Chih-Jen Wu

Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

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Publications (52)102.14 Total impact

  • Article: Cautious application of the hepatorenal syndrome criteria to critically ill patients with cirrhosis.
    Liver international: official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver 03/2013; · 3.82 Impact Factor
  • Article: Is an estimated glomerular filtration rate better than creatinine to be incorporated into the end-stage liver disease score?
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    ABSTRACT: To incorporate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) into the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score to evaluate the predictive value. From January 2004 to October 2008, the records of 4127 admitted cirrhotic patients were reviewed. Patients who survived and were followed up as outpatients were defined as survivors and their most recent available laboratory data were collected. Patients whose records indicated death at any time during the hospital stay were defined as non-survivors (in-hospital mortality). Patients with incomplete data or with cirrhosis due to a congenital abnormality such as primary biliary cirrhosis were excluded; thus, a total of 3857 patients were enrolled in the present study. The eGFR, which was calculated by using either the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation or the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, was incorporated into the MELD score after adjustment with the original MELD equation by logistic regression analysis [bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR) were set at 1.0 for values less than 1.0]. Patients defined as survivors were significantly younger, had a lower incidence of hepatoma, lower Child-Pugh and MELD scores, and better renal function. The underlying causes of cirrhosis were very different from those in Western countries. In Taiwan, most cirrhotic patients were associated with the hepatitis virus, especially hepatitis B. There were 16 parameters included in univariate logistic regression analysis to predict in-hospital mortality and those with significant predicting values were included in further multivariate analysis. Both 4-variable MDRD eGFR and 6-variable MDRD eGFR, rather than creatinine, were significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. Three new equations were constructed (MELD-MDRD-4, MELD-MDRD-6, MELD-CKD-EPI). As expected, original MELD score was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.25, P < 0.001). MELD-MDRD-4 excluded serum creatinine, with the coefficients refit among the remaining 3 variables, i.e., total bilirubin, INR and 4-variable MDRD eGFR. This model represented an exacerbated outcome over MELD score, as suggested by a decrease in chi-square (2161.45 vs 2198.32) and an increase in -2 log (likelihood) (2810.77 vs 2773.90). MELD-MDRD-6 included 6-variable MDRD eGFR as one of the variables and showed an improvement over MELD score, as suggested by an increase in chi-square (2293.82 vs 2198.32) and a decrease in -2 log (likelihood) (2810.77 vs 2664.79). Finally, when serum creatinine was replaced by CKD-EPI eGFR, it showed a slight improvement compared to the original MELD score (chi-square: 2199.16, -2 log (likelihood): 2773.07). In the receiver-operating characteristic curve, the MELD-MDRD-6 score showed a marginal improvement in area under the curve (0.909 vs 0.902), sensitivity (0.854 vs 0.819) and specificity (0.818 vs 0.839) compared to the original MELD equation. In patients with a different eGFR, the MELD-MDRD-6 equation showed a better predictive value in patients with eGFR ≥ 90, 60-89, 30-59 and 15-29. Incorporating eGFR obtained by the 6-variable MDRD equation into the MELD score showed an equal predictive performance in in-hospital mortality compared to a creatinine-based MELD score.
    World journal of hepatology. 11/2012; 4(11):291-8.
  • Article: Peripheral artery disease in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients: single-center retrospective study in Taiwan.
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    ABSTRACT: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by restricted blood flow to the extremities, and is especially common in the elderly. PAD increases the risk for mortality and morbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), especially those on hemodialysis (HD). The records of 484 patients with end-stage renal disease who were on HD or peritoneal dialysis (PD) were reviewed. PAD was diagnosed based on the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI). Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed. PAD had an overall prevalence of 18.2% and was significantly more common in HD patients (21.8%) than in PD patients (4.8%). Advanced age, diabetes mellitus, smoking, low parathyroid hormone level, elevated serum ferritin, elevated serum glucose, and low serum creatinine levels increased the risk for PAD. PAD was independently associated with advanced age, diabetes mellitus, duration of dialysis, low serum creatinine, and hyperlipidemia. PD patients had a significantly lower prevalence of PAD than HD patients, maybe due to their younger age and lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus in this present study. The prevalence of PAD was greater in the HD group than the PD group. Most of the risk factors for PAD were specific to HD, and no analyzed factor was significantly associated with PAD in PD patients.
    BMC Nephrology 09/2012; 13(1):100. · 2.18 Impact Factor
  • Article: The role of protein-bound uremic toxins on peripheral artery disease and vascular access failure in patients on hemodialysis.
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    ABSTRACT: p-Cresyl sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) have been reported to predict poor clinical outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, little is known about the effect of the two toxins on peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and vascular access dysfunction. Our objective was to explore the association between the two toxins and PAD and vascular access failure (VAF) in a hemodialysis-based cohort. We enrolled 100 stable and eligible HD patients from a single medical center. These patients were screened for PAD by machine and recorded as ABI (ankle brachial index) and brachial-ankle PWV (pulse wave velocity). Serum levels of PCS, IS and biochemical data were also collected concurrently. In addition, we also recorded the first event of VAF and frequency of PTA and thrombectomy during 3-year follow-up. Total and free PCS were correlated to right and left ABI and PWV (p < 0.01), and total IS was associated with right and left ABI (p < 0.01) by Pearson's analysis. Repeated measuring by mixed model analysis revealed that serum albumin (p = 0.003), cholesterol (p = 0.01) and total PCS (p = 0.031) had significant correlation with ABI after adjusting other confounding factors. As for brachial-ankle PWV, serum triglyceride (p = 0.002), total IS (p = 0.04) and total PCS (p = 0.050) reached significance finally. In addition, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed dialysis length and total PCS were related to AV-shunt failure event (Hazard Ratio: 1.14, p = 0.01, and Hazard Ratio: 1.04, p = 0.04, respectively). Both of total and free PCS and IS were also positively linked to numbers of PTA and thrombectomy. Further, the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed only total PCS was significantly associated with vascular access failure event (log rank P = 0.02). This study shows that the serum levels of PCS and IS were associated with PAD and total PCS could be a valuable determinant of access viability other than traditional or nontraditional risk factors in HD patients.
    Atherosclerosis 08/2012; 225(1):173-9. · 3.79 Impact Factor
  • Article: Indoxyl sulfate predicts cardiovascular disease and renal function deterioration in advanced chronic kidney disease.
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    ABSTRACT: Indoxyl sulfate, a protein-bound uremic toxin, was found to be accumulated in kidney tissues with a reduction in renal function. This, in turn, not only leads to kidney fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction but also to adverse clinical effects. We investigated the adverse effects of indoxyl sulfate on clinical outcomes in a study involving human subjects. Seventy pre-dialysis patients were enrolled from a single medical center. Serum indoxyl sulfate and biochemistry data were measured concurrently. Clinical outcomes including dialysis event, cardiovascular event and all-cause mortality were recorded during a 36-month follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age (HR: 0.95, p = 0.05), serum creatinine (HR: 1.29, p = 0.04) and indoxyl sulfate (HR: 1.06, p = 0.02) were independently associated with dialysis event; age (HR: 1.16, p = 0.01), serum phosphate (HR: 3.03, p = 0.05) and indoxyl sulfate level (HR: 1.11, p = 0.04) reached significant correlation with cardiovascular events after adjusting for other confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that indoxyl sulfate level was significantly associated with cardiovascular and dialysis event (log rank p <0.01, log rank p = 0.01, respectively). In addition, serum indoxyl sulfate concentration was significantly increased in patients with dialysis and cardiovascular event (p <0.01, p <0.01, respectively). Our results suggest that serum indoxyl sulfate level was a valuable marker in predicting cardiovascular disease and renal function decline in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.
    Archives of medical research 08/2012; 43(6):451-6. · 1.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: Tetrandrine down-regulates ERK/NF-κB signaling and inhibits activation of mesangial cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Tetrandrine (TET), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Stephania tetrandra S. Moore of the Menispermaceae, possesses anti-inflammatory activity. We examined the effect of tetrandrine on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-provoked inflammatory response in mesangial cells. Primary rat mesangial cells (PRMCs) were treated with IL-1β to induce inflammation to resemble glomerulonephritis. Cell viability, morphology and NO production were evaluated. Western blotting was applied for expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and NF-κB-related molecules. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed to examine the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. TET, at concentrations up to 10 μg/ml, had no significant effect on viability of PRMCs. At non-toxic concentrations, TET inhibited expression of phosphorylated ERK as well as phosphorylated IKK, enhanced degradation of IκBα and reduced the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB in IL-1β-primed PRMCs, suggesting an inhibitory effect on ERK/NF-κB signaling. TET attenuated the IL-1β-provoked expression of iNOS and release of NO. Moreover, both the protein expression and gelatinase activity of MMP-9, but not MMP-2, were markedly suppressed by TET. TET down-regulated ERK/NF-κB signaling and inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators NO and MMP-9. Since these mediators appear to activate mesangial cells, TET may play an important role in prevention of glomerulonephritis.
    Toxicology in Vitro 12/2011; 25(8):1834-40. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: Absolute interdialytic weight gain is more important than percent weight gain for intradialytic hypotension in heavy patients.
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    ABSTRACT: Few published reports have mentioned the difference between absolute interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and IDWG/DW (IDWG%), and subsequent effects on daily dialysis. The aim of present study was to evaluate the difference between absolute IDWG and IDWG% in new haemodialysis patients. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 255 patients who recently received conventional haemodialysis for at least 1 year at the same centre from 1997 to 2008. The first 4 weeks after starting haemodialysis was defined as the pre-study period. Data were collected for 5-56 weeks. IDWG% value remained relatively constant in the first year of haemodialysis despite most patients having certain residual renal function. For haemodialysis outcomes, both absolute IDWG and IDWG% were significantly correlated with intradialytic hypotension (IDH) in men and heavy women. After dividing patients into four strata, which according to the gender and the median dry weight, stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that absolute IDWG, rather than IDWG%, was an independent risk factor for IDH in heavy men (Beta = 0.585, P < 0.001) and heavy women (Beta= 0.458, P < 0.001). Absolute IDWG, rather than IDWG%, is an independent risk factor for IDH in heavy haemodialysis patients. Therefore, higher absolute IDWG needs to be strictly controlled despite the corresponding IDWG% possibly being relatively small in heavy haemodialysis patients.
    Nephrology 11/2011; 17(3):230-6. · 1.31 Impact Factor
  • Article: Difference between CKD-EPI and MDRD equations in calculating glomerular filtration rate in patients with cirrhosis.
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    ABSTRACT: To evaluate the difference between the performance of the (CKD-EPI) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations in cirrhotic patients. From Jan 2004 to Oct 2008, 4127 cirrhotic patients were reviewed. Patients with incomplete data with respect to renal function were excluded; thus, a total of 3791 patients were included in the study. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by the 4-variable MDRD (MDRD-4), 6-variable MDRD (MDRD-6), and CKD-EPI equations. When serum creatinine was 0.7-6.8 mg/dL and 0.6-5.3 mg/dL in men and women, respectively, a significantly lower GFR was estimated by the MDRD-6 than by the CKD-EPI. Similar GFRs were calculated by both equations when creatinine was > 6.9 mg/dL and > 5.4 mg/dL in men and women, respectively. In predicting in-hospital mortality, estimated GFR obtained by the MDRD-6 showed better accuracy [81.72%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.94-0.95] than that obtained by the MDRD-4 (80.22%; 95%CI, 0.96-0.97), CKD-EPI (79.93%; 95%CI, 0.96-0.96), and creatinine (77.50%; 95%CI, 2.27-2.63). GFR calculated by the 6-variable MDRD equation may be closer to the true GFR than that calculated by the CKD-EPI equation.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 10/2011; 17(40):4532-8. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Interdialytic weight gain does not influence the nutrition of new hemodialysis patients.
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    ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and nutrition markers in hemodialysis (HD) patients, by means of repeated measures analysis. The records of 255 patients, who had recently received conventional HD for a minimum of 1 year, were retrospectively reviewed. Nutrition markers, including serum albumin, serum phosphate, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, were recorded at monthly intervals and subjected to repeated measures analysis. Patients with higher IDWG/dry weight (IDWG%) (>5%) had significantly lower body mass index throughout the study. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated no significant difference in these nutrition markers for patients with different IDWG%. At the end of the study, neither IDWG nor IDWG% were found to be associated with albumin or phosphate, on linear regression analysis. There was no evidence of better nutrition in new HD patients with higher IDWG%. Although increased intake is promoted as critical for improving nutritional status in HD patients, it may be inappropriate to focus solely on the benefits of higher IDWG%, which can also lead to the development of hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and intradialytic hypotension.
    Journal of Renal Nutrition 05/2011; 22(1):41-9. · 1.57 Impact Factor
  • Article: Multiorgan failure following mass wasp stings.
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    ABSTRACT: Wasp bites usually bring temporary discomfort and pain, but on occasion, they can cause serious infections and fatal allergic reactions. We report on a patient who experienced massive wasp stings and developed multiple organ failure, including acute kidney, hepatic failure, and circulatory collapse 4 days later. He was treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation, inotropic agent, intravenous injection of steroids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and hemodialysis. After intensive treatment, his liver function recovered one month later. Recovery of renal function was delayed, and the patient needed temporary regular hemodialysis. The pathology of kidney biopsy showed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. This case shows that toxic reactions following massive wasp attacks may happen several days after the fact and result in severe, multiorgan system dysfunction.
    Southern medical journal 05/2011; 104(5):378-9. · 0.92 Impact Factor
  • Article: Early surgical intervention of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related Pseudomonas peritonitis.
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    ABSTRACT: We present two cases of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter-related Pseudomonas peritonitis that were poorly responsive to treatment guidelines of antibiotics and early catheter removal, and uncommonly complicated with ongoing intractable infections. An emergency exploratory laparotomy with extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage and drainage was performed. The patients recovered dramatically and were transferred to hemodialysis permanently. These unusual cases show the possibility of persistent intra-abdominal infection that may extend extra-abdominally. Early diagnosis of persistent infection, timely surgical intervention, and concept of source control are of utmost importance.
    Southern medical journal 05/2011; 104(5):373-4. · 0.92 Impact Factor
  • Article: The dissociation between the diabetes and both Child-Pugh score and in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients due to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or alcoholic.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Up to 30% of the cirrhotic patients may clinically be classified as having diabetes. The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the prevalence of diabetes, its association with the severity of cirrhosis, and subsequent implication on mortality in a broad population of cirrhotic patients in Taiwan. METHODS: From January 2004 to October 2008, 4,127 cirrhotic patients were reviewed. The latest demographic data were gathered after the latest laboratory measurement in the outpatient or inpatient department. In all, 2,945 patients were included on the basis of the etiology of cirrhosis: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C co-infection, or alcoholics. RESULTS: The observed cases of diabetes were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than general population. Neither the Child-Pugh score (odds ratio = 0.99, p = 0.527) nor the model for end-stage liver disease score (MELD) (odds ratio = 1.00, p = 0.352) was associated with diabetes. The presence of diabetes was dissociated with renal function by means of serum creatinine (β = -0.01, p = 0.604) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (β = -0.02, p = 0.233), or in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.08, p = 0.362). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of diabetes was higher in cirrhotic patients in Taiwan. The prevalence of diabetes was dissociated with Child-Pugh or MELD score. The diagnosis of diabetes did not affect the renal function or in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients. Since the clinical outcomes of diabetes were different from cirrhotic patients to general population, it is unclear whether the treatment of diabetes and improved glycemic control will benefit cirrhotic patients.
    Hepatology International 04/2011; · 2.64 Impact Factor
  • Article: Chemical ablation of recurrent and persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism after subtotal parathyroidectomy.
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    ABSTRACT: Despite preoperative localization or intraoperative parathyroid hormone, monitoring increased the operative successful rate, recurrent, and persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism are still unavoidable after parathyroidectomy or reoperation. We present our experience of using percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT) in treating these patients. To conduct a prospective study of 49 patients with recurrent and persistent hyperparathyroidism using PEIT after subtotal parathyroidectomy or reoperative failure. From January 2001 to August 2009, 49 patients with recurrent or persistent 2HPT after subtotal parathyroidectomy received PEIT. All dialysis patients were divided into 2 groups: recurrent group (n = 28) and persistent group (n = 21). Before PEIT, every patient received sestamibi-(99m)Tc scintigraphy (MIBI scanning), neck ultrasonography (US), bone scanning (T-score and Z-score), and parathyroid function testing. We compared the responses to PEIT treatment in the recurrent and persistent groups with the following parameters: treatment success rate, improvement in bone density, concurrence in diagnosis between US and MIBI scanning and complications. Treatment success was defined as intact PTH < 300 pg/mL; recurrent group is 25 of 28 (89.3%) and persistent group is 20 of 21 (95.2%) (P = 0.694). There was no difference in success rate statistically. T-score in recurrent group before PEIT was -1.2 ± 0.9 and after treatment was -0.6 ± 0.6 (P = 0.004), which is statistically significant. In the persistent group, T-score before PEIT was -1.2 ± 1.0 and after treatment was -0.8 ± 0.6 (P = 0.101). There was no significant difference. For consistence between neck US and MIBI scanning were concordant in the recurrent group in 20 of 28 (71.4%); in persistent group, it was 14 of 21 (66.6%) (P = 0.245); there was no significant difference. Regarding the complications, only hypocalcemia was significantly more common in the recurrent group. Hypocalcemia occurred in 14 of 28 patients in the recurrent group and 6 of 21 in the persistent group (P = 0.022). Regardless of which group patient was in, PEIT can achieve satisfying result when parathyroid masses were detected by US. Subtotal parathyroidectomy plus PEIT was probably the best combination for treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
    Annals of surgery 04/2011; 253(4):786-90. · 7.90 Impact Factor
  • Article: Giant hydronephrosis.
    Emergency Medicine Journal 03/2011; 28(3):180. · 1.44 Impact Factor
  • Article: Aristolochic acid downregulates monocytic matrix metalloproteinase-9 by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB activation.
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    ABSTRACT: Aristolochic acid (AA)-associated nephropathy was described as being characterized by a rapid progressive enhancement of interstitial renal fibrosis. Renal tissue fibrosis occurs because of an imbalance of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation. Much evidence indicates that inflammatory renal disease including monocyte and mesangial interactions is linked to the development and progression of renal remodeling. In this study, we found that AA showed concentration-dependent inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced MMP-9 activation with an IC(50) value of 6.4±0.5μM in human monocytic THP-1 cells. A similar effect was also noted with different ratios of AAs (types I and II). However, AA had no inhibitory effect on the intact enzymatic activity of MMP-9 at a concentration of 20μM. On the other hand, the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 was not induced by AA, but it suppressed TNF-α-induced MMP-9 protein and messenger RNA expressions. AA also significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced IκBα degradation. Furthermore, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and a reported gene study, respectively, revealed that AA inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB translocation and activation. In addition, compared to other NF-κB inhibitors, AA exerted significant inhibition of MMP-9 activation and monocyte chemotactic protein-1-directed invasion. From these results, we concluded that AA, a natural compound, inhibits TNF-α-induced MMP-9 in human monocytic cells possibly through the NF-κB signal pathway. These results also imply that AA may be involved in alteration of matrix homeostasis during renal fibrosis in vivo.
    Chemico-biological interactions 03/2011; 192(3):209-19. · 2.46 Impact Factor
  • Article: Neuroprotection by the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang, against Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion-Induced Cerebral Ischemia in Rats.
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    ABSTRACT: Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang (THSWT) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TMC). In the present study, oral administration of THSWT (0.7 and 1.4 g kg(-1)day(-1)) for 14 days before MCAO dose-dependently attenuated focal cerebral ischemia in rats. MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia was associated with increases in hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and active caspase-3 expressions in ischemic regions. These expressions were obviously inhibited by 0.7 g kg(-1)day(-1) THSWT treatment. In addition, THSWT inhibited platelet aggregation stimulated by collagen in washed platelets. In an in vivo study, THSWT (16 g kg(-1)) significantly prolonged platelet plug formation in mice. However, THSWT (20 and 40 μg mL(-1)) did not significantly reduce the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal intensity of hydroxyl radical (OH(•)) formation. In conclusion, the most important findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that THSWT possesses potent neuroprotective activity against MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. This effect may be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of both HIF-1α and TNF-α activation, followed by the inhibition of inflammatory responses (i.e., iNOS expression), apoptosis formation (active caspase-3), and platelet activation, resulting in a reduction in the infarct volume in ischemia-reperfusion brain injury.
    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 01/2011; 2011:803015. · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: The minimum bandwidth required at each time slot of the fast broadcasting scheme.
    Chih-Jen Wu, Yu-Wei Chen, Yue-Li Wang
    Inf. Process. Lett. 01/2011; 111:1014-1018.
  • Article: The characteristics of new semi-quantitative method for diagnosing proteinuria by using random urine samples.
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    ABSTRACT: We assessed the characteristics of the new semi-quantitative test paper (Clinitek ATLAS Pro(12)) using random urine samples. Three hundred urine samples were analyzed using either the new test paper, conventional dipsticks, quantitative (P/C ratio), or immunological quantitative methods (A/C ratio). Our study showed that the new test paper is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of urinary protein. The new test paper also detected the urine protein more accurately than the conventional test and has a lower false-positive rate. In addition, the new test paper detected 14 of the 300 patients (4.7%) as dilute urine samples needing reassessment. Seventeen of the 300 samples tested were negative with conventional dipsticks but positive with the new test paper. The new semi-quantitative test paper not only has higher sensitivity than the conventional dipstick method, but also has potential to detect dilute samples.
    Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis 01/2011; 25(1):14-9. · 1.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: Role of the parathyroid gland vascularization index in predicting percutaneous ethanol injection efficacy in refractory uremic hyperparathyroidism.
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    ABSTRACT: To evaluate the role of the quantitative vascularization index (VI) as a measure of the completeness of percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT). A total of 37 dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism refractory to medical therapy received PEIT. We analyzed the role of a quantitative marker of parathyroid adenoma activity, i.e. VI, flow index and vascular flow index as measured by 3-dimensional Doppler ultrasound with a 3-dimensional histogram software, for all patients before treatment and at 1 month and 6 months after PEIT. Serum intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) level showed a strong positive correlation with the VI both before (p < 0.001) and after (p < 0.001) PEIT. There was no correlation between i-PTH level and the volume of the gland either before (p = 0.697) or after (p = 0.564) PEIT. One month after PEIT, 20 patients (group 1) reached the target of i-PTH ≤ 300 pg/ml and 17 patients (group 2) did not. Group 2 patients had significantly greater VI and i-PTH prior to PEIT than group 1 patients (42.23 ± 8.38 vs. 14.95 ± 8.07, p <0.001 and 1,447 ± 243 vs. 859 ± 231, p < 0.001 respectively). A higher VI indicates a higher i-PTH, and the VI may be a reliable predictor of the completeness of PEIT.
    Nephron Clinical Practice 01/2011; 117(2):c120-6. · 2.04 Impact Factor
  • Article: p-Cresylsulfate and indoxyl sulfate level at different stages of chronic kidney disease.
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    ABSTRACT: Indoxyl sulfate and p-cresylsulfate was associated with poor clinical outcome of uremia. We explored the relationship between the two toxins and renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This study enrolled 103 stable CKD patients (stage 3-5 and hemodialysis (HD) patients). Serum levels of indoxyl sulfate and p-cresylsulfate were measured using ultra performance liquid chromatography. General laboratory results and patient background were also checked. Patients with advanced CKD had higher serum indoxyl sulfate, p-cresylsulfate based on ANOVA test. There were significant correlation between indoxyl sulfate and p-cresylsulfate and serum creatinine after multivariate regression analysis (B=3.59, P<0.01; B=0.93, P=0.04, respectively). In addition, there was a positive correlation between indoxyl sulfate and p-cresylsulfate level (r=0.61, P<0.01). Indoxyl sulfate and p-cresylsulfate level increased gradually while renal function declined and reached the peak at the stage of HD. Serum indoxyl sulfate level was closely associated with p-cresylsulfate level in CKD patients.
    Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis 01/2011; 25(3):191-7. · 1.38 Impact Factor