Hsueh-wen Chang - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Hsueh-wen Chang

Zootaxa, May 19, 2010

The order Glomerida is represented in Taiwan by five species in two genera, two subfamilies and o... more The order Glomerida is represented in Taiwan by five species in two genera, two subfamilies and one family. All species, as well as one genus and one subfamily, seem to be endemic to Taiwan. Among the species, Mauriesia splendida sp. nov. belongs in a new genus, Mauriesia gen. nov., which in its turn represents a new subfamily, Mauriesiinae subfam. nov., the latter differing strikingly from the remaining three subfamilies of Glomeridae both in the presence of a caudomedian lobule on the male pygidium and in telopod stoutness and conformation. Four further species belong to the large, basically Asian genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910: H. aurata sp. nov., H. sinuata sp. nov., H. proximata sp. nov. and H. vittata Verhoeff, 1929. A key is provided to all of the species of Glomerida in Taiwan, and their distributions are mapped and discussed.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2011

Mikhaljova, Elena V., Golovatch, Sergei I., Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2011): The millipede family Niponio... more Mikhaljova, Elena V., Golovatch, Sergei I., Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2011): The millipede family Niponiosomatidae new to the fauna of Taiwan, with descriptions of a new genus and two new species (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida). Zootaxa 2980: 49-60, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.278310

Zootaxa, Nov 30, 2011

The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed... more The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed and nearly all mapped, including four new ones: A. immensus sp. nov., A. oligosegmentatus sp. nov., A. multiarticulatus sp. nov. and A. setulifer sp. nov. One species, A. tonginus (Karsch, 1881), is confirmed to be present in the fauna of the island, while the remaining three require revision. Taxonomic and distributional remarks are provided for all of the species.

Acta Cardiologica Sinica, 2011

Purpose: To investigate the outcome of outlet-type ventricular septal defect (VSD) after surgery ... more Purpose: To investigate the outcome of outlet-type ventricular septal defect (VSD) after surgery in pediatric patients.Methods: A total of 152 children who underwent surgical repairs for outlet-type VSD were enrolled. Clinical features associated with development of congestive heart failure (CHF), aortic valve prolapse (AVP), and aortic regurgitation (AR) were analyzed.Results: CHF was noted in 34 (22.4%) of 152 patients. Patients with CHF had a larger VSD size (p＜0.0001), a higher Qp/Qs ratio (p＜0.0001), and a higher mean pulmonary pressure (p＜0.0001) compared with patients without CHF. AVP was noted in 106 (69.7%) of 152 patients. Patients with AVP had an older operation age (p＜0.0001), a smaller Qp/Qs ratio (p＜0.0001), a higher systolic pressure gradient between the left and right ventricles (p＜0.0001), and a higher diastolic pressure gradient between the aorta and the right ventricle (p=0.022) compared with the patients without AVP. Among 43 (28.3%) patients with AVP and AR, 17 ...

Stem Cells International, 2014

We tested the hypothesis that Lipofectamine siRNA delivery to deplete transient receptor potentia... more We tested the hypothesis that Lipofectamine siRNA delivery to deplete transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPC) 1 protein expression can suppress hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in mice. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were equally divided into group 1 (normal controls), group 2 (hypoxia), and group 3 (hypoxia + siRNA TRPC1). By day 28, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), number of muscularized arteries, right ventricle (RV), and lung weights were increased in group 2 than in group 1 and reduced in group 3 compared with group 2. Pulmonary crowded score showed similar pattern, whereas number of alveolar sacs exhibited an opposite pattern compared to that of RVSP in all groups. Protein expressions of TRPCs, HIF-1α, Ku-70, apoptosis, and fibrosis and pulmonary mRNA expressions of inflammatory markers were similar pattern, whereas protein expressions of antifibrosis and VEGF were opposite to the pattern of RVSP. Cellular markers of pulmonary DNA damage, re...

Pediatrics & Neonatology, 2011

Background: In this study, we investigated the risk factors for in-hospital mortality of children... more Background: In this study, we investigated the risk factors for in-hospital mortality of children beyond infancy with and without underlying diseases. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all deceased patients aged 1e18 years at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung from 2000 to 2009. The patients were divided into two groups; those with and without underlying diseases. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and initial laboratory data were analyzed to correlate the risk factors for mortality of pediatric patients with and without underlying diseases. Results: A total of 131 deceased children were found from 2000 to 2009. Forty children were previously healthy (without underlying diseases), whereas 91 had previous underlying diseases. Children with cardiovascular or central nervous system (CNS) infections had a significantly greater risk of mortality than did those without underlying diseases (p Z 0.004 and p Z 0.0004, respectively). More cardiovascular and fewer hematologic abnormalities at admission were found in patients without underlying diseases. In multiple logistic regression, it was found that cardiovascular (p Z 0.006) or CNS infections (p Z 0.012), consciousness change at admission (p Z 0.013), and higher liver enzyme levels were most significantly associated with deceased children without underlying diseases. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that mortality in pediatric patients without underlying diseases is most frequently found in younger children with CNS and cardiovascular infections, consciousness change, and high liver enzyme levels at admission. Results from this

Japanese Heart Journal, 2002

Coronary sinus (CS) pacing has been shown to prevent induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) by sup... more Coronary sinus (CS) pacing has been shown to prevent induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) by suppression of the propensity of atrial premature beats at high right atrium (HRA) to induce local conduction delay at the posterior triangle of Koch. However, other mechanisms of CS pacing in preventing induction of AF have not been explored. This study investigated whether a differential conduction delay exists between the HRA and distal CS pacing in patients with paroxysmal AF but not in patients without AF. Nine patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia utilizing a left accessory pathway undergoing catheter ablation were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 5 patients with clinically documented paroxysmal AF and group 2 4 patients without a history of AF. The effective refractory periods (ERPs) of HRA, distal CS, and four different left atrial sites were determined. The interatrial conduction time and conduction delay between the HRA and distal CS during HRA or distal CS pacing were measured. The interatrial conduction delay (ICD) from the HRA to the distal CS during HRA pacing was significantly longer than that from the distal CS to the HRA during distal CS pacing in patients of group 1. However, the ICD from the HRA to the distal CS during HRA pacing was not significantly longer than that from the distal CS to the HRA during distal CS pacing in group 2 patients. A differential conduction delay between the HRA and the distal CS pacing is present in this specific population of patients with paroxysmal AF but not in patients without AF. The shorter conduction delay during DCS pacing may contribute to the prevention of induction of AF.

Renal failure, 2011

In many countries low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are increasingly used for hemodialysis (H... more In many countries low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are increasingly used for hemodialysis (HD). Low-range activated clotting time (ACT-LR) values and anti-Xa activity had been used to monitor the degree of anticoagulation caused by LMWH. However, the facilities are not easily available at most hospitals. Such data are limited in Taiwan.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2010

Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2010): Pill-millipedes (Glomerida, Diplopoda) in Taiwan. Zootaxa 2477: 1-20, DO... more Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2010): Pill-millipedes (Glomerida, Diplopoda) in Taiwan. Zootaxa 2477: 1-20, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.195313

Zootaxa, Jul 29, 2011

A new genus and two new species of the millipede order Chordeumatida, family Niponiosomatidae, ar... more A new genus and two new species of the millipede order Chordeumatida, family Niponiosomatidae, are described from Taiwan: Taiwaneuma gen. nov., Taiwaneuma crinitum sp. nov. (the type species) and Taiwaneuma ramuligerum sp. nov. The family Niponiosomatidae is new to the fauna of Taiwan. The distributions of both new species are mapped.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2011

The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed... more The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed and nearly all mapped, including four new ones: A. immensus sp. nov., A. oligosegmentatus sp. nov., A. multiarticulatus sp. nov. and A. setulifer sp. nov. One species, A. tonginus (Karsch, 1881), is confirmed to be present in the fauna of the island, while the remaining three require revision. Taxonomic and distributional remarks are provided for all of the species.

The East Asian to Australasian millipede family Haplodesmidae is reported from Taiwan for the fir... more The East Asian to Australasian millipede family Haplodesmidae is reported from Taiwan for the first time on the basis of Eutrichodesmus taiwanensis n. sp. This new species joins the newly established peculiaris-group which also includes the Japanese Eutrichodesmus peculiaris (Murakami, 1966), E. nodulosus (Verhoeff, 1939) and E. silvaticus (Haga, 1968), as well as E. pectinatidentis (Zhang, 1995), E. anisodentus (Zhang, 1995) and E. soesilae Makhan, 2010, this latter trio from continental China. The species group is characterized by complete volvation often showing an unusual overlap pattern which becomes typical from segment 3 or 4, the presence of only two transverse rows of metatergal tuberculations, the broad and dorsoventrally flattened epiproct (sometimes unusually spatuliform in the male), and the gonopods slender, fully to nearly fully devoid of a distofemoral process, but at least sometimes supplied with an accessory seminal chamber. All of these seven species are keyed. The genera Kylindogaster Verhoeff, 1939 and Thelodesmus Miyosi, 1951 are formally allocated in Haplodesmidae, this being confirmed in the former case and newly established in the latter one. The following new synonymies and combinations are proposed:

ZooKeys, May 13, 2011

The millipede genus Chamberlinius is basically confined to Taiwan, with only one of the four know... more The millipede genus Chamberlinius is basically confined to Taiwan, with only one of the four known species presumably introduced to southern Japan. Both previously known species are redescribed, based on new material: C. hualienensis Wang, 1956 (the type species) and C. piceofasciatus (Gressitt, 1941), the latter being a new subjective senior synonym of Chamberlinius shengmui Wang, 1957, syn. n. Two further congeners are described as new: C. pessior sp. n. and C. sublaevus sp. n. The genus is re-diagnosed, all of its four species are keyed, and their distributions mapped. The tribe Chamberlinini is reclassified and, based on gonopod traits, shown to comprise the following five genera:

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2005

Rationale: Repair of damaged endothelium is important in recovery from acute lung injury. In anim... more Rationale: Repair of damaged endothelium is important in recovery from acute lung injury. In animal models, bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells differentiate into mature endothelium and assist in repairing damaged vasculature. Objectives: The quantity of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with acute lung injury is unknown. We hypothesize that increased numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells will be associated with an improved outcome in acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the buffy coat of patients with early acute lung injury (n ϭ 45), intubated control subjects (n ϭ 10), and healthy volunteers (n ϭ 7) were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and plated on fibronectincoated cellware. After 24 hours, nonadherent cells were removed and replated on fibronectin-coated cellware at a concentration of 1 ϫ 10 6 cells/well. Colony-forming units were counted after 7 days' incubation. Measurements/Main Results: Endothelial progenitor cell colony numbers were significantly higher in patients with acute lung injury compared with healthy control subjects (p Ͻ 0.05), but did not differ between patients with acute lung injury and intubated control subjects. However, in the 45 patients with acute lung injury, improved survival correlated with a higher colony count (p Ͻ 0.04). Patients with acute lung injury with a colony count of у 35 had a mortality of 30%, compared with 61% in those with colony counts Ͻ 35 (p Ͻ 0.03), results that persisted in a multivariable analysis correcting for age, sex, and severity of illness. Conclusions: An increased number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in acute lung injury is associated with improved survival.

* To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed. Some crabs (and other crustace... more * To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed. Some crabs (and other crustaceans) build structures (pillars, hoods, chimneys, etc.) next to their burrows (Powers and Bliss 1983). Some of these structures have been shown to function for sexual attraction, e.g., pillars

Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 2010

To study the long-term outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) turbinate surgery for the treatment of all... more To study the long-term outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) turbinate surgery for the treatment of allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy. Design: A retrospective review of a prospective data set. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: A total of 146 patients with allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy undergoing RF turbinoplasty were included. Main Outcome Measures: A standard 0 to 10 visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the allergic symptoms including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and itchy eyes prior to RF turbinoplasty and at 6 months and 5 years postoperatively. The long-term clinical benefits and complications were reviewed. Statistical analysis was determined by repeated measures of analysis of variance. Results: No adverse reactions such as bleeding, infection, adhesions, or olfactory change were encountered. Of the 146 patients, 119 were followed up at least 5 years postoperatively. Five years after treatment, 101 patients had complete data available for analysis. They reported improvement of nasal obstruction, with the mean (SD) VAS score decreasing from 6.65 (1.92) to 4.45 (2.54). The mean (SD) VAS score changed from 5.90 (2.79) to 3.79 (2.97) for rhinorrhea; from 5.15 (2.77) to 3.50 (2.77) for sneezing; from 3.67 (3.03) to 2.41 (2.30) for itchy nose; and from 2.94 (3.02) to 2.02 (2.42) for itchy eyes (all PϽ .001, paired t test with Bonferroni correction). Conclusion: This long-term study has demonstrated that the RF turbinoplasty for allergic rhinitis appears to be an effective and safe tool for treating allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 2004

To analyze predictive factors and long-term recovery in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GB... more To analyze predictive factors and long-term recovery in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) who are in need of mechanical ventilation. In this 15-year retrospective study, 77 adult patients were identified with GBS. A comparison was made between the clinical data from patients who required mechanical ventilation and those who did not. Furthermore, the therapeutic outcomes of those 25 patients in need of mechanical ventilation during hospitalization at 1 year were determined using a modified Barthel index. A score below 12 was defined as a poor outcome, whereas a score of 12 or more was good. The study revealed 32% of patients (25/77) in need of respiratory support during hospitalization. At a follow-up of 1 year among the 25 ventilated patients, 7 patients (28%) had normal or minor signs and symptoms, 6 had unassisted gait, 3 had assisted gait, 6 were wheelchair- or bed-bound, and 3 died. The cause of death was septicemia with septic shock in all 3 cases. Factors that predict respiratory failure in the study GBS patients were disability grade on admission and areflexia. Those ventilated patients who had low maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) (<14.5 cmH2O) and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax) (<13.5 cmH2O) values at the time of intubation and the presence of complications after mechanical ventilation inevitably had worse outcomes than those who had not. If low values of PImax and PEmax at intubation were detected, aggressive respiratory management, which might include tracheostomy to allow more efficient bronchial clearing, and prevention of complications caused by prolonged course of mechanical ventilation are essential to maximize the potential for survival.

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2003

The present study investigates whether preintervention thrombectomy with a PercuSurge distal ball... more The present study investigates whether preintervention thrombectomy with a PercuSurge distal balloon protection device can improve final angiographic results compared with adjunctive tirofiban therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in large infarct-related arteries (IRAs) (vessel size >/=3.5 mm) with high-burden thrombus formation (HBTF). Results indicate that this mechanical device is superior to adjunctive tirofiban therapy during primary PCI in large IRAs with HBTF in terms of final epicardial flow, microvasculature integrity, and 30-day clinical outcomes.

Zootaxa, May 19, 2010

The order Glomerida is represented in Taiwan by five species in two genera, two subfamilies and o... more The order Glomerida is represented in Taiwan by five species in two genera, two subfamilies and one family. All species, as well as one genus and one subfamily, seem to be endemic to Taiwan. Among the species, Mauriesia splendida sp. nov. belongs in a new genus, Mauriesia gen. nov., which in its turn represents a new subfamily, Mauriesiinae subfam. nov., the latter differing strikingly from the remaining three subfamilies of Glomeridae both in the presence of a caudomedian lobule on the male pygidium and in telopod stoutness and conformation. Four further species belong to the large, basically Asian genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910: H. aurata sp. nov., H. sinuata sp. nov., H. proximata sp. nov. and H. vittata Verhoeff, 1929. A key is provided to all of the species of Glomerida in Taiwan, and their distributions are mapped and discussed.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2011

Mikhaljova, Elena V., Golovatch, Sergei I., Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2011): The millipede family Niponio... more Mikhaljova, Elena V., Golovatch, Sergei I., Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2011): The millipede family Niponiosomatidae new to the fauna of Taiwan, with descriptions of a new genus and two new species (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida). Zootaxa 2980: 49-60, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.278310

Zootaxa, Nov 30, 2011

The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed... more The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed and nearly all mapped, including four new ones: A. immensus sp. nov., A. oligosegmentatus sp. nov., A. multiarticulatus sp. nov. and A. setulifer sp. nov. One species, A. tonginus (Karsch, 1881), is confirmed to be present in the fauna of the island, while the remaining three require revision. Taxonomic and distributional remarks are provided for all of the species.

Acta Cardiologica Sinica, 2011

Purpose: To investigate the outcome of outlet-type ventricular septal defect (VSD) after surgery ... more Purpose: To investigate the outcome of outlet-type ventricular septal defect (VSD) after surgery in pediatric patients.Methods: A total of 152 children who underwent surgical repairs for outlet-type VSD were enrolled. Clinical features associated with development of congestive heart failure (CHF), aortic valve prolapse (AVP), and aortic regurgitation (AR) were analyzed.Results: CHF was noted in 34 (22.4%) of 152 patients. Patients with CHF had a larger VSD size (p＜0.0001), a higher Qp/Qs ratio (p＜0.0001), and a higher mean pulmonary pressure (p＜0.0001) compared with patients without CHF. AVP was noted in 106 (69.7%) of 152 patients. Patients with AVP had an older operation age (p＜0.0001), a smaller Qp/Qs ratio (p＜0.0001), a higher systolic pressure gradient between the left and right ventricles (p＜0.0001), and a higher diastolic pressure gradient between the aorta and the right ventricle (p=0.022) compared with the patients without AVP. Among 43 (28.3%) patients with AVP and AR, 17 ...

Stem Cells International, 2014

We tested the hypothesis that Lipofectamine siRNA delivery to deplete transient receptor potentia... more We tested the hypothesis that Lipofectamine siRNA delivery to deplete transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPC) 1 protein expression can suppress hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in mice. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were equally divided into group 1 (normal controls), group 2 (hypoxia), and group 3 (hypoxia + siRNA TRPC1). By day 28, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), number of muscularized arteries, right ventricle (RV), and lung weights were increased in group 2 than in group 1 and reduced in group 3 compared with group 2. Pulmonary crowded score showed similar pattern, whereas number of alveolar sacs exhibited an opposite pattern compared to that of RVSP in all groups. Protein expressions of TRPCs, HIF-1α, Ku-70, apoptosis, and fibrosis and pulmonary mRNA expressions of inflammatory markers were similar pattern, whereas protein expressions of antifibrosis and VEGF were opposite to the pattern of RVSP. Cellular markers of pulmonary DNA damage, re...

Pediatrics & Neonatology, 2011

Background: In this study, we investigated the risk factors for in-hospital mortality of children... more Background: In this study, we investigated the risk factors for in-hospital mortality of children beyond infancy with and without underlying diseases. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all deceased patients aged 1e18 years at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung from 2000 to 2009. The patients were divided into two groups; those with and without underlying diseases. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and initial laboratory data were analyzed to correlate the risk factors for mortality of pediatric patients with and without underlying diseases. Results: A total of 131 deceased children were found from 2000 to 2009. Forty children were previously healthy (without underlying diseases), whereas 91 had previous underlying diseases. Children with cardiovascular or central nervous system (CNS) infections had a significantly greater risk of mortality than did those without underlying diseases (p Z 0.004 and p Z 0.0004, respectively). More cardiovascular and fewer hematologic abnormalities at admission were found in patients without underlying diseases. In multiple logistic regression, it was found that cardiovascular (p Z 0.006) or CNS infections (p Z 0.012), consciousness change at admission (p Z 0.013), and higher liver enzyme levels were most significantly associated with deceased children without underlying diseases. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that mortality in pediatric patients without underlying diseases is most frequently found in younger children with CNS and cardiovascular infections, consciousness change, and high liver enzyme levels at admission. Results from this

Japanese Heart Journal, 2002

Coronary sinus (CS) pacing has been shown to prevent induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) by sup... more Coronary sinus (CS) pacing has been shown to prevent induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) by suppression of the propensity of atrial premature beats at high right atrium (HRA) to induce local conduction delay at the posterior triangle of Koch. However, other mechanisms of CS pacing in preventing induction of AF have not been explored. This study investigated whether a differential conduction delay exists between the HRA and distal CS pacing in patients with paroxysmal AF but not in patients without AF. Nine patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia utilizing a left accessory pathway undergoing catheter ablation were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 5 patients with clinically documented paroxysmal AF and group 2 4 patients without a history of AF. The effective refractory periods (ERPs) of HRA, distal CS, and four different left atrial sites were determined. The interatrial conduction time and conduction delay between the HRA and distal CS during HRA or distal CS pacing were measured. The interatrial conduction delay (ICD) from the HRA to the distal CS during HRA pacing was significantly longer than that from the distal CS to the HRA during distal CS pacing in patients of group 1. However, the ICD from the HRA to the distal CS during HRA pacing was not significantly longer than that from the distal CS to the HRA during distal CS pacing in group 2 patients. A differential conduction delay between the HRA and the distal CS pacing is present in this specific population of patients with paroxysmal AF but not in patients without AF. The shorter conduction delay during DCS pacing may contribute to the prevention of induction of AF.

Renal failure, 2011

In many countries low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are increasingly used for hemodialysis (H... more In many countries low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are increasingly used for hemodialysis (HD). Low-range activated clotting time (ACT-LR) values and anti-Xa activity had been used to monitor the degree of anticoagulation caused by LMWH. However, the facilities are not easily available at most hospitals. Such data are limited in Taiwan.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2010

Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2010): Pill-millipedes (Glomerida, Diplopoda) in Taiwan. Zootaxa 2477: 1-20, DO... more Chang, Hsueh-Wen (2010): Pill-millipedes (Glomerida, Diplopoda) in Taiwan. Zootaxa 2477: 1-20, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.195313

Zootaxa, Jul 29, 2011

A new genus and two new species of the millipede order Chordeumatida, family Niponiosomatidae, ar... more A new genus and two new species of the millipede order Chordeumatida, family Niponiosomatidae, are described from Taiwan: Taiwaneuma gen. nov., Taiwaneuma crinitum sp. nov. (the type species) and Taiwaneuma ramuligerum sp. nov. The family Niponiosomatidae is new to the fauna of Taiwan. The distributions of both new species are mapped.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2011

The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed... more The genus Anaulaciulus Pocock, 1895 is represented in Taiwan by eight nominate species, all keyed and nearly all mapped, including four new ones: A. immensus sp. nov., A. oligosegmentatus sp. nov., A. multiarticulatus sp. nov. and A. setulifer sp. nov. One species, A. tonginus (Karsch, 1881), is confirmed to be present in the fauna of the island, while the remaining three require revision. Taxonomic and distributional remarks are provided for all of the species.

The East Asian to Australasian millipede family Haplodesmidae is reported from Taiwan for the fir... more The East Asian to Australasian millipede family Haplodesmidae is reported from Taiwan for the first time on the basis of Eutrichodesmus taiwanensis n. sp. This new species joins the newly established peculiaris-group which also includes the Japanese Eutrichodesmus peculiaris (Murakami, 1966), E. nodulosus (Verhoeff, 1939) and E. silvaticus (Haga, 1968), as well as E. pectinatidentis (Zhang, 1995), E. anisodentus (Zhang, 1995) and E. soesilae Makhan, 2010, this latter trio from continental China. The species group is characterized by complete volvation often showing an unusual overlap pattern which becomes typical from segment 3 or 4, the presence of only two transverse rows of metatergal tuberculations, the broad and dorsoventrally flattened epiproct (sometimes unusually spatuliform in the male), and the gonopods slender, fully to nearly fully devoid of a distofemoral process, but at least sometimes supplied with an accessory seminal chamber. All of these seven species are keyed. The genera Kylindogaster Verhoeff, 1939 and Thelodesmus Miyosi, 1951 are formally allocated in Haplodesmidae, this being confirmed in the former case and newly established in the latter one. The following new synonymies and combinations are proposed:

ZooKeys, May 13, 2011

The millipede genus Chamberlinius is basically confined to Taiwan, with only one of the four know... more The millipede genus Chamberlinius is basically confined to Taiwan, with only one of the four known species presumably introduced to southern Japan. Both previously known species are redescribed, based on new material: C. hualienensis Wang, 1956 (the type species) and C. piceofasciatus (Gressitt, 1941), the latter being a new subjective senior synonym of Chamberlinius shengmui Wang, 1957, syn. n. Two further congeners are described as new: C. pessior sp. n. and C. sublaevus sp. n. The genus is re-diagnosed, all of its four species are keyed, and their distributions mapped. The tribe Chamberlinini is reclassified and, based on gonopod traits, shown to comprise the following five genera:

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2005

Rationale: Repair of damaged endothelium is important in recovery from acute lung injury. In anim... more Rationale: Repair of damaged endothelium is important in recovery from acute lung injury. In animal models, bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells differentiate into mature endothelium and assist in repairing damaged vasculature. Objectives: The quantity of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with acute lung injury is unknown. We hypothesize that increased numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells will be associated with an improved outcome in acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the buffy coat of patients with early acute lung injury (n ϭ 45), intubated control subjects (n ϭ 10), and healthy volunteers (n ϭ 7) were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and plated on fibronectincoated cellware. After 24 hours, nonadherent cells were removed and replated on fibronectin-coated cellware at a concentration of 1 ϫ 10 6 cells/well. Colony-forming units were counted after 7 days' incubation. Measurements/Main Results: Endothelial progenitor cell colony numbers were significantly higher in patients with acute lung injury compared with healthy control subjects (p Ͻ 0.05), but did not differ between patients with acute lung injury and intubated control subjects. However, in the 45 patients with acute lung injury, improved survival correlated with a higher colony count (p Ͻ 0.04). Patients with acute lung injury with a colony count of у 35 had a mortality of 30%, compared with 61% in those with colony counts Ͻ 35 (p Ͻ 0.03), results that persisted in a multivariable analysis correcting for age, sex, and severity of illness. Conclusions: An increased number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in acute lung injury is associated with improved survival.

* To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed. Some crabs (and other crustace... more * To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed. Some crabs (and other crustaceans) build structures (pillars, hoods, chimneys, etc.) next to their burrows (Powers and Bliss 1983). Some of these structures have been shown to function for sexual attraction, e.g., pillars

Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 2010

To study the long-term outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) turbinate surgery for the treatment of all... more To study the long-term outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) turbinate surgery for the treatment of allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy. Design: A retrospective review of a prospective data set. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: A total of 146 patients with allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy undergoing RF turbinoplasty were included. Main Outcome Measures: A standard 0 to 10 visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the allergic symptoms including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and itchy eyes prior to RF turbinoplasty and at 6 months and 5 years postoperatively. The long-term clinical benefits and complications were reviewed. Statistical analysis was determined by repeated measures of analysis of variance. Results: No adverse reactions such as bleeding, infection, adhesions, or olfactory change were encountered. Of the 146 patients, 119 were followed up at least 5 years postoperatively. Five years after treatment, 101 patients had complete data available for analysis. They reported improvement of nasal obstruction, with the mean (SD) VAS score decreasing from 6.65 (1.92) to 4.45 (2.54). The mean (SD) VAS score changed from 5.90 (2.79) to 3.79 (2.97) for rhinorrhea; from 5.15 (2.77) to 3.50 (2.77) for sneezing; from 3.67 (3.03) to 2.41 (2.30) for itchy nose; and from 2.94 (3.02) to 2.02 (2.42) for itchy eyes (all PϽ .001, paired t test with Bonferroni correction). Conclusion: This long-term study has demonstrated that the RF turbinoplasty for allergic rhinitis appears to be an effective and safe tool for treating allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 2004

To analyze predictive factors and long-term recovery in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GB... more To analyze predictive factors and long-term recovery in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) who are in need of mechanical ventilation. In this 15-year retrospective study, 77 adult patients were identified with GBS. A comparison was made between the clinical data from patients who required mechanical ventilation and those who did not. Furthermore, the therapeutic outcomes of those 25 patients in need of mechanical ventilation during hospitalization at 1 year were determined using a modified Barthel index. A score below 12 was defined as a poor outcome, whereas a score of 12 or more was good. The study revealed 32% of patients (25/77) in need of respiratory support during hospitalization. At a follow-up of 1 year among the 25 ventilated patients, 7 patients (28%) had normal or minor signs and symptoms, 6 had unassisted gait, 3 had assisted gait, 6 were wheelchair- or bed-bound, and 3 died. The cause of death was septicemia with septic shock in all 3 cases. Factors that predict respiratory failure in the study GBS patients were disability grade on admission and areflexia. Those ventilated patients who had low maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) (<14.5 cmH2O) and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax) (<13.5 cmH2O) values at the time of intubation and the presence of complications after mechanical ventilation inevitably had worse outcomes than those who had not. If low values of PImax and PEmax at intubation were detected, aggressive respiratory management, which might include tracheostomy to allow more efficient bronchial clearing, and prevention of complications caused by prolonged course of mechanical ventilation are essential to maximize the potential for survival.

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2003

The present study investigates whether preintervention thrombectomy with a PercuSurge distal ball... more The present study investigates whether preintervention thrombectomy with a PercuSurge distal balloon protection device can improve final angiographic results compared with adjunctive tirofiban therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in large infarct-related arteries (IRAs) (vessel size >/=3.5 mm) with high-burden thrombus formation (HBTF). Results indicate that this mechanical device is superior to adjunctive tirofiban therapy during primary PCI in large IRAs with HBTF in terms of final epicardial flow, microvasculature integrity, and 30-day clinical outcomes.