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Fulltext Organochlorine pesticide residues in paddy fish in Malaysia and the associated health risk to farmers

Chen DF, Meier PG, Hilbert MS

Bull World Health Organ, 1984;62(2):251-3.
PMID: 6610493

Paddy fish (Trichogaster pectoralis Regan) were collected from five sampling locations in a major paddy-growing area of Malaysia and analysed for organochlorine residues. During the same period, ten farming families, chosen at random from each of the five sampling sites, were interviewed. Information was obtained about the quantity of paddy fish consumed, the amount and type of pesticide used on the paddy-field, and the frequency of application.The pesticide residues found in the fish samples were aldrin/dieldrin, chlordane, HCH, and DDT. Only the projected maximum intake level for aldrin/dieldrin approached the acceptable daily intake as recommended by FAO/WHO; other residue levels were relatively low. However, this study considered only fish; the total daily intake of pesticide residues by the Malaysian paddy farmer may be considerably increased by consumption of other contaminated food.
[Comparative studies on the essential oil of Myistica fragrans Houtt. seeds and leaves) cultivated on Hainan Island and imported from Malaysia]

Chen DH, Chang Q, Feng JD

Zhong Yao Tong Bao, 1987 Oct;12(10):11-4, 62.
PMID: 3449237
Fulltext A Comparison of Plain Radiography with Computer Tomography in Determining Coronal and Sagittal Alignments following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Solayar GN, Chinappa J, Harris IA, Chen DB, Macdessi SJ

Malays Orthop J, 2017 Jul;11(2):45-52.
PMID: 29021879 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1707.006

Introduction: Optimal coronal and sagittal component positioning is important in achieving a successful outcome following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Modalities to determine post-operative alignment include plain radiography and computer tomography (CT) imaging. This study aims to determine the accuracy and reliability of plain radiographs in measuring coronal and sagittal alignment following TKA. Materials and Methods: A prospective, consecutive study of 58 patients undergoing TKA was performed comparing alignment data from plain radiographs and CT imaging. Hip-knee-angle (HKA), sagittal femoral angle (SFA) and sagittal tibial angle (STA) measurements were taken by two observers from plain radiographs and compared with CT alignment. Intra- and inter-observer correlation was calculated for each measurement. Results: Intra-observer correlation was excellent for HKA (r>0.89) with a mean difference of <1.9°. The least intra-observer correlation was for SFA (mean r=0.58) with a mean difference of 8°. Inter-observer correlation was better for HKA (r>0.95) and STA (r>0.8) compared to SFA (r=0.5). When comparing modalities (radiographs vs CT), HKA estimations for both observers showed the least maximum and mean differences while SFA observations were the least accurate. Conclusion: Radiographic estimation of HKA showed excellent intra- and inter-observer correlation and corresponds well with CT imaging. However, radiographic estimation of sagittal plane alignment was less reliably measured and correlated less with CT imaging. Plain radiography was found to be inferior to CT for estimation of biplanar prosthetic alignment following TKA.
Fulltext Association of maternal depression and hypothyroidism with infant gastroschisis: a population-based cohort study in Canada

Liu S, Claude H, Yong SJ, Chen D

Sci Rep, 2023 May 09;13(1):7540.
PMID: 37161036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34090-2

Gastroschisis has increased globally over recent decades, and this increase has not been explained by identified risk factors. We conducted a population-based study of infants born in Canada, 2004-2020. We used "winter" months (i.e., September through June) and northern areas of residence as indicators of less sunlight/less active lifestyle, while "summer" (i.e., July and August) and southern areas were considered as reference. Rate of gastroschisis for infants conceived in winter (3.4 per 10,000) was higher than for infants conceived in summer (2.2 per 10,000; p
Pickering Foam Stabilized by Diacylglycerol-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Effect of Protein Modification

Chen D, Lee YY, Tan CP, Wang Y, Qiu C

J Agric Food Chem, 2024 Sep 04;72(35):19480-19493.
PMID: 39171455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c05495

Pickering foams have great potential for applications in aerated foods, but their foaming ability and physical stability are still far from satisfactory. Herein, solid lipid particles (SLNs) were fabricated by using diacylglycerol of varying acyl chain lengths with modification by a protein. The SLNs showed different crystal polymorphisms and air-water interfacial activity. C14-DAG SLN with a contact angle ∼ 79° formed aqueous foam with supreme stability and high plasticity. Whey protein isolate and sodium caseinate (0.1 wt %) considerably enhanced the foamability and interfacial activity of SLNs and promoted the packing of particles at the bubble surface. However, high protein concentration caused foam destruction due to the competitive adsorption effect. β-sheet increased in protein after adsorption and changed the polymorphism and thermodynamic properties of SLN. The foam collapsing behaviors varied in the presence of protein. The results gave insights into fabricating ultrastable aqueous foams by using high-melting DAG particles. The obtained foams demonstrated good temperature sensitivity and plasticity, which showed promising application prospects in the food and cosmetic fields.
Computerized assisted evaluation system for canine cardiomegaly via key points detection with deep learning

Zhang M, Zhang K, Yu D, Xie Q, Liu B, Chen D, et al.

Prev Vet Med, 2021 Aug;193:105399.
PMID: 34118647 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105399

Cardiomegaly is the main imaging finding for canine heart diseases. There are many advances in the field of medical diagnosing based on imaging with deep learning for human being. However there are also increasing realization of the potential of using deep learning in veterinary medicine. We reported a clinically applicable assisted platform for diagnosing the canine cardiomegaly with deep learning. VHS (vertebral heart score) is a measuring method used for the heart size of a dog. The concrete value of VHS is calculated with the relative position of 16 key points detected by the system, and this result is then combined with VHS reference range of all dog breeds to assist in the evaluation of the canine cardiomegaly. We adopted HRNet (high resolution network) to detect 16 key points (12 and four key points located on vertebra and heart respectively) in 2274 lateral X-ray images (training and validation datasets) of dogs, the model was then used to detect the key points in external testing dataset (396 images), the AP (average performance) for key point detection reach 86.4 %. Then we applied an additional post processing procedure to correct the output of HRNets so that the AP reaches 90.9 %. This result signifies that this system can effectively assist the evaluation of canine cardiomegaly in a real clinical scenario.
Analysis of codon usage patterns and influencing factors in rice tungro bacilliform virus

Nguyen TH, Wang D, Rahman SU, Bai H, Yao X, Chen D, et al.

Infect Genet Evol, 2021 06;90:104750.
PMID: 33548490 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104750

Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) belongs to genus Tungrovirus within the family Caulimoviridae harbors circular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Rice tungro disease (RTD) caused by RTBV, responsible for severe rice yield losses in South and Southeast Asia. Here, we performed a systematic evolutionary and codon usage bias (CUB) analysis of RTBV genome sequences. We analysed different bioinformatics techniques to calculate the nucleotide compositions, the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), and other indices. The results indicated slightly or low codon usage bias in RTBV isolates. Mutation and natural selection pressures have equally contributed to this low codon usage bias. Additionally, multiple factors such as host, geographical distribution also affect codon usage patterns in RTBV genomes. RSCU analysis revealed that RTBV shows mutation bias and prefers A and U ended codons to code amino acids. Codon usage patterns of RTBV were also found to be influenced by its host. This indicates that RTBV have evolved codon usage patterns that are specific to its host. The findings from this study are expected to increase our understanding of factors leading to viral evolution and fitness with respect to hosts and the environment.
Omnidirectional Shape Memory Effect via Lyophilization of PEG Hydrogels

Chen D, Xia X, Wong TW, Bai H, Behl M, Zhao Q, et al.

Macromol Rapid Commun, 2017 Apr;38(7).
PMID: 28196300 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201600746

Device applications of shape memory polymers demand diverse shape changing geometries, which are currently limited to non-omnidirectional movement. This restriction originates from traditional thermomechanical programming methods such as uniaxial, biaxial stretching, bending, or compression. A solvent-modulated programming method is reported to achieve an omnidirectional shape memory behavior. The method utilizes freeze drying of hydrogels of polyethylene glycol networks with a melting transition temperature around 50 °C in their dry state. Such a process creates temporarily fixed macroporosity, which collapses upon heating, leading to significant omnidirectional shrinkage. These shrunken materials can swell in water to form hydrogels again and the omnidirectional programming and recovery can be repeated. The fixity ratio (R f ) and recovery ratio (R r ) can be maintained at 90% and 98% respectively upon shape memory multicycling. The maximum linear recoverable strain, as limited by the maximum swelling, is ≈90%. Amongst various application potentials, one can envision the fabrication of multiphase composites by taking advantages of the omnidirectional shrinkage from a porous polymer to a denser structure.
Fulltext Physicochemical and In Vitro Digestion Properties of Curcumin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles with Different Solid Lipids and Emulsifiers

Yu Y, Chen D, Lee YY, Chen N, Wang Y, Qiu C

Foods, 2023 May 18;12(10).
PMID: 37238863 DOI: 10.3390/foods12102045

Curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Cur-SLN) were prepared using medium- and long chain diacylglycerol (MLCD) or glycerol tripalmitate (TP) as lipid matrix and three kinds of surfactants including Tween 20 (T20), quillaja saponin (SQ) and rhamnolipid (Rha). The MLCD-based SLNs had a smaller size and lower surface charge than TP-SLNs with a Cur encapsulation efficiency of 87.54-95.32% and the Rha-based SLNs exhibited a small size but low stability to pH decreases and ionic strength. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction results confirmed that the SLNs with different lipid cores showed varying structures, melting and crystallization profiles. The emulsifiers slightly impacted the crystal polymorphism of MLCD-SLNs but largely influenced that of TP-SLNs. Meanwhile, the polymorphism transition was less significant for MLCD-SLNs, which accounted for the better stabilization of particle size and higher encapsulation efficiency of MLCD-SLNs during storage. In vitro studies showed that emulsifier formulation greatly impacted on the Cur bioavailability, whereby T20-SLNs showed much higher digestibility and bioavailability than that of SQ- and Rha-SLNs possibly due to the difference in the interfacial composition. Mathematical modeling analysis of the membrane release further confirmed that Cur was mainly released from the intestinal phase and T20-SLNs showed a faster release rate compared with other formulations. This work contributes to a better understanding of the performance of MLCD in lipophilic compound-loaded SLNs and has important implications for the rational design of lipid nanocarriers and in instructing their application in functional food products.
Improving the Sulfurophobicity of the NiS-Doping CoS Electrocatalyst Boosts the Low-Energy-Consumption Sulfide Oxidation Reaction Process

Huo J, Jin L, Chen C, Chen D, Xu Z, Wilfred CD, et al.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2023 Sep 20;15(37):43976-43984.
PMID: 37695310 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11602

Producing sulfur from a sulfide oxidation reaction (SOR)-based technique using sulfide aqueous solution has attracted considerable attention due to its ecofriendliness. This study demonstrates that NiS-doped cobalt sulfide NiS-CoS-supported NiCo alloy foam can deliver the SOR with superior electrocatalytic activity and robust stability compared to reported non-noble metal-based catalysts. Only 0.34 V vs RHE is required to drive a current density of 100 mA cm-2 for the SOR. According to the experiment, the catalyst exhibits a unique sulfurophobicity feature because of the weak interaction between sulfur and the transition metal sulfide (low affinity for elemental sulfur), preventing electrode corrosion during the SOR process. More impressively, the chain-growth mechanism of the SOR from short- to long-chain polysulfides was revealed by combining electrochemical and spectroscopic in situ methods, such as in situ ultraviolet-visible and Raman. It is also demonstrated that electrons can transfer straight from the sulfion (S2-) to the active site on the anode surface during the low-energy-consumption SOR process. This work provides new insight into simultaneous energy-saving hydrogen production and high-value-added S recovery from sulfide-containing wastewater.
High-Voltage Long-Cycling All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries with High-Valent-Element-Doped Halide Electrolytes

Ye Y, Geng J, Zuo D, Niu K, Chen D, Lin J, et al.

ACS Nano, 2024 Jul 16;18(28):18368-18378.
PMID: 38970500 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02678

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have garnered considerable attention as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their potentially simultaneously enhanced safety capacities and improved energy densities. However, the solid future still calls for materials with high ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and favorable interfacial compatibility. In this study, we present a series of halide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) utilizing a doping strategy with highly valent elements, demonstrating an outstanding combination of enhanced ionic conductivity and oxidation stability. Among these, Li2.6In0.8Ta0.2Cl6 emerges as the standout performer, displaying a superionic conductivity of up to 4.47 mS cm-1 at 30 °C, along with a low activation energy barrier of 0.321 eV for Li+ migration. Additionally, it showcases an extensive oxidation onset of up to 5.13 V (vs Li+/Li), enabling high-voltage ASSBs with promising cycling performance. Particularly noteworthy are the ASSBs employing LiCoO2 cathode materials, which exhibit an extended cyclability of over 1400 cycles, with 70% capacity retention under 4.6 V (vs Li+/Li), and a capacity of up to 135 mA h g-1 at a 4 C rate, with the loading of active materials at 7.52 mg cm-2. This study demonstrates a feasible approach to designing desirable SSEs for energy-dense, highly stable ASSBs.
Ten-year fracture risk by FRAX and osteoporotic fractures in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases

Lai EL, Huang WN, Chen HH, Hsu CY, Chen DY, Hsieh TY, et al.

Lupus, 2019 Jul;28(8):945-953.
PMID: 31177913 DOI: 10.1177/0961203319855122

The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) has been used universally for the purpose of fracture risk assessment. However, the predictive capacity of FRAX for autoimmune diseases remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare the applicability of FRAX for autoimmune disease patients. This retrospective study recruited rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients with bone mineral density (BMD) tests. Patients with any osteoporotic fractures were identified. Taiwan-specific FRAX with and without BMD were then calculated. In total, 802 patients (451 RA, 233 SLE and 118 pSS) were enrolled in this study. The cumulative incidences of osteoporotic fractures in the RA, SLE and pSS patients were 43.0%, 29.2% and 33.1%, respectively. For those with a previous osteoporotic fracture, T-scores were classified as low bone mass. Overall, the patients' 10-year probability of major fracture risk by FRAX without BMD was 15.8%, which then increased to 20.3% after incorporation of BMD measurement. When analyzed by disease group, the fracture risk in RA patients was accurately predicted by FRAX. In contrast, current FRAX, either with or without BMD measurement, underestimated the fracture risk both in SLE and pSS patients, even after stratification by age and glucocorticoid treatment. For pSS patients with major osteoporotic fractures, FRAX risks imputed by RA were comparable to major osteoporotic fracture risks of RA patients. Current FRAX accurately predicted fracture probability in RA patients, but not in SLE and pSS patients. RA-imputed FRAX risk scores could be used as a temporary substitute for SLE and pSS patients.
Fish migration, dams, and loss of ecosystem services in the Mekong basin

Dugan PJ, Barlow C, Agostinho AA, Baran E, Cada GF, Chen D, et al.

Ambio, 2010 Jun;39(4):344-8.
PMID: 20799685

The past decade has seen increased international recognition of the importance of the services provided by natural ecosystems. It is unclear however whether such international awareness will lead to improved environmental management in many regions. We explore this issue by examining the specific case of fish migration and dams on the Mekong river. We determine that dams on the Mekong mainstem and major tributaries will have a major impact on the basin's fisheries and the people who depend upon them for food and income. We find no evidence that current moves towards dam construction will stop, and consider two scenarios for the future of the fisheries and other ecosystems of the basin. We conclude that major investment is required in innovative technology to reduce the loss of ecosystem services, and alternative livelihood strategies to cope with the losses that do occur.
Fulltext Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update

Sarin SK, Kumar M, Lau GK, Abbas Z, Chan HL, Chen CJ, et al.

Hepatol Int, 2016 Jan;10(1):1-98.
PMID: 26563120 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9675-4

Worldwide, some 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the highest rates of infection in Africa and Asia. Our understanding of the natural history of HBV infection and the potential for therapy of the resultant disease is continuously improving. New data have become available since the previous APASL guidelines for management of HBV infection were published in 2012. The objective of this manuscript is to update the recommendations for the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The 2015 guidelines were developed by a panel of Asian experts chosen by the APASL. The clinical practice guidelines are based on evidence from existing publications or, if evidence was unavailable, on the experts' personal experience and opinion after deliberations. Manuscripts and abstracts of important meetings published through January 2015 have been evaluated. This guideline covers the full spectrum of care of patients infected with hepatitis B, including new terminology, natural history, screening, vaccination, counseling, diagnosis, assessment of the stage of liver disease, the indications, timing, choice and duration of single or combination of antiviral drugs, screening for HCC, management in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, coinfections, renal impairment and pre- and post-liver transplant, and policy guidelines. However, areas of uncertainty still exist, and clinicians, patients, and public health authorities must therefore continue to make choices on the basis of the evolving evidence. The final clinical practice guidelines and recommendations are presented here, along with the relevant background information.
Comprehensive management and classification of first branchial cleft anomalies: An International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement

Heilingoetter AL, See GB, Brookes J, Campisi P, Cervantes SS, Chadha NK, et al.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2024 Nov;186:112095.
PMID: 39278130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.112095

OBJECTIVE: First branchial cleft anomalies are rare congenital head and neck lesions. Literature pertaining to classification, work up and surgical treatment of these lesions is limited and, in some instances, contradictory. The goal of this work is to provide refinement of the classification system of these lesions and to provide guidance for clinicians to aid in the comprehensive management of children with first branchial cleft anomalies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Delphi method survey of expert opinion under the direction of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) was conducted to generate recommendations for the definition and management of first branchial cleft anomalies. The recommendations are the result of expert consensus and critical review of the literature.
RESULTS: Consensus recommendations include evaluation and diagnostic considerations for children with first branchial cleft anomalies as well as recommendations for surgical management. The current Work classification system was reviewed, and modifications were made to it to provide a more cogent categorization of these lesions.
CONCLUSION: The mission of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) is to develop expertise-based recommendations based on review of the literature for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders. These consensus recommendations are aimed at improving care of children presenting with first branchial cleft anomalies. Here we present a revised classification system based on parotid gland involvement, with a focus on avoiding stratification based on germ layer, in addition to guidelines for management.
Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in select countries-volume 4

Maaroufi A, Vince A, Himatt SM, Mohamed R, Fung J, Opare-Sem O, et al.

J Viral Hepat, 2017 10;24 Suppl 2:8-24.
PMID: 29105285 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12762

Due to the introduction of newer, more efficacious treatment options, there is a pressing need for policy makers and public health officials to develop or adapt national hepatitis C virus (HCV) control strategies to the changing epidemiological landscape. To do so, detailed, country-specific data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic HCV infection. In this study of 17 countries, a literature review of published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates was conducted, and inputs were validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Hong Kong to 2.4% in Taiwan, while the largest viraemic populations were in Nigeria (2 597 000 cases) and Taiwan (569 000 cases). Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely across the countries included in this analysis, as did the availability of reliable data. Addressing data gaps will be critical for the development of future strategies to manage and minimize the disease burden of hepatitis C.
The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm: Volume 4

Chan HLY, Chen CJ, Omede O, Al Qamish J, Al Naamani K, Bane A, et al.

J Viral Hepat, 2017 10;24 Suppl 2:25-43.
PMID: 29105283 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12760

Factors influencing the morbidity and mortality associated with viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection change over time and place, making it difficult to compare reported estimates. Models were developed for 17 countries (Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar and Taiwan) to quantify and characterize the viremic population as well as forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2015 to 2030. Model inputs were agreed upon through expert consensus, and a standardized methodology was followed to allow for comparison across countries. The viremic prevalence is expected to remain constant or decline in all but four countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan and Oman); however, HCV-related morbidity and mortality will increase in all countries except Qatar and Taiwan. In Qatar, the high-treatment rate will contribute to a reduction in total cases and HCV-related morbidity by 2030. In the remaining countries, however, the current treatment paradigm will be insufficient to achieve large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality.
Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus infection disease burden-Volume 4

Chen DS, Hamoudi W, Mustapha B, Layden J, Nersesov A, Reic T, et al.

J Viral Hepat, 2017 10;24 Suppl 2:44-63.
PMID: 29105286 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12759

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 17 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, and interventions for achieving the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis targets-"WHO Targets" (65% reduction in HCV-related deaths, 90% reduction in new infections and 90% of infections diagnosed by 2030) were considered. Scaling up treatment and diagnosis rates over time would be required to achieve these targets in all but one country, even with the introduction of high SVR therapies. The scenarios developed to achieve the WHO Targets in all countries studied assumed the implementation of national policies to prevent new infections and to diagnose current infections through screening.

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