Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 360 in total

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  1. Zhu J, Wang W, Wang J, Zhu L
    Health Policy Plan, 2023 Feb 13;38(2):161-169.
    PMID: 36420873 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac101
    This study aims at examining changes in coronary heart disease (CHD) hospitalization associated with a novel county-scale chronic disease management (CDM) programme policy implemented in March 2019 in China during the 13th Five-Year period (2016-2020). The CDM programme was designed to improve the health of populations with chronic diseases by means of an integrated way involving both county-level public hospitals and primary care institutes. Data originated from the medical files of CHD inpatients discharged from a secondary hospital from January 2017 to December 2020. A total of 6111 CHD patient records were collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess changes in hospitalization direct medical costs and length of stay of CHD patients. The mean direct medical cost of CHD hospitalization was 8419.73 Yuan, and the mean length of stay was 7.57 days. Results suggested that the implementation of CDM reduced hospitalization direct medical cost and bed days by about 23% (1956.12 Yuan at means) and 11.5% (almost 1 day at means), respectively. In addition, a further decreasing trend in medical costs over time was associated with chronic disease management. It is implied that chronic disease management is an effective way of relieving the medical and financial burden of hospitalization.
  2. Zhong X, Xiong Y, Wei D, Wang S, Xiao Z, Liu M, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Aug;52:102491.
    PMID: 32951740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102491
    BACKGROUND: Inconsistencies exist with regard to effect of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status. The inconsistencies could be attributed to numerous factors, such as duration of intervention and dosage, among others. In this work, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the influence of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status.

    METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was performed in Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE, by investigators, from database inception until November 2019, without using any restrictions. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with the 95 % CI was used for assessing the effects of maternal vitamin D supplementation on 25(OH) D levels in infants.

    RESULTS: Overall results from 14 studies revealed a non-significant effect of maternal vitamin D administration on the level of 25(OH) D in breastfeeding infants (WMD: -0.464 ng/mL, 95 % CI: -6.68 to 5.75, p = 0.884, I2 = 98 %). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation dosage ≥2000 IU/day (WMD: 9 ng/mL, 95 % CI: 8.19, 9.82, I2 = 99 %) and intervention duration ≥20 weeks (WMD: 16.20 ng/mL, 95 % CI: 14.89, 17.50, I2 = 99 %) significantly increased 25(OH) D.

    CONCLUSIONS: The main results indicate a non-significant increase in infant vitamin D following maternal vitamin D supplementation. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation dosage ≥2000 IU/day and intervention duration ≥20 weeks significantly increased infant 25(OH) D.

  3. Zheng X, Liao Y, Wang J, Hu S, Rudramurthy GR, Swamy MK, et al.
    PMID: 30524484 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9691085
    Microglial cells, upon hyperactivation, produce proinflammatory cytokines and other oxidative stress mediators causing neuroinflammation, which is associated with the progress of many neurodegenerative diseases. Suppressing the microglial activation has hence been used as an approach for treating such diseases. In this study, the antineuroinflammatory effect of simvastatin was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated rat C6 glioma cells. The cell proliferation and cytotoxic effect of LPS and simvastatin on C6 glioma cells was evaluated by (MTT) assay. Neuroinflammation was induced in differentiated cell lines by treatment with 3.125 μg/mL of LPS for 12 h. Upon induction, the cell lines were treated with different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μM) of simvastatin and incubated in a humidified CO2 incubator for 24 to 48 h. The optimum concentrations of LPS and simvastatin were found to be 3.125 μg/mL and 25 μM, respectively, with a cell viability of more than 90% at 24 h postincubation. Furthermore, proinflammatory marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry and showed a decrease in interferon-γ, interleukin 6, nuclear factor-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α in simvastatin-treated and LPS-induced neuroinflammatory cells, and the mean fluorescent values were found to be 21.75 ± 0.76, 20.9 ± 1.90, 19.72 ± 1.29, and 16.82 ± 0.97, respectively, as compared to the untreated cells. Thus, we show that simvastatin has the potential to regulate the anti-inflammatory response in microglial cells upon LPS challenge. Hence, simvastatin can be employed as a potent anti-inflammatory drug against neuroinflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
  4. Zheng B, Xing G, Bi Y, Yan G, Wang J, Cheng Y, et al.
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2016 Jan;23(1):54-65.
    PMID: 26858539 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.08.009
    As a novel oral drug delivery system, proliposome was applied to improve the solubility of active components of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE). There are currently few reports focusing on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of proliposome of GbE (GbP). A rapid and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of active components of GbP and a commercial tablet product (Ginaton) in rat plasma was developed and successfully validated. The method was applied to the comparative pharmacokinetic evaluation of GbP and Ginaton in rat plasma. The results indicated that GbP has a significant effect on absorption, elimination and bioavailability of flavonoids and terpenoid lactones in comparison with Ginaton. The obtained results would be helpful for evaluating the absorption mechanism in the gastrointestinal tract in pharmacokinetic level and guiding the development of the novel oral drug delivery system.
  5. Zhang Y, Miao H, Chia YC, Buranakitjaroen P, Siddique S, Shin J, et al.
    PMID: 34981620 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14336
    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming the most important burden to health care systems in most part of the world, especially in Asia. Aiming at identifying high risk individuals and tailoring preventive treatment, many cardiovascular risk assessment tools have been established and most of them were developed in Western countries. However, these cardiovascular risk assessment tools cannot be used interchangeably without recalibration because of the different risk factor profiles (ie, greater absolute burden of hypertension and lower level of total-cholesterol in Asians and higher prevalence of metabolic disorders in South Asians) and different CVD profiles (higher ratio of stroke/coronary heart disease in Asians) between Western and Asian populations. Original risk models such as Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) and Japan Arteriosclerosis Longitudinal Study (JALS) score have been developed and well validated for specific countries, while most of countries/regions in Asia are using established models. Due to higher incidence of stroke in Asians, risk factors like hypertension should weigh more in cardiovascular risk assessment comparing with Western populations, but their actual proportions should be based on CVD profiles in specific countries/regions. The authors encourage the development of new cardiovascular risk assessment tools for Asians, if possible. Still, modifying established models with native epidemiological data of risk factor as well as CVD is acceptable in regions where health care resources are insufficient.
  6. Zhang XC, Wang J, Shao GG, Wang Q, Qu X, Wang B, et al.
    Nat Commun, 2019 04 16;10(1):1772.
    PMID: 30992440 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09762-1
    Deep understanding of the genomic and immunological differences between Chinese and Western lung cancer patients is of great importance for target therapy selection and development for Chinese patients. Here we report an extensive molecular and immune profiling study of 245 Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte estimated using immune cell signatures is found to be significantly higher in adenocarcinoma (ADC, 72.5%) compared with squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC, 54.4%). The correlation of genomic alterations with immune signatures reveals that low immune infiltration was associated with EGFR mutations in ADC samples, PI3K and/or WNT pathway activation in SQCC. While KRAS mutations are found to be significantly associated with T cell infiltration in ADC samples. The SQCC patients with high antigen presentation machinery and cytotoxic T cell signature scores are found to have a prolonged overall survival time.
  7. Zhang X, Cheung S, Wang J, Zhang G, Wei Y, Liu H, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2022;13:806390.
    PMID: 35283844 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.806390
    Marine picocyanobacteria Synechococcus exhibit highly diverse pigment types (PTs) and hence possess great advantage to utilize different spectrum of light effectively and to occupy a wide range of light niches. In this study, we explored the diversity of Synechococcus PTs in the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO), surface water of Strait of Malacca (SSM), and coastal waters of Sri Lanka (SSL). All the detected PTs were phycourobilin (PUB) containing PT 3 and showed distinct distribution patterns. Low PUB PT 3a and partial chromatic acclimater PT 3eA dominated in coastal and shallow waters (SSM and SSL). In contrast, high PUB and chromatic acclimaters PT 3dA and PT 3c/3dB were mainly distributed in open ocean (EIO). PT 3dA and PT 3c/3dB occurred at similar depths of the lower euphotic layers but showed distinct distribution pattern that are partially exclusive, indicating that they compete with each other for the same light niche. Interestingly, the newly described PT 3f was detected with high relative abundances at all stations and particularly dominated in the upper euphotic layer in EIO, which was confirmed with PT-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The relative abundance of PT 3f was negatively correlated with nutrient level, implying that PT 3f is adapted to oligotrophic waters. Pronounced niche partition of different PTs was observed in the upper and lower layers of euphotic zone in EIO and SSM/SSL. Light, nutrients, and strong stratification may play important roles in the niche partition of different PTs. Further analysis about ecologically significant taxonomic units revealed high diversity within each PT at different locations, which provided insights for understanding specific PT with wide range of niches.
  8. Zhang D, Shao Y, Wang J, Li Z, Wang Q, Sun H, et al.
    Small, 2024 Feb 01.
    PMID: 38299768 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309901
    Metal sulfides are promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their structural diversity and high theoretical capacity, but the severe capacity decay and inferior rate capability caused by poor structural stability and sluggish kinetics impede their practical applications. Herein, a cobalt-doped amorphous VS4 wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (i.e., Co0.5 -VS4 /rGO) is developed through a Co-induced defect engineering strategy to boost the kinetics performances. The as-prepared Co0.5 -VS4 /rGO demonstrates excellent rate capacities over 10 A g-1 and superior cycling stability at 5 A g-1 over 1600 cycles, which is attributed to the defects formed by Co doping, the formed amorphous structure and the robust rGO substrate. The great features of Co0.5 -VS4 /rGO anode are further confirmed in sodium-ion capacitors when the active carbon cathode is used. Additionally, the relationships between metal doping, the derived defects, the amorphous structure, and the sodium storage of VS4 are uncovered. This work provides deep insights into preparing amorphous functional materials and also probes the potential applications of metal sulfide-based electrode materials for advanced batteries.
  9. Yun Z, Shen Y, Yan X, Tian S, Wang J, Teo CS, et al.
    J Glob Health, 2024 Mar 15;14:04057.
    PMID: 38487860 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04057
    BACKGROUND: Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results concerning drug use and the risk of cancers. We conducted a large-scale cross-sectional study and a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) study to reveal the causal effect between the use of 19 medications and the risk of four common cancers (breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate).

    METHODS: We obtained information on medication use and cancer diagnosis from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants. After propensity score matching, we conducted survey-weighted multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis to assess the observed correlation between medication use and cancer while adjusting for multiple covariates. We also performed MR analysis to investigate causality based on summary data from genome-wide association studies on medication use and cancers. We performed sensitivity analyses, replication analysis, genetic correlation analysis, and reverse MR analysis to improve the reliability of MR findings.

    RESULTS: We found that the use of agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27-0.63, P 

  10. You R, Wang J, Ning N, Wang M, Zhang J
    Materials (Basel), 2022 Nov 15;15(22).
    PMID: 36431559 DOI: 10.3390/ma15228074
    Prestressed concrete sleepers are an important track component that is widely used in railway ballast track. Prestressed concrete sleepers have high strength, strong stability, and good durability; thus, their operation and use in railways are beneficial. However, in different countries and regions, certain damage to sleepers typically appears. Existing research on concrete sleepers focuses primarily on the structural design method, the application of new materials, theoretical analysis, and bearing strength test research, while ignoring sleeper damage. There are a few sleeper damage studies, but they look at only one type of damage; thus, there is no comprehensive study of prestressed concrete sleeper damage. The damage forms of prestressed concrete sleeper damage are thus summarized in this study, and the theory of the causes of prestressed concrete sleepers is analyzed based on the limit state method for the first time. The findings indicate that sleeper structure design is the primary cause of its operation and use status, and that special measures should be considered based on sleeper use conditions. In addition to meeting design requirements, materials, curing systems, product inspection, and other factors must be considered during manufacturing to improve the sleepers' long-term performance. Keeping the track in good condition, including but not limited to the state of fasteners, ballast bed, and track geometry is also an important aspect of preventing sleeper damage. The outcomes of this study provide better insights into the influences of damage to railway prestressed concrete sleepers and can be used to improve track maintenance and inspection criteria.
  11. Yin W, Yan R, Zhou X, Li X, Sang S, Julian McClements D, et al.
    Food Chem, 2023 Mar 24;419:136004.
    PMID: 37054511 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136004
    Chitosan (CS) films have poor mechanical property, low water-resistance and limited antimicrobial activity, which hinder their application in food preservation industry. Cinnamaldehyde-tannic acid-zinc acetate nanoparticles (CTZA NPs) assembled from edible medicinal plant extracts were successfully incorporated into CS films to solve these issues. The tensile strength and water contact angle of the composite films increased about 5.25-fold and 17.55°. The addition of CTZA NPs reduced the water sensitivity of CS films, which could undergo appreciable stretching in water without breaking. Furthermore, CTZA NPs significantly enhanced the UV adsorption, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the films, while reduced their water vapor permeability. Moreover, it was possible to print inks onto the films because the presence of the hydrophobic CTZA NPs facilitated the deposition of carbon powder onto their surfaces. The films with great antibacterial and antioxidant activities can be applied for food packaging application.
  12. Yang Y, Li X, Li B, Mu L, Wang J, Cheng Y, et al.
    Immunol Invest, 2021 Feb;50(2-3):184-200.
    PMID: 32208776 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2020.1718693
    BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 4 (TNFSF4) has significant role in modulating autoimmune diseases (ADs) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is also related with the susceptibility to some diseases. So a meta-analysis aimed at systematically assessing the associations between TNFSF4 polymorphisms (rs2205960 G > A, rs704840 T > G and rs844648 G > A) and ADs risk was performed in Asians.

    METHODS: Total 14 eligible articles published before March 2019 involving 35 studies, of which 21 studies (16,109 cases and 26,378 controls) for rs2205960 G > A, 8 studies (2,424 cases and 3,692 controls) for rs704840 T > G, and 6 studies (3,839 cases and 5,867 controls) for rs844648 G > A were included. Effects of the three respective polymorphisms on the susceptibility to ADs were estimated by pooling the odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) in allelic, dominant, recessive, heterozygous and homozygous models.

    RESULTS: The overall analysis revealed that all the rs2205960 G > A, rs704840 T > G and rs844648 G > A polymorphisms could increase the risk of ADs in allelic, dominant, recessive, heterozygous and homozygous models. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that both rs2205960 G > A and rs704840 T > G were significantly associated with the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What's more, statistically significant association between rs2205960 G > A polymorphism and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) susceptibility was also observed in allelic, dominant and heterozygous models.

    CONCLUSIONS: This current meta-analysis suggested that all of the three TNFSF4 polymorphisms may be associated with ADs susceptibility in Asians.

  13. Xiong A, Luo B, Li M, Chong M, Wang J, Liao S
    Sleep Med, 2022 Dec;100:198-205.
    PMID: 36113232 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.08.025
    STUDY OBJECTIVES: Menopausal symptoms exist in most climacteric women, which can harm the quality and satisfaction of life for them. Moreover, a series of ineluctable negative life changes experienced in middle-age usually make the situation more complicated and stressful. We aimed to determine the trajectories and influential factors of sleep quality and menopausal symptoms and their longitudinal interrelationships among climacteric women.

    METHODS: A total of 1875 community-dwelling climacteric women were included in this study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were adopted to assess sleep quality and menopausal symptoms, respectively. Data were collected 4 times from March 2019 to December 2019, at a 3-month interval.

    RESULTS: The Cross-lagged analysis showed that worse sleep quality and more severe menopausal symptoms over time after controlling for specified covariates, and more severe menopausal symptoms were predicted by declined sleep quality. The Generalized estimation equation model showed that education level, marital status, chronic diseases, life events, income, and age were the influential factors of sleep quality, while menopausal symptoms were impacted by marital status and income.

    CONCLUSIONS: Increasing negative sleep quality and more severe menopausal symptoms over time contribute to the health burden of climacteric women. Menopausal symptoms could be alleviated by sleep quality improvement, which is influenced by education level, marital status, chronic diseases, life events, age, and economic factors.

  14. Xing Y, Wang K, Zhang M, Law CL, Lei H, Wang J, et al.
    Food Chem, 2023 Oct 30;424:136456.
    PMID: 37267648 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136456
    This study investigated the digestive stability of anthocyanins (ACNs) and their interaction with three pectin fractions-water-soluble pectin (WSP), cyclohexanetrans-1,2-diamine tetra-acetic acid-soluble pectin (CSP), and sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (NSP)-in strawberry pulp processed by pasteurization (PS), ultrasound (US), electron beam (EB) irradiation, and high pressure (HP). Compared with the control group, the ACNs content increased to the highest level (312.89 mg/mL), but the retention rate of ACNs in the simulated intestine decreased significantly after US treatment. The monosaccharide compositions indicated that the WSP and CSP possessed more homogalacturonan (HG) domains than the NSP, which contains more rhamngalacturonan-I (RG-I) domains. The microstructure of US-treated pectin was damaged and fragmented. Comprehensive analysis showed that the retention rate of ACNs was closely related to the pectin structure, primarily reflected by the degree of linearity and the integrity of structure. These results revealed the structure-activity relationship between ACNs and pectin during pulp processing.
  15. Xing S, Song Y, Liang JB, Faseleh Jahromi M, Shokryazda P, Mi J, et al.
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2017 May;139:78-82.
    PMID: 28113114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.01.016
    In vitro Lead (Pb(2+)) binding capacity of two probiotic bacteria strains, namely Bifidobacterium longumBB79 and Lactobacillus pentosusITA23, was assessed following incubation with the intestinal contents (IC) of laying hens. Results of this study demonstrated that IC treatment significantly enhanced (P<0.01) Pb(2+) binding capacity of both bacterial strains. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that several functional groups (O-H or N-H, C-H, C˭O, C-O, and C-O-C) on the bacteria cell wall involved in metal ion binding were altered after IC incubation, and new groups appeared between the 3700cm(-1) and 4000cm(-1)bands. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that after incubation with IC, unidentified IC components created new binding sites on the bacterial cell surface. These particles also changed the mechanism of Pb(2+) binding of the two strains from intracellular accumulation to extracellular adsorption.
  16. Xing S, Wang J, Liang JB, Jahromi MF, Zhu C, Shokryazdan P, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 May;24(15):13528-13535.
    PMID: 28390025 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8896-6
    This study investigated the effects and the possible mechanisms of intestinal content (IC) from laying hens on in vitro lead (Pb(2+)) biosorption of four probiotic bacterial strains (Bifidobacterium longum BB79, Lactobacillus paracasei Kgl6, Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23, and Lactobacillus acidipiscis ITA44). The total Pb(2+) removal capacity of the four probiotic strains, with and without capsule polysaccharides (CPSs), increased in the presence of IC compared to the control (without IC). SEM imaging revealed certain unidentified particles from the IC adhered on the surface of bacterial cells sorted out using flow cytometry. Follow-up experiment showed an overall trend of increase in the Pb(2+) removal capacity of the sorted bacteria, but statistically significant for L. pentosus ITA23 and B. longum BB79 after incubation with IC, particularly with the suspended solid portion of the IC. In addition, the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer data showed that functional groups such as C-H, O-H, C=O, and C-O-C which possibly associated with Pb(2+) binding were mainly presented in the suspended solid portion of IC. Putting the above together, we postulated that the enhanced Pb(2+) binding capacity the probiotic bacteria incubated in IC is due to the adherence of the yet to be identified particles which could much exist in suspended solid portion of IC containing negatively charged functional groups which bind with the positive Pb(2+) ions.
  17. Xia M, Wang J, Bi D, He C, Mao H, Liu X, et al.
    PMID: 36683283 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2168910
    Job burnout is an occupational hazard induced by prolonged exposure to excessive work-related stress -a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity. Knowledge jobs involve many health-promoting features, but stress and burnout may be caused by the rapid increase in the knowledge intensity of work, new job demands, and emerging new professional subcultures emphasizing the excessive commitment to work. Although there are studies on job burnout and predictors among nurses worldwide, evidence specific to Chinese nurses is lacking. The purpose of this review is to synthesize current research on predictors related to burnout affecting Chinese nurses. We searched the Chinese databases including National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Chinese Biological Medical Database (CBM); and international databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science published up to 30th August 2022. The 125 studies identified assessed a range of predictors of job burnout. The results showed good working relationships and internally controlled individuals were found to be predictive of job burnout. Moreover, numerous predictors produced contradictory data. There are still challenges with how to systematically operationalize such a complicated phenomenon to effectively prevent or reduce job burnout.
  18. Wu YL, Lee V, Liam CK, Lu S, Park K, Srimuninnimit V, et al.
    Lung Cancer, 2018 12;126:1-8.
    PMID: 30527172 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.10.004
    OBJECTIVE: Patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an adenocarcinoma component are recommended to undergo epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing when being considered for EGFR targeted therapy. We conducted an exploratory analysis to inform the clinical utility of EGFR mutation testing in blood cell-free DNA using the cobas®EGFR Mutation Test v2.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two EGFR mutation tests, a tissue-based assay (cobas® v1) and a tissue- and blood-based assay (cobas® v2) were used to analyze matched biopsy and blood samples (897 paired samples) from three Asian studies of first-line erlotinib with similar intent-to-treat populations. ENSURE was a phase III comparison of erlotinib and gemcitabine/platinum, FASTACT-2 was a phase III study of gemcitabine/platinum plus erlotinib or placebo, and ASPIRATION was a single-arm phase II study of erlotinib. Agreement statistics were evaluated, based on sensitivity and specificity between the two assays in subgroups of patients with increasing tumor burden.

    RESULTS: Patients with discordant EGFR (tissue+/plasma-) mutation status achieved longer progression-free and overall survival than those with concordant (tissue+/plasma+) mutation status. Tumor burden was significantly greater in patients with concordant versus discordant mutations. Pooled analyses of data from the three studies showed a sensitivity of 72.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 67.8-76.1) and a specificity of 97.9% (95% CI 96.0-99.0) for blood-based testing; sensitivity was greatest in patients with larger baseline tumors.

    CONCLUSIONS: Blood-based EGFR mutation testing demonstrated high specificity and good sensitivity, and offers a convenient and easily accessible diagnostic method to complement tissue-based tests. Patients with a discordant mutation status in plasma and tissue, had improved survival outcomes compared with those with a concordant mutation status, which may be due to their lower tumor burden. These data help to inform the clinical utility of this blood-based assay for the detection of EGFR mutations.

  19. Wu WH, Kuo TC, Lin YT, Huang SW, Liu HF, Wang J, et al.
    PLoS One, 2013;8(12):e83711.
    PMID: 24391812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083711
    Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease can be classified into three genotypes and many subtypes. The objectives of this study were to conduct a molecular epidemiological study of EV71 in the central region of Taiwan from 2002-2012 and to test the hypothesis that whether the alternative appearance of different EV71 subtypes in Taiwan is due to transmission from neighboring countries or from re-emergence of pre-existing local strains. We selected 174 EV71 isolates and used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to amplify their VP1 region for DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Neighbor-Joining, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian methods. We found that the major subtypes of EV71 in Taiwan were B4 for 2002 epidemic, C4 for 2004-2005 epidemic, B5 for 2008-2009 epidemic, C4 for 2010 epidemic and B5 for 2011-2012 epidemic. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the 2002 and 2008 epidemics were associated with EV71 from Malaysia and Singapore; while both 2010 and 2011-2012 epidemics originated from different regions of mainland China including Shanghai, Henan, Xiamen and Gong-Dong. Furthermore, minor strains have been identified in each epidemic and some of them were correlated with the subsequent outbreaks. Therefore, the EV71 infection in Taiwan may originate from pre-existing minor strains or from other regions in Asia including mainland China. In addition, 101 EV71 isolates were selected for the detection of new recombinant strains using the nucleotide sequences spanning the VP1-2A-2B region. No new recombinant strain was found. Analysis of clinical manifestations showed that patients infected with C4 had significantly higher rates of pharyngeal vesicles or ulcers than patients infected with B5. This is the first study demonstrating that different EV 71 genotypes may have different clinical manifestations and the association of EV71 infections between Taiwan and mainland China.
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