Press 2016 Biomaterials and biomedical engineering Vol.3 No.1

A surface resisting protein adsorption and cell adhesion is highly desirable for many biomedical applications such as diagnostic devices, biosensors and blood-contacting devices. In this study, a surface conjugated with sulfobetaine molecules was fabricated via the click reaction for the anti-fouling purpose. An alkyne-containing substrate (Alkyne-PPX) was generated by chemical vapor deposition of 4-ethynyl-[2,2]paracyclophane. Azide-ended mono-sulfobetaine molecules were synthesized and then conjugated on Alkyne-PPX via the click reaction. The protein adsorption from 10% serum was reduced by 57%, while the attachment of L929 cells was reduced by 83% onto the sulfobetaine-PPX surface compared to the protein adsorption and cell adhesion on Alkyne-PPX. In conclusion, we demonstrate that conjugation of mono-sulfobetaine molecules via the click chemistry is an effective way for reduction of non-specific protein adsorption and cell attachment.

Impact of Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphisms on Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Wen-Chien Ting,Lu-Min Chen,Li-Chia Huang,Mann-Jen Hour,Yu-Hsuan Lan,Hong-Zin Lee,Bang-Jau You,Ta-Yuan Chang,Bo-Ying Bao 대한의학회 2013 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.28 No.9

Chronic inflammation is thought to be the leading cause of colorectal cancer, and interleukin-10 (IL10) has been identified as a potent immunomodulatory cytokine that regulates inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract. Although several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL10 have been associated with the risk of colorectal cancer, their prognostic significance has not been determined. Two hundred and eightytwo colorectal cancer patients were genotyped for two candidate cancer-associated SNPs in IL10. The associations of these SNPs with distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression model. The minor homozygote GG genotype of IL10 rs3021094 was significantly associated with a 3.30-fold higher risk of death compared with the TT+TG genotypes (P = 0.011). The patients with IL10rs3021094 GG genotype also had a poorer overall survival in Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank P = 0.007) and in multivariate Cox regression model (P = 0.044) adjusting for age, gender,carcinoembryonic antigen levels, tumor differentiation, stage, lymphovascular invasion,and perineural invasion. In conclusion, our results suggest that IL10 rs3021094 might be a valuable prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer patients.

Doxorubicin Promotes Migration and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells through the Upregulation of the RhoA/MLC Pathway

Chien-Liang Liu,Ming-Jen Chen,Jiunn-Chang Lin,Chi-Hsin Lin,Wen-Chien Huang,Shih-Ping Cheng,Shan-Na Chen,Yuan-Ching Chang 한국유방암학회 2019 Journal of breast cancer Vol.22 No.2

Purpose: Cancer cells develop acquired resistance induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, we investigated the effects of brief treatment with cytotoxic drugs on the phenotype of breast cancer cells. Methods: Breast cancer cells MCF7 and BT-474 were briefly treated with paclitaxel or doxorubicin. Clonogenic, migration, and invasion assays were performed on the treated cells. Western blot analysis and RhoA activity assay were also performed. Results: Breast cancer cells when briefly treated with paclitaxel or doxorubicin showed reduced clonogenic ability. Doxorubicin, but not paclitaxel, augmented cell migration and invasion. The invasion-promoting effects of doxorubicin were lost when the two drugs were sequentially used in combination. Myosin light chain (MLC) 2 phosphorylation and RhoA activity were upregulated by doxorubicin and downregulated by paclitaxel. Pretreatment with RhoA inhibitors abolished the migration- and invasion-promoting effects of doxorubicin. Conclusion: Doxorubicin activates the RhoA/MLC pathway and enhances breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Therefore, this pathway might be explored as a therapeutic target to suppress anthracycline-enhanced tumor progression.

Treatment Retention Rates of 3-monthly Paliperidone Palmitate and Risk Factors Associated with Discontinuation: A Population-based Cohort Study

Chien-Heng Lin,Huang-Li Lin,Chih-Lin Chiang,Yi-Wen Chen,Yan-Fang Liu,Yen Kuang Yang,Chao-Hsiun Tang 대한정신약물학회 2023 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.21 No.3

Objective: Limited evidence exists regarding real-world 3-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP3M) treatment retention and associated factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, nationwide cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between October 2017 and December 2019. Adult patients with schizophrenia initiated on PP3M were enrolled. The primary outcomes were time to PP3M discontinuation, time to psychiatric hospitalization, and the proportions of patients receiving the next PP3M dose within 120 days among first-, second-, and third-dose completers. Key covariates included prior PP1M duration and adequate PP3M initiation. Results: The PP3M treatment retention rates were 79.7%, 66.3%, and 52.5% after 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, with 86.4%, 90.6%, and 90.0% of respective first-, second-, and third-dose completers receiving the next PP3M dose. Adequate PP3M initiation and prior PP1M treatment duration > 180 days were associated with favorable PP3M treatment retention. In multivariate analyses, PP1M durations of 180−360 days (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.76) or < 180 days (aRR, 2.79) were associated with PP3M discontinuation at the second dose. Inadequate PP3M initiation was associated with discontinuation at the third dose (aRR, 2.18). Patients fully adherent to PP3M treatment in the first year had a higher probability of being free from psychiatric hospitalization (86.7% at 2 years), compared with those partially adherent or non-adherent to PP3M in the first year. Conclusion: Prior PP1M duration and adequate PP3M initiation are major factors affecting PP3M treatment retention. Higher PP3M treatment retention is associated with a lower risk of psychiatric hospitalization.

Abstract : Arsenic sequestration in iron plaque and its effect on As uptake by rice plants grown in paddy soils with high contents of As, iron oxides, and organic matter

( Chien Hui Syu ),( Pei Yu Jiang ),( Hsuan Han Huang ),( Wen Ting Chen ),( Tzu Huei Lin ),( Dar Yuan Lee ) 한국환경농학회 2012 한국환경농학회 워크샵자료 Vol.2012 No.2

The iron plaque formed on rice root has been confirmed to be a barrier on the uptake of arsenic in many hydroponic experiments. However, few studies provide the information about the relationship between soil characteristics, iron plaque formation and As uptake by rice in Ascontaminated soils. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the rice root`s iron plaques on the As uptake by rice plants grown in geologically As-contaminated soils with high contents of iron oxides and organic matter from the Guandu Plain of northern Taiwan. A soil flooding incubation study was performed and a pot experiment was conducted. The rice seedling was pre-cultivated in solution cultures and then transplanted in three level As-contaminated soils for growing 39 days. The amounts of iron plaque on rice root were determined by extraction using dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB). The As species on iron plaque and the concentrations of As and Fe in iron plaque, root, root base and shoot of rice plants were determined. The results of the soil incubation study showed that both As and Fe concentrations in the soil solutions increased with flooding time due to reductive dissolution of iron oxides induced by high contents of organic matter in soils. High amounts of iron plaque were deposited on rice roots and large amounts of As were sequestrated in these iron plaques. Results of the As K-edge X-ray absorption nearedge spectroscopy (XANES) indicated that arsenate was the main species of arsenic sorbed on iron plaque of rice roots. About 74.0 to 93.2 % of total As released from soils were distributed in the iron plaques and only small proportion was distributed in the rice plants. This study provides evidence that the iron plaques of the rice roots was the main controlling factor in limiting the uptake and accumulation of As into the rice plants grown in paddy soils with high contents of iron oxides and organic matter, meanwhile, it suggests that enhancement of iron plaque formation could be the approach used for reducing the uptake of As by paddy rice grown in As-contaminated soils.

The measurement errors of ear canal landmarks

Chien-Yu Peng,Ding-Hau Huang,Wen-Ko Chiou 대한인간공학회 2014 대한인간공학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2014 No.5

The error in landmark has effects on dimensions and the results of the application. It is difficult to manually mark these on the curved surface of the ear canal. So, the aim of this study was to describe the feature of ear landmarks through some assisting and then to decrease the measure error. Three dimensional (3D) laser-scanning were used to obtain 3D images of these ear impressions. These ear impression models were marked by 4 times for 2 makers, 2 times was un-assisting approach, and the other was based on the profiles concept. The TEM of the landmarks which marked base on previous studies were larger than this study (the canal-concha intersection, canal-crus intersection). Landmarks with large intra-maker errors also had large inter-maker errors, but inter-maker errors were larger. The measure errors were reduce through the explicitly define landmarks let markers can pinpoint them. The explicitly define landmarks was effective for improving intra and inter maker consistency. This study provides the description of the feature for the landmark of ear canal. It’s reduced the measure error to acceptance of international standard. These landmarks would be the basis of the dimensions for ear canal.