ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze and compare the data of Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Preventionin national individual dose monitoring ability assessment for external exposure in 2017—2019 and summarize the assessment experience, and to improve monitoring ability and quality. Methods Ability assessment preparation was carried out according to the requirements of The National Comparison Scheme for Individual Dose Monitoring Ability, and blind samples of individual dosimeters were sent. After the blind samples were measured in the laboratory, the results were judged according to the judgment methods in the Testing Criteria of Personnel Dosimetry Performance for External Exposure (GBZ 207—2016) and the requirements of the assessment scheme. Results In 2017, there was a single-group performance of 0.02-0.08 and a comprehensive performance of 0.06, and the results were judged to be qualified. In 2018, there was asingle-group performance of −0.01 to 0.08 and a comprehensive performance of 0.05, and the results were judged to be excellent. In 2019, there was asingle-group performance of −0.13 to −0.04 and a comprehensive performance of 0.08, and the results were judged to be qualified. Conclusion The individual dose monitoring system in our laboratory runs stably, and the monitoring results are accurate and reliable. The quality control measures are effective and feasible.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#The Q-tip test is used to measure urethral hypermobility and can predict surgical outcomes. However, certain factors may affect the reliability of this test. Our aim was to identify independent clinical and urodynamic predictors of the results of the Q-tip test. @*Methods@#Between January 2014 and June 2019, 176 consecutive women with lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent the Q-tip test and urodynamic studies were included in this retrospective study. @*Results@#Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age (regression coefficient, -0.55), point Ba (regression coefficient, 4.1), urodynamic stress incontinence (regression coefficient, 9.9), maximum flow rate (Qmax) (regression coefficient, 0.13), pressure transmission ratio (PTR) at maximum urethral pressure (MUP) (regression coefficient, -0.14), and the score on the fifth question of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQQ5; “Has urine leakage affected your participation in social activities outside your home?”; regression coefficient, -4.1) were independent predictors of the Q-tip angle, with a constant of 87.0. The following Spearman rank correlation coefficients were found between the Q-tip angle and the following variables: age, -0.38; point Ba, 0.34; urodynamic stress incontinence, 0.32; Qmax, 0.28; PTR at MUP, -0.28; and IIQQ5, -0.23. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis for the prediction of urodynamic stress incontinence found that the optimum cutoff for PTR at MUP was <81%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70. @*Conclusions@#Age, point Ba, urodynamic stress incontinence, Qmax, PTR at MUP, and IIQQ5 were independent predictors of the Q-tip angle. However, none of these could be used as effective surrogates for the Q-tip test due to their lack of a sufficient correlation.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the radionuclide concentrations in rice and corn in some areas of Yunnan province, and enrich the baseline data on radioactivity level in food in Yunnan province, and assess the health risks to residents.Methods:The samples of rice and corn collected from 20 counties in Yunnan province were determined by using gamma spectrometer under the national standards Gamma Spectrometry Method of Analysing Radionuclides In Biological Samples (GB/T 16145-1995), General Analytical Method of High-Purity Germanium Gamma Spectrometer (GB/T 11713-2015), Examination of Radioactive Materials for Foods- General Principle (GB 14883.1-2016) and Determination of Radionuclides in Soil by Gamma Spectrometry(GB/T11743-2013). The results were compared and evaluated.Results:The average activity concentrations in rice were found to be 238U (0.416±0.403) Bq/kg, 32Th (0.045±0.034) Bq/kg, 226Ra (0.030±0.013) Bq/kg, 40K (28.4±18.8) Bq/kg and 137Cs (0.014±0.019) Bq/kg, respectively, and in corn to be 238U (0.308±0.230) Bq/kg, 232Th (0.035±0.031) Bq/kg, 226Ra (0.053±0.072) Bq/kg, 40K (56.8±38.6) Bq/kg, respectively. The specific activities of the 137Cs were lower than the detection lower limit. Conclusions:The radionuclide concentration of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 137Cs in rice and corn in 20 counties of Yunnan province meets the national standards. The dose burden to the public will not affect human health.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To identify factors predicting the presence of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)-wet, compared with OAB-dry. METHODS: Between September 2007 and September 2013, the medical records of 623 women with OAB who completed a 3-day bladder diary and underwent urodynamic studies in a medical center were retrospectively reviewed. OAB-wet was diagnosed in patients who complained of at least one episode of urgency incontinence in the previous month; otherwise, OAB-dry was diagnosed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to predict the presence of OAB-wet. RESULTS: Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; P<0.001), maximal flow rate (Qmax) (OR,1.06; P<0.001), voided volume (OR, 0.996; P=0.001), detrusor pressure at maximal flow rate (PdetQmax) (OR, 1.02; P=0.003), urgency episodes (OR, 1.04; P<0.001) and urodynamic stress incontinence (OR,1.78; P=0.01) were independent predictors for the presence of OAB-wet vs. OAB-dry. If we use bladder contractility index as a variable for multivariable logistic regression analysis, bladder contractility index (OR, 1.012; P<0.001) become an independent predictor for OAB-wet. CONCLUSIONS: A smaller bladder capacity and more frequent urgency episodes were predictors of OAB-wet, and the above findings indicate that OAB-wet and OAB-dry might be a continuum of OAB. Old age, high Qmax, high PdetQmax and urodynamic stress incontinence were also predictors for OAB-wet, and the above results reveal that OAB-wet and OAB-dry have partially different clinical and urodynamic features. Further studies might be performed to elucidate whether different treatment strategies between OAB-dry and OAB-wet can improve treatment efficacy.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Medical Records , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Urinary Bladder , Urinary Bladder, Overactive , UrodynamicsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Choice of hysterectomy and adjuvant treatment for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 stage II endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) is still controversial. Aims of this study were to evaluate survival benefits and adverse effects of different hysterectomies with or without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), and to identify prognostic factors. METHODS: The patients at 14 member hospitals of the Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology Group from 1992 to 2013 were retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into simple hysterectomy (SH) alone, SH with RT, radical hysterectomy (RH) alone, and RH with RT groups. Endpoints were recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), adverse effects and prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: Total of 246 patients were enrolled. The 5-year RFS, OS, DSS and recurrence rates for the entire cohort were 89.5%, 94.3%, 96.2% and 10.2%, respectively. Patients receiving RH had more adverse effects including blood loss (p < 0.001), recurrent urinary tract infections (p = 0.013), and leg lymphedema (p = 0.038). Age over 50-year (HR = 9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–70.9) and grade 3 histology (HR = 7.28; 95% CI, 1.45–36.6) were independent predictors of OS. Grade 3 histology was an independent predictor of RFS (HR = 5.13; 95% CI, 1.38–19.1) and DSS (HR = 5.97; 95% CI, 1.06–58.7). Patients receiving adjuvant RT had lower locoregional recurrence (p = 0.046), but no impact on survival. CONCLUSION: Different treatment modalities yield similar survival outcomes. Patients receiving SH with RT had lower locoregional recurrent with acceptable morbidity. Age and tumor grading remained significant predictors for survival among patients with FIGO 2009 stage II EEC.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Cohort Studies , Endometrial Neoplasms , European Union , Gynecology , Hysterectomy , Leg , Lymphedema , Neoplasm Grading , Obstetrics , Radiotherapy , Radiotherapy, Adjuvant , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Urinary Tract Infections , Uterine NeoplasmsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlations among the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Prostate Symptom Score–Storage Subscore (IPSS-S), and the modified Urgency Severity Scale (USS) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and hypersensitive bladder (HSB) and to identify the most useful diagnostic tool for classifying the severity of OAB. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients with OAB who visited our urologic clinics for treatment. All patients underwent a detailed history, physical examination, urinalysis, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual volume measurement, and completed a 3-day voiding diary. All patients answered the Chinese versions of the IPSS, OABSS, and USS, according to which they were classified as having wet or dry OAB based on whether their chief complaint was urgency urinary incontinence or urgency without incontinence. HSB was defined as a functional bladder capacity OABSS>IPSS-S. The simplest survey, the USS, with a single item scored from 0 to 4, had the strongest correlation with the OAB severity subgroups.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Asian People , Physical Examination , Prostate , Residual Volume , Retrospective Studies , Urinalysis , Urinary Bladder , Urinary Bladder, Overactive , Urinary IncontinenceABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the radioactivity levels in foods in environmental protection area around a decommissioned uranium mine in Yunnan province,in order to timely discover the release of radioactive substances and to provide accumulated baseline data.Methods Radioactivity levels in grains,vegetables and fresh tea at 20 sampling points were measured in the environmental protection area within 3 km of a decommissioned the uranium mine.After field pretreatment and laboratory preparation,the radionuclides in samples were analyzed by means of γ spectrometry.Results Radionuclides in foods in the area mainly include natural radionuclides (238 U,232Th,226Ra,40 K) and man-made radionuclide (137 Cs).Radioactivity level of 238U,232Th,226Ra and 40K was (0.17 ± 0.05),(0.25 ± 0.17),(0.43 ±0.28)and (103.49 ±25.10)Bq/kg(fresh weight),respectively.Radioactivity levels of 232Th,226Ra,40K and 137Cs in fresh tea were all higher than those in grains and vegetables.Conclusions Radioactivity levels in foods around the area are lower than the relevant national limits.No man-made radionuclide other than 137Cs was found in the area.
ABSTRACT
Ligusticum chuanxiong is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine plant. The study on its molecular markers development and germplasm resources is very important. In this study, we obtained 24 422 unigenes by assembling transcriptome sequencing reads of L. chuanxiong root. EST-SSR was detected and 4 073 SSR loci were identified. EST-SSR distribution and characteristic analysis results showed that the mono-nucleotide repeats were the main repeat types, accounting for 41.0%. In addition, the sequences containing SSR were functionally annotated in Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway and were assigned to 49 GO categories, 242 KEGG pathways, among them 2 201 sequences were annotated against Nr database. By validating 235 EST-SSRs,74 primer pairs were ultimately proved to have high quality amplification. Subsequently, genetic diversity analysis, UPGMA cluster analysis, PCoA analysis and population structure analysis of 34 L. chuanxiong germplasm resources were carried out with 74 primer pairs. In both UPGMA tree and PCoA results, L. chuanxiong resources were clustered into two groups, which are believed to be partial related to their geographical distribution. In this study, EST-SSRs in L. chuanxiong was firstly identified, and newly developed molecular markers would contribute significantly to further genetic diversity study, the purity detection, gene mapping, and molecular breeding.
ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone [r-FSH] low-dose step-up regimen for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in patients undergoing ovulation induction [OI] with intrauterine insemination [IUI]
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan. In this prospective, observational study, consecutive infertile women [20-35 years] with regular menstrual cycles and a normal baseline FSH level were prospectively enrolled between January 2010 and September 2010. A starting dose of 112.5 IU/day r-FSH was administered on day 3 and increased by 37.5 IU/day every 2 days until a follicle >/= 11 mm in diameter was present. Recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin [r-hCG] was administered when a follicle >/= 18 mm was noted. Monifollicular development was defined as only one follicle with a diameter >/= 16 mm. Clinical pregnancy was defined as a pregnancy diagnosed by ultrasonographic visualization of one or more gestational sacs
Results: A total of 29 women and 30 cycles were included. The mean daily dose of r-FSH to achieve a follicle of >/= 11 mm in diameter was 131.3 +/- 23.6 IU and the mean total dose was 1030.0 +/- 383.2 IU. Approximately 41% of the cycles were monofollicular. Clinical pregnancy was observed in 9 [30.0%] cycles, and a fetal heart beat was observed in 7 [23.3%]. There were no multiple pregnancies. Mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which was resolved with conservative management, was observed in 3 [10.0%] cycles
Conclusion: This r-FSH low-dose step-up regimen seems to be a feasible and practical method for OI in younger infertile women undergoing IUI
ABSTRACT
We sought to determine the association between factors that affected clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in patients who underwent in vitro fertilization [IVF] and received intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] and/or laser assisted hatching [LAH], or neither. In this retrospective cohort study, the records of women who underwent IVF with or without ICSI and/or LAH at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan between January 2007 and December 2010 were reviewed. We divided patients into four groups: 1. those that did not receive ICSI or LAH, 2. those that received ICSI only, 3. those that received LAH only and 4. those that received both ICSI and LAH. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in each group. A total of 375 women were included in the analysis. Oocyte number [OR=1.07] affected the live birth rate in patients that did not receive either ICSI or LAH. Maternal age [OR=0.89] and embryo transfer [ET] number [OR=1.59] affected the rate in those that received ICSI only. Female infertility factors other than tubal affected the rate [OR=5.92] in patients that received both ICSI and LAH. No factors were found to affect the live birth rate in patients that received LAH only. Oocyte number, maternal age and ET number and female infertility factors other than tubal affected the live birth rate in patients that did not receive ICSI or LAH, those that received ICSI only, and those that received both ICSI and LAH, respectively. No factors affected the live birth rate in patients that received LAH only. These data might assist in advising patients on the appropriateness of ICSI and LAH after failed IVF
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted , Lasers , Fertilization in Vitro , Infertility , Treatment Outcome , Retrospective Studies , Cohort StudiesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the duration of antimuscarinic therapy for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) appropriate for assessment of the efficacy of treatment, and to evaluate the possible predictive factors for response to therapy. METHODS: All OAB patients who visited a urology outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center and who were prescribed 5 mg of solifenacin or 4 mg of tolterodine extended release capsules daily were enrolled in the study. Patients were asked to continue therapy for 6 months. All enrolled patients completed the patient perception of bladder condition, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and the modified Indevus Urgency Severity Scale questionnaires. All patients underwent uroflowmetry. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were enrolled and 125 patients (76%) had at least one follow-up visit. The mean follow-up interval was 1 month (range, 0.5-6 months). Sixty-two patients (49.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40.7-58.5) responded to antimuscarinic treatment. The median time for the onset of response was 3 months (95% CI, 1-6). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model revealed that elevated baseline OABSS was an independent predictor of responsiveness to therapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an optimal OABSS cutoff value of > or =7, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.88; sensitivity, 91.9%; specificity, 60.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The median time for a therapeutic response was 3 months, and OABSS was the only predictor for responsiveness. These findings may serve as a guideline when prescribing antimuscarinic treatment for OAB patients.
Subject(s)
Humans , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Capsules , Cholinergic Antagonists , Follow-Up Studies , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity , Solifenacin Succinate , Tertiary Care Centers , Tolterodine Tartrate , Treatment Outcome , Urinary Bladder , Urinary Bladder, Overactive , UrologyABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>In order to commit to their mission and placement requirements, medical education policy-makers are required to understand the background and character of students in order to admit, cultivate and support them efficiently and effectively.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>This study sample consisted of 408 homogeneous medical students with the same level of education, occupation, school and societal environment. They differed mainly in their family background. Therefore, this study used part of a multidimensional "student portfolio system" database to assess the correlation between family status (indexed by parental education and occupation) and medical students' mental health status and characters. The controls were a group of 181 non-medical students in another university.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The parents of the medical students were from a higher socioeconomic status (SES) than the parents of those in the control group. This showed the heritability of genetic and environment conditions as well as the socioeconomic forces at play in medical education. Students' personal and professional development were associated with their parents' SES. The mother's SES was associated with the student's selfreported stress, mental disturbances, attitude towards life, personality, health, discipline, internationalisation and professionalism. The fathers' SES did not show a statistically significant association with the above stress, physical and mental health factors, but showed an association with some of the personality factors. The greater the educational difference between both parents, the more stress, hopelessness and pessimism the student manifested.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Medical educators need to be aware that socioeconomic factors have meaningful patterns of association with students' mental and physical health, and their characters relating to personal and professional development. Low maternal SES negatively influences medical students' personal and professional development, suggesting that medical education policy-makers need to initiate support mechanisms for those with latent vulnerability.</p>
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Education, Medical , Methods , Family Relations , Interpersonal Relations , Mental Health , Retrospective Studies , Social Class , Students, Medical , Psychology , TaiwanABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate various methods for constructing soybean lecithin (SL)-based vesicles and evaluate the permeation-enhancing effect of SL-based vesicles on the penetration of insulin through buccal mucosa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The ultrasonic method, high speed shear method and high pressure homogenization method were respectively used to prepare the SL-based vesicles, and the particle size of the vesicles was measured with photon correlation spectrometry (PCS). The penetration rate of insulin through porcine buccal mucosa was investigated with the Valia-Chien diffusion cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average particle sizes of 3 formulations of SL-based vesicles were 97.39, 85.60, and 100.60 nm when prepared by ultrasonic method, and were 58.7, 88.7, and 91.9 nm when prepared by high pressure homogenization method. Both vesicles presented good stability. However, the SL-based vesicles prepared by high speed shear method had larger average diameters and were found to be unstable. Transmission electron microscopy showed that SL-based vesicles had a spherical shape and the result accorded with PCS. The permeation flux of insulin of formulation 1 and control solution were 0.0024 and 0.0008 IU x ml(-1) x min(-1), respectively. The accumulative amount of formulation 1 at 180 min was (0.436 +/- 0.010 ) IU x ml(-1), which was 1.46 times higher than the control solution.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The SL-based vesicles obtained using high pressure homogenization method are characterized by small particle size, narrow distribution, good stability, and powerful permeation-enhancing effect, which enables them to be good carriers for the buccal delivery of insulin.</p>