Identification of new variants in MTRNR1 and MTRNR2 genes using whole mitochondrial genome sequencing in a Taiwanese family with MERRF (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers) syndrome.

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy is a multi-system disorder mostly caused by inborn errors of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system and usually manifested as complex neurological disorder and muscle weakness. Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF) syndrome is one of the major subtypes of mitochondrial disease associated with the m.8344A>G mutation in mitochondrial tRNALys gene. In addition to the symptoms in central nervous and muscle systems, a portion of the patients may develop hearing loss, which has been linked to the genetic mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) especially in the mitochondrial ribosome RNA (rRNA) gene. Despite a great number of studies focusing on the consequences of mtDNA mutations, the mechanism of pathogenesis of these overt diseases has remained unclear, and there is no specific and effective treatment for MERRF syndromes. In this study, we developed a high-quality mtDNA sequencing method by next generation sequencing technology to search for the additional pathogenic variations of mtDNA from skin fibroblasts of four members in a Taiwanese family with MERRF syndrome. Through uncovering the signatures of all mtDNA variants in the MERRF family, we identified novel mtDNA variants in the genes encoding mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNAs. The finding from this study will give us further insight into the molecular mechanisms driving the phenotypic variability and timing of onset of the MERRF syndrome.

Analysis of choroidal vascularity index distribution and influencing factors in normal children / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the distribution characteristics of choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in macula among normal children using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and to investigate the influencing factors.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.Sixty-three children aged 6 to 12 years were enrolled in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2021 to November 2021.Spherical equivalent refraction, axial length (AL) and other ocular biological parameters were measured.Macula-centered CVI and choroidal thickness (ChT) were measured by SS-OCT angiography.According to the ETDRS partition, the obtained image was divided into macular central fovea (0-1 mm diameter), inner ring (1-3 mm diameter) and outer ring (3-6 mm diameter) zones.Data from the right eye were selected for statistical analysis.CVI in the three rings and four zones (superior, temporal, inferior and nasal zones) of the inner and outer rings were compared.Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the correlation between CVI and sex, AL, anterior chamber depth (ACD), ChT and pupil diameter.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No.2021-KY-0399-003). Written informed consent was obtained from each guardian.Results:The average CVI in the macular central fovea, inner ring and outer ring were 0.35±0.12, 0.32±0.10 and 0.27±0.08, respectively, with a significant difference ( F=10.96, P<0.001), and significant differences in CVI were found in pairwise comparisons of the three ring zones (all at P<0.05). Significant differences in CVI were found among superior, temporal, inferior and nasal zones in inner and outer rings ( Fring=11.60, P=0.001; Fzone=12.02, P<0.05). The CVI was smaller in superior and nasal zones in inner ring than in temporal zone, greater in superior, temporal and inferior zones in outer ring than in nasal zone, smaller in superior zone of outer ring than that of the inner ring, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.001). The single factor linear regression analysis showed that ChT in the fovea, inner ring and outer ring were the influencing factors of CVI in the three ring zones (all at β=0.001, P<0.001). Pupil diameter ( β=0.034, P=0.038; β=0.040, P=0.003; β=0.024, P=0.011) and ACD ( β=0.097, P=0.034; β=0.097, P=0.013; β=0.061, P=0.032) were the influencing factors of CVI in fovea, inner ring and outer ring.After multiple linear regression analysis, the regression equations were established as follows: CVI in the macular fovea=0.001×ChT in the macular fovea + 0.001×ChT in the inner ring+ 0.001×ChT in the outer ring-0.301 ( R2=0.514, F=6.875, P<0.001); CVI in the inner ring=0.001×ChT in the macular fovea+ 0.001×ChT in the inner ring+ 0.001×ChT in the outer ring+ 0.088×AL-0.307 ( R2=0.603, F=9.870, P<0.001); CVI in the outer ring=0.001×ChT in the macular fovea+ 0.001×ChT in the inner ring+ 0.001×ChT in the outer ring-0.135 ( R2=0.601, F=9.781, P<0.001). Conclusions:In children aged 6-12 years old, the CVI is higher in the macular central fovea than in inner and outer rings, and the CVI in nasal zone is the smallest in both inner and outer rings.The thicker the ChT, the higher the CVI in all zones in the macular area; the deeper the anterior chamber, the higher the CVI in the inner ring.

Effects of 0.01% atropine on ocular biometrics in myopic adolescents / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops on ocular biometrics in myopic adolescents.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted.Two hundred and nineteen myopic adolescents who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2016 to June 2017 and completed the 1-year follow-up on time were enrolled.The 219 adolescents were divided into a 0.01% atropine+ single-vision spectacles (SV) group (119 cases) wearing single-vision spectacles with one drop of atropine eye drop applied to both eyes once nightly, and a simple SV group (100 cases) wearing SV only.Axial length (AL), corneal power and anterior chamber depth were measured with the IOLMaster.Lens power was calculated using the Bennett-Rabbetts formula.Intraocular pressure was measured by non-contact tonometry.Spherical equivalent (SE) was examined by cycloplegic autorefraction.Total astigmatism and corneal astigmatism were calculated by vector decomposition.The right eye data were analyzed to compare the ocular biometrics changes between the two groups, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No.2016-35). Written informed consent was obtained from guardians before any medical examination.Results:The SE change and AL elongation 12 months after treatment in 0.01% atropine+ SV group were (-0.47±0.45) D and (0.37±0.22) mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than (-0.70±0.60)D and (0.46±0.35)mm in simple SV group ( t=5.523, 9.651; both at P<0.001). There were significant differences in SE and AL between before and after treatment in both groups (SE: Fgroup=1.556, P=0.015; Ftime=12.538, P=0.002; AL: Fgroup=3.425, P=0.021; Ftime=18.235, P=0.008). The SE and AL at 4, 8 and 12 months after treatment were all increased in comparison with before treatment in both groups, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). The SE and AL at 8 and 12 months after treatment in 0.01% atropine+ SV group were smaller than in simple SV group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.001). At 8 and 12 months after treatment, total astigmatism and the anterior chamber depth were increased and the lens power was decreased in comparison with before treatment in both groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). There was no significant difference in corneal astigmatism, corneal power and intraocular pressure at different time points before and after treatment between the two groups (all at P>0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, an equation of Δmyopic SE=-0.012-2.685×ΔAL-1.002×Δcorneal astigmatism-0.656×Δlens power+ 0.477×Δtotal astigmatism+ 0.363×Δanterior chamber depth-0.060×age+ 0.011×sex was used, showing the change of SE was mainly caused by the change of AL ( β=-2.685), then corneal power, lens power, total astigmatism and anterior chamber depth. Conclusions:In adolescents, 0.01% atropine eye drops can effectively retard myopia progression and axial elongation, showing no effect on astigmatism, corneal power, lens power, anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure.The controlling effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops in the development of myopia is mainly achieved by reducing axial elongation.

Prenatal Diagnosis Using Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in High-Risk Pregnancies.

Background: To assess the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) during the prenatal diagnosis of high-risk pregnancies. Methods: Between January 2016 and November 2021, we included 178 chorionic villi and 859 amniocentesis samples from consecutive cases at a multiple tertiary hospital. Each of these high-risk singleton pregnancies had at least one of the following indications: (1) advanced maternal age (AMA; ≥35 years; 546, 52.7%); (2) fetal structural abnormality on ultrasound (197, 19.0%); (3) high-risk first- or second-trimester Down syndrome screen (189, 18.2%), including increased nuchal translucency (≥3.5 mm; 90, 8.7%); or (4) previous pregnancy, child, or family history (105, 10.1%) affected by chromosomal abnormality or genetic disorder. Both G-banding karyotype analysis and CMA were performed. DNA was extracted directly and examined with oligonucleotide array-based comparative genomic hybridization. Results: Aneuploidies were detected by both G-banding karyotyping and CMA in 42/1037 (4.05%) cases. Among the 979 cases with normal karyotypes, 110 (10.6%) cases had copy number variants (CNVs) in CMA, including 30 (2.9%) cases with reported pathogenic and likely pathogenic CNVs ≥ 400 kb, 37 (3.6%) with nonreported VOUS, benign, or likely benign CNVs ≥ 400 kb, and 43 (4.1%) with nonreported CNVs < 400 kb. Of the 58 (5.6%) cases with aneuploidy rearrangements, 42 (4.1%) were diagnosed by both G-banding karyotyping and CMA; four inversions, six balanced translocations, and six low mosaic rates were not detected with CMA. Conclusions: CMA is an effective first step for the prenatal diagnosis of high-risk pregnancies with fetal structural anomalies found in ultrasonography or upon positive findings.

Prenatal diagnosis of de novo int22h1/int22h2-mediated Xq28 duplication syndrome involving RAB39B following a previous ambiguous genitalia pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To report a prenatal diagnosis of int22h1/int22h2-mediated Xq28 duplication syndrome. CASE REPORT: Herein, we present the case of a 28-year-old female who had a previous ambiguous genitalia pregnancy without genetic abnormality that was terminated at 23+2 weeks of gestation. The fetus of the current pregnancy harbored a de novo copy number variation at the Xq recurrent region (int22h1/int22h2-flanked; including the RAB39B gene) with a 0.397 Mb microduplication. The literature suggests the clinical manifestation of int22h1/int22h2-mediated Xq28 duplication syndrome tends to show a milder clinical phenotype in females than males. Although the fetus in this case was female, taking into consideration the parents' age and culture, the family decided to terminate this pregnancy due to the genetic abnormality. CONCLUSION: Prenatally diagnosed de novo int22h-1/int22h-2-mediated Xq28 duplication syndrome exhibits variable phenotypic traits in female fetuses.

Novel prenatally diagnosed compound heterozygous PXDN variants in fetal congenital primary aphakia and blepharophimosis.

OBJECTIVE: To precision survey a fetal congenital primary aphakia molecular etiology. CASE REPORT: A case of 42 years old pregnancy woman prenatal diagnostic examination by amniocentesis conducted at 17 weeks' gestation and demonstrated a normal female karyotype. Trio studies based on chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) and Sanger's genetic analysis did not detect a pathologic variant of the FOXE3 gene. Fetal congenital primary aphakia accompanied with microphthalmia detected by sonography in the second trimester (22 weeks). MRI indicated bilateral absence of the lenses, consistent with primary congenital aphakia. Due to the poor prognosis of congenital aphakia, the parents decided to terminate the fetus and provided consent for an autopsy. Pathological analysis revealed dysplasia of the anterior segment of both eyes. However, post fetal mortem extended trio whole exon sequencing (WES) and Sanger's genetic analysis identified compound heterozygous variants in the chromosomal location 2p25.3 in the PXDN gene. CONCLUSION: Extended whole exon sequencing is an important tool to study primary congenital aphakia.

Prenatally diagnosed microdeletion in the TCOF1 gene in fetal congenital primary Treacher Collins Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To study prenatal diagnosis of congenital Treacher Collins syndrome, an etiology of craniofacial abnormalities. CASE REPORT: We present a case of fetal craniofacial abnormalities identified by antepartum sonography screening in the third trimester (28 weeks); features of micrognathia, hypoplastic zygomatic arches and bilateral low-set microtia were detected. Due to the unknown severity of the craniofacial abnormalities and poor prognosis, the parents decided to terminate the fetus after through counselling. A normal female karyotype was detected. The parents consented to chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), which identified a de novo mutation of the TCS1 gene locus on chromosome 5. CONCLUSION: Molecular CMA is an effective tool for prenatal diagnosis of congenital craniofacial abnormalities associated with Treacher Collins syndrome.

Novel prenatally diagnosed compound heterozygous POMT2 variants in fetal congenital primary aqueduct stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the etiology of congenital hydrocephalus in genetic aqueduct stenosis. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 31-year-old pregnant female, G2P0A1, with a history of hyperthyroidism under medical control. The patient received regular prenatal care, with no specific findings in the Level II ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation. However, hydrocephalus was noted at GA 31 weeks. High-resolution sonography and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported fetal aqueduct stenosis. Maternal HSV, CMV, and toxoplasma infection were not detected. Fetal karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) indicated a normal. After intensive counseling, the parents decided to terminate the pregnancy due to the poor fetal prognosis. Post-mortem, a whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing analysis trio study identified two compound heterozygous variants in the POMT2 gene inherited from both recessive parents. In the subsequent pregnancy, a WES survey revealed inheritance of only the maternal POMT2 gene variant; a live, healthy male baby was born. CONCLUSION: Extended WES represents a precision maternal medicine tool for novel prenatal diagnosis of congenital aqueduct stenosis.

Prediction of white-coat hypertension and white-coat uncontrolled hypertension using machine learning algorithm.

Aims: The detection of white-coat hypertension/white-coat uncontrolled hypertension (WCH/WUCH) with out-of-office blood pressure (BP) monitoring is time- and resource-consuming. We aim to develop a machine learning (ML)-derived prediction model based on the characteristics of patients from a single outpatient visit. Methods and results: Data from two cohorts in Taiwan were used. Cohort one (970 patients) was used for development and internal validation, and cohort two (464 patients) was used for external validation. WCH/WUCH was defined as an office BP of ≥140/90 mmHg and daytime ambulatory BP of <135/85 mmHg in treatment-naïve or treated individuals. Logistic regression, random forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and artificial neural network models were trained using 26 patient parameters. We used SHapley Additive exPlanations values to provide explanations for the risk factors. All models achieved great area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), specificity, and negative predictive value in both validations (AUROC = 0.754-0.891; specificity = 0.682-0.910; negative predictive value = 0.831-0.968). The RF model was the best performing (AUROC = 0.884; sensitivity = 0.619; specificity = 0.887; negative predictive value = 0.872; accuracy = 0.819). The five most influential features of the RF model were office diastolic BP, office systolic BP, current smoker, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and fasting glucose level. Conclusion: Our prediction models achieved good performance, underlining the feasibility of applying ML models to outpatient populations for the diagnosis of WCH and WUCH. Further validation with other prospective data sets should be considered in the future.

Effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops on the prevention of myopia onset among schoolchildren: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To observe the safety and efficacy of 0.01% atropine eye drops in the prevention of myopia onset in schoolchildren.Methods:A randomized double-blind controlled study was conducted.Sixty Chinese Han children (60 eyes) with binocular spherical equivalent (SE) between + 0.50 D and -0.75 D (pre-myopia) by cycloplegic autorefraction treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled from July to October 2020.Aged 6-12 years old, the children were divided into 0.01% atropine group and control group according to a random number table, with 30 cases (30 eyes) in each group.The children were given one drop of 0.01% atropine or placebo eye drops in both eyes once a night.The SE, axial length (AL), accommodative amplitude and pupil diameter were compared before and after 3-month, 6-month of treatment between the two groups.Discomforts were recorded.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No.2020-KY-286). Written informed consent was obtained from guardian of each subject.Results:After treatment, 26 and 25 subjects completed the 6-month follow-up in 0.01% atropine group and control group, respectively, among which 3 subjects in 0.01% atropine group accounting for 11.5% and 9 in control group accounting for 36.0% developed myopia, showing a statistically significant difference ( χ2=4.238, P=0.040). There were significant differences in the overall comparison of SE and AL at different time points between before and after treatment ( Ftime=10.981, 81.854; both at P<0.001). At 3 and 6 months after treatment, there were significant increases in the SE and AL of control group and AL of 0.01% atropine group compared with respective baseline values (all at P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SE at 3 and 6 months after treatment compared with baseline SE in 0.01% atropine group (both at P>0.05). At 6 months after treatment, the change in SE in 0.01% atropine group was (-0.15±0.26)D, which was significantly less than (-0.34±0.35)D in control group, and the change in AL in 0.01% atropine group was (0.17±0.11)mm, Which was significantly shorter than (0.28±0.14)mm in control group, with significant differences between them ( t=2.207, P=0.032; t=3.127, P=0.003). There were significant differences in pupil diameter at different time points between before and after treatment ( Ftime=2.263, P=0.032). At 3 and 6 months after treatment, the pupil diameter was increased in comparison with baseline in 0.01% atropine group (both at P<0.05). There were significant differences in accommodative amplitude at different time points between before and after treatment in the two groups ( Fgroup=0.882, P=0.042; Ftime=0.337, P=0.033). The accommodative amplitude at 3 and 6 months after treatment were decreased in comparison with baseline in 0.01% atropine group and control group at corresponding time points (all at P<0.05). Within a month after treatment, photophobia in bright sunlight occurred in 5 cases in 0.01% atropine group, accounting for 16.7%(5/30), and 2 cases in control group, accounting for 6.7%(2/30), showing no significant difference ( χ2=0.647, P=0.421). No near-vision blur and other uncomfortable symptoms was found in the two groups. Conclusions:After 6-month application of 0.01% atropine eye drops, the prevalence of myopia in pre-myopia schoolchildren decreases and the changing rate of SE and AL slows down.The accommodative amplitude is slightly reduced and pupil diameter is slightly increased, with no obvious effects on study and life.

A Long-Term Follow-Up of Dental and Craniofacial Disturbances after Cancer Therapy in a Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma Patient: Case Report.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents. A boy aged seven years and five months was diagnosed with stage three group III embryonal parameningeal RMS with intracranial extension. He received chemotherapy for 23 weeks in combination with localized radiotherapy during the inductive phase of nine weeks (a total tumor dose of 5040 cGy). Three months later, he was referred to the department of pediatric dentistry for radiation-induced caries, the treatment of which was later terminated because of severe trismus and radiation-induced oropharyngeal mucositis. Three years later, the patient returned for the fitting of a prosthesis because of mastication problems. The dental treatments performed included: extraction, banding, composite resin restorations, root canal fillings, and stainless steel crown fabrication. An interim denture was fitted due to the poor retention of the fixed prosthesis. As the patient grew older, they developed facial asymmetry as a result of the prominent atrophy of their right cheek. By the age of 32, they had lost multiple teeth and exhibited severe facial deformity. Therefore, it is essential not only to involve a multidisciplinary medical team before, during, and after cancer therapy, but also to initiate long-term follow-ups given the potential effects of late sequelae after chemoradiation in multiple developmental areas.

A Comparison of In-flight and Ground-Based Emergency Medical Events on the Clinical Demand for Outreach Medical Services at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan.

Background: Limited information is available covering all medical events managed by the airport-based outreach medical service. This study explores the clinical demand for emergency medical outreach services at Taoyuan International Airport (TIA), Taiwan. Methods: Electronic medical records collected from TIA medical outreach services from 2017 to 2018, included passengers' profiles, flight information, events location, chief complaints, diagnosis (using ICD-9 -CM codes), and management outcomes. Medical events distribution was stratified by location and ages, and were compared statistically. Results: Among 1,501 eligible records, there were 81.8% ground-based emergency medical events (GBME), 16.9% in-flight medical events (IFME) managed after scheduled landing, and 1.3% IFME leading to unscheduled diversion or re-entry to TIA. The top three GBME diagnoses were associated with neurological (23.3%), gastrointestinal (21.2%), and trauma-related (19.3%) conditions. The top three IFME diagnosis that prompted unscheduled landings via flight diversion or re-entry were neurological (47.4%), psychological (15.8%), and cardiovascular (10.5%). The chief complaints that prompted unscheduled landings were mostly related to neurological (42.1%), cardiovascular (26.3%), and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) (10.5%) symptoms. A higher frequency of IFME events due to dermatologic causes in patients aged ≤ 18 years compared with adults and older adults (19 vs. 1.5% and 0, respectively); and a higher frequency of IFME due to cardiovascular causes in adults ≥ 65 years compared with patients aged ≤ 65 (15.1 vs. 9%). Among all IFME patients, six out-of-hospital deaths occurred among passengers from scheduled landings and two deaths occurred among 18 IFME passengers who were transferred to local hospitals from flight diversion or re-entry. A statistically significant difference in outcomes and short-term follow-up status was found between patients with IFME and those with GBME (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ground-based emergency medical events exceeded in-flight medical events at TIA. The most frequent events were related to neurological, gastrointestinal symptoms, or trauma. Results of this study may provide useful information for training medical outreach staff and preparing medical supplies to meet the clinical demand for airport medical outreach services.

Frequent detection of anticoagulant rodenticides in raptors sampled in Taiwan reflects government rodent control policy.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are known to cause extensive secondary exposure in top predators in Europe and North America, but there remains a paucity of data in Asia. In this study, we collected 221 liver samples from 21 raptor species in Taiwan between 2010 and 2018. Most birds were recovered from rescue organizations, but some free-ranging individuals were obtained from bird-strike prevention measures at airports. ARs were detected in 10 species and more than half of the total samples. Common rodent-eating Black-winged Kites (Elanus caeruleus) had the highest prevalence (89.2%) and highest average sum concentration (0.211 ±â€¯0.219 mg/kg), which was similar between free-ranging birds at airports and injured birds from rescue organizations. Scavenging Black Kites (Milvus migrans) and snake-eating Crested Serpent-eagles (Spilornis cheela) had the second highest prevalence or sum concentration, respectively. Seven different AR compounds were detected, of which brodifacoum was the most common and had the highest average concentration, followed by flocoumafen and bromadiolone. The frequency of occurrence in the three most numerous species (Black-winged Kite, Crested Goshawk [Accipiter trivirgatus], and Collared Scops-owl [Otus lettia]) was significantly higher in autumn than summer, which is consistent with the timing of the Taiwanese government's supply of free ARs to farmers. Regional differences in the detection of individual compounds also tended to reflect differences in human population density and use patterns (in agriculture or urban-dominated environments). Clinical poisoning was confirmed in Black Kites with sum concentrations as low as 0.026 mg/kg; however, further study of interspecific differences in AR sensitivity and potential population effects are needed. In addition, continued monitoring remains important given the Taiwanese government has modified their farmland rodent control policy to gradually reduce free AR supplies since 2015.

Endotracheal tube size to leakage ventilation and tracheal dilatation.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the clinical factors with the aim to determine the relationship between endotracheal tube (ETT) size and leakage ventilation (LV) and tracheal dilatation. METHODS: All patients with ETT intubation and ventilator support for more than 6 months were retrospectively evaluated. The inner tracheal diameter (TD) was measured over image at the starting and 6 months after ventilator initiated. We compared the clinical factors, outcomes and complications between patients with and without LV, as well as with and without a TD enlarging more than 25% after 6 months (TDn). Logistic regression analyses of factors related to the LV and TDn were performed. The cut-off points of the ratio of outer diameter of ETT (OD) to TD were set and evaluated for their accuracy of predicting LV and TDn. RESULTS: 689 patients were enrolled initially and eventually 199 patients were included, of which 52 and 66 patients were identified to have LV and TDn, respectively. Patients with LV had a higher peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), smaller initial ETT OD/TD and higher incidence of pneumonia. Patients with TDn had a higher PIP, larger initial OD/TD and higher incidence of pneumonia. A higher PIP and smaller initial OD/TD were significantly related to LV and a higher PIP and larger initial OD/TD were significantly related to TDn. The incidence of LV and TDn was higher in patients with an initial OD/TD less than 0.51 and more than 0.54, respectively. CONCLUSION: The initial ETT OD/TD ratio is a predictor for LV and TDn.

Predicting weaning and extubation outcomes in long-term mechanically ventilated patients using the modified Burns Wean Assessment Program scores.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A number of clinical factors play pivotal roles in weaning and successful extubation of patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilator (LTMV) support. Many patients fail extubation even after passing weaning protocols and spontaneous breathing trials. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of using a modified Burns Wean Assessment Program (m-BWAP) scoring instrument to predict extubation outcome in patients requiring LTMV. METHODS: All patients with a diagnostic coding for respiratory failure requiring LTMV for longer than 21 days over a 5-year period in a single centre (total 527 patients) were included. Advanced practice nurses trained in the use of the m-BWAP scored the items according to standard definitions. All patients were weaned by pressure support weaning and spontaneous breathing trails. Patients were divided into successful and unsuccessful groups according to the weaning and extubation outcomes. Baseline data, traditional weaning parameters and m-BWAP of the groups were analysed. The sensitivity and specificity of m-BWAP for predicting successful extubation were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 527 patients included, 145 (27.5%) had successful weaning trials. Of the 130 patients extubated, 102 (78.5%) had successful extubation. The m-BWAP score was higher in the patients with successful weaning trials and successful extubation outcome. Using a cut-off value of 60, the sensitivity and specificity of the m-BWAP to predict successful extubation were 81.4% and 82.1%, respectively. This was better than traditional weaning parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The m-BWAP is a good predictor for weaning and extubation outcome in patients requiring LTMV for longer than 21 days.

Geochemical behavior of 210Pb and 210Po in the nearshore waters off western Taiwan.

Dissolved and particulate (210)Pb and (210)Po were determined at 15 stations along the coastline off western Taiwan in April 2007. The (210)Pb activities in dissolved and particulate phases fell within a relatively small range of 2.4-5.2 dpm 100 L(-1) and 1.0-3.2 dpm 100 L(-1), respectively. The dissolved and particulate (210)Po activities also fell within a small range of 0.8-3.4 dpm 100 L(-1) and 1.1-2.9 dpm 100 L(-1), respectively. The correlation of the distribution coefficients (K(d)) of (210)Pb and (210)Po with particle concentration in turbid waters are not as evident as in the open ocean. The mass balance calculation shows that the residence times of (210)Pb and (210)Po with respect to particle removal from the nearshore waters ranges from 3 to 15 days and from 14 to 125 days, respectively. The flux of particulate organic carbon was estimated by (210)Po proxy and ranged from 4.8 to 33.7 mmol-C m(-2) d(-1).

Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei effect on cariogenic bacterial flora.

Lactobacillus paracasei has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of many pathogenic microbes such as Streptococcus mutans, in vitro. However, its clinical application remains unclear. Here, we examined whether a novel probiotic L. paracasei GMNL-33 may reduce the caries-associated salivary microbial counts in healthy adults. Seventy-eight subjects (aged 20 to 26) had completed this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. A probiotic/test (n = 42) and a control group (n = 36) took a L. paracasei GMNL-33 and a placebo oral tablet three times per day for 2 weeks, respectively. Bacterial counts of salivary S. mutans, lactobacilli, and salivary buffer capacity were measured with chair-side kits at the beginning (T1), the completion (T2) of medication, and 2 weeks after medication (T3). The results did not show differences in the counts of S. mutans and lactobacilli between probiotic and control groups at T1, T2, and T3. Nevertheless, within the probiotic group, an interesting probiotic effect was noticed. Between T1 and T2, no inhibitory effect against S. mutans was observed. However, a significant count reduction in the salivary S. mutans was detected between T2 and T3 (p = 0.016). Thus, a 2-week period of medication via oral administration route may be needed for L. paracasei GMNL-33 to be effective in the probiotic action.

Increased prevalence of primary drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is difficult and expensive to treat, and is associated with a higher rate of mortality. We conducted a long-term survey to compare the prevalence of primary drug-resistance, adverse effects of drugs and duration of treatment in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Factors associated with primary drug resistance were also investigated. METHODS: The patients studied had culture-confirmed pulmonary TB but had not previously received anti-TB treatment. These patients were divided into immunocompetent (IMCPe) and immunocompromised (IMCPr) groups. Baseline data, the prevalence of DR-TB, duration of treatment and adverse effects of drugs were analysed. The rates of resistance to individual first-line anti-TB drugs in the two groups and in subgroups of the IMCPr group were calculated. Multinomial regression analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors associated with primary DR-TB. RESULTS: Among the 394 patients, 159 (40.4%) were in the IMCPr group. The baseline data for the two groups were similar, except that the IMCPr group was slightly older. The prevalence of drug-resistance was higher in the IMCPr group (25.8% vs 17.0%, OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.04-2.77), especially for isoniazid, rifampicin and streptomycin, and patients with liver cirrhosis, malignancies and those receiving immunosuppressants. The incidence of adverse drug effects was similar in the IMCPr and IMCPe groups. Multinomial regression analysis showed that being in the IMCPr group, and especially treatment with immunosuppressants, were independent risk factors for DR-TB. CONCLUSIONS: Immunocompromised patients with underlying diseases had an increased prevalence of primary pulmonary DR-TB but a similar incidence of drug-related adverse effects. Diagnosis and investigation of drug-resistance is important before initiating anti-TB treatment in this group of patients.